Mostly Racin' Stuff

                                      By Tom Avenengo

                                         Volume # 186

                                                   07/24/2014

 

Some personal/family stuff:

 

I have to imagine that I’ll be like most everyone else and get over the loss I’ve had back on 7/3.  I’ve been thinking of what I’m missing the most – her watching the Sci-Fi channel.  Those “Zombie” shows that she loved to watch.  Being able to pitch in and do things for her over these last years.  Her very first meal that she made for me was Chili – way before we got married.  Damn, no one could make it like her – and it wasn’t the hot/spicy kind, either.  Gonna miss that, for sure!  So many little things that come to mind.

This coming August 9th, my son, Eric, will be tying the knot with a fine young lady – Catherine Rude.  My wife was so looking forward to that day.  Hopefully she’ll be able to observe it from above?

Eric and I were thinking of hitting the Hamlin Speedway on Saturday, but decided not skip that show.  With him taking the big step this coming August 9th, he has been making a lot of the wedding stuff with his vinyl machine, which takes quite a bit of time.

 

Medicare – Part D:

I received info the other day.  Kinda disheartening, to be sure.  Seems that what I’m allowed to spend for prescriptions is a little over $2,850.00 for the year.  So far, I’ve gone through a little over $2,300.00.  From what I can figure out, I can only spend a shade over $470.00.  Hell, one set of five insulin pens cost me $74.00 and the insurance picks up the balance - $583.00+.  Guess when I have to have the insulin prescription re-filled, the insurance won’t cover it?  Damn – work your whole life and end up paying through the nose.  Sit on your ass with your hand out and ya get it free?  What’s wrong with this picture?

 

Just had a call from my sister, who’s down in Melbourne, Florida.  My brother-in-law is in a hospital with a blood clot in left arm near elbow.  Some horror story coming from her.  He's allergic to Heprin.  Guess what the were gonna give him?  Yup!  This after my sister wrote it in large capital letters where it asks if he has any allergies.  Also there’s a note above bed no BP, drawing of blood etc etc from left arm.  Nurse comes in to take his BP.  Guess which arm she goes to?  Uh huh.

 

What is wrong with this picture?  Really!  Have to thank God my sister was in his room when this shit happened.

 

 

 

 

Racin’ stuff:

 

Not good news:

Remember Open Wheel Racing.com or Open Wheel Racers.com?  Between the late Lenny Calinoff and the late John LeVan, they were considered to be  one of the outstanding websites devoted to Motor Sports.

 

Craig LeVan, son of John, was going to make an attempt in bringing back the Open Wheel Racing website again.  Sadly, only he and I were interested in doing that.

 

The other day, I sent him a private message on Facebook, which was:

“So, can I take it that you have decided not to continue the new OWR website?”

 

His response:

“There just didn’t seem to be enough interest besides with yourself and me.. The local places to me pretty much laughed when I explained what I was trying to do.”

 

 

I finally hit the Accord Speedway last Friday night.  My daughter, Judy, rode “Shotgun”.  We saved seats for my son, Eric and grandson, Brett.  A few things I noticed:  Still only one flagger on the flag stand.  Did not see any “Security” around to keep fans away from the stands.  Missed seeing Ralph Stevens, III stationed between turns one and two with his camera.  Missed seeing a corner flag man in one and two, too.  A real nice turnout for the Slingshots for their special race.  Seems that the “Spec” Sportsman class has really been hurt due to the new engine rules.  I think there were 12 cars in their feature.  Track was basically dust free until the Modified feature.  Uh, it is a dirt track, ya know?  At least I did not have to put any water on my windshield before leaving – just turned the wipers on and the dust was taken off.

Racing, to me, at Accord is so much more enjoyable that what they have at OCFS.  Or even the Valley, too, for that matter.

There’s more side by side racing and more than just a couple will try running up top.  OC, to me is just too big, too fast and only a couple will actually go up high to make passes.

I’m looking forward to the August 5th Brett Deyo race at the “Big A”.

 

 

 

I just can’t get into this Indy Car racing on “street” courses.  Basically, I’ll watch the start to see how they make it around on the first lap.  I have no idea as too how many accidents I’ve seen with them on their first laps.  Way too many, for sure.  Then, I check out videos of midgets – usually wingless, on small dirt tracks and they seem to manage getting through their first lap and more, without problems.  Go figure – what are supposed to be some of the best race drivers in the world compared to what one might consider “no names” and the “no names” seem to come out on top.

 

 

USAC really screwed up many years ago when they outlawed rear engine midgets & sprint cars.  I’m pretty sure Ed Carpenter; in Indy Car is the only one today that ran sprints & midgets previously.

 

 

Bowman/Gray Stadium, down south, has “racing” every week.  It looks like it might be a ¼ mile paved oval.  I use the term “racing” kinda off handed.  Seems that the weekly thing is some kind of sh*t always happens between some drivers.  This leads to on track confrontations, verbal, physical and even with the cars.  The place is packed every week with “race” fans.

I can recall reading the book “They call me mister 500” – or something very similar – the story of Andy Granatelli.  Back in the late 40’s he promoted stock car races at Soldier Field in Chicago (pretty sure that was the track).  He actually paid drivers to crash, and the ambulance crews to “run” over the gurneys after they “fell” out of the ambulance.  Yes. I read of women actually fainting!  But that place was also packed.

OK, we can’t pay drivers to have “accidents” on larger tracks, but are our promoters kind of missing the boat up here?  Maybe we just need some “villains” to spice things up.  Might not hurt to get the local papers involved too – ya think?

I saw a photo on Facebook taken at a demo derby at OCFS the other day.  Full covered stands were pretty well filled up.  We really need that to happen with the Saturday night racing, I think.

 

 

 

A few things that I found on the Internet about the WoO at the Valley:

 

Joey Saldana took home his 19th quick time of the season, posting a 16.620 around the half-mile track.

 

Steve Kinser started on the pole for the feature… Reigning champion Daryn Pittman was the KSE Hard Charger of the night, advancing 5 positions to finish in fourth. (Hmm, not too much passing, then?) 

 

Fulton Speedway hosts the World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series on Wednesday, July 23. The Outlaws then make a three race swing through Canada with stops at Autodrome Drummond in Drummondville, Que., Cornwall Motor Speedway in Cornwall, Ont., and Ohswheken Speedway in Ohswheken, Ont.

 

Points leader Donny Schatz finished the night in third after starting in sixth. He said his car experienced some trouble early on.

 

Just as the field dove into turn one with Gravel falling back, 20-time champion Steve Kinser wrecked just short of the start-finish line, ending up on his top and bringing out the red flag. Kinser was OK and went on to finish the race in 12th

 

20 cars took time.

 

A-Main - (25 Laps) - 1. 83-David Gravel [3] [$10,000]; 2. 29-Kerry Madsen [2] [$5,500]; 3. 15-Donny Schatz [6] [$3,200]; 4. 9-Daryn Pittman [9] [$2,800]; 5. 49-Brad Sweet [4] [$2,500]; 6. 71M-Joey Saldana [5] [$2,300]; 7. 51-Paul McMahan [11] [$2,200]; 8. 5W-Lucas Wolfe [7] [$2,100]; 9. 1s-Logan Schuchart [10] [$2,050]; 10. 5-Justin Barger [14] [$2,000]; 11. 4-Cody Darrah [8] [$1,500]; 12. 11-Steve Kinser [1] [$1,200]; 13. 11K-Kraig Kinser [12] [$1,100]; 14. 1A-Jacob Allen [17] [$1,050]; 15. 42-John Smith [18] [$1,000]; 16. 49H-Todd Hoddick [16] [$900]; 17. 7S-Jason Sides [15] [$800]; 18. 6X-Mark Cole [19] [$800]; 19. 1Z-Jessica Zemken [13] [$800]; 20. 90-Matt Tanner [20] [$800]. Lap Leaders: Kerry Madsen 1-5, David Gravel 6-25. KSE Hard Charger Award: 9-Daryn Pittman [+5]

 

 

Have you heard of the lawsuit against the Williams Grove Speedway by a driver that was injured there?  The case has been settled.

 

Williams Grove Speedway not liable for driver's injuries, Cumberland County jury rules

 

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/07/williams_grove_speedway_not_li.html

 

Note:  Thanks to Ron Lauer for sending the above to me!

 

 

Found on South Jersey Dirt Racing on 7/17/14:

 

Evergreen Raceway Park/Mountain Speedway

 

Has ceased operations as per their facebook page. It's a sad day in motorsports. This track has so much history and it should NOT have to end this way. Another track lost, such a shame.

 

 

Found on SJDR on 7/23/14:

 

PLANS FOR MOTORSPORTS 2015 SHOW

 

MOTORSPORTS 2014 RACE CAR AND TRADE SHOW WILL BE THREE DAY PARTY WITH EXPANDED SPACE FOR 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

 

OAKS, PA July 23, 2014 . . .  The Pioneer Pole Buildings Motorsports 2015 fueled by Sunoco Race Fuels and Distributed by Insinger Performance Race Car and Trade Show will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Friday, January 23 thru Sunday, January, 25th.

 

“It seems just like yesterday when we kicked off this show,” said show producer Len Sammons who has confirmed the events traditional date once again at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA.

 

“The first Motorsports show took place just up the road in Valley Forge," Sammons recalled. "The 30 years went fast and wow has the show grown. We are planning a big three day celebration, a party for our 2015 event. We are very excited to have Pioneer, Sunoco, Insinger and Miller Beer all return to be part of what we feel will be one of the biggest show we have ever produced.”

 

All exhibitors from the 2014 edition of the show should have already received the new show brochure which reflects an exciting new floor plan that offers expanded space and a new design that will offer more room for interactive displays. The stage has been moved out of D-Hall into its own room. Other changes have been made to create a more consistent traffic flow throughout the main exhibit area.

 

The 2014 exhibitors have until July 31, 2014 to reserve the same display space or even increase their space for Motorsports 2015. Space reservations for past exhibitors must include a 25% deposit with the booth order. Past exhibitors that have had their past booth location impacted by the new floor layout or would like to change their display location should be in touch with Tim Hogue as soon as possible so that every effort can be made to accommodate that request.

 

After August 1st all space not reserved will be open to all.

 

“We are in the process of putting together some exciting plans for the 30th Anniversary,” said Sammons. “We will be making many announcements regarding plans for the show in the future.”

 

For those who have not been exhibitors or have missed a year or two the beautiful new show brochure is available along with a show floor plan by contacting Danny Sammons or Tim Hogue at 609.888.3618. They can also be reached at tim@aarn.com or danny@aarn.com.

 

The very classy Crowne Plaza Valley Forge will serve as the host hotel and will again offer a discounted rate of $89 per night (plus taxes). The hotel is located just 7.5 miles from the Expo Center and is within walking distance of the popular King of Prussia Mall, the nation’s second largest retail complex with over 350 stores and close to 100 restaurants.

 

Again, for the 30th Anniversary, the Saturday night post show will continue and will be held in one of the large ballrooms at the hotel with music by DJ Sound and Lighting and bar specials from show sponsor Miller Lite.

 

 For information on the show check in at www.aarn.com.

 

 

Also:

 

Paul Kuhl passes away

 

Flemington Speedway Historical Society updated their cover photo.

 

2014, July 22: “Paul died.” For family, friends, and fans of the Flemington Fair and Speedway community, nothing more needs to be said. We all have our memories, we all know what those words mean to us. FSHS extends our sincere condolences to the family of Paul R. Kuhl. We will share his obituary here should one be published online.

 

 

In 2013 Paul Kuhl received The Tas Award, honoring him as one of Flemington Speedway’s most influential persons. What follows is an excerpt of the bio written for that nomination.

 

Paul Kuhl, Flemington, New Jersey, 1927-2014

 

As a child, like many Hunterdon County natives, Paul Kuhl anxiously looked forward to the annual Flemington Fair. He loved the midway, the Big Car races, and later the Midgets and Stock Cars. As a young adult, Paul Kuhl attended the Saturday night Stock Car races, another fan in the covered grandstand. Unlike most Hunterdon County natives, Kuhl’s family had a stake in the fairgrounds, and in 1971, after witnessing years of Saturday night stagnation, Flemington Fair President Paul Kuhl became the promoter of Flemington Speedway.

 

From 1966 through 1970, the five years immediately preceding The Kuhl Era, Flemington Speedway presented an average of eighteen Modified features per year. For the next thirty years, the yearly average was thirty.

 

Like the carnival barkers of his childhood, Kuhl fashioned himself a showman. Bold statements, bold colors, bold dress, and bold decisions soon became his signature. Brashly candid, kind but never humble, Kuhl didn’t strive to be most-popular or even likable. Rather, he welcomed controversy, because he knew it sold tickets.

 

The Rookie Division; "Modified Country, USA;" Twin, Triple, Four, and Five Twenty-lap features; Reverse Races; Late Models; Three Sportsman Wins and Out; $5,000 bonus to any outsider who beats Flemington regulars - $25,000 if that person is a top Indy or NASCAR driver; World’s Fastest Five-Eighths Mile Speedway; Kite Cycles; Human Bombs; Bikini Night; Mud Wrestling; Modified Sprints; Purple, Violet, and Lavender… …these are but a sampling of the seemingly endless ideas and innovations of Flemington Speedway’s most flamboyant promoter.

 

A polarizing figure, Paul Kuhl was undeniably a most influential person in the history of Flemington Speedway, a true showman who perhaps more than anyone loved the spectacle that was "Stock Car Racing Every Saturday Nite April thru October.”

 

 

Image: Jack Kromer shot this image of Paul Kuhl in Saturday, July 11, 1987. Triple Twenty’s were on the card for Modifieds that night. Ken Brenn Jr. (24) won the first and third features, Billy Pauch (126) won the second twenty lapper.

 

http://theboard.southjerseydirtracing.com/DisplayMsg.asp?ForumID=27&Msgid=2190946&page=1&title=Paul%20Kuhl%20passes%20away

 

 

 

 

 

Eighteen years ago the Northeast Midget Association held its first Boston Louie Seymour Memorial at Seekonk Speedway, and it rapidly became a signature event for midget racing in the northeast. On July 23 the NEMA Midgets and NEMA Lites will invade Seekonk Speedway again for Open Wheel Wednesday, joining the Modifieds for a night of record breaking lap speeds and three abreast racing.

 

This year’s Boston Louie will be special as Ralph Sheheen and the crew of MAVTV’s SpeedSport Magazine show will be on site to film the 29 lap event for broadcast on August 14.

 

 

 

NASCAR Is In Big Trouble As Team Values Continue To Shrink

 

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/nascar-big-trouble-team-values-183826950.html

 

If possible, ya should check out some of the comments under the article.

 

 

Did you watch the Truck race from Eldora?  Sorry to say but this old man dozed off during the second part of the feature.  Great crowd.  Way too many drivers in the race that, to me, were unknowns.  I hate a “dirt” track that is so glazed over that methinks asphalt slicks would be a better tire to run than the dirt tires they used.  I’m pretty sure that I had read that Tony had a “Sheeps Foot” out there at Eldora.  Guess it must have broken down?

 

From last night - Wednesday:

 

CRAZY 8s SPECIAL AT I-88 SPEEDWAY POSTPONED UNTIL THURSDAY, JULY 24 DUE TO RAIN

 

Heavy rains and thunderstorms forced the postponement of tonight's Sowle Trailer Repair 'Crazy 8s Special' presented by Olum's at I-88 Speedway until Thursday, July 24. The evening will include both the Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP big-block/small-block Modifieds and Dig Safely New York GRIT Series Crate 602 Sportsman.

 

All times, pricing and information remains the same. Complete race information is online at: http://bdmotorsportsmedia.com/i-88-speedway-crazy-8s-special-information-sheet/

 

More than 50 Modifieds were in the pit area at the time of postponement.

 

Note:  Quite a bit of talk about this on the DTD Forum – where to go – I-88 or Rolling Wheels.

 

 

 

Former OVRP Dirt Oval runners:

 

Molly Chambers was 14th in the wingless 600 Micro feature at Linda’s.

Jacob Hendershot won the 270 Micro feature at Penn Can

Molly was a DNQ in 600’s at Kutztown, while Danny Buccafusca was 9th in the Slingshot All Star race from 7/9 and 3rd in the nights 100 lap All Star Slingshot feature.

Mike Mammana was 11th in the 358 Modified feature at Big Diamond.

Davie Franek was 2nd in the 360 Sprint Car feature at Bridgeport.

Anthony Perrego was 10th, Kyle Van Duser 15th and Tyler Boniface 19th in the Modified feature at Accord.  Brian Krummel was 10th in the Sportsman feature.  Joey Bruning won the Spec Sportsman feature.  Wyatt Clark won the Slingshot All Star feature with Tyler Pirone was 4th.

Josh Pieniazek was 2nd, Joe Kata 11th and Emily VanInwegen 15th in the CRSA 305 Feature at Glen Ridge.

AJ Filbeck was 7th in the Sportsman feature at U/R.

Ben Whitaker was 2nd in the Late Model feature at Susquehanna.

Jacob Hendershot was 2nd in the 270 Micro feature at Hamlin.  Tyler Pirone was 21st in the All Star Slingshot feature.  Danny Buccafusca was 3rd in the Rookie 600 Micro feature.

Anthony Perrego was 3rd in the Modified feature at 5 Mile.

Brett Wright was 3rd in the Modified feature at A/S.  Alex Bell was 12th and Hunter Bates 19th in the Sportsman feature.

Billy VanInwegen was 15th in the SDS race at Autodrome Granby.

LJ Lombardo won the held over Sportsman feature at OCFS, with Brian Krummel 2nd, Matt Janiak 3rd, RJ Smykla 11th, Joey Falanga 14th and Anthony Falanga 21st.  In the nights regularly scheduled Sportsman feature, Janiak was 1st, Krummel 2nd, LJ 3rd, RJ 7th, Jimmy Johnson 9th, Dom Roselli, Jr 13th, Andrew Reeves 14th, Joey 16th, Anthony 22nd and Zack Mead 23rd.

Tim Hindley was 4th, Clinton Mills 6th, Danny Creeden 8th, Mike Ruggiero 11th and Billy V 15th in the Modified feature.  Danny was 2nd in the 358 Small Block feature, with Tim 3rd and Clinton a DNS.

Kenney Johnson was a DNS in the NEMA Midget feature at Oxford Plains.

Bob Morris won the Sportsman feature at Bethel.  JB Morris was 6th in the 4 Cylinder Advanced feature.

Roger Coss was 4th in the Modified feature at Mahoning, while Tiffany Wambold was 8th in the Street Stock feature.

Kyle Armstrong was 4th and Kolby Schroder 7th in the Modified feature at Lebanon Valley.  John Virgilio won the Sportsman feature.

Billy V was 15th in the SDS race at Autodrome Drummond.

 

Note:  Kinda sad that Billy V is the only OCFS driver that goes to all the SDS races.  Back in the day there used to be more than just one.

 

I think that’s 42 names?

 

 

 

From Jayski:

http://www.jayski.com/

 

Stewart wins sprint car race Friday:

Tony Stewart was back in a sprint car on Friday night, the same series he raced in when he broke two bones in his right leg. It was unknown if this is Stewart's first sprint car race this season because he didn't announce when he'd compete. Stewart is available because the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is off this weekend. Stewart's runs were posted on Facebook and Twitter. Dirt track star Dustin Daggett tweeted a photo of Stewart's No. 14 car at Tri-City Motor Speedway in Auburn, Michigan. Daggett also tweeted, "Raced hard in heat against Tony Stewart! But we got him, now for the Feature!" Daggett says he was leading the feature race late, but went off track and Stewart claimed the win. Stewart tweeted, "If you haven't heard already, I ran my sprint car tonight and won! Felt great to run it again. Was a 2nd place car but had a little luck." Stewart crashed last year at Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, where he flipped his 360 winged sprint car while leading with five laps remaining in the 30-lap feature. He missed the final 15 Cup races last year after breaking his leg in two places.(Associated Press/ESPN)(7-19-2014)

 

UPDATE:

Just one night after winning his first sprint car race in nearly a year, three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart was back racing again, finishing third behind Randy Hannagan and Dustin Daggett in the SOD/N.R.A. Engine Pro Challenge at Crystal Motor Speedway in Michigan.(Fox Sports)(7-20-2014)

 

 

Harvick is most mentioned driver in first half of season:

According to data compiled by Joyce Julius, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, and Jeff Gordon have accounted for the most driver mentions during NASCAR telecasts though Daytona this month:

Driver.....Interviews.....Interview Time.....Mentions

#29-Kevin Harvick.....20.....0:17:30.....2,533

#48-Jimmie Johnson.....32.....0:21:53.....2,326

#24-Jeff Gordon.....21.....0:21:09.....2,181

#2-Brad Keselowski.....24.....0:18:21.....2,056

#88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr......29.....0:26:21.....1,950

#22-Joey Logano.....17.....0:14:29.....1,626

#20-Matt Kenseth.....17.....0:14:19.....1,556

#41-Kyle Busch.....20.....0:14:46.....1,401

#11-Denny Hamlin.....13.....0:14:41.....1,063

#99-Carl Edwards.....24.....0:17:20.....964

Statistics reflect all live race telecasts and replays of the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season through Daytona (Race #18).(Joyce Julius)(7-20-2014)

 

 

Turner Sports could disappear in potential media mergers:

The latest machinations of the corporate media giants could result in the end of one of sports broadcasting's great brands. According to multiple reports, 21st Century Fox is pushing to acquire rival giant Time Warner. Even after an initial $80 billion bid was rebuffed, Fox and its leader Rupert Murdoch are said to be "determined and unlikely to walk away anytime soon". Much of the talk surrounding a potential Fox acquisition of Time Warner has focused on sports and with good reason. Through Turner Sports, Time Warner has one of the most impressive sets of sports rights on cable television. Adding Turner Sports' haul to the existing Fox Sports line-up - the rest of the MLB playoffs, the NFL, NASCAR and college football - would turn the latter into the dominant player in TV sports. ESPN would still be the leader in many ways, but FOX and Fox Sports 1 would have a virtually unmatched portfolio. Such a move would be a boon to 21st Century Fox and a major loss for sports television. Turner Sports has been one of the most successful alternatives to ESPN and is generally well-regarded. Despite being unaffiliated with any of the Big Four broadcast networks, Turner Sports has managed for decades to acquire some of the biggest blue-chip properties in sports (even the NFL in the 1990s). A potential merger would wipe out both a competitor for Fox and an alternative for viewers, making the sports TV business a little less risky for the remaining giants. Fox would not be the only one happy to see Turner Sports go - ESPN would be happy to no longer see comparisons between its NBA studio show and Inside the NBA, and all the networks would presumably be glad to have one less rival driving up rights fees. Now, the threat exists of the big five turning into the big four. CBS and NBC would still be formidable, but the industry would primarily turn into a battle of Goliaths between ESPN and FOX.(Sports Media Watch)(7-20-2014)

 

 

Sad News - Dr. John Melvin:

Most NASCAR fans might not know the name Dr. John Melvin, but in the NASCAR community his work was paramount in the field of driver safety. A former University of Michigan professor and senior research engineer with General Motors, Dr. Melvin became a paid safety consultant for NASCAR, serving as the Technical Consultant to NASCAR for Racecar Safety. In this role, Dr. Melvin worked on safety innovations such as the head-and-neck restraints, seat construction, seat belts and SAFER barriers. Dr. Melvin was also the first to develop a black box for racecars in 1991 as part of the GM Racing Safety Program. "NASCAR and the entire motorsports industry lost a giant on Thursday with the passing of Dr. John Melvin. Dr. Melvin was a pioneer in the field of driver safety, particularly in the area of driver restraint systems," NASCAR president Mike Helton said in a statement. "His many contributions as a safety consultant to NASCAR for more than 13 years forever changed the sport. We lost a colleague, and a friend. NASCAR extends its condolences to Dr. Melvin's family and friends. He will be greatly missed by the entire racing community."(FoxSports)(7-18-2014)

 

 

Race Team Alliance will talk to NASCAR through attorneys:

If the new Race Team Alliance wants to communicate with NASCAR and its sister company International Speedway Corp. it will have to do so through attorneys. NASCAR President Mike Helton said Friday there is no animosity between the team owners and NASCAR, although NASCAR has had no conversations with Kauffman as part of the RTA. "I wanted to dispel the perception of animosity to start with and then back that up with saying we're going to do business as usual," Helton said Friday. "I think everybody in the garage area knows how we do our business and the role they play in it, and so we'll continue to do it that way." But apparently no NASCAR officials will be talking directly with the RTA. NASCAR confirmed Wednesday that in a move they say is done for legal prudence and not as a sign of animosity, it has directed that all communication between NASCAR and the RTA be done through lawyers. After the Sporting News published a column on the RTA Tuesday saying the development is a sign of an increased lack of trust between NASCAR and the teams and vice versa, Kauffman tweeted that ISC also has issued a lawyer-only edict.

The RTA has hired the legal firm of Jones Day, which provides representation on financial issues to almost half of the Fortune 500 companies. And they apparently need to be. Gary Roberts, a noted sports law expert and current professor at Indiana University, said last week that the organization could open itself up to a lawsuit depending on how it operates. There is nothing wrong with the teams working together for better purchasing power as long as the people they purchase from are not dependent solely on NASCAR teams for their business. The danger comes if the RTA represents the teams in any sort of negotiations with NASCAR and tries to use its collective leverage to force NASCAR's hand. "You have a monopolist, NASCAR, dictating terms to a group of entities that it does business with," Roberts said. "And the entities then (are) saying, 'We want to get together and create counter-veiling market power so we're on equal footing.'(Sporting News)(7-17-2014)

 

No NASCAR in top 50 watched sporting events this year:

At the unofficial halfway point of the sports calendar, here is a look at the most-watched sporting events of the year so far. Click here to jump straight to the list. The first half of 2014 was a bit atypical thanks to the Winter Olympics and World Cup. Those two events accounted for exactly half of the 50 most-watched sports telecasts this year - eighteen for the Olympics and seven for the World Cup - and 11 of the top 12 non-NFL events. The Opening Ceremony of the Olympics (31.7M) and the Germany/Argentina World Cup final (26.5M) rank as the two most-watched non-NFL sporting events of the year. There have been other oddities. Horse racing placed higher on this year's list than the NBA Finals, as The Belmont Stakes drew 20.4 million viewers (#26) and Spurs/Heat topped out at 18.0 million (#33). NASCAR and golf both plummeted out of the top 50 as the Daytona 500 (9.3M) and The Masters (11.0M) suffered sizable declines. The NFL Draft - not even an actual sporting event - managed to crack the list with 12.4 million viewers on ESPN and NFL Network. Even in an atypical year, the NFL was still dominant. NFL games took up the top eight spots on the list, led by the Seahawks/Broncos Super Bowl - the most-watched program in U.S. television history. Every NFL game played in 2014 had more viewers than the most-watched World Cup match. See the full list at Sports Media Watch.(7-21-2014)

 

 

Indianapolis Entry List

 

http://www.jayski.com/news/stats/2014/story/_/page/20-Indianapolis-2014-Entry-List

 

Note:  Surprised that Montoya is in the Penske # 12 and not Sam Hornish

 

France says minor changes coming to 2015 schedule:

NASCAR Chairman Brian France, who earlier this month said there would be a "robust discussion" about changes to the 2015 Sprint Cup schedule, said Monday that any changes would be minimal. Speaking on SiriusXM's NASCAR channel, France said the schedule will come out in September. "There's not going to be a dramatic change but there may be some things that are a little different," France said. "That's not unusual. You come back to moving dates around and whatever else, we don't do a lot of it, but we do a little of it from time to time and this will be one of those moments." At Daytona a few weeks ago, France said that with the new NASCAR television deal going into effect in 2015 - Fox and Fox Sports 1 will have the first 16 points races with NBC and NBC Sports Network having the final 20 - there is an opportunity to consider possible changes.(Sporting News)(7-22-2014)

 

France comments on Race Team Alliance:

NASCAR chairman Brian France says listening to the consensus voice of the newly formed Race Team Alliance would be a "bad idea." France, in his first extensive interview on the RTA since the organization of major team owners was announced two weeks ago, told Sirius/XM's Sirius Speedway show on Monday that NASCAR "didn't think (the RTA) was necessary." The nine most powerful race teams in NASCAR announced July 7 they had formed an alliance with the stated purpose of cutting costs and pooling resources. But France said he had no intentions of dealing with the individual race teams as one organization. "That would probably be the worst thing we could ever do -- to listen to one voice, even if it were a consensus voice," he said. "Every decision we've ever made that's important, the more input, the more people we heard from, the better the result. That will never change in the business model of NASCAR, because good ideas come from all over the place." But it seems NASCAR's most influential team owners don't feel that way, since they banded together to form the RTA and speak as one regarding many issues facing the sport. And while France acknowledged the RTA "may figure out some things we're not aware of" in terms of reducing costs, he repeatedly said NASCAR would be "business as usual." That includes holding firm on the allocation of a mega $8.2 billion TV contract that kicks in next year - 25% of which goes to the race teams (65% goes to the tracks and 10% goes to NASCAR). The RTA is said to want a bigger piece of the pie, but France said the current percentages were "set for historical reasons - because it's the right allocation."(USA Today)(7-22-2014)

 

How much does it cost to operate a race team each week?

Less than 24 hours after [Stewart-Haas Racing's haulers] returned from Sonoma, they are on their way to the Saturday race in Sparta, Ky. It's all part of the weekly routine at Stewart-Haas Racing, or any other NASCAR team, for that matter. Most people know that NASCAR is a traveling circus, a weekly carnival built on rubber and exhaust. But outside of motorsports, few can appreciate everything that goes into creating that big top each week. During a season, the sport travels 38 weekends across 23 markets, and that doesn't include test sessions. Teams truck race cars and parts, fly dozens of people and set up temporary homes at all of them. The NASCAR schedule makes the logistics and costs of operating a race team unique in professional sports. While stick-and-ball teams have front-office staff, players and administrators, NASCAR teams have pilots, flight attendants, long-haul truckers, engineers, mechanics, even chefs. Outside of racing, few - if any - face such a challenge of coordinating freight trucking and airline travel across so many weeks. Doing so is an enormous undertaking that takes months of planning. The Kentucky race weekend highlighted just how demanding it can be. Over the course of three days in June, Stewart-Haas Racing trucked eight race cars and flew more than 100 people to Kentucky for the Quaker State 400. It rented 27 vehicles and reserved 44 hotel rooms. It spent more than $1.5 million, and its four entries finished seventh, 11th, 12th and 21st to collect a combined purse of $428,401. (That doesn't include driver salaries or additional personnel costs.) As teams prepare to head to Indianapolis for NASCAR's annual Brickyard race, last month's Kentucky race provided a glimpse at what goes into a typical race weekend, how it comes together and how much it costs. See much more on race team logistics and expenses at Sports Business Journal.(7-22-2014)

 

 

From Track Forum:

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

 

German Grand Prix attendance hurt by Nurburgring event, soccer World Cup -

http://www.autoweek.com/article/formula-one/german-grand-prix-attendance-hurt-nurburgring-event-soccer-world-cup?utm_source=RacingDaily20140721&utm_medium=enewsletter&utm_term=arrows-top&utm_content=body&utm_campaign=awracingdaily

 

Note # 1: Guess we are not alone in having low fan counts, huh?  Especially for auto races.

Note # 2:  Just a thought – has technology ruined F-1 and Indy Car racing?  More and more the driver is less and less of the equation – so it seems to me, anyway.

 

The NBC crew said that prices for tickets weren't "welcoming" IIRC, which I took for code as "prices too damn high."

 

 

Michael Schumacher 'could be home from hospital by the end of the summer' as reports say neurosurgeons have been approached to plant microchip in his brain

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2699957/Michael-Schumacher-home-hospital-end-summer-reports-say-neurosurgeons-approached-plant-microchip-brain.html

 

 

 

From the AARN:

http://www.aarn.com/

 

This Week

In AARN

 

Note:  No idea as to why, but their “Headlines” for this week were the same as those that were on their website last week.

 

Some things covered this week:

 

Crate engines in Sprint cars.

 

Death of a race track (Evergreen)

 

Elder care:  Should Logano have maybe kept quiet with his “to-do” with Morgan Shepherd?

 

A perfect combo:  ARDC & TSRS 305’s at Grandview.

 

Twenty years to Victory:  About car owner Craig Pondish.

 

Manning up:  About Yates County Speedway starter Steve Kellogg and an error he made a week ago.

 

Social Media influence:  Is Social Media the root of all eveil?

 

 

 

Coming up:

 

The fair is back in Middletown.   Park where ya can find a place!

 

 

Vintage Racing Celebration

Friday, August 01 - Monday, Aug 04, 2014 | 9:00am - 5:00pm

Road Course Days: Aug. 1-2

Oval Days: Aug. 3-4

Note:  As of now, I’m not sure if Judy & I will be attending.  More than likely “Max” would be allowed in the motel, but I dunno about taking him to the track.  Everything is paved, and hot pavement raises hell with their pads.

And, rumo5s have been out there that this could be the last Vintage meet at Loudon.  Sad how they have NASCARized it and raised the cost so much.

 

Note:  My daughter, Judy, and I were planning on attending this show, which could possibly be the last one due to the extra costs that have been placed on the participants.  However, due to the recent passing of my wife, I have to watch the old finances, so it looks like we’ll have to cancel.

Cancelled our room on Wednesday.  Dammit!

 

 

Accord – August 5th:

Battle of the Bullring 2*

Sponsored by New York Truck Parts

Modifieds $5100 to WIN - Sportsman $1000 to WIN

Rain date August 6

Note:  Looks like I’ll make this show, especially with not going to Loudon now.

 

 

Found this via a posting on Facebook:

 

As we all know, racing can be dangerous.  Accidents happen.  At times, we really can’t figure out how and why.

 

Teen dies in go-kart accident near Texas Motor Speedway

 

http://www.wfaa.com/home/Teen-dies-in-go-kart-accident-near-Texas-Motor-Speedway-267866311.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

 

 

 

 

 

Press releases:

 

NEWS FROM                                                                                                             

Orange County Fair Speedway                                                                                    

239 Wisner Avenue                                                                                                    

Middletown, NY10940 

 

CONTACT

Mike Gurda

845-342-2573

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

A TIE IN MODIFIED POINTS STANDINGS ADDS DRAMA TO RACING AT ORANGE COUNTY FAIR SPEEDWAY

 

MIDDLETOWN, NY (July 21)……..In 2009, Modified race car drivers Chuck McKee and Jerry Higbie tied for the season-long point championship at Middletown, New York’s Orange County Fair Speedway. Five years later, McKee is embroiled in another Modified division point race and is tied with Tim Hindley as the weekly racing season reaches the last week in July.

 

McKee, from Middletown, a five time Orange County Modified division track champion, and Hindley, from Monticello, New York, the 2013 Modified titlist, each have registered 1,230 points with just six weeks left in their quest for the track crown. That means added importance of every finishing position for both drivers as the season winds down.

 

And that translates into more racing excitement for the fans each Saturday night at the historic five-eighths-mile “Hard Clay” speedway.

 

This coming Saturday evening, July 26, McKee, Hindley, and the rest of the DIRTcar Modifieds, Sportsman, Rookie Sportsman, and Street Stocks racers return to action for a full evening of non-stop racing action. Two Modified features---and two opportunities to gain the point advantage---are on tap, with opening race the 30-lap DIRTcar Modified feature postponed from July 5.  The Holiday Inn of Middletown is the night’s sponsor.

 

Speedway admission prices during Fair events at $14 adults, $2.00 children under 12 with advance purchase tickets including Fair admission. Racing begins promptly at 7:00 pm. Fair admission applies to same day speedway attendance. Advance Speedway tickets must be purchased at least one day prior to the scheduled race meet to include Fair admission.

 

Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $12.00 plus Fair admission.

 

Ticket prices, starting times, and other important information for the Orange County Fair are available at www.orangecountyfair.com/entertainment/grandstand.

 

Advance ticket sales and track information for all remaining Orange County Fair Speedway race dates, including the 53nd Annual Eastern States Weekend, can be found at the Orange County website, www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net, or from the Track Office. Call 845-342-2573 during business hours.         

 

 

Contact: Julia Foy

Promotions/PR Coordinator - DIRTcar NE

315.834.2299 | jfoy@dirtcar.com

 

Big Diamond's 'Coal Cracker' to offer drivers eligibility to compete at World of Outlaws World Finals

Popular Coal Cracker 72 Sunday, Aug. 31, will provide Pennsylvania drivers another opportunity to be able to compete at Charlotte

 

WEEDSPORT, N.Y. -- Sunday, July 20, 2014 -- Modified drivers in Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic states will have an extra opportunity to become eligible to participate in November's World of Outlaws World Finals. Drivers who attempt to qualify for Big Diamond Speedway's Jack Rich Inc. Memorial 'Coal Cracker 72' will be able to compete in the 8th Annual World of Outlaws World Finals Thursday, Nov. 6, through Saturday, Nov. 8, at The Dirt Track at Charlotte.

"The Super DIRTcar Series races in Charlotte have become one of the highlights for the season for fans and competitors across the region, even across the country," said Joe Skotnicki, Director of Series and Sanctioning for DIRTcar Northeast. "We wanted to be able to give those drivers who were planning on competing in Tuesday's Big Brawl 75 at Big Diamond another chance to become eligible to participate in one of the series's biggest race weekends."

Inclement weather resulted in the cancellation of the Tuesday, July 15, 75-lap Super DIRTcar Series race at Big Diamond Speedway in Pottsville, Penn. Typically, a driver would only be eligible to compete at this year's World of Outlaws World Finals if that driver has attempted to qualify for a scheduled Super DIRTcar Big Block Modified Series event during the 2014 calendar year. However, DIRTcar officials are allowing a one-time exception , extending World of Outlaws World Finals participation rights to DIRTcar 358-Modified drivers who participate in the 'Coal Cracker 72,' even if they do not attend any 2014 Super DIRTcar Series events.

The popular "Coal Cracker' weekend closes out the race season at Big Diamond Speedway, with racing Friday, Aug. 29, and Sunday, Aug. 31. Sunday's Coal Cracker 72 featuring the DIRTcar 358-Modifieds will be the only race that weekend offering World of Outlaws World Finals eligibility.

For more information about the Super DIRTcar Big Block Modified Series, visit www.superdirtcarseries.com .

 

 

 

RACING NEWS FROM  JOHN SNYDER  Contact:  845-216-8103

                                                            

THE BIG SHOW 6

A BRETT HEARN/DRIVEN MARKETING

PRODUCTION   

 

WWW.BRETTHEARN.COM

 

THE CONCLUDING 89 LAPS OF BRETT HEARN’S

“THE BIG SHOW 6” AND A SECOND MODIFIED FEATURE RACE SET FOR JULY 30 AT ALBANY-SARATOGA SPEEDWAY

 

SUSSEX, NJ (July 18)……..Set for Wednesday, July 30, the highly-anticipated conclusion of Brett Hearn’s Super DIRTcar Modified Series “The Big Show 6” presented by Recovery Sports Grill Malta, Ferris Industries, and VP Race Fuels returns to Albany-Saratoga Speedway (Malta, New York) and will feature not just one, but two Big-Block Modified races.

 

“We considered a number of options to round out the show that night,” said Super DIRTcar Big-Block Modified driver and event promoter Brett Hearn. “We didn’t want to bring fans all the way out just to see one feature race, and we didn’t want to bring all the Series teams back a second time for a single paycheck, so we added a second Big-Block Modified show.”

 

The original running of Hearn’s “The Big Show 6,” on Tuesday, July 8, was nearing its conclusion when halted by inclement weather. Officials called the Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds off the track after just 11 of the scheduled 100 laps completed.

 

On Wednesday, July 30, racing will kick off with the concluding 89 laps of this $10,000-to-win feature race. Justin Haers will bring the field to the green flag, with Billy Decker and Danny Johnson in hot pursuit. After the Super DIRTcar Series winner is crowned, the Big-Block Modifieds will return to the track for a 35-lap show.

 

“This will be an all-star 35-lap race,” said Hearn. “It’s open to anyone who wants to participate.  It’s going to be a great opportunity for Albany-Saratoga’s weekly Friday night racers to be part of the event, and it’s a great potential bonus for the Series guys making the return haul.”

 

The 35-lap, $2,000-to-win Big-Block Modified show will be run under standard Albany-Saratoga Speedway rules. Drivers who participate will be eligible for home track show-up points at Albany-Saratoga.

 

General admission tickets for the second round of Brett Hearn’s “The Big Show 6” presented by Recovery Sports Grill, Ferris Industries, and VP Race Fuels are just $10.00 each for adults or $2.00 for children under 12. Grandstand gates open at 5:00 pm, with pit gates opening at 4:00 pm Wednesday, July 30 at Albany-Saratoga Speedway. Hot laps are scheduled for 6:30 pm with racing to immediately follow.

 

The Big Show 6 information, a Brett Hearn-Driven Marketing Production, is available online at www.bretthearn.com and also www.albany-saratogaspeedway.com.

 

 

 

Contact: Julia Foy

Promotions/PR Coordinator - DIRTcar NE

315.834.2299 | jfoy@dirtcar.com

 

Super DIRTcar Series returns to Malta for July 30 conclusion of Brett Hearns The Big Show 6

Albany-Saratoga Speedway to showcase two Big Block Modified features for 'The Big Show' makeup date

 

MALTA, N.Y. -- July 17, 2014 -- For the highly anticipated conclusion of Brett Hearn's 'The Big Show 6' presented by Recovery Sports Grill, Ferris Industries, and VP Race Fuels, Albany-Saratoga Speedway will feature not just one, but two Big Block Modified races Wednesday, July 30.

"We considered a number of options to round out the show that night," said Super DIRTcar Big Block Modified driver and 'The Big Show' event promoter Brett Hearn. "We didn't want to bring fans all the way out just to see one feature race, and we didn't want to bring all the series teams back a second time for a single paycheck, so we added a second Big Block Modified show."

The original running of Brett Hearn's 'The Big Show 6,' scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, was nearing completion when inclement weather moved into the speedway with the last feature of the night on the track. Officials called the Big Block Modifieds of the Super DIRTcar Series off the track with 11 laps of the 100-lap race complete.

Racing Wednesday, July 30, will kick off with the conclusion of this $10,000-to-win feature from lap 11, with Justin Haers aiming to keep his lead over Billy Decker and Danny Johnson. After the Super DIRTcar Series victor is crowned, the Big Block Modifieds will return to the track for a 35-lap show.

"This will be an all-star 35-lapper," said Hearn. "It's open to anyone who wants to participate. It's going to be a great opportunity for Malta's regular Friday night racers to be part of the event, and a great potential bonus for the series guys making the haul."

The 35-lap, $2,000-to-win Big Block Modified show will run according to standard Albany-Saratoga Speedway rules. Drivers who participate will be eligible for home track show-up points at Albany-Saratoga.

General admission tickets for the second round of Brett Hearn's "The Big Show 6" presented by Recovery Sports Grill, Ferris Industries, and VP Race Fuels, are just $10 each for adults or $2 for children under 12. Grandstand gates open at 5 p.m. and pit gates open at 4 p.m. with hot laps scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information about the Super DIRTcar Series, visit superdirtcarseries.com . For more information about Albany-Saratoga Speedway, visit albany-saratogaspeedway.com/ .

AT A GLANCE

Brett Hearn's The Big Show 6 Presented by Recovery Sports Grill, Ferris & VP Race Fuels

DATE: Wednesday, July 30, 2014 (postponed from Tuesday, July 8)

TIME: Grandstand gates open at 5 p.m. and pit gates open at 4 p.m.; hot laps begin at 6:30 p.m.

DIVISIONS: Super DIRTCAR Series (100 laps), plus additional Big Block Modified Show (35 laps)

LOCATION: Albany-Saratoga Speedway, 2671 U.S Route 9, Ballston Spa, N.Y.

ABOUT THE TRACK: 4/10 mile oval

MORE TRACK INFORMATION: albany-saratogaspeedway.com | @Albany_Saratoga | Facebook

MORE SERIES INFORMATION: superdirtcarseries.com | @ SuperDIRTcar | facebook.com/DIRTcar

Super DIRTcar Series A-Main Running Order, as of lap 11:

1. 3 Justin Haers - Phelps, N.Y.

2. 91 Billy Decker - Sidney, N.Y.

3. 27J Danny Johnson - Rochester, N.Y.

4. 18B Bodie Bellinger - Johnstown, N.Y.

5. TEN Billy VanInwegen - Sparrowbush, N.Y.

6. 1wcg Stewart Friesen - Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada

7. 2rj Ronnie Johnson - Duanesburg, N.Y.

8. 7z Erick Rudolph - Ransomville, N.Y.

9. 9h Matt Sheppard - Waterloo, N.Y.

10. 66 Duane Howard - Oley, Penn.

11. 14b Pete Britten - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

12. 8c Jimmy Cottrell - Rock City Falls, N.Y.

13. 20 Brett Hearn - Sussex, N.J.

14. 98h Jimmy Phelps - Baldwinsville, N.Y.

15. 4* Tim McCreadie - Watertown, N.Y.

16. 74m Matt Billings - Brockville, Ontario, Canada

17. 3J Marc Johnson - Guilderland, N.Y.

18. 8 Rich Scagliotta - Hillsborough, N.J.

19. 49 Billy Dunn - Watertown, N.Y.

20. 115 Kenny Tremont - West Sand Lake, N.Y.

21. 99L Larry Wight - Altmar, N.Y.

22. 41 Jim Davis - Ballston Spa, N.Y.

23. 3 Mark Kislowski - Ballston Spa, N.Y.

24. 678 Gary Tomkins - Clifton Springs, N.Y.

25. 1j Bobby Varin - Johnstown, N.Y.

26. 43 Keith Flach - Ravena, N.Y.

27. 35 Mike Perrotte - Plattsburgh, N.Y.

28. 42p Pat Ward - Genoa, N.Y.

29. 5* Tyler Siri - Watkins Glen, N.Y.

30. 17E Elmo Reckner - Ballston Lake, N.Y.

 

 

 

 

This week’s photo:

 

My all time favorite driver:

 

Johnny Ritter in his # 3 Offy.  Car later won at Lime Rock 11-12 years later with Rodger Ward driving it for Ken Brenn who ended up owning it.

 

 

 

 

Racing videos:

 

I’m not going to put up anymore videos – both racing related and music, in my columns.  In most cases, one can find them on You Tube.

 

 

Emails I have received:

 

From an email I received on Monday:

 

Hey!  Are ya on Facebook?  Guess we all should check the “fine print”, huh?

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/21/facebook-terms-condition_n_5551965.html

 

 

 

 

 

This weeks joke:

 

I met An Older Woman At A Bar Last Night

 

I met an older woman at a bar last night. She looked pretty good for a 60+year-old. In fact, she wasn't too bad at all, and I found myself thinking she probably had a really hot daughter.

 

We drank a couple of beers, and she asked if I'd ever had a Sportsman's Double?

 

'What's that? I asked.

 

'It's a mother and daughter threesome,' she said.

 

As my mind began to embrace the idea, and I wondered what her daughter might look like, I said, 'No, I haven't.'

 

We drank a bit more, and then she said with a wink, 'tonight's your lucky night.'

 

We went back to her place. We walked in. She put on the hall light and shouted upstairs: 'Mom...you still awake?'

 

 

 

Not a joke – really:

 

But, in a way, it is –

 

 

IRS Chief Confirms 'Backup Tapes' in Lerner Probe, But Doesn't Know How They Were Found ... Do You Believe Him?

 

http://nation.foxnews.com/2014/07/23/we-have-stopped-asking-people-about-it-irs-commissioner-were-not-investigating-missing

 

 

 

 

Until my next column

 

Columns are available on the Dirt Track Digest at:  http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/ (Click on “Recent Columns – and I hope it works!)

 

And:

 

 

http://newenglandtractor.com/racereport/

 

Where I also have some neat photo articles

 

 

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