Fifteen of North America’s brightest car racing prospects converge on Charlotte, North Carolina, this Friday to be introduced as RACE 101’s inaugural class.  An acronym for Research, Analyze, Consult, Educate, 1 on 1 RACE 101 is a one-year advanced motorsports education program designed for aspiring race car drivers looking to advance their careers.

The inaugural class consists of 15 scholarship winners from across North America.  Naples, Florida, racer Michael Cenzi was chosen from hundreds of applications based on his desire to learn along with an impressive racing resume.  The 16-year-old started racing when he was six, and he has amassed an impressive list of victories from go-karts up to full-sized late model stock cars.  
Cenzi plans to focus on the RACE 101 program in 2010 while campaigning his family s late model stock car at Charlotte County Motorsports Park, Auburndale Speedway, Citrus County Speedway, Orlando Speedworld, New Smyrna Speedway and Columbia Motorsports Park.  He has aspirations of eventually racing at the NASCAR level.  Need for motorsports based education RACE 101 was founded by acclaimed crew chief Tony Blanchard.

Best known for his work with NASCAR Sprint Cup sensation Joey Logano during his formative stock car racing years Blanchard recognized a need in the racing industry.  “Achieving a career in motorsports requires much more than racing talent”, says Blanchard.

Young racers need to understand the mechanical side of their cars, and they need a solid public relations foundation.  We re able to provide an education in their area of need.  I m excited to work with these young racers, and we have some great instructors and mentors involved with the program.

The press conference introducing the inaugural RACE 101 class can be viewed at www.Race101.net.  For more information, contact Denine Snyder at 239-707-5029 or denine92@embarqmail.com

RRUSA Media

Alan Bruns - Wayne Anderson - Dick Anderson

The new late model touring series coming to Florida’s paved race tracks in 2010 has already begun to create a buzz around the state.   Which is what you would expect of a touring series created by Wayne Anderson along with his famous father Dick Anderson and well known racer and Florida businessman Alan Bruns.

After a steady decline over the last several years, asphalt late model racing may be ready for a comeback if these veterans of the sport have their way.  “I wasn’t really for in the beginning “, said Dick Anderson,  winner of more races than most late models racers have seen.  “We kept waiting for somebody to do something and nobody would do anything,  we needed one real bad you know, we’re racers and we just couldn’t sit on our hands any longer and wait for somebody to do something.”

Florida All Stars Tour – Special Edition

Wayne Anderson started the ball rolling and after convincing his dad and then Alan Bruns, the trio was able to secure 12 dates with six different tracks in the Sunshine State.  In a two-hour Inside Florida Racing show hosted this week by Rick Anges and Jack Smith,  the trio outline the entire Sunoco Florida All Stars Tour from conception to promotion and the technical side of the series.

With over 65 years of racing experience at all levels of the stock car racing food chain Dick and Wayne Anderson are uniquely qualified to be at the front of a late model revival in the state.

The series has secured major sponsorship with some well know racing businesses.  Rick Williams of Sunoco Racing Fuels and Southern Race Fuels described their title sponsorship of the series as “a perfect fit”.

A major part of the overall series concept is a strong rookie of the year program which is being sponsored by Race Car Engineering, based in Lakeland, Fl.   Steve Dorer, owner of the company that supplies parts to racers all over the south, was interviewed along with Rick Williams as part of the show.

This special edition of Inside Florida Racing is packed full of information and answered questions about the series for fans and drivers, and should be of interest to anyone with a stake in Florida racing’s future.

UDLMCS Media

The United Dirt Late Model Challenge Series, fastest growing late model series in the south, is proud to announce Sunoco Race Fuels will be the title sponsor for the series in 2010.

“Sunoco is a name synonymous with auto racing and we are extremely proud to have Sunoco as a marketing partner in the coming season”, stated series promoter Ken Kinney, Jr.

With the strength of Sunoco behind it the UDLMCS is making its first major announcement of 2010. The series will now feature two divisions with a 10 race Northern Region and a 10 race Southern Region. The Northern Region will have nine races in Georgia and one in Alabama with the Points Championship paying a $10,000 prize. The Southern Region will feature 10 races in Florida also featuring a $10,000 Championship prize.

Drivers will be able to race in their local region or compete for both the Northern and Southern Region crowns. “I am so proud of the new opportunity being given Late Model drivers.” Ken Kinney said on New Years Eve. He also is very positive about the racing climate for 2010, ” I believe that with the economic challenges of 2009 behind us, 2010 will be a breakout season and with the support of Sunoco and our other sponsors , track owners, drivers and fans this year will be a complete success.”

The complete 2010 Schedule page of the web site is located here.

Kinney said minor updated rule changes, tire rules and race procedures will be announced and published on the series web site in the next week.

Complete information about the South’s fastest growing late model series is at www.uniteddirtlatemodels.com

By Mike Portman

In racing, as in all endeavors, the road to success can often take unexpected twists and turns along the way. This is especially true for the journey of 22 year-old University of South Florida senior Dustin Chisholm of Seminole, FL.

At the age of 8, Dustin’s father took him to watch a go-kart race at the former Sunshine Speedway in St. Petersburg. Dustin was immediately hooked with the speed and excitement of karting. Within a week, his father purchased a go-kart for Dustin to race.

Over the next ten years, Dustin and his parents spent every weekend at the races. Dustin quickly developed into one of Florida’s winningest go-kart racers, collecting 12 Track Championships, 36 State Series wins, 5 National wins and 1 Grand National Championship.

Dustin Chisholm Audio interview Jan 2009

At those events, Dustin routinely raced against, and beat, some of racing’s future stars including Nascar drivers Brian Vickers, Jon Wood, Jerry Nadeau, Aric Arimola and Nascar crew chief Rodney Childers.

At the age of 18, Dustin’s parents struck a deal with him. If he wanted them to continue supporting his racing, he had to attend college. Dustin agreed, enrolling at the University of South Florida in the Business Administration program in 2006. Dustin excelled academically, capturing the $1,000 “James W. ‘Jim’ Hernan Memorial” scholarship in 2006, 2007 and 2009, from Q Auto & Injury Attorneys of Bradenton, FL.

In 2006, Dustin and his father made the decision to move up into the car racing ranks. In 2007, Dustin finished second in the highly-competitive Open Wheel Modified division at Desoto Super Speedway, near Bradenton. In 2008, Dustin moved up to the Late Model division, capturing the Desoto Super Speedway Points Championship.

But then, Dustin’s journey took an unexpected detour. With the poor economy, and its impact on potential sponsors, Dustin was forced to sell his race car. “My parents were putting everything they could into my racing, but with the bad economy, the costs were simply too high” said Dustin.

Without his race car, Dustin decided to return to his karting roots. “I love to race, and I really missed it. It doesn’t make any difference to me if it’s a car or a kart. I’ll drive anything, on dirt or pavement. I just love to race” said Dustin.

In 2009, Dustin made the decision to enter the highly-competitive Florida Triple Crown Series for champ karts. It consists of four races, scheduled at four different paved stock car tracks throughout the state. Champ karts are go-karts equipped with roll cages, 5- point safety harnesses, belts and arm restraints. For additional safety, drivers must wear fire suits, helmets, gloves and neck braces.

Champ Karts often race only inches apart, with speeds approaching 70-75 MPH in the draft. Drivers range in age from 15 to 72 years old. The series is sanctioned by the South East Champ Kart Series. Each race is 25 laps in length, and carries a cash purse of over $1,000. In addition, the top finishers also receive trophies and sponsor contingency awards.

Heading into the Florida Triple Crown Series finale on December 4 and 5 at Orlando Speedworld in Orlando, FL, Dustin holds a commanding points lead. Each night’s feature winner will collect $500 in cash. Asked what he would do with the winnings, Dustin replied, “I would use the money to start paying back my student loans”.

Asked if there are any people he’d credit for his racing, Dustin replied, “I really want to thank my sponsors Chaparral Trucking, Tampa Bay Truck Wash, Victor Peters of TS Racing, and my mom and dad. They are the reason that I am still racing, and I can’t thank them enough.”

When: December 4 and 5, Races start at 7:00pm
Admission Price: Friday $8.00, Saturday $10.00
Where: Orlando Speedworld
19164 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL
What: Charity Truckers 200 (Pro Truck Division), Antique Midgets/Sprints, Antique Stocks, Mini Cups, South East Champ Kart Series, Super Stock, Strickly Stock, Legends Cars

For More Information: www.SECKSRacing.com

by BILL GREEN, “From Behind The MIC!”

Ellenton, FL (Nov. 26, 2009) I would personally like to apologize to all the Reutimann Family & Fans for any inconvenience the cancellation of the RealRacinUSA.com Radio Show portion of the Reutimann Family Reunion & “OPEN HOUSE” scheduled for Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at the Reutimann Race Shop, caused any of the family members, longtime friends and loyal Reutimann fans.

While the decision to cancel the Radio Show rest squarely on the shoulders of myself and my partners at RealRacinUSA.com, we did not do this without a lot of consideration for the same family members, longtime friends and loyal Reutimann fans we disappointed.

Considering the forecast for rains throughout the day that would negatively affect satellite link hookup and the comfort of attendees attending the event, we felt it was in the best interest of everyone that we not attempt the Radio Show on this particular day.

Our decision should in no way reflect poorly on the lifelong commitment the Reutimann Family has made to central Florida racing and currently to the National NASCAR racing audience. Given the opportunity, we hope to reschedule the event at a future date that is convenient for the Reutimann Family, plus works into the Holiday and Racing event calendars at a better time.

In closing, the staff at RealRacinUSA.com hopes the 30,000 plus email sent out to Florida Radio Stations, TV Stations, local Newspapers and thousands of RealRacinUSA.com fans on behalf of the David Reutimann Foundation Charity Cookout, Auction & Golf Tournament help make 2009 a record year for the Foundation.

Thank You For your Support,

BILL GREEN
FromBehindTheMIC@aol.com

Inclement weather across the Sunshine State, which translated means lots of rain, has forced the cancellation of the scheduled Reutimann Reunion show.

These are just a few of the stories that  Florida racefans are talking about as the 2009 racing season winds down.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

Merritt Island, FL (November 8, 2009) The date and place have been set now for the 2nd Annual BLAST FROM THE PAST. The date is March 7, 2010 at Citrus County Speedway in Inverness, Florida.

Event Coordinator Joyce Lankford is very excited to know that the second event will be held at Citrus County Speedway. “We appreciate Critter and his whole crew for helping us find a really good place for our event. Citrus is perfect and we cannot wait until March 7 to roll around.”

Joyce and Media Specialist Jane Smith are looking for names of drivers from both the asphalt and dirt world to invite for the event. All you need to be is 60 years or older and have raced or been a part of a race team in Florida.

“It does not matter if you raced dirt or asphalt, we want all racers, car owners, pit crew members, General Managers, everyone to come and enjoy our event. We are also looking for sponsors for this event so if you would like to help us and sponsor the event, please contact me at 352-942-2369.”

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Top Gun Sprint Series 2010 Schedule Released

(Nov 11, 2009) The Top Gun Sprint Car Series will be at Ocala Speedway on November 13th. for the eighth and final race of the 2009 season. In its first season the TGSCS has had over 50 different teams compete with the series.

The series announced its 2010 schedule on Wednesday of this week. The series expanded its schedule to include 12 points races, up from 8 in 2009.

2010 Race Schedule
POINTS RACES
March 20 – North Florida Speedway
April 9 – Ocala Speedway
April 24 – Volusia Speedway Park
May 8 – East Bay Raceway Park
June 19 – North Florida Speedway
July 16 – Ocala Speedway
July 17 – Volusia Speedway Park
Sept 18 – Volusia Speedway Park
Oct 9 – East Bay Raceway Park
Oct 23 – North Florida Speedway
Nov 12 – Ocala Speedway
Dec 4 – East Bay Raceway Park
Dec 10 – Volusia Speedway Park (NON-POINTS)

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Rick Day Back in Action in His Home State

FASCAR, annouced a few days ago the successor to Don Nerone, the ousted promoter at Coulumbia Motorsports Park.

Rick Day will take over the General Manager job at Columbia Motorsports Park beginning mid November.

Day, who is well known in Florida asphalt racing, ran the very successful SARA Series for many years. The SARA Late Models and SARA Modifieds were well known throughout Florida and entertained many fans for quite a few years.

Day said, ““I will be handling the promotions and General Manager duties at CMP to bring it back to one of the premier Motorsports facilities in North Florida and I am really looking forward to the challenge Robert has given me. Together with the fine staff at CMP we will make it an outstanding motorsports park.”

Columbia Motorsports Park is located in Lake City, Fl and is part of the Florida-based stock car racing promotions company FASCAR. Along with CMP, FASCAR also owns and promotes New Smyrna Speedway and Orlando Speedworld.

Besides running the SARA Late Model Series, Modified andTruck Series,  Day managed the USRA Super Late Model Series, USRA Modified Series and USRA Truck Series. Day worked at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas as the Race Director and also worked for the Texas Super Racing Series Late Model Series.

“Rick Day is a great addition to the FASCAR Family, he has a great deal of local and national racing knowledge and we are indeed fortunate to be able to bring Rick into our organization. Rick will play an important role in rebuilding Columbia Motorsports Park” said Robert Hart.

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New Late Model Touring Series for Asphalt Racers

Wayne Anderson, Dick Anderson and Alan Bruns have formed a new Late Model series in Florida. The Florida All Stars Tour will run 12 races in 2010.

“The decision to create a racers series was because Florida needed a series with a common set of rules to compete at any track from South to North Florida, that was determined to keep racers together under one umbrella and concentrate on keeping the rising costs to compete down, along with helping our promoter partners,” said Wayne Anderson.

Should be interesting, several fans have already wondered aloud if any of the promopters will be racing in the series.

Come out and be a part of history.

Meet NASCAR Driver DAVID REUTIMANN and his legendary father BUZZIE REUTIMANN and the rest of this amazing family including WAYNE REUTIMANN SR, WAYNE REUTIMANN JR, SHAWN REUTIMANN  (David’s spotter), GREG and JEFF REUTIMANN, plus a 4th generation of new racers.

This event is presented by REAL RACIN’ USA and broadcast live as it happens with interviews with the family members.

In late July 2007 Real Racin’ USA arranged to have several members of Florida’s most famous racing family together for “Family Reunion” at the Snook River Grill.

Fans were able to see the down to earth quality that makes this family so special. We never did a show that was more fun.

This November 25th promises to be even better and more lively than the last time.

Wednesday November 25  5-9 PM
Reutimann Racing Shop
6900 Wire Road Zephyhills, Florida

Mark your calendars and plan to attend this very special event that will kick off the 5th Annual David Reutimann Charity Cook Out (Auction) and Golf Tournament from Silverado Golf and Country Club in Zephyrhills, Florida.

Each year it gets bigger and better. Last year the events raised $78,000 for numerous charities in Florida, including All Children’s Hospital in Tampa, Kids Go to Camp, Zephyrhills Women’s Pregnancy Center and Camp Boggy Creek. www.davidreutimann.com/golf.htm

Stay tuned for more information.

Special Events & 1200+ Exhibiting Companies Make PRI Trade Show This December “The Three Biggest Business Days in Racing”
 

LAGUNA BEACH, CA – Racing industry professionals looking to accelerate business and get a fast start for 2010 will find the task begins this December, 2009, in Orlando, when the world’s largest hardcore racing trade show opens the doors to its exhibit aisles.

Special events and exhibits by over 1,200 motorsports companies in the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show will make Thursday, Friday and Saturday, December 10-12, 2009, the three biggest business days in racing.

More than 40,000 racing industry buyers from all 50 states, plus 60 countries, attended the PRI Trade Show last year in the North/South Building of the Orange County Convention Center, where the event takes up 1,000,000 square feet. Racing retailers, race engine builders, racing fabricators, WDs, professional race teams and more come to preview the latest advances in racing products, motorsports engineering and precision machining equipment.

The PRI Trade Show is timed for racing entrepreneurs to have the opportunity to conduct business face to face with racing industry suppliers, receive hands-on sales demonstrations of new racing products, make purchase decisions and have the components in stock for the start of the next racing season.

“The racing products and machinery that will provide new revenue streams and new sources of profit for racing entrepreneurs in 2010 will all be on display in Orlando,” said John Kilroy, editor of Performance Racing Industry magazine. “It’s a remarkable and unique opportunity for racing professionals to see it all in one hall—thousands of new racing products! There’s nothing like it.”

But, PRI is more than just a trade show, noted Kilroy. “The PRI Trade Show offers a full package for racing industry professionals, including a wide array of special events providing valuable business learning opportunities as well as the chance to network with your industry friends.”

Among the events planned thus far at the PRI Trade Show are:

AETC Conference – With the theme this year, “Advanced Ford Modular Performance,” the Advanced Engineering Technology Conference celebrates its 20th year as the premier seminar series for race engine builders. It will be held Monday through Wednesday, and you can register at www.aetconline.com

Motor Sport Business Forum – Famed IM2 Events, which has held important business conferences on the racing industry today in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, brings its event to the US for the first time at the PRI Trade Show. It will be held Monday and Tuesday, and you can register at www.msbforum.com/northamerica.

Industry Roundtable – Jeff Hammond, TV race commentator and former crew chief great, moderates the best discussion of the issues in the racing industry today with a select panel of respected figures in racing.

Grand Opening Breakfast – Over 3,000 members of the racing industry will gather for breakfast and a live episode of the popular Wind Tunnel TV show, featuring Dave Despain. He’ll be candid and uncensored before a seasoned racing industry audience which will throw tough questions at him, in addition to special guests onstage and race celebrity phone-in calls!

PRI Happy Hour Presented by Budweiser – After a day working the world’s largest racing trade show, thousands of racing entrepreneurs will head to the front lobby of the Convention Center for one of the best racing industry gatherings of the year.

PRI All-Star Karting Classic – A star-studded race grid will greet PRI attendees who take in the exciting action of the PRI All-Stars Karting Classic.

Bobby Rahal’s Road Racing Drivers Symposium – As President of the Road Race Drivers Club, Bobby Rahal and special guest speakers will discuss the inside secrets to becoming a winning driver in the world of road racing circuits.

To preregister and receive your PRI Trade Show credentials in the mail, go to www.performanceracing.com/tradeshow. Or call 949-499-5413.