Racin'
& Different Stuff:
By Tom
Avenengo
Volume # 123
01/24/2013
First:
I started this
weeks column last Sunday. Did a little
searching on the Internet for news – both racing and non racing. So far, non racing has more, as one can
expect. Now, it’s Monday, and my
ambition is zilch. Must be the “Winter
time blues”?
Second:
The wife has
an appointment on Tuesday with her oncologist.
More than likely a wasted visit, as far as we’re concerned. A lot depends on whether she still has some
remnants of diarrhea, which, as of Monday, seem to have subsided. Me – not much sleep on Saturday night, but
had a pretty restful night on Sunday night.
Both of us are much better – well as of Monday.
And, due to
the ongoing deal with the wife and her diarrhea, we had to cancel her
appointment for Tuesday. Now it will be
next Monday – same day she has blood work done for the IV Chemo on Tuesday, the
29th.
Me – I had an
appointment with my surgeon on Wednesday to discuss the stent in my aorta and
also the blockage that is in my left side carotid artery. Blockage seems to be worse than I thought,
with him telling me it’s 80 – 95%. Right
now, it isn’t a real “emergency” situation, but could be. I have another appointment with him on May 8th,
and at that time we’ll set up a date for the surgery – unless I decide to get
it done earlier – on my own or if I develop some kind of symptoms. Of course he told me it would just involve an
“overnight” hospital stay. I reminded
him he told me the same thing when that stent was put in, and it ended up a 5
day stay.
Also, I can’t
have an MRI and he did say if I should have a CAT Scan, there would be no dye
used¸ since the dye and my kidneys are not too compatible with each other.
Third:
Word is that Brett Hearn was voted as the
best driver for this area over the last 50 years, per the AARN. I requested that I have the digital AARN, but
with the AARN tied up with indoor racing and the Motor Sports show this past
weekend, I have yet to get it. Once I
get it, it should be a breeze getting news from the paper into my columns.
Fourth:
I’ve been in contact with a gentleman named Jeff Lambert who will be starting a weekly “results” from OCFS on the Dirt
Track Digest, starting with the first race of 2013. Best of luck to him! I always enjoyed doing race reports when I
did them for the Dirt Oval at OVRP. It
sure helps when the track gives you the information, that’s for sure! Also, being planned are some possible driver
interviews.
Fifth:
Rumors – some end up being true, some don’t. Two that I’ve heard over this past week are
that the new pit area for OCFS might not be done in time for opening night. The second one was that Steve Pados would not
be the track announcer at Accord this coming season. Anyone else hear the same?
Note: See Eleventh, below.
Sixth:
Did you know that the first
road race win for Mario Andretti was at Lime Rock and was in a midget? It was also the very first professional race
for Mark Donohue.
From
the Internet:
The Lime Rock Formula Libre (‘run what you
brung’) Race was a landmark event. There is an account & photos of the
event at coldplugs.com
http://www.coldplugs.com/lime_rock_park01.htm
Note:
Link no longer works – sorry!
BTW: A zillion races at Lime Rock & just a few involving Midgets.
But in addition to Rodger Ward’s historic win, Mario Andretti’s 1st ever road
race win came in a midget @ Lime Rock.
And, in that same event, Mark Donohue was driving his first professional race.
Donohue drove a Cooper/Offy midget owned by…Ken Brenn. Donohue wrote of Ken
Brenn & the first money ($600) he made racing, on pages 22-26 in his book,
‘The Unfair Advantage.
There were a couple of heats & Donohue wrote they were repairing the
Cooper-Offy & were going to miss the start, but Dutch Schaeffer put his car
on the grid & disappeared.
They were hunting & paging Dutch like crazy, but he didn’t get back from
the ‘men’s room’ until the repairs on Brenn’s Cooper/Offy were completed.
So, the great Dutch Schaeffer made it possible for Mark Donohue to win his
first pro money.
Seventh:
Stewart hopes to revisit Penske's Indy 500
offer
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/stewart-hopes-revisit-penskes-indy-211145076--irl.html
Eighth:
Who
woulda thought?
Fairgrounds
Square Mall in foreclosure
The
property is set for auction at marshal's sale in March. The mall continues to
operate as normal.
http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=445086
Ninth:
Again, Looking to help out a friend, here:
COLONIAL FARMHOUSE ON 17+ ACRES......
Main House 3000 sq ft 3 BR - LR - Washer/dryer - 3/4 Bath Eat in
Kitchen
Seperate parking area for boat/camper/extra parking in driveway
In-Law Rental Apt above the garage - 1000 sq Feet
Seperate deck and car port for Apt.
Apt has all seperate Utilities
3 Large Bedrooms in Main House
2 1/2 Baths In Main House
Large Living Room
Large Eat in Kitchen
Dining Room
Wrap around covered porch (Front and Back)
3 car Garage
Full Basement (Partially Finished)
Combo Wood/Oil Burning Furnace
Pictures of the property - Lot #1-87-17A
Asking...$850,000 Prior to a real estate agent there is room for
negotiating....After listing with an agent its firm
Note: Some photos were sent
to me. If you’d like to see photos of
the house and property, you can e-mail me and I’ll gladly send them to you.
Please
call 203-262-8010 or, e-mail me at:
ygordad@yahoo.com
Tenth:
Brian
Caruso – grandson of legendary race car owner Mike Caruso, has, in a way, done
me some favors. He has posted links to
some of my photo articles and also a link to the New England Tractor – Race
Report website.
Eleventh:
Dunno,
but that rumor on Steve Pados not being the announcer at Accord – Steve is
usually the one that does the PR for the track.
I found this, on the Accord Speedway’s website. Notice the author. Also some rule changes, too.
Getting Ready for Another
Exciting Season of Racing
By FRANK CATIZONE
ACCORD, NY – The curtain will
open on another exciting season of racing at the Accord Speedway on Friday,
April 12 when a full program of drivers will get ready to tackle the fast,
quarter-mile banked Ulster County bull ring.
Accord, under the promotion
of track owners Gary and Donna Palmer for 13 years, will run continuously every
Friday evening through September. The powerful Modifieds, Sportsman, Spec
Sportsman, Pro Stock and Pure Stock divisions will make up each weekly racing
card. The Lightning Sprints and Fireball Four-Cylinder classes will run on
alternating weeks.
The 2013 season-opener, under
the sponsorship of Williams Lumber, will once again be highlighted by the
Modified division, which will compete in qualifying races and the annual Scott
Harvey Memorial 30-lap main event. The hots laps start at 6:30 p.m. and racing
at 7.
Andy Bachetti, who won this
race last season, reeled off seven straight victories to start the 2012
campaign en route to capturing the track championship. Bachetti went on to win
11 times and will be honored along with the rest of the divisional titlists at
Accord’s annual awards banquet on March 23 at the Hillside Manor in
Danny Creeden, who battled
Bachetti for the track crown throughout
the 2012 campaign, scored three wins a year ago and Danny Tyler won twice. Jeff
Heotzler Sr. claimed the only other win during the regular season for the
Modifieds, who will be sponsored once again by All American Ford.
The Modifieds will have the
option of competing with sail panels in 2013 and all divisions will be going
back to a handicapping system for their starting positions. Last year, drivers
drew for their starting spots for the heat events when entering the pits.
The track sponsors for the
upcoming season will once again be American Racer Tires and Lucas Oil. They
will be joined for the first time in 2013 by Sunoco Fuel. All feature winners
will be presented their trophies in the Lucas Oil Winner’s Circle.
Joining All America Ford as
weekly sponsors are Escape RV (Sportsman), Healy Brothers (Spec Sportsman),
Ruge’s
All divisions will have an
opportunity to test out their equipment a week before the season opener when
Accord hosts a practice session on April 5. There will also be a safety
inspection conducted and the rain date is April 6.
Some other highlights on the
2013 racing calendar include a fireworks extravaganza and chicken barbecue on
June 28, A Christmas in July sponsored by Ruge’s on July 26, and Camera and
Autograph Night sponsored by Royal King Cleaners on August 2.
The annual King of the
Catskills Weekend, sponsored by WSL Construction, is slated for Sept. 20-21
with the rain date on Sept. 27-28. The Wreckage in the Catskills program is
scheduled for Oct. 12. The event is highlighted by a $2,000-to-win Four
Cylinder Enduro sponsored by Liggan Insurance.
Accord
Found
on Jayski’s website:
NASCAR
using new laser device for inspection:
Along
with the development of the Gen-6 race car has been the development of the
inspection process. The newest development now in place is the use of a laser
device which measures "40 different positions". The device, while
similar to a process used in the Formula One series, is massive steps ahead.
"There is no other system like this used in any other form of
racing," exclaimed John Darby, Managing Director of Competition and the
Director of Sprint Cup Series. The race teams have known of the impending
inspection change for close to six months. The media, and those who will visit
the garage area during the races are getting a first look.(see more and a video
of the inspection process at RPM2Night)(1-18-2013)
2013 silly season notes for #30-David
Stremme / Swan Racing:
Many changes for this team. The team was
sold to Brandon Davis who formed Swan Racing. The purchase of Inception
Motorsports occurred in October 2012. David Stremme will be the primary driver
of the #30 Swan Energy
Cassill leaves BK Racing UPDATE Reutimann in:
Landon Cassill issued the following statement Wednesday afternoon,
"This is a tough decision but with one month before the Daytona 500 I have
no other option but to leave the #83 BK Racing
UPDATE:
David Reutimann will drive the #83
Earnhardt grandson to run ARCA Trucks:
Bobby Dale Earnhardt, grandson of legendary NASCAR champion Dale
Earnhardt, has announced plans to race full-time in the ARCA Truck Series in
2013. Bobby Dale Earnhardt moved to WV in March 2012 and teamed up with Wilson
Motorsports and has created a three year plan to get to NASCAR. Bobby Dale
Earnhardt is the son of Kerry Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt's
son.(bobbydaleearnhardt.com)(1-18-2013)
NASCAR considering European races:
NASCAR has revealed that it would consider hosting exhibition
races in
Tommy Baldwin Racing changes car number:
Tommy Baldwin Racing is paying homage to its heritage with the
announcement that Dave Blaney will drive the #7 Chevrolet SS in the NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series starting at the season-opening Daytona 500. The number is a
tribute to team owner Tommy Baldwin Jr.'s late father, Tom Baldwin Sr., who was
a beloved NASCAR Modified driver, and sported the number 7NY throughout his
career. Working on his father's cars is how
Allmendinger has four race deal with #51 team:
AJ Allmendinger has an opportunity to initially run four NASCAR
Sprint Cup races for #51
Charlotte Motor Speedway testing is over:
After getting rained out on Thursday, then an almost four hour
delay, due to a wet track/ice melting on Friday, the Sprint Cup Series finally
got some testing done at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The test ran from 12:45 -
7:30pm/et. 33 cars ran laps.
#43-Almirola was the fastest at 194.021mph [faster then the track
record] then #99-Edwards, #13-Mears, #9-Ambrose, #48-Johnson, #55-Martin,
#16-Biffle, #56-Truex Jr., #15-Bowyer & #17-Stenhouse Jr. #11-McDowell
(subbing for Hamlin) ran the most laps with 204, followed by #18-Busch (156)
and #22-Logano (139). #95-Speed was the slowest of the 33 drivers/cars at
186.968 and ran the least amount of laps at 41.
AND More than 2,000 fans braved the chilly January temperatures to
watch more than 30 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers take to the track in the
rain-shortened sixth-generation car test at Charlotte Motor Speedway. At the end
of the day, Richard Petty Motorsports' driver Aric Almirola turned the fastest
lap of 27.832 seconds at 194.021 mph. Carl Edwards (27.882 seconds at 193.673
mph) and Casey Mears (27.924 seconds at 193.382 mph) clocked the second and
third fastest laps respectively, with Marcos Ambrose (27.938 seconds at 193.285
mph) and Jimmie Johnson (28.009 seconds at 192.795 mph) rounding out the top
five. During a morning delay, Roush Fenway Racing driver Greg Biffle told media
the time on the track was important to provide teams invaluable information
about the new cars. "We've tested a few times with a composite body and
not all of the latest rules, but this is really it for us," he said.
"We needed these two days to really figure out what the car is gonna end
up like. Hopefully, we can test into the evening and it won't get too cold too
fast because I'd rather stay as long as we can and get as much information as
we can, versus having to pack this whole show up and go somewhere else again,
or come back later."(CMS)
Qualifying for 2013 Sprint Cup Series at Pocono moved to Friday:
Pocono Raceway announced changes to their two 2013 NASCAR Sprint
Cup Series and ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards race weekends. NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series qualifying for the Pocono 400 and the
"We are excited with the changes to the 2013 race weekend
schedules," said Pocono Raceway's President and CEO, Brandon Igdalsky.
"Our fans were outspoken regarding the return of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
qualifying back to its traditional Friday slot. Additionally, our jam-packed
August Pennsylvania 400 race weekend will now include three straight days of
races with the ARCA Racing Series race moving to Friday; the Pocono Mountains
125, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and two Sprint Cup practice
sessions on Saturday and the
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying at Pocono Raceway was held on
Saturdays the last two season, marking the first time since 2010 where
qualifying will occur on Fridays. Tickets are still available for both the June
7-9 Pocono 400 and August 2-4
Dodge not expected back soon:
Don't look for NASCAR to add a new
manufacturer anytime soon. Vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said
during Friday's "Gen 6" test at Charlotte Motor Speedway that he
doesn't anticipate another manufacturer joining Ford, Chevrolet and
NMPA Hall Induction Tonight:
The National Motorsports Press Association
Hall of Fame will gain three new members Saturday night in an induction
ceremony in
Bill Simpson tackles football concussions
with new helmet:
Bill Simpson, the former
Stewart
Haas Racing Notes from the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour:
#10-Danica Patrick will
not be using #14-Tony Stewart's owners points to start the year. Stewart
said, "I worked hard for my points" and believes Patrick will be
fine. The #10 team finished the 2012 season 33rd in owners points but been told those owners points will be
used for Tommy Baldwin's #7 team with driver Dave Blaney.
Patrick has not finalized a deal to run any
Nationwide Series races in 2013 but is hoping to do a 10 race deal with Turner
Scott Motorsports.
As for Stewart running the 2013 Indy 500 for
Penske Racing, he has open invitation for Indy 500 from Roger Penske, but has
no plans to do so in 2013.
On the sponsor front for SHR the #14 has nine
races open without a primary, the #39 of Ryan Newman has 8-9 races open for a
primary sponsor and #10-Patrick has three racesopen for a primary sponsor.
Stewart said the Eldora Speedway Truck Race that
will run on the dirt, is close to a sellout, with 16,000 reserved seats sold
and about 600 left with 1000 general admission going on sale this
week.(1-21-2013)
#88 unsponsored for 13 races:
NASCAR's
most popular driver will enter the 2013 season with 13 unsponsored races. But
team owner Rick Hendrick doesn't seem concerned that Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #88
has open inventory. Hendrick said there has been plenty of interest from
sponsors and that he is more concerned with finding a match that will work
beyond 2013. "We've got a lot of good opportunities," Hendrick said
during Wednesday's stop of the Sprint Media Tour. "The way we're
positioned, the car is covered until the end of the summer. I don't have a
deadline [for a deal]. I'm not looking at a timeline. I'm looking at the right
deal." Hendrick said he was close on two or three deals, but "we
haven't put any line in the sand." It was announced last year that
National Guard would be on Earnhardt's car for 20 races in 2013.
Hertz to sponsor Logano:
Penske
Racing announced that Hertz will sponsor seven Nationwide Series races and a
Sprint Cup race with the #22 Ford of Joey Logano. The rental car company also
will be an associate sponsor of the team. Hertz CEO Mark Frissora said the deal
is for three years. Hertz's research data showed 20% of NASCAR fans rented a
car last year. The audience also is attractive because Hertz is growing its
muscle car segment while changing its tagline to emphasize speed of service.(USA Today)
AND:
Penske
Racing proudly welcomes The Hertz Corporation as a new partner in 2013 as one
of the world's leading car rental and transportation companies joins forces
with one of NASCAR's top teams. Under a multi-year agreement announced on
Wednesday, Hertz will serve as a primary sponsor for select races on Penske
Racing cars competing in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide
Series beginning this season. Hertz will be co-primary sponsor on the #22 Ford
Fusion driven by Joey Logano in the Sprint Cup Series at the fall race hosted
at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Under the new partnership, Hertz will also be an
associate sponsor throughout the course of the season for the Penske Racing #22
Cup Series and Nationwide Series teams with branding presence on the team's
uniforms and equipment as well as on the Nationwide Series car (Penske Racing)(1-23-2013)
New track dryers to be unveiled at Daytona:
NASCAR
will unveil next month at Daytona International Speedway a new piece of
equipment that could revolutionize track drying. Twenty-four machines will be
ready for Speedweeks events leading up to the Feb. 24 Daytona 500, executive
Steve O'Donnell said. The equipment will rely on compressed air moving water
off the track in a squeegee effect as opposed to traditional jet dryers that
blow hot air onto the track. It also will include vacuums that will work in
conjunction with the compressed air that would help dry a 2.5-mile track such
as DIS in about 30 minutes -- 20% of the current time. DIS typically takes
about 2.5 hours to dry. Last year's Daytona 500 was delayed until Monday night
because of rain. "There's a few faces out here that will remember when we
used to dry tracks off with just a fleet of vehicles going around the
racetrack, or dragging tires behind pickup trucks,'' NASCAR president Mike
Helton said. "And then someone came along with the jet dryer that
expedited it quite a bit and served its purpose for a long period of time.
"But in today's world with the expectations of getting the show done and
getting it on, there was a high priority placed by [chairman] Brian [France]
and the rest of us to come up with a way that we could expedite that. The R
& D Center responded to that and come up with ideas, and this one seems to
have quite a bit of validity to it.''
O'Donnell said the new device does not have a
name yet. Unlike jet dryers, which were owned by individual tracks, he said the
governing body has a patent on the new machine that gives it proprietary
rights. O'Donnell said the equipment isn't quite to the level of efficiency that
Bruton Smith Wants End to Start-and-Park:
Bruton
Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. told media attending the NASCAR
Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway that he would like to see
an end to start-and-park racing, a term that refers to race teams that run only
a few laps of a race in order to collect a portion of the purse, but pull off
the track before causing too much wear and tear on their equipment, thereby
saving on the expense of running a full race. "Start-and-park should not
be a part of what we do," he said. "I think it's derogatory toward
our sport. I'm going to try my best and I hope you'll join me to
see if NASCAR can do something about this. It certainly isn't adding anything
to our sport, and it certainly takes away." He then asked media in the
room to use their influence to put an end to the practice. Smith's other appeal
was to encourage NASCAR to reduce the top speeds of the race cars, which he
argued would make the racing safer but also create more excitement for the fans
because the drivers will make moves with more confidence.(CMS Notes)(1-23-2013)
Harvick confirmed out of RCR after 2013:
NASCAR
team owner Richard Childress confirmed what driver Kevin Harvick would not
since November 2012. Harvick will leave Childress, where he has been since his
first Cup race in 2001, and drive for friend and team owner Tony Stewart at
Stewart-Haas Racing in 2014. Childress, who spoke Monday night at NASCAR's
Sprint Cup Media Tour, talked about knowing about Harvick's plans last year
before the race at Phoenix International Raceway -- a race Harvick would win to
snap a 44-race winless streak. "We had a meeting and he told me his plans
and we discussed what we were going to do in '13," Childress said Monday.
"He'll do well over there at Stewart-Haas, and RCR will keep going and
moving forward. I think him and Tony will have a good relationship."
Stewart, who spoke to the media earlier Monday about his three-car team that
includes Ryan Newman and Danica Patrick, has hinted at adding a fourth car to
the Stewart-Haas Racing stable. Harvick, meanwhile, told reporters he didn't
have "anything to tell you for 2014." On Monday, Childress said he
did not know whether sponsor Budweiser would leave RCR along with Harvick.
"They haven't made any comments on what they're going to do,"
Childress said. Though Childress admitted he knew Harvick's plans before
BK Racing announces driver, crew chief and
managerial roles:
BK
Racing begins its second season of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing with some
changes in different levels of their operation. Harry McMullen will remain in
his role as the team's General Manager, which he's held since the team started
January 2012. Just added to the team is Rick Carpenter, who will be the
Assistant General Manager helping McMullen with the day-to-day operations.
Carpenter comes from Tri Star Motorsports, most recently, and Rusty Wallace
Racing, where he held the position of General Manager at both teams. He also
worked at Penske Racing.
As previously announced, Mike Ford is now the
team's Director of Competition. The veteran crew chief, with 21 wins and 17
poles in 453 NSCS starts, is overseeing shop and race-prep activities of BK
Racing's two NSCS entries.
Doug Richert has been promoted from his role as
crew chief on the #83 Burger King/Dr. Pepper Toyota Camry. The championship
leader with 13 wins to his credit will now serve as a supervisor to the crew
chiefs overseeing their efforts at the shop and during race days.
David Reutimann, a two-time race winner will
drive the #83
Travis Kvapil will remain in the #93 Burger King
Busch could stay at Furniture Row after 2013:
#78-Kurt
Busch says Furniture Row is a "strong option'' for him in 2014. Busch
signed with the Denver-based Sprint Cup team late last season, finishing the year
with three consecutive top 10s to build momentum for this season. There has
been much speculation that the 2004 Cup champion was using the single-car team
as a stepping stone to a top-tier organization after this year. Much of that
speculation has involved Busch going to Richard Childress Racing, which
supplies engines and chassis to Furniture Row. But Busch told ESPN.comduring Day 2 of the Sprint Media Tour that
he is happy at Furniture Row, which he already considers a fourth car at RCR.
"It's a strong option,'' he said of signing an extension. Furniture Row
general manager Joe Garone said preliminary discussions already are taking
place with Busch. Asked if he thought it was possible a deal could be reached,
he said, "Yeah, I do.'' Busch said serious negotiations for next season
likely wouldn't start until sometime after April.(ESPN)(1-22-2013)
Pit-crew competition may not be held in 2013:
Sprint
shifted its sponsorship of the pit-crew competition during all-star week to the Daytona event
to give it sponsorship of both non-points Cup events, the Sprint Unlimited and
the Budweiser Duel. The pit-crew competition currently is without sponsorship,
and NASCAR has not determined whether it will be held this year. "We are
working to continue the event," NASCAR Senior Vice President Steve
O'Donnell said in a statement.(Sporting News)(1-22-2013)
The King & Dale Jr. team up:
Dale
Earnhardt Jr., the most popular driver in NASCAR racing today, is joining Goody's longtime spokesman, Richard "The
King" Petty, in a new multi-media campaign that will introduce consumers
to the fast-dissolving headache remedy. Beginning in early 2013, the driving
duo's radio, television and digital campaign will tell fans how to be
unstoppable with Goody's. Goody's Powder will be the title sponsor for the
Goody's Fast Relief 500, the October 27 Sprint Cup Series race at
"I am really looking forward to working
with Dale Jr. on the new campaign for Goody's, which will introduce the product
to a whole new generation," Petty said. "He is a great driver and a
smart businessman, and nobody is more popular with NASCAR fans."
"Richard Petty is a role model for me and
every other driver in NASCAR," Earnhardt said. "I am honored to be
working with him and thankful Goody's brought us together. I signed on with
Goody's in part because of their long-term commitment to NASCAR. They helped
start the trend of non-car companies coming into the sport. In my mind, they
are synonymous with NASCAR racing. I am also a big fan of their product because
it works so fast."(JR Motorsports)(1-22-2013)
News from the AARN:
Note: I’m hoping to get the digital version of the
AARN by this time next week. If so, I
should be able to give up to date info in my columns.
January 15th
edition:
There was a ton
of racing reports and photos from the Chili Bowl, along with a ton of
information on this past weekends Motor Sports Show.
To help Keith
Hoffman run Bridgeport Speedway, Danny Serrano has joined up with the
Hoffman/Adams team.
So far there are
10 confirmed races scheduled for the RoC Asphalt ModifiedTour, with
NASCAR Modifieds
and K&N Racers to compete for $20,000.00 prize at Daytona on their
“painted” race track that will be on the large expanse of asphalt on the
backstretch of the Daytona Speedway.
From what I recall, only the stands on the backstretch will be open for
spectators for those races.
As you are
probably aware, Kevin Swindell won his 4th straight Chili Bowl at
the last running of that event a week ago.
Question: Over the course of the
racing season, any idea as to how many midget races he runs?
I was never a
big fan of Rufus “Parnelli” Jones – especially after his oiling the track at
Indy, when he was given a win, still the guy had a much better than most racing
career. Parnelli is 79 years old – 4
years older than me. He is, believe it
or not, the oldest Indy 500 winner that’s still with us.
Along with that
Indy 500 win, he also had five other USAC Championship races, and was the first
to qualify for the 500 at over 150 MPH (150.370). He won 25 USAC Sprint Car races with three
consecutive Sprint Car championships – 1960-1962, 25 USAC Midget races and 13
NASCAR and USAC Stock Car races. He was
the 1964 USAC Stock Car champion. He
also won in road racing, too, along with the 1970 Trans-Am championship. He won at
Glenn Donnelly,
Don Diffendorf, George Kent, Bob Devine, Walt Market and Ron Hedger were
inducted into the New York State Stock Car Association’s Hall of Fame.
In the 2012
SpeedSTR racing season, a young lad from
The historic
Atomic Speedway, most recently known as Schrader’s K-C Raceway, is for sale. It never held any races during the 2012
season. It’s located near
Lenny Sammons:
Lenny had a list
of who the next “Super Stars” might be – well, as far as NASCAR is concerned,
anyway.
The nine names :
Kyle Larson,
Corey LaJoie, Darrell Wallace, Jr., Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Daniel Suarez,
Cameron Hayley, Dylan Kwasniewski and Seregio Pena.
Ernie Saxton:
Something rather
interesting in Ernie’s column – in the three major series in NASCAR - Cup,
Nationwide and Trucks, it is mandatory that the tracks have soft walls, safety
barriers in place along with other safety items. So, do you think that the Eldora Speedway,
with Tony Stewart being the track owner, can hold a race with out the above items? Sure can.
What if Tony was not the owner?
In AARN
This
Week – January 22nd edition:
Brett
Hearn Named
Greatest
AARN Driver
At
Motorsports 2013 Show
New
Smyrna
Now
NASCAR Sanctioned;
Affects
For World Series
Identified
Seekonk
Speedway
Honors
Its Track Champions
Katie
Todorow
Is Ms
Motorsports 2013
410
Sprints To Invade
Roaring
Knob
For
First Time In 2013
Eldora
Camping World
Tickets
Going Fast;
Track
Holds Banquet
Top
Drivers Feted
At
Mercer Raceway Park Gala
Gen-6
NASCAR Testing
Continues
At Charlotte
World
Of Outlaws
Clarifies
Rookie Of The Year
Eligibility
Criteria
Press Releases:
NEWS FROM:
MOTORSPORTS 2013 ’FUELED BY SUNOCO, DISTRIBUTED BY INSINGER PERFORMANCE’ RACE
CAR AND TRADE SHOW
Promoter: Len Sammons @ 609.888.3618
MEDIA CONTACT: Ernie Saxton Communications, Inc.
Ernie Saxton @ 215.752.7797
Fax: 215.752.1518
Cell: 267.934.7286
Email: Esaxton144@aol.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PLEASE WITH OUR THANKS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEARN NAMED ‘GREATEST DRIVER OF
AREA AUTO RACING NEWS’ FIRST 50 YEARS’ AT MOTORSPORTS 2013 SHOW, WALTRIP WOWS
FANS
Show continues on Saturday and Sunday at
OAKS, PA (January 18, 2013) – The twenty-eighth edition of
the Motorsports Race Car and Trade Show’s opening night saw Brett Hearn
named as the ‘Greatest Driver Of Area Auto Racing News’ First 50
Years’. The unprecedented and prestigious honor was witnessed
by one of the largest Friday night crowds in the history of the Len Sammons
Motorsports Productions event. “I am grateful to the fans, the
motorsports media, and to Area Auto Racing News for this amazing honor,” said
Hearn, 56, of Sussex, N.J., winner of over 800 feature races and 40 track or
circuit championships in his career that began in 1975 and has never waned.
NASCAR Sprint Cup team owner and two time Daytona 500 winner
Michael Waltrip answered questions from attendees and signed autographs for his
fans Friday night. “Coming to Motorsports is a great time for me.
This region has some of the most knowledgeable race fans in the country and it
was a pleasure to meet so many of them face to face,” Waltrip said.
Hearn’s selection was the culmination of a year long process involving members
of the media and race fans alike. The top fifty drivers were first named
from over 350 nominees; the top ten were identified in mid-October and a
separate vote was then conducted. Hearn was the winner over the late
Richie Evans, Billy Pauch, Frankie Schneider, Kenny Brightbill,
Fred Rahmer , the late Dick Tobias, Jimmy Horton, Jimmy Horton, Will
Cagle and Danny Johnson. Evans and Tobias were
represented by their widows, Lynn Evans and Mary Tobias. Frankie
Schneider, who had planned on attending , was unable to do so at the last
minute for health reasons and was represented by his daughter
Diane. “This competition was one of the all-time
highlights in Area Auto Racing News’ history,” said AARN publisher Len
Sammons. “Each of these great champions are deserving of
being named number one.”
The Motorsports 2013, Fueled by Sunoco, Distributed by Insinger
Performance Race Car and Trade Show continues Saturday and Sunday.
On Saturday, 1963 Indianapolis 500 champion Parnelli Jones will meet and greet
fans and sign copies of his new book ‘As A Matter Of Fact, I Am Parnelli
Jones’. Fast rising NASCAR Nationwide Rookie Of The Year
Austin Dilllon and his brother, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rookie Of The
Year Ty Dillon will answer fans’ questions in a one-on-one round table
discussion, and the top winning drivers throughout the Northeast in 2012 -
Stewart Friesen, Pat Cannon, Greg Hodnett, Jimmy Zacharias, John Waters, Wayne
Helliwell Jr., and Jessica Miller – will be honored in a special ceremony
followed by a group autograph session. The Saturday highlight of
the Motorsports 2013 Show is the crowning of the 2013 BPG Racing Ms.
Motorports; the pageant begins at 8:00 PM. On Sunday, ‘Metal Fab Family
Fun Day’, the Little Ms. Motorsports competition and the Kids Big Wheel
Races, annual Motorsports Show traditions, close out the three days of
motorsports excitement.
Release written by Steve Barrick
Contact: Julia Foy
Promotions/PR Coordinator -
315.834.6606 office
315.224.2522 mobile
315.834.9734 fax
Hearn Anxious, Yet Confident, about UNOH DIRTcar Nationals
presented by Summit Racing Equipment
Super DIRTcar Series 2012 Season Standout Fueled by Momentum
Heading into 2013
BARBERVILLE,
"I feel a lot of confidence," Hearn said. "I think
that we have all intentions of just rolling with the momentum we had at the end
of last year."
Although Hearn claimed some of the crown jewels of the Super
DIRTcar Series last year - Mr.
DIRT Track USA at Lebanon Valley Speedway, the VP Small Engine Fuels 200 during
NAPA Auto Parts Super DIRT Week, and Eastern States 200 at the Orange County
Fair Speedway to name a few - "the Jet" was unable to find victory
during last year's UNOH DIRTcar Nationals
presented by Summit Racing Equipment at Volusia Speedway Park.
"It was one of the weakest trips we had last year, maybe one
of the worst trips we had ever, and I want to improve on that and get a good
start to the season," Hearn said, who, of Volusia's four Big-Block
Modified features, finished in the top ten only twice.
His odds of scoring a win at Volusia are looking up, with momentum
from last year and that same crew supporting him that helped him gain momentum
with so many victories in 2012.
"We've been consistent - there have been no team changes.
Everything is pretty much status quo, so we should be in pretty good
shape," Hearn said.
The team may be the same, but they have new tricks ready for the
"We've got some fresh ideas to start the new season off.
We've always got new things we want to try," Hearn said. "With points
not being up for grabs, it gives us a lot of latitude to mess around a little
bit."
In addition to seeing a great season on the track, Hearn's
victories continued in the offseason. He was recognized by the Eastern
Motorsports Press Association with the 2012 Richie Evans North East Driver of the
Year Award and by Area Auto Racing
News as the best driver in its 50 years of publication. Nonetheless, Hearn is
eager to get back behind the wheel.
"I'm anxious. It feels like we just left
The 42nd Annual UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing
Equipment runs from Tuesday, Feb. 12, through Saturday, Feb. 23, at
For tickets and more information about UNOH DIRTcar Nationals
presented by Summit Racing Equipment, visit the event website
atwww.dirtcarnationals.com. Follow the Super DIRTcar Series on Twitter,
@SuperDIRTcar, for updates and links to live race notes come race night.
The Super DIRTcar Series and DIRTcar Racing in the Northeast
Region is brought to fans by several sponsors and partners including Hoosier
Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, Chevy Performance Parts, Gander Mountain, NAPA
Auto Parts, Nationwide Insurance, and Safety-Kleen. Promotional partners
include the
Forward email
I
get e-mails:
Hi Tom,
On
February 2nd, the eyes of the world will be fixed on Gobbler’s Knob as we
wait to see if PA's most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, will see his
shadow. Will there be six more weeks of winter or can we expect an early
spring?
In honor of Groundhog Day, Pocono Raceway is offering a 12% discount (based
off the number of letters in
To purchase tickets and become eligible to receive a free
Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Pass, click here and
enter promocode: PHIL.
If Phil does not see
his shadow, this means there will be early Spring and Pocono Raceway will provide everyone
who purchases a ticket through this promotion with one FREE Pit/Paddock Pass,
per transaction.
You only have until 5:00pm on February
1st to be eligible for this exclusive offer.
And
I got a kick out of this e-mail I received late Wednesday afternoon:
“Kim Jung Un had NO military experience whatsoever before
Daddy made him a four-star general. This snot-nosed twerp had never
accomplished anything in his life that would come close to military
leadership. He hadn't so much as led a Cub Scout troop, coached a sports
team, or commanded a military platoon. Ironically, he is made the
"Beloved Leader" of communist
Oh
s***! I just remembered that we did the same thing. We took an arrogant,
narcissistic community organizer, who had never worn a uniform, and made him
Commander-in-Chief. A guy, who had never had a real job, worked on a
budget, or led anything more than a corrupt ACORN demonstration, and we made
him President of the United States - - - - TWICE !!!
Never mind.”
Found on Facebook:
Sending Thoughts &- Prayers
for Frankie Schneider .
"
The Old Master "
Please Keep
Frankie Schneider In Your Thoughts &- Prayers.
He has been hospitalized at The Robert Wood Johnson
Medical Center
in New Jersey
With A Serious and Rare Blood Disorder.
PRAYERS for
FRANKIE " The Old Master "
A million people attended
Obama's inauguration, and only 14 missed work.
Help me understand the logic
of this:
Watching two hours of violence
in a movie has no influence in our behavior, BUT a 30 second Super Bowl ad is
worth $3.8 million because it will make us run out and buy a product?
Our current state and
We work to help ourselves, family and those in
need or have helped the country. I'm good with that. But, today it's a different
world. We have millions who are not suppose to be here and get subsidized help
our own citizens don't receive. We have a record number of moochers taking from
the system that goes undetected/checked.
Rather than just stuff a bill (tax) to the
middle class and claim it's for the rich, spend a little time managing where
this money will go and then I'll be more than happy to hand you my hard earned
money.
Please be careful: Some hackers have found
something new. They take your profile picture and your name and create a new FB
account. Then they ask your friends to add them. Your friends think it is you
so they accept. From that moment on, they can say and post whatever they want
under your name.
Please don't accept a second friendship request
from me. I have only one account.
Copy this on your wall to keep others informed
Jeff Foxworthy
on Upstate New York
If
you consider it a sport to gather your food by
drilling through 36
inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by,
you might live in Upstate New York..
If
you're proud that your region makes the national
news 96 nights a year because Saranac Lake is
the coldest spot in the nation, and Syracuse
gets more snow than any other major city in the
US, you might live in Upstate, NY.
If
your local Dairy Queen is closed from October
through May, you might live in Upstate New York.
If you get 131 inches of snow in a
week and you comment that 'winter's finally
here', you might live near
York.
If
you instinctively walk like a penguin for six
months out of the year, you might live, bundled
up, in Upstate New York.
If someone in a
Home Depot store offers you assistance, and they
don't work there, you might live in Upstate NY.
If
you have worn shorts and a parka on the same
day, you might live in Upstate
If
you have had a lengthy phone conversation with
someone who dialed a wrong number, you might
live in Upstate New York.
YOU
KNOW YOU ARE A TRUE UPSTATE NEW YORKER WHEN:
"Vacation"
means going South past
You
measure distance in hours.
You know
several people who have hit a deer more than
once.
You often switch from "heat" to
"A/C" in the same day and back again.
You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of
snow during a raging blizzard, without
flinching.
You install security lights
on your house and garage and leave both
unlocked.
You carry jumper cables in
your car and your girlfriend/wife knows how to
use them.
You design your kid's
Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.
Driving is better in the winter because
the potholes are filled with snow.
You
know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still
winter, and road construction.
You can
identify a southern or eastern accent.
Down South to you means
Your neighbor throws a party to
celebrate his new shed.
You go out for a
fish fry every Friday.
Your 4th of July
picnic was moved indoors due to
frost.
You have more miles on your snow
blower than your car.
You find 10 degrees
"a little chilly." and 55 is shorts
weather.
You actually understand these
jokes, and you forward them to all your Upstate
New York friends and to those who used to live
here and left. -- (chickens).
Found on the Internet:
From the Track Forum:
Crazy Dreams: Which vintage cars would you
want to drive?
Note:
You might be surprised at some of the answers! Some neat photos are also on the thread.
Some
non-racing stuff:
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/01/22/gift-us-f-16-fighter-jets-en-route-to-egypt-amid-criticism/=
Note: I can’t see any logic in this, can you? Just asking for trouble.
Talk about
getting carried away in a speech – New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on guns and
control of weapons:
New
York Gov. Cuomo proposes gun, ammo magazine limits in fiery speech
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/01/10/new-york-gov-cuomo-proposes-gun-ammo-magazine-limits-in-fiery-speech/
Can you imagine
him as our President? OMG!
CAN MUSLIMS BE GOOD
AMERICANS?????
This is very interesting and
we all need to read it from start to finish. And send it on to everyone. Maybe
this is why our American Muslims are so quiet and not speaking out about any
atrocities.
Can a good Muslim be a good
American?
This question was forwarded
to a friend who worked in
Theologically - no. Because
his allegiance is to Allah, The moon god of
Religiously - no. Because no
other religion is accepted by His Allah except Islam. (Quran,2:256)(Koran)
Scripturally - no. Because
his allegiance is to the five Pillars of Islam and the Quran.
Geographically - no. Because
his allegiance is to
Socially - no. Because his
allegiance to Islam forbids him to make friends with Christians or Jews.
Politically - no. Because he
must submit to the mullahs (spiritual leaders), who teach annihilation of
Domestically - no. Because he
is instructed to marry four Women and beat and scourge his wife when she
disobeys him. (Quran 4:34 )
Intellectually - no. Because
he cannot accept the American Constitution since it is based on Biblical principles
and he believes the Bible to be corrupt.
Philosophically - no. Because
Islam, Muhammad, and the Quran does not allow freedom of religion and
expression. Democracy and Islam cannot co-exist. Every Muslim government is
either dictatorial or autocratic.
Spiritually - no. Because
when we declare 'one nation under God,' The Christian's God is loving and kind,
while Allah is NEVER referred to as Heavenly father, nor is he ever called love
in the Quran's 99 excellent names.
Therefore, after much study
and deliberation... Perhaps we should be very suspicious of ALL MUSLIMS in this
country. They obviously cannot be both 'good' Muslims and 'good' Americans.
Call it what you wish it's still the truth. You had better believe it. The more
who understand this, the better it will be for our country and our future.
The religious war is bigger
than we know or understand!
Footnote: The Muslims have
said they will destroy us from within. SO FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.
THE MARINES WANT THIS TO ROLL
ALL OVER THE
Obama Called On ABC The Most During First Term Conferences; Fox News
Comes In Ninth
One part:
“In
2010, President Obama said that Fox News had a point of view which
was "ultimately destructive" for America
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/17/obama-fox-news-press-conferences_n_2495440.html?ir=Politics&ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009
Rand Paul:
"I'm Very Concerned About This President Garnering So Much Power And
Arrogance"
HOLDER BEGS COURT TO STOP DOCUMENT RELEASE ON
FAST AND FURIOUS
HOLDER BEGS COURT TO STOP DOCUMENT RELEASE ON
FAST AND FURIOUS
HOLDER BEGS COURT TO STOP DOCUMENT RELEASE ON
FAST AND FURIOUS
http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/01/17/Holder-begs-court-to-indefinitely-delay-group-s-lawsuit-fighting-for-release-of-Obama-s-executive-privilege-Fast-and-Furious-documents
Gun Confiscation Bill Introduced in Congress
http://www.infowars.com/gun-confiscation-bill-introduced-in-congress
Top Earners Set to Pay Most, Especially Married People
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/top-earners-set-pay-most-050001996.html
Leon Panetta on terrorism in Africa, chemical weapons in Syria
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/power-players-abc-news/leon-panetta-terrorism-africa-chemical-weapons-syria-portrayal-120643883.html
Rallies assail Obama's proposed gun curbs
http://news.yahoo.com/pro-gun-rallies-across-u-attack-obamas-curbs-154112625.html
Thousands rally against stricter gun control
in US
http://news.yahoo.com/thousands-rally-against-stricter-gun-control-us-223627779.html
Public trust in government, business leaders
falls
http://news.yahoo.com/public-trust-government-business-leaders-falls-103658566--finance.html
Michelle Obama rolls eyes at John Boehner, sets Internet aflame
Tax Statements You Need to File
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/tax-statements-file-080115512.html
Should worst-flooded areas be left after Sandy
http://news.yahoo.com/worst-flooded-areas-left-sandy-162814806.html
Arizona
http://news.yahoo.com/arizona-tax-hospitals-pay-medicaid-182836804.html
Algeria
http://news.yahoo.com/algeria-hostage-toll-rises-report-japanese-deaths-063209891--finance.html
Note: Damn!
Per our President and our Vice President – both have come out and said
we got rid of al Qaeda. So what
happened?
Blockbuster Is Closing 300 Stores And Laying Off 3,000 Workers
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/blockbuster-closing-300-stores-laying-154514491.html
Did Beyonce Lip-Synch At The Inauguration?
http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/awards/did-beyonce-lip-sync-at-the-inauguration--194852131.html
Note:
I did not see it except on re-runs.
Even she had to screw it up by going octaves higher on the word “Free” –
and it was not written that way. She
also had to “extend” the ending, too.
Why must these so called “singers” do that, anyway?
In Benghazi hearing, Clinton
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/clinton-face-lawmakers-benghazi-attack-090039480--politics.html
Note:
Again, I only saw re-runs. I have
to admit, I was extremely disappointed in that most everyone had to
congratulate her on her “fine” service to our country, and after that, had no
time left to question her on
Hillary Clinton's tearful moment on Benghazi
http://news.yahoo.com/hillary-clintons-tearful-moment-benghazi-help-hurt-185100132.html
Dream Act would provide aid to illegal
immigrants
http://news.yahoo.com/dream-act-aid-illegal-immigrants-153934615.html
Note:
Check out the comments at the end of the article!
62% Want Path to Citizenship for Undocumented Immigrants
http://news.yahoo.com/62-want-path-citizenship-undocumented-immigrants-235151040.html
Note Personally, I’m pretty sure that a higher
percentage of my Facebook friends would go the opposite way. I wonder just who it was they questioned on
this? Some great comments can be found
if you scroll down some in the article.
Video time:
Over
these next few weeks I’ll be putting in some links to videos of some of the worlds
best drivers. This week it is Sir Jack
Brabham. This video isn’t quite as long
as last weeks.
Photos:
Note: The photos are not available on Dirt Track
Digest, only on New England Tractor - http://newenglandtractor.com/racereport/
Going back in
time to OCFS in a photo taken by D. Ludwig.
With the proposed pit area being moved to outside turns 3 & 4, we’ll
probably never see the pit area like this, again. Sadly, except for maybe an Eastern States
Weekend with weather in the 70’s, will we ever see the Drive-In section as
full, again. From what can be seen in
this photo, it is during the summer time – yes back in the day, if you didn’t
get to OCFS early, you were out of luck as far as getting a good seat!
For you old
timers – how many cars can you ID?
Closing with
this:
Subject: A
A
wives would be found in all corners of the
earth. Then He made the
earth round ...
And He laughed and laughed and
laughed................
Until next week,
folks!
As usual, you can reach me
at: ygordad@yahoo.com