Flemming Will Make NASCAR Debut at Riverside

JAMES RIVER, NS (August 31, 2011) – Three-time Maritime Pro Stock Tour (PST) champion John Flemming will make his NASCAR debut September 17 at Riverside International Speedway in the Komatsu 300 for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Flemming, from Halifax, will join Antigonish's Donald Chisholm as Maritime favourites in an event featuring some of the best stock car racers from across Canada.

"It's a real neat deal," said Flemming. "We've tried to do this the last couple of years but it didn't come together. We're thankful to John Chisholm and Donald Chisholm, the Nova Racing team, Riverside manager Paul McLean, and especially our friend and sponsor Pat Ryder/The Roofing Connection in spearheading our campaign this year."

Flemming will drive No. 98 in the Komatsu 300, renting the race car from Nova Racing, which Chisholm drives for. Flemming, currently third in PST point standings, expects a learning curve between the lighter and perhaps more agile pro stock race car he is used to and the heavier NASCAR race car.

"It's an opportunity to try our skill at a different level and against different competitors," said Flemming. "I expect the heavier car to suit my driving style. I like being able to throw a car around."

While Flemming will do everything he can behind the wheel to pull off a good finish in his NASCAR debut, he realizes his pit crew of local talent is an equal part of the equation in a NASCAR race.

"Pit stops are key to a good finish in these races," said Flemming. "Since yellow laps count in NASCAR you can go down laps under caution. We'll need to practice in the next three weeks. We want to do this right and make our fans proud."

Per NASCAR regulations Flemming's No. 98 will bear a bright yellow rookie stripe on the rear bumper.

"I've not been a rookie since 1994 when I started pro stock racing," chuckled Flemming, who hopes to practice the NASCAR in early September. "I've got thousands of laps around Riverside, but I guess it's a different deal with NASCAR."

The search continues for sponsor help on Flemming's NASCAR entry; interested parties should call Pat Ryder at 902.478.1892.

The Komatsu 300 highlights a two-day season finale weekend at Riverside starting Friday September 16 at 7 p.m. with the championship race for the Napa Sportsman Super Series as well as Legends Cars racing. Saturday September 17 will see the NASCAR garage area open at 7:30 a.m. followed by technical inspections and practice. Qualifying time trials are at 2:30 p.m. with a 30-minute autograph session starting at 3:15. Pre-race ceremonies are at 4 p.m. and the green flag for the Komatsu 300 is at 4:30 p.m. The Komatsu 300 will be taped by TSN with a one-hour broadcast scheduled to air at 3:30 p.m. AT on September 24.

Seating availability, ticket prices and more is available at www.riversidespeedway.ca or by calling 902.863.2410.

Riverside International Speedway is a 1/3-mile high banked asphalt oval located in James River, between New Glasgow and Antigonish, at exit 30 off Trans Canada Highway 104. Opened in 1969, the facility was completely rebuilt in 2006 to become a premiere motorsports site comparable to the best short tracks in North America. For more information please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902.863.2410.