Compiled By Erik Tomas, The Raceline Radio Network.

Weekend of:  April 29th, 2012

2012 is our 20^th anniversary season on the air!

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NASCAR Sprint Cup Series:

Last Race: Saturday night, April 28^th, Richmond Virginia: Kyle Busch claimed his first win of the season and his 4^th spring race at Richmond spring win in a row, when Dale Earnhardt Junior’s charge from 2^nd was blunted with no brakes, and his pit crew had a flawless final stop. Junior
hung onto 2^nd, Tony Stewart 3^rd. Carl Edwards was in control and led the most laps, but was penalized for jumping the start with a drive-thru and wound up 10^th!

Cup Points: Greg Biffle, ( 18th ) leads Dale Earnhardt Junior by 5.

Next Race: Sunday May 6^th,  Talladega Alabama.  Last year’s winner:  Jimmie Johnson.

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Indy Racing League IZOD IndyCar Series:

Last Race: Sunday April 29^th, Streets of Sao Paulo Brazil: Another Penske “Power” play! Will Power dominates again from the pole, and leads flag to flag except around pit stops to claim his 3^rd
series win in a row and his 3^rd win at Sao Paulo in a row! It also gives Team Penske and Chevy power their 4^th series win in a row!  Will held back Ryan Hunter-Reay who was pressing hard at the end! Hunter-Reay 2^nd, Takuma Sato 3^rd, his first career podium!

Canadians: Toronto’s James Hinchcliffe 6^th. Alex Tagliani/BHR skipped the event to concentrate on Indy 500 prep.

IndyCar Points: Power leads team mate Helio Castroneves ( 4^th ) by 45. Hinchcliffe is now 3^rd in points, just 12 back of Helio!

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Formula One World Driving Championship:

Next Race: Sunday May 13^th: Spanish Grand Prix, Cataluyna/Barcelona. Last year: Vettel.

Last Race: Sunday April 22^nd, Grand Prix of Bahrain: No social and political unrest problems! Back to normal! Vettel wins and leads points! From the pole, Vettel held off stern challenges from Lotus team mates Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Gosjean for his first win of the season. China winner Nico Rosberg 5^th. McLarens were never in it!

F-1 Points: Vettel back on top in Drivers by 4 over Lewis Hamilton. Red Bull back on top in
Constructors, by 9 over McLaren!

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American LeMans Series:

Next Race: May 12^th: Monterey CA. Last Race: April 14, Long Beach CA:  Klaus Graf and Lucas Luhr win when they stopped twice during the race’s only caution, and ran the final hour without another stop. Canada’s Kyle Marcelli- 16^th. Mosport Toronto: July 22^nd.

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Rallying:

Canadian Rally Championship presented by Subaru:

Next Rally: May 26^th, Rocky Mountain Rally, Calgary.

Last Rally: season opening Rallye Perce Neige, Maniwauki Quebec.  Defending champs Antoine L’Estage/Natalie Richard win.

World Rally Championship:

Last Rally: April 29^th, Rally Argentina: Sebastien Loeb for Citroen wins his 70^th career WRC event!

Next Rally: May 27th: Rally of the Acropolis, Greece.

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COMING  UP ON RACELINE RADIO, on Sportsnet 590 The FAN:

Monday April 30th, 11 PM after Jays: Regional issues and headlines as the local tracks come out of hibernation! KEVIN and KAREN KOCARIK are in a fight with Pelham Town Hall over the storage of their stock cars on their own property.  Oswego Speedway, iconic home of the Super Modifieds is in a re-birth! More from Public Relations chief DAN KAPUSINSKI… and our Tissot/Raceline E-Mail Bag contest!

Monday May 7th: Drivers at the top! GREG BIFFLE, NASCAR Sprint Cup points leader discusses his fast start to the season… HELIO CASTRONEVES is back to talk about The Penske/Chevrolet domination in IndyCar… and our Tissot/Raceline E-Mail Bag contest!

Week of May 14th: legend  MARIO ANDRETTI returns to Raceline Radio!!

-Guest scheduling is subject to change.

The door isn’t closed completely of course, but Paul Tracy’s best chance to at least run the Indianapolis 500 appears to have fallen through the cracks!

Michael Shank Racing has filed an entry for Jay Howard to run the Indianapolis 500.

The team has sponsorship in place for the May 27 race, but is still trying to put together an engine program.

“Filing the entry is just the first step for us,” said Shank, who formed the MSR Indy team last October with NASCAR driver AJ Allmendinger and Ohio businessman Brian Bailey.

Shank had wanted to run a full season of IndyCar this season, and purchased a new Dallara DW12 chassis in January.

The team had initially announced itself as a partner with engine manufacturer Lotus, but Lotus has struggled to meet demands, and Shank was never able to receive an engine.

Between not having an engine and sponsorship difficulties, the plan to run popular Canadian veteran Paul Tracy for a farewell season never materialized.

Sad.

But Lotus could be able to give the team an engine for the Indy 500, after all.

The manufacturer is expected to decrease its workload by granting Bryan Herta Autosport and Lotus DRR a release from its contracts.

That would be a good break for Canadian Alex Tagliani who’s stumbled badly our of the gate, most of the trouble hinged to their Lotus power.

But Shank could also be trying to get an engine from Chevrolet or Honda.

IndyCar still must approve the Indy 500 entry, but Shank is hopeful to get everything in place.

Said it before and I’ll say it again, Paul Tracy’s success in IndyCars means he deserves a much better ending to one of the brightest and most entertaining careers the sport has ever seen.

He just happens to be a Canadian and a long-time friend of Raceline Radio’s.

PT, at times, may have been his own worst enemy saying the wrong things at the wrong time, but that happens to athletes who shoot from the lip!

ET

We have an update on the condition of Effenbert Liberty’s Brett McCormick, who suffered serious injuries during the second World Superbike race at Assen on Sunday.

The 20-year-old Canadian, competing in only his second WSBK meeting, was running eleventh when he fell heavily on lap nine in an accident that resulted in spine, face, eye and hand damage.

An update posted by Brett’s father Grant on mccormickracing.ca read:

“Thanks for all the well wishes everybody!

“Brett is sleeping comfortably and will be assessed tomorrow, to see if surgery is necessary to stabilize his C5.

“Other than that a broken thumb and assorted bruises, and two black eyes.

“He was lucky and will be making a full and speedy recovery.

“I would like to thank Shoei and Alpinestars for doing an awesome job and keeping this from being much worse.

“Have to add how unbelievably supportive the Effenbert-Liberty team has been, feels like family. The best.

“And a huge thank you to all the track side & medical centre staff for their time & attention to Brett following his crash.”

Canadian Superbike champion McCormick made his WSBK debut at Imola riding a fourth Effenbert Liberty Ducati 1098R.

Good news!

Everyone along the Raceline Radio Network wishes Mac a speedy recovery!

ET

Compiled By Erik Tomas, The Raceline Radio Network.

Weekend of:  April 22nd ,  2012

2012 is our 20^th anniversary season on the air!

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NASCAR Sprint Cup Series:

Last Race: Sunday April 22^nd: Kansas Speedway, Kansas City Kansas: Martin Truex Junior had this one handled until the sun broke through the clouds, changing track temperature and grip. So
with 30 laps to go, Denny Hamlin got around Truex, who game back once, but he was so loose, he could not get close!  2^nd win of the season for Hamlin, 19^th of his career. Truex Jr 2^nd, Jimmie Johnson 3^rd.

Cup Points: Greg Biffle, 5^th at KC leads Truex Jr by 15.

Next Race: Saturday night, April 28^th, Richmond Virginia. Last year’s winner: Kyle Busch.

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Formula One World Driving Championship:

Last Race: Sunday April 22^nd, Grand Prix of Bahrain: No social and political unrest problems! Back to normal! Vettel wins and leads points! From the pole, Vettel held off stern challenges from Lotus team mates Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Gosjean for his first win of the season. China winner Nico Rosberg 5^th.  McLarens were never in it, pit and mechanical problems!!

F-1 Points: Vettel back on top in Drivers by 4 over Lewis Hamilton. Red Bull back on top in
Constructors, by 9 over McLaren!

Next Race: Sunday May 13^th: Spanish Grand Prix, Cataluyna/Barcelona. Last year: Vettel.

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IZOD IndyCar Series:

Next Race: Sunday April 29^th, Streets of Sao Paulo Brazil. Last year’s winner: Will Power.

Last Race: Sunday April 15^th: Long Beach California: Rough one! Ripped up a lot of stuff! But entertaining! Despite the Chevy powered teams starting in the back due to the engine replacement rule, Penske’s Will Power stormed up from 12^th for his 2^nd win in row for a perfect 3 and 0 for Penske and Chevy off the start of the season!  Power took over the led when Simon Pagenaud
had to stop for a late splash of fuel. Pagenaud finished 2^nd.

Canadians: James Hinchcliffe 3^rd, his first career podium when Ryan Hunter-Reay was penalized for contact with Takuma Sato. It’s Hinch’s first career IndyCar podium. Alex Tagliani DNF with more mechanical trouble.

IndyCar Points: Power leads team mate Helio Castroneves ( 13^th ) by 24.

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American LeMans Series:

Last Race: April 14, Long Beach CA:  Klaus Graf and Lucas Luhr win when they stopped twice during the race’s only caution, and ran the final hour without another stop. Canada’s Kyle Marcelli- 16^th.

Next Race: May 12^th: Monterey CA.       Mosport Toronto: July 22^nd.

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Rallying:

Canadian Rally Championship presented by Subaru:

Next Rally: May 26^th, Rocky Mountain Rally, Calgary. Last Rally: season opening Rallye Perce Neige, Maniwauki Quebec.  Defending champs Antoine L’Estage/Natalie Richard win.

World Rally Championship: Next Rally: April 29^th, Rally Argentina.

Last Rally: April 1st- Rally Portugal: Mikko Hirvonen wins for Citroen.

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COMING UP ON RACELINE RADIO on Sportsnet 590 The FAN!

Monday April 23rd, late after the Jays: MICHAEL ANDRETTI at his induction into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame… defending NASCAR Nationwide champ RICKY STENHOUSE on his visit to pre-promote the August race in Montreal… and our Tissot/Raceline E-Mail Bag Contest!

Monday April 30th: Regional issues and headlines as the local tracks come out of hibernation! KEVIN and KAREN KOCARIK are in a fight with Pelham Town Hall over the storage of their stock cars on their own property.  Oswego Speedway, iconic North American home of the Super Modifieds is in a re-birth! More from Public Relations chief DAN KAPUSINSKI… and our Tissot/Raceline E-Mail Bag contest!

-Guest scheduling is subject to change.

Effenbert Liberty Racing has confirmed Canadian rider Brett McCormick has suffered a series of serious injuries as a consequence of his accident during the second World Superbike race of the day at Assen.

Competing in only his second WSBK meeting, Brett was running a strong 11th when he crashed heavily on lap nine in an accident that has resulted in spine, face, eye and hand injuries.

Further checks revealed fractures to his fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae, albeit without neurological consequence. He will now be transferred to Groningen Hospital for further examination.

The full statement from Effenbert Liberty Racing:

“The Effenbert Liberty Racing Team announces that Brett McCormick, following the disastrous crash in race two this afternoon in Assen, after the control in the circuit medical center, has suffered the trauma of the cervical spine, facial trauma with a hematoma to the eye sockets as well as a fracture of the fifth finger of his right hand, and he was sent to Assen hospital for further evaluation.

“The result of more checks carried out that there was a fracture to the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae, apparently without neurological involvement, so Brett has been transferred in the Groningen’ hospital, where it will decide how to stabilize the injuries.

“Further updates will follow as soon as possible.”

Former Canadian Superbike Champion McCormick made his WSBK debut at Imola riding a fourth Effenbert Liberty Ducati 1098R

Raceline thoughts and prayers!

ET

The nasty season for frequent Raceline Radio Network guest and buddy Alex Tagliani wobbles on!

Bryan Herta Autosport will not travel to next week’s IndyCar race in Brazil, instead focusing on preparing for the Indianapolis 500.

“It was a logical move after dropping back in points,” Herta said. “We will be back stronger for Indy and the rest of the season.”

Herta said he and driver Tag will still travel to Brazil to host guests of sponsor Barracuda Networks.

The event will still have a full 26-car field because Andretti Autosport had already received permission to enter Brazilian driver Ana Beatriz in her hometown race.

Bryan and Tagliani have struggled through the first three races with Lotus/Judd, which is the weakest of the three engine manufacturers.

Tagliani finished 15th in the season-opening race, but has failed to finish the last two events.

His car stopped on the first lap at Barber, leading to a last-place finish, and an overheating issue knocked him out of Sunday’s race at Long Beach just past the halfway point.

It dropped Tagliani to 24th in points, and IndyCar is only covering the expenses to Brazil for the top 22 teams in the standings.

BHA won the Indianapolis 500 last season with the late Dan Wheldon.

Tagliani had the pole.

This year, the team has been hampered in part by its alliance with Lotus, which is admittedly trailing Chevrolet and Honda in both production and power.

A lack of available engines also has prevented Lotus teams from many test sessions, and none could participate earlier this month in the open test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

These are not happy times for our friend/ami  Alex!

But he’s a fighter.

That’s why we like him so much!

ET

Better look again Bernie!

He said it was safe to run the GP of Bahrain.

Sure.

Security forces fired stun grenades Wednesday at anti-government protesters who swarmed into a cultural exhibition for Bahrain’s Formula One race, setting off street battles and sending visitors fleeing for cover.

It was a blow to the Gulf nation’s efforts to project stability, returning to the Grand Prix circuit a year after the race was canceled because of unrest.

The demonstration was the most direct attempt by protesters to bring their demands into events linked to Sunday’s race, Bahrain’s top international showcase. The resumption of the top-level auto race is being touted by Bahrain’s rulers as a sign they have the upper hand after 14 months of clashes and crackdowns.

Nearly 50 people have been killed since February 2011 in violence between security forces and protesters from Bahrain’s Shiite majority, which seeks to break the near monopoly on power by the island nation’s Sunni monarchy.

Shiites account for about 70 percent of Bahrain’s population, but claim they face widespread discrimination and are blocked from key political or military posts. The Sunni leaders have offered some reforms, but the opposition says they fall short of their demands.

“Down, down Formula One,” some protesters shouted in the traditional market area in Bahrain’s capital, where displays set up for the F1 race featured local handicrafts, food and other items.

Kind o’ too late to call it off now Bernie?

ET

Not long ago on Raceline Radio, we interviewed Ford/NASCAR engine building legend Robert Yates at the Canadian Motorsports Expo.

He said he could see electric CUP cars on the horizon.

The first sparks have flashed!

Ford Motor Company will become the first manufacturer in NASCAR history to supply an all-electric car as the pace car.

The new Focus Electric will lead the field at the April 28 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond.

“Ford research shows the majority of Americans would consider buying an electrified vehicle but do not yet understand the different technologies,” Mark Fields, president of Ford’s Americas division, said Monday.

“Highlighting the Focus Electric as a pace car is a fun way to educate consumers about the kinds of benefits our electrified vehicles deliver and show people our commitment to provide Ford customers the power of choice for leading fuel economy in the vehicle that best meets their needs.”

The car will be unveiled to the public at the Virginia State Capitol on April 25.

Ford also was the first to use a hybrid vehicle as pace car when the Fusion Hybrid led the field at Homestead in 2008. Ford in January unveiled its Fusion as its 2013 car to be used in NASCAR competition.

“Watt” do ya think?

ET

Compiled By Erik Tomas, The Raceline Radio Network.

Weekend of:  April 15^th ,  2012

2012 is our 20^th anniversary season on the air!

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NASCAR Sprint Cup Series:

Last Race: Saturday April 14^th ( 7 PM ): Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth: Greg Biffle wins one to pad his points lead! He slides under Jimmie Johnson to take the lead when Johnson’s slowed by lapped traffic with 31 laps to go! Johnson 2^nd, Mark Martin 3^rd. The win also erases Biffle’s 49 race losing streak!

Cup Points: Greg Biffle leads Roush team mate Matt Kenseth by 19.

Next Race: Sunday April 22^nd: Kansas Speedway, Kansas City Kansas. Last year’s winner: Brad Keselowski.

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Indy Racing League IZOD IndyCar Series:

Last Race: Sunday April 15^th: Long Beach California: Rough one! Ripped up a lot of stuff! But entertaining! Despite the Chevy powered teams starting in the back due to the engine replacement rule, Penske’s Will Power stormed up from 12^th for his 2^nd win in row for a perfect 3 and 0 for Penske and Chevy off the start of the season!  Power took over the led when Simon Pagenaud
had to stop for a late splash of fuel. Pagenaud finished 2^nd.

Canadians: James Hinchcliffe 3^rd, his first career podium when Ryan Hunter-Reay was penalized for contact with Takuma Sato. It’s Hinch’s first career IndyCar podium. Alex Tagliani DNF with more mechanical trouble!

IndyCar Points: Power leads team mate Helio Castroneves ( 13^th ) by 24.

Next Race: Sunday April 29^th, Streets of Sao Paulo Brazil. Last year’s winner: Will Power.

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Formula One World Driving Championship:

Last Race: Sunday April 15: Grand Prix of China, Shanghai: Nico Rosberg dominates from the pole
for his first career F-1 win, the first new winner since Mark Webber in Germany in 2009. It is also the first F-1 win for a Mercedes “works” ( factory ) team since Juan Manuel Fangio in 1955! Race engineer Ross Brawn ( Benetton/Ferrari ) says getting Nico the right tires at the right time was the key to the maiden win! Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton 2^nd and 3^rd for McLaren

F-1 Points: Hamilton takes over driver’s by 2 over Button. McLaren tops Red Bull by 24 in
Constructors!

Next Race: Sunday April 22^nd, Grand Prix of Bahrain. Last year’s race was cancelled
due to social unrest. ___________________________________________________________________________

American LeMans Series:

Last Race: April 14, Long Beach CA:  Klaus Graf and Lucas Luhr win when they stopped twice during the race’s only caution, and ran the final hour without another stop. Canada’s Kyle Marcelli- 16^th.

Next Race: May 12^th: Monterey CA.       Mosport Toronto: July 22^nd.

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Rallying:

Canadian Rally Championship presented by Subaru:

Next Rally: May 26^th, Rocky Mountain Rally, Calgary. Last Rally: season opening Rallye Perce Neige, Maniwauki Quebec.  Defending champs Antoine L’Estage/Natalie Richard win.

World Rally Championship:

Next Rally: April 29^th, Rally Argentina.

Last Rally: April 1st- Rally Portugal: Mikko Hirvonen wins for Citroen.

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COMING UP ON RACELINE RADIO on Sportsnet 590 The FAN:

Monday April 16th, Late after Raptors: ROBERT WICKENS tells us about his new ride in German Touring Cars on his path to Formula One… Another installment of our 20^th Anniversary
“Raceline Rewind” feature with 1992 IndyCar team mates DANNY SULLIVAN and AL UNSER JUNIOR… and the Tissot/Raceline E-Mail Bag Contest!

Monday April 23rd: MICHAEL ANDRETTI on his induction into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame… defending NASCAR Nationwide champ RICKY STENHOUSE on his visit to pre-promote the August race in Montreal… and our Tissot/Raceline E-Mail Bag Contest!

-Guest scheduling is subject to change.

Once again, the IndyCar Series is tripping over its feet!

All of the Chevrolet-powered teams will be hit with 10-place grid penalties at Long Beach after the manufacturer decided to change the engines on all 11 of its entries.

Following a tear-down of Andretti Autosport driver James Hinchcliffe’s engine that blew up during a test at Sonoma last week, Chevrolet decided that the problem affecting the Canadian’s 2.2-litre V6 turbocharged engine could infect the other bowtie motors, so they’ll change them all.

Those affected include Penske Racing, which has won the opening two races and whose driver Helio Castroneves leads the points standings.

Chevy scored both poles too!

“We are still learning the limitations of the new engine controls calibration,” said Chevrolet Racing’s programme manager Chris Berube. “Through our testing in Sonoma, as indicated by an engine issue, we uncovered a problem that we believe could affect all engines.”

“So, as a result, we feel it is prudent to change all engines prior to the start of the on-track activities this weekend.”

So far, no problem.

But IndyCar is slapping the wrong people!

Because the engines in question have been changed before they have reached their minimum mileage threshold of 1,850 miles, the cars they powered must take a 10-place grid penalty.

The drivers and teams didn’t blow up… their engines did.

It’s not the drivers and teams fault, so why put them all back 10 grid positions?

Fine the engine manufacturer? I dunno….

IndyCar says the rule is designed to cut costs my ensuring engines last a while.

Nothing wrong with that,  but penalizing the drivers and teams when this is clearly a manufacturing fault is wrong, and IndyCar needs to change this rule.

Now.

ET