Racin' & Different Stuff:

By Tom Avenengo

Volume # 112

10/04/2012

First:

Auto racing lost one of its biggest supporters last week. An icon. A true gentleman in every way. Chris Economaki left us on September 28^th at the age of 91. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to sit and talk with him on quite a few occasions. His knowledge of the sport, its cars and drivers, was unparalleled. Further down in this column is a special section for what some have said about him.

Second:

As you can see, I’ve change the name of my column, but have elected to keep the numbers ongoing, rather than start off with # 1. Also, come November, there’s a good chance that I’ll cut back to columns every other week.

Third:

Reading the September 25^th issue of the AARN, I was glad to see that John Snyder is back with his column, after spending a not so nice month down in Florida. His wife, Barbara, had some health issues. Keep both Barbara and John in your thoughts and lets all hope that those health issues will be taken care of and good health will return.

Fourth:

Indy Cars are returning to Pocono in 2013, and, as said on Wind Tunnel, for at least 3 years. Pocono Facebook page says it will be a 400 mile race. My friend Benzee, posted this on Facebook:

“As stated yesterday on Benzee Promotions page the Indy Racing League is returning to Pocono Raceway on July 7th, 2013 as it was made public today. We will be looking at a motorcoach to the event, details to follow when prices become available”

And an e-mail from “Benzee” to me:

Tom ,

I have run bus groups in yrs past to Pocono for Nascar and still have a few contact people there .
Motorcoach would probably depart from Monroe , Middletown and Port .

Already have two motorcoaches and tix reserved for Dover June 2nd , 2013

Will look into prices etc and see if we cant put this together

Benzee

IndyCar announcement at Pocono Raceway:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwX57a5EYq4&feature=player_embedded

Fifth:

You’re gonna love this! A friend of mine put this link up on Facebook – times, possible entrants - and rules for Super Dirt Week:

http://www.superdirtweekonline.com/images/stories/PDF/Super%20DIRT%20Week%2041%20Competitors%20Guide.pdf

Note: So many rules, but when someone breaks ‘em, like last year, they don’t get DQ’d. Go figure.

Sixth:

For Datsun revival, Nissan gambles on $3,000 model

In part:

“It is the car that baby boomers may remember as much for its compact chic as for its slogan ("Datsun, We Are Driven!"). Now, a new version of this storied brand may get more attention for something else: its price tag.

In a bold move into the auto industry's fastest-growing category—emerging-market countries—Nissan Motor Co. is planning a revival to this Beatles-era star that might surprise its fans. According to interviews with Nissan's CEO, Carlos Ghosn, and other company executives, the rebooted car will appear in these countries as bare-boned as any rival has tried. And Nissan is hoping to set new lows for pricing for a global auto maker, offering the cheapest Datsun model for about $3,000 to $5,000. The lowest price is nearly a third the price of its most inexpensive car, the $8,000 Tsuru compact sold in Mexico. In revealing new details to The Wall Street Journal about the tightly controlled project, Mr. Ghosn said the company was committed to offering six Datsun vehicles, due out beginning in 2014, at a price range lower than all but a handful of smaller car makers in China and India specializing in mini autos.”

A lot more can be seen on this if you go here:

http://autos.yahoo.com/news/for-datsun-revival--nissan-gambles-on--3-000-model.html

Seventh:

Question: When can a race car owner dictate what kind of race car his driver drives? How about a sponsor dictating it? Right now, one of the hottest drivers in the US is being told he cannot run non-winged Sprint Cars.

BREAKING NEWS: Kyle Larson Asked To Step Away From Non-Wing Sprints

http://www.onedirt.com/news/breaking-news-kyle-larson-asked-to-step-away-from-non-wing-sprints/?fb_comment_id=fbc_434379583275895_4652556_434385516608635#f3b53c4b4ec59aa

Note: After you read what’s in the link, above, check out the comments by scrolling down a little.

Eighth:

Brad Keselowski drops Nationwide race at Kansas

Brad Keselowski is doing some basic math to focus on his bid for the Sprint Cup championship: He has added his older sister to his support group and scaled back his schedule.

Keselowski goes into Sunday's race at Talladega, where he won in May, with a five-point lead over five-time champion Jimmie Johnson in the standings. He has won two of the first three Chase races, but knows he must be at the top of his game to claim his first Sprint Cup title.

He said Tuesday that he has dropped the Nationwide Series race at Kansas from his schedule and Ryan Blaney will drive for Penske Racing in his place. Further reductions to his schedule could be coming.

More can be found here: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/brad-keselowski-drops-nationwide-race-180631494--nascar.html

Ninth:

The debate on Wednesday night – both have promised not to raise taxes. Great. But, everyone under them seems to increase our taxes – have you noticed? Schools, towns, villages, cities, counties and states – majority of them have seen to it that we’ve had an increase of taxes. Uh huh.

Chris Economaki:

Chris Economaki Dies At Age 91

http://www.nationalspeedsportnews.com/more/chris-economaki-dies-at-age-91/

From Corinne Economaki:

Friends;

I wanted to let you know that Dad passed away early this morning at age 91. He had a good, long life, and was able to enjoy every minute of his career.

Many years ago I asked him who he wanted to write his obituary. He said Leo Levine; for those of you who don't know Leo, he is a contemporary of Dad's and an absolutely terrific writer. Leo did, and his piece will appear in two media outlets. I think he did a fantastic job of capturing the man.

From Speedway Illustrated's perspective: Anyone who enjoys motorsports is indebted to Chris Economaki. Anyone looking for inspiration can call on Chris Economaki (born to a wealthy family in 1921, their fortune was wiped out by the Great Depression, but Economaki discovered National Speed Sport News in 1934, helped it survive even through World War II, came to own it and then to prosper). Anyone who has had the nerve to pick up a pen to write about racing has, like a driver comparing his career to Foyt, Gurney, Andretti, Petty, Earnhardt, compared his work to that of Chris Economaki.

Economaki's book "Let 'Em All Go!", brilliantly co-authored by Dave Argabright, tells his story. Coastal181 is a great source for the book.

From Anne Fornoro:

Friends,

Just weeks before his 92^nd birthday, Chris Economaki, The Dean of Motorsports, passed away this morning. Many of today’s writers, pr reps and marketing types know of Chris in name only -- his name graces the media centers of some of the most important race tracks in the country including that of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I was fortunate to know Chris on a personal level as I worked for him in the very beginning of my career in motorsports. I learned some important lessons while employed at National Speed Sport News in the original building in Ridgewood, N.J. (yes, that long ago). I also have many fond memories of my time there. Chris influenced so many people in so many ways well beyond the drivers and team owners whose careers he chronicled: crewmen, track owners, writers, announcers, pr and marketing reps, all of whom have a favorite Chris memory which illustrated his humor, honesty or sometimes less than tactful critiques. Although it saddens me to learn of his passing, I have to say he enjoyed his life and I don’t believe he had too many regrets because he really lived his life to the fullest, and he always enjoyed a good glass of wine. Amen to that!

And now to my job…below are thoughts from A.J. who said he first met Chris when he was running midgets in the ‘50s. Chris knew A.J. way before he became The A.J. Foyt.

A.J. Foyt:

“Chris Economaki meant a whole lot to my career. He saw me when I first started and he said I’d be the next one coming up who’d be a good race driver. He wrote, You will read about this boy. I don’t remember if it was Ted Horn or who, but he compared me a couple times to these old greats which I felt very honored. I think he respected me and I respected him. He was a good friend. I really enjoyed his stories and it’s a shame to see good writers like him pass on.

To be honest, Chris was writing when racing was at its very best. I’m talking about midgets, sprints, dirt cars and Indy cars. He saw the sport grow to where it is today and how it grew, including NASCAR. And he contributed to that growth. I’d say when he was in his heyday of writing that more people would read his column than any column that’s been written today by far—I know I did. And I’m not the only person who says that. He really knew what he was writing about and he understood the sport in every field of it because he came through all the different types of racing. Today’s writers haven’t done that and they don’t understand racing like Chris did.

Sometimes you didn’t agree with all his articles, but one thing about it, you might not agree today when he wrote it but in the next two or three weeks what he said happened, so you have to give him credit.”

Best,

Anne

Various postings on the Internet:

Thank you Chris Economaki for all you've done for the sport of racing. R.I.P.

He was a jewel. His voice was a huge part of my growing up. I also got to know his brother George, he sounded just like himl

Going to miss that man, he was one of a kind.

so many good memorys that involve mr economaki......thank you chris.

The wide world of sports guy, I remember when he was at Islip Speedway. RIP :(

I had the honor of meeting Chris Economaki at the Eastern Motorsports Press Assoc.

banquet a few years ago.The "Dean of American Motorsports".

Now Our Last True Motorsports Journalist Is Kevin Eckert. Unless of course, Someone Knows the Ware bouts of Joe Scalzo????

Kevin Eckert: doesn't like the sound of that. I hope I make it to 91. Scalzo was my literary inspiration but have heard nothing. Perhaps Sam Moses has seen or heard something about Joe.

Every single division of motor sprts ,, from gokarts to the highest level ,, is missin u chris !!! Race in peace !! And gods speed . We will miss u every raceday !!

When you heard Chris talk you listened, because he had the real facts, A voice that will be sadly missed, God Bless, and rest in peace Chris.

Rest in Peace Chris Economaki...The Best there was!

He knew his racing and has strong roots in short tracks, i dont think there was a better spoken man when it came to any form of motorsports he will be dearly missed.

I got very sad news today Chris Economaki passed away. I remember him from when I was just a kid in the stands up to the last I saw him a couple of years ago. Chris was by far the greatest writer invloved in racing everyone respected what he said. What I will always remember about him is he knew just about everyone BY NAME and remembered who you were no mater where he met you. He knew and talked to the TQ drivers at little Pine Brook the same as he did the drivers at Indianapolis and if he met a "little time" driver be it at Indy, Daytona or anywhere he always greeted you with a smile and hello you were always treated special by him I am proud to be able to say he was a friend. He is with my Dad and they were very good friends I know Dad gave him the Checkered when he went in. Rest in Peace my Friend...

WHEN CHRIS ECONOMAKI SAW YOU IN THE PIT AT A RACE TRACK HE ALWAYS HAD TIME TO SPEND WITH YOU. OVER THE YEARS HE HAS GIVEN ME MUCH MORE THEN A MINUTE AS I'M SURE HE DID WITH EVERYONE AT EVERY TRACK HE WENT TO. HE ALWAYS HAD A STORY TO TELL AND I'M SURE EVERYONE LIKE MYSELF HUNG ON EVERY WORD. HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED

The end of an era , the likes of which will never be seen again.

RIP to The Dean of Motorsports .

Speed Sport News..it's the only thing I looked forward to in the mail every week for almost 50 years....Chris's column was the first thing I'd read.. Great guy, had an absolutely fantastic memory ! had the pleasure of meeting him several times over the years. R.I.P Chris..

We mourn the death of racing announcer Chris Economaki. He was one of my idols growing up. May he rest in peace and enjoy calling races in heaven.

I was sorry to hear that Chris Economaki passed away today at the age of 91. I was the first woman he ever hired for a full-time editorial position at NSSN. In the seventies, that was a big deal. RIP, Chris.

Chris' training should have been mandatory for any motorsports "journalist." How many of our strories did he "correct?" Fantastic memories, great people, sad day.

To me personally, he meant so very much. He got me started in writing.

When I was still in junior high, and the man who had the National Speed Sport News "franchise" at the Jeffersonville (IN) Sportsdrome moved away, I called the office (had to promise my mom I'd pay for the long-distance call from my lawn-mowing earnings) to find out what to do. Chris answered the phone.

He asked why I didn't just take it over myself. The paper was selling for a quarter, and I was getting a nickel for everyone I sold. I regularly sold 100 every week. $5.00 wasn't bad for a 10- year-old in 1949. Chris explained that if I sold 'em myself, I'd get a dime for each copy sold because they'd cost me 15 cents each. I was really walking in high cotton then.

After a couple of weeks, Chris called me and said whoever had the "franchise" was supposed to send in the stories about the races. Having no experience, I asked if he was sure he wanted this now 12-year-old to do that.

He said, "Just write what you saw happen and I'll edit it." At this point I was very glad I had taken typing in junior high.

After a couple more weeks, with Chris calling and giving me some pointers, I noticed that he wasn't doing too much editing.

This eventually led to my writing sports for the base newspaper when I was stationed in Japan, then to a column on motorsports for a Louisville-area weekly when I got out. Eventually, it led to my getting a job as managing editor of a weekly paper in southern Indiana, and a career as a newspaperman that lasted until I took the job as News Director at Indianapolis Raceway Park in 1985.

I have so much to thank Chris for, and so many memories.

I was fortunate to have met Chris on numerous occasions!

All I can say is WHAT A GUY!!!!

He loved auto racing and it showed!

I was a 35 year subscriber to NSSN.

Thank the Lord for sending us Chris!!!!

RIP!!!!!

Oh man that one hurts, great ambassador to all motorsports and extra specail to those of us here in the northeast that he called home for so long. NSSN coming in Wednesday or Thursday's mail was for years one of the highlights of my week as a kid. I remember after college when I bought my first house my dad got me my own subscription and we would call and discuss what we had read. While I love technology and the internet as much as anyone I regret my kids will never have that type of thrill because everything is so instant. God Speed Chris.

We all knew this was coming, yet I dreaded this day. Chris was such a great resource for the sport. His depth and breadth of knowledge of the competitors, race tracks, cars, owners, sponsors, promotors was priceless. We will certainly miss his presence in this sport even though he had pulled back in his participation the last few years. I truly enjoyed every visit I had with him and will miss hearing that voice that reminded me of an engine just slightly off-song. RIP Chris and enjoy the racing they have heaven!

He was a Jersey guy. He was both popular and respected. In the early days of racing on TV he was the racing expert who guided announcers from other sports through the broadcast. A true icon in the sport and already missed.

I don't think you can overstate the impact he had on racing and the media. I'm saddened to hear of his passing, and thankful for his legacy.

America has lost a national treasure. Rest well, Chris.

Additional comments: http://www.nationalspeedsportnews.com/more/what-theyre-saying-chris-economaki/

And: http://www.thevintageracer.com/words/words__chris_economaki01.htm

And a few years ago, I had heard that Chris dropped in one Saturday night to check out the Orange County Fair Speedway. I had heard he needed a little help to get admitted. It seems that this icon was not recognized, and he had some help as far as getting into the speedway went. On Friday night, I checked with Jerry Higbie to see if what I had heard was true or not.

Jerry got back to me with this:

“It is true. It was my dad. Chris was in line in front of us, the person looked for his name on a guest list and couldn't find it. My dad chimed in and explained chris has done enough for motorsports that he should never pay. He added if they didnt let him in, he'd gladly pay for him. Pretty interesting, and sad really. Chris went on to tell me and my dad about watching midgets at oc in the 40's and 50's. It was a great moment.”

And I received this in an e-mail, on Tuesday, about Chris:

You can search for Economaki on YouTube and get some great clips of Chris.

I have been watching an interview by Barry Meguiar at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwADVxxcuhw

He tells some neat stories.

And, in another e-mail, later on on Tuesday evening – the Wind Tunnel Dave Despain interview with Chris:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrOob6F7XWo&feature=share

Coming up:

Accord:

Another wet Saturday has caused the “Big A” to reschedule the second day of the King of the Catskills racing action to October 13^th.

Notice - the 305 Sprint Cars and 600 Modifieds have been dropped. I was hoping the 600’s would put on a good show and maybe get a few shows in 2013. The 305’s have another race that day at Penn Can.

From their website:

WRECKAGE IN THE CATSKILLS

October 13th

Rain date 10/27

Simpson Performance Products Acquires HANS:

Simpson Performance Products, Inc. announced the acquisition of HANS Performance Products. This expands Simpson racing safety products to include the prestigious HANS Device Head & Neck Restraint System. "We are glad to have the HANS Device under the Simpson umbrella of racing safety products," stated Chuck Davies, CEO of Simpson. "This acquisition positions Simpson as the clear market leader in innovative racing safety products. Our total restraint system capabilities now include a comprehensive range of car restraints for all types of racing, including seatbelts, in-car nets, parachutes and the top models of head and neck restraints in the world today. We are excited about the new team we are forming and the growth possibilities for the future." HANS Performance Products, formed in 1991 by five-time IMSA driving champion Jim Downing and Dr. Robert Hubbard, will be operated in Atlanta as a separate division of Simpson Performance Products. Downing and Dr. Hubbard, inventor of the HANS Device, will continue to provide engineering experience and support to Simpson and its HANS division.(Simpson PR)(9-27-2012)

Gibbs looking to extend Busch's contract:

Next season is expected to produce a top crop of free agents in the Sprint Cup market - but if Joe Gibbs Racing has its way, #18-Kyle Busch's name will never reach the rumor mill. Principals at Gibbs Racing are working diligently to renew Busch's contract before it expires next season. According to sources, Gibbs approached Busch on an extension in the last couple of months and hopes to retain one of NASCAR's top talents. "They typically do (contracts before the expiration date)," Busch said. "They've brought it up to my attention. I just kind of put it off to, 'Let's get through, let's see what happens in the Chase.' Since we missed that, it's kind of like, now they want to re-talk about it. I'm like, let's just wait until the end of the year. There's no sense in causing a distraction."(Fox Sports)(9-30-2012)

Newman's crew and crew chief to Danica?

Danica Patrick will be in good hands when she runs her first full season in the Sprint Cup Series in 2013. Stewart Haas Racing is looking to support Patrick with the veteran crew (chief Tony Gibson and the squad) that currently services the #39 team and Ryan Newman. "That's what we're looking at," says Patrick's current Cup crew chief and SHR Competition Director Greg Zipadelli. "We sat down and talked with all the guys about it, and we just feel that they're a real solid group of people. They have great attitudes, pretty upbeat. We feel like that's the best thing to do is surround Danica with a really great group of people that don't normally make mistakes. They don't have issues. I look at them as generally, their glasses are always half-full. I think that's the best thing for her." Zipadelli has a short list of crew chiefs for Newman but considering that most are still under contract with other teams he elected not to comment.(Fox Sports)(9-29-2012)

UPDATE:

They are a veteran group and Gibson's easygoing demeanor would work well with Patrick and the media spotlight. And Newman seems OK with the potential change. "I wouldn't say I would be upset," Newman said. "I think a lot of (Gibson) as a person. We've had success on the racetrack and we've struggled on the racetrack." Newman said if he could get his crew chief in before the end of the season, that would be beneficial but it would need to be most of the crew he'd be working with in 2013. That could be difficult as SHR needs to hire extra people for the addition of a car. "Nothing has been decided yet-we're just talking about different options and trying to evaluate how we can make our program better next year," team co-owner Tony Stewart said.(Sporting News)(10-2-2012)

NASCAR relaxes testing policy for next year:

For the first time since 2008, NASCAR will allow Sprint Cup organizations to test independently at tracks that host events in NASCAR's top three touring series. Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president of competition said Saturday at Dover International Speedway that each Cup organization -- regardless of how many cars it fields -- will be allowed four tests of its choosing at NASCAR tracks. "It's up to them to pick where they want to go," Pemberton said. "We feel like it's time to open that up and allow the teams to manage their testing and get back on facilities that host our events. You'll see that as the year unfolds, that teams will be moving around the countryside." The four tests allocated to each organization next year are in addition to the Preseason Thunder test to be conducted by NASCAR during the second week of January.(NASCAR Wire Service)(9-29-2012)

NASCAR close to TV deal with Fox:

NASCAR is close to finalizing a new TV deal with Fox for the first half of the Sprint Cup season, but a deal for the second half will not be wrapped up until next summer at the earliest, according to several sources. Fox started negotiations for its package earlier this spring and has agreed on the broad terms of a new deal to continue in the sport, sources said. An announcement is likely to come in the weeks after the broadcaster's media rights deal with Major League Baseball is announced officially. But the remaining inventory of NASCAR's media package will be in question for the next year. That's because ESPN and Turner Sports executives told NASCAR that they are not willing to start negotiations on their media contracts early. NASCAR approached both networks earlier this summer about new deals, but both chose to wait until their exclusive negotiating windows kick in next summer. Typically, negotiating windows last around a month. Despite declining ratings, particularly in the younger demographics, NASCAR stands to bring in more money from its next media deals. The addition of NBC Sports as a serious new bidder could create a bidding battle that could help push rights fees higher than many expect. ESPN, which carries the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship, is interested in renewing its deal. Turner, which carries six midseason races, is interested in adding more races to its schedule. Sources familiar with NASCAR's plans said the organization hasn't decided whether it will sell its entire package of rights to one partner, two partners or three, as it has in its current deal. That decision won't be finalized until after it's held initial conversations with ESPN and Turner. See more at Sports business Journal.(10-1-2012)

UPDATE:

The curveball in a new FOX deal is the impact the network's change of SPEED into Fox Sports One, a new all sports channel that will carry Major League Baseball, college football and basketball and other sports in addition to NASCAR programming. Hoping to keep up with the likes of the ABC/ESPN, NBC/NBC Sports Network as well as CBS/CBS Sports Network pairings, FOX plans to flip the current motorsports and automotive channel into its own general sports cable network. As of now ancillary NASCAR programming such as practice, qualifying and support events like the Camping World Truck Series would be mixed into the revamped channel's content line-up. There is word FOX will also stream NASCAR programming beginning next season, ala the "Watch ESPN" initiative that will allow mobile device access for thousands of viewers. Assuming FOX comes to terms, the remainder of the new NASCAR television package is a bit fuzzier. While it appears ABC/ESPN and TNT will return to the negotiating table, the NBC's interest is a wild card. Desperate for content to help build its fledging sports net, the Peacock folks are eyeballing a return to the business of stock car racing. The Nationwide Series, currently an ABC/ESPN property, could be in play for NBC as well as the Truck Series should FOX decide to back off the amount of NASCAR programming for its cable sports network or the "World Wide Leader" scale back its stock car investment. CBS or perhaps niche outlets like "The History Channel" might also dip their toes into the negotiations.(CBS Sports)(10-3-2012)

Phoenix Racing will finish season:

Kurt Busch's impending departure leaves James Finch's #51 Phoenix Racing team with a high degree of uncertainty. Despite speculation to the contrary, crew chief Nick Harrison said the team was committed to running the remainder of this season's Sprint Cup schedule. "We're business as usual, moving forward," Harrison said. "We still have Dover and Talladega with Kurt and really think we can end with a win. We're running the full season. It's just a [matter of] who is going to drive." Harrison says Phoenix Racing has spoken to Regan Smith, the driver Busch will replace for the final six weeks this season in Furniture Row Racing's #78 car. Finch also is said to have interest in recently reinstated driver AJ Allmendinger as well as David Reutimann, who filled in at Pocono when Busch was suspended for a week this season.(NASCAR.com)(10-1-2012)

Ambrose close to new deal:

#9-Marcos Ambrose told ESPN.com on Sunday he is close to completing a new deal with Richard Petty Motorsports. "We're all good,'' Ambrose said before the third race of the Chase at Dover International Speedway. Sources said RPM will soon announce a new deal with Ford as well as the signing of Ambrose. Sources said there also have been talks with Aric Almirola about possibly returning to the #43.(ESPN.com)(10-1-2012)

Elliott Sadler close to deal for 2013; part-time Cup with Gibbs?:

Elliott Sadler said Tuesday that he is "close" to determining where he will be working next season, but said first he must focus on taking care of unfinished business this season. Sadler currently drives the #2 Chevy full-time for Richard Childress Racing in the Nationwide Series, where he is the current points leader by a slim margin. But he already has said he and RCR will be splitting ways at season's end. He also has said that he would like to make a return to NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series as soon as possible, and reiterated that point Tuesday after an appearance at RCR where he helped promote the Bank of America 500 that will be run Oct. 13 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "My goal as a driver is to be back in the Cup Series and make the Chase as a Cup driver. That's my No. 1 goal," Sadler said. Asked if he expected to have that chance in 2013, Sadler hedged and replied, "Uh, I don't know. We're working on some different things. But my No. 1 goal is to have that opportunity, to be a part of the Chase again." Sources have confirmed that one of the teams he has been talking with is Joe Gibbs Racing, which appears willing to offer him a full-time Nationwide ride and a limited Cup schedule for 2013 with the possibility of a full-time Cup ride developing by 2014 if full-time sponsorship can be found for a fourth JGR Cup car. "We're close. We're talking to three teams right now, so we'll see," said Sadler, while declining to offer details on which teams he has been negotiating with. "I'm just kind of late to the party, getting out there and meeting and greeting with everybody."(NASCAR.com)(9-25-2012)

UPDATE:

[Team president J.D.] Gibbs & confirmed the possibility that JGR could hire Nationwide Series point leader Elliott Sadler and Brian Vickers to drive full-time in the Nationwide Series next season. "That's a potential,'' Gibbs said. "I think we have to wait a little while before we can say anything officially.'' Sadler, who has made it clear he will not return to Richard Childress Racing after this season, would drive one car with OneMain Financial as the primary sponsor. He also is expected to drive a part-time Sprint Cup schedule. Vickers would drive the second car with Dollar General as the sponsor. Gibbs said the plan is to field a third car for his Cup drivers and developmental drivers Drew Herring and Darrell Wallace Jr. to share.(ESPN.com)(10-1-2012)

NASCAR still looking at changes to Top 35 rule:

Sprint Cup teams are looking forward to having four additional test sessions next season and they might have more things to test than they initially thought. Teams are awaiting 2013 rules and several team officials said over the weekend they anticipate NASCAR might give them a little more leeway in some areas of the car, while also restricting the ability to skew the rear of the cars. Not only will testing allow them to work now at the tracks that they race on, they also might need to work a little more on qualifying. Teams also are anticipating that NASCAR will get rid of the top-35 rule and go back to the previous system of the top 36 (or 37 or 38) cars in qualifying making the race, with the remainder of the field set by provisionals based primarily on owner points. The top-35 rule guarantees the top 35 teams in owner points starting spots in each race. The rest of the field must make the race on speed. Under the new format, all teams would have to qualify on speed or have enough owner points to be eligible for a provisional starting spot. NASCAR could announce that change and other new rules during a test at Talladega Superspeedway Wednesday for the 2013 Cup car. Kyle Busch said his Joe Gibbs Racing team already is experimenting with some ideas for next year. Busch said teams know the cars are going to be lighter by 100-160 pounds. He also said there will be aero changes that he said he would be the "test dummy" for at a tire test at Texas Motor Speedway in two weeks.(Sporting News)(10-2-2012)

2013 car test at Talladega Wednesday:

#31-Jeff Burton will be one of the drivers taking part in Wednesday's test of the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car at Talladega Superspeedway. Seven teams will be at the test, with Burton representing Richard Childress Racing. With this being the first test of the new car on a restrictor-plate track, Burton believes one of the keys will be to see if drivers can avoid the nose-to-tail tandem style of drafting. With the new body styles for Chevy, Ford and Toyota, the test is an opportunity to see if the cars even have the ability to draft in tandem. Along with Hendrick Motorsports' #5-Kasey Kahne and Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing's #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, Burton will be driving Chev's new SS entry around the high banks of Talladega. #22-Sam Hornish Jr. will help in Penske Racing's off-season transition to Ford by driving one of the new Fusions in the test. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who will drive the # 17 Ford for Roush Fenway Racing next year, also will be at Wednesday's session. Toyota will be represented by Joe Gibbs Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing with drivers #20-Joey Logano and #55-Brian Vickers scheduled to be behind the wheel, respectively. Wednesday's session will be open to the public and will run from 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (CT). Seating will be located on the backstretch in Section Y of the Allison Grandstands. Fans can park in Lot 6E and enter the grandstands through gate P-22.(Motor Racing Network)(10-3-2012)

Teams complete 2013 car test at Talladega:

Redesigned race cars that will debut next season in the 55th running of the Daytona 500 got its first taste of restrictor plate racing today as seven teams put the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car through its paces at Talladega Superspeedway. Teams tested the 2013 model, which will highlight greater brand identity for the series' manufacturers, searching for data on aerodynamics, cooling and drivability. The new-look cars turned competitive laps while drafting and in single-car runs. NASCAR officials, who also analyzed engine restrictor plates and drafting performance, were pleased with the early results. "With a different car, we'll look at what it's going to take for [restrictor] plate size and some other things, but the main concern is how the cars draft, how they react in the draft, and obviously to get more one-on-one racing," said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. "All of the input that we have from the drivers and the teams so far has been pretty good." Today's six-hour test was extended by 30 minutes after morning fog delayed some teams' arrival.(NASCAR)(10-3-2012)

Sponsorship announcement for Stewart Haas:

Stewart Haas Racing is expected to announce sponsorship for Ryan Newman Tuesday and likely will include existing nine-race sponsor Quicken Loans, according to those with knowledge of the announcement. Newman is losing the U.S. Army's 12-race sponsorship after this season. He re-signed with the team in early September even though it had not announced any sponsors for 2013. Stewart himself needs a sponsor to replace Office Depot and its 22 races for next season. Several sources indicated that SHR is talking with Bass Pro Shops and an announcement could come as early as late next week. Bass Pro Shops already is an associate sponsor of the organization and has been on the hood of Newman's car for a couple of races. A Bass Pro spokesman said last week the company had no comment on the speculation of the company sponsoring SHR.(Sporting News)(9-29-2012)

UPDATE:

Quicken Loans, the nation's largest online mortgage lender, announced that it will double down on its partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing and Ryan Newman, driver of the #39 Chevy in the Sprint Cup Series. Through the new agreement, Quicken Loans will serve as Newman's primary sponsor for 18 Sprint Cup races in 2013, marking the majority of the season. When not the primary sponsor, the company will be an associate sponsor on Newman's Chevrolet. Additionally, Quicken Loans will remain as an associate sponsor on the #14 Mobil 1 Chevy driven by three-time and reigning Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart throughout the 2013 season. The company also announced details of its newly launched Skip-a-Year Sweepstakes, which will pay up to five entrants' mortgages for a full year. "We were not sure what to expect with the 2012 season being our first in the sport," said Jay Farner, President and Chief Marketing Officer for Quicken Loans. "What we quickly found was that NASCAR fans are tremendously passionate and loyal to the brands that help drive their sport. It was their commitment to our company that ultimately allowed us to significantly increase our involvement with the sport, Stewart-Haas Racing and Ryan Newman." In 2012, Quicken Loans is a primary sponsor for nine races with Newman and the #39 team, while also maintaining an associate sponsorship with Stewart.(Stewart-Haas Racing)(10-2-2012)

UPDATE 2:

SHR also is working on a potential deal with Bass Pro Shops to replace some of the 22 races left open on Tony Stewart's car after Office Depot announced plans to leave the sport after this season. "It's a huge first step in filling in a couple of large voids,'' Stewart said of expanding the sponsorship of Quicken Loans. "Hopefully, that will have a domino effect. "We're really close to getting Ryan's races sold. We're still working on getting mine taken care of. We feel we have a couple of good leads that hopefully will get done before the end of the year.'' The good news for Newman is his car is almost fully sponsored, with Wix Filters, Outback Steakhouse and Aspen Dental expected to return. He said getting Quicken Loans on the car for 18 races gives him more confidence that his one-year deal for next season could become more long-term.(ESPN)(10-3-2012)

2012 Sprint Cup Driver CHASE Championship Points Standings:
[after Dover, race 29 of 36]

1) #2-Brad Keselowski [5 wins], 2142
2) #48-Jimmie Johnson [3 wins], 2137, -5
3) #11-Denny Hamlin [5 wins], 2126, -16
4) #15-Clint Bowyer [2 wins], 2117, -25
5) #14-Tony Stewart [3 wins], 2110, -32
6) #5-Kasey Kahne [2 wins], 2110, -32
7) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [1 win], 2103, -39
8) #56-Martin Truex Jr. [0 wins], 2100, -42
9) #29-Kevin Harvick [0 wins], 2096, -46
10) #24-Jeff Gordon [1 win], 2094, -48
11) #16-Greg Biffle [2 wins], 2091, -51
12) #17-Matt Kenseth [1 win], 2070, -72

Drivers Points Standings (pdf)

http://www.jayski.com/stats/2012/pdfs/29dov2012points.pdf

2013 Cup Schedule:

http://www.jayski.com/news/pages/story/_/page/2013-NASCAR-Sprint-Cup-Schedule

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

Hey, sorry about the one I had here last week – it was a duplicate from a few weeks ago. Brain fart on my end!

Back to October 18, 2003:

http://www.whowon.com/Results.asp?TrackID=1904&StoryID=104938

Some that ran back then in Karts but are now in more costly vehicles: Joe Kata, Luke Schostkewitz, Ben Whitaker, Brad Szulewski, LJ Lombardo, Matt Janiak, Johnny Guarino, Kyle Armstrong, Joey Falanga, Kyle Redner, Roger Coss, Wyatt Clark, Danny Hennessey, Chuck Alessi and Joe Conklin.

Going back, in time:

This week I’m covering the Midget races that were held at Cherry Park, in Avon, Ct.- during the 1948 season. 1949 & 50, will be covered in later columns.

1948

April 18

1. Ted Tappett Curtis Offy #8

2. George Rice Bourgnon Offy #36

3. Larry Bloomer Willetts Offy

4. Johnny Rice Lataille-Miller Offy

5. Bill Schindler Caruso Offy #2

25 laps 6:27.72

Crowd of 10,000 2,000 turned away by order of Police.

Note: ISN columnist Ed White mentions that the injured Henry Renard was walking around with a movie camera shooting

everything in sight. Wonder if that footage still exists!

April 25

1. Bill Schindler

2. Al Keller

3. Russ Klar

25 laps 6:13.30 NTR

May 2

1. Lloyd Christopher

2. Al Keller

3. Ernie McCoy

25 laps

May 9

1. George Rice

2. Bob Disbrow

3. Rex Records

25 laps 6:05.54 NTR

May 16 rain

May 23

1. Bill Baker

2. Buddy Chase

3. Rex Records

25 laps

May 30 rain

June 6

1.Ted Tappett

2. Len Duncan

3. George Rice

25 laps 6:23.46

June 13 rain

June 20

1. Bill Schindler

2. George Flemke

3. George Rice

25 laps 6:21.58

June 27

1. George Rice Al Jolson Offy

2. Lloyd Christopher

3. George Flemke

25 laps 6:25.55

July 4

1. Bill Schindler

2. Ted Tappett

3. Bill Baker

50 laps

July 11

1. Steve McGrath Al Jolson Offy

2. Stan Disbrow

3. Walt Fusco

4. Len Duncan

25 laps 6:28.33

July 18 rain Duke Nalon scheduled

July 25

1. Bill Schindler

2. George Rice

3. Johnny Rice

25 laps 6:24.45

Aug. 1

1. Bill Schindler

2. Steve McGrath

3. Larry Shurter

20 laps halted, accident no time

Aug. 8

1. Bill Schindler

2. Walt Fusco

3. Steve McGrath

25 laps 6:30.09

Aug. 15

1. Dutch Schaefer Golden Arrow Offy

2. Bob Disbrow

3. George Flemke

4. George Rice

5. Rex Records

6. Johnny Rice

25 laps no time

Aug. 22

1. Tony Bonadies

2. Buddy Chase

3. Stan Disbrow

4. George Rice

5. Bill Schindler

6. Johnny Ritter

25 laps 6:32.58

Aug. 29

1. Lloyd Christopher

2. Johnny Rice

3. George Rice

25 laps 6:24.08

Sept. 5

1. Dutch Schaefer

2. Chet Conklin

3. Ted Tappett

4. George Rice

5. Steve McGrath

6. Gene Cady

25 laps 6:27.?

Sept. 5

1. Dutch Schaefer

2. George Rice

3. Lloyd Christopher

4. Chet Conklin

5. Steve McGrath

6. Ted Tappett

50 laps 12:57.35

Sept. 12

1. Mike Nazaruk Caruso Offy

2. Rex Records

3. George Rice

25 laps 6:21.63

Sept. 19

1. George Rice

2. Steve McGrath

3. Johnny Rice

4. Johnny Kay

5. Bob Breading

6. Stan Disbrow

25 laps

Sept. 26

1. Rex Records

2. Bob Disbrow

3. George Rice

25 laps 6:12.49

Oct. 3 canceled lighting system failed

Oct. 10

1. Bill Schindler 53rd win of the season

2. Johnny Rice

3. Steve McGrath

4. Rex Records

5. Tony Bonadies

6. Bob Disbrow

50 laps 13:49.87

Nov. 21

1. Mike Nazaruk

2. Rex Records

3. Bill Schindler

4. Chet Conklin

5. Stan Disbrow

6. Bert Brooks

25 laps 6:30.10

News from the AARN:

http://www.aarn.com/

From the issue of 9/18 - Just some tid-bits:

Toby Knuse has resigned as General Manager of the Knoxville Speedway.

TQ car count at Wall Stadium two weeks ago: 11

TQ car count at Dunn Tire Motor Sports Park two weeks ago: 25

ARDC car count at Williams Grove two weeks ago: 22

At Hamlin, two weeks ago, for their season ending show, they had 177 entrants.

Of the nine Kart results in the AARN, back on 9/18, only three tracks had Yamaha (KT 100’s) in action.

Ryan Hunter-Reay is married to Robby Gordon’s sister. Also, Ryan is the first American Indy Car driving champion in 6 years.

Ron Lux, on quite a few occasions, raced using the name Bucky Bucholtz.

It the URC had raced at New Egypt last week, it would have been their 1,500^th show in their 65 year history.

“Micro Sprints” – should they be called a different name? When one uses the word “Micro” doesn’t it mean extra small? Heck, 600 Micro Sprints are not much smaller than what full sized Midgets used to be – back in the day.

It might be a little hard changing their name, today, since there are websites like: MicroRacing.com and MicroOutlaws.com. And there’s a new website about to come out, too – HoseheadsMicro.com.

From their 9/25 issue:

The indoor TQ race in Providence, R.I is scheduled for New Years Eve.

Parnelli Jones is scheduled to appear at the next Motor Sports show, run by the AARN.

It was said that 602’s were scheduled to have a test/practice session at the Canaan N.H. track on 9/29.

Note: I’m wondering – are the asphalt tracks hurting so much that they now have to have a class for dirt Sportsman?

John Snyder had his column back after some time of due to family health issues.

The Whelen Modifeds will be back and Loudon in 2013 for their usual two shows.

Lenny Sammons:

Makes mention that Kyle Larson, as of a week ago, has competed in 105 feature events with 23 wins – in at least five different divisions.

Ernie Saxton:

Ernie was comparing prices and other things for short track racing and for other professional sports. Topics he hit on: Parking, food and coolers. A single beer at a Philly game will set you back $8.50. And you have to pay to park. One can count on one hand how many short tracks make you pay to park – weekly.

Earl Krause:

Earl makes mention of the upcoming Old Bridge Speedway reunion, its 5^th, on October 6^th and 7^th at the Thomas Warne Museum.

www.thomas-warne-museum.com

The top 50 drivers of the AARN’s first 50 years have been voted on by a panel of judges – writers and photographers. Drivers must have competed in the AARN’s weekly coverage area. Last week drivers from 30^th to 21^st were listed.

Here are drivers from 20 to 11:

20. Merv Treichler, 19. Jerry Cook, 18. Gerald Chamberlain, 17. Jan Opperman, 16. Ted Christopher, 15. Alan Johnson, 14. Buzzie Reutiman, 13. Al Tasnady, 12. Jack Johnson, 11. Bob McCreadie

Next week, the top ten and the whole list of 50.

And, some of what’s covered in the issue of 10/2/12:

In AARN
This Week:

Jamie Mills
Wraps Up Delaware Int'l. Year
With Eighth Win;
Claims Third Title

Motorsports Journalism Legend
Chris Economaki Dead At 91

Biggest Win Of Pat Ward's Career
Comes In Fulton's Outlaw 200

Indy Cars To Return To Pocono
In 2013

Schatz Takes
Williams Grove National Open
And $50,000

Stafford's Fall Final
A Non-Stop Race
For Winner Bobby Santos

Field Of Broken Dreams:
Glen Ridge's Future Is In Doubt

Racing On The Mile
Before Super DIRT Week:
Syracuse Has Rich Racing Heritage

At Age 5:
Short Track SuperNationals
Is Working Man's Race

Thieves Rob
Bobby Varin's Race Shop

Hagerstown's October Race
Undergoes Schedule,
Name Changes

Doug & Gena Reflect
On Their Year
At Bridgeport Speedway

Former Oakland Valley Speedway (Dirt Oval) runners:

As you might expect, there is less and less every week now.

A week ago, Jacob Hendershot won a feature at Dunn Hill 2 Speedway. It was listed as 270 Micro Sprint, but could have been a 600 race.

At Mahoning last week, Roger Coss was 1^st in the Modified feature. Tiffany Wambold was a DNQ in the Street Stock class.

Nick Pecko was 3^rd and Rogr Coss 7^th in the Modified feature at Mountain Speedway.

Note: Although he is not a former Dirt Oval runner, I thought I’d put this in – Matt Roselli turned a fast lap on the ¼ mile Mountain Speedway during the TQ feature with a time of 8.825 seconds. That is an average speed of 101.983 MPH!

At Borgers, in the 600 Wingless Micro Sprint feature, Paul Quear was 6^th. What makes that kind of remarkable, is that Paul had a birthday that day.

His 82^nd!

Back on September 15^th, Brian Sobus was 7^th in the Super Modified feature at Oswego.

Press Releases:

News from the King of the Can - 'It's Good To Be King'

Media Contact: Brett Deyo - 845.728.2781 or Deyo99H@aol.com

For Immediate Release/Sept. 28, 2012

Round Three: Stewart Friesen & Jeff Strunk Take On Each Other Plus Strong Field Expected At 13th Annual 'King of the Can' Friday, Oct. 12; $313 To Take Green Flag!

SUSQUEHANNA, PA - Round three!

Friends off the track and rivals when strapped into a dirt Modified, Jeff Strunk and Stewart Friesen have thrilled fans with their on-track battles in the last year. They will meet again on Friday night, Oct. 12 when Penn Can Speedway hosts the 13th running of the track's 'King of the Can' event for big-block/small-block Modifieds. The winner of the 50-lap main will earn $5,000-plus with $313 reserved to take the green flag.

The $313 green money - an increase of $113 from last year - was posted in celebration of the 13th ‘King of the Can’ year-end event. The race was first run in 1999.

The 'King of the Can' is presented by VP Racing Fuels, Pioneer Pole Buildings, Don's Automotive Mall and Gary's U-Pull-It. The Modifieds are joined on Friday night by 602 Crate Sportsman (25 laps, $1,000 to win) and Race of Champions Street Stocks (25 laps, $650 to win).

Gates open at 5:15 p.m. with hot laps at 6:45 p.m. and racing scheduled at 7:30 p.m. A rain date of Sunday, Oct. 14 is in place for Friday's program if necessary.

Adult admission is $22 (Adults) or $20 with the ticket stub from Penn Can's most recent regular program on Sept. 7. Seniors (62 and up) and Students (ages 13-17) are $20. Kids 12 and under are FREE. Pit admission is $35.

The '12 'King of the Can' is a co-promotion involving track managers Reed Miller and Al Wilcox and special events coordinator Brett Deyo of BD Motorsports Media. A number of special awards and cash bonuses will be available to racers in this year’s event.

Friesen, 29, of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., won the '11 'King of the Can' race in thrilling fashion. A late restart paved the way for Friesen to execute a slide job and steal the victory from Strunk inside the final two laps. A perturbed Strunk expressed his displeasure with Friesen during the post-race interview.

The rivalry sparked again in mid-September at Grandview (Pa.) Speedway during the track's $50,000 Freedom 76. On this occasion, it was Strunk who carried Friesen up the track in a battle for the top spot.

On Oct. 12, they return to Penn Can - the one-third-mile Susquehanna County oval where it all began - for the year-end 'King of the Can' spectacular. The top three finishers from last year - Bechtelsville, Pa.'s Strunk, Friesen and Genoa, N.Y.'s Pat Ward - have all set plans to attend.

Ryan Godown of Ringoes, N.J., thrilled Penn Can fans in June when he drove from 26th to finish a fast-closing second in the 'Clash at the Can' Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour event. Godown, 36, will be back to do battle at the 'King of the Can' - this time strapped into the John Chemidlin No. 747.

Other expected invaders include Five Mile Point (N.Y.) Speedway Modified champion Justin Holland of Kauneonga Lake, N.Y., Grandview champion/2008 'King of the Can' Duane Howard of Oley, Pa., Big Diamond (Pa.) Speedway Coalcracker 72 winner Doug Manmiller of Shoemakersville, Pa., former track champion Mike Gular of Green Lane, Pa., Five Mile Point/Accord standout Danny Creeden of Middletown, N.Y., I-88 (N.Y.) Speedway champ Mitch Gibbs of North Norwich, N.Y., and more.

Penn Can 2012 Modified champion '06 'King of the Can' Joey Grammes of Lehighton, Pa., leads the contingent of Penn Can regulars to the 'King of the Can' and will be joined by Mike Schane of Lake Ariel, Pa., '10 'King of the Can' Kevin Bates, also of Lake Ariel, Pa., '11 Penn Can champion Kevin Hartnett of Troy, Pa., Mike Colsten of Binghamton, N.Y., and several others.

Rules for the 'King of the Can' should encourage a diverse field of Modifieds to congregate on the Penn Can oval. Big-block (2,500 lbs.) or small-block (2,400 lbs.) engines will be permitted. Gasoline or methanol is allowed. Teams may run sail panels (specs detailed on the web) or traditional windows. Any American Racer stamp is accepted with the following compounds: Front tires - American Racer SD 33 or harder; Left-Rear - SD 33, 38 or 44; Right-Rear - SD 38, 44, 48 or 50.

For the Crate 602 Sportsman event, a maximum gear rule of 6.29 will be in effect. The 6,200 rev chip will not be mandatory. Teams may run steel wheels (2,375 lbs.) or aluminum wheels (2,450 lbs.). The tire rule will mirror that of the Modifieds with one exception: the DIRTcar Hoosier Sportsman tire will be permitted so long as it is not softer than the legal American Racer compounds.

The Street Stock event will be contested using 2012 RoC Street Stock rules.

All divisions will set heat lineups with a draw for position.

Pre-entered drivers (prior to Oct. 5) are entered into a drawing for a pair of $50 gas cards. The drawing takes place at the drivers' meeting on race night. Entry forms are on the web at www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com.

Penn Can Speedway's second day of the 'King of the Can' weekend is set for Sat., Oct. 13 with a full program including Race of Champions Dirt Sportsman, Race of Champions Street Stocks, CRSA 305 Sprint Cars, Four Cylinders, Factory Stocks and XCel 600 Modifieds. Gates open at 3 p.m. on Saturday with hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and racing planned at 6 p.m.

Saturday admission is $14 for Adults and $2 off with the Friday (Oct. 12) ticket stub. Seniors (62 and over) and Students (ages 13-17) are $12. Kids 12 and under are FREE. Pit admission is $30.

To learn more about the 2012 'King of the Can' contact Brett Deyo by phone at 845.728.2781 orDeyo99H@aol.com. On the web: www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com. Lap sponsorships and other marketing opportunities are available.

News from the King of the Can - 'It's Good To Be King'

Media Contact: Brett Deyo - 845.728.2781 or Deyo99H@aol.com

For Immediate Release/Oct. 1, 2012

Room to Race: Wider and Reconfigured Penn Can Speedway Greets Racers at Upcoming 'King of the Can' Spectacular Oct. 12; Outlaw 200 Winner Pat Ward Among Expected Entries

SUSQUEHANNA, PA - Drivers who enter the 'King of the Can' at Penn Can Speedway Friday, Oct. 12 will be greeted with more racing room - literally.

Since the point season finale at the Susquehanna County oval on Sept. 7, speedway managers Reed Miller and Al Wilcox embarked on a renovation and reconstruction project to provide a wider, more spacious track for competitors. The 13th edition of the 'King of the Can' will be the first shot for racers to turn laps on the new layout.

Miller and Wilcox cut the infield back some eight feet at the entrance to the corners, arcing to 15 feet at the exit of turns two and four. This will significantly widen the speedway racing surface. Additionally, the frontstretch and backstretch walls were reconstructed during the project. Drainage was adjusted to accommodate the new layout.

"We were looking to give our drivers another lane to race on," Miller explained. "This should eliminate the funnel effect off of the corners and open up the outside groove some more. We're hoping for some great racing at the 'King of the Can' this year with all the changes we've made."

The winner of the headline 50-lap big-block/small-block Modified main at the 'King of the Can' will earn $5,000-plus with $313 reserved to take the green flag. The $313 green money - an increase of $113 from last year - was posted in celebration of the 13th ‘King of the Can’ year-end event. The race was first run in 1999.

Gates open at 5:15 p.m. with hot laps at 6:45 p.m. and racing scheduled at 7:30 p.m. A rain date of Sunday, Oct. 14 is in place for Friday's program if necessary.

The '12 'King of the Can' is a co-promotion involving track managers Miller and Wilcox and special events coordinator Brett Deyo of BD Motorsports Media. A number of special awards and cash bonuses will be available to racers in this year’s event.

Among the drivers entering the event are former Mr. DIRTcar Modified champion Gary Tomkins of Clifton Springs, N.Y. (driving the Tom Oleski/Bobby Trapper No. 30-plus), defending race winner Stewart Friesen of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., BPG Racing Freedom 76 Grandview (Pa.) Speedway winner Jeff Strunk of Bechtelsville, Pa., I-88 (N.Y.) Speedway champion Mitch Gibbs of North Norwich, N.Y., Big Diamond (Pa.) Speedway Coalcracker victor Doug Manmiller of Shoemakersville, N.Y., Woodhull (N.Y.) Raceway competitor Donnie Lawson Jr. of Woodhull, N.Y., Five Mile Point (N.Y.) Speedway champion Justin Holland of Kauneonga Lake, N.Y., and Penn Can champ Joey Grammes of Lehighton, Pa.

Fresh off his $20,000-plus triumph at Fulton (N.Y.) Speedway in the Outlaw 200, Pat Ward of Genoa, N.Y., is expected at Penn Can hoping to better his third-place finish of one year ago.

The Street Stock event will be contested using 2012 RoC Street Stock rules.

All divisions will set heat lineups with a draw for position.

Saturday admission is $14 for Adults and $2 off with the Friday (Oct. 12) ticket stub. Seniors (62 and over) and Students (ages 13-17) are $12. Kids 12 and under are FREE. Pit admission is $30.

To learn more about the 2012 'King of the Can' contact Brett Deyo by phone at 845.728.2781 or Deyo99H@aol.com. On the web: www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com. Lap sponsorships and other marketing opportunities are available.

The King of the Can is presented by VP Racing Fuels, Pioneer Pole Buildings, Don’s Automotive Mall, Gary’s U-Pull-It, S&W Awards, Lias Tire, Racers Preferred Models, MTL Motorsports, Harford Subway, BFP Specialty, Shiley Fabrications, Four Star Lettering, S&D Bodyline, ERK Steering, Manmiller Electric, Selinsgrove Speedway/JGK Motorsports, Bob Hilbert Sportswear and BD Motorsports Media.

NEWS FROM

Orange County Fair Speedway

239 Wisner Avenue

Middletown, NY 10940

CONTACT

Mike Gurda

845-342-2573

EASTERN STATES FAVORS “HOME TRACK” DRIVERS

MIDDLETOWN, NY (October 1)……..Last October, when Danny Johnson took the checkered flag in the 50th Annual Eastern States 200 for dirt track Modified stock cars at Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, New York, there was a debate whether “The Doctor” could be considered an invader or an Orange County regular competitor. That’s because for more than three seasons in the 1990s, Johnson raced weekly on the Orange County Hard Clay. Since the n, he’s made infrequent forages to Middletown , but frequently enough that many fans no longer consider him an outside invader. Last year’s victory was Johnson’s sixth in the prestigious race, edging him closer to all-time winner Brett Hearn, who has eight Eastern States 200 trophies to his credit. And like Johnson, Hearn, who holds virtually every Orange County Modified record, has not race here weekly for a number of years. Both, however, will return for this years’ 51st Annual Eastern States 200 Presented by Arkel Motors. The Eastern States 200 is the headline race of Eastern States Weekend, this year Friday-Sunday, October 19-21.

In the 50 previous running of this classic endurance race for Modifieds, 17 of the winners have been drivers who have raced weekly at Orange County at least one full season and 13 who can be considered “outside” invaders. But in terms of total wins, the Orange County contingent wins hands down, 36 to 14. And only one invading driver, Gerald Chamberlain in 1973 and 1976, has more than one Eastern States victory to his credit.

In addition to Johnson and Hearn, among active Orange County weekly competitors, Jerry Higbie in 2009, Jeff Heotzler, the 2007 victor, Chuck McKee, the 2000 winner, and Rich Eurich, who won back in 1988, would surely like to take home ano the r Eastern States trophy.

Of the 13 invaders who have won the Eastern States gold, Tim McCreadie (2010), Bobby Varin (2003 winner), Alan Johnson (1999), and Bill y Decker (1998) are likely entrants in this year’s race.

The top-6 drivers in time trials will lead the field in Sunday’s race. The seventh starting slot is reserved for a winner of a special late season Orange County feature race winner. The balance of the starting field will be made up of guaranteed starters and qualified drivers from heat and consolation races.

In recent years, both Heotzler and Hearn have won the 200-lap grind from the back of the field, proving that this race can be won from any position. That’s why a banner field is expected for this year’s edition of the oldest continuously-run championship race for Modifieds--- the 51st Annual Eastern States 200 Presented by Arkel Motors.

Advance tickets for Sunday’s race, or the entire Eastern States Weekend, plus camping and parking permits are available at the Speedway Office during regular business hours or through credit card sales (Visa and MasterCard) by calling 845-342-2573. Additional information can be found at the official Orange County Fair Speedway website, www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net.

Perris Auto Speedway

18700 Lake Perris Drive

Perris, CA 92571

(951) 940-0134

http://perrisautospeedway.com/

For further information contact Scott Daloisio (909) 226-7768 or mailto:racesatthepas@aol.com

For Immediate Release

72ND TURKEY NIGHT GRAND PRIX SCHEDULE!

(Perris, CA, September 27, 2012) Perris Auto Speedway has released the schedule for the 72nd running of the Turkey Night Grand Prix for the Mopar USAC National and Western Midgets on Thanksgiving Night, November 22nd.

Nov. 20 / 12:00 PM - Fairgrounds camp area opens - for information call: (951) 657-4221

Nov. 20 / 12:00 PM - Pits will open for transporter parking

Nov. 21 / 4:00 PM - Pit gate will open for practice

4:00 - Spectator gates will open for practice (free for fans)

5:00 - Practice begins

9:30 - Practice ends

Nov. 22 / 12:00 PM - Pit gate opens

2:00 - Spectator gates open

2:30 - 3:30 - On track autograph session

3:30 - 4:30 - Turkey Night Legends Autograph session sports bar

4:00 - Drivers meeting

4:30 - Wheel packing and hot laps

6:00 - Qualifying (top 14 locked into the main event)

7:00 - Opening ceremonies and national anthem

7:15 - Qualifying race #1. 12-Laps (odd number qualifiers top 8 transfer)

7:40 - Qualifying race #2. 12-Laps (even number qualifiers top 8 transfer)

Intermission

8:30 - Driver introductions on front straightaway

8:45 - 72nd Turkey Night Grand Prix main event

Trophy presentations

And:

Perris Auto Speedway

18700 Lake Perris Drive

Perris, CA 92571

(951) 940-0134

http://perrisautospeedway.com/

For further information contact Scott Daloisio (909) 226-7768 or mailto:racesatthepas@aol.com

For Immediate Release

TURKEY NIGHT GRAND PRIX "DON BASILE ROOKIE OF THE RACE AWARD!"

(Perris, CA, October 1, 2012) Bob Basile, son of National Sprint Car Hall of Famer Don Basile, has announced that the "Don Basile Rookie of the Race Award" will carry a $500.00 bonus at the 72nd running of the Turkey Night Grand at Perris Auto Speedway on Thanksgiving night, November 22nd. The event, which will feature the Mopar USAC National and Western States Midgets, will mark the long anticipated return to the dirt for America's longest running and most prestigious Midget race.

The younger Basile, who now presides over Sunnsyide Promotions, is happy to see the award carry on. "It means a lot to me to keep this award alive in my dad's name," he said. "Especially now that the race is back on dirt."

The Turkey Night Grand Prix was actually the first race the elder Basile ever attended as a youth in the late 1930s at Gilmore Stadium in Hollywood (now the site of CBS Studios). "As a young kid, Dad was running errands for J.C. Agajanian's dad “Pappy," Basile said. "J.C. invited dad to go to the race one Thanksgiving. After that dad was hooked on racing, but he would have to wait until after WWII before getting seriously involved at Carroll Speedway in his life long passion. Of course the Gilmore race was the last big race of the year and always part of Dad’s Thanksgiving plans."

The race took place at Gilmore from its inception in 1934 to 1950. Crowds of 18,000 were not uncommon for weekly Midget races at the venue, but by the late 1940s crowds dropped to below 9,000. Dwindling crowds and rising property values in the area created a new demand for the property. It was sold in 1950 and the stadium torn down one year later.

When Gilmore went away, so did the Turkey Night Grand Prix. The race was not run from 1951 through 1954. In 1955, with the help of Don Basile, J.C. Agajanian resurrected the Thanksgiving night tradition at Carroll Speedway in Gardena, where it remained until moving to Ascot Park in 1960. "In 1955 dad helped J.C. resurrect the great event and helped organize it for the next 20 years," Basile said. "When he passed on in 1998, I thought that a rookie of the race award would fit perfectly as dad helped young drivers throughout his racing career."

"We are pleased and honored that Bob is continuing the award in his dad's name for the 72nd running of the Turkey Night Grand Prix at The PAS," Perris Auto Speedway promoter Don Kazarian said. "The list (complete list below) of winners for the first 15 years that Bob has given the award is extremely impressive. We anxiously anticipate seeing who will win the award and the extra $500.00 Bob is putting up this year."

The winner of the award does not have to be a rookie Midget driver. It will go to the highest finishing driver who has never competed in the Turkey Night Grand Prix before.

Past winners of the Turkey Night Grand Prix "Don Basile Rookie of the Race Award."

1998 - Kasey Khane

1999 - Dave Steele

2000 - Aaron Pollock

2001 - Bobby East

2002 - Jerome Rodela

2003 - Ryan Durst

2004 - Brad Loyet

2005 - Kevin Swindell

2006 - Kody Swanson

2007 - Mike Murgoitio

2008 - Nic Faas

2009 - Levi Roberts

2010 - Dalton Armstrong

2011 - Kyle Larson

Advance tickets for the 72nd running of the Turkey Night Grand Prix are available now by calling -1-800-595-4849. You can also order online at: http://pas.tix.com/Schedule.aspx?OrgNum=7. Advance tickets will also go on sale at The PAS office on Monday, October 1st. E-mail Kim Kazarian for details: openwhchic.kim@aol.com

The entire 2012 PAS schedule is listed at the end of this release.

To keep up with all of the latest Perris Auto Speedway news, photos, gossip and receive special offers, sign up at The PAS Facebook site at: http://www.facebook.com/home.php - !/pages/Perris-Auto-Speedway/11387679868

You can also keep up with the latest news and receive special offers from The PAS Twitter site: http://twitter.com/perrisautospdwy.

Note: Here is a race that most definitely should be on live TV.

Susquehanna Speedway Park

- 2012 Schedule of Upcoming Events at “SSP Big Track”

(Schedule as of October 2, 2012 - Subject to Change)

October 3 (Wed.) Wed. Night Test & Tune Session at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.)

October 17 (Wed.) Wed. Night Test & Tune Session at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.)

October 19 (Fri.) 9th Annual Miller’s Racing Parts Fall Classic Qualifying Night - Street Stocks, Xtreme Stock Cars &

Classic Cars (7:00 p.m.) – Rain date: Saturday, October 20 (Championship Night will move to Sun., Oct. 21)

October 20 (Sat.) 9th Annual Miller’s Racing Parts Fall Classic Championship Night - Street Stocks, Xtreme Stock Cars

and Four Cylinder Stock Cars (6:00 p.m.) – Rain date: Sunday, October 21.

October 25 (Thurs.) Thursday Night Test & Tune Session at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.)

October 27 (Sat.) Candy Bowl VIII presented by J&K Salvage - ARDC Wingless Midgets, 600cc Micro Sprints, Sidewinder

Sprints, Sportsman Modifieds, Legends Cars, Thundercars & Mini Vans (2:00 p.m.) Raindate: Sunday,

October 28.

November 3 (Sat.) 9th Annual Turkey 200 Enduro – Big Car Enduro (100 laps) & 4/6 Cylinder Small Car Enduro (100

laps) plus Classic Cars, Mini Vans and Figure 8 Racing (1:00 p.m.); Rain date: Sunday, November 4.

November 10 (Sat.) The Final Showdown – Super (410) Sprint Car Finale & 358 Sprint Cars (2:00 p.m.) – Rain date:

Sunday, November 11.

During the season, SSP will also host Wednesday Night Test & Tune Sessions on October 17 and October 25 (Thursday). All Wednesday night practices will run from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. All pit passes from the postponed September 19 Test & Tune may be exchanged for half price ($6.00) pit admission for the remainder of the 2012 season at any Test & Tune. Pit passes from September 19 must be presented for exchange. Car entry fees will be half price for each car ($10.00) from September 19 and may be used once for the remainder of the season.

The Susquehanna Speedway Park is located midway between Harrisburg and York off I-83 to exit 32, then 1.4 miles NW on SR382 to York Road, then 1.3 miles south. For more information, contact the speedway offices at (717) 292-1696 or visit online at sspracing.net. On raceday, use the track phone at (717) 938-9170 for up-to-date information at the “Big Track.”

I get e-mails:

Here’s part of an e-mail I received this past Sunday:

First Lady Michelle Obama's Servant List and Pay Scale

The First Lady Requires More Than Twenty Attendants (Thats 22 Attendants to be exact)

1. $172,200 - Sher, Susan (Chief Of Staff)

2. $140,000 - Frye, Jocelyn C. (Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Policy And Projects For The First Lady)

3. $113,000 - Rogers, Desiree G. (Special Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary)

4. $102,000 - Johnston, Camille Y. (Special Assistant to the President and Director of Communications for the First Lady)

5. $100,000 - Winter, Melissa E. (Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)

6. $90,000 - Medina , David S. (Deputy Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)

7. $84,000 - Lelyveld, Catherine M. (Director and Press Secretary to the First Lady)

8. $75,000 - Starkey, Frances M. (Director of Scheduling and Advance for the First Lady)

9. $70,000 - Sanders, Trooper (Deputy Director of Policy and Projects for the First Lady)

10. $65,000 - Burnough, Erinn J. (Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary)

11. $64,000 - Reinstein, Joseph B. (Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary)

12. $62,000 - Goodman, Jennifer R. (Deputy Director of Scheduling and Events Coordinator For The First Lady)

13. $60,000 - Fitts, Alan O. (Deputy Director of Advance and Trip Director for the First Lady)

14. $57,500 - Lewis, Dana M. (Special Assistant and Personal Aide to the First Lady)

15. $52,500 - Mustaphi, Semonti M. (Associate Director and Deputy Press Secretary to The First Lady)

16. $50,000 - Jarvis, Kristen E. (Special-2Assistant for Scheduling and Traveling Aide to The First Lady)

17. $45,000 - Lechtenberg, Tyler A. (Associate Director of Correspondence For The First Lady)

18. $43,000 - Tubman, Samantha (Deputy Associate Director, Social Office)

19. $40,000 - Boswell, Joseph J. (Executive Assistant to the Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)

20. $36,000 - Armbruster, Sally M. (Staff Assistant to the Social Secretary)

21. $35,000 - Bookey, Natalie (Staff Assistant)

22. $35,000 - Jackson, Deilia A. (Deputy Associate Director of Correspondence for the First Lady)

(This is community organizing at it's finest.)

There has NEVER been anyone in the White House at any time who has created such an army of staffers whose sole duties are the facilitation of the First Lady's social life. One wonders why she needs so much help, at taxpayer expense, when even Hillary only had three; Jackie Kennedy one ; Laura Bush one ; and prior to Mamie Eisenhower social help came from the President's own pocket.

Note: This does not include makeup artist Ingrid Grimes-Miles, 49, and "First Hairstylist" Johnny Wright, 31, both of whom traveled aboard Air Force One to Europe .

FRIENDS.....THESE SALARIES ADD UP TO SIX MILLION, THREE HUNDRED SIXTY FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS ($6,364,000) FOR THE 4 YEARS OF OFFICE????? AND WE ARE IN A RECESSION????? WELL.....MOST OF US ARE. I GUESS IT'S OK TO SPEND WILDLY WHEN IT'S NOT YOUR OWN MONEY?????

Yes, Yes, I know, The Canadian Free Press has to publish this because the USA media is too scared they might be considered racist.

Sorry USA !

Found on Facebook:

Yes, he told us in advance what he planned to do. Few were listening. The following is a narrative taken from a 2008 Sunday morning televised "Meet The Press'.

From Sunday's 07 Sept. 2008 11 : 48 : 04 EST, Televised "Meet the Press" THE THEN Senator Obama was asked about his stance on the American Flag. General Bill Gann' USAF (ret.) asked Obama to explain WHY he doesn't follow protocol when the National Anthem is played. The General stated to Obama that according to the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171...

During rendition of the national anthem, when the flag is displayed, all present (except those in uniform) are expected to stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Or, at the very least, "Stand and Face It".

NOW GET THIS !!

'Senator Obama replied : "As I've said about the flag pin, I don't want to be perceived as taking sides". "There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression.." "The anthem itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all that sort of thing."

(ARE YOU READY FOR THIS???)

Obama continued : "The National Anthem should be 'swapped' for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song 'I'd Like To Teach the World To Sing'. If that were our anthem, then, I might salute it. In my opinion, we should consider reinventing our National Anthem as well as 'redesign' our Flag to better offer our enemies hope and love. It's my intention, if elected, to disarm America to the level of acceptance to our Middle East Brethren. If we, as a Nation of warring people, conduct ourselves like the nations of Islam, where peace prevails - - - perhaps a state or period of mutual accord could exist between our governments ......" When I become President, I will seek a pact of agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity, and a freedom from disquieting oppressive thoughts. We as a Nation, have placed upon the nations of Islam, an unfair injustice which is WHY my wife disrespects the Flag and she and I have attended several flag burning ceremonies in the past".
"Of course now, I have found myself about to become the President of the United States and I have put my hatred aside. I will use my power to bring CHANGE to this Nation, and offer the people a new path. My wife and I look forward to becoming our Country's First black Family. Indeed, CHANGE is about to overwhelm the United States of America "

Yes, you read it right.

I, for one, am speechless!!!

Dale Lindsborg , Washington Post

EVERYONE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NEEDS TO READ THIS, SO KEEP IT GOING ! ! GOD BLESS & SAVE AMERICA BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE ! !

By now you have probably heard that, as expected, Univision presented a blistering exposé of 'Fast and Furious', revealing dozens of previously unreported crime scene weapons linked to Obama and Holder's gun-running disaster, exposing additional FL and TX operations in addition to the one in AZ, and unveiling proof that a second U.S. agent, Jaime Zapata, was indeed murdered by a gun they sold to Mexican cartel killers. Univision also pointed their finger squarely at the Obama Administration as being responsible for the carnage across 2 continents. So how did the U.S. media respond to this blockbuster investigative report? CRICKETS. NONE of the major networks reported this story on their nightly news or morning shows - not even ABC, which OWNS Univision. The media phalanx will simply not allow this to touch their boy before the election. The only way for this issue to reach the American people is for Romney to blister Obama with it in the debates.

The above led to this, below:

ABC, CBS & NBC Blackout! Major New Findings in Fast & Furious Scandal Ignored

Over the weekend the Univision network broke major news in the Fast and Furious gunwalking scandal. They found 57 previously unreported guns used in crimes by Mexican cartels, but ABC, CBS and NBC have yet to report the Spanish-language network’s findings.

There were zero mentions on Sunday night’s ABC's World News and CBS's Evening News (NBC's Nightly News was pre-empted by Ryder Cup coverage) or on any of Monday’s morning shows. The blackout on ABC’s broadcasts is particularly confounding since they have an excerpt from Univision's September 30 report on ABC's official Web site.

The refusal by ABC, CBS or NBC to report the findings is remarkable since the Univision report not only contains politically explosive information to a sitting administration at the height of the election season but also compelling human tragedy. Univision’s Gerardo Reyes and Santiago Wills reported “Indirectly, the United States government played a role in the massacre” of 14 Mexican teens in a one-story house by “supplying some of the firearms uses by the cartel murders.”

The lack of coverage by the Big Three (ABC, NBC, CBS) networks continues their trend of mostly ignoring major events in the scandal that has led to calls for Attorney General Eric Holder’s resignation.

Some non-racing stuff:

Subject: Charlotte hospitality – PLEASE READ THIS – ITS NOT DIRECTED AT A PERSON, THIS IS THE REPRESENTATION AND ACTIONS OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY AS A WHOLE – I PERSONALLY AM APPALLED…

by Rev. Austin Miles

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (9/11/12) When the DNC came to Charlotte, area churches, 100 of them, offered hospitality, not knowing how much the Dems hate God and would actually boo God at the convention. They had no idea how that hatred would be directed at them and their churches.

The Sunday before the DNC, over 9000 people had come together to pray for the convention. Then, wanting to extend hospitality to the visitors to their city, 56 of the churches set out to “Adopt-a-Delegation.”

They put together gift baskets featuring Carolina Pralines and a letter welcoming them to the city and offering assistance in transportation, childcare or spiritual matters.

According to writer, Todd Starnes, The DNC banned the churches from distributing the gift baskets to delegates because, DNC said, the congregations hold values that are contrary to the party platform. Read that carefully AGAIN.

David Benham, one of the organizers of the outreach said, “We were just trying to display Southern hospitality.”DNC officials, however, conveyed to city leaders that the Christians would not be allowed to present their gift baskets.

Even the Charlotte Mayor’s office jumped in to tell the churches not to participate, saying that their views on women’s rights are contrary to the platform. That’s right….the same platform that booed God later.

Benham then asked if they could send welcome letters to the delegates. Again, the DNC refused, because, they said, “The churches hold pro-life values.”

The baskets did not contain a single political or pro-life message. They just wanted to give them regional candles and a welcome letter. The DNC refused to return numerous phone calls seeking comment.

But it gets worse. When a gathering of 200 Muslims showed up to pray for the convention, the Dems welcomed them with open arms and the liberal media gave extensive national coverage.

It is ironic that this day, in the shadow of that Islamic prayer event, we commemorate the greatest tragedy in American History, when Muslims attacked America on September 11, 2001, brutally killing thousands of innocent people.

Muslims who publicly state their hatred of our country with fierce determination to kill us all and put America under Sharia Law, are welcomed by the Democratic Party while Christians are pushed out of sight like criminals because they respect life and hold family values.

These are the same democrats who want you to vote them into office to direct the United States of America and every life from beginning to end. It is obvious that we must not let this happen.

Our thanks to Rev. Ed Berkey (retired) who alerted us to this story.

Austin Miles

At U.N., Muslim world questions Western freedom of speech

Muslim leaders were in unison at the United Nations this week arguing that the West was hiding behind its defense of freedom of speech and ignoring cultural sensitivities in the aftermath of anti-Islam slurs that have raised fears of a widening East-West cultural divide.

A video made in California depicting the Prophet Mohammad as a fool sparked the storming of U.S. and other Western embassies in many Islamic countries and a deadly suicide bombing in Afghanistan this month. The crisis deepened when a French magazine published caricatures of the Prophet.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said it was time to put an end to the protection of Islamophobia masquerading as the freedom to speak freely.

"Unfortunately, Islamophobia has also become a new form of racism like anti-Semitism. It can no longer be tolerated under the guise of freedom of expression. Freedom does not mean anarchy," he told the 193-nation U.N. General Assembly on Friday.

Egypt's newly elected Islamist president, Mohamed Mursi, voiced similar sentiments in his speech on Wednesday.

http://news.yahoo.com/u-n-muslim-world-questions-western-freedom-speech-031307397.html

Medicare fines over hospitals' readmitted patients

If you or an elderly relative have been hospitalized recently and noticed extra attention when the time came to be discharged, there's more to it than good customer service.

As of Monday, Medicare will start fining hospitals that have too many patients readmitted within 30 days of discharge due to complications. The penalties are part of a broader push under President Barack Obama's health care law to improve quality while also trying to save taxpayers money.

About two-thirds of the hospitals serving Medicare patients, or some 2,200 facilities, will be hit with penalties averaging around $125,000 per facility this coming year, according to government estimates.

Data to assess the penalties have been collected and crunched, and Medicare has shared the results with individual hospitals. Medicare plans to post details online later in October, and people can look up how their community hospitals performed by using the agency's "Hospital Compare" website.

It adds up to a new way of doing business for hospitals, and they have scrambled to prepare for well over a year. They are working on ways to improve communication with rehabilitation centers and doctors who follow patients after they're released, as well as connecting individually with patients.

For the first year, the penalty is capped at 1 percent of a hospital's Medicare payments. The overwhelming majority of penalized facilities will pay less. Also, for now, hospitals are only being measured on three medical conditions: heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia.

If General Motors and Toyota issue warranties for their vehicles, hospitals should have some similar obligation when a patient gets a new knee or a stent to relieve a blocked artery, Santa contends. "People go to the hospital to get their problem solved, not to have to come back," he said.

http://news.yahoo.com/medicare-fines-over-hospitals-readmitted-084833994.html

Could this be true:

Spanking Ban in Delaware? First State to Pass Law Expanding Child Abuse Definition Sparks Debate

The issue of spanking has divided parents for years. But one state in the United States may be taking a side. Earlier this month, Governor Jack Markell passed a controversial Delaware bill--criminalizing the act of recklessly or intentionally causing physical pain on a child.

Bill 234, sponsored by Delaware's Senate Majority Leader Patricia Blevins, asserts that when a "person recklessly or intentionally causes physical injury to a child through an act of abuse and/or neglect of such child" it is considered third degree child abuse and a class A misdemeanor.

The ambiguity of the definition of "physical injury" has prompted the law to be unofficially dubbed a "spanking ban" by some and has sparked debate over the state's right to interfere with personal parenting practices.

But one of the bill's biggest proponents, Attorney General Beau Biden, son of Vice President Joe Biden, has been adamant that spanking isn't the target of the law. "This will not do anything to interfere with a parent's right or ability to parent as they see fit, but it also makes it clear that if you abuse a child in any way, shape or form, we're going to have a statute that we're going to be able to use to protect kids," he stated.

So why didn't they include a clause that protects parents who spank from prosecution? It's not that simple, Patricia Dailey-Lewis, of the Attorney General's Office, tells Delaware WBOC news. "If we said it's okay to spank your child, and then we have a child who ends up dead from spanking, well, gee, we didn't mean that, we didn't mean kill. We didn't mean break their arm. It's such a vague area."

http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/spanking-ban-delaware-first-state-pass-law-expanding-181200724.html

Political (In a way):

House committee: security requests denied in Libya

American diplomats in Libya made repeated requests for increased security for the consulate inBenghazi and were turned down by officials in Washington, leaders of a House committee said Tuesday.

In a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, ChairmanDarrell Issa and Rep. Jason Chaffetz said their information came from "individuals with direct knowledge of events in Libya."

Issa, R-Calif. and Chaffetz, R-Utah said the Sept. 11 attack in Benghazi that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans was the latest in a long line of attacks on Western diplomats and officials in Libya in the months before Sept. 11.

The lawmakers said they plan a hearing on Oct. 10. They asked Clinton whether the State Department was aware of the previous incidents, and whether the level of security that was provided to the U.S. mission met the security threat, and how the department responded to requests for more security.

Referring to the Sept. 11 attacks, the letter said, "It was clearly never, as administration officials once insisted, the result of a popular protest."

The State Department has declined to answer questions about whether extra security was sought by officials in Benghazi ahead of the Sept. 11 attack. Clinton did, however, discuss security on Sept. 18, when asked whether measures were appropriate.

"Let me assure you that our security in Benghazi included a unit of host government security forces, as well as a local guard force of the kind that we rely on in many places around the world," she said.

"In addition to the security outside the compound, we relied on a wall and a robust security presence inside the compound. And with all of our missions overseas, in advance of September 11th, as is done every year, we did an evaluation on threat streams. And the Office of the Director of National Intelligence has said we had no actionable intelligence that an attack on our post in Benghazi was planned or imminent."

Just weeks before the attacks, the unarmed Libyan guards at the consulate, employed by British contractor Blue Mountain Group, were warned by family members to quit their jobs because there were rumors of an impending attack.

More can be seen here:

http://news.yahoo.com/house-committee-security-requests-denied-libya-151542076.html

And in a related matter:

Republicans press Clinton on Libyan security

Top Republican lawmakers wrote to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday saying they had information that U.S. diplomats requested increased security at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, ahead of the Sept. 11 attack, and that the requests were turned down by officials in Washington.

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa and Congressman Jason Chaffetz, who heads the panel's subcommittee on national security, homeland defense and foreign operations, asked Clinton to detail whether such requests were made and how they were handled. The committee plans to hold a hearing into the attack Oct. 10.

American officials have branded the attack a terrorist strike.

"Based on information provided to the Committee by individuals with direct knowledge of events in Libya, the attack that claimed [U.S. Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens'] life was the latest in a long line of attacks on Western diplomats and officials in Libya in the months leading up to September 11, 2012," they wrote. "It was clearly never, as Administration officials once insisted, the result of a popular protest.

"In addition, multiple U.S. federal government officials have confirmed to the Committee that, prior to the September 11 attack, the U.S. mission in Libya made repeated requests for increased security in Benghazi. The mission in Libya, however, was denied these resources by officials in Washington."

Issa and Chaffetz listed 13 incidents in Libya in the months leading up to the attack—which also killed three other Americans—that they argued should have triggered enhanced security.

One of them directly affected Ambassador Stevens: A Facebook page run by supporters of slain Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi highlighted that the diplomat "was in the habit of taking early morning runs around Tripoli" along with members of his security detail. The site highlighted those runs and included a picture of Stevens.

Asked about the letter, White House press secretary Jay Carney sidestepped the issue.

"I'm not going to get into a situation that's under review by the State Department or by the FBI in its investigation of what happened," he told reporters as President Barack Obama prepared for his Wednesday night debate with Mitt Romney.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/republicans-press-clinton-libyan-security-183825182--election.html

Note: Maybe you’ve seen/heard the same as I, already a push for Hillary Clinton for President in 2016. Definitely NO, as far as this writer is concerned!

And this: CNN hits hard on Libya: The only conclusion is that the White House tried to cover something up

Link: http://hotair.com/archives/2012/10/01/cnn-hits-hard-on-libya-the-only-conclusion-is-that-the-white-house-tried-to-cover-something-up/

Special note:

In order to cut my columns size down, I’ll just put in headlines and links to some items in future columns – both racing and non racing subjects. You can decide for yourselves what you might want to check out.

Like this:

In North Dakota, hard to tell an oil millionaire from regular Joe

http://news.yahoo.com/north-dakota-hard-tell-oil-millionaire-regular-joe-193713808.html

VOD: Penn State homecoming video blurs Joe Paterno’s name (Updated)

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/vod-penn-state-homecoming-video-blurs-joe-paterno-154623727--ncaaf.html

8 Social Security Myths Exposed

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/8-social-security-myths-exposed-095027639.html

Full 2007 Video of Obama Emerges of Then-Senator Obama Claiming Federal Discrimination Against New Orleans

http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/full-2007-video-obama-emerges-then-senator-obama-025905038--abc-news-politics.html

Turkey strikes back at Syria after mortar kills five

http://news.yahoo.com/blasts-syrian-city-aleppo-kill-27-lebanese-hezbollah-083606024.html

Forty-five percent of Americans say Obama failed on jobs, Esquire/Yahoo News poll finds

http://news.yahoo.com/esquire-yahoo-news-poll-americans-split-on-obama-jobs-record.html

Secret Cold War tests in St. Louis raise concerns

http://news.yahoo.com/secret-cold-war-tests-st-louis-raise-concerns-214608828.html

Bill Clinton: GOP taking away students' rights

http://news.yahoo.com/bill-clinton-gop-taking-away-students-rights-174910316--election.html

Video time:

How about a little comedy this week?

http://www.coolestone.com/media/4617/Funny-Prayer-About-Getting-Old/

Photos:

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

With the passing of Chris Economaki, I thought it would be nice to have a photo of him in this weeks column. Photo is of him and Ken Brenn, which I believe was taken a year or two ago, when Mr. Brenn had his car show in Warren, New Jersey. Again, my apologies for such a large photo!

Closing with this:

Did anyone notice – l did not have anything here last week? Big time “Brain Fart” on my end, folks!

It was Saturday morning as Jake, an avid hunter, woke up raring to go bag the first deer of the season. He walks down to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee, and to his surprise he finds his wife Alice, sitting there, fully dressed in camouflage.

Jake asks her, "What are you up to?" Alice smiles, "I'm going hunting with you!" Jake, though he had many reservations about this, reluctantly decides to take her along.

Three hours later they arrive at a game preserve just outside of San Marcos, Texas.

Jake sets his lovely wife safely up in the tree stand and tells her, "If you see a deer, take careful aim on it and I'll come running back as soon as I hear the shot."

Jake walks away with a smile on his face knowing that Alice couldn't bag an elephant - much less a deer.

Not 10 minutes pass when he is startled as he hears an array of gunshots. Quickly, Jake starts running back. As Jake gets closer to her stand, he hears Alice screaming, "Get the hell away from my deer!"

Confused and frightened, Jake races faster towards his screaming wife. And again he hears her yell, "Get the hell away from my deer!" followed by another volley of gunfire!

Now within sight of where he had left his wife, Jake is surprised to see a Texas game warden with his hands high in the air.

The game warden, obviously distraught, yelled, "Okay, lady! You can have your damn deer! Just let me get my saddle off it!"

Wishing all race fans, drivers, teams, team owners and sponsors to remain safe and out of harms way!

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