Mostly
Racin' Stuff
By
Tom Avenengo
Volume # 215
03/05/2015
The
above photo appeared on Facebook on 3/4/15, along with this (part) of a
message:
March 4, 1899 Michael Caruso, Sr. was born in
Italy. He travelled with his parents to America at the age of 1 year old and
settled in Brooklyn. There he met Rose Adessio and decided to move to
Hicksville, NY for a better life. With a 6th grade education he started
Hicksville Auto Wreckers. He modified many car engines to enhance his famous
race cars.
Some
personal/family stuff:
This past Saturday, I, along with daughter
Sarah, grandson John and friend of Sarah's,
Kesha, were all set to go to East Bay Raceway for the USAC Wingless
Sprint Car races. Then, "Mother Nature" did her
thing, and they had to cancel due to all the rain. I forget the last time I saw a USAC race -
Langhorne, maybe?
Up at Punta Gorda, about 20 miles from
Cape Coral is a 3/8 mile paved track - Three Palms Speedway is what it's
called, now. Biggest problem they have
is that when it was previously owned, it had grand stands. They no long exist, having been moved
out. So, one must bring their own chair
or blanket. Admission is only five
bucks. Bigger problem is that car counts
are quite dismal. I'm an "Open
Wheel" race fan, and was quite excited when they had TQ's on opening night. But only 4 showed up. and other classes also had 3-5 cars per
class. Down the road there's supposed to
be a big winged sprint car race at Three Palms.
I think to be successful, they'll surely need some kind of stands for
the fans to sit in. Supposedly they're
on the way.
Thanks to Mike Mallett, my column is now
back on Dirt Track Digest, and even has photos, too. Mike has been nice enough to let me email him
my column, and he puts it on the website.
Eventually, he'll show me what to do, photo wise, and I should be able
to post my columns on my own.
Some of us have friends, and some of us
have people that just don't like us. I
have one person that really doesn't care for me, and to show his dislike, he'll
post things about me on Facebook. This
happened again the other day when someone posted that he was looking for
someone to do a helmet for him. My son,
Eric, has done some helmets in the past, so I posted this:
" Not
sure if my son, Eric, would be interested. He does good work. Check out SBD
Graphics."
This person came back with this: "oh look Tom is now an expert on
designing helmets his son would do a great job and then tom would complain
about it".
Then one of my children came
into the conversation, and this person came back with this:
"your father is a cancer
to the sport he is constantley stiring up shit . tom never has anything
positive to say . tom is constantley bashing the sport or what ever track he
may have stolen oxygen from that evening".
So I'll no longer post
anything about the track this person is associated with, since I have to
imagine I'm a "Cancer" to the track and some of its employees,
too. The sad part is, I've gone to this
track since the mid 40's.
Racin’
stuff:
Where to start? Maybe with the "Cluster" they had
at Atlanta with qualifying?
My thoughts: If the cars were legal, there should not have
been a need for some of them to go through tech two or three times. One time should be enough. Crew chiefs trying to get an edge and doing
things maybe just outside the rule book - hey you fail tech, you load up and go
home. That MIGHT stop what occurred.
And then the trucks - they screwed up
their qualifying too - in the third round.
Only ONE truck had time, due to everyone playing games and waiting until
the last second. Seems they got bit in
the butt for waiting a few seconds too long.
I really wonder what big Bill France would say - seeing how NASCAR has
screwed up - from racing to being a "show'? You notice the stands at Atlanta on Saturday
for the Truck race and Xfinity race?
Kurt Busch signs NASCAR terms
for road back to reinstatement from an indefinite suspension
http://nascartalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/02/kurt-busch-signs-nascar-terms-for-the-road-back-to-reinstatement-from-an-indefinite-suspension/
Huh?
HANS device not mandatory for
United Racing Club in New Jersey:
We have just received
information from Bridgeport Speedway that the United Racing Club will not need
to follow the NJ state rule that all drivers must wear a HANS device. The
United Club is a traveling series that is based out of Pennsylvania and will not
need to meet the requirements until the 2017 racing season.
Speedbowl GM Confirms NWMT
Event, Opening Weekend Date
http://speed51.com/speedbowl-gm-confirms-nwmt-event-opening-day/
Report:
NASCAR asking for $1 billion over 10 years for Cup sponsorship
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nascar-from-the-marbles/report--nascar-asking-for--1-billion-over-10-years-for-cup-sponsorship-161051846.html
Sport-NASCAR
calls shrinking grandstands 'right-sizing'
http://news.yahoo.com/sport-nascar-calls-shrinking-grandstands-sizing-005327955--spt.html
Note: Some
pretty interesting comments about this can be read if you go to
"comments" at the bottom of the article.
Definitely not good news for the Northeast DIRT
Modified fans:
New Onondaga Lake amphitheater
would replace New York State Fair grandstand:
"SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The new Onondaga Lake amphitheater will
replace the grandstand at the New York State Fair, officials said Tuesday. The
fate of the aging grandstand has been in question since Onondaga County
Executive Joanie Mahoney and Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced last year the
construction of a new outdoor concert theater on the western shore of Onondaga
Lake.
Mahoney confirmed Tuesday that the plan is to tear down the
grandstand and move the concerts to the amphitheater.
Acting State Fair Director Troy Waffner also confirmed the plan
Tuesday.
Mahoney made the surprise announcement at the end of her annual State of the County address.
She said she has asked Cuomo for $50 million in state funding to turn the state fair into a
year-round New York-themed theme park.
Cuomo is expected to visit
Solvay Wednesday
morning.
The grandstand sits on 70 acres that can be reused for new
equestrian arenas and an ice arena for hockey.
The hope is to finish in time for the 2016 state fair, Waffner
said.
"I think it's going to be phenomenal," he said.
In response to vendors who rely on grandstand business for sales,
Waffner said only 8 percent of visitors to the state fair come for the
grandstand."
http://www.syracuse.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/03/new_onondaga_lake_amphitheater_would_replace_new_york_state_fair_grandstand.html
And then there is this:
Mahoney sees new heart of NYS
Fair: Farewell to 'Moody Mile,' hello Main Street by the midway?
http://www.syracuse.com/kirst/index.ssf/2015/03/rather_than_a_moody_mile_a_main_street_near_the_midway_mahoney_waffner_on_rethin.html
Note: You bet your sweet
"Bippy" that Facebook lit up like a Christmas tree when the above was
posted. Same goes for the DTD Forum.
Question: Where do you
think SDW should/could/would be held - if it still continues on? Rolling Wheels? Charlotte?
I figure it would probably have to be on a track anywhere from 3/4 mile
to a mile in size. As one of those PR's
mentioned, SDW would be held this year, but no idea as to what's down the line
for future SDW's. Don't forget - Vernon
Downs, either. I think their track is
7/8 mile, but there might be a problem since they race horses there.
Eric Haubrich:
Many of you know
him, many don't. Maybe you remember his
father? Both have raced. A while ago, Eric was diagnosed with
Cancer. He's had some surgeries, has
started Chemo and radiation treatments.
Surely, he'll face an up-hill battle.
This has been
posted regarding Eric and the car show:
"We
are pleased to announce that all proceeds from the auction at this years show
will go to help Eric Haubrich. Anyone wishing to donate items can drop them off
at the show on set up day Friday march 20th or on Saturday the 21st before the
auction starts at 3pm."
From
Jayski:
Jeff Gordon pushing forward on Fort Erie track:
Representatives
from Jeff Gordon say they remain committed towards the development of the $400
million Canadian Motor Speedway in Fort Erie. Pending approvals from the
Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Province of Ontario, officials expect to
file this spring for the necessary permits to resume construction for the
massive track complex along Bowen Road and just off of the Queen Elizabeth Way.
The track, whose centerpiece is a Gordon-designed signature speedway, could see
its first race take place by 2017. "Jeff has very precise and intimate
ideas on how he wants the CMS oval designed and built," said John Bickford
Sr., Jeff Gordon Inc. vice president and general manager. Bickford is Gordon's
stepfather. Billed as a motorsport innovation park, Canadian Motor Speedway
will have a 3/4 mile banked oval track and a 2-mile graded road course. The
grandstand will hold 60,000 race fans plus an enclosed club seat section for
another 5,000 fans and 40 luxury suites.(Buffalo Busniess First)
AND For the $400-million Canadian Motor
Speedway to keep moving forward changes need to be made at QEW-Bowen Rd.
interchange. "That overpass at Bowen Rd., does need to be upgraded,"
said CMS spokesman Erik Tomas. "But because it's going to be the main
access and egress point to the speedway development, meetings are being
conducted with the Ministry of Transportation to determine what has to go
there, and whether that will be a two or four-lane design." Tomas said the
track has spent a large sum of money on traffic studies, and even though there
will be about 60,000 people in the stands initially for auto-racing events, it
might not be necessarily to have an expensive four-lane interchange. The track
might be able to do it with two lanes.(Niagara Falls Review)(2-28-2015)
NASCAR says implementing SAFER remains "highest priority":
In the wake
of #24-Jeff Gordon smacking a concrete wall Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, a
NASCAR executive said SAFER barrier development remained "the highest
priority for the sport." Gordon was unhurt after his #24 3M Chevy was
destroyed by heavy contact with an inside wall unprotected by the
energy-absorbing barrier that NASCAR has mandated for many sections of tracks.
"It was just another reminder how important it is," NASCAR executive
vice president and chief development officer Steve O'Donnell said of Gordon's
crash Monday morning on "The Morning Drive" on SiriusXM Radio's
NASCAR channel. O'Donnell said NASCAR had dispatched staff members to the West
Coast, where the circuit is headed for races at Las Vegas, Phoenix and Auto
Club Speedway. Tire barriers were erected along the interior pit lane walls at
Atlanta after Busch's crash. "We'll employ temporary solutions anywhere we
can (with) SAFER everywhere it's feasible," he said. "Obviously there
are places that presents a challenge, but that's the highest priority. We have
follow-up meetings with all of the ISC tracks. We talked with Marcus Smith
(president of Speedway Motorsports Inc., which owns Atlanta and six more Cup
tracks), and they know the urgency." During the multicar accident, the
cars of Denny Hamlin and Jamie McMurray also struck unprotected exterior walls
on the backstretch. That prompted questions about why the tire barriers weren't
implemented around the track. "Sometimes when you put a tire barrier on a
straight wall on the backstretch, it has a negative effect where it can propel
the car back into traffic," O'Donnell said. "There's a short-term
balance, but we're trying to prioritize everything with the ultimate goal being
SAFER as soon as we can." Another obstacle could be the available
companies and resources to install the barriers. "The challenge is going
to be, quite honestly, as I understand it from our development guys, right now
there's only two companies approved to build these things," Atlanta
president Ed Clark told NASCAR Talk's Dustin Long. A NASCAR official told
NASCAR Talk that Clark's number was incorrect but didn't have the exact number
of companies approved for such work. Clark said Atlanta should be ringed with
SAFER when NASCAR returns next year.(NBC)(3-2-2015)
Smith named to drive the #41 at Las Vegas:
Stewart-Haas
Racing has named Regan Smith interim driver of its #41 Haas Automation Chevy
for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend March 6-8 at Las Vegas Motor
Speedway. The race on Sunday will be Smith's sixth Sprint Cup start at Las
Vegas. His most recent Sprint Cup start at the 1.5-mile oval was on March 11,
2012 when he finished 15th. Las Vegas will be Smith's third race in the #41
car. He drove the Haas Automation Chevy to a 16th-place finish Feb. 22 at
Daytona and a 17th-place finish last Sunday at Atlanta. A driver for the #41
team at next weekend's Sprint Cup race at Phoenix and subsequent races has not
been determined.(Stewart Haas Racing)(3-2-2015)
Hamlin talks about the accident at Atlanta:
#11-Denny
Hamlin got lose on lap 256 in Sunday's Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta
Motor Speedway, spinning and collecting other drivers in a wreck, including
#24-Gordon, #17-Stenhouse Jr and #1-McMurray. Hamlin finished 38th. A comment
by Hamlin:
What happened to cause your accident?
Hamlin: "I was right on the 19 (Carl
Edwards) entering (turn) one and he checked up and if I didn't move to the
right, I was going to spin him out. I was going to run right in the back of him
and when I moved to the right of him it put me right on the door of the 4
(Kevin Harvick) and I just sucked around and that was it. I apologize to all
those cars involved, but it's tough. I mean, we had a good FedEx Ground Toyota
for most the day. Just lost the handle there on the last run and kind of put us
in a spot where we hadn't restarted all day and just got sucked around and got
a little loose."(Toyota Racing)(3-1-2015)
Gordon and McMurray comment about wreck at Atlanta:
#24-Jeff
Gordon and #1-Jamie McMurray were victims of a late wreck on lap 256 in
Sunday's Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Comments by
Jeff Gordon:
WHAT HAPPENED?
Gordon: "I saw the #11 (Denny Hamlin)
going sideways. I had him cleared. I stood on the gas and went by him; but I
guess he might have clipped the #1 (Jamie McMurray) and it turned the #1 back
into me. After that I was just along for the ride. It looks like maybe the #31
(Ryan Newman) came down in trying to avoid the #11 and got into the #1 and then
he clipped me in the left rear and sent me down the back straightaway. It
wouldn't have been too bad except that I found that one spot where there's no
SAFER barrier. I can't believe it. That's amazing to me. Anyway, hopefully soon
that will get fixed. It was a pretty big impact. I hate it for this team. We
were struggling. We didn't have the 3M Chevrolet that I thought we were going
to have, but we weren't giving up on it. We were going to make gains and we
finally got ourselves in the top 10 and I think we had a shot of getting into
the top five. But obviously it's not the way we want to start our season."
WAS IT THE INTENSITY OF THE RACE YOU THINK THAT CAUSED THAT INCIDENT?
Gordon: "He (Denny Hamlin) was loose
before that. He looked like he struggled on the restarts. He would go up the
race track. I think he was just real loose in the beginning of a run. Guys,
yeah, they are getting aggressive. I don't know if somebody got into the back
of him, but they may have. He went around and at that point everybody is just
trying to avoid him. You know how on those restarts it gets pretty wild down
there in (turns) one and two. The later you get in the race like everywhere it
gets more intense and guys start pushing harder and giving a lot less."
IS IT TIME FOR DRIVERS TO DO MORE TO MAKE SURE SAFER BARRIERS ARE ALL OVER
EVERY TRACK?
Gordon: "I am very frustrated with the
fact there are no SAFER barriers down there. I knew it was a hard hit. I was
like 'man I can't believe...' I didn't expect it to be that hard. Then I got
out and I looked and I saw 'oh wow big surprise I found the one wall here on
the back straightaway that doesn't have a SAFER barrier. I don't think we can
say any more after Kyle's (Busch) incident at Daytona. Everybody knows we have
to do something and it should have been done a long time ago. All we can do now
is hope they do it as fast as they possibly can."
ON WHAT HAPPENED:
Gordon: "I saw the #11 (Denny Hamlin) get
loose and come around. He was just trying to save it, and guys were trying to
avoid him, and got collected. I went by the No.11 on the outside and cleared
him. I thought I was in good shape then I saw the #1 (Jamie McMurray) coming
fast. I tried to get by him and he clipped me in the left rear and spun us
around and sent us into the wall on the back straightaway. We weren't having a
great day, I thought we would be better than that. We were struggling but I'm
proud of the way we were fighting through. We had gotten ourselves into the
top-10 right there. We might have had a shot at a top-five but we won't know
now. It's unfortunate way to start the season. We just have to dig ourselves
out of this hole."
Comments by Jamie McMurray:
WHAT HAPPENED?
McMurray: "So, the #11 (Denny Hamlin) just
got loose. It's pretty hard to pass. And you run wide-open so long that you
take what you can get when you can get it. And the restarts are the best place
to pass on the track; especially if you're on the bottom. That's a pretty big
advantage here. You're just racing as hard as you can and unfortunately we just
had an accident there. Our McDonald's Chevy was really good today. I was really
proud of our whole team. The track bar adjuster was really interesting if you
got to play with that and there were times you'd get your car back. I don't
know that it necessarily created passing, but it saved you at times if the car
got a longs way off. So yeah, interesting day."
ON WHAT HAPPENED:
McMurray: "I didn't see the #11 (Denny Hamlin)
spin out there. I was trying to pass the #31 (Ryan Newman) on the bottom and I
honestly thought I got hit by the #31. I had to watch the replay to see that
the #11 had lost it on top and came down. I don't know if he clipped the #31 or
if he clipped me. I didn't see any of that coming. That was kind of out of the
blue. You just try to get all you can on the restarts and he just got
loose."
ON HOW HE WAS RUNNING BEFORE THE INCIDENT:
McMurray: "Atlanta hasn't been very good
for me, and it hasn't been very good for our group. So to run as good as we did
today I think that is going to be really good for Las Vegas and some of the
other tracks with a lot of grip."(Team Chevy)(3-1-2015)
New rules limits crew members on pit road at end of race:
A new
NASCAR postrace procedure for Sprint Cup teams could limit the possibility of a
big postrace brawl breaking out, as one did at Texas Motor Speedway last
November. NASCAR officials confirmed Saturday they will stop all cars on pit
road following a race because NASCAR must collect the tapered spacer used to
limit air flow through the engine. That piece is issued to teams on a weekly
basis so that teams cannot alter it. With just a couple of crew members needed
to remove the spacer, NASCAR has issued an edict that only two crew members per
car will be allowed at each Cup car immediately after the race. That will keep
pit road from getting too cluttered, officials say. With only two crew members
at each car after a Cup race, that will limit the number of crew members from
each team in a contained area. In the past, several crew members would surround
the top-5 cars on pit road and the crews would surround the rest when they
parked at their haulers postrace.(ESPN)(3-1-2015)
Moffitt to Drive #34 FRM Ford for three races:
Twenty-two-year-old
up-and-coming driver Brett Moffitt will pilot Front Row Motorsports' #34 Ford
Fusion for the next three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. The young driver, who
finished eighth in Sunday's race at Atlanta, will drive the #34 Shaw's Southern
Belle Seafood Ford this week at Las Vegas. He will also be behind the wheel of
the #34 at Phoenix on March 15 and Auto Club Speedway on March 22. Moffitt
fills the seat temporarily vacated by Front Row Motorsports veteran David
Ragan, who is subbing for the injured Kyle Busch in the #18 car. Moffitt turned
heads in Sunday's 500-mile race in Atlanta, earning a top-10 finish in just his
eighth Sprint Cup Series start. The young driver is a nine-time winner in
K&N Pro Series East competition and currently serves as a test driver for
Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and Michael Waltrip Racing. He made starts in
the NASCAR XFINITY (2012) and Camping World Truck (2013) series before making
his Sprint Cup Series debut last June at Dover. Sunday's Kobalt 400 will be
Moffitt's ninth Sprint Cup Series start and his second of 2015.
"I'm excited about the opportunity to run some races for Front Row,"
Moffitt said. "After last weekend, I'm obviously eager to get back into a
car and keep racing. I'm grateful to Bob Jenkins and his team for giving me the
chance to do that. I'll do my best to get some good finishes for them. I'm also
thankful that Michael Waltrip Racing is allowing me to pursue this opportunity.
I think it's going to benefit everyone in the end."
Team owner Bob Jenkins believes Moffitt brings valuable experience -- plus an
eagerness to continue learning -- to the #34 team. "We know Brett doesn't
have a ton of Sprint Cup experience, but he's got a lot of hours behind the
wheel in testing time, and he was certainly impressive Sunday in Atlanta,"
Jenkins said. "For only his eighth start, he showed a lot of poise,
patience and maturity that you don't often see in drivers that age."
Michael Waltrip Racing co-owner Rob Kauffman is supportive of the arrangement.
"As we anticipated, there has been heightened interest for Brett Moffitt's
services after his solid performance last weekend in Atlanta," Kauffman
said. "While he is committed to MWR, we are happy for him to gain further
valuable experience and help Bob Jenkins, Jerry Freeze and the team at Front
Row Motorsports over the next few races. Bob and Front Row were very gracious with
our Toyota teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing after Kyle Busch's unfortunate
injuries by allowing David Ragan to vacate the #34 to drive the #18. We will
continue to work on future opportunities for Brett."
Shaw's Southern Belle Seafood joins Moffitt as a first-time partner with
Front Row Motorsports for the Las Vegas event. The Jacksonville, Fla.-based,
"Made in the USA" premium seafood company makes award-winning crab
cakes and stuffed crabs, sold in fine supermarkets across the country. The Shaw
family has owned and operated the business, using recipes from original
Southern Belle "Mama Shaw," since 1934.(FRM)(3-34-2015)
Brian Vickers returns to the seat of the #55:
Excuse
Brian Vickers if taking the green flag to start Sunday's Las Vegas race seems
as rewarding as a trip to victory
lane. Vickers missed the 2015 season's first two races as he recovered from
Dec. 13 heart surgery. Three months later, he'll strap himself into the #55
Aaron's Dream Machine and prepare for battle at 200 mph. The Michael Waltrip
Racing driver has no doubts about his health. "The doctors say I will be
as strong if not better than before," said the 31-year-old Thomasville,
N.C. native. "The surgery was a lot higher risk, but they feel really good
about how everything has progressed. My sternum is stronger than before. It's
wired together making loops like a coat hanger." Vickers latest health
battle began on Dec. 11 after he arrived in Charlotte and prepared to drive to
Mooresville, N.C. to an Aaron's photo shoot. He knew something was wrong.
"At the hospital they discovered my body was rejecting an artificial patch
that was inserted in 2010 to fix a hole in my heart. The procedure was painful
but it went great and they feel better about my heart than before." He
wouldn't be human if he didn't have his doubts in December. "Your first
question is 'Am I going to live,'" he recalled. "Once I knew that
then I had to decide about racing. Maybe, if I had already won a championship
and done everything I wanted to do in racing I would have given serious thought
to walking away, but I really want to win races and a championship. There's
more to do and I didn't want to someday look back and regret not coming back.
And, I'm not going to lie, I enjoy going 200 mph. Overcoming problems like this
is just what you have to do in life. There's a lot of people battling things
tougher than what I have battled." Inserting the original heart patch in
2010 and blood clots in 2013 forced Vickers to miss races. Add in the December
surgery and few people have a better appreciation of life than Vickers.
"You just have this notion that tomorrow is going to be there and when you
go through something that jeopardizes all that, you understand how important
living for today is."
Aaron's will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a special paint scheme on the
#55 this weekend (MWR), see an image of the scheme on the #55 Team Schemes page.(3-4-2015)
Start #200 for Keselowski:
#2-Brad
Keselowski will make his 200th career start in Sunday's Kobalt 400 at Las Vegas
Motor Speedway. The 31-year-old Ford driver will try to make his deuce wild,
and show up in Victory Lane for the second straight season as Sin City's
defending race winner. Now in his sixth full-time season on the NSCS circuit,
Keselowski boasts the 2012 Sprint Cup Series Championship, 16 wins, 50 top
fives, 80 tops 10s and eight Coors Light Pole Awards.(NASCAR)(3-4-2015)
Bliss returns to the #32 at Vegas:
Draft
Demons will be the sponsor of the #32 Go FAS Racing Ford of Mike Bliss in
Sunday's Kobalt 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Bliss will be making his third
career NSCS start at the 1.5 mile track with a best finish of 16th, which came
back in 2005. The 2001 NCWTS Champion will once again be pulling double duty,
running for Tri-Star Motorsports in Saturday's Xfinity race. Mike Bliss on Las
Vegas: "I feel really confident heading out west and going to Las Vegas
with the way our team is moving forward. Vegas is a fast, rough, and bumpy
track, which creates its own challenges, and that's one of the things that
makes it such a unique and fun track." Launched in February of 2015, Draft
Demons is
a daily fantasy sports website providing fantasy sports leagues and contests
lasting one day.(Go FAS Racing), see images of the car on the#32 Team Schemes page.(3-4-2015)
From
Track Forum:
http://www.trackforum.com/forums/forum.php
What do you think the car count will be for St Pete?
http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php/192364-What-do-you-think-the-car-count-will-be-for-St-Pete
Note: The St Pete race is on March 29th.
From the Dirt Track Digest Forum:
http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/DTD/
Selinsgrove ROC Postponed
http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/DTD/index.php?/topic/53038-selinsgrove-roc-postponed/
SELINSGROVE
, PA… The hopes on starting the 2015 Northeast racing season at Selinsgrove
Speedway with the annual Race of Champions Dirt Icebreaker VIII on Saturday, March 14, have been dashed as the record cold
February has forced the postponement of the event for the Modified and Sportsman stock cars.
Selinsgrove Speedway promoter, Charlie Paige, and event promoter and track race
director, Joe Kaminski made the call on Saturday morning,
February 28.
"With
the record-breaking, harsh winter we have had here, and continue to experience,
we stuck with the plan, with ‘hope against hope,' to stage our 8th Annual RoC
Icebreaker at Selinsgrove on March 14," offered Joe Kaminski of JGK Motorsports.
"With the race being just two weeks out, RoC’s Andrew (Harpell) along with
Charlie and I agreed to postpone the race. I really appreciate all of our
continuing sponsors. I have so much respect for them, our race fans and the
race teams that I know it is the right decision to make the call well in
advance, rather than inconvenience them and have them traveling unnecessarily.”
The planned Saturday-only
format is a change for the annual two-day Selinsgrove RoC Ice Breaker which
could make it easier to slot the event into the RoC, Selinsgrove and Northeast
racing schedule. And Paige, Kaminski and Harpell are already this weekend
discussing possible new dates for the event in 2015!
“Honestly
looking at the track right now and the impact of the freezing and even sub-zero
temperatures we experienced in February,” shared Charlie Page, “it appears that
we are at least three weeks out from now with a possible season opener,… and
that assumes we get a break in this weather.”
No ROC At NES Per Facebook
From the ROC Facebook.
With the harsh winter we expect a lot of
scheduling changes throughout the northeast this spring. Many of the northeast
teams are working hard to get ready for racing but the weather has made it
difficult for teams that don't have big race shops.
We announced this past weekend that the
RoC Icebreaker VIII at Selinsgrove Speedway has been postponed. We are
currently looking for a potential rescheduling date but wanted to get the word
out as soon as possible for our teams and fans. Both the speedway management
and the RoC are hoping to plug in a make up date.
The March 21st Modified and Sportsman
event at the New Egypt Speedway will not be RoC sanctioned this spring. The
race will take place as an unsanctioned event.
More on
Syracuse & SDW:
http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/NewPress/?p=1481
http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/NewPress/?p=1460
From
the AARN:
This week in the AARN:
Thomas, Ballou
Romp In East Bay USAC Sprints
Waterford
Speedbowl To Open In May With NASCAR Sanction, NWMT Race Date, New Name
Reading,
Southern Tier Mall Shows Close; Phillipsburg Mall Show Opens
Selinsgrove’s
RoC March 14 Icebreaker Postponed; New Date Being Sought
Jennerstown
Speedway’s Reopening Remains Uncertain
NASCAR Stars
Coming To Trenton For Celebrity Softball Game
DIRTcar’s Mike
Perrotte Defines His Role As Race Director
Jimmie Johnson
Wins Cold NASCAR Sprint Cup Atlanta Race
Godown Honored
At New Egypt Pre-Season Affair
Reutimann Family
To Have Street Named In Zephyrhills In Their Honor
And, I found
this, too:
Phil Meisner
Jr., the 305 Sprint Car champion at New
Egypt, last year, says the cost for a 305 has gone above than what he could
afford, so he's selling out and would like to run with the URC, but his two
main sponsors declining to continue on.
Also a 360 engine was something he could also not afford.
The New Egypt
305's will no longer be sanctioned by the Racesaver organization, since
Racesaver is now part of the IMCA, and they are not in agreement with their
sanctioning fees and requirements. Their
305's will follow Racesaver rules, as in the past, but now their events will be
under the same umbrella as the tracks divisions.
Jo Anne Davies
had a full page devoted to an interview with new DIRTcar Northeast Director, Mike Perrote.
X-CEL 600
Modifieds will run weekly at I-88.
There will be
three big money races held at Wall Stadium, this coming season. June 20th - 100 laps & $4,000.00 to win,
August 1st & $5,000.0 to win and August 22nd, $5,000.00 to win.
"Reutimann
Way" is the new name for a certain section of a road in Zephyrhills,
Florida. Just so happens that's the road
that goes right past the Reutimann race shop.
Dave Moody makes
mention of another "disappointing" crowd for Atlanta. I wonder why?
For the 11th
time, Rich Ricci, Jr. was crowned as the Accord Speedway driving champion.
Herb Anastor had
a full page (Part 1) on an article about Joe Barzda and his career and race
cars. (I was fortunate to have seen
Barzda run prior to getting the Kurtis chassied midget which he later
"Stretched" to be a "Legal" Sprint Car. It is an interesting read.
Really? You gotta be kidding me! Lenny Sammons has an article on 3 year old
Gavin Marlin, of Concord, N.C. who has now signed a 3 year deal to race an
Outlaw Go-Kart.
Where will it
end?
Guy Smith has
added more drivers to his list of those tracks the drivers have raced on. Ken Schrader with 425, Sammy Swindell with
340, Gary Wright with 201, Frankie Schneider with 115 and, believe it or not,
Richard Petty with only 109. Yes there
are many more with more than Petty.
Found on the South Jersey Dirt Racing
Forum:
Hello
everyone, I'm just trying to spread the word and get some more people involved.
Thank you AJ
The Tobias Slingshot team of Wright Racing
is proposing to do something special for veteran’s during the upcoming 2015
Bridgeport Speedway Slingshot Poker Series races held on Sundays. For
each of the six races, Wright Racing would like to invite and pay the entrance
fee for a veteran to join them in the pit area. This is just a small way
of showing appreciation for all that our veterans have done and still
do. Each month will represent a different branch of the service through
the series. Together with the folks at Bridgeport Speedway, it will be a night
to enjoy some good old short track racing. Anyone interested should
contact AJ Wright @ Legnd01@yahoo.com for more information.
May (3 & 31) – Army
June (21) – Navy
July (5) – Marines
August (23) – Air Force
September (13) – Coast
Guard
October (2)– National
Guard
From Coastal 181:
A real nice article about
Dr. Dick Berggren can be found if you go here:
http://www.coastal181.com/nlm-working-April-2005/tearoffs-0.htm
Press Releases:
Contact: Chris Dolack
DIRTcar Racing PR
704-795-7223 | cdolack@dirtcar.com
44th NAPA Super DIRT Week A Go October
7-11, 2015, In Syracuse
DIRTcar
Racing officials working with county, state executives on 2016 and beyond
CONCORD, N.C. - March 3, 2015 - As the 2015 racing season is
kicking off around the country this spring, DIRTcar Racing is fully engaged in
preparations for the 44th running of NAPA Auto Parts Super DIRT Week on Oct.
7-11, 2015, at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, N.Y.
Thousands of fans from across the United States and Canada are
expected to return once again to the Moody Mile, with less than 30 reserved
camping spaces remaining for what's quickly become known as Racing's Biggest
Party each October.
DIRTcar officials also followed Tuesday night's presentation by
Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney and her plans for the fairgrounds in
2016 and beyond. DIRTcar is eager to work with New York State and Onondaga
County on the Empire State's biggest annual week of racing, and improvements to
the fairgrounds in the future.
"We are certainly excited to see New York State and Onondaga
County considering improvements to the New York State Fairgrounds,"
DIRTcar Racing CEO Brian Carter said. "NAPA Super DIRT Week has
generations of history and tradition for DIRTcar Racing fans, improving the
fairgrounds would ensure that coming generations could share in that tradition,
too."
For tickets to NAPA Auto Parts Super DIRT Week, go to www.DIRTcar.com/tickets, or call 877-395-8606.
The Super
DIRTcar Series and DIRTcar Racing in the Northeast Region is brought to fans by
several sponsors and partners including Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels,
Chevy Performance Parts, NAPA Auto Parts, and Safety-Kleen. Contingency
partners include the University of Northwestern Ohio, Contingency sponsors are
ASI, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, Brodix, ButlerBuilt, Cometic
Gasket, Comp Cams, Edelbrock, Integra Shocks, Intercomp, JE Pistons, JRI
Shocks, Klotz Synthetic Lubricants, KSE Racing Products, Motorsports Safety
Systems, MSD Performance, Penske Shocks, Racing Electronics, Superflow and
Wrisco Industries.
Note: I did respond with this:
What with the
state "taking over" the Fairgrounds, I do have some concerns about
SDW. Supposedly, the entire grandstand will be torn down. Work, if
started, will leave quite a mess for race fans to attend the 2015 SDW (if it is
even held at 'cuse). Parking and camping, from what I can see, will be
greatly affected.
One of the press
releases: http://www.syracuse.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/03/new_onondaga_lake_amphitheater_would_replace_new_york_state_fair_grandstand.html
Tom Avenengo
News from the Short Track Super Series Fueled By Hi-Tek
Media Contact: Brett Deyo - bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com or 845.728.2781
For Immediate Release/March 4, 2015
Long Green Line: Taylor & Messick
Signs On As Presenting Sponsor For 2015 Short Track Super Series Fueled By
Hi-Tek Delaware Events; Provides Marketing Support For ‘Diamond State 50’ At
Delaware International & ‘Beach Blast 2’ At Georgetown
HARRINGTON, DE – A
distinct buzz is in the air already for the two Short Track Super Series Fueled
By Hi-Tek stops in the state of Delaware during the 2015 season.
Now, Taylor & Messick - one of the First State’s most highly
respected and widely recognized businesses – has signed on to support the
series events at both Delaware International Speedway in Delmar and Georgetown
Speedway in Georgetown.
Taylor & Messick will serve as a presenting sponsor of both
the return of the ‘Diamond State 50’ at Charlie Cathell’s Delaware
International Speedway on Tuesday, Aug. 4 (rain date: Aug. 5) and the ‘Beach
Blast 2’ at Georgetown Speedway Tuesday, Sept. 1 (rain date: Sept. 2). Both
events are points-paying races on the 2015 Short Track Super Series Fueled By
Hi-Tek Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc. South Region presented by Scotty’s Speed
& Diesel.
The five-race South Region big-block/small-block Modified series
kicks off at N.J.’s Bridgeport Speedway on Sunday, April 19 (rain date: April
26) and the championship will be decided at the Georgetown ‘Beach Blast’
finale.
Located at 325 Walt Messick Road in Harrington, Del., Taylor &
Messick – known for its “Long Green Line” - has sold John Deere agricultural
equipment and lawn and garden equipment since 1951. Taylor & Messick,
located in the “Hub of Delaware,” and serving the Delmarva Peninsula and
beyond, was founded by Walter and Marie Messick and continues to be a family
owned and operated business 64 years later.
Taylor & Messick’s dedicated staff includes a parts
department, a service department consisting of lawn and garden and agricultural
technicians and a well-informed sales department.
In addition to the dealership, Taylor & Messick Inc. includes
Messick’s Agriculture Museum, which opened in 1976. The museum exhibits antique
machinery, automobiles, tools, toys and other farming memorabilia housed in two
enclosed buildings as well as several other open sheds. The museum is open to
the public during normal business hours.
To learn more about Taylor & Messick, visit www.taylormessick.com, call toll-free at 800.237.1272, locally at 302.398.3729 or
e-mail taylormessick@taylormessick.com.
The ‘Diamond State 50’ returns to Delaware International Speedway
after an absence of 10 years on Aug. 4. Modifieds will race for $5,000-plus to
win, $1,000 for 10th and $400 to take the green flag in a
50-lap main event. Additionally, Crate 602 Sportsman will battle for a $1,000
payday, with the Super Trucks completing the program. The event is a
co-promotion involving the Cathell family and BD Motorsports Media LLC.
For the second straight season, the historic Georgetown Speedway
plays host to the ‘Beach Blast’ special promoted by dirt Modified driver Eric
Kormann and BD Motorsports Media LLC on Sept. 1. A 35-lap main event for the
Modifieds pays a minimum of $5,000 to win, $1,000 for 10th and
$400 to take the green flag. Joining the Modifieds are Crate 602 Sportsman
($1,000 to win), Super Trucks and Delmarva Chargers.
The 2015 South Region champion will be decided at Georgetown, with
increased championship points on the line.
Previously announced this off-season, Hurlock Auto & Speed
Supply of Hurlock, Md., has signed on to support both Delaware events as a
presenting sponsor. Hurlock Auto & Speed Supply will also offer
incentives to competitors as both events which will be announced as the events
approach.
To learn more about the Short Track Super Series or BD Motorsports
Media LLC, visitwww.shortttracksuperseries.com or www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com, call 845.728.2781 or e-mailbdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com. “Like” Short Track Super
Series on Facebook or follow @ShortTrackSS on Twitter.
The Short Track Super Series is
presented by Hi-Tek Race Fuels, American Racer/Lias Tire, Bob Hilbert
Sportswear, Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc., ECS Auto Stores Inc./East Coast Speed,
Scotty’s Speed & Diesel, 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, ATL Fuel Cells, Lineman Racing, S&W Awards, Vahlco Wheels,
Hyperco, Shiley Fabrication, S&D Bodyline, and many other fine marketing
partners.
Short Track
Super Series Fueled By Hi-Tek 2015 Schedule
Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc. South Region
Presented By Scotty’s Speed & Diesel
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 Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc.
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.
Drivers with perfect attendance outside
the Top-12 receive $250.
Brett Deyo
BD Motorsports Media LLC
Short Track Super Series Fueled By Hi-Tek
Phone: 845.728.2781
www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com
Facebook: "Short Track Super Series"
Twitter: @ShortTrackSS
Weather stuff:
Hagerstown Speedway has postponed their
opener on March 8 until March 15. The March 14 show will be removed from the
schedule.
Port Royal just pushed back their opener from
3/14 to 3/21.
This week’s
photo:
It might be hard to visualize that ever since I've
been attending races, whether they were Midget, Sprint Car, Indy or Stock Cars,
I've only been to the Williams Grove track one time - October 21, 1951. On that day they held a 50 lap Ted Horn
Memorial race. From what I can recall,
it was to be the last race of the season, and my father's favorite driver, Bill
Schindler, was fighting Tommy Hinnershitz for the Eastern AAA Sprint Car
championship. Schindler was in the Mike
Caruso stretched Midget (below), and suffered engine problems. As the cars were being pushed off, one car, a
# 73, came into the pit area, the driver, who I think was either Buzz Barton,
or maybe it was Mark Light, but he got out of his car and told his crew to get
Schindler. The starter gave Schindler
one lap to get familiar with the car, then the race commenced. A driver from out west - Jimmy Brian, was in
the Leitenberger stretched Midget # 45, and proceeded to win the race. Schindler ended up second and Hinnershitz
third. Then there were two races
scheduled down in Carolina and Hinnershitz ended up with the championship. Some years later, the Ted Horn Memorial race
at Williams Grove became the Horn/Schindler Memorial race. No, they don't hold that race there,
anymore. From a race report on this
race, it was noted that there were 33,000 in attendance, that day.
Note: I do
believe that's "Bif" Caruso over on the left. Photo was found on the Caruso racing museum
website.
http://www.carusomidgetracing.com/
This weeks video:
Not a racing video this week,
but one of my all-time favorite singers - Johnny Cash. He was born on February 26, 1932. Yes, I was fortunate to have seen him in
concert, many times - the first was way back in the 50's, in the Newburgh, NY
Armory. Pretty sure we had to pay all of
4 bucks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RJehnopgR0
Non racin' stuff:
Found on Facebook:
" The skunk has replaced the Eagle as the
Presidential symbol.
It's half black, half white and everything it does, stinks."
For those of you that are "Health" conscious:
List of products with no High-Fructose Corn Syrup:
http://highfructosehigh.com/no-hfcs/
Note: One must read the comments
that are with this article, since the article, itself, leaves out quite a few
products.
Emails:
Love This Comeback !!!!!
One of my sons serves in the military. He is still state side, here in California. He called me
yesterday to let me know how warm and welcoming people were to him and his
troops everywhere he goes, telling me how people shake their hands and
thank them for being willing to serve and fight for not only our own
freedoms, but so that others may have them also.
But he also told me about an incident in the grocery store he
stopped at yesterday
on his way home from the base. He said that ahead of several people in front of him stood a woman
dressed in a burkha.
He said when she got to the cashier she loudly re-marked about the U.S . flag lapel pin the cashier wore on her
smock. The cashier reached up and touched the pin, and said
proudly, 'Yes, I always wear it and probably
always will...'
The woman in the burkha then asked the cashier when she was going
to stop bombing her country men,
explaining that she was Iraqi.
A gentleman standing behind my son stepped forward. Putting his
arm around my son's shoulders and nodding towards my son, he said in a calm and gentle voice to the Iraqi woman:
'Lady, hundreds of thousands of men and women like this young man have
fought and died so that YOU could stand
here, in MY country and accuse a check-out cashier of bombing YOUR countrymen.
It is my belief that had you been this outspoken in YOUR own country, we wouldn't need to be there
today. But, hey, if you have now learned how to speak out so loudly and
clearly, I'll gladly buy you a ticket
and pay your way back to Iraq so you can straighten out the mess in YOUR country that you are obviously
here in MY country to avoid.
Everyone within hearing distance cheered!
IF YOU AGREE____ Pass this on to all your proud
American friends.
I just did.....HELL YEAH
This weeks joke:
FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE PHILOSOPHY OF
AMBIGUITY,
AS WELL AS THE IDIOSYNCRASIES OF ENGLISH:
1. DON'T SWEAT THE PETTY THINGS AND DON'T PET THE
SWEATY THINGS.
2. ONE TEQUILA, TWO TEQUILA, THREE TEQUILA, FLOOR.
3. ATHEISM IS A NON-PROPHET ORGANIZATION.
4. IF MAN EVOLVED FROM MONKEYS AND APES, WHY DO WE
STILL HAVE MONKEYS AND APES?
5. THE MAIN REASON THAT SANTA IS SO JOLLY IS BECAUSE
HE KNOWS WHERE ALL THE BAD GIRLS LIVE.
6. I WENT TO A BOOKSTORE AND ASKED THE SALESWOMAN,
"WHERE'S THE SELF- HELP SECTION?" SHE SAID IF SHE TOLD ME, IT WOULD
DEFEAT THE PURPOSE.
7. WHAT IF THERE WERE NO HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS?
8. IF A DEAF CHILD SIGNS SWEAR WORDS, DOES HIS MOTHER
WASH HIS HANDS WITH SOAP?
9. IF SOMEONE WITH MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES THREATENS
TO KILL HIMSELF, IS IT CONSIDERED A HOSTAGE SITUATION?
10. IS THERE ANOTHER WORD FOR SYNONYM?
11. WHERE DO FOREST RANGERS GO TO "GET AWAY FROM
IT ALL?"
12. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU SEE AN ENDANGERED ANIMAL
EATING AN ENDANGERED PLANT?
13. IF A PARSLEY FARMER IS SUED, CAN THEY GARNISH HIS
WAGES?
14. WOULD A FLY WITHOUT WINGS BE CALLED A WALK?
15. WHY DO THEY LOCK GAS STATION BATHROOMS? ARE THEY
AFRAID SOMEONE WILL CLEAN THEM?
16. IF A TURTLE DOESN'T HAVE A SHELL, IS HE HOMELESS
OR NAKED?
17. CAN VEGETARIANS EAT ANIMAL CRACKERS?
18. IF THE POLICE ARREST A MIME, DO THEY TELL HIM HE
HAS THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT?
19. WHY DO THEY PUT BRAILLE ON THE DRIVE-THROUGH BANK
MACHINES?
20. HOW DO THEY GET DEER TO CROSS THE ROAD ONLY AT
THOSE YELLOW ROAD SIGNS?
21. WHAT WAS THE BEST THING BEFORE SLICED BREAD?
22. ONE NICE THING ABOUT EGOTISTS: THEY DON'T TALK
ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE.
23. DOES THE LITTLE MERMAID WEAR AN ALGEBRA?
24. DO INFANTS ENJOY INFANCY AS MUCH AS ADULTS ENJOY
ADULTERY?
25. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A CIVIL WAR?
26. IF ONE SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMER DROWNS, DO THE REST
DROWN TOO?
27. IF YOU ATE BOTH PASTA AND ANTIPASTO, WOULD YOU
STILL BE HUNGRY?
28. IF YOU TRY TO FAIL, AND SUCCEED, WHICH HAVE YOU
DONE?
29. WHOSE CRUEL IDEA WAS IT FOR THE WORD 'LISP' TO
HAVE 'S' IN IT?
30. WHY ARE HEMORRHOIDS CALLED
"HEMORRHOIDS" INSTEAD OF "ASSTEROIDS"?
31. WHY IS IT CALLED TOURIST SEASON IF WE CAN'T SHOOT
AT THEM?
32. WHY IS THERE AN EXPIRATION DATE ON SOUR CREAM?
33. IF YOU SPIN AN ORIENTAL PERSON IN A CIRCLE
THREE TIMES, DO THEY BECOME DISORIENTED?
34. CAN AN ATHEIST GET INSURANCE AGAINST ACTS OF GOD
??
Until my next column – next
week
Columns are
available on the Dirt Track Digest at: http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/ at Contributing Columnists
And:
http://newenglandtractor.com/racereport/