Clearing the air on the way to Ailsa Craig.

Gradually the mist cleared and Ailsa Craig emerged on the Horizon. A stream of cloud from its summit made it look as if it was still an active volcano.

It takes a long time for the rock to get much bigger.

A light NW breeze got up and  brought some low clouds across the sky but at sea level the air became extraordinarily clear. We picked out the castle, which is about 1/3 of the way up to the

THE RACE

Northwilkesboro, NC – Dans un peu plus d’une semaine la course du siècle – une épreuve de 300 tours sous les réflecteurs qui paie $75,000 au gagnant – sera disputée sur la piste de 5/8mi de North Wilkesboro Speedway, une piste visitée jusqu’en 1996 par la coupe Sprint moment de la fermeture de la piste.

Northwilkesboro, NC – In a little over a week the race of the century – a 300 laps under the lights race which pays $75000 to win – will be going on at the history 5/8mi North Wilkesboro Speedway, a track which hosted Sprint until its closure in 1996.

La piste À l’époque, Bruton Smith (Speedway Motorsports Inc.) et Bob Bahre (New Hampshire Motor Speedway) ont fait l’acquisition de la piste pour s’approprier les deux dates d’événement pour Texas Motor Speedway et NHMS qu’ils possédaient respectivement. Dormante depuis, elle a été éveillée l’été dernier pour une épreuve USAR ProCup Series en octobre 2010. Avec près de 80 voitures pré-inscrites pour cette course de 300 tours pour voitures Super Late Models, réussir à faire la grande finale sera un exploit. Les compétiteurs Une brochette de pilotes des plus diversifiée, incluant deux ancien champions Sprint Cup, Sterling Marlin et Geoff Bodine; Les meilleurs du sud : Jeff Choquette, Preston Peltier, Stephan Nasse; et ceux du nord : Ben et Mike Rowe, Johnny Clark, Classius Clark et Ryan Moore. Même le pilote ACT Joey Polewarczyk y participera. Les Canadiens Le Québec sera représenté par Patrick Laperle, Martin Latulippe, Kevin Roberge et le québécois de souche Mario Gosselin (il habite aux États-unis). DJ Shaw, un américain, qui pilote pour Précision JLM de Laval (propriété de J. et R. Moglioli) sera aussi de la partie. Les maritimes canadiennes sont représentée par John Flemming, Matt Matheson, Greg Proude et le multiple champion Lonnie Sommerville. Même l’Alberta est représentée avec Brian Levant qui vient de Calgary. La sanction Comme l’épreuve est sous la sanction Pro All Star Series (PASS), les compétiteurs ne peuvent pratiquer à moins d’une semaine de l’épreuve. Plusieurs en ont profité pour venir tourner quelques tours pour se familiariser avec le circuit et pour développer des « setups » de course et de qualification.

The track At the time, Bruton Smith (Speedway Motorsports Inc.) and Bob Bahre (New Hampshire Motor Speedway) bought the track to move its two dates to Texas Motor Speedway and NHMS which they both own. Dormant since, it reopened in October 2010 for a USAR ProCup Series event. With close to 80 cars pre-registered for the 300 laps race for Super Late Models, making the show will be a victory by itself. The competitors An impressive roster of diversified drivers including two former Sprint Cup champions, Sterling Marlin and Geoff Bodine; the best from the South: Jeff Choquette, Preston Peltier, Stephan Nasse; and those from the North: Ben and Mike Rowe, Johnny Clark, Classisus Clark and Ryane Moore. Including ACT driver Joey Polewarczyk. The Canadians Quebec will be represented by Patrick Laperle, Martin Latulippe, Kevin Roberge and Quebec born Mario Gosselin (he now resides in the USA). DJ Shaw, an american, driving for Precision JLM of Laval, Quebec (Canada) under the ownership of J. & R. Moglioli will also be racing. Hauling from the maritimes are John Flemming, Matt Matheson, Greg Proude and the multi-time Champion Lonnie Sommerville. Even one racer, Brian Levant, coming from as far as Calgary, Alberta. Sanctioning body Since the race will be sanctioned by Pro All Star Series (PASS), drivers wanting to practice must do so before a week from the event. Many took advantage and turned laps at the facility to familiarize themselves and dial-in setups for both qualifying and the feature race.

Merci à Kevin Roberge pour se diaporama. // Thank you to Kevin Roberge for this slide show.

La grille de départ Les 15 premières positions de la grille de départ seront déterminées par les temps chronométrés. Les positions 16 à 30 par les courses qualificatives. Deux gagnants de last chance. Jusqu’à 15 positions seront réservées pour tout pilote PASS nord ou sud ayant participé à 100% des épreuves du calendrier 2010 et avoir terminé dans le top 15. La course et la bourse La distance de 300 tours sera divisée en trois segments, chacune des pauses de 5 minutes pour permettre le remplacement des pneus et des ajustements aux bolides. En plus des $75000 pour la victoire, chaque tour mené rapportera au meneur $100 ($30000) et un boni de $25000 additionnel sera décerné au vainqueur s’il a été un participant PASS 100% en 2010. De nombreux commanditaires associé (contingency) ajouterons à la cagnotte. Nous souhaitons la meilleur des chances à tous les pilotes, plus particulièrement à nos représentants du Québec.

The starting grid The first 15 spots will be determined using time trials. Positions 16 to 30 via qualifying races. Two Last chance winners. And up to 15 spots for any PASS North or South driver having competed in 100% of either schedules and finishing in the top 15 in ranks. The race and the purse The 300 laps event will be split in three segments separated by a 5 minutes pause to allow for tire change and adjustments. In addition to the $75000 for the win, $100 will go to the leader of each lap ($30000) and a bonus of $25000 will be awarded if the winner is a full time (100%) PASS 2010 participant. A number of contingency sponsors are also adding to the impressive pot. Best of luck to all the competitors, especially those who call the province of Quebec home.

Keeping fast company on the crossing to Ailsa Craig.

Last Sunday, Phil, Tony, Jennifer and I met at Lendalfoot on the Ayrshire coast. We were bound for Ailsa Craig, a huge monolith of granite, which is situated at the entrance to the Firth of Clyde, some 14km offshore.

The staff of seakayakphoto.com have a new honorary member. John Willacy is the designer of the Rockpool Taran, which has something of a reputation as a speed machine, especially

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TMR PR : Teenager Jared Marks Aiming For High Marks

"Sophomore Focused On G.P.A. As Momentum Towards Busy Summer" NAPOLEON, Ohio (April 1, 2011) - - With Tony Marks Racing (TMR) development driver Jared Marks focused on a 4.0 grade point average during his sophomore season at Napoleon High School, the rising teenage sensation is hoping his GPA will transfer over to on-track results this summer.

After posting solid results during the 45th Annual World Series at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway in the Super Late Model (SLM) and Crate Late Model (CLM) divisions respectively, Marks returned to school in the Buckeye State focused on satisfying his achievements with the momentum to carry onto a heavy summer racing season which will consist of competition in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards as well as an aggressive Late Model schedule. "I'm looking forward to getting school over with so I can fully concentrate on racing," said 16-year old Marks. "Believe it or not, the balance between maintaining a 4.0 GPA in high school and achieving success on the race track is a fine line." He added, "Luckily, a large portion of the race season is during the month where school is out of session. That offers a prime opportunity for me to be focused 100 percent on racing. On average, I'll spend eight to 10 hours per day in the shop working on cars. I enjoy the hands on portion of working on and learning about them just as much as I do racing them. But, when school is alive, it can be difficult to deal with all of the work in the classroom and at the track." Of course when school is in peak, not only is Marks trying to keep his team and sponsors happy but his teachers too. "My schoolwork is just as important to me as is my racing career. You see, I am enrolled in mostly advance placement and honor courses, so I usually spend two-three hours a night focused on school work. This is combined with the one and a half to two hours a day of weightlifting and cardio exercise to keep in shape and gain a competitive advantage over the competition. I am getting to the point in my career where races are becoming longer, sometimes 250 or even 300 laps, so physical fitness is extremely important," Marks explained. With a scheduled race in April at Toledo Speedway next month, Marks is mentally preparing himself. "I would say that I have the tendency to put a lot of pressure on myself," Marks explained. "I want to do well not only for myself and our sponsors but for my friends and family too. I'm very lucky to have the support of my friends and especially my family. They are a large part of my success and I appreciate all they have given me. My dad came from a racing background, so he understands the desire to be successful on the racetrack. But, before "play" comes into effect, it's hitting those books hard and staying on track." Tentatively, Marks' first short-track event for TMRDD (Tony Marks Racing Driver Development) in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is at the tight Toledo Speedway on Sunday, May 15. He will be a teammate to ARCA Rookie of the Year candidate and Canadian female driver Maryeve Dufault. "While it will be fine to race in the Late Models, I'm looking forward to being a teammate at TMR with Maryeve (Dufault)," Marks sounded. "My goal is to work with her and with the TMR so we can bring home the best finishes possible. Of course, I wouldn't mind a top-five or even a win or two along the way." About Tony Marks Racing (TMR): Tony Marks Racing was founded in 2009 through the passion for racing of team owner and former driver Tony Marks. Marks is the successful owner of TMT, Inc., a logistics, warehousing and packaging company with over 400 employees whose customers are mainly comprised of Fortune 100 companies. Marks began his racing career in 1985 getting behind the wheel of everything from drag racers, Dirt Late Models, SCCA Formula Fords, USAC F2000 Open Wheel and ARCA cars. Tony personally raced until 2005 amassing numerous wins, championships and track records along the way until he then changed his focus from driver to owner and began building racing programs for his children Jared (16 years old) and Rachel (13 years old). Under the auspices of TMR, Jared began his racing career in 2002 in quarter midgets and now competes in late model, CRA, ASA and ARCA Series events while Rachel continues her development program racing quarter midgets and Bandoleros. TMR has been at the forefront of charitable giving through its' "Driving Against Hunger" and "Million Meal Challenge" race programs which have raised over $200,000 for Forgotten Harvest in 2010 at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series events at Michigan International Speedway. For the NASCAR events TMR along with TMT, Inc. partnered with Forgotten Harvest for the "Million Meal Challenge For Our Kids" which helps to bridge the hunger gap while schools are out of session and feeds 20,000 children per day in the Detroit metro area. Forgotten Harvest was significantly displayed on the entry of Chase Austin during both the Truck and Nationwide events at Michigan International Speedway along with logos of "Million Meal Challenge" sponsors Walgreen's, United Race Group, Holyfield's Choice Alka-Power Water and Vitamin Spice. Evander Holyfield was also instrumental in the challenge, acting as Grand Marshall for the August race and announcing his "Fight Against Hunger" on behalf of Forgotten Harvest. As the first race team to "Drive Against Hunger" through their partnership with Forgotten Harvest, TMR plans to continue their alliance with Forgotten Harvest and once again "Drive Against Hunger" during the 2011 season. For additional information on TMT, Inc. please visit; tmtcompanies.net. ###

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Ferry gliding across the Kyles of Bute.

Night was drawing in as we left Eilean Dubh heading for the East Kyle. We took a last look down the West Kyle before we entered the tidal channel that runs through the Burnt Islands. The tide had turned against us, so we ferry glided from one island to the other, making use of the eddies. In the gloom of the twilight the scene was quite different...

...from the misty sunshine we had seen on the

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Preparations for invasion in Caladh Harbour.

Near the head of the Kyles of Bute we first passed a monstrosity of a fish farm but then approached the beautiful wooded isle of Eilean Dubh.

A stone lighthouse marks the entrance to the delightfully hidden Caladh Harbour which nestles behind the isle. The light has long gone but the whitewashed tower is a great landmark for the harbour beyond.

Not much remains. A rusting derrick still swings

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A house on the hill in the Kyles of Bute.

 Just north of Kames in the Kyles of Bute lies the delightful village of Tighnabruaich. Its Gaelic name means "house on the hill". Nowadays many houses tumble down the steep hill, almost on top of one another, right down to the shore. We wondered if this was a secret waterside entrance to the Burnside Bistro!

Tignabruaich has long been famed as a sailing centre. There are so many water users in

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Ford Blue Oval Challenge Has Lots Of New Competition

For Immediate Release                                                ACT – 033011-15           Waterbury, VT – The Ford Blue Oval Challenge for ACT Late Model teams will see some administrative changes and a whole lot more competition in the upcoming 2011 race season.

 

The American Canadian Tour (ACT) and Ford Sportsman Circle Track Racing, a division of Ford Racing, announced today the second year of the “Blue Oval Challenge” for the Ford competitors racing in ACT events or at ACT affiliated Late Model tracks.   “A year ago we designed the Ford Blue Oval Cup program to make sure we covered all the ACT touring events, special events, and the affiliate tracks throughout the Northeast and Provinces of Canada. The events at the New Smyrna Speedway in Florida provided a great start to the 2011 season, and needless to say, Ford was delighted that Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. (Pole) won the Goodyear Cup driving a Ford,” said Mike Delahanty, Program Manager-Sportsman Circle Track Racing for the Ford Racing Technology Division of Ford Racing.   The popularity of the Ford program will be in evidence throughout the region with the start of the coming season. The number of Ford teams to compete in ACT racing this coming year has more than doubled.   “We have gotten a very impressive list of championship caliber teams who have decided to switch to Ford and run for the Blue Oval Challenge this coming season,” said Nick Bigelow, ACT Media Director.   Last season Ford had some very high profile teams with New Hampshire-based teams Joey Pole and Wayne Helliwell, Vermont champions Cris Michaud, Joey Laquerre and John Donahue, along with Maine veteran Glen Luce and first year sensation Austin Theriault.   In 2011, seven-time ACT Champion Brian Hoar in the RPM Rick Paya team, and Dave Pembroke a former Thunder Road and Milk Bowl champion, both from Vermont, will be competing in Fords.  Former Castrol Edge and ACT Champion, Patrick Laperle, one of the most feared racers throughout the Northeast, has a Ford in his stable of cars.   Veteran Seekonk Speedway Pro Stock racer Ray Parent from Tiverton, RI and former NASCAR North and Busch East regular Tom Carey, Jr. from New Salem, MA will also unveil Ford programs at the ACT opening event at the New Hampshire Governor’s Cup 150 to be held at Lee USA Speedway on April 17, 2011.   Ford contingency programs are in place for all ACT US and Castrol Edge touring events and special events, including the recently concluded New Smyrna Goodyear Cup; the New Hampshire Motor Speedway third annual ACT Invitational, to be held over the NASCAR Chase weekend on September 23-25th; the All-Star Showdown at Chaudiere, pitting the best of the US against the best of the Castrol Edge Série; the richest race of them all, the TD Bank 250 at the Oxford Plains Speedway in Maine; and the 49th running of the People’s Bank Milk Bowl at Thunder Road.  All will help to make the Ford Blue Oval Challenge the richest contingency in ACT racing.  ACT competitors planning to participate in the Ford Blue Oval program will find registration forms available to them on the ACT website, located under the “Forms” tab.    ACT statistician Nick Bigelow has worked on making the yearly Blue Oval Challenge point system more compatible with the various kinds of events that are eligible, including touring and weekly races. For more information visit the ACT web site at www.acttour.com and go to the ‘Forms’ tab on the left side panel for details.   The first points given toward the overall $35,000 in posted contingency awards has Joey Pole as the early leader by virtue of his win at the New Smyrna Goodyear Cup last February. Approved ACT Ford programs at the following weekly tracks will be eligible to be included in the 2011 Blue Oval Challenge: Thunder Road Speedbowl, Barre, VT; White Mountain Motorsport Park, N. Woodstock, NH; Oxford Plains Speedway, Oxford, ME; Seekonk Speedway, Seekonk, MA; Waterford Speedbowl, Waterford, CT; Twin State Speedway, Claremont, NH; Riverside Speedway, Groveton, NH; Canaan Fair Speedway, Canaan, NH, Devil’s Bowl Speedway, West Haven, VT; Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Malta, NY; Kawartha Speedway, Peterborough, ON; Capital City Speedway, Ottawa, ON.   The winner of the Blue Oval Challenge will receive $5,000.00 at the annual ACT Banquet of Champions at the end of the 2011 season.   For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963, www.acttour.com, or media@acttour.com.                                             -30-

 

 

PR: Joey Doiron Ready For 'The Race' At North Wilkesboro Speedway

Reigning PASS Rookie of the Year Ready To Shine In 'The Race'   BERWICK, Maine – Joey Doiron figures he was probably only four years old the last time the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competed at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway, but he sensed the history as soon as he visited the venerable racing grounds on a recent trip.

 

“I think I used to watch the races then, but I honestly don't remember if I ever saw North Wilkesboro or not,” Doiron said this week. “It's a really cool place, though. It's like stepping back in time when you get there. It was kept up pretty well for no one really touching it in 15 years or so.”   Doiron will join dozens of other Super Late Model drivers at North Wilkesboro on April 8-9. And it's not just to see how history has treated the place either, as they will compete in the PASS-sanctioned “The Race” – a $75,000-to-win 300-lap main event on Saturday night.   No points, no worries. Just a large potential payday and a chance to get the 2011 season started a few weeks early on a very big stage.   “The money is probably a big part of what makes this special, but it's more than that,” Doiron said. “Not many people can say they've ever raced at North Wilkesboro, and being able to say you raced there is a big deal.   “The other thing is that there are not many slouches entered in this race. Everyone that's coming could probaly win it. I don't think you'll see another Super Late Model field this tough all year until maybe the Snowball Derby (in the winter).”   Doiron is guaranteed a starting spot in the main event after finishing ninth in the overall PASS North Series standings in 2010. His Rookie of the Year-winning campaign included four Top-10 finishes and one Top-5 in 12 starts. Fast-forward to the start of this season, and Doiron believes his team is capable of contending at North Wilkesboro Speedway – and surprising a few people in the process.   His No. 73 JBJ Machine/Rescue Welding/Dale Shaw Race Cars Chevrolet tested at the track earlier this month. The .625-mile facility has been largely dormant since four-time series champion Jeff Gordon won the final Sprint Cup race held there in 1996.   “It went a lot better than I expected,” Doiron said of the test. “We went with a setup we've never really used before up here (in the PASS North Series). I think we found something – and I'm really excited to go back. We were one of faster cars there during the test, too. Something like that always give you confidence.   “I'm excited to start the PASS North Series year, too, just because I feel like we've gotten better.”   Doiron, whose father serves as the crew chief for the family-operated team, said he actually believes his Super Late Model career starting making gains late in 2010.   “At this time last year, I didn't think our program was good enough,” he said. “But I think we turned a corner at the end of the season. We didn't have the finishes at the end of the year maybe that we wanted, but we were definitely a Top-5 caliber car at some of the tracks we were going to for a second time.”   With that confidence of finishing off last season on a strong note, and now heading to North Wilkesboro on the heels of a good test for the team, Doiron is excited about the possibilities.   “Everyone goes to the race track with the expectation of winning,” he said. “I think it's possible for us. It doesn't matter who it is, Augie Grill or Bill Penfold, or how good your car is – you've still got to have luck on your side. You need a lot of luck, too, especially in a race like this. Anything can happen.”   – 30 –

 

Mike Watts Motorsports Show - Plattsburgh

MIKE WATTS MOTORSPORTS SHOW USHERS IN RACING SEASON For Immediate Release                                                                            AS-032811-1 PLATTSBURGH – Race fans and vintage car enthusiasts can preview the equipment being readied for warmer weather at the Mike Watts Motorsports Show to be held Friday and Saturday April 15, 16 at the Crete Civic Center.

 

More than 70 race cars, street rods, go-karts and restored race cars from past decades will be on display, including the new machines of  Ernie’s Discount Tools Modified track champion Patrick Dupree of Saranac Lake and J&S Steel Sportsman champion Robin Wood of Plattsburgh.   Competitors from Airborne’s five weekly divisions will attend, including notables moving into higher divisions, such as Mini Modified champion Rick Doner (Renegades), Bomber champion Bill Joyal (Renegades) and former Renegade champion Dave Rabtoy (Sportsman).   The Mike Watts Motorsports Show offers a wide variety of vendors and the chance for fans to informally meet with drivers, owners, sponsors and crew members. Admission is adults/$7, kids ages 6-12/$2.   Show hours are 6-10 pm Friday, April 15 and 10 am - 6 pm Saturday, April 16. For additional information, including exhibitor or vendor booth space, contact Andy Watts at 518-563-3581. The Crete Civic Center is located in Plattsburgh just off I-87 exit 39.   Airborne Speedway begins its 58th season Saturday, May 7 – 5 p.m.

 

CURLEY'S CORNER - SPRING 2011

SPRING The Spring of 2011 is taking a long time to get here!!!! Usually, we who work at ACT throughout the winter season would kind of like the ‘off-season’ to last as long as possible. However, this year with the great results of the Florida Goodyear Cup events, most of us came away wanting to see the cold weather get out of here, get through ‘mud season’ here in Vermont, and to jump on the momentum we gathered at New Smyrna heading into the 2011 season.

 

With just three weeks until the Lee USA Governor’s Cup opening event, we still have lots of snow, cold weather, and not many signs of melting and warmer times in Vermont. In spite of this, there is a lot of enthusiasm and some very positive and healthy signs for the upcoming season. I am particularly excited about the schedules we have put together for 2011; the many specials we have for the ACT Late Models on both sides of the border; the healthy expansion we are experiencing on the US Tour into Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts; and the emergence of some of the new talent we have been fostering over the past few years on our Castrol Edge Series. I am also very excited about the apparent addition of as many as a half dozen new quality ACT Late Model teams heading to Thunder Road; the expansion of the Bond/Wix Tiger Tour; the new Street Goodyear tire, and the introduction of new rules for the Allen Lumber Streets; and the specials we have coming to Thunder Road for the coming season. It should be a great year for all our teams and fans. We can’t wait to get started, and appreciate all the effort and support you continue to give ACT Late Model racing. FLORIDA We continue to get very positive feedback from the two events we promoted at the New Smyrna Speedway a couple of months ago. I wrote a full report when we returned, so I will just mention again how much we appreciated all the teams that made that experiment such a success. I am sure those that participated have also enjoyed hearing from many people, both fans and industrial types, letting them know just how impressed they were with your efforts to put on a couple of high quality race events. I read this week about Pat Summit, the very successful Tennessee Vols Women’s basketball coach. Apparently her team was not playing up to her standards in an early NCAA Tournament playdown game during the first half. She pretty much unloaded on them with a patented ‘rant’, which captured headlines around the country. The second half was considerably different. The Vols went on the win easily and will probably make it to the Final Four for the woman’s NCAA Tournament. It reminded me of a few ‘rants’ I have had over the years, but sometimes you just have to do what you have to do!!! The bottom line is that the Florida trip was a great success, and we all appreciate the efforts made. SCHEDULES We have tried to put together for all divisions a manageable schedule for the upcoming season. Here are a few thoughts: ACT AFFILIATE WEEKLY RACING - I want to remind competitors that our first priority at ACT has always been to have a strong program for racing weekly at our weekly affiliate tracks. The reality is that with our kind of program, if there is not a lot of support for our weekly tracks, there would, in all likelihood, not be much incentive for promoters to offer ‘tour type’ events. We make an effort to try and ‘front load and back load’ our schedules to accommodate that philosophy so that many of you can race your weekly tracks during the bulk of the race season. We hope you will support your weekly tracks, they are the backbone of short track racing and the foundation of any success we have enjoyed with the ACT tours and special events. Although we have lost Lee USA as an ACT weekly affiliate track in 2011, they will continue to support ACT Late Model racing with the traditional opening New Hampshire Governor’s Cup over the April 16-17 weekend. (Entries have been sent or can be found on line at acttour.com). We also have added Riverside Speedway in Groveton, New Hampshire, Canaan Fair Speedway, Devil’s Bowl Speedway and Albany Saratoga Speedway to our list of ACT affiliate tracks who have fully incorporated, or are in the process of integrating, the ACT Late Model rules package into their programs. They join long-time supporters Thunder Road, White Mountain, Oxford Plains, Seekonk, Waterford Speedbowl, Twin State Speedway, Capital City in Ottawa, and Kawartha Speedway in Ontario. We urge Late Model teams to support these tracks whenever they can…again, they make up the foundation of our touring and special event opportunities. TOURS A quick addition of the purse and prize money being posted for the 2011 season shows that between the US and Castrol Edge tours and ‘special events’ (Oxford TD Bank 250, NHMS Challenge, NHMS Invitational, Chaudiere Showdown, point funds etc.,) there will be over $900,000.00 up for various purse and prize money during the 2011 campaign. We will be announcing the criteria for the August New Hampshire Motor Speedway Late Model Challenge before the opening of the season at Lee USA on April 17th. This is the time of year when we ask race teams to ‘give back’. Events like the Autism Foundation Casino Night in Barre has been supported by the ACT Late Model teams for the past three years, various Car Shows, New Hampshire Motor Speedway fan appreciation day, press conferences are all important parts of the overall short track racing program that we involve ourselves with. For most, time has become less and less available, and while that is understandable, the business of short track is not just about racing, and more than ever before, the race industry is fragile and all the promotional events that lead to the racing events are equally important and necessary…please lend a hand when and where you can. ACT - US Beyond the repeat events of past years, like those taking place at TR, Oxford, Twin State, White Mountain, Lee, Airborne, Beech Ridge, Riverside, QC etc., we are very much looking forward to the first-ever ACT US event at the Devil’s Bowl Speedway on May 22. Some of you participated in the Thunder Road event last year and had a very positive experience. Management has told us they plan to change some of their spectator gate policies that were of concern and we hope our fans will give them credit for these decisions based on your remarks and concerns of last year. I am sure your event support at Devil’s Bowl will be rewarded with another spectacular ACT Late Model event on May 22nd. In addition, the second race at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway has generated a lot of interest and enthusiasm. The format for the August NHMS event is going to be similar to the New Smyrna Speedway events. The major difference is that the NHMS event will pay a very large purse for ‘QUALIFING’! Based on the large number of teams that we hope will take advantage of the opportunity to race at NHMS, we have designed a program that will provide: a) lots of laps of practice and racing, even if after qualifying, because of the large number of entrants a team does not qualify for the feature, there is still a great racing experience, and b) the money paid for heat races and last chance races is significant enough to help underwrite some of the expenses of this first-ever NHMS Late Model Challenge. The NHMS experience should be one to always remember, we will be joining the NASCAR Whelen Modifieds and will also be in the garage area with the Indy cars and Indy Lights. The weekend should be one of the most anticipated ever for short track fans and teams that support ACT Late Model racing. The 3rd ACT Invitational at NHMS now has some history. After the first two Invitationals, the third edition should really be the one that will cement ACT racing at New Hampshire for years to come. We will be announcing the details for this year’s Invitational soon. We do know that whoever wins the opening event at Lee will once again be the first to receive the Invitational bonus money and a spot in the 2011 ACT Invitational. OXFORD TD BANK 250 With the surprise announcement that the PASS Super Late Models will be appearing at the Oxford 250 on the Saturday night before the 250 (sound familiar older ACT Late Model teams??!!!), this is going to be a defining moment in the multi-year debate between the ACT Late Models and the Super Late Models (Pro Stocks). Because ACT was responsible for Pro Stock racing for over a decade during the 80s and 90s, I know how well they are capable of racing at the Oxford oval. I also have seen some of the best ever racing by the Late Model division at OPS. Never again as a full group of Late Model supporters will we have the opportunity to show the region’s Super Late Model fans how successful our teams have been at OPS and in particular the ‘250’. This season should be one of the great 250 experiences. I hope as many Late Model teams as possible will put the date of July 24th on their calendar and support what has always been one of the signature races, not only in our region but throughout the country. CASTROL EDGE SERIE The Castrol Edge Série has produced some of the best young race teams in the overall ACT organization. The growth and maturity of those teams over the past few seasons has made the four years of work well worth the effort for those of us at ACT who manage that series. The Quebec promoters are very supportive of the ACT Castrol Edge Série and continue to present very team and fan friendly events. The mix of veterans and competitive young teams in the Castrol Edge Series has also given depth to some of the US events like Airborne, NHMS and certainly the Florida project. They have also provided the Quebec and Ontario fans with some very exciting racing and we are looking forward to the coming season. Castrol management has agreed to become more involved with the Series in 2011 and that can only be very healthy for the future of racing in the region. COMBO EVENTS Events like the TD Bank 250, Chaudiere Showdown, and the ACT Invitational are non-point events, which have posted the largest purses of the season and have been well-supported by ACT teams from both sides of the border. That continued support will be appreciated by fans, promoters, and ACT. In 2011 there will be three ‘combo’ point-counting events. As in 2010 there will be the $40,000 Riverside Speedway 200-lap event with points for both the US teams and the Castrol teams. Two additional venues will be added this coming season. The NHMS Late Model Challenge in August will carry points for both the ACT and Castrol Edge touring series, and the Airborne Fall Foliage will be the concluding events on both the ACT US and Castrol Series. TIRES I had a very interesting trip last week to Akron, OH. I was invited to go through the Goodyear plant and see exactly how the tires that we use for all our divisions are manufactured. From the high security to enter the facility until the end of the day, which was full of meetings, it was a very productive, interesting and educational trip. With early indications from the initial orders we have received this year and after the Akron trip I am very encouraged that we have three of the best tires on the short track market. Sizes look great; construction of the new Street Stock unit has been completed with all the items we tested throughout last summer; Tiger tires were tested with the new ‘venting’ at both Thunder Road and Riverside, (Groveton) last fall, and the 2011 LM tires look great as well. The Late Models and Tigers will have strict tire usage controls put in place for the 2011 season in the interest of costs. The Street/Warrior tire tested so well that we do not expect the need for tire limits, but if usage gets out of control, it may be implemented. There will be tire memos sent to both the Thunder Road Late Models and Tiger- Sportsman outlining the tire policies in both divisions for the coming season before the opening of Thunder Road weekly point races. Any suggestions will be appreciated. TIGER SPORTSMAN The Sportsman will have a great opportunity to do some touring at different tracks in 2011 with the Bond/Wix Tiger Tour. We are very pleased to have White Mountain, Thunder Road, Canaan and Riverside (Groveton) back on the schedule. We are also very excited about taking the ACT Tigers to Airborne on the new ½ mile in October, along with the Late Models for the Fall Foliage. The rules for participation in this series will be 100% ACT legal Tiger Sportsman cars ONLY and there will be no exceptions at any BOND Tour events. SS/WARRIORS The Allen Lumber Streets and Warriors enter a new era. The introduction of the OHC option and the new tire will make for a very interesting Thunder Road season. ACT had meetings and discussions with several area tracks during the off season to try and start the process of a ‘universal’ 4-cylinder set of rules for all the tracks in our region. Although we did not get a full understanding between all the tracks, both Thunder Road and Riverside (Groveton) have gotten their rules very close. Plans are for a ‘home and home’ series with Riverside in 2011. There is another event being worked on for the Thunder Road Street Stocks, hopefully before the weekly season begins on Memorial Day weekend at Thunder Road. There will be more information on these events in the next few weeks. THUNDER ROAD TR had such a great 50th anniversary year in 2009. Last year we caught our breath, worked through the recessionary issues like most other businesses, and like many racers did also. We are encouraged by the prospects of an increase in Late Model teams, the maturity and signs of growth in the Tiger Sportsmen and the excitement generated in the SS/Warrior division with the new rules and tires. We are working on some drivers for the June Vermont Governor’s Cup Event. Hopefully, we can have an announcement on that within a month or six weeks. We will also have the NEMA Midget group coming back to TR for the first time in many, many years. The Airborne Renegade division was started back when we owned Airborne and has turned into one of the most competitive and fun divisions at AIR. We are going to have them at Thunder Road for a special event, and then again on our Fall Foliage program in October, along with the ACT BOND Tiger Tour and ACT US. The People’s United Bank Milk Bowl will finish the season at TR the first weekend of October. In 2012, it will be the 50th anniversary of the Milk Bowl. The celebrations for that historic event are already in the planning stages. CONCLUSION Ken and I had a target goal to be involved with Thunder Road for the 50th anniversary. With your help we were able to celebrate that with what became a very memorable season. Following that season, I set a goal of wanting to be a full time promoter and manager through the 50th anniversary of the Milk Bowl at TR. As long as my health allows, that still remains a target goal for me personally. The end of 2012 will also be the end of 35 years of being involved on a full time basis in the race promotion and organizing business. In the interest of keeping the racing programs we have established over the years viable for the future, my hope is that over the next two seasons we can aggressively put some people in positions to take over and/or share much of the grueling 7 months of nearly 7 days a week work that is required to organize and run some 42-45 events per year. My goal would be to begin to phase out some of my responsibilities following the 2012 season. It is a necessary decision and certainly not an easy one. I feel an obligation to all the race teams to keep you informed of what I see for the future of the various businesses we all have helped establish over the past three plus decades. The goal is to try and make sure they remain successful and available to all who enjoy the sport at the levels we offer for many years to come. That will be very much in my planning and efforts over the next couple race seasons. For now it is get ready for the 2011 season opener at Lee on April 16-17, the Merchants Bank 150 at Thunder Road on April 30-May 1st, and the Oxford opening on May 15th. The anticipation of beginning another season for the 34th time is just as exciting for me today as it used to be when we would try to open the season with the Spring Green at Catamount Stadium in mid-April many years ago! I hope you all can share in that same kind of anticipation and enthusiasm as you prepare for your opening events. See you at Lee. Tom