For the first time since 2006, the tight bullring west of the LiftlockCity will feature the popular class and track owner/promoter J.P. Josiasse says the move has kept everyone busy getting things prepared for the Victoria Day Weekend lid-lifter.

“We’ve had a number of drivers commit to running the season with us,” said Josiasse.  “First on that list would be 2012 Kawartha track champion Matt Spence of Bailieboro.  It’ll actually be a homecoming for Matt, who began his career running here.  The pack will also include Omemee’s Craig Scott and although it’s hard to predict the actual numbers until opening night, I think we’ll have a strong Thunder Car field throughout out the year.”

Peterborough Speedway’s team is doing everything they can to make the new season one of the best in the history of the track.  Their most recent coup is the introduction of Paul Davis Systems as the sponsor of the Thunder Car division.  The restoration specialists – with locations across the country, including Paul Davis Systems of Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes – at 4 Loop Line in Omemee offers disaster, fire and flood refurbishment services for property owners and insurance professionals.  Learn more by visiting www.pds.ca or calling 705.799.7777.  Area manager Ralph Gottschalk is looking forward to being part of the upcoming agenda.

“It’s an excellent opportunity to make our name known to even more people,” said Gottschalk.  “Whenever a Thunder Car takes a lap at the track this year, there’ll be a Paul Davis Systems banner across the top of the windshield.  That will help create even more awareness to the services we offer.”

In addition to lending their nation-wide brand to the return of the Thunder Cars, Paul Davis Systems will also take on the responsibilities of the track’s official clean-up crew.  The race night team needs to be prepared for almost anything and being ready to roll the minute the yellow flag flies is great news for the race teams and fans and should keep down-time to a minimum.

Country 105 presents Peterborough Speedway’s 2013 season opener – with free spectator grandstand admission – Saturday, May 18^th.  Gates open at 4:00, with racing starting at 6:00.  Fans can follow the track on Facebook and Twitter and look to www.peterboroughspeedway.com for the latest news and schedule information.

While he originally used sheet metal from a 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass on his ride, Price – a long-time classic automobile aficionado – chose to combine his passions to start the 2009 season, with a body from a 1955 Pontiac on the Thunder Car.  By the end of 2011, those panels were starting to show some battle scars and were replaced with 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air components to start the 2012 session.  Price says it’s almost a full-time job keeping the car on the track.

“In school, they teach you to look where you want to go while driving.  I think a lot of the other drivers wanted to go into the side of my car,” said Price with a laugh.  “Over the first couple of years with the Pontiac body panels on the car, we were collected in some of the hardest crashes in my career.  In many cases, I got caught-up in someone else’s issue, but 1955 fenders and doors aren’t that easy to find, so I needed to change the body at the start of last year.”

Over the years, the 36 year-old Hydro One lineman has raced Mini Stocks, Challenger/Limited Late Models, Late Models and Super Lates at just about every paved speedway in the province.  Recently, he’s tried his hand at dirt track Endurance events at venues in Ontario and New YorkState.  Price – who enjoys tinkering with hot rods, dirt biking and skiing in his spare time – says he likes the cars, the people and the family involvement that comes with short track racing.

“My wife Erin and daughter Cambrie come with me almost every time and every where I race,” said Price.  “My brother Donovan runs with the Ontario Legends Series and I’ve met so many great people over the years.  It’s a big thrill to see someone else race in my car; especially if they’re faster than I am.  No matter where I go, just coming through the pit gates gives me butterflies and I hope that feeling never goes away.”

Like every driver, Dan Price has a racing ‘bucket list’ and would like to see an event at Eldora; just as a fan.  As a competitor, he hopes to some day turn a few laps at New Smyrna (Florida), Kalamazoo (Michigan) and a wide range of other circuits.  In a perfect world, he’d like to see the pavement tracks band together – much like dirt tracks have – to create a more uniform set of rules that would allow drivers to travel a little more.  He would also like to see cars go through more detailed pre and post race technical inspections.

For his 2013 season at Peterborough Speedway, his Thunder Car will carry sponsor support from Langille’s Scrap, Desjardins Financial – Ajax, Hy-Hope Farm Market and Golf Course and A & T Mechanical, with promotional assistance by Clarke Motorsports Communications.  In the garage and at the track, maintenance will be handled by the driver, with his wife, daughter and brother Donovan, as well as friend James Wills.

Fans can follow Dan Price on Facebook or Twitter @danpriceracing. Prospective sponsors interested in joining the #09 team should e-mail Topgearwfo@live.com.

The new campaign at Peterborough Speedway kicks-off as Country 105 presents the 2013 season opener – with free spectator grandstand admission – Saturday May 18^th.  Pit gates open at 2:00. Spectator gates at 4:00, with racing at 6:00.  For complete schedule details and the latest news, see www.peterboroughspeedway.com.

This year’s winter months were especially busy for owner/promoter J.P. Josiasse and his team at Canada’s Toughest 1/3^rd Mile Oval.  The return of the Thunder Car class meant updating a rulebook and registering drivers.  There will also be new runners in other classes, making for an exciting time of year for the tight bullring on Mount Pleasant Road, west of the LiftlockCity.  Even with all the changes, some things will remain the same.  The promotional team is very pleased to announce the return of Vanguard Self Storage as the title sponsor for the Late Model division.

“We’re thrilled to have Vanguard Self Storage back with us for 2013,” said Josiasse.  “A solid support program is as important for the speedway as it is for the drivers who race here.  Our Late Model field could have as many as 10 new drivers this year.  That will make for some exhilarating battles on a week-to-week basis and a championship chase that could go right down to the final night of the year.”

Located at 1604 Chemong Road in Peterborough, Vanguard Self Storage has offered area residents modern, safe, clean and convenient storage units, with sizes to suit everyone’s needs since 2008.  For more information, visit www.vanguardselfstorage.ca or call 705.741.2002.  Company vice president Bert Grant says everyone at Vanguard Self Storage is looking forward to the new season and being part of the Peterborough Speedway program.

“The staff and I are eager for the year to get rolling,” said Grant.  “We’re happy to return as the Late Model division’s sponsor for a second consecutive season and wish all drivers the best of luck throughout the year.”

Country 105 presents Peterborough Speedway’s 2013 season opener – with free spectator grandstand admission – Saturday, May 18^th.  Gates open at 4:00, with racing starting at 6:00.  Fans can follow the track on Facebook and Twitter and look to www.peterboroughspeedway.com for the latest news and schedule information.

“Kid’s Race is all about accepting our loved ones with autism,” said Fougere.  “We couldn’t ask for a better place in the Kawartha’s to host our special event.  The wonderful people at Peterborough Speedway have opened their doors and more importantly, their hearts to our cause.”

Kid’s Race was started in 2010 as an idea to create a new platform for autism research and awareness.  It wasn’t too long after speaking with – and working alongside track owners, officials, drivers, crews and fans that a common bond was formed.  Everyone associated with the event quickly realized that passion, dedication, family and a love for what they do is something everyone shared.  Peterborough Speedway owner/promoter J.P. Josiasse says the Autism Awareness Night is an informative and educational event for everyone who comes through the gates.

“Our drivers, teams, crew members, sponsors and fans are quick to throw their support behind a worthwhile cause,” said Josiasse.  “Even if a member of your family hasn’t been affected by autism, you probably know someone who has and whatever we can do to help the Canadian National Autism Foundation is a win-win situation for everyone involved.”

On track action for Saturday, July 6^th at Peterborough Speedway will feature Battlefield Four Fun, Peterborough Hyundai Mini Stock, Moi Parry Spring Service Renegade Truck and Vanguard Self Storage Late Model divisions.  In addition, the Ontario Legends will make one of their 7 visits to the track during 2013 and there will also be kid’s rides.  A meet and greet with the drivers is also scheduled from 6:00 to 7:00.  Pit gates will open at 3:00, with the spectator grandstands unlocked at 5:00.

To learn more about Kid’s Race, visit www.kidsrace.ca or call 888.977.RACE (7223).  The Canadian National Autism Foundation web-site is www.cnaf.net.

“They’ve been an advertiser in our weekly magazine for a number of years, so they’re obviously a strong supporter of what we do,” said Josiasse.  “It will be great to welcome the team from the local branch of Attersley Tire to Peterborough Speedway for an amazing night of action, topped-off with a 100 lapper for the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup.”

With a store at 677 Crown Drive in Peterborough – as well as locations in Port Perry and Oshawa – Attersley Tire offers a full line of passenger car, light truck, commercial and farm tires.  You’ll also find a selection of wheels and rims for all vehicles.  Attersley Tire provides 24 hour roadside assistance with a fully-stocked fleet of vehicles to take care of any need and keep down-time to a minimum.  Call 800.860.5486 anytime of the day or night.  Area store manager Logan Shearer says he and his team are looking forward to their night at the track.

“We’ve always had some solid customer feedback from our program ads, so we figured it was time to get involved a little more and when the event sponsorship opportunity came along, it was the perfect chance,” said Shearer.  “Motorsport supporters are very loyal to the brands, products and services they’ve have a positive experience with and spending the night taking in a great night of racing at Peterborough Speedway is a terrific way to build the Attersley Tire name.  J.P. and his people have some big plans in store for the 2013 season.  We’re excited to be part of the team and welcome our customers and friends to Attersley Tire night at the speedway Saturday, August 10^th.

After finishing 4^th in championship points and earning a popular first career trip to the winner’s circle during the 2012 campaign, Amanda Connolly will have the hometown crowd in her corner when the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup pack rolls into the bullring west of the Liftlock City.  In addition to the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup, the Saturday, August 10^th show will also include Battlefield Equipment Rental Four Fun, Moi Parry Spring Service Renegade Trucks, Thunder Cars, Hurricane Midgets and King of the Hill.  Pit gates open at 2:00; spectator grandstands are unlocked at 5:00 with the first green flag at 6:00.

Follow Peterborough Speedway on Facebook or Twitter and be sure to bookmark www.peterboroughspeedway.com to keep up with the latest news throughout the year.

FRIDAY OCT. 5

PIT GATE OPENS               10:00 AM

TECH LANE OPENS          10:30 AM

PRACTICE STARTS           1:00 PM

PRO LM

TH

MODS

MS

LM

4F

SLM

RT

HURRICANES

PRACTICE ENDS              5:00 PM

DRIVERS MEETING           5:30  PM

RT HEAT (1)                         6:00 – 6:05

PRO LM HEATS (3)             6:05 – 6:30

MS HEATS (6)                      6:30 – 7:20

MODIFIEDS (2)                    7:20 – 7:35

RT INV. HEAT (1)                 7:35 – 7:40

TH HEATS (4)                       7:40 – 8:10

LM HEATS (4)                      8:10 – 8:40

RT FEATURE 20                 8:40 – 8:50

4F HEATS (2)                       8:50 – 9:10

LIVE MUSIC TO FOLLOW IN BARN

PIT GATE OPENS               10:00 AM

PRACTICE

4F                                      12:30 – 12:40

SLM                                       12:40 – 12:50

HURRICANES                    12:50 – 12:55

PRO LM.                                12:55 – 1:05

TH                                          1:05 – 1:15

MODIFIED                            1:15 – 1:25

MS                                         1:25 – 1:35

LM.                                          1:35 – 1:45

2^ND ROUND PRACTICE TIME PERMITTING

4F                                      1:55 – 2:00

SLM                                       2:00 – 2:10

HURRICANES                    2:10 – 2:15

PRO LM.                                2:15 – 2:20

TH                                          2:20 – 2:25

MODIFIED                            2:25 – 2:30

MS                                         2:30 – 2:35

LM.                                          2:35 – 2:40

 TRACK IS CLOSED AT 2:40 PM

STAFF MEETING                2:45 PM

DRIVERS MEETING          3:00  PM

SLMHEATS (3)                   3:30 – 4:05

HURRICANE            (2)                  4:05 – 4:20

PRO LM HEATS (3)             4:20 – 4:45

TH HEATS (4)                      4:45 – 5:15

MODIFIEDS (2)                   5:15 – 5:30

HURRICANE (2)                 5:30 – 5:45

LM HEATS (4)                      5:45 – 6:15

MS HEATS (6)                     6:15 – 7:00

SLMHEATS (3)                   7:00 – 7:35

4F HEATS (2)                      7:35 – 7:50

TH B 20 LAP                         7:50 – 8:10

HURRICANE FEATURE    8:10 – 8:30

1) MS  B  20 LAP                  8:30 – 8:50

LM – Last Chance                     8:50 – 9:10

2) MS  B  20 LAP                  9:10 – 9:25

PRO LM – Last Chance          9:25 – 9:40

MODIFIEDS – Last Chance   9:40 – 9:55

PIT GATE OPENS              10:00 AM

DRIVERS MEETING          11:45

(BASE OFPITTOWER)

FEATURES

LM 75 LAP                            12:30 – 1:30

THUNDER 50 LAP              1:40 – 2:25

MODIFIEDS 50 LAP            2:35 – 3:20

MINI STOCK 50 LAP           3:30 – 4:10

OSCAAR SLM 50 LAP       4:20 – 5:20

PRO LM 112 LAP                5:30 – 7:00

FOUR FUN 40 LAP             7:10 – 7:35

20^TH ANNUAL

AUTUMN COLOURS CLASSIC

PITS OPEN -           2:00 PM

PRACTICE -            3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

OSCAAR -                              3:00 – 3:10

FOUR FUN -                         3:10 – 3:15

MINI STOCK                         3:15 – 3:20

RENEGADE’S                        3:20 – 3:25

LATE MODEL                       3:25 – 3:30

OSCAAR -                              3:30 – 3:40

FOUR FUN -                         3:40 – 3:45

MINI STOCK                         3:45 – 3:50

RENEGADE’S                        3:40 – 3:55

LATE MODEL                       3:55 – 4:00

OSCAAR -                              4:00 – 4:10

FOUR FUN -                         4:10 – 4:15

MINI STOCK                         4:15 – 4:20

RENEGADE’S                        4:20 – 4:25

LATE MODEL                       4:25 – 4:30

OSCAAR -                              4:30 – 4:40

FOUR FUN -                         4:40 – 4:45

MINI STOCK                         4:45 – 4:50

RENEGADE’S                        4:40 – 4:55

LATE MODEL                       4:55 – 5:00

PTBO DRIVERS MEETING   5:30 PM

PARADE LAP                         5:55 PM

RACING STARTS                   6:00 PM