BEST EVER FINISH FOR PIERRE BOURQUE

London, ON. (June 6, 2010) NASCAR Driver Pierre Bourque began his 2010 Canadian NASCAR racing season this past Saturday at Delaware Speedway near London, Ontario in the Keystone Light 200.

Bourque along with the #00 Telus Dodge team worked exhaustively throughout the entire day to improve the handling and performance of the race car and achieve a strong finish to start the season. Their efforts were rewarded with his best ever series result.

New this season Pierre’s #00 Telus Dodge entry is fielded by DJK Motorsports. Moving to a new team presents challenges for a driver to communicate to his new team how the car is handling and what changes are necessary to achieve maximum results. This process takes time and it was a struggle for the #00 Telus Dodge team early in the day. Bourque would begin the 200 lap feature event from the tail end of the field.

“I didn’t start well today, but wasn’t at all discouraged because the team was working so hard, they worked as a team and I knew we could only get better” said the driver. Bourque would go down a lap to the leaders but did regain it after improving on every circuit around the half mile oval and staying away from the many incidents on the track.

As the laps ticked away and rain showers were looming Bourque continued to maintain as consistent and quick a pace as he could in the #00 Telus Dodge and his efforts were rewarded. A late caution period set the field up for a green, white checker finish and Bourque took advantage of the situation. As cars were colliding ahead of him Pierre was able to gain spots right up until the final lap and concluded the race with a sixth place finish.

At the conclusion of the race Pierre Bourque was extremely pleased with the efforts of the entire #00 Telus Dodge team and very pleased about their first effort of the 2010 season together. “Not only was it was a lot of fun to start from the back and finish where I did, but it’s the very best finish that I’ve ever had in the series, so to start off the season, what more could I ask for”

Attached Photo: Pierre Bourque, driver of the #00 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Entry heads out to qualify at Delaware Speedway.

Photo Credit: Todd Lewis

About Pierre Bourque: Pierre Bourque will participate in select events of the 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in the #00 Dodge prepared by DJK racing. Pierre is supported in this year’s effort by Aaron’s, Mahindra Tractors, Telus Mobility and Mohawk Internet Technology. You can watch the Keystone Light 200 on TSN on Saturday June 12^th at 2PM Eastern on TSN. For more information about Pierre Bourque you should go to http://www.pierrebourque.net/ and follow him on twitter at www.twitter.com/pierrebourque

NASCAR: Bourque back with Aaron’s, at DJK Racing

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racers Pierre Bourque (l) and DJ Kennington (r) met in Toronto on Feb. 18 to sign a contract that will see Bourque participate in at least seven NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races, in 2010, driving for Kennington’s DJK Racing team.

“I signed a deal with DJ Kennington to run with his team this year,” said Bourque, who hails from Ottawa, Ontario. “We’re going to do a minimum of seven races and I’m really looking forward to it. The bulk of my races in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will be sponsored by Aaron’s and I’m very happy to be driving ‘The Dream Machine.’ I’m also excited that DJ Kennington will be putting the cars together for me.”

Bourque continued, “It’s been in the works for much of the winter. I thought DJ would be an awesome person to drive for. I explored several options, but DJ has a strong program and I have a real appreciation for his mechanical prowess.”

Bourque flew Aaron’s colours in several NCATS events in 2009 in cars prepared by the former Whitlock Motorsports team, and is looking forward to working with Kennington in 2010. Kennington, who lives in St. Thomas, Ontario, is returning with longtime sponsor Castrol, for an astounding 18^th consecutive season.

“It’s a great representation of the quality of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series to see companies like Aaron’s and Castrol involved in the sport,” said Bourque. “DJ has a long-running relationship with Castrol and that’s testament to the products he puts on the track and the way he represents his sponsors.

“In Aaron’s case, it’s an American-based company with a storied relationship with NASCAR, south of the border. To have them come into Canada with me in 2009 and to grow their relationship this year, shows they have an appetite to extend their footprint in this country, through racing. That says a lot about the quality of the racing that we have in Canada.”

Discussing the news, Kennington said, “We have Pierre signed to drive with us this year and that’s very exciting news. My goal is to grow our program into something bigger – basically in line with what Whitlock Motorsports was. I would like to make it into a three-car team and getting involved with Pierre and Aaron’s is a great step toward that. Anytime you can get a corporate sponsor like Aaron’s involved with your program, that’s a good thing.

“It takes a lot running two cars, but Pierre has obviously been there before and he knows what it takes. It’s nice to have our sponsorships lined up this early so we can concentrate on getting the cars ready to race.”

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series is a 13-race series featuring a mix of oval track and road racing events.

NASCAR TRUCK SERIES: Bourque to race for Andy Hillenburg at Iowa this Saturday

Fresh off his seventh-place finish in Sunday's NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (above), Ottawa racer Pierre Bourque will be driving the #48 Fast Track Racing Chevy Truck in this weekend's NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Iowa Speedway. The team is owned by Andy Hillenburg.

Bourque's first stock car outings came as a driver for Hillenburg, in 2006, in ARCA and the (then called) NASCAR Busch East Series. Bourque has great admiration for Hillenburg and is looking forward to being reunited. The race starts at 9:45 p.m. on Saturday evening and will be carried live on SPEED.

NCATS: Bourque excited to race the Aaron’s Dream Machine in Edmonton

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (July 23, 2009) – Pierre Bourque is looking forward to this weekend’s NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race in Edmonton, Alberta. The driver of the No. 29 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge is one of 22 racers expected to compete in Saturday’s Canadian Tire 100; the sixth of 13 races on the 2009 NASCAR schedule.

Bourque has raced in Edmonton before and is confident that he can perform on the 14-turn, 1.973-mile temporary road course at the City Centre Airport.

“I’ve done well in Edmonton in the past and I know we will have a strong run on Saturday. Whitlock Motorsports has prepared a fantastic car for me to race and with the great support of Aaron’s and all their people, I feel like a Lucky Dog driving the Aaron’s Dream Machine in the NASCAR series this season.”

In addition to the race itself, Bourque is enthused about driving in Edmonton because the Rexall Edmonton Indy is one of Canada’s biggest motorsports events, drawing upwards of 160,000 (3-day total for 2008) to watch the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, the IndyCar Series, the Firestone Indy Lights and the Northern Alberta Sports Car Club.

“There is just so much energy competing in front of the massive crowds in Edmonton,” said Bourque. “We meet so many passionate racing fans and that gives us the opportunity to let them know about Aaron’s and our work in support of Canada’s Military Families Fund (MFF). In addition to driving hard for Aaron’s, myself and my crew, we’re also working to raise money for the MFF and we’ll be donating all of our NASCAR Canadian Tire Series winnings in 2009 to that worthy program. I’d encourage everyone to stop by and say hello if they see us at the track.”

The Race: Practice sessions for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series cars are scheduled for 8:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. on Friday (July 24). Qualifying is slated for 5:00 p.m. The 32-lap Canadian Tire 100 will take the green flag at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 25. Watch the race on TSN on Sunday, August 9 at noon.

About Aaron's, Inc.: Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN and AAN.A), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership, specialty retailing and rental of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances and accessories has more than 1,575 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. Founded in 1955 by entrepreneur R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr. and headquartered in Atlanta, Aaron's has been publicly traded since 1982. For more information, visit www.shopaarons.com.

About Pierre Bourque: During the week, Pierre Bourque is the man behind Bourque Newswatch (www.bourque.com) a website that goes deep behind the scenes of Canadian politics. Dubbed as “Canada's Online News Authority” it follows the movers and shakers of Canada’s political scene. On weekends, Bourque does some moving and shaking of his own, competing in car races in several series, including NASCAR, ARCA and Grand-Am. You can also follow Pierre’s Tweets at www.twitter.com/pierrebourque.

About the Military Families Fund: The Military Families Fund (MFF) is an agile and responsive organization that helps military families within hours of being advised of need. It assists with short-term emergencies and also provides long-term support. The MFF allows for several areas of support, including rehabilitation, education, financial assistance in the case of injury or death of a Canadian Forces member due to service, and urgent and extraordinary financial demands where the ability to provide family necessities is at risk. For more information or to donate, visit www.cfpsa.com.

About the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series: The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (NCATS) is Canada’s top motorsports tour. The 13-race series features events across Canada, from BC to Nova Scotia, with a combination of oval and road course events at the nation’s top facilities and race weekends. For more information, visit www.nascar.ca.

NASCAR: Pierre Bourque supports Canada's Military Families Fund

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (June 13, 2009) – Canadian racing driver Pierre Bourque is going to donate 100% of his on-track winnings during the 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season to the Military Families Fund (MFF). The MFF supports Canadian military families who face hardship as a result of their commitment to serving in the Canadian Forces.

“I’m very pleased to work with the Military Families Fund in support of this really worthwhile program,” said Pierre Bourque, who plans to take part in at least five NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races in 2009. “Our goal is to let Canadian racing fans know about the MFF and all that it does to assist those who do so much for all of us every day, all around the world. I’m confident that we can do a lot of good this season. In addition to donating the winnings of the No. 29 Aaron’s Dream Machine Dodge, we’re also going to be encouraging Canadian racing fans to donate, as we educate and raise awareness about the MFF.”

Sandy Gauthier, the Senior Manager of the MFF said, “We are really thankful for Pierre’s continuous support to the MFF. The fund is sustained solely through the generous donations and pledges from individuals and corporate citizens and helps Canadian Forces leadership respond to special case needs and short-term emergencies that military families sometimes face as a result of conditions of service. To date, the Fund has assisted more than 247 families. The MFF is making a difference by helping our families when they need it the most.”

Bourque kicks off his Military Families Fund program this weekend at Mosport International Raceway (June 13-14), northeast of Toronto. He will also be in action July 24-25 at the Edmonton Indy and on July 29 at Saskatoon’s Auto Clearing Motor Speedway, with plans to do two additional races.

“The Whitlock Motorsports-prepared No. 29 Aaron’s Dodge is ready to compete and I’m truly motivated to earn as much money as possible for the MMF,” continued Bourque. “We encourage everyone to come see us at the track so they can learn about what they can do to show their gratitude and appreciation to Canada’s military families.”

About the Military Families Fund:
The Military Families Fund (MFF) is an agile and responsive organization that helps military families within hours of being advised of need. It assists with short-term emergencies and also provides long-term support. The MFF allows for several areas of support, including rehabilitation, education, financial assistance in the case of injury or death of a Canadian Forces member due to service, and urgent and extraordinary financial demands where the ability to provide family necessities is at risk. For more information or to donate, visit www.cfpsa.com.

About Pierre Bourque:
During the week, Pierre Bourque is the man behind Bourque Newswatch (www.bourque.com) a website that goes deep behind the scenes of Canadian politics. Dubbed as “Canada's Online News Authority” it follows the movers and shakers of Canada’s political scene. On weekends, Bourque does some moving and shaking of his own, competing in car races in several series, including NASCAR, ARCA and Grand-Am.

About the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series:
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (NCATS) is Canada’s top motorsports tour. The 13-race series features events across Canada, from BC to Nova Scotia, with a combination of oval and road course events at the nation’s top facilities and race weekends. For more information, visit www.nascar.ca.

NASCAR: Aaron's to sponsor Pierre Bourque in three Canadian Tire Series races

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (June 11, 2009) – Canadian stock car racer Pierre Bourque is proud to announce that Aaron’s will be the primary sponsor on his No. 29 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series car for three events in 2009, starting with this Sunday’s road course race at the legendary Mosport International Raceway road course. Aaron’s will also be the primary sponsor of Bourque’s Whitlock Motorsports-owned NASCAR at the Edmonton Indy (July 24-25) and at the inaugural NASCAR race at Saskatoon’s Auto Clearing Motor Speedway on July 29.

“I’m excited and honoured that Aaron’s has chosen to make its debut in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series on my No. 29 Dodge,” said Bourque, who lives in Ottawa, Ontario. “NASCAR fans are familiar with Aaron’s impressive presence in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series through its sponsorship of Michael Waltrip Racing’s driver David Reutimann and of high-profile events like the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. Aaron’s has a fast-growing network of stores throughout Canada and I’m looking forward to helping to introduce Canadian racing fans to their outstanding range of products and services.”

Ken Butler, the Chief Operating Officer of Aaron's, Inc. said, “We are pleased to partner with Pierre and Whitlock Motorsports as Aaron’s extends its reach in North America. Motorsports has been a very important piece of our marketing arsenal in the U.S. over the years and we look forward to utilizing Pierre’s determination and talent both on and off the racetrack as we expand our brand awareness in Canada.”

Sunday’s race at Mosport Int’l Raceway is the third of 13 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series races on the 2009 schedule. Bourque’s team owner Dave Whitlock won the season opener on May 23 at Montreal’s Autodrome St-Eustache. Bourque continued, “I’m really looking forward to flying Aaron’s colours this season. Whitlock Motorsports is truly on top of its game this season – as evidenced by Dave’s win in Montreal and Mark Dilley’s pole in the second race, last weekend at London’s Delaware Speedway.”

About Aaron's, Inc.:
Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN and AAN.A), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership, specialty retailing and rental of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances and accessories has more than 1,575 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. Founded in 1955 by entrepreneur R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr. and headquartered in Atlanta, Aaron's has been publicly traded since 1982. For more information, visit www.shopaarons.com.

About Pierre Bourque:
During the week, Pierre Bourque is the man behind Bourque Newswatch (www.bourque.com) a website that goes deep behind the scenes of Canadian politics. Dubbed as “Canada's Online News Authority” it follows the movers and shakers of Canada’s political scene. On weekends, Bourque does some moving and shaking of his own, competing in car races in several series, including NASCAR, ARCA and Grand-Am.

About the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series:
The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (NCATS) is Canada’s top motorsports tour. The 13-race series features events across Canada, from BC to Nova Scotia, with a combination of oval and road course events at the nation’s top facilities and race weekends. For more information, visit www.nascar.ca.

NASCAR: Bourque back with Whitlock and Mohawk Internet Techologies

PIERRE BOURQUE has announced that he’ll be back with Whitlock Motorsports for all four NASCAR Canadian Tire Series road course races in ’09. The Ottawa, ON racer will be behind the wheel of the No. 29 Dodge at Mosport International Raceway (June 14), the Rexall Edmonton Indy (July 25), the GP de Trois-Rivières (Aug. 16) and at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (Aug. 30).

“I am pleased to confirm I have a deal with Whitlock Motorsports to run the four road races on the 2009 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule,” said Bourque. “Whitlock Motorsports is one of the very best NASCAR teams in Canada and I believe we will have everything needed to contend for a win at each race this season. I am really looking forward to teaming up again with my pals Dave Whitlock and Mark Dilley.”

As part of his announcement, Bourque also confirmed the continuing support of Mohawk Internet Technologies (MIT) as an associate sponsor on the No. 29. “MIT is one of the predominant electronic business centers on the internet,” continued Bourque. “MIT is not a bank, casino, or on-line store, but rather the internet service provider for numerous e-businesses who enjoy fast, reliable internet access in a free-enterprise environment specifically geared towards cross-business alliances and development.”

MIT was on Bourque’s car for the NCATS race during the Montreal NASCAR weekend last August. Commenting on their return, he said, “I am honoured that the Mohawks are back in NASCAR with me in 2009. They are great friends and are extremely passionate about NASCAR. I look forward to personally meeting members of the Mohawk Nation wherever I race this coming season.”

Pierre Bourque enters Daytona ARCA race with Eddie Sharp Racing

CONCORD, NC (December 19, 2007) – Come early February, Canadian Pierre Bourque will be escaping the cold and snow of the Great White North to take a trip to Florida. It won’t be for the typical fun in the sun, or a trip to Disney World though. Bourque’s journey will be even more meaningful. He’ll be making his debut on the high-banked oval of Daytona International Speedway, driving a car fielded by powerhouse team Eddie Sharp Racing in the ARCA RE/MAX Series opening race.

Bourque got a head start on the experience by testing with the team in an open ARCA session at the track last week. After three days of track activity and even with a record turnout of 79 drivers, Bourque was able to place himself 12th overall on the speed charts.

“The test went very well,” said Bourque. “The experience and expertise of the Eddie Sharp Racing team showed with the car that they prepared for me. I was very comfortable in it right away and we ran some very good laps. I can’t wait to get back to Daytona in February. I’m very excited and optimistic about our chances in the race and the hard part is going to be the waiting.”

Eddie Sharp Racing, with driver Michael McDowell, finished second to ARCA Legend Frank Kimmel in the 2007 series championship battle.

Bourque is no stranger to success either, even at Daytona. While he has yet to enter an event on the track’s famed 2.5-mile oval, he did race on the road course there last January, driving a Porsche 997 for The Racers’ Group to a 12th-place finish and earning a hard charger award for making the most passes during the event. He is scheduled to compete in the 2008 edition of the 24 Hour race with TRG at the end of January.

The ARCA 200 race will get Bourque’s 2008 stock car racing season started. The season already promises to be a very big one for Bourque.

“We’re working on putting the finishing touches on my plans for 2008,” said Bourque. “There will be some announcements coming up soon and there are great things in the works. We will also have a major sponsor announcement for the ARCA 200 very shortly.”

During the 2007 racing season, Bourque split his time between the Whitlock Motorsports NASCAR Canadian Tire Series entry and Kevin Buckler's The Racers Group team in Grand-Am road racing. He also made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at Indianapolis’ O’Reilly Raceway Park and competed in ARCA RE/MAX Series and NASCAR Busch East Series events as well.

From Mike Twist / 51 Sports