Findraiser Winners - Congrats Rob and Tori

Congratultions to Rob and Tori Hadley from Quesnel for winning the ARCA OK Tire Series fundraiser draw. It was ticket 73 sold by Peter Ernst. Thanks to everyone who supported the fundraiser.

Race Time Radio Interview with 3 Time Champion Mark Berriau

Tune into race time radio tomorrow at 8.00 AM PST to hear Joe Chisholm inerview three time ARCA OK Tire Series Champion Mark Berriau on Sirius channel 157.

Matt Stephenson in The News

Great article from racing magazine Inside Track - Robert K. Rooney

ARCA OK Tire Series / ASA meeting Coming up

ARCA OK Tire Series racers are invited to a meeting in the lower mainland to discuss joining forces with the BC Latemodel Tour. I am headed down to continue discussions with the ASA driver’s group. Our goal is to get all sportsman cars on the same page and working together in one BC wide touring series. I have already received feedback from many ARCA drivers, and to clarify, this will not change the ARCA Ok Tire Series, dates, or rules, just combine resources. I think this is a great opportunity for sportsman racing in BC. If you would like to provide feedback, please email me at kendallt@wlake.com. The meeting is Sunday December 8 10:00 AM at Advance testing, 9525 189 Street #5, Surrey, BC V4N 5L8.  

Sincerely,

Kendall Thomas

Welcome Gary MacCarthy

The ARCA OK Tire Series would like to welcome Gary MacCarthy as the new president of our racing series. Gary has been a racer for years and has been involved in the WESCAR / ARCA Ok Tire series since its inception. Gary is an accomplished businessman and has a great passion for the sport. We are looking forward to working with Gary to continue to grow and support this great series. I would also like to thank Bob Williams for his many years of ARCA/WESCAR presidency. Bob worked countless hours behind the scenes to ensure the series was the best it could be. Many thanks Bob.

Sincerely,

Kendall Thomas

Goodyear Tire News

Hello Sportsman Racers,

Unfortunately we have received news that Goodyear will no longer be manufacturing most of their short track tires in 2013. This does include the Goodyear tire we have been using for over 15 years. There was some discussion that Goodyear may be supplying a similar tire to a select few series that are under contract with Goodyear. Though this is true, at this time, Goodyear will not commit to increasing production for general sales. We are remaining in contact with Goodyear as well as talking to other tire manufactures to find a tire that will suit our needs. We will keep you posted as we work on the 2013 tire program.

Kendall Thomas

ARCA and WCSS Racers Celebrate the 2012 Race Season

A great banquet was had by all last weekend. The Okanangan street stock association,  the West Coast Sportsman Series and the ARCA OK Tire Sportsman Series came together in Vernon for a great night of awards presentations and good fun bring the 2012 racing season to an official close. The WCSS crowned the 5^th champion of the series with Logan Jewel becoming the first Northern based car to win the big prize. Kalvin Loudoun and Sarah Cornett-Ching picked up second and third respectively. Sportsman of the year was Jeff Cameron, and Barry Clayton collected most improved driver. Cassandra Walker collected up the Rookie of the year trophy. Matt Stephenson gained the most positions in every race to take home the hard charger trophy. Joe Cornett-Ching of ANJ Automotive took home the sponsor of the year trophy for his support of the series. Dale Beisik collected the hard luck trophy.

Mike Ernst Mc’d the OK Tire Series awards. Bob Williams was thanked with a signed helmet from all of the racers, for many years of hard work as president of the series. Mark Berriau earned his third top points championship, only the second driver to accomplish this in the history of the series. Mark was also awarded the most sportsmanlike driver award. Mark thanked his fellow racers as this award is voted on by fellow drivers. Collecting the second place trophy was Ian Graham. The ARCA young gun thanked everyone for a great year and threw down the challenge to Berriau for 2013. Third place hardware was collected by PG racer Logan Jewel. Crew Chief Mark Jewel collected the coveted “crew chief of the year award” for commitment above and beyond. Thanks to all of the sportsman racers who supported the series throughout the year. Thanks also to our loyal sponsors and fans that keep this great series running. Have a great off season, and see you in 2013.      

Award Winners List

Best appearing crew –   09 Ryley Seibert

Most improved driver – 19 Barry Clayton

Most sportsmanlike –    27  Mark Berriau

Best appearing car –      92 Logan Jewel

Rookie of the year –      67 Jeff Cameron – Sponsored by the Red Bluff Pub.

Long Tow award –         22 Chris Babcock

Hard Luck –                   47 Trevor Adelman

Crew chief of the year - Mark Jewel    Sponsor of the year - Greg at Finishline Racing Products.

Top Ten Trophy Winners:

1	27	Mark Berriau           WIN	488	0
2	18	Ian Graham             WIN	458	30
3	92	Logan Jewel            WIN	395	93
4	7	Bob Mear	364	124
5	09	Ryley Seibert	346	142
6	99	Sarah Cornett-Ching	339	149
7	71	Dave Olson              WIN	336	152
8	47	Trevor Adelman	324	164
9	22	Chris Babcock	313	175
10	67	Jeff Cameron	268	220

Two Big Giveaway Draws were on the list also.

Many thanks to Roy and Family at Aarons Furniture for the WCSS - ARCA Driver's JVC Television.

The winner of the draw was Jeff Cameron

The winner of the 2000 dollar Goodyear Racing Tires travel voucher was Barry Clayton.

Great Article From NBC news online from Agassiz

Follow the link http://photoblog.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/13/13846474-racing-through-summer-at-agassiz-speedway#.UFNnsrqnWQ0.mailto

photo from Andy Clark - Rueters

IT'S BANQUET TIME AGAIN

ARCA OK Tire Sportsman Series 2012 Banquet.

Combined with West Coast Sportsman Series and Okanagan Street Stocks

Saturday Oct.27/12 @Village Green Hotel Vernon

Book rooms at 250-542-3321 or 1-800-663-4433 – Mention ARCA for the group rate. Rooms $79.00 + taxes Single or Double Occupancy Rooms must be booked by the 19^th of October.

Ticket price $40.00/person – Contact Brigitte Clayton for tickets barrysplace@telus.net – or phone 250-545-0883

Tickets must purchased by the 19^th of October.

Teams are asked to bring one or two small door prizes.

Evening Schedule

2:00pm - 4:00pm WCSS & ARCA Meeting

4:30pm - 5:30pm Happy Hour (Cash Bar)

5:30pm - 7:00pm Dinner (Chicken and Roast Beef)

7:00pm - 9:00pm Award Ceremonies

9:00pm - 12:30am– Door Prizes, Dancing to Boogie Nights DJ

12:30 Cleanup

Second place equals first in points

ARCA regular Logan jewel finishes second in WCSS points final race and wins the WCSS points championship. The first northern based car to do so In five years of WCSS racing. Congratulation to the Jewel team.

IT'S ON - WCSS Points Final September 22 at Motoplex

WEST COAST SPORTSMAN SERIES

Points Final Weekend September 22

Motoplex Speedway

Sponsored by ANJ Automotive and Finishline Racing Products

$4000 purse split evenly

1 new tire and 3 previously run and marked Goodyear tires.

Come on out and enjoy one last run on the BIG TRACK.

Always a good time, all sportsman racers are welcome

RED BLUFF PUB ROOKIE OF THE YEAR FINAL STANDINGS

Jeff Cameron -   268
Barry Clayton -  260
Cass Walker   -  244 

Congratultions to 2012 Rookie of the year Jeff Cameron. A hard fought battle between the three rookie contenders all season came down to an eight point lead. Jeff battled back from a blown engine, tough luck and even an engine fire to earn the top rookie spot. Thanks to the Red Bluff Pub in Quesnel for their many years of support in the ARCA OK Tire Sportsman Series.

TOP FIVE IN POINTS ARCA OK TIRE 2012

1st    MARK BERRIAU      488
2nd   IAN GRAHAM          458
3rd    LOGAN JEWEL        395
4th    BOB MEAR               364
5th    RYLEY SEIBERT     346  

Third Time's a Charm - Mark Berriau ARCA OK Tire 2012 Champion

For the third time in four years Mark Berriau has captured the ARCA OK Tire Series Points Championship. Driver, car, and sponsors all factor in on Mark's championship win, but in this case the credit may go to a committed crew that refuses to give up. Often championships can be traced back to a defining moment in the season. Marks' may have been in Agassiz when he was involved in an accident that could have easily ended his championship hopes, but a hard working crew put the car together during a red flag delay, allowing Mark to not only finish and collect important points, but race back to second place in the main event. It takes an incredible effort to put together the puzzle pieces of a championship. Congratulations to Mark and his crew on his well-earned championship.

Matt Stephenson Wins Russell L Anderson Memorial 100

ARCA OK Tire Sportsman Series - Russell L Anderson Memorial 100

ARCA OK Tire Series sportsman racers came with their A game for the points championship night at Motoplex Speedway. A night sponsored by Russ Anderson Junior, in the memory of his father, a true race fan. The points were tight going in with Mark Berriau leading Ian Graham by only 16 points. The battle for rookie of the year was even tighter between Jeff Cameron and Barry Clayton separated by only three points. Qualifying was tighter than ever with the majority of the field being separated by half a second. Visiting past champion Korbin Thomas set the fast time at an 18.619, ten one hundredths off of Ian Graham’s track record.

Heat races were fast and competitive as Ryley Seibert took home the checkered in the B heat. The A heat had some fireworks as Trevor Adelman and Sarah Cornett-Ching battled hard for the lead. The two drivers were nose to tail for the first 4 laps until a coming together left Adelman Spinning down the backstretch, the entire field was able to miss him and he continued. Mark Berriau inherited the lead and was able to fend off a hard charging Matt Stephenson and Dave Olson for the win.

A great crowd of fans were treated to the customary 3 wide salute. Bringing the field to green was Jeff Cameron on the pole and Bobby Mear on the outside pole. Into turn one the 7 of Mear passed the 67 of Cameron and took the lead. Right away the 5 car of Williams slid into third with the 47 of Adelman holding second. Williams made the bold move and took the lead on lap 6 and began to run from the field. The pack is tight and the motivated Matt Stephenson hangs it all out and races into third. The 5T of Korbin Thomas, along with the quick qualifiers are racing hard in a tight pack. Lap thirteen, Stephenson into second with sights set on the 5 car of Williams. Looking for every point, the 18 of Graham is working through. Berriau sits in fourth, behind the 18. The 99 of Cornett-Ching and the 12 of Loudoun have been battling hard for lap after lap. WCSS feature winner and contender for the 1000.00 bonus for the win, Logan Jewel is racing the 71 of Dave Olson. Traffic is tight and the passing is tough. Back in the field the 09 of Ryley Seibert is working traffic and passing cars. Into lapped traffic the 18 of Graham passes the 1 and takes second. Graham is fast and is trying to reel in the 5 of Williams. The field is stretching out and the mid pack is hoping for a caution. Their hopes come true with a spinning car on the backstretch bringing out the only caution of the night. Also needing a caution are the 22 of Babcock into the pits for adjustments, the 71 of Olson, and the smoking car of Trevor Adelman, all in for service. The yellow resets the field and the 5 of Williams gives up the hard earned track position.

Back to green, the race is on. Trying to pace the 100 laps and gamble on another caution, Graham goes for it and passes the 5 of Williams, Bringing the 1 car of Stephenson with him. Graham’s got it all on the line. The 92 of Jewel follows the 5T of Thomas and the 27 of Berriau Battling hard. Side by side the battle wages on, with Jewel hoping to be the beneficiary of any contact. No luck as the 5T completes the pass. Lapped cars are factoring in and the lead group is working through. Graham’s car seems to be backing up, and on lap 63 it’s Stephenson into the top spot. Thomas consumes the 18 as does Berriau. Thomas and Berriau now focus on catching the 1 of Stephenson. Through the field the 09 is into sixth, passing better than half the field. The 92 of Jewel is into 4^th passing the 5 of Williams. Laps are winding up and Thomas and Berriau are wishing for a caution to gain track position. No luck with a yellow as the ARCA racers are keeping it fast and clean. 93 laps of green and a fast car have Stephenson in the number one spot. Thomas second, Berriau third, good enough to put his third championship in the bank. Jewel fourth in the race and third in the championship chase, and Seibert into fifth with a last lap pass. Sixth Williams in the 5 car, Seventh a disappointed Ian Graham, still second in the championship running. Eighth local favorite Sarah Cornett-Ching. Ninth Bobby Mear, preserving his fourth spot in the points. Top finishing rookie, Cass Walker with a top ten. The Ford of Dan Ursel 11^th, Dave Olson twelfth, 13^th is WCSS racer Mike Soppit. Rookie champ Jeff Cameron 14^th, New to driving this year and rookie contender Barry Clayton finishes up a great season in 15^th. The “Junkyard Dog” Kalvin Loudoun with a misfiring engine 16^th. The 22 Ford of Chris Babcock hangs on for 17^th, A rookie to ARCA, but no rookie to Motoplex, Super Dave Howarth finishes 18^th, and an oil leak has Trevor Adelman the first car out at lap 46 in 19^th.

Many thanks to all of our sponsors, volunteers, fans and racers for a great season of ARCA OK Tire Series racing. It’s the energy and commitment from all involved that allows is to put on a great show.    

19 Arca cars ready for the championship night

Hello Sportsman racers,

Getting ready for the ARCA OK Tire sportsman Series championship night at Motoplex speedway in Vernon. Thanks to Russ Anderson Junior for sponsoring the event in the memory of his father, Russell L. Anderson, a long time BC race fan. Russ has added a 1000.00 Bonus to any of the WCSS racers who competed on the 25^th of August, if they win the main event on Saturday night. The points race is close throughout the field and we are looking forward to a great night of racing. As always, we invite any and all sportsman racers to come out and enjoy the fun. Good luck to everyone.

See you at the track,

Kendall Thomas

Gates open at 10.00

On track at 12.00

Drivers meeting 4.30

Qualifying 5.30

Racing at 6.30

 *Times subject to change

Russ Anderson Junior Joins The ARCA Team

Russell L. Anderson Memorial 100

True race fan Russ Anderson Junior is making his mark on auto racing in BC. Russ stepped up to sponsor the ARCA OK Tire Sportsman Series points championship night on September 8^th. In memory of Russ’s dad, the race will be the Russell L Anderson Memorial 100. Russ has also included a bonus of 1000.00 dollars to any of the racers who raced the WCSS event on August 25^th If they win the main event on the September 8^th weekend.

With a very tight points battle at play, every lap will be important to ARCA regulars. Only 16 points separate Mark Berriau and Ian Graham for the top spot. Positions third to ninth are hotly contested with less than ten points separating each position. This has been one of the tightest points battles in the history of the series and all racers will be bringing their A game.

The rookie of the year points battle also wages on with Jeff Cameron leading Barry Clayton by 3 points. Not to be left out of the mix is Cassandra Walker, only 15 points out of the top spot. Finding the balance of aggression and conservation will be the challenge.

The list of possible winners is a long one, past champions, visiting champions, hungry young guns, and seasoned veterans all have hoisting the big trophy in mind. Come on out and see who collects the ARCA OK Tire Sportsman Series Championship.

Kalvin Loudoun races hard for podium finish

Sara Cornet-Ching has a great run in WCSS race

Arca Regular Logan Jewel Wins WCSS Hot August Nights

Graham loves His Home Track

ARCA OK Tire Sportsman Series – Race 5 - Agassiz Speedway Race Overview

Race five of six took place this weekend at Agassiz Speedway. The Merton GM Performance Parts 100 brought out some of the fastest sportsman cars in BC. The fore shadow of how the race would play out may have come in practice with the 22 car of Chris Babcock spinning out and the 47 of Trevor Adelman making hard contact with him. Both cars sustained heavy damage, but hard work and commitment from both teams had the cars patched back together for qualifying. Just when we thought the prerace situation was under control, the 67 of Jeff Cameron caught fire. A broken fuel fitting had the safety crew on their toes. Some new parts and hard work also had Jeff back in the action for qualifying. Ian Graham, local favorite was focused on taking the track record from fellow racer Ryley Seibert, but a hot slick track left him a few hundredths off of the record. Logan Jewel set second fast time with Mark Berriau third.

Heat Races continued the bent and twisted theme of the day with the 7 car of Bobby Mear making a three wide pass out of turn two and connecting with the 67 of Jeff Cameron into three. The right front suspension was heavily damaged and the 7 crew was hard at work to repair the car for the main. Chris Babcock was able to pass Cass Walker for the lead and hold on for the win. The A heat went all green with Matt Stephenson claiming the checkered flag.

With all cars back together and ready for the main, Brent Morris brought the field to green with Sarah Cornet-Ching on the outside pole. A missed shift by one of the front cars had the field re-grouping  for another restart. Morris held the lead and began to move away from the field. On lap 6 the 47 of Trevor Adelman hit the backstretch wall after something in the rear suspension failed. He was done for the night. Restart on lap 12 has the 27 and 5 cars pushing towards the front, the five car of Thomas suddenly slowed on the front stretch and headed to the pits for a new right front tire. The green continued with Morris strong out front and Berriau biding his time. The red flag flew into turn one as the lead cars began to work through lapped traffic. Cars were spinning and crashing into the corner. The leader Brent Morris is spun sideways and tangled up . The 92 of Logan Jewel hammered the the front end of the 25 hard. Both cars sustained heavy damage and were unable to continue. In the fray, Cornett-Ching slowed high to avoid the mess and the 27 of Berriau crashed under the 99, lifting the car into the air stopping with the rear tire of Cornet-Ching sitting on the window of the 27. Safety, fire crew and tow truck attended, but everyone is ok.

The 99 is lifted off of the 27 and the championship contender limped to the pits for service. With the contents of three rads and assorted liquids on the track, a big track cleanup ensued. The extended red allowed the crew to patch up Berriau’s car, and he returned to the track. Missing the wreck was second place points contender, Ian Graham, Matt Stephenson,  the 09 of Ryley Seibert, and local champion Paul Turond. Back to green the 1 of Stephenson gives Graham fits with a strong restart on the high side. Graham fended him off. A couple laps later, in a cloud of smoke, something in the engine of the 1 car failed as a possible podium finish is dashed. Another double file restart, Graham and Turond are first and second. Jeff Cameron spins bringing out another caution and resets the field. Berriau is in the mix now and clearly a contender in the fenderless 27 car. Back to green, 18, 09, 27 and the x of Turond fourth, Cass Walker rounded out the top five. The mid pack continued to battle. A spinning 2 car brings out the caution on lap 82. With just over ten to go, Graham has the field covered, Berriau in Second with Seibert looking for every chance to gain a spot. A tight battle with the 27 and 09 continues for lap after lap. Turond in fourth, waiting to capitalize. The checkered waved with Ian Graham winning a perfectly driven race. Berriau with the come back of the night in second. Seibert third, the X of Turond in fourth. Bobby Mear fifth, Ursel into sixth, Cass Walker top finishing rookie in seventh. Barry Clayton eighth,  Korbin Thomas in ninth, and Cornett-Ching surviving the night in tenth. 11^th John Ross, 12^th Jeff Cameron, 22 Chris Babcock 13^th, Stephenson 14^th, Morris 15^th, Jewel 16^th, and Adelman 17^th.       

Thanks to all of the sportsman racers who came out to support the ARCA OK Tire Sportsman Series. The hard work and dedication from all racers, volunteers, and track workers is greatly appreciated. Thanks also to the fans of Agassiz Spoeedway and Mertin GM Performance parts. Come on out and see the WCSS in action on August 25th with the Hot August nights PIT STOP RACE in Vernon. Catch the ARCA OK Series Championship night on September 8th at Motoplex speedway in Vernon.