Racin' & Internet Stuff:

By Tom Avenengo

Volume # 103

08/02/2012

First:

The wife and I got some nice news last week. We’ve been approved for some financial assistance for the up-coming Chemo therapy. We’re still waiting to see if we’ll get any from our local hospital. By this time in two weeks, she’ll have her medi-port in, and then we can get started with both the pills and Chemo.

Second:

Some DIRTcar news:

On the Super Dirt Series for Big Block Modifieds:

Big-Block Battle for Points at Merrittville

2012 Point Standings, after Autodrome Drummond, July 24, 2012

Pos.	No.	Driver	Total	Series	Bonus	Diff	Money	Wins	Top 5	Top 10	Starts
1	9s	Matt Sheppard	444	444	0	0	$16,200	2	3	5	5
2	20	Brett Hearn	443	443	0	-1	$14,300	0	4	5	5
3	98H	Jimmy Phelps	377	377	0	-67	$5,925	0	2	4	5
4	49	Billy Dunn	346	346	0	-98	$5,450	0	2	3	5
5	27J	Danny Johnson	335	335	0	-109	$10,400	1	2	3	4
6	8R	Rob Bellinger	330	330	0	-114	$4,900	0	1	3	5
7	3	Justin Haers	327	327	0	-117	$4,700	0	1	3	5
8	21a	Pete Britten	314	314	0	-130	$3,100	0	0	2	5
9	8	Rich Scagliotta	252	252	0	-192	$1,700	0	0	0	5
10	91	Billy Decker	250	250	0	-194	$6,200	0	1	3	3
11	77x	Dale Planck	235	235	0	-209	$4,900	0	2	2	3
12	10	Tim Currier	229	229	0	-215	$1,650	0	0	0	5
13	48T	Dave Rauscher	188	188	0	-256	$1,500	0	0	0	4
14	56	Vince Vitale	166	166	0	-278	$2,200	0	1	1	3
15	72	Tommy Flannigan	165	165	0	-279	$900	0	0	0	4
16	66x	Carey Terrance	163	163	0	-281	$3,700	0	1	2	2
17	22c	Mario Clair	145	145	0	-299	$4,300	0	1	1	2
18	5*	Tyler Siri	144	144	0	-300	$925	0	0	0	3
19	97	Michel Chicoine	134	134	0	-310	$900	0	0	0	3
20	7x	Steve Paine	131	131	0	-313	$1,600	0	0	2	2
21	673	Gary Tomkins	128	128	0	-316	$900	0	0	0	3
22	1	David Hebert	118	118	0	-326	$1,150	0	0	1	2
23	97	Bobby Varin	101	101	0	-343	$6,000	1	1	1	1
24	01	Chris Raabe	101	101	0	-343	$6,000	1	1	1	1
25	1Jr.	Stewart Friesen	93	93	0	-351	$2,500	0	1	1	1
26	54	Steve Bernard	86	86	0	-358	$600	0	0	0	2
27	21	Derrick Podsiadlo	85	85	0	-359	$600	0	0	0	2
28	23	Laurent Ladouceur	81	81	0	-363	$1,600	0	1	1	1
29	99L	Larry Wight	81	81	0	-363	$1,400	0	0	1	1
30	73	Alain Boisvert	80	80	0	-364	$600	0	0	0	2

It wasn’t all that long ago that there would be names on the above list of drivers that ran weekly at OCFS.

Third:

While I’m at it, some Dirt RoC news:

For Immediate Release

  Re:  American Racer Cup

Duane Howard Leads $125,000 American Racer Cup By One Point Entering RoC Event at Grandview on Tuesday. Howard Looking For Second Overall Championship and $10,000 Bonus.

BINGHAMTON, NY…The Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour will invade the Grandview Speedway this Tuesday, July 31^st for the Annual “Traffic Jam” event which will feature the RoC Modifieds in a special 60 lap event. The race could take on even more meaning as current Grandview Speedway point leader Duane Howard also leads the $125,000 American Racer Cup overall point standings.

Howard, the 2010 American Racer Cup Overall Champion currently holds a 1 point lead over Fonda Speedway regular Stewart Friesen entering the Grandview event.  Each participating speedway on the American Racer Cup count two mid-week special events toward their overall tally so Howard has the opportunity to build on his lead.  Friesen is hoping to impede his progress.

The American Racer Cup takes a driver’s best 12 finishes at their weekly home speedway.  Currently Howard has compiled seven feature wins at Grandview this season. Friesen has six currently at Fonda Speedway.  H.J. Bunting from Delaware Speedway is in third place with Rick Laubach (Bridgeport) and Billy VanPelt (Woodhull) completing the top five.

Current American Racer Cup Track point leaders Laubach, Friesen, Billy Decker, Ryan Godown and Jimmy Phelps will all be looking to take a valuable opportunity away from Howard on Tuesday night at Grandview.  Last year weekly star Jeff Strunk won this event at Grandview and is currently third in the tracks American Racer Cup standings, only one point behind Doug Manmiller.

The American Racer Cup will conclude on Labor Day Weekend as the third overall champion will be announced.  Once again this year the champion of the title will earn a minimum of $10,000 bonus.  Currently Friesen is looking to cash in on his Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour North Region Point lead.  If he can win his second RoC title along with the American Racer Cup, he would earn a $20,000 bonus for the effort.

The Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour swings in to the Grandview Speedway this Tuesday (tomorrow) for the 60 lap South Region Championship.  This one event could have a huge impact on the final American Racer Cup standings as well as the RoC title.  A complete run down of the American Racer Cup points can be found atwww.dirtmodcup.com.

For Tuesday information please contact Grandview Speedway directly at 610-754-7688 or to contact Thunder on The Hill promoter Bob Miller please phone 443-513-4456.

The Race of Champions offices can be contacted at 607-775-5555 or by emailing the office at rocdirt@aol.com.  The official RoC Dirt website can be found at www.rocdirt.com.

Pos.	Driver	Total	Home Speedway	No. of Races	Avg. Starting Field
1	Duane Howard*	672	Grandview	12	28
2	Stewart Friesen*	671	Fonda	12	25.538
3	H.J. Bunting*	668	Delaware	12	15.666
4	Rick Laubach*	658	Bridgeport	12	22.923
5	Billy VanPelt*	651	Woodhull	12	18.846
6	Andy Bachetti	646	Accord	12	17
7	Jamie Mills*	640	Delaware	12	15.666
8	Ryan Godown*	639	New Egypt	12	25
9	Stewart Friesen*	616	Utica Rome	12	25.153
10	Donnie Lawson, Jr.	613	Woodhull	12	18.846
11	Billy Decker*	608	Fulton	12	21.75
12	Danny Creeden	601	Accord	12	17
13	Jimmy Horton*	590	Bridgeport	12	22.923
14	Brian Weaver*	590	Five Mile Point	12	22.687
15	Mike Bills*	589	Woodhull	12	18.846
16	Mike Ricci	587	Accord	12	17
17	Justin Holland*	585	Five Mile Point	12	22.687
18	Brad Trice*	580	Delaware	12	15.666
19	Pat Ward*	577	Utica Rome	12	25.153
20	Jerry Higbie, Jr.	561	Accord	12	17

Two drivers listed above from OCFS – Creeden & Higbie

Fourth:

I found this while over on Jayski’s website:

NASCAR at The Brickyard: What's wrong with this picture?

In part:

“(Posted 7/30, 10:00 a.m.) Detroit. Jimmie Johnson won his fourth Brickyard 400 Sprint Cup race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, tying him with mentor and Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon. I choose to ignore all of the ritual hand-wringing by the media tallying Gordon's and Johnson's four wins while comparing them to the greats who competed at the Indianapolis 500, because it's completely irrelevant. NASCAR at The Brickyard is the Sideshow Bob of motorsport, and even with the depleted popularity of the Indy 500, the NASCAR machine is comfortably mired as a Tier 2 event at The Speedway.

Why is that, exactly? Why is it that the attendance at The Brickyard NASCAR race continues to spiral downward with each passing year? This year's race was particularly glaring in that the cavernous Indianapolis Motor Speedway facility seemed to swallow the estimated 100,000 or so in attendance. Yes, getting 100,000 fans to attend a race - any race - is still quite an achievement these days, but it's one thing at Charlotte or Texas, and it's quite another at the most historic race track in the world.

NASCAR even tried to pump up the event weekend with a series of Grand-Am support road races and a Nationwide race, but it didn't help. Grand-Am attendance was virtually nonexistent (not a new phenomenon by any stretch), while the sparse crowd at the Nationwide race was even more appalling given the almost limitless confines of The Speedway.”

“What's wrong with NASCAR at The Brickyard? In short, everything. Whatever NASCAR thought it would be or wanted it to be at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway doesn't exist anymore, if it ever did. The novelty of "stock cars" running around The Speedway wore off long ago. Now it's just another race filling out a spot on the calendar in NASCAR's "death march" of a schedule, the most ridiculous schedule in all of a sport. (And when you have the NHL and NBA in the discussion, that's saying something.)

The event will continue, of course, because contemplating a NASCAR schedule without The Brickyard would be like NASCAR actually admitting that they have too many races on their schedule. In other words, it will never happen.”

More on this can be found here: http://www.autoextremist.com/fumes1/2012/7/30/fumes.html

Fifth:

Have you had any problems checking out your favorite track and “My Laps”. I, along with others have. There was a time when I could go to the OCFS website, click on the “My Laps” link, and be taken right to the latest race at OCFS. I could also “Search” for other tracks, and they’d come up, too. Not anymore, it seems.

A friend of mine sent me an e-mail as to what I had to do to be able to check out the lap times for the 358 Modified race at OCFS.

Here ya go:

“You need to go to MyLaps home page. Pick events results. Filter by Car Racing. Select More Events. Page backward until you find page with races held on July 19, 2012 and you will find it listed. Sending links directly to that spot does not seem to work. How’s that for a fine system?

Sixth:

I caught some glimpses of the Cup race from Indianapolis this past Sunday. One could really see the “crabbing” of the cars as they ran down the long straights.

And how about Tony Stewart, as they spoke with him towards the end of the race, with Tony making mention of some blocking going on and the next tone that blocked him was going to get “parked” – or words similar to that?

Solution: Get rid of the mirrors and spotters. Race control radio connection to the drivers only.

Seventh:

Senna – the movie. It’s been on ESPN2 quite a bit this past week. If you get a chance to see it, I think you’ll enjoy it. I did.

Eighth:

Back on August 2, 1990, the man that got me interested in going to the races and being a race fan, Lucien Gerard Avenengo left us. He was mainly an Open Wheel race fan with having hardly any interest in Stock Cars. He did enjoy Sports/Racing cars, however, mainly because my brother was a big fan of that type of racing, as was I. He was one of the first to call me “Vukie” – after the late Bill Vukovich, a favorite driver of mine, back in the 50’s.

I often wonder what he would think of the racing we have, today, and also how things, in general, are, today. Yes, I still miss him!

Ninth:

Better hurry on this one! Big race at OVRP’s Dirt Oval:

Oakland Valley Speedway

200 Laps of Racing

NASCAR STYLE

August 11, 2012

$500 GUARANTEED to Win

Other Payouts to be Determined by Number of Entries

Heavys – 375 lbs. – 2 person race teams are allowed

22 Racers Make it to the Main Event

Top 18 Teams Come Directly from Qualifying

4 Teams Comes from 15 Lap Conciliation Race (15 karts maximum)

Total of 3 person Race Teams:

- If 1 Racer, then 2 person Pit Crew

- If 2 Racers, then 1 person Pit Crew

Non-Qualifier Race for Teams that Don’t Make the Main Event

20 Lap Feature 20 kart maximum

$100 Goes to the Winner

Entry Fee - $60.00 (does not include pit pass)

Pre-Register by August 4th and save $10.00

Pre-Registration Form

Gates Open – 8:00 am

Registration Ends Promptly at 10:00 am

Pre-Registration Recommended

Cut-off August 4th – Save $10.00

Pre-Tech – 9:00 – 10:00 am

Happy Hour Open Practice – 10:00 – 11:00 am

Qualifying – 11:30 am

TV listings:

Mainly NASCAR stuff.

http://www.jayski.com/pages/tv.htm

Coming up:

At Accord, starting this Friday, the Lightning Sprints will be a weekly attraction. Also, starting this Friday, Sail Panels are optional for the Modified class. It’s also Camera & Autograph night.

At OCFS this coming Saturday, it’s “Nostalgia Night” with upwards of 60 of the “old time” drivers scheduled to make an appearance. Vintage cars will be in action and the restored race cars of the Atlantic Coast Old Timers (ACOT) will also be in attendance. They might get some track time too. Did you know that the very first on track exhibition runs for ACOT was held at OCFS?

Some of the old time drivers expected:

Buzzi Reutimann is a comfirmed YES along with Carl Van Horn, Bobby Bottcher, Anthony Ferraioulo, Charlie Shire, Jerry Wilson and the infamous Henry Sharp..

And: Bobby Bottcher, Carl Reynolds, Jerry Wilson, Steve Makocy, Sammy Rogers, Carol Birchwale, The Jeffer, Carl Van Horn, the Ferraiuolo's, Ty Scott, and Frank Jashembowski.

I wonder if David Reutimann will make an appearance, since he’s at Pocono on Sunday.

Note: I’ve heard that David could very well be in action on the track Saturday night, taking Buzzies place in the 673 Modified.

Here are a couple of photos of the “Nostalgia Shirt”, front view, first then back view.

Note: Photos not available on DTD, but on New England Tractor Race Report, which has a link towards the end of the column, for photos.

Front has Charlie Shire - # 29, Bob Malzahn # 99 and Tom Hager # 43.

Back has Sammy Rogers # 225, Russ Meyer # 5 and Danny Mitchell # 1

And, another reminder about the Hinchliffe Stadium Racing Expo to be held on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend:

We are still looking for participants for this years show. We have an ample amount of space to accommodate anyone that would like to be a part in the show. If you would like to take part in the show, display a car, or exhibit please contact Ronny Dennis (718)344-0502. It is FREE to enter the show
This years show will take place on Sunday September 2, 2012 of Labor Day weekend
Gates open to participants at 10 am
Show starts at 12 noon and runs all day
Admission is FREE
Hinchliffe Stadium is located in Paterson, N.J., on the corner of Liberty St. and Maple St. next to the Great Falls.
Come out and show your support for the Stadium. While your there you can check out the Great Falls Festival. There is something for everyone. See you at the SHOW!

Some directions to Hinchliffe:

Coming from Delaware Water Gap area:

Take Rt. 80 East to Exit 54 Minnisink Rd./Little Falls/Totowa

Make a LEFT towards Totowa, go 7/10 of a mile to Totowa Rd.

Make a RIGHT onto Totowa Rd., go 3/10 of a mile to Union Blvd.

Make a LEFT onto Union Blvd., go approximately 1 mile to Redwood Ave. (there is an Autozone on left)

Make a RIGHT onto Redwood Ave. (you will see the stadium in front of you)

Go 1/10 of a mile to Totowa Ave.

Make a RIGHT onto Totowa Ave., go 1/10 of a mile to Maple Ave.

Make a LEFT onto Maple Ave.

Hinchliffe Stadium will be on the left

Found on Jayski’s website:

Allmendinger released by Penske; statements by Allmendinger & Shell:

Penske Racing announced today that AJ Allmendinger has been released as driver of the #22 Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Cup Series. Allmendinger was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR last week for a positive drug test. "Penske Racing fully supports NASCAR's substance abuse policy and we are disappointed with AJ's positive drug test results," said Roger Penske. "AJ is a terrific driver, a good person and it is very unfortunate that we have to separate at this time. We have invested greatly in AJ and we were confident in his success with our team. The decision to dismiss him is consistent with how we would treat any other Penske Racing team member under similar circumstances. As AJ begins NASCAR's 'Road to Recovery' program, we wish him the best and look forward to seeing him compete again in NASCAR." Sam Hornish Jr., will drive the #22 Dodge at Pocono this weekend and for the foreseeable future. Penske Racing will evaluate its options for a driver of the #22 car for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.(Penske Racing)(8-1-2012)

Statement from Allmendinger:

"Effective today, I have been released from Penske Racing as driver of the #22 Dodge Charger. I wish to thank Mr. Penske, Penske Racing, their sponsors, and especially all the of the #22 team for the opportunity they provided me and for their support in this difficult time. I also, again, would like to thank all the fans that really have been awesome through this. I apologize for the distraction, embarrassment, and difficulties that my current suspension from NASCAR has provided. As I stated last week, I have begun NASCAR's Road to Recovery program and look forward to using those resources and its completion to compete again in NASCAR in the near future."(Walldinger Racing)(8-1-2012)

Shell Statement:

Shell and Pennzoil fully support NASCAR's substance abuse policy and Penske Racing's decision to release A.J. Allmendinger as driver of the #22 Dodge Charger following his indefinite suspension by NASCAR. We wish A.J. the best as he participates in NASCAR's Road to Recovery program. Shell and Pennzoil will continue to work closely with Penske Racing to determine plans for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. (Shell Pennzoil)(8-1-2012)

NASCAR schedules tests for 2013 cars:

Cup teams will have the 2013 model for an Aug. 7-8 test at Martinsville Speedway that is aimed at rules tweaks to make the cars lighter and help Goodyear develop tires with more grip to improve racing. The 2013 car also will be tested Oct. 4 at Talladega Superspeedway, Oct. 9-10 at Texas Motor Speedway and Oct. 18 at Kansas Speedway. Dodge is taking part in the tests. The manufacturer hasn't announced any replacements for Penske Racing, which will join Ford next year.(USA Today)(8-1-2012)

Indy considering installing lights:

Despite attendance struggles at the Brickyard 400 (now known as the Crown Royal presents the Curtiss Shaver 400 at the Brickyard) over the past five years, there's no talk from NASCAR or Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials about discontinuing the race. IMS officials said the commitment on both sides couldn't be stronger for continuing the race long-term and making it stronger than it currently is. "I don't think either party could be more secure in its relationship with [the] other," said IMS spokesman Doug Boles. "There is no thought internally or within NASCAR that this race shouldn't continue." To bolster sagging attendance, Speedway officials are breaking new ground this year and may be willing to break even more ground in future years. For the first time, the IMS will host Grand Am and NASCAR Nationwide races over the weekend in conjunction with the Sprint Cup headliner on Sunday. More radical changes could be coming. Speedway officials this week told IBJ that they have discussed installing lights at the massive facilitya project that would cost tens of millions of dollarsto allow races at night, particularly NASCAR events. "Those types of discussions are more common now than they were even a year and a half ago," Boles said. "One consideration is it would allow us to get fans out of the heat of the day." Erecting lights would be a major departure for Speedway officials, who previously have shunned the idea. IMS stands as one of the few major race tracks nationally without lights.(Indianapolis Business Journal)(7-28-2012)

Brickyard 400 still profitable with smaller crowds:

Despite sharp attendance declines in recent years at the Brickyard 400, the event remains hugely profitable for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, motorsports industry experts say. NASCAR officials estimated attendance at this year's race in Indianapolis at 125,000, down from 138,000 last year. In 2007, race attendance was more than 200,000. The Speedway makes enough television revenue-close to $6 million-to pay its NASCAR sanctioning fee, according to industry experts, leaving the track with most of the revenue from ticket sales, concessions and parking. Motorsports business experts estimated that the Speedway made at least $9 million in ticket revenue from Sunday's Brickyard 400 and another $1 million to $2 million from Saturday's Nationwide Series race, which until this year has been held at Lucas Oil Raceway a few miles to the west. The IMS also for the first time hosted the Grand Am Series, but that wasn't likely a big moneymaker since attendance was only about 10,000. A new Brickyard 400 title sponsorship deal with Crown Royal added another $2 million to the Speedway's take.(Indianapolis Business Journal)(8-1-2012)

Penske still undecided about future engine program:

Roger Penske, who announced in March that his Penske Racing team would move from fielding Dodges to Fords, still has not made a final decision on whether to build his own engines, lease them from Roush Yates Engines or possibly become a partner in Roush Yates Engines. The Penske engine shop is not located at its main car manufacturing facility in North Carolina and could be spun off into a Dodge engine building facility. "We're still trying to finish up the final discussion with Dodge, what they're going to do," Penske said. "We obviously have the option with Roush Yates, which we're looking at also."(Sporting News)(7-30-2012)

Penske to meet with Allmendinger this week:

Team owner Roger Penske said he will meet with suspended driver AJ Allmendinger this week to discuss how they move forward as an organization. Allmendinger was suspended indefinitely on Tuesday after his second urine sample confirmed the first sample that tested positive for amphetamines earlier this month. The 30-year-old driver has enrolled in NASCAR's Road to Recovery program that typically takes 4-5 months to be eligible for reinstatement, meaning his 2012 season is for all intents and purposes over. Penske said Sunday that he has released Penske Racing employees that have failed the company testing program in the past. He said the difference with Allmendinger is he's an independent contractor who was tested by NASCAR, not the organization, and sponsors are involved. Penske declined to comment on whether there was any possibility Allmendinger would return to the #22 Shell Pennzoil Dodge [Ford next season] in 2013.' "There are so many questions: does he keep the ride or not?'' Penske said before the Brickyard 400. "We don't know when he's going to be back. We have sponsor obligations. There's lots of things happening. At this point, from my perspective, I have a very open mind, but I want to sit down face to face with him to determine what's the best thing for the team, what's the best thing for him. We have a lot invested in him. I want to see him land on his feet. I've got to look at things from the overall standpoint.'' Penske said Sam Hornish Jr., who will be in the car on Sunday at Indianapolis as well as next week at Pocono, likely will remain the driver for most of season moving forward for the sake of continuity with the team and sponsor. Penske said there are a couple of races where Hornish already was scheduled to be in a third Penske Cup car that will factor into plans. He said those races might be used to try out another driver potentially for next season, reminding his phone has rung off the hook from drivers looking for rides. Penske said he has talked to Allmendinger almost every day to "try to keep his spirits up.'(ESPN)(7-30-2012)

Danica Patrick, who was testing team owner Tony Stewart's #14 Chevrolet Monday at Michigan International Speedway, crashed in the second turn early in the test session. Patrick was not injured. The car sustained right-front damage. Track observers said the car apparently had engine problems. The practice session was halted for cleanup.(SPEED) can also see some updates at MIS's Twitter.(7-30-2012)

Watkins Glen race will be Finger Lakes 355 at The Glen:

Watkins Glen International has chosen to honor the region in which it is located by naming the Sunday, August 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Finger Lakes 355 at The Glen. The historic road course is one aspect of the popular tourist destination that includes a variety of state parks and is New York's largest wine producing region. Located at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, The Glen and the region's history and future are inexplicably interwoven. Selecting the name of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series reflects Watkins Glen International's appreciation for its surroundings. "We value the support of our neighbors annually and felt naming our NASCAR Sprint Cup Series the Finger Lakes 355 at The Glen is the best way to display our appreciation," Michael Printup, Watkins Glen International President expressed. "It shows the respect we feel toward our fans, neighbors and fellow tourist attractions."(WGI)(7-31-2012)

NASCAR looking at changes to qualifying?

NASCAR is kicking around the idea of qualifying the top 38 drivers on time and cutting the number of provisionals down to four plus one for former champions. With sponsors at a premium right now, it could be catastrophic to eliminate provisionals altogether, particularly when a driver missing a race could result in a benefactor pulling its support from the team.(Fox Sports)(7-24-2012)

UPDATE:

NASCAR's rule guaranteeing the top 35 teams in the Sprint Cup series a spot in each race may be going away in 2013. Vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said on Thursday that NASCAR is talking to teams about doing away with guaranteed starting spots in the Cup, Nationwide and Truck Series with the hope of putting more emphasis on qualifying. "People want to see it go back to where speed gets you in,'' Pemberton said from the infield at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Pemberton did not discuss specifics of the new qualifying rules, but sources close to the situation told ESPN.com one plan is to have the top 38 cars get in on speed with one past champions provisional and four provisionals for the top four drivers in points that didn't make it on speed. Under the current system in Cup, the top 35 teams are guaranteed a spot in the field regardless of whether they run a qualifying lap or not. That number is 30 for Nationwide and 25 for Trucks. The system was put in place in 2005 to assure full-time teams with big-name drivers and big sponsors did not miss the race. If the top-35 rule is eliminated, cars inside the top 35 at the end of 2012 won't be guaranteed a spot in the first five races of 2013 as has been the case in the past. Pemberton said that won't totally eliminate owners purchasing numbers for the Daytona 500, where points are used from the previous season, but the need won't be as great.(ESPN)
This sounds similar to the old provisional system last used during the 2004 season, see how it worked and some notes about it on my 2004 Provisionals page.(7-27-2012)

Chevrolet Camaro Will Debut in 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series:

Chevrolet will have a new entry in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2013: Camaro, the top- selling sports car in America, will make its series debut next February at Daytona International Speedway (Team Chevy), more info and images of the car on Jayski's Nationwide Series site.(7-26-2012)

Note: Now don’t go getting all excited on this news. You and I know that when they go on the track, those “Camaros” will not look like those that are on our public roads.

Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Specials Expiring After Aug. 6; expanding hours:

Race fans looking to take advantage of Atlanta Motor Speedway's discounted ticket rates for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AdvoCare 500 weekend have until Aug. 6 to purchase their seats at ticket special rates. Many of the speedway's ticket specials for the biggest Labor Day party in the USA will go away beginning at 11:59 pm on Monday, Aug. 6 and major discounts will be lost for those who have yet to gain their tickets to the three nights of racing under the lights. This year AMS offers several affordable packages for fans to choose from, more info at www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.(AMS)

AMS Extending Ticket Office Hours Leading Up to AdvoCare 500 Race Weekend

The Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office will extend its hours, including opening on weekends, beginning on July 28 in advance of the track's three nights of NASCAR racing during Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31-Sept. 2. With ticket demand growing as the Atlanta race date nears on the NASCAR schedule, the AMS ticket office will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. These extended days of weekend availability will last through race weekend and began on Saturday, July 28. In addition to weekend hours of operation, the ticket office will also increase its weekday business hours beginning on Monday, Aug. 13. The ticket office will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. beginning on that date.(AMS)(7-30-2012)

2012 Sprint Cup Driver Championship Points Standings:
[after Indianapolis, race 20 of 36]
1) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [1 win], 731
2) #17-Matt Kenseth [1 win], 717, -14
3) #16-Greg Biffle [1 win], 709, -22
4) #48-Jimmie Johnson [2 wins], 704, -27
5) #11-Denny Hamlin [2 wins], 667, -64
6) #29-Kevin Harvick [0 wins], 653, -78
7) #56-Martin Truex Jr. [0 wins], 653, -78
8) #14-Tony Stewart [3 wins], 652, -79
9) #2-Brad Keselowski [3 wins], 649, -82
10) #15-Clint Bowyer [1 wins], 643, -88 (55 pts ahead of 11th)
Current wild card Chase drivers:
WC1) #5-Kasey Kahne [2 wins, 13th in points]
WC2) #18-Kyle Busch [1 win, 11th in points]
(ties broken by 1sts, 2nds, 3rd, etc)
See drivers championship points standings on the Drivers Points Standings (pdf).(7-29-2012)

Going back, in time – in racing history:

Note# 1: Most of the following information was found here:

http://www.wheelsofspeed.com/history.html

Note: 2: Yes, most of this info is mostly from Open Wheel racing from “Back in the day”.

This week I’ll cover from August 3^rd to August 9^th:

AUGUST 3

1947

Ted Duncan, in front of 26,420 fans, won the 25 lap Chicago Auto Racing Association Midget race over Sam Hanks and Paul Russo at the Soldier Field in Chicago, IL.

1960

Lee Petty and his sons, Richard and Maurice, race against each other for the first and only time, at Birmingham, Alabama's, Dixie Speedway. Richard finished second, Lee third, and Maurice eighth.

1966

Greg Ray ... Born ... Former IRL IndyCar Series driver.

AUGUST 4
1903

Tony Gulotta... Born ... AAA driver, raced in 13 Indy 500's with a best finish of 3rd in 1927

1932

Joe Leonard... Born ... American motorcycle racer and racecar driver. Leonard won the first AMA Grand National Championship Series in 1954 and won it again in 1956 and 1957. His record totals 27 wins, including the 1957 and 1958 Daytona 200. He retired from motorcycle racing at the completion of the 1961 season and turned his attention to auto racing. Leonard raced in the USAC Championship Car series in the 1964-1974 seasons, with 98 career starts, including the 1965-1973 Indianapolis 500, sitting on the pole in 1968 in the Granatelli turbine car. He finished in the top ten 60 times, including 6 wins: 3 times at Milwaukee (1965, 1970, 1972), and once each at Ontario Motor Speedway (1971), Brooklyn (1972), and Pocono (1972). His victories propelled him to the 1971 and 1972 USAC Championship Car Season Championship. Joe Leonard is the "Only Racer in the World" to have won multiple National Championships in both automobile and motorcycle racing back to back.

1971

Jeff Gordon... Born ... NASCAR driver.

2008

Greg Weld... Died ... Weld was known as both a driver and a racing entrepreneur. As a driver, Weld won the 1963 Knoxville Nationals, the premiere event in sprint car racing. Weld raced in the USAC Championship Car series in the 1965-1972 seasons, with 36 career starts, including the 1970 Indianapolis 500. He finished in the top ten 11 times, with his best finish in 4th position in 1970 at Sacramento. He was also the 1967 USAC Sprint Car Series champion. As a racing entrepreneur, he founded Weld Wheels in Kansas City. Weld’s wheels were considered by many as the best that automobile racers could buy and ran the firm until its acquisition by American Racing Equipment in 2006. He also promoted local auto races, including the Jerry Weld Memorial, which attracted national-level drivers.

AUGUST 5
1936

Gordon Johncock ... Born ... Gordon Johncock was one of the premier drivers of Indy Cars for nearly three decades, winning the 1976 USAC National Championship, and claiming two wins in the Indy 500. A native of Hastings, Michigan, "Gordy" Johncock began his racing career in Midwestern modifieds and USAC sprint cars. While he was highly successful in the modifieds, he was something special in the sprint cars. Johncock set a world half-mile record at Winchester, Indiana in 1964, the same year he made his USAC Championship Trail debut on the one-mile dirt track in Springfield. Johncock ran Indy the first time in 1965, finishing fifth. His first major championship win came later that year at Milwaukee as he out-dueled A.J. Foyt for the victory. Johncock was fourth at Indy in 1966, and also finished fourth in the championship points. In an accident-marred, rain-shortened 1973 race, Johncock got his first Indianapolis 500 victory. With new sponsorship from STP, he also won at Phoenix and Trenton. The following year, he was third in the points, with wins at Milwaukee and Phoenix. Following a huge disappointment at Indy in 1975, in which he qualified 2nd and finished 31st, Johncock rebounded in 1976 to grab third place in the Indy 500, a race that propelled him to his first USAC national championship. Beginning in 1978, Johncock had a string of five consecutive Top Ten finishes that culminated with his second Indianapolis 500 victory in 1982. This time he beat Rick Mears by 16/100ths of a second, the closest finish ever at Indy at that time. After winning the 1983 season opener in Atlanta, Johncock suffered season-ending injuries in a crash at Michigan. 1984 was his last full season, and he announced his retirement in 1985. Missing it more than he had anticipated, Johncock came out of retirement briefly in 1987, but raced only twice in 1988 and three times in 1989, retiring for good in 1992. During his career, Johncock competed in 261 races, winning 25 times and earning 20 poles. His winnings amounted to well over $3 million.

1963

Craig Breedlove drove the "Spirit of America" on the Bonneville Salt Flats to a new Land Speed Record of 407.45 mph.

Andy Granatelli became president of Studebaker's chemical compound division. Their principal product is STP - motor oil and gasoline additives.

1969

Kenny Irwin, Jr. ... Born ... He was a NASCAR stock car driver. He had driven in all three major of forms of NASCAR and had two total victories. Before that, he raced in the United States Auto Club against Tony Stewart who was one of his fiercest rivals. He died as a result of injuries suffered in a crash during a practice session at New Hampshire International Speedway.

AUGUST 6

2002

Jim Crawford... Died ... USAC/CART driver 1984 to 1995. Ran the Indy 500 eight times with a best finish of 6th in 1988.

AUGUST 7

1962

Don Davis ... Died ... USAC driver from the late 1950's to the early 1960's. He drove in the USAC Championship Car series, racing in the 1960-1962 seasons with 15 starts, including the 1961 and 1962 Indianapolis 500 races. He finished in the top ten 8 times, with his two best finishes in 3rd at Trenton and in 4th at Indianapolis, both in 1962. He died in a sprint car crash in New Breman, OH.

AUGUST 8
1929

Jimmy Davies... Born ... AAA / USAC driver from the 1940's - 1960's. He was the second man to win three USAC National Midget Championships. When Davies won the 100 mile AAA Championship race at Del Mar, California on November 6, 1949 - aged 20 years, 2 months, 29 days, he became the youngest driver to win a race in a major U.S. open wheel series, a record not broken until Marco Andretti won the IRL race at Sonoma, California in 2006. Davies raced AAA on a false birth certificate showing him older, (as did Troy Ruttman and Jim Rathmann), and was racing illegally. He ran the Indy 500 5 times with a best finish of 3rd in 1955. He died on June 11, 1966 aged 36 from injuries suffered in a midget crash at Santa Fe Speedway in Chicago. He was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1984

1953

Nigel Mansell... Born ... A British racing driver from England who won both the Formula One World Championship (1992) and CART World Series (1993). He is the only person in history to hold both titles simultaneously, and was the first person to win the CART title in his debut season.

AUGUST 9

1925

Len Sutton... Born ... Sutton became involved in auto racing after serving in the Navy during World War II. He spun out in the first corner on his first lap at a dirt track. Sutton won Oregon Racing Association championships in 1949, 1950, 1954, and 1955. He flipped his car to avoid cattle during the 1954 Carrera Panamericana road race (now Baja 1000). He was in a body cast for 4 months. He also won midget car racing championships in Portland before he headed east to become a national touring driver. He raced in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series from 1955 to 1965, with 76 career starts, 43 top ten finishes, and 3 victories. Sutton completed his rookie test for the Indianapolis 500 in 1956. He flipped his car while attempting 140 miles per hour for the 1957 Indianapolis 500. He slide upside down with his helmet scraping the asphalt for nearly 1000 feet. A report in the following day's Indianapolis News said "Sutton was at first believed dead by observers on the scene." His injuries included broken shoulder, serious abrasions on his back, and a fractured skull. He returned to Indianapolis the the following year and made his first start in the event. That year he finished 32nd after being eliminated in a multi-car accident during the first lap. He competed in the 500 six more times and had his best result in 1962. After starting the race 4th, he led 9 laps and finished second behind his teammate Rodger Ward. The next year, he set an unofficial Indianapolis Motor Speedway record when he went over 155 miles per hour during a tire test. Known for his versatility as a driver, Sutton also competed in roadsters, midgets, sprint cars, and stock cars. He finished 31st in the 1963 Daytona 500. Sutton decided to retire from driving during a 1965 race at Langhorne Speedway. Fellow competitor Mel Kenyon was severely burned in the race. After retiring from driving, Sutton went into broadcasting and was a member of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network for many years. Sutton died at his home in Portland at age 81 after a long battle with cancer.

1963

Our second child, a daughter, Sandra Lucienne Avenengo was born in El Paso, Texas.

1975

Mark Donohue set an American closed-course speed record of 221.120 MPH at Talledega, Alabama, in a Porsche 917/30.

News from the AARN:

http://www.aarn.com/

From the July 24^th issue:

Lenny Sammons:

He had quite a bit about Brian Sobus, who started out racing Karts at tracks like OVRP’s Dirt Oval, Paradise and Frozen Ocean. Brian is now running Super Modifieds, mainly at Oswego.

Ernie Saxton:

A reader sent Ernie what he thought might improve the sad state of NASCAR Cup racing. Some interesting ideas, I should say, but I doubt NASCAR would change. Something like three 50 lap races on those “Cookie Cutter” mile and a half tracks, with no pit stops. Also at least one race on a dirt mile (ain’t never gonna happen – no track big enough for that).

Ernie makes note that at Loudon, Denny Hamlin got $228,751.00 for second place while the race winner, Kasey Kahne got $220,275.00.

He made mention of the up-coming Hinchliffe Stadium “Racing Expo”.

And was questioning, on a safety level, how some drivers, when doing the “burn outs” do so with gloves and helmets off.

And, Mr. Saxton, in a way, agrees with me on how professional athletes are kinda overpaid – citing pitcher Cole Hamels of the Philadelphia Phillies making 130 million for six years.

Earl Krause:

Earl wrote about the Wall Crate Sportsman race – a scheduled 75 lap race on a night when the Modifieds had the night off. After one and a half hours, they had only completed 26 laps, and out of a starting field of 21, only 9 remained. Race was checkered at 35 laps.

Jeremy Elliott:

Had quite a bit about the tire issues with the WoO Sprint Cars and the Pennsylvania 410 Sprint Cars – problems with the Goodyear tires and the inability for Goodyear to furnish enough tires for all the cars. (I believe the contract between Goodyear and the WoO ends at the end of this current season, and would not be surprised to see Goodyear not back in 2013).

Bill Utter:

Bill had nice things to say about Kolby Schroder, another former Kart driver that had run at OVRP’s Dirt Oval and is now running Modifieds at Lebanon Valley.

John Snyder:

John was making note of how, on the Internet, OCFS was ridiculed for the “extensive tire wear” during the WoO Sprint Car race a while back. Seems that maybe it wasn’t the track at OCFS but maybe the tires that were available? (Heck you want less tire wear? Get rid of the wings).

Back in the day there were six tracks for Modifieds in the area – Bridgeport, OCFS, Nazareth, Flemington, Reading and East Windsor. I don’t have to tell you what two are left, today, and, in a way, both of them are kinda “shaky” as to their futures.

John thinks that there are certain tracks that lend themselves to good TV viewing, and I agree with him. Charlotte, Atlanta and Texas are good ones. Some that are not too good, in his way of thinking are: Chicagoland, Kansas, Las Vegas and Kentucky. He thinks that Chicagoland should be made smaller – down to a mile in size.

Note: I think OCFS should be smaller, too, but John does not agree with me on that. Might there be a difference between Chicagoland and OCFS? I’d love to see OCFS made a little smaller – bring in turns 3 & 4 to the end of the half covered stands. Maybe put a little more banking in the turns and of course add a complete covering of new rock free clay! By moving those two turns in some, you might be able to move the pit area to outside of the track, too. Pretty sure I’ve heard that that could be “in the works”?

Scott Pacich:

Scott makes mention that back in 1968, to go to the Indy Car race at Trenton, it cost all of $8.50. He talks about the All-Star League – where drivers would run on both pavement and dirt with the same cars and tracks had drivers to represent them. What I was not aware of was those All-Star races were sanctioned by NASCAR.

He makes mention of a “Rookie” motor sports writer coming on the scene for the Cavalcade of Auto Racing, back in 1968. Said writer hung around until 1972 when he chose to go racing, instead of writing, feeling the writing was holding back his racing career. His name: Dick Berggren.

There was a small write-up about Ray Evernham winning a 305 Sprint Car race at the Friendship Speedway in Elkin, N.C. Only six cars are listed as being in competition. While reading that write-up, I got to thinking – what ever happened with those Dirt Legends cars that Ray came out with. How many has he sold and where do they race? You remember them, right? They were a dead ringer for what were called “Super Modifieds” many, many ears ago – mostly out west. In case you don’t remember them, I put a photo of what they look like towards the end of the column. A little checking on the link in the “Ad” in that photo turned up a race result for those cars. Only 5 cars listed. Methinks Ray had a great idea, but came out with it at the wrong time! Somehow I recall a possible thing between Ray and the Accord Speedway, with a photo of those cars on the Accord website, for a short time. Again, great idea, but wrong time, what with the economy taking a dump and so many out of work, when he came out with them.

http://www.uslegendcars.com/racing_info/news/619361.html

There was a confirmation of Ted Christopher losing his ride due to his car owner, Ed Whelan, getting out of racing. Chances are that Ted might run for Bob Garbarino.

And, in their issue this week – July 31^st:

In AARN
This Week:

Hot Hodnett:
Wins Williams Grove Friday,
Port Royal Saturday


Thompson Wreck
Puts Big Winner Rocco On Sidelines


Three Races,
Three Winners
As WoO Sprints Invade Canada


Three Races,
Three Winners
As Lucas Oil Late Models
Invade New York


Reopening Imminent
For Delaware's
Georgetown Speedway


Timmy J Is Hy-Miler
Sandusky Nationals ISMA Champ


Three Straight RoC Asphalt Series Wins
For Matt Hirschman


Sadler's
Indy Nationwide Series Penalty
Confounds


'Last Lap Pratt'
Leads Every Lap
In B'Port Hager Memorial

Former Oakland Valley Speedway (Dirt Oval) runners:

Due to “mother Nature” acting up last week, not much to report on this week.

At Accord, Danny Creeden was 3^rd, Mike Doty 10^th and Tyler Boniface 12^th in the Modified feature. Anthony Perrego won the Sportsman feature with Brad Szulewski 11^th and Tyler Dippel 17^th. Kyle VanDuser won the Spec Sportsman feature and Dippel was 2^nd.

At Five Mile, Danny Creeden was 11^th in the Modified feature.

Bobby Hackel, IV, was 6^th in the Budget “A” feature at Albany/Saratoga.

Kyle Rohner was 3^rd in the Sportsman feature at Penn Can.

Nick Pecko was 2^nd and Roger Coss 15th in the Modified feature at Mountain Speedway.

Alex Bell was 3^rd in the Modified feature at Devil’s Bowl.

Last week I missed Brian Sobus finishing 7^th in the Super Modified feature at Oswego.

And: Danny Creeden 11^th and Anthony Perrego 25^th in the RoC Modified feature at Five Mile, along with Perrego 20^th in the Sportsman feature.

Also: Joe Kata was 12^th in the 600 Micro Sprint feature at the Greenwood Valley Action Track last week.

Going back, in time at OVRP’s Dirt Oval:

From August 3, 2002:

http://www.whowon.com/Results.asp?TrackID=1904&StoryID=69556

More racin’ stuff:

I found this interesting bit of news over on the Track Forum:

With all the talk of Johnson tying the greats with 4 wins ....IMS greatest winner

Johnny Aitken (May 3, 1885 – October 15, 1918) was a racecar driver from Indianapolis, who was active in the years prior to World War I.

Aitken competed in the Indianapolis 500 three times. He started the race twice, in 1911 and 1916. He led the first lap of the first race (1911). Aitken captured the pole position in 1916, but ended up in 15th place (his best finish) that year. In the 1915 Indianapolis 500, Aitken drove relief for two drivers, Gil Anderson and Earl Cooper (who ultimately finished 3rd and 4th).

While Aitken never won the Indianapolis 500 as a driver, he did serve as team manager for two winning efforts, Joe Dawson’s victory in 1912, and Jules Goux’s win in 1913.

Aitken’s activity at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was not limited to the Indianapolis 500. He won a total of 15 races at IMS, the most of any driver in the 100-year history of the track. Aitken was the only driver to win races in each of the four automobile race weekends that were held during the track’s “pre-500” years of 1909-1910. He also won all three races which comprised the Harvest Auto Racing Classic, in September 1916. (The driver with the second-greatest number of wins at IMS is Ray Harroun, with 8 wins in 1909-1911.)

Aitken started a total of 41 races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which is, again, the most of any driver in the track’s history. (The driver with the second-greatest number of starts at IMS is A. J. Foyt, who started a total of 36 races from 1958 to 1994.) (Wiki)

Going back, in time:

Another track that I went to with my father and brother back in the 40’s was the track in Danbury, Ct. That track was inside a moat, and the midgets had to be pushed over a bridge to get to the track. On top of that, the track was “white” in color. Below the races from 1940 to 1945 are covered. I didn’t start going there until 1946 – maybe 1947. Races from 1946 to 1951 will be covered, next week.

Danbury Speedway

Danbury, CT

1940

Opened with AAA Midgets

June 1 1. Lee Wallard 2. Joe Garson 3. Pappy Hough

June 8 1. Dave Randolph 2. Pappy Hough 3. Ray Nestor

June 15 1. Jim Forte 2. Ray Nestor 3. Dave Randolph

June 22 1. Joe Garson 2. Ray Nestor 3. Ben Emerick

ARDC takes over sanctioning

July 2 1. Ernie Gesell 2. Bill Schindler 3. Walt Fusco

July 5 1. Mike Josephs 2. Ernie Gesell 3. Bill Schindler

July 12 rain

July 19 1. Bill Schindler 2. Ted Tappett 3. Len Golen

July 26 1. Ted Tappett 2. Bill Schindler 3. Mike Josephs 50 laps

Aug. 2 1. Ted Tappett 2. Ernie Gesell 3. George Rice

Aug. 9 1. Bill Baker 2. Mike Josephs 3. Bill Schindler 40 laps

Aug. 16 1. Harry Felton 2. Johnny Sweir 3. Bill Schindler

Aug. 23 1. Bill Schindler 2. Mike Josephs 3. Ted Tappett 50 laps

Aug. 30 rain

Sept. 6 1. Ted Tappett 2. Ernie Gesell 3. Mike Josephs 40 laps

Sept. 13 1. Bill Holmes 2. Al Duffy 3. Ernie Gesell

Sept. 20 1. Bill Schindler 2. Harry Felton 3. Dutch Schaefer 75 laps

Oct. 12 1. Ernie Gesell 2. Ray Nestor 3. Henry Steiger

Champion: Bill Schindler

1941

May 4 1. Johnny Ringger 2. Mike Josephs 3. Henry Banks

May 11 1. Henry Banks 2. Bill Schindler 3. Johnny Sweir

May 18 1. George Rice 2. Ted Tappett 3. Bill Holmes

May 23 rain

May 30 1. Bill Holmes 2. Len Duncan 3. Ted Tappett 40 laps

June 6 1. Mike Joseph 2. Bill Holmes 3. Len Duncan

June 13 rain

June 20 1. Len Duncan 2. Mike Josephs 3. Bill Holmes

June 27 1. George Rice 2. Ernie Gesell 3. Bill Holmes

July 4 rain

July 11 1. Bill Schindler 2. Mike Josephs 3. Pop DeVercelly

July 18 rain

Track began running split features, 14 started first race of 20 laps. 6 drivers were eliminated and an additional 20 lap race was run with field inverted.

July 25 1. Len Duncan 2. Ted Tappett 3. Bill Schindler

1. Ted Tappett 2. Len Duncan 3. Bill Schindler

Aug. 1 1. Len Duncan 2. Mike Josephs 3. Ted Tappett

1. Lyle Dickey 2. Ted Tappett 3. Len Duncan

Aug. 8 1. Ted Tappett 2. Mike Josephs 3. Johnny Ringger 30 laps

Aug. 15 rain

Aug. 22 1. Ted Tappett 2. Bill Schindler 3. Johnny Ringger 50 laps

Tappetts 15th win in the Carlheim #12

Aug. 29 1. Bill Schindler 2. Len Golen 3. Mike Josephs 30 laps

split features

Sept. 5 1. Bill Schindler 2. Mike Josephs 3. Len Duncan

1. Bill Holmes 2. Mike Josephs 3. Don Morris

Sept. 12 1. Ted Tappett 2. Bill Holmes 3. Bill Schindler

Sept. 19 1. Henry Steiger 2. Len Duncan 3. Bill Schindler 60 laps

split features, Fair races

Oct. 5 1. Mike Josephs 2. Johnny Sweir 3. Tony Bonadies

1. Bill Schindler 2. Dutch Schaefer 3. Len Duncan

Oct. 11 1. Tony Bonadies 2. Jack Duffy 3. Dutch Schaefer

30 laps, halted at 27

1. Tony Bonadies 2. Henry Banks 3. Henry Steiger

20 laps, Race of Champions

1942

May 3 1. Dutch Schaefer 2. Ray Nestor 3. George Rice

May 9 1. Dutch Schaefer 2. George Rice 3. Johnny Ringger

racing ended until after the war

1945

Sept. 8 1. Bill Schindler 2. Dee Toran 3. Ray Nestor

Sept. 15 1. Ray Nestor 2. Bill Holmes 3. Dutch Schaefer

Sept. 22 1. Dutch Schaefer 2. Ray Nestor 3. Johnny Sweir

Sept. 29 1. Dutch Schaefer 2. Andy DeVercelly 3. Ray Nestor

Oct. 6 rain

Oct. 7 rain after semi-finals

Oct. 13 1. Bill Holmes 2. Dutch Schaefer 3. Dee Toran Oct. 7 feature

Oct. 13 1. Dutch Schaefer 2. Bill Schindler 3. Rex Records

Oct. 20 1. Jeep Colkitt 2. Bill Schindler 3. Rex Records

Oct. 27 1. Dutch Schaefer 2. Bill Holmes 3. Bill Schindler

Nov. 4 rain

Nov. 11 rain

Press Releases:

From: "JoAnne Mady" <joannemady@yahoo.com>

XCEL CHASSIS ANNOUNCES 50 LAPPER $1000 TO WIN

LEON GRUBER MEMORIAL 50 AT KUTZTOWN FAIR SPEEDWAY AUGUST 15TH

"Respect isn't given but earned and you earned it girl" Those were the words Leon Gruber said to me after helping our team at Five Mile Point Speedway. Words that have never been forgotten because of the man who had spoken them. When the memorial race for Leon was announced everyone agreed the venue was the perfect fit. 50 laps of door to door small track racing at its best, $1,000 to win and Leon's favorite track on the Xcel Chassis circuit.

Kutztown Fair Speedway will be a popular place to be on Wed. Aug. 15th with the first running of the Leon Gruber Memorial 50. Doug Borger, series founder stated, " I wanted to honor Leon and his legacy just as he carried himself on and off the track, You can walk around the pits on any given night and never hear one bad thing said about him. He was a class act and I know we can give him the show he deserves. This is the only appearance for the tour division and what better way to honor Leon."

Before the race was officially announced Big Creek Concrete signed on to be the $1,000 sponsor for the race. Owner Butch Getz, 600 modified driver, was at Doug's shop when the final plans were set in place." I asked Doug if he had any sponsors lined up and when he told me no I let him know right away I wanted to do it. Leon was and still is remembered with high respect from not only this series but every class Kevin ran. I consider it a privilege to be involved in honoring a man who I held in high regards and always will."

Leon and JoAnn have been married for over thirty years and raised a family to be proud of. Lisa being the oldest, LeAnn being the youngest, named after dad and mom , and their only son Kevin . While talking to Kevin I had to ask why we didn't see his mom around the track more and with a grin he told me the story." We were racing with the 600 sprint and I got involved in a wreck and flipped a couple of times. The last thing you want to do is get in a mothers way when she thinks one of her kids is hurt. My mom didn't care what the officials said and made her way to the track, once she found out I was ok then she left but it wasn't quick enough for the track so they had to kick her off the track. She wouldn't be able to sit by if something happened so rather than getting asked to leave she would go a couple of times a year. Now that I have my son, Brayden, I laugh every time I think about it but I wasn't laughing that night. My mom may not have been at the track every week but she put up with us 6 nights a week in the garage making all kinds of racket."

"My dad was always my number one fan. I didn't realize growing up the life lessons I was being taught thru racing until I was older. One night me and my buddy Keith were working on a wiring harness with a soldering iron. After three or four hours my dad came out to see if we were ok and then asked what we were burning. I told him nothing but he kept saying he smelled something burning. When I looked down I saw my father was standing on the soldering iron and burning his boot. The funniest part about it was we couldn't tell him right away cause we were laughing so hard and when it went thru the boot he was jumping around trying to put is boot out but laughing just as hard as we were. That's when my dad became my biggest motivator. Little did I know that the tables would be turned when he got sick."

Leon was diagnosed with cancer and the fight was on. He was not only motivated but determined to see his son win a race with the 600 modified. Kevin had run other divisions and went to victory lane. He came close with the modified but it still wasn't a win. In 2011, the month of July would see Kevin not only hit victory lane on July 13th but go back to back on July 20th.. The second win came after a 10 lap shootout with Andy Ressler with Kevin winning by inches. Both wins would come at Kutztown and you could see Leon beaming from ear to ear not only on those nights but every time you mentioned Kutztown.

Leon's legacy didn't start Sept. 4 of 2011 when he passed away. His legacy started years before and will continue thru his children, grandchild and to everyone that was lucky enough to have met a man that impacted so many lives. He never looked for the spotlight but always the good out of everything and always found it.

On August 15th at Kutztown Fair Speedway ,the Xcel Chassis 600 modifieds will honor the man who impacted so many lives on and off the track. A man who was loved by his family dearly, highly respected by friends and admired by many. A man who was just happy being Leon Gruber.

And:

NEWS FROM Orange County Fair Speedway

239 Wisner Avenue Middletown, NY10940           

CONTACT Mike Gurda 845-342- 2573

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORMER DRIVERS AND TEAM OWNERS RETURN TO  

ORANGE COUNTY FAIR SPEEDWAY FOR NOSTALGIA NIGHT

August 4 Racing Program to Include Vintage Race Cars on the Hard Clay

MIDDLETOWN, NY (July 29)……..The stars come out on Saturday, August 4 when Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, New York hosts its annual Nostalgia Night. Many former drivers and car owners have indicated the y will be on hand for the fun-filled night of remembrance, autographs, and interviews, all to help Orange County celebrate its glorious stock car racing history.

In addition to this colorful look back at Orange County racing history, a full program of Modified, Sportsman, Rookie Sportsman, and Street Stock racing is scheduled.  And to make the night complete, the restored and vintage race cars of the Northeast Vintage Modified Racing Club and the Atlantic Coast Old Timers will help fans recall the great race cars of yesterday.

After two Saturdays off, all the racers will be eager to get back on the track. And with just six more race meets in the point season, every driver will be out to improve his position in the various division standings…and a bigger share of the post-season point fund. This is bound to generate even more exciting racing action on the big five-eighths-mile Hard Clay track.

Sponsors for the evening include Tire King of Sussex County , Frank Stevens & Sons Roofing, Collier Family, and Brush Construction.

Admission prices for the big August 4 race meet remain at $14 adults, $12 seniors, and free for children 12 and under. The full night of racing begins promptly at 6:30 pm.

Advance ticket sales, including the 51^st Annual Eastern States Weekend, and track information is available at the Orange County website, www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net, or from the Track Office. Call 845-342-2573 Tuesday through Saturday during business hours. Additional drivers wishing to take part in Nostalgia Night are asked to contact speedway office to be included in the activities.

I get e-mails:

Chances are you might have received this, too, but with photos in the message:

No one has been able to explain to me why young men and women serve in the U.S. Military for 20 years, risking their lives protecting freedom, and only get 50% of their basic pay on retirement. While Politicians hold their political positions in the safe confines of the capital, protected by these same men and women, and receive full-pay retirement after serving one term. It just does not make any justifiable sense.

And this one, too:

I never really liked the terminology "Old Person" but this makes me feel better about it.

And if you ain't one, I bet ya you know one!

I got this from an "Old Personal friend of mine"!

OLD PERSON PRIDE

I'm passing this on as I did not want to be the only old person receiving it. Actually, it's not a bad thing to be called, as you will see.

Old People are easy to spot at sporting events; during the playing of the National Anthem. Old People remove their caps and stand at attention and sing without embarrassment. They know the words and believe in them.

Old People remember World War II, Pearl Harbor , Guadalcanal , Normandy and Hitler. They remember the Atomic Age, the Korean War, The Cold War, the Jet Age and the Moon Landing. They remember the 50 plus Peacekeeping Missions from 1945 to 2005, not to mention Vietnam .

If you bump into an Old People on the sidewalk he will apologize. If you pass an Old Person on the street, he will nod or tip his cap to a lady. Old People trust strangers and are courtly to women.

Old People hold the door for the next person and always, when walking, make certain the lady is on the inside for protection.

Old People get embarrassed if someone curses in front of women and children, and they don't like any filth or dirty language on TV or in movies.

Old People have moral courage and personal integrity. They seldom brag unless it's about their children or grandchildren.

It's the Old People who know our great country is protected, not by politicians, but by the young men and women in the military serving their country.

This country needs Old People with their work ethic, sense of responsibility, pride in their country and decent values.

We need them now more than ever.

Thank God for Old People

Pass this on to all of the "Old People" you know.

I was taught to respect my elders. It's just getting harder to find them.

And this one, from the Pocono Speedway:

Dear Tom,

We are excited to inform you about events during the August 3-5 Pennsylvania Pocono 400 weekend when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and ARCA Racing Series return to "The Tricky Triangle!" The weekend will be filled with all types of events and activities, so, don't miss out on any of the fun at Pocono Raceway

Purchase great tickets now to Sunday's 400-miler starting at just $45!

The entire weekend at the track is jam-packed with tons of events the whole family can enjoy. And remember, kids ages 12 and under are FREE on Friday & Saturday with an accompanying adult holding a Grandstand Ticket! Friday Grandstand Tickets start at $10 and Saturday Grandstand Tickets start at $20 ($25 the day of the event).

For the first time ever at Pocono Raceway, Concourse Section Tickets for children 12 and under are half price on Sunday! For more details, visit www.poconoraceway.com or call 1-800-RACEWAY.

We hope to see you at “The Tricky Triangle” this weekend! If you plan on attending, please read the information below carefully -- taking care of our guests is our top priority!

Pocono Raceway also offers TEXT MESSAGING ALERTS sent to 84444:

• In the body of the message type SOS.
• Add a space then type in your alert (please include your location and
description of the issue).
• After you hit send, you will receive a response stating that we have received
your message and help is on the way. You may be contacted for additional
information.

Representatives at the HELP DESK are on duty from 8:00 AM Thursday through 12:00 midnight of race day. They are ready to help make your visit to Pocono Raceway hassle free.

In the event of an emergency, or if you observe illegal activity, please contact a raceway representative by calling HELP DESK at (570) 643-7184.

Only in emergencies will the raceway attempt to page guests. All paging is coordinated through Guest Information Booths.

*Note: Non-emergency pages cannot be accommodated during the event.

Don't Miss Out - Purchase Tickets Now!

And another one – just passing it along!

Subject: CAR AIR-CONDITIONING - VERY IMPORTANT!

CAR AIR-CONDITIONING - VERY IMPORTANT!

My car book says to roll down the windows to let out all the hot air before turning on A/C.

WHY? Car Air-conditioning - No wonder more folks are dying from cancer than ever before. We wonder where this stuff comes from but here is an example that explains a lot of the cancer causing incidents.

Many people are in their cars first thing in the morning and the last thing at night, 7 days a week.

As I read this, it makes me feel guilty and ill.

Please pass this on to as many people as possible.

Guess it's not too late to make some changes

Car A/C (Air Conditioning) MUST READ!!!

Please do NOT turn on A/C as soon as you enter the car.

Open the windows after you enter your car and then turn ON the AC after a couple of minutes.

Here's why: According to research, the car dashboard, seats and air freshener emit Benzene, a Cancer causing toxin (carcinogen - take time to observe the smell of heated plastic in your car).

In addition to causing cancer, Benzene poisons your bones, causes anemia and reduces white blood cells. Prolonged exposure will cause Leukemia, increasing the risk of cancer. Can also cause miscarriage.

Acceptable Benzene level indoors is 50 mg per sq. ft.

A car parked indoors with windows closed will contain 400-800 mg of Benzene.

If parked outdoors under the sun at a temperature above 60 degrees F, the Benzene level goes up to 2000-4000 mg, 40 times the acceptable level.

People who get into the car, keeping windows

closed will inevitably inhale, in quick succession, excessive amounts of the toxin.

Benzene is a toxin that affects your kidney and liver.. What's worse, it is extremely difficult for your body to expel this toxic stuff.

So friends, please open the windows and door of your car - give time for interior to air out -dispel the deadly stuff - before you enter.

Thought: 'When someone shares something of value with you and you benefit from it, you have a moral obligation to share it with others.'

This is what snopes.com says: It is not the air conditioning in the car but the Benzene producing agents that cause cancer.

Found on Facebook:

DHS gears up for civil unrest prior to presidential elections

In part:

“The Department of Homeland Security has ordered masses of riot gear equipment to prepare for potential significant domestic riots at the Republican National Convention, Democratic National Convention and next year’s presidential inauguration.

The DHS submitted a rushed solicitation to the Federal Business Opportunities site on Wednesday, which is a portal for Federal government procurement requisitions over $25,000. The request gave the potential suppliers only one day to submit their proposals and a 15-day delivery requirement to Alexandria, Virginia.

As the brief explains, “the objective of this effort is to procure riot gear to prepare for the 2012 Democratic and Republican National Conventions, the 2013 Presidential Inauguration and other future similar activities.”

The total amount ordered is about 150 sets of riot helmets, thigh and groin protectors, hard-shell shin guards and other riot gear.”

More on this, and other similar items over on the right, can be seen, here:

http://rt.com/usa/news/dhs-unrest-gear-283/

Just wondering:

There is so much crap floating around today on the Internet. One wonders, at times, which is true and which isn’t.

I’ll let you decide on this, below:

Future gun problem?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyfkQkchlu4&feature=share

http://ungunban.nationalgunrights.org/?cat=3

51 senators voice grave concerns with arms treaty

WASHINGTON (AP) — A bipartisan group of 51 senators is expressing grave concerns that a global treaty that would regulate the international weapons trade would infringe on the constitutional right to bear arms.

The lawmakers sent a letter Thursday to President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton raising concerns with a draft treaty circulating at the United Nations.

The senators said the treaty should explicitly recognize the legitimacy of hunting, sport shooting and other lawful activities. If the treaty falls short, the senators said they would oppose its ratification.

The 193-member U.N. General Assembly this month is expected to approve the treaty, which has been in the works since 2006.

http://news.yahoo.com/51-senators-voice-grave-concerns-arms-treaty-194119117.html

Found on the Internet:

DOJ to Colorado Family: Give Up Your Religion or Your Business

In part:

“(CNSNews.com) - The Justice Department last week presented the Newland family of Colorado--who own Hercules Industries, a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning business--with what amounted to an ultimatum: Give up your religion or your business.

“Hercules Industries has ‘made no showing of a religious belief which requires that [it] engage in the [HVAC] business,” the Justice Department said in a formal filing in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado.

In response to the Justice Department’s argument that the Newlands can either give up practicing their religion or give up owning their business, the Alliance Defending Freedom, which is representing the family, said in a reply brief: "[T]o the extent the government is arguing that its mandate does not really burden the Newlands because they are free to abandon their jobs, their livelihoods, and their property so that others can take over Hercules and comply, this expulsion from business would be an extreme form of government burden.”

Now that the Supreme Court has upheld the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and its mandate that individuals must buy health insurance, this suit which seeks to protect a small business from being forced to take actions that violate the moral and religious beliefs of the family that owns it is likely to be the next major court battle over Obamacare.

At stake is whether businesses are protected by the First Amendment—the part of the Bill of Rights that guarantees not only the free exercise of religion but also freedom of speech and of the press.

The Justice Department’s filing was made in Newland v. Sebelius--a suit brought by William, Paul and James Newland, and their sister, Christine Ketterhagen, who are Roman Catholics, and who together own Colorado-based Hercules Industries.

If the Obama administration’s understanding of the First Amendment were accepted, argued the Alliance Defending Freedom’s brief, the media would have no rights either.

“The government’s exclusionary attitude would push religion out of every sphere of life except the four wall of a church,” they said in their brief. “If for-profit corporations have no First Amendment ‘purpose,’ newspapers and other media would have no rights.”

The Newlands currently run a self-insurance plan, providing their employees with generous health-care coverage that is consistent with the teachings of the Newlands' church in that it does not cover sterilizations, contraception and abortifacients. They are precisely among the class of people that the unanimous Catholic bishops said have “no conscience protection at all” under Sebelius's regulation.”

More on this, plus comments under the article, can be found here:

http://cnsnews.com/news/article/doj-colorado-family-give-your-religion-or-your-business

Note: Someone woke up, it seems!

Check this out:

Catholic business owners win temporary halt to Obama birth control mandate

In part:

“ A Colorado business owned by a Catholic family does not have to comply with President Barack Obama's new healthcare mandate that private employers provide employees with insurance coverage of birth control, a Colorado federal judge ruled on Friday.

District Judge John Kane in Denver temporarily blocked the government from the enforcing the contraception requirement against the religious owners of Hercules Industries Inc, a private manufacturer of heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment.

The ruling only affects this plaintiff but opens the door for any company to seek relief on religious grounds. Lawyers for the Department of Health and Human Services argued that a temporary exemption for Hercules would interfere with the government's ability to implement the law. But Kane was not persuaded.”

More on this, here: http://news.yahoo.com/catholic-business-owners-win-temporary-halt-obama-birth-234323692.html

Some non-racing stuff:

THE RACE: Economic train wreck may lie ahead

In part:

“A "fiscal cliff" of steep tax increases and deep spending cuts scheduled to begin next year looms darkly over the presidential race.

While both parties blame the other, almost nobody thinksPresident Barack Obama and Congress can resolve the impasse before the Nov. 6 election.

Thus, the winner will immediately face an enormous challenge that must be dealt with in a matter of weeks.

Right now, the candidates are competing for attention with the Summer Olympics in London.

But the unemployment report for July, due out Friday, likely will serve a cold dose of economic reality as Congress begins a month-long summer recess.

Economists and analysts don't expect much change from the dismal 8.2 percent rate in both May and June, especially considering last week's report showing economic growth of just 1.9 percent.”

More can be seen here, along with comments under the article:

http://news.yahoo.com/race-economic-train-wreck-may-lie-ahead-165128537.html

There’s been a lot said about “Obomacare” and how the Health Care Reform will affect us.

Check out this link:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/8-biggest-mix-ups-about-health-care-reform.html

Video time:

Way back when my grandson, Brett, started racing Karts at the track in Hamlin, Pa, he ran a Kid Kart, which his father made for him while working at Kneisel’s. He won the track championship with that Kart. Some of those he raced against are still racing today. But there was another young man that raced at Hamlin back then, too. His name is Michael Rodriguez. Since back on January 22, 2010, Michael has kind of been in the news – and his racing, or lack thereof.

Below are two links, one to a thread on the Track Forum and another is a video that has come out. Both deal with the Driver Diversity program that NASCAR has.

http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php?132561-The-quot-Drive-For-Diversity-quot-hits-a-bump-in-the-road

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8207584

Photos:

Note: The photos are not available on Dirt Track Digest, only on New England Tractor - http://newenglandtractor.com/racereport/

I made mention of Ray Evernham above and his winning a 305 Sprint Car race and also the Dirt Legends cars he’s come out with. This is what they look like:

Closing with this:

Ineptocracy: (In-ep-toc’-ra-cy)

A system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers.

May “Guardian Angels” sit on the shoulders of all of our race drivers and race fans, and guide them safely around the tracks!

Drive safe!

As usual, you can reach me at: ygordad@yahoo.com