Large 2006 BRP CanAm Series Rookie Class

St. Catharines, ONT…The field for the 2006 BRP CanAm Series opener at Black Rock Speedway on April 15 included seven drivers who are eligible for 2006 Series Rookie honors. When the Series moves to Merrittville Speedway on Monday May 22 at least three more rookie Series drivers are expected.

Leading the rookie brigade at Black Rock Speedway was former IMCA modified champion Randy Hall of Olean, NY. Hall debuted a brand new CRS Monte Carlo for his first run with the Series. Heat race problems sent Hall to the B-Main which he won. Hall charged from his 21st starting spot to third at the checkers in the A-Main and with that impressive run established himself as a threat, not only for rookie honors, but to win Series events and contend for the championship.

Rich Michael, Jr. of Ischua, NY made three BRP CanAm starts in 2005, right at the limit, to allow him 2006 rookie status. Michael is also a former IMCA modified champion with lots of laps and lots of wins in his record book. Michael wheels a beautiful 2005 Bullit Monte Carlo that was a crowd favorite at preseason cars shows. Michael overcame engine problems in a sorting out session at Black Rock the night prior to the Series opener to finish seventh in his first rookie race chase. All of the "experts" predict lots of podium finishes for Michael and a great rookie battle between Michael and Hall.

Tim Barnard of Elba, NY was the only other rookie who advanced to the A-Main. Barnard made a single BRP CanAm start in 2005 at his home track, Genesee Speedway. Barnard lists Troyer Race Cars and Cobra Motor Homes as primary sponsors of his pretty red Bentley built Monte Carlo which he rode to a 19th place finish in the Series opener.

Series rookies who did not qualify for the Black Rock main were Dick Karlnoski, Justin Longacre, Don Newton, Jr., and Donnie Smith. Karlnoski actually did qualify, but crashed after the finish of the B and could not complete repairs in time to answer the call for the start. Longacre is a 16 year old high school junior who is making the big jump from a four cylinder mini stock class to the powerful BRP CanAm Late Models. Newton is a third generation of the Newton family of racers who have campaigned all types of race cars from the famous Ron and Newt’s Garage stable over the past 40 something years. Donnie Smith has a beautiful new Jim Schuyler owned and built Charger for his first year with the Series.

When the Series rolls into the Merrittville Speedway on Monday May 22 at least three other drivers are expected to join the rookie ranks. Included in that group will be Junior Green of Wellsville, NY, Jessica Pierce of Corning, NY and Dave Stephens of Batavia, NY.

Green leads the racing diversity background category for all BRP CanAm racers. Green has raced NASCAR Super Speedway Sportsman cars, NASCAR Craftsman Trucks, Hooter’s Pro Cup cars, DIRT 358 Modifieds, IMCA Modifieds, late models, limited late models, and street stocks in his racing career that began in 1978. Currently housed in Green’s race car shop are an IMCA Modified that saw action in Georgia in February and a TEO ProCar 358 modified that has already seen 2006 action at Hagerstown and Black Rock Speedway. Junior’s newest race car is a 2006 Huff built Betts powered Monte Carlo that was just finished at Huff Race Cars in Parkersburg, WV.

Jessica Pierce will be the first female racer on the Series when she makes her start in the J and F Race Team Rocket GTO. Jessica is a college student advancing to the late models from Woodhull Raceway’s street stock ranks.

Dave Stephens has late model experience at Genesee Speedway, but has only one BRP CanAm start in his record book. Stephens will campaign the 2005 Shaw car that Jimmy Johnson raced in 2005. Stephens has enlisted Ed Carley to completely redo the car which may make a run at Genesee Speedway prior to the Merrittville BRP CanAm event.

There are new race car drivers, new race teams, and new race cars aplenty for the 2006 BRP CanAm Late Model Series. Join us at Merrittville Speedway and celebrate the Victoria Day Holiday on Monday May 22.

The 2006 BRP CanAm Series will visit Black Rock Speedway [twice], Canandaigua Speedway, Cayuga County Fair Speedway, Genesee Speedway, McKean County Raceway [twice], Merrittville Speedway [twice], Ransomville Speedway [twice], and Woodhull Raceway for 12 point events in 2006. The 2006 Series will conclude at Black Rock on Saturday October 7 with a $10,000 non-point affair.