Renee's latest tweets...

• @chicknlil One in the same. Unharmed, thankfully. Today he ate a pair of safety glasses and chewed on a can of never-seize. in reply to chicknlil 1 day ago
• More updates...

• 11Mar

  Television Package Announced

  2010, Broadcast Info

  NASCAR recently announced the television schedule for its developmental series for the 2010 season. The expanded calendar includes four events on SPEED for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. The Martinsville, Bristol and two New Hampshire races are included in SPEED’s coverage.
  

  In addition, NASCAR will expand its relationship with the sports cable television network Versus to include coverage of an additional nine events combined between the NASCAR Whelen Modified and Southern Modified Tours. The Versus programming schedules are currently being finalized and details will be announced shortly.

  “Our NASCAR Developmental Series all have a strong and passionate fan base, and we saw the results in the viewership of last year’s,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR managing director of racing operations. “Our fans spoke, and we listened. We are thrilled to be able to work with our television partners to provide extensive coverage of the talented drivers and tracks that help form the foundation of this sport.”

• 24Feb

  February News & Notes

  2010, Broadcast Info, Lime Rock Park, UNION Insurance Group

  While the team is hard at work preparing the cars for the fast approaching season, we figured we’d fill you in on some recent happenings.

  First, thanks go out to UNION Insurance Group for incorporating a picture of our team on the home page of their newly designed (and just released) website. Based in Chicago, UNION Insurance Group is the largest 100% union organized property and casualty insurance agency in the country. Our team is excited to be associated with such a fine organization and hope to do them proud during the 2010 season.

  Second, the team would also like to thank Lime Rock Park for continuing to display a picture of our car on the homepage of their website too. A few weeks back we participated in the Frank Marratta Auto & Cycle Show with Lime Rock. And, looking ahead, we look forward to continuing to work with Lime Rock to promote our Tour’s only road course appearance – on July 3 – at their world renowned facility.

  Lastly, Renee recently took part in an on-line radio interview on RaceFanRadio.com with Theresa Earnheart of Track Chic Live. Renee joined fellow ‘Five Women Wrenching’ teammates Deb & Lauren Cooper, Heather DesRochers, Erica Santos and Renea Topp in a lengthy discussion on each individual’s role in the world of motorsports. The interview aired on February 11 at 7 PM, but for those that missed the interview, archive downloads are available online.

  Special thanks go out to Mark Hann of Victory Motorsports Marketing Services for arranging all the details for the interview – and for putting together the all-women pit crew team that made the interview possible!

• 09Feb

  Update following Frank Marratta’s Car Show

  2010, Lime Rock Park, UNION Insurance Group
  

  Renee signs autographs along with several other area drivers. Howie Hodge Photo.

  Over the weekend (February 5-7, 2010), NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and UNION Insurance Grouped backed driver Renee Dupuis participated in several different activities at the 51st annual Frank Maratta’s Auto & Cycle Show.

  First, Renee’s car (the team’s 2009 New Hampshire car) spent the weekend in the Lime Rock Park display – alongside Mario Andretti’s famous F1 Lotus 79 championship car.

  After spending some time with the folks from Lime Rock, Renee next participated in the ‘Meet the Drivers’ Autograph session.

  Later in the evening, Renee went on to compete in the NHMS-sponsored ‘Pit Crew Challenge’ competition. Renee was part of an all female crew – dubbed ‘Five Women Wrenching.’ The team consisted of Renea Topp (Lime Rock Park PR), Heather DesRochers (winning Stafford SK Light driver), Deb Cooper (mother of Stafford SK Light driver) and Erica Santos (NEMA Midget standout and Stafford SK Light Driver).

  When the weekend wrapped, both car and driver returned home – with the display car immediately undergoing the process of being stripped of its red sheet metal. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as the team looks to unveil a new paint scheme for the rapidly-approaching 2010 season.

  

  Renee poses with her UNION Insurance Group car - from the 2009 season - on display in the Lime Rock Park booth. Victor Moreno Photo.

  

  As part of an all-female pit crew, Renee works the air gun on the left front. Also pictured (from left to right) are: Renea Topp; Deb Cooper; Heather DesRochers and Erica Santos. Howie Hodge Photo.

• 20Jan

  Team Partners with Lime Rock Park

  2010, Lime Rock Park, UNION Insurance Group

  When the 51^st annual Frank Maratta’s Auto & Cycle Show opens on Friday, February 5 the UNION Insurance Group Chevrolet will be found on display in the Lime Rock Park booth – notably alongside a title-winning ALMS Patrón Highcroft Acura.

  Renee will team with Lime Rock (Lakeville, CT) to promote the facility’s inaugural NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event. The 1.53-mile road course will play host to the WMT for the first time on July 3 as part of a holiday-weekend doubleheader with NASCAR’s Camping World Series East. It will mark the first time the Tour has competed on a road course since 2000.

  “We’re looking forward to running Lime Rock,” offered Renee. “The show provides us with a great opportunity to promote our race – as well as our many sponsors.”

  During the show Renee will participate in the ‘Meet the Drivers” autograph session on Saturday, February 6 from 6-7 PM.

  Following the autograph session, she’s scheduled to compete in the NHMS-sponsored ‘Pit Crew Challenge’ competition. Renee will be part of an all-female team, including: Renea Topp (Lime Rock Park), Heather DesRochers (winning Stafford SK Light driver), Lauren Cooper (Stafford SK Light driver) and Erica Santos (NEMA Midget standout and Stafford SK Light Driver).

  Renee’s car will be on display throughout the show – which runs from Friday thru Sunday (February 5-7) at the Connecticut Expo Center in Hartford. For more information, please visit the show’s website.

• 01Dec

  Renee Volunteers with ‘Women in the Winner’s Circle Driver Academy’

  2009
  

  The 2010 Phase I Academy students pose for their class picture.

  As in past years, on November 20-22 Renee traveled to Phoenix (AZ) to volunteer her time with the ‘Women in the Winner’s Circle Driver Academy.’

  Established in 1994 through Lyn St. James’ ‘Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation,’ the Academy is the most comprehensive educational and training program of its kind for talented women race drivers who aspire to the professional levels of motorsports. The 2010 edition of the Academy marks the 15^th anniversary of the training program.

  While in Phoenix, a group of 14 promising young women focused on the physical and mental preparation that is required of a champion driver. Hosted by Athletes’ Performance – literally a world-class training facility for elite-level athletes – the group worked to develop an effective fitness plan, learned proper guidelines for nutritional training and underwent baseline physical testing.

  

  Lyn tests Zoe Mattis' (Pottstown, PA Micro Sprint driver) grip strength.

  The group was also offered several workshops with Performance Prime’s Dr. Jacques Dallaire. During the seminars, the students were offered tools for gaining knowledge in preparing the mind for competition. Each participant also received Dr. Jacques’ MindShaper™ Software – a groundbreaking tool for improving mental skills such as focus, concentration, and reaction time.

  “As a graduate of the Academy, I know how invaluable this Program can be in developing a skill set to help young women drivers,” explained Renee. Lyn works tirelessly in her pursuit of finding – then developing – these promising drivers. With the support of Dr. Jacques, a truly amazing man with even more amazing insight; and Athletes’ Performance, an absolutely astounding training facility – she’s able to continue her search. I’m just glad to be a part of it all.”

  For more information about the Academy, please visit Lyn’s website.

• 17Nov

  2010 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Schedule Announced

  2010

  During the recent Touring Series Awards Gala (Concord, NC) NASCAR announced the 2010 Whelen Modified Tour schedule. The 2010 season consists of 14 events in five states – including the addition of two new venues: Lime Rock Park and Monadnock Speedway.

  Highlights from the 2010 schedule include:
  

  • The 1.53-mile road course at Lime Rock Park (Lakeville, CT) will play host to the WMT for the first time on July 3 as part of a doubleheader with the NASCAR Camping World Series East. It will mark the first time the Tour has competed on a road course since 2000. The competitors will run the course in the traditional clockwise fashion, but will utilize the ‘new course.’

  • The July 17 event at Monadnock (Winchester, NH) will mark the return for the WMT to the quarter-mile oval for the first time in two decades. The Tour held five events there from 1986-90.

  • Traditionally the marquis events of the season, the WMT returns to New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 26 and September 18. As in the past, both dates run in conjunction with NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series.

  • After the success of the inaugural event at Bristol Motor Speedway (TN) in 2009, the ‘World’s Fastest Half Mile’ will return to the schedule in 2010, once again as a combination race with the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour. The Modifieds will run as a part of a doubleheader on Aug. 18 with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

  • Martinsville Speedway (VA) will welcome the WMT for the 35th time on June 6. In a change for 2010, Martinsville will be a 200-lap, doubleheader with the Camping World Series East – not a combination race with the WSMT.

  • In addition to the first and last races of the year, Thompson will also play host to the Tour on Aug. 12.

  • Stafford will have the traditional Spring Sizzler (April 25) and Fall Final (Oct. 3) events, which will bookmark mid-season dates at the historic half mile on May 28 and Aug. 6. The May race will be extended to 125 laps in 2010.

  • Riverhead Raceway (NY) will return to the schedule on July 31. Riverhead and Thompson are the only venues to play host to the Whelen Modified Tour in each season of its existence.

  2010 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Schedule

  Sun., April 11: Thompson International Speedway (.625-Mile), Thompson, CT

  Sun., April 25: Stafford Motor Speedway (.5-Mile), Stafford, CT

  Fri., May 28: Stafford Motor Speedway (.5-Mile), Stafford, CT

  Sun., June 6: Martinsville Speedway (.526-Mile), Martinsville, VA

  Sat., June 26: New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1.058-Mile), Loudon, NH

  Sat., July 3: Lime Rock Park (1.53-Mile Road Course), Lakeville, CT

  Sat., July 17: Monadnock Speedway (.25-Mile), Winchester, NH

  Sat., July 31: Riverhead Raceway (.25-Mile), Riverhead, NY

  Fri., Aug. 6: Stafford Motor Speedway (.5-Mile), Stafford, CT

  Thu., Aug. 12: Thompson International Speedway (.625-Mile), Thompson, CT

  Wed., Aug. 18: Bristol Motor Speedway (.533-Mile), Bristol, TN

  Sat., Sept. 18: New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1.058-Mile), Loudon, NH

  Sun., Oct. 3: Stafford Motor Speedway (.5-Mile),  Stafford, CT

  Sun., Oct. 17: Thompson International Speedway (.625-Mile), Thompson, CT

• 26Oct

  Season Closes with Annual World Series

  2009, SpaceFitters, Thompson, UNION Insurance Group

  This past weekend NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour rolled into Thompson International Speedway (Thompson, CT) for the World Series of Speedway Racing presented by Xtra Mart. The 150-lap event marked the close of the 2009 race season for the WMT.

  On Saturday, persistent rain showers caused the cancellation of all on-track activity. As a result of Saturday’s washout – practice was cut to 30 minutes and qualifying was canceled (the field was set according to points).

  On Sunday, the WMT teams ran in a brief practice session. Following the practice all WMT drivers participated in an autograph session for the fans in attendance.

  At approximately 4:35 the green flag waved signifying the start of the final event of the WMT’s 25^th season. The UNION Insurance Group/SpaceFitters Chevrolet started the race from the 25^th starting spot. When the caution came out on lap 43, the team brought the car to pit road for tires and fuel and adjustments. Shortly thereafter, on lap 82, Renee spun her ill-handling car trying to stay in front of the leaders. Eventually, the No. 90 car would find its way back onto the lead-lap (via the Lucky Dog) – but with about 20 to go – the car developed an electrical problem. After losing several laps in the pits, the team remedied the situation and returned the car to the track. In the end the electrical problem forced the team to finish the race three laps down from the leaders.

  Teddy Christopher won the race and Donnie Lia captured the Championship. The No. 90 car was credited with a 16^th place finish.

  “We had all sorts of problems today,” recounted Renee. “We were loose from the start. Then we lost the brakes. We seemed to fix all that during our many stops – then we lost power with an electrical problem. It’s certainly not how we wanted to end the season.”

  With the 2009 season in the record book, we look forward to keeping your updated with off-season news and notes. Please check back for frequent updates.

• 15Oct

  Thompson’s World Series Postponed

  2009, Thompson

  With snow gently falling over much of the state and temperatures dropping into the mid-30s – and more bad weather in the forecast – Thompson International Speedway officials have postponed the World Series of Speedway Racing.

  Originally scheduled for this weekend, the event has been postponed until Oct. 23-25. The schedule for the weekend will remain the same. This is just the second race during the 2009 season that has been postponed.

  According to published reports in The Hartford Courant, Don Hoenig (Thompson’s track owner ) was quoted as saying:  “We desperately wanted to run the World Series event this weekend. But, when virtually every weather forecast is predicting a complete wash out, we felt we had no choice but to move everything to next weekend.”

  Next Saturday’s schedule calls for Whelen Modified Tour qualifying at 2:30 PM, with the 150-lap Whelen Modified Tour race going off on Sunday at approximately 3:30 PM.

• 04Oct

  Stafford Start & Park

  2009, Stafford

  This past weekend NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour returned to Stafford Motor Speedway (Stafford Springs, CT) for the running of the 37^th annual Carquest Fall Final.

  Despite persistent rain showers on Saturday, the WMT hit the track for a few rounds of practice. And, despite posting the 10th fastest practice time during the brief session, the No. 90 car unexpectedly developed a problem under the hood.

  After weighing all their options, the team principals decided to take a provisional starting position into Sunday’s field – then do a ‘start and park’ during the race.

  “After putting our heads together we came up with a few options, but realistically none of them were any good,” said Renee. “We opted for a ‘start and park’ because we just can’t take the chance of hurting this engine. Looking at the big picture, basically we sacrificed Stafford so we could have the engine back together in time for the season-ending race at Thompson.”

  As Renee stated, next up on the WMT’s schedule is Thompson International Speedway’s annual World Series of Speedway Racing. The three-day event – featuring 14 different divisions – will run on October 16-18.

• 19Sep

  Return to NHMS Nets Improvement

  2009, Broadcast Info, NHMS, SpaceFitters, UNION Insurance Group

  NASCAR’s Whelen Modified Tour made the second of two stops to New Hampshire Motor Speedway (Loudon, NH) on Saturday, September 19^th. The 100-lap race aired from 1-2:30 PM on SPEED (garnering a .5 rating; meaning 349,000 total households – or 442,000 viewers – tuned in).

  

  A field of 40 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour cars take the green at NHMS. Dupuis Photo.

  Long before the cameras rolled, after arriving at the Speedway on Wednesday evening, for the WMT faithful, the extended event began at the crack of dawn on Thursday; after registration and inspection, an early afternoon practice session was followed by qualifying. In the end, Renee qualified the No. 90 UNION Insurance Group/SpaceFitters Chevrolet to the 17^th position (in total, 40 cars participated in time trials).

  With no WMT activity scheduled for Friday, the team returned to the track on Saturday – for an 8:30 AM practice and 12:45 PM green flag. The No. 90 machine started the caution-filled race from the inside of the ninth row. When the caution flew on lap 35, the No. 90 was scored in the 13^th position. On lap 50, when some of the leaders pitted, they restarted from the 9^th spot.

  “After the caution we started to get loose and began dropping like a stone,” explained Renee. “There had been so many cautions, I figured we would quickly catch another and pit for tires. However, the race went green for 20 laps.”

  When the caution finally flew on lap 70 the team brought the No. 90 car into the pits for a three tire change and fuel. During the caution just a few cars pitted so, despite a great stop by the pit crew, the car returned to the track all the way back in the 28^th position.

  

  The crew enjoyed a traditional New England treat - courtesy of Crew Chief Jason and City Fish (Wethersfield, CT) - on Friday.

  “Donnie (Clifford – the team’s tire expert) came across the radio and told me that – with just 8½ pounds in the left rear – we clearly had a tire going down. As a result, the stagger had drastically opened up to 4¼ inches. I guess we got lucky because, in my opinion, losing a tire here would be catastrophic. Regardless, the 4¼ inches made it pretty clear why we had gotten so loose.”

  With their problem solved, Renee began to pick off spots and by the time the caution waved again on lap 87 she had made it back to the 16^th position. When the checkered flag was unfurled Ronnie Silk was credited with the win, with Renee crossing the line 14^th.

  “There were three or four really big wrecks that happened right in front of us today and I have to hand it to Brian (Kingsbury – the team’s spotter) – for keeping us out of those accidents. I had a pretty good seat to see all the action, but I’m looking forward to watching the SPEED coverage to see just how close some of those actually were.”

  While the WMT will next be in action at Martinsville Speedway (Martinsville, VA) on Sunday, September 27, the No. 90 team will return to action on Sunday, October 4 for Stafford Motor Speedway’s (Stafford Springs, CT) annual Fall Final event.

  In the meantime, please be sure to visit our gallery for photos from the New Hampshire event.

« Previous Entries