Racin' & Different Stuff:

By Tom Avenengo

Volume # 120

01/03/2013

First:

Sad to say, not much of a column this week. Got knocked on my butt from a bad chest cold. At least I hope that’s what it is. Hoping to see my Dr. on Wednesday. Results: I do have a real bad cold. Got some pills that I have to take for 10 days. We’re hoping they do the job. So, my apologies for what I’m throwing at ya!

Second:

Chris Romano comes out with this towards the end of the year.

I beg your indulgence for one more year.

For Auld Lang Syne – 2012 by Chris Romano

Before we fire up midgets for the Chili Bowl and Daytona Prototypes for the 24 Hours, let’s pause and remember those we lost in the sport this past year.

Carroll Shelby packed a whole lotta’ life in his 89 years. He won the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, retired from active driving due to a heart condition, and went on to create the Shelby Cobra and guide Ford’s debut at the 24 Hours, setting off a four year win streak starting in 1966.  Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins was a fixture in the NHRA and became synonymous with Pro Stocks.  Grumpy left us this year at age 81.  Ferdinand Porsche designed the landmark 911 for his family firm, a car that became a staple for amateur and pro racers alike.  He died this year at age 76.  Alan Mann carried the Ford flag for years in England in both British Touring Cars and World Sports Cars, passing this year at age 75.  C.J. Richards established the Champlain Valley Racing Association in 1960, built Devil’s Bowl Speedway, and was Northeast Promoter of the Year in 1997.  He died this year, age 74.

William F. Milliken, Jr., was a renowned aeronautical engineer and racer, who competed in the 1948 Grand Prix in the village of Watkins Glen.  He was named a Legend of Watkins Glen International in 2011, and died this year at age 101.  If you were a budding Indy Car driver the chances are you drove for Frank Arciero, Sr., a stalwart of the series for many years.  Frank left us at age 86.  If you were a Formula One entrant in the 1960’s and 70’s you most likely had a Hewland gearbox.  Mike Hewland founded the company in 1957, and died this year at age 89.  If you drove Formula One in the last thirty years you owe a debt of gratitude, and very likely your life to Dr. Sid Watkins, who presided over medical operations until his retirement in the mid 1990’s.  Sid worked tirelessly to improve medical facilities and safety in general in the sport, and died this year at age 84.  Scott Roembke, an encyclopedia of Indy Car racing and former CEO of Rahal Letterman Racing left us all too soon at age 50.  Ed Hyder built his west coast supermodifieds for Billy Vukovich III and Davey Hamilton, and passed on at age 61.

Dr. Joe Mattioli saw a piece of land in the middle of nowhere in upstate Pennsylvania and turned it into Pocono Speedway.  The nice guy left us this year at age 86.

Open Wheel racing lost 2007 Chili Bowl Rookie of the Year Donny Ray Crawford III died at age 24 this year, killed by his grandfather in a domestic violence incident.  At the time of his death he was getting ready to run the 2012 Chili Bowl. 

Jerry Grant almost won the 1972 Indy 500, but for a miscue in a late race pit stop. The veteran Indy Car and sports car racer was the first man to break 200 mph at Ontario Motor Speedway in 1972 driving for Dan Gurney. Jerry died this year at age 77.

Bob Tidaback was a fixture in the ATQMRA, running cars for his son Mike and others throughout the years.  Dave Thomas, Sr. left us all too soon this year after a lifetime running Supermodifieds and Late Models in New Hampshire.  William Caruso, a founding partner of Oswego Speedway and Director of  Operations for 40 years died this year at age 91.  Jack Steck was longtime USAC sprint car owner for drivers including Gary Bettenhausen and Rich Vogler. He died this year at age 74.  Dick Lindner, the 1971 Badger Midget Series car owner champion died this year at age 73.

On the sports car circuit we lost Gianpiero Moretti who founded Momo Steering Wheels but spent years racing Ferrari sports prototypes.  His crown jewel was finally winning the elusive 24 Hours of Daytona.  The affable paisan died this year at age 67. Fellow businessman and driver Gaston “Gus” Andrey died at age 86.  David Loring was a fixture in Formula Ford and also raced with Moretti and Andrey in the old ISMA days, and left us this year at age 61.  Canadian Craig Hill raced sports cars, supermodifieds and TQ midgets, in addition to doing TV commentary.  He left us this year at age 78. Vintage racer Michael Stott wheeled his Cobra with the SVRA and left us this year at age 75.

Across the pond Ted Cutting, who designed the gorgeous Aston Martin DBR1 died at age 85.  Veteran LeMans driver Francois Migault died at age 67.  Roberto Mieres raced Formula One and sports cars in the 50’s, and died this year at age 87.  British veteran competitor Les Leston passed on at age 91.  Roy Salvadori shared the winning Aston Martin with Carroll Shelby at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans.  He raced some in Formula One and became a team manager.  The Monte Carlo resident died this year at age 90.  Paul Pietsch drove for Auto Union in the pre-war Grand Prix days, passing this year at age 100. Count Giannino Marzotto, won the Mille Miglia twice, and left us this year at age 85.  Andre Simon drove for Gordini, Ferrari and Mercedes, and died this year at age 91.

American short tracks were where you could find Bob Newton’s product, Hoosier Tires.  The founder of the race tire company died this year at age 84.

Roger Hill, veteran modifed driver and owner died this year at age 64.  Carl Fink, veteran stock car racer in the Capital district of New York died this year.  At age 83 we lost Don Diffendorf, a New England Modified standout.  NASCAR owner for many years, Don Ling, Sr. died this year.  Richard “Big Daddy” Lamont was a former track champion at Riverside Speedway in New Hampshire before moving south to take up residence in a Street Stock at Southern National Motorsports Park.  He died suddenly this year at age 45.  Cotton Owens, a NASCAR legend in the 60’s passed on this year at age 88.  He transitioned from successful driver to successful car owner, most notably with David Pearson driving for him.  New Jersey dirt racing veteran Tom Hager died this year, and veteran North Carolina flagman Marion Jones died of cancer at age 80.  Cancer also claimed Don Murphy, veteran Oxford Plains Speedway pit steward.  Veteran New Hampshire Modified owner Wally Albro left us this year, as did Red O’Keefe, former West Haven Speedway champion at age 80.  Buck Simmons, Georgia Dirt Late Model legend was inducted into National Dirt Racing Hall of Fame in 2001, and the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in 2009.  He left us this year at age 66.  Winston Cup veteran driver Cecil Gordon passed on this year at age 71. Lebanon Valley regular J.C. Flach left us too soon at age 29, killed by a fallen tree on family property.  Chris McDonald, a Street Stock driver at Dillon and Florence, SC Speedways was killed in a highway accident.  And veteran Late Model and NASCAR driver Don Satterfield left us late in the year.

If you grew up in New England in the 1960’s you graced Norwood, Westboro, Stafford and Thompson Speedways, among others, and your favorite driver just might have been Wild Bill Slater.  He was, in a word, priceless.  After his considerable driving career ended he managed things at Thompson Speedway for a while.  The legend left us this year at age 83.

On track this year we lost Tyler Wolf, just 20, the Silver Dollar Speedway Sprint Car Champion in 2011.  Young Tyler died of injuries received in a crash at Calistoga.  Yuri Semenchev, 49, died of injuries in a touring car crash at the Smolensk Ring in Russia.  Phillip Yau Wing Choi, 28, was killed in a touring car crash at Macau.  Scott Doty died of a heart attack at age 41 during a race at New Egypt Speedway in New Jersey.  South African V8 Modified driver Curt Alchin was killed in a crash at Victory Raceway in Port Elizabeth.  Jerry Vanderpool was killed in a crash at the Thunder Valley Raceway Park drag strip in Oklahoma. He was 51, and tragically was racing his brother when he was killed.  Geraldo Backer died testing a Formula BKR at Serra, in Brazil, at age 48.  Dr. Sandra Harrison Moore was killed in the crash of her Caterham Seven in a sprint event at Goodwood, in England.  She was 37.  Jeff Osborn died at the wheel of his sprint car in a race at Valley Speedway in Missouri at age 38.  Mike Rooke was killed in the crash of his Honda Civic at the South Australian Motor Racing Championships at Mallala.  He was 33. Gene Bennett suffered a heart attack at age 62 after completing a Sportsman feature at I-77 Speedway in South Carolina.  Tim Sands died in the crash of his IMCA Modified at Columbus Junction Raceway.  He was 48 years old.  Rich Moore was killed at Thompson Drag Raceway in Ohio at age 56.  Dave Robinson died of injuries after crashing his PRB Composite at the Queensland Motor Racing Championships at Morgan Park Raceway in Australia.  Osamu Nakajima was killed in a GT race at Suzuka, age 54. And at age 12, Tyler Morr died of injuries received in a crash during a “kids race” at Auburndale Speedway in Florida.

The Fourth Estate lost Airborne Speedway announcer Rick Knowles Jr., at age 48.  Johnny Verissimo was better known as Johnny Mercury, and captured life at Seekonk Speedway in his photos for generations.  Veteran NHRA announcer Bernie Partidge died at age 79.  The voice of Hagerstown Speedway, Frank Sagi, left us this year.  Veteran sports car announcer Tom Hnatuw left us at age 58.  Jimmy Mosteller announced many a dirt race and was a Georgia Racing Hall of Fame inductee.  He died this year at age 86.  Photographer Dave Heath, a fixture at Thunder Road left us late this year.  Denny Strimple plied the same trade on the west coast, and died this year at age 65.

Chris Economaki founded an icon with National Speed Sport News, a motor racing bible.  The weekly could be found not only in the hands of race fans but in the movers and shakers of the sport for decades.  Economaki also brought racing to us in our living rooms in his many years with ABC.  They didn’t call him the Dean of US Motorsports for nothing.  It was a privilege to write for him.  Chris left us this year at age 91.

In Rio de Janeiro Circuit Jacarepagua, a former home to both Formula One and Indy Car was closed and partially bulldozed in preparation for the Olympics.

And what will we do without John Zahar.  The affable NEMA owner gave many a young driver a chance driving his venerable Trevis midget, but then John bought a Reider chassis and with drivers like Noki Fornoro and Greg Stoehr became a NEMA winner.  We shall all miss his ever present smile, his bushy white sideburns, and that unmistakable cowboy hat.

We shed a little tear, we remember them with a smile, we recall lives well led, and we lift a glass to them all for Auld Lang Syne.

Joyeaux Noel, Bonne Annee – Chris.

New Bern, NC.

__._,_.___

Additions:

I must share the passing of starter “Bud” Hervey who waved the flags at a number of tracks in eastern Ohio and western PA in the 50s and early 60s.  And driver “Spanky” Wilson, from the modified era of the 50s and 60s in eastern Ohio .

Rick Yocum

Add Stan Friesen, grandfather of Stewart Friesen, Sunday 12/23

Add former sprint car driver Hooker Hood on Dec 24^th.

Add former dirt modified driver turned race promoter Doug Hoffman, on Christmas Eve.

Doug Hoffman obit: http://heintzelmanfh.com/site/content/view/3380/1957/

And add Milt Johnson, father of Danny and Alan Johnson on Dec 26^th.

Add David “Salt” Walther to the list, he leaving us on 12/27

Add that Chuck Falkner has taken his last checkered flag. Chuck owned a beautiful re-creation of the 1960 DowGard Indy roadster that Tony Bettenhausen drove in the Indy 500 that year. Chuck was a regular at the Midwest vintage meets and supported them well.

Third:

Officials have high hopes for newest Oswego County DIRT track

http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/Officials-have-high-hopes-for-newest-Oswego/ysglq-Z5PEe5Fb1QIxsGbg.cspx

Fourth:

From my last column:

“Fifth:

"SENNA" movie showing on ESPN 2

All times are Eastern so adjust accordingly.

Sunday the 29th:

http://espn.go.com/espntv/onair/inde...-29-12-6:00-PM

And Monday, the 30th.

http://espn.go.com/espntv/onair/inde...-30-12-4:00-PM

Sixth:

“SENNA” – in parts:

Senna part 1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhM9uWsGSLM&feature=related”

Note: No idea as to why the movie wasn’t on TV. And also, my bad for not checking out the list of links I gave ya for the Senna parts. I was not aware that they had been pulled from You Tube.

Fifth:

You like “Nick Names”? Bet you’ve never seen a list like this one!

Nick Names:

http://www.coastal181.com/nlm-working-April-2005/Tearoffs/tearoffs-0-10-1.htm

Sixth:

New Jersey’s Historic Island Dragway Closes

http://www.dragzine.com/news/new-jerseys-historic-island-dragway-closes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-jerseys-historic-island-dragway-closes

Seventh:

Yup! It’s darn near Chili Bowl time!

http://www.chilibowl.com/

http://www.chilibowl.com/entries/manual.aspx

Eighth:

Heh, heh! Already, “stuff” is starting to hit the fan over the voting and results on this over the “fiscal cliff” cr*p. Speaking with my one son earlier on Wednesday night, he told me already he’d lose $50.00/week, right off the bat. Nice, huh?

Ninth:

Looking to help out a friend, here:

Her message:

“I am looking for a builder/developer that might be interested in sub-dividing 10-12 acres in Southbury. Approx. 2-3 homes can be constructed and sold. Does anyone know someone that might be interested.... Need info as soon as possible !!!! Thanks”

Also, this person had this to say, too: “I have a difficult thing to ask of everyone ... We have two adorable little doggies that need a good home. I would love for them to be together but I understand if they can't. If you are interested or know anyone interested please contact me as soon as possible.
JJ is a Pappion who is 11 years old
Chooch is a chihuahua mix who is about 5 years old
This breaks my heart but they deserve a good home”

Please call 203-262-8010

Found on Jayski’s website:

http://www.jayski.com/

Finch working on driver lineup for #51 UPDATE2:

Phoenix Racing team owner James Finch is close to settling on his lineup for 2013. Finch said Thursday that Regan Smith will run the Daytona 500 in the #51 Chevy. But with Smith concentrating on his new gig with JR Motorsports, there will be an opportunity for AJ Allmendinger as well. "Regan will go to Daytona for us, but I want to help AJ run some races, too," Finch said. "We're still working on the final schedule, but AJ will probably run Phoenix (International Raceway on March 3) for us." Allmendinger made his comeback with Phoenix Racing in October at Charlotte after completing NASCAR's "Road to Recovery" program for violating the sport's substance-abuse policy. His top result with the team was 24th in that race.(Fox Sports)(12-21-2012)

UPDATE:

James (Finch) telling Newschannel 7 Sports he's committed to run at least 18 Cup races in 2013, starting with the Daytona 500. He says he's secured a sponsor for both Daytona races in February, but won't announce that sponsor until after the first. James says Regan Smith will drive for Phoenix in the Daytona 500. Finch will use Smith for some other Cup races, though he'll have to share Smith, since he will drive the Nationwide Series for JR Motorsports. Allmendinger is another driver Finch would like to use on the Cup Series. AJ ran the final four races of 2012 for Phoenix and James says he liked how AJ handled the car. Allmendinger though apparently considering some offers to race Indy cars. As for running the whole cup circuit, Finch says he's hoping for some early success and that more sponsorship will come along, making running a full slate more possible.(News Channel 7, Panama City Beach, FL)(12-28-2012)

UPDATE 2:

As the clock winds down on 2012, Phoenix Racing, based in Spartanburg, is looking ahead to the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season, and it's going to be a season full of changes. "One of the biggest changes is the change in the Chevy body styles," Hendersonville's Steve Barkdoll, general manager of Phoenix Racing, said. "Sprint Cup is going to the Chevy SS and Nationwide to the Chevy Camaro. For a small team like us, that creates a lot more work, and our guys in the shop are doing an incredible job. They've been working non-stop to get ready for the season, and we've already got a couple of new cars in the shop that look really sharp." Just like last year, Phoenix Racing will be using multiple drivers. "For Daytona, we'll be going with Regan Smith, who also drives for Dale Jr.'s Nationwide team. Since Regan is committed to the Nationwide Series, he won't be able to run a full Cup schedule with us. We'll be looking to other drivers throughout the year, including A.J. Allmendinger again."(Spartanburg Herald Journal)(12-30-2012)

2013 silly season notes for #7-Robby Gordon / Robby Gordon Motorsports:

Indications are that Gordon will not run many, if any, Sprint Cup races in 2013 after making the Daytona 500 in 2012 he ran two more races, at Phoenix in Feb and Sonoma in June. Gordon failed to qualify for the races at Las Vegas and Fontana in March. He could run the Daytona 500 or the road course races at Sonoma or Watkins Glen. Spokesperson Alison McCabe said she doesn't think Gordon will participate in NASCAR due to his involvement in his new racing project, Robby Gordon's Stadium Super Trucks series but that they would never rule out the possibility of running selected NASCAR events. Gordon is also set to run Dakar Rally, which starts on January 5th. If Gordon does attempt any Cup races, no word what manufacturer he will use. Gordon has run Dodge the last couple of seasons. See more about other teams on my 2013 Team / Driver Silly Season Chart.(12-31-2012)

Papis helping train Dillon brothers:

Max Papis, who gained fame in central Ohio when he raced for Bobby Rahal in CART, was hired to help Austin and Ty Dillon (grandsons of Richard Childress) last week at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course during a Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Nationwide Series test. "We work out together. I show them the strengths and weaknesses of what helped me to become who I am," Papis said of some of his duties. "We do a lot of analysis of how we talk, how we approach the business, the mental and physical aspect of the racing. When I show up to the races, 80% of the job is done. We are preparing ourselves really well before. I'm really proud to see the improvement both kids had. I got them at the beginning of the season, and they were really shy. I saw a lot of changes, and we are just in the beginning." Austin Dillon is on the fast track to stardom in the sport. The 22-year-old was third in the Nationwide standings this past season, picking up a pair of wins and three poles to go with 27 top 10s. A year ago he was the youngest champion in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series history. Ty Dillon, his younger brother, was the ARCA champ in 2011 and the Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year this past season. Last week in Lexington, Papis was coaching up the elder Dillon, showing him the finer points of road racing, something Dillon lacks in his background in stock cars. "To be able to get his opinion on it and use him as a teammate, it will be great," Dillon said of the tutoring sessions in the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro. "It will be just like having a Cup driver here talking to him before the race." After bouncing around sports car series and NASCAR since his departure from CART, Papis acknowledges his new role in the sport is unique. "In a sport so tough like this, some people may laugh at you, but at the end of the day, I think it's jealousy more than anything else," Papis said. "I'm sure 90 percent of the guys out there would love to have a shoulder to lean on."(in part from the Bucyrus Telegraph Forum)(12-31-2012)

Judge orders unsealing of France's documents:

The N.C. Court of Appeals on Monday upheld a Mecklenburg judge's order unsealing the secret documents in NASCAR Chairman Brian France's legal battle with his former wife. The appeals court ruling is the latest twist in Brian and Megan France's efforts to keep secret the details of their legal wrangling and the contents of their separation agreement. Brian France has sought to scrap the agreement with his ex-wife that calls for him to pay the mother of his two children millions of dollars as well as more than $40,000 a month in alimony and child support. The NASCAR chairman claims Megan France breached their confidential separation agreement. Brian and Megan France also had sought to have the court hearings closed to the public. The appeals court ruling Monday upholds Mecklenburg District Judge Jena Culler's ruling in August 2011 unsealing the documents in the Frances' litigation. Culler also overturned an order by a former judge sealing the documents in 2008.(in part from the Charlotte Observer)(12-31-2012)

McMurray karting in Daytona:

#1-Jamie McMurray is enjoying the off-season by returning to his roots karting. The NASCAR driver is among the entries participating in the annual Daytona KartWeek World Karting Association events at Daytona International Speedway. Practice began on Friday with races scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Hundreds of karters from across the country will spend their holidays at Daytona International Speedway participating in WKA races on three different courses the 3.56-mile road course, the sprint track located in Turns 3 and 4 and the quarter-mile dirt track outside Turns 1 and 2. Tickets for Daytona KartWeek can be purchased at Ticket Booth E located above the Turn 1 tunnel near Williamson Boulevard. More info atdaytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(12-29-2012)

NBC expected to make push for NASCAR rights:

The shift to a less passive audience that would rather interrelate with a race telecast than just watch comes as NASCAR negotiates its next television contract. The current deal expires after the 2014 season and by the time '15 rolls around the TV landscape could look very different. FOX has already renewed its agreement through 2022 to the tune of $300 million per year, or $2.4 billion over the eight years. That's a significant bump up from the $220 million Fox is currently paying for a package of races that includes the Daytona 500. Despite a drop in ratings, an increase is also expected from other television entities for the remaining components of the contract, which include 23 other Sprint Cup races, ten inside the Chase, and the entire Nationwide Series schedule. Incumbents TNT and ABC/ESPN are expected to again jump back into negotiations but a wild card has come to the table in the form of NBC. Desperate for quality and popular live sports programming for its NBC Sports Channel, the Peacock Network is expected to make a substantial play for a big piece of the NASCAR pie. But while the dollars may turn out to be greater in the NBC proposal, at this point the network could not match the exposure and publicity NASCAR receives from the "World Wide Leader" in sports. As part of the mighty ESPN machine, NASCAR enjoys a hefty amount of promotion on not just auto racing-related programming but a wide range of content across a variety of television, radio and online platforms.(Motor Racing Network)(12-24-2012)

Danica driving Nationwide for Turner Motorsports?

Danica Patrick will drive for Turner Motorsports in her 10-race commitment to this year's Nationwide Series schedule, sources tell espnW.com. Driving for JR Motorsports in her first full-time Nationwide season last year, Patrick produced the highest final points finish (10th) among women in NASCAR history. She will begin her partial campaign in NASCAR's second-tier series on Feb. 23 at Daytona International Speedway in conjunction with her first full Sprint Cup season with Stewart-Haas Racing the same weekend. Turner Motorsports was a fit for Patrick not just because it fields Hendrick Motorsports-produced Chevy like Stewart-Haas. Richard Childress Racing vice president of competition Mike Dillon told espnW.com in November that his organization had discussed the possibility of Patrick driving his team's #33 Chevy, saying "we would love to run Danica. We think we could do a lot with her." Dillon's team already had re-signed three-time Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart, who has six wins in 13 Nationwide starts at Daytona, for the opener, however, and Patrick's management team preferred the continuity of allying with one organization for her supplemental program. Though not all details concerning Patrick's remaining schedule have been finalized, she is expected to race it with Turner. Patrick's Turner Motorsports car would be sponsored by GoDaddy.com, sources said. Her schedule is expected to include events at Talladega and Watkins Glen.(ESPN.com)(1-2-2013)

NASCAR credit included in "fiscal cliff" deal:

The "fiscal cliff" deal reached by the Senate and the White House on New Year's Eve, and passed in legislative form by the Senate early New Year's Day, includes many giveaways to special interests--including an extension of a perk enjoyed by "motorsports entertainment complexes" otherwise known as the "NASCAR tax credit." The provision, under section 168(i)(15) of the federal tax code, allows speedways to write off their costs over seven years. Typically, such expensing occurs over a much longer period of time, from 15 to 39 years. The cost of the NASCAR tax credit to taxpayers has been estimated at some $40 million--over and above any tax incentives provided by state and local authorities. Hollywood films also enjoy a tax incentive extension in the "fiscal cliff" deal.(Breitbart)(1-2-2013)

Going back, in time:

Back in early 1960 (maybe even back into 1959), the wife and I always hit the indoor TQ races that were a weekly attraction in the Teaneck, NJ Armory. Opening race date in 1960 was on January 12^th. 35 cars entered the show on a cold night. The Armory was packed with race fans. I’ll skip the heats and other races and get right to the 14 car – 35 lap feature. The lineup: Mauris, Wall, Sweeten, Eisenhower, Bonadies, Clifton, Kaback, Klar, Duffy, Marshman, Jim Lacy, Duncan, Sanders & McCoy.

How they finished: Klar, Duncan, Clifton, Marshman, Kaback, Duffy, Eisenhower, McCoy and Wall. Non finishers were: Sanders, Lacy, Mauris, Sweeten & Bonadies.

The above was found, here: http://www.wheelsofspeed.com/report/1_9_60-1.html

News from the AARN:

http://www.aarn.com/

Nothing this week, and it’s doubtful I’d have an AARN by next week, since they’re on vacation, and next issue is due January 8^th.

Here are the entry lists for the Indoor Racing at Atlantic City on 2/2:

http://www.aarn.com/acindoorrace2013/acentrylists2013.html

Note: The 600 Micros, Champ Karts and Slingshot classes have been filled.

Former Oakland Valley Speedway (Dirt Oval) runners:

As far as I know, there were no former Dirt Oval runners in the events in Rhode Island. I do know there are some entered for Atlantic City on 2/2.

Press Releases:

Borgers Updates

Borgers PR

Media Contact

Bob Snyder

bobsnyderphoto@enter.net

Borgers Open Practice January 12 and 26, 2013.

First of all to get everyone updated on Glenn. He is doing fine and should be released from Rehab any day.  Had another echocardiogram and brain scan and everything is good.  Blood sugar is normal and he is as cranky as ever and wants to get out.  He was home on Christmas and New Years eve but they just want to make sure his walking a stable enough so he does not fall.  To clear up any rumors the bleeding on the brain was from the fall and in fact may have happened when he fell two months ago at the track.  He will be home for the practice dates.

We are scheduling an open practice January 12 and 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. weather permitting. Practice is open to any racecars and there will be a $20 pit pass required for anyone entering the pits. Grandstand is free.  One car will be allowed on the track at a time.  Anyone entering the pits under 18 must fill out a release form and it must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.  We will have forms available and they can be downloaded from our web-site.

Our rules meeting will be held February 9 at the Wind Gap Fire Hall in Wind Gap, Pa. at 1:00 p.m.

We have been in negotiations with ATQMRA for two sanctioned races.   Dates will be announced shortly.  On dates that ATQMRA races at Mahoning and Mountain we will run our TQ show first at 2:00 p.m. so any drivers wishing to race with ATQMRA at Mahoning and Mountain can do so.  We will also be scheduling an event with the Vintage TQ Club.

Borgers Speedway will be running all of last year’s classes.  TQ/Asphalt 600 Sprints, Wingless Dirt 600 Sprints.  The Dirt 600 Sprints will run their own show but will be allowed to run with the TQ’s in all events with the exception of the two ATQMRA sanctioned events.  Dirt guys and gals this gives you two opportunities to race each week.  AllStar and Junior Slingshots will run with additional special events plus the tour shows.  We could not reach an agreement with the XCEL 600 Modifieds however if any Modifieds wish to race we will run them.  Karts, Slingshots, MicroStocks, and Quarter Midgets will be on the card.

Roger Snyder with MSRS has informed me that four races will be on their schedule and we will do a major race for them in our OctoberFest Series.

We are obtaining sponsorship to run a six race series April through August along with their weekly show for Champ Karts and Junior Clones.  If we have any other large classes we will consider doing the same for them. 

In an effort to build up the Junior Classes we are considering a cash payout to the parents for all Juniorclasses with the exception of the Kid Karts.  The Juniors will pay the same entry fee and pit pass as the Senior Classes and run for the the Senior payout.  I would like to have your input on this.

We will do the same for the Quarter Midgets if they are willing to support us.  We are considering running the Quarter Midget on turns one and two of the inner loop and three and four of the big track. I would also like input on this.  We are also looking to reschedule the Starz Of Tomorrow race in April.

We have plans for many special shows including some under the lights shows for all divisions.  We got our feet wet this past season and are looking to make big things happen in 2013 at Borgers Speedway.

Follow us on Facebook or the Borgers Speedway web-site www.borgers-speedway.com Any questions can be sent to me at bobsnyderphoto@ente.rnet

I get e-mails:

This is amazing. There are two parts. Be sure to read the 2nd part.

First part:

Thomas Jefferson was a very remarkable man who started learning very early in life and never stopped.

At 5, began studying under his cousin's tutor.

At 9, studied Latin, Greek and French.

At 14, studied classical literature and additional languages.

At 16, entered the College of William and Mary.

At 19, studied Law for 5 years starting under George Wythe.

At 23, started his own law practice.

At 25, was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses.

At 31, wrote the widely circulated "Summary View of the Rights of British America and retired from his law practice.

At 32, was a Delegate to the Second Continental Congress.

At 33, wrote the Declaration of Independence .

At 33, took three years to revise Virginia 's legal code and wrote a Public Education bill and a statute for Religious Freedom.

At 36, was elected the second Governor of Virginia succeeding Patrick Henry.

At 40, served in Congress for two years.

At 41, was the American minister to France and negotiated commercial treaties with European nations along with Ben Franklin and John Adams.

At 46, served as the first Secretary of State under George Washington.

At 53, served as Vice President and was elected president of the American Philosophical Society.

At 55, drafted the Kentucky Resolutions and became the active

head of Republican Party.

At 57, was elected the third president of the United States .

At 60, obtained the Louisiana Purchase doubling the nation's size.

At 61, was elected to a second term as President.

At 65, retired to Monticello .

At 80, helped President Monroe shape the Monroe Doctrine.

At 81, almost single-handedly created the University of Virginia and served as its first president.

At 83, died on the 50th anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence along with John Adams.

Thomas Jefferson knew because he himself studied the previous failed attempts at government. He understood actual history, the nature of God, his laws and the nature of man. That happens to be way more than what most understand today. Jefferson really knew his stuff. A voice from the past to lead us in the future:

John F. Kennedy held a dinner in the white House for a group of the brightest minds in the nation at that time. He made this statement:"This is perhaps the assembly of the most intelligence ever to

gather at one time in the White House with the exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."

Second part - What he said:

"When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe ."

-- Thomas Jefferson

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."

-- Thomas Jefferson

"It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world."

-- Thomas Jefferson

"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."

-- Thomas Jefferson

"My reading of history convinces me that most bad government

results from too much government."

-- Thomas Jefferson

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms."

--Thomas Jefferson

"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."

-- Thomas Jefferson

"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."

-- Thomas Jefferson

"To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and

tyrannical."

-- Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:

"I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies.

If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property - until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."

I wish we could get this out to everyone!

I'm doing my part. Please do yours.

Found on Facebook:

On Facebook on 12/25/12

Let's give a shout out to the Monroe, Ct. police force and those of three other adjoining towns to Newtown. They volunteered to work today so the Newtown police can have their first day off since the tragedy and they gave up their Christmas so the Newtowners could have Christmas. Many refused to be paid. There is good out there too.

11 states now have more people on govt aid than they have people working/producing. This coupled with a fiscal cliff, already high unemployment, national debt surpassing gross domestic product (GDP), and a long line of FAILED quantitative easings,... expect for the economy to get a LOT worse for many, many years to come.

President Obama in response to the "fiscal cliff" vote: I won't go along with cuts to spending without more taxes. Also, he says he won't debate on raising the debt ceiling. Basically, he is saying more taxes, more spending and more debt---and I don't won't to hear any complaints from the American people.

SCHOOL OBAMA'S DAUGHTERS ATTEND HAS 11 ARMED GUARDS

SCHOOL OBAMA'S DAUGHTERS ATTEND HAS 11 ARMED GUARDS

SCHOOL OBAMA'S DAUGHTERS ATTEND HAS 11 ARMED GUARDS

SCHOOL OBAMA'S DAUGHTERS ATTEND HAS 11 ARMED GUARDS

Some non-racing stuff:

Gun Ranges to be Regulated Under Draconian Bill

http://www.prisonplanet.com/gun-ranges-to-be-regulated-under-draconian-bill.html

SCHOOL OBAMA'S DAUGHTERS ATTEND HAS 11 ARMED GUARDS

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/12/23/School-Obama-s-Daughters-Attend-Has-11-Armed-Guards-Not-Counting-Secret-Service

'Fiscal cliff' deal to block pay hike for Congress

http://news.yahoo.com/fiscal-cliff-deal-block-pay-hike-congress-041813369--politics.html

Report details changes in Benghazi explanations

http://news.yahoo.com/report-details-changes-benghazi-explanations-193931618--politics.html

U.S. House aims to split Sandy aid bill into two parts

http://news.yahoo.com/u-house-aims-split-sandy-aid-bill-two-023739972.html

Charity behind star-powered Sandy concert is funding disaster relief on a human scale

http://news.yahoo.com/charity-behind-star-powered-sandy-concert-funding-disaster-010010160.html

Note: VERY interesting read, folks!

Budget struggle raising anxiety for health care

http://news.yahoo.com/budget-struggle-raising-anxiety-health-102601581.html

OBAMA'S NEW ECONOMIC NORMAL: SEVEN DEVASTATING FACTS

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/12/31/Obama-s-New-Economic-Normal-Seven-Devastating-Facts

House Republican leaders seek escape from ‘fiscal cliff’ mess

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/senate-house-faces-test-fiscal-cliff-deal-161832950--politics.html

Ann Curry Begs NBC To Release Her From Her Contract

http://www.khq.com/story/20479383/ann-curry-begs-nbc-to-release-her-from-her-contract

Ten states raise minimum wage, rates up 10 to 35 cents/hour

http://news.yahoo.com/ten-states-raise-minimum-wage-rates-10-35-221300619.html

Note: Talk about a crime!

Why Harry Reid Was Sidelined for Joe Biden

http://news.yahoo.com/why-harry-reid-sidelined-joe-biden-185717368--politics.html

Senate's "fiscal cliff" bill packed with sweeteners

http://news.yahoo.com/senates-fiscal-cliff-bill-packed-sweeteners-204025876--business.html

House Republicans aim to bring up Senate "fiscal cliff" bill if option fails: aide

http://news.yahoo.com/house-republicans-aim-bring-senate-fiscal-cliff-bill-233959922.html

Senate's "fiscal cliff" bill adds $4 trillion to deficits: CBO

http://news.yahoo.com/cbo-says-senates-fiscal-cliff-bill-adds-4-193928294.html

House Republicans seek $330 billion in spending cuts in fiscal cliff amendment

http://news.yahoo.com/house-republicans-seek-330-billion-spending-cuts-fiscal-235046877--sector.html

Despite deal, taxes to rise for most Americans

http://news.yahoo.com/despite-deal-taxes-rise-most-americans-080605126--finance.html

Note: Please don’t get me going on Hillary!

Video time:

Can what this video is trying to tell us be actually true? What would you do?

New tires on the rear:

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=pXiWuCtE3cE

Photos:

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

I figured since I had put in about that race in Teaneck, won by Russ Klar, that I’d throw in a photo of Russ, this week. If I can recall correctly, the photo below was in Open Wheel magazine, some years ago. Its Russ pictured in the Fred (Fritz) Maier two engined BMW Midget. To the best of my knowledge, the car is still down in Texas, in the hands of AJ Foyt, for restoration.

Closing with these:

IMPOSSIBILITIES IN THE WORLD

1) You can't count your hair.

2) You can't wash your eyes with soap.

3) You can't breathe when your tongue is out.

Put your tongue back in your mouth, you silly person. (This was just a test!)

Ten (10) Things I know about you.

1) You are reading this.

2) You are human.

3) You can't say the letter ''P'' without separating your lips.

4) You just attempted to do it.

6) You are laughing at yourself.

7) You have a smile on your face and you skipped No. 5.

8) You just checked to see if there is a No. 5.

9) You laugh at this because you are a fun loving person & everyone does it too.

10) You are probably going to send this to see who else falls for it.

You have received this e-mail because I didn't want to be alone in the
idiot category.

Have a great Day.

Laugh, and then Laugh and sing "It's a Beautiful Morning" even when it's not.

"Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many."

Again - Special notice: There will be a column next week.

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