Mostly Racin' Stuff  

By Tom Avenengo  

Volume # 215

03/05/2015

 

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11041729_10153180455329602_1425142750375808192_n.jpg?oh=e54ed0af909580619b36f093b6e388d8&oe=5590666F

 

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:

http://www.jayski.com/

 

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 USACSprints

 

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 2Championship 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.

 

C:\Users\Dad\Pictures\Biff and Bill.jpg

 

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/