Members are reminded that this month's general meeting will take place tomorrow night, Monday, March 17, 2008 in the John Remai Center starting at 7:00 pm. The John Remai Center is located at 1902 Cynthia Street. Entrance is via the door at the back of the building. This is a great opportunity to get updated on the latest happenings.  

Car enthusiasts won't want to miss this year's edition of the Draggins Rod & Custom Car Show which takes place this Friday and Saturday, March 21 & 22 at the Prairieland Park. For more information, please click here.  

The first driver to register a car for the 2008 race season at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway is a newcomer to the driving scene, 33 year old Curtis Moore. Moore has registered the #17 Advantage Collision Caprice in the Hertz Equipment Rental Thunder Stock Division. Besides Advantage Collision & Paint, Moore says that Cooke Insurance, Brad's Towing, 8th Street RV, OK Tire on 8th, Auto Body Specialties, and LB Signs are currently on board as sponsors of his race team. Driving a 1978 Chev Caprice, Moore has set one goal for this season, "to have an awesome time with friends and family, and hopefully win a race or 2."  Moore is not without any racing experience as he has raced in a couple of Enduro's before. Moore's decision to register for the season was in part due to the encouragement of Cory Kallis. [Thanks Cory]. 

Three members of the #55 Square Wheel Special team that raced from 1962 to 1967 have made their way to the SSCRA History Wall. Driver, Ken Holmes, Jr, Crew Chief Ken Holmes, Sr and pit crew member Winston Sisetki are the latest stock car enthusiasts to be confirmed on the History Wall.

Also confirmed are members of the #37 Thunder team, Brien Wilson and Wayne Taylor, Taylor's name being added in memory of him. Larry Fletcher from LB Signs is also confirmed as is John Riggs, owner and driver of the #75 car that raced at the 8th Street Motordrome.

These 8 new names bring the total names confirmed to date to 63, which is 25% of the committee's goal of 256 names on the wall by the first race of the 2008 season on May 11th. Click here to view the History Wall.

Auto Clearing Motor Speedway has teamed up with SARBI to co-host a LAPS Walk on Sunday June 22, 2008. The day will include a multitude of events including a 10K LAPS Race before breakfast, a breakfast, a guest speaker, 10K Bike Race and Para Olympic Race after breakfast and then of course the LAPS Walk itself. Watch for more information as details are confirmed.

With the start of the 2008 race season now just 70 days away - it's time to start thinking about renewing or purchasing season tickets for this year's race season. Season ticket purchasers save around 30% off of normal gate prices and guarantee the holder the same seat every race. There is no need to come early to get a good seat. The number of seats taken up by season ticket purchasers increased last year so don't delay if you have your eye on a particular seat. For a list of current season ticket allocations please click here. 

All purchasers of season tickets that purchase their tickets by the end of the season opener on Sunday, May 11 will have their names go into a draw for some souvenir merchandise prizes. All 2007 season tickets holder have until April 30, 2008 to renew their seat for 2008.

To order season tickets, you can download the 2008 Season Ticket Order Form, fill it out and fax (306.956.7353) it into our business office. It can also be dropped off at the office which is located at 112C - 116 Research Dr in Saskatoon.  If you have any questions you can call the office at 651-FAST or 956.7353 or send us an email.

The SSCRA History Wall Committee is pleased to report that they  now have 55 names confirmed on the History Wall. Amongst the latest names to be confirmed are current vice-president Brent Olson and Bruce Trost.

Also confirmed are five members of the Turanich family; John Sr, John F., John P., Sherry, and Chris Brookman (Gourlay). The Committee's goal is still to have 256 names on the wall by the first race of the 2008 season on May 11th, so you better act fast to make sure you get the spot you want. Click here to view the History Wall.

SSCRA expresses its condolences to Brad Cross and his family on the recent passing of his wife Carey Ann McKenzie-Cross. Brad raced with Don Pogoda and also his brother Pat Cross a few years back. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 1st at 1:00 p.m. at Lakeview Free Methodist Church (Just off highway 16 at Boychuk South) with Pastor Dean Angell presiding.

In late January 2008, officials from the Automobile Racing Club of America announced the expansion of the ARCA West Late Model Challenge Series. Under the terms of the expansion, the former NEWALTA Late Model Challenge Series will combine with ARCA West to become the ARCA West Late Model Challenge Series in 2008.

“Uniting the NEWALTA LMCS with the ARCA West Late Model Challenge Series will strengthen the ARCA brand and Late Model Racing in the Northwest,” said Richard Michaud, president of ARCA West. “We’re excited about the opportunities this merger presents.”

The former NEWALTA LMCS, the largest touring stock car series in Western Canada in recent years, has a technical and procedural rules package very similar to that of the ARCA West LMCS. Plans call for standalone events in both Canada and the U.S. as well as a number of companion events.

The 2008 schedule, which will be released in full in the coming weeks, is expected to include venues that were on the 2007 NEWALTA LMCS Schedule as well as the ARCA West tour, plus the possible addition of some new venues.

Craig Ball has been appointed director of racing for all of ARCA West’s operations in Canada.

"The partnership with ARCA West enhances our commitment to the sport of stock car racing in Canada," said Ball. "I believe the timing is perfect and it provides the drivers, teams and corporate partners of the Series a new level of challenge and opportunity in oval racing in North America."

The ARCA West Late Model Challenge Series features template bodied, straight rail late models with drivers from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada competing in a fast, fun and affordable touring series. The series is a licensee of the nationally-based Automobile Racing Club of America and provides a West coast connection to the ARCA Sanctioning body.

For more information on the ARCA West Late Model Challenge Series, visit www.latemodelchallenge.com. For information on ARCA, visit www.arcaracing.com .

Organizers of last Sunday's Daytona 500 Party at the Travelodge, Doug Cooper and Laurel Thompson, wish to thank everyone that attended. Just over 100 avid race fans came out to watch an exciting start to the 2008 NASCAR season. By all accounts the steak dinner was great, the refreshments were cold, and there was great fellowship enjoyed by everyone in attendance. We don't have a list of all the door prize winners but we do know that Lawrence Nugent, Lewis Nugent, Brent Olson, Wayne Schick, and Kevin Nixey, all know their NASCAR drivers - they all took home some prizes for predicting the winners in a series of guessing games. Great fun was had by all!

Todd Jalbert, Director of Junior Racing, Ethics and Displays, is still looking for a Street Stock, a Thunder Stock, and a Mini Stock to participate in the club's display at the Draggin's Rod & Custom Car Show on March 21 and 22. Todd is looking for "Show Quality" vehicles from all six race divisions. Todd can be contacted by phone at either work (249.5678) or home (945.2284) or by email at Jaltronix@sasktel.net or Stickmanracing@hotmail.com

With at least one day of warmer weather hitting us last week, its pretty well time to start thinking about Auto Clearing Motor Speedway's 2008 race season. If you plan on getting behind the wheel of a car or truck this year, great! If you plan on just watching that is great as well.

Early indications are that car counts will be up across the board, with some familiar names getting ready to challenge for the 2008 Championship Trophies. With the addition of some touring groups, our 2008 race schedule promises to provide some real great action week after week.

Drivers, as you do all the work on preparing your car/truck for the race track, please don't forget about the administrative side of your program. In order to be included in the 2008 souvenir race program we will need your car/truck registration paper work as well as picture of yourself and your vehicle by Friday, April 25th. Click here for a Car/Truck Registration Form.

Fans, its not too early to start thinking about confirming your season ticket. 2007 season ticket holders have until April 30th to renew their tickets. Click here for the 2008 Season Ticket Order Form.  

All drivers and interested members are reminded that this month's General Membership meeting is on Monday, February 18th at the John Remai Centre, located at 510 Cynthia St (behind the Travelodge). Please use the night entrance at the back of the building. 

The 2008 race schedule has been amended - the Tiger Automotive Street Stocks will now race on Saturday May 31st instead of Saturday June 7th. This change has been made to balance out the two race dates with three divisions racing on each night. To view the updated schedule please click here.

Todd Jalbert, Director of Junior Racing, Ethics and Displays, is now accepting expressions on interest from those that would like to have their car/truck included in the club's display at the Draggin's Rod & Custom Car Show on March 21 and 22. Todd is looking for "Show Quality" vehicles from all six race divisions.

Todd also requires some volunteer man/woman power to help set up/take down and be present during the show. If anyone has any video footage from Auto Clearing Motor Speedway to include in a video presentation that would be gladly accepted as well.

Todd can be contacted by phone at either work (249.5678) or home (945.2284) or by email at Jaltronix@sasktel.net or Stickmanracing@hotmail.com

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is your last chance to purchase tickets for the Daytona Party Steak Night tickets. Tickets are available from Shawn, at Hill's Service (3111 Millar Ave N), Trent at Prairie Pawn Shop (Ave H and 20th), Jim at Streetwise Service (417 - 42A St), as well as members of the Executive Committee or Doug Cooper and Laurel Thompson. You can also send us am email saying you want tickets.

Can't make it to Daytona for the kick-off of the 2008 NASCAR season?

Then head on over to Rodeo's at the Travelodge for the next best thing. For only $12 you get a good meal (steak, salad and potatoes) and one Labatt's product of your choice as well as the big race on the big screen.

You can also cash in on the 50/50 or a couple of race pools, and maybe even win a door prize or two. The race starts at 2:30 pm so get there around 1:00 pm to make sure you get fed before the race starts and get a good seat.

Tickets are available from Shawn, at Hill's Service (3111 Millar Ave N), Trent at Prairie Pawn Shop (Ave H and 20th), Jim at Streetwise Service (417 - 42A St), as well as members of the Executive Committee or Doug Cooper and Laurel Thompson. You can also send us am email saying you want tickets.

At tonight's General Membership meeting, Competition Chair Richard Woodvine, outlined the rule changes that have been approved for the 2008 race season. The changes as well as the entire 2008 rule packages can now be accessed on-line from the Rules section of this web site. Should you have any questions on any of the rules please feel free to contact either Richard Woodvine or the Junior Director on the Competition Committee Cliff Pompu.

At 7 years of age Milan Jablan is a four year motorcycle riding veteran. Jablan started riding motorcycles competitively when he was only 3 years old. His first bike was a Yamaha PW50. His next bike was a Yamaha TTR50 and he now rides a KTM 50SX Senior.

Jablan competes locally with the Saskatoon Track and Trail Club and also on the provincial level (CMRC).  The provincial race circuit consists of 12 races across the province, with morning practices and then two-12 minute races in the afternoon, on tracks that are much similar to the ones that adults race on; only shorter. Typical track layouts include single and double jumps, whoop sections and a lot of corners. Racing is fierce, with usually 15 to 20 racers on the start line each race.

In spite of only being 50cc bikes, the bikes that juniors, such as Milan, race are serious motocross machines. In some sections the kids reach the same speeds as adults.

Jablan is the 2006 Saskatoon Peewee Champion and finished 3rd provincially after competing in all 12 provincial events. Besides motocross Milan plays soccer, practices gymnastics, rides snowmobile and likes to play with his logo blocks. In his spare time he gives his father, local Western Elite driver Goran Jablan some driving tips. Way to go Milan!  Click here to see Milan and his motocross trophies  

All drivers and interested members are reminded that these is a General Membership meeting tonight at the John Remai Centre, located at 510 Cynthia St (behind the Travelodge). Please use the night entrance at the back of the building. Rule changes and the 2008 schedule will be among the items presented.

The Competition Committee is now seeking volunteers to fulfill various trackside positions during the 2008 race season at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway. If you are interested in stock car racing, can work in a team environment, and have some free time, we can use your help. If you have previous experience all the better. All you have to do at this point is let us know that you are interested. This can be done by completing the on-line application form by clicking here. 

As this year's race schedule will span 22 weekends, from May 11 through to October 5, we are seeking a sufficient number of volunteers such that can develop a schedule for the season whereby no one individual will be required at every race day (unless of course they want to be). For more information or clarification on various positions please contact either the chair of the Competition Committee Richard Woodvine at sscra@richardw.ca or the Committee's Junior Director Cliff Pompu at poo670@shaw.ca.

Friday and Saturday night races at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway will all start a little later this summer.  Friday night racing will start at 7:30 PM, a half hour later than in previous years and the green flag will drop at 7:00 PM on Saturday night, an hour later than last year. "We hope that starting our races a little later will provide both our racers and our fans a bit more time to get to the track to take in all the action" said club President Andrew Clewes.

Auto Clearing Motor Speedway's 2008 Race Schedule kicks off on Sunday May 11 and runs through to the Ultimate Enduro on Sunday October 5. A total of 22 race dates are on the 2008 Race Schedule with 10 of these dates being Regular Events and 12 being Special Events. "Although we have made every effort to improve the quality of all our shows we really think that this year's 12 Special Events will provide a measure of excitement beyond that of our regular shows" notes Competition Committee Chair Richard Woodvine.

Included in the 12 Special Events are 6 visits by the Siemens Western Elite StockCar Tour, 2 Late Model Challenge Series races, the Martensville 100 Street Stock Invitational, the IMCA Racing Series, and 2 visits by the Super Truck Racing Series. The Super Truck Racing Series will also be on hand racing with the WEST cars on two other occasions.

The Ultimate Enduro and Mac's Froster 50 will be Regular Events in 2008, not because of a decreased program, but merely to provide more regularly priced events for our race fans.

Both the Siemens Western Elite StockCar Tour and Late Model Challenge Series Points Final will be held at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway. To view the 2008 Race Schedule, please click here.

Over the Christmas season the #47 Super Late Model race car changed hands. Former owner of the car, Ron Kelly, reports "I sold the car to Doug Bienia, another local Super Late Model racer. I raced against Doug for 10 years, he's a a really good person and a great racer. Doug always liked our car and is even talking about leaving the current black and yellow paint scheme in tack."

Kelly adds, "It's kind of strange going out to the garage and not seeing the car there anymore. But on the other hand we can now park other vehicles in there." Although Ron Kelly has retired from driving, the Kelly Racing Team remains committed to putting on the 2008 version of the Kelly Racing Annual Charity Golf Tournament  this summer. Watch for information on this great event towards the end of February.

With the New Year now well upon us, the SSCRA History Wall Committee is pleased to confirm that the total number of names approved for inclusion on the wall now stands at 48, almost 20% of the Committee's initial target of 256 names.

There is definitely some history in the some of the names recently confirmed. The names of Oscar Olson and Norm Hill take us back to the days of the 8th Street Motordrome and the start of Bridge City Speedway. A plaque in memory of Past President George Fry will certainly cause many to recall the building of Bridge city Speedway. another Past President, and current pace car driver Ron Just's name now appears on the wall.

Stockette Club member Phyllis Bakke's name has found a home on the History Wall. The names of Marie Tymchatyn, Ken Barteski, Lewis Nugent, Lawrence Nugent, Mike Gustus, and Barry Stefaniuk will also be going up on the wall.  

Best wishes are extended to club member Heather Skakun's father who was recently hospitalized.

A total of 26 people were on hand at the 2008 Driver Seminar held at the Sandman Hotel on Saturday.  The day was broken up into two segments, a marketing segment in the morning and a car set-up driving tips segment in the afternoon. Club marketing and business development manager, Herm Hordal led the morning session and veteran driver, Alex Leschenko led the afternoon session. Dan Shirley and Roland Thiessen also contributed to the agenda.

15 people have registered thus far for tomorrow's Drivers' Seminar. If you haven't already registered and are thinking of being their you may want to consider registering in advance because we may only be able to handle another 15 or so people. To register please send us an email.

The seminar starts at 9:00 am and is being held at the Sandman Hotel.

With the New Year now well upon us, the SSCRA History Wall Committee is pleased to confirm that the total number of names approved for inclusion on the wall now stands at 48, almost 20% of the Committee's initial target of 256 names.

There is definitely some history in the some of the names recently confirmed. The names of Oscar Olson and Norm Hill take us back to the days of the 8th Street Motordrome and the start of Bridge City Speedway. A plaque in memory of Past President George Fry will certainly cause many to recall the building of Bridge city Speedway. another Past President, and current pace car driver Ron Just's name now appears on the wall.

Stockette Club member Phyllis Bakke's name has found a home on the History Wall. The names of Marie Tymchatyn, Ken Barteski, Lewis Nugent, Lawrence Nugent, Mike Gustus, and Barry Stefaniuk will also be going up on the wall.  

Registrations are now being taken for Auto Clearing Motor Speedway's Driver Seminar that is scheduled for Saturday January 12. The seminar will cover marketing related topics in the morning and driving related topics in the afternoon.  A registration fee of $25 is being charged to cover the cost of the meeting room and lunch. To register please send us an email with your name and contact information.

While the marketing portion of the seminar is designed to help you maximize the sponsorship dollars you are able to generate, the driving portion of the seminar will touch on car set up, driving tips, practice techniques and team management to name a few. If there is a particular topic that you would like to see covered in the seminar please send us an email letting us know about it so we can add it to the agenda.

We hear congratulations are in order to Ken Barteski of K3 Kensulting Inc., on becoming a first time grandpa. Ken's daughter Kal gave birth to a baby girl just prior to Christmas.