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- Category: Oval Racing
By: Tommy Goudge/Ryan Litt Racing
November 9, 2024
November 9, 2024
London, Ontario - The No. 07 Ryan Litt Racing team is excited to return to Nevada next week to finish their 2024 season by taking another shot at a $50,000 prize.
The Open Wheel Showdown is scheduled November 14-16 at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and is again the highest-paying asphalt Sprint Car event of the year. The first edition of the Open Wheel Showdown was held in December 2023, and it was the team's first time competing at the semi-banked 3/8 mile track. It is almost 3,500 kilometres (more than 2,000 miles) southwest of the team's home base in London, Ontario, Canada.
"I love the track," exclaimed Ryan. "It’s a great layout and configuration for Sprint Cars. It’s not too small where you can’t pass, and it’s not too big that the cars get strung out. The pavement is in good shape; it’s really smooth and has a ton of grip. It’s not exactly the same as any tracks we race in the Midwest but it’s somewhat comparable to a mix of Birch Run and Owosso."
The team now has notes on both the track and some technical differences which took them some time to adjust to last year. Ryan and the team compete predominantly in the Must See Racing series with their Leitch-powered Diablo chassis. The MSR rules permit 410 cubic inch engines and mandate American Racer tires, whereas winged asphalt Sprint Cars in other parts of the continent are often powered by 360 cubic inch engines with Hoosier tires. Restrictors are mandated on the injector stacks of the 410's (and some 360's) to balance the playing field for the Open Wheel Showdown, and Hoosiers will again be the spec tire for the event in Vegas.
"It’s nice that we have some notes to go off of, so we should be really close right out of the trailer," Ryan noted. "Last year it took us quite a few sessions to figure out the fuel settings with the restrictors, and also what RPM range we needed to run in with the lower power.
"Of course, it always feels great switching over to a softer tire compound as well. I forget just how locked down you are on Hoosiers. It gives you a lot of confidence in the car, and makes you feel like you can stick it anywhere you need to in traffic."
The team found success this season despite running a limited schedule; Ryan claimed a Must See Racing series win in August at Michigan's Berlin Raceway, and stood on the podium at two other MSR series events in 2024. He also had a very strong showing in the 2023 Open Wheel Showdown, running in the top five for much of the 100-lap feature and dicing for the second position with Jason Blonde and Bobby Santos III. A mechanical failure late in the race derailed a potential top five finish. Ryan was one of several Canadian drivers to put in competitive showings last year, and British Columbia driver Aaron Willison eventually locked down the win.
"We had a really strong effort last year so we’re definitely looking to build on that," Ryan said. "It’s unfortunate how that race ended for us because I think we definitely had a podium finish secured. It would have been pretty cool to have two Canadians in the top three."
Travelling across the continent is no small feat for any race team, and Ryan is grateful for all the support he is receiving again this year.
"I couldn't do this without the support of my Mom and Dad, as well as my team; Beach McIntyre, Brent Milovich, and Mike Turner," noted Ryan. "It takes a lot of effort and sacrifice from them to make a big race like this - especially one that's so far away - so I'm very appreciative and grateful for them."
Sponsorship is also vital to the effort, and the team wishes to thank Glenn Styres Racing, BS&B Radiator, Xtreme Metal Worx, Jim & Deb Seaton, and Leaf Racewear for their support.
More information about the Open Wheel Showdown is available at www.openwheelshowdown.com and live pay-per-view streaming coverage will be provided by Speed Sport TV (www.speedsport.tv).
About: The No. 07 Ryan Litt Racing team is based in London, Ontario, Canada and currently competes in the winged asphalt Sprint Car division at oval tracks across the midwestern United States. Ryan has driven a variety of race cars on both dirt and asphalt over his 30-year racing career, and competed in events as far away as South Africa. The team would like to thank all of their sponsors for their support, including BS&B Radiator, Xtreme Metal Worx, Glenn Styres Racing, Jim & Deb Seaton, and Leaf Racewear. Visit www.ryanlitt.com for more information, and follow Ryan and the team on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube by searching for Ryan Litt Racing.
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- Category: Oval Racing
By: Rette Jones Racing
October 10, 2024
October 10, 2024
Winchester, Indiana - With two races remaining in the ASA STARS National Tour season, Kyle Steckly is hoping lady luck will strike twice, and his No. 30 Rette Jones Racing team can win again in the state of Indiana in Sunday’s legendary Winchester 400 at the historic Winchester (Ind.) Speedway.
Since winning the Redbud 400 at Anderson (Ind.) Speedway earlier this year, Steckly and his Mark Rette-led team have been a fixture in the ASA STARS scene, with big-time speed and solid results.
With back-to-back sixth place finishes in the most recent races at Owosso Speedway and most recently at Toledo Speedway for the Glass City 200 on September 14, 2024, the Mooresville, N.C.-based team now heads to one another Late Model prestigious races looking to capture another checkered flag.
“I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of our No. 30 Rette Jones Racing Ford at a place like Winchester Speedway,” said Steckly. “It’s the Winchester 400. I’m excited to be a part of such a historic event.”
With laps ticking away in less than 18 seconds, Steckly has never battled the Winchester high banks for himself. Still, the second-generation driver has utilized the tools around him to prepare him for 400 laps at one of the most treacherous race tracks in the Midwest.
“I have never raced at Winchester before, but I did watch the 400 last year, in the pits with the Rette Jons Racing crew and helping driver Noah Gragson,” Steckly recalled. “I learned quite a bit about Winchester from Noah and watched a lot of film from past Winchester 400s.
“I am hoping that taking the time to sit down and study the film and having the opportunity to pick Noah’s brain about Winchester will all benefit our Rette Jones Racing team this weekend.”
Whether he's racing 100 laps, 200 laps, or 400 laps, Steckly’s focus doesn’t change. He is determined to win, and whether that takes one hour or four hours, he’s ready to climb aboard his Late Model and get the job done.
“My goal for Sunday’s race is to go out and win,” Steckly mentioned. “That’s why we go to the track as a team to win races. I am fully confident we can do that as long as we stay out of trouble and make it to the end of the race.”
In fact, it may be that same mentality the team carried in the 400-lap race at Anderson Speedway that rewarded Steckly with his first Late Model victory in the United States.
Continuing to add seat time, experience, and knowledge to his resume, winning again would mean so much more for Steckly and his family-owned team.
“We’ve worked so hard this season,” added Steckly. “We had a little bit of a slow start, but we picked up the momentum steadily, and we’ve busted our tails to keep ourselves in the spotlight by not only winning a race but qualifying and racing well, especially in the last three races.
“That doesn’t change this weekend. Only two races are left, and we need to be a part of the noise. I have a lot of faith in my Rette Jones Racing team, and I can’t wait to get this weekend started.”
While the 2024 ASA STARS National Tour championship may be out of reach, Steckly is focused on protecting second – where he currently occupies and doesn’t plan to relinquish between Winchester and Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville in early November.
“Yeah, first place is pretty far ahead, so looking for another excellent points day at Winchester to hopefully give us a bit of a gap to the guys right behind us in points before heading into the season finale,” sounded Steckly.
“I’m looking forward to finishing the year strong. We’ve come a long way since the start of the year, and we have had really good speed at the last three races. Two Crown Jewel races at some historic places are going to be a ton of fun, and with how we’ve been running, I think we can be hunting for wins at both tracks.”
With their sights set on another checkered flag triumph, the team led by former ARCA championship crew chief Mark Rette is confident they can find themselves in the hunt again for the win this weekend.
“It’s hard to believe that the season is slowly ending,” offered Rette. “I am so proud of what we have been able to build with Kyle from the bottom to the top. Of course, the win at Anderson Speedway was huge, but we are hungry to win again, and Winchester would be a heck of a place to do it.
“It’s such a fun race track. It is exceptionally fast, with tight racing and little wiggle room. Kyle should adapt quickly and be a threat. I know he’s thirsty to get back in Victory Lane with the team, and I think we’ll have a car capable of doing it on Sunday.”
Auto Parts Centres (APC) | Canusa will be the primary marketing partner for Steckly's full ASA STARS season aboard the No. 30 Ford Mustang.
APC Auto Parts Centres | Canusa is a family-owned automotive parts business started in 1981 with over 50 branches stretching across Ontario. APC's target market is purely trade-based, supplying garages, specialty installers, dealerships, and muffler shops throughout the province.
Auto Parts Centres takes full advantage of the marketing power of motorsports by sponsoring numerous race cars and speedways around the province. APC is the proud title sponsor in the APC Pro Late Model Touring Series that has been recognized as one of Canada's top series.
In addition to his 2023 APC United Late Model Series championship, Steckly's accolades include two APC United Late Model Series wins, the 2023 Grisdale Triple Crown Champion and Gold Rush 123 winner, second-place at Oshweken Speedway with the NASCAR Canada Series on dirt, and winning the pole in the 2023 season finale Pinty's Fall Brawl at Delaware Speedway in Delaware, Ont.
Following Toledo Speedway, Steckly is second in the championship standings with just two races remaining in 2024 and a six-point gap over third-place Austin Nason.
For more on Kyle Steckly, like him on Facebook (Kyle Steckly Racing) and follow him on Instagram (@kyle_steckly) and X | Twitter (@KyleSteckly).
For more on Rette Jones Racing, please visit RetteJonesRacing.com, like them on Facebook (Rette Jones Racing), or follow them on Instagram (@RetteJones30) and X | Twitter (@RetteJones30).
The 53rd annual Winchester 400 is set for Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET
About Auto Parts Centres (APC) | Canusa
Auto Parts Centres (APC) | Canusa is a family-owned automotive parts business started in 1981 with over 65 branches stretching across Ontario. APC’s target market is purely trade-based, supplying garages, specialty installers, dealerships, and muffler shops throughout the province.
Auto Parts Centres takes full advantage of the marketing power of motorsports by sponsoring numerous race cars and speedways around the province. APC is the proud title sponsor in the APC Pro Late Model Touring Series that has been recognized as one of Canada’s top series.
About Rette Jones Racing
Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, Rette Jones Racing (RJR) was founded in 2015 with the intent of building a successful racing operation built around the fundamentals of hard work and a never-give-up attitude.
Owned by racers Terry Jones and Mark Rette, RJR plans to field a full-time entry in 2024 in the ASA STARS National Tour Series while also planning to field vehicles in the ARCA Menards Series platform and NASCAR respectively.
Rette Jones Racing also offers technical and setup intel as part of its technical alliance partnership program.
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- Category: Oval Racing
By: Paillé Course//Racing
September 24, 2024
September 24, 2024
Montmagny, Quebec - Marc-Antoine Camirand clinched his second NASCAR Canada title for Paillé Course//Racing, Sunday, at the last race of the season at Autodrome Montmagny. Andrew Ranger, who was also still a contender to the championship, retired early after an accident, but has a positive look back at his 2024 season.
Marc-Antoine Camirand had a 20-point lead over Kevin Lacroix and 22 over Andrew Ranger, before entering the last race of the season on a new venue, the Autodrome Montmagny. “We needed a 15th-place finish to secure the title. We were in a good position, but we needed to be smart and make sure to finish the race,” told Camirand.
The driver of the GM Paillé/Chevrolet Canada n°96 Camaro established a fast pace early on Saturday, being quickest in both practice sessions. “I posted fast times, but I felt like it took two or three laps to really make the best of my car. And with only a two-lap qualifying, we scored the 8th fastest time, but I knew that I could have achieved a better time on a third lap.”
Camirand quickly managed to gain positions during the race, on Sunday. He took the third spot after 55 laps, and was running on the same pace as the leaders. The driver took the second spot after the halfway break but felt like his GM Paillé/Chevrolet Canada n°96 was not as fast as it was at the beginning.
After a restart with less than 50 laps to go, he dropped to sixth place, but secured his second NASCAR Canada title. “We didn’t want to push too hard to risk a collision and kept the championship in mind. We ran a smart race just like we had to do.”
Camirand was thrilled after winning his second title in three seasons. “We had an incredible season. We started strong at CTMP, and we have been able to stay very strong and consistent. I had great fights with Kevin Lacroix and Andrew Ranger all season, and I have much respect for those two drivers,” stated Camirand.
“I am very proud of my team at Camirand Performance who worked so hard all year. And I couldn’t be more thankful and happier to share this with my partner, GM Paillé, and finish this season in Quebec here in Montmagny,” he concluded.
Andrew Ranger had a difficult race, after showing great speed on Saturday. “We had good speed in final practice and qualifying, and I was confident to finish my season strong. I knew my chances to win the championship were low, but I was aiming at a fourth win in 2024,” said the driver of the GM Paillé/Chevrolet Canada n°27 Camaro.
Unfortunately, a suspension failure at the rear of the car caused him to drop several positions, and Ranger lost control of his car after a restart on lap 113, forcing him to retire. “We would have liked a better ending to this season, but an accident is part of racing. I draw a very positive summary to this 2024 season, with three victories, seven top-5 and 11 top-10,” said Ranger.
“I also had to learn to work with a new team, Innovation Auto Sport, and I’m very happy with this association, and my partnership with GM Paillé,” concluded Ranger.
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- Category: Oval Racing
By: Anthony Bruno for RaceCanada.ca
September 24, 2024
September 24, 2024
An exciting race at Autodrome Montmagny put the period on the season and the title.
Marc-Antoine Camirand became the 2024 NASCAR Canada Series champion after a sixth-place finish.
He needed to finish 15th or better in order to secure the crown and did just that with another consistent run Sunday afternoon. It’s his second championship in three seasons.
Despite topping both practice sessions, things looked a bit dicey for Camirand as he only managed to qualify in eighth place. However, he kept composed and stayed out of trouble to close out the title.
Kevin Lacroix settles for runner up, despite a strong end to the season, which included a dominant victory at Autodrome Montmagny.
His impressive six-win campaign was marred with two costly DNFs, those being a transmission failure at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in the season opener, and an axle failure at Trois-Rivières, with both happening while in contention for a win.
Will Larue finished second in the XPN 250, challenging Lacroix in the closing stages and nearly taking the lead within the final two laps.
Alex Guenette capped of the podium to end off a pretty good season for himself, while Mathieu Kingsbury came home in fourth.
Donald Theetge rounded out the top five with champion Camirand right behind him.
Pole-sitter Alex Labbé led early, but had a rough second half of the race, falling down the order to finish in P7.
L.P Dumoulin came home in eighth with D.J. Kennington behind him in ninth. Raphaël Lessard caps off the top 10.
Newly crowned Rookie of the Year Steve Côté didn’t have a great race to end the year on, being forced to retire at lap 183.
Andrew Ranger came into the race with an outside shot at the title, but that disappeared by lap 113 when he was involved in a wreck that ended his day.
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- Category: Oval Racing
By: Allrem Racing
September 24, 2024
September 24, 2024
Montmagny, Quebec – The 2024 NASCAR Canada Series presented by Pinty’s and Evirum season came to an exciting close this Sunday at Autodrome Montmagny. The Allrem Racing Evirum/BKFC team, along with driver Steve Côté, entered the final race with high hopes of landing on the podium. However, mechanical issues cut their race short, forcing the early retirement of the #29 car. Despite this setback, the team celebrated a significant achievement as Steve Côté was officially named Rookie of the Year for the 2024 season.
"We’re disappointed not to have secured a podium finish in this last race because we truly believed it was within reach. But winning the Rookie of the Year title is a huge accomplishment," said Côté. "This season was far from easy, so to take the rookie title really highlights the strength and dedication of the Allrem Racing team. We're a young team, but we consistently found ways to stand out throughout the season."
In preparation for the final race, Côté and the Allrem Racing team had completed test sessions at Montmagny Speedway, arriving well-prepared with valuable track knowledge. Côté posted impressive times during practice, ranking 6th and 13th, and followed up with a 5th place qualifying run.
Right from the start of the 250-lap XPN race, Côté was among the frontrunners, suggesting a strong finish was on the horizon. For much of the race, the Allrem Racing Evirum/BKFC driver maintained the second-fastest pace on track. "It was our best race of the year," he explained. "We were running with the speed of the 2nd and 3rd position cars, and we really believed a podium finish was in sight. Unfortunately, both the differential and the alternator gave out at the same time. We tried everything, but the stars just weren’t aligned for us at this race."
"This season has been a real learning experience, filled with highs and lows," said Jonathan Côté, crew chief for Allrem Racing. "But we’ve gained valuable lessons that we’ll carry forward into the future. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished, especially earning the Rookie of the Year title."
Erik de Pokomandy, President of Allrem Sports & Entertainment, praised the team’s remarkable effort throughout the season. "For a young team like ours, what we’ve achieved in such a short time is extraordinary. We competed with the top five teams, who have years of experience behind them, for nearly the entire season. Steve Côté and the entire team, led by Jonathan Côté, worked tirelessly and made great strides in developing the car throughout the year, always with the same ambition and determination to win," de Pokomandy noted.
At the final event, the Allrem Racing team also made a special gesture by surprising a young boy and his father, chosen randomly among the crowd, with an invitation to watch the race from the team’s pit box. Equipped with headsets, they listened in on the team’s communications, standing alongside the crew chief and the president of Allrem Sports & Entertainment – an unforgettable experience for the lucky guests who travelled from Chicoutimi for the event.
Although the NASCAR Canada season has come to a close, Allrem Racing will continue their competitive efforts in the United States with driver Treyten Lapcevich in the zMAX CARS Tour series. Treyten is set to compete in the Valleystar Credit Union 300 of the NASCAR Late Model series this Saturday, September 28, at the historic Martinsville Speedway in Virginia. Stay updated on the zMAX CARS Tour schedule here.
About Allrem Sports and Entertainment
Allrem Sports & Entertainment, a company of Allrem group of companies, is the powerhouse behind all sports and entertainment endeavors within the Allrem group of companies, with a strategic focus on ensuring optimal business development, brand awareness, and marketing opportunities for the entire Allrem group of companies and its partners.
Through the collective power of its diverse subsidiaries (Allrem Racing, BKFC, Les Pétroliers du Nord), Allrem Sports & Entertainment delivers unparalleled value to its sponsors and the Allrem group of companies. We provide our partners with business development opportunities, corporate hospitality programs, targeted brand awareness initiatives and innovative sponsorship activations. We ensure that all our partners receive maximum exposure and tangible returns on their investment to meet their objectives. Learn more at allremsae.com
About Evirum
Evirum, part of the Allrem group of companies, is a Canadian residual materials management brokerage offering eco-responsible solutions across North America to minimize environmental impact and promote recycling and other innovative practices. Evirum is committed to providing companies, events and industries with the best sustainable practices and services. Learn more at evirum.com
About BKFC
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), the World's Fastest Growing Combat Sports Promotion, in which Allrem is a shareholder, is the first entity sanctioned to hold regulated bare-knuckle events in the United States since 1889. BKFC is based in Philadelphia (PA) and headed by President and Founder David Feldman. Learn more at bkfc.com