Racin' & Internet Stuff:

                                      By Tom Avenengo

                                         Volume # 104

                                                   08/09/2012

First:

I got started on this column around mid-day on Sunday.  Didn’t get much done due to having company most of the day.  Got a little done Sunday night.  Went to bed around 1:00 AM.  Woke up around 4:00 AM and couldn’t get back to sleep.  Around 6:00 AM, I put the “fan” on, on my A/C.  It was shortly thereafter that my A/C decided to take a sh*t.  Oh, my room is upstairs in a two story house.  It’s a little “warm” in my room, now, even with the A/C out of the window and a window fan in, trying to suck up some of the cooler air from downstairs.  I think back and still have no idea as to how we survived without A/C.  So we have a rather large A/C that’s not in use, and it was in the garage.  Son Eric came over on Tuesday night and he took the smaller A/C out of our kitchen window, put it in my room, then put the larger A/C unit in a window in our dining room.

 

Second:

I have to imagine that you’ve heard that Brett Hearn has been hospitalized over this past weekend – with what we’ve been told is a blood clot – either in his liver or in the arteries/veins that go to the liver.  That news came out Saturday night.  I’m doing this at 1:20 PM on Monday, and am quite surprised that there haven’t been any up-dates.  Two things I had heard, up to now, were:

     1:  He was all done for the 2012 racing season.

2.     A PR from DIRTcar had him missing only a couple of races this week.

On Monday night, this was posted on Facebook, by Tom Czaban:

‎*Update* I was able to visit *Brett Hearn* this evening at the Hospital. Brett is going to be ok!! Brett will probably not be racing this week, depends on the Dr.'s orders. However he won't be out of commission very long!! Brett was surrounded by family and thanks everyone for their thoughts, Prayers and support. Everyone has been asked to respect his time in the hospital for rest so he can return to normal duties and home as soon as possible! Brett is in very good spirits and as always had a smile on his face. Tom~

 

Tuesday afternoon:

Brett Hearn

Thank you so much to everyone for the prayers . Lots of good news today. ! Heading out the door of the Saratoga hospital momentarily. Will be cleared to get back at it no later than next week. :). The people here have been nothing but extraordinary.. Glad I landed here if I had to land..

 

Note:  Latest I had heard is that he managed to escape from the “Crash House” and should be returning to the racing wars next week.

 

Third:

I have to correct a couple of things from last weeks column.

1:

“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”

 

Note:  Well, this particular race has been canceled due to a lack of interest.

 

2:

“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!”

Note:  I was informed, while at OCFS on Saturday, that the date will be changed – more than likely it will be on Sunday, October 7th.  More on this later on.

 

Fourth:

Winning a gold medal brings a $9,000 tax bill

When Olympic medalists return to the United States, they're in high demand. Everyone, from Michael Phelps to a bronze medalist in judo will be sitting for television interviews, talking to newspapers, going to assemblies at local schools and celebrating with friends, family and young athletes. They'll also draw some unwanted interest from everyone's favorite bureaucrats: the IRS.

The United States Olympic Committee rewards Olympic medalists with honorariums. A gold medal brings $25,000. Silver medals get you $15,000. And a bronze is worth $10,000.

The Weekly Standard, a conservative news magazine, ran the numbers and tabulated that the tax bill on a gold is $8,986, silver is $5,385 and bronze is $3,500.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/olympics-fourth-place-medal/winning-gold-medal-brings-9-000-tax-bill-171555961--oly.html

 

Fifth:

Pennsylvania 400 Memorial Fund Established

Benefits Victims of Lightning Strike Tragedy

LONG POND, PA (August 7, 2012) – Pocono Raceway has established the Pennsylvania 400 Memorial Fund to benefit the victims of the lighting strike tragedy which occurred following the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, August 5, 2012.

Donations will be accepted at any PNC Branch or by mailing checks/money orders, addressed to “Pennsylvania 400 Memorial Fund” to the following address:

Pocono Raceway

Attn: Pennsylvania 400 Memorial Fund

1234 Long Pond Road

Long Pond, PA 18334

http://www.poconoraceway.com/pennsylvania-400-memorial-fund-established.html

 

Sixth:

Last weekend I went to the Accord Speedway on Friday night and OCFS on Saturday.  Keep in mind, Accord is a banked ¼ mile track while OC is a slightly banked 5/8 mile track.  I hate to say this but the Accord track wins, hands down, as far as competitive and side-by-side racing goes.  To me, what with all the “rules” in racing today, the bigger tracks just don’t have real good racing anymore.  Sail Panels made their return to Accord in the Modified class, and, yes, it seems to have made the racing better.  I’ve heard that there was a question (which I can not find) on the OCFS website – about Sail Panels at OC?

 

Seventh:

Well, we’re into August already, and the racing season is dwindling down.  What I find to be extremely sad is that as of this column, there is no Super Dirt Series (Syracuse Qualifier) scheduled for OCFS.  While on the phone with Tom Deery, a while back, I asked about this and Mr. Deery said that DIRTcar might have to promote the race, itself, kind of like how they did with the “Big Show” race last year.  Kinda sucks – what with OCFS being a DIRTcar/WRG sanctioned track, and no SDS race – unless you consider ESW as it, and still that race ain’t a SDW qualifier.

 

Eighth:

Roger Penske – Can’t seem to make up his mind, it seems?  Let’s see – Nazareth Speedway – bought it and walked away.  Michigan Speedway – same thing.  Now he leaves Dodge to go with Ford in NASCAR.  Kinda surprised to still see all those “Penske” rental trucks still on the road!

 

Ninth:

On Wednesday, we went to Middletown for “Pre-Op Testing”, in order to have the “Medi-port” put in the wife, next Wednesday.  She had some blood work done, an EKG, and all kinds of questions asked.  Same questions asked by just about everyone we saw there.  Probably could have shaved off at least a half an hour out of the couple of hours spent there.

Prior to us going there, we knew that we would be getting some financial assistance towards the pills and chemo.  What was holding things up was that we still had not heard from our local hospital about getting some financial assistance where the chemo will be administered.  We received notice on that in the mail on Wednesday – we will have some assistance.

With this news, I called our oncologist to see if the wife could start taking the pills tomorrow, Thursday, since the chemo would be administered some time during the two weeks the wife has to take the pills.  After a short discussion, she starts on Thursday.  One little catch, though – the paperwork for the surgery for the placement of the “Medi-port” says no vitamins for at least a week prior to the surgery.  The wife is supposed to take Vitamin B-6 with her chemo pills.  We must call the doctor first thing on Thursday, August 9th, to see what’s what with that.

 

Tenth:

This past Tuesday night there was a WRG/DIRTcar SDS race at I-96 Speedway in Ionia, Michigan.  When this was first announced, I, along with many others, wondered how many cars that event would draw.  Well, it seems like there were only 16 cars.  I know one could say 17 had Brett Hearn not been hospitalized.  It will be interesting to see if that race appears on the 2013 SDS schedule – especially with OCFS, a WRG/DIRTcar sanctioned track not having an SDS race in 2012 – it seems.

 

Eleventh:

Some in IndyCar say it's time to replace catch fencing on ovals

Quite an interesting read, I’d say.  I’ve said that 4x8 sheets of Lexan, on the track side of the fencing might work.  In the article they talk of a system of transparent segments to stop cars from reaching a track's fencing. An existing product such as SR5096, developed by Dutch company GTC-N, is transparent, does not distort and is highly impact-resistant—but very expensive.

More on this can be seen here:

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120731/INDYCAR/120739955

 

Twelfth:

“Doom & Gloom” time, folks.  For my area – the forecast for Friday and Saturday:

Friday:  Thunderstorms 75% – Severe ones late

Saturday:  Some Thunderstorms.

 

TV listings:

 

Mainly NASCAR stuff.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Coming up:

 

Accord:

 

This coming Friday – Held over Pure Stock feature from last week, plus Modifieds, Sportsman, Spec Sportsman, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks, Lightning Sprints and 4 Cylinders.

 

OCFS:

This coming Saturday - Modifieds, Sportsman, Pro Stocks and Street Stocks.  Kids Club.

 

Lebanon Valley

Thurs. Aug. 16th

$17,500 TO WIN “MR. DIRT Track U.S.A. 100-Lap Modified DIRTcar Series Race

Plus Budget Sportsman, Gates Open @ 5pm | Racing @ 6pm

 

Found on Jayski’s website:

http://www.jayski.com/

 

Dodge leaving NASCAR? 

 

Dodge is expected to announce its withdrawal from NASCAR competition following the 2012 season, multiple sources with knowledge of Dodge's plans told ESPN.com. Dodge is expected to hold a Tuesday press conference to make the announcement. Attempts to contact multiple Dodge spokespeople for comment were unsuccessful or resulted in no comment. Dodge was faced with a rebuilding phase beginning in 2013, after Penske Racing -- the lone NASCAR organization to field Dodges since 2009 -- chose to leave the manufacturer in favor of Ford Motor Company beginning next season. Penske has fielded Dodges since 2003, winning 29 Sprint Cup races to-date and a Nationwide Series championship with driver Brad Keselowski. But in March Penske announced the return to Ford, which it had fielded from 1994 to 2002. This isn't the first time Dodge has chosen to leave NASCAR. The manufacturer pulled out of the sport in 1977 and didn't return until 2001. Since that time, Dodge has accumulated 55 Sprint Cup victories.(ESPN)(8-7-2012)

 

UPDATE: 

 

SRT Motorsports announced that Dodge will withdraw from NASCAR competition at the conclusion of the 2012 season. Ralph Gilles, President and CEO  Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC, made the announcement during a media teleconference call. The decision affects current involvement in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series. Penske Racing currently fields two Dodge Charger cars in the Sprint Cup Series and two Dodge Challenger cars in the Nationwide Series. Penske Racing announced in February that it would end its partnership with Dodge, which started in 2003, at the end of the 2012 season.
"We've spent an intense five months working to identify and evaluate all options for our future involvement in NASCAR," Gilles said. "A number of opportunities emerged, and our team worked diligently to put a structure together to fit our overall business and competitive objectives. While we have been pleased and enthused with the amount of interest from teams and sponsors over that time, in the end, we simply couldn't develop the right structure."
Dodge has recorded 215 wins in the Sprint Cup Series, including 55 since 2001, and has been represented in the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup seven of the eight seasons. In 2010, Brad Keselowski captured the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship driving a Dodge from Penske Racing.
"It's an extremely difficult decision to know that we won't be there for our fans next season," Gilles added. "It's important to note that we have not lost focus on 2012 or the commitment to our partnership with Penske Racing in both the Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series this season." Keselowski currently is seventh in the Sprint Cup Series standings and has three wins in his quest to make the 12-driver Chase field for the second consecutive year. In Nationwide Series competition, Sam Hornish Jr. is locked in a four-way battle for the season championship.(
SRT Motorsports)(8-7-2012)

 

UPDATE2 –

 

Statement From Brian France about the Departure Of Dodge from NASCAR:

 

"Dodge has been a great partner to NASCAR for many years, and they have been part of numerous memorable moments throughout our history," said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. "They made a business decision not to return in 2013, as they did in 1977 before returning in 2001. We wish them well and hope they again will choose to return to NASCAR at a later date. Our fans have a passion for cars and emotional connections to particular manufacturers, and that's why in 2013 we will debut new race car designs that are modeled after each manufacturer's production cars. This change is a direct result of feedback from our fans, who are the most brand loyal in all of sports."(NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications)(8-7-2012)

 

Roush says Penske will use Roush-Yates engines: 

 

Jack Roush says Penske has decided to run Roush-Yates Ford engines next season. Penske has said he will not be shutting down the 80-man operation he currently has, but it would seem unlikely that Ford would care for one of its star new players to also continue building Dodge engines on the side. A possible sale of that engine shop to Dodge itself has been speculated as the only logical solution.
Roush: "Roger and I will cooperate on things that are in our common interests, and we will compete on things that reflect our need to be independent and justify our space on the race track. We've done the bulk of the work on the 2013 car; we did invite them to have a look at what we've done in concert with Ford, and made sure we had their blessing, along with the other Ford teams involved. The indication are -- though I don't know if the papers have been signed yet -- that he will use our engines. He does have a few things he does different with his cars and the way the engines are mounted; so we'll respect his experience and his package preference. Whether we wind up with the same package for all Ford cars or not is yet to be determined."
Roush, asked about the possibility of Penske becoming a business partner with Roush and Doug Yates in the engine operations, said "There is no plan on the table for Roger for any ownership in the engine program. But I stop short of saying that would never be a consideration going forward."(
MikeMulhern.net)(8-4-201

 

UPDATE: 

 

Roush Yates Engines announced that it will provide Ford FR9 engines to Penske Racing beginning with the 2013 NASCAR season. Penske Racing announced earlier this year that it would be returning to Ford Racing in 2013 in the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series. "It's truly an honor to provide Penske Racing with Roush Yates Ford engines," said Doug Yates, CEO of Roush Yates. "I have always admired Roger Penske as a team owner and a respected businessman in our sport and beyond. I am looking forward to many wins, championships, and other successes in supporting the Penske organization." Penske Racing fielded Ford entries from 1991 through 2002. "Ford has been consistent in its belief that we will be stronger with one engine specification rather than continuing with an independent approach," said Tim Cindric, President of Penske Racing. "Roush Yates has a proven record and we are looking forward to many successes together."(Roush Yates)(8-6-2012)


UPDATE 2: 

 

Penske Racing will switch to Roush Yates horsepower in its 2013 move to Ford in the Sprint Cup Series, but the team still is exploring ways to keep its 63 engine employees. Penske President Tim Cindric told USA Today Sports that still building motors for Dodge teams in NASCAR's premier series wouldn't be an option, though. "Relative to us, they said they're going in a different direction," Cindric said. "We don't see there being any more potential on the NASCAR side with Dodge." Cindric said Penske has explored sending some of its engine staff to Roush Yates, reassigning others within Penske Racing and perhaps pursuing engine projects in other series with the rest of the employees in a scaled-down engine room. "We feel our biggest asset wasn't the (horsepower) but the people," Cindric said. "That's a strong group of people we didn't want to break up."(USA Today)(8-7-2012)

 

Fans struck by lightning after race:

 

Three fans were struck by lightning following the rain-shortened NASCAR Sprint Cup race Sunday at Pocono Raceway. According to a witness, they were struck outside the track. Track spokesman Bob Pleban confirmed that three people were injured and two were transported to a local hospital. One was treated at the track care center and released. Pleban said he could not release the names nor the condition of those injured, who were hit during a massive thunderstorm that forced the race to be halted after 98 of 160 laps.(Sporting News)(8-5-2012)


UPDATE: 

 

Officials at Pocono Raceway say 10 people attending Sunday's NASCAR race were injured in a lightning strike in the parking lot behind the grandstand, and two are in critical condition. Pocono spokesman Bob Pleban says it's not clear if all 10 were actually struck by lightning. It's unknown whether one or multiple lightning strikes occurred. Pleban says five people were treated at the scene. He says one person was taken to Pocono Medical Center and another to Lehigh Valley, where they were in critical condition. The conditions of the other three are unknown.(Associated Press)(8-5-2012)


UPDATE 2: 

 

One fan was killed and nine others were injured as a result of lightning strikes following Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Pocono Raceway. Track officials said the name or gender of the fan killed could not be released until family members were notified. They said the fan was pronounced dead on arrival at Pocono Mountain Medical Center in Stroudsburg. One other fan is in critical condition at Lehigh Hospital in Allentown. The other eight are being treated and evaluated for minor injuries at local hospitals.(ESPN.com)(8-5-2012)


UPDATE 3 –

 

Pocono Statement: 

 

As reported yesterday, a long time member of our Pocono Raceway family, a spectator has passed away following a lightning strike. According to Monroe County Coroner Robert Allen the name of the deceased is 41 year old Moosic, Pennsylvania resident Brian Zimmerman Additionally; nine other individuals were transferred to local hospitals as a result of two separate lightning strikes.
At approximately 5:01 p.m. Eastern Time, the first lightning strike occurred on property inside our Grandstand Parking area, located near Gate 5A. A Pocono Raceway Grandstand Fire unit was stationed in the vicinity and witnessed the actual strike. The response was immediate as the unit reported the incident to our control tower and advised spectators were injured. CPR was started immediately to Mr. Zimmerman by a friend on the scene.

Within a matter of 3 minutes, medical personnel and additional emergency services reported on the scene and took control of treatment to individuals. EMT responders were approached by additional individuals who reported symptoms related to the lightning strike. Those affected were taken to the Raceway Medical Centers, where they were examined and transported to local area hospitals for treatment and further evaluation. A total of nine individuals were treated as a result of the initial lightning strike.
At approximately 6:35 p.m. Eastern Time, the control tower was notified of a second possible lightning strike in the vicinity near Gate 3. The individual was immediately transported to Pocono Raceway's Infield Medical Center where they were initially treated for minor injuries before being transported to Pocono Medical Center in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania for further evaluation.
At this point in time, the one individual that was in critical condition has now been upgraded to stable. Some have been treated and released. Others involved are pending release as early as today and all are in good spirits. The safety of all guests to Pocono Raceway is of the utmost importance to our entire staff. This tragic event is at the forefront of all of our thoughts and prayers. We will learn from the incident and continue to implement strategies to help ensure the safety of fans and all attendees at future events at Pocono Raceway.
(
Pocono Raceway)(8-6-2012)

 

Sad News - Brian Zimmerman: 

 

The man killed by lightning Sunday during the Pennsylvania 400 was a 41-year-old husband and father of three who was helping to pack items into a minivan when the bolt struck during a heavy thunderstorm. Brian Zimmerman of Moosic, near Scranton, collapsed and could not be revived despite the efforts of an off-duty paramedic and raceway firefighters who were nearby and witnessed the strike, according to the Monroe County coroner and raceway officials.(Morning Call)


AND:

 

Brian Franklin Zimmerman, age 41, of Moosic, PA, died tragically and unexpectedly Sunday evening at Pocono Raceway. He is survived by his loving wife, the former Marion Jones. The couple would have celebrated their 6th wedding anniversary on August 12th. He is also survived by his three children, two sons, Cole Patrick and Chase Randolph, and daughter, Lana Christine, all at home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Brian's name to a trust to Benefit the Family of Brian Zimmerman, care of Fidelity Banks of Northeastern Pennsylvania. See the full obituary for info and services at kearneyfuneralhome.com.(8-8-2012)

 

 

Pennsylvania 400 Memorial Fund set up: 

 

Pocono Raceway has established the Pennsylvania 400 Memorial Fund to benefit the victims of the lighting strike tragedy which occurred following the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, August 5, 2012. Donations will be accepted at any PNC Branch or by mailing checks/money orders, addressed to "Pennsylvania 400 Memorial Fund" to the following address:
Pocono Raceway
Attn: Pennsylvania 400 Memorial Fund
1234 Long Pond Road
Long Pond, PA 18334
(Pocono Raceway)

 

 

NASCAR evaluating weather policy: 

 

NASCAR and Pocono Raceway officials are investigating whether there is a need for emergency reaction policy changes to weather-related events following Sunday's tragedy at the 2.5-mile track. A 41-year-old man was killed and nine others were injured as a result of lightning strikes within minutes of the Sprint Cup race being called for severe weather. The incident raised the question of whether the race should have been called earlier to give the track time to evacuate the stands and everyone enough time to reach the safety of their cars or shelter. NASCAR spokesman David Higdon said NASCAR's attention to severe weather will be on "hyper alert" heading to this week's race at Watkins Glen. "But I will add we're always in that situation," he said. "Nobody had their guard down (at Pocono)." NASCAR doesn't have a hard and fast rule on how to react to severe weather. Higdon said that is left up to the individual tracks, and most don't have rules such as evacuating the track if lightning is within a certain radius of the facility. NASCAR officials made it clear that the safety of the fans in these situations ultimately is the responsibility of the tracks. The dilemma for tracks is they can have the best emergency plan, but the decision on when to stop the race is NASCAR's. As Ed Klima, the director of emergency services at Dover International Raceway, told the Associated Press, "it's very difficult to get people to leave if there's still cars going around the racetrack." The initial severe weather warning was issued to fans at Pocono at 4:12 p.m. NASCAR called the race and declared Jeff Gordon the winner at 4:54 p.m. The lightning strike that took the life of Brian F. Zimmerman of Moosic, Pa., while he was leaning against his car, took place at 5:01 p.m.(ESPN)(8-7-2012)

 

 

Johnson says flat tire led to wreck:


A WILD RESTART TELL US WHAT HAPPENED DOWN IN TURN ONE?


"When I was cooling my tires down through the tunnel coming to the green I noticed that something didn't feel right. I kept trying to clean the tires off and it got a little better so I just assumed I had trash on my tires, but when I got down into turn one I realized that I had a right-rear (tire) flat. Unfortunate that we lost the lead there and we got a couple of cars in the process. I shouldn't feel bad about that but not much you can do with a right-rear flat."(Chevy PR)(8-6-2012)

 

 

Furniture Row to buy Penske engine program? Kurt Busch in second FRR car?

 

UPDATE:

 

Nobody is talking on the record, still, but unofficial word from the NASCAR engine building world Sunday morning is that Barney Visser [#78 Furniture Row Racing], the Denver, Col., businessman is considering buying the Dodge engine department from Roger Penske. With Penske moving to Fords for 2013, and with Penske -- according to Jack Roush -- agreeing to run Roush-Yates Ford FR9s next season, the future of Penske's huge engine department has been the subject of much debate. Now word is that some of Penske's top engine men will be moving to the Roush-Yates engine department, and that Visser will be taking many of the rest, along with Penske's engine building equipment, and Visser will thus be switching from Chevy to Dodge. And -- though again no one is talking on the record -- it appears that Visser is very interested in hiring Kurt Busch to team with Smith next season.(MikeMulhern.net)(8-5-2012)


UPDATE: 

 

Furniture Row Racing is prepared to switch from Chevy to Dodge in 2013 if the manufacturer chooses to go in that direction. Furniture Row general manager Joe Garone said Sunday at Pocono Raceway that there have been initial talks with Dodge about making a switch and adding a second team, potentially with 2004 Sprint Cup champion Kurt Busch. "If Dodge comes to us and says here's the right deal, we would do it," Garone said. "They're trying to figure out who they're going to do it with and how they're going to do it." Furniture Row currently gets its chassis from Richard Childress Racing and engines from Earnhardt Childress Racing. Everything else is built in the organization's Denver shop. Garone said the organization intends to keep driver Regan Smith, who won at Darlington Raceway last year, beyond this season. He said there have been talks with Busch about expanding, but that would depend on finding a sponsor or a manufacturer willing to give financial help. Garone said he has not given Dodge a deadline for making a decision, but he'd like to know sooner than later. Garone said they are waiting on a decision from Dodge before completing a deal with Smith. "It's our intention to bring him back," Garone said. "With all this other stuff pending, you don't make a commitment and find there is another avenue we should have taken."(ESPN.com)(8-5-2012)

 

UPDATE 2: 

 

Dodge put out feelers to potential new teams in February, and one of the teams negotiating with Dodge was Furniture Row Racing, the Colorado-based team that currently fields the #78 Chevy for driver Regan Smith. Furniture Row General Manager Joe Garone said as recently as Saturday at Pocono Raceway that his team was waiting to hear from Dodge on their plans for 2013. "We made a proposal to Dodge, telling them what we would need and what we had to offer," said Garone. "We expected that they would evaluate the proposals they received from various teams and get back to us, but it simply didn't happen. Weeks turned into months with no response, and eventually, it became the old joke about, `Free Beer Tomorrow' "Tomorrow never came." Garone said there were at least three teams interested in joining the Dodge camp next season. He declined to name them, but numerous reports had Richard Petty Motorsports and Phoenix Racing involved in talks with the automaker.(Godfather Motorsports)(8-7-2012)

 

Keselowski would like input on teammate for the #22:

 

#2-Brad Keselowski has three Sprint Cup wins for Roger Penske this season. He also hopes he has his boss's ear when it comes to finding a replacement for recently-dismissed teammate AJ Allmendinger. "I hope that we can secure a teammate that is an elite talent that I can work with -- and certainly some of that responsibility is mine to communicate," Keselowski said. "I think that's something that Mr. Penske takes very seriously." Keselowski, currently ninth in the point standings, wants to be part of the decision-making process. Last season's pairing with Kurt Busch demonstrated to him how important positive give-and-take with a teammate can be. Both he and Busch qualified for the Chase, finishing fifth and 11th, respectively. "I told Roger from Day One, when I came to Penske Racing, I didn't want to be just a driver," Keselowski said. "I wanted to be part of a team and part of making Penske Racing as strong as possible. [A replacement for Allmendinger] is something we've discussed. But I can't say that we've come up with an answer."(NASCAR.com)(8-5-2012)

 

Newman focused on staying with Stewart Haas:

 

Ryan Newman says he is 100 percent focused on staying at Stewart-Haas Racing in 2013, not returning to Penske Racing. The #22 at Penske Racing became available for next season on Tuesday when the team released suspended driver AJ Allmendinger. Newman, who drove for Penske Racing from 2002 until 2008, said he has not contacted his former team about a possible return if sponsorship can't be found for him at SHR. SHR owner Tony Stewart has said he wants Newman back as long as sponsorship can be found. "There's potential for absolutely anything,'' Newman said after Saturday's qualifying at Pocono Raceway. "My goal is to stay at Stewart-Haas and continue what we're doing. We're working on that.'' Asked to define the odds of his staying at SHR, Newman added, "Right now, 100 percent, I hope."(ESPN.com)(8-4-2012)

 

 

Allmendinger tested positive for Adderall: 

 

AJ Allmendinger tested positive for prescription Adderall, the suspended NASCAR driver told ESPN in an exclusive sit down interview Tuesday. Adderall is typically prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Allmendinger said. He does not have ADHD and therefore had no prescription. He explained that he had been out in Louisville, KY, the Wednesday before the Quaker State 400 race at Kentucky Speedway, and was tired. A friend, Allmendinger said, handed him a pill and stated it was a workout supplement that would give him energy. Allmendinger ingested the pill. Two days later he was randomly-tested at the racetrack, a test he would ultimately fail. He said neither NASCAR nor its drug testing team from Nashville-based Aegis Labs would inform him of the specific substance in question until after the B Sample was tested July 24, only that he had tested positive for amphetamine. It was not until he was informed it was Adderall that he traced it back to that night in Kentucky. He said he does not abuse Adderall, rather that he took it just once. Allmendinger is currently going through NASCAR's Road to Recovery program, which he said he hopes to complete by the end of August. He said his case is being treated more as a stress-coping methodology than a drug rehabilitation (ESPN)(8-7-2012)

 

 

 

 

Going back, in time – in racing history:

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

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

 

Unfortunately the Wheels of Speed’s calendar hasn’t been up-dated for quite some time now.  Things that I’ve posted over these last several columns have been posted previously – like a year ago.  I could basically copy and paste what I had last year, and let it ride, but I’ve decided to wait for a  while and see how the website gets, as far as being up-dated to some more current years.

 

 

 

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

From August 10, 2002:

 

http://www.whowon.com/Results.asp?TrackID=1904&StoryID=70432

 

 

 

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

 

 

News from the AARN:

http://www.aarn.com/

 

From the July 31st issue:

 

Lenny Sammons:

Mr. Sammons heard from Jim Kelly, regional manager for VP Racing Fuels, and he reminded Mr. Sammons that VP also has been making traction compounds for asphalt tracks.  (Mr. Sammons made mention of that a week ago when talking about Bob Lutz and the track in South Carolina).  The chemicals give the tracks two and three grooves.  The latest formula is called “Two Groove”.  Mr. Kelly can be reached at 302-368-1500 in case you’re interested.

 

Ernie Saxton:

Ernie makes mention in his column that the NBA will allow advertising on the player uniforms – 2.5 in x 2.5 in patch on the left shoulder of their jerseys, beginning in 2013.  It’s being said that it could possible bring in 100 million green ones.  Each team is responsible for selling their own advertising.

Soccer star Ronaldinho had sponsorship with Coke – worth 750,000.  At a recent press conference, Ronaldinho happened to drink a Pepsi.  Uh huh – Coke canceled the contract with Ronaldinho.

 

Earl Krause:

Earl had quite a bit about George Stevens, who, after that health problem he had a while back, is now paralyzed from the chest down.  The original culprit in his health problems, his heart, is now fine, after some angioplasty.  He was sent from the Syracuse Hospital to Good Shepherd Rehab Center in Allentown.  After two days a serious infection developed at the base of his back, at the area that had been injured.  Mr. Stevens has a very positive outlook on life, even with being confined to a wheel chair.  He’s hoping to get out of the hospital so he can attend his daughters (Stephanie) wedding on August 11th.

If you’d like to drop Mr. Stevens a note or card, it can be sent to him at 3165 Belvidere Road in Phillipsburg, NJ 08865.  His hose will need some renovating so he can get around in that wheel chair.  Quite a few have volunteered to help with that.

 

Brett Deyo:

Another tack is going to re-open – Georgetown Speedway – due to re-open later in 2012.  A group consisting of Bob D’Alessio (PA businessman), Lou Johnson, Deron and Duane Rust, signed papers and they’ll have at least five races this fall.

 

Other news:

Keith Rocco broke his wrist during a practice crash at Thompson.

 

Indoor races for Atlantic City will be on February 1st and 2nd.  Indoor races for Providence, R.I. will be on December 15th and 16th - (tentative dates). Yes, Providence is before Atlantic City this time. 

 

There is also mention made of a possible third Indoor race, and, sad to say, I can’t find anything on that on the AARN’s website.  Check out their website for ticket info for the Providence races.

 

 

 

In AARN 
This Week:

Brett Hearn Hospitalized 
With Health Issues


Tony Stewart 
Defeats Woo In Canada; 
URC At Williams Grove


Coby's NASCAR WMT Dream Season 
Continues At Stafford


Rich Port Royal Win 
For Heimbach 
Worth Over 12 Grand


Classic Delaware 
International 
Mod Showdown:  
Mills Vs. Bunting


Pocono's Rainy Cup Race 
Is Perfect For Gordon Season 
Jump Start


Goodyear Tire Shortage 
Has Sprint Teams Scrambling


Lucas Wolfe Breaks Through 
With Huge WoO Win In Indiana


Mahoning Valley Announces 
New Rich Post-Season Race


Kody Graham Is Oswego's 
"Mr. Supermodified"

 

Former Oakland Valley Speedway (Dirt Oval) runners:

 

Last week I missed Molly Chambers winning the wingless 600 Micro Sprint feature at Kutztown, last Wednesday.

 

Johnny Guarino was 11th in the Modified feature at New Egypt.

 

Danny Creeden was 4th in the Modified feature at Five Mile Point.

 

Charlie Lawrence was 5th and Wyatt Clark 23rd in the Slingshot feature at Hamlin.  Rick Casario was 9th in the 270 Micro Sprint feature.  Kyle Rohner was 8th and Jacob Hendershot was 16th in the wingless 600 Micro Sprint feature.

 

Nick Pecko was 5th in the Sport Modified feature at Mountain Speedway.

 

Kyle Rohner was 1st in the Sportsman feature at Penn Can.

 

Davie Franek was 5th in the 358/360 Sprint Car feature at Williams Grove.

 

At OCFS, in the Modified feature,  Billy VanInwegen was 2nd, Mike Ruggiero 9th, Clnton Mills 10th, Tim Hindley 11th while Matt Hitchcock was a DNQ.  Anthony Perrego won the Sportsman feature, with Brian Krummel 2nd, Tyler Dippel 3rd, Joe Conklin 12th, LJ Lombardo 16th, Matt Janiak 20th, with Zack Vavricka and Mike Traver both DNQ’s.  Joe Falanga was 4th in the Rookie Sportsman feature while Seth Pacella was a DNQ.

 

Danny Creeden won the Modified feature at the Accord Speedway, with Tyler Boniface 11th and Brian Krummel 17th.  Anthony Perrego was 5th, Tyler Dippel 22nd and Brad Szulewski 23rd in the Sportsman feature.  Kyle VanDuser won the Spec Sportsman feature, with Mike Traver 9th, Andrew Reeves 12th and Tyler Dippel 14th.  Jason Roe was 16th in the Lightning Sprint feature.

 

Kyle Armstrong was 6th and Kolby Schroder 11th in the Modified feature at Lebanon Valley.

 

Michael Storms, filling in for the hospitalized Brett Hearn, was 26th in the Modified feature at Albany/Saratoga.  Bobby Hackel, IV, was 2nd in the Budget Sportsman “A” main.

 

There were two 20 lap Modified features at Devils’ Bowl.  Alex Bell was 8th in the first one, and first in the second feature.

 

This past Tuesday, in the RoC Sportsman feature at Penn Can, Anthony Perrego was 4th.  In the 602 Sportsman feature, Tyler Dippel was 14th.

 

I imagine I could very well have missed some!

 

 

 

 

More racin’ stuff:

 

While looking for something to put in this section, I came across this, below.  It’s the write-up on Eddie Sachs for the EMPA’s Hall of Fame.  There’s mention made of a certain Sprint Car that he drove.  A photo of that car, as it’s been restored, is towards the end of this weeks column.

 

http://empaonline.org/Eddie%20Sachs%20bio.html

 

 

 

 

 

Press Releases:

NEWS FROM                                                                                                             

Orange County Fair Speedway                                                                                   

239 Wisner Avenue                                                                                                    

Middletown, NY10940 

 

CONTACT 

Mike Gurda

845-342-2573 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

HOT WEATHER AND HOT RACES AT ORANGE COUNTY FAIR SPEEDWAY

 

August stretch drive towards track point championships

 

MIDDLETOWN, NY (Aug. 05)……..Like August weather, racing at Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, New York is heating up as drivers and their teams battle each o the r for supremacy at the historic five-eighths-mile Hard Clay oval. Just five Saturday nights of racing remain to settle this year’s track point championships. Round one of the stretch drive is on tap this coming Saturday, August 11 as Goldenarena Furniture and The Beer King present the evening’s racing excitement.

 

In addition to the Mighty Modifieds with their 800 horse power earth-shaking engines, Orange County’s other racing divisions---Sportsman, Pro Stock, and Street Stock---will also see action in a full program of exciting dirt track racing.  And for the youngsters, the Orange County Kids Club has activities planned.

 

With point races in all divisions still to be settled, drivers will be fighting for every position in their respective feature races.  And no doubt, sparks will fly!  

 

The point season ends on “Champions’ Night,” Saturday, September 8.

 

Admission prices for the August 11 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 and track information for all remaining Orange County Fair Speedway race dates, including the 51st Annual Eastern States Weekend, can be found at the Orange County website, www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net, or from the Track Office. Call 845-342-2573 daily during business hours.                  

 

 

BORGERS 2012 SCHEDULE.

 

Regular Show consists of Wingless Dirt 600 Sprints, TQ/Asphalt 600 Sprints, All Star and Junior Slingshots, Karts, and Micro Stocks.

 

Schedule Subject To Change.

 

August 11       Regular show. Plus XCEL 600 Modifieds.  Plus Make Up Open Wheel Heats and Features from August 4.

 

August 18       Regular Show. Plus XCEL 600 Modifieds.

August 25       Regular show.

 

September 1   Regular show. Plus XCEL 600 Modifieds.  End Of Points.

September 8   Regular show. Plus XCEL 600 Modifieds.

September 15 Regular show. Plus XCEL 600 Modifieds.

 

Start Of Fall Spectacular.

 

September 22 Regular show.  Plus Start Of 6 Week Fall Spectacular Series.  Week 1.

September 29 Regular show.  Plus Fall Spectacular Week 2.

 

October 6        Regular show. Plus XCEL 600 Modifieds.  Plus Fall Spectacular Week 3.

October 13      Regular show. Plus  Fall Spectacular Week 4. MA Silver All Star Slingshot Tour and Junior Slingshot National Tour.

October 20      Regular show. Plus Fall Spectacular Week 5.  and XCEL 600 Modifieds.

October 27      Regular show.  Plus Spectacular Week 6.

 

Fall Spectacular schedule of events and details to be announced shortly.

 

November schedule to be announced.  Borgers Speedway plans to run until the snow flies if the cars and fans keep coming out.

 

Depending on when our season ends and if the weather holds out we may schedule a practice session for those wishing to get ready for the December Indoor Races.

 

BORGERS 2013

 

 

Borgers Speedway will be running paid practice sessions for those wishing to tune for Atlantic City and Providence or get an early start for the 2013 racing season.. 

 

Saturday   January 12.  1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday   January 26.  1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

 

March 23 Borgers Practice.   1:00 p.m.

March 30 Borgers Practice.   1:00 p.m.

April   6   Borgers Season Opener.  Tentative   4:00 p.m. Starting time.  

 

 

 

 

I get e-mails:

 

It would be great if what follows could actually happen!

 

Hi There,

I don't send very many things like this around and this has been 
around before but... if it makes one person become aware of a possible 
solution to our debt ceiling then it is worth it. Just getting it to pass 
is another story. No one ever wants to take a pay cut or lose any benefits 
but I know NASA changed their retirement and the new people being hired into
civil service jobs at the Space Center are paying into a 401 and will be on 
social security instead of the old civil service retirement they use to 
have. So, it can be done in the jobs at Washington D C and other 
Government jobs around the United States.

Take care and God Bless our United States.



Warren Buffett, in a recent interview with CNBC, offers one of the 
best quotes about the debt ceiling:

"I could end the deficit in 5 minutes," he told CNBC. "You just
pass a law that says that anytime there is a deficit of more
than 3% of GDP, all sitting members of Congress are ineligible
for re-election.

The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 
year-olds)
took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple!
The people demanded it. That was in 1971 - before computers, 
e-mail,
cell phones, etc.

Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took one 
(1) year
or less to become the law of the land - all because of public 
pressure.

Warren Buffet is asking each addressee to forward this email to
a minimum of twenty people on their address list; in turn ask
each of those to do likewise.

In three days, most people in The United States of America will
have the message. This is one idea that really should be 
passed
around.

Congressional Reform Act of 2012

1.
No Tenure / No Pension.

A Congressman/woman collects a salary while in office and 
receives no
pay when they're out of office.

2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social
Security.

All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the
Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into
the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the
American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.

3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as 
all
Americans do.

4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise.
Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

5. Congress loses their current health care system and
participates in the same health care system as the American 
people.

6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the
American people.

7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen/women are void
effective 12/1/12. The American people did not make this
contract with Congressmen/women.

Congress made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in
Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers
envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their
term(s), then go home and back to work.

If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will
only take three days for most people (in the U.S.) to receive
the message. Don't you think it's time?

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!

If you agree, pass it on. If not, delete but I hope you keep it 
going.
Thanks

 

 

 

Just wondering:

 

I have to figure that just about everyone that reads my columns has watched the Olympics over these last couple of weeks?  And, when a US athlete wins a Gold Medal, our National Anthem is played.  I’d have no objections whatsoever if all the places that have “singers” singing our National Anthem were to record our National Anthem as it’s played at the Olympics, and played that at their event, instead of having some supposed “singer” butcher it up.

 

 

 

Some non-racing stuff:

 

Social Security: Who gets it?

About 56 million people receive monthly Social Security benefits. Who they are, and how much they get:

—36 million retired workers. Average monthly benefit: $1,235.

—8.7 million disabled workers. Average benefit: $1,111.

—2.5 million spouses. Average benefit: $590.

—4.3 million children. Average benefit: $564.

—4.4 million widows and widowers. Average benefit: $1,152.

___

Source: Social Security Administration.

 

http://news.yahoo.com/social-security-gets-150615582--finance.html

 

 

Social Security: You can't get these returns today

The first person to get a monthly retirement check from Social Security certainly got her money's worth.  Ida May Fuller, a retired legal secretary from Ludlow, Vt., received her first monthly check in January 1940. She was 65 years old and lived to be 100. She had paid Social Security taxes for three years.

___

Social Security taxes paid by Fuller during her career: $24.75.

Fuller's first monthly benefit check: $22.54.

Fuller's lifetime benefits: $22,888.92.

___

Source: Social Security Administration.

 

http://news.yahoo.com/social-security-cant-returns-today-151229898--finance.html

 

 

No increase in Medicare drug costs for seniors

In part:

Medicare participants enrolled in the health insurance program's prescription drug benefit should see their premium cost remain steady next year, health officials said.

The Department of Health and Human Service on Monday forecast a $30 average monthly premium for Medicare Part D, similar to the cost in 2012. In 2011, premiums were $30.76.

HHS attributed the low premiums to President Barack Obama's healthcare reform law, known as the Affordable Care Act, which includes some measures to lower the cost of medications for seniors. Last year, HHS also attributed the low premiums to increased competition and greater use of cheaper generic drugs.”

More can be seen here:

 http://health.yahoo.net/news/s/nm/no-increase-in-medicare-drug-costs-for-seniors

Note:  Just wondering – what if the healthcare reform bill gets rescinded?

 

 

 

 

Kiss Off: Networks Spike Coverage of Chick-fil-A Kiss-in After Poor Turnout

 

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/paul-wilson/2012/08/07/kiss-networks-spike-coverage-chick-fil-kiss-after-poor-turnout


Deferred action program could legalize 1.8 million young immigrants

In part:

As many as 1.76 million young illegal immigrants could qualify for temporary legal status under President Obama's deferred action program, says a new report from the Migration Policy Institute. That's more than double the Obama administration's initial estimate of 800,000 people who would benefit from the program.

The new number reflects the Obama administration's updated guidelines released last Friday depicting who qualifies for the temporary legal status. Initially, only young illegal immigrants under 30 who entered the country as children, graduated from high school and had no criminal record would make the cut. Now, young people who didn't graduate or receive their G.E.D. can still apply for the legal status as long as they re-enroll in high school by the time they apply.”

More can be found here:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/deferred-action-program-could-legalize-1-8-million-221839009.html

 

 

 

Video time:

 

How are we doing as a country?  Might you believe this video?

 

http://www.westernjournalism.com/land-of-the-freebies-home-of-the-enslaved/

 

 

 

Photos:

 

The restored # 25 Bill Cheesman Sprint Car that was driven by the late Eddie Sachs.  Quite a beautiful piece of machinery!  If only they still looked similar to this, today!  Those four injector tubes helped feed the fuel to the 220 cubic inch Offenhauser engine.  I have no idea as to who the photographer of this photo is.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Closing with these:

 

These are actual comments made by South Carolina Troopers that were taken off their car videos: 


1. "You know, stop lights don't come any redder than the one you just went through." 

2. "Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they're new. They'll stretch after you wear them a while." 

3. "If you take your hands off the car, I'll make your birth certificate a worthless document." (My Favorite) 

4. "If you run, you'll only go to jail tired." 

5. "Can you run faster than 1200 feet per second? Because that's the speed of the bullet that'll be chasing you." (LOVE IT) 

6. "You don't know how fast you were going? I guess that means I can write anything I want to on the ticket, huh?" 

7. "Yes, sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I don't think it will help. Oh, did I mention that I'm the shift supervisor?" 

8. "Warning! You want a warning? O.K, I'm warning you not to do that again or I'll give you another ticket." 

9. "The answer to this last question will determine whether you are drunk or not. Was Mickey Mouse a cat or a dog?" 

10. "Fair? You want me to be fair? Listen, fair is a place where you go to ride on rides, eat cotton candy and corn dogs and step in monkey poop." 

11. "Yeah, we have a quota. Two more tickets and my wife gets a toaster oven." 

12. "In God we trust; all others we run through NCIC." ( National Crime Information Center ) 

13. "Just how big were those 'two beers' you say you had?" 

14. "No sir, we don't have quotas anymore. We used to, but now we're allowed to write as many tickets as we can." 

15. "I'm glad to hear that the Chief (of Police) is a personal friend of yours. So you know someone who can post your bail." 

AND THE WINNER IS....


16. "You didn't think we give pretty women tickets? You're right, we don't. Sign here."

 

 

 

 

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