Mostly
Racin' Stuff
By Tom Avenengo
Volume # 190
08/21/2014
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.
I was going through some papers the other
day. Mixed in with them were a couple of
things from the hospital in
I guess the hardest thing to overcome is
when I sit down for dinner in the evening, and she’s not here with me. After my dinner on Monday night, I did up the
dishes and sat down at the table. I
looked at Max, our four legged furry bundle of happiness (although I think he
is retarded!) and said: “Yes, Max, Daddy
misses Mommy”.
It looks like I might be taking a trip
down to
More
memories:
While we were working together in the
Monsey, N.Y. Grand Union, during the winter months, on Saturdays, when they
race the TQ Midgets in the
Racin’ stuff:
Found this on the Internet:
Tony Stewart will not be
racing at
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nascar-Zone/713786748635907
Note: This has been confirmed – both on Jayski & Yahoo! News – Stewart to miss
Bristol. Jeff Burton will be in the # 14
at
NC Company to Revive
http://speed51.com/north-carolina-company-to-revive-lancaster-speedway-for-us-open/
In NASCAR – end of practice –
why a red/black flag and not a regular checkered flag?
I posted this the other day
on the Victory Speedway Forum:
“I was not in attendance last
night at OC. However, my son, Eric was, and he told me it was one of the best
crowds he's seen there all year - at least in the half covered.
But the car counts - way
down. True, not only at OCFS, but other tracks, too, like the Valley and Accord
(Spec Sportsman).
Back in 1977 in a Hard Clay
program I have - 214 names on the Sportsman (Small Block) roster. Over 100 on the Modified roster.
OC last night had 19 Modifieds, 22 Small Blocks, 24 Sportsman and 11 Street
Stocks. 76 total, not counting the Vintage cars.”
On Facebook,
there was quite a lot posted about the scheduled Silver Crown race for last
Saturday at the
Also on Facebook,
quite a lot being said about the “tech” this past Saturday night for the
Sportsman cars at OCFS. I said it a long
time ago, and still say: “The Crate
class should have an engine claimer rule”.
Any idea as to how many of
the “Crate” Sportsman cars that run at OCFS are legal? Any idea as to how many aren’t?
Gary Palmer, owner of the
Accord Speedway, had some new rules for his “Spec” (Crate) class this past
year. A certain engine builder had to
check the engines, make sure they were legal, and seal them. The Accord Speedway put up $100.00 towards
that for each engine that had it done.
Hey, anything to keep ‘em legal, right? Well, guess what? That class has seen its car count come down
to 12-14 total cars a week now. Why? The added cost?
Was the Vintage Race Car Meet
at Loudon last weekend the last one?
From what I’ve read, I kinda think it might
well have been. Ever since Bob Bahre sold the track, this show has gone down hill – mainly
due to the increase of costs to those that were there with their cars. I can’t say anything about a possible new
venue – yet, but there’s talk out there.
Also – what about the
proposed “Museum” that was planned for Loudon?
Heck, I did some work for Dick Berggren about the ARDC racing in
OCFS – are you a fan of the
track? Were you? You ever hear of a fella
named Jeff Lambert? He has all kinds of
stats, etc on OCFS.
Interested? Check them out, here: http://jeffersonlambert.weebly.com/
A new weekly feature for a few columns, anyway:
Race tracks that are no
longer around:
Arena at Harbor Yard
Brideport Speedway - aka Candelite
Stadium. 1/5 Mile Paved Oval 6/30/1947 - 1954. Possibly raced
in 1955. 1/10 Mile Dirt Oval 06/03/1951 raced Three-Quarter Midgets. Located
on
Bulkeley Stadium - 1/5 Mile Dirt Oval 1936.
Candlelite Stadium
Charter
Prospect Ave.,
Rt. 177,
Home track
of the Southern New York Racing Association (SNYRA) 1952-1955, 1958-1981.
Site is now the Danbury Fair
Mall.
http://www.danbury-racearena.com/Track-History.htm
Danbury Mill Plain
Micro-Midget Oval - 1/20 Mile Oval 1960 - 1962. The Corners were Paved and Straights were Dirt.
Harwinton Fairgrounds -
Legion
Mohegan Sun Arena
1 Mohegan Sun Blvd.,
Mototown
Rt.
Eagle St.,
North Haven
SR 82 &
http://plainville_stadium.tripod.com/
Rt.
Rt.
Suffield -
1/4 Mile Dirt Oval late 1940's - early 1950's.
Note: There is now a new road course at Thompson.
http://west_haven_speedway.tripod.com/
Note:
Yup, there are a few listed above that yours truly has been to – back in
the day.
Former
OVRP Dirt Oval runners:
At Linda’s
On Sunday, at Kutztown, Anthony Perrego was 5th in the SpeedSTR feature, Molly
Chambers 22nd in the wingless 600’s and Danny Buccafusca
3rd in the Slingshots.
On Wednesday, Molly was a DNQ and Danny 2nd
in the All Star Slingshots.
At 5 Mile, Brett Wright was 10th
and Anthony Perrego 17th in the first
Modified feature. Brett was 8th
in the second feature while Anthony was a DNS.
Brad Szulewski was 2nd in the
Sportsman feature.
Anthony Perrego
was 1st, Tyler Boniface 5th, Brian Krummel
15th and Kyle VanDuser 20th in
the Modified feature at Accord.
Johnny Illanovsky
was 6th and Joey Bruning 7th in
the Spec Sportsman. Wyatt Clark was 5th
in the All Star Slingshots.
In ARDC Midget action, Justin Grosz was 19th
at Williams Grove and 14th at
Jacob Hendershot
was 1st in the 270 Micro feature at
Hamlin. Danny Buccafusca
was 3rd in the Rookie 600’s.
Davie Franek was 7th in the 360
Sprint Car feature at Selinsgrove.
Bobby Morris was 2nd in the
Sportsman feature at
Billy V was 3rd, Tim Hindley 4th, Mike Kolka
6th, Mike Ruggiero 12th, Danny Creeden
14th and Clinton Mills 18th in the Modified feature at
OCFS.
Tim was 2nd, Danny 3rd,
Billy 4th, Mike 17th, Andrew
Reeves 17th and Joe Conklin 21st in the Small Block
feature.
Joe won the Sportsman feature, with Matt Janiak 3rd, Dominic Roselli,
Jr 4th, Winter Mead 16th,
Anthony Falanga 17th, Joey Falanga 19th, Brian Krummel
21st and Zack Vavricka 23rd in
the Sportsman feature.
At
The Sportsman feature was hit by rain, but
the running order has Brian Krummel 4th,
John Virgilio 6th, Matt Pappa 10th and Matt Hitchcock 24th.
On August 16th, Kolby was 3rd, Bobby Hackel, IV was 17th
and Kyle 18th.
Kyle Armstrong was 12th, Bobby Hackel, IV. Was 15th in the
Modified feature at A/S.
Hunter Bates was 16th and Alex
Bell a DNQ in the Sportsman feature.
Roger Coss was 8th
in the Modified feature at Mahoning.
Tiffany Wambold was a DNQ for the Street Stock
feature.
Davie Franek was 9th in the 410
Sprint Car feature at New Egypt on 8/19.
Looks like 43 names this week.
From
Jayski:
Remember, I’ll just make mention of some
of the things that appear on the Jayski website, with
maybe some exceptions.
Assuming they attempt to
qualify for the remaining 3 races in the regular season, the following drivers
have clinched a spot for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup today: #47-AJ Allmendinger, #43-Aric Almirola,
#41-Kurt Busch, #18-Kyle Busch, #11-Denny Hamlin.(8-17-2014)
Danica among world's highest-paid female athletes (8-17-2014)
Richard Childress Racing
Celebrates 45 Years (8-16-2014)
Comcast's Xfinity
negotiating sponsorship of Nationwide Series
Hornish unsure of 2015 plans:
Joe Gibbs Racing is set to
hold a press conference at its
Gibbs to hold press
conference Tuesday:
According to Joe Gibbs
Racing, they will hold a press conference Tuesday, August 19 at 10:00am/et and
"this unprecedented announcement will have impact across four NASCAR
racing series."(Joe Gibbs Racing)
AND Joe Gibbs Racing will
announce Carl Edwards as its fourth Sprint Cup driver for the 2015 season next
Tuesday. However, the bigger news appears to involve Daniel Suarez, the 22-year-old
darling of the
Teams test 2015 rules changes
at
Nine NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
teams will remain at Michigan International Speedway one additional day on
Monday to test aerodynamic and engine combinations for the 2015 racing season.
According to NASCAR officials, the test is designed to validate extensive work
done by the sanctioning body's racing development team. Gene Stefanyshyn, vice president Innovation and Racing
Development for NASCAR, said two different packages
featuring various changes would be tested on the 2-mile track at MIS.
"We have a prime rules
package and also will be doing a low downforce
package, because some of the drivers have been very vocal," Stefanyshyn said. "They think (low downforce)
is a solution ... so we're going to try one of those." The prime rules
package will include the use of dive planes, a 9-inch spoiler, six-percent rear
differential gear ratio, three different power levels (engine horsepower) as
well as a driver adjustable track bar. Dive planes are small strips on the left
and right side of the front bumper areas about halfway between the splitter and
hood.
The engine changes will vary
from the current 850 horsepower to 800 and 750 hp. Stefanyshyn
said those changes would be made during Monday's test through the use of
different sized restrictor plates in order to gauge the effects. If it is
determined that less horsepower works best with the aerodynamic changes being
considered, how best to accomplish that for next season would still have to be
decided.
The test is slated to get
underway at 9:00am/et with six different sessions
scheduled throughout the day. Teams are expected to make single-file 15-lap
runs in every other session, with double-file runs making up the remaining 15-lap
sessions. Drivers scheduled to participate are: #1-Jamie McMurray, #5-Kasey Kahne, #10-Danica Patrick, #27-Paul Menard #2-Brad Keselowski, #17-Ricky Stenhouse
Jr., #43-Aric Almirola, #11-Denny Hamlin, and either
#15-Clint Bowyer or #55-Brian Vickers.(NASCAR.com)(8-14/18-2014)
UPDATE:
Just one day after Jeff
Gordon grabbed the checkered flag in the Pure Michigan 400, NASCAR and teams
were back testing on the two-mile Michigan International Speedway, gathering
crucial data for the development of the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rules
package. Six different configurations were evaluated throughout the test.
Throughout today's test, focus was on aerodynamics and power optimization. Ten
teams were onsite throughout the day running through all six configurations.
More than 160 laps were turned at
Some possible 2015 Sprint Cup
schedule changes:
Jim Noble of ESPN/SiriusXM/PRN tweeted Monday evening, "The Southern 500
at Darlington (SC) Raceway will return to its traditional Labor Day weekend
date when NASCAR announces the 2015 Sprint Cup schedule, perhaps as early as
this weekend.
Entry List for the IRWIN
Tools Night Race Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is posted, 43
teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #32-Yeley, #33-Stremme,
#37-Blaney, #66-Nemechek, #95-McDowell.
Both #14-Stewart and
#83-Truex are listed, but their status has not been announced.
Since only 43 cars are
entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list at my
Jayski's Bristol Entry List
Note: Stewart, as noted earlier in the column will
not be racing and Jeff Burton will take his place. Jayski has posted a
revised entry list.
Gibbs says Stewart has
strength, courage to return - (8-20-2014)
Kyle Busch to run the triple
at
From
Track Forum:
http://www.trackforum.com/forums/forum.php
ECR & SFHR Merging
http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php?188620-ECR-amp-SFHR-Merging
Another fatality at a short
track
http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php?188627-Another-fatality-at-a-short-track
http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2014/08/wall_stadium_midget_car_race_crash_kills_1.html
3M Leaving Roush
http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php?188535-3M-Leaving-Roush
From
the AARN:
This Week
In AARN
Brett Hearn Wins $17,500 Mr.
DIRT Leb Val Race For
Eleventh Time; Clinches
Justin Bonsignore’s
Thompson WMT Win Puts Him In Title Contention
Brightest And
Best: ARDC’s Alex Bright Sweeps Central PA
TQ Student Driver
Killed In Wall Stadium Test Session
Kevin Ward Remembered Fondly,
At Canandaigua, Other
Fate Of
Lancaster (NY)
Brad Brightbill
Hot At Kutztown; Pauch, Jr. Wins SpeedSTR
Championship
Austin Hubbard Upsets WoO LM Touring Series Stars At
Dale Blaney
Sweeps All Star Sprint Double Header In
Fonda’s Finale Wet; Friesen
Declared Track Champion For Third Straight Year
Coming
up:
OCFS: Sat., August 23rd Accord
Modifieds, Sportsman, Rookie Sportsman, and Street Stocks
Accord: August 22nd Escape RV Night
Modifieds - Sportsman - Spec Sportsman
Pro Stock - Pure Stock - All
Star Slingshot-Jr Slingshot
Benjamin Moore Paints &
Albany Winwater Presents Back To School Giveaways,
$1000 To Win Small Block Modified Feature, Vintage Cars, All Weekly Divisons Plus 4-Cylinders
Sportsman, BMS Modified,
Legends, Bandolero,
Pro Stock, Street Stock,
4 Cylinder Advanced and
Novice
Gates open at 2:30 pm
Hot laps at 4:30 pm
RACING at 6 pm
Hamlin: Closed this week.
Press releases:
OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 18, 2014
DICK JORDAN 14-168
"TONY BETTENHAUSEN
100" RESCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 7;
DuQUOIN's "TED HORN 100" AUGUST 31
Track Enterprises and USAC
officials have announced rescheduling of the "Tony Bettenhausen
100," which was interrupted by rain Saturday at the Illinois State
Fairgrounds in
Rains began to fall as the cars
were approaching the "one-to-go" signal is preparation for the
100-mile race on the one-mile dirt oval. Tracy Hines posted the fastest
qualifying time to win the pole position, while Kody
Swanson, the series point leader who has won all three dirt-track outings this
season, had lined up on the outside of the front row in the 24-car starting
field.
A complete new program will face
competitors at
"The Silver Crown Series is
going in a positive direction," says series coordinator Andy Hillenburg. "With race organizer Bob Sargent's support we are delighted to be able to retain
this marquee event for our fans and participants as we continue to strive for
the prominence this series deserves."
The "Ted Horn 100," round
eight of the 2014 USAC Silver Crown Championship series, is slated August 31 at
the DuQuoin (
Kody
Swanson will take a 42-point lead over Tracy Hines into the DuQuoin
event. Defending series champion Bobby East trails Hines by just 12 points in
third.
2014 USAC Silver Crown
Standings:1-Kody Swanson-390, 2-Tracy Hines-348,
3-Bobby East-336, 4-Chris Windom-288, 5-Jacob Wilson-240, 6-Jerry Coons
Jr.-222, 7-Caleb Armstrong-200, 8-Dave Darland-173, 9-Tanner Swanson-165,
10-Christopher Bell-165.
News from Georgetown
Speedway’s ‘Beach Blast’
Media Contact: Brett Deyo – 845.728.2781 or bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com
For Immediate Release/August
17, 2014
Stakes Have Risen: Hurlock
Auto & Speed Supply Boosts
As the inaugural ‘Beach
Blast’ at Georgetown Speedway approaches on Tuesday, August 26 (rain date:
August 27), new marketing partner Hurlock Auto & Speed Supply has boosted
the payout for the 35-lap Modified main event significantly. Driver Eric Kormann and special events promoter Brett Deyo of BD Motorsports Media LLC teamed up to lease the
rustic
Modifieds, with rules allowing both big- and small-block engine
varieties, will now compete for a huge $26,105 purse in their 35-lap feature.
The winner’s share has been increased to a minimum of $5,000 to win plus lap
money and bonuses, with $1,400 for fifth, $1,000 for 10th and a boosted $500
just to take the green flag! Also on the program: Crate 602 Sportsman and the
popular Delaware-based Delmarva Chargers & Super Trucks.
Hurlock Auto Speed &
Supply, based in
Marketing partners continue
to join as race day nears.
American Portable Mini
Storage of Millsboro,
Bi-Rite Auto Sales of
Seaford, Del., will also be part of the special event. Bi-Rite, situated off
Route 13 (
Located in Hurlock, Md., Clearview Farms is a strong supporter of racing in the
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,
Special awards and other
incentives are in place for fans and racers.
*Cat Country 97.5, Delmarva’s
leading country station, 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
*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.
*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.;
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. Kids 6-12 in the pits are $10 and those five and under are FREE.
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
‘Beach Blast’ Modified Purse
Structure (35 Laps): 1. $5,000; 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.
$700; 12. $650; 13. $600; 14. $550; 15. $525; 16. $515; 17. $510; 18. $505; 19-24. $500. Total:
$26,105
Hello all -
We are now taking media
credential requests for Georgetown Speedway on Tuesday, August 26 (rain date:
Aug. 27). The inaugural 'Beach Blast' co-promotion involving Eric Kormann and myself is taking off! We will pay out more than $35,000 in cash
with a big field of big-block/small-block Modifieds,
Crate 602 Sportsman, Delmarva Chargers and Super Trucks.
For complete event
information, please visit www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com.
To request credentials,
please respond to this e-mail with name and affiliation. We do ask that
photographers wear reflective clothing in the track infield.
The deadline for media
credential requests is this Friday, August 22.
Thank you!
Brett Deyo
NEWS FROM
Orange County Fair
CONTACT
Mike Gurda
845-342-2573
PLEASE HOLD FOR RELEASE ON SUNDAY,
AUGUST 17
“KING OF THE CATSKILLS”
QUALIFIER AUGUST 23
AT ORANGE COUNTY FAIR
MIDDLETOWN, NY (August
17)……..The winner of the Saturday, August 23 30-lap Modified division feature
race at Orange County Fair Speedway will earn---in addition to the $2,500 top
prize---an automatic starting spot in the Accord Speedway “King of the
Catskills” Race of Champions Modified Series race to be held at that track on
Friday, September 19, 2013.
In addition to the DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds,
Accord
Admission prices for the
August 23 race meet remain at $14 adults, $12 seniors, and $2.00 for children
12 and under. The 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, 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 30 --- WLR
Construction Championship Night (Final night of points)
September 06 --- 9/11
September 13 --- All Steel
& Aluminum/Middletown Auto Wreckers EVE OF DESTRUCTION
News from
Media Contact: Brett Deyo – thundermtnspeedway@gmail.com or 845.728.2781
For Immediate Release/Aug.
17, 2014
Rain Stops Thunder Mountain
Speedway Saturday Program After Qualifying; Feature Event Postponement Creates
HUGE Labor Day Weekend Two-Day Extravaganza With ‘Sprint Car Saturday’ Aug. 30
and Wade Decker Memorial Aug. 31; No Racing Saturday, Aug. 23
CENTER LISLE, NY – After
surviving a pair of rain showers, heavy precipitation put a stop to racing at
Thunder Mountain Speedway on Saturday night.
Four laps were complete in
the evening’s first feature – the 20-lap Sportsman main – when rainfall
intensified and thoroughly soaked the three-eighths-mile clay oval. The rain,
predicted to last through the Sunday morning hours, forced the postponement of
the features. All qualifying action had
been completed despite two significant showers that led to a pair of delays
taking more than an hour total to dry and grade the track surface.
Heat winners before the rain
were Brent Wilcox and Bob Henry Jr. (Modified); Geordie Decker and Chris Jordan
(Sportsman); Shayne Spoonhower (Rookie Sportsman);
Ricky Davis Sr. and Jason Beebe (Street Stock); Jason Tuttle (IMCA-style
Modified); Bubba Peters (Pure Stock); Doug O’Hara (Empire Sport Truck); and
Richard Wagner Jr. and Phil Burns (Four Cylinder).
Larry Hillis
led Chance Spoonhower when the Sportsman feature was
stopped at lap four.
With the speedway silent next
Saturday (Aug. 23) for fencing and facility work, the features have been
rescheduled for Labor Day weekend, setting up a huge two days of racing on the
Mountain Aug. 30 and 31.
The Aug. 16 Modified (30
laps), Street Stock (20 laps) and remaining 16 laps of the Sportsman main event
will now join the Saturday, Aug. 30 ‘Sprint Car Saturday’ special for an
historic night of racing topped by the first-ever visit by the Lucas Oil Empire
Super Sprints (ESS) 360 Sprint Cars to Thunder Mountain. Competitors in the Modifieds,
Sportsman and Street Stocks should return with their wristbands from Aug. 16
for the ‘Sprint Car Saturday’ event.
The ESS squad of touring
racers, celebrating their 31st anniversary season, will headline a unique
‘Sprint Car Saturday’ program co-promoted by BD Motorsports Media LLC with a
25-lap main paying $2,000-plus to the winner.
The event also includes the
CRSA 305 Sprint Cars, Empire Lightning Sprints, SRP Sprints (now open to all
winged 583cc, 600cc and 636 cc Micro-Sprints, any fuel and adjustments, $500 to
win with 24 cars) plus a huge fireworks display. The fireworks show will be
larger than the track’s Independence Day display on July 5. The Midstate
Vintage Stock Car Club will also be on hand to provide a glimpse into the
sport’s stories past.
For the special “wing night”
there will be hot wing specials in the concession stands and other surprises
for fans.
Admission pricing for the
Aug. 30 ‘Sprint Car Saturday’ is as follows: $18 for Adults, $16 for Seniors (ages 65 and over) and $12 for Students (ages
10-17). Kids 9 and under are FREE. Pit admission is $30.
The Aug. 16 main events for
the Rookie Sportsman (12 laps), IMCA-style Modifieds
(15 laps), Four Cylinders ($200 to win, 15 laps), Pure Stocks ($200 to win, 12
laps) and Empire Sport Trucks (12 laps) will be contested on Sunday, Aug. 31 as
part of the MjH Oilfield Wade Decker Memorial.
Competitors should bring wristbands to the gate.
The big-block/small-block Modifieds headline the Wade Decker Memorial with a 50-lap
event paying $5,000 to the winner (with $25 “Gambler’s Fee” posted, $3,500
without) and $250 to take the green flag. The Sportsman will run a 40-lap main
with a hefty $1,250 winner’s share (with $20 “Gambler’s Fee” posted, $750
without) and $100 to take the green and the Street Stocks will take part in a
30-lap feature paying $1,000 to the winner (with $15 “Gambler’s Fee” posted,
$750 without) and $120 to take the green, honoring Denny Decker. The Street
Stock portion of the program has support from Cartrette
Logging.
All divisions will draw for
their starting positions with a redraw of top qualifiers for the main events.
Gates will open at 4 p.m.
with a drivers’ meeting at 6 p.m. Hot laps will kick
off at 6:20 p.m. and racing begins at 7 p.m.
Wade Decker Memorial
grandstand admission is $20 for Adults, $18 for Seniors
(65 and over), $15 for Students (ages 10-17) and FREE for kids nine and under.
Pit admission is $35, with no license required.
Those attending with grandstand ticket stubs from Saturday’s program
will receive $2 off.
A talented competitor who
progressed from the Street Stocks to race in the Southern Tier and beyond in
the Modified division, Wade Decker tragically lost his life on Dec. 5, 2011 in
a logging accident. He was just 37 years old. The Decker family has worked to
raise money for the second running of the Wade Decker Memorial event. The first
event was run in 2012 at I-88 Speedway in Afton, N.Y. Pat Ward of
Fans and racers are
encouraged to camp on the speedway grounds for the weekend doubleheader. A post-race bonfire is planned for Saturday
night with a Sunday horseshoe and bean-bag tournaments planned prior to the
start of racing.
Aside from the posted purses,
a number of special incentives have been set up for the event.
Halfway leader bonuses of
$500 (Modified), $250 (Sportsman) and $150 (Street Stock) will be paid out.
Lap sponsorships are filling
in at $25 per lap (Modified), $20 per lap (Sportsman) and $15 per lap (Street
Stock). To sponsor a lap, contact Brenda Decker via e-mail at
Brenda.j.decker@outlook.com. All lap money raised goes directly to the drivers.
Modified heat winners will
take part in a Dash for Cash paying $1,000 to the winner.
The drivers leading the most
laps in each of the three divisions will take home custom coolers filled with
ice cold beer thanks to Lakey’s Tavern in
Susquehanna, Pa.
The Modified Hard Charger
will take home a certificate for a set of four new Integra shocks.
A unique prize is set for the
Modified driver selected as the Hard Luck Award recipient: a guided turkey/deer
hunt for driver and crew chief at Full Fan Lodge in
E-Z Red Manufacturing of
Deposit, N.Y., has provided several took kits and combinations to be given away
to lucky recipients in all three divisions.
Fans will be part of the Wade
Decker Memorial experience, as well. The first 50 fans through the gate for the
Sunday event will receive a can koozie. A tee-shirt cannon will be shooting giveaways into the
stands during the night and more.
For Thunder Mountain Speedway
rules, general information and a complete schedule, visit
www.thundermtnspeedway.com. The speedway office number is 607.657.8202. On race
day, call 607.849.7899. The speedway e-mail is
thundermtnspeedway@gmail.com. “Like”
Thunder Mountain
Brett Deyo
Promotions, Public Relations
& Marketing
91
www.thundermtnspeedway.com
Cell: 845.728.2781
"
@thundermtnspeed
on Twitter
In a way, what follows is a
Press Release, but was found on Facebook this past
Sunday:
Glenridge Motorsports-park
If you have not been up to
the
“The Ridge” as it is known , is not a track for the faint of heart type of
person, as the action is non-stop and extremely fast paced. The superior skills
that are required to conquer this tight little bull ring in up state New York,
causes many to question the confidence that many top name drivers have in their
driving ability in regard to whether or not they have what it takes, to accept
the challenge to race on this high banked clay oval. If you ask any of the
championship quality drivers that have raced there at anytime during their
career, it is a facility that requires a driver to be heads-up and alert every
nanosecond that they are green flag racing. Which may be a
factor that has caused other drivers to feel that their skills are not up to
par with “The Ridge” regulars. With the point season for many tracks
already decided as of the 29th. this will present an
open opportunity for the invaders to show up and try their hand at taking the
big money, if they can.
On this night the mighty modifieds will see their feature increased to 50 laps in
length, with a hefty $3,000. waiting for the victor at
the end of this 12.5 mile race. Each heat race winner will receive $100. to begin their evening.
In wanting to include all
divisions in the excitement, Glen Ridge will also award the winner of each 602
sportsman division qualifying heat race with $100., for their accomplishments.
The field of top notch competitors in the sportsman will race in a 30 lap feature, that will see the eventual winner receive a top
prize of $2,000., not bad for 7.5 miles of hard core competition.
Sowle added “Tommy(Spencer) is also looking at adding lap
sponsorship” (to the nights features) with close to 80 sponsorship billboards
surrounding the Glen Ridge facility and support from the race teams and fans,
the lap sponsorships should sell quickly.
The vintage modifieds will compete in a 20 lap feature that will see
the cars of yesterday race, as the classic Gremlins, Coupes, and Coach style beauties from the past race in a 20 lap feature for a
winners share of $300. and the Xcel 600 division will
also compete in a 20 lap feature for their chance to win a cool $300. as these little speedsters powered by motorcycle engines,
fly around
Family entertainment is the
thought behind every program at “The Ridge” and as part of that fans will be
able to begin their evening in the covered back yard, by listening to the music
of the Bushwackers Band and enjoying a meal from the
track concession, while the children are playing on the bounce houses or
picking out their favorite drivers picture from Bob Lansing’s photo booth.
Later in the evening the kids will be able to take a tour ride on the Fun Bus,
while asking questions of one of the many popular drivers and receiving added
treats, during their ride through the pits.
In regard to the clay racing
surface during a conversation earlier this week, Sowle
commented “Around the third week of September, new clay will be added in
preparation for the 2015 racing season”.
In addition to the new clay
surface that will be laid down for the 2015 season, Sowle
added “We should see a Brett Deyo show, possibly in
May”, that is great news to many local fans as they know many of the top
drivers throughout the northeast follow Deyo’s series
of high paying, short track events.
Gates open every Friday at
4:30 pm., with racing beginning at 7;00 pm.
For more information about
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 18, 2014
DICK JORDAN
NEW HONDA MIDGET ENGINE
DEBUTS
Utilizing chassis similar to those
run in the National Midget Championship, but featuring sealed,
performance-capped Honda engines, the Honda/HPD Midget Series is designed as an
entry-level category, where drivers as young as 12 years old can compete.
Based on the production,
four-cylinder Honda K24 engine from the Honda Civic Si and developed for racing
by Honda Performance Development and USAC, the sealed engines are now available
through USAC for an introductory price of $9,995.00, and can be raced alongside
previous-generation engines in the series. USAC worked to produce a balance of
performance between the different engine designs.
"HPD has long championed a logical
development ladder system for young drivers in all forms of motorsports,"
said Marc Sours, HPD senior manager and chief engineer. "The Honda/HPD
Midget Series slots in perfectly, above our already popular Quarter Midgets and
below the USAC National Midget program, where Honda engines can also be
campaigned."
USAC sanctions six regional series
for the Honda/HPD Midgets, on both dirt and pavement. The first race win for
the Honda/HPD Midget engine was recorded on July 2 by Ross Rankine
at Toledo Speedway, as part of the USAC Midwest Pavement Series.
"USAC is extremely excited
about the Honda K24 Midget engine and the Honda/HPD Midget Series," said
Kevin Miller, USAC CEO/president. "We believe this engine installation, in
development for the past year, will be the basis for the next generation of
Midget racing in the
The 2.4-liter Honda Civic Si crate
engine is adapted by USAC for Honda/HPD Midget competition. The
Indianapolis-based sanctioning body is the single source for purchasing new
engines, which are tested and sealed by USAC prior to delivery. The engine
internals are all Honda OEM, with competition modifications including a custom
aluminum oil pan designed for dry-sump lubrication, a three-stage oil pump,
competition alternator, intake manifold and custom air inlet system.
The wiring harness has been
modified to allow ease of use, and all connectors are clearly marked for
installation. The harness design also provides connections for USAC technical
inspectors to maintain parity in the series.
Four great All Pro events left to finish out the 2014
season Sept. 19 Lebanon Valley Classic Lindas speedway
$2000 to win, Oct. 11 1/4 mile Nationals Five mile point
Speedway $3000 to win , Oct 26 Mahoning Valley Speedway $3000 to win
and the grand finally Nov.
1-2 4th annual Fall Jamboree on the high banks of Grandveiw
Speedway sat. $1000 to
win Sunday $3000 to win. anyone needing gear or set up recommendation
for these speedways give us a call , Also any teams headed to Canada for there
National weekend Sept,5-6 let us know . Thanks Rich
Home of the Slingshot by
Tobias
Home of the SpeedSTR
A
racing video:
You might have to copy & paste the
link below. Lotsa slide jobs w/midgets. I hope to see these guys at the
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=650498295020145&set=vb.100001799407556&type=2&theater
Or, you can press down on the ctrl button
and click on the link
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!
Something special this
week – from my sons wedding. Once it got a little dark, we all went out
and lit up the candles in the lanterns.
They act like a hot air balloon, once they get enough heat in them; they
rise up into the sky. Glad to say that
ours was the first to go up. I kinda think we had a little heavenly help on that!
Pictured are my daughter Judy, me and my
son-in-law, Willie, Judy’s husband.
Erica Lee Photograph!
Some
non racin’ stuff:
Why Ramen Noodles Could Cut
Your Life Short
https://www.yahoo.com/health/why-ramen-noodles-could-cut-your-life-short-94747327572.html
Are you getting as tired of seeing people
dump water on their heads as I am, on Facebook?
Monday night, the “fun & games” out in
More
stupid commercials:
The Pepsi ad where they’re all tubing down
the river and one asks another for a Pepsi.
They notice the cooler is heading downstream. Uh, don’t coolers have tops and or lids on
them? That one doesn’t.
This weeks joke:
Love the Irish
Paddy was driving down the
street in a sweat because he had an important meeting and couldn't find a
parking place. Looking up to heaven he said, 'Lord take
pity on me. If you find me a parking place I will go to Mass every Sunday for
the rest of me life and give up me Irish Whiskey!'
Miraculously, a parking place
appeared.
Paddy looked up again and
said, 'Never mind, I found one.'
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