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Showing posts with label Paul Tracy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paul Tracy. Show all posts
Canadian Motorsports Expo: 2010 Show Video
The 4th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo, held Jan. 22-24, 2010 at the International Centre, was a great success. Stars like Matt Kenseth, Paul Tracy, Ron Fellows, Derek Daly, the Duhamels, Jessica Zemken, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series champ Andrew Ranger and several NCATS racers were on hand to make the show the biggest yet.
The 5th CME is slated for Jan. 21-23, 2011 at the International Centre. Show sponsor packages are available and prime booth space is already being scooped up by exhibitors who did fantastic business at the 2010 show. Visit www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com for more info or email expo@insidetracknews.com (or call 416 962-7223) to inquire about being part of next year's CME.
Thanks to Joel Robinson of JRA for putting the video together.
Canadian Motorsports Expo: Official Show Program
The free, online version of the Official Program of the 2010 Canadian Motorsports Expo is located here. The show takes place this coming weekend (Jan. 22-24, 2010) at The International Centre, adjacent to Toronto's Pearson Airport.The piece includes schedules for the Canadian Tire Stage, the many racing seminars, bios for star attractions like Daytona 500 winner / NASCAR champ Matt Kenseth, IndyCar star Paul Tracy, Canadian racing legend Ron Fellows, former F1 / Indy Car racer Derek Daly, and the Duhamels; Canada's first family of motorcycle racing.
The Official CME Program also has a feature on Mosport International Raceway - which is set to kick off its 50th Anniversary Season of racing - with a celebration on Sunday at the CME.
Also included is a profile on the what you can see at the Canadian Motor Speedway booth - including a chance to meet with its project managers. You'll also find an exhibitor list and show map inside the program.
Check out the program and we'll see you at the show!
Canadian Tire Stage to be the focus of the Canadian Motorsports Expo
The Canadian Tire Stage will be the Centre of Attention at the Canadian Motorsports ExpoForums featuring star racers, the motorsports media, the kick-off of celebrations heralding the start of Mosport’s 50th anniversary season, an alternative fuels forum and much more at the CME
Click Here to see the full Canadian Tire Stage and CME Racing Seminars schedule
(TORONTO, ON // JANUARY 19, 2010) While there will be many tracks, series, racing vehicles, suppliers and vendor displays all throughout Toronto’s International Centre this coming weekend at the Canadian Motorsports Expo, it will be tempting for showgoers to stick close to The Canadian Tire Stage. From Friday through Sunday (Jan. 22-24), it will be the CME’s focal point, offering race fans non-stop opportunities to interact with Canadian and international racing stars and motorsports personalities, like Matt Kenseth, Paul Tracy, Ron Fellows and the Duhamels.
“Canadian Tire is proud to present The Canadian Tire Stage at the Canadian Motorsports Expo,” said Susan Lute, Strategic Marketing Manager | Automotive, Canadian Tire Corporation. “The Canadian Tire Stage will be the centre of activity at the CME, playing host to the many forums, presentations and driver autograph sessions that will take place during the three-day show. Canadian race fans are Canadian Tire customers and we look forward to connecting with them at this year’s CME.”
“We’re honoured to welcome Canadian Tire as the presenting sponsor of The Canadian Tire Stage at the CME,” said David Weber, of the CME and Inside Track Communications. “From their support of grassroots racers across Canada to their title sponsorship of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, Canadian Tire has a great history of supporting Canadian motorsports. Their sponsorship of The Canadian Tire Stage is contributing to an incredible show for the fans.”
FRIDAY
Starting Friday evening (at 7 p.m.), The Canadian Tire Stage will – for the second year in a row – play host to Spencer Lewis’ Ontario Asphalt Short Track Power Rankings presentations. Lewis, an Inside Track Motorsport News contributor, will present awards to the province’s top asphalt oval racing stars. Last year, drivers like Steve Robblee, Jeff Hanley, Ron Sheridan, Stompin’ Tom Walters and others were honoured. Show up Friday to see who makes the list this year!
SATURDAY
Action on The Canadian Tire Stage heats up Saturday with several major events. The schedule kicks off at 10:45 a.m. when Canadian racing legend Ron Fellows hosts ‘Ron & Friends,’ a bench-racing forum featuring Bill Brack, Robin Buck, Daniel Morad, Bryan Muir, Robert Wickens and Ken Wilden. Join Ron and his panel of speedy friends in a wide-ranging motorsports discussion.
At noon, several industry experts will take part in the Alternative Fuels Forum. American Le Mans Series CEO Scott Atherton and Canadian MP Dan McTeague will be joined by others in a discussion about the current and future trends in racing fuels as they relate to ‘green’ initiatives.
The fourth-annual ‘Meet the Media’ forum kicks off at 1:15 p.m. on The Canadian Tire Stage. Featuring many of Canada’s top motorsports journalists, this interactive fan forum is a great opportunity to get a ‘behind the scenes’ perspective from experts like Norris McDonald (Toronto Star / Wheels), Dean McNulty (Sun Media), Erik Tomas (Raceline Radio), Jeff Pappone (Globe & Mail), Tim Miller (Hamilton Spectator), Hugh Burrill (City TV) and Russ Bond (Inside Track / CanadianRacers.com).
Once the ‘press’ forum wraps up, reigning Daytona 500 winner and former NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Matt Kenseth will take to The Canadian Tire Stage to participate in a Q&A session with the fans, before signing as many autographs as possible. The NASCAR veteran is scheduled to be on stage from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
A NASCAR Canadian Tire Series driver autograph session, featuring many of the top stars from Canada’s national stock car championship, takes place from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. That will be followed by a Q&A / Autograph session starring Yvon, Miguel and Mario Duhamel; Canada’s First Family of Motorcycle Racing. Saturday’s action on The Canadian Tire Stage wraps up with the Inside Track Readers’ Choice Awards presentations. Many of Canada’s top and future racers – as voted by the readers of Inside Track Motorsport News – will be on hand (starting at 7 p.m.) to receive their awards, for excelling in stock cars, road racing, motorcycles, rallying, karting and drag racing.
SUNDAY
Sunday’s Canadian Tire Stage program opens, at 11 a.m., with another on-stage Q&A / Autograph session with the Duhamels. Next up, Canadian road racing star Paul Tracy will participate in a Fan Q&A and autograph session with CME showgoers. The former IndyCar champ, who is popular for his wide-open driving style and candid comments, will be on The Canadian Tire Stage from 1:30 to 2:45.
And then at 3 p.m., Tracy, Ron Fellows and several others, including Horst Kroll, Norris McDonald and Doctor Hugh Scully will take part in ceremonies and celebrations kicking off the upcoming 50th anniversary season of racing at the legendary Mosport International Raceway. Almost every famous Canadian racer and industry member has a personal story about how Mosport helped shape their careers. Be sure not to miss the many interesting tributes and tales about Canada’s Home of Motorsports.
ABOUT THE CME: The Canadian Motorsports Expo is a three-day celebration of Canadian racing that runs January 22 to 24 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road in Mississauga). The show is powered by Inside Track Motorsport News and supported by companies like Lucas Oil Canada, NASCAR Canada, Mosport International Raceway and Canadian Tire. In addition to booths and racing vehicles representing the entire spectrum of Canadian motorsports, the show is loaded with seminars and forums to entertain and inform racers and fans alike. Star drivers Matt Kenseth, Paul Tracy, Ron Fellows, Derek Daly and Jessica Zemken will be at the CME to sign autographs and meet the fans. Please check the show’s website for updates and changes.
For more information about the Canadian Motorsports Expo, visit www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com, call Glenn Butt at (905) 721-1762 or email him at glenn@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. You can reach co-promoters Inside Track at (416) 962-7223 or email expo@insidetracknews.com.
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Canadian Motorsports Expo profiled in today's Toronto Star / Wheels section
In his motorsports column in today's Toronto Star / Wheels Section, Norris McDonald wrote about next weekend's Canadian Motorsports Expo. Thanks to Norris for all his support of the show and Canadian racing. Click here to see the story.
4th Annual CME has something for every racer and fan
THE 4TH ANNUAL CANADIAN MOTORSPORTS EXPO HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERY RACER AND FAN
Canada's premier motorsports show takes place January 22-24, 2010 at the International Centre
(TORONTO, ON // DECEMBER 7, 2009) The 4th annual Canadian Motorsports Expo returns to Toronto’s International Centre January 22, 23 and 24 (2010) for a three-day celebration of Canadian motorsports. Featuring star drivers, racing vehicles, equipment suppliers, collectible vendors, tracks and series from across the motorsports spectrum, the show has something for every racer and fan.
As well, informative and entertaining seminars and forums take place throughout the weekend, offering information on everything from finding out ‘how to get involved in racing’ through to chassis and setup advice from some of the industry’s top experts.
Throw in appearances and autograph sessions featuring Canadian and international racing stars like Paul Tracy, Ron Fellows, a celebration to kick-off Mosport’s 50th Anniversary Season, Jeff Gordon’s #24 Dupont Chevy and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s #88 AMP Chevy… and it’s clear to see that the ‘The racing season begins at the Canadian Motorsports Expo.’
“Last year’s CME was our first-ever at the International Centre and it couldn’t have been more successful,” said CME President Glenn Butt. “And since the day after that show ended, we’ve been working hard toward 2010. In short, we’re set to take the Canadian Motorsports Expo to a new level.”
Butt continued, “Last year’s CME was extremely successful, in terms of attendance, showgoer value and content. By ‘cleanup time’ on Sunday, it was obvious that the exhibitors and vendors had been well rewarded for being at the show. To date, almost all of them have renewed for 2010. With more than a month to go until showtime, I’m pleased to report that booth and display sales have already surpassed last year’s totals. Hall 1 is virtually sold out, and we’re expanding the show into Hall 2, which will allow us to incorporate more racecars and exhibitors, to further increase attendee value.”
ABOUT THE CME: The Canadian Motorsports Expo is a three-day celebration of Canadian racing that runs January 22 to 24 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road in Mississauga). The show is powered by Inside Track Motorsport News and supported by companies like Lucas Oil Canada, NASCAR Canada, Mosport International Raceway and Canadian Tire. In addition to booths and racing vehicles representing the entire spectrum of Canadian motorsports, the show is loaded with seminars and forums to entertain and inform racers and fans alike.
For more information about the Canadian Motorsports Expo, visit www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com, call Glenn Butt at (905) 721-1762 or email him at glenn@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. You can reach co-promoters Inside Track at (416) 962-7223 or email expo@insidetracknews.com.
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Thanks to our friends!
Several of our friends helped spread the word that Paul Tracy is coming to the Canadian Motorsports Expo on Sunday, January 24, 2010 to help kick-off celebrations promoting the 50th Anniversary Season of racing at Mosport International Raceway.
Thanks to:
Thanks to:
Canadian Racing Star Paul Tracy is coming to the Canadian Motorsports Expo
Open-wheel champion to sign autographs and take part in celebration of Mosport’s 50th Anniversary Season(TORONTO, ON // NOVEMBER 12, 2009) Racing fans in attendance at the Canadian Motorsports Expo on Sunday, January 24, 2010 are in for a ‘thrill.’ Paul Tracy, one of Canada’s most successful, entertaining and popular racers will be at the International Centre to sign autographs, chat with fans, and participate in ceremonies celebrating the official kick-off of Mosport International Raceway’s 50th Anniversary Season, in 2010.
Known as ‘The Thrill from West Hill,’ Tracy is the perfect headliner for the CME’s Mosport celebration. He cut his teeth at the legendary Canadian road course, earning his first-ever win in a racecar on the challenging 10-turn circuit that has played a prominent role in Canadian motorsports since first being opened in 1961.
Speaking about his upcoming appearance at the Canadian Motorsports Expo, and paying homage to Mosport, Tracy said, “I’m looking forward to signing autographs at the Canadian Motorsports Expo. It’s always great when you get to go home and get up close and personal with the fans. I’m very excited and I’m sure it’s going to be a great time. Mosport was my home racetrack when I began racing cars. I had my first race and my first win in a racecar there, so I’m thrilled to be a part of kicking off their 50th anniversary celebration.”
CME President Glenn Butt is equally enthused about Tracy’s scheduled appearance. “When you think of successful Canadian racing stars and institutions, Paul Tracy and Mosport International Raceway are near the top of the list. The two have a shared history, and having Paul take part in our celebration of Mosport’s 50th makes it all the more special.”
Responding to the news that ‘PT’ will be participating in the Mosport Anniversary festivities at the CME, Myles Brandt (President & GM, Mosport International Raceway) said, “Mosport has been the home track to many of Canada’s top race drivers over the past five decades, and Paul Tracy ranks as one of the greatest Canadian racers of all time. Everyone at Mosport knew he was something special when he won the Formula Ford title in 1985 and then scored a Can-Am victory here in 1986 to become the youngest Series race winner at age 17.” Brandt continued, “A proud Canadian, Paul has gone on to win many races and titles at circuits across North America and we’re proud that his career began at Mosport; Canada’s Home of Motorsports. I think it’s fitting that he’ll be joining our 50th Anniversary season launch at the Canadian Motorsport Expo in January.”
The Canadian Motorsports Expo is a three-day celebration of Canadian racing that runs January 22 to 24 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road in Mississauga). The show is powered by Inside Track Motorsport News and supported by companies like Lucas Oil Canada, NASCAR Canada and Mosport International Raceway. In addition to booths and racing vehicles representing the entire spectrum of Canadian motorsports, the show is loaded with seminars and forums to entertain and inform racers and fans alike.
For more information about the Canadian Motorsports Expo, visit www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com, call Glenn Butt at (905) 721-1762 or email him at glenn@canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. You can reach co-promoters Inside Track at (416) 962-7223 or email expo@insidetracknews.com.
PHOTO: Canadian Racing Star Paul Tracy will make an appearance and sign autographs at the Canadian Motorsports Expo, on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at Toronto's International Centre. (Courtesy of LAT via PMIfirm.com)
Give PT some love
So why not give a fellow Canuck a hand and chime in with some comments of support? Click here (and then go to Shout Outs) to show PT some love in front of some people who can help.
INDYCAR: Paul Tracy and the Gecko seek revenge at the Indy 500
Long Beach, CA (April 17, 2009) – A year ago, open wheel star Paul Tracy was suffering through an awkward departure from Forsythe Racing that left the racing world scratching their heads. Oh, how things change in twelve months.
After enjoying his freedom and racing everything from trucks in the desert to trucks in NASCAR’s Truck Series, Tracy has decided that it’s time to return to the place that stole his joy.
In just a few weeks, Paul Tracy will re-visit the atmosphere that saw him depart Indianapolis with a 2nd place finish in 2002. KV Racing Technology will field the #15 entry for the Indianapolis 500 and GEICO will provide primary sponsorship, with the ‘gecko’ adorning several areas of the race car.
Tracy recorded an Indianapolis 500 win in 2002 before a controversial ruling by the Indy Racing League sent him home with runner-up honors. Race officials ruled that Tracy passed Helio Castroneves under caution on the final lap of the race even though videotape would indicate otherwise. Tracy took the decision in stride, but vowed to never again step foot in Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
A year later, in 2003, Tracy joined Forsythe Racing in the Champ Car World Series and became the first driver in thirty-two years to win the first three races of a season. After recording seven wins and six poles, he notched the series championship and rebounded from the pain he felt in Indy a year earlier.
Tracy has been a member of the GEICO Racing family since driving the GEICO NASCAR entry in Mexico City in the spring of 2006 for Biagi Bros. Racing. The 2003 Champ Car Champion was also featured on geicogarage.com alongside close friend and current GEICO NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and former open wheel standout Max Papis in 2008.
“We’re pleased to be able to accompany Paul Tracy on his return trip to the Indianapolis 500,” expressed Ted Ward, GEICO’s vice president of marketing. “Having a relationship with two world class drivers such as Paul Tracy and Max Papis, as well as KV Racing Technology, allows us to spread our message of safety on a much broader scale and we are excited about the opportunity.”
Regarded as one of the top race car drivers in the world, Tracy is one of the most cerebral wheelmen in the business and he possesses unparalleled passion and enthusiasm. His return to Indianapolis is much anticipated and could quite possibly be auto racing’s story of the year.
KV Racing Technology co-owner Jimmy Vasser said, “I think I can speak for everyone at KVRT when I say that running Paul Tracy at the Indy 500 is very exciting. I also want to thank GEICO for supporting our efforts. Even though Paul hasn’t been in an open-wheel car much the last year, having raced against him and knowing his ability, I am sure he will get up to speed immediately.”
Tracy’s colorful personality and aggressive style is what has earned him the nickname ‘The Thrill from West Hill’, and makes him one of the most globally recognized racers in the business.
“This is a great opportunity and I can’t thank GEICO and KV Racing enough for stepping up and making it happen,” Tracy said. “Jimmy (Vasser, team owner), Kevin (Kalkhoven, team owner) and I are close friends and I have long been associated with GEICO, so it is exciting to have it all come together. It’s also a nice association to be teammates for a month with Max Papis who drives GEICO’s Cup car. Max is one of my closest friends, so I am sure he will join me in Indy at one point during the month.”
He continued, “Indianapolis is a special place and I look forward to returning and taking a run at getting a win and putting my name in the history books. I’ve committed my life to racing and a win at Indy is something that is very important to me. The past is the past and I’ll go to IMS focused on the present putting forth my best effort for GEICO and KV Racing.”
Tracy is nothing if not versatile and he will get up to speed quickly. In July 2008, he hopped in a car for Vision Racing in Edmonton’s IndyCar race and turned in a 4th place finish despite having been out of a car since Long Beach in April.
In May, Tracy will have plenty of practice time and he will also have support from one of the Indy Racing League’s top teams in KV Racing Technology, so stay tuned. One thing is for certain: When Paul Tracy is involved it will be nothing short of exciting.
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States based on the latest 12 months written premium. It provides auto insurance coverage for 9 million policyholders and insures more than 15 million vehicles. In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV's), boats, homes, apartments and mobile homes. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection and life insurance are also available. As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial strength by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys. For more information, please visit www.geico.com.
From Doug Barnette / Player Management International, Inc.
Paul Tracy's "problems resolved"
So says his mom, here. If you heard a giant sigh of relief over the weekend, it might have been coming from GP of Toronto boss Charlie Johnstone when he caught wind of Paul Tracy's mother's comment on the Champ Car Fanatics message board that PT's "problems" regarding his contract with Gerry Forsythe have been "resolved."
Already dealing with the loss of event title sponsor Steelback, the Toronto Champ Car event didn't need the trouble of promoting a race without hometown boy Paul Tracy.
It now appears they won't have to.
UPDATE (12:30): TSN has the story here, with quotes from respected journalist Gordon Kirby. PT is staying put, but Neil Micklewright is off his car... at Tracy's request.
T.O. Sun reports Paul Tracy has "put out feelers" to race in the Indy Racing League
Although he couldn't confirm it at the source, the Toronto Sun's Dean McNulty had this to say about Paul Tracy's contractual situation with his Champ Car team:
"Tracy signed a five-year deal with Forsythe in 2007 to keep him from jumping to NASCAR but with only one win in the past two seasons the team is now asking for a renegotiation of that contract for less money.
And those close to the 38-year-old Tracy say he is both hurt and angry. Angry enough, apparently, to put out feelers for a job in the rival Indy Racing League..."
And those close to the 38-year-old Tracy say he is both hurt and angry. Angry enough, apparently, to put out feelers for a job in the rival Indy Racing League..."
I'd been hearing talk that PT was heading to the ALMS. And Paul's mom posted on a message forum a while back hinting that he's willing to race anywhere (including the IRL).
This story raises several issues:
1) If Tracy isn't in Champ Car in 2008, can the currently unsponsored GP of Toronto Champ Car event survive without local / Canadian content in its headline series?
2) Is Paul Tracy "hurt and angry" enough to 'join the dark side'?
UPDATE (4:50 p.m.): TSN story has a story about PT's future in Champ Car here... including a comment from the Panther Racing IRL team, saying they'd be interested in Tracy, adding, "The biggest question would be [if Tracy went to the IRL]: How quickly could the Indy Racing League organize an event in Canada?"
RUMOURS: Paul Tracy, Champ Car and the IRL
A few days ago, TSN thought it was "curious" that Paul Tracy wasn't mentioned in a team press release announcing the merger of his team with another.
"Canadian Paul Tracy has a contract with Forsythe through 2011, and while he was curiously left off this week's announcement concerning the merger with Pettit, Tracy is expected to be one of two or possibly three drivers with the team next season."
Fast forward a few days and the Champ Car forums are full of talk that PT may be done racing for Forsythe and possibly in Champ Car.
Today, a poster purporting to be Tracy's mother wrote the following on Champ Car Fanatics:
"Here's the heart of the matter from a real "insider". PT has a binding four year contract with Forsythe Racing, with no "out" clauses and no "performance" clauses on either side, and with both parties committed to the contract until the end of the four years. As far as PT is concerned, he is prepared to honour his commitment to this contract. He is not sure FCR has the same aspirations. Where this will end up no one knows, but if PT gets released from Champ Car, he will continue to race somewhere, be it IRL, ALMS, NASCAR wherever, as this is what he does ."
IRL???? Wow.
"Canadian Paul Tracy has a contract with Forsythe through 2011, and while he was curiously left off this week's announcement concerning the merger with Pettit, Tracy is expected to be one of two or possibly three drivers with the team next season."
Fast forward a few days and the Champ Car forums are full of talk that PT may be done racing for Forsythe and possibly in Champ Car.
Today, a poster purporting to be Tracy's mother wrote the following on Champ Car Fanatics:
"Here's the heart of the matter from a real "insider". PT has a binding four year contract with Forsythe Racing, with no "out" clauses and no "performance" clauses on either side, and with both parties committed to the contract until the end of the four years. As far as PT is concerned, he is prepared to honour his commitment to this contract. He is not sure FCR has the same aspirations. Where this will end up no one knows, but if PT gets released from Champ Car, he will continue to race somewhere, be it IRL, ALMS, NASCAR wherever, as this is what he does ."
IRL???? Wow.
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