Feb 2nd, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Delaware Speedway is taking a year off as a NASCAR sanctioned track in the  NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.  After discussions with NASCAR officials in Daytona Beach, speedway officials were unable to come to a resolution to meet NASCAR sanction requirements with the shorter schedule planned for the 2012 season at Delaware Speedway.

“We are new to this business and we need to get our feet wet,” explained track owner Mannie deMelo.  “The decision has nothing to do with not wanting to be involved with NASCAR. We will work with NASCAR to see if our concerns can be addressed in the future”

Key to the decision was changes to the track’s schedule which, after competitor consultation, reduced the number of races for its top-tier Late Model racing series.  As a result, the track would be unable to complete the mandated 14 races required by the NASCAR Weekly series.  Furthermore, it would be difficult for the track to complete the 18 races necessary for Delaware Speedway drivers to be competitive in national rankings.

“For a driver to be truly competitive in NASCAR’s national rankings, they must complete at least 18 races or more,” explained track PR director John Houghton.  “With Delaware’s shortened schedule, it would be extremely difficult to complete this mandate in a way that is effective for fans and drivers.”

Delaware Speedway has enjoyed the benefits of its partnership with NASCAR and plans to retain a positive relationship moving forward.  The change in sanctioning will not have an effect on the track’s scheduled NASCAR Canadian Tire Series event and all weekly programs will continue as scheduled.  Speedway officials have left the door open on the possibility of rejoining the NASCAR Weekly Series program in the future if solutions to the track and NASCAR’s shared challenges can be found.

“For Delaware Speedway’s drivers, fans, and new owners the 2012 season is about building the strength of their weekly racing program,” said Houghton.  “We have every expectation that this will be an excellent season.”

About Delaware Speedway: Delaware Speedway is a half-mile paved oval stock-car track located just west of London, Ontario, Canada. Since 1952, Delaware Speedway has been the home to some of the best stock car racing in Canada. Its unique natural amphitheatre-like setting allows a family or group of friends to enjoy exciting, comfortable and affordable evening or afternoon of action at the track.

About the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series: The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (NWAAS) is a national championship program for more than 50 sanctioned tracks across North America.  As part of the program, drivers compete for track, state/provincial, and national championship points.  Approximately 10,000 drivers participate in the program.  In 2011, the series featured three Canadian tracks including Delaware Speedway.

Delaware Media Inquiries: John Houghton (519) 652-5068 Ext 201 / info@delawarespeedway.com

Missing at this time are:

Trailer: a custom built 27 ft Atlas, pewter in colour, has diamond plating on the front and side, it has a detachable hitch assembly on the front, a 5 ft V nose and a ramp on/off.
Various parts and storage: spare body, tools, saws, piano, jacks, hoses, ladder, microwave oven.
Vehicle: #44 Junior Late Model with GX270 Honda engine with electric start.

“The loss of a race vehicle is always unfortunate,” explained Junior Division instructor John Houghton.  “The disappearance of the car is even more keenly felt when it is part of our Junior Racing program.”

The vehicle was run in the 2011 season by Jacob Campbell, who competed in the Junior Division (ages 8-12) for his rookie season.

“These are unique cars,” explained Houghton.  “There are only about 35 of these cars in the province.  They are custom built for the kids programs at Delaware and Grand Bend.”

The Campbell family is especially hopeful that somehow Jacob’s car will be returned.

CLICK HERE TO FILE YOUR ONLINE INTENT TO COMPETE FORM TODAY!

• The 2012 Season will feature competition similar to the full-speedway format used at the Pumpkin Smasher (feature races will not contain barrel turns / stop boxes)
• For all intents and purposes, the Chaos Cars and Bone Stocks should now be considered one series – - the emphasis being placed on the Bone Stock format as seen in October.  Classic Chaos formats may be used as some type of qualifying to secure preferred starting spots in the feature race.  Discussion and feedback to be received at meeting.
• The feature format will have minor corrections and adjustments based on the previous event, to be discussed at the driver’s meeting.
• Vehicle eligibility rules will be staying roughly the same (completely stock 4 & 6 cylinder cars) with some minor balance corrections.
• Vehicle numbers will be required in 2012, however cars should still retain a name and theme.
• Competitors putting together vehicles for the new season are safe to use the existing rulebook located here.
• All competitors should file an easy to fill out online intent to compete as soon as possible.

KEY UPDATES FROM DRIVER’S MEETING

• With the change in format, 360 degree rub rail (bumper car) systems will no longer be permitted.  All bumpers must fit under the stock plastic bumper cover.  A stock or similar protective plastic bumper cover should be used in most cases.  A more detailed wording will be added to the rulebook to show this update.
• The series will be drafting some updates to handle higher-performance 4 and 6 cylinder cars.  The series continues to reserve the right to slow vehicles which are deemed overly-competitive in the spirit of the division.

Questions?  Contact John Houghton (519) 652-5068 Ext 201, or e-mail john@delawarespeedway.com.

We look forward to having you compete this season!

The meetings will take place at Firerock Golf Club, 10345 Oxbow Dr, Komoka.  View google map.

The meetings will take place at Firerock Golf Club, 10345 Oxbow Dr, Komoka.  View google map.

The meeting will take place at Firerock Golf Club, 10345 Oxbow Dr, Komoka.  View google map.

The meeting will take place at Firerock Golf Club, 10345 Oxbow Dr, Komoka.  View google map.

“Already we’re receiving a lot of great input from competitors about what’s been working for them in the past and where they see room for improvement,” explained PR director John Houghton.  “All drivers, whether they are active in current speedway programs or whether raced in previous years should have their voices heard by filling out this consultation.”

To ensure that all the track’s valued drivers have the opportunity to participate in this consultation, the survey is also being made available online.  Competitors filling out the website version of the consultation will be asked for their e-mail address so that they can be added to the correct e-mail list for future mailings and consultations.

“Any competitor that chooses not to fill out a consultation is letting other drivers speak for them,” explained Houghton.  “This is an exciting time in speedway history and each driver needs to take this opportunity to have their input taken into account.”

Two important notes:

- This is not a fan survey.  Fan input is always welcome at info@delawarespeedway.com.

- Driver’s who received their survey link by e-mail should use that e-mail link to fill out their survey which will automatically register their e-mail address as correct on the competitor database.

SURVEY WINDOW IS NOW CLOSED
SURVEYS WERE OFFICIALLY ACCEPTED UNTIL JAN 15, 2011

Competitor Polls and Surveys:

Reminder to all active race teams that the track will be conducting surveys through the e-mail addresses you provided at the meeting.  All teams are strongly encouraged to participate in this polling which will help to provide a basis for agendas and proposals to be discussed at the January meeting dates.  If your race team did not register at the meeting to participate in the polling, you may have yourself added to the list by e-mailing info@delawarespeedway.com.

E-mail Newsletter:

As a follow up from the general meeting, competitors who have not signed up for the Delaware Insider Newsletter are encouraged to do so here to receive the most up to date information on the track.  The newsletter is sent out weekly during the season.

Rules Meeting Dates for Divisions are as follows:

Late Model – Monday, January 16, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Super Stock – Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Trucks – Monday, January 23, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Enduro & Bone Stocks – Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 7:00 pm

The meetings will take place at Firerock Golf Club, 10345 Oxbow Dr, Komoka.  View google map.

We look forward to continue working with you to make the 2012 season a successful and fun one for all involved.