Racin' & Different Stuff:

                                      By Tom Avenengo

                                         Volume # 133

                                                   04/04/2013

 

First:

 

Got started on this weeks column around noon on Sunday.  Actually had quite a bit in it, since I had some “For next column” items saved previously.  After dinner – maybe around 7:00 PM on Sunday – back to work.  Put some stuff in the column, which was still from when I worked on it earlier in the day.  Never “saved” the column.  Uh huh – had a short power outage.  Uh huh!  Column went “Poof” off into cyber-land or wherever they go.  Of course all the stuff I had put in it, I deleted from where I got it from.  Gotta love ‘puters!

 

 

 

Second:

Hey!  Hoping every one had a nice and Happy Easter Holiday!  For the first time since I can remember, we did not have an Easter egg hunt at our house.  That’s what happens when the majority of our grand kids and great grand kids are no longer living close bye.

 

 

 

Third:

Art Malone – Drag Racing Pioneer and American Racing Legend Dead At 76 Years Old on Friday, March 29th.

 

http://bangshift.com/blog/art-malone-drag-racing-pioneer-and-american-racing-legend-dead-at-76-years-old.html

 

 

Fourth:

Last Friday, while looking through last weeks paper edition of the AARN, there was an article by Lenny Sammons on “Cold Weather Not Hard On Motors, It’s The Horsepower That’s Produced”.  It dealt mainly with the 410 Sprint Car engines.  Today most teams have the ability to heat up the water and/or the oil pan with an electric pad.  Engine builder Tommy Rider says that in cold weather, Sprint Car engines have been known to increase their horsepower by 100, with the cold air.  Art Lentini, of Art’s Radiator has developed a radiator that has a heater built into it.

 

 

 

Fifth:

 

On the home front – the wife has had some problems with her hands and fingers – results from the chemo, as far as we know.  A special medication was prescribed and that medication knocked the wife on her butt, big time.  It did help ease the pain in her hands & fingers, but at the same time it made her knees turn to jelly and at times she had uncontrollable movement of her hands and feet, along with maintaining her balance.  So she had to be taken off the new meds.  Gradually the “shakes” are gone, but man, is she having difficulty getting around with those bad knees of hers.  She’s back to using her walker and her biggest problems come up if we have to leave the house and she has to go down 3 steps.  Going up those three steps, when we return, is worse.  Starting on Tuesday, she’s on some over the counter meds.  We’re hoping they work!

 

 

 

Sixth:

 

This was sent out via email and also was posted on Facebook:

 

ARDC is looking for Officials for 2013!

by admin

ARDC is looking to Officials for 2013.  These are paid positions!  If you want to be involved in dirt racing and part of a historic organization, NOW is the chance!   There are only a few select positions that become available.  If interested contact Ron Lauer (410)-987-0284 or email him at offyron@yahoo.com.

 

 

 

Seventh:

 

Over on the Dirt Track Digest forum:

 

Tony Smokin

 

http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/DTD/index.php?/topic/46837-tony-smokin/

 

I agree 100% with this post:

 

"Get rid of the big rear spoilers, front air dam, mirrors, radios and spotters...go back to the forgotten rule "if they aren't to your door, they haven't got the spot"...50 MPH less would be better racing"

 

 

 

Eighth:

 

I’ve thought about this for a while now.  During the off season, here in the Northeast, racing (indoors) is at a minimum.  Back in the day, there used to be racing indoors in the Kingsbridge Armory, in the Bronx, at times, twice a week.  Other arenas in the area also had indoor racing for Midgets or TQ’s.  The Teaneck NJ Armory was one of those.

So, why can’t we have weekly indoor racing during the off season, today?  Is it cost?  Is it lack of buildings?  Any idea why?

Just for the heck of it, I copied the above (on Tuesday) and sent it to Lenny Sammons & the AARN.  Lenny is the one putting on the indoor races at various places, today.

 

Lenny got back to me with this:

 

“Tom,

 

The most we believe can be done is four. The off-season is just too small. Most of our racers compete outdoors until mid to the end of November. You can't compete with Christmas and racing in Florida is now a month long. Lincoln Speedway now opens the last week in February!

 

We are trying to land one more, but it is difficult. Most buildings either don't work or are too busy.

 

Back in the day when Atlantic City held three or four a year, the track was set-up once and left that way all winter. George Stockinger stopped because of the cost of doing business in the building. It's very risky for us, doing it once a year is the only way it works.

 

Len”

 

 

 

 

Ninth:

 

While working on this column on Tuesday, at 5:00 PM, I had FOXNews on and was watching “The Five”.  First subject – Background checks on those that buy guns – or those that have guns given to them.  OK, those that buy guns are pretty well covered, as long as the weapon is bought from a reputable dealer.  But if a gun is given to someone, or sold (privately) – then what?  So much for a background check, maybe?

 

 

 

Tenth:

 

Well, so much for “Global warming”!

 

March 2013 Falls Well Short of Last Year's Records

 

By Anthony Sagliani, Meteorologist

April 02, 2013; 7:15 PM

 

As lingering winter cold keeps spring greenery away, many residents from Chicago to New York City remember it was only a year ago when record warmth had already snapped the landscape to life.

Record temperatures began around the middle of March 2012 and continued for much of the month. According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), by the time all was said and done, more than 7,500 record highs were broken across the U.S.

March 2012 went down not only as the warmest March on record for many cities and towns throughout the eastern and central part of the country, but also as the warmest March for the entire United States.

Over the last 30 days, a persistent chill over many of the same locations for March 2013 has led to more than 2,600 record cold temperatures.*

 

http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/march-2013-falls-well-short-of/9366945

 

 

 

 

Eleventh:

 

I had a nice surprise the other day when I got on my computer and visited Facebook.  There was a post by my son, Eric, which said:

 

“The only Superman I know is my dad”

 

Well, “Superman” I’m surely not, but it’s nice to see what my son thinks of his father.

 

 

 

Twelfth:

 

Oh yeah, it’s gonna be fun – IF it actually does go into effect, that is.  More and more is coming out on Obamacare that is not pleasing to read or hear.

 

To Sign Up For Obamacare, Start Filling Out The Forms Now (And Hire A Good Accountant)

 

In part:

"The Obama Administration quietly released a draft copy of its “single streamlined application” for Obamacare. This is the form that the government will use to certify eligibility for the program’s subsidies. The on-line version of that form requires 60 printed pages to spell out all the queries. (A condensed paper version of the same application fills 21 pages).

 

And all this comes before you fill out your state paperwork to see if you’re eligible for Medicaid (and before you even begin to select a health plan). There’s also a separate form that you’ll have to give to your employer to complete for you."

 

http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottgottlieb/2013/04/03/to-sign-up-for-obamacare-start-filling-out-the-forms-now-and-hire-a-good-accountant/?partner=yahootix

 

Note:  Yes, there’s more on Obamacare further down in this weeks column!

 

 

 

Thirteenth:

 

There’s a subject on the Yahoo! Race History Group – “Who’s running their cars?” which refers to those that have restored race cars and are running them in Vintage race meets.  One of those to respond is Mel Anthony, who is now in his 90’s, and just recently announced that he will no longer be driving his Offy Midget.

 

Lee, and group,

 

Thank you for the fine compliments. I will tell of a fan who approached me the night I took a clean sweep at Roseburg, Oregon, in 2010. I had just came off a 54 year retirement, and the fan asked me my secret. My reply:

" When they push start you in an Offy, it steals some of your memory, like forgetting how Damn old you are!" This has been a lot of the fun in vintage racing, meeting with amazed fans after the race. One lady came up to me with tears in her eyes, and she gave me a big hug. Her reason she had never heard an Offy since her youth, which was obviously some time ago. She lived in the Midwest where the Offy ruled. Another lady came down from the stands after an Idaho race, and announced she was mad at me. I knew I had no problems on the track, so I asked what was on her mind. She replied: "My husband races these vintage midgets also, he is 71, and I thought he would have it out of his system this year." "Because of you, I am now looking at another 16 years of this c--p". She wasnt too mad, as she bought my book. >Grin<

 

 

 

Mel Anthony

Shoreline, WA

 

 

 

 

Fourteenth:

 

It seems this happens every year – race teams wait until the last minute to get their cars lettered.

From a post on Facebook:

“This Shit just hit the Fan... Lettering too many race car bodies! why do you guys wait till the last week? The race car season is on the same week every year! *Sigh”

 

 

 

Fifteenth:

 

It was mentioned on the news tonight (Wed) that the cell phone is now 40 years old!  Hard to believe, huh?

 

 

 

 

Sixteenth:

 

 

For what it’s worth:

 

I found this a little after 11:00 PM on Wednesday night when I visited the Victory Speedway forum.  It concerns the moving of the pit area at OCFS.

 

Status update... Many race teams complained about the movement of the pits.. Many race fans complained about not being able to follow the pit action from the stands.. Lots of pressure on track management.

 

As of today, the dirt for the motorcross track that was dumpped in the infield is being removed and placed where the new pits were suppose to be.

 

So, pits will remain where they have been for 60+ years. More people wanted it left alone than wanted them moved to clear a view of the track.

 

ho hum...As The World Turns.

 

BTW...One of the track maintenance truck sunk to the axle in the new pit area that will be the new Motorcross area. Got all that straight??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Going back in time:

On April 4th in:

 

1924

Bob Christie ... Born ... Christie raced in the USAC Championship Car series in the 1956-1963 seasons, with 15 career starts, including every Indianapolis 500 race in that span. He finished in the top ten 5 times, with his best finish in 3rd position in 1959 at Daytona.

 

1928

Bud Tingelstad... Born ... USAC driver from 1957 to 1972 in the Midget, Sprint, Stock Car and Championship Car series. In the Championship Cars he raced in the 1960-1971 seasons with 120 starts, including the Indianapolis 500 in each year except 1961 and 1970. He finished in the top ten 56 times, with his one victory in 1966 at DuQuoin.

 

1933

William Clifton France, "Bill Jr."... Born ... After serving as vice-president for six years, he became the head of NASCAR when his father Bill France, Sr. retired on January 10, 1972. The International Motorsports Hall of Fame describes the transition: "Other than the founding of NASCAR itself, Bill Jr.'s appointment to leadership is probably the most significant event in the history of the sanctioning body." NASCAR went from a Southern regional sport to a national sport during his tenure.

 

1949

John Force ... Born ... 14 time NHRA Funny Car Champion.

 

1957

Chet Fillip... Born ... A former driver in the CART Championship Car series. He raced in the 1982-1985 seasons, with 9[1] career starts, and started in the Indianapolis 500 in 1982 and 1983. His best CART finish was in 10th position in 1985 at Milwaukee. At the end of the 1985 season, he switched to the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, where he continued racing through 1987, making 24 starts with a best finish of 15th. After NASCAR, Fillip raced several years in USAC sprint car, with 8 victories and also winning the prestigious Little 500 in 1999. The year 2006 saw the formation of a new racing series, the Premier Racing Association (PRA) utilizing the former pavement racing cars of the USAC Silver Crown Series which had switched to a different type of car more suitable for faster, larger tracks a mile or more in length. Chet Fillip won the first championship of this series driving a car of his own design and manufacture. Though he won no races he finished no lower than 6th in any event while always running near the front. After at least 28 years driving everything from sports cars to Indy cars to stock cars, he won his first series championship.

 

1958

Christian Danner... Born ... A Formula One racer from 1985 to 1989 who also raced on the road courses in the CART series from 1992 to 1997.

 

1959

George Amick... Died ... AAA / USAC driver 1954 to 1959. He was killed in a crash in a USAC 100-mile Indy car race at Daytona International Speedway.

Jim Rathmann won the 100 mile USAC Championship race at Daytona International Speedway, averaging 170.261 mph. As Rathmann took the checkered, George Amick died in a crash on the backstretch, possibly from the nose of the car lifting off the track. USAC immediately cancelled a 300 mile race scheduled for July 4th due to safety concerns. Amick was the fastest qualifier with a speed of 176.887, a speed not exceeded by an Indy Car for another nine years.

 

1966

Jimmy Daywalt ... Died ... Jimmy drove AAA sprint cars and in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series, racing in the 1950, 1953-1957, 1959, and 1961-1962 seasons with 20 starts. He finished in the top ten 3 times. His best finish was in the 1953 Indianapolis 500, where he finished 6th and was named Rookie of the Year.

 

 

1970

Dan Gurney won the USAC Championship 'Golden Gate 150' at Sears Point International Raceway in Sears Point, California. Gurney took the lead from Mario Andretti on lap 3 and was never headed though John Cannon was rapidly running Gurney down until a bizarre incident during a yellow flag. The field was slowed so much by the pace car that the stock block engine in Cannon's car stalled going up one of the hills. Cannon alertly let the car roll back down the hill in an effort to use momentum to refire the engine, but it was to no avail. Andretti finished a second behind Gurney's Eagle. Gurney's 7th Indy Car win would also be the final one of his career.

 

1993

Mario Andretti achieved his last CART victory with a win at Phoenix International Raceway.

 

2000

John W. Rollins... Died ... One of the founders of Dover Downs International Speedway in Dover, Delaware, died at age 83.

Note:  This will be a weekly feature – going back in time on the date my column comes out.  Info for this is found here:

http://www.wheelsofspeed.com/history/april_4.html

 

 

Coming up:

Accord:

Practice session on April 5th with a rain date of April 6th.  Gates open at 4:30  -  Spectators are free  -  Concession will be open  

Opening night is April 12th.  I see that Brett Hearn has Accord on his schedule for that night.  Opening night at Accord is always the Scott Harvey Memorial race.

 

OCFS:

Practice session on April 6th – 1:00 Pm to 6:00 PM

Opening night is April 13th, with $3,000.00 going to the modified feature winner.

Note # 1:  Per a message on the OCFS website, new times for admittance to the pits will be 4:00 PM.  New times for admittance to the stands and drive-in will be 5:00 PM.

 

Note # 2:  This is posted on the OCFS website.  No, I have no idea if the position has been filled, or not – suggest you check with the office.

Open Position Available in OCFS Maintenance Dept.

Posted: March 13th, 2013

 

Anyone interested in the position can apply at the Speedway Office Mon - Fri, from 10am-2pm

 

 

Hamlin Speedway:

Has “Bug Day” on April 13th, and their opening night is April 20th.

Note:  This was posted on Facebook on Tuesday:

“AS OF 4/2/13: *** HAMLIN SPEEDWAY STATUS ***

***THE TRACK PREP WORK HAS BEGUN!***

- Brief overview of some track changes for 2013:

a) The outside walls have been pushed out (approx 2 ft) to widen track and fill clay will be added;

b) Preparing for fencing (turn 3&4, & front stretch) - will be added soon but not by Bug Day April 13th;

c) Russell's flag stand will be raised plus a more suitable access point will be built;

d) Plans are in the works for new clay - the best there is!!! Working with Lincoln Speedway's guy coordinating purchase from same local quarry to be delivered to Hamlin Speedway! Tentative plans to purchase and deliver clay is next week! (prior to bug day, weather pending);

e) Pit fencing improvements;

f) Still hoping to get a GRANDSTANDS somewhere to better manage the crowds for race day!

 

THIS IS JUST TO MENTION A FEW & NOT LIMITED TO!

 

*It is possible that this Saturday may be WORK day ... to be announced SOON* <Denise>”

 

 

Bethel Motor Speedway:

Has two practice days – April 13th and 20th.  Their season starts on April 27th.

 

Lebanon Valley Speedway:

Practice on April 6th and opening night of racing on April 13th, with $3,000.00 going to the modified feature winner.

 

Oakland Valley Speedway – Dirt Oval:

Opening weekend POSTPONED until April 6th. We will still be doing an open practice for all divisions as well as the swap meet and a late Easter Egg Hunt!!!

Open Practice – 12:00 – 5:00
$25.00 for practice which includes the pit pass
$12.00 pit pass – includes table set up fee
Motorcycles & Quads – flat track only

 

 

Mountain Speedway:

 

On Saturday, May 11, 2013 (Rain date May 18th) a tribute to racing legend Ken Brenn, will be held.

Featuring the Atlantic Coast Old Timers and the Vintage Division of the ATQMRA.

Pit gate opens at 10:00 AM.  Grandstands at 12:00 Noon.  First event 12:30 PM.  Free grandstand admission.

For info, contact Robert Noll at 610-395-5490.

Mountain Speedway is conveniently located at the corner of Mill Mnt Road and St. Johns Road in St John’s PA – Near Hazleton.  Easy access from Rts 80, 81 and 309.

Free pit admittance with current ACOT or Vintage Division of the ATQMRA Membership card.

The Vintage Division will be staging heat races (6 laps) and features (12 laps) for both the roll bar cars and the cage cars.

 

 

 

 

Found on Jayski’s website:

http://www.jayski.com/

 

Rumors of Mark Martin's substitute role have been greatly exaggerated. It will now last only one race, after a series of conflicting announcements. Joe Gibbs Racing originally reported on Thursday that Martin would be competing for Denny Hamlin while Hamlin recuperates from a lower-back compression fracture, suffered during a last-lap crash at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday. The sub-headline that read, "Veteran NASCAR Driver Mark Martin to Drive No. 11 FedEx Toyota Until Hamlin Returns" indicated that the affable 54-year-old veteran would sub throughout Hamlin's recovery. But apparently the deal was not cleared by Aaron's, which is sponsoring Martin in the #55 this season and has enjoyed a relationship with Michael Waltrip since 2000.(Fox Sports)(3-30-2013)

 

Joe Gibbs Racing announces that Brian Vickers will take over behind the wheel of the #11 FedEx Toyota Camry in the Sprint Cup Series for the injured Denny Hamlin starting on April 13 at Texas Motor Speedway. It was previously released that Mark Martin would handle the duties behind the wheel for the #11 Joe Gibbs Racing team while Denny Hamlin recovered from injury. Martin will drive the car in Martinsville, but Vickers will now take over the duties beginning in Texas. "Obviously having to find someone to fill in for Denny is not an ideal situation to have to be in and when you start a process like this you obviously begin to look at the drivers that are not only available but also able to drive for your race team and manufacturer. We were a bit premature in determining Mark's status past Martinsville however," said J.D. Gibbs, president of Joe Gibbs Racing. "We're real happy to have the opportunity to get Brian in our Cup cars and with him driving Nationwide for us we think we have some continuity there that is beneficial.(JGR)(3-29-2013)

 

Kyle Busch to appear on 'Anger Management':

#18-Kyle Busch apparently will make fun of, of all people, Kyle Busch when he appears on upcoming episode of the FX comedy "Anger Management." According to TMZ, Busch will play himself and seek counseling from the character portrayed by Charlie Sheen, who of course isn't exactly known as the most stable person in the world. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver is one of the most polarizing personalities in the Sprint Cup Series thanks to his incredible talent, aggressive moves and an, at times, off-track surliness. Kyle Busch's wife, Samantha, posted a couple of photos of her and Kyle with Sheen on the set of the show Monday.(Sporting News)(3-29-2013)

 

Hines to drive for Thorsport at Eldora:

Two-time USAC open-wheel champion Tracy Hines will attempt to boost his victory total at one of his favorite race tracks this summer when he drives a Toyota Tundra in a reunion with ThorSport Racing at Eldora Speedway's inaugural NASCAR Camping World Truck Series dirt-track race. When NASCAR scheduled its first national series' dirt race since 1970, it anticipated an all-star cast of dirt-track specialists entering. Hines, 40, of New Castle, Ind., brings much more than a notable dirt pedigree to his ThorSport entry in the July 24 mid-week NCWTS round at the half-mile speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. Hine has 52 career Truck Series starts -- 48 of them for ThorSport in 2004-2005 -- but he's been an ace on dirt, where he's won 85 main events across USAC's three primary divisions, putting him fourth on USAC's all-time wins list. Those victories include Hines' 12th career Eldora win, in a USAC sprint car in September 2012. Hines' next Eldora start will come in a USAC sprint car on April 20 -- an event he won a year ago.(Thorsport PR)(3-29-2013)

 

Can Hamlin still make the Chase?

Yes. And it might not be as difficult as it appears. Hamlin is expected to miss the next five races recovering from a compression fracture in his lower back. He had 180 points during that span a year ago, which is a ton for one of only two drivers --#48- Jimmie Johnson is the other -- to have never missed NASCAR's 10-race playoff. It basically ends any chance he has of automatically qualifying in the top 10.

But earning one of the two wild-card berths, given to the drivers with the most wins inside the top 20, isn't a reach at all. A year ago, Jamie McMurray was 20th in the standings with 640 points when the Chase was set after 26 races. Hamlin, now 10th in the standings, has 145 points. Hamlin would need approximately 495 points -- and one or two wins -- over the 16 races before the September Richmond race to be in position for the top 20 under 2012 standards. To do that he would need an average of 30.9 points per race, or an average finish of around 13th. Throw in bonus points for a few wins in which he leads the most laps for a maximum 48 points and his average finish could be slightly higher. A year ago, Hamlin's average finish was only 14.1 from race 11 to 26. But he won at Bristol and Atlanta and accumulated 499 points, three more than he would have needed to get into the Chase. Based on what 20th place has done so far this year Hamlin may have even more leeway. Ryan Newman is in the bubble slot with 121 points, an average finish of 24.2. Average that out over 26 races and the total is only 629.(ESPN)(3-28-2013)

 

 

 

 

Former OVRP Dirt Oval runners:

 

Not any racing to report on.  Joey Bruning now has a Sportsman car and will be running at OCFS, I believe.  He joins quite a list of former Dirt Oval Karters or Slingshot “shoes” to move on up to bigger, more expensive and faster racing vehicles.

 

 

 

 

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 April 2nd edition – picked up from the Digital Service:

 

This weeks edition of the AARN is 96 pages in length, with the addition of their annual Season Preview, which is 43 pages this year.

 

 

 

Steve Barrick:

 

In one of his articles he makes mention of the passing of Deron Rust, a former driver and one of the promoters of the Georgetown Speedway in Delaware.

 

 

Lenny Sammons:

 

Are you ready for this one?  Reportedly, Tyler Walker will be returning East to run a Sprint Car in special events for car owner Charlie Sorokach, who he drove for in the past.  Mr. Sorokach says that Walker has been in contact with him, is due in court on April 15th, but Walker expects the charges to be lowered to community service and some fines, which would allow him to come East to race.  Walker, if you recall, had a three state high speed car chase a while back, going through Nevada, Arizona and Utah.  He was also charged with being in possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence.

 

Greg Hodnett and Mark Coldren were involved in nasty accidents at Port Royal last weekend.  Hodnett suffered leg, rib and hand injuries.  His Kevlar seat was broken.  On Monday night, Hodnett said his hand was shattered, and doctors also wanted to check out his spleen.

As for Coldren – his injuries were minor compared to those of his Triple X chassied Sprint car, which was totaled.  Aside from looking like he was in a boxing match, his only apparent injury is to soreness in his left forearm.  He was knocked out in the crash.  His Butler built seat did it’s job.  His helmet tried to come off, and it hit either the steering wheel or the cage because the front nose was cracked.  Where his Hybrid head restraining device connects to his helmet, it cut through the carbon fiber for about an inch.  Photos did show the damages.

 

 

Ernie Saxton:

 

Ernie, like me, is glad to be able to get to read the AARN on Tuesday, on his computer, via the AARN’s digital service.  And, like me, he also reads the paper issue of the AARN when it arrives.  It’s been said that over time the printed media would probably disappear, what with the Internet able to give almost instantaneous information.  Ernie, like me, hopes that doesn’t come true. 

 

 

Earl Krause:

 

A good portion of his column was devoted to the up-coming tribute to Ken Brenn to be held at Mountain Speedway, as I’ve noted above in this weeks column.

 

 

Brett Deyo:

 

Brett had a good sized write-up about the race at Bridgeport last week.  The main story was about tire wear.  Only two – Varin and Friesen, were able to run the whole 60 laps without a tire change.  Friesen ran out of fuel on the last lap, due, he says, to the amount of caution laps (17 cautions, mostly for flat tires).  The track was dug up prior to the features, but it “rubbered” up quickly, causing the high amount of flat tires.

 

 

Todd Heintzelman:

 

The headline on his column tells us that Fred Rahmer has now won a feature at the Williams Grove Speedway for 24 straight years!  Dave Blaney won the Sprint Car feature a the Port Royal Speedway.  Brother Dale, won the Sprint Car feature at the Attica Speedway on the same night.  It was his 94th win with the All-Stars, leaving him only 4 behind the all time winner leader – Kenny Jacobs

 

 

Dave Roberts:

 

The headline of this weeks column by Dave says:  “Proud of his racing heritage, Jipp Ortiz retires after a winning career.  In a career that was about 20 years in length, Jipp won 100 features and at least six championships.

 

 

Herb Anastor:

 

Herb continued his “Back in the day” Indy 500 races run by NASCAR drivers Cale Yarborough, Leroy Yarbrough and Donnie and Bobby Allison.

Cale had a best Indy 500 finish of 10th.  He did finish 5th twice in Indy Car races at Trenton and Michigan.  Leroy had a best finish of 19th in the 500.  Donnie Allison did rather well at Indy, with finishes of 4th and 6th.  Bobby, while running in 8th position in 1975, had a broken gearbox and ended up 25th.

 

 

Robin Yasinsac Gillespie:

 

The headline in her article:  “Dave Lape Set To Begin 50th – And Final Year Of Racing”.

Kinda hard to believe, isn’t it – being a race driver for 50 years?

 

 

John Snyder:

 

This week, John makes mention on a variety of subjects – The Bridgeport race, the tire problems there, why did it take so long to complete the show and hints to anyone that might be thinking of running a race track.

As for why it took so long to get the show in – well, it seems that every car that was racing at Bridgeport, that day, had to be inspected.  Keep in mind, the state of New Jersey governs racing in that state.  Uh huh!  A good part of the delay, maybe?

So you’re thinking of running a race track, huh?

Here are some hints to follow if you want to be successful:

 

1.     Limit warm-ups to 4 or 5 laps per class.

2.     Start on time.

3.     Line up the next race as soon as the preceding one takes to the track.

4.     Zero tolerance for failure to line up properly.

5.     Zero tolerance for not heeding flagman or other official.

6.     No more than one parade or pace lap before the initial green, with the exception of the “A” feature.

7.     Assess lineup penalties after the checkered flag – two spots for every spot out of position.

8.     Asses rough riding penalties after the checkered flag (or caution period) except for immediate black flag (use sparingly) – loss of qualifying spot.

9.     No second hot laps session except for “A” division during championship race meets.

10.                        Keep intermission time to a minimum – 25 minutes tops – and line up the first post intermission event so it takes to the track immediately at intermission conclusion.

11.                        Organize “Victory Lane” and keep it short and sweet.

12.                        Use transponders/one way radios with all divisions.

13.                        Keep the field moving during incident clean-up whenever possible; use red flag sparingly, but always with a flip or violent crash.

14.                        Depending on total car count, may or may not allow a “courtesy” lap for competitors to change flat tires – if it’s allowed for one, must be for all.

15.                        Stopping to draw a yellow flag  are tough calls – whatever is decided – remain consistent. 

16.                        Treat all competitors fairly and equally.

17.                        Have a liberal rain out policy for the fans; the fan that comes back happy will spend more money at the concession stand.

18.                        Tech inspections should focus on safety issues, first and foremost.

19.                        And, from Flemington’s Al Tasnady:  “Establish from the beginning, firmly but politely, that you’re the boss; it’s not a democracy.  There will be those that will test your resolve, even dare you to make a ruling against them.  If the track star steps out of line, don’t be afraid to act in kind.  But don’t attempt to explain your actions during the race meet.  Give folks a day or two to settle down – and then call them into your office for a discussion.”

 

 

Note:  Some things I noticed while reading the AARN:

The TSRS 305 Sprint Car Series has the Accord Speedway on it’s schedule for 9/21.

ACOT has no scheduled appearance at Accord, while the CRSA 305 Sprints only have one race scheduled at Accord.

At OCFS in 2013, even though the track has racing for the 358 Small Blocks, in 2013, there is no 358 Modified Series race scheduled.  Also, with OCFS now going strictly “Crate” engines for their Sportsman racing in 2013, there is no Sportsman Series race scheduled for OCFS.  Damn!  Wonder why?  OCFS is DIRTcar sanctioned, right?  WTH?

The ESS Sprint Cars race at Selinsgrove three times in 2013, but can’t seem to get a race scheduled for OCFS.  ESS has 28 dates at 18 tracks, including a race on pavement – at Evans Mills.

USAC Sprints – every race for them is now on a dirt track.

USAC Midgets – In their National Championship schedule, they have 22 dirt tracks and 6 paved tracks to visit in 2013.

 

Some of what’s covered in this weeks issue:

 

Fast Fred Rahmer

Steers New Ride

To WG Opener Laurels

 

 

Blaney Brothers Win

At Port Royal,

Attica On Same Night

 

 

Last Turn, Last Lap

RoC Mod Win For Varin

Before Huge B'Port Crowd

 

 

Zearfoss Breaks Leg

In Wild S'Grove Crash

 

 

Pettyjohn (Winchester),

Covert (Hagerstown)

Soar Above Three State Flyers

 

 

Well Attended Grandview,

Waterford Practices

Set Stage For Weekend Openers

 

 

Georgetown's Renaissance Promoter

Deron Rust Passes

 

 

Mahoning, Mountain:

Pennsylvania's Asphalt Speedway's

2013 Outlook Previewed

 

 

 

Press Releases:

Conor Daly To Drive in Indianapolis 500 for A.J. Foyt

 

WALLER, Texas April 2, 2013—As the son of a race driver, Conor Daly spent most of his life watching the Indianapolis 500 from the grandstands. This year the 21-year-old rising star will be seeing the race from the cockpit of an Indy car.

 

Daly has been hired to drive A.J. Foyt’s No. 41 ABC Supply Honda in this year’s Indianapolis 500, joining  Takuma Sato who pilots the No. 14 ABC Supply Honda in the IZOD IndyCar Series. Daly, who grew up in nearby Noblesville, Indiana, will be making his formal IndyCar debut in the 500 on May 26th although he did test the ABC Supply Indy car in December.

 

“I almost can't describe what it means to have the opportunity to race in the Indianapolis 500,” Daly said. “I have been to the 500 every year of my existence except for last year when I raced in Monaco. It is truly my home race since I was born and raised in the Indianapolis area.  I am so thankful that A.J. and Larry [Foyt] have given me my first shot at the greatest race in the world.  I know this will sound cheesy but I've never been happier in my life; this race means so much to me.”

 

Daly will participate in the Rookie Orientation Program (ROP) on Thursday, April 11th along with three other rookies: Tristan Vautier, Carlos Munoz, and A.J. Allmendinger, who has won Indy Car races while competing in Champ Car but has never raced in the Indy 500.

 

“I'm excited about bringing Conor to Indy for his first race at the 500,” Larry Foyt. “I've been watching him come up through the open wheel ranks, and when we met at the F-1 race in Austin, Texas last year, we hit it off immediately. Doing the test at Sebring confirmed he could make the step up to an Indycar, and with my dad's guidance, the potential is there for a great month of May.”

 

Young Daly recalled his first experiences at the track, saying, “In my early years I spent most of my time at ‘Racing Babies’ under the Tower Terrace suites watching the races because my whole family was busy working the race weekend. When I got older, no matter how hot it was I was always sitting in the front row of one of my Mom's Tower Terrace suites watching every single lap of the race. The Indy 500 is part of my life; I love everything about the month of May.”

 

Although Conor’s father Derek, an ex-Formula 1 and IndyCar driver, retired from competition before Conor was old enough to watch, his family has remained active in motorsports.

 

“I'm thrilled that Conor was A.J.’s choice,” said Derek Daly, who is also Conor’s manager. “With A.J. and the engineering talent within the team it will be an ideal learning environment for Conor. This year’s 500 will be a highly emotional event for me and my family."

 

Daly, who turned 21 two days after his Dec. 13th IndyCar test at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway, has spent the last two seasons competing in GP3, the European-based single-seater series which is a forerunner to Formula One. Daly has won in every series he has competed in, including GP3, Firestone Indy Lights, Star Mazda, and Skip Barber. He won national titles in the Mazda and Barber series.

 

For the senior Foyt, the decision to hire Daly was based on the positive experience in testing with him at Sebring.

 

“He ran well at Sebring when we needed someone to do some testing in the off season. He was fast, smooth, and didn’t get in trouble,” Foyt said. “When we made a change on the car he felt it. I found him to be very savvy on the chassis setups. In fact, when we made a minor change which was really nothing, he thought about it and said it felt no different. I told him that was the right answer because we didn’t do anything he’d be able to feel, so that impressed me too. I’ve run a lot of rookies at Indy and I think Conor will do a good job for us.”

 

Daly must pass two of the three phase speed test during ROP at Indy April 11th. Drivers must run 10 laps at 200-205 mph, another 10 laps at 205-209 mph, and finally, 15 laps at 210+ mph. The drivers may complete the third phase during the first week of practice and must do so before attempting to qualify on Pole Day, May 18th. The rain date for the ROP is Friday, April 12th.

 

The 97th Running of the Indianapolis 500 will be held Sunday, May 26th. The race will be broadcast live by ABC starting at 12 noon ET.

 

 

 

XCEL CHASSIS WELCOMES JUVENATE ENERGY PLUS AS A NEW SPONSOR FOR 2013

            Doug Borger is pleased to announce the addition of Juvenate Energy PLUS as the title sponsor for 6 shows for the 2013 season. “This winter I was contacted by the company and we started the wheels in motion. It’s a great advertising tool to sponsor a monthly race with the winner getting a $600.00 paycheck for their efforts.”

            Juvenate is a “Healthy Energy for adults. Juvenate provides energy and contains 30 mg of Resveratol which promotes longevity. Juvenate also contains vitamins B6 and B12 along with other ingredients know to have healthy benefits. You can view a complete list of ingredients by visiting their website at juvenate.com or you can call Jill at 570-292-0109 to place your order and start to “Live Better, Live Longer”.    

            Each track on the Xcel Chassis 600 Modified Tour division will host the increased payout show for the season. Five Mile Point Speedway starts it off on April 14th, May 3rd will see Lindas Speedway host with Penn Can Speedway finishing the first half on June 14th. July 5th will start with a bang at Big Diamond Speedway followed by August 3rd at Shippensburg Speedway and then finishing at I-88 Speedway on September 13th. 

 

 

 

 

 

I get e-mails:

 

Putin's speech on Feb.04, 2013

On February 4th, 2013, Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, addressed the Duma,

(Russian Parliament), and gave a speech about the tensions with minorities in Russia:

"In Russia live Russians. Any minority, from anywhere, if it wants to live in Russia,

to work and eat in Russia, should speak Russian, and should respect the Russian laws.

If they prefer Shari’a Law, then we advise them to go to those places where that's the

state law. Russia does not need minorities. Minorities need Russia, and we will not grant

them special privileges, or try to change our laws to fit their desires, no matter how

loud they yell 'discrimination'. We’d better learn from the suicides of America, England,

Holland and France, if we are to survive as a nation. The Russian customs and traditions

are not compatible with the lack of culture or the primitive ways of most minorities.

When this honourable legislative body thinks of creating new laws, it should have in

mind the national interest first, observing that the minorities are not Russians.

The members of the Duma gave Putin a standing ovation for five minutes.

 

Would any of our leaders have the guts or integrity to say anything like that?

 

 

 

Found on Facebook:

 

1903 – My grandfather, 7 yrs old, arrives on Ellis Island.  Must learn English to survive.  102 years later, in our country, we must push one to proceed in English.  What a crock of sh*t.

 

 

It is a sad day in Ct as we say goodbye to our 2nd amendment rights.

Our representatives in Hartford have 2 tasks.

1) represent their constituents and 2) uphold our constitution.

They have done neither!

Unfortunately thousands of letters and hundreds of hours of testimony fell on deaf ears and they chose to act upon emotion and ignore facts and tomorrow sweeping new gun laws will be voted in.

Kind of ironic for CT to be called the constitution state.

 

 

 

Went into a pizza shop today noticed they had their own flag from their country up but no American flag. Strange if their own country was so great why did they come here and open a business? I will never spend a dime there again because of their lack of respect to have both flags up.

 

 

 

From my friend, Dave Ingle, a great shot of Milwaukee from June of 1960. Jimmy Bryan failed to make the show for this one, which made him set his sights on Langhorne. Had he raced in Milwaukee, it could have changed the course of events.  He was fatally injured at Langhorne on the 19th of June.

 

Semi-main race at Milwaukee in 1960. 47 cars showed up for the Rex Mays 100 one week after Indianapolis. The fastest 20 qualifiers made up the first ten rows in the 100 mile feature and the rest were lined up in a 20 lap "hooligan race."

Jim Packard on the pole, Jimmie Davies on the outside front row. Eddie Sachs and Dick Rathmann transfered to the feature and three Indy winners Jimmy Bryan, Jim Rathmann and Troy Ruttman all missed the feature. Jim Rathman's purse for the trip to Milwaukee: $20 for his finish in the consi race!

 

These days almost nobody ever goes home in IndyCar without running the main race, there aren't enough entries to limit the field size.

 

 

 

Found on the Internet:

 

An interesting read:

 

What Does The Bible Say About Gay Marriage

 

And

 

What does the Bible say about same sex marriages?

 

http://www.nairaland.com/1215332/what-does-bible-say-gay

 

 

 

 

Found on Facebook, actually:

A plug-in hybrid car company is on the verge of bankruptcy – and once again, taxpayers are left footing the bill. Fisker Automotive, which received over $500 million in government loan guarantees, is furloughing workers and preparing to file for bankruptcy.

America’s taxpayers certainly aren’t surprised. We know that investing millions in unprofitable green energy companies is a recipe for disaster. But we weren’t consulted before politicians and bureaucrats decided to pony up millions to prop up a connected, politically-correct industry.

And what does Fisker have to show for itself, after years of taxpayer support? Not a single car manufactured since last July. Not one.

Tell your representatives that you’re sick and tired of green energy boondoggles. Insist that they stop propping up failed industries with taxpayer dollars.

 

 

Some non-racing stuff:

 

Illegal Border Crossings ‘Double’ as D.C. Amnesty Push Intensifies

 

http://standwitharizona.com/blog/2013/04/01/illegal-border-crossings-double-as-d-c-amnesty-push-intensifies/

 

Note:  Something we’ll never see again, in this country:

 

“THREE PRESIDENTS

HOOVER, TRUMAN AND EISENHOWER
Here is something that should be of great interest for you to pass around.

I didn't know of this until it was pointed out to me. But, back during The Great Depression,
President Herbert Hoover ordered the deportation of ALL illegal aliens in order
To make jobs available to American citizens that desperately needed
work.

Harry Truman deported over two million Illegal's after WWII to create jobs for returning veterans.

And then again in 1954, President
Dwight Eisenhower deported 13 million Mexican nationals! The program was called 'Operation Wetback' so that American WWII and Korean veterans had a better chance at jobs. It took 2 Years, but they deported them!

Now, if they could deport the illegal's back then, they can sure do it today!! If you have doubts about the veracity of this information, enter Operation Wetback into your favorite search engine and confirm it for yourself.”

Oh – I did check out “Operation Wetback”.  It confirms what is said, above.

 

 

 

No Purple Hearts for Fort Hood Victims, Pentagon Says

 

http://news.yahoo.com/no-purple-hearts-fort-hood-victims-pentagon-says-152503982--abc-news-topstories.html

 

 

 

 

Judge rules Stockton, Calif., to enter bankruptcy

 

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/judge-rules-stockton-calif-enter-191118955.html

 

 

 

Democrats push for $10K fine for gun owners without liability insurance

 

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/apr/2/democrats-push-10k-fine-gun-owners-without-liabili/

 

 

 

Empty Walmart Shelves Show The Biggest Problem With The US Economy

 

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/walmarts-customers-complain-empty-shelves-152507235.html

 

 

 

 

The Insurance Industry Shows Obamacare Who's Boss

 

http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/04/02/the-insurance-industry-shows-obamacare-whos-boss.aspx

 

 

 

Most Individual Health Insurance Isn't Good Enough for Obamacare

 

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/most-individual-health-insurance-isnt-101200230.html

 

 

 

 

Obamacare credits could trigger surprise tax bills

 

http://news.yahoo.com/obamacare-credits-could-trigger-surprise-tax-bills-162031250.html

 

 

 

 

ICE Agent Reveals Shocking Details About Obama’s Dismantling of Immigration Enforcement

 

http://standwitharizona.com/blog/2013/04/01/ice-agent-reveals-shocking-details-about-obamas-dismantling-of-enforcement/

 

 

 

 

Car Company Gets U.S. Loan, Builds Cars In Finland

 

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/car-company-us-loan-builds-cars-finland/story?id=14770875#.UVuW2aJ-9JE

 

Note:  Cars were made in Finland, not the U.S.  Per news on TV this past Tuesday night, don't be surprised if the company files for bankruptcy in the immediate future.  Reportedly, all 200 employees in the U.S. have been laid off.  Oh – the “loan” was for $529 million.

 

 

Video time – racing stuff:

 

The link to the video, below, was sent out via an email from a member of the Yahoo! Race History Group.  The 1965 Indy 500, featuring Bobby Unser, Jim Hurtubise and the Novi race team and crew.  In the video is also a quick return to the 1964 Indy 500 and the Sachs/Mcdonald accident, and the Hurtubise and his 1964 Milwaukee accident, fire and what happened afterwards with Jim.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpVnxhFZ72s&playnext=1&list=PLkUqmtyN849OMsqiBOtclCtCINql8vvDK&feature=results_video

 

Note:  Seeing all those “STP Pajamas” in this video, prompted me to send the link to Brian Caruso.  He got back to me with this:

“Thanks Tom,

 

I had found this video by accident from the video you had sent me last year about the midget race at Trenton in 1959 I think. It was on the right of the you tube screen and I clicked on it and couldn’t believe it.

There was my uncle and my grandfather in the video working on the cars. It was about a  month after my Uncle Biff died and it made me really sad that he didn’t see it.

That is my grandfather with the stop watch clocking Hurtibise when he qualified after being badly burned not even a year before.

My Uncle always talked about it and only wish he could have seen it.

Thanks for thinking of me.

 

Brian”

 

 

Photos:

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

Two of the very best – Tommy Hinnershitz in the # 2 and Johnny Thomson on the outside.  When Thomson was fatally injured at Allentown, on September 24, 1960, that accident had a lot to do with the retirement of Hinnershitz.  Thomson was fatally injured while driving the same Sprint Car that Bill Schindler drove at Allentown on 9/20/52, when he was fatally injured.  That is not the car pictured, below.

 

 

 

Closing with this:

A priest is walking down the street one day when he notices a very small boy trying to press a doorbell on a house across the street.  However, the boy is very small and the doorbell is too high for him to reach. 

After watching the boys efforts for some tine, the priest moves closer to the boys position.  He steps smartly across the street, walks up behind the little fellow, placing his hand kindly on the child’s shoulder, leans over and gives the doorbell a solid ring.

Crouching down to the child’s level, the priest smiles benevolently and asks, “And now what, my little man?”

To which the boy replies, “Now we run!”

 

 

Until next week, folks!

 

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