Mostly Racin' Stuff

                                      By Tom Avenengo

                                         Volume # 189

                                                   08/14/2014

 

 

Some personal/family stuff:

 

 

My wife, who left us on July 3, 2014.

 

Remember, photos can only be seen on the New England Tractor/Race Report website, which is linked to at the end of my columns.

 

The wedding:

I first knew of it when the wife and I were at our daughter Sandy’s house in Cape Coral.  Eric told me to keep August 9th open for a “big party”.  That just happens to be Sandy’s birthday.  No way, did I think, that she would be able to come north for a birthday party.  He then told me of the up-coming wedding.

There are a ton of thrift shops in the Cape Coral area.  My wife was so fortunate to find a real nice dress for the occasion – something that she was so looking forward to.  I know how much it hurt Eric when he was at our house after the wife passed away, and he went into her bedroom.  The first thing he saw was the dress.

A few days prior to the wedding, Eric called me and asked me to get all the photos I had of mom.  They were going to do something special, in her memory, at the wedding.  I went through the tons of photos we had in search of some good ones of her.  It was somewhat difficult – bringing back some memories. 

My wife was a very loving woman.  She loved not only me, but all of our five children and almost 20 grand children, along with the great grand kids.  As I went through the photos, I came across two of her as she was holding our grand daughter, Marisa, Tom & Penny’s daughter, when she was just an infant.  Thinking of those two photos now, I still get tears in my eyes, seeing how much she loved that little girl.  One can see it in her face.

 

The wedding, last Saturday was great!  Perfect weather, great food, a good DJ (although they all do seem to think that louder is better) and a lot of fun.

Somehow, I would think that the wife had something to do with how things went.  She was so looking forward to it.  Had she been there in person, rather than just in spirit, I know she would have had a blast.

 

At the end of my wife’s obituary there is this:  Memorial contributions may be made to Salvation Army, PO Box 125, Port Jervis, NY 12771.

 

When I send this column out to Jeff Johnson at New England Tractor, via email, I also send it to a few others.  There is one particular person whom I’ve known just a little longer than the rest.  Not going to mention any names here, but she was quite instrumental in “saving” OCFS quite a few years ago when there was that “dust” problem.

 

On Wednesday, August 13th, I received a nice letter from The Salvation Army.  So to you, from the bottom of my heart, a huge thank you for the contribution made to the Salvation Army in the memory of my wife.  As it says in the letter:  “This gift not only demonstrates the outpouring love for Joan Avenengo, but a wonderful way to continue her legacy.”

 

 

 

 

More memories:

 

So far I’ve covered how we met and our first date.  This week – the first meal she cooked for me.  Neither she nor I like hot, spicy foods.  Her favorite was Chili.  I can still vaguely recall that first batch she made – it was delicious.  Every batch afterwards was the same.  She never put chili powder in it, either.  I’m pretty sure the last time we had it – since we had returned from Florida this past April, what with her stomach ailments, it just didn’t agree with her.  How I wish I had her recipe.  Hmmm, come to think of it, maybe I do.  If so, I’ll have to give it a try making my own.  No, I doubt that it will turn out like hers.

 

To be continued with memories of our life together – working together, going to the races, spending time in El Paso, Texas when I was in the Army – coming back home – so many memories.

 

 

 

Racin’ stuff:

 

Auto racing – what kind of trouble is it in?  Car counts are down most everywhere.  Some tracks, with big grandstands, look empty on race days/nights.  The cost of racing for the teams has almost gotten out of hand.  Tracks cancel when there’s just a forecast for wet weather.  Rule books that constantly change and/or add rules don’t help any, either.

 

 

Not only is regular racing in trouble but the Vintage Race Meet held up in Loudon, NH looks like it is also having big time problems, too.  Of course it didn’t help any when they NASCARized that show and raised the cost for those that run there.  I’ve heard the car count for the oval track days – Sunday & Monday was quite dismal.  I’ve had suspicions that this year could be the last one for that event – at Loudon. 

Rumors:  Maybe it will move over to the Thompson, Ct. track in the future?

 

 

There have been a lot of comments about the “poorly lit” track at Canandaigua.  I’m wondering – why?  Might what happened make a majority of the tracks that have the same “poor” lighting increase their lighting?  One would think that the sanctioning body would like to have safer and better lit racing tracks.  So why is the Canandaigua track so dark in that particular area?  Why do so many tracks have “dark” areas, anyway?

 

 

Safety Rules Bulletin Effective Immediately.

 

Dated: August 11, 2014

 

Re: Procedural Rule Update

 

Under section III (Procedural Rules) of the Fulton and Brewerton “General and Safety Rules”, please note the following adjustment to rule number 10 that will be effective immediately.

 

PROCEDURAL RULES

It is the goal of speedway management to maintain the safest possible racing conditions for all drivers. Only safety crews and wrecker crews are permitted on the track in the event of an accident. Pit crew members are not permitted on the track. Drivers are required to stay in their car in the event of an on-track incident. If a driver, for whatever reason, exits a car on the track during a caution period, the race will automatically be placed under a red flag and all cars will come to a complete stop. A driver may exit a car if requested by a safety crew member or if safety warrants in cases such as a fire. Drivers that exit a car without permission, for whatever reason, are subject to fine and/or suspension at the discretion of track management.

 

Note:  Above posted by Brewerton Speedway on their website.

 

 

And:

 

Tri-City Speedway

New Rule implemented for the remainder of the 2014 racing season:

 

If you come to a stop on the track you MUST remain in your car until being told by a TCS Official or Safety Personel to exit your car, unless there is a fire! If you exit your car you will be disqualified for the remainder of that evenings events! NO EXCEPTIONS

 

Note:  I’m pretty sure we’ll be seeing a lot more like these, above.

 

The Tony Stewart/Kevin Ward, Jr.  tragedy:

 

If you would like to send a card or letter to Ward’s family, please mail it to:

 

3501 Kelpytown Road

Port Leyden, N.Y. 13433

 

 

For quite some time we watched Brian Williams on TV and his news reporting.  Unfortunately, he, being a part of the main stream news media did not report on the news we wanted to hear, so we no longer watched him.  I do know, however, that Brian Williams is a race fan, and I found this on Wednesday AM on Facebook – Brian Williams on the Dan Patrick show.

 

http://www.nbcsports.com/motor-sports/nascar/brian-williams-unfortunate-tony-stewart-kevin-ward-accident

 

 

Kevin Ward Sr.: Tony Stewart's actions can't overshadow my son's racing life

 

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/08/kevin_ward_sr_speaks_about_his_son_his_death_and_tony_stewart.html

 

 

 

An awful lot being said on the Internet on this.  Some (a majority) are backing Tony.  Others are saying it was intentional.  Neither I, nor anyone else knows for sure, since we are not Tony Stewart.

 

 

'Devastated' track promoter issues statement on Stewart/Ward incident

 

http://www.foxsports.com/nascar/story/canandaigua-motorsports-park-issues-statement-on-stewart-ward-incident-081114?cmpid=tsmfb%3Afscom%3Anascaronfox

 

 

A very interesting read – Monte Dutton:

 

NOBODY WINS

 

http://montedutton.com/blog/2014/08/10/nobody-wins/

 

 

 

MILLER: Tony Stewart and the tragedy at Canandaigua

 

http://www.racer.com/latest-stories/item/107403-miller-tony-stewart-and-the-tragedy-at-canandaigua

 

 

 

I did find this on Facebook, thanks to another race fan:

 

Stewart faces several possible legal consequences after fatal accident

 

Former NASCAR champion Tony Stewart could face criminal charges, civil lawsuits and loss of endorsement deals in the aftermath of his race car striking and killing Kevin Ward, Jr. in a sprint-car race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park on Saturday night in upstate New York. The incident arose after Stewart’s race car clipped Ward’s race car, which then hit the outside wall, cut a tire and spun out, thereby prompting officials to issue a caution flag. The flag instructed the drivers to slow down. Ward then left his car, walked onto the track and seemingly tried to confront Stewart as Stewart’s race car approached his direction. Stewart's car then hit and killed Ward. Stewart and his representatives have described the incident as a tragedy and accident. The following analysis breaks down the potential legal consequences for Stewart.

 

Possible criminal charges against Stewart

 

The most serious legal consequences of Ward’s death are those grounded in New York criminal law. It is important to stress that Stewart has not been charged with a crime and that Ontario County sheriff Philip Povero unequivocally stated on Sunday there are “no facts in hand that would substantiate criminal intent from any party.” Povero also noted that he has consulted with Ontario County district attorney R. Michael Tantillo, who could seek a grand jury to evaluate whether to charge Stewart. Keep in mind, Stewart will not be charged unless law enforcement and prosecutors believe a jury would find his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Stewart should take relief from Povero’s declaration. 

 

For two reasons, however, the absence of criminal intent in a sheriff’s estimation does not necessarily mean Stewart will avoid charges.

 

First, a lack of pending charges does not mean that charges won’t be brought at a later date, including months or even years from now. The presence of a videotape is a crucial piece of evidence for law enforcement to review, as it provides a record of the event. Stewart’s clipping of Ward is also telling, because it could indicate that he wanted to scare Ward after Ward left his race car to confront Stewart. Driving close to someone as a way of frightening them could be considered reckless conduct, or at least an issue worthy of examination by a grand jury. Notably, Tyler Graves, a sprint-car racer who attended the race and who has been described as a friend of Ward, suggested to The Sporting News’ Bob Pockrass that Stewart acted with some degree of intent: “I know Tony could see [Ward] . . . When Tony got close to him, he hit the throttle.” If other drivers make similar comments, there may be increased pressure on Povero and Tantillo to pursue charges.

 

HARRIS: Accident leaves many questions that won't be answered

 

Along those lines, it is at least plausible that a grand jury could conclude that while Stewart did not intend to kill Ward – which, when accompanied by other elements, would constitute murder in the first degree – he may have engaged in conduct consistent with murder in the second degree. Under New York law, murder in the second degree entails acting with a depraved indifference to human life and recklessly engaging in conduct that “creates a grave risk of death to another person, and thereby cause the death of another person.” New York classifies murder in the second degree as an A-I felony, and it carries up to a life sentence and minimum of 15 years behind bars.

 

Second, “criminal intent” is not the only state of mind that could lead to criminal charges against Stewart. For instance, negligent homicide refers to accidentally causing the death of another through negligent conduct, such as reckless operation of a motor vehicle. Crucially, negligent homicide would not require that Stewart intentionally tried to kill Ward, only that he drove recklessly or carelessly. Such misconduct might include trying to scare — but not hurt — Ward. In New York, negligent homicide is a Class E felony and carries a maximum punishment of four years in prison.  

 

Another plausible, though less likely, charge against Stewart is manslaughter in the first degree, which would necessitate that Stewart intended to cause Ward serious harm and in doing so killed him. A conviction would carry a prison sentence of up to 25 years. Manslaughter in the second degree, which carries a prison term of up to 15 years, would be appropriate if Stewart’s conduct in driving was deemed sufficiently reckless and connected to Ward’s death.

 

New York also has several criminal statutes related specifically to vehicular homicide. None of them appears relevant to Ward’s death. These statutes contemplate multiple deaths or injuries caused by a person’s driving, as well as excessive use of drugs or alcohol, or driving with a poor record. Stewart did not injure anyone other than Ward, and there is no reason at this time to believe that he was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or that he faced prior charges related to his driving.

 

Possible wrongful death lawsuit against Stewart and prospect of a settlement

 

While Stewart is poised to avoid criminal charges, he may not be so fortunate with civil litigation. Ward’s family could sue Stewart for wrongful death, which refers to negligently causing the death of another. A successful wrongful death lawsuit could lead to millions of dollars in damages, particularly since wrongful death damages are largely contingent on the decedent’s age and loss of future earnings. Ward was only 20 years old and he seemed to have a promising and possibly lucrative future as a driver. The statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit in New York is two years, meaning Ward’s family has until Aug. 9, 2016 to sue.  

 

Ward’s family would need to convince a jury that Stewart’s conduct was probably unreasonable and caused Ward’s death. Other drivers would be called to testify as experts and offer their views as to the reasonableness of Stewart’s conduct. Stewart himself could also be called to testify. His ability to invoke the Fifth Amendment to avoid answering questions would depend on whether the questions asked of him require him to admit that he engaged in criminal conduct.

 

In his defense in a wrongful death lawsuit, Stewart could argue that Ward’s own conduct played a crucial role in his death. After all, Ward clearly accepted some degree of safety risk by leaving his race car after it spun out of control. Drivers are discouraged from leaving their race cars during races unless their own safety is imperiled.  Ward only elevated this safety risk by trying to confront or incite Stewart as Stewart’s race car approached on the track.

 

On the other hand, Ward exited his vehicle only after the caution flag was thrown and he must have had no expectation that Stewart’s race car would hit him or he obviously would not have waved his hands at Stewart. Moreover, if it is true that Stewart could see Ward, Stewart’s decision to drive so close to him and perhaps even increase his speed on the approach might prove damning in the minds of jurors. Expert testimony would prove crucial in an interpretive legal debate of what Stewart “should have done.”  

 

Stewart, whose net worth reportedly exceeds $100 million, may try to avoid civil litigation by reaching an out-of-court settlement with Ward’s family. A settlement would constitute a contract between Stewart and Ward’s family where Stewart would agree to pay a significant amount of money in exchange for Ward’s family relinquishing any legal claims it may have against him. The settlement would likely be confidential and not contain any admission of wrongdoing. Given that a civil trial involving Stewart would attract headlines and remind the public of Ward’s death, Stewart would seem to have good reason to seek a settlement and avert a trial.

 

Possible suspension and loss of endorsement deals for Stewart through 'morals clauses'

 

NASCAR has broad legal authority to discipline drivers, who are not represented by a union and do not enjoy collectively bargained protections. NASCAR’s system of justice is generally handled by its “Deterrence System,” which establishes appropriate penalties for various infractions and offers disciplined drivers the opportunity to appeal a sanction to its final appeals officer (Bryan Moss).

 

Whether NASCAR takes action against Stewart remains to be seen. While Stewart is a NASCAR driver, the incident did not occur at a NASCAR-sanctioned race. A sprint car race, moreover, is an entirely different form of racing from NASCAR or IndyCar. To the extent NASCAR disciplines Stewart, it would be based on his conduct outside the scope of his employment as a NASCAR driver. NASCAR punishing Stewart would be akin to the NFL or the NBA suspending one of its players for an off-field or off-court incident that embarrasses the league and causes it reputational damage (for example, the NFL suspending Ray Rice for domestic abuse or the NBA suspending Raymond Felton for gun charges).

 

Stewart also faces potential adverse consequences in the form of terminated endorsement deals. Stewart reportedly has lucrative endorsement deals with such blue chip companies as Coca-Cola, Chevrolet and Mobil 1. While I have not reviewed Stewart’s endorsement contracts, they likely contain “morals clauses.” These clauses allow the company to end or suspend an endorsement contract with an athlete whose misconduct brings shame onto the company. Typically, morals clauses are broadly written to include any misconduct -- whether it leads to criminal charges, civil lawsuits or simply bad press --  and that is especially true with major companies. Stewart, like Tiger Woods, could face a loss of endorsement deals because of the controversy, settling aside whether it leads to any legal consequences.

 

Possible — but unlikely — liability for Canandaigua Motorsports Park and race organizers

 

At this point, there is no reason to believe that Canandaigua Motorsports Park or the race’s organizers engaged in conduct that would lead to civil liability. Information would need to surface that the track’s dimensions or other features somehow contributed to Ward being struck by Stewart’s race car, and as of now there are no indications that the track played such a role. This is further supported by the fact that the track has been around since 1953 and does not appear to have a history of safety problems. Similarly, officials in charge with keeping the race safe appeared to have done their job by issuing a caution flag after Ward’s race car hit the outside wall. Officials had no realistic way of stopping Ward from leaving his car and confronting Stewart.

 

Michael McCann is a Massachusetts attorney and the founding director of the Sports and Entertainment Law Institute at the University of New Hampshire School of Law. He is also the distinguished visiting Hall of Fame Professor of Law at Mississippi College School of Law.

 

http://www.si.com/racing/2014/08/10/tony-stewart-kevin-ward-legal-ramifications

 

 

Stewart crash probe focuses on lighting, track

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/probe-begins-stewart-steps-away-075617324--spt.html

 

Note:  OK, so how many “dimly” lit tracks will install more lighting now?

 

 

Kevin Ward Jr. deserves to be known as more than victim in Tony Stewart wreck

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nascar-from-the-marbles/kevin-ward-jr--deserves-to-be-known-as-more-than-victim-in-tony-stewart-wreck-083005597.html

 

 

Hey!  Ya got $2,310,000.00?

 

Auto racing facility for sale in Lancaster, NY. 5/8 mile paved oval racetrack and 1/8 mile paved drag strip situated on 77.7 Acres. Five buildings totaling almost 17,000SF with a 3,000 seat grandstand. Located just outside Buffalo between Route 5 and Route 33 with over 2,000' facing heavily traveled NYS Thruway (I-90) and 700' facing Gunnville Road. Zoned Industrial. - See more at: http://www.pyramidbrokerage.com/properties/listings/details/B7591/57-gunnville-road-lancaster-ny-lancaster-speedway#sthash.xp9qDrrD.dpuf

 

http://www.pyramidbrokerage.com/properties/listings/details/B7591/57-gunnville-road-lancaster-ny-lancaster-speedway

 

 

 

Glenn Donnelly invents a new dirt. Will it change auto racing?

 

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/08/glenn_donnelly_creating_better_dirt_racing_empire_synthetic_dirt.html

 

 

 

 

 

Former OVRP Dirt Oval runners:

 

At Hamlin, Jacob Hendershot won the 270 Micro feature.  Danny Buccafusca was 7th in the Rookie 600 feature.

 

On the ¼ mile track at Bridgeport, Molly Chambers was 10th in the 600 Micro feature.

 

Molly was 21st and Paul Quear a DNQ in the 600’s at Kutztown.  Danny Buccafusca was 13th in the All Star Slingshots.

 

Nick Pecko was 9th in the RoC race at Chemung.

 

Brett Wright was 13th in the Modified feature at I-88.

 

At Big Diamond, Mike Mammana was 20th in the Modified feature.

 

Roger Coss was 2nd in the Modified feature at Mahoning, while Tiffany Wambold was a DNQ in the Street Stocks.

 

Anthony Perrego was 7th, Tyler Boniface 10th and Kyle Van Duser 12th in the Modified feature at Accord.  Johnny Illanovsky was 2nd and Joey Bruning 3rd in the Spec Sportsman feature.

 

Ben Whitaker was a DNS in the Late Model feature at Susquehanna.

 

AJ Filbeck finished 5th in the Sportsman feature at U/R.

 

In NEMA action at Waterford, Kenney Johnson was a DNF (15th) with the Midgets, while RJ Tufano was a DNF (14th) in the NEMA Lights.

 

Hunter Bates was 5th, Alex Bell 9th and John Virgilio 27th in the Sportsman feature at A/S.

 

Davie Franek was 5th in the URC feature at Selinsgrove.

 

Bobby Morris was 1st in the held over feature and 2nd in the nights regular feature at Bethel.  JB Morris was 9th in the 4 Cylinder Advanced feature.

 

Kolby Schroder was 6th, Bobby Hackel, IV 9th, Kyle Armstrong 15th and Tyler Dippel 19th in the Modified feature at Lebanon Valley.  Dippel won the Small Block feature.

 

Danny Creeden won the Modified feature at OCFS.  Mike Ruggiero was 2nd, Tim Hindley 6th, Mike Kolka 13th, Clinton Mills 16th and Billy V 21st.  LJ Lombardo won the Sportsman feature.  Brian Krummel was 2nd, Matt Janiak 3rd, Joe Conklin 10th, RJ Smykla 11th, Joey Falanga 15th and Dominick Roselli, Jr 17th.  Joey Bruning was 2nd and Winter Mead 9th in the Rookie Sportsman feature.

 

Billy V was 18th last Thursday in the SDS race at Weedsport.

 

43 names this week, I believe.

 

Note:  I haven’t been to OVRP’s Dirt Oval for quite a while, but looking at results from last Saturday, it looks like they’re in big trouble as far as the amount of Karts & Slingshots they’re getting.

 

 

From Jayski:

http://www.jayski.com/

 

Remember, I’ll just make mention of some of the things that appear on the Jayski website, with maybe some exceptions.

 

Stewart pulls out of planned dirt race: Tony Stewart, who didn't compete in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race after he struck and killed sprint car driver Kevin Ward Jr. during a race the night before, also pulled out of an upcoming dirt track race in Plymouth, Indiana. Plymouth Speedway announced the news that Stewart would not race Saturday in a statement released Monday. "We at Plymouth Speedway extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the family of Kevin Ward Jr. and thoughts and prayers to Tony Stewart and his family. Tony Stewart will not be racing at Plymouth Speedway this Saturday. More information on the weekend's racing will be announced this week," the track said in the statement. Canandaigua Motorsports Park, about 30 miles southeast of Rochester, canceled the remainder of Saturday's race within five minutes and later posted a message on its Facebook page encouraging fans to "pray for the entire racing community of fans, drivers, and families." The track also canceled Wednesday's race. Track promoter Jeremie Corcoran said he was "devastated" by the incident in a statement released Monday. "I have made the decision to cancel our upcoming 'Whacko Wednesday' event on Wednesday August 13th at Canandaigua Motorsports Park to give my family, staff, fans, and racing teams time to grieve and process all that has occurred," Corcoran continued in the statement. "I will let everyone know about next weekend as soon as I can."(ESPN)(8-11-2014)

 

UPDATE:

As Tony Stewart weighs whether to return to the track in the Sprint Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway, Stewart-Haas Racing said there is no timetable on a decision. "The decision to compete in this weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Michigan will be Tony's, and he will have as much time as he needs to make that decision," SHR director of communications Mike Arning said in an email to USA TODAY Sports. "It is still an emotional time for all involved, Tony included. He is grieving, and grief doesn't have a timetable." Arning confirmed Stewart had canceled a planned sprint car event for Saturday in Indiana, and any racing beyond NASCAR "won't resume until further notice." Arming said Stewart and SHR personnel wouldn't be commenting further Monday "because there is an ongoing investigation into the accident that claimed the life of Kevin Ward Jr."(USA Today)(8-11-2014)

 

 

Newman expresses safety concern about Watkins Glen:

 

Fox Sports 1 to air uncovered Tim Richmond Interview on Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 5:00pm/et on FOX Sports 1. "At a Crossroads: The Lost Tim Richmond Interview"

 

3M partnering with Hendrick to sponsor Gordon:

 

NASCAR could consider rule to prevent drivers from getting out of cars:

 

Kurt Busch interested in Indy 500 again next year:

 

Truex, Jr to miss practice and qualifying at Michigan:

 

Race Team Alliance expands membership:

The RTA membership includes:

BK Racing

Circle Sport

Front Row

Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates

Germain Racing

Go Green / FAS Lane

Hendrick Motorsports

HScott Motorsports

Joe Gibbs Racing

JTG Racing

Michael Waltrip Racing

Phil Parsons Racing

Richard Childress Racing

Richard Petty Motorsports

Roush Fenway Racing

Stewart-Haas Racing

Team Penske

Tommy Baldwin Racing

(Race Team Alliance), the new teams are BK Racing, Circle Sport, Front Row, Germain Racing, Go Green / FASLane, JTG Racing, Phil Parsons Racing, & Tommy Baldwin Racing (8-13-2014)

 

Ryan Blaney to drive for Wood Brothers in 2015:

 

Harvick's team penalized, #98 team warned after Watkins Glen:

 

Mars renews with Gibbs, Busch, NASCAR:

 

Latest on Tony Stewart:

 

AND Stewart could still face legal consequences:

 

AND Other driver says Stewart could not avoid Ward:

 

AND Ward's father speaks:

 

AND Stewart still entered in Michigan race:

 

AND Canandaigua Motorsports Park will resume racing Saturday:

 

3M partnering with Hendrick to sponsor Gordon:

 

UPDATE:

The 3M decision now leaves Roush Fenway looking for sponsorship for Biffle, who recently signed a multiyear extension to remain with the team.

 

AND Greg Biffle tweeted Tuesday evening, "I am excited to announce our new sponsor in a few weeks!!! Wish we could do it now but you know how contracts are !!!".(8-13-2014)

 

 

 

From Track Forum:

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

 

Sage Karam

 

http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php?188156-Karam

 

 

 

 

 

From the AARN:

http://www.aarn.com/

 

This Week

In AARN

 

Tony Stewart Strikes ESS Sprint Driver Kevin Ward With His Car, Ward Dies

 

'Doctor' Operates On Forrest Rogers Field At Grandview, Bill For Service is $10,000

 

ARDC In Turnmoil: President Voted Out Of Office By Membership

 

Woody Pitkat, Buzz Chew Team For First Time WMT Win At Stafford

 

Glen Ridge, Fonda, Utica Rome: Friesen On Weekend Win Spree

 

Lancaster Speedway RoC Race Abruptly Cancelled; Fate Of Speedway Unkown

 

Donny Schatz Wins Eighth Knoxville National Open in Nine Years

 

Anthony Perrego Shines in Accord's 'Battle Of The Bulring'

 

Double Decker: DIRTcar Ace Goes Back To Back At Ransomville, Weedsport

 

Tommy Rogers, Jr. Just Keeps On Winning At Riverhead

 

Note:  On the ARDC deal – They voted President Shawn Burke out for being judged to have been failing in his duties.  Per Mr. Burke – It all started at Granview Speedway earlier in the season when two teams “got into it” in the pit area, and some board members wanted them to be suspended.  Mr. Burke thought that wasn’t right and said so.

 

 

 

Coming up:

 

Lebanon Valley:  Thurs. Aug. 14th

UPSTATE GM DEALERS & HOOSIER TIRE PRESENT

The $17,500 To Win MR. DIRT Track USA 100-Lap Modified DIRTcar Series Race Plus Sportsman ESW 8th Place Starting Spot For Modifieds

 

 

The Eastern Museum of Motor Racing will be celebrating the 75th Birthdays of both ARDC and Williams Grove Speedway the entire weekend of August 15th. If you were a part of ARDC past or present you should be there for this great event!.

 

There will be an ARDC Roundtable discussion on Friday August 15, the first day of the annual three day EMMR/WGOT convention at the Latimore Valley Fairgrounds. The Round Table will be from 10:30am till Noon.

 

Lynn Paxton of EMMR would like have as many past ARDC Driver Champions on this panel as possible to talk about their days with ARDC and to answer any questions the fans may have.

 

In addition the current ARDC cars and stars will be in action with the 410 Sprints at both Williams Grove on Friday night and at the Lincoln Speedway on Saturday night. Restored race cars will be on the Latimore Valley Fairgrounds track throughout the weekend and on Sunday there will be a Stan Lobitz Roast at the museum. For more information on the weekend activities, camping and directions go to www.EMMR.com

 

 

This years Hinchliffe Stadium Racing Expo will take place on Sunday Sept. 14, 2014. The date change will give many the opportunity to attend that couldn't attend previously. We have been working diligently to put this years show together. As you all know a lot has been going on around Hinchliffe Stadium. The stadium has made great strides in preserving it's history and building towards it's future.

 

OCFS:  Saturday, August 16th, 2014 - Halmar International & Holiday Inn of Middletown - DOUBLE POINTS

Modifieds, Small Block Modifieds, Sportsman, Street Stocks, and Vintage Modifieds

 

 

Accord:  Mid-Hudson Concrete Night Friday, August 15th

Modifieds - Sportsman - Spec Sportsman Pro Stock - Pure Stock - All Star Slingshot-Jr Slingshot

 

 

Bethel:  Saturday, August 16

Sportsman, BMS Modified, Legends, Bandolero, Pro Stock, Street Stock, 4 Cylinder Advanced and Novice

 

 

Hamlin:  THIS SATURDAY AUGUST 16th:  REGULAR SHOW PLUS WINGLESS 270 SPRINTS & ALL DIVISIONS RACING!

IN 2 WEEKS - AUGUST 23RD:  CLOSED FOR VACATIONS!

 

 

 

Press releases:

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                            AUGUST 12, 2014

Contact: DICK JORDAN

 

 

CLAUSON, BACON JOIN SPRINGFIELD SILVER CROWN FIELD

 

 

            Bryan Clauson and Brady Bacon, two of America's most talented open-wheel stars, are the latest drivers to join the field for this Saturday's "Tony Bettenhausen 100" USAC Silver Crown race at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

 

            The expected field which could be the largest on dirt in three years will take the track for practice at 10 am Saturday, with a 100-mile race concluding the day's activities. The race is celebrating 80 years, having debuted in 1934, making it one of America's longest-running motorsports traditions.

 

            Clauson, of Noblesville, Ind., will return to the series for the first time in two years piloting an entry fielded by long-time car owner Gene Nolen of Edinburgh, Ind., who has also returned to the series after a brief absence. Clauson's last Silver Crown appearance was in October of 2012. Clauson's two previous series victories came in 2010 and 2012 at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio and he was the 2010 series "Rookie of the Year."

 

            Bacon, of Broken Arrow, Okla., will make his series debut at Springfield piloting a car entered by Springfield natives Dennis and Dave McQuinn. Bacon currently stands second in the AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car standings going into the August 21-23 "Sprint Car Smackdown" at Kokomo (Ind.) Speedway. McQuinn, a long-time series participant, will be seeking his first series win Saturday.

 

            Guiding Clauson's effort will be long-time chief mechanic and car owner Keith Kunz of Columbus, Ind., whose driver Cole Whitt won at Springfield in 2009 and Kyle Larson won at DuQuoin, Ill. in 2010. Kunz' Midget team is coming off a resounding victory by Rico Abreu at the famed Belleville (Kans.) Midget Nationals.

 

            Two-time Springfield winner (2012-2013) A.J. Fike will have his work cut out for him Saturday if he plans to become the second driver in 80 years to score a third straight victory. Chuck Gurney was the first in 1989-1990-1991.

 

            Challengers in addition to Clauson and Bacon include the following drivers who all have previous USAC National race wins in various series: Zach Daum, Jacob Wilson, Caleb Armstrong, Bobby East, Tracy Hines, Chris Windom, Dave Darland, Davey Ray, Russ Gamester, Jon Stanbrough, Kody Swanson, Chris Urish, John Heydenreich, Jerry Coons Jr. and Christopher Bell.

 

            Swanson currently leads the Silver Crown standings and has won all three previous 2104 races on dirt. Urish won last year's 100-miler at the DuQuoin (Ill.) State Fairgrounds and Tracy Hines holds the one-lap Springfield track qualifying record of 122.846 mph.

 

 

2014 USAC Silver Crown Standings:1-Kody Swanson-345, 2-Tracy Hines-300, 3-Bobby East-291, 4-Chris Windom-243, 5-Jacob Wilson-195, 6-Jerry Coons Jr.-177, 7-Tanner Swanson-165, 8-Bobby Santos-159, 9-Caleb Armtsrong-155, 10-David Byrne-147.

 

 

 

News from the Penn Can Speedway ‘Hot Summer Night’

 

Media Contact: Brett Deyo – bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com or 845.728.2781

 

For Immediate Release/August 11, 2014

 

See You In September: Heavy Rain, Wet Forecast Postpone Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc. ‘Hot Summer Night’ At Penn Can Speedway To Tuesday, September 9; Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP Modifieds & Dig Safely New York GRIT Series Return With Points-Paying Events

 

SUSQUEHANNA, PA – To quote the lyrics made famous by The Happenings in the late-1960s: “See you in September.”

 

Heavy rainfall, with totals of one to two inches, predicted for Tuesday and continued wet weather on the docket for Wednesday (chances of rain top 80 percent on both days) prompted the postponement of the Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc. ‘Hot Summer Night’ special scheduled for Penn Can Speedway on Tuesday.

 

The ‘Hot Summer Night’ event in its entirety has been moved to Tuesday, Sept. 9. Both the Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP Modifieds and Dig Safely New York GRIT Series Crate 602 Sportsman will return in points-paying events on the rescheduled date.

 

Penn Can track managers Reed Miller and Al Wilcox, in conjunction with Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP organizer and event co-promoter Brett Deyo, made the announcement on Monday night to provide ample notice for race teams and fans.

 

“We’ve been watching the weather closely and it is very evident Tuesday will be a total washout,” Deyo said. “The Wednesday forecast has now worsened. Even if it were to stop raining by midday on Wednesday, the grounds and track surface would be far too saturated to provide a racy track and to host an event of this stature.”

 

Miller and Wilcox offered up a replacement date for the series at the track in September.

 

“We don’t want to lose the event,” said Miller, who with Wilcox, is closing in on his 17th and final season operating the Susquehanna County track. “Getting into September, the midweek schedule isn’t as congested. We found a clear date for racers after points have ended at a lot of the weekly tracks in the area.”

 

The Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP has been plagued by wet weather of late. The two most recent events at Accord (N.Y.) and I-88 (N.Y.) speedways Aug. 5-6 and July 23-24, respectively, were stretched to two-day affairs thanks to rain. Deyo acknowledged the toll weather has taken on the teams and fans with regards to time off from work, hours on the road and fuel expense.

 

“Our series is made up of racers who work all day and race as a hobby,” Deyo said. “The last two races have been very hard on everyone. People have spent money on fuel for back-to-back trips to the track and pushed their employers to the max with time off. With a dismal forecast and very slim chance of racing either day, we decided to make a decision early.”

 

The rescheduled ‘Hot Summer Night’ will be headlined by a 60-lap big-block/small-block main, round No. 5 of the six-race Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP. The event offers $5,000-plus to the winner, $1,000 for eighth-place and $400 just to take the green flag.

 

Dig Safely New York GRIT Series Crate 602 Sportsman are on the card in a 30-lap event paying $1,000 to the winner and $100 to start. A third division could be added to the card.

 

Entering the Penn Can ‘Hot Summer Night’ special, Andy Bachetti of Sheffield, Mass., tops the Short Track Super Series standings. Bachetti won the opener at Orange County (N.Y.) Fair Speedway in April and has not placed outside the top-10 in four series races contested this season. Bachetti finished 10th at Accord after leading much of the race’s first half. He was slowed by brake issues.

 

With 325 points, Bachetti leads Wallkill, N.Y., driver Jeff Heotzler (270 points), Meier of Waldwick, N.J., (268), Danny Tyler of Cottekill, N.Y., (256) and Danny Johnson of Rochester, N.Y., (250).

 

Penn Can’s event is the final 100-point event on the ’14 schedule. The best four of a driver’s five attempts will set the standings heading into the Championship Event Alpine Building Supply Short Track SuperNationals presented by Olum’s Oct. 10-11 at N.Y.’s I-88 Speedway. The Short Track SuperNationals operates on a 150-point breakdown. Drivers must attend the SuperNationals to be eligible for point fund money and awards.

 

There have been four different winners in the four Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP events run this season: Bachetti (Orange County), Matt Sheppard (N.Y.’s Thunder Mountain), Danny Creeden (I-88) and Perrego (Accord).

 

Drivers with perfect attendance thus far on the Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP will be eligible for a pair of $250 cash bonuses at Penn Can. The drawings will take place during the pre-race drivers’ meeting.

 

Trackside Products, the official parts supplier for Penn Can and Thunder Mountain (N.Y.) speedways, has signed on to sponsor a last-chance qualifier to include the drivers missing a transfer position by one spot in the consolations. The winner of the 3-lap dash moves into the ‘Hot Summer Night’ main event.

 

The most recent special event contested on the racy Penn Can Speedway three-eighths-mile oval in June ended with a dead tie between Kevin Hartnett and Danny Johnson.

 

The last time Modifieds were featured on the ‘Hot Summer Night’ bill was Aug. 10, 2010: the event was won in thrilling fashion by Stewart Friesen, who started 25th and executed a last-lap, three-wide pass of both Alan Rudalavage and Duane Howard using the extreme outside lane.

 

Gates, grandstand and pit, open at 5 p.m.  The drivers’ meeting is set for 6:20 p.m., with hot laps to follow. Racing gets underway at 7:15 p.m.

 

Adult admission is $20. Seniors (ages 62 and up) pay $18. Students (ages 13-17) pay $10 and kids 12 and under are FREE. Pit admission is $35, with no license required.

 

To learn more about the ‘Hot Summer Night’ or the Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP, visit www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com, e-mail Brett Deyo at bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com or call 845.728.2781.  BD Motorsports Media is on Facebook and on Twitter: @BrettDeyo.

 

Penn Can Speedway is located seven miles off Interstate 81 Exit 230 in on Route 171 Susquehanna, PA. The GPS address, within a block of the speedway, is 98 State Street Susquehanna, PA 18847. The speedway office phone number is 570.853.3434. On race day, call 570.585.9928. For more information, visit www.penncan.com or like “Penn Can Speedway” on Facebook.

 

 

 

News from Georgetown Speedway’s ‘Beach Blast’

 

Media Contact: Brett Deyo – 845.728.2781 or bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com

 

For Immediate Release/August 11, 2014

 

Marketing Partners Sign On, Incentives Grow For Georgetown Speedway Tuesday, August 26 Inaugural ‘Beach Blast’ Happening: Clearview Farms,  Bi-Rite Auto Sales & Sussex Irrigation Join; Giveaways Increase; Area Hotel Information Announced

 

GEORGETOWN, DE – The most-talked-about First State dirt Modified happening in many years hasn’t stopped growing.

 

As the inaugural ‘Beach Blast’ at Georgetown Speedway approaches on Tuesday, August 26 (rain date: August 27), marketing partners continue to sign on and incentives have grown for both competitors and fans. Driver Eric Kormann and special events promoter Brett Deyo of BD Motorsports Media LLC have teamed up to lease the rustic Georgetown half-mile oval for a “first time happening in the First State.”

 

Modifieds, with rules allowing both big- and small-block engine varieties, compete for a huge $24,125 purse in their 35-lap feature. To compensate for the tow south, a non-top-heavy pay structure has been established with a minimum of $4,000 to the winner, $1,400 for fifth, $1,000 for 10th and $400 to take the green flag. Also on the program: Crate 602 Sportsman and the popular Delaware-based Delmarva Chargers & Super Trucks.

 

Local sponsorship has grown for the ‘Beach Blast’ event.

 

Bi-Rite Auto Sales of Seaford, Del., will also be part of the special event. Bi-Rite, situated off Route 13 (Sussex Highway), offers a complete inventory of used vehicles to fit any budget. Bi-Rite Auto Sales is online at www.biriteonline.net.

 

Located in Hurlock, Md., Clearview Farms is a strong supporter of racing in the First State. Proprietors Dave and Judy Andrews have signed on to support the ‘Beach Blast’ special. The Andrews are backers of two-time Delaware International Speedway big-block Modified champion Matt Jester.

 

Sussex Irrigation of Laurel, Del., signed on as a ‘Beach Blast’ marketing partner. Sussex Irrigation is the area’s leader for the purchase, maintenance and repair of irrigation systems. To learn more, visit www.sussexirrigation.com.

 

The locally based Comfort Inn & Suites, 20530 DuPont Boulevard, Georgetown, DE 19947, is offering a 10-percent discount on rooms reserved for the event. To obtain the reduced rate, call 302.854.0400 and reference the ‘Beach Blast’ when making reservations. The Comfort Inn is located just miles from the speedway.

 

Special awards and other incentives are added daily.

 

*Cat Country 97.5, Delmarva’s leading country station, has signed on as a marketing partner for the ‘Beach Blast’ and will broadcast live from the speedway on race day for two hours (4-6 p.m.) complete with the Cat Country van, tent, sound system and prize wheel.

 

*Dover International Speedway will support the event. The Dover International Speedway pace car will be on hand for the special. An “enter-to-win” box, manned by Dover representatives, will offer the chance to win NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the AAA 400 at Dover Sept. 28. Two additional AAA 400 tickets will be offered as a second prize for the 50-50 drawing.

 

*Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz and Michael White Racing have donated kids’ bicycles to be given away on race night.

 

*More than $900 in lap money has been collected for the ‘Beach Blast’ event. Laps are on sale at $20/minimum per lap at bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com.

 

*Crunchco Snacks has added a $100 bonus for the 11th-place finisher in the Modified main event.

 

*Dirt Track Digest, on the web at www.dirttrackdigest.com, has offered a $200 Halfway Leader Bonus for the Modified 35-lap main event.

 

*Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz has joined on to the Dirt Track Digest Halfway Leader money, adding $100 for a total of $300.

 

*Will Brown’s Truck Repair of Cambridge, Md., presents a $250 Hard Charger Award for the 35-lap main event made payable to the driver advancing the most positions from their scheduled start to the finish.

 

*All Modified heat winners will also pocket $100 cash, also thanks to Will Brown.

 

*Jones Racing Products will offer $100 certificates to the Hard Charger Award recipients in both the Modified and Crate 602 Sportsman ranks.

 

*Five drivers unable to qualify for the Modified main will receive $50 thanks to Hawkins Reporting Service of Wilmington, Del. The recipients will be decided by a draw of non-qualifiers.

 

*The highest-finishing Delaware International Speedway Modified regular will take home a $100 cash bonus thanks to Hurlock Speed & Supply.

 

*American Racer/Lias Tire is on board to reward Modified drivers with a pair of FREE tires. The competitors finishing in positions 6-10 and 11-15 will be entered into a pair of drawings for the tire certificates.

 

*Bob Hilbert Sportswear will produce a number of fan giveaway items, including ‘Beach Blast’ beach balls. Roving ‘Beach Babes’ will interact with fans during the night to distribute promotional prizes.

 

Crate 602 Sportsman competitors will run a 25-lap feature event paying a minimum of $1,000 to win and $100 to start plus bonuses. The Delmarva Chargers and Super Trucks will each take part in 15-lap mains. Thanks to Doug Manmiller and Shoemakersville, Pa.’s Manmiller Electric, the Delmarva Chargers and Super Trucks will compete for $200 to win each (double their weekly winner’s share).

 

Modified minimum weight requirements will be staggered to allow for a variety of engine combinations to compete together. Weights are as follows: PA small-block on gas: 2,275 lbs.; PA small-block on alcohol: 2,350 lbs.; open small-block (max. 363 cubic inches): 2,400 lbs.; big-block (max. 471 cubic inches): 2,500 lbs.; Delaware big-block (472 cubic inches plus): 2,600 lbs.

 

Crate Sportsman must run unaltered GM Crate 602 engines ONLY with a 6,200 rev chip. The shock rule is open. Minimum weight is 2,400 lbs.

 

All bodies must be DIRTcar-legal with no sail panels, high doors/quarters or additional skirting for the Modifieds and Crate 602 Sportsman.

 

Modified and Crate 602 Sportsman tire rules are as follows: American Racer 33 or harder fronts; 44 or harder left-rear and 48 or harder right-rear. The “49” compound right-rear tire is not permitted. The Hoosier option is as follows: Hoosier DIRTcar D300 or harder on all four corners.

 

Modifieds and Crate 602 Sportsman will draw for their starting positions with a redraw of top qualifiers for the main events.

 

The Delmarva Chargers and Super Trucks will race under weekly rules with a draw for position in effect.

 

General admission pricing for the ‘Beach Blast’ is as follows: $18 for Adults; $15 for Seniors (ages 65 and up) and Students (ages 13-17); $10 for Kids (ages 9-12); and children eight and under are FREE. Pit admission is $30 with no license required.

 

Pit and grandstand gates will open at 4 p.m. Hot laps begin at 6:30 p.m., with racing planned for 7:15 p.m.

 

To learn more about the ‘Beach Blast’ event, contact Eric Kormann at 609.381.5820 or Brett Deyo at 845.728.2781. The e-mail address is bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com and the official website for race information is www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com. Like “BD Motorsports Media” on Facebook or follow @BrettDeyo on Twitter.

 

Georgetown Speedway is located at the intersection of Route 113 and Speedway Road in Georgetown, Del., just miles from the Delaware beaches and less than a 35-minute drive from Ocean City, Md. Georgetown Speedway is online at www.thegeorgetownspeedway.com.

 

‘Beach Blast’ Modified Purse Structure (35 Laps): 1. $4,000; 2. $3,000; 3. $2,000; 4. $1,600; 5. $1,400; 6. $1,250; 7. $1,150; 8. $1,100; 9. $1,050; 10. $1,000; 11. $650; 12. $600; 13. $550; 14. $525; 15. $500; 16. $475; 17. $450; 18. $425; 19-24. $400. Total: $24,125

 

 

 

NEWS FROM                                                                                                             

Orange County Fair Speedway                                                                                    

239 Wisner Avenue                                                                                                    

Middletown, NY10940 

 

CONTACT

Mike Gurda

845-342-2573

 

 

FOR RELEASE ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 10

 

ORANGE COUNTY FAIR SPEEDWAY DRIVERS BATTLE FOR POINTS

AS SEASON WINDS DOWN

 

MIDDLETOWN, NY (August 10)……..When the exhaust fumes settle from the Saturday, August 16 race meet at Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, New York, there will be just two more weeks of competition before the track point champions are crowned. For drivers in each of the speedway’s stock car divisions this makes the upcoming racing program even more important as point championships---including trophies, cash bonuses, and all-important bragging rights---get closer to being determined.

 

Four racing divisions---DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, Small-Block Modifieds, Sportsman, and Street Stocks---will be in action on the 16th, with a full program of qualifying and feature races that will be marked by DOUBLE POINTS. In addition, the nostalgic Vintage Modifieds will be on hand for their special race. Holiday Inn of Middletown is the night’s sponsor.

 

In the headline Modified division, the point battle is between current leader and defending champion Tim Hindley and past champions Jerry Higbie and Chuck McKee. Hindley holds a 38-point edge over the two challengers who are tied.

 

In Sportsman competition, LJ Lombardo currently is in the top spot with Matt Janiak his closest pursuer. Lombardo’s lead is 36 points, but in the unpredictable Sportsman division, his championship is far from assured.

 

Mike Vigiletti is the point leader in the Street Stock division, with a 35-point edge over 2011 and 2012 champion Charles Donald. Veteran racer Emerson Cargain in third-place is the only other driver in contention for the crown, but he trails Vigiletti by 45 points.

 

The closest point race is in the Small-Block Modified division, where Danny Creeden leads by just six points over Chuck McKee. Bob McGannon and Chris Shultz are next in line, but have significant points deficits to make up.

 

Admission prices for the August 16 race meet remain at $14 adults, $12 seniors, and $2.00 for children 12 and under. The exceptionally full night of racing begins promptly at 7:00 pm.

 

Advance ticket sales for all remaining 2014 races, including the September 13 Eve of Destruction and the October 24-26 53rd Annual Eastern States Weekend, and track information are available at the Orange County website, www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net, or from the Track Office. Call 845-342-2573 Wednesday through Saturday during business hours.

 

 UPCOMING EVENTS

 

August 23 --- Accord Speedway Night (Modified King of the Catskills Qualifier)

 

 

 

This week’s photo:

Note:  I keep forgetting – to see the photos, you have to go to the New England Tractor Race Report website which has a link at the end of my column!

 

With the tragedy that happened this past weekend, there has been so much talk about how the visibility is so bad for the winged sprint car drivers.   Hmm, here’s a thought – get rid of the damn wings!  Get rid of the excess sheet metal (or carbon fiber) that hides the drivers from us.  Keep the roll cages.  Cut down the width of the over-sized tires.  Go back in time to what you see here, below, in this Walt Imlay photo.  Seems to me we had better racing back then.  My thoughts, of course!

 

 

 

 

 

Some non racin’ stuff:

 

Ok, breaking down and putting a music video on this weeks column.  Taking ya back to the 50’s.  I first saw this group in the Newburgh armory before they had an album out.  What I like – back then they didn’t need to wear ear pieces to hear the music.  They played and sang.  Sounded pretty good, too!  So here’s Marshall Grant, Luther Perkins and Johnny Cash – a little over 45 minutes of their appearances back in the 50’s.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2JhTmHhiqk

 

 

More stupid/idiotic commercials on TV:

The Geico Car Insurance commercials where they see a sign and make mention that you save on CAR INSURANCE.  No where on those signs does it even make mention of car insurance.

 

 

Time’s Up for Lois Lerner and the IRS

 

http://observer.com/2014/08/times-up-for-lois-lerner-and-the-irs/

 

 

 

This weeks joke:

 

Arriving in Heaven

 

All arrivals in heaven have to go through a bureaucratic examination to determine whether admission will be granted. One room has a clerk who inputs computerized records of what each applicant did on his or her last day of life.

 

The first applicant of the day explains that his last day was not a good one. "I came home early and found my wife lying naked in bed. She claimed she had just gotten out of the shower. Well, her hair was dry and I checked the shower and it was completely dry too. I knew she was into some hanky-panky and I began to look for her lover.

 

I went onto the balcony of our 9th floor apartment and found the SOB clinging to the rail by his fingertips. I was so angry that I began bashing his fingers with a flower pot. He let go and fell, but his fall was broken by some awnings and bushes. On seeing he was still alive I found super human strength to drag our antique cedar chest to the balcony and throw it over. It hit the man and killed him. At this point the stress got to me and I suffered a massive heart attack and died."

 

The clerk thanked him and sent him on to the waiting room.

 

The second applicant said that his last day was his worst. "I was on the roof of an apartment building working on the AC equipment. I stumbled over my tools and toppled off the building. I managed to grab onto the balcony rail of a 9th floor apartment but some idiot came rushing out on the balcony and bashed my hands with a flower pot. I fell but hit some awnings and bushes and survived, but as I looked up I saw a huge chest falling toward me. I tried to crawl out of the way but failed and was hit and killed by the chest."

 

The clerk couldn't help but chuckle as he directs the man to the waiting room.  

 

He is still giggling when his third customer of the day enters. He apologizes and says "I doubt that your last day was as interesting as the two fellows that arrived here just before you."

 

"I don't know" replies the man. "Picture this, I'm buck naked hiding in this cedar chest......"

 

 

 

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