Music: {allcanada} Connelly Announces 2011 Schedule

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

{allcanada} Connelly Announces 2011 Schedule

http://hometracks.nascar.com/files/2011_NCATS_Connelly_Release.jpg?1298421624

ARNPRIOR, Ont. – Team RaceSportz is pleased to announce their return to the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series with driver Dave Connelly who will be piloting the team's No. 82 Schneider's Hot Rod Dodge Avenger.

Connelly has competed in the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup for the last three seasons with numerous podiums including two wins last year, a pole at Sunset Speedway in Innisfil, Ont., while setting a new track record.

"The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series is the pinnacle of Canadian stock-car racing, but we only wanted to run if we had the right team, equipment and financing," stated Connelly. "I've been fortunate to have been working with Metro Grocery stores for the last three years and they gave us the opportunity to put the funding together to run with competitive equipment. We picked up a great car from Scott Steckly that Mark Dilley ran last year and we'll be running the new NASCAR spec motor. Mike Kenyon will be my crew chief. I've been working closely with Mike over the last three years with our Sportsman effort but never had the chance to have him trackside with us."

The team will be running a minimum of seven races including the season opener at Mosport. Delaware, Toronto, Montreal, Trois-Rivieres, Barrie, and Kawartha are the other events currently scheduled with plans to compete for the championship in 2012.

"We thought about doing the entire (NASCAR Canadian Tire Series) schedule, but there just wasn't enough time to buy all the cars and get the team together and make sure that we were going to show up and be capable of running in the top 10 every week," said Connelly. "I feel very confident that we will be extremely competitive. There really isn't that much difference between our Sportsman car and our Canadian Tire Series car. The key is going to be getting to know this car and what it needs to go fast."

Connelly is continuing the Fuel for Kids program throughout Ontario with Metro grocery stores. In each community that the team visits the local Metro store adopts an elementary school which will receive a visit from Connelly and his 500-hp NASCAR stock car. He presents the kids with the coolest 'Show and Tell' of the year. Later that evening, Connelly will stop over to the host Metro store for a giant BBQ fundraiser with all monies going to the adopted school. The team has been doing this for six years and has singlehandedly raised over $120,000 for elementary schools.

"I love this program," Connelly said. "We make a difference whether the school is raising money for smart boards, basketballs, carpets, field trips, busing, or whatever they need. I know when we leave we've helped."

The team will visit schools all over Ontario to see if the team is in your area check out the Dave Connelly Fan Group page on Facebook for the latest updates.

Connelly's car will sport the familiar orange and blue paint scheme with Schneider's and Metro on the car, but also will carry support from LeClerc, Dempsters, Lassonde, ConAgra Foods, Praxair, Paramalat, and Mars Canada.

For more information about the Schneider's Race Team or how to be involved with the Fuel for Kids program email: info@racesportz.com