Edition #3 The Official Newsletter of Mitch Brown Racing 2013

TEAM PREPARING FOR BUSY RACING SEASON

Throughout Southern race teams and fans are chomping at the bit awaiting those most famous words in motorsports - DRIVERS, START YOUR ENGINES!

On the local front, is set to drop the green flag on their season on May 17 th while other dirt tracks in the Golden Horseshoe have posted schedules of earlier opening dates.

Mitch Brown and his teammates are hoping to start their season off even earlier by heading to a Patriot Sprint Tour race at on April 27 th -an event that opens the Canadian portion of the touring series’ expanding northeastern US/Canadian schedule.

The team planned to visit ’s to watch the two-day show on May 3rd and 4 th but they may side step that event to participate in a Patriot Sprint Tour race May 3 rd at Black Rock Speedway, Dundee NY. They’ll be participating in Ohsweken’s pre- season practice sessions on May 10 th before heading to another Patriot Sprint Tour event at Woodhull Raceway in the Southern tier of New York State on May 11 th,

On May 17 th they return to Ohsweken for the Friday night season opener before literally racing east on highway 401 for a Southern Ontario Sprints series race at Brighton Speedway the following night.

The team rounds out the month of May with a three day racing weekend beginning at Ohsweken (May 24th), and two PST events first at Bradford (PA) Speedway (May 25th) and (Hammet, PA (May 26 th ).

They’ll be back at Ohsweken Speedway for the May 31st events in their regular Corr/Pak Sprint Car division. CP

Some of the other Ontario dirt tracks that Mitch Brown has penciled into his schedule for the season include South Buxton Raceway plus Brockville and Cornwall speedways but those events aren’t due to happen until later in the summer.

In all, Mitch Brown Racing has close to fifty events scheduled for 2013 but as with most seasons, weather is always a factor.

Speaking about weather…

One thing about spring and living in Southern Ontario and the American northeast, especially around the Great Lakes, weather is often unpredictable and so far this year has been no exception. Continued –Page 2

MITCH BROWN RACING

401 Erie Avenue, Brantford, Ontario N3T 5L6 (519) 752-9531

[email protected] www.mitchbrownracing.com …. Continued from Page 1 EDITOR’S COMMENTS

This April’s rains and cold temperatures accompanied by everything With this edition of our team newsletters the from sleet, to hail and yes to even snow has created a nightmare for clock is rapidly ticking down to the start of the track owners leaving many venues behind schedule with track season here in Southern Ontario and some grooming and lost practice sessions. The Patriots had their season teams have already tested on the track or opener scheduled for April 13 th at Fulton Speedway cancelled because displayed their cars at a number of motorsports of rain and other tracks an d series have been kept busy trying to adjust shows or through local shopping malls. their schedules to compensate for weather disruptions.

Mitch Brown unveiled his Haldex/Pro-Fit Health Most recently, Merrittville Speedway had to reschedule their “Test and th nd Club/Brown Auto Service Sprint Car in the special Tune Sessions” from Saturday April 20 to Monday, April 22 in hopes Ohsweken Speedway exhibit at Brantford’s Lynden Park of giving competitors at least one opportunity to shake down their cars Mall Wednesday, April 17, through Sat urday, April 20, before their April 27 th opener. The team’s also been busy refurbishing Jake’s #10 Monte Carlo for another season of competition in the For those who no longer believe in Wiarton Willie and his American Thunder Stock Division at Ohsweken Speedway. groundhog counterpart Punxsutawney Phil - who both predicted spring would come early this year - perhaps the following forecasts This season, the team has the added luxury of having a from the Old Farmer’s Almanac will provide a better picture of new Maxim Sprinter ready to g o as a backup in the event of what’s in store during the racing season. some unforeseen issues during their busy schedule especially while competing in a touring series event. According to the Almanac, April and May will be slightly cooler than normal, with precipitation below normal in the As we head into the season, we are pleased to welcome east and above normal in the west.

Brant County Ford. APC (Auto Parts Centres), Total Oil Products and Century 21 Signs to our Summer will be cooler and rainier Sponsorship/Marketing team. than normal, with the hottest temperatures in early to mid- It’s also great to see a few competitors have been busy July, late July, and mid-August. promoting their racing programs leading up to the season. September and October will The Turner family of Caistor Centre and Conor Mahoney of be warmer and drier than Waterdown were promoting themselves and the dirt track normal. scene at some area motorsports shows in late March and early April while others exhibited their cars at selected That’s certainly not the shopping malls throughout Ontario. type of forecast track owners would like Based on published reports, Jeremy Hughes is making that to read about. major jump from Ohsweken’s Mini Stocks to the Corr/Pak Sprint Division, running his familiar #10J. And after a two-year So who do we trust? absence, Brantford, ON car owner Ray Ballantyne will have his The Groundhogs. The Almanac. Or the Government? –Not a chance Sprint car back at Ohsweken with Fenwick, ON native and former Track Champion Tom Huppunen behind the wheel. Ready to Roll - MBR’s new race team hauler Note also that Mitch Brown racing’s refreshed website www.mitchbrownracing.com is now up and running at

On a sad note, the racing community lost a couple of dear and rd th dedicated supporters of the sport on April 3 and 13 with the passing of Joe Lapcevich of Stoney Creek and Leone Slack of Caledonia. Details of their passing are noted on pages 7 and 8.

As we have said many times, there isn’t a more exciting, colourful and economic entertainment med ium than short track racing. Be sure to catch an event in 2013. Ken Spencer

Hey race fans …be sure to check out our new website www.mitchbrownracing.com designed and maintained by . . .

SEASON ENDS FAR TOO EARLY FOR MITCH BROWN AND

THE PRO-FIT CORVAIRS Caledonia ousted by Stratford in second round of GOJHL playoffs

In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Stratford Cullitons escaped with a 3-2 victory over the Caledonia Corvairs.

No lead was more than one goal during the contest, and the winning goal was scored by Jared Culliton at 13:33 of the third period.

The win by Stratford clinched the best of seven series at 4-2.

The Cullitons were paced by Culliton, who grabbed one goal.

Stratford put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Caledonia to score on any of its five power plays. The Cullitons forced the Corvairs goalie Justis Husak to work between the Pipes taking 34 shots.

Stratford additionally got points from Ryan Watson, who also finished with one goal and one assist and Jake Ryan, who also tallied one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Other players who recorded assists for Stratford were Jonathan Langford, Mitch Brooks, and Andrew Barton, who each chipped in one.

Caledonia's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Stratford power plays. Stratford was unable to stop the Corvairs from sending pucks towards the net, and Caledonia eventually piled up 42 shots on goal. Photo by The Corvairs were helped by Connor Murphy Phil Armishaw Mitch Brown and the Caledonia who racked up one goal Pro-Fit Corvairs’ run for the GOJHL and one assist. Championship was derailed by the Murphy scored 12:38 into the third period Stratford Cullitons who took the For Mitch Brown … one to make the score 2-2. Ryan Blunt assisted on second round of playoffs 4 games season ended far too early to 2. but another season is about the tally. Caledonia also got points from Spencer to begin Gourlay, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. The Corvairs R ookie Camp is scheduled to begin on Saturday In addition, Caledonia received assists from Tyler Norrie, who had one. June 8th, 2013 at the Haldimand County Community Centr e Nick Caldwell recorded 40 saves for the Cullitons. Stratford incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. Caledonia's Husak stopped 31 shots out of the 34 that he faced. The Corvairs incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors.

As of April 22 nd , St. Catharines, London and Cambridge are in the finals of a three-way playoff round to determine the 2012-2013 GOJHL Champion.

Although it’s little in the way of a consolation, the early end of the 2012-2013 hockey season means an earlier start to the racing season for Mitch Brown.

But knowing the dedication and intensity the youngster put into his leadership role with the Caledonia Pro-Fit Corvairs, you can bet that heart breaking loss to Stratford will take a long time to erase from Mitch’s memories, especially with only one more season of eligibility left in his Junior hockey career.

JAKE BROWN… Gearing Up to Go Racing

With the 2013 racing season fast approaching the youngest member of the Brown racing family is itching to get back on track.

Jake Brown is entering his second year of competition in the Thunder Stock Division at Ohsweken Speedway and feels he’s got to prove he’s even better than his tenth-place finish in last season’s points’ standings showed.

Last season he encounter ed some early season engine issues in his #10 Monte Carlo that cost him valuable points in the final results that may have contributed to his missing out on “Rookie of the Year” honours in the highly competitive division.

The team believes they have those engine issues behind them now so watch for Jake to make some noticeable strides in his quest for a competitive drive to the championship

MBR SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE 2013 DATE TRACK LOCATION SERIES APRIL ======Here are some of the Apr 13 Fulton Speedway Fulton, NY PST competitors he ’ll face Apr 20 Merritville Speedway Thorold, ON Practice Apr 27 Merritville Speedway Thorold, ON PST MAY ======May 3 Eldora Speedway Rossburg, OH WOO May 4 Eldora Speedway Rossburg, OH WOO May 10 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON Practice May 11 Woodhull Raceway Woodhull, NY PST May 17 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON CP May 18 Brighton Speedway Brighton. ON SOS May 24 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON CP May 25 Bradford Speedway Bradford, PA PST Justin Barger of Montrose, NY became the first Champion of May 26 Eriez Speedway Hammet, PA PST the new Patriot Sprint Tour Canada Championship In 2012 May 31 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON CP JUNE ======Chris Steele of Fenwick, ON fought his was to his first June 1 Mercer, PA PST Corr/Pak Championship at Ohsweken Speedway June 7 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON CP June 8 Brighton Speedway Brighton, On SOS June 14 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON CP June 21 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON CP/PST June 22 South Buxton Raceway Merlin, ON PST June 28 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON CP June 29 Merrittville Speedway Thorold, ON ESS June 30 Port Colborne, ON ESS JULY ======July 3 Rolling Wheels Raceway Eldridge, NY ESS July 4 Brewerton, NY ESS July 5 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON CP July 6 Fulton Speedway Fulton, NY ESS July 7 Utica-Rome Speedway Vernon, NY ESS July 12 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON CP/ESS July 13 Brighton Speedway Brighton, ON SOS July 19 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON CP July 20 Brockville Speedway Brockville, ON PST July 26 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON CP July 27 Woodhull Raceway Woodhull, ON PST Chuck Hebing of Ontario, NY captured the July 29 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON CP/NSN Empire Super Sprints Championship July 30 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON WOO AUGUST ======August 2 Ransomville Speedway Ransomville, NY PST August 3 South Buxton Raceway Merlin, ON SOS August 9 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON CP August 10 Brighton Speedway Brighton, ON SOS August 16 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON CP/SOS August 23 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON CP August 24 Brockville Speedway Brockville, On PST Chuck Hebing of O ntario, NY won the August 25 Cornwall Speedway Cornwall, ON PST Empire Super SprintLee Ladouceur championship of Alexandria, in 2012 ON was at the top of the Southern Ontario Sprints standings. August 30 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON CP August 31 Brighton Speedway Brighton, ON SOS SEPTEMBER ======September 1 Brighton Speedway Brighton, ON SOS September 6 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON CP September 7 Utica-Rome Speedway Vernon, NY PST September 13 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON Nationals September 14 Ohsweken Speedway Ohsweken, ON Nationals

CP – Ohsweken Speedway Corr/Pak PST – Patriot Sprint Tour SOS – Southern Ontario Sprints ESS – Empire Super Sprints It will be a tough battle for everyone in this Series WOO –World of Outlaws Nationals - Canadian Sprint Car Nationals

2013 OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY SCHEDULE NEW: 7:30PM START TIME!!! VIEW RAIN CHECK, RESERVED SEATING & 50/50 POLICIES

Weekly Divisions: Corr/Pak Sprint Cars (Corr/Pak), Thunder Stocks (TS), HRW Automotive Mini Stocks (MS) & Bombers (BMB) Special Events: 358 Modifieds (358 Mods), Sportsman (SPT), TUSA Canada West Mod Lites (Mod Lites) & Vintage Cars MAY Friday 10 TEST & TUNE - (all divisions competing at Ohsweken in 2013) Friday 17 2013 Opening Night (Corr/Pak-25, TS-25, MS-20, BMB-15) Friday 24 Sportsman Shootout (Corr/Pak-20, TS-20, MS-15, BMB-12, SPT-30) Friday 31 Regular Racing (Corr/Pak-20, TS-20, MS-15, BMB-12)

JUNE Friday 7 Kick Off Summer Night (Corr/Pak-20, TS-20, MS-15, BMB-12) #3 Shayne Ross - Thedford, ON Friday 14 Regular Racing (Corr/Pak-20, TS-20, MS-15, BMB-12) Friday 21 Corr/Pak vs. PST (PST-25, TS-20, MS-15, BMB-12) Friday 28 Regular Racing (Corr/Pak-20, TS-20, MS-15, BMB-12) + Mod Lites-15

JULY Friday 5 Regular Racing (Corr/Pak-20, TS-20, MS-15, BMB-12) Friday 12 Corr/Pak vs. ESS (ESS-25, TS-20, MS-15, BMB-12) + Vintage Cars-12 Friday 19 Autograph Night (Corr/Pak-20, TS-20, MS-15, BMB-12) Friday 26 Christmas in July + Box Car Races (Corr/Pak-20, TS-20, MS-15, BMB 12) Monday 29 Northern Summer Nationals featuring Tony Stewart (Corr/Pak-25, MS-15, BMB-12, 358 Mods-35) Tuesday 30 Six Nations Shootout (World of Outlaw Sprint Cars, TS-25)

AUGUST #11 Jamie Turner- Caistor Centre, ON Friday 2 No Racing Friday 9 Art Hill Memorial Night (Corr/Pak-20, TS-20, MS-42, BMB-12) Friday 16 Corr/Pak vs. SOS (Corr/Pak-25, TS-20, MS-15, BMB-12) Friday 23 Brock Leonard Memorial Night (Corr/Pak-20, TS-50, MS-15, BMB-12) Friday 30 Labour Day Special (Corr/Pak-20, TS-20, MS-15, BMB-12)

SEPTEMBER Friday 6 Season Championship Night (Corr/Pak-25, TS-25, MS-20, BMB-15) Thurs. 12 Nationals Test & Tune Night Friday 13 Night Before the Nationals (Ohsweken Shootout) + MS-20 Sat/. 14 9th Annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals ($12,000 to win) + TS-25 Schedule Subject to Change #5 Dave Dykstra – Port Colborne, ON

#5 Keith Dempster – Alton, ON

On April 17 th through 20 th Brantford’s Lynden Park Mall gave race fans an opportunity to catch a pre-season preview of what’s in store at Ohsweken Speedway in 2013.

OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY HOSTS FAN MEET & GREET WITH HGTV CELEBRITY BRYAN BAUEMLER

Brantford, ON, April 10, 2013 – On Friday, May 31, 2013 Ohsweken Speedway proudly presents HGTV’s Bryan Baeumler to give home renovation fans across Southwestern Ontario the opportunity to meet one of Canada’s most cherished handymen at a BBQ dinner sponsored by Insta-Insulation.

General admission tickets can be purchased for $15.00 in advance at ohswekenspeedway.ticketforce.com.

Ticket prices include meet & greet with Bryan, BBQ dinner, and admission to the race. $2.00 from each ticket sold will be donated to the Baeumler Family Foundation (BFF), a charity dedicated to enhancing children’s physical and mental well-being.

Bryan Baeumler is the Gemini-award winning host on HGTV’s hit shows Leave It to Bryan, House Of Bryan, Canada’s Handyman Challenge and Disaster DIY. Bryan has been educating and entertaining viewers across Canada and the US for over seven years helping reno-hungry homeowners and well-intentioned DIY-ers to keep their building projects on track with a little tough love and a lot of humour

Insta-Insulation has offered the best quality insulation products, specialized expertise, and exceptional customer service to customers in the Greater area and throughout Southern Ontario, since 1991.

An ever-growing customer base within the residential home improvement market, and the construction industry, is a testament to the reputation they have developed for fast and reliable service combined with high quality spray foam products. When it comes to insulation assessment and installation, Insta-Insulation is the name trusted by trusted names

Event starts at 5:00pm sharp with the race commencing at 7:30pm. Guests will enjoy an evening of Sprint Car, Thunder Stock and Mini Stock racing and can cheer on Insta-Insulation drivers Mikey Kruchka and Karl Sault.

For more information, contact Alex Schuts at 519.861.1251 CONGRATULATIONS ALEX NAGY

Nagy Tapped For Canadian Tire Series Post Motorsports Veteran Has Wide Variety Of Experience Official Release March 27, 2013

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – NASCAR announced today that Alex Nagy has been named as series director for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

Nagy, originally from Brantford, Ontario, brings a wealth of motorsports experience from both the technical and business aspects of the sport. Most recently he has served as spotter and driver coach for Alex Tagliani in the IZOD I ndyCar Series. He also served as crew chief for Tagliani’s efforts in the Canadian Tire Series including a 2008 victory in Edmonton, Alberta. Over six seasons, he also led efforts for Steve Mathews, Pete Shepherd III, Ron Van Es and Jacques Alex Nagy, right, (seen here with Alex Tagliani -was named on Wednesday Villeneuve in the Canadian stock-car touring series. as the series director for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series File Photo

Nagy, 50, succeeds Brad Moran, who was appointed as NASCAR Touring Series director in December 2012. Moran held the post for the last four seasons.

“We are excited to bring Alex aboard,” said Moran. “With his wide r ange of experience within the industry in Canada, particularly, makes him an excellent fit. He’ll be able to continue to build upon the foundation already in place and take Canada’s premier racing series to the next step.”

After beginning his racing career as a driver in CASCAR – the precursor to the Canadian Tire Series – Nagy worked his way into the business side of the sport as a CASCAR team owner and by managing some race specialty shops in Ontario. He also served as the track manager and promoter for Twin Fountains Raceway, a karting and legends car complex in Shelbyville, Tenn., along with launching the first legends car and pro challenge series in Ontario.

Nagy currently resides in Brantford, with his wife and two children.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series kicks off its seventh season on May 19 on the road course at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park near Bowmanville, Ontario.

Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame member Leone Slack has passed away

Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame member Leone Slack passed away suddenly, but peacefully in her 92nd year, at home in Caledonia on Saturday, April 13, 2013

Mrs. Slack and her husband Bob o wned and operated Ontario's Cayuga Speedway during the stock car track's glory years, regularly hosting NASCAR stars and massive events. The Slacks are still a prominent family in Canadian and international motorsports. Bob and Leone Slack were inducted in to the CMHF in 2002 and had been married for 63 years

Leone is also survived by children Randy and Cathy Slack, Sue Slack, Neil and Sharon Slack and Nancy Slack.

Dear grandma of Roger Slack, Bob Slack (Mandy), Ryan Hunsinger (Lisa), David Hunsinger (Amanda), Sarah Hunsinger (Wray Mehlenbacher), Chris Baird, Jocelyn Apps (Jeremy) and Michael Apps (Courtney). Great grandma to Tyler, Lucas and Caylie Baird and Dalton and Elliot Slack.

Leone was a veteran of WWII with the RCAF, and a honorary member of the West Haldimand Hospital Auxiliary. Bob and Leone are inductees of the FOAR Score Racing Hall of Fame.

In lieu of flowers donation to the West Haldimand Hospital Foundation or to the Leone Slack-shown here in this 2007 photo with Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, (JDRF) would be appreciated. her husband Bob -was among the most successful builders and dedicated leaders in On behalf of the Brown family and our team members we extend our Canadian Motorsport. sincere condolences to the Slack Family

Lapcevich Patriarch Passes Legendary Leader Of Fastline Motorsports By Shon Sbarra, NASCAR April 4, 2013 - 7:33pm

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Joe Lapcevich, the patriarch of Fastline Motorsports, passed away Wednesday, April 3.

The Lapcevich family has been a part of the Canadian motor- sports’ scene for many years and the common denominator has been Joe as father, grandfather, uncle, team owner and spotter.

The family has been an integral part of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series since it began in 2007. His sons, Jeff and Jim, have competed in the series as has nephew Nik . Jeff is still active as a driver and has 46 career Canadian Tire Series starts with nine top- five and 28 top-10 finishes. Jim retired from racing following the 2008 season to concentrate on a business venture and Nik last raced in the series in 2009.

Grandsons Cayden and Treyten are just beginning their racing careers.

“Everyone from the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series passes along their condolences to the Lapcevich family,” said Brad Moran, touring series director for NASCAR. “Joe was salt of the Earth. Th e entire Lapcevich family is filled with good people all taking their cues from Joe. We’re all very sorry for their loss.” RACERS AND RACE FANS

Fastline Motorsports recently announced a renewal of their We are always seeking ways to improve the content longtime sponsor Tim Hortons as they prepare for the 2013 season. and overall coverage published in our newsletters.

As not ed in the remarks of the “Stompin’ Tom Walters family If you have a story to tell, some details on a driver (/www.stompintommotorsports.com) The Racing Community you would like to know more about or even some Suffers Another Loss. attention you would like to gain for yourself or your Every once in a while special people come into your life and leave a team, let us know and we’ll attempt to help you. lasting and pleasant footprint. Joe Lapcevich was one o f these Chasin’ the 10s Racing isn’t just about us …it’s about people, so pleasant to be around with so many awesome stories to the sport we represent and offers a great way to tell and walking away always wanting to here more. The racing keep fans and businesses inform ed on the community is another family and when losses happen, it can have a entertainment and marketing opportunities available ripple effect, and it affects everyone that knew him. We had the through motorsports. honor of spending a lot of time with Joe Lapcevich and his family last summer, it will not be the same without you. Our deepest Simply contact the editor of this publication for more condolences to the entire Lapcevich Family. May your memories be details (see below for contact information.) your support to help you through this tough time. The Walters Family .

We at Mitch Brown Racing wish to echo those sentiments by the s “CHASIN’ 10 Racing” Is the official newsletter extending our sincere sympathies to the Lapcevich family at this sad of Mitch Brown Racing. The contents appearing in moment in their lives. this publication have been selected for the purpose of keeping our sponsors and race fans informed of Ken Spencer - Editor team activities throughout the year.

Comments/suggestion should be directed to the editor.

Editor/Publisher Ken Spencer (905) 301-5289 Email [email protected]

Team website www.mitchbrownracing.com

401 Erie Avenue, Brantford, Ontario N3T 5L6 (519) 752-9531 [email protected]