Successful Nascar Debut for Sarah Cornett-Ching in the A&W "Cruisin' for a Cause" Chevrolet

July 23rd 2011- Motoplex Speedway Vernon BC,  The Nascar Canadian Tire Series rolled into Vernon, BC with an eager young rookie ready to take to the track; Sarah Cornett-Ching was set for her Nascar debut in the A&W 300 at Motoplex.
The deal with Jason White Racing had fallen into place just weeks before the event and Sarah hadn't been in the car more than 20 minutes to fit the seat. With such a huge opportunity at hand Sarah and her team prepared themselves as best as they could in the days leading up to the event and even acquired last minute sponsors to make it all possible
When Saturday finally rolled around the team had already been through pre-race inspection and had a safety check completed. Racing in a more structured series proved more involved than expected as the team had never been through such a rigorous tech inspection.
The cars hit the race track at 1:30 sharp for practice, her first time ever behind the wheel of a Nascar style car and there were many changes that needed to be made for more driveability. At the end of practice the #25 "Cruisin' for a Cause" Chevrolet was 16th of 21 cars.
Starting at the back of the field and staying out of trouble was the plan for this youngster, which she did with ease. Everything was going to plan running as high as 9th and managing to stay on the lead lap until lap 286 when contact with a lapped car would cut down the right front tire sending her car into the back straightaway wall.
Visual damage sustained included two flat tires so the crew went to work and had the car back out for the lap 290 restart. Unfortunately the handling would be ill after the contact with the wall and eventually the car would spin out of control due to a broken trailing arm mount.
Despite not taking the checkered flag Sarah finished 14th of 21 cars and definitely had a successful debut, Sarah looks forward to more races in this Series and more competitive finishes to come.

Special Thanks: Snap-On Tools, ANJ Automotive, RPR Heating and Air Conditioning, Boilermakers Union #359, Canadian Tire, Underwriters Insurance, Stef Fratino, RaceCom, and Lordco. Crew: Joe Cornett-Ching, Jason Anderson, Korbin Thomas, Kendall Thomas, Nevada Turner, Dan Ursel, Cory McGiverin, Freddy, Tyler, Jason & Jim White, Ken, Jessica, and Earl. Anyone else who helped I really appreciate it too!

Follow Sarah at www.sccracing.com and on her faebook page Sarah Cornett-Ching Racing to stay up to date with where she races next.

my race day at seekonk open wheel wednesday

Right when we showed up, I learned that the track was very slippery and that was something new to me. I started off in the first practice driving the car in too deep and spinning out. From that moment on, I started backing up my corner and adapting to a hot, slippery surface. In round two of practice, I needed to learn how to bump start the car because the battery had died and would not start up (shouldn't have left the fan on). After the car got going, I quickly went back to the progress from practice one. Near the end of the practice, I gave everyone a scare. I hit the bump going into turn 3, and it sent me spinning. I went to save the car, but it suddenly turned right towards the wall. Luckily, I got the car slowed down and stopped before it made contact with the wall.
After practice was concluded we had a long break until the heat races and feature races. I went and found the announcer to hand him my press release for this race. To start off, he remembered who I was, and the last time we raced at Seekonk was about two months ago. When I started talking to him about the press release he stated "Hey this is the same press release on Facebook. I've already read this." I thought it was cool to hear the announcer has already read my press release before I hand it to him at the track. After I was invited to be in the autograph session the track was holding. It was very cool to meet the fans that come to watch us race. Meeting with the fans

In the heat race, I started in 9th position out of 11. Right as the green flag was thrown, I Started turning laps and making sure the car would make the feature in one piece. I was still in 9th place when a caution came out for a single-car spin. I restarted in 8th position. I did not stay there long. I quickly moved up to 5th spot where I stayed to finish the heat race in. I was extremely happy about how the heat race went.

In the feature race, I started 19th out of 21. Right as the green flag was thrown, I started battling for position. The first few laps it was between four of us but a few laps in, I found myself battling with 10 cars. I kept my head-on straight and paid attention to make sure I won't get in a wreck but still move up to position. During lap 12 when I was battling for the position, I started hearing the car break up. I looked down and saw the car was at 250 degrees. I decided to pull the car off to save the engine to make sure I can race the rest of the season. Later we found out the overheating problem was caused by an air pocket in the engine.

When I was talking to my Dad about the car and how it handled, I had a surprise guess come to my trailer. It was Mark Taylor a friend who let me drive his 750 sprint car. It was very cool to see Mark. Before the conclusion of the night, we wrapped up a sponsor deal with Mark that was based on how well I did on my report card for school. It was cool to see my hard work in school help out in racing. I have to Thank Taylor's energy for coming on board.

When I look back at this race, it was a great learning opportunity for me. I learned how to back up my corner, and learn how to read a track better if it's slippery or has a lot of grip. I also learned how to battle with many cars without touching anyone. I was four wide at one point and never touched anyone. I believe when you learn how to battle with multiple cars at once and not touch you have really done good. This also reflects that people in my division have respect for me to run me clean. I believe that can go a long way, and I've been trying to build that respect from the beginning.

I have to Thank my sponsors. They are Thredz Unlimited, Taylor Energy, Robert Rund, West Street Autobody, and Andrews Towing and Recovery. Without their support, I couldn't be racing every weekend. I also have to give a big thank you to my family for helping out and making this happen.

Please come back often as I will be writing one to two times a week to keep everyone up to speed on my progress throughout the year.

RACE 101 student Cornett‐Ching to make NASCAR debut

RACE 101 student Cornett‐Ching to make NASCAR debut Saturday in Vernon, British Columbia; Penticton racer to realize her dream behind the wheel

RACE 101 Student Sarah Cornett-Ching

July 20, DENVER, NC –RACE 101 student Sarah Cornett‐Ching will realize a dream Saturday when she straps into the Cruisin’ for a Cause‐sponsored #25 Chevrolet to compete in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in Vernon, British Columbia. The Penticton, British Columbia 20‐year‐old couldn’t believe her ears when NASCAR driver and team owner Jason White called her just a couple of weeks ago.

“I wasn’t really sure why Jason White would be calling me,” said Cornett‐Ching. “When he said he might have an opportunity to drive one of his cars at Motoplex Speedway I was blown away. The short time since then has been surreal.”

White and his partner Rob Zimmer entered a Cruisin’ for a Cause car driven by his brother Jim White in 2010. This year he chose to offer the ride to Cornett‐Ching. “Cruisin’ for a Cause is an important event for my main marketing partner A&W Restaurants,” said White. “I’ve watched Sarah for a couple of years now. I know she’ll do a great job as an ambassador for the sport and for the charity event.

“RACE 101 was a big part of my decision. I watched the progress of its students in 2010, and when I saw that Sarah was in the program this year I knew that she would be prepared for everything that’s in store for her.”

On August 25th, A&W hopes to raise $1 million for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. The same event brought in $700,000 in 2010. All 738 A&W restaurants nationwide will donate one dollar from the sale of every Teen Burger to the MS society on August 25th.

At only 20 years old, Cornett‐Ching feels ready to tackle the challenge of a NASCAR stock car and the responsibility of representing a worthy cause. The charismatic welder by trade is an accomplished race car driver who has made a big impression with the RACE 101 faculty.

“Sarah is something special,” said RACE 101 Founder and instructor Tony Blanchard. “Having the ability to drive a race car is one thing, but showing the tenacity to execute public relations strategies, arrange media interviews, and do all the little things that create success is what sets Sarah apart.”

Cornett‐Ching progressed this year from street stock race cars to the ARCA West OK Tire series which travels throughout BC racing at various speedways. She has scored a few top‐five finishes and turned plenty of heads with her charitable work. Recently Cornett‐Ching visited the BC Children’s hospital to spend time with the kids and share stories of her racing endeavours.

“Sarah exudes the qualities a professional race car driver needs,” said RACE 101 Media Relations Instructor Adam Ross. “She will appeal to almost any corporate sponsor because she is so comfortable talking with or without a microphone in front of her.”

Cornett‐Ching had hoped to find a ride in the support division during the A&W Cruisin’ the Dub 300 race weekend at Motoplex Speedway. Finding herself in the main event wasn’t on the radar.

“It’s amazing how things can change in a short time,” said Cornett‐Ching. “Three weeks ago I was planning to go and watch the race. I had hoped to get a ride in the support class, but this is far beyond anything I had in mind.”

Cornett‐Ching hopes to finish the race and make a solid impression in her NASCAR debut. From there, anything can happen.

RACE 101 is an educational program designed to help racers For more information on A&W Restaurants and its Cruisin’ for a Cause event on August 25th, visit www.aw.ca . To learn more about Sarah Cornett‐
Ching visit her website at www.sccracing.com . To learn more about RACE 101 please go to: www.race101.net. For interview requests, please contact RACE 101 Media Relations representative Adam Ross at adamrossenterprises@gmail.com .

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Scroll Down For More Photos of Sarah Cornett-Ching:

Cornett‐Ching during one of her many public appearances. On this day she was doing a responsible
driving talk

Cornett‐Ching right at home behind the wheel

Cornett‐Ching recently spent time with kids at the BC Children's Hospital

My Press release for seekonk speedway race

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Derek Robbie
Derek@derekrobbie.com
508-966-4053

Derek Robbie excited for his second race of the season at Seekonk Speedway during Open Wheel Wednesday
15-year-old phenom looking for another solid race July 20th
BELLINGHAM, MA- Derek Robbie will make his second start at Seekonk Speedway on Wednesday when the family-owned team travels to Seekonk Speedway in Seekonk, Massachusetts. Wednesday will be his 5th Pro Four Modified of New England Series race. The 15-year-old from Bellingham, Massachusetts, drives the family owned DDR Motorsports #27 Limited Pro Four Modified.
Last time Robbie was at Seekonk he did not finish the heat race due to mechanical issues, but he hopes to finish it this Wednesday. In the feature Robbie started scratch on the field in 23rd place and slowly moved up through the field. With 5 to go Derek spun the car battling for 7th position but quickly got control of the car and didn't lose his position. Robbie completed the race in the 7th place position.
"I'm hoping to continue to my steady progress and keep on learning" said Robbie. Derek is excited to come back to Seekonk speedway where he showed the best finish of the season with a 7th place finish.
This season is Robbie's 8th year racing with DDR-Motorsports. He began his career racing Quarter midgets and later a 270 sprint car before getting behind the wheel of the modified.
In Robbie's last race he debuted at Stafford Motor Speedway during the Extreme Tuesday event. Though the final run down does not display the results everyone hoped for, the team deemed it a good day. During practice Derek quickly adapted to the ultra fast Stafford Speedway. In the heat race Robbie was scheduled to start 5th, but the 86 car moved to the rear before the green and Derek slid up to the 3rd starting position. On the start, Derek encountered shifting problems. He quickly rebounded and brought up the back of the pack in 8th. Derek remained calmed and quietly started moving forward. At the conclusion of the heat race he found his way in to 4th place.
Next up the feature, where Robbie would start 17th. Derek would not stay there long were he quickly moving up through the field. The first 3 laps saw him get to 14th when he saw two cars begin to spin in front of him. Quick action allowed Derek to miss them to claimed the 12th position. On the restart Robbie garnered 10th and stayed there for awhile running at the back of the lead pack. This until he over drover the corner and lost control of the car and spun. After regaining control of the car he began the long assault to run the field down. When Robbie was making a pass for the 15th spot he got together with the 75 and spun again. This time the caution came out. He would restart 15th and move to 12th when the throttle cable broke and ended his day. Robbie hopes to rebound from the disappointing finish at Stafford and get the top 5 he has been chasing all year.
With the race at Stafford showing a DNF in the record book Robbie keeps his rookie points lead, and increased his margin to second place. Derek also moved into the top 10 in overall drivers points with his finish that evening.
Derek Robbie has several sponsors on board this year helping him. They are Thredz Unlimited, Andrews Towing, Robert Rund, Fleet Safety, and West Street Auto Body, 24 Carat Websites, and Mark Taylor Energy. To learn more about Derek Robbie you can visit DerekRobbie.com or contact Derek at Derek@derekrobbie.com
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My Visit to the BC Children's Hospital July 9th 2011

We had an absolutely awesome trip down to Vancouver this weekend the only way it would have been better is if when I left I could taken all the sickness away from the kids.
My sister and I left home at 7am for the drive down to Vancouver, and got there in time to have lunch at The Eatery downtown.We had to take the truck so we could bring the hood down with us which made driving stressful. The streets are very skinny and you can be driving along and all of a sudden there are parked cars in your lane. All I could do was trust the GPS because I had no idea where we were and there was a ton of traffic!
We got to the Hospital with plenty of time to spare and then had a hard time getting in touch with the Child Life Specialist who was supposed to meet me there.
When we met up with her we started unloading all my race gear, raffle prizes and props I had brought with us to entertain the kids. We set up the hood for the kids to sign and draw on and it was a huge hit, I showed them all the safety gear I have to wear in the race car and we played some racing videos I had brought along.
We did a raffle for a die cast car, Darrell Waltrip signed hat and some Aarons hats aswell, I signed drivers cards for all the kids, their parents and siblings. It was worth every kilometer we had to drive to see the kids having a new experience and not being cooped up in their rooms. We were unable to take any pictures unless the kids signed release forms due to Hospital rules but they took pictures with me for their own memories.

Our next fundraising effort will be on July 29th at Walmart in Penticton, BC right before the two day Gordie Mannes racing weekend at Penticton Speedway, BC

Sarah Cornett-Ching to Visit British Columbia Children’s Hospital This Saturday; Donations Accepted for Hospital Charity

The BC Children’s hospital is close to the heart for Sarah Cornett-Ching and her family.  With her brother spending some time at the hospital several years ago as a patient, the Cornett-Ching family has a lot of gratitude for the hospital and what they do.  She has supported the hospital with donations that were accumulated the past two seasons, and is excited to step up and do even more to help out.  With her past experience with the hospital, she knows their capabilities, and what they are in need of, and hopes that she can help out even more.

"Our family is grateful for everything the Children's Hospital did for us and now that I have the opportunity I want to be able to give back. I know that these kids are sick and can't leave the hospital, so why not bring some smiles to them" remarked the young driver.

Sarah will be visiting the hospital this Saturday from 2pm to 3:30pm.  She will have the hood from the racecar with her, and the young children will be able to sign their names on the hood.  The same hood may also be signed by the general public for a donation to the hospital.  Sarah will be racing with the hood during the Gordie Mannes Memorial Weekend at Penticton Speedway on July 30^th and 31 to raise awareness for the hospital, and will also be collecting donations during that racing weekend.

BC Children’s Hospital provides expert care for the province’s most seriously ill or injured children, including newborns and adolescents. Based in Vancouver, BC Children’s Hospital reaches across the province with vital health services that may not be available anywhere else in B.C. They provide specialized training in pediatric health care and work with renowned researchers to achieve better health for children and youth. As an academic health centre, BC Children's Hospital is affiliated with the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, Child & Family Research Institute, and other education and research institutions.

For more information on Sarah Cornett-Ching and to follow her racing accomplishments, please visit her newly revamped website, www.sccracing.com or visit her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sccracing.

Two Great Finishes Racing Double Duty ~ July 2nd Motoplex Speedway 2011

Tires, tires, tires, they were the item of the weekend. We were mounting different tires all day to get the sets we wanted to race in the two different series. Our car was completely different from one set to the other it would stick like glue with the Hoosier tires and slide all over the place on the Goodyears with the same setup.

We had to be on our game all day making changes between races to be legal to race in both series and we were able to pull it off successfully. We battled adversity all day due to a faulty new fuel pump, brake bias issues, and a late race miss fire. Despite these issues we pushed through and made the car work.

In the West Coast Sportsman Series race our car was loose on entry which made it difficult to drive but I was able to hold on for a 6th place run out of 14 cars. During the intermission we had to swap tires, change from a 2bbl to a 4bbl carburetor, change the battery and make a few chassis adjustments. Everything went smoothly during the changeover and we started 3rd row outside. Starting on the outside was difficult and I lost a few spots off the start. With a car that was handling well I was able to pick off cars and work my way forward. With 5 laps to go I was knocking on the door of the third place car, gaining through the corners and losing time on the straightaways with an inferior motor and a miss fire. As the checkered flag flew I came across the line 3 tenths behind the 3rd place Superlate model. 

I would like to thank all my crew that made the weekend possible; Dad, Jason, Cory, and others who pitched in when we needed it. 

I would also like to thank my sponsors for this year; Snap-On Tools, Aarons, Lordco Auto Parts, Racecom, ANJ Automotive, and Ken Brown Welding and Machine.

Our next race is on July 16th at Gold Pan Speedway in Quesnel BC, and it will be my first appearance at the Speedway. Check out my newly updated website for everything Sarah Cornett-Ching Racing.

www.sccracing.com