Racin' & Different Stuff:

                                      By Tom Avenengo

                                         Volume # 160

                                                   10/24/2013

 

 

Please don’t forget:  Benghazi, The IRS Scandal and all the other scandals that seem to get put on the back burners every week.  When will anyone be “held accountable”, anyway?  Oh, don’t forget my description of “Held Accountable”:  Nothing will get done to anyone.

 

Oh, and by the way, we, the taxpayers, somehow have spent hundreds of  millions on a website that does not work.  Gotta love it, folks.  It should prove to be very interesting watching that “Affordable Care Act” sink on its own.  You know it’s bad when the main stream media/news get on the case.  And now, some Democrats are getting on the bandwagon to get the mess held off and get it fixed properly.  Oh, right, we have an election day in a couple of weeks.  Uh huh!

 

 

Racin’ & short’ stuff:

 

I’ve decided to have another column next week, since Eastern States Weekend is this coming weekend.  After that, my next column will come to you from Florida, and I’m not sure just what day that might be.  So keep your eye out on Thursdays, ok?

 

One of the first things I do in the AM is checking the weather forecast, via accuweather.  There’s a little over 15 degree difference between here in Port Jervis and Cape Coral, Florida.

And for the hell of it, I checked the extended forecast for Middletown, NY 10940.  No big snow storm forecasted for next Thursday.  Yah!  However, Friday and Saturday will be cooler and Sunny.  If you’re an outdoor plant or a frog, you might be delighted in the extended forecast for Sunday of ESW – r a i n.  I’d have to figure if it did rain, the rain date would be the following Saturday, November 1st.  Best I know, that’s a day or so prior to our leaving for the south.

And as of Monday, 10/21, the forecast for ESW Sunday has changed to partly sunny now.  Yay!

 

And as of Tuesday, 10/22, the forecast for Friday:  Sunny, high of 52, low of 28.  For Saturday:  Sunny, high of 50 and low of 34.  For Sunday:  High of 53 and low of 33.  Me thinks I’ll be wearing long johns to the track.

 

 

ESW 358 Modified Rule Amendment

Posted: October 21st, 2013

 

SMALL BLOCK MODIFIEDS - Right Rear Tire Option For Feature Event Only - Hoosier D500 and 2 way Radios Will NOT Be Allowed.

 

 

 

One of the reasons I’m against pitting under the yellow – unless you’re the cause for the yellow:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN9VJzeh5XI&feature=youtu.be

 

 

 

OCFS tidbits:

How about a small “series” between the Lebanon Valley Speedway and OCFS?  Both tracks would close down one Saturday evening to present a combined racing event. The shows would carry double points for both OCFS and LV runners to entice regulars to attend the race meets.

 

How about a Sunday, September 7th date for Brett Deyo co-promoting a race at OCFS?  It’s a little early in the game to provide information about the event, but it will be an extra distant feature event, and a larger purse than normal. Like the dual meet, we will provide more information as it becomes available.

Note:  Only problem with this show is that there is an SDS race up in Canada on the 6th.  At this time I have no idea as to what kind of “sanction” if any, for this show.  I highly doubt it would be an RoC race, but maybe it would be neat to at least see Sail Panels on the cars?  If it does happen, I can see a huge purse, especially with Mr. Deyo having the whole summer to drum up sponsors and lap money donors.

 

How about the CRSA Sprints being in multiple times during the year?

 

How about a World of Outlaw Sprint Cars about a date in May or June for their big show, which would be supported by a Sportsman Race?

 

Motocross track:

 

Although the layout is still in its raw stages, we hope to have the rocks removed and grass planted by April. We anticipate a couple of hundred riders having interest in the Motorcross Park, so plans for 2014 include 26 weekly practice sessions, with about six actual meets (one per month) during the year.

 

The Motocross Park will be open to both two and four wheelers, and anything else that would like to tryout our new and challenging design.

Note:  It’s been reported that there were upwards of 200 that practiced on the new track this past Sunday, and an estimated 1,000 spectators.   That looks promising.  Can only help the whole place, I’d say?

 

NOSTALGIA NIGHT:  June 7, 2014

 

AWARDS BANQUET:  The awards banquet will again be held in early March at the arena on the fair grounds.

 

Note:  Check further down in this column about more from the tidbits, above.

 

 

 

Reports are that there was a good turnout of cars at the practice session at OCFS last Saturday, with quite a few “Invaders” showing up.  It was said the Brett Hearn got in the Britany Tresch 305 sprinter.  I believe Brett has two Sprint Car wins at OC, with the URC, to go along with all his Small and Big Block wins.

 

On hand for the practice session was a couple that used to run a few years ago.  Frankie Jashembowski was practicing with a 305 Sprint Car and his brother, Ray, had a Small Block Modified on the track.

 

 

JJ Yeley reflects on brief IndyCar career at Talladega

 

http://www.sbnation.com/indycar/2013/10/19/4855356/jj-yeley-reflects-on-brief-indycar-career-at-talladega

 

Note:  A photo of JJ & my grandson, Brett, is further down in this column.

 

 

 

Ashley Judd "Going to Give It Another Try" With Estranged Husband Dario Franchitti

 

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/ashley-judd-going-another-try-estranged-husband-dario-210000661-us-weekly.html

 

 

 

Here ya go folks – one of the effects of the “Affordable Care Act”:

 

http://theminorityreport.co/skyrocketingpremiums/2013/10/21/policy-being-cancelled-premium-higher/

 

 

Oh, it was announced on the news this past Tuesday that it looks like no one will be held “accountable” for this “Affordable Care Act” website cluster.  Figures. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The “Gobbler” info:

 

Posted on the Internet by “buzziefan”:

 

Keep those cars together for the dirt track finale of 2013!!!

 

Modifieds 50 laps, $6711-to-win plus bonuses Accord Speedway/Accord, NY Saturday, November 30, 2013 (Weather Date: Spring 2014)

 

A co-promotion between Brett Deyo of BD Motorsports Media LLC and Accord Speedway

 

Pit Fees: $35 (no license required) Pit Gates Open: 11 a.m.

 

Grandstand Prices: Adults: $20 Seniors (65 and over): $18 Kids (11 and under): $5 Indoor Seating $30Please call 845.626.3478 to reserve indoor seating with a credit card

 

Pit Gates Open: 11 a.m Grandstand Gates: 11 a.m. Drivers’ Meeting: 12:30 p.m. Practice: 1 p.m. Race Time: 1:30 p.m.

 

Modified Feature: 50 laps – all green flag! Modified feature pays $6,711 to win, $1,000 for fifth, $500 for 10th and $300 to take the green flag plus special awards and bonuses. Early Entry: $15 (Nov. 10) or $20 (after Nov. 10)

 

Open vs. Crate Sportsman Race - 25 laps $1000 to Win

 

Pure/Street Stock Ron Wright Memorial Race20 laps (Payout TBA as event approachesminimum $200 to win, $40 to start)

 

Note # 1: Also $169.00 Bob Green Hard Charger award for Modifieds.

 

Note # 2:  Did you notice the weather date – Spring 2014?

 

 

 

 

Great to see Big Diamond going the Dirtcar route

 

http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/DTD/index.php?/topic/49385-great-to-see-big-diamond-going-the-dirtcar-route/

 

Some interesting posting on this one!

 

 

 

 

 

Any idea as to what this dollar figure is for?

 

TOTAL AS OF 10/20/2013:  $733

 

That’s the lap monies raised so far for the Street Stocks this weekend at the Orange County Fair Speedway’s Eastern States race.

 

Info found here:  http://jordansheehan.weebly.com/eastern-states.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Jayski:

http://www.jayski.com/

 

Todd Parrot suspended by NASCAR UPDATE:

Todd Parrott, a crew member in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (#43 team crew chief), has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body's Substance Abuse Policy. On Oct. 17, Parrott was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy) of the 2013 NASCAR Rule Book.(NASCAR)(10-17-2013)

 

UPDATE:

Upon notification today that employee Todd Parrott had violated NASCAR's Substance Abuse Policy, Richard Petty Motorsports fully supports his indefinite suspension from NASCAR. Sammy Johns, Vice President of Operations and Competition, will handle crew chief duties on the #43 Ford this weekend at Talladega. He will also handle these duties on an interim basis until further notice. "We have an expectation of all RPM employees to conduct themselves at the highest level of professionalism and within the competitive confines as set forth by NASCAR," said Johns. "We are very disappointed that one of our employees did not meet our expectations and we completely support NASCAR, their policies and final decisions when it comes to the substance abuse policy."(RPM)(10-17-2013)

 

UPDATE 2:

Todd Parrott was released from Richard Petty Motorsports on Monday for violating NASCAR’s substance-abuse policy. The 19-year veteran crew chief won the 1999 Sprint Cup championship with Dale Jarrett and most recently oversaw the #43 Ford team and driver Aric Almirola. Parrott has been with RPM since 2010. He has 31 Sprint Cup wins. Parrott has already submitted his application for NASCAR’s Road to Recovery program. Greg Ebert will take over as the interim crew chief for Aric Almirola's team.(Fox Sports)(10-22-2013)

 

UPDATE 3:

Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) announced Greg Ebert will serve as the interim crew chief for the #43 Ford and driver Aric Almirola starting this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. Ebert will fulfill this role on an interim basis for the remainder of the season. Ebert has served in the role of car chief of the #43 Ford for the past two seasons and has been a car chief with RPM since its inception. Before joining RPM, Ebert spent nine years at Roush Fenway Racing serving the last five of those seasons as the car chief for Matt Kenseth. Ebert replaces Todd Parrott who is no longer with the organization.(RPM)(10-22-2013)

 

 

 

Sadler could sub for Vickers:

Elliott Sadler tops the short list of substitutes for Brian Vickers in the #55 Aaron's Toyota for the final four races of the season. Michael Waltrip Racing announced on Monday that Vickers would be sidelined for the remainder of the season because of a blood clot in his right leg. Vickers was named the driver of the #55 ride for 2014 in August. Sadler currently competes full time in the Nationwide Series for Joe Gibbs Racing and is fifth in the points standings. The 38-year-old native of Emporia, Va., ran in the Sprint Cup Series for 12 consecutive seasons and posted wins at Bristol Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway and Auto Club Speedway.(Fox Sports)(10-17-2013)

 

UPDATE:

Michael Waltrip Racing announced that Elliott Sadler will drive the #55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota in the 2013 season’s final four NASCAR Sprint Cup races. Sadler replaces Brian Vickers who informed MWR on Oct. 14 that he would be unavailable for the remainder of the season due to anti-coagulation medications he will be taking to treat a small blood clot in his right leg. Doctors have told Vickers he will be on the medication at least two months. Sadler, who drives a Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota full time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, will begin racing the #55 at Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 27. He will finish the season for the Scott Miller led team at Texas, Phoenix and Homestead.(MWR)(10-17-2013)

 

 

Truex looking at 2014 options  #78 Team:

Martin Truex, Jr. has confirmed that he will not return to Michael Waltrip Racing in 2014. "I gave (Michael Waltrip) time to try and work it out and we tried to work it out together," said Truex. "But it's hard to put stuff together at this point of the year. So it's time now for me to figure out what I'm going to do, and figure it out quickly. I'm running out of time." Asked about speculation that he is the heir-apparent to Kurt Busch at Furniture Row Racing next season, Truex insisted, "there is nothing to talk about yet. They've done a great job this year and I'm interested in their program. They're definitely on my radar, but we'll just have to see where it goes." Truex said he has not made any inquiries about returning to the NASCAR Nationwide Series garage, where is a two-time champion, but did not rule out doing so in the future. "I've always loved the Nationwide Series and the time I was able to run there even part-time while running Sprint Cup at DEI and MWR  was a lot of fun. It's something that I've missed in the past few seasons, and I'd be interested in going back there on a part-time basis (in addition to a full-time Sprint Cup ride)."

Truex admitted that the last few weeks have been among the most difficult of his career. It's been tough here lately, but we'll go back after them this weekend," he said. "All you can do is pick yourself up, dust yourself off and go back and try again. We've had a rough go of it lately, but it could always be worse. Hopefully, out of all this bad stuff that has happened, something good will develop."(Godfather Motorsports)(10-16-2013)

 

UPDATE:

Martin Truex Jr. has agreed to drive the #78 Furniture Row Chevrolet in 2014. Sources say the parties came to terms on Wednesday night. A formal announcement is expected next Tuesday. In his eighth year as a full-time Sprint Cup driver, Truex has spent the past four seasons driving the #56 NAPA Toyota for Michael Waltrip Racing. However, MWR’s manipulation of the outcome of the Sept. 7 race at Richmond International Raceway and subsequent sanctions from NASCAR resulted in Truex’s disqualification from the Chase for the Sprint Cup and NAPA’s decision to part ways with the organization at the end of the season.(Fox Sports)(10-17-2013)

 

 

Fan dies in Talladega campground:

Carbon-monoxide poisoning is being blamed as the cause of death of a Tennessee man at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday morning. The Talladega County Sheriff's Department said Craig Franklin Morgan, 46, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., died at the campground. Morgan and his wife, Jami Allison Morgan, 38, were discovered unresponsive by friends who went into their RV at the South Campground outside the track. Jami Morgan was unconscious and was airlifted to UAB Hospital, where she remained in critical condition and unconscious Monday morning. Police said the carbon monoxide apparently leaked from the exhaust system of the family's RV.(Fox Sports)(10-21-2013)

 

Note:  Hasn’t this happened previously at Talladega?

 

 

Stewart ready for physical therapy soon:

#14-Tony Stewart's infection has responded to treatment, and he should be cleared within two weeks for physical therapy, said Greg Zipadelli, competition director at Stewart-Haas Racing. Stewart had a third surgery on his right leg Oct. 7 for an infection. He noted in an online video chat this week on NASCAR.com he was looking forward to a doctor's visit to see how the leg was responding. Zipadelli said Friday at Talladega Superspeedway that "everything looked as good as it possibly could" with Stewart's leg.

Stewart's health was only part of the good news this week at Stewart-Haas Racing. Crew chief Rodney Childers tweeted Friday that he can begin work at the shop next week. Childers will be Kevin Harvick's crew chief next season. Zipadelli said that Michael Waltrip Racing released Childers from his contract, allowing Childers to begin working at Stewart-Haas Racing before the end of the season. Zipadelli said having Childers in the shop will be beneficial.(Motor Racing Network)(10-20-2013)

 

Gordon's New York condo for sale:

An inventively embellished three-bedroom condominium at the reigning superstar of Manhattan trophy residences, 15 Central Park West, is about to enter a trophy-conscious marketplace priced at $30 million. The seller of No. 7C also happens to be a bit of a superstar and trophy-magnet: Jeff Gordon, the telegenic four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. A confirmed early bird among the initial wave of well-heeled buyers at 15 Central Park West, Robert A. M. Stern's postmodern paean to prewar spaciousness, Mr. Gordon signed a contract there in August 2007. Buying from the offering plan, Mr. Gordon spent $9.67 million for his apartment: before he and his wife, Ingrid Vandebosch, customized it to their specifications, it was a big white box with high ceilings and stunning views of Central Park from the trio of oversize picture windows in its east-facing great room. Mr. Gordon decided to sell at this time, Ms. Ariffin said, because "the demand for trophy apartments is pretty strong." The $30 million asking price was arrived at after the neighboring No. 7D, a slightly larger unit, listed for $36 million and sold for $32.5 million last December.(New York Times)(5-11-2013)

 

UPDATE:

Jeff Gordon is still a fan of New York City and still has a place there. He just might not have as good a view of the city skyline as he used to have. The four-time Cup champion doesn't have the condo at 15 Central Park West anymore. The New York Daily News reported Friday that the sales price was $25 million for the 3,454-square-foot condo, which sold a couple of months ago. That was $5 million below the listed price but way more than the $9.7 million Gordon and his wife, Ingrid Vandebosch, paid for the condo in 2007, according to the report. Gordon said his family still loves New York and still spends time there. "We actually bought another place in New York, just not on Central Park West," he said. "I love (the city), my wife does and our kids do too. It's a good place to invest as well as a good place to spend time."(Sporting News)(10-20-2013)

 

Kenseth crashes in Texas testing:

#20-Matt Kenseth had his testing at Texas Motor Speedway cut short when he crashed his car because of an issue with his front right tire. Two days after losing his NASCAR Sprint Cup points lead with a 20th-place finish at Talladega, Kenseth had the session-ending crash Tuesday during a week-delayed Texas test that includes the top eight drivers in the points standings. "Well, it was up and down. It ended down," Kenseth said. "We just had a tire problem and crashed, so we're done for the test. ... When you run nine laps and one blows apart for no reason, that's always a cause for concern for sure." Kenseth said the car he crashed in turn one wasn't the Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota he plans to race at the high-banked, 1.5-mile Texas track on Nov. 3, which comes after Sunday's race at Martinsville. "No, she's at home safe ready to get to the track," Kenseth said. There are 16 drivers from five teams taking part in a three-day test at Texas that goes through Wednesday. There were 11 hours of testing scheduled Tuesday, with another full day Wednesday.(Associated Press)(10-22-2013)

 

 

Almirola to drive #41 at Martinsville:

Richard Petty Motorsports will make special tribute this weekend to the latest Petty family member to be elected into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The team announced that current driver Aric Almirola will race a #41 Ford Fusion this weekend at the Martinsville Speedway, replacing the traditional #43. The#41 Ford will be Petty Blue and feature the likeness of 2014 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Maurice Petty, who raced the number during his driving career. The car was unveiled at the NASCAR Hall of Fame with Maurice Petty, his brother "The King" Richard Petty, Almirola and Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell all present. Winston Kelley, NASCAR Hall of Fame Executive Director, led the ceremonies in Charlotte, N.C. Maurice used the #41 for nine starts over his five-year driving career from 1960 to 1964. During that span, Petty entered 26 race events and finished in the top-10 in 16 of those. Maurice also earned seven top-five finishes with a best result of third in Spartanburg, S.C., in 1961. Maurice used the #41, staying consistent with the family heritage of racing subsequent numbers in the 40's. His father, Lee, raced the #42 and his brother, Richard, raced #43. Maurice was a driver, crew chief and a car owner, but is most known for being the engine builder for the family's operation. Maurice developed his craft in the engine room learning from his father, Lee, as he helped the family business win three championships with Lee. He then came into his own and was the horsepower behind the seven championships of Petty Enterprises and also behind 212 wins with drivers such as Richard Petty, Jim Paschal, Marvin Panch and Buddy Baker. Maurice was the crew chief for Pete Hamilton during the 1970 Daytona 500 which he won. Maurice later built engines in the Truck Series and played a role in the return of Dodge to the sport in 2001. Maurice is the third Petty to be elected into the NASCAR Hall of Fame following his father and brother. He is also the first to enter under the merits as an engine builder. Richard Petty Motorsports will use the #41 this weekend only and collect owner and driver points under the #43. The change of car number was approved by NASCAR.(RPM), see an image of the car on the #43 team paint schemes page.(10-22-2013)

 

 

NASCAR reinstates crew member:

NASCAR has reinstated former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series crew member Eric Maycroft upon his successful completion of NASCAR's Substance Abuse Policy Road to Recovery Program. Maycroft had been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR on Aug. 16, 2013 for violating the sanctioning body's substance abuse policy.(NASCAR)(10-22-2013)

 

 

Talladega TV Ratings:

ESPN's live telecast of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, Oct. 20, earned a 3.1 U.S. household rating, averaging 4,916,193 viewers, according to Nielsen Media. The rating was the second-highest in six races held so far in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Last year's race at Talladega earned a 3.2 U.S. rating with an average of 5,113,374 viewers. With a 10.2 rating, Greensboro, N.C., led all metered markets across the country for the race telecast, followed by Greenville, S.C., with 9.5 and Birmingham, Ala., with 8.2. Knoxville, Tenn., was fourth with 7.0 while tied for fifth were Indianapolis and Norfolk, Va., at 6.8. Rounding out the top 10 markets were Charlotte, N.C., 6.4; Orlando, Fla., 5.8; Jacksonville, Fla., 5.6 and Nashville, Tenn., 5.3.(ESPN), See past races for 2013 and 5-year comparison chart on the 2013 NASCAR TV Ratings page.(10-22-2013)

 

Note:  All but Indianapolis are southern states.  Nothing in the northeast or out west.  TV viewership has been up for Cup races, but in person attendance has been down.

 

 

 

 

 

On Facebook:

 

Sunday, 10/20:

 

I see Chris Eash just announced his retirement from racing tonight.

 

 

Monday, 10/21:

 

These 11 States now have More People on Welfare than they do Employed!...

 

California, New Mexico, Mississippi, Alabama, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, South Carolina, New York, Maine and Hawaii.

 

 

 

Over a month ago I bought Hartz Ultraguard Flea and Tick drops. This is what it has done to him (photo shown). When I told my Vet what I used they told me that he had a reaction to the pesticides in Hartz products. When I called Hartz with my issue...I was told "death is the number one side effect and just don't use Hartz" After this has happened I have found many websites such as HartzVictims.org, WordPress and many Facebook pages. How and why would a company sell products that can do this to pets? Hartz has no Heart.....all for the money. Terrible and shame on anyone that works for Hartz and you know the truth about your flea pet treatment products. ~ Member & Sad Dog Owner of Hartz Products Are Killing Our Pets

 

 

Tuesday, 10/22:

 

Premier Auto Body of Highland, N.Y., has posted a $150 Hard Charger Award for the Sportsman division at the 'Gobbler' event. Contact Brett Deyo at Deyo99H@aol.com to get your company involved in the 2013 Northeast dirt-track finale.

 

 

 

 

“Little” Joel Murns put this out on Facebook a couple of weeks ago:

 

after much thought and deliberation i have decided not to return to the accord speedway as their head announcer for the 2014 season . i wanna thank the palmer family for 7 great seasons . its been alot of fun .so with that being said looking forward to the future and come see us saturday for the last call i will make for the wreckage in the catskills ..i have appreciated all your complements and all your complaints ... as for ocfs i also regret to inform you i will not be returning in the 2014 season as the asst announcer .. thank you tim pitts for the oportunity to work with one of the greatest announcers in the east coast ...

 

we have decided to take our racing efforts to bethel motor speedway . my daughter anna will be running a bandolero next year and of course i will be in the street stocks .

 

 

 

From Track Forum:

http://www.trackforum.com/forums/forum.php

 

Are you a fan of Indy Car racing?  If so, you might want to see what might happen in 2014.

 

Silly Season 2014

 

http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php?181093-Silly-Season-2014

 

 

 

 

Bill Boyle, also known as “Dr. Dirt” had his annual chat with Mr. Gurda, about OCFS:

 

From the Victory Speedway forum:

 

Enjoy prelude to AARN and ESW magazine.

 

2013 CONVERSATION WITH MIKE GURDA

By Bill Boyle

 

2013 is no different from any of the past six years. Leading up to the 2013 rendition of the grand old Eastern States Weekend at the Orange County Fair Speedway during the weekend of October 25, 26 and 27, I once again met with Mike Gurda, the General Manager and owner of the Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, NY about the current and future status of activities around the racing campus.

 

2014 RACING SCHEDULE – It has been reported on a few web sites that OCFS will be moving to a SPECIALS ONLY schedule for next year. Irrespective of ignorant reporting by a disenchanted columnist, the facts are that OCFS will have a full racing schedule for 2014. In fact, there will be a few new twists to enhance the programs being presented.

 

The season will open on April 5, and will run through the first weekend in September. On tap will be a Scouting Night in April, Veterans night in May, and our annual Nostalgia night along with the Charlie Loder Memorial in June. July will bring in the Little Leaguers, with August honoring the Big Brothers Big Sisters before shutting down with the Accord Speedway King of the Catskills qualifier.

 

But that’s just the start of a big year. Right now, we are in talks with the World of Outlaw Sprint Cars about a date in May or June for their big show, which would be supported by a Sportsman Race.

 

A new twist for early in the year would be dual meet with Lebanon Valley. Both tracks would close down one Saturday evening to present a combined racing event. The shows would carry double points for both OCFS and LV runners to entice regulars to attend the race meets. Points would be staggered for both facilities, meaning that the first finishing OCFS and LV runners would awarded first place points, and would be staggered for other qualifiers. Each track would pay their normal purse, but a special fund would be set up for the combined special events. We’ll have more on that early next year once we iron out the details.

 

Sunday, September 7 has been set aside for a co-production with Brett Deyo Promotions. It’s a little early in the game to provide information about the event, but it will be an extra distant feature event, and a larger purse than normal. Like the dual meet, we will provide more information as it becomes available.

 

 

And who can forget the 53rd running of the Great American Eastern States 200 in October.

 

Oh, forgot to mention that the CRSA Sprints will be in multiple times during the year. I guess that’s out (our?) SPECIAL EVENTS ONLY calendar for 2014.

 

 

EASTERN STATES WEEKEND ACTIVITIES – In a nut shell, it is an action packed weekend. On Friday evening, beginning at 4pm, OCFS will run a complete Sportsman show including time trials, heats and a 50 lap feature. Sometime around 5:30pm, the elite Modifieds will take to the track for their time trials (top six locked into Sunday’s show), plus the qualifying heats for Sunday’s 200 lap Modified feature. For the top six qualifiers, there will be a Dash for Cash to close out the activity for the evening.

 

One o’clock on Saturday begins the longest day. On tap is a complete show for the Small Block Modifieds (time trials, heats and 100 lap feature), and the 305 Sprint Cars (25 laps).

 

Sunday is the grand daddy of them all. At 9:30, a pit party will be open for the fans to photograph their favorites, consisting of the track champions of all divisions, and the top drivers in each class. Then following the Street Stock heats and the B Main for Modifieds, a 25 lap main for the Street Stock will be run. As the clocks ticks down to 3pm, the 44 car Modified field will be lining up for the season ending 200 lap classic.

 

 

MOTOCROSS TRACK – Our plans last year were to erect a motocross track in the infield, and move the pits outside between the 3rd and 4th turns. Well, the best laid plans were ambushed when the car owners, drivers and fans complained loudly about the inconvenience of the change. So, I reversed my thinking, keeping the pits intact, and began building a bigger and better Motocross track outside the track.

As of today, the Motorcross track is taking shape. All of the jumps have been designed and built, and we even have had a few motorcycles try the new layout which includes an uphill climb into the woods and around the trees. In fact, we planned to have a test run of the facility before the end of October.

 

Although the layout is still in its raw stages, we hope to have the rocks removed and grass planted by April. We anticipate a couple of hundred riders having interest in the Motorcross Park, so plans for 2014 include 26 weekly practice sessions, with about six actual meets (one per month) during the year.

 

The Motocross Park will be open to both two and four wheelers, and anything else that would like to tryout our new and challenging design.

 

 

AWARDS BANQUET – The awards banquet will again be held in early March at the arena on the fair grounds. Last year’s banquet received rave reviews, and once again the speedway will be presenting a more affordable evening out. The format will once again be buffet style with carving tables, and reduced beverage prices. And a DJ will provide the dancing sounds for the pairs daring enough to try a jig.

 

NOSTALGIA NIGHT –The 2013 Nostalgia Night drew 44 old timers including Frankie Schneider, Bill Wilson, Joe Romer, and a host of other former hot shots from the past. They were treated to a barbeque prior to their autograph and picture taking session. Cartoonist Todd Lewis provided a large cartoon drawing of six of the returnees that were used to garner autographs from the past champions and competitors. The June 7, 2014 version hopefully will be bigger and better than last year’s version.

 

WEEKLY COMPETITION PURSE – Rumors will kill you. It’s been stated time and again that OCFS reduced its purse in 2013. Okay, I plead guilty to that.

 

First let me say that a normal Saturday night purse exceeds $12,500. The winner of the Modified feature takes home $2,500, biggest in the area. When the Small Block Modifieds run, the winner gets $700. I don’t remember off the top of my head what the Sportsman and Street Stocks get, but the sportsman purse was increased for 2013. And don’t forget that the Eastern States winner pockets $20,000.

 

Now, I plead guilty to reducing the Modified purse on Saturday evenings. With the shortage of cars this year, there were less than 26 drivers that took to the track for the heats. With less than 26 cars, there was no need to run a consolation race. But when the feature lined up, there were 26 cars slated to run the feature. A few owners had brought their back up cars, and now decided to put a different driver behind the wheel to collect the last place money of $175. Now, none of these cars ran warm ups, nor did they schedule them for qualifying heat action. But for the feature, there they were wanting to start the evening’s race. After the Green flag was waved, those cars exited the racing surface on the back stretch and headed back to the pits and their haulers. They provided no entertainment for the fans because they didn’t race. So I decided to reduce the final three positions of the feature to $150. Yep, I saved $75 a night. Should car counts in the future exceed 30 cars, I will put the monies back in the purse.

 

Eastern States will be the final activity held on the grounds for 2013.

 

Note:  I did notice that there were a few differences between the above and what is in this weeks AARN.

 

 

 

So just who is this Bill Boyle AKA “Dr. Dirt”, anyway?

 

In his words:

 

DOCTOR DIRT MAKES A RARE APPEARANCE

 

 

It was back in 1982 that Doctor Dirt made his first appearance between the covers of the Hard Clay magazine, and what a mess that was. Like most of you fans, I started out visiting Orange County Fair Speedway years ago, 1962 to be more exact, after seeing an ad in the old Paterson Evening News. On a lark, we decided to see what that was all about, so we somehow found Victory Speedway (the name back than), paid our $2.50 admission, and watched the races from the old first turn bleachers. Yep, we got dirty, but were enthralled about what we had seen.

 

As the years passed, we got to know the names of the drivers. Frankie Schneider (my hero), Rags Carter, Pee Wee Griffin, Bob Malzone, Bill Wilson, Jackie Evans, Sonny Strupp, Bobby Bottcher, the exciting Carl Van Horn, the Reutimann’s and Will Cagle. We also became aware that other speedways existed in the area, Nazareth, East Winsdor, Flemington, Harmony, Reading, so we would visit those places to our pleasure. And now they are all gone, just memories in our minds.

 

I would carry my Instamatic Camera and shoot pictures through the fence. I could just envision what happened in the pits. I wondered what it would be like to talk to those drivers. They were the superstars, and I was just a mere spectator who sat in the stands. All I could do was dream.

 

Somehow, my friend Hank Nagelhout was asked to fill in for Regina Hartley one Saturday evening. She was a reporter for Area Auto Racing News, and I followed him into the pits after the races. That was my first trip into the pits, and it was great. In 1978, Hank asked me to cover the Sportsman Class for the track. He wouldn’t let me say no. It was terrifying having to meet and talk to the drivers, but I somehow got through it.

 

In 1982, DIRT took over the track, and I was asked to pen a column for the track magazine. It started off okay, but then one night Frankie Smith was upset about something and said to me “You write dirt, you are nothing but a doctor of dirt.” Little did he know about the animal that he was about to unleash. To this day, Frankie Smith is still a friend, and one of my idols.

 

Well, Doctor Dirt was born, and for 20+ years he tried to entertain the reading fans and pit members. He wrote garbage, but they loved it. Weddings and birth announcements were common occurrences in his column. Car sponsorships were promoted for the drivers and owners, and we even sometimes wrote about the races. Puzzles and jumbles were scattered in when time allowed. For over 20 years, there were no Saturday cookouts at home. Birthday parties were scheduled for Sundays, after all, Dad would be at the races.

 

But everything wasn’t always happy go lucky. There were times when drivers and friends passed away. Someone had to let the fans know, and that was my job. The hardest and best column I ever wrote was when Barbara Luce passed away at 21. She was a little princess. I wrote the column from top to bottom. I never read it after I wrote it, just printed it out, and forwarded it to AARN and the track magazine. At her wake, I read what I wrote in that week’s edition of the racing paper. I astounded myself.

 

But as I look back, I see the effect that the Doctor had on the lives of people, and I would do it all over again. The fun times I had with my little buddy Ray Tuit as he started his racing career, my association with the Majka family, Lenny Chidgey who I dubbed Luckless Lenny and how I used that character to stress some of my meaningless pointless jokes.

 

Dom “The Iceman” Roselli was a nickname I hung on him, and the poor guy still carries it with him today, it seems that everyone wanted a nickname, so we did our best assigning them. Who can forget Eddie Six Pak Petro.

 

But time changes a lot of things. First writing about the Small Blocks wasn’t too bad, but then came the Late Models which grew into three different Street Stock divisions. They all wanted coverage, so Doctor Dirt did his best to keep them happy. Next thing you know, a new Sportsman division blossoms, so there was more writings to be done, and then the Pro Stocks, oh well, you get the point.

 

As the years rolled on, the hair grew gray, and the walking slowed, but the unwanted image created by Frankie Smith of Doctor Dirt continued to grow. It was bigger than anything I ever imagined. As I would walk through the pits, it was “Hi Doc”, How’s it going Doc”, “Have a good evening Doc”. In the 31st lap it was “Having the usual Doc”, and today, I’m lucky if a dozen people know my real name. One person that uses my real name is Jerry Enright, the speedways starter.

 

Over the past year, I have lost four friends. Charlie Loder left last November, and we did an obit on him in June. Since then, three others have gone to see him.

 

Bill Carrollton, a true friend and my racing companion for seven years left in February. We would ride to the races together, and he would keep me awake on the long drives home. We always talked about racing and food. He liked food, and I liked racing. What a combination. He was an invalid for 2 ½ years before moving on. Bill was a retired Essex County Deputy Sheriff.

 

Judy Tuit, Jimmy Tuit’s wife, died suddenly last spring. She was a wonderful woman and always a pleasure to talk to. She liked her beer with two ice cubes, so you knew she was a saint in waiting.

 

Just two months ago, Gary Tremper passed on after a short illness. He was a retired police officer, and a fine columnist for AARN.

 

I guess I could write pages on each of the three if I so desired, but I’ll keep their memories tucked away for another day.

 

I wanted to do an Undercover Boss roast of Mike Gurda, but he made me see things his way. Being told I’d be banned from not only OCFS, but also New York State changed my mind quickly.

 

I remember Joe Romer telling me at Nostalgia night this year that he always dreaded reading my columns. He prayed to God that I didn’t mention his name after a night in the bar. You’re safe Joe.

 

For all of the years I wrote for AARN and the Doctor Dirt column, I never received a penny for my work. It was something I always wanted to do, so I did it. But all of that changed in July when Kenny Sands and Russ Meyers joined me and the Shortway's at Shortway’s Barn in Hawthorne, NJ. While sitting at the table discussing the old days, Kenny reached into his pocket at threw two cents on the table. “Here’s payment for your next Doctor Dirt column, if you have the guts to write another one.” Everyone had a good laugh. I hope you got your money’s worth Ken.

 

Enough garbage for this year, enjoy the races.

 

 

 

 

Eastern States information:

 

Thursday, October 24, 2013

12:00 PM PITS OPEN FOR RACE HAULERS

2:00 - 6:00PM CAR INSPECTION

2:00 PM FAIRGROUNDS OPEN FOR CAMPERS

10:00PM ALL GATES CLOSED FOR EVENING

 

Friday, October 25, 2013

10:00 a.m. FAIRGROUNDS & PIT GATES OPEN

12:30 p.m. CAR INSPECTION

2:00 p.m. SPECTATOR GATE OPENS

3:00 p.m. DRIVER MEETING AND DRAW

4:00 p.m. SPORTSMAN HOT LAPS

SMALL BLOCK MODIFIED HOT LAPS

SPORTSMAN TIME TRIALS

(TOP TWO (2) LOCKED IN)

MODIFIED HOT LAPS

MODIFIED TIME TRIALS

(TOP SIX (6) LOCKED IN)

SPORTSMAN HEATS

MODIFIED HEATS

SPORTSMAN CONSI

MODIFIED DASH FOR CASH (TOP 6)

SPORTSMAN FEATURE - 50 LAPS

 

Saturday, October 26, 2013

8:00 a.m. FAIRGROUNDS & PIT GATES OPEN

SMALL BLOCK MODIFIED INSPECTIONS

11:00 p.m. SPECTATOR GATES OPEN

12:30 p.m. DRIVER MEETING & DRAW

1:00 p.m. 305 SPRINT CAR - HEAT IN MOTORS

1:30 p.m. SMALL BLOCK MODIFIED HOT LAPS

TIMED SPRINT CAR HOT LAPS

SMALL BLOCK MODIFIED TIME TRIALS

(TOP SIX (6) LOCKED IN)

305 SPRINT CAR QUALIFYING HEATS

SMALL BLOCK MODIFIED HEAT RACES

MODIFIED HOT LAPS (ALL CARS)

305 SPRINT B MAIN

SMALL BLOCK MODIFIED CONSI

305 SPRINT CAR FEATURE 25 LAPS

358 MODIFIED FEATURE 100 LAPS

 

Sunday, October 27, 2013

8:00 AM FAIRGROUNDS & PIT GATE OPENS

9:00 AM SPECTATOR GATES OPEN

STREET STOCK INSPECTION

9:30 AM STREET STOCK DRIVER MEETING & DRAW

PIT PARTY

11:00 AM STREET STOCK HOT LAPS

1:15 AM MODIFIED HOT LAPS (NON QUALIFIED CARS ONLY)

11:30 AM MODIFIED HOT LAPS (QUALIFIED CARS)

12:00 PM MANDATORY MODIFIED DRIVERS MEETING

12: 30 PM STREET STOCK HEATS

MODIFIED CONSI

STREET STOCK DRIVER INTRODUCTION

STREET STOCK FEATURE 25 LAPS

2:45 PM MODIFIED INTRODUCTION

3:00 PM 52ND ANNUAL EASTERN STATES MODIFIED FEATURE 200 LAPS

 

 

 

New on the OCFS website:

 

http://www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net/FILES/2013%20ESW%20DIRTCar%20Competitor%20Notes.pdf

 

http://www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net/FILES/2013%20ESW%20OCFS%20Competitor%20Handbook.pdf

 

 

 

Jordan Sheehan has a website for OCFS, and it can be seen if you go here:

 

http://jordansheehan.weebly.com/eastern-states.html

 

A drivers listing is included.

 

 

 

Also, how about Jeff Lambert?  You want OCFS stuff?  Check out what he has!

 

http://jeffersonlambert.weebly.com/

 

Jeff has one part about OCFS and the Indy 500, and makes mention, along with quite a few photos, of drivers that have competed at both tracks – Art Cross, Bobby Marshman, Al Herman, Ernie McCoy, Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough, Bill Schindler, Steve Kinser, Tony Stewart, Len Duncan, Jimmy Caruthers, Chuck Arnold, Norm Batten, Ira Vail, Walt Brown, Mike Nazaruk, Ted Horn, Bill Holland, Al Keller, Mike Magill, Tommy Hinnershitz, George Fonder, Jimmy Kite, Wally Dallenbach, Sr., Bennett Hill, Fred Frame, Mario Andretti, Bob Sall, Doc MacKenzie and Jerry Karl.

 

 

From the AARN:

http://www.aarn.com/

 

Special items in this weeks edition:

 

This Week

In AARN:

 

Preece Becomes Youngest

NASCAR Whelen Mod Touring

Series Champion

 

Big Diamond Joins DIRTcar

 

Pennsy Promoters Meet,

Discuss 305 Sprint Concerns

 

Pennink Wins At Thompson

In Mod Tour Season Finale

 

Rahmer Takes Final Ride

 At Lincoln On Night

When Young Gun Schuchart Wins

 

Thompson Releases

Streamlined Seven Date Schedule

For 2014

 

Billy Decker Is King Of The Can;

Takes Brockville Big Blocks Too

 

Seitz ISMAWinner;

Cicconi Claims First Supermod Title

 

Pauch Sweeps

Modified Twin Bill

At Delaware International

 

Canaan Runs Final Race -

Or Was It?

 

Lucas Oil Finale -

And $50,000 Prize -

To Brandon Sheppard

 

 

 

 

 

Press releases:

 

NEWS FROM                                                                                                              

Orange County Fair Speedway                                                                                   

239 Wisner Avenue                                                                                                     

Middletown, NY10940 

 

CONTACT

Mike Gurda

845-342-2573

 

FOR RELEASE ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 20

 

EASTERN STATES WEEKEND---IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER!

 

MIDDLETOWN, NY (October 20)……..On October 28, 1962, legendary stock car driver Frankie Schneider won the first Eastern States race at the historic Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, New York. Now on October 25-27, 2013, Arkel Motors and Dupree & Monroe PC present the 52nd Annual Eastern States Weekend, the oldest consecutively-run championship event for dirt track Modified stock cars in the country. It is three action-packed days of high speed racing excitement that culminates with the Eastern States 200, the “granddaddy” of all fall championship races.

 

Much of the weekend’s focus will be on the headline big-block Modifieds, with time trials, heat races, and a Top-Six Dash for Cash on Friday, all leading up to Sunday’s Eastern States 200. Friday’s activities will also include a full program for the Sportsman division, culminating in a 50-lap feature race.

 

Saturday’s “Hard Clay” racing focuses on the Small-Block Modifieds, with time trials qualifying races, and a 100-lap feature. Also on Saturday, the 305 Sprint Cars will be in action with qualifying and a 25-lap feature race.

 

On Sunday, following the morning fan-oriented Pit Party, the re are last chance consolation races for the Modifieds, plus Street Stock heats and a 25-lap feature. These preliminaries lead up to the 52nd Annual Eastern States 200 Modified Championship race.

 

Brett Hearn, Orange County ’s all-time winner and point champion, is the defending titlist of both the Small-Block Modified 100 and the Eastern States Modified 200.  Hearn has won the Eastern States 200 nine times in his career.

 

Tickets, camping permits, and parking permits for the 52nd Annual Eastern States Weekend, Friday through Sunday, October 25-27, are on sale. Be sure to check the official Orange County website, www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net, or call the Track Office at 845-342-2573 during business hours.

 

 

 

 

XCEL CHASSIS HOLDS OPEN MEETING ON OCT.27TH TO DISCUSS 2014 SEASON

COME ONE, COME ALL

On Sunday at the Polk Township Firehouse, located just past the Xcel Chassis shop, Doug Borger will be announcing rules changes for the 2014 season along with choosing representatives for the year. All aspects for the upcoming year will be discussed. This meeting is open to the public for anyone interested in the program and for those who have recently joined the modified ranks. This is a great way to not only talk to Borger but to drivers and owners who run the series weekly. The schedule for 2014 is 95% complete and could be completed by Sunday. It is scheduled for a start time of 12 noon and you may call Doug at 610-681-2689 for directions

 

 

 

 

 

Going back, in time to October 24th:

 

1924

George Amick... Born ... AAA / USAC driver 1954 to 1959. He was killed in a crash in a USAC 100-mile Indy car race at Daytona International Speedway on April 4, 1959. Major open-wheel racing would not return to the track for many years.

 

1985

Richie Evans... Died ... Richie from Westernville, N.Y. was a 9 Time NASCAR National Modified Champion. Richie Evans' racing career began after leaving his father's farm in Westernville, N.Y. at the age of 16 to become a mechanic at a gas station. His first racing experience was as a drag racer, but he soon switched to running stock cars starting in the Utica-Rome Speedway Hobby Division in 1964. Richie won his first NASCAR National Modified Championship in 1973 and didn't win his second until 1978, but from 1978 through 1985 he won eight consecutive NASCAR Featherlite Modified titles. Richies 8 straight Championships is a record for any NASCAR Division to this day. For 13 years Richie finished 1st nine times and 2nd twice, only finishing out of the top 10 once. Evans also won a record nine Most Popular Driver Awards. He won over 30 track championships, including two at Stafford, four at Thompson, and one at Riverside Park. In 1980 he won 52 out of 84 races he entered. Richie was a 3-time Modified Race of Champions winner. Winning on the1.5 mile Trenton Speedway in 1973 and was the last driver to win on the big 2.5 mile Pocono Raceway Track in 1979 before his next win in 1980 when he was the first driver to win on the 3/4 mile Pocono Track. Richie won the Daytona International Speedway Modified race in 1979 and repeated the victory in 1980. Richie was the 1980 Riverside Park Speedway Champion and is 7th on the all-time Riverside Park Speedway win list with 32 wins between 1978 and 1984 in only 7 seasons of competition. The drivers in front of him competed in 10 to 23 different seasons. Richie was killed in a practice accident at Martinsville in 1985, while preparing for the final race of the season for the NASCAR Modified Tour.

 

 

 

 

I get emails:

 

The National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame:

 

Those being inducted on January 14, 2014, down at the Chili Bowl:

I'm sure that all the RH members will join me in celebrating the upcoming induction of our fellow member George Benson into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame. George is a member of the prestigious 2014 class that also includes Wayne Adams, Emil Andres, Dan Boorse, Dominic Distarce, Les Kimbell, Cowboy O'Rourke, and Jigger Sirois. The induction of these eight great midget races will be January 17 2014 in Tulsa

 

Note:  Sad to say, no drivers from the Northeast this time!  Out of all those names above, I was fortunate to meet up with Jigger some years ago while attending an IRL race at Richmond.

 

 

 

This was forwarded, via email, from proud husband, Drew Fornoro, about his wife, Anne.

 

This really puts the icing on the cake for this year in racing this is equal to me getting into the hall of fame Anne should have received it a long time ago I think but both of us in the same year is very special and me winning again on my birthday with her and Marie there I can't complain anymore...

FOR RELEASE:  Saturday, October 19, 4 p.m. PDT

A.J. FOYT RACING’s ANNE FORNORO

 WINS 2013 JIM CHAPMAN AWARD

FOR EXCELLENCE IN MOTORSPORTS PR

     FONTANA, Calif. -- Anne Fornoro, who has worked with racing legend A.J. Foyt for almost three decades, today was announced as winner of the 2013 Jim Chapman Award for excellence in motorsports public relations.

 

     The Chapman Award is considered by many in the industry as the highest honor in racing public relations. It is named in memory of Chapman, the legendary PR executive and innovator, who worked with Babe Ruth and was named Indy Car racing’s “most influential man” of the 1980s. Chapman died in 1996 at age 80.

     The announcement and presentation were made at Auto Club Speedway by Michael Knight, chairman of the selection committee, and one of Chapman’s closest friends. The award is determined by a vote of media members, most of who knew Chapman, and is authorized by the Chapman family. PR representatives from all forms of motorsports are eligible for consideration.

     “Anne actually knew Jim, so her receiving this award is especially meaningful,” said Knight, the longtime journalist/publicist and award rights-holder. “Jim once said to me that every time he saw Anne she was smiling, and Jim liked that.

     “Anne’s approach to working with the media is ‘old-school’ in the best sense.  She’s made A.J. more accessible.  Anne’s annual media guide is one of the most comprehensive in all of motorsports, filled with information that makes it -- and her -- a valuable resource for journalists around the world.”

     Fornoro, of Newton, N.J., began her motorsports career at National Speed Sport News where she worked with legendary editor Chris Economaki.  Fornoro joined the U.S. Tobacco Co. in 1984, working in the promotions division before moving to the company’s motorsports division and its wide range of programs. However, she is most closely associated with Foyt, whose team she has worked with since 1985. In 2000, she formed her own company, A-Line Communications, with Foyt’s teams in IndyCar and NASCAR as her sole clients.

 

     Fornoro is the daughter of the late midget racer Russ Klar and is married to nine-time NEMA midget champion Drew Fornoro. Her father-in-law, the late Nick Fornoro, was a driver and CART’s official starter at the same time Chapman directed PPG Industries’ series title sponsorship.

 

Established in 1991 by media and publicists within the CART series, the Chapman Award originally focused on achievement in CART. After a hiatus of several years, the award was resumed in 2004, with eligibility expanded to anyone working in racing PR.

 

     Chapman started as sports editor or managing editor of several Southern newspapers before joining the New York Times. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He entered the PR business in 1946, as regional PR director for Ford Motor Co. in Detroit.

     Soon thereafter, Chapman hired Ruth as consultant to the automaker’s sponsorship of American Legion Junior Baseball. They traveled together for more than two years for personal appearances and became close friends. Chapman was one of only three friends at Ruth’s bedside when he died in August 1948 and then officially announced Ruth’s death to the press corps that had maintained an around-the-clock vigil at New York’s Memorial Hospital.

Chapman proudly showcased several photos of Ruth in his office.  One was inscribed: "To a pal that is a pal." Chapman also displayed a framed letter, written on Ruth's personal stationery from Memorial Hospital, dated July 13, 1948, inviting him to the July 26 premier of the film, The Babe Ruth Story. That letter read, in part, "That evening would not be complete without your being my guest.  To you, Jimmy, I say you must be with me that evening."

 

     In 1950, Chapman left Ford to start his own PR firm. One of his first clients was Avis founder Warren Avis. Chapman devoted much of his time to financial PR, which he once called his “favorite form of PR,” and helped companies get recognition among analysts and even gain admission to the New York and American stock exchanges.

     Chapman’s first venture into motorsports was in 1951, when he joined with NASCAR founder Bill France to promote the Motor City 250. The race was part of Detroit’s 250th birthday celebration, a Chapman client. In 1967, Chapman entered Indy Car racing with client Ozzie Olson’s Olsonite sponsorship of Dan Gurney’s team, which later featured Bobby Unser as driver.

     “Jim was one of the most innovative and imaginative PR men ever to grace a pit lane,” said Gurney. “Jim practically invented most of what is now considered routine sponsor PR work. He was the first, as far as I know, who thought of putting up a sponsor hospitality tent alongside a racetrack (at the old Riverside International Raceway), filling it with extravagant race car ice-sculptures, beautiful food and beautiful people from the business, sports and movie industries. He started an ‘open house’ tradition in Ozzie’s hotel suite in Indianapolis, where journalists could rub shoulders with John Wayne or (astronaut) Scott Carpenter.”

     Chapman also directed Olsonite’s sponsorship of the Driver of the Year award. He orchestrated all the details, including the media panel voting, and an annual luncheon at New York City’s famed ‘21’ Club. That gathering was considered so prestigious it was routinely attended by leaders of all the major U.S. sanctioning organizations regardless of what series the Driver of the Year competed in.

     Chapman’s greatest professional acclaim came from 1981-1992, as director of CART series sponsor PPG Industries’ program. Chapman was instrumental in raising PPG’s prize fund from $250,000 to more than $3.75 million at the time of his retirement in February 1993. The all-female PPG Pace Car Driving Team was another Chapman innovation, as were the PPG Editors’ Days, when he brought business and feature writers to the tracks for lunch, pace car rides, and driver interviews.

      In 1982, Chapman negotiated a landmark sponsorship for PPG with then- Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Joe Cloutier, which formally made the Indy 500 a points-paying event in the PPG Indy Car World Series, an arrangement that continued through the 1995 season. “That was one of the most satisfying moments of my career,” Chapman recalled. “Roger Penske, among others, told me it was the best thing that had ever happened to CART.” In addition to a major contribution to the prize fund, PPG later became sponsor of the $100,000 Indy 500 pole award, and paid a special winner’s bonus in the early years of NASCAR’s Brickyard 400.

 

     “With Jim, when he says ‘jump,’ we just ask ‘how high?,” Indy 500 winner and PPG Cup champion Al Unser Jr. said on behalf of his fellow drivers. “And we do it right then.”

     Indy Car Racing magazine named Chapman the sport’s “most influential” man of the 1980s, saying he turned “a public relations assignment into an art form.” After his retirement, Chapman continued to consult PPG, and agreed to Mario Andretti’s personal request that he serve as honorary chairman of Andretti’s “Arrivederci, Mario” farewell tour in 1994.

Chapman's professional achievements earned him vast recognition.  The mayors of Detroit and Long Beach , Calif. , presented him proclamations and the key to each city.  In 1993, Indiana Gov. Evan Bayh named him Sagamore of the Wabash, the state's highest honor. He served as president and/or director of more than 30 Michigan and Detroit-area civic and charitable organizations.  Chapman became active in the civil rights movement in the 1950s and represented the Detroit Urban League and United Negro College Fund in several controversial situations.  He admitted to shedding "buckets of tears of joy" when Willy T. Ribbs became the first African-American driver to qualify for the Indy 500 in 1991.

 

     “Jim set the ultimate standard of professionalism, class and dignity,” said Knight. “He knew that building good one-on-one professional relationships with journalists was important in good times and absolutely essential in bad times. That’s too often missing today in a communications age where an E-mail or text message is incorrectly considered ‘relationship-building.’ Jim was a true ‘people person’ and knew nothing could replace a handshake, a face-to-face conversation, or the sound of another person’s voice.”

     “The true honor of this award is not the plaque,” Knight concluded. “The true honor is having your name forever associated with that of the great James P. Chapman.”

###

PREVIOUS JIM CHAPMAN AWARD HONOREES:

 

1991 – Michael Knight

 

1992 – Tom Blattler

 

1993-94 – Deke Houlgate and Hank Ives

 

1995 – Kathi Lauterbach

 

1996 – Marc Spiegel

 

1997 – Mike Zizzo

 

1998 – Tamy Valkosky

 

1999 -- Carol Wilkins

 

2000-2003 – (Award not presented)

 

2004 – Doug Stokes

 

2005 – Susan Arnold

 

2006 – Kevin Kennedy

 

2007 – Dave Densmore and Bob Carlson

 

2008 – Judy Stropus

 

2009   (Award not presented)

 

2010 -- Jim Hunter

 

2011 -- Bill York

 

2012 -- Judy Kouba Dominick and Nancy Wager

 

 

CONTACT:  Michael Knight, 480-661-5240 (office) or 602-315-3900 (cell). E-mail: SpinDoctor500@aol.com . Twitter: @SpinDoctor500

 

Photos of Jim Chapman available upon request.

 

 

 

 

Fw: Why ObamaCare is a fantastic success

Today at 11:32 AM

To

Undisclosed-Recipient@

I think this is a very good read!! I'm sending it to my email list and I've plastered it all over my Conservative groups on FB. Been getting many responses and shares from the FB groups. I hope you will read it!! 

 

 

 

Sent: Monday, October 21, 2013 11:28 PM

Subject: Why ObamaCare is a fantastic success

 

Why ObamaCare is a fantastic success

By Wayne Allyn Root Published October 21, 2013 FoxNews.com

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/10/21/why-obamacare-is-fantastic-success/ 

 

 

There are two major political parties in America. I’m a member of the naïve, stupid, and cowardly one. I’m a Republican.

 

How stupid is the GOP? They still don’t get it.

 

I told them 5 years ago, 2 books ago, a national bestseller ago ("The Ultimate Obama Survival Guideclip_image002"), and in hundreds of articles and commentaries, that ObamaCare was never meant to help America, or heal the sick, or lower healthcare costs, or lower the debt, or expand the economy.

 

The GOP needs to stop calling ObamaCare a “trainwreck.” That means it’s a mistake, or accident. That means it’s a gigantic flop, or failure. It’s NOT.

 

Message to the GOP: This isn’t a game. This isn’t tiddly-winks. This is a serious, purposeful attempt to highjack America and destroy capitalism.

 

This is a brilliant, cynical, and purposeful attempt to damage the U.S. economy, kill jobs, and bring down capitalism.

 

It’s not a failure, it’s Obama’s grand success.

 

It’s not a “trainwreck,” ObamaCare is a suicide attack. He wants to hurt us, to bring us to our knees, to capitulate- so we agree under duress to accept big government.

 

Obama’s hero and mentor was Saul Alinsky -- a radical Marxist intent on destroying capitalism. Alinksky’s stated advice was to call the other guy “a terrorist” to hide your own intentions.

 

To scream that the other guy is “ruining America,” while you are the one actually plotting the destruction of America. To claim again and again…in every sentence of every speech…that you are “saving the middle class,” while you are busy wiping out the middle class.

 

The GOP is so stupid they can’t see it. There are no mistakes here. This is a planned purposeful attack.

 

The tell-tale sign isn’t the disastrous start to ObamaCare. Or the devastating effect the new taxes are having on the economy. Or the death of full-time jobs. Or the overwhelming debt. Or the dramatic increases in health insurance rates. Or the 70% of doctors now thinking of retiring- brining on a healthcare crisis of unimaginable proportions. Forget all that.

 

The real sign that this is a purposeful attack upon capitalism is how many Obama administration members and Democratic Congressmen are openly calling Tea Party Republicans and anyone who wants to stop ObamaCare “terrorists.”

 

There’s the clue. Even the clueless GOP should be able to see that.

 

They are calling the reasonable people…the patriots…the people who believe in the Constitution ... the people who believe exactly what the Founding Fathers believed…the people who want to take power away from corrupt politicians who have put America $17 trillion in debt…terrorists?

 

That’s because they are Saul Alinsky-ing the GOP. The people trying to purposely hurt America, capitalism and the middle class…are calling the patriots by a terrible name to fool, confuse and distract the public.

 

ObamaCare is a raving, rollicking, fantastic success. Stop calling it a failure. Here is what it was created to do. It is succeeding on all counts:

 

1. ObamaCare was intended to bring about the Marxist dream -- redistribution of wealth.

 

Rich people, small business owners, and the middle class are being robbed, so that the money can be redistributed to poor people (who vote for Democrats).

 

Think about it. If you’re rich or middle class, you now have to pay for your own health care costs (at much higher rates) AND 40 million other people’s costs too (through massive tax increases).

So you’re stuck paying for both bills. You are left broke. Brilliant.

 

2. ObamaCare was intended to wipe out the middle class and make them dependent on government.

 

Think about it. Even Obama’s IRS predicts that health insurance for a typical American family by 2016 will be $20,000 per year. But how would middle class Americans pay that bill and have anything left for food or housing or living? People that make $40K, or $50K, or $60K can’t possibly hope to spend $20K on health insurance without becoming homeless.

 

Bingo. That’s how you make middle class people dependent on government. That’s how you make everyone addicted to government checks. Brilliant.

 

3. As a bonus, ObamaCare is intended to kill every decent paying job in the economy, creating only crummy, crappy part-time jobs.

 

Why? Just to make sure the middle class is trapped, with no way out. Just to make sure no one has the $20,000 per year to pay for health insurance, thereby guaranteeing they become wards of the state. Brilliant.

 

4. ObamaCare is intended to bankrupt small business, and therefore starve donations to the GOP.

 

Think about it. Do you know a small business owner? I know hundreds of them. Their rates are being doubled, tripled and quadrupled by ObamaCare.

 

Guess who writes 75% of the checks to Republican candidates and conservative causes? The GOP.

 

Even if a small business owner manages to survive, he or she certainly can’t write a big check to the GOP anymore. Money is the “mother’s milk” of politics. Without donations, a political party ceases to exist. Bingo.

 

That’s the point of ObamaCare. Obama is bankrupting his political opposition and drying up donations to the GOP. Brilliant.

 

5. ObamaCare is intended to make the IRS all-powerful.

 

It adds thousands of new IRS agents. It puts the IRS in charge of overseeing 15% of the U.S. economy. The IRS has the right because of ObamaCare to snoop into every aspect of your life, to go into your bank accounts, to fine you, to frighten you, to intimidate you. And Obama and his socialist cabal have access to your deepest medical secrets.

 

By law your doctor has to ask your sexual history. That information is now in the hands of Obama and the IRS to blackmail GOP candidates into either not running, or supporting bigger government, or leaking the info and ruining your campaign.

 

Or have you forgotten the IRS harassed, intimidated and persecuted critics of Obama and conservative groups?

 

Now Obama hands the IRS even more power. Big Brother rules our lives. Brilliant.

 

6. ObamaCare is intended to unionize 15 million healthcare workers.

 

That produces $15 billion in new union dues. That money goes to fund Democratic candidates and socialist causes -- thereby guaranteeing Obama’s friends never lose another election, and Obama’s policies keep ruining capitalism and bankrupting business owners long after he’s out of office.

Message to the GOP: This isn’t a game. This isn’t tiddly-winks. This is a serious, purposeful attempt to highjack America and destroy capitalism.

 

This isn’t a trainwreck. It's purposeful suicide.

 

It's not failing, it's working exactly according to plan. Obama knows what he’s doing. Stop apologizing and start fighting.

 

Oh and one more thing…Conservatives aren’t “terrorists.” We are patriots and saviors. We represent the Constitution and the Founding Fathers. We are the heroes and good guys. Unless you get all this through your thick skulls, America is lost…forever.

 

Wayne Allyn Root is capitalist evangelist, entrepreneur, and Libertarian-conservative Republican. He is a former Libertarian vice presidential nominee. Wayne's latest book is "The Ultimate Obama Survival Guide: Secrets to Protecting Your Family, Your Finances, and Your Freedom.clip_image002[1]" For more, visit his website: www.ROOTforAmerica.comclip_image002[2]. Follow him on Twitter@WayneRoot

 

 Are you beginning to think obama doesn’t like America or Americans????

 

 

 

 

FAST FACTS ABOUT DR. CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER , MD

a12632@comcast.net  Today at 6:51 PM

 

 

Subject: FAST FACTS ABOUT DR. CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER , MD

 

FAST FACTS ABOUT DR. CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER , MD

 

1. Born: March 13, 1950 2. Birthplace: New York City, New York

3. Raised in Montreal, Canada

4. Attended McGill University and Harvard Medical School

5. 1972 diving accident left him paralyzed from the neck on down.

6. Directed psychiatric research for the Carter administration

7. Began writing career in 1981 with The New Republic

8. Helped develop the "Reagan Doctrine" in the 80's

9. Appointed to Presidential Council on Bioethics in 2002

 

Dr. Krauthammer is frequently on the Fox News Channel.

 

He is an M.D., a lawyer and is paralyzed from the neck down. A friend went to hear Charles Krauthammer. He listened with 25 others in a closed room. What he says here is NOT 2nd-hand but 1st. The ramifications are staggering for us, our children and their children.

Last Monday was a profound evening. Dr. Charles Krauthammer

spoke to the Center for the American Experiment. He is a brilliant intellectual, seasoned & articulate. He is forthright and careful in his analysis and never resorts to emotions or personal insults. He is NOT a fear monger nor an extremist in his comments and views. He is a fiscal conservative and has received a Pulitzer Prize for writing. He

is a frequent contributor to Fox News and writes weekly for the Washington Post.

The entire room was held spellbound during his talk. I have

summarized his comments, as we are living in uncharted waters economically and internationally.

Even 2 Dems at my table agreed with everything he said! If you

feel like forwarding this to those who are open minded and have not drunk the Kool-Aid, feel free....Summary of his comments:

 

1. Mr. Obama is a very intellectual, charming individual. He is

not to be underestimated. He is a cool customer who doesn't show his emotions. It's very hard to know what's behind the mask. The taking down of the Clinton dynasty was an amazing accomplishment. The Clintons still do not understand what hit them. Obama was in the perfect place at the perfect time.

 

2. Obama has political skills comparable to Reagan and Clinton. He has a way of making you think he's on your side, agreeing with your position, while doing the opposite. Pay no attention to what he SAYS; rather, watch what he DOES!

 

3. Obama has a ruthless quest for power.

He did not come to

Washington to make something out of himself but rather to change everything, including dismantling capitalism. He can't be straight forward on his ambitions, as the public would not go along. He has a heavy hand and wants to level the playing field with income redistribution and punishment to the achievers of society. He would like to model the USA to Great Britain or Canada .

 

4. His three main goals are to control ENERGY, PUBLIC EDUCATION and NATIONAL HEALTHCARE by the Federal government. He doesn't care about the auto or financial services industries but got them as an early bonus.

The cap and trade will add costs to everything and stifle growth. Paying for FREE college education is his goal. Most scary is his healthcare program because if you make it FREE and add 46,000,000 people to a Medicare-type single-payer system, the costs will go through the roof. The only way to control costs is with massive RATIONING of services, like in Canada .. God forbid!

 

5. He has surrounded himself with mostly far-left academic types. No one

around him has ever even run a candy store. But they are going to try and run the auto, financial, banking and other industries. This obviously can't work in the long run. Obama is not a socialist; rather he's a far-left secular progressive bent on nothing short of revolution. He ran as a moderate but will govern from the hard left. Again, watch what he DOES, not what he says.

 

6. Obama doesn't really see himself as President of the United

States but more as a ruler over the world. He sees himself above it all, trying to orchestrate & coordinate various countries and their agendas. He sees moral equivalency in all cultures. His apology tour in Germany and England was a prime example of how he sees America as an imperialist nation that has been arrogant, rather than a great noble nation that has at times made errors. This is the first President, ever , who has chastised our allies and appeased our enemies!

 

7. He is now handing out goodies. He would like to blame all

problems on Bush, from the past, and hopefully his successor in the future. He has a huge ego and Dr. Krauthammer believes he is a narcissist.

 

8. Republicans are in the wilderness for a while but will emerge

strong. Republicans are pining for another Reagan but there will never be another like him. Krauthammer believes Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty & Bobby Jindahl (except for his terrible speech in February) are the future of the party. Newt Gingrich is brilliant but has baggage. Sarah Palin is sincere and intelligent but needs to really be seriously boning up on facts and info if she is to be a serious candidate in the future. We need to return to the party of lower taxes, smaller government, personal responsibility,

strong national defense and State's

Rights.

 

 9. The current level of spending is irresponsible and outrageous.

We are spending trillions that we don't have. This could lead to

hyperinflation, depression or worse. No country has ever spent themselves into prosperity. The Media is giving Obama, Reid and Pelosi a Pass because they love their agenda. But eventually the bill will come due and people will realize the huge bailouts didn't work, nor will the stimulus package. These were trillion-dollar payoffs to Obama's allies, unions and the Congress to placate the left, so he can get support for #4 above.

 

10 When Lehman brothers

failed, fear and panic swept in, we had an unpopular President, and the war was grinding on indefinitely without a clear outcome. The people are in pain and the mantra of change caused people to act emotionally. Any Dem would have won this election; it was surprising it was as close as it was.

 

 11. If the unemployment rate is over 10%, Republicans will be

swept back into power. If it's under 8%, the Dems continue to roll. If it's between 8-10%, it will be a dogfight. It will all be about the economy. I hope this gets you really thinking about what's happening in Washington and Congress. There is a left-wing revolution going on, according to Krauthammer, and he encourages us to keep the faith and join the loyal resistance. The work will be hard but we're right on most issues and can reclaim our country before it's far too late.

Do yourself a long term favor. Send this to all who will listen to

an intelligent assessment of the big picture. All our

futures and

children's futures depend on our good understanding of what is really going on in DC and our action pursuant to that understanding!!

It really IS up to each of us to take individual action!! Start

with educating your friends and neighbors.

If you hold sacred the freedoms granted to you by the

U.S. Constitution.

By all means, please. PASS it ON!

 

 

 

 

This weeks photo:

 

Quite a few years ago, when I was writing for John LeVan and the Open Wheel Racing website, I was fortunate to take my grandson, Brett, to Nazareth for a day of Midget tire testing and later on some IRL testing, prior to the USAC/IRL racing weekends they had back then.  One of the best parts of the day, in the Midget tire test, was when JJ replied to my question on him racing a dirt modified on the mile at Syracuse.  To describe it, he used quite a lot of “body English”.

 

 

 

 

Racing video:

 

Might you have some extra time on your hands – like almost 4 & ½ hours?  If so, here’s the final Indycar race of the 2013 season, from Fontana, CA.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ANYzZlmZF0

 

 

 

 

Non racing stuff:

 

Examiner Editorial: GM got bailout, now ships jobs to China

 

http://washingtonexaminer.com/examiner-editorial-gm-got-bailout-now-ships-jobs-to-china/article/2537323http://washingtonexaminer.com/examiner-editorial-gm-got-bailout-now-ships-jobs-to-china/article/2537323

 

 

 

Obamacare levies fines on non-profit hospitals that offer free healthcare to the poor

 

http://poorrichardsnews.com/post/64309797136/obamacare-levies-fines-on-non-profit-hospitals-that

 

 

 

 

Joke of the week:

 

We have enough "youth", How about a fountain of "smart"?

 

The original point and click interface was a Smith & Wesson.

 

A Fool and his money can throw one heck of a party.

 

When blondes have more fun, do they know it?

 

LEARN FROM YOUR PARENTS' MISTAKES

USE BIRTH CONTROL!

 

Money isn't everything, but it sure keeps the kids in touch.

 

Don't Drink and Drive!!  You might hit a bump and spill something.

 

If at first you don't succeed skydiving is not for you.

 

We are born naked, wet and hungry.  Then things get worse.

 

Ninety-nine percent of all lawyers give the rest a bad name.

 

I think Congressmen should wear uniforms, you know, like NASCAR drivers, so we could identify their corporate sponsors."

 

The reason Politicians try so hard to get re-elected is that they

would 'hate' to have to make a living under the laws they've passed.

 

 

 

Until the next column – next week!

 

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