Racin' & Different Stuff:

                                      By Tom Avenengo

                                         Volume # 126

                                                   02/14/2013

 

Special note:  There’s a good chance there might not be a column next week.

 

 

First:

 

I’m pretty sure that most of you that read my columns got a lot more snow than we did, here in Port Jervis, NY.  We got maybe a shade over 6” in actual snow fall, with “drifting” somewhat higher.  Seems we get lucky where we are, as far as stormy weather goes.  I live about two blocks form the Delaware River.  My neighbor, a woman in her 90’s, says she’s lived in her house since she was born, and never had any water in her basement.

However, looking back to when we bought this house, and the way things have turned out, in a way, I wish I hadn’t bought it.  Florida, with a couple of daughters down there, along with some grand kids, and their constant “how nice it is down here” does wear on one.  I like the Cape Coral area.  My former Chiropractor lives in Ft. Meyers, right next to Cape Coral.  When we visited him a few years ago, he told me that with my income, I’d live like a king down there.   Unfortunately that was just before the downfall of the real estate market.

 

 

Second:

Were you lucky enough to see the commercials on TV Sunday?  Oh wait, I meant the Chili Bowl.  Personally, I know commercials are a necessary evil, but so many of them in a one hour show?  And they covered nothing else but the Saturday “A” Main – none of the events held over the course of the week.

I’m pretty sure that I had questioned about Kevin and Sammy Swindell about how many times they race Midgets over the course of the season.  It was said that their only Midget race is the Chili bowl.

 

 

Third:

I had a big surprise the other morning when I got on Facebook.  There on one of the pages I frequent, was an interview with Phil Walters – other wise known as Ted Tappett, when he raced Midgets.  The interview was from 1996, when he was 80 years old.  Funny how we think we know a lot about someone, then find out we really don’t.  Neither I nor my brother, who was a big fan of Walters/Tappett, knew that he had six children with his wife, Sheila.

Interested in the video?  You can check it out if you go here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rTAOurW6lFo

 

 

 

Fourth:

I found a new website for TV coverage of auto racing:

Racing on TV:

http://tvracer.com/

 

 

 

Fifth:

Here’s a list of some of the tracks that think enough of their fans to get their schedules out early:

http://newegyptspeedway.net/

http://www.hamlinspeedway.com/

http://www.mountainspeedway.com/

http://www.nemaracing.com/  (NEMA)

http://www.penncan.com/

http://www.selinsgrovespeedway.com/speedwayschedule.html

http://www.williamsgrove.com/

http://bethelmotorspeedway.com/BethelMotorSpeedway/Home_Page.html

http://www.bigdiamondspeedway.net/dnn/

http://www.oaklandvalleyspeedway.com/schedules-fees/ovrp-official-calendar/

 

 

 

 

 

Sixth:

 

Interview on Doug’s Dirt Diary with Bobby Varin and what he says about OCFS and the 2013 season - where he’ll be on Saturday nights, and also a recap of 2012.  A 24 minute interview.

 

http://www.dougsdirtdiary.com/audioplayer.php?id=16640

 

 

 

Seventh:

A Little Concerned?

A thread on the Track Forum about car counts for the Daytona 500 and some other NASCAR Cup races.

http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php?172979-A-Little-Concerned

 

Eighth:

For quite some time now the ARDC’s website and it’s Message Board haven’t been accessible.  Some kind of “Malware” notice kept coming up.  Well, now when you go to either one, at least there is something there, although still not accessible.  Sad to say, the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fames website is still down.

 

Ninth:

Are you a racer?  Does your racing machine have a roll cage and you are belted in?  How are you fixed for insurance?  No, I don’t get commissions or anything like that, just spreading the word.  Quite often we read about race drivers getting injured and not having extra insurance to cover what, in some cases, is minimal insurance from the race tracks.

You might want to check this website out:  http://www.stida.com/

 

 

 

Tenth:

 

You can Accord Speedway to those that have their schedule up, already.

http://www.accordspeedway.com/SCHEDULE_3.html

 

Note:  I was somewhat surprised, that as of now, there is only one CRSA 305 Sprint Car race scheduled, and that’s during the King of the Catskills weekend.  Something else I noticed – a special price now for us old farts (seniors) $12.00.

 

 

Eleventh:

 

From my column of January 24th:

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

 

Note:  Word I got the other day is house has been sold. 

 

 

Twelfth:

 

Darn near forgot!  Happy Valentine’s Day to all the girls/ladies out there!

 

 

Found on Jayski’s website:

http://www.jayski.com/

 

Allmendinger to test IndyCar for Penske:

 

AJ Allmendinger's career is coming full circle  albeit making left and right turns. Allmendinger, 31, will test an IndyCar for Penske Racing at Sebring International Raceway on Feb. 18 and 19. If the test is successful, Allmendinger will make his open-wheel debut for Penske Racing at Barber Motorsports Park on April 7. If everything goes according to plan and sponsorship can be acquired, Allmendinger will also run at Long Beach in preparation for the Indianapolis 500. "The first test is just to see how things go at Sebring," Allmendinger said late Wednesday by phone. "It's been seven years since I've been in one of those cars  and they've changed quite a bit. I know it won't be easy. But I know I'll be in the best possible equipment and I'll have Will Power there  one of the fastest guys in the sport  to help me get up to speed. I'm really looking forward to it. At least Sebring is a track I know. There are so many great things about getting back in a car for Roger. I can't begin to explain what it means that he believes in me enough to give me another chance. There's no pressure with this test, but I'll put the pressure on myself." Allmendinger has learned to cope with pressure over the past year. After working his way into the ride of a lifetime with Penske Racing's Sprint Cup team, Allmendinger failed a drug test

administered at Kentucky Speedway on June 29 and was suspended from competition at Daytona International Speedway on July 7. Upon completing NASCAR's Road to Recovery, Allmendinger was reinstated Sept. 18, but Penske Racing released him from the No. 22 team Aug. 1. Still, Penske never gave up on his driver. Not only did Allmendinger remain on the payroll for the remainder of the year, but Penske also called him on a weekly basis.(Fox Sports)(2-7-2013)

 

SPEED to broadcast 11 days of Daytona programming: 

 

Whatever news or headlines emerge during the NASCAR invasion of Daytona, during which SPEED presents 11 consecutive days of programming for the first time ever, the network has it covered with nearly 100 hours of programming from the legendary track beginning Feb. 14 at 6 pm/et with a special two-hour edition of NASCAR Race Hub from Media Day. The fan-voted-upon format for The Sprint Unlimited at Daytona (formerly the Budweiser Shootout) will be revealed Feb. 14 on Hub.
A total of 25 SPEED on-air personalities present two weeks of on-track action to viewers beginning when Cup Series cars fire up Feb. 15 for the first The Sprint Unlimited practice session, carried live on SPEED at 5:00 pm/et
NASCAR Race Hub returns to deliver all the days' happenings Feb. 18-20 at 6:00 pm/et, with Danielle Trotta hosting from the SPEED Studios and Byrnes and Ray Dunlap on-site at Daytona. 
SPEED is live from the Budweiser Duel at Daytona on Thursday, Feb. 21 at 2:00 pm/et as drivers battle for the final spots on the Daytona 500 starting grid.
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series opens its season under the lights Feb. 22 at 7:00pm/et with NCWTS Setup with Krista Voda setting the stage for the green flag at 7:30 pm/et. Rick Allen hosts with Michael Waltrip and Phil Parsons providing analysis and Dunlap, Hermie Sadler and Bob Dillner reporting from the pits.
New to the SPEED docket from Daytona this year is live race coverage of three NASCAR Home Tracks races -- NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (Feb. 18 at 7:00 pm/et), the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (Feb. 19 at 7:00 pm/et) and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series (Feb. 19 at 8:30 pm/et).
NASCAR RaceDay Fueled by Sunoco returns for three pre-race editions from Daytona with John Roberts hosting, Kyle Petty, Kenny Wallace, Larry McReynolds and Matt Clark providing analysis, complemented by Wendy Venturini and Rutledge Wood reporting from the garage. NASCAR RaceDay offers pre-race coverage of the Sprint Unlimited, Budweiser Duel at Daytona and an expanded three-hour show Feb. 24 (9:00 am -12:00pm/et) leading into FOX Sports and FOX Deportes' live coverage of the 55th running of the Daytona 500.
Trackside, the network's longest-running NASCAR program, returns Feb. 22 at 5:30 pp/et for a live, 30-minute edition hosted by Voda, Petty, Wood and Kaitlyn Vincie. The gang hangs around the next day for another one-hour edition at 4:30 pm/et.
Live coverage of Cup and Truck Series practice and qualifying sessions, as well as up-to-the-minute updates from NASCAR Live! and SPEED Center, hosted by Adam Alexander, round out the schedule, with Wind Tunnel and Dave Despain hopping back in his chair for an 11th season Feb. 24 at 8:00 pm/et live. NASCAR Victory Lane, SPEED's Cup Series post-race show, rolls into the famed Victory Lane at Daytona Feb. 21 and Feb. 24 at 5:30 pm/et live with hosts Roberts, Petty and Wallace and reporting by Dillner.(
SPEED)(2-7-2013)

 

 

Allstate Peterbilt Group providing Petty Motorsports with tractors: 

 

Richard Petty Motorsports and Allstate Peterbilt Group have joined forces for the 2013 NASCAR season. Allstate Peterbilt Group announced they will supply Richard Petty Motorsports' NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series teams with Peterbilt tractors. Allstate Peterbilt Group has 17 locations throughout the Midwest and over forty years of experience supporting the Peterbilt line of products. The company will provide the teams with Peterbilt model 389 tractors, the flagship of premium traditional trucks, with aerodynamics that provide the team more fuel efficiency. The tractors will haul the race cars and race equipment of the #9 and #43 Sprint Cup teams of Marcos Ambrose and Aric Almirola and the #43 NASCAR Nationwide team of Michael Annett. With the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 36-race schedule and the NASCAR Nationwide Series 33-race schedule, all three teams are spending a total of over 200,000 miles transporting each team's cars and race equipment to each racetrack, making reliability a top-concern.(RPM)(2-7-2012)

 

Owners Points deal for Danica Patrick: 

 

Stewart-Haas Racing has acquired owner points for Danica Patrick's Sprint Cup team heading into 2013, but likely not enough to ensure that Patrick doesn't miss the Daytona 500. Patrick drove the #10 Chevy in 10 races last year but she will not have those points from last season. Instead, Stewart-Haas Racing has struck a deal with Robinson-Blakeney Racing to acquire the owner points from its [defunct] #49 team. Tony Stewart and Stewart-Haas Racing have acquired 2012 owner points for Danica Patrick to help ensure she makes the first three races of 2013. The #49 car, which was driven primarily by J.J. Yeley, was 42nd in owner points, which likely would do little to help Patrick make the Daytona 500 should she have problems in qualifying or the qualifying races. The deal, though, could possibly help her team if rain washes out qualifying for the following races at Phoenix and Las Vegas. Patrick, who is running the full Sprint Cup schedule for the first time this year, drove the #10 car in 10 races last year through a partnership between Stewart-Haas and Tommy Baldwin Racing, which will keep those points (33rd overall) for its two-car organization entering 2013 [the owners points go to TBR's #7 team]. The starting lineup for the Daytona 500 is set by a mix of qualifying speed and results in the two Budweiser Duel qualifying races. In the next two races at Phoenix and Las Vegas, the fastest 36 cars make the field on speed with the rest of the field set by 2012 owner points, with one spot available for a past champion or another by owner points. Stewart-Haas could have swapped the points of team co-owner Tony Stewart with Patrick and have Stewart, a three-time champion, rely on a past champion's provisional if he wrecked in qualifying, but that would have impacted bonus money for the team. Also, past champion's provisionals will be limited to one for every six races attempted in 2013.(SportingNews)(2-8-2013)

 

 

Evernham says he turned down a chance to return as crew chief: 

 

Ray Evernham recently turned down a job offer to return to the Sprint Cup Series  and not with Hendrick Motorsports. The former car owner and Hendrick crew chief who won three championships with Jeff Gordon has resisted the urge to return to the racetrack since selling his stake in Evernham Motorsports six years ago. But a recent call from a powerhouse NASCAR team  he wouldn't say which except that it wasn't Hendrick  had the man who was voted the greatest crew chief of all time in 2006 pondering a change of heart. "I got hit with the right opportunity not that long ago, and I really had to stop and think about it," Evernham said Thursday. "I had to make sure not to make decisions with ego and think about why I wound it down the first time, and the reality of what it would be because it's so easy to be 10 years later thinking about how great you are and how you can still do it. You can lull yourself back into thinking I could still do that." Evernham's last race atop the pit box as Gordon's crew chief was at Dover International Speedway in September 1999, but he remained as hands-on as a team owner who spearheaded Dodge's return to NASCAR in 2001. He won championships with Gordon's #24 Chevy in '95, '97 and '98, setting a modern-era record with 13 victories in the last title campaign. "I probably could still do it, but I don't think I could have the results I had," said Evernham, 55, after a news conference at his museum to present a $280,000 check to the Autism Society of North Carolina. "I look back at our stuff with Jeff Gordon. If I couldn't hold up to that 1998 standard, I'd be constantly unhappy and frustrated, so I don't want to do that again. I got that call, and I was flattered to get it, but I had to pass." He will be working at least 15 NASCAR events for ESPN, starting at Daytona International Speedway and focusing on more in-depth features. He also is working with team owner Rick Hendrick on developing a new TV show called "Americarna" that will explore the country's evolving car culture. Evernham also still is working as a consultant with Hendrick's automotive business though he is scaling back to focus on his other projects and remaining involved in NASCAR.(see full stroy at the USA Today)(2-9-2013)

 

 

Rule changes for 2013:

 

NASCAR officials went over many of the new rules and policies for 2013 during a meeting with the media on Thursday. Past champion's issue was among those discussed. Past Sprint Cup champions can use a past champion's provisional only once every six races this season instead of having unlimited access to provisionals as in the past. Provisional starting spots are available to drivers who don't make the field on speed under NASCAR's new qualifying rules. Any past champion who ran at least one race the previous season starts the year with one provisional starting spot. Once a driver uses it, they must make six attempts to qualify before getting another past champion's provisional  the driver would get use of the provisional at that sixth race.

NASCAR has changed the qualifying rules for Sprint Cup in 2013. Instead of the top 35 teams being locked into a race, only seven drivers will enter a race with a guaranteed a spot.

The first 36 spots will be based on qualifying speed, then six spots go to non-qualifiers based on owner points. The final spot goes to a past champion. If there's no past champion, the final spot goes to the next driver based on owner points.

The change is only for Cup and not for the Nationwide or Camping World Truck Series. Those series have impound races and NASCAR did not want teams to feel they needed to run a qualifying setup to get into the race and then try to make race-setup adjustments on pit stops, NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton said Thursday.

The Nationwide Series, which has cut its fields from 43 to 40 cars, will lock in the top 30 in owner points while the Camping World Truck Series will lock in the top 25 in owner points.

Among other new race weekend procedures for 2013:

" The qualifying order will be determined by random draw for Cup, while the qualifying order for Nationwide and truck will be the driver's best speed from all practice sessions, slowest to fastest.

" For all three series, the current year's owner points will be used starting with the fourth race of the season.

" For the Sprint Unlimited, the vote taken by fans at the track that day for the starting order will have three options. Those options have changed since the original announcement last month. The new options are career wins, 2012 driver points or pole speed that got them in the race.

" Gas men will not be able to make any adjustments to the car while fuel is going into the car. They can only make adjustments after the fuel can is disengaged from the gas intake. Several times last season, gas cans either remained attached to the cars or fell off the cars as the cars sped away.

(Sporting News)(2-9-2013)

 

2013 silly season notes for # 88 – Dale Earnhardt Jr/Hendrick Motorsports 

Earnhardt Jr. is signed thru 2017. The National Guard signed up for another season, being the primary sponsor for 20 races in 2013. Pepsi/Diet Mountain Dew dropped their sponsorship down to five races with Earnhardt Jr and the #88 (Diet Mountain Dew and Amp), two races with Jeff Gordon (Pepsi) and one with Kasey Kahne (brand TBA). This leaves the #88 Chevy without a primary sponsor for 13 races. Team owner Rick Hendrick doesn't seem concerned and has said there has been plenty of interest from sponsors and that he is more concerned with finding a match that will work beyond 2013. In 2012 Diet Mountain Dew was contracted for 16 races in 2012 with Pepsi having the sponsorship rights for 20 races, AMP was the sponsor the other four races. See images of the National Guard, Diet Mountain Dew schemes on my #88 Team Schemes page. See more about other teams on my 2013 Team / Driver Silly Season Chart.(2-8-2013)

 

 

Indy seeks state aid; could put up lights: 

 

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is seeking aid from the state as part of a plan to fund up to $100 million in improvements at the famed racetrack. The plan would create a "motor sports investment district" to collect existing state sales, income and corporate taxes generated in an area that includes the IMS to help pay for the improvements, IMS officials said. The collected taxes would raise up to $5 million a year that the state would contribute to help pay off bonds for the improvements over a 20-year period, while the IMS would put up $2 million each year. Legislation to enact the plan will be unveiled Monday by Sen. Michael Young, R-Indianapolis. Approval by the General Assembly would be required before it could become law. Indystar.com was first to report the plan on Friday night. IMS plans to upgrade its infrastructure with changes including new video boards, better lighting and more modern grandstands, IMS officials said. Plans call for spending $70 million to $100 million. "It's really about keeping this iconic facility competitive in the sports and entertainment world," said Jeff Belskus, IMS CEO and president. Officials say they want to make the speedway more flexible, perhaps for different types of events down the line. The lighting, for example, would make it possible for some races to run at night. NASCAR fans have complained about searing heat during the mid-summer Brickyard 400, set for July 28 this year. Asked if the IMS would move the Brickyard to the cooler evening hours if the money went through, spokesman Doug Boles said, "There could be a chance." The proposal could also help address a looming cost for the IMS. Under a deal announced last month with federal authorities, the IMS is required to spend millions of dollars on renovations to make its facilities more accessible for disabled patrons within the next 30 months.(Indianapolis Star & IMS PR)(2-11-2013)

 

 

Bruton Smith would consider buying the NFL Panthers: 

 

Speedway Motorsports CEO Bruton Smith said Tuesday in a radio interview that he'd be willing to buy the Carolina Panthers from owner Jerry Richardson -- and Smith said he wouldn't make city or state taxpayers foot the bill for improvements at Bank of America Stadium. Smith's comments came near the end of an interview with WBT morning talk show host Keith Larson. Larson's comments had come in light of negotiations between Panthers' owner Jerry Richardson and officials from both the City of Charlotte and the state, over Richardson's plans to make about $300 million worth of improvements at the stadium. The Panthers' owner wants local and state money to pay for a chunk of the project. One background factor in the negotiations has been the possibility that the team could be sold to out-of-town ownership -- and possibly moved -- after Richardson's death.(Charlotte Observer)(2-13-2013)

 

 

NASCAR Unveils "Air Titan" Track-Drying Technology: 

 

Less than eight months ago, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France tasked the team at the NASCAR Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C., with developing a means to shorten the delay caused by rain. The reasons for the initiative were many, but at the top of the list: Fans, whether in the grandstands or watching on television, should not have to wait long before racing resumes following a downpour.
NASCAR announced Phase 1 of France's vision, introducing the Air Titan track drying system that will debut during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway. This innovative technology, steeped in science and created by the NASCAR R&D Center, will reduce track drying time, improve the racing product and enhance the fan experience  starting this week and including The Sprint Unlimited on Saturday night at 8:00pm/et on FOX.
"In a short amount of time, our talented team at the NASCAR R&D Center imagined, designed and built the Air Titan, an innovative device that will dramatically improve the race-viewing experience for our fans," France said of the initiative's first phase. "With its far-reaching potential and impact, we believe the Air Titan is a big win for the motorsports industry, and eventually will enhance many surface cleaning and drying industries as well."
With the ultimate goal of reducing track-drying time by up to 80%, the NASCAR R&D team took an advanced scientific approach during the production of the Air Titan. Using compressed air, the Air Titan efficiently and reliably pushes water off of the racing surface and onto the apron where vacuum trucks will remove the remainder of the moisture. Jet dryers will follow each Air Titan, drying any excess water that remains on the racing surface.
As part of the Air Titan's testing process, NASCAR enlisted the expertise of the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) in Auburn, Ala., International Speedway Corporation's track construction group, Racing Surface Technologies and QualPro Inc. Additionally, Elgin Sweeper Company, Sullair and Ring Power CAT also provided equipment during the testing, and will be part of the track-drying process at Daytona during Speedweeks. For the immediate future, jet dryers and vacuum trucks will continue to be used during track-drying efforts. Over time, the innovations of the Air Titan will lessen the carbon footprint of track drying, decreasing both emissions and noise pollution. The next evolution in the innovative technology will be to optimize the power source.(NASCAR)(2-12-2013)

 

 

Elgin Sweeper Introduces Crosswind Specialty Track Sweeper: 

 

Elgin Sweeper has introduced a modified Crosswind Specialty Track Sweeper that is set to make its debut at NASCAR racetracks around the country this racing season, beginning with the Daytona 500 on Feb. 24. The Track Sweeper plays a supporting role in a new racetrack drying initiative that features a combination of air power and vacuum suction to dry rain-soaked racetracks. The regenerative air Track Sweeper adapts features from Elgin Sweeper's highly successful Crosswind GRS (glycol recovery sweeper), a special-purpose sweeper used to vacuum liquid glycol from airport runways. This specialty sweeper includes unique features developed for racetrack sweeping and maintenance applications, such as a side air-blast nozzle, a reverse sweep system, a 20,000 CFM-rated blower and a hydraulically-driven side broom with plastic bristles.
During track testing conducted in conjunction with NASCAR last November in Daytona, this same vacuum technology proved to efficiently vacuum water from the pores of the racetrack, and worked even better with the new track-drying technology designed by the NASCAR Research and Development Center. Working together to remove moisture from the track surface, both technologies dramatically accelerated the drying time. Developed as a more effective alternative to the current track-drying method, the system, featuring the Crosswind Track Sweeper, is expected to expedite the process.
The specialty sweeper was modified with input from racetrack officials in the NASCAR circuit. Elgin Sweeper representatives  along with Jeff Miles from 
Key Equipment & Supply Company, an Elgin Sweeper dealer based in Kansas City, Kans.  worked with NASCAR to address track maintenance issues, as well as fire, safety, medical and security concerns. A lifelong racing enthusiast, Miles is also a lead driver for the Richard Petty Driving Experience and has logged more than 350,000 miles in NASCAR-style stock cars. Traveling to tracks across the country has given Miles an added appreciation for clean track conditions.(much more info at prlog.org and at Elgin Sweeper's facebook)(2-11-2013)

 

 

 

Countdown to Daytona: 

 

There are 12 days left before the Feb. 24, 2013 Daytona 500; hence, today's number is: 12: The number of second-place finishes posted by James Hylton in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series before Hylton got his first victory. From the start of his career at NASCAR's highest level, it took Hylton six years and 187 starts to notch his first win, which came Mar. 1, 1970, in the Richmond 500 at what is now Richmond International Raceway. Hylton and race runner-up Richard Petty were the only two drivers on the lead lap at the finish. By then, Hylton already had finished second in the series standings twice, in 1966 and 1967, losing the title to David Pearson and Petty, respectively.(NASCAR Wire Service)(2-12-2103)

 

 

Fans [in attendance] to decide the Sprint Unlimited Starting Lineup: 

 

Race fans will have the final voice in selecting the starting lineup for The Sprint Unlimited At Daytona on Saturday night, Feb. 16 under the lights at Daytona International Speedway. Race fans will have three options to determine the order that the drivers will line up for the fan favorite, star-studded race.
1) Number of career wins (most to least)
2) 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final driver point standings
3) The order of when drivers earned their pole position in 2012 (Daytona 500 first place  Homestead-Miami Speedway Ford 400 last place)
To participate, fans can cast their vote through a digital app at one of four Daytona Rewards Stations on Daytona International Speedway property or through texting.
The Daytona Rewards Stations will be located in the Midway, Sprint FANZONE, DIS Ticket & Tours Building and at the Gate 8 Pedestrian Bridge. Texting information on how to vote will be promoted throughout the day to race fans on property at the "World Center of Racing." Voting for the starting lineup will take place on Saturday only from 9:30 am  4:00pm/et.
In addition to voting on the starting lineup, fans in attendance will be eligible to receive special upgraded race experiences including roles as Grand Marshal, Honorary Starter, and trophy presenter. Fans can also help deliver the trophy to Gatorade Victory Lane or participate in driver introductions during pre-race ceremonies.
Prior to The Sprint Unlimited, race fans will be able to shape the race by voting on race elements such as length of each race segment, type of team pit stop after first segment, how many cars will be eliminated after the second segment and the type of fire suit Miss Sprint Cup will wear. Fans can vote at NASCAR.com/sprintunlimited or on the NASCAR Mobile '13 app; voting on the format of the race will end at 11:59 pm/et Feb. 13 while voting for the other categories close during different stages of the race.
The format for selecting The Sprint Unlimited field of drivers is returning to its roots. The eligible field of drivers will consist of pole winners from the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season and past winners of The Sprint Unlimited who have attempted to qualify for at least one race during the 2012 season. The Sprint Unlimited At Daytona is scheduled 8:00pm/et live on FOX and MRN Radio. Tickets for The Sprint Unlimited are available for purchase at 
www.daytonainternationalspeedway.comor by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. Children 12 and under are free in general admission grandstands and the Sprint FANZONE.(DIS)(2-12-2013)

 

 

New qualifying format should pump excitement into Duels: 

 

Even at first glance, it's obvious that changes to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying format will add two important aspects to the process -- opportunity and suspense. Nowhere will that be more in evidence than at Daytona International Speedway, where Cup teams will begin preparation for the Feb. 24 season-opening Daytona 500 this weekend. The scrapping of the top-35 rule, which guaranteed starting spots in every Cup race to the top 35 cars in the owner standings, by definition broadens the opportunity to make the field. In the case of Daytona, it also injects a level of suspense and excitement into the Budweiser Duel 150 qualifying races that's been minimized in the era of the top-35 rule.
For every Cup race this season, the 36 fastest cars will make the field. Rather than, say, 13 go-or-go-homers (non-exempt cars) competing for a maximum of eight starting spots, every team that takes to the track knows one thing. If you're among the 36 fastest, you're in the race. Period. The next six positions -- provisional starting spots -- go to the top six cars in owner points that haven't qualified on speed. The 43rd position is reserved for a past champion not other qualified, provided he participated in the Cup series during the previous season. If there's no past champion to fill the final spot, it goes to the seventh car in the owners' standings not otherwise qualified.

For the Daytona 500 and its unique qualifying format, here's what to watch: As in the past, the front row will be locked in on pole day, Sunday, Feb. 17. After time trials, the starting positions of the fastest two cars will be set, on the pole and on the outside of the front row. The pole winner will lead odd-numbered qualifiers (positions 3, 5, 7, etc.) to the green flag in the first Duel on Feb. 21. The second-place car in time trials will pace the even-number qualifiers in the second Duel.
The top six qualifiers on Sunday are locked into the race on speed no matter what, but the starting position of the third-through-sixth-place qualifiers won't be determined until the Duels are run. For the past eight seasons, with 35 cars locked in before they ever got to the race track, the functional purpose of the Duels was to set the starting order and to determine which two back markers from each race would ride shotgun on the field at the start of the Daytona 500. This year, things have changed -- dramatically. The Duels will now determine not only the starting positions of the first 32 cars but also who actually makes the race. Finish in the top 15 in your Duel, and you're in the Daytona 500 -- simple as that.
Positions 33-36 are filled by the four fastest cars from time trials that 1) aren't on the front row and 2) don't transfer from the Duels. Positions 37-42 go to the top six cars in owner points not otherwise qualified. The final spot goes to a past champion or a seventh provisional starter, as with the general procedure for all races. If the new format multiplies the suspense of the Duels from a fan's standpoint, it also will lead to some white knuckles inside the race cars. A major wreck in one of the Duels, one that involves a number of top drivers, could create havoc with the starting field.(
NASCAR Wire Service)(2-12-2013)

 

 

Baker, Owens, Thomas, Wallace and Wood Officially Enshrined into the NASCAR Hall of Fame: 

 

Five legends of stock car auto racing were enshrined into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C., Friday night [Feb 8, 2013] ght during the Induction Ceremony held in the Crown Ballroom of the Charlotte Convention. Four were NASCAR pioneers, building the sport during its formative years; the other ushered it into modern times and its exploding popularity. Combined, they make the fourth class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. It's a group with talents that run the gamut necessary for NASCAR excellence: Unparalleled driving skills; team unifying and talent evaluating ownership prowess; a brilliant mechanical mind.
Here are the five new members, a group that pushes the total number of NASCAR Hall of Famers to 20.


Buck Baker A two-time NASCAR premier series champion in 1956-57, the first to ever win back-to-back titles in NASCAR's top level. Cotton Owens  a master of two crafts, that of driver and owner. Herb Thomas  the first driver to win multiple championships in NASCAR's premier series. Rusty Wallace  the 1989 NASCAR premier series champion and a 55-time race winner. Leonard Wood  legendary engine builder, mechanic and crew chief for the Wood Brothers.
Baker, a 46-time winner, joined the ranks of NASCAR royalty after becoming the first driver to capture consecutive championships in NASCAR's premier series. He earned his first championship driving cars for legendary owner Carl Kiekhaefer; he won his second driving his own cars. Baker passed his immense driving talent to his son Buddy, who himself won 19 times in the premier series. Buddy Baker inducted his father during tonight's ceremony.
"Buck always made an impression on people, good or bad," said widow Susan Baker, who accepted the induction on Baker's behalf. Buck Baker passed away in 2002. "If you ever met him, you never forgot him. It was never boring being married to Buck, either. He could make me laugh like no one else could, and he had that same effect on others."

 

Cotton Owens joins Junior Johnson as NASCAR Hall of Famers who excelled as both driver and owner. The Union, S.C., native won nine times as a driver in NASCAR's premier series, and won more than 100 more races in NASCAR's Modified division. The latter feat earned him the moniker of "King of the Modifieds." He wore the crown in the NASCAR premier series as an owner in 1966, winning the championship with fellow NASCAR Hall of Famer David Pearson.
"I know this is a biased opinion, but in our family's book, there was no better racer than Cotton Owens," said Kyle Davis, Owens' grandson, who accepted the induction on his grandfather's behalf. Owens passes away last year. "My grandfather was one of the most humble, most loyal and hardest working men I've ever met. He took great pride in the fact that he could build a race car from the ground up & engine, chassis, transmission, you name it & drive it to the race track and then drive it to Victory Lane. He was a wizard at both turning wrenches and behind the wheel."


Herb Thomas was one of NASCAR's first superstars thanks to his premier series championships in 1951 and 1953. Becoming the first driver to win multiple championships, Thomas laid the groundwork for a record-setting career. His 48 victories in 228 starts translates to a winning percentage of 21.05 percent, a NASCAR premier series record. Thomas' son Joel accepted the induction on his behalf. "I truly believe this is the greatest honor a driver could receive," Joel Thomas said. Herb Thomas passed away in 2000. "My father would have been very honored and humbled in receiving this recognition. ... Thank you all for helping him reach his dreams. Thank you to all of his fans for cheering him on and keeping his memories alive."


Ninth on the all-time premier series wins list, Rusty Wallace enjoyed one of the most successful careers in modern-day NASCAR. Wallace won the 1989 premier series championship a season after finishing second in the final points standings. For 16 consecutive seasons, from 1986-2001, Wallace scored at least one win per season. That's tied for the third-longest streak in history. "I look out in this crowd and I see some of the biggest stars in history," said an emotional Wallace. "I am humbled that I'm standing up here, and I just can't thank everybody enough for selecting me to be in the NASCAR Hall of Fame."


Leonard Wood again joins his brother Glen, this time in the NASCAR Hall of Fame (Glen was inducted last year). Leonard served as chief mechanic for the Wood Brothers his entire career, winning a total of 94 races with some of biggest names in NASCAR history including brother Glen, Marvin Panch, David Pearson and Cale Yarborough. "It's certainly a high honor to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, especially right behind my brother, Glen, and two of our former drivers, David [Pearson] and Cale [Yarborough]," Wood said. "Glen and I always did things together, we learned together and we won together."
Each of the five inductees had an inductor who officially welcomed them into the hall. The inductors for the five inductees: Herb Thomas was inducted by NASCAR Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett; Cotton Owens was inducted by his former driver NASCAR Hall of Famer David Pearson; Leonard Wood was inducted by his nephew and Wood Brothers co-owner Eddie Wood; Buck Baker was inducted by his son Buddy Baker; Rusty Wallace was inducted by his son Greg Wallace.
Active drivers introduced each inductee video during tonight's program. The list of drivers who participated: Carl Edwards for Herb Thomas; Mark Martin for Cotton Owens; Jeff Gordon for Buck Baker; Brad Keselowski for Rusty Wallace; and Trevor Bayne for Leonard Wood.
Prior to tonight's Induction Ceremony was the presentation of the inaugural Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence, awarded to namesakes Ken Squier and Barney Hall.


Squier, co-founder of Motor Racing Network, is perhaps best-known for his work during the 1979 Daytona 500, a milestone moment for the entire sport, as Squier's voice on CBS welcomed millions to the first live flag-to-flag coverage of "The Great American Race"  a moniker he coined. Squier proceeded to call races for CBS and TBS until 1997 before shifting to the studio as host for NASCAR broadcasts until 2000. Squier continues to enlighten NASCAR fans to this day, mostly through special appearances on SPEED.


Hall began his career in the 1950s working at local radio stations in North Carolina and served as Bristol Motor Speedway's first public address announcer when the track opened. He called his first Daytona 500 in 1960, and has missed only three broadcasts in the 54-year history of The Great American Race. He joined MRN as an original announcer at the network's inception in 1970, first as a turn announcer and then moving to the booth in the late 1970s where he has been a fixture ever since at race tracks from coast to coast.(NASCAR)(2-9-2013)

 

 

Sprint Cup, Nationwide, Camping World Truck, Tracks [ONLY, no other Series], Internships etc,.. Jobs Available

JD Motorsports Employment Opportunity: 

As the racing season approaches, JD Motorsports with Gary Keller is looking to hire qualified shop and road mechanics for the 2013 season. We are looking for hard working and determined mechanics with experience in the NASCAR garage. Positions are available on the No. 01 and No. 4 NASCAR Nationwide Series teams. Please call (864)488-1270 to set up an appointment, or email jdmotorsportspr@yahoo.com.(2-4-2013)

The Motorsports Group is Hiring Pit Crew Support and Mechanics: 

TMG is looking for pit crew members, shop and track mechanics for our Nationwide Series team, 1-3 years racing experience recommended. Chassis team and pit crew leadership experience recommended. Must be willing to start immediately. 
Job Description: This position performs the required engineering related functions for the race team. In this role, crew members report to the crew chief.
Job Responsibilities: 
1. Works with the crew chief to build cars and setups for all racing and testing events. 
2. Works with shop personnel, ensuring that they have the required information to assemble racecars in a timely manner.
3. Works with crew chief and the other team mechanics to continually improve cars performance.
4. Race car tear down after races/ building cars and fabrication knowledge is a must. 
5. Executes pit stop practices during race weeks. 
6. Accurately enters all of the required information (i.e., vehicle/component information, setup information, run comments, test and race summaries, etc.) pertaining to the running of the racecar in the TMG database.
7. Supports and plays an active role in the crew chief's and driver's decision making process to extract maximum performance out of the racecar.
8. Must be able to multi task and work efficient under pressure. 
9. Attends all scheduled race meetings.
10. As required, works on special projects designated by the Crew Chief.
11. Performs any additional tasks, as required by the Crew Chief or Team Owner.
12. Position requires individual to travel to all test and racing events.
13. Must have own tools.
Only absolutely top notch candidates, contact at hudson@themotorsportsgroup.com.(2-2-2013)

 

ThorSport Racing Employment Opportunity: 

ThorSport Racing [#13 & #88 Truck Series] is currently seeking an entry level Mechanical Engineer. The ideal candidate will be able to work in a fast paced, high-pressure environment. Typical workweek is 40-60 hours with weekly travel. If you are a candidate send a resume to jobs@thorsport.com.(2-2-2013)

TMG is looking for a race engineer/ shock specialist for our Nationwide Series team, 3-6 years racing experience recommended. Chassis team leadership experience recommended. Must be willing to start immediately. Job duties of a race engineer/ shock specialist are as follows, however tasks will be appropriately divided between the race engineer and the crew chief. This position performs the required engineering related functions for the race team. In this role, the race engineer reports to the crew chief. More info at themotorsportsgroup.com.(1-20-2013)

NASCAR.com - nascar.teamworkonline.com

JobLink Career Center Locations:
www.centralinaworks.com/joblink

 

 

News from the AARN:

http://www.aarn.com/

 

Note:  Don’t forget – if you’re a subscriber to the AARN, you can have the free digital version.  That is available on Tuesday mornings.

 

From their February 12th edition – picked up from the Digital Service.

 

The RoC Dirt Modified schedule:

3/15:  Small Blocks at Selinsgrove

3/16:  Big Blocks at Selinsgrove

3/23:  New Egypt

3/30:  Bridgeport

4/14:  5 Mile

5/27:  Utica/Rome

6/11:  Penn Can

6/26:  I-88

7/16:  5 Mile

7/30:  Grandview

8/21:  Utica/Rome

9/20:  Accord

11/2:  5 Mile

 

Lenny Sammons is wondering just what is happening with the sale of the Weedsport track.  Paper work was exchanged last week.  Those old “bugaboos” – political red tape and needed environmental studies are holding things up.  Also, he makes note of Dr. Terry Trammell announcing his retirement after 32 years in orthopedic surgery.

 

Ernie Saxton noted that Kurt Busch has again been named as one of America’s most disliked athletes.  What Ernie thinks is good is that Kurt is being considered as an athlete.

 

The Racing Expo, held last weekend up in Massachusetts, got hit hard by the snow storm we had, with quite a few vendors not able to make it there, along with a small fan turnout.

 

Brett Deyo had quite a bit in his column about Vinnie Salerno and his hiring of Jeff Strunk to drive his # 4 Modified at Grandview and Big Diamond.  When he’s available, Tim McCreadie will also be in the # 4 car.

 

The Bridgeport Speedway will keep its $15.00 admission price from last year.

 

Charlie Langenstein has moved over to the Tommy Baldwin race team.

 

Randy Kane had quite a bit about Danny Creeden in his column.  It still looks like Creeden will make the long tow to 5 Mile Speedway on Saturday nights, rather than run at OCFS, which is about a 15 minute ride for him.  Also, it looks like Donnie Wilson won’t be doing much racing in 2013, citing his being to busy during the off season to get his race car ready.

 

Mike Mallett tells us that Chuck McKee will be driving for three different teams in 2013, with most of that being at OCFS.

 

The new “Painted” track at Daytona, a flat track using the paved area on the backstretch to fashion a race track, will have live coverage of their feature races on SPEED on February 18th and 19th – starting at 7:00 PM.

Note:  I expect it to be a rather dull show, what with the flat track.  Oh, there’ll be some excitement I suppose when cars have to be moved out of the way so one can make a pass.  This track came about when it was feared that a well known track out in California (Irwindale) was thought to be closing up.  That track is still open and racing is still going on.  I’ve read that some of the paved Florida tracks were not too happy with Daytona coming out with this supposed new track.

 

Gary London has part one of a three part series about Duke Donaldson, in this weeks AARN.  Donaldson was a well known race promoter, track owner and race car owner.

 

The ESS has a “Speed week” for the beginning of July, with races at Rolling Wheels on the 3rd, Brewerton on the 4th, Can-Am on the 5th and Utica/Rome on the 7th.

 

When ARCA races at Daytona in the very near future – well the 16th of February, to be precise, it will be their 50th race at the Speedway.

 

When the green flag falls on the first race at the Grandview Speedway, on April 6th, it will be the 51st year of racing at Grandview.

 

Frank Krimmel has been racing with ARCA since 1992.  He’s been the clubs champion nine times.  He’s been in the top ten in points for 21 consecutive years.  He has 76 career wins, 246 top five and 332 top ten finishes in 448 career starts.  He has never won at Daytona, though.

 

April 13th and 20th are listed as practice days for the Bethel Speedway.

 

Some of the topics covered in this weeks edition:

 

Sesely's A Sure Thing 
In Gamblers Classic 
At Boardwalk Hall

Kyle Lick, Erick Rudolph 
Are 600 Micro NAPA Auto Parts 
Race Winners

Popular Win For Cicconi 
In Friday TQ Race Comes 
In Borrowed Ride

Port Royal Speedway 
Honors Its Champions 
In Saturday Gala

Bedford Speedway Releases 
Innovative 2013 Season Schedule

It's The Ronnie And Ronny Show 
At Bubba Crate Speedweeks 

Retrospective: A Look Back 
At The First Daytona 500 
In 1959

Mike McAleer To Follow Big Blocks 
To Bridgeport 

BIll Elliott Announces Retirement 
From Sprint Cup Racing

 

 

 

Press Releases:

Contact: Shawn Miller

World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series PR

704-467-7803 | smiller@dirtcar.com

 

World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series at a Glance

UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit at Volusia Speedway Park

 

BARBERVILLE, Fla. - Feb. 11, 2013 - Last season was one of the most competitive in the storied history of the World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series.

A late surge by Donny Schatz allowed him to capture his fifth championship and first since claiming four consecutive from 2006-09.

Schatz was recently selected in the Media Poll as the favorite to repeat for the 2013 campaign, which kicks off this week with the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment at Volusia Speedway Park - the fastest half-mile track in the country, where Schatz has collected a World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series leading five wins.

However, seven other full-time Outlaws have earned at least one feature victory at the facility, where the eventual series champion has picked up a victory during four of the last eight years.

WHEN

Friday through Sunday, Feb. 15-17, at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla. The front gate is scheduled to open at 5 p.m. with hot laps at 6 p.m. each night.

WHERE

Volusia Speedway Park is located at 1500 East State Road 40 near DeLeon Springs, just 15 miles west of Ormond Beach. From I-95, take Exit 268 west on State Rd. 40. From Highway 17, take State Rd 40 and drive five miles east of Barberville. Click on the link for a map ( http://goo.gl/maps/2zt81).

TICKETS

Tickets can be purchased by clicking WorldofOutlaws.com/tickets or by calling (877) 395-8606.

ON THE INTERNET

World of Outlaws - WoOsprint.com

Volusia Speedway Park - VolusiaSpeedwayPark.com

Dirt Radio Network - DIRTVision.com

ABOUT THE TRACK

Volusia Speedway Park is a semi-banked, half-mile oval. The track record of 12.569 seconds was established by Paul McMahan on Feb. 10, 2011.

PREVIOUS WINNERS

World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series A-Feature Winners at Volusia Speedway Park:

2012 - Danny Lasoski on Feb. 18, Donny Schatz on Feb. 19, Craig Dollansky on Feb. 19

2011 - Steve Kinser on Feb. 11, Steve Kinser on Feb. 12, Jason Sides on Feb. 13

2010 - Donny Schatz on Feb. 6, Steve Kinser on Feb. 7

2009 - Donny Schatz on Feb. 6, Joey Saldana on Feb. 7, Donny Schatz on Feb. 8

2008 - Craig Dollansky on Feb. 8, Jason Meyers on Feb. 9, Danny Lasoski on Feb. 10

2007 - Donny Schatz on Feb. 9, Kerry Madsen on Feb. 10, Daryn Pittman on Feb. 10

2006 - Chad Kemenah on Feb. 9, Joey Saldana on Feb. 10

2005 - Jeff Shepard on Feb. 11, Steve Kinser on Feb. 13

1981 - Doug Wolfgang on Feb. 9

HALF-MILE WINNERS

There have been no races on a half-mile track this season. In 2012, there were 24 World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series features on a track that size this season. The winners were: Sammy Swindell - 6 (Autodrome Granby on July 27, Eldora Speedway on July 14, Lakeside Speedway on June 30, Eldora Speedway on May 5, Knoxville Raceway on April 28 and Missouri State Fair Speedway on April 20); Donny Schatz - 4 (Williams Grove Speedway on Sept. 29, Calistoga Speedway on Sept. 9, Knoxville Raceway on Aug. 11 and Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 19); Craig Dollansky - 3 (Lebanon Valley Speedway on July 22, Hagerstown Speedway on May 20 and Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 19); Kerry Madsen - 2 (Belleville High Banks on June 29 and Knoxville Raceway on June 9); Joey Saldana - 2 (Eldora Speedway on July 13 and Perris Auto Speedway on March 10); Cody Darrah - 1 (Williams Grove Speedway on July 21); Tim Kaeding - 1 (The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 8); Chad Kemenah - 1 (Eldora Speedway on May 4);Steve Kinser - 1 (Williams Grove Speedway on May 12); Danny Lasoski - 1 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 18); Paul McMahan - 1 (Williams Grove Speedway on Sept. 28) and Fred Rahmer - 1 (Williams Grove Speedway on May 11).

DRIVER INFO

The following World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series drivers maintain websites:

Cody Darrah - CodyDarrah.com

Craig Dollansky - DollanskyRacing.com

Chad Kemenah - ChadKemenah.com

Kraig Kinser - KraigKinser.com

Steve Kinser - SteveKinser.com

Kerry Madsen - KenericRacing.com

Bill Rose - BillRoseRacing.com

Daryn Pittman - DarynPittman.com

Joey Saldana - JoeySaldana.com

Donny Schatz - DonnySchatz.com

Jason Sides - SidesMotorsports.com

Sammy Swindell - SwindellMotorsports.citymaker.com

For more driver information, visit: WoOsprint.com

NEWS & NOTES

Tune In: Listen live as the Voice of the Outlaws, Johnny Gibson, calls the action at all World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series events on the DIRT Radio Network, with a number of events throughout the season being featured on the DIRTVision Cybercast. Visit DIRTVision.com for more information on all the features. Also, be sure to check out the all new official Podcast of the World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series, Outlaws Unleashed, in the iTunes store or at WoOsprint.com.

Live Updates Online: Check out the Official World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series website atWoOsprint.com for live, interactive text updates of each race. It also includes driver biographies with statistics and pictures, race-by-race stats, detailed track information and race coverage, series news and team press releases.

Up Next: The World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series heads to The Dirt Track at Las Vegas in Las Vegas on Wednesday and Thursday, March 6-7, before concluding that weekend with the Wildcat Shootout at Tucson International Raceway in Tucson, Ariz., on Saturday, March 9.

 

 

Pre-Season Tire Giveaway To Early Filing Members.

For Immediate Release
Re: 2013 American Racer Cup Early Members

$150,000 American Racer Cup Early Members Already Piling Up.
Billy VanPelt, Mike Barone and Kevin Chilson File Official First Entries of 2013.

BINGHAMTON, NY…The highly successful $150,000 American Racer Cup for Northeast Dirt Modified race teams will begin its fourth season of tracking the best drivers in Modified racing this spring. Once again teams that register prior to April 1st will be eligible for five free tires. Three drivers have been tagged with the title of “first posted memberships” of 2013. Duane Howard is the Defending American Racer Cup Overall Champion.

Billy VanPelt, the Woodhull Raceway standout Modified driver filed his 2013 membership the same day as 2012 Bridgeport Speedway Modified feature winner Mike Barone and Kevin Chilson another long time Woodhull Raceway supporter. These three drivers are automatically entered in a pre-season drawing that will see Lias Tire and American Racer giving away 5 free tires to anyone that files their membership prior to April 1st.

Last year Bridgeport RoC Modified Tour race winner Rick Laubach drew the five early season recipients: Billy Pauch (New Egypt Speedway), Adam McGeorge (Penn Can Speedway), Gary Butler (New Egypt Speedway), Neal Williams (New Egypt Speedway) and Jeff Strunk (Grandview Speedway.

Membership applications can be found at the official American Racer Cup Website at
www.dirtmodcup.com. After the first three drivers filed their 2013 memberships a number of additional teams have also taken advantage of the early season promotion.

The early season five tire giveaway is just an example of the commitment shown by American Racer, Lias Tire, The Race of Champions and all of the program sponsors. Before teams even begin their weekly racing season tires are being awarded.

Last season American Racer and Lias Tire provided northeast Modified teams over 475 free tires in giveaways. In addition to the pre-season tires that were given away, each participating speedway saw their top five weekly drivers in the American Racer Standings divide up 23 tires. Each speedway also saw ten free tires randomly awarded among their membership teams throughout the season.

The concept of the American Racer Cup was the idea of Fred Woodward from Lias Tire in Indiana, PA. Woodward rallied American Racer in their support of the program and since its inception three years ago it has been hugely successful. The overall point fund is paid to the top five in the final standings as follows: 1st - $10,000 2nd - $5,000 3rd - $3,500 4th - $2,500 5th - $2,000

The overall American Racer Cup Champion earns a cool $10,000 while never having to compete outside their weekly local track. Again this season should the Overall American Racer Cup Champion also go on to win the Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour Overall Title that individual will receive a $20,000 bonus from Lias Tire. That could swell the overall championship title earnings to nearly $50,000. Two years ago Stewart Friesen missed that opportunity by a mere five points.

Teams entering the American Racer Cup prior to April 1st will be eligible for a random early drawing of five free American Racer Tires (five different winners of one tire each).

Please contact Lias Tire at 1-800-638-7028 or email us at liastire@hotmail.com. The official American Racer East Coast Modified Cup website can be found at 
www.dirtmodcup.com. Please contact the Race of Champions offices at (607) 775-5555 or email them directly at rocdirt@aol.com.

 

 

 

RACING NEWS FROM

 

THE BIG SHOW 5

A BRETT HEARN/DRIVEN MARKETING

PRODUCTION 

 

WWW.THEBIGDIRTSHOW.COM

 

CONTACT: JOHN SNYDER  845.225.3560

 

 

HEARN INKS SPONSOR FOR “THE BIG SHOW 5”

With Recovery Sports Grill Malta On Board Winner’s Purse Now $7,500

 

SUSSEX, NJ (Feb. 15)……..Recovery Sports Grill Malta, a sports- the med restaurant (2537 State Route 9, Ballston Spa, New York) has signed on as a major sponsor of The Big Show 5, a midweek special racing program set for Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at Albany-Saratoga Speedway in Malta, New York. The announcement was made today by event promoter Brett Hearn and Carrie Hillenbrandt, BBL Hospitality Director of Sales and Marketing.

 

“Our mission at Recovery Sports Grill is to support the local community sporting events, and this feature race in Malta is a perfect opportunity to partner with the professionals of Brett Hearn’s Driven Marketing team. Everyone is excited for the racing season to begin,” said Hillenbrandt.

 

“We’re extremely pleased to have Recovery Sports Grill on board,” added Hearn. “Racing people---fans and competitors---are exceptionally loyal to the companies that are involved in the sport. This is a great opportunity for both of us.”

 

With the sponsorship, the first place prize money for The Big Show 5 feature race, a 100-lap Super DIRTcar Modified Series event, has been raised to $7,500.

 

With 30 flat screen and seven projection televisions broadcasting all major sports packages, Recovery Sports Grill Malta has every major sporting event covered. Food is cooked fresh to order in an open kitchen layout with choices to satisfy every taste. Signature dishes include always fresh and never frozen wings, slow roasted ribs, and a selection of sliders. Healthier options are also available. Children have a wide selection of choices from the $2.99 kid menu as well as great desserts for after the big race.

 

BBL Hospitality is a multi-brand hotel and restaurant company that owns, operates, and develops facilities along the East Coast of the United States . The company owns 14 hotels under various flagships, and 12 Recovery Sports Grill sports- the med restaurants, with locations throughout New York , New Jersey , Virginia , West Virginia , and Florida . The independently-owned and operated company is a division of the Albany, New York-based BBL Family of Companies.

 

Brett Hearn is a champion professional race car driver with more than 800 feature race wins to his credit. He is the 2012 Eastern Motorsport Press Association Nor the ast Driver of the Year and just recently was named Area Auto Racing News 50 Years Greatest driver. Driven Marketing is Hearn’s team that promotes special motorsports events.

 

Hearn may be contacted during business hours at 973-702-0819, or go to www.bretthearn.com for additional information.




 

 

I get e-mails:

 

PLEASE NOTE: I DO NOT KNOW THIS PERSON, JUST THE ONE WHO SENT THIS AS AN EMAIL... I AM JUST PASSING ALONG THE INFO...... 
Please pass this one on – we need answers and Obama needs to be held responsible
Cynthia Lee Meyers (cousin of one man who was killed)
WE NEED THE AUTOPSY REPORT ON
THE DEATHS OF THESE MEN!!!!!!!! 
Read and pass it on!
You need to read this true account of what happened to our Ambassador Stevens and the other 3 who died.
If this doesn't make you mad.......................
Cynthia Lee Myers (cousin of one man who was killed) Wanted to share the truth of what happened over in Libya , you will not find this in the media yet but it airs tonight on FNC.....please read....

"Here is my story. A week out the Embassy in Tripoli began receiving multiple tips about an Al Queda cell in the area planning an attack on 9/11 in response to the killing of Bin Laden. For the next several days, the state dept and WH were asked for a security force and were denied at least six times. Ambassador Stevens and his team were given the all clear that The Consulate in Benghazi was safe and there was no need for a security force other than his 3 personal guards (One being my cousin) and a few Libyans who were not armed.

Then the attack and murders occurred. Immediately the WH claimed it was a protest gone bad over a you tube video. Obama made a quick speech in the Rose Garden on Sept.12 before catching a plane to Vegas to campaign. He made a generic statement at the end of his speech after placing the blame on an overheated protest over the video. He said "No act of terror will shake the resolve of America . Later that day and over the next 2 days, the liberal media began saying Ambassador Stevens and the other 3 men died of smoke inhalation. This was not the case. Out of respect for my cousin, I'm not going to be specific about his murder. However Ambassador Stevens was brutally murdered. His genitals were cut off, he was sodomized and beaten and cut and stabbed and burned. He was drug thru the streets and left for dead. This is eyewitness testimony of a local Dr. Who found the Ambassador in a ditch and tried to save his life. He had no idea who he was.

The other 3 men, including my cousin, met similar fates. And deaths due to smoke inhalation is a 100% fabricated LIE. The next week I drove my aunt and Uncle and 2 others to DC to receive his body. We met with Hillary, Panetta, and Susan Rice. ALL of whom apologized and said it was a protest gone bad over a video and exited the area. Next Obama entered with the same story and didn't apologize and wasn't sympathetic. My aunt cried to this man and all he did was hand her flowers and walk away. I tried to get his attention, but didn't. I got upset and yelled liar to him, he kept walking. Then a secret svc agent grabbed my arm and led me to a room where I was held till the proceedings were over.

America, I saw firsthand how cold this man is. What kind of liar he is. Most of you haven't a clue about this tyrant and yet you support him. And act like every word he says is Gospel. These murders and the fast and furious cover ups make water gate look like, a kid who told his bff's secret to the class. We must stop this man, and please pass this story along."

.....and you voted for who?

When will the Congress bother to investigate this national tragedy?

 

 

 

 

Found on Facebook:

 

Benghazi: Obama, Hillary and the Astonishing Derelictions of Duty

http://tpnn.com/benghazi-obama-hillary-and-the-astonishing-derelictions-of-duty-2/

 

STUNNING: Obama’s Pick For CIA Is A Converted MUSLIM!

http://www.westernjournalism.com/stunning-obamas-pick-for-cia-is-a-converted-muslim/

 

New study confirms economy was destroyed by Democrat policies

http://www.examiner.com/article/new-study-confirms-economy-was-destroyed-by-democrat-policies

 

 

 

Found on the Internet:

 

Hillary Caught in Lie Under Oath?

 

http://www.reagancoalition.com/articles/2013/20130213001-hillary-oath.html

 

 

 

Some non-racing stuff:

 

 

Sheriff Joe Raids Sporting Goods Company: Nabs 27 Illegals Using Stolen IDs

http://standwitharizona.com/blog/2013/02/08/sheriff-joe-raids-sporting-goods-company-nabs-27-illegals-using-stolen-ids/

 

How Obama is wielding executive power in 2nd term

http://news.yahoo.com/obama-wielding-executive-power-2nd-term-125939108--politics.html

 

Tug boats to reach disabled cruise ship Monday

http://news.yahoo.com/tug-boats-reach-disabled-cruise-173331236.html

 

Cheney criticizes Obama nominees in Wyoming speech

http://news.yahoo.com/cheney-criticizes-obama-nominees-wyoming-speech-050746215.html

 

 

SEAL who shot bin Laden speaks out

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/seal-shot-osama-bin-laden-speaks-143245195.html

 

In part:

“Despite killing the world's most-wanted terrorist, he said, he was not given a pension, health care or protection for himself or his family.

"[SEAL command] told me they could get me a job driving a beer truck in Milwaukee," he told Esquire.

Plus, he said, "my health care for me and my family stopped. I asked if there was some transition from my Tricare to Blue Cross Blue Shield. They said no. You're out of the service, your coverage is over. Thanks for your 16 years. Go f--- yourself."

The problem seems to be that "The Shooter" left the military well before the 20-year requirement for retirement benefits.”

Just one of the comments that are below the article:

Military vs politicians pension/benefits. Military = more risk but needs 20 years minimum.
Politicians = low risk one term gets benefits and pension. 
Whats wrong with this picture?
Politicians need to EARN what they get and should be for many years service, not 5 or 6.”

 

 

OBAMA'S NEW ECONOMIC NORMAL: SEVEN DEVASTATING FACTS

Millions Improperly Claimed U.S. Phone Subsidies

 

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323511804578296001368122888.html?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTWhatsNewsCollection

 

 

 

Hostess cleared by court to auction off Twinkie brand

http://news.yahoo.com/hostess-cleared-court-auction-off-twinkie-brand-001829892--finance.html

 

 

Debate on gun control should ask whether Congress has power to regulate

 

http://news.yahoo.com/debate-gun-control-ask-whether-congress-power-regulate-165053730--politics.html

 

 

Call for Minimum-Wage Boost Revives Issue That Divides Economists

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/call-minimum-wage-boost-revives-050100828.html

 

Note:  Our President would like to see the minimum wage at $9.00/hr.  Question:  Could you live on $9.00/hr?  How about $12.00?  $15.00?  I’m willing to bet that as of now, any of those job figures I’m mentioning, if you did earn that, there would be zero benefits included.

 

 

Pendleton Murder Suspect Violated Probation 3 Times

 

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/02/12/pendleton-murder-suspect-violated-probation-3-times/

 

Note:  Found this via a post on Facebook.  It said, in a photo:

 

“Obama danced on the grave of Hidaya Pendelton in his State Of The Union Address, using her death to call for more gun control laws.

 

FACT:  Both of Hidaya’s killers had criminal records, and one had violated his parole THREE TIMES prior to killing her.

 

How about instead of calling for new laws that violate the rights of peaceful law-abiding citizens, you call for enforcement of the ones already on the books?”

 

 

 

 

Video time:

 

Special thanks to my friend Richard Golardi, from Florida, for posting this video on Facebook:

 

Video of All Stars Feature Race at Bubba Raceway Park, Ocala, FL, on Friday 2/8/2013, first sprint car race of 2013 Florida Speedweeks

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jt82qNPfnHE

 

 

 

Photos:

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

Russ Klar was quite a popular driver from the late 30’s into the 60’s – and as far as I know, never did announce his retirement from racing.  His daughter, Anne, is married to Drew Fornoro, son of Nick and Bette Fornoro.  A son, Greg, for a while followed in his fathers footsteps and raced for a little while.  Anne does the PR for the AJ Foyt race team.  Russ made a huge impression on my future wife, one night, after the TQ races in the Teaneck, NJ Armory, when he let her sit in the TQ he drove that night.  Russ left us on February 16, 2005.

Hey!  Sorry for the big size!

 

 

Closing with these:

Memory was something you lost with age

An application was for employment

A program was a TV show

A cursor used profanity

 

A keyboard was a piano

A web was a spider's home

A virus was the flu

A CD was a bank account

 

A hard drive was a long trip on the road

A mouse pad was where a mouse lived

 

And if you had a 3 inch floppy...

 

 

You just hoped nobody ever found out!?!

  

 

 

Until next week, folks!

 

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