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May 6, 2008
Project Podium Participants Driving to Become Champions - Lyn St. James' Scholarship Program Jump Starts Career

Danica Patrick made international headlines last month when she became the first woman to win an IndyCar race. Her victory is a celebration for many aspiring young women drivers who look at Patrick’s big win as inspiration for their own opportunities within the sport of motor racing.

For 18 young women drivers nationwide, and one from Germany, Lyn St. James’ Project Podium offers optimism that their hard work, perseverance and driving talents will grow and be recognized. Project Podium is a new grant program that provides matching funds to drivers who have generated sponsorships.

For St. James, Project Podium is a natural extension of the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation and Driver Development Program, of which Patrick is a graduate.

“There are many more women in the driver pipeline than ever before,” St. James said. “Project Podium is designed to help young talent achieve racing and business success, but not by giving them a handout. Each applicant must demonstrate her commitment, desire and need, both in the business world and on the track.”

Project Podium applicants submitted their driving qualifications, sponsor information and a written essay on their goals and plans and why they need support. They are:

• Renee Dupuis (Glastonbury, Conn.) – NASCAR Whelen Modified Series

• Kaley Engstrom (Rhome, Texas) – Brazo Mini Sprint Assoc.

• Natalie Fernaroli (Raymore, Mo.) - TAG USA KART

• Diana Harker (Gainesville, Ga.) – NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster

• Kate Harker (Gainesville, Ga.) – NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster

• Sloan Henderson (Franklin, Ohio) – INEX Legends

• Brandie Jass (Bryan, Texas) – Brazos Mini Sprint Assoc.

• Kristy Knoll (Amherst, N.Y.) – WKA Jr. Restricted Dirt Karts

• Samantha Neild (Jensen Beach, Fla.) – NHRA Altered Dragster

• Ashley Parlett (Harrisburg, N.C.) – 260 Sprint Cars

• Leah Pruett-LeDuc (Cherry Valley, Calif.) – NHRA Funny Car / Super Comp

• Megan Reitenour (Miamisburg, Ohio) - SuperCupStockCarSeries / ARCA Truck Series

• Kayla Sewell (Henderson, Nev.) - NHRA Sportsman

• Trista Stevenson (Pocahontas, Ill.) – NASCAR Late Model

• Samantha Taylor (Bonney Lake, Wash.) – USAC / QMA / IKF / ASCS

• Miranda Throckmorton (Coatesville, Ind.) – Allstar & Midwest Circuit of Champions

• Lynsey Tilton (Martinsville, Ind.) – USAC Midgets / Mini sprints

• Jackie Weiss (Hessen, Germany) – Karts / Formula BMW

A total of $55,000 in scholarships is available from Project Podium. Each applicant is being reviewed by a volunteer panel of motorsports and business professionals. Recipients will be announced late-May.

In addition to St. James, the reviewing committee consists of: Vicki O’Connor, managing director of the Atlantic Championship; Linda Conti, financial advisor at David A. Noyes & Co.; Amy Rosewater, sports writer; Angelique Chengelis, The Detroit News motorsports writer; and Erin Crocker, NASCAR driver & Women in the Winner’s Circle Driver Development Program graduate.

Current Project Podium partners are:  Newman’s Own, Grand-Am, NASCAR Foundation, Indy Racing League/Firestone Indy Lights, Atlantic Championship, NHRA, Mazda USA, Toyota, VW, Rolex, and Mike Helton. 

About Project Podium: Project Podium, founded by entrepreneur and former Indy 500 driver Lyn St. James, is the newest program of Women in the Winners Circle Foundation, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, and is designed to empower active young female race car drivers to help further their early professional careers. Project Podium joins the Women in the Winners Circle Foundation’s highly successful Driver Development Program. It is the most comprehensive educational and training program of its kind, covering such areas as fitness and mental preparation, business and media training, and on-track and technical courses. The Driver Development Program has graduated more than 200 drivers since its inception in 1994, including Patrick, Sarah Fisher and Melanie Troxel.

Media Contacts: Barry Toepke or Nhu-Y Nguyen, RWB for Project Podium, 310-755-7400

April 27, 2008
Stafford's 37th Annual Spring Sizzler

NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour returned to Stafford Motor Speedway (Stafford Springs, CT) for the running of the 37^th annual Spring Sizzler.

The team debuted a new car and paint scheme for the Sizzler – opting to run a different chassis than they had worked with for the season-opening Ice Breaker. Pictures of the sharp new car can be found by visiting our gallery; thanks to Mary & Howie Hodge.

Practice and qualifying took place on Saturday (April 26) – with Renee qualifying 26^th in the 35-car field.

Prior to any on-track activity on Sunday, the No. 90 team took part in Stafford’s annual Pit Party. During the celebration Renee participated in an interview with the track announcer, discussing her own involvement with the sport as well as the recent publicity surrounding Danica Patrick’s IndyCar win and how that triumph relates to other women racers.

While it was far from the weekend the team hoped for, the No. 90 car ran for position on the lead lap for three-quarters of the 200-lap race. The team pitted the car on three occasions: making air pressure adjustments twice; as well as a four-tire change while fueling. Cycling thru pit stops, the team ran as high as eighth.

Following a restart on lap-153, Renee tangled briefly with another competitor eventually slapping the turn four barrier. “We got tapped from behind and I tried to save it – chasing it up the race track,” she explained. “Once we got way up into the marbles, I was really just along for the ride. It sure seemed like we were going to back it in pretty good, so I guess just getting the right-front was a small favor.”

As a result of the suspension damage from the accident, the car didn’t return to the track and the team posted a disappointing 25^th place finish.

With a break in the Series’ schedule, Renee will next run a 150-lap race, again at Stafford, on Friday, May 23. We look forward to updating you following our next event.

April 6, 2008
2008 Season Gets Underway at Thompson International Speedway

NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour opened their 16-race season on Sunday, April 6 at Connecticut’s Thompson International Speedway (Thompson, CT).

Prior to the WMT event, a violent accident took place during the Northeastern Midget Association’s 25-lap feature race. Tragically, competitor Shane Hammond succumbed to injuries he sustained in the lap four incident. Hammond’s passing marks NEMA’s first fatality since 1965 and Thompson Speedway’s third since August of 2004. We offer our sincere condolences to Hammond's family and friends.

Despite the day’s horrific events, NASCAR dropped the green flag on the 150-lap WMT race at approximately 3:15 PM. By race time, temperatures were in the low 40s with a persistent mist falling.

Starting from the outside of the 15^th row, Renee steadily worked her way forward. Well before the halfway point, the No. 90 car was just outside the top-10, running in 12^th.

“When the caution flew on lap 67, we were solidly running just outside the top-10. We debated back and forth as to whether we should pit or not. We certainly considered the weather, but decided to do whatever the leaders were going to do,” explained Renee. “So we pitted. We had a competitive car and we had to keep it that way because if we hadn’t pitted, we were going to be eaten alive by the guys with fresh rubber,” she continued.

When racing resumed, the No. 90 car got caught up in someone else’s melee – knocking out the toe. The crew pitted the car a few times, staying on the lead lap and successfully making minor repairs. However, by lap 92, the mist turned into light showers and NASCAR sent the field to pit road – ruling the race complete without ever really returning to green flag racing.

In the end, Renee was credited with a 17^th place finish. Please visit our gallery for Howie & Mary Hodge's photos from the weekend.

Next, the WMT is scheduled to compete at Stafford Motor Speedway (Stafford Springs, CT) for the running of the 37^th annual Spring Sizzler. The 200-lap race is set to go off at Sunday, April 27 at approximately 2:30PM.

March 15, 2008
2008 Racing Party

Dupuis Racing, in conjunction with Maneeley’s Banquet Facility, held their annual racing party fundraiser on Friday, March 14, 2008. $25 admission included complimentary dinner, beer and soda; dancing to the live music of Black Moon Band; as well as raffles. As in years past, Maneeley’s - located at 65 Rye Street, South Windsor, CT 06074 – graciously hosted the party from 6 PM until Midnight. Please visit our 2008 gallery for photos - courtesy of Howie Hodge - from the evening.

February 15, 2008
Renee participates in SpeedwayExpo Seminar

On Sunday, March 2, 2008 Renee is scheduled to participate in the ‘Fastest Ladies of the Northeast’ Racer’s Roundtable Seminar during the 2^nd Annual SpeedwayEXPO presented by Sunoco.

From 11:00am to 12:30pm Renee will join Erica Santos and Tiffany Skias in contributing to a presentation geared toward the educational experience of attendees.

The biggest racing show in the Northeast, the 2^nd Annual SpeedwayEXPO presented by Sunoco is held at The Eastern States Exposition Center (The Big E) in West Springfield, MA. The show runs from February 29 thru March 2.

October 14, 2007
Team Ends Season with Top-10 Run

The final race of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour’s 2007 season went off on October 13-14 at Thompson International Speedway (CT).

On Saturday afternoon, 42 cars attempted qualifying for the Xtra/Mart World Series of Racing. With only 32 cars making the tight field, 10 teams were sent packing after time trials. Of those making the lineup, Renee qualified 27^th.

With a 40-lap green flag stretch at the start of the 150-lap race, Renee went down a lap early with handling problems. Undeterred, the team made several pit stops and – by the time they earned the Lucky Dog – had a competitive car.

Back on the lead lap - with almost 100 laps remaining, Renee ran for position as the laps wound down. When the checkered flag waved, the No. 90 was credited with a 10^th place finish.

For pictures from the weekend, courtesy of Howie and Mary Hodge, please visit our gallery.

September 30, 2007
Stafford's 35th Annual Fall Final

NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour returned to Stafford Motor Speedway (Stafford Springs, CT) on September 29-30 for the running of their 35^th Annual Carquest Fall Final event. 

39 cars made the rounds in the Tour’s Saturday morning practice session, with qualifying set for 1:30. In the rundown, the No. 90 team qualified 24^th fastest. 

Race day started out with the teams from all the different divisions participating in a Pit Party. The hour-long function offered fans the chance to meet the drivers while getting an up-close look at their racecars. 

At the start of the 150-lap race, Renee struggled with handling problems – making several pit stops for adjustments. At about the 50-lap mark, the No. 90 car pitted with most of the field. However, during the tire change, a lap was lost in the pits.  

On lap 85, the No. 90 team earned the ‘lucky dog.’ Back on the lead lap and with much improved handling, Renee was able to gain positions. The forward motion was short-lived as the car developed clutch problems. Just 14 laps from the end, the slipping clutch gave out - abruptly ending the day. 

With a week off, the WMT moves on to Thompson International Speedway (CT) for the World Series of Speedway Racing. The 150-lap season ending race is scheduled for Sunday, October 14. Visit www.thompsonspeedway.com for more details.

September 23, 2007
Thompson's Modified Mania

Following a two-week weather postponement, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour portion of Thompson’s Modified Mania went off on Sunday afternoon.

Originally scheduled to be run on September 9, 34 cars lined-up to take the green. Renee started the race from the 28^th position. “We set out to run a conservative race; that was our game plan” offered Renee. 

Along with most of the lead-lap cars the No. 90 team pitted for right-side tires on lap-55, also making handling adjustments. Dealing with a loose car - the race was mostly uneventful – save for a checking-up incident that cost the team a few spots towards the end. In the final rundown, the No. 90 car completed all 150-laps and was credited with an 18^th place finish.

Next, the WMT moves on to Stafford where the Series will be making their fourth and final appearance of the 2007 season.

September 9, 2007
Modified Mania Postponed

On Sunday, September 9^th, heavy rains forced the postponement of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event at Connecticut’s Thompson International Speedway.

The 150-lap race will now be run on Sunday, September 23^rd.  Prior to the start of NASCAR’s WMT race, the True Value Modified Racing Series will also run a 75-lap feature.

On the 23^rd, Thompson’s grandstands will open at 11 AM, with the green flag scheduled to wave at 3 PM. Thompson will honor tickets and pit passes from September 8^th-9^th as rain checks on the 23^rd. Adult tickets are priced at $25, children 14 and under are free.

August 16, 2007
New England Dodge Dealers 150 Turns Tragic

On August 16, John Blewett III, 33, passed away following an accident on lap-107 of the New England Dodge Dealers 150 at Thompson International Speedway. At the time of the accident, John was racing for the lead.  

John’s list of accomplishments in Modified racing was extensive. He had 10 career victories, 42 top five finishes and 76 top 10 finishes on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. John also found victory lane at two North-South Shootout races at Concord Motorsport Park (NC).  He was the 2003 and 2006 New Hampshire International Speedway Modified division track champion and the 1996 NASCAR Regional Racing Northeast champion. 

It was three years, almost to the day (August 19, 2004) that driver Tom Baldwin (Freeport, NY) was killed running in the same event. 

Contributions can be made to the John W. Blewett Educational Fund, 246 Herbertsville Rd., Howell, NJ, 07731.

June 21, 2007
Charter Cable 150

On Thursday, June 21 NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour made the second of five visits to the 5/8^th-mile Thompson International Speedway.

While 39 teams were on hand, just 35 starting spots were up for grabs. Lining up 7^th to take time, Renee qualified 19^th.  

When the green flag dropped on the 150-lap feature, Renee initially gained several positions. Still early on in the race, during a 30-lap green flag run, the No. 90 car tighten-up and started falling back a bit. When the caution flew on lap 40, the team decided to short pit for fresh right-side tires and a stagger adjustment. 

With a strong car again, Renee rejoined the race in 24^th. Gaining spots on the restart and avoiding a multi-car wreck 10 laps later, Renee was running inside the top-15. With rain showers quickly approaching, Renee continued to move forward – working up to the eighth position by the halfway point.  

Following another restart, on lap-80, Renee drove wheel-to-wheel for a top-ten position. Renee’s perspective was: “We were running hard and, just like the lap before, it was one of those ‘who was going to lift first’ deals. I won, driving it in way too far. We made contact and something snapped, so there was no steering.” She added, “I wrecked the car bad – at least a new front clip, maybe a rear too, all the bolt-on stuff.” 

In the end, rain forced the race to be called at lap-100 and Renee was credited with a 30^th place finish.

May 25, 2007
Connecticut Classic 150

NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour assembled at Stafford Motor Speedway on Friday, May 25 for the running of the Connecticut Classic 150.  

Drawing an early position for qualifying (8^th out of 41 teams), Dupuis circled the flat, .5-mile oval in 18.509 seconds. While qualifying progressed, the sun quickly set, helping lap times to steadily decrease. In the end, the last car to make the field on time posted a lap of 18.487 seconds. A total of ten teams didn’t make the show – including the No. 90 car. 

Please visit our photo gallery to take a look at pictures from the day courtesy of Howie and Mary Hodge. 

With another lengthy break in the schedule, Renee will next compete in a 150-lap show at Thompson International Speedway (CT) on Thursday, June 21. With a quick turn around time, she’ll then move on to New Hampshire International Speedway on Saturday, June 30 – where the Tour will run in conjunction with NASCAR’s famed Nextel Cup Series.

May 8, 2007
Cover Story

In the May 8 Glastonbury edition of the Reminder News, Renee and crew member Justin Dutton were featured in a cover story. The column focused on the duo’s recent Reality TV show exploits, but also detailed their current involvement with NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour. 

Founded in 1949, Reminder Community News is now Connecticut’s largest weekly newspaper. Their papers reach 62 towns across central and eastern Connecticut, with a total circulation of more than 230,000 homes and businesses. The Reminder is a magazine style publication, publishing local community news, features and photos.