NASCAR Exec Confirms Plans For Busch Series Race In Canada

NASCAR Busch Series Likely Heading North Of Border In ‘07

NASCAR will hold its first Busch Series race in Canada in ’07, according to Dean McNulty of the Toronto SUN. NASCAR Managing Dir of Events & Operations Steve O’Donnell said that he “expects to make it official within 60 days” that the series will race at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve next season. O’Donnell said that “only some minor contract language needs to be straightened out” before the race date is confirmed. O’Donnell added that the track and the infrastructure in place for the F1 Canadian Grand Prix “needs only a little tweaking” for the Busch Series cars (TORONTO SUN, 6/18). McNulty today writes “current speculation” has Montreal getting the Busch race on the third Saturday in July, the spot currently held by Martinsville Speedway. The Nextel Cup races at Pocono Int’l Raceway that weekend (TORONTO SUN, 6/19).

GETTING THE LEAD OUT: In Atlanta, Jeff Hood reports Busch Series cars will switch to unleaded fuel “on a temporary basis” starting July 29 at Gateway Int’l Raceway, before “running the brand full-time” in ’07 along with the Nextel Cup and Craftsman Truck series. NASCAR VP/Corporate Communications Jim Hunter said, “The plans are for Sunoco to evaluate what they learned for three or four races in the Busch Series beginning at Gateway, then come back later and finish out the (2006) season in the Busch and Truck Series running unleaded fuel” (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 6/19).

THERE’S ALWAYS TOMORROW: NASCAR VP/Competition Robin Pemberton said that during the development of the “Car of Tomorrow,” NASCAR is “working with the four manufacturers — Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge and 2007 newcomer Toyota — to ensure as much brand identity as possible.” Ford North America Operations Manager for Racing Technology Greg Specht: “NASCAR has been really good in working with us and ensuring we’re able to put a car on the track that looks like a Fusion” (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 6/19).