99 RACE NEWS
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MORE NEW MEMBERS, 100 MILE AN HOUR CLUB RESULTS
DRAG RACERS BANQUET  NOV.20TH.  2010
DRIVERS MEETING APRIL 10TH. BENSON AUTO PARTS BELLS CORNERS
BLAST FROM THE PAST PAGE

BITS FROM THE PITS: MAR. 27/10
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Wow, let me tell you the Semi Pro class is a buzz with exciting things for that class's driver's this year as every week we get some new news from someone or another. This week Rob Howell send us an update on his racing endeavors for 2010, which will include a charge at the Benson Auto Parts Tour Championship. Rob who was a regular on the tour for years, took the last couple of years off to regroup and get things ready for a full out assault on the Championship that has been the territory of Pat Kohl and Fred Ellis for many years. Rob informs us that the car has had a number of things done too it to bring it up too what it takes to be competitive in the series. First thing everyone will notice is the brand new paint and body work that has brought the car back to looking good, the engine has been freshened as well as the tranny. A new shifter, gauges where added to the interior as well as new rubber for the back and front to kick off the season. Look for Rob to make his tour début at Grand Bend Motorplex for the first tour race June 11-12-13.
*With all the excitement about Jrs. this season, we also have to talk about the fact that many current super pro racers have come out of the ranks of Jr. Dragster racing. People like Super Pro Track Champions Kyle Jessup and Derek Malcolm, but many others also, and Luskville Dragway see's that trend shaping up to happen again as Frank Mark Jr. shows us in this picture of his recently completed Super Pro Dragster. If you look closely at our track you see other Jr. drivers like Mike Reynolds, Kenyon Payne, and Jacob Wilson already looking ahead too when they will hopefully make that move as well. so yes the Jr. program works and that is evident by these stats.
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LENTECH PERFORMANCE RETURNS AS A MAJOR ADVERTISER IN 2010: MAR 27/10
Lenny Bertrand has long been an avid Motorsports person, and since opening his very successful business in Richmond, Ontario many years ago has also been a avid supporter of local Motorsports, which includes Luskville Dragway. Lenny who was himself a very good drag racer for many years races Legend Stock Cars these days, but is still very much a drag racer at heart and still very much a great supporter of Local Racing. Len who build his business in the beginning on his high performance racing transmissions, today offers a wide variety of options for the performance customer which still includes his racing transmissions, and converters, but also a full engine shop, dyno, performance equipment store as well as full service, service centre. Yes Lentech has come along way from the days when Len alone was building and shipping performance transmissions all over the world, but one thing has not changed, his love for Motorsports, and his support of it locally. Lentech Automotive Performance which is located in Richmond, Ontario is a must stop for anyone in the Motorsports business. Attention Street car owners if you want to find out what all that work over the winter has done too your horse power, book a Mustang Dyno Run right now as spring is in the air. The dyno can be used for street cars, drag cars as well as stock cars, and will give you a ton of instant information,.

JR.DRAGSTER POINTS SERIES GAINS STRENGTH WITH POLAR MOTORSPORTS SUPPORT: MAR 27/10
Well we have been telling you all off season that our 2010 Jr. Dragster racing and programs would be the best ever, and that got some more strength this week as Polar Motorsports joined the advertising group at Luskville Dragway once again. Steve Payne the owner of Polar Motorsports a long time marketing partner with Luskville Dragway has once again thrown his support behind the Jr. Dragster program and will once again give away a $1000. gift certificate too the winner of the Luskville Dragway Points series, this will be on top of what will be the largest cash payout for the Jrs. as well. We are extremely excited about the Jr. Program this year, and with more and more kids joining the ranks of the Jr. Dragster Program, and with incredible support from people like Steve Payne, (Polar Motorsports) Randy Urslak (Randy's Performance Automotive) Scott Wilson (Custom Fabricating Solutions) as of now, we know this will be the best year ever for the Jr. competitors. We can tell all the Jr. Competitors right now, that your points program will be every race day at Luskville Dragway, and it will be the best points series ever. We are also working on making the Randy's Performance Automotive NHRA Jr. Dragster Championship the richest single day payout ever for the Jr. Dragster racers. We are actively seeking more advertisers to step forward and help us make the happen.

BITS FROM THE PITS: MAR. 20/10
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We are getting close to drivers meeting time and the SFI inspection, please check this list of drivers who plan on having their cars inspected if you are not on it and you want too be please let us know, and like wise if you are on the list but have changed you mind. Russell Adams, Jamie Clarmo, Denis Souliere, Patrick Alaire, Gerry Otley, Dick Stanton, Mark (AutoXtreme), Hal from Belleville,  Mustang, ??? let us know now so we can make sure we have you on the list.
*More Semi Pro news keeps coming in as the excitement from last year seems to be continuing this season, Bruce and Monica Schnob sent us the latest updated. "Hey Arnie just letting you know that we are really looking forward to this year's semi-pro racing!!!! We are upgrading our 1969 396 Beaumont with a Cowl Induction Hood. We are putting on the original hood with a new look!! We are also installing two new Goodyear Eagle slicks, they look great but more important some new rubber to burn!!! We will also be replacing our rad for some much needed engine cooling!! Summer of 69 racing. Bruce and Monica Schnob are coming back, stronger than ever and can't wait to see everyone!!!! This is a team that gets more competitive each year and its only a matter of time before they contest for the championship, could it be 2010??
 
FIREBALL PERFORMANCE AUTOMATICS A MAIN STAY OF SUPPORT: MAR 20/10
Over the years (some 30 now) that we have been running Luskville Dragway many things have changed, yet there is a few things that have never changed. The support that Doug Miller and his Fireball Performance Automatics has given Luskville Dragway is one of those things that has never changed, except for becoming larger than ever. Fireball which is known for building the very best racing transmission in North America has a long and storied drag racing history both Nationally and Internationally. Yes Doug Miller has not only been a long time supporter of Luskville Dragway, but he has been a long time drag racer and car enthusiast for longer than even I can remember. Doug has been involved with record setting Dodge's through out his long drag racing career, and that experience and knowledge has played a major part of having the ability to build a superior transmissions for today's drag racers. Doug along with then drag racing partner Don McCallum owed the Super Stocker that was the first one to tip in the 8 second zone which back then was unheard of, and yes it was powered by a Fireball Performance Transmission. Today ADM Motorsports is just one of many drag racing teams that rely on Doug Miller for their racing transmissions. Another car that really brings back a lot of nostalgia to the Fireball name is the Dodge Cuda of Ron Smith which rely on Doug for his transmission needs to win Semi Pro Championships at Luskville Dragway. There is no question that when it comes to first class products and first class support of drag racing locally, Doug Miller and Fireball Performance Automatics deserve a Wally on both fronts. Remember if you are in the need of anything to do with your transmission needs support the company that has been supporting Luskville Dragway for over 30 years.

UPDATE 2010, 2009'S INCREDIBLE SEMI PRO ROOKIE FIELD AND WHAT THEIR DOING: MAR 20/10
2009 was with out question the very best year ever for new blood in our sport, and in particular the semi pro class at Luskville Dragway as close to over a half dozen NEW drivers made the track their regular hang out every Sunday. Over the next little while with help from these drivers we hope to bring you a little information on this group starting this week with Pamela Koulaib, lets just say our version of NASCAR's Danica Patrick.
Last racing season was what you could call a 'trial' season for me. I've been around racing my whole life - my dad was a rally racer back in the day and my brother does road course racing - but up until last year I had never actually raced anything. I bought Jamie Petric's 'street' mustang, I got the basics of bracket racing explained to me, went to the driver's meeting and my first week-end out, I was hooked! And every week-end after that was as fun as the first. Racing itself is a hoot and doing it along side great people makes it even better. The regulars who race at Luskville are a bunch of really good folks, always eager to help and always up for a laugh.

The car itself was about as inconsistent as you can get. We knew from the get go that there was something wrong with the engine but we thought we'd tough it out and see what we could do with it in the winter. Well, we took it apart and found that the number 8 cylinder was badly scored and the valve train’s geometry was way off. We came across a good deal on a 418 ci Sportsman block and Eagle 4340 rotating assembly and decided to buy it. The heads and intake are off of Ernie Zambrie's 8.90 mustang. The heads are ported AFR 225’s and Super Victor intake done by Paul Silva. The cam will be a solid roller from Comp Cams.

As far as the chassis goes, we needed a roll cage, a K member, front and back suspension work, a manual rack, etc., so we spoke with Steve Burton who was selling his rolling and decided to buy his instead. Right now the block and rotating assembly are at the machine shop getting bored, square decked and internally balanced, and we're hoping to pick up the car from Steve and drop the engine in within the next few weeks. I was also having some issues with the trans last year and we'll need to get that looked at. And if everything goes according to plan, I'll be out again opening day with a more consistent car.

BITS FROM THE PITS: MAR. 13/10
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More action on the for sale front as another local dragster has been sold and Jeff Bray is in full tilt mode looking for a new car as he has sold his trusty orange Malibu to his partner Cory. Jeff is looking for another door car which is great news for the super pro class as anytime someone is adding a door car too the fray it is good for everyone. We will keep you posted on Jeff's progress as we close in on the new season.
*The boys over at Campbell Ford on Carling having called to let everyone know that their 12th annual car show which is produced with the National Capital Mustang Ass. will be a go once again this year at the icon Ottawa Car dealership on July 25th.  For information contactsteve.burton@campbellford.com  613-725-3611 pat.guilfoyle@campbellford.com  613-288-2403. This event has along history and is a fund raiser for the Kidney Foundation of Ontario, so if you can take part.
*Look for more advertising support announcements for the Grand Bend Tour Race, this is shaping up to me a do not miss event folks so mark it on your calendar now, June 11-12-13.
RAY BROS. CONSTRUCTION OF BELLEVILLE SUPPORTS STREET CAR SHOOTOUT: MAR 13/10
What started at Shannonville last year when the Benson Auto Parts Tour made a stop there like it had for the previous four years will continue in 2010 even though it will be moved too Luskville Dragway. The Street Car Shootout which took place on Friday night had everyone standing in the grand stand when the two remaining cars in competition came too the starting line for the finals. The event was made possible because of Al Ray the owner of Ray Bros Construction of Belleville, and shortly after the two cars crossed the finish line, Al came too me and said we got too do this again next year, that was great. At that time we had full plans too return to Shannonville with the Benson Tour, so we all thought that this would be part of the event and that was what we announced that night to all of those present. However as things turned out we where unable to come to an agreement with the owner of Shannonville for the return of the Benson Tour so most thought the Street Car Shootout was dead, NOT, Al Ray made it very clear that if we cant do it at Shannonville then we are going to do it at Luskville. We cant thank Ray Bros Construction enough for helping keep this event alive and giving the street car guys something to cheer about. Right now we are looking at running it at the Fall Bracket Finals an event that has its fair share of excitement already, but will know doubt enjoy the addition of this race on Saturday Night as part of the night of fire. Yes, Jet Cars under the lights, Nitrous equipped Street Cars and all the regular action should make for one very exciting event too say the least. Right now the winner of the all out Street Car Shootout will receive $500. but we are working on making this thing as big as possible. Al Ray the owner of Ray Bros Construction is also the owner of the Top Dragster that his daughter Becky runs, as well as a active Super Pro Racer himself, Al has also been drag racing since the very beginning of Luskville Dragway and what was then called Mohawk Dragway in Deseronto. Al is also a all round car guy which can be clearly seen when one has a look at the restored 68 Camaro that he just finished up, (once was his race car). Again as we have announced many times this past off season, many of the current drag racers that race at Luskville Dragway who own their own successful business's continue to give back too the sport over and over, Thank You.
We will be posting rules but keep this very much in mind, a run what you brung, must have license, ownership and working headlights, 10.5 inch slicks, or any size street tire, NOT CHEATER SLICKS, street tires.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champ Busch to compete in Gatornationals: March 13, 2010

Kurt Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, will return to his drag racing roots during the 41st running of the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals March 11-14 at historic Gainesville Raceway.The driver of the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge for Penske Racing is set to get behind the wheel of his rebuilt 1970 Dodge Challenger next weekend to compete against a field of between 70 and 90 veteran Super Gas racers who no doubt will be champing at the bit to line up against one of the biggest names in Motorsports. Busch will make a minimum of three time trial passes on Thursday March 11 and the field will return Friday morning to begin eliminations. “Gainesville is one of the marquee events on the NHRA calendar and it’s a privilege to compete against the best Sportsman racers out there,” Busch said.

Busch bought the Dodge Challenger in 2008 and began the process of getting it into race shape in March of 2009.  The car is powered by a stroked 6.1 liter Hemi, weighs 3,000 pounds and puts out a 1,167 horsepower.

While Busch feels at home behind the wheel of his Sprint Cup car he is aware that this will be a new and exciting environment for him. “Sportsman racing is no different than any other type of racing, you need seat time.  I spent over 30 hours at Roy Hill’s drag racing school, and have had two tests in my own Challenger, but that’s nowhere compared to the seat time many of these guys have in their own cars.  We are going to go out there and do our best competing against these talented Sportsman racers,” Busch said.

Busch’s love affair with drag racing began back in the early 1990s when he met a pair of Las Vegas based NHRA racers, George Marnell, a Pro Stock racer, and Dave Bush (no relation), a Super Comp competitor. And when Kurt began driving in the Sprint Cup Series for Penske Racing, he got to know NHRA Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon as both were sponsored by Miller Lite. He got the idea to compete in an NHRA event after taking part in the opening night of zMax Dragway in Concord, N.C., in September 2008 and one of the rare off-weekends in the NASCAR schedule coincided with next weekend’s 41st running of the prestigious Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals.

 

BITS FROM THE PITS: MAR. 6/10
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I have always joked with my kids that I would never travel anyplace in the world that I couldn't walk home from, and I will bet  that is what Jamie Clarmo was thinking this past week, as he was in Chile when the earthquake hit. And yeah I know if you wanted too, in theory you could geographically walk home from Chile BUT, Jamie is ok and is back home now, cant wait too talk too him about his endeavors.
*We are close to having the right numbers for the SFI, so give your chassis a quick look and make sure its not outdated, and if it is give us a email to get on the list. To all you that have already done so, you should be there early in the morning of April 10th. Certifying your car is more than just a NHRA rule it actually increases the value of it as no one will buy a car that is not certified.

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Last year was an incredible year for the growth of our Semi Pro class, with more rookies than at any other year and next week we hope to bring you some updates on some more of this group. If you don't here your story in next weeks stuff its because you didnt sent anything in, so get er done.













LONDON AUTO GROUP TAKE TITLE RIGHTS TO GRAND BEND TOUR EVENT: MAR 06/10
We have spoken about it many, many times but we can not say it enough, we are very fortunate when it comes to advertising support for our racing endeavors. And that stands out loud and clear once again as we make the announcement that a London, Ontario Auto Group has purchased the title rights to our first Benson Auto Parts Tour event of the season at Grand Bend Motorplex. This is incredible news, as it once again gives all of the tour races in the series a title rights holder for the 2010 racing season. The Auto Group is made up of a Chrysler dealership, a Ford Dealership and a Toyota Dealership. This alone has too be a first as it will have three different automakers signing on to promote and be part of the first event on the season long Benson Tour.  Wharncliffe Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Oakridge Ford and Toyota Town make up this group of dealerships that will all have their name attached to the promotions and producing of what we expect to be just a tremendous event at the first class facility in Grand Bend, Ontario. No its not the first time a car dealership, or a car brand has held the title rights to a major drag race, but I think one would be hard pressed to find an event that has three different brands and dealerships sharing the lime light. This is of course just great news for the event as this is the type of support that can take a event to a whole new level, and attract a whole lot more attention for everyone concerned. The involvement will also give the sport of drag racing a chance to showcase itself in front of a possible whole new group of fans as we will be working with the dealership to get as many customers, employee's and associates out too the race as possible, which in many cases may be the first time for some. The dealerships will also have a large display of both performance cars and towing capable vehicles too not only show the fans, but to showcase the dealerships. You can be that you will see a new Dodge Challenger and a Mustang for sure and maybe even a match race between two such vehicles. So once again we head into the spring with some very uplifting news, and with more too come concerning this race look out folks this is one you wont want to miss.
Wharncliffe Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Oakridge Ford and Toyota Town in London, Ontario treats the needs of each individual customer with paramount concern. They  know that you have high expectations, and as a car dealer they enjoy the challenge of meeting and exceeding those standards each and every time. Allow them to demonstrate their commitment to excellence!
Their experienced sales staff is eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you. They encourage you to browse their online inventory, schedule a test drive and investigate financing options. You can also request more information about a vehicle using their online form or by calling (888) 900 - 7118. for more info follow links below
Wharncliffe Chrysler Jeep Dodge,                      Oakridge Ford                                                  Toyota Town
J&S COLLISION SIGNS ON TO BACK GRAND BEND TOUR RACE: MARCH 6/10
Jamie and Shelia Tupper are not only some of the most fun people to have at a race track, they are also some of the most successful busy people who just happen too drag race also. The owners and operators of J&S Collision and Refinishing in Tillsonburg, Ontario is proof of that fact as they operate one of the most successful paint and refinishing business's in Southern Ontario. J&S Collision will once again as they did in 2009 back the Grand Bend Benson Tour event as presenters, and will present the Top Dragster Race holding title rights to this class at the event. Jamie and Shelia are regulars on the tour and no one will disagree that along with being one of the very best competitors on the tour, they are unquestionably some of the most fun people too have around once the racing is put too bed. Jamie and Shelia joined the tour, what seems like many years ago at a stop in Elliott Lake where they won there first ever big dollar events taking home their first ever $5000. wins, there has be many since that time including a big win last year at the Grand Bend race itself as well as the tour event at Shannonville. This type of support is one of the reason we have been able to put this event on and the main reason this race has been one of the most successful on the tour.
PRO RACING FUELS LOW QUALIFIER AWARDS FOR T/S & T/D @ THE BEND: MARCH 6/10
We have and we will continue to work hard too add as much as we can too the Grand Bend Motorplex Benson Tour event On June 11-12-13, and will do so right up too the race weekend. And with that in mind we are very pleased to announce that Pro Racing Fuels of Southern Ontario will present the low qualifier's in Top Dragster and in Top Sportsman with a drum of methanol racing fuel. We are pleased with this start on our specialty awards and hope to continue to add to this as the race weekend nears in early June. Pro Racing Fuels has been a huge supporter of everything we have done in drag racing and for a very long time, so when Mitch added his name to the growing lists of advertisers for this event at the Bend we where very pleased but not surprised. Pro Racing Fuels has been a leader in the fuel supply's for the racing community for longer than I can remember and was and is the leader when it comes to unleaded racing fuel, which most of the racing community use's if not running methanol. The Top Sportsman and Top Dragster Class's at Grand Bend where one of the high points of the event last year and expectations are for a larger and quicker class this season. There will be more but this along with the very good payout ($2000. to win) should make for some very good racing in this class as we kick off the season at Grand Bend.
 FM96 TO HOLD PRESENTERS RIGHTS TO GRAND BEND TOUR RACE: MAR 6/10
For the second year in a row, London, Ontario's best rock station FM96 will hold presenters rights to the very popular Grand Bend Motorplex, Benson Auto Parts event June 11-12-13 2010. With our partnership with FM96 we believe we can better promote what is quickly becoming one of the most popular stops on the Benson Auto Parts Tour, Canada's richest Bracket Racing Series. FM 96 will be used very extensively to promote this event in the weeks leading up too the race as well as at the track once the weekend arrives. FM96 is the strongest radio station in this market area and we certainly hope and expect this marketing partnership to play a major part in making this event even bigger than it was last year.

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