2012 Series Opener at the new Canadian Tire Motorsport Park headlines a long weekend packed with live music, fireworks and more…

BOWMANVILLE, Ontario – (May 8, 2012) – On Sunday, May 20 the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series (NCATS) kicks-off the race season at the new Canadian Tire Motorsport Park as part of the Victoria Day SpeedFest Weekend presented by Castrol Edge. In addition to world class auto racing, the weekend program has something for everyone including camping, fireworks, live bands and so much more.

“We’re thrilled to be marking yet another milestone in our long history of supporting auto racing in Canada this year,” said Allan MacDonald, Senior Vice-President, Automotive. “Canadian Tire is excited to host the opening race of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at the newly renamed Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. We are pleased to bring Canadians the best in Canadian auto racing as well as a great entertainment experience for the whole family this Victoria Day weekend.”

In addition to the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series opener, the Vortex Brake Pads 200, and other races taking place during the Victoria Day SpeedFest Weekend presented by Castrol Edge, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park will have something for the whole family this year:

• Camping: Create a memorable long weekend experience with friends and family in the family camping area or on the general campgrounds at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
• Canadian Tire Fan Zone: Fans will have the chance to gain access to the Canadian Tire Fan Zone where guests can watch the race and receive free snacks and exclusive Canadian Tire swag. A wristband policy is in effect but guests can obtain one by presenting Canadian Tire Money, a Canadian Tire Options Mastercard or a Canadian Tire receipt at the Canadian Tire Hauler in the Paddock area.
• Fireworks Display: When the sun goes down on Saturday, May 19 the sky will be lit by a long weekend fireworks display.
• Live Music: Live bands will be performing Saturday evening leading up to the fireworks and on Saturday and Sunday during the lunch hour.
• Carnival Games: From 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, carnival games for the family will be taking place in the Paddock Area.
• Street Performers: Throughout the weekend street performers will entertain guests in the Paddock Area.
• Win a chance to meet Ron Fellows: Guests can win a chance to meet Ron Fellows and a ‘hot lap’ with the racing legend in his Camaro ZL1

“Whether you’re a racing fan or just looking for a great place to celebrate the unofficial start to summer, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park has something for everyone this May long weekend” said Myles Brandt, President and General Manager of Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. “The Victoria Day SpeedFest Weekend kicks off a season full of events featuring some of the biggest names in racing and the entertainment industry.”

As part of further establishing itself as Canada’s automotive authority, Canadian Tire continues to foster the growth of motorsports in Canada. Entering its sixth season, the NCATS will host 12 races from Antigonish, NS, to Vernon, BC. In addition, earlier this year, Canadian Tire announced that 2011 NCATS Champion Scott Steckly will once again be sporting the iconic triangle on the race track.

For more information on the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series please visit
www.nascarlocalracing.com.

For more information on the 2012 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park calendar of events please visit
www.canadiantiremotorsportpark.com.

About Canadian Tire

Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited (TSX: CTC.a) (TSX: CTC) is one of Canada’s most-shopped general retailers and the country’s largest sporting goods retailer, with more than 1,700 retail and gasoline outlets from coast-to-coast. Our primary retail business categories – Automotive, Living, Fixing, Sports, Playing and Apparel – are supported and strengthened by our Financial Services division, which offers such products and services as Canadian Tire Home Services, credit cards, retail deposits, in-store financing, product warranties, and insurance. Nearly 68,000 people are employed across the Canadian Tire enterprise, which was founded in 1922 and remains one of Canada’s most recognized and trusted brands.

For more information, please contact:

Stephanie Bonk, Canadian Tire
stephanie.bonk@cantire.com
416-480-3649 (office)
416-434-0345 (mobile)

Ryan Chalmers, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
ryan@mosport.com
800-866-1072 (office)
905-260-1711 (mobile)

May 3, 2012 – Stouffville, Ontario – As a pre-race event leading up to the season opening NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Jason Hathaway and his #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge will be on display at the Oshawa Centre at 419 King Street in Oshawa starting Thursday May 3, 2012 until Sunday May 6, 2012.

Jason will be on hand Saturday afternoon from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm in the Centre Court at the mall to sign autographs and meet the fans. He will be joined by other drivers from the NCTS as well as the other Series participating in the Victoria Day weekend event on May 18th- 20th.

The Victoria Day race weekend will be topped off for Hathaway as Vortex Brake Pads will be the race sponsor for the Sunday main event- the Vortex Brake Pads 200 at the 3.9 kms road course north of Bowmanville, Ontario.

For the complete schedule and updates visit the team website at www.team3red.com or like us on www.facebook.com/team3red.edhakonsonracing

You can also follow Jason Hathaway and the team on Twitter @JasonHathaway3 and @ehrt3r

Ed Hakonson Racing is proud to be partnered with Snap-on Tools, Rockstar Energy Drink, Vortex Brake Pads, Napoleon BBQs & Grills, Castrol, Fast Eddie Racewear, Choko Motorsports, Praxair and Cathcart Trucking.

For additional Information please contact:

Jamie Hakonson
Ed Hakonson Racing/Team 3 Red
905-642-1010
jamie@team3red.com

May 2, 2012-Stouffville, Ontario- Team 3 Red/Ed Hakonson Racing announced this week that Vortex Brake Pads has extended their long standing agreement with NASCAR Canadian Tire Series team, Team 3 Red/Ed Hakonson Racing for a fourth season on the #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge driven by Jason Hathaway.

“Vortex Brake Pads had enjoyed a great relationship with Team 3 Red/Ed Hakonson Racing over the past 3 years. They have really helped to launch our brand in Canada and are great marketing partners.” Said Gonzalo Reyes, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Vortex Brake Pads. “We are proud to be once again supporting the team and our own Jason Hathaway for the 2012 season.”

Team owner Ed Hakonson is happy to welcome Vortex Brake Pads back. “We are appreciative of all of the support that Vortex has offered us and we are looking forward to a great season with Jason back behind the wheel healthy after his injury last year.”

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series schedule will take the Team from Vernon, British Columbia to Antigonish, Nova Scotia with 12 stops including 7 oval track races and 5 road course events.

The season will get under way May 18-20, 2012 with the Vortex Brake Pads 200 at the newly named Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Vortex will host guests from both Canada and the United States to watch the action on the 3.9 km road course north of Bowmanville, Ontario.

For the complete schedule and updates visit the team website at www.team3red.com or Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/team3red.edhakonsonracing

You can also follow Jason Hathaway and the team on Twitter @JasonHathaway3 and @ehrt3r.

About Vortex Brake Pads:  Vortex Brake Pads is a proud Canadian company, manufacturing the highest quality aftermarket brake pads for all automotive segments. Our products are well researched, proven in on track and off track testing and are produced in a high quality manufacturing environment. For more information visit www.vortexbrakes.com

Ed Hakonson Racing is proud to be partnered with Snap-on Tools, Rockstar Energy Drink, Vortex Brake Pads, Napoleon BBQs & Grills, Castrol, Fast Eddie Racewear, Choko Motorsports, Praxair and Cathcart Trucking. 

For additional Information please contact:

Jamie Hakonson
Ed Hakonson Racing/Team 3 red
905-642-1010
jamie@team3red.com

     (Bowmanville, ON – March 22, 2012) Canadian Tire Motorsport Park announced today that Vortex® Brake Pads will return as the title sponsor of the NASCAR Canadian Series opening round, headlining the Victoria Day SpeedFest Weekend, May 18-20.

“We are thrilled to welcome back Vortex® Brake Pads as the title sponsor of the exciting NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race on the historic 3.957 km road course on May 20,” said Myles Brandt, President and General Manager of Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

“This will mark the third consecutive year that the race will be called the Vortex® Brake Pads 200. Having such a reputable auto parts manufacturer return shows their commitment to the track, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and the sport as a whole.”

Gonzalo Reyes, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for OE Quality Friction Inc., parent company of Vortex® Brake Pads, agrees.

“The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series is the country’s top stock car championship and features some of the best Canadian racers anywhere including our own Jason Hathaway,” said Reyes.  “We at Vortex® Brake Pads are thrilled to continue sponsoring and be affiliated with the Series and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, one of the crown jewels of racing circuits in North America.”

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series opening round will see defending Series champion Scott Steckly challenged by last year’s Vortex® Brake Pads 200 winner D.J. Kennington, familiar foes, J.R. Fitzpatrick and Andrew Ranger and many others.

Also in action during the Victoria Day SpeedFest Weekend will be the thundering muscle cars of the Trans-Am Series, the Canadian Touring Car Championship and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada, making their first of two trips to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in 2012 and the F1000 Championship Series will make its debut.

The three-day weekend SuperTicket is just $50 until May 16 ($60 at the Gate). Single-day tickets are also available. Each ticket includes parking, access to the race team paddock, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Expo and Marketplace and admission to the Speedway’s Saturday Night Stock Car Racing at the half-mile paved oval located on the grounds. As with all events, children 12 and under are admitted for free when accompanied by a paid adult admission.

 

Camping is a popular part of the experience, with advanced general camping passes just $35 for the weekend when purchased before May 16 (tents or pop-up trailers). Advance RV passes are $55.

For those who would like to get closer to the action, the Grand Prix Club offers a VIP hospitality package which includes a fully catered BBQ lunch, beverages and bar service (beer and wine) on Race Day. The GP Club Chalet tent is located trackside, overlooking the start/finish straight and corner one. Passes are just $100 and are also good for admission to the event on Friday and Saturday.

For more information and to purchase tickets call the Canadian Tire Motorsport Hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm ET), visit online at www.mosport.com, or email info@mosport.com

About Vortex® Brake Pads

Vortex® is a leading premium brand of high quality disc brake pads designed specifically for the Canadian automotive, medium and heavy duty truck aftermarket. Proudly built in Canada, by Canadians for Canadians. For more information, please visit, www.vortexbrakes.com

For Immediate Release

NASCARHomeTracks.com Link

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NASCAR Canadian Tire Series 2012 Schedule Announced

12-Race Slate Includes Return To Edmonton

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 24, 2011) – NASCAR announced today the 2012 schedule for the sixth season of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, which includes many of the top racing facilities throughout Canada.

Next season’s schedule features 12 dates at 12 different tracks across six provinces. The slate includes tracks and events familiar to the series, with Edmonton returning to the schedule after a one-year hiatus.

“The 2012 schedule has a great mix of tracks that will deliver the exciting racing that our Canadian fans have become accustomed,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR vice president, regional and touring series. “Each year with the help from our friends at Canadian Tire, this series continues to grow and evolve. This upcoming season should be the best yet.”

For the first time in series history, on May 20, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series opens its season at the 2.459-mile Mosport International Raceway road course near Bowmanville, Ont.

For the sixth consecutive year, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will share Montreal’s legendary Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on IÎe Notre Dame with the NASCAR Nationwide Series on Saturday, Aug. 18.

Additionally, in a pairing with the IZOD IndyCar Series, the series returns to Edmonton on the new 2.256-mile Edmonton (Alberta) City Centre Airport course that debuted last year.

Joining the Edmonton event, the annual swing through Western Canada includes two other stops: At Motoplex Speedway in Vernon, B.C., and Auto Clearing Motor Speedway in Saskatoon, Sask.

In what has become a tradition, the season will close with a new champion crowned at Kawartha Speedway, the .375-mile oval near Peterborough, Ont., on Saturday, Sept. 22.

“Canadian Tire has been a proud sponsor of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series since 2006,” said Allan MacDonald, Senior Vice-President of Automotive for Canadian Tire. “It’s thrilling to see how the sport of racing has continued to grow over the years alongside the enthusiasm of Canadian racing fans. We’re looking forward to yet another exciting season on the track in 2012.”

Other 2012 highlights include:

·         The 2012 schedule includes races on seven ovals: Auto Clearing, Barrie Speedway, Delaware Speedway, Kawartha, Mosport Speedway, Motoplex and Riverside International Speedway; and five road courses: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Circuit ICAR, Circuit de Trois-Rivieres, Edmonton, and Mosport.

·         On June 2-3, the series returns to Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, Que., for the second straight season.

·         June 16 will be the series’ sixth consecutive year of competing at Mosport Speedway.

·         June 23 will mark the fourth consecutive visit to Delaware (Ont.) Speedway.

·         The wildly popular Grand Prix de Trois-Rivieres in Quebec is on tap for Aug. 4-5.

·         The Barrie (Ont.) Speedway date is set for Saturday, Sept. 8. Each of the past five trips to Barrie on this weekend has resulted in overflow crowds.

·         Riverside International Speedway, in Antigonish, hosts the series on Sept. 15. Riverside, with its high-banked turns, is a .333-mile scale version of the legendary Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.

2012 NASCAR CANADIAN TIRE SERIES SCHEDULE

Date	Track (Length)	Location
May 20	Mosport Int’l Raceway (2.459-Mile road course)	Bowmanville, Ont.
June 3	Circuit ICAR (2.113-Mile road course)	Mirabel, Que.
June 16	Mosport Speedway (.5-Mile)	Bowmanville, Ont.
June 23	Delaware Speedway (.5-Mile)	Delaware, Ont.
July 14	Motoplex Speedway (.5-Mile)	Vernon, B. C.
July 22	Edmonton City Centre Airport (2.256-Mile road course)	Edmonton, Alberta
July 25	Auto Clearing Motor Speedway (.333-Mile)	Saskatoon, Sask.
Aug. 5	Circuit de Trois-Rivieres (1.53-Mile road course)	Trois-Rivieres, Que.
Aug. 18	Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (2.71-Mile road course)	Montreal, Que.
Sept. 8	Barrie Speedway (.333-Mile)	Barrie, Ont.
Sept. 15	Riverside Int’l Speedway (.333-Mile)	Antigonish, N. S.
Sept. 22	Kawartha Speedway (.375-Mile)	Fraserville, Ont.

Tentative – Subject to Change

An article was done last week in the Toronto Star by Norris McDonald and it featured the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Year in Review wrap up . The video along with the full wrap up was on TSN this past weekend and is on again today at 8 :30 pm on TSN 2! Check it out!

http://thestar.blogs.com/autoracing/2011/11/best-kept-secret-in-canadian-sports.html

September 24,
2011-Fraserville, Ontario– Jason Hathaway, in this #3 Snap on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge had high hopes of finishing up the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tires Series schedule at Kawartha Speedway with a strong showing and capture the highly contested 8^th place in the Driver Points Championship.

The car practiced well and Hathaway was comfortable with his race machine heading into the 250 lap event.  “We like this track and it has been good to us in past years. We are starting from a good spot in the field tonight and we are looking forward to the race tonight!” Said Hathaway during the fan favourite autograph session trackside.

Starting 9^th in the deep 26 car field, in true Hathaway form, Hathaway got to work right away with the drop of
the green flag. By lap 10 Hathaway was already on the move.  On lap 90 Crew Chief Craig Masters brought Hathaway’s race machine to the attention of his over the wall crew; changing left side tires and filling it with race fuel.
Hathaway went back out 15^th on the grid and put the hammer down working his way up the running order and by lap 100 was up to 11^th place.  Hathaway’s car was working well and the Team was looking for a solid finish.

The Teams’ luck took a drastic turn on lap 142 when an accident in corner 2 collected the #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge and forced Hathaway behind the wall for front end repairs. The Team worked feverishly on the car replacing the radiator and the braking system on the car. The Team caught a break when the caution flag flew on the on track activity.  This gave the team some more time to get their job complete. Hathaway rolled back out on the track in only 22 laps and went to task to earn driver points.  Hathaway ran quick laps and made up some
positions, finishing 21^st in the field.  Hathaway and his #3 Snap-on Tools/ Rockstar
Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge finished 9^th in the Driver Points Standings.

Hathaway summed up the Team’s night and year. “This is a hard way to finish off this season. The boys really worked
well together tonight and got our repairs done pretty fast.  Their hard work really showed what kind of team we have! This season we have had great cars each and every week and our cars looked great on the track and on the TSN TV coverage. The cars handled well, the crew worked on them to fine tune them and my Crew Chief Craig ran a great box during the race. We ran into some bad racing luck, like everyone has had every once and a while.  After I got my cast off from my hand and wrist injury, our luck turned and Barrie was really a great race to show what we were capable of a team.  Thank you to all of our sponsors for their support this season. It really meant a lot to us.”

The Kawartha 250 will air in a 90-minute special season finale on Saturday October 15 on TSN at 12:30 pm.

  Ed Hakonson Racing is proud to be partnered with Snap-on Tools, Rockstar Energy Drinks, Vortex Brake Pads, Napoleon Grills, Castrol, Fast Eddie Racewear, Choko Motorsports, Praxair and Cathcart Trucking.

Photo: Jason Hathaway and his crew
Left to Right & Hometown 
Jason Hathaway ( Driver)- Appin, Ontario
Don Brock (Tire Carrier)-Oshawa, Ontario
Craig Masters (Crew Chief- Tire Changer)-Ingersoll, Ontario
Derek Stone-( Tire Carrier) Buckhorn, Ontario
Phil Arnold( Spotter)- Oshawa, Ontario
Bryan Watts ( Jackman)- Uxbridge, Ontario
Ed Hakonson (Owner)- Stouffville, Ontario
Missing:
Josh Arnold (Tire Changer)- Oshawa, Ontario
Jamie Hakonson (Team Manager)- Uxbridge, Ontario
Rich Hischer (Fuel ) Havelock, Ontario

For additional Information please contact:
Jamie Hakonson
Ed Hakonson Racing/Team 3 red
905-642-1010
jamie@team3red.com

September 17, 2011 – Antigonish, Nova Scotia – Jason Hathaway, in this #3 Snap on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge took his race machine to the fast high banked 1/3 mile oval at Riverside Speedway hoping to continue the team’s momentum after his 2nd place finish at Barrie Speedway the weekend before.

Hathaway’s car practiced well. The cool weather however played havoc with his qualifying effort posting an 11th place starting spot for the 300 lap race.
“Our car is good and I’m pretty confident about our chances to rally towards the front later today.” said Hathaway during the autograph session trackside before the race.

When the green flag dropped once again Hathaway wasted no time taking his car toward the front. The Team took on fuel on lap 108 and turned Hathaway loose on the field in the 3rd spot. A miscue on pit road pit put Hathaway a lap down to the leaders on the Team’s tire stop on lap 144 As the race unfolded, the field saw long green flag runs without cautions. This prevented Hathaway from getting the lucky dog award and denied him the opportunity to get back on the lead lap. That didn’t deter Hathaway as he raced hard with the cars vying for every position on the track and earned a hard fought 7th place finish in the field. This finish tightened the point’s battle that has ensued between him and Jason White for the 8th spot in the Drivers Points Championship.

“Our car was great tonight, but with the green flags run and being down a lap it was hard to get a run at the leaders. Our car was strong and we could have tangled up at the very fornt for sure if we had been able to catch a caution. The fans here are great every year and the exposure out here is amazing.” Said Hathaway after the grueling 300 lap race.

Jason Hathaway and his #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge will be back on track for the season finale on Saturday, September 24th for the Kawartha 250 at the always exciting Kawartha Downs Speedway. The Komatsu 300 will air on TSN on Saturday September 24th at 2:30 pm.

Ed Hakonson Racing is proud to be partnered with Snap-on Tools, Rockstar Energy Drinks, Vortex Brake Pads, Napoleon Grills, Castrol, Fast Eddie Racewear, Choko Motorsports, Praxair and Cathcart Trucking.

For additional Information please contact:
Jamie Hakonson
Ed Hakonson Racing/Team 3 Red
905-642-1010
jamie@team3red.com

September 10, 2011 – Barrie, Ontario – Jason Hathaway, in this #3 Snap on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge played an awesome game of strategy coupled with some phenomenal driving to earn the Teams’ first podium of the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series season.

This track has always been a favourite track of Hathaway’s and that was evident in practice when he ran some awesome lap times, earning 2nd place on the speed charts during practice.  Hathaway went out early in the qualifying order Saturday afternoon and recorded a mid pack 11th place starting spot.

Hathaway wasn’t too fazed by his starting spot. “The car didn’t come in as fast as we needed it to during qualifying, but I think we will be in good shape heading into the race tonight.”

With a reputation for being a high action, high caution event at the tight ¼ mile oval, Crew Chief Craig Masters and his driver knew they needed to get to the front in the early going to stay out of trouble and have their equipment in one piece for the end of the race.  Hathaway didn’t waste a single lap making his move on the inside of his competitors going into the first corner on the first green flag lap of the Wild Wing 300.

In a race laden with some 12 caution periods, Hathaway used each one to gain potions.  Bringing his #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge to the attention of his over the wall crew, Hathaway took on fuel and the crew made a chassis adjustment to keep up with the changing racetrack.  Going out 12th in the running order, Hathaway put the hammer down and worked his way up to the 6th spot.  The crew made another strategic pit stop on lap 127 and Hathaway put on a driving school taking his car towards the front again.

Hathaway took command of the race on lap 177 and lead for 48 laps.  The handling of the car tightened up so Hathaway dropped back to 4th and brought the car into the pits for a splash of fuel and another chassis adjustment on lap 248.  On the restart, the racey #02 car spun Hathaway.  Hathaway gathered his car back up and got back at it starting from the 8th spot.  He battled the #17 car for a number of laps and pulled into the 6th spot.  A late race caution with only 3 laps to go set the field up for a green, white, checkered finish.  Hathaway re-started amongst the lead pack including his teammate #8 Don Thomson Jr and the two E.H.R teammates battled it out down to the very end. Hathaway crossed the line with a fabulous 2nd place finish.

A pumped up Hathaway was proud of his team. “I have to first of all thank Snap-on Tools, Rockstar and Vortex and all of our sponsors for sticking with us these last few races. We have been working hard, but have had some really bad luck and it feels so good to finally break free of that. We have Napoleon here tonight at the track to share this with us and we are so excited!!  Thanks to my Crew Chief Craig, who ran an awesome race and my crew for getting me in and out of the pits every time without fail. Barrie always promises some great racing and tonight was no exception. The fans got a great show and we thank them for coming out to see us!”

Jason Hathaway and his #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge will be back on track Saturday, September 17thfor the Komatsu 300 Presented by Wilson Equipment on the fast and Hathaway favourite Riverside Speedway in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.  The Wild Wing 300 from Barrie Speedway will air on TSN on Saturday September 17 at 12:30 pm. at 1 pm.

Ed Hakonson Racing is proud to be partnered with Snap-on Tools, Rockstar Energy Drinks, Vortex Brake Pads, Napoleon Grills, Castrol, Fast Eddie Racewear, Choko Motorsports, Praxair and Cathcart Trucking.

Click here to listen to Jason’s post-race interview.

For additional Information please contact:
Jamie Hakonson
Ed Hakonson Racing/Team 3 red
905-642-1010
jamie@team3red.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOE HAMILTON

Montreal, Quebec- August 20, 2011 – Jason Hathaway and this Ed Hakonson Racing prepared #3 Snap-on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge had another top 5 run going until the rear end let go on his race machine with only 6 laps to go
in front of a sold out crowd in Montreal.

Hathaway and his team took their road course race car to the world famous Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on the Island of Montreal with high hopes to finish the last road course of  the year off in typical #3 car fashion!

Practice on Thursday afternoon and qualifying proved tough for all the teams as thunderstorms and heavy rain hampered the Teams’ practice efforts.

Hathaway started in the 22^nd spot in the extensive field of competitors on Saturday morning. The sun was shining and the car was handling well. Hathaway wasted no time moving his way to the front and on a single lap moved up 3 spots.  Hathaway’s #3 Snap on Tools/Rockstar Energy Drink/Vortex Brake Pads Dodge worked through the technical and tight track and was recording fast lap times as he knocked positions off one by one.

Hathaway was the only driver lap after lap that was moving up positions and making his way up the running order.

An accident in the tricky hairpin turn track caught Hathaway and he fell back in the running order to 30^th.  This didn’t deter him and with little damage on his car he worked his way back up the 11^th spot in the running order and was again making huge gains on the leaders.  With only 6 laps to go, he felt the rear end give way in his car.  Hathaway limped his car off into a runoff area where he would stay until the finish of the race.

“We had a great car today, it handled really well and we were super competitive.  We battled back after the accident we got caught in in the hairpin and the car was feeling awesome. When the rear-end let go my heart sank. Such a letdown, for what looked like was going to be a great finish for this team this weekend!  We will get our group together here and get ready for the three last races of the season. Our team is strong; we will battle back for sure! “said Hathaway after the conclusion of the race on Saturday morning.

Hathaway and his team will be looking forward to the next event on the schedule September 10, 2011 at Barrie Speedway for the Wild Wing 300 as the tight 1/3 mile oval.  A replay of the live coverage of the NAPA Autopro 100 will air on Thursday August 25^th on TSN2 at 3:30 pm.

Ed Hakonson Racing is proud to be partnered with Snap-on Tools, Rockstar Energy Drinks, Vortex Brake Pads, Napoleon Grills, Castrol, Fast Eddie Racewear, Choko Motorsports, Praxair and Cathcart Trucking.

Media Contact:

Jamie Hakonson
Ed Hakonson Racing/Team 3 red
905-642-1010
jamie@team3red.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOE HAMILTON