Mostly Racin' Stuff  

By Tom Avenengo  

Volume # 210 

01/29/2015

 

Some personal/family stuff:

 

Went and met with my kidney specialist and then with my cardiologist.  Things seem to be doing ok.  Weight is holding between 148-152, so that's good, especially when, back in September, I tipped the scales at 195.  My main problem now is a rash on my legs, which also brings some itching.  And, due to my being diabetic, I do get sharp stinging (like someone poking me with a needle) in my legs.  Oh well, at least I'm able to write about it, I guess?

 

 

More memories:

I'm quite happy down here in Florida.  Don't have to put up with all the cold temps and snow anymore.  Yes, I feel for those up north and the weather they've had over these past few days.  And, in some cases, weather that was forecasted never did materialize.  Must be nice to be a weather person and have all those computers telling you what's going to happen, then - poof!  Any idea as to how much those TV weather people get paid?

This past Monday, while I was waiting at the school bus stop to pick up a great grandson, I thought back to a snow storm we had back when I was working - so it had to be before 1996.  I was working in the Highland Falls Grand Union, and it was snowing like hell.  I had permission to leave early, so I did.   Took RT 9W north to Rt 293 West, then onto Rt 17 W.  Got off onto I-84 near Middletown.  Took I-84 to exit one - Port Jervis.  At the time we lived on Shin Hollow Road which was a steady up hill road with quite a few turns and bends.  I guess I got about half way up the road to our house, then on a slight left bend, the right rear dropped off the roads surface. 

The snow, coming down heavily, seemed to be not falling to the ground, but blowing straight across.  Can you say blizzard conditions?  So, I started walking.  A car came along, coming up the hill.  He didn't stop.  Could not blame him.  Got to our "U" shaped driveway, which went down off of the road.  Made it to the front door and collapsed onto a snow bank.  My son, Eric, was there, and came and pulled me into the house.  The next morning we went to retrieve my car.  It wasn't there!  We were able to find it at Brim re-cyclers in Cuddebackville - of course with a RR flat.  Yeah, I remember that.  Another reason I'm happy to be in Florida, folks!

 

 

Racin’ stuff:

 

So, with Jeff Gordon announcing that 2015 will be his last full year of racing the Cup cars, one has to wonder who will fill his sat afterwards?  Chase Elliott?  Kyle Larson?  And what might Jeff do as far as racing in the future?  I'll say a definite no for the Indy 500.  A lot or rumors and speculation going on, from some dirt track racing to Formula 1, with Haas. 

 

 

NASCAR outlaws the practice of flared fender side skirts

http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/26/nascar-outlaws-the-practice-of-flared-fender-side-skirts/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs

 

 

Kyle Busch says Toyota teams are “idiots” by not working close together

 

http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/26/kyle-busch-says-toyota-teams-are-idiots-by-not-working-close-together/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs

 

And:  Michael Waltrip Racing responds to Kyle Busch’s comments about working together

 

http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/27/michael-waltrip-racing-responds-to-kyle-buschs-comments-about-working-together/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs

 

 

Rico Abreu schedule:  http://www.ricoabreu.com/#!schedule/ckra

Note:  Not too many midget races now.

 

 

Florida Open Wheel news by Rich Golardi:  http://www.hoseheads.com/richard.html

 

 

NEMA Midget 2015 schedule:  http://www.nemaracing.com/schedule.htm

 

NEMA Lites 2015 schedule:  http://www.nemaracing.com/nema-lites-schedule.htm

 

URC's 2015 schedule:  http://theboard.southjerseydirtracing.com/DisplayMsg.asp?ForumID=27&Msgid=2246986&page=1&Title=2015%20URClub%20schedule

 

 

 

Will 2015 be Danica Patrick's final season at Stewart-Haas?

http://www.foxsports.com/nascar/story/danica-patrick-stewart-haas-racing-godaddy-contract-negotiation-012715?adbid=780997381956045&adbpl=fb&adbpr=239115849477537&adbsc=social_20150127_39496467&cmpid=tsmfb%3Afscom%3Anascaronfox

 

 

Sponsorship woes leave Jeb Burton scrambling again for a NASCAR ride

 

http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/28/sponsorship-woes-leave-jeb-burton-scrambling-again-for-a-nascar-ride/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs

 

 

RCR names two female drivers to development program, including daughter of Wally Dallenbach Jr.

 

http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/28/rcr-names-two-females-to-driver-development-program-including-daughter-of-wally-dallenbach-jr/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs

 

 

Richard Petty Motorsports committed to running Hornish Jr

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/richard-petty-motorsports-committed-running-hornish-jr-195931456--nascar.html

 

Johanna Long to run select Xfinity, Truck races for new team in 2015

http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/28/johanna-long-to-run-select-xfinity-truck-races-for-new-team-in-2015/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs

 

 

 

 

 

Back in time:

 

Covering some of the racing happenings from January 29th to February 8th:

JANUARY 29 

1915

Johnny McDowell ... Born

 

1929

Jerry Hoyt... Born

 

1950

Jody Schecter... Born

 

JANUARY 30 
1927

Tommy Copp... Born 

 

1979

Jason Meyers... Born 

 

2011

Tommy McAndrew... Died

 

 

JANUARY 31 
1908

Bill Cantrell... Born

 

1976

Buddy Rice... Born

 

 

FEBRUARY 1 

1959

Daytona Beach, Florida Cars took to the new Daytona International Speedway for the first time as a practice session took place. Curtis Turner and Fireball Roberts were among those making runs. Following the practice session, the track was closed to allow work on the guard rail to be finished.

 

1996

Ray Crawford... Died 

 

2000

Dick Rathmann ... Died 

 

2009

Jim McWithey ... Died 

 

 

FEBRUARY 2 

 

1966

Billy Boat... Born 

 

 

 

FEBRUARY 3 

 

1922

Johnny Moorehouse... Born

 

1944

Lennie Waldo... Born

 

1950

Rocky Moran... Born

 

 

FEBRUARY 4 
1927

Dale Van Johnson... Born .

 

1931

Bay Darnell... Born 

 

1973

Carl Williams... Died

 

1987

Bruce Jacobi... Died

 

2001

Ernie McCoy... Died

Note:  A photo of Ernie in the Vargo Sprint Car is in my "Photo of the week" section, this week.

 

FEBRUARY 5 

1931

Malcolm Campbell sets a Land Speed Record of 256.09 MPH in his Bluebird on the beach at Daytona, Florida.

 

1934

Ted Johnson ... Born 

 

1947

Darrell Waltrip... Born

 

1953

Dorsey Schroeder... Born 

 

1981

Justin Labonte... Born 

 

1986

Reed Sorenson... Born

 

 

FEBRUARY 6 

1916

Cliff Griffith... Born ..

 

1986

Willard "Bill" Cantrell... Died

 

 

FEBRUARY 7 

 

1959

Daytona International Speedway formally opened. 13 cars were on hand for the first qualifying round, but 6 failed tech inspection. "Fireball" Roberts turned in a speed of 140.581 mph in a Pontiac to earn the pole for the inaugural 100 mile Grand National qualifying race. Marvin Panch ran 128.810 mph to pace the two convertibles that timed in.

 

FEBRUARY 8 

1920

Mike Magill... Born 

 

1939

Bill Cummings... Died

 

 

Note:  I think that as the racing season gets going, I'll be dropping this section.

 

 

 

 

From Jayski:

http://www.jayski.com/

 

Is a NASCAR TV analyst career in Jeff Gordon's future?: 

Would Jeff Gordon trade his helmet for a headset after exiting his #24 Chevy after the 2015 Sprint Cup Season? The four-time series champion said Friday morning he would consider a career as a TV analyst in NASCAR after he leaves full-time competition this year. "I love the sport," Gordon said during an interview with "The Morning Drive" on SiriusXM Radio's NASCAR channel. "I'm very passionate about it. I love to critique it. I think I could do a good job with that. I don't think it's an easy job. I'll be honest. I have a lot of respect for those that do it from radio and TV. I'd entertain it." Multiple sources have told MotorSportsTalk that Gordon put out feelers to TV networks last year about the possibility of eventually entering the broadcast booth. But Gordon, who hasn't ruled out racing in myriad series beginning in 2016, said he would be spend the season mulling his next step. "I don't know if (TV is) at the top of my list right now," Gordon said. "Throughout this year, one of the things I have to get acclimated to is actually to have a real job. That's going to be an adjustment".(NBC Sports)(1-24-2015)


UPDATE: 

Jeff Gordon's TV career will start this year, as the soon-to-be-former Sprint Cup Series driver will serve as a rotating analyst for FOX Sports' Xfinity Series broadcasts. Gordon will switch off his Xfinity Series (formerly called Nationwide Series) analyst role with defending Cup champion Kevin Harvick and former Cup champ Brad Keselowski. Those are just part of many changes for FOX, which goes into this season splitting TV broadcasting duties with NBC. The news will officially be announced Monday.(USA Today)(1-25-2015)

 

 

Chip Ganassi Racing wins Rolex 24 at Daytona: 

Scott Dixon drove a gritty and lengthy final leg Sunday to lead Chip Ganassi Racing and its "star car" to a record-breaking sixth victory in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The three-time IndyCar champion relieved Kyle Larson, NASCAR's reigning rookie of the year, with 3 hours, 32 minutes remaining in the twice-round-the-clock endurance race. Dixon was tasked with conserving fuel and making no mistakes in pursuit of the Rolex watch. The Iceman delivered, and made it look easy, too. He totaled more than seven hours behind the wheel of the Target/Ford EcoBoost Riley Prototype, and had teammates Larson, Daytona 500 winner Jamie McMurray and Indianapolis 500 winner Tony Kanaan watching with little worry as he closed out the victory. The win gave team owners Ganassi and Felix Sabates their sixth win in 12 Rolex attempts - most in the 53-year history of the race. It was the second win for Dixon, who was part of the 2006 victory with Casey Mears and Dan Wheldon. It was the first Rolex win for McMurray, Kanaan and Larson, who felt he was so underwhelming in his debut last season that he let his team down and never wanted to return to the sports car race. Instead, he drove his own impressive three-plus hour stint in the middle of the night, then put together a brief but error-free run Sunday morning to get the team into the time window to turn the car over to Dixon. McMurray joined AJ Foyt and Mario Andretti as the only drivers to win the Daytona 500 and the Rolex.(Associated Press)(1-25-2015)

 

 

Bill Elliott talked to Ford about Chase Elliott: 

When Bill Elliott is inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Friday, most of the highlights will show him wheeling a Ford. He made his name driving Fords and he was synonymous with the blue oval brand. So to see his son, Chase, driving a Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports affiliate JR Motorsports is a little bit strange. "I tried to make the Ford thing happen," Elliott said. "It didn't. I saw it one way and they saw it another way and it didn't work out. Mr. Hendrick came to us with an opportunity that at the point in time, it wasn't much of an opportunity but he was the only one that would talk to us." Elliott won the 2014 Nationwide (now Xfinity) Series title, and is expected to step into the Hendrick #24 car after Gordon retires at the end of 2015. "My gratitude to (Hendrick), I just can't say enough about the man about what his character is in the sport and what he's done for us," Elliott said. "That kind of went against my roots as far as the Ford goes, but that's the path we ended up having to take at the point in time and I can't do anything about it. Right now, it's set and that's the way it is."(Sporting News)(1-25-2015)

 

 

Roush had a shot at Jeff Gordon: 

Fifteen years ago or so, while researching a NASCAR book, one of the people Tom Jensen interviewed was John Bickford, Jeff Gordon's stepfather and business manager. Bickford, who was the architect of Gordon's career from his early days as a kid in quarter midgets until Gordon was an established NASCAR star, had plenty of interesting stories. One of them surrounded how Gordon wound up in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. After growing up racing open-wheel cars on asphalt and dirt, Gordon ran two full seasons in what's now known as the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 1991 and '92. And while Gordon is one of the most recognizable Chevrolet drivers today, in those days he drove Ford Thunderbirds owned by Bill Davis. Naturally, Ford Motor Co. was keen to see Gordon move up to Sprint Cup in a Ford.
According to Bickford, in 1992, NASCAR team owner Jack Roush called him up and told Bickford he wanted to hire Gordon. After a brief discussion, Bickford said he was amenable to the idea of Gordon driving for Roush and he had a great young crew chief named Ray Evernham who Bickford wanted to be part of the deal. "My drivers don't get to pick their own crew chiefs," Roush told Bickford. "I do that." Whereupon Bickford said he hung up the phone, because it was a package deal. Bickford knew Gordon and Evernham already had great chemistry and would be successful together. He didn't want Gordon to have to start over with a new crew chief.
Roush called back and said there must have been a problem with the phone and Bickford said, no, he had hung up on Roush deliberately. Upon hearing that, Roush went on to explain that if he was making the expensive and potentially risky investment in a promising, but unproven young talent, he had to have the comfort level of hiring the crew chief himself. That was the way Roush always worked in the past and the way he was going to work in the future. And that's when Bickford said he hung up on Roush a second time, and when negotiations between the two officially ended.(
Tom Jensen / FoxSports)(1-25-2015)

 

 

Kurt Busch hasn't discussed running Indy 500 in 2015: 

#41-Kurt Busch said on Tuesday during the NASCAR Media Tour that a second attempt at the Indy 500 - and with that, a second attempt at The Double of the "500" and NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 on the same day - has not been discussed by him and team owners Tony Stewart and Michael Andretti. "It's nice to have Tony Stewart's blessing to run Indy, and Michael Andretti giving me the access to come back to give it a shot, but it's something we haven't talked about. There's been plenty of other things in this offseason to stay focused on." As for Andretti, who fielded Busch's Verizon IndyCar Series machine at last year's "500," he told FoxSports.com earlier this month that while Andretti Autosport's main focus is on fielding a fourth car for the 2015 IndyCar season, there was still a chance for something to come together with Busch for the Month of May. "He was a real professional and learned a lot to the point where I think he would be a real factor in the race if we put something together," Andretti said in that interview. "He did a hell of a job last year without experience. Now, with one more year of experience, I think Kurt Busch could be a real factor in the Indianapolis 500 in 2015." Busch's ride with Andretti for last year's "500" was not announced until March.(NBC Sports)(1-28-2015)

 

 

Stewart buys All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Car Series: 

#14-Tony Stewart has agreed to terms with Guy Webb, owner of the All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Car Series, to become the sole owner of the original winged sprint car tour. The All-Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Car Series is one of the oldest traveling sprint car organizations and is a staple of grassroots, open-wheel racing. The transaction between Webb and Stewart will proceed immediately.(Eldora Raceway)(1-28-2015)

 

 

Kurt Busch reasserts what he said about ex: 

#41-Kurt Busch didn't back down Tuesday from his testimony about ex-girlfirend Patricia Driscoll but said he didn't know when a decision would be made in the protective hearing case. Busch has been a part of national headlines after testifying earlier this month that he believed Driscoll was a trained assassin. He also stated that she repeatedly asserted she was and claimed the work took her on missions across Central and South American and Africa. Busch reasserted his claim Tuesday: "What I said was under oath.''(NBC Sports)(1-28-2015)

 

 

Gene Haas looks to re-sign Danica Patrick: 

Danica Patrick, who is entering her third season in the #10 GoDaddy Chevy, is in the final year of her contract. Stewart-Haas Racing owner Gene Haas says discussions are ongoing and the evaluation process began from "the day she starts". Haas isn't concern with how Patrick has struggled in the first two seasons. He believes the potential is there. "This is the last year of the contract we have with her and GoDaddy," Haas said. "There are negotiations going on. Everything changes in this sport. I think she's done good. When you look back at someone like a Joey Logano, he spent all those years over at Gibbs and it took six year to get going. I don't think she's that far off the mark. She's probably right on the mark really. We've made some changes. I think putting Daniel (Knost, crew chief) with her is a good change. He's very technical. He's the type of guy that will explain to you what the car is doing. If it's doing this, these are the results you're going to get. He has a different way of racing than say Tony Gibson. It's like she said, it's going to give you a different perspective which will give you different results." While the commitment from Patrick and Haas appears to be viable, there's the question of what level GoDaddy chooses to participate at moving forward. Patrick said on Tuesday, "Of course I want GoDaddy to come back. We've been talking about it for quite a while. They want to, we just have to make sure we keep giving each other value. They give me value, now it's about me giving back to them."(Motorsport)(1-27-2015)

 

 

BK Racing names JJ Yeley as the Primary Driver for the 2015 Season: 

JJ Yeley will pilot a BK Racing Toyota for the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, starting at Daytona International Speedway in a few weeks. Yeley, who filled in for the team at the end of the 2014 season, has signed on for a full 36 race season. JJ Yeley commented, "I am looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of my BK Racing Toyota Camry. I filled in for the team at the end of the 2014 season, and I'm glad to be given the opportunity to come back again for another season. I am ready to get the 2015 season started and head to Daytona International Speedway for some restrictor plate racing."
"JJ has been a great asset to the BK Racing team," owner Ron Devine commented. "He has been involved in the motorsports industry for several years now, and has the knowledge and skill to help build this organization."(
BK Racing). Yeley ran the #83 and #93 Toyota's for BK Racing in 2014, the PR doesn't say which BK Racing team Yeley will be paired with.(1-27-2015)

 

 

Michael Annett joins HScott Motorsports as second full-time driver: 

HScott Motorsports enters the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) season with a new look as it expands to two cars. Justin Allgaier will return to the #51 BRANDT Chevy while Michael Annett joins the team and will drive a Chevrolet adorned by longtime anchor partner Pilot Flying J. "The addition of a second team increases HScott's overall ability to better utilize its resources at track and at the shop to be even more competitive," said team owner Harry Scott Jr. "I'm proud to have seen Justin truly mature as a NSCS driver last year, and I can't wait to see what he does this year. Like Justin, Michael is coming off his rookie year following six years of competition in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Michael is a quality driver with a great future at HScott Motorsports. These drivers compliment one another and will make great teammates."
"This is as excited as I've been for a new season, I can't wait to get to Daytona and fire the engines," said Allgaier. "I'm looking forward to carrying the momentum from the end of last season over to this year. Michael is a great addition to our organization and I'm glad to have a teammate to compete with each week."
BRANDT Professional Agriculture, a leading agriculture retailer and manufacturer of agricultural specialty products, returns as the primary sponsor of the #51 Chevy for 21 races, beginning with the Daytona 500 on February 22. Auto-Owners Insurance will also be the primary partner on the #51 for three races.
"Justin and the #51 team continue to be a great source of pride for BRANDT employees and customers, and we are all looking forward to a great 2015 season," said BRANDT President and CEO Rick Brandt. "I'm excited for the opportunity to drive for HScott Motorsports," said Annett. "I am impressed with the way Harry is building his NASCAR teams. Harry and competition director Steve Addington have a long-term vision and I'm honored to be part of it. I'm also looking forward to having Justin as a teammate." Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel retail centers, will be a primary partner on Annett's car. Other partners include Cypress Associates, Inc., Allstate Peterbilt Group and Northland Oil.(HScott Motorsports), no car number for Annett was announced. Annett drove the #7 Chevy for Tommy Baldwin Racing in 2014.(1-27-2015)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Track Forum:

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

 

SAGE

 

http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php/191642-SAGE

 

 

 

 

From the Dirt Track Digest Forum:

http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/DTD/

 

Lets talk about this new Renegade sprint series....

 

http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/DTD/index.php?/topic/51666-lets-talk-about-this-new-renegade-sprint-series/

 

 

From the AARN:

 

This week in the AARN:

 

Shelby Harper Named Ms. Motorsports 2015

 

Rolex 24 Shared By Ganassi Indy 500 Winners, Sprint Cup Stars

 

New Grandview Ride For TenTime Champ Jeff Strunk

 

Tommy Baldwin’s Sprint Cup Team Dealt Mortal Blow As Annett, Sponsor Bolts

 

Patented Rear Suspension Unveiled At Motorsports By Troyer Race Cars

 

NYSCCA, ARCH Honor Regional Racing Stars At Annual Banquets

 

Joe Skotnicki Let Go Abruptly By DIRTcar

 

Bernal, Bacon Win USACSprint Mains In Arizona

 

NAPAKNOWHOWACIndoor Race Weekend Awaits

 

Plus a few other things I found:

 

I see Tyler Dippel was 5th at New Smyrna (Fla) Speedway, in the Pete Orr Memorial Race.

 

Don't forget - this coming weekend - Indoor races at Atlantic City.  Just hope it's not another demo derby like Trenton was.

 

Randy Wolfe has joined up with the Don Matters WoO Sprint Car team as crew chief.  Joey Saldana is their driver.

 

Ricky Yetter is retiring from driving after 31 years.

 

Tommy Baldwin, Jr. lost his driver and his driver's sponsor, all inside of a month.

 

I tend to agree with Ernie Saxton - some NASCAR races are too long.

 

Ernie made note of the difficulties Sam Ard has had and how NASCAR falls short by not having a program in place to take care of older drivers.   A head injury to Ard, back on 10/20/84 led to other complications and eventually to Alzheimers Disease.

 

AARN had a full page devoted to the racing in Florida.  Also a full page devoted to Dr. Dick Berggren and his life in racing.

 

As for the wingless, self starting 602 Sprint Cars at the Accord Speedway - it's said that a lot depends on the interest in them as to whether they'd be a weekly class.

 

The URC has at least 20 races on their 2015 schedule, so far.

 

Bridgeport Speedway has added over 200 truckloads of new clay - black clay.

 

Of the more than 40 tracks that had Grand National races during their first decade, only 3 tracks remain - Martinsville, Darlington and Watkins Glen.

 

Jeff Strunk will be driving for Dave Zubikowski at Grandview and the Deyo events.  Jerry Higbie will also have a "Zubi" car for the Deyo events and also for Accord.  The "Zubi" tem has 5 Hig-Fab chassis, 5 Morrison Small Block engines, 3 open Small Blocks and a DIRT legal spec head Small Block.

 

Vinnie Salerno is cutting back on their team racing due to work obligations.  T-Mac will be in the seat, as will Billy Decker, on occasion.

 

Danny Creeden was seen talking quite a bit with Dieter Schmidt at the Motor Sports show.  Might it be about driving for him at OCFS?

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Facebook  - racing related:

 

On Facebook on 1/25/15:

 

Jacksonville Speedway Ill. ....seems that several tracks are doing this, going from a 1/2 mile to a much smaller 1/4-1/3 mile. Farmer City did it a couple of years ago and when i sope to the owner had said, "with dwindling car counts and cars becoming so fast that fans were leaving in droves due to being strung out, they had to do something. After making the change with the same car count the fans returned to see the "ACTION" on the track now that it is no longer spread out and follower the leader conveyer belt racing. 16-20 cars puts on 1 hell'va show now ......not only that the racing is much much better the track maintenance is virtually cut in 1/2. Using the same amount of lighting now covers a smaller area and is much brighter for the fans and the racers" Wish all these 1/2 miles here in Florida/Ga would take a look at this...It could be a saving grace...



 

Davey Hamilton at today's meeting with the Florida sprint car racing community in Gibsonton, FL:

"I'm doing it then. I'll tell you right now I'm doing it," after hearing support from the racing community. During the meeting, no one urged him not to go forward with his plans. Hamilton proposed that the name for the Southeast regional series be "Southern Super Sprints". It would operate under the banner of the King of the Wing Series. "I am going to start working on it immediately," Hamilton stated.

 

 

And, on 1/28/15:

Stewart ends Sprint Car battle for Ohio

http://www.nationalspeedsportnews.com/sprints-midgets/other-sprint-cars/stewart-ends-sprint-car-battle-for-ohio/

 

 

Press Releases:

 

News from the Short Track Super Series Fueled By Hi-Tek PPB South Region

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

For Immediate Release/Jan. 28, 2015

Bridgeport Speedway Kicks Off Short Track Super Series Fueled By Hi-Tek Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc. South Region Championship Race For 2015 Sunday, April 19; Rules Set, Registration Opens As Lucrative ‘South Jersey Shootout’ Nears!

BRIDGEPORT, NJ It all begins in South Jersey.

The chase for the Short Track Super Series Fueled By Hi-Tek Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc. South Region championship opens on Sunday, April 19 (rain date: April 26) at Brian Ramey’s Bridgeport Speedway with the ‘South Jersey Shootout’ inaugural edition. The event will make history at Bridgeport, a wide and fast five-eighths-mile clay oval located just minutes from Delaware and Pennsylvania.

The ‘South Jersey Shootout’ will be headlined by the Short Track Super Series big-block/small-block Modifieds running 40 laps with a lucrative purse structure offering $5,000-plus to win, $1,000 for 10th-place and $400 to take the green flag. Who will strike first in the Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc. South Region, a five-race point series involving Bridgeport, Big Diamond (Pa.), New Egypt (N.J.), Delaware International and Georgetown (Del.) speedways?

The Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc. South Region will pay a minimum of $7,500 to its inaugural champion. The top-10 drivers will share in the series point fund which totals a healthy $19,800 for just five events. All drivers with perfect attendance placing outside the top-10 will receive $250.

The rules for the ‘South Jersey Shootout’ have been established with staggered weight limits for a competitive balance among “Delaware” big-blocks, standard big-blocks and a variety of small-block powerplants. The rule structure should encourage a diverse field to converge on Bridgeport for the South Region lid-lifter.

Race information is now posted on the Short Track Super Series website at the following link:http://bdmotorsportsmedia.com/south-jersey-shootout-rules-general-information/

The complete Modified purse structure, from first to last, is outlined on the web at:http://bdmotorsportsmedia.com/modified-pay-structure/

Registration is now open for the ‘South Jersey Shootout’ for Modified competitors. The entry form can be found here: http://bdmotorsportsmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/BridgeportModifiedEntryForm.pdf

Unique to the ‘South Jersey Shootout’ event: both the outer five-eighths-mile track and inner quarter-mile will be in action on the same day. While the Modifieds, Sportsman (Open vs. Crate) and Outlaw Stocks will compete on the big track, Doug Borger’s XCel 600 Modified series is set to do battle on the inner quarter-mile oval. Fans will get to see action on two tracks for one price.

Marketing opportunities for the ‘South Jersey Shootout’ are now available by contact Brett Deyo by phone at845.728.2781 or via e-mail: bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com including lap sponsorships for $20 per lap. BD Motorsports Media LLC is on the web at www.shorttracksuperseries.com or www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com. Like “Short Track Super Series” on Facebook or follow @ShortTrackSS on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news.

Located in South Jersey, just minutes from Pennsylvania and Delaware at I-295 Exit 14, Bridgeport Speedway is a spacious five-eighths-mile clay oval with a quarter-mile embedded in the center. Bridgeport Speedway provides a safe and secure family atmosphere, free parking, giveaways and fan participation. To learn more, visit www.bpspeedway.com.

The Short Track Super Series is presented by Hi-Tek Race Fuels, American Racer/Lias Tire, Bob Hilbert Sportswear, Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc., East Coast Speed, Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, Dirt Track Digest, Hig Fab Chassis, Bicknell Racing Products, Teo-Pro Car, FOX Shocks, Fast Axle, Henry’s Stainless Steel Exhaust, Kirkey Race Products, Simplicity Designs and many other fine marketing partners.

Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc. South Region 
Sunday, April 19 (Rain Date: April 26) – Bridgeport Speedway/Bridgeport, NJ: South Jersey Shootout
Tuesday, May 5 (Rain Date: May 6) – Big Diamond Speedway/Minersville, PA (Combo): Anthracite Assault
Thursday, June 11 (Rain Date: June 15) – New Egypt Speedway/New Egypt, NJ: Dirty Jersey 3 - $10,000 to win!
Tuesday, Aug. 4 (Rain Date: Aug. 5) – Delaware International Speedway/Delmar, DE – Diamond State 50
Tuesday, Sept. 1 (Rain Date: Sept. 2) – Georgetown Speedway/Georgetown, DE – Beach Blast 2 – Championship Points

Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc. Short Track Super Series Fueled By Hi-Tek South Region Point Fund (*based on 5 events): 1. $7,500; 2. $3,000; 3. $2,250; 4. $1,500; 5. $1,250; 6. $1,000; 7. $900; 8. $850; 9. $800; 10. $750.  

 

Brett Deyo
BD Motorsports Media LLC
Phone: 845.728.2781
www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com
Facebook: "BD Motorsports Media"
Twitter: @BrettDeyo

 

 

Note:  It's nice to see rain dates posted.

 

 

This week’s photo:

 

C:\Users\Dad\Pictures\Ernie McCoy.jpg

 

Ernie McCoy, pictured here in a Jake Vargo Sprint Car, at Reading, PA.  Ernie was one of the five drivers that completed the entire 500 miles at Indy in 1953, without relief.  The others being Bill Vukovich, Art Cross, Jack McGrath and Jimmy Daywalt.

 

 

 

This weeks video:

 

Noted car owner Chip Ganassi was also a race driver.  Here's a video of an accident he had at Michigan, with Al Unser, Jr.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C7aVRpoEVg

 

 

 

Non racin' stuff:

 

Site of previously planned NASCAR track in New York to finally be developed

 

http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/25/site-of-proposed-nascar-track-to-finally-be-developed/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs

 

 

This weeks joke:

 


 

Deep Thinkers

 


What deep thinkers men are...

 

I mowed the lawn today, and after doing so I sat down and had a cold beer.

 

The day was really quite beautiful, and the drink facilitated some deep thinking.

 

My wife walked by and asked me what I was doing, and I said 'nothing'.

 

The reason I said 'nothing' instead of saying 'just thinking' is because

she then would have  asked 'about what?'. 

 

At that point I would have had to explain that men are deep thinkers

about  various   topics, which would lead to other questions.

 

Finally I pondered an age old question:

Is giving birth more painful than getting kicked in the nuts?

 

Women always maintain that giving birth is way more painful than

a guy  getting kicked in the nuts, but how could they "know"?

 

Well, after another beer, and some more heavy deductive thinking,

I have come up with an answer to that question.

 

Getting kicked in the nuts is more painful than having a baby, and even though

I obviously couldn't really "know",  here is the reason for my conclusion.

 

A year or so after giving birth, a woman will often say,

"It might be nice to have another child."

 

On the other hand, you never hear a guy say,

"You know,  I think I would like another kick in the nuts."  

 

I rest my case.

 

 

Time for another beer, and then maybe a nap in that hammock.

 

 

Until my next column – next week

 

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/