By Lou Modestino
American Canadian Tour officials have announced that the Inaugural ACT International 500 to be held at Airborne Speedway on the weekend of July 20/21 will exceed a total purse of $140,000, making it the richest event in ACT’s 28-year history.
Airborne Speedway Promoter Mike Perrotte can’t wait to get the weekend started.
“I’m extremely excited to have a race of this magnitude here. It will be without a doubt the biggest event ever held at Airborne Speedway,” said Perrotte. “It’s a big boost to our community. Fans from all over will get to watch more than 500 laps of exciting short track racing from teams all over New England, New York, Rhode Island, Quebec and Ontario. It’s going to be a huge event.”
American Canadian Tour teams on both sides of the border are fired up for a chance at the enormous payday. 8-time American Canadian Tour Champion Brian Hoar and his team see it as a shot at history.
“I love the long distance races, they really suit my style,” said Hoar. “I don’t change my goals week to week whether it’s point racing or not. We will definitely be going for it. I’ve had a lot of success at Airborne over the years; I really love it there. Hopefully we can tune it right, lead a lot of laps, and lead the most important one too,” he finished.
Runner-up on the Série ACT Castrol Jean-Francois Déry expects to fly the Canadian flag high at the summer’s marquee event.
“I am most excited about the International 500 this season,” said Dery. “Without hesitation, the International 500 is the race of the year!”
The Inaugural ACT International 500 will roll off on the weekend of July 20/21.
When the green flags waves to open the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East season at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 16, Eddie MacDonald of Rowley, MA and the entire Grimm Racing team will have added meaning for the event. The #71 will proudly display the National Multiple Sclerosis Society logo on the rear quarter panels in support of MS Awareness Week running March 11-17 during the Bristol 125 on “The World’s Fastest Half Mile.” This disease recently hit close to home in the Grimm Racing family when Megan Spaulding, the daughter of team owners Karla and Rob Grimm, was diagnosed with MS.
“Rob and Karla have been so supportive of our racing efforts, it’s time for our entire race team and fans to support them and Megan at this time,” said the veteran driver. “We have been working very hard to prepare our new car for Bristol to run well and set the tone for the season. Now we are more determined to have a great finish for Megan and raise awareness for MS. Like many people, we knew of the disease but knew little about it. Now that it has affected a member of our family, we will do whatever we can to help.”
The cars will also display the MS logo on the pillar posts for the entire season with the crew wearing patches, pins, and bracelets during each race to show their support. In addition to team involvement during race days, Megan, family members, and members of Grimm Nation plan to participate as a team called “MS Warriors” in the MS Walk at Pocono Raceway on Sunday May 5. This is the third consecutive year the raceway will host the event that is open to everyone to walk the three mile course around the track.
“Even though we compete against each other on the track, NASCAR race teams and fans always step up to help others in need,” said Eddie Mac. “Now we ask everyone’s help to raise awareness and funds to continue the research to find a cure for this disease.”
Anyone who wishes to donate to MS research in Megan’s name may stop by the #71 hauler at Bristol or throughout the season. Donations may also be made in Megan’s name and mailed to Jolene Drandson 43 Elizabeth Road, Sandown, N.H. 03873.
Eddie MacDonald’s family owns and operates the Lee USA Speedway on Rt. 101 in Lee, NH. (end)
This weekend, Friday through Sunday, the Lilac Mall in Rochester, NH will host the Lee USA Speedway annual race car show starting at 10 a.m. each day. (end)