ASA's Fontaine Is Realistic About Future

By BILL GREEN Tribune correspondent

Published: Sep 20, 2007

reprinted from the Tampa Tribune, TBO.com

There have been brief forays into NASCAR.

Chris Fontaine has competed in five Craftsman Truck races during the past three years, winning $27,800 in prize money in 2005. And he sits 60th out of the 101 drivers getting points this season, with $22,550 in winnings.

But the 25-year-old Lakeland resident realizes the money it takes to go truck racing goes a long way in the ASA Late Model Series Southern Division.

"I'm realistic about my future," Fontaine said. "Oh, I hope to one day get that phone call from a Cup, Busch or Truck team, but right now I'm happy getting seat time in the ASA series and learning everything I'll need to know, to make that big step, if my chance comes."

Fontaine said his first three truck outings in 2005 were "nothing to brag about," and he couldn't afford to run in 2006. This season he managed two events, finishing 17th in Mansfield, Ohio, and 20th in Memphis, Tenn., after starting 26th.

"I was very happy with that one," Fontaine said of the Memphis race, "because we learned so much about adjusting on the truck."

He's certainly had more success in ASA.

In this past weekend's ASA doubleheader in Georgia, Fontaine finished fourth Friday in Adel at South Georgia Motorsports Park and third Saturday at Senoia Speedway, just south of Atlanta. That moved the FLF Race Cars entry from eighth to fourth in the season points.

Fontaine started racing Mini-Cup cars at Auburndale Speedway in 1999 at the age of 17. He graduated into the Limited Late Model ranks after just two years, ran in the now defunct Southern Automobile Racing Association series for a year and then moved to the NASCAR All Pro Series for the next two. His last step, before the current ASA success, came in the Super Late Model events at DeSoto Super Speedway. Fontaine finished second in points with four wins for the 2006 season in the speedway's All American Challenge Series.

"I like the competition in the ASA series," Fontaine said. "Plus the travel is fun and challenging at the same time."

FONTAINE SETS TRACK RECORD TO TAKE THE POLE AND FINISHES AN ASA CAREER HIGH 3RD IN THE ASA SOUTH SENOIA 125 

ARP Bodies/Aluminum Racing Products Fast Qualifier, Chris Fontaine came home a career high third over 19-year-old Travis Cope who finished fourth.

Earlier in the afternoon in ARP Bodies/Aluminum Racing Products Qualifying, Chris Fontaine picked up his second ARP Bodies Fast Qualifier Award of the season as the Lakeland, Florida freshman in the presenting sponsors’ own FLF Racecars House Car, established the ASALMS Southern Division track record on the 0.375 Mile Semi-Banked Paved Oval with a 14.205 which measures out to 95.037 MPH.

A pre-race inversion put Fontaine in the sixth starting spot. During the race, ARP Bodies Fast Qualifier, Chris Fontaine got by the fifth place car and fourth place Cope and began reeling in the teammates from the Brothers Racing Team. Soon it was a three-car battle for the lead. Later on however, Townley and Slocumb lost Fontaine using lapped traffic and would settle the race on their own terms.

story includes info from asalatemodelssouth website

Chris Fontaine wins the ARP Bodies/Aluminum Racing Products Fast Qualifier Award at the New Senoia (GA) Raceway for the Senoia 125 Presented by FLF Racecars.

Posted September 15th, 2007

Chris Fontaine won his second ARP Bodies/Aluminum Racing Products Fast Qualifier Award of the 2007 Season with this one coming during Day Two of the Georgia Doubleheader Weekend at the New Senoia (GA) Raceway for the Senoia 125 Presented by Fontaine’s primary sponsor; FLF Racecars. (Chuck Gonzalez Photo)

By ASA Late Model Series
Senoia, Georgia (09/15/2007): ARP Bodies/Aluminum Racing Products Qualifying is now complete and the starting line-up is now set for the Day Two of the Georgia Doubleheader Weekend at the New Senoia (GA) Raceway, located Southwest of Atlanta in Senoia, Georgia.

The ASA Late Model Series Southern Division Presented by GM Performance Parts is now ready for their Seventh Race of the 2007 Season; The Senoia 125 Presented by FLF Racecars as ARP Bodies/Aluminum Racing Products Qualifying is now complete as Chris Fontaine has picked up his second ARP Bodies Fast Qualifier Award of the season.

The Lakeland, Florida freshman in the presenting sponsors’ own FLF Racecars House Car, established the ASALMS Southern Division track record on the 0.375 Mile Semi-Banked Paved Oval with a 14.205 which measures out to 95.037 MPH.

After ARP Bodies/Aluminum Racing Products Qualifying, Fontaine then drew then minimum inversion of a Six (6) which places 19-year-old Travis Cope and ASALMS Southern Division Overall and Rookie of the Year Points Leader and last nights’ Feature Winner at the South Georgia (GA) Motorsports Park, Jeff Choquette on the front row for the Senoia 125 Presented by FLF Racecars.

Cope and Choquette, who finished 1-2 in the South Georgia 125 Presented by McDonald’s Restaurants were also the front row last night in Cecil, Georgia with there positions reversed as Choquette started on the pole with Cope on his outside.

A 60-Minute Autograph Session is currently on going and then after the Invocation and National Anthem, racing begins in Senoia, Georgia with the NSR Icemen, Sportsman, Street Stocks and Mini Stocks Heat Races beginning at 7:00pm. Once the preliminaries are complete, it’ll be Feature time for the NSR Icemen, Sportsman, Street Stocks and Mini Stocks beginning at approximately 8:00pm.

Finally after Pre Race Ceremonies and Driver Introductions, the Senoia 125 Presented by FLF Racecars will get the green flag at approximately 9:30pm. The Master Schedule and Time Line are Subject to Change at the discretion of the ASALMS. ALL times are in accordance with Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Live Internet coverage of the South Georgia 125 Presented by McDonald’s Restaurants is on: Real Racin USA.com Keep your browser locked in all weekend long exclusively on the ASALMS Southern Division website for continuing coverage of the Senoia 125 Presented by FLF Racecars by clicking on the link provided: Georgia Doubleheader Race Weekend
 

Read More »

PHOTOS FROM THE GEORGIA DOUBLEHEADER WEEKEND

photos by mike parks, realracinusa.com and chuck gonzalez, cgphoto.com

Fontaine won the pole at New Senoia setting a track record and went on to a podium finish with third.

Chris Fontaine and his C.F.I. team go over his Chevrolet Monte Carlo during the morning hours at the New Senoia (GA) Raceway.

An early battle ensues with Chris Fontaine (47) and Bobby East (11) at the South Georgia (GA) Motorsports Park.

18-year-old Cody Smith (15), who was making his debut with 5K Motorsports, looks to the inside of Chris Fontaine (47) at the South Georgia (GA) Motorsports Park.

Three laps later, Chris Fontaine (47) goes for a spin on Lap 23 of the 125-lap Feature. The Lakeland, Florida freshman was involved in another incident on Lap 50 and still came from the rear of the field after both incidents to finish Fourth.

Chris Fontaine (47) tries to make his way back through the field as here he goes by Road Racing Specialist, Casey Neal (25) on Lap 63, which was the halfway point of the 125-lap Feature.

FONTAINE TAKES 4TH IN THE SOUTH GEORGIA 125 AT SOUTH GEORGIA MOTORSPORTS PARK IN CECIL,GA; SATURDAY NIGHT THE CHRIS FONTAINE RACING TEAM WILL TAKE ON SENOIA SPEEDWAY IN SENOIA,GA

"Chris Fontaine also had to come from the back twice after spins to finish fourth..." asa late model series south site

FONTAINE QUALIFIES 5TH FASTEST AND STARTS

THE SOUTH GEORGIA 125 IN FOURTH AFTER INVERSION

ad reprinted from late model racer magazine

THE CHRIS FONTAINE RACING TEAM PREPARES FOR THE GEORGIA DOUBLE HEADER WEEKEND SEPTEMBER 14TH IN CECIL,GA AND SEPTEMBER 15 IN SENOIA,GA

ILL HANDLING CAR AND MOTOR PROBLEMS  RESULT IN 28TH PLACE FINISH FOR FONTAINE AT THE MILWAUKEE MILE

FONTAINE QUALIFIES 19TH OF 33 FOR TONIGHT'S JANI-KING 150

FONTAINE IS 5TH IN ASA CHALLENGE SERIES ROOKIE OF THE YEAR POINTS GOING INTO SATURDAYS JANIKING 150 AT THE MILWAUKEE MILE

Fontaine to Race in the ASA CHALLENGE SERIES Jani-King 150

at the Milwaukee Mile Saturday, August 25  3:30pm

FONTAINE QUALIFIES 8TH, RACES TO 6TH AND CHALLENGES FOR THE FIFTH SPOT BEFORE LAP 36 WRECK IN THE  ASA SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY 125 AUGUST 11TH

"David Wilson and Chris Fontaine got together triggering a massive Eight-Car pile-up in Turn Four and knocked out several top contenders! Fontaine, who was fourth in points coming into the night was done while second in points, Brandon Johnson was also involved and after making repairs to his machine, he came back out but several laps off the pace." asalatemodelssouth.com

Chris Fontaine(far right) listens intently during the drivers meeting.

Photo compliments of asalatemodelssouth.com and Chuck Gonzalez Photography

FONTAINE FINISHES 13TH AT BRISTOL

FONTAINE FINISHES 12TH IN ASA CHALLENGE SERIES RADFEST 200 AT MOTOR MILE SPEEDWAY IN RADFORD,VA SATURDAY JULY 21

FONTAINE WILL RACE IN THE RADFEST RACE AGAINST DRUGS 200 ASA CHALLENGE SERIES RACE SAT. JULY 21 AT MOTOR MILE SPEEDWAY

AFTER RACING FROM 11TH TO 8TH, FONTAINE RUNS OUT OF GAS TO FINISH 14TH IN CAUTION-FILLED ASA SOUTH RACE AT BIRMINGHAM

July 13, 2007
To: All Media
For: Immediate Release
From: Chris Fontaine ASA Late Models
Subject: ASALMS Crimson 125
Contact: John Barker LefTurnCom@aol.com

LAKELAND, FLORIDA – Chris Fontaine will be racing in Birmingham, AL this Saturday night in the ASALMS Southern Division Crimson 125 on Birmingham (AL) International Raceway a .625 paved oval, located on the Alabama State Fairgrounds.

Fontaine is ready to do battle for the top spot in the point standings driving his new FLF Race Cars Ford. Orlando, Florida rookie, 20-year-old Sean Bass continues to lead both the overall as well as the Rookie of the Year points, but is looking closely over his shoulder at Fontaine of Lakeland, FL in both the overall and rookie title chases leading him by just 40 points.

Loxahatchee, Florida driver Jeff Choquette, based on his career high second place finish at the New Smyrna (FL) Speedway back on June 23, 2007 made a jump from eighth to third and trails Fontaine in both categories by 21 markers and Bass by 60 with 449 points.

After the Crimson 125 presented by FLF Racecars, the next race for the ASALMS Southern Division will be on Saturday August 11, 2007 at the Orange County (NC) Speedway on the .375 mile high-banked paved oval in The Orange County 125.

CHRIS FONTAINE APPEARS ON ASA "FAST LANE" ON REALRACINUSA.COM

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

FONTAINE TAKES 20TH IN O'REILLY 200 NCTS TRUCK RACE AT MEMPHIS

July 1, 2007

To: All Media
From: Chris Fontaine – ASA Racing
For: Immediate Release
Subject: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Memphis Motorsports Park
John A. Barker LefTurnCom@aol.com

LAKELAND, FLORIDA – Chris Fontaine of Lakeland, FL finished 20th in the XPRESS Motorsports Chevrolet in the O’Reilly 200 at Memphis Motorsports Park on Saturday night in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
 

Travis Kvapil sent Brad Keselowski into a spin to take the lead with nine laps remaining and went on to win the O'Reilly 200, depriving Keselowski of an apparent victory.
Kvapil's Roush Fenway Racing Ford ran a couple of truck lengths behind Keselowski's Germain Racing Toyota in a 40-lap chase on the .75-mile track.

In turn 4 on the 191st lap, Kvapil's truck hit Keselowski's left rear and sent him into a 180-degree spin.
 

It ruined a storybook type finishing race for Keselowski the pole sitter, who was subbing for the suspended Ted Musgrave. Keselowski finished 16th.
 

Fontaine qualified 26th in a 36 truck field and completed 199 of 200 laps and his driving skills continue to improve.
 

Kvapil won by 2.320 seconds over runner-up Jack Sprague, who passed Ron Hornaday for second with three laps remaining. It was Kvapil's second victory of the season and the seventh in his truck career.
 

Series points leader Mike Skinner was fourth and rookie Aaron Fike fifth, both driving Toyotas.

THE XPRESS MOTORSPORTS TEAM SERVICES FONTAINE'S #16 TRUCK

RACING ON THE BACKSTRETCH

THE 16 RACING THE 13 THROUGH TURN 4

RACING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC

FONTAINE TO DRIVE THE #16 NASCAR

CRAFTSMAN TRUCK AT MEMPHIS SATURDAY

June 28, 2007

To: All Media

From: Chris

Fontaine – ASA Late Model Southern Division

Subject:

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

Contact: John Barker LefTurnCom@aol.com

FONTAINE NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK

LAKELAND, FLORIDA - Chris Fontaine of Lakeland, FL will try his skills again in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series racing at Memphis Motorsports Park in Tennessee piloting the #16 Xpress Motorsports Ford in the O’Reilly 200 at 8:30 p.m.

This is the

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ 13th season. The 200 lap race is the series’ 304th race and 10th at Memphis Motorsports Park a three-quarter mile track.

The late Bobby Hamilton, who passed away from complications of head and neck cancer in January, will be honored in pre-race ceremonies being carried live on SPEED starting at 8 p.m.

The running of this race honoring Hamilton is sure to give

Fontaine some extra incentive since he has driven several races in a Hamilton prepared NASCAR truck in the past.

Tennessee Governor Phil

Bredesen has proclaimed June 30 “Bobby Hamilton Day.” A street within the racing complex will be renamed in Hamilton’s honor. Each truck participating in the O’Reilly 200 will carry a special Bobby Hamilton memorial decal on the B post.

This week’

s race is the third of six to held on a short track in 2007. Mike Skinner won at Martinsville Speedway in March while Ron Hornaday Jr. captured May’s stop at Mansfield Motorsports Park. Hornaday is the all-time short track leader with 17 victories. Skinner is second with 14.

Skinner is the current championship leader by 108 points over

Hornaday. There have been eight different winners in the season’s first 11 races. Skinner has won three times and Hornaday twice. The other winners are Johnny Benson, Todd Bodine, Erik Darnell, Travis Kvapil, Dennis Setzer and Jack Sprague.

Starting up front is one key to winning at Memphis

Motorsports Park. The Bud Pole winner has gone on to victory on three occasions – and in each of the past two years. No Memphis winner has started worse than fifth, Jack Sprague in 2000. Skinner won his seventh Bud Pole of the year at The Milwaukee Mile on June 22. That’s three short of his own season record set in 1995. Sprague has won the most poles at MMP – three.

Here are best O’

Reilly 200 finishes for drivers among the current top five: Skinner, ninth (2006); Hornaday, first (1998); Todd Bodine, 15th (2006); Travis Kvapil, first (2002); and Rick Crawford, fifth (1998).

 

 

 

FONTAINE TAKES 9TH IN ASA FLORIDA 100 AT NEW SMYRNA

FOR 4TH TOP 10 FINISH OF 2007

June 27, 2007
To: All Media
From: Chris Fontaine – ASALMS Southern Division
Subject: Southern Division Race #3 New Smyrna (FL) Speedway
For: Immediate Release
Contact: John Barker – LefTurnCom@aol.com

LAKELAND, FLORIDA - Chris Fontaine of Lakeland, Florida finished ninth in the ASALMS Southern Division in the Florida 100 presented by FLF Race Cars on Saturday June 23, at New Smyrna (FL) Speedway in Samsula.
The brakes on his new FLF Race Cars Ford proved to hamper Fontaine’s finish on the quick one-half mile asphalt high banked paved oval.
“We were doing all right, then started having issues with the brakes overheating the front rotors,” said Fontaine. Apparently something in the brake line broke so then I was stuck with just the front rotor and I had to back off.”
Brandon Johnson emerged as the winner after a battle with Florida driver Jeff Choquette. Jason Boyd, who originally finished third was disqualified in post race engine inspection.
Johnson, who started on the outside of the front row, took the lead from pole-sitter, Travis Cope and the 22-year-old Sunshine State driver in his un-sponsored Chevrolet Monte Carlo led all 100 laps.
Choquette held off Boyd for second while 16-year-old Brian Blum finished a career high third after holding off current ASALMS Southern Division overall and Rookie of the Year points leader Sean Bass finished fourth.
Bass would be awarded fast time after Boyd’s disqualification and all other finishers would move up one finishing spot.
Northern Division invader, Jason Taghikhani, who made the haul from Hales Corners, Wisconsin made his trip worthwhile with an ASALMS career high fifth place finish over Wayne Morris.
The next event for the ASALMS Southern Division will be race number four on the 2007 schedule. The Crimson 125 is set for Saturday July 14, 2007 at the famed 0.625 mile semi-banked paved oval of the Birmingham (AL) International Raceway in Birmingham, Alabama.

THE CF RACING TEAM ROLLED THEIR NEW FORD FUSION OUT OF THE TRAILER FOR ITS FIRST RACE AT NEW SMYRNA ON JUNE 23, 2007

 

FONTAINE TO RUN A FORD FUSION IN THE ASA FLORIDA 100 AT NEW SMYRNA SATURDAY

June 21, 2007

To: All Media
From: Chris Fontaine ASA Late Model Southern Division Series
For: Immediate Release
Subject: Florida 100 - New Smyrna Speedway, Samsula, FL

Contact: John Barker LefTurnCom@aol.com

LAKELAND, FLORIDA - Chris Fontaine of Lakeland, FL will have a different look for the running of the Florida 100 at New Smyrna slated for a 8:30 p.m. start as he will now pilot a new FLF Race Cars Ford that his team has made ready for this race on Saturday night.
Fontaine is expecting a strong run in his new ride and the Ford has run competitive times on the speedy New Smyrna Speedway paved track. Southern Division qualifying is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
The ASALMS Southern Division is back in gear with this third race of the season at New Smyrna (FL) Speedway located eight miles west of New Smyrna Beach and 15 miles south of Daytona Beach in Samsula, Florida on the one-half mile high banked oval for the Florida 100 presented by FLF Race Cars. A late model field of up to 40 cars is expected.
Joining the ASALMS Southern Division contingent in eastern Florida will be the traveling cars and stars of the Southern Sportsmen Series and the Florida Mini Stock Challenge, who will each be running 50-lap features in support of the ASALMS Southern Divisions’ inaugural appearance at the home of the “World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing”.
Heading into the third race of the season at the New Smyrna Speedway; Orlando, Florida rookie, 20-year-old Sean Bass is the overall as well as the Rookie of the Year points leader in the ASALMS Southern Division. In addition, Bass is the first driver running a Mopar powered crate engine to lead the point standings at any time in the overall ASALMS five year history.
As for the ASALMS Southern Division points standings, Bass leads Lakeland, Florida’s hard-charging Fontaine in both the overall and rookie title chases by just 10 points (335-325). Rob Partelo stands third in both standings’ and sits 15 points behind Fontaine with 310. The first non-rookie is Bo Miller, who is fourth with 302 points.
After the Invocation and the National Anthem at 7:30 p.m., the GM Performance Parts Shootout 25-lap feature will begin. At this time, no cars will transfer out of the Shootout, but that can change at the discretion of ASALMS and New Smyrna Speedway officials.
After the GM Performance Parts Shootout, the Florida Mini Stock Challenge 50-Lap feature will begin at approximately 7:45pm. Then at 8:20pm the starting grid in the ASALMS Southern Division will be pushed out onto the front stretch for pre-race ceremonies and driver Introductions. The Southern Sportsmen Series will run their 50-lap feature to close out the racing action.
The next event for Fontaine in the ASALMS Southern Division will be race number four on the 2007 schedule. The Crimson 125 is set for Saturday July 14, 2007 at the famed 0.625 mile semi-banked paved oval of the Birmingham (AL) International Raceway in Birmingham, Alabama.

 

Off to sunny Florida for the ASALMS Southern Division as the New Smyrna (FL) Speedway is next with the Florida 100.

Posted June 4th, 2007

By ASA Late Model Series

Lexington, Michigan (06/04/2007): The ASA Late Model Series Presented by GM Performance Parts has been getting hammered by Mother Nature lately. Not only was the ASALMS Northern Division’s second event in Morris, Illinois postponed due to Rain, the ASALMS Southern Division’s third race of the season, scheduled for this Saturday June 2, 2007 was also postponed due to the raging wildfires and then eventually Tropical Storm Barry that went through Northern Florida and Southern Georgia.

The South Georgia 125 has been rescheduled and will now be a part of a busy weekend in Mid-September as the ASALMS Southern Division will invade the South Georgia (GA) Motorsports Park, located North of Valdosta in Cecil, Georgia on Friday September 14, 2007 for what will now be the Sixth Race of the 2007 season.

Then the teams will convoy North up I-75 making their way to the New Senoia (GA) Raceway located Southwest of Atlanta in Senoia, Georgia the next day on Saturday September 15, 2007 for the Seventh event of the 2007 season; The Senoia 125 to complete a doubleheader weekend in the Peach State and in all total, 250 laps of ASALMS Feature Racing!

Now the ASALMS Southern Division contingent will have plenty of time in between events. The South teams had a seven week waiting period between the first and second shows of 2007 and with the postponement of the South Georgia event, they will now have another seven weeks in between the second and third events of the season!

The third race of the 2007 Racing Season in the ASALMS Southern Division will commence at the historic New Smyrna (FL) Speedway located Eight miles West of New Smyrna Beach and 15 miles South of Daytona Beach in Samsula, Florida on Saturday June 23, 2007 in the running of the Florida 100. Joining the ASALMS South teams will be the popular Southern Sportsmen Series. The Entry Form for the Florida 100 will be available on Thursday June 7, 2007.
 

ASALMS Southern Division contender, Chris Fontaine finishes 17th in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race in Mansfield, Ohio

Posted May 31st, 2007

ASALMS Southern Division Overall and Rookie of the Year Title contender, Chris Fontaine finished 17th in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event; The Ohio 250 at the Mansfield (OH) Motorsports Park in Mansfield, Ohio on Saturday May 26, 2007. (Steve Keller/Truck Series.com Photo)

By C.F.I./John Barker and ASA Late Model Series
Lakeland, Florida (05/31/2007): ASA Late Model Series Southern Division Overall and Rookie title contender, Chris Fontaine of Lakeland, Florida finished 17th driving through the raindrops during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ Ohio 250 at Mansfield Motorsports Park in Mansfield, Ohio on Saturday May 26, 2007.

Fontaine moved cautiously through the field and put his Ford in sixth place, but was unable to keep it there. “We were fast enough to run up front at the end,” said Fontaine. I made a mistake on our pit stall and had to go to the end of the longest line and that really put us in the back. We tried to makeup positions as much as we could.”

Fontaine drove the Xpress Motorsports owned Ford on the 0.500 Mile Progressively Banked Paved Oval in Mansfield, Ohio that slowed many drivers from advancing. The average speed of this race was only 52.873 mph and the margin of victory was .522 seconds with only three lead changes.

“It was pretty intense, there was beating and banging all around,” said Fontaine. Those guys are another type of animal, they’re not afraid to hit each other. I’m looking forward to coming back here.” This was Fontaine’s second race at Mansfield. In his first race he finished 17th after qualifying 27th in the late Bobby Hamilton owned Bobby Hamilton Racing Dodge. Dennis Setzer won the race in a 36 truck starting field with 23 drivers finishing on the lead lap. There were 13 race cautions.

Fontaine’s next ASALMS Southern Division race of 2007 will be the third event of the season; The Florida 100 on Saturday June 23, 2007 at New Smyrna Speedway in Samsula, Florida.
 

May 30, 2007


To: All Media

For: Immediate Release

Subject: Chris Fontaine – ASA Late Model


NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Mansfield, Ohio


Contact: John Barker LefTurnCom@aol.com


LAKELAND, FLORIDA – Chris Fontaine of Lakeland, FL finished 17th driving through the raindrops during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Quaker State & Lube 250 presented by Circle K at Mansfield Motorsports Park in Ohio on Saturday (May 26).

Fontaine moved cautiously through the field and put his Ford in sixth place, but was unable to keep it there.

“We were fast enough to run up front at the end,” said Fontaine. I made a mistake on our pit stall and had to go to the end of the longest line and that really put us in the back. We tried to makeup positions as much as we could.”

Fontaine drove the Xpress Motorsports owned Ford on the one-half mile Ohio track that slowed many drivers from advancing. The average speed of this race was 52.873 mph and the margin of victory was .522 seconds with only three lead changes.

“It was pretty intense – there was beating and banging all around,” said Fontaine. Those guys are another type of animal – they’re not afraid to hit each other. I’m looking forward to coming back here.”

This was Fontaine’s second race at Mansfield. In his first race he finished 17th after qualifying 27th in the late Bobby Hamilton owned Bobby Hamilton Racing Dodge.

Dennis Setzer won the race in a 36 truck starting field with 23 drivers finishing on the lead lap. There were 13 race cautions.

Fontaines next ASALMS Southern Division third race of 2007 will be the Florida 100 on Saturday June 23 at New Smyrna Speedway in Samsula, FL.

 

The South Georgia 125 at the South Georgia (GA) Motorsports Park has been postponed due to the Florida/Georgia Wildfires!
Lexington, Michigan (05/29/2007): The ASA Late Model Series Southern Division Presented by GM Performance Parts as well as Officials from the South Georgia (GA) Motorsports Park have announced that the third race of the 2007 Season in the ASALMS Southern Division has been postponed due to the raging wildfires that have plagued Southern Georgia and Northern Florida.

The South Georgia 125 at the South Georgia (GA) Motorsports Park, which was set for Saturday June 2, 2007 has been postponed and rescheduled for Friday September 14, 2007 and will now be the sixth race of the 2007 season and part of what will now be a Doubleheader weekend in the Peach State!

The next day, Saturday September 15, 2007 the ASALMS Southern Division contingent will travel North to the New Senoia (GA) Raceway, located Southwest of Atlanta in Senoia, Georgia for the seventh race of the 2007 season and complete the Georgia Doubleheader weekend with the running of the Senoia 125.

“Because of the devastating damage done by the wildfires and due to the fact that they’re not 100% contained as of this morning (Monday May 29, 2007) we’re not going to take any chances with this.” Stated Ron Varney, ASALMS Co-Founder/President. “The safety of our teams is our number one concern and we pray for the safety of everyone down there that’s dealing with this tragedy.” Varney added.

The third race of the 2007 season in the ASALMS Southern Division will now be the Florida 100 on Saturday June 23, 2007 at the famed New Smyrna (FL) Speedway located Southwest of Daytona Beach in Samsula, Florida. The entry form for the Florida 100 will be available beginning on Wednesday June 6, 2007.

 

FONTAINE FINISHES 17TH IN NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK RACE AT MANSFIELD

Ford Race Notes from TruckSeries.com

Race images reprinted from TruckSeries.com

FONTAINE DROVE THE XPRESS MOTORSPORTS #16 FORD

CFI RACING TEAMMATES JOE RALPH AND BOBBY CORDELE

WATCH THE RACE ATOP A HAULER WITH PHIL PARSONS (CENTER)

FONTAINE CHANGES GEARS TO RUN NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK RACE AT MANSFIELD

THE OHIO 250 RACE WILL BE TELEVISED ON SPEED AT 1:00 PM SATURDAY

May 24, 2007


To: All Media

From: Chris Fontaine – ASA Late Model Racing

Subject: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series


Contact: John A. Barker – LefTurnCom@aol.com


LAKELAND, FLORIDA – Chris Fontaine of Lakeland is fast changing gears preparing for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Quaker State & Lube 250 presented by Circle K at Mansfield Motorsports Park in Ohio on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

The Ohio 250 is the second of six races to be held on tracks shorter than one mile in length in 2007. At .5-mile, MMP is the smallest track the series visits.

“We’ve been here before,” said Fontaine. We’re hoping to be in a top finishing truck because the truck is capable of a strong finish.”

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champions have won all three Mansfield races: Jack Sprague (2004), Bobby Hamilton (2005) and Ron Hornaday (2006). The Mansfield victory was the 10th and last for Hamilton, who passed away in January.

Bobby Hamilton’s win from a 26th-place starting position ranks sixth (tie) deepest in the field among NASCAR Craftsman Truck winners. The 2005 race was the only event set via qualifying. The other two races were set via the series Rule Book due to inclement weather. Jack Sprague won in 2004 from the No. 1 starting position. Ron Hornaday Jr. started seventh a year ago.

Mike Skinner is the current championship leader by 85 points over defending champion Todd Bodine. No champion has won at MMP in his title year. Jack Sprague finished seventh in 2004; Hamilton sixth in 2005 and Hornaday seventh in 2006.

 

May 17, 2007


To: All Media

For: Immediate Release

From: Chris Fontaine - ASALMS Southern Division


Contact: John Barker – LefTurnCom@aol.com


The ASA Late Model Series Challenge Division presented by GM Performance Parts is headed to Newton, Iowa, but Chris Fontaine of Lakeland, FL will not make this trip as originally planned due to other race team commitments.

Fontaine however will have his FLF Race Cars Chevrolet at the ASALMS Southern Division visit for the second straight event on Saturday June 2, 2007 at the beautiful South Georgia (GA) Motorsports Park for the South Georgia 125.

This prime racing facility, a one–half oval paved circuit is located 30 minutes north of the Florida/Georgia state line in Cecil.

Fontaine is second in ASALMS Division points and second in rookie points.

Following the Georgia race, Fontaine’s next ASALMS Southern Division event will be at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida on the one-half mile high banked oval on June 23rd.


 

FONTAINE STARTED THE RACE IN THE FOURTH SPOT AFTER THE INVERSION

ONLY A FEW LAPS INTO THE RACE HE WAS SPUN BY A CAR BEHIND HIM

HE NARROWLY ESCAPED THE ENSUING PILEUP

May 7, 2007


To: All Media

For: Immediate Release

From: Chris Fontaine ASA Late Models Southern Division

Subject: Watermelon Bowl 125 – Cordele, GA


Contact: John Barker LefTurnCom@aol.com


Chris Fontaine of Lakeland, FL finished seventh Saturday night in the ASA Late Model Series Southern Division Watermelon Bowl 125 at the Watermelon Capital (GA) Speedway in a rain delayed race.

Even with his finish, Fontaine moved to second in ASA Southern Division points and also second in rookie points in his FLF Race Cars Chevrolet.

There were 43 late model cars with 28 making up the starting field on the .400 mile track.

After starting fourth there was a quick caution. The race went green once more, but Fontaine’s late model just wasn’t the same.

“I was on the outside of the pole sitter (Anthony Campi) and we ran side-by-side for two and a half laps,” said Fontaine. He pushed up into me and caused a spin. I got turned back the right way and kept going, but was able to keep my position. My problem was he’d knocked my tires about an inch off on my toe-in.”

Keeping up with the leaders did present some problems.

“We started running and it was all we could do to hang on. We got hit again and once again we got our spot back after the third race caution.”

Even with the early wait for a race start Fontaine’s crew made all the necessary adjustments.

“We thought we had a dominant car until that first caution.” 

Fontaine will once again run a ASALMS Challenge Division event which is set for Friday and Saturday May 11-12, 2007 at the Hawkeye Downs (IA) Speedway in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for the running of the Barron Motor Supply/Crate Engine Classic 200 Presented by Cassill Motors.

Watermelon Bowl 125 Results:
Pos…Start…Car #/Driver……………….Laps…Status
1……..9……..08 Beau Slocumb…………125…..Running
2……..3….…..22 Matt Hawkins…………125…..Running
3……..2……..28 Sean Bass-R……………125…..Running
4…….12…….41 Brandon Johnson-R…125…..Running
5…….21…….33 Dillon Oliver……………125…..Running
6…….15…….62 Travis Wilson………….125…..Running
7…….4……..47 Chris Fontaine-R……..125…..Running
8…….10…….09 John Wes Townley….125…..Running
9…….19…….119 Dalton Zehr……………125…..Running
10…..20…….16 Tommy King-R………..125…..Running
11……8………070 Jeff Choquette-R…..125…..Running
12……6………83 David Wilson-R………125…..Running
13……28…….10 Logan Dernoshek-R..125…..Running
14……13…….38 Bo Miller………………..125…..Running
15……16…….93 Rob Partelo-R…………125…..Running
16……23……59 Dustin Dunn-R………..125…..Running
17……14…….12 Tyler Townsend-R……125…..Running
18……24……3 Brian Blum-R……………125…..Running
19……18……56 Wayne Morris-R………124…..Running
20……22……8 Michael Seeright-R……116…..Accident
21……25……21 Fain Skinner-R…………116…..Accident
22……27……711 Max Gresham-R……..104…..Mechanical
23……26……11 Cody Pitts-R…………….79…….Mechanical
24……17……86 Jimmy Lang-R…………35…….Suspension
25……11…….6 Devan Hall-R…………….6………Accident
26……7……..131 Ryan Lawler……………6………Accident
27……1………81 Anthony Campi-R…….6………Accident
28……5……..5 Wes Burton-R……………6……….Accident

Lap Leaders: 81 Anthony Campi-R Pole, 28 Sean Bass-R 1-5,
22 Matt Hawkins 6-121, 08 Beau Slocumb 122-125.
Cautions: 13 for 41 Laps.
Time of Race: 1 Hour, 09 Minutes, 50.548 Seconds.




 

May 3, 2007
To: All Media
From: Chris Fontaine ASA Late Models Southern Division
For: Immediate Release
Subject: Watermelon Bowl 125
Contact: John Barker – LefTurnCom@aol.com

Chris Fontaine of Lakeland, FL will compete again in the second race of the 2007 season in the ASALMS Southern Division Saturday night at the Watermelon Capital (GA) Speedway, located south of Macon in Cordele, Georgia for the running of the Watermelon Bowl 125 and ASA racing is slated for an 9:15 p.m. start.

Fontaine is fourth in ASA Southern Division points and third in rookie points driving his FLF Race Cars Chevrolet.

“I guess we’re going to keep things the same with the team in ASA Southern Division racing,” We’re used to the tires for this series.”

The Watermelon Capital Speedway opens at 10 a.m. Saturday and ASA cars practice from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. There will be a drivers meeting at 6:35 p.m. and ASA qualifying is scheduled for a 7:05 start.

Watermelon Capital Speedway is a three-eighths mile medium banked high speed D shaped asphalt track.

“We went to Cordele, Ga. two weeks ago to test and we were pretty happy with the results,” Fontaine said. From what we’ve been told we were running pretty well and posted some good times.”

“It’s (track) got some banking – I’d say less than medium. You tend to overdrive it and there’s no wall.”

“I think it will be a good race with long green runs,” Fontaine concluded.

The entry list for the Watermelon Bowl 125 is over 40 drivers.

The ASALMS Southern Division made one appearance in 2006 at the Cordele, Georgia speed plant as the great state of Georgia was the stage for the ASALMS Southern Divisions 13th race of the 2006 season. In the Watermelon 100, the top five finishers were all teenagers while a freak accident involving the pace car hampered the start of the 100 lap event.

For more information about the Watermelon Capital Speedway, you can call during normal business hours at: 1 (229) 271-9301.

After the Watermelon Bowl 125, Fontaine will once again run a ASALMS Challenge Division event which is set for Friday and Saturday May 11-12, 2007 at the Hawkeye Downs (IA) Speedway in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for the running of the Barron Motor Supply/Crate Engine Classic 200 Presented by Cassill Motors

NEXT UP: THE ASA SOUTH SERIES RACE AT THE WATERMELON CAPITAL SPEEDWAY IN CORDELE GA THIS SATURDAY

FONTAINE MOVES UP TO 4TH IN ASA CHALLENGE SERIES ROOKIE OF THE YEAR POINTS

PHOTO BY CHUCK GONZALEZ

FONTAINE GETS BEST ASA CHALLENGE FINISH TO DATE

WITH 13TH AT TOLEDO SPEEDWAY

April 23, 2007


From: CFI

To: All Media

For: Immediate Release

Subject: ASALMS Challenge Series – Toledo, OH

Chris Fontaine ASA Late Models



Contact: John Barker – LefTurnCom@aol.com


Chris Fontaine of Lakeland, FL finished 13th in the ASALMS Challenge Division Glass Breaker 200 after addressing some radial tire problems Saturday (April 21) on Toledo (OH) Speedway.

Fontaine, driving his FLF Race Cars Chevrolet, qualified 22nd in the 27 car field on the one-half mile high banked Ohio paved oval.

“What we learned about air pressure paid off,” said Fontaine. We’re still working on the setup for these tires.”

Although not racing in the top ten Fontaine was in some serious racing as he moved forward during the feature.

“The main thing is we kept up and we were actually part of the race this time,” Fontaine said. “It was exciting and I hope we can take this experience and use it when we get back on radials.”

Fontaine was passing other cars on his way to the front, but encountered overheating problems early, but still fell a little short of a top ten finish.

Fontaine then started last in the field, but gained several positions following the pit stop and with 50 circuits remaining there was a wreck involving 13 cars, but was lucky enough to get through the incident without damage.

“After the restart we were running in the top 15 and I felt like we were running times that were close to the leaders. I think we made a big leap in the right direction and maybe in the next race we can have a better starting position and compete with the top running cars.” 


      Fontaine will compete again in the second race of the 2007 Season in the ASALMS  Southern Division Friday and Saturday May 4-5, 2007 at the Watermelon Capital (GA) Speedway, located South of Macon in Cordele, Georgia for the running of the Watermelon Bowl 125.

Glass Breaker 200 Results
Pos..Start.Car #/Driver..........Laps.Status
1....5.....89 Travis Dassow......200..Running
2....6.....5 Derek Thorn-R.......200..Running
3....1.....015 Colt James........200..Running
4....15....35 Keeton Hanks.......200..Running
5....8.....8 Eddie Hoffman.......200..Running
6....13....11 Peter Cozzolino....200..Running
7....12....12 Michael Annett.....200..Running
8....14....08 Andy Hanson-R......200..Running
9....2.....13 Charlie Menard.....200..Running
10...11....32 Sean Murphy-R......200..Running
11...16....116 Dave Kuhlman......200..Running
12...26....9 Will Thomas.........199..Running
13...22....47 Chris Fontaine-R...199..Running
14...19....21 Rick Miller........199..Running
15...17....36 Ryan Durst-R.......199..Running
16...18....01 Alec Carll-R.......195..Running
17...20....81 Jesse Smith........189..Running
18...24....71 Danny Ouderkirk....155..Mechanical
19...27....09 John Wes Townley...147..Running
20...7.....131 Ryan Lawler.......144..Accident
21...9.....45 Michael Simko-R....144..Accident
22...21....98 Zach Taylor-R......144..Accident
23...10....62 Travis Wilson......144..Accident
24...23....26 Greg Taylor........144..Accident
25...25....3 Bill Tomlinson......144..Accident
26...4.....77 Brian Campbell.....135..Accident
27...3.....15 Kris Stump.........64...Accident
DID NOT START: 14 Jim Ross and 31 Derek Bischak.

Lap Leaders: 015 Colt James Pole-75, 77 Brian Campbell 76-136, 015 Colt James 137-158, 5 Derek Thorn 159-195, 89 Travis Dassow 196-200.

Cautions: 13 for 71 Laps
Time of Race: 2 Hours 19 Minutes 15.069 Seconds

AFTER A 22ND PLACE START, FONTAINE STARTED MOVING TO THE FRONT

PASSING THE 3 ON THE BACKSTRETCH

MAKING A PITSTOP TO PULL TAPE OFF THE GRILL

CHANGING TIRES DURING A PITSTOP

FONTAINE AND TEAM READY FOR TOLEDO GLASS BREAKER 200 SATURDAY, APRIL 21

To: All Media

For: Immediate Release

From: Chris Fontaine ASA Late Models

Subject: ASA Late Model Challenge Series Race – Toledo, OH

Contact: John Barker LefTurnCom@aol.com


Chris Fontaine of Lakeland, FL will have his FLF Race Cars Chevrolet at Toledo (OH) Speedway to compete in the ASALMS Challenge Division for the Glass Breaker 200 presented by GM Performance Parts.

This race was cancelled last weekend following severe weather problems. The Fontaine race team has struggled somewhat with radial tires in the first two Challenge series races, but should be ready for this race.

“We talked to some people and we’re pretty sure we found what we were doing wrong and learned a lot about air pressure that we weren’t aware of,” said Fontaine. We’re getting an extra set of new tires so we can stay on new rubber for this race.”

This is the ASALMS Challenge Division’s third race in the 2007 season and drivers will compete April 20-21 on the famed one-half mile high banked paved oval, located right across the Michigan/Ohio border in Toledo, Ohio.

This event will mark the ASALMS first ever appearance at the historic Buckeye State speed plant. In addition to the ASALMS Challenge Division’s third race of the 2007 season, the ASALMS will be joined by the open-wheeled O’Reilly Auto Parts USA Modified Series as part of this history making Glass Breaker weekend.

Toledo Speedway was built in 1960 by Herb Koester, who owned a paving company. It was dirt for the first season, and went to asphalt before the end of the 1961 season. It is steeped in history, with virtually every touring series paying a visit to the track over 47 years.

A week later, and after a seven week lay off, the ASALMS Southern Division swings back into action and kicks off the month of May on Friday and Saturday May 4-5 for race number two on the 2007 calender at the Watermelon Capital (GA) Speedway, located South of Macon in Cordele, Georgia for the running of the Watermelon Bowl 125.

For more information about the Toledo Speedway, please call the track office at 1(419)727-1100.
 

	The Glass Breaker 200 at the Toledo (OH) Speedway is Postponed and Rescheduled for Friday and Saturday April 20-21, 2007. Lexington, Michigan (04/11/2007): After consulting with the National Weather Service as well as Toledo Speedway Officials, the ASA Late Model Series Presented by GM Performance Parts has decided to postpone the Third Race of the Fifth Anniversary 2007 Season. The Glass Breaker 200 has been postponed a week and is now set for Friday and Saturday April 20-21, 2007 at the famed 0.500 Mile High Banked Paved Oval of the Toledo (OH) Speedway, located right across the Michigan/Ohio border in Toledo, Ohio. The Master Time Line and Schedule will remain the same and is available by clicking on the link provided: Glass Breaker 200 Time Line and Master Schedule This event, now set for Friday and Saturday April 20-21, 2007 will mark the ASALMS first ever appearance at the historic Buckeye State speed plant. In addition to the ASALMS Challenge Division’s third race of the 2007 season, the ASALMS will be joined by the open wheeled O’Reilly Auto Parts USA Modified Series, who will open their 2007 Season as part of the history making Glass Breaker weekend! Article reprinted from asalatemodels.com

FONTAINE AND TEAM PREPARE FOR THE THIRD ASA CHALLENGE DIVISION RACE

Toledo (OH) Speedway and the historic High-Banks await the cars and stars of the ASALMS Challenge Division for the Glass Breaker 200. By: ASA Late Model Series   Lexington, Michigan (04/09/2007): The ASA Late Model Series Presented by GM Performance Parts Challenge Division's Fifth Anniversary 2007 Racing Season is in progress. The cars and stars of "America's Premiere Short Track Series" have two events in the record books and are now preparing for Race Number Three on the 2007 Calender. This is the one date on the 2007 ASALMS Challenge Division Schedule that everyone associated with the ASALMS as well as short track racing around the Midwest Region of the United States has highlighted on their respective calenders and have been waiting for since the days of the USPRO Cup Series in 2003. Now the time has come for the ASALMS Challenge Division to officially invade the Glass City! In what is highly regarded in the racing circles as the “Official Opening Day of the 2007 Racing Season in the Midwest”; The ASALMS Challenge Division’s third race of the 2007 season, the Glass Breaker 200 is set for Friday and Saturday April 13-14, 2007 at the famed 0.500 Mile High Banked Paved Oval of the Toledo (OH) Speedway, located right across the Michigan/Ohio border in Toledo, Ohio. This event will mark the ASALMS first ever appearance at the historic Buckeye State speed plant. In addition to the ASALMS Challenge Division’s third race of the 2007 season, the ASALMS will be joined by the open wheeled O’Reilly Auto Parts USA Modified Series as part of the history making Glass Breaker weekend! The entry form for the Glass Breaker 200, the third race of the Fifth Anniversary 2007 Season for the Crown Jewel of the ASALMS, the Challenge Division, is still available and due to the ASALMS home offices in Lexington, Michigan by TODAY Monday April 9, 2007 to avoid the late fees. To download the Glass Breaker 200 Entry Form, click on the link below: Glass Breaker 200 Entry Form In addition, an all-day test and tune will be held on Friday and hosted by the ASALMS, you can download that entry form as well by clicking on this link: Toledo Practice Day Entry Form The Glass Breaker 200 Entry List is available as there are over 30 pre entries from 16 different states for the third race of the Fifth Anniversary 2007 season in "America's Premiere Short Track Series". You can view them by clicking on the link provided: Glass Breaker 200 Entries The O’Reilly Auto Parts USA Modifieds Series will also open their 2007 Racing Season in Toledo, Ohio. For more information about the USA Modifieds Series, go to their website at: O’Reilly Auto Parts USA Modifieds Series As for the Toledo Speedway, the historic ½ mile will run weekly Friday night Regular Racing Shows beginning on April 27, 2007 with weekly divisions of ARCA Sportsmen, who will headline on the high-banks while the Figure 8s, Factory Stocks, and Four-Cylinders will take on the adjoining 1/4 mile paved oval. In addition, the widely popular Glass City Gold Cup Series for Outlaw Bodies Super Late Models will see the high-powered machines take to the Toledo, Ohio speed plant on six occasions in 2007., Overall, the Glass City oval will have weekend specials scattered throughout the season and a total of 12 different touring series making visits to Toledo in 2007! The 2007 season will end with a bang begining with the 19th running of the Glass City 200 Weekend and the ARCA Re/MAX Series and ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series Championship Weekend will close out the 2007 season at the fast 0.500 mile high-banked paved oval. Toledo Speedway was built in 1960 by Herb Koester, who owned a paving company. It was dirt for the first season, and went to asphalt before the end of the 1961 season. It is steeped in history, with virtually every touring series paying a visit to the track over its 47 year life. A sampling of all-time greats who have visited victory lane over the years includes; Mark Martin, Butch Miller, Joy Fair, Mike Eddy, Bob Senneker, Gary Bettenhausen, Tom Sneva, Iggy Katona, Frank Kimmel, Jr. Hanley, Joe Ruttman, Danny Byrd, Terry Cook, Bob Keselowski, Rollie Beale, Nolan Johncock, the late John Anderson and Al Beale. Also the legendary Ed Howe, Dave Marcis, and Rusty Wallace are just a portion of the great names with a Feature victory. Add in some more names that have competed at Toledo Speedway including some of the greatest to ever wheel a race car! Pancho Carter, Benny Parsons, and Dick Trickle. More recently the names of Dick Anderson, Scott Baker, Dennis Berry, Fred Campbell, Tim Felver, Glenn Gault Sr., John Grega, Junior Hanley, Tim Ice, Dave Kuhlman, Steve Sauve and others and Toledo Speedway has always been and will always be a favorite for many racers regardless of the type of car. The track is easily accessible and is located on Benore Road at the I-75/Alexis Road exit on the Michigan/Ohio border and the track is located just two hours from Ft. Wayne, Indiana, three hours from Dayton or Cleveland, Ohio, and just an hour from Detroit, Michigan. The track also operates the Toledo Speedway Bar and Grille enterprise on the speedway grounds and a new hotel is within a few months of opening. It is located just a walk across the main parking lot of the track on the west end of the property. For fans, no coolers, cans or bottles are permitted in the main grandstands. The speedway features a complete concession operation and the Speedway Saloon for adult beverages. On race days, the bar and grille front door is locked at race time, and the rear door, which opens up into the grandstand area, is opened for the convenience of our race fans. For more information about the Toledo Speedway, please call the track office at; 1 (419) 727-1100. You can also e-mail the speedway at; toledospeedway@arcaracing.com or log onto the track’s website at; Toledo Speedway

Glass Breaker 200
Toledo Speedway
Saturday, April 14  7:00pm
Event 3 of 14
 

Listen to Chris' recent radio interview on Real Racin' USA

FONTAINE'S RUN CUT SHORT BY ACCIDENT AT NASHVILLE

April 3, 2007

To: All Media

From: CFI (Chris Fontaine)

Subject: ASA Late Model Challenge Series

Contact: John Barker (LefTurnCom@aol.com)

Derek Thorn played all the right music winning the ASA Late Model Challenge Series Music City Spring Clash 200 at Music City (TN) Motortplex in Nashville, TN on Saturday night March 31, 2007. The race was presented by GM Performance Parts.

New rookie points leader, Thorn took the lead from Charlie Menard on lap 139 and the Lakeport, California freshman went on to win his first career ASALMS Challenge Division feature. Fourteen of 30 cars finished on the lead lap.

Chris Fontaine of Lakeland, FL couldn’t find the right notes finishing 24^th in the 30 car starting field after tire adjustment problems.

“Yeah, I was still getting used to the (radial) tires,” said Fontaine. Someone told us what pressures to use and it was totally wrong. We didn’t figure it out until after qualifying and during the race the car wasn’t set up right for the pressures.”

The last of 11 cautions flew during circuit lap 190 when Fontaine, who was in an earlier incident on lap 47 was trying to hold his own. He slapped the turn one wall and came to rest in the middle of the back stretch finishing him for the evening.

”I retuned to the track earlier to try and finish additional laps,” Fontaine said. I was following the sixth place driver and he went real high and I pushed up a little bit and got into the marbles and tagged the wall.

Earlier in the afternoon in ARP Bodies/Aluminum Racing Products qualifying Ill. sophomore, Nick Neville ripped off the fastest lap as the 19-year-old in his Ben E. Neville Roll Off and Trucking Services Chevrolet Monte Carlo turned a lap measured at 19.207 seconds or 111.709 mph.

The next event will mark the Challenge series first ever appearance on the historic high-banks of the .500 mile Toledo (OH) Speedway in Toledo, Ohio on Friday and Saturday April 13-14 in the running of the Glass Breaker 200.

Music City Spring Clash 200 Results
Pos...Start..Car #/Driver....................Laps...Status
1.......7........5 Derek Thorn-R............200.....Running
2.......1........13 Charlie Menard.........200.....Running
3.......3........35 Keeton Hanks...........200.....Running
4.......13......89 Travis Dassow..........200.....Running
5.......17......8 Eddie Hoffman............200.....Running
6.......6........09 John Wes Townley...200.....Running
7.......2.......015 Colt James..............200.....Running
8.......4.......12 Michael Annett..........200.....Running
9.......10.....11 Peter Cozzolino.........200.....Running
10.....24.....81 Jesse Smith..............200.....Running
11.....14.....95 Derek Neville............200.....Running
12.....5.......08 Andy Hanson-R........200.....Running
13.....15.....77 Brian Campbell.........200.....Running
14.....29.....43 Richard Johns-R.......200.....Running
15.....20.....27 Tom Smith-R............199.....Running
16.....21.....112 Tyler Townsend-R..198.....Running
17.....26.....3 Bill Tomlinson.............196.....Running
18.....30.....16 Austin Siebert-R.......193.....Running
19.....18.....36 Ryan Durst-R............172.....Running
20.....16.....15 Kris Stump................152.....Running
21.....12.....38 Bo Miller....................141.....Mechanical
22.....23.....32 Sean Murphy-R.........118.....Running
23.....22.....45 Michael Simko-R.......95.......Mechanical
24.....25.....47 Chris Fontaine-R.......79.......Accident
25.....19.....54 Alison Quick..............56.......Accident
26.....27.....98 Zach Taylor-R...........56.......Accident
27.....28.....61 Chris Archer-R..........34.......Accident
28.....8.......55 Nick Neville...............25.......Accident
29.....11.....40 Bryan Clauson-R......14........Accident
30.....9.......131 Ryan Lawler............13.......Accident

Lap Leaders: 13 Charlie Menard-Pole, 015 Colt James 1-120, 13 Charlie Menard 121-138, 5 Derek Thorn 139-200.
Cautions: 11 for 53 Laps.
Time of Race: 1 Hour 54 Minutes 59.584 Seconds

 

ON LAP 47 THE 47 GOT TOGETHER WITH A CAR IN TURN TWO

ANOTHER ACCIDENT ON LAP 79 ENDED FONTAINE'S NIGHT

THE CREW CHECKS THE CAR BEFORE THE RACE

THE TEAM MADE SEVERAL STOPS UNDER CAUTION TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS

FONTAINE WINS BRONSON POLE, STARTS 9TH AFTER PILL DRAW, FINISHES 4TH

ASALMS Southern Division Rookie of the Year title contender, Chris Fontaine won the Florida Short Track Report Fast Qualifier Award over the 41-car field at the Bronson (FL) Motor Speedway on Saturday March 17, 2007.

photo courtesy of Chuck Gonzalez and ASA

March 18, 2007

 To: All Media

 For: Immediate Release

 From: CFI (Chris Fontaine)

 Contact: John Barker (LefTurnCom@aol.com)

 Rob Partelo led the 28-car field from lap 1-100 to win Saturday night’s ASA Late Model Southern Division Boggy Creek 100 at Bronson Motor Speedway presented by Pennzoil and 16 cars finished on the lead lap in the $3,000 to win race.

It was another cold night for ASA drivers with temperatures hovering around 41 degrees. Like the winner, Chris Fontaine of Lakeland, FL also had a hot car posting fast time in his FLF Race Cars Chevrolet. Temperatures were also 41 degrees in San Antonio, TX for the opening ASA Challenge series race two weekends ago.

Fontaine took the top qualifying spot by besting 39 cars in time trials turning the .333 mile high–banked Bronson speed plant in 13.223 seconds for an ASA Southern Division Series track record. This was also the ASA Southern series second outing at Bronson.

Fontaine drew the number nine pill for inversion awarding Partelo the pole after the winning race driver qualified ninth.

“We unloaded and were pretty fast and we ran well in practice, but I didn’t expect to take the pole,” said Fontaine.

“I don’t think we were the fastest car tonight,” said Partelo. “But it’s great to have won and held off a tough group of drivers.”

Bo Miller put the heat on Partelo all night, but settled for second. Just behind Miller was Sean Murphy. The top three drivers drove three-wide to the finishing stripe. Fast time qualifier Fontaine finished fourth Jimmy Lang rounded out the top five.

Fontaine followed Murphy for 50 circuits, but was unable to find the right combination for a clean pass.

Yeah, we finished okay, but I wish we could have had a better draw at the start,” Fontaine said. 

FONTAINE WON THE POLE IN HIS FIRST ASA SOUTHERN DIVISION RACE

CHRIS FONTAINE AND OTHER ASA DRIVERS PASSED THEIR HELMETS TAKING UP A COLLECTION FOR CAMP BOGGY CREEK FOR ILL CHILDREN AND WHO THE BOGGY CREEK 100 RACE WAS DEDICATED TO

RACING FOR THIRD

Chris Fontaine Fast Time; 9-car Inversion Places Rob Partelo on the Pole

Posted March 17th, 2007

QUALIFYING UPDATE
Bronson Motor Speedway - Camp Boggy Creek 100 Presented by…
Zehr Racing, FLF Racecars and Penzoil

Photo Credit: Chuck Gonzalez

Chris Fontaine drove his no. 47 FLF Racecars, Glenden Enterprises, CFI Racing car to the fastest qualifying lap at the ASALMS – Southern Division season opener at Bronson Speedway. Fontaine pulled the number 9, which determined tonight’s inversion. Rob Partelo was advanced to the pole and will lead the field to the green flag at 8:30PM tonight. Second fast qualifier Sean Murphy kept his ASI LIMITED car on the top spot for all of qualifying until the final car (Fontaine) edged Murphy for the fast time. Bo Miller, Colt James and David Wilson rounded out the top five qualifying times.

Drivers are now on track signing autographs for fans. Just following the autograph session driver will walk the grandstand collecting donations in their helmets for Camp Boggy Creek (www.BoggyCreek.org)

March 15, 2007


To: All Media

From: CFI

For: Immediate Release

Subject: ASA Late Model Series Southern Division

Contact: John Barker at LefTurnCom@aol.com


LAKELAND, FLORIDA – Chris Fontaine of Lakeland, FL is ready to compete in the ASA Late Model Series Southern Division (ASALMS) Boggy Creek 100 on the quick .333 mile high-banked paved oval at Bronson (FL) Motor Speedway on Saturday night scheduled for an 8:45 p.m. start.

Fontaine will drive the FLF Race Cars Chevrolet and has two top-five finishes on the Bronson power plant while driving a super late model. This is the first event of 12 in 2007 for the ASALMS Southern Division. Jay Middleton of Lake City, FL is the defending race champion.

Other Florida local area drivers include Sean Bass of Lakeland, FL, Keith Lilley of Lakeland, FL, Wayne Morris of Mulberry, FL, Kevin Macy of Alturas, FL, Tommy King of Alturas, FL, Michael Seewright of Haines City, FL, James Wright of Auburndale, FL and Travis Wilson of Bartow, FL

The cars and stars of the ASALMS Southern Division will open their season for the second time in a row at Bronson Motor Speedway. This race is presented by Pennzoil.

ASALMS Southern Division qualifying will begin at 4:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Northern driver Ryan Carlson posted a Bronson Motor Speedway track record time of 13.285 seconds in a late model last season.

The Top 22 cars will be locked into the 100-lap feature through qualifying, while the next two positions will come from the 2006 ASALMS Southern Division owner points. Positions 25-26 will be reserved for Past Champions of the ASALMS, if those aren’t needed, then the next two in qualifying will round out the 26-car field.

The remainder of the field, who unfortunately do not make it into the main event of the evening will then run the series first ever 25-lap GM Performance Parts Shootout slated for a 7:40 p.m. start.

Bronson Motor Speedway is located 15 miles Southwest of Gainesville, three miles East of Bronson on State Road 24. Coming from Ocala, Florida and south: Take Route 27 to Bronson, turn right at only light in Bronson (State Road 24) , three miles and track is on right. Coming from Gainesville and north, take Route 24 exit and head west for 15 miles and the track is on the left.





 

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ASA AND CHUCK GONZALEZ PHOTOGRAPHY

FONTAINE FINISHES 17TH DESPITE HANDLING PROBLEMS

IN ACCIDENT MARRED ASA  RACE

MARCH 4, 2007


To: All Media

For: Immediate Release

Subject: Alamo 200 (San Antonio, TX)

From: CFI Racing (Chris Fontaine)


Contact: John Barker at LefurnCom@aol.com


SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - The 2nd annual Quality Pre Owned Cars and Trucks Alamo 200 ASA Late Model Series race was won by Texas driver Colt James as he pocketed $11,000 for his victory with cold windy temperatures in the 39 degree range on Saturday night.

Chris Fontaine of Lakeland, FL finished 17th in the 31 car ASA late model starting field during this 16 caution flag race that ate up 72 laps. Competing drivers represented 14 different states.

“We had multiple race handling problems and didn’t even practice well,” said Fontaine. I’m really disappointed in our efforts. We’re looking ahead to competing in the Bronson Speedway race on March 17th.

The Lone Star State driving Colt had his gun out early as this Buda, Texas driver also won the ARP Bodies/Aluminum Racing Products Fast Qualifier Award with a time of 18.480 seconds with an average speed of 97.403 mph on the one-half mile high banked oval. James then took the lead from Eddie Hoffman on lap 52 recording his biggest feature win.

Hoffman of Wheaton, IL settled for second in the caution plagued race as Peter Cozzolino of Indianapolis, IN finished third, Sean Murphy of Ft Lauderdale, FL was fourth and Andy Hanson of Ramsay, MI was fifth.

The next event for the ASALMS will be the Southern Division 2007 Season Opener on Friday and Saturday March 16-17, 2007 at Bronson (FL) Motor Speedway, located West of Gainesville in Bronson, Florida for the Gator 100 Presented by Pennzoil.


Pos. Start Car #/Driver Laps Status
1. 9 015 Colt James 200 Running
2. 2 8 Eddie Hoffman 200 Running
3. 1 11 Peter Cozzolino 200 Running
4. 3 32 Sean Murphy-R 200 Running
5. 4 08 Andy Hanson-R 200 Running
6. 16 13 Charlie Menard 200 Running
7. 5 12 Michael Annett 200 Running
8. 18 27 Tom Smith-R 200 Running
9. 12 22 Tommy Grimes 200 Running
10. 8 89 Travis Dassow 200 Running
11. 15 45 Michael Simko-R 200 Running
12. 11 81 Jesse Smith 200 Running
13. 17 09 John Wes Townley 199 Running
14. 20 28 Jack Smith 199 Running
15. 29 61 Chris Archer-R 199 Running
16. 7 5 Derek Thorn-R 193 Flat Tire
17. 25 47 Chris Fontaine-R 193 Running
18. 31 77 Brian Campbell 171 Running
19. 19 114 Jim Ross 170 Accident
20. 6 15 Kris Stump 141 Accident
21. 30 111 Tom Grothues 125 Mechanical
22. 14 35 Keeton Hanks 109 Running
23. 22 18 Cody Smith-R 104 Accident
24. 13 131 Ryan Lawler 101 Accident
25. 10 93 Kyle Sirizzotti-R 100 Accident
26. 23 36 Ryan Durst-R 85 Mechanical
27. 27 115 Lloyd Alexander-R 51 Mechanical
28. 24 14 Brent Seeley-R 32 Accident
29. 21 3 Bill Tomlinson 31 Accident
30. 28 16 Austin Siebert-R 0 Accident
31. 26 20 Kyle Eastham-R 0 Accident
DID NOT START: 4 Thor Anderson-R, 24 Bryant Goldsmith-R, 71
Danny Ouderkirk

Lap Leaders: 11 Peter Cozzolino-Pole, 8 Eddie Hoffman 1-51,
015 Colt James 52-200.
Cautions: 16 for 72 Laps
Time of Race: 2 Hours 14 Minutes 05.626 Seconds


 

FONTAINE AND TEAM PREPARED FOR  ASA DEBUT SATURDAY AT SAN ANTONIO SPEEDWAY

THE CFI ASA CARS COME CLOSER TO COMPLETION AS THE ASA CHALLENGE SERIES OPENER IN SAN ANTONIO,TX ON MARCH 3 NEARS

DRIVER CHRIS FONTAINE AND THE DECALED CARS     CHRIS WORKING ON THE COCKPIT

                                                                            JEAN GUI THEBEAU OF NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA

WORKS ON THE HAULER'S LIVING QUARTERS

Lakeland, Florida’s Chris Fontaine to challenge for both the ASALMS Challenge and Southern Division Rookie of the Year titles in 2007.

Posted February 7th, 2007

Lakeland, Florida pilot, Chris Fontaine is expected to challenge for the ASALMS Challenge Divisions’ Pat Bourdow Memorial Rookie of the Year title as well as the ASALMS Southern Divisions’ Freshman crown during the 2007 season. (Chris Fontaine.com Photo)

By ASA Late Model Series
Lexington, Michigan (02/07/2007): The ASA Late Model Series Presented by GM Performance Parts is drawing closer to swinging open the doors on the Fifth Anniversary 2007 season. Over 200 drivers have registered in one, two, or all three divisions within the ASALMS as in just three weeks, the cars and stars of the ASALMS will be making the long haul to the great state of Texas for the 2007 Season Opener.

One driver who will make his ASALMS debut at the 2007 ASALMS Challenge Division Season Opener at the San Antonio (TX) Speedway in San Antonio, Texas on Friday and Saturday March 2-3, 2007 for the 2nd annual Alamo 200, has an aggressive 2007 schedule planned and has high hopes of contending not only in the ASALMS Challenge Division, but the full schedule in the ASALMS Southern Division as well.

Lakeland, Florida driver, Chris Fontaine will run a FLF Racecars (Formally Finish Line Fabricating) House Car for the 2007 season in the ASALMS and will be gunning for the ASALMS Challenge Division Championship and Pat Bourdow Memorial Rookie of the Year title in the crown jewel of the ASALMS, as well as going for the Championship and Rookie title in the ASALMS Southern Division.

“We have two new Chevrolet’s ready for this season in the ASALMS and the team feels we are right on schedule.” Said Fontaine as he continues to prepare for his first ever ASALMS event in the Lone Star State in just over three weeks. “This team is ready to move forward and a new series could be just the right medicine for the CFI Racing team.” Fontaine added.

In addition to beginning the season in San Antonio, Texas, Fontaine is also preparing for the ASALMS Southern Division Opener in his home state of Florida on Friday and Saturday March 16-17, 2007 at the Bronson (FL) Motor Speedway, located West of Gainesville in Bronson, Florida for the Gator 100. Overall in 2007, Fontaine will compete at 11 different United States tracks and one in Canada this season.

During the 2006 season, Fontaine finished second in points in All American Challenge Series at the Desoto (FL) Super Speedway in Bradenton Florida. In addition, he competed in traveling FASCAR Sunbelt Series where he finished a solid 10th in the final points standings. Overall in 2006, Fontaine recorded Two Feature Wins, 12 Top Fives and an impressive 19 Top 10’s out of 25 races.

Fontaine began his racing career in 1998 at the age of 16 driving minicup race cars. He became interested in auto racing after spending three years playing ice hockey on a junior league in his hometown of Lakeland, Florida. In his first year of racing, he racked up Two Feature Wins, and finished in the Top Five in 13 of 14 races. In 1999, Fontaine won the MMRA Minicup National Indoor Championship as well as the North Florida Region MMRA title.

In 2000, Fontaine moved up to Late Models and got his first win in a FASCAR feature race at Orlando (FL) Speedworld. His record for that year stood at One Feature Win, Five Top Fives and 11 Top 10 finishes out of 20 races ran. He took 3rd place in the 2000 FASCAR series points and 13th in the 2000 SARA series points.

In 2001, the Lakeland, Florida driver moved up and ran a limited schedule in the NASCAR All Pro Series where he finished 22nd and 26th place finish in limited appearances both seasons. Also in 2002, Fontaine attempted to run in the NASCAR Busch Series as the team purchased a car from veteran driver, Joe Nemechek, and with the assistance of his team and driver Jeff Fuller, tried out for races at Dover, Memphis, and Nashville.

In 2003, Fontaine returned to his home state of Florida and results were immediate. With 11 Top Fives and an impressive 16 Top 10s out of 35 races. He finished 13th in the 2003 FASCAR points, and Ninth in the Desoto (FL) Super Speedway based All-American Challenge Series Points Standings, despite having missed several races in each series.

Fontaine started the 2004 season off with a win in the first All-American Challenge Series event and ended the 2004 season with another win in the next to last AACS series race of the year. Throughout the season, he recorded Two Feature Wins, Six Top Fives, and Nine Top 10 showings out of 16 total races in the series to clinch fifth place in the 2004 AACS series points standings. He also appeared in the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series and I-Power Dash Series.

In 2005, he finished Third in the Florida Triple Crown points. He also finished Ninth in the 2005 AACS points and 10th in the FASCAR Sunbelt Super Series points, despite not running the full schedule of races in each series. Fontaine accumulated Five Top Five finishes and 12 Top 10s out 23 Super Late Model races he raced in during 2005. He also made three appearances in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck races driving for Bobby Hamilton Racing.

To learn more about Chris Fontaine and the CFI Racing Team as well as FLF Racecars (Formally Finish Line Fabricating), and to inquire about additional sponsorship opportunities for the upcoming 2007 season within the CFI Racing Team, log onto Fontaine’s website at: chrisfontaine.com and for FLF Racecars (Formally Finish Line Fabricating) go to: FLF Race Cars

Reprinted from asalatemodelssouth.com

CARS TAKE SHAPE AS TEAM PREPARES FOR ASA DEBUT AT SAN ANTONIO IN MARCH

                                                                              A NEW LOOK FOR ASA FOR THE 47

                                        REMODELING THE HAULER'S LIVING SPACE

CREWCHIEF KEVIN INGRAM FIRES THE ENGINE AS JOE RALPH LOOKS ON

THE WHOLE TEAM PITCHES IN TO BUILD THE TWO ASA CARS

CHRIS FONTAINE PREPARES HIS RACE SEAT                CHRIS FONTAINE, DAVID TULLIS AND THOMAS RULE

DAVID TULLIS AND CORY BROWN WORK ON WIRING    DON MAHAR TOOLED THE MOTOR MOUNTS