Racin' & Different Stuff:

                                      By Tom Avenengo

                                         Volume # 156

                                                   09/12/2013

 

This weeks column is dedicated to the late Gary Tremper.  May he rest in peace.

 

Sad to say, but yesterday, 9/11/2013, I’d venture to say that over 95% of the mentions of 9/11 dealt with 0/11/2001, and hardly any mention of 9/11/2012, no thanks to our government and our news media.  Please, don’t forget 9/11/2012 and Benghazi!

 

And on the 9/11 subject, want to have some fun?  Go to Google or Yahoo! and enter this in the search:  Pentagon, hit by plane or missile?

 

 

 

Racin’ & short’ stuff:

 

Four former OVRP Dirt Oval Kart racers did themselves proud this past Saturday night at the Orange County Fair Speedway.

Tim Hindley is the 2013 Modified champion.  Danny Creeden is the 2013 Small Block Modifed champion, and Brian Krummel is the 2013 Sportsman champion.

Also, Tyler Dippel won the Sportsman feature at Lebanon Valley and also won that championship. 

Congrats to all!

 

This past Saturday, I attended a multi-class High School reunion.  Again, I was fortunate to meet up with former classmates who, today, I would not have recognized if they weren’t wearing name tags.  One other former Pearl River NY High School student and I were talking, and it’s hard to believe, but both of us were in the same place back on January 1, 1950 – that being the last Midget race held at the Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, NJ.

 

Yesterday, September 11th, the wife and I quietly celebrated our 53rd  wedding anniversary.  Where did the time go?  I really have to give the little lady a lot of credit for putting up with me and all I’ve been involved in, over the years.  Our first date was when I took her to a 300 mile Midget race at the one mile track in Trenton, NJ.  Over time, she’s attended quite a few races, but over the last 10 years or so, it’s been a different story.  Even today, she’d rather watch “Sci-fi” or some kind of ghost cr*p on TV rather than a race.

 

 

On Wednesday afternoon, on FOX Sports 1, on NASCAR Race Hub – they played audio between the driver of the # 38 car, David Gilliland, and his crew chief, who request that the driver go to another channel, telling him to let the # 22, driven by Joey Logano, pass, so the # 22 could make the chase, and that they’d be taken care of, down the road. 

 

From Jayski:

 

Penske deal with Front Row at Richmond to help Logano?: Penske Racing may have cut a deal with Front Row Motorsports in the closing laps at Richmond for track position to help get #22-Joey Logano in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. In radio communications reviewed Wednesday by The Associated Press for Front Row driver #38-David Gilliland, his spotter informs the team of a request to let Logano pass him in the final laps of Saturday night's race. Logano was trying to claim a spot in the 12-driver Chase field. Both Penske and Front Row are Ford teams and thus considered partners. A voice on the radio, believed to be crew chief Frank Kerr, asks who the request is coming from. The spotter replies: "We've got the big dog and all his cronies." Kerr then says: "Travis knows what I've been asking for," an apparent reference to Penske Racing competition director Travis Geisler. Logano passed Gilliland on a restart and finished 22nd, one spot ahead of Gilliland and good enough for a berth in the Chase field. "Good job, good job, man," the spotter says after the race. "Hopefully we'll get something out of that." Statistics analyzed by AP also show Gilliland's lap times dropped off by almost 1 second from the times he was running prior to the radio communication.(Associated Press)(9-11-2013)

 

UPDATE:

"NASCAR is aware of reports about the #22 and #38 radio communications at Richmond International Raceway and is looking into it, but has yet to see anything in full context that requires any action."(NASCAR)(9-11-2013)

 

And, it’s on Yahoo!, too:

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/did-penske-strike-deal-logano-195024216--nascar.html

 

 

 

Note:  Not sure if they’ll be more on this prior to the publication of this weeks column.  Can only suggest you keep an eye on either Jayski or Yahoo!

 

 

 

NASCAR investigating Bowyer spin at Richmond

 

In part:  "An ESPN replay that included communication between Bowyer and his team implied the spin was deliberate. Bowyer was shown the video after the race and denied he spun intentionally, a claim he repeated throughout the post-race activities.

 

"We had a flat tire or something. It just snapped around," Bowyer said, later adding, "I know it's a lot of fun for you guys to write a lot of wacky things. Go ahead if you want to, get creative. But don't look too much into it."

 

But the in-car audio framed the situation as his crew goading him into spinning his car to bring out the yellow while Newman, who was battling Truex for the second wild-card berth in the Chase, was leading the race.

 

"Thirty-nine is going to win the race," Bowyer was told over his radio.

 

"Is your arm starting to hurt?" crew chief Brian Pattie asked. After a pause, Pattie said, "I bet it's hot in there. Itch it."

 

Bowyer's car then spun.

 

Also, it became apparent early Sunday morning that Bowyer and teammate Brian Vickers further aided Truex by taking a dive over the final three laps.

 

The race resumed with three laps to go and four-time series champion Jeff Gordon poised to claim the 10th spot in the Chase, with Joey Logano in line for the second wild-card.

 

But Bowyer and Vickers both made pit stops that helped Logano improve his finishing position enough that he claimed the 10th Chase berth, thus eliminating Gordon from contention. It freed up the wild card for Truex, and Gordon was not eligible for the wild card.

 

The AP reviewed team communications for both Bowyer and Vickers on Sunday, and Vickers was told by MWR general manager Ty Norris to pit because "we need that 1 point."

 

"We're probably going to pit here on green," Norris says.

 

"Are you talking to me?" a surprised Vickers asks.

 

Vickers continued to question the call, at one point asking, "I don't understand, pit right now?"

 

"You've got to pit this time. We need that 1 point," Norris replies.

 

"10-4. Do I got a tire going down?" Vickers asked.

 

Vickers then pitted as the field went green. When he asked after if his crew found anything with the tire, Norris replied, "I'll see you after the race, Brian, I owe you a kiss."

 

Bowyer's radio communication is not as verbose, but he pitted twice after his spin, and the team called him down pit road for a third time with no explanation as the field went green.

 

 

http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268756/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=4DFeP9xo

 

 

 

Commentary: Shady Richmond Results Demand NASCAR Action

 

NASCAR Investigation Necessary of Michael Waltrip Racing's Team Tactics

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/commentary-shady-richmond-results-demand-nascar-action-172200931--nascar.html

 

 

 

Transcript: NASCAR Richmond Penalty Teleconference

 

http://www.jayski.com/news/pages/story/_/page/NASCAR-Richmond-penalty-press-conference-Sept-9-2013

 

 

 

Might you be interested in what Bowyer had to say?

 

Bowyer On Spinout, Penalty

 

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=9658424

 

 

 

 

NASCAR missed it on Bowyer penalty

 

What Larry McReynolds has to say - you might be a little surprised:

 

http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/clint-bowyer-got-off-easy-in-michael-walrip-racing-sprint-cup-series-penalty-that-harshly-impacted-martin-truex-jr-091013#!iTCXu

 

 

 

Boy, did that little spin by Bowyer open up a huge can of worms!  Quite a lot being said on the Internet, most against the Michael Waltrip race team and the actions of others, as well.  Even NAPA and 5 Hour Energy are getting in the act and coming out with statements.  I would not be surprised to see both NAPA and 5 Hour drop their sponsorships.

 

 

DID PENSKE STRIKE DEAL TO GET LOGANO INTO CHASE?

 

http://racing.ap.org/article/did-penske-strike-deal-get-logano-chase

 

Note:  Quite an interesting read, the above.

 

 

 

 

 

It’s football season!  NJ Jets lucked out because a dumb player pushed the Jet QB out of bounds, giving the Jets the chance for the winning FG.  Must be a new rule – ya know – can’t touch the QB’s?  Next:  No more tackling, but it will go to Flag Football.

  

 

Maybe I’ll be considered “racist” here, but why do the black football players always have to show boat and get in the other teams faces?  From what I recall, white players didn’t do that – back in the day.  And I also noticed that last Thursday night, I don’t believe there was one single white player on either teams starting defense.  And, it’s not only football where the white athlete has disappeared.  Baseball, today, is getting to be mostly Hispanic.  Have you noticed?  White athletes – a disappearing thing – well, except for maybe hockey and auto racing.

 

 

 

From Facebook – racin’ stuff:

 

Keep November 30th open, race fans.  Looks like Brett Deyo will be promoting another race at the “Big A”.  I hope it’s a day race! 

Deyo posted this on Facebook:

 

“Word was leaked tonight and full details will be released this week but we will be co-promoting a Thanksgiving Saturday event for Mods Nov. 30 at Accord Speedway. Mods min. 5k to.win plus Sportsman and Street Stocks.”

 

 

 

NEWS FLASH!

CRSA Sprint Car Tour returns to Eastern States Weekend!!!

 

Note:  True or not?  Nothing being said from OCFS or the CRSA, either.  I just hope that those that run OCFS don’t go and do what they did last year – charge the CRSA teams $50.00 for their Quads.  That was one reason so few CRSA teams attended ESW last year.  That was told to me by a few of the CRSA teams.

 

 

 

One of those that was a big fan of OCFS, and racing in general, is a gentleman named Gary Tremper.  Some years back, when we started up the “Strictly Dirt” fan club, Gary was the President.  Now, it seems that Gary is having some serious health issues with his battle with cancer.  So please keep Gary, and his family, in your thoughts and prayers, ok?

 

Note:   Sad news – this was posted over on the Victory Speedway’s Forum:

 

Gary passed away at 2:10 this afternoon due to Esophagal Cancer. Gary was a true friend that loved the sport of racing. He loved his family very much and his camp at Lake George. I will miss him dearly as I am sure all of you will. Rest In Peace my friend.”

 

Note:  Photo of Gary is below in my “Photo of the week” section.

 

 

 

 

 

 

From last week:

 

Any idea as to who is credited with saying this:

 

"You know you're in trouble when the first person to get to you after a wreck is carrying a beer"

 

Answer:  Jimmy Horton after his excursion out of Talladega

 

 

 

Coming up:

 

Accord:

 

FRIDAY 9/13/13

LAST NIGHT OF POINTS

Sponsored by Taylor Rental

SuperNational Qualifier - All Divisions + Fireball 4 Cylinders

 

  

FRIDAY 9/20/13

Pits 4:30 pm

Spec Gate 5:00pm

KING OF THE CATSKILLS**

Sponsored by Insinger Performance, Inc. Sunoco Fuel

ROC Modifieds $5000 to win - Sportsman $1500 to win All-Star Slingshots $300 to win

 

Note:  I've been giving attendance at this race some serious considerations and am leaning towards not going.  To me, is it really worth the 22 bucks to watch what they're presenting?  On top of that, I'm not like most people that live week to week - I live month to month and this might be a little late in the month to warrant the expense.  I love Accord and the racing there, but sometimes one has to give serious considerations on how money gets spent.

 

 

OCFS:

 

Sept. 14th   PORCO ENERGY BREAST CANCER AWARENESS NIGHT Street Stock Powder Puff MODIFIED WINNER GUARNTEED 7TH STARTING SPOT IN ESW 200 KIDS CLUB         M/R/SP/SS/VIN

 

Sept. 21st   ALL STEEL ALUMINUM / MIDDLETOWN AUTO WRECKERS present EVE OF DESTRUCTION

 

Sept. 22nd  RAIN DATE FOR EVE OF DESTRUCTION

 

October 19th        OPEN PRACTICE 11AM-4PM

 

October 20th        RAIN DATE FOR OPEN PRACTICE

 

Oct. 25-27th         ARKEL MOTORS / DUPEE’ & MONROE LAW OFFICE PRESENT 52ND ANNUAL EASTERN STATES WEEKEND WLR CONSTRUCTION FAST TIME FOR MODIFIEDS & SMALL BLOCK MODIFIEDS, MIDDLETOWN CARTING FAST TIME FOR SPORTSMAN      M / SBM / SP / SS

 

Note:  No mention of the CRSA 305's at ESW, yet.

 

 

Bethel:

 

Saturday, September 14

 

Sportsman, Bandolero, Pro Stock, Street Stock,

4 Cylinder Advanced and Novice, Twin Cam 4 Cylinder

 

 

 

From Jayski:

http://www.jayski.com/

 

Note:  If you ever have the time, you should check out what’s being said in other websites, that Jayski links to on his website.  Go here to see what’s being said:  Article / Column / Blog Links.  It’s on the left side of his website, under his Sprint Cup news.

 

 

NASCAR Statement Regarding Saturday Night's Race:

NASCAR is reviewing Saturday night’s race at Richmond International Raceway per protocol and has no plans for further statement until that process is complete.(NASCAR)(9-8-2013)

 

 

Richmond restart being questioned:

At Richmond International Raceway, the finish in the Federated Auto Parts 400 came down to balls and strikes on Saturday night. As questionable as the timing of Clint Bowyer’s spin on Lap 393, so was the final restart with three laps remaining in the race. Technically, race leader #27-Paul Menard should have crossed the start-finish line first  controlling the restart. But eventual race winner #99-Carl Edwards was nearly a full car length ahead at the line. When NASCAR vice president Robin Pemberton addressed the teams in the pre-race drivers meeting, he promised competitors that while many may have some questions on restarts tonight the sanctioning body reserved the right make a judgment call on. OK?

There are balls and there are strikes. Sometimes you don’t like the call; sometimes we don’t even like the call we have to make, Pemberton said. I just want to remind everybody: Do not put us in that position where we have to make the call. Because more times than not, it isn’t going to be in your favor  and we don’t want to do that, OK?  Ironically, in the same meeting, Edwards had a question regarding another element of restarts. He broached the possibility of future use of video replay to review the driver’s positions for the "lucky dog" or beneficiary position where the first car one lap down returns to the lead lap.

Although NASCAR insisted it would continue to use scoring loops to line up the cars, a review of the final restart would have clearly shown Edwards car beating Menard to the line. At Dover earlier this year, #48-Jimmie Johnson was black-flagged for a similar offense and was assessed a drive-through penalty that cost him a potential win.

On Saturday night, however, Menard took two tires on his last pit stop to gain track position. His #27 Menard’s Chevy was first off pit road. But coming to the line, Edwards claimed Menard was at a big disadvantage with grip after electing to take two tires. He took off, Edwards said. I waited until he went to go. As we were going, his car actually touched my door. I think it surprised him a little bit or something. He turned a little bit. I heard his engine speed up. He spun the tires. At that point, I mean, I really have a choice to either lift off the throttle and wait for him to try to gather it up  I've never seen a guy able to gather up too quickly when they spin that bad  or go and hope NASCAR understands that he spun his tires. In this case they did. They understand he came up and hit me and spun his tires.(FoxSports)

AND from a Team Chevy transcript of post race comments:

Menard: We just had a really good long run car. Restarts, especially that last restart old left side tires, we had to try something. We weren’t going to beat those guys heads up so we had to try a little strategy, but awesome Chevrolet on long runs. Just couldn’t take off very good.(Team Chevy)(9-8-2013)

 

 

Did Bowyer spin out on purpose at Richmond?

As questions swirled around #15-Clint Bowyer's late-race spin at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night  an incident that altered the Chase for the Sprint Cup field with a caution  NASCAR said it did not believe Bowyer did anything intentional. "Not at all," Sprint Cup Series director John Darby told USA TODAY Sports. "Although we watch it  we make a point of mentioning it in the drivers' meeting and everything  I don't think anybody realistically believes that was the case with the 15 car." Bowyer's spin with seven laps remaining fell under scrutiny because it happened by himself  though #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. was in the proximity  and ultimately helped Michael Waltrip Racing teammate #56-Martin Truex Jr. make the Chase. "He just spun right out," Earnhardt said afterward. "That's the craziest thing I ever saw. & He was hemming around on the brakes and jerking the car around, and then the thing just spun out. It was crazy. I don't know what was going on."

"I think we had something going wrong," Bowyer said after the race. "I had so much wheel, by the time I got to the gas, he was underneath me. I spun out. I know it's a lot of fun for you guys to write a lot of wacky things. Go ahead if you want to. Get creative. But don't look too much into it."(see full story at the USA Today)(9-8-2013)

 

 

Montoya visits Furniture Row Racing UPDATE: #78-Furniture Row Racing general manager Joe Garone confirmed to FOX Sports that Juan Pablo Montoya visited the Denver-based shop on Tuesday and remains on the team’s shortlist to replace Kurt Busch in 2014. Garone also told FOX Sports that there has not been discussion between Furniture Row Racing and Jeff Burton, who will part ways with Richard Childress Racing at the end of the year (FoxSports)(9-5-2013)

 

 

UPDATE:

Furniture Row Racing has not decided on its driver for 2014 but is continuing discussions with Juan Pablo Montoya, who visited the shop earlier this week. Montoya and Furniture Row Racing General Manager Joe Garone confirmed the Wednesday visit at the team’s Denver shop. We’re down to a couple of guys, Garone said Friday at Richmond International Raceway. It’s just a process. Part of it is you just identify where you want to go  do you want to stay with a veteran or do you want to go with a younger rookie and bring a kid up? We’re just trying to get through that decision. You’ve got to take Juan seriously. He’s been around a while and obviously can win races. Reportedly considering a return to open-wheel racing or possibly another form of sports-car or road racing, Montoya declined to elaborate on what other teams he is considering. Garone said he expects the crew to remain, including crew chief Todd Berrier.(Sporting News)(9-7-2013)

 

 

NASCAR Penalizes MWR following Richmond, Truex out of Chase, Newman in:

NASCAR has issued penalties to Michael Waltrip Racing following the sanctioning body’s review of Saturday’s race at Richmond International Raceway. MWR was found to have violated Section 12-4 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing). As a result, MWR’s three teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (#15, #55, #56) have been penalized with the loss of 50 championship driver and 50 championship owner points, respectively.

These point penalties are assessed following the season’s 26th regular season race and not after the seeding for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Therefore, the point total for the #56 car driven by Martin Truex Jr. is reduced to 691, putting him in 17th position and eliminating him from the second Wild Card berth for the Chase field. Ryan Newman, driver of the #39 car, now moves up into the Chase as the second Wild Card participant.

NASCAR has also fined the MWR organization $300,000 and indefinitely suspended Ty Norris, MWR Executive Vice President/General Manager and spotter for the #55 car, for violating Section 12-4. The three crew chiefs  Brian Pattie (#15), Scott Miller (#55) and Chad Johnston (#56)  have all been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.

Based upon our review of Saturday night’s race at Richmond, it is our determination that the MWR organization attempted to manipulate the outcome of the race, said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. As the sport’s sanctioning body, it is our responsibility to ensure there is a fair and level playing field for all of our competitors and this action today reflects our commitment to that.(NASCAR)(9-9-2013)

 

 

Michael Waltrip Racing Statement:

Michael Waltrip Racing accepts the penalties issued by NASCAR this evening and plans to move forward in the 2013 season. Michael Waltrip, founder and co-owner of MWR: What occurred on the #55 radio at the end of Saturday night’s race in Richmond was a split-second decision made by team spotter Ty Norris to bring the #55 to pit lane and help a teammate earn a place in the Chase. We regret the decision and its impact. We apologize to NASCAR, our fellow competitors, partners and fans who were disappointed in our actions. We will learn from this and move on. As general manager, Ty Norris has been an integral part of Michael Waltrip Racing since its founding and has my and (co-owner) Rob Kauffmans full support.(MWR)(9-9-2013)

 

 

Bobby Labonte to miss Chicago:

JTG Daugherty Racing's Bobby Labonte will miss one more race while he continues to recuperate from broken ribs suffered in a cycling accident near his home in Trinity, NC. A.J. Allmendinger will drive the #47 Kingsford Toyota car Chicagoland Speedway this weekend.(JTG Daugherty Racing's Twitter)(9-9-2013)

 

UPDATE:

Bobby Labonte has decided to take another week to recover and will not race the #47 Kingsford Charcoal Toyota at Chicagoland Speedway as originally planned. Labonte suffered three broken ribs in a cycling accident near his Trinity, N.C. home on the morning of Wednesday, August 28. "I feel better every day," Labonte said. "My ribs still hurt and that's something that takes time. I figure with the way things are, another week is not that big of a deal. It gives me another week to heal up. Obviously, the plan now is to get back in the car at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which is a good track and I look forward to going back there. With my goal being Loudon (N.H.), it gives me another 10 days to prepare for that. It's better to wait another 10 days."(JTG Daugherty Racing)(9-11-2013)

 

 

 

Newman named to drive the #31 CAT Chevy for RCR:

Richard Childress Racing has signed Ryan Newman to drive the #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet SS in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starting in 2014. Newman, 35, is a 17-time NSCS race winner with 50 pole awards to his credit; and is the 2008 Daytona 500 and 2013 Brickyard 400 champion. "This is a great opportunity for our team," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of RCR. "I am very proud to have Ryan in our #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet starting next year. We have high expectations for this #31 team. Ryan has proven himself to be a great driver and I'm looking forward to winning races with him. Luke Lambert will be his crew chief and the team is staying together next year. That team is building momentum to not only finish out this year strong, but to get even better in 2014. Ryan will be a great fit with CAT and RCR in many ways. He's an outdoorsman, a conservationist and is very familiar with CAT equipment as an owner of some of their products."

A native of South Bend, Ind., Newman earned an engineering degree from Purdue University in 2001. "I'm very pleased Richard and I were able to put this deal together for me to drive RCR's #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet," Newman said. "About five years ago, Richard and I talked about me joining RCR before I signed with my current team, but things just didn't work out. However, we were able to make it happen this time and I'm looking forward to the next chapter of my career. RCR has a long history of winning races and championships, and I want to add to that tradition. I am very excited to work with Caterpillar. They are a world-class company and I look forward to learning more about them. Since I'm already a customer of theirs, I can honestly say they make incredible equipment. One important thing I sincerely want everyone to know is how much I respect and admire Jeff Burton as a person and driver. He handled his recent announcement and situation with respect, class and dignity. We're going to finish this season strong with the #39 team and give it our all to win races. Then, I'll concentrate on working with Luke Lambert and the other members of RCR as we get ready for 2014." Announcements on sponsors in addition to Caterpillar will be made at a later date.

"We are excited to have Ryan Newman driving the #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet SS in 2014," said Greg Towles, NASCAR Program Director for Caterpillar. "Ryan's racing accomplishments are well known and, when coupled with his knowledge of machinery and passion for the outdoors, he aligns well with Caterpillar customers, dealers and employees."(RCR)(9-9-2013)

 

 

Did Bowyer spin out on purpose at Richmond?

As questions swirled around #15-Clint Bowyer's late-race spin at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night  an incident that altered the Chase for the Sprint Cup field with a caution  NASCAR said it did not believe Bowyer did anything intentional. "Not at all," Sprint Cup Series director John Darby told USA TODAY Sports. "Although we watch it  we make a point of mentioning it in the drivers' meeting and everything  I don't think anybody realistically believes that was the case with the 15 car." Bowyer's spin with seven laps remaining fell under scrutiny because it happened by himself  though #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. was in the proximity  and ultimately helped Michael Waltrip Racing teammate #56-Martin Truex Jr. make the Chase. "He just spun right out," Earnhardt said afterward. "That's the craziest thing I ever saw. & He was hemming around on the brakes and jerking the car around, and then the thing just spun out. It was crazy. I don't know what was going on."

"I think we had something going wrong," Bowyer said after the race. "I had so much wheel, by the time I got to the gas, he was underneath me. I spun out. I know it's a lot of fun for you guys to write a lot of wacky things. Go ahead if you want to. Get creative. But don't look too much into it."(see full story at the USA Today)(9-8-2013)

 

UPDATE - NASCAR Investigating:

With one suspicious snap of the steering wheel, Clint Bowyer changed the outcome of a race and maybe the championship, too. Accidental or intentional, his spin in the closing laps at Richmond International Raceway set in motion a chain of events that has shrouded the start of the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship and raised many questions about the potential for a race team to manipulate pivotal moments of a race. Now NASCAR is reviewing evidence to determine if Michael Waltrip Racing deliberately altered Saturday night's race, potentially costing both #39-Ryan Newman and #24-Jeff Gordon spots in the Chase, to benefit MWR driver #56-Martin Truex Jr.

NASCAR President Mike Helton told The Associated Press before Sunday's Truck Series race at Iowa that officials in the scoring tower did not immediately see anything to believe Bowyer's spin with seven laps remaining at Richmond was suspicious. The spin came while Newman was leading and brought out the caution that set in motion a chain of events that cost Newman both the race and a berth in the 12-driver Chase field. He was battling Truex for the final spot.

"We didn't see anything that indicated that anything like that was taking place. And it's natural when everything was as close as it was between who was going to get in and not go in to scratch your heads and try to figure out and wonder why," Helton said. "But we didn't see anything initially (Saturday) night that indicated that, but certainly we'll go back through all the video and everything to be sure, because we take the responsibility very serious to be sure that it's  that everybody has had a fair chance."

But an ESPN replay that included communication between Bowyer and his team implied the spin was deliberate. Bowyer was shown the video after the race and denied he spun intentionally, a claim he repeated throughout the post-race activities.(in part from the Associated Press)(9-9-2013)

 

 

History­-Making Feat Puts Busch, Furniture Row Racing in Chase Playoffs:

With the season on the line to qualify for the Chase playoffs, #78-Kurt Busch and the Denver-based Furniture Row Racing saved the best for last, and in the process made history. Thanks to an impressive season-best runner-up finish in the final pre-Chase race Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway, Busch secured a post-season playoff berth. The feat will go into the record books as the first driver from a single-car team to qualify for the Chase since the 10-race, 12-driver championship format began in 2004. It’s an amazing feeling to go up against these big teams and to put a little lone Chevrolet from Colorado into the Chase against the big boys," said Busch, who is now a seven-time Chase participant.

Team owner Barney Visser was equally elated during a post-race news conference. I don’t know if it’s a dream come true as much as I’m kind of in awe of Kurt and Joe (Garone, general manager) and the whole team and what these guys have been able to do," said Visser. They put in a lot of hard work and a lot of hours and it’s incredible what they were able to do."

This feels incredible," said Busch, the 2004 NASCAR champion. The way that we worked together as a team  it’s amazing that we have come this far and put ourselves in this position. We came close tonight, but haven’t won a race yet this year. I was happy to guide the ship, but I had a great skipper, the way that Todd Berrier (crew chief) led this group into the off season last year and the way Todd followed Barney Vissers dream. We are in the Chase and we have a shot at the championship so we are not done yet. It feels great to deliver and to achieve something very special tonight."(Furniture Row Racing)(9-9-2013)

 

 

Michael Waltrip Racing sponsor statements on Richmond race: From NAPA:

"The actions taken by Michael Waltrip's Racing team this past weekend leading to the penalties assessed by NASCAR, are very concerning. We are disappointed that a partner associated with our organization would make such a significant error in judgment. In addition, we have launched our own review to determine the future of our partnership with Michael Waltrip's Racing team. The NAPA AUTO PARTS organization is proud of its long-standing NASCAR relationship. We share a passion with our customers for high quality racing and seek to determine the best course of action for our customers, NASCAR fans, and the NAPA organization.(NAPA Facebook page)

AND From 5 Hour Energy:

"We respect NASCAR's penalties against MWR & are addressing our sponsorship relations internally. We appreciate your understanding & patience."(5 Hour Energy Twitter account.(9-11-2013)

 

The actions taken by Michael Waltrip’s Racing team this past weekend leading to the penalties assessed by NASCAR, are very concerning. We are disappointed that a partner associated with our organization would make such a significant error in judgment. In addition, we have launched our own review to determine the future of our partnership with Michael Waltrip’s Racing team. The NAPA AUTO PARTS organization is proud of its long-standing NASCAR relationship. We share a passion with our customers for high quality racing and seek to determine the best course of action for our customers, NASCAR fans, and the NAPA organization.

 

 

Waltrip defends organization: Car owner Michael Waltrip said that there was no plan to ensure that #56-Martin Truex Jr. made the Chase last weekend at Richmond, but admits he might have made some similar decisions. Waltrip spoke Tuesday to "Race Hub" on FOX Sports 1, which also employs him. His interview came a day after NASCAR's penalties knocked Truex out of the Chase, allowing Ryan Newman to make it in. NASCAR penalized each of MWR's teams for a series of actions late in the race. It started with Clint Bowyer spinning and purposely losing two laps. It continued with Ty Norris, the team's general manager, ordering Brian Vickers to pit to give up positions. Waltrip defended his organization Tuesday in the "Race Hub" interview. "We're not immoral, we're not irresponsible," he said. "The decisions were made just based on circumstances. As we look back, obviously, we would have been smarter and done things differently had we had that option. What the penalties were for (was Vickers) coming down pit road to give up a spot that enabled (Truex) to make the Chase. It was impossible to defend because we did it. The caution was out and Ty was looking at the numbers and it's like, 'Pit, pit ... we need that position,' so we pitted. I don't know if I would have done it any differently. We've seen people give up positions all the time in this sport to give a teammate a point. It happens. We've seen the leader pull over so another guy can lead. I would have screwed that one up, too."

Asked if Bowyer intentionally spun - Bowyer has repeatedly denied that, Waltrip defended his driver. "You saw the video, you heard the audio," Waltrip told FOX Sports 1. "I stand by my driver."(Motor Racing Network)(9-11-2013)

 

 

Hendrick says Gordon was 'robbed': Hendrick Motorsports team owner Rick Hendrick said he was just as mad as his driver, #24-Jeff Gordon, over the penalties NASCAR handed down Monday night regarding Michael Waltrip Racing's attempt to manipulate the outcome of Saturday night's race at Richmond, Va. Hendrick went on to say, "Jeff Gordon got robbed. On to the Chase and try to win it." Gordon, and his wife, Ingrid Vandebosch, posted several messages on Twitter following NASCAR's announcement expressing their displeasure with the decision. Gordon was in position to make the Chase in the closing laps by finishing in the Top 10 in points but with MWR's cars pitting and pulling off the track and losing positions Joey Logano ended up with claiming a position in the Top 10, leaving Gordon out. Gordon went on to say, even he was taken out of the equation, he didn't agree with NASCAR effectively allowing Bowyer to contend for the series championship with no further penalty.(Charlotte Observer)(9-11-2013)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Track Forum:

 

Will NAPA bail from MWR?

 

http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php?180179-Will-NAPA-bail-from-MWR

 

 

 

The moral character of Clint Bowyer

 

http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php?180173-The-moral-character-of-Clint-Bowyer

 

 

 

 

 

Former OVRP Dirt Oval racers:

 

At Borgers, Paul Quear was a DNS for the TQ feature.

 

Kenney Johnson was 7th in the NEMA Lights feature at Star Speedway.

 

Justin Grosz was 10th at the Montpelier Speedway, in Indiana

 

Roger Coss was 8th in the Modified feature at Mahoning Valley.  Tiffany and BJ Wambold were DNQ’s for the Street Stock feature.

 

Danny Creeden was 19th in the Modified feature at 5 Mile, while Anthony Perrego was 6th in the Sportsman feature.

 

Rich Coons won the Sportsman feature at Bethel, with Bob Morris 2nd and Kyle Redner 9th.

 

Brett Wright was 21st in the Run What Ya Brung Sportsman feature at A/S.

Josh Pieniazek was 4th, Emily VanInwegen 5th, Danny Hennessey 10th and Joe Kata 12th in the CRSA 305 feature.

 

Alex Bell was 17th in the Small Block feature at Lebanon Valley.  Tyler Dippel won the Sportsman feature while John Virilio was 15th.

 

At I-88, Tyler Dippel was 11th in the Modified feature.

 

Davie Franek was 7th in the ESS feature at U/R.

 

Jacob Hendershot won the 270 Micro feature at Hamlin.

Kyle Rohner was 8th in the Wingless 600’s.  Danny Buccafusca won the All Star Slingshot feature.  Paul Tigue was 6th in the Junior Slingshots.  Rich VanOrden was 4th in the Super Slingers.

 

At Accord, Danny Creeden was 10th, Joey Bruning 17th and Anthony Perrego 18th in the Modified feature. 

Tyler Boniface was 18th in the Sportsman feature.

Tyler Boniface was 2nd in the Spec Sportsman feature, with Mike Traver 15th.

Lex Burritt was 7th in the Lightning Sprint feature.

 

At OCFS, Mike Ruggiero was 2nd, Clinton Mills 3rd, Tim Hindley 5th and Kyle Armstrong 11th in the Modified feature.

Dammy Creeden won the Small Block feature, with Tim Hindley 3rd, Andrew Reeves 10th, RJ Smykla 14th and Brian Krummel 15th.

Krummel won the Sportsman feature, with LJ Lombardo 3rd, Joe Conklin 8th, Joey Falanga 10th, Anthony Perrego 16th and Andrew Reeves 17th.

 

Looks like 41 names.

 

 

From the AARN:

http://www.aarn.com/

 

From their September 10th issue:

 

Lenny Sammons:

In a little bit of sad news, Lenny tells us that Keith Kauffman has run his last Sprint Car race.  He has retired from the sport.  He also tells us that Greg Hodnet is looking for a ride for 2014.

 

 

Ernie Saxton:

It's offical - Ernie will be leaving the announcers booth at the Grandview Speedway after 45 years.  The Freedom 76 event will be his last.

 

 

Steve Barrick:

He tells us of Tony Stewart to continue to race Sprint Cars, but to also see what he (Stewart) can do to make them safer.  What caused Stewart to break two bones in his right leg was the torque tube.  That's an area that the team will be concentrating on, as far as safety goes.

 

 

Bill Utter:

In the last sentence of his article, and talking about the second date for Part II of King of the Catskills events, on October 5th, he has this:  "The Modified will run a Run What Ya Brung show."

 

 

On page 7, there's a pretty good sized article about the Brett Deyo/Gary Palmer promoted race at the Accord Speedway this coming November 30th.  A couple of photos from the first "Turkey" race held at Accord, with one of them being of the 100 lap race winner, Robbie Green.  That event was run in four 25 lap segments.  I still have the article I wrote up about that race, which kinda got me in trouble with Mr. Palmer, I should add.

 

 

This Week

In AARN:

 

Eldora Rocks

John Blankenship’s World;

Wins Rich WoO LM Classic

 

Star Classic

ISMASupermod Victory

Is Jon McKennedy’s;

Wood Hurt

 

Don Kreitz Is Surprise Winner

Of Port Royal’s

410 Sprint Tuscarora

All Star Sprint 50

 

Dan Stone Rolls At Eriez; S

weeps ULMSDouble Header

 

Tony Stewart Pledges

To Work For Safer Sprint Cars;

Eyes Daytona Return

 

Cole Cup 360 Sprint Win -

And $7,000 Grabbed

By Stewart Friesen

In Last Lap Thriller

 

Leffler Memorial

At Bridgeport Speedway

Claimed By Home Stater

Rick Lafferty

 

Late Modeler Kenny Moreland

Goes Back To Back At Potomac, 

Winchester

 

Craig VonDohren Wears

Grandview 358 Mod Crown

After Taking Checkered

In Points Finale

 

Seven Day, Six Race

WoO West Coast Swing

Yields Five Winners;

Pittman Widens Title Chase Gap

 

New Thanksgiving Weekend

Mod Event Planned

For Accord By Brett Deyo

 

NASCAR Sprint Cup Field Set

After Controversial Richmond Race

 

 

 

 

This date in racing history:

Just some of the events on September 12th in:

 

1916

Tony Bettenhausen ... Born ... AAA / USAC driver from 1941 to 1961. He drove in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series, racing in the 1941 and 1946-1961 seasons with 121 starts, including 14 in the Indianapolis 500. He finished in the top ten 74 times, with 21 victories. He won the National Championship in 1951 after recording eight victories and two second place finishes in fourteen events. He announced his retirement from all racing but the Indianapolis 500 after the season. He decided to return full-time for the 1954 season. He was involved in a midget car wreck in Chicago. He suffered head injuries after striking a concrete wall. He was in critical condition for several days. He prearranged to co-drive with Chicago Gang friend Paul Russo in the 1955 Indianapolis 500. They finished second. In 1958 he won the national championship and assured the title with a second place finish at Phoenix. He finished second in the national championship to Rodger Ward in 1959. Bettenhausen was killed in 1961 in a crash at Indianapolis while testing a car for Paul Russo. Bettenhausen was the father of three racing sons Gary Bettenhausen, Tony Bettenhausen, Jr. and Merle Bettenhausen.

 

937

Billy Winn won the AAA sanctioned Syracuse 100 on the 1 Mile Dirt Oval New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, New York. Jimmy Snyder was second followed by Bob Sall, Duke Nalon and Mauri Rose.

 

1947

Tommy Hinnershitz won the AAA Eastern Sprint Car race at the Uniontown Speedway, Uniontown, PA.

 

1953

Tony Bettenhausen won the AAA sanctioned Syracuse 100 on the 1 Mile Dirt Oval New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, New York. Mike Nazaruk was second followed by Don Freeland, Sam Hanks and Bill Holland.

Bill Holland won the AAA Eastern Sprint Car race over Tommy Hinnershitz at the Rutland Fairgrounds,Rutland, VT.

 

1956

Ricky Rudd ... Born ... NASCAR driver.

 

1959

Eddie Sachs won the USAC sanctioned Syracuse 100 on the 1 Mile Dirt Oval New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, New York. Don Branson was second followed by Rodger Ward, Jim McWithey and Bobby Grim.

Gig Stephens won the ARDC Midget race at the Danbury Fairgrounds, Danbury,CT.

 

1970

Al Unser won the Hoosier Hundred USAC Champ Car race at the 1 Mile Dirt Oval Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, Indiana. Ralph Liguori was second followed by A.J. Foyt, Sammy Sessions and Mike Mosley.

 

1981

Larry Rice won the Hoosier Hundred USAC Champ Car race at the 1 Mile Dirt Oval Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, Indiana. Rich Vogler was second followed by Gary Bettenhausen, Mark Alderson and Tom Bigelow.

 

2004

Jack Turner ... Died ... AAA/USAC driver from 1955 -1963

 

 

 

 

Press releases:

 

For Immediate Release/September 9, 2013

Healthy Purse Structure Awaits ‘King of the Catskills’ Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour Competitors Friday, September 20 At Accord Speedway; Stewart Friesen & Bobby Varin Locked In RoC Dirt Modified Tour Point Title Fight

 

ACCORD, NY - Modified competitors participating in the 2013 Insinger Performance/Sunoco Race Fuels ‘King of the Catskills’ at Accord Speedway will do so for a well-balanced purse.

 

Gary Palmer, promoter of the Ulster County facility since 2001, has announced a revamped payout for the 2013 ‘King of the Catskills’ event set for Friday, Sept. 20 (rain date: Sept 27) headlined by a 60-lap Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour event featuring big-block/small-block Modifieds. Sportsman (Open vs. Crate 602) in a 25-lap, $1,500-to-win event and All-Star Slingshots in a 20-lap main paying $300 to win complete the program.

 

The ‘King of the Catskills’ RoC Dirt Modified Tour headliner was shortened from 100 laps to 60 circuits to promote hard racing throughout the main event. Purse money has been distributed back through the field: eighth-place will pay $1,000, with $800 reserved for 10th and $300 to take the green flag.

 

“We made some changes for the ‘King of the Catskills’ to benefit the fans and racers,” Palmer said of the new format and purse. “The fans will benefit with a shorter feature and harder racing throughout. The drivers should like our new payout.”

 

Gates will open for the ‘King of the Catskills’ at 4 p.m. in the pits and 5 p.m. in the grandstands. Hot laps get underway at 6:45 p.m. with racing at 7:15 p.m.

 

Modified complete rules and race information can be found on the Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour website at www.rocdirt.com. Complete ‘King of the Catskills’ information, including Sportsman rules, is posted on the Accord Speedway website at www.accordspeedway.com. Entry/registration forms can be found on both websites.

 

Grandstand admission for the ‘King of the Catskills’ is $24 for Adults. Seniors (ages 65 and over) pay $22. Kids (11 and under) pay $5. Limited indoor reserved seating is available for $30. A Family Four Pack is available for $68.

 

‘King of the Catskills’ pit admission is $40. Accord members receive a discounted $35 rate.

 

Accord hosts the second-to-last event on the 2013 Race of Champions Dirt Modified schedule. Currently, Stewart Friesen of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., (419 points) leads Bobby Varin of Sharon Springs, N.Y., (388 points) by 31 markers. Both Friesen (‘10) and Varin (‘05) are past RoC Dirt Modified Tour champions. Neither has an Accord victory on their resume.

 

Matt Sheppard of Waterloo, N.Y., (365 points), Mike Mahaney of King Ferry, N.Y., (328 points) and Rick Laubach of Quakertown, Pa., (321 points) complete the top-five.

 

The Accord event and the RoC finale Southern Tier 100 at Five Mile Point (N.Y.) Speedway on Nov. 2 offer increased championship points, putting greater emphasis on each position during the ‘King of the Catskills’ event. Five bonus points are awarded for qualifying, adding to already intense heat races.

 

In last year’s ‘King of the Catskills’ event, Brett Hearn of Sussex, N.J., fought off the advances of Danny Johnson to earn the ‘King of the Catskills’ crown. The most recent special event at Accord – the New York Truck Parts Inc. ‘Battle of the Bullring’ in August, proved to be a career highlight for Danny Creeden of Middletown, N.Y., who took home $5,925 from the midweek special. Creeden transfers directly to the redraw for the ‘King of the Catskills’ via his victory.

 

To learn more about Accord Speedway, contact the track office at 845.626.3781, visit www.accordspeedway.com, e-mail accordspeedway@yahoo.com, like “The Official Accord Speedway” on Facebook or follow @AccordSpeedway on Twitter. Accord Speedway is located at 299 Whitfield Road Accord, NY 12404.

 

 

Big Money on the Line at Devil’s Bowl for Vermont 200 Weekend

Late Model winner may earn more than $5,000

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                                     DBS-091113-1

 

WEST HAVEN, VT – Devil’s Bowl Speedway is opening the vault for the Vermont 200 Championship Weekend on September 14-15.  A base purse of more than $25,000 has been posted for the two-day stock car racing extravaganza, with the potential for it to grow to over $30,000.

The headline event is the 100-lap Vermont State Late Model Championship Series finale, boasting a payout starting at over $11,000.  However, a graduated winner’s incentive has been built into the prize fund: With up to 24 entries, the winner earns $1,500.  If the field expands to 25-29 cars, top prize is $2,000.  The fund grows to $2,500 with 30-39 teams, and a field of 40 or more entries makes the winner’s share a whopping $5,000 – potentially the largest payoff in Devil’s Bowl Speedway’s recent history.  All starters are guaranteed a minimum of $250, regardless of car count.

Twin 50-lap features for the Bond Auto Parts Modified division – which award points for the weekly NASCAR Whelen All-American Series track championship and the new Northern Modified Challenge Series – each offer more than $5,000 total prize money.  The winner of each race will pocket $1,200, and all starters will take home a minimum total of $200.

A two-segment, 40-lap race for the eight-cylinder Renegade division – which is expected to draw a record field of entries – pays $350 to win and a minimum of $50 to take the green flag.  The 25-lap Central Vermont Motorcycles Mini Stock division finale offers $200 to the winner and at least $50 to every starter.  A graduated purse for the 75-lap Enduro Series finale has also been announced, with a minimum of $350 to win for up to 24 entries, up to $1,500 to win with 50 cars or more.

Several bonuses have also been posted: A $125 Halfway Bonus will go to the driver who leads Lap 25 in each Modified race and Lap 50 of the Late Model finale, and Bond Auto Parts has posted a $50 “Hard Charger” prize for the driver who improves their position the most in the Renegade and Mini Stock features.

The Vermont 200 Championship Weekend is Devil’s Bowl Speedway’s final event of the year.  Qualifying and special non-winner’s “Shootout” races begin at 1:30pm on Saturday, Sept. 14, followed by a barbeque, live music, and bonfire.  Championship events begin Sunday, Sept. 15 at 1:30pm.  Admission is $10 on Saturday, $20 on Sunday, or $25 for a discount two-day ticket; admission is free for kids 12 and under both days.  Free camping is open Friday through Monday.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway is located on Route 22A in West Haven, VT, four miles north of Exit 2 on U.S. Route 4.  For more information, visit www.devilsbowlspeedwayvt.com or call (802) 265-3112.  Devil’s Bowl Speedway is on Facebook at facebook.com/DevilsBowlSpeedway and on Twitter at @DevilsBowlSpeed.

-30-

Contact: Justin St. Louis                                                                                                                                                          Phone: (802) 355-3282

Email: devilsbowlspeedway@gmail.com

 

 

 

News from the Accord Speedway ‘Gobbler’

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

For Immediate Release/September 11, 2013

Dirt-Track Dessert: BD Motorsports Media LLC & Accord Speedway Team Up For Thanksgiving Weekend ‘Gobbler’ On Saturday, November 30; $5,000-to-win Modifieds, Sportsman & Ron Wright Memorial Street/Pure Stock Events Planned

ACCORD, NY - Dirt-track race fans, you will have something extra to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Brett Deyo of BD Motorsports Media LLC, in conjunction with Accord Speedway owner/promoter Gary Palmer, announced an innovative dirt-track Northeast finale for the 2013 season on Saturday, November 30 at the Ulster County quarter-mile oval. The 'Gobbler' will feature big-block/small-block Modifieds in a 50-lap event paying a minimum of $5,000 to the winner. Modifieds will be joined by Sportsman (Open vs. Crate) and Street Stocks/Pure Stocks.

Initial news of the "Thanksgiving weekend" program was leaked at Accord’s Friday night (Sept. 6) program, starting a buzz that quickly spread across the Northeast. Word traveled through pit areas and gained attention via online forums.

The 'Gobbler' will mark the second BD Motorsports Media co-promotion at the Accord facility this season, following the highly-successful New York Truck Parts Inc. ‘Battle of the Bullring’ midweek special in August. Danny Creeden of Middletown, N.Y., (Modified - $5,925) and Anthony Perrego of Walden, N.Y., (Sportsman - $1,860) won the ‘Battle of the Bullring’ events before a full house.

“Gary (Palmer) was looking to do something on Thanksgiving weekend and approached me with the idea,” Deyo said of the event’s origins. “Given the right weather, this could be a blockbuster event for dirt fans. Accord is a racy track and a first-class facility. We had so much positive feedback from the ‘Battle of the Bullring’ event that I was anxious to promote another event there this year.”

Accord has hosted post-Thanksgiving racing previously. On November 30, 2002, Robbie Green of Wallkill, N.Y., won a 100-lap ‘Turkey Chase’ Modified special, which was run in four 25-lap segments. Segment winners were Frank Cozze of Wind Gap, Pa. (segment No. 1), Rich Ricci Jr. of New Paltz, N.Y. (segment No. 2), and Green (segments No. 3 and 4). A total of 94 cars participated in the ‘02 event, which was well attended.

“Thanksgiving weekend has been huge for pavement racing over the years,” Deyo said. “We’re looking to provide dirt racing fans and racers with one last big event before the long winter. The early interest in this show has been overwhelming to say the least. Drivers are pumped up and the fan response has been very positive.”

BD Motorsports Media has also enjoyed past November success. In 2011, the twice-postponed ‘King of the Can’ at Penn Can (Pa.) Speedway was contested on Sunday, Nov. 13 before a large crowd with 41 Modifieds on hand and a total of 109 race cars in the pit area.

"Gary is confident the facility will be in top shape for this event," Deyo said. "I know I'm looking forward to it."

Research of five-year weather history of the southeastern New York region shows an average temperature near 50 degrees and partly cloudy conditions for Nov. 30.

Modifieds will compete under a liberal rules package allowing big- and small-block engines, sail panels (68 inches, must run two and be event), gasoline or methanol and any Northeast dirt Modified tire. One weight (2,400 lbs.) will be in effect for all engine combinations. A hefty purse will be paid with $1,000 offered for fifth, $500 for 10th and $300 to take the green flag.

The Sportsman will allow for Crate 602 and Open engine combinations with steel or aluminum wheels. The Sportsman will run a 25-lap main event with a minimum of $1,000 reserved for the winner and $100 to start.

The Street Stock/Pure Stock special will be run in memory of longtime race fan and crew member Ron Wright, who passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 25, 2012 at 57 years old. A longtime attendee of Accord, Orange County (N.Y.) and Bethel (N.Y.) speedways, Ron had a passion for full-fender racing. His son, Kyle, was a former Pure Stock winner at Accord and he was a crew member for his longtime friend Mike Deyo. Wright’s son, Kyle, will be working to raise additional money for the racers.

A Street Stock/Pure Stock rules package is being developed to include competitors and Accord and neighboring speedways including Glen Ridge (N.Y.), Albany-Saratoga (N.Y.), Orange County, Bethel, Fonda (N.Y.), Lebanon Valley (N.Y.), Bridgeport (N.J.), New Egypt (N.J.), Big Diamond (Pa.) and the Factory Stocks at Five Mile Point (N.Y.) and Penn Can (Pa.) in the Southern Tier. The Street Stock/Pure Stock event will be 20 laps.

Gates will open for the event at 11 a.m. Hot laps are planned for 1 p.m., with racing at 1:30 p.m.

Camping will be permitted on the speedway grounds on Friday and Saturday nights of the weekend. Campfires in the parking area are permitted so long as they are contained.

Marketing opportunities are available now for the “Gobbler” event. To learn more, contact Brett Deyo by phone at 845.728.2781 or via e-mail at Deyo99H@aol.com. BD Motorsports Media is on the web at www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com. “Like” BD Motorsports Media on Facebook or follow @BrettDeyo on Twitter.

Accord Speedway, a neat-and-tidy quarter-mile clay oval nestled in the hills of Ulster County, is located at 299 Whitfield Road Accord, NY 12404. The speedway is on the web at www.accordspeedway.com.

The 'Gobbler' will be the seventh event promoted by BD Motorsports Media in '13 and will mark the 19th promotion since the very first at Afton (N.Y.) Speedway in 2006.

 

-----

Brett Deyo

BD Motorsports Media LLC

Phone: 845.728.2781

E-Mail: Deyo99H@aol.com

Web: www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BDMotorsportsMedia

Twitter: @BrettDeyo

 

 

 

 

Racing video:

 

Back in the day with Sprint Cars and Eldora:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MuEf6sbvLPc

 

 

 

Photo of the week:

Note:  Not available on DTD.  To see the photo, you have to go to:

 

http://newenglandtractor.com/racereport/

 

At times, some are lucky, like my wife, and beat cancer.  At other times, cancer wins out.  One of those that we lost to cancer was a friend to all, a great fan of racing, and one who, years ago in an attempt with others, tried to bring auto racing in our area to the fore front by starting up a fan club called Strictly Dirt.  Yes, we lost a great friend of racing when Gary Tremper left us on Wednesday, September 11, 2013.  May he rest in peace.

 

 

 

 

 

I get emails:

 

Hi Tom,

 

I hope this note finds you well.

 

Can you please consider adding this link of my YouTube video to your column or share it was as many people who you think may enjoy it?  It's just some footage of the 2013 racing season at OCFS I put together.  I don't have anyone's email addresses and am not on Facebook and I'd like anyone who's interested to see this video.

 

 

Thanks Tom and take care.

 

Jeff Lambert

 

Here is the link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qm76ALQmqQ

 

 

 

And here’s one about the indoor racing in Atlantic City:

 

http://www.aarn.com/acindoorrace2014.html

 

 

 

Found on the Internet – non racing:

 

John Kerry Refuses to Allow Congress to Question Benghazi Survivors

 

 

In part:

 

"Benghazi has been a cover-up since the very beginning. Hillary Clinton and her colleagues knew almost immediately that Benghazi was a terrorist attack. General Ham has even come forward, saying that’s exactly the case. Still, Hillary, Obama, and other deliberately have spent the last year lying about what happened.

 

First, they claimed it was just a “YouTube” video. Then, they claimed they didn’t know what was happening at the time. Then, they actually claimed they’ve said it was terrorism since the beginning — yes, they think we’re that dumb.

 

Now, John Kerry has refused to allow congress to question the Benghazi survivors in the latest corruption and cover-up going on regarding Benghazi. Quite frankly, there’s more to Benghazi than most think — we’ll likely learn more going forward. That’s what they’re trying to stop.”

 

http://www.capitalisminstitute.org/kerry-benghazi-coverup/

 

 

 

 

From Facebook – non racing stuff:

 

Found on Sunday, September 8th:

 

So, This'll def make my radio show. Very hard to believe. I'd blast the President for allowing this, but oh yeah, anything negative about him immediately gets the Race card pulled at ya...Welcome to OBAMA's USA

 

So my lil brother is in Afghanistan. He skypes us yesterday and proceeds to tell us the army is cutting there meals to two a day because if budget issues.....are u f-in serious. Yet all the criminals that are locked up get three hots and a cot no questions asked. You all need to share this. Not just for my bro but all of our troops. It is a shame that they put there life on the line and this is how they get treated

 

 

 

 

 

This came out on Facebook on Tuesday.  By now, I suppose SOME news people will make mention of it, rather than the “Muslim” March.

 

Stand With Arizona (and Against Illegal Immigration)

HERE THEY COME!

The 9/11 Riders are on their way to D.C. In this video they are passing through Virginia a few hours ago.

The Obama Parks Department denied the '2 Million Bikers' a permit in D.C. - but handed one instead to the 'Million Muslim March' whose mistimed 'rally' is an insult to the memory of those who perished both in 2001 and in Benghazi in 2012.

But Obama can't stop them - the Riders are coming permit or NO permit. And I love this video with the Virginia State Trooper giving his lights/siren tribute to the Riders as they pass by. Law enforcement is as angry at the state of this country as the rest of us.

 

Could tomorrow be the turning point for this nation to finally wake up and reverse course? If we stand together, we can make it so!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=J7-RlOQifNM

 

 

 

More non racin’ stuff:

 

PATRIOTIC BIKER RALLY A SUCCESS; MILLION MUSLIM MARCH DRAWS 21 ATTENDEES

 

In part:  "On Tuesday, The Tea Party News Network reported that the 2 Million Bikers to D.C. rally had been denied a permit from the D.C. Parks Department. The biker rally was meant to honor the victims of the terrorist attack in Benghazi and highlight the need for answers that the Obama Administration continually refuses to provide.

 

Despite talks and conference calls between the organizers, the organizers of the D.C. rally were told just days before the event that there was no permit and that the Parks Department had never received an application- a claim which organizers vehemently deny.

 

At the same time, the denial of the permit fomented outrage as the District of Columbia granted the American Muslim Political Action Committee a permit for the Million Americans Against Fear Rally, also known as the Million Muslim March.

 

However, the biker rally organizers pressed on and insisted that though they did not have a “no-stop” permit, they still could, nevertheless, hold their rally without police escort, but that it would just take longer to get through Washington.

 

The D.C. biker rally commenced this morning as thousands of patriotic bikers met in Maryland and drove through the nation’s capital.

 

However, the Million Muslim March did not fare as well. Only 21 attendees showed up, including a few counter-protesters who waved an Israeli flag and one that held a giant cross. Police outnumbered attendees.”

 

 

http://www.tpnn.com/patriotic-biker-rally-a-success-million-muslim-march-draws-21-attendees/

 

 

 

Music video:

 

I guess this one would be fitting for this week?

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fvj6zdWLUuk

 

 

 

Joke of the week:

 

A FRIGHTENING STATISTIC

THIS IS A FRIGHTENING STATISTIC, PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST WORRYSOME IN RECENT YEARS.

 

25% of the men in this country are on medication for mental illness.

That's scary.

It means 75% are running around untreated.

 

 

 

 

 

Until the next column!

 

I can be reached, via e-mail, at:  ygordad@yahoo.com