Mostly Racin' Stuff  

By Tom Avenengo  

Volume # 239

08/20/2015

 

This week’s photo:

 

C:\Users\Dad\Pictures\Bill in Caruso 2 Kurtis.jpg

 

Pictured above is the late, great Bill Schindler.  Back around 1936, he was in a terrible "big car" accident and due to the severe injuries to his left leg, he had to have a good part of that leg amputated.  He came back to racing, and rather than the big cars, went with the midgets.  He had quite a career driving for the late Mike Caruso, mostly.  Many track championships and quite a few ARDC driving championships, too.  In the years 1947 & 1948 he had 53 feature wins in each of those years.  He wanted to race in the Indy 500, so to do so, he had to start running the sprint cars again.  That led to him getting a ride for Indy and the AAA Championship Trail.  He did gather one win in the  "Champ Cars", shortly before his death in a sprint car at Allentown, Pa on September 20, 1952.

Rather than list his race record further down in this week's column, I'm going to add a few more photos of Bill in various cars.

 

 

 

Special from me:

Well, so far, I've had two IV's consisting of iron, which I've been low on.  Only 3 more to go.  Have I noticed any difference yet?  No, not really, although I seem to be sleeping better.

 

 

 

 

Racin’ stuff:

 

From Pocono Raceway:

 

Tricky Triangle Times: ABC Supply 500 Race Edition

It's officially the ABC Supply 500 race week!

We have you covered with all the information you'll need for this week/weekend.

This edition of the Tricky Triangle Times includes special events, great offers, driver appearances and so much more.

A few friendly reminders:

·                     Kids 12 and under are FREE on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Plus, their 100 & 200 level Sunday Grandstand tickets are half price! (Must be accompanied by adult with full-price admission ticket for each day.)

·                     The weekend also includes action on the Southeast Road Course, as well as, on the big 2.5-mile Superspeedway, with both SVRA and INDYCAR!

·                     Gate 1 Tunnel opens, for general admission, at 8 am on Thursday and Friday.

·                     All Gates and Fair Fair open at 8 am on Saturday and Sunday.

·                     Parking lots open at 6 am on Saturday and Sunday.

·                     Grandstand Parking is FREE!

·                     One-Day Sunday Infield tickets are not available on Sunday, August 23.

·                     Please visit our Fan Info page for any questions about our policies, what you can bring into the track and more.

Driver Autograph Session 


All Verizon IndyCar Series drivers competing in Sunday's ABC Supply 500 will be signing autographs before the race on Sunday.

This event takes place inside the INDYCAR Fan Village, located in Pocono Raceway's Fan Fair. The autograph session will run from 9:15-10:15 am.

Autographs will take place on a first-come, first-serve basis and at the discretion of INDYCAR officials.

Be sure to visit the INDYCAR Fan Village for more info this weekend!

For full schedule, click the "Read More" button.

  Story button

 

The Guess Who will perform live at the Pocono Raceway Infield Block Party this Saturday night, starting at 6:30 pm ET.

The Infield Block Party will also feature live music from local favorite, 40lb Head, a bar, food vendors and activities for kids. The annual Pocono Raceway Fireworks Spectacular are set to begin at approximately 9:15 pm.

These events are complimentary for all RV and Camping guests.

The public may attend by entering the Gate 1 Tunnel starting at 5 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids, ages 12 and under.  

 

 

 

Racing Electronics Special Offer 


Ever want to know what the driver and team talk about throughout the course of the race?

Well, thanks to our friends at Racing Electronics, you can now listen in on all your favorite drivers' communications.

This offer, exclusively for Pocono Raceway fans, will allow for you to choose from three discounted options: Single scanner for $25, Double scanner for $30 or Double scanner and Intercom for $40.

Note: Must be purchased before arrival to get discounted price.

Click the "Read More" button to buy now!

Story button

SVRA - On Track Starting Thursday - More Info

The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association will be on track all weekend long, starting on Thursday.

They will utilize both the Southeast Road Course in our Infield and the big 2.5-mile Superspeedway.

Click the "Read More" button for additional details.

Story button

http://neweratickets-t.neolane.net/res/net/7411b0ba43d512949007ee60cc83204c.png 

http://neweratickets-t.neolane.net/res/net/387078b24d75483c75fb088580b3032d.pngEmail Footer

 

I always get emails from Anne Fornoro regarding A.J. Foyt's Indycar race team.  Below is part of what I received this past Tuesday:

 

NOTES & QUOTES: ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway

Takuma Sato: No. 14 ABC Supply Honda

Jack Hawksworth: No. 41 ABC Supply Honda

 Takuma Sato On:

 Pocono Raceway:  “I like Pocono Raceway. The venue is set up in a great natural environment that I always enjoy and the track is very challenging. The characteristic of this tricky triangle is so much fun that every corner is totally different and feels like an ultra high-speed road course. I always enjoy driving here especially since we were able to find a good setup for the last two races here.”

The key setup for the race: Turn 1 and 3 are very different corners as one has a big banking and the other has no banking which made the balance of the car quite different so we work to get closer on balance between these two and seem to be succeeding at that. Since we have a very good chassis setup here, I believe we should be strong even with the new aerokit. Particularly since the configuration of the aerokit is the version that we run well with this year.”

Running strong and finishing: We know what happened the last two races here so I’m confident we will be able to finish as strong as our start. It’s another long 500-mile race so it will be very challenging for all of us but I have a good feeling.”

Having 1300 ABC Supply guests in the stands: “It just feels fantastic for another great support from our title sponsor ABC Supply. Having 1300 guests is massive, and it is very impressive. Hopefully they enjoy watching us have a strong this weekend.”

How he enjoyed his time off: "It was a very nice time off. I spent a good amount of time with my family and had a great trip to both Europe and Canada. We did lots of things while in South France and shared good times with my old friends. We also had a fantastic time in the mountains in western Canada, lots of great outdoor activity that was so much fun, so I am totally refreshed and ready to go to Pocono race!”

 

 Jack Hawksworth On:

 

Pocono Raceway: The sheer size and width of the front straight is pretty spectacular! It's certainly the most diverse oval I have ever raced on. Each of the three corners is completely different in terms of banking and radius which is very unique.” 

Last year’s accident: “Last year’s accident was a combination of a few things, pushing a little hard on cold tires and being a little aggressive in terms of car setup to try to dial it in for qualifying. We had a limited amount of track time that weekend and with no testing leading up to the event, I think it pushed us into a tricky situation. That's racing sometimes!”

Any hesitation about returning to track where you got injured? Honestly, I'm really hoping for some redemption at Pocono this year. The accident wasn't fun but it's a long time ago now and it would be great to firmly wipe that one from memory with a good run this year. The team has been strong there in the past and I would absolutely love to capitalize on that. I have to say the guys have been working hard since Mid-Ohio in all areas, and I think we have seen some consistent improvement throughout the team of late with four top-10's in the last eight races. We have a long road ahead still, but we'll be looking to see out these last couple of races with solid performances so that we can carry some positive momentum into the off season.”

How he enjoyed his time off: “I stayed in Texas the whole time. Last weekend I went shifter karting in Dallas which was a lot of fun.”

 

 

 A.J. Foyt will miss the final two races of the season. Foyt underwent surgery August 10 due to a staph infection in his right artificial knee (the January, 2012 infection was in his left artificial knee). The prosthesis was removed, and in its place an antibiotic-infused cement spacer was inserted to aid in clearing up the infection. Once his doctors are satisfied that the infection has cleared (about six weeks), Foyt will undergo another surgery to have a new artificial knee implanted, which will require an additional six weeks of recovery time. “Well this is one of the worst things I’ve gone through in my life,” Foyt said, adding, “Knowing I have five or six weeks dealing with this and then having to get operated on again to take the spacer out and put in a new knee. This staph infection, it’s the second time I’ve had it and it’s really beat me down. I don’t know if I’ll ever be like I used to be but I’m sure hoping, so I’m fighting awful hard.”

 

 

 

 

 

Found on Jayski:

http://www.jayski.com/

 

High-drag package disappoints at Michigan: 

 

NASCAR's high-drag aerodynamic package got its second race test Sunday in the Pure Michigan 400, and post-race reactions from drivers ranged from guarded approval to muffled disappointment. Matt Kenseth won the race in dominant fashion, leading 146 of the 200 laps. He was rarely challenged at the front. Most significant passing in the top 10 was done on the first few laps after a restart. The high-drag package was used for the first time at Indianapolis last month and had little impact on improving passing opportunities. The most definitive post-race answers Sunday came from Team Penske drivers Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski, both of whom avoided criticizing the package but said a lot in saying not very much. Asked what he thought of the package results, Logano said, "What did you think?" Told there wasn't much passing, he said, "That's what I thought, too." Asked if he wanted to see the package tried again, Logano simply said, "No." Keselowski also wouldn't comment specifically on Sunday's results. "It's not my deal, man," he said. "It's not my right to say. It's not my sport, so whatever they want to do, we'll race it. That's my job. I think we saw almost exactly what everybody thought we'd see. I'll let you guys (media) judge whether that was good or bad." NASCAR communications official David Higdon said NASCAR will look at data from Sunday's race, along with other aero package tests, and take input from drivers.
Kevin Harvick finished second but passed up the opportunity to comment directly when asked about the rules package. Denny Hamlin, who finished fifth and failed to lead a lap, had a mixed review. "It's not what I would prefer, obviously," he said. "Passing is very, very difficult; there's no doubt about it. I think there's light at the end of the tunnel. I think we've seen what's best. Hopefully, these NASCAR fans get what they want in the future." Martin Truex Jr. finished third but said he would have had a shot at winning under different circumstances. "We could run anybody down and get to them," he said. "But it took a long time to pass cars. It was just so damn hard to pass. I could run a guy down from way back and get to him and about spin out."(
USA Today)(8-17-2015)

 

 

2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup CHASE Standings:


[after Michigan, race 23 of 36]
(by wins, then by points standings)
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins](6th in driver points)
2) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins] (29th)
3) #20-Matt Kenseth [3 wins] (7th)
4) #4-Kevin Harvick [2 wins] (1st)
5) #22-Joey Logano [2 wins] (2nd)
6) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [2 wins] (3rd)
7) #41-Kurt Busch [2 wins] (8th)
8) #78-Martin Truex Jr. [1 win] (4th)
9) #2-Brad Keselowski [1 win] (5th)
10) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win](9th)
11) #19-Carl Edwards [1 win](14th)
(above drivers have clinched a berth in the Chase, except Busch who must remain in the top 30)
[would be in the Chase via points standings]
12) #1-Jamie McMurray, +70 ahead of 16th in driver points
13) #27-Paul Menard, +61
14) #31-Ryan Newman, +56
15) #24-Jeff Gordon, +55
16) #15-Clint Bowyer, +23
[currently out of the Chase]
17) #43-Aric Almirola, -23
18) #5-Kasey Kahne, -26
19) #16-Biffle, -63
(ties are broken by wins, 2nds, 3rds, etc)
See the 
Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).
(8-16-2015)

 

 

Sad News - Dave Arledge: 

 

David Cline Arledge was born April 8, 1950 and passed away August 9, 2015. He graduated from Tryon High and UNC Chapel Hill; Son of Thurston and Margaret Arledge. He was a pilot & Captain in US Marines. He was employed as a corporate pilot by Richard Childress Racing. He is survived by his wife JoAnne of the home, daughter Andrea Keller of St. Pete, FL, a brother Michael & sister in-law Linda Arledge of Madison, NC. A celebration of his life will be held Aug. 19, 2015 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Spartanburg Country Club. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to American Cancer or Childress Children's trauma Center.(Spartanburg Herald-Journal), at Michigan and Mid-Ohio, RCR cars ran a special decal in his honor.(8-16-2015)

 

 

Darlington offering "Untamed Access" for race weekend: 

 

Darlington Raceway is offering its fans a new exclusive "Untamed" VIP experience for the Bojangles' Southern 500 on Sunday, Sept. 6. Untamed Access offers fans the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of race day activities, including:
" Parking in the Brasington VIP area
" Admission to the Bojangles' Legends Breakfast
" Cold garage and pit access
" Pace car ride with a NASCAR personality
" Special Pre-race photo op in Gatorade Victory Lane
" A guided tour of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Garage by Richmond International Raceway President Dennis Bickmeier
" Red carpet access to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver's meeting
" Special VIP access to Bojangles' Southern 500 Pre-race ceremonies (NSCS driver introductions and Grand Funk Railroad concert)
All experiences are subject to change, weather permitting. The Untamed package is available for $375 and must be purchased in addition to a grandstand ticket or infield admission. Packages are only available for guests 18 and older. Untamed Access packages can be purchased by calling 866-459-RACE or visiting 
DarlingtonRaceway.com.(Darlington Raceway PR)(8-16-2015)

 

 

 

Michigan TV Ratings: 

 

Yet again, overnight ratings dropped for NASCAR on cable. NASCAR Sprint Cup racing from Michigan earned a 2.4 overnight rating on NBCSN Sunday afternoon, down 20% from last year and 2013 (3.0 both years), when the race aired on ESPN. So far this season, 11 of the 12 Sprint Cup races on cable have had a decline in overnights. The lone exception was Kentucky on NBCSN last month, which pulled even in the metered markets but ended up declining in the final tally. Other than the Brickyard 400, which had a 2.9 overnight, each race on cable this season has failed to top the 2.5 mark. At this point last year, nine of the ten races on TNT and ESPN topped 2.5. For the weekend, NASCAR on NBCSN was the top sporting event outside of the PGA Championship.(Sports Media Watch / ShowBuzz Daily), see past race TV Ratings, five-year comparison chart and more on the 2015 TV Ratings page.(8-18-2015)

 

 

Danica Patrick press conference re-signs Patrick and Nature's Bakery as sponsor: 

 

Stewart-Haas Racing has scheduled a press conference regarding #10-Danica Patrick for Tuesday at 11:00am/et. Fox Sports' Tom Jensen tweeted, "Sources tell @NASCARONFOX she'll have a sponsor who is new to sport" and the "new sponsor could be for as many as 30 races, per sources.".
The press conference will be live streamed on 
NASCAR.com.(8-17-2015)
UPDATE: hearing the sponsor could be Nature's Bakery: "on-the-go snacks and foods that complement health conscious living". Patrick teased the paint scheme on her 
Twitter.(8-17-2015)
UPDATE 2: Stewart-Haas Racing announced the re-signing of driver Danica Patrick in a multi-year deal (using 3 years), also signing new NASCAR sponsor Nature's Bakery to a multi-year deal. Nature's Bakery will be the sponsor for 28 races in 2016, starting at Daytona in February. All team owner Tony Stewart would say about the term of the contracts for Patrick or Nature's Bakery is, multi-year, but more than two years.
Press Release: 
Nature's Bakery, a rapidly-growing snacks and food brand headquartered in Reno, Nevada, has joined Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) to become the primary sponsor of driver Danica Patrick and the #10 team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning with the 2016 season. The multiyear sponsorship agreement will see Nature's Bakery and its signature tagline, "Energy for Life's Great Journeys", adorn Patrick's #10 Chevy for 28 races a year.
Nature's Bakery was founded in 2010 by the father-and-son duo of Dave and Sam Marson with a mission of making delicious, convenient, on-the-go snacks that complement health-conscious living and active, everyday lifestyles. Their lineage in the food industry can be traced back to the 1960s when Dave's father, Richard Marson, opened a family bakery. Growing up in the bakery, Dave passed his passion and skills along to his son, Sam, whereupon the two combined their knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit to form Nature's Bakery.
"Danica Patrick is one of the most fit and health-conscious drivers in all of racing and she embodies the Nature's Bakery customer," said Dave Marson, founder of Nature's Bakery. "We make great products that complement Danica's lifestyle and the always on-the-go environment in which she competes. Nature's Bakery provides 'Energy for Life's Great Journeys' and we're very proud to embark upon this NASCAR journey with Danica and Stewart-Haas Racing."
"It's an honor to represent Nature's Bakery and also a great deal of responsibility," Patrick said. "They have ambitious goals and they're going to rely on me and everyone at Stewart-Haas Racing to deliver. I have ambitious goals too. It's why I came to NASCAR and, specifically, to Stewart-Haas Racing. There's still a lot I want to achieve in this sport and I'm looking to continue my professional journey with a brand as determined as I am."
Patrick is motorsports' most recognizable athlete and the most marketable personality in NASCAR according to Repucom's 2015 Davie Brown Index. Her success on the racetrack, which includes an IndyCar Series victory and a Daytona 500 pole, transcends her into the mainstream, proven by a 2014 Harris Poll which named Patrick the second-most recognized female athlete in the United States, behind only tennis star Serena Williams.
"All you need to say is 'Danica' and people know exactly who you're talking about," Dave Marson added. "She has immersed herself and succeeded in a very intense sport and been recognized for her efforts. By offering convenient, easy-to-find and affordable products that people can feel better about eating, we've carved a niche for Nature's Bakery in the fast-growing, packaged snack-food industry. With our partnership with Danica and Stewart-Haas Racing, we're able to take that niche mainstream."
"Danica has proven she belongs in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and we're very happy to have her a part of our team for years to come," said Tony Stewart, co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing with Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation, the largest CNC machine tool builder in North America. "Nature's Bakery is a natural fit with Danica. She has played an important role in the growth of all the businesses associated with her and our growth as a race team. Our partnership with Nature's Bakery is all about growing their business. In Danica, we have the best possible person to help Nature's Bakery achieve its goals."(
SHR)
See an image of the scheme on the 
2016 #10 Team Schemes page.(8-18-2015)

 

 

 

Michael Waltrip Addresses MWR News: 

 

On FOX Sports 1's NASCAR Ccamping World Truck Series practice telecast Wednesday morning, Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) co-owner Michael Waltrip addressed the morning's news that MWR and #15-Clint Bowyer have mutually agreed to separate at the conclusion of the 2015 NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES season and that the organization no longer will field full-time cars in 2016. Waltrip, on the air Wednesday in his role as a FOX NASCAR analyst, shared his thoughts with play-by-play announcer Adam Alexander and analyst Phil Parsons. Below is a transcript from the exchange:
Alexander: What more can you tell us as this news is just breaking this morning?
Waltrip: "Well, it's a sad day for MWR obviously. I love the culture we've built there. Our sponsors - they're not sponsors; they're partners. And our employees are our teammates. We just have the perfect workplace, and unfortunately in 2016, we're not going to be racing there. My hope is somebody wants to have a really nice shop full of really cool people that work together well and want to have a race team and we can provide that for them. Rob is going to be a part of Chip Ganassi Racing going forward. Rob and I are best buddies. He's done an amazing job of stabilizing MWR in the beginning and then we raced for a championship -- finished second in 2012. So, my heart goes out to all the employees, all the people that worked at MWR. Hopefully, somebody wants to have a team and they can have it right there at our place."
Parsons: A lot of people may say MWR started in 2007. MWR really started behind your house in the garage back in the '90s. How hard is that for you after being in this as an owner for around 20 years now?
Waltrip: "Our first race was here (Bristol Motor Speedway) in 1994 with Jeff Green. We towed in here with Rodney Silver, a flatbed trailer, unloaded our car and ran third that day. And won Nationwide/XFINITY races behind our house and competed in the Cup Series. We made the Daytona 500 with Kenny Wallace in a car we built in Sherrills Ford (N.C.) behind my house. That grew to Michael Waltrip Racing and we raced for a championship, like I said, Chase berths, race wins. I'm thankful. I'm happy. It's a great run that we've had. We'll just see what's next."(FOX)(8-19-2015)

 

 

MWR/Bowyer to split at end of 2015; no full-time cars in 2016: 

 

Michael Waltrip Racing and Clint Bowyer have mutually agreed to separate at the conclusion of the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. Bowyer, currently 16th in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase standings, will be free to pursue other career options in 2016 and beyond. MWR will continue to field the #15 and #55 Toyotas for the remainder of the 2015 season. Team co-owner Rob Kauffman said MWR will not field a full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup entry in 2016.
ROB KAUFFMAN: "MWR will race hard and compete for the remainder of the 2015 season. This decision was made after weighing several different options and scenarios. I felt it was important to make an announcement as soon as we had clarity, so that is what we are doing today. I want to thank all of our staff, partners, sponsors and fans for all their effort and support over the years. Clint Bowyer has done a lot for MWR since joining us in 2012 and we appreciate the energy and effort he has given the organization. After many discussions, Clint and I agreed we would go our separate ways at the end of the season and I wish him well in whatever direction he pursues."
CLINT BOWYER: "I want to thank Michael, Rob and everyone at Michael Waltrip Racing that made these past four years special. After extensive discussions with Rob and MWR, we came to the point that we mutually agreed our paths in the future just didn't align but I think we all agreed on the next steps in a very professional manner. I am looking forward to what future opportunities may come but for now we have a championship to pursue in 2015 and we owe it to every one of our sponsors, partners, employees and fans to deliver on and off the track."
MICHAEL WALTRIP: "Rob joined MWR in 2007 and has helped give us the resources to build a competitive race team, and in 2012, Clint Bowyer took us to the doorstep of a championship. From where MWR started behind my house in Sherrill's Ford to winning Sprint Cup races, poles and earning Chase berths, I am proud of what we accomplished. My family has been a part of NASCAR for almost five decades and I plan on being a part of it for years to come. I would not have had the opportunity to start this journey without so many great partners, sponsors and employees and I want to thank each of them for making Michael Waltrip Racing a reality."(
MWR)(8-19-2015)

 

 

Tony Stewart iffy about fifth surgery on right leg: 

 

A planned fifth operation on Tony Stewart's surgically repaired right leg may not happen after all. Stewart, who severely fractured his lower right leg in a sprint car accident in August 2013, has already had four surgeries, the most recent coming last December. A proposed fifth operation in the offseason would allow doctors to remove his stabilizing titanium rod hardware, but Stewart said he'll find out the status of the surgery in a couple of months. "We actually don't know yet. There's potential that we may not have to have the operation, after all," Stewart said Tuesday at the announcement of Danica Patrick's new contract and sponsorship deal at Stewart-Haas Racing. "The rod that's in there might stay in there, so at the end of October we're having a meeting with the doctor and we're going to make that decision. Either way, it's either one-and-done or we're done." Stewart broke both his tibia and fibula in a crash at Southern Iowa Speedway, forcing him to miss the final 15 races of the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. He had three surgeries that year, followed by a fourth just ahead of 2014 Champion's Week, when his teammate Kevin Harvick was feted for his first Sprint Cup crown.(NASCAR.com)(8-19-2015)

 

 

 

 

 

From Track Forum:

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

 

If Josef goes to Ganassi, what other dominoes follow?

 

http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php/197148-If-Josef-goes-to-Ganassi-what-other-dominoes-follow/page3

 

 

 

From the Dirt Track Digest Forum:

 

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

 

The BIG dud!!

 

http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/DTD/index.php?/topic/54501-the-big-dud/

 

Note:  It's up to three pages now.  A discussion about car counts for "Major" races.

 

 

 

 

From the AARN:

 

Jim Campbell, Jr. Fatally Injured In Williams Grove Crash

 

Riverhead Raceway Sale Official: Ed Partridge Is New Owner

 

Huge DIRTcar Mod Tour Win For Jimmy Phelps At Malta

 

Angry Coby Wins Thompson WMT Race With Last-To-First Drive

 

Ninth Knoxville National Win For Donny Schatz Comes Easily

 

Emerling Is Red Hot In RoC Asphalt Mod Series; Scores Lancaster Win

 

Two For Richards, One For Eckert In Three Race WoO LM Eastern Swing

 

TJStutts Claims Selinsgrove 360 Sprint National Open $10,000 Prize

 

Pauch Jr. Wins Kutztown SpeeSTR Season Finale; Takes Championships

 

World Racing Group Seeks Support In Keeping Super DIRT Week In Syracuse

 

And a little more from this week's edition:

 

The Riverhead (NY) Raceway has been sold by Barbara & Jim Cromarty to Ed Partridge.  The racing season will continue as scheduled.

 

Brian Carter, CEO of the World Racing Group went to the New York state capital in Albany last Friday looking for help to keep Super Dirt Week in the state, if not at the Fairgrounds .  With an announcement on Fairgrounds renovations expected in two weeks, Carter didn't leave the meeting happy.

 

As for a replacement for Syracuse (if needed), there are three NY tracks being mentioned:  Rolling Wheels, Oswego (with a covering of dirt) and Glenn Donnelly's track.

 

On Tuesday, August 25th, there will be two 30 lap features - one for the 410 Sprint Cars and one for Modifieds.  As for the Modifieds, the 358's can run sail panels, while the big blocks can't.

 

Also, on the 25th is the Mr. Dirt $17,500.00 (to win?) 100 lap Modified race at Lebanon Valley.

Note:  Not positive, but I believe that's been the purse for that race for years now?

 

Bowman  Gray Stadium in N.C. just had its 1,000 the race.

 

Thursday, September 3rd is a 100 lap Modified race at Rolling Wheels, with $7,500.00 to win and $400.00 to start.  Also a GRIT Sportsman 20 lap race with $1,000.00 to win and $100.00 to start.  This race is to be televised live on MVTV (which I can't get down here in Florida, of course)

 

 

 

 

 

Former OVRP Dirt Oval racers:

 

Tyler Dippel was 21st in Brett Hearn's "Big Show" race at A/S.  In the first Sportsman feature, Cody Bleau was 3rd.  In the second Sportsman feature, Matt Hitchcock was 6th and Bobby Hackel, IV was 7th.

 

Nick Pecko was 9th in the RoC 110 lap race at Lancaster, while Roger Coss was 15th.

 

A.J. Filbeck was 2nd and Bobby Hackel, IV 21st in the Sportsman feature at U/R.

 

Tim Hindley was 2nd, Mike Kolka 5th, Anthony Perrego 9th, Billy V 10th, Mike Ruggiero 11th, Tom Hindley 12th, L.J. Lombardo 18th, Matt Janiak 19th and Clinton Mills 21st in the Modified feature at OCFS.

Matt Hitchcock was 2nd, Joey Falanga 3rd, Joe Conklin 11th, Anthony Falanga 14th, Brandon Findley 16th, Joey Bruning 17th and Dominic Roselli, Jr. 18th in the Sportsman feature.

 

Danny Bouc was 10th in the 358 feature at Big Diamond.  Mike Mammana was 2nd in the Sportsman feature.

 

Brian Sobus was 11th in the Super Modified feature at Oswego.

 

Davie Franek was 2nd in the Sprint Car feature at Selinsgrove.

 

Anthony Perrego was 22nd in the Short Track Super Series 51 lap race at Woodhull.

 

Tyler Dippel was 17th in the USAC All Pro SpeedSTR feature at Kutztown.

 

Cody Bleau won the Sportsman feature at Fonda.

 

Brad Szulewski was 6th in the Sportsman feature at Five Mile.

 

Dom Roselli, Jr. was 11th in the Modified feature at Accord.  Kyle Rohner was 2nd in the Spec Sportsman feature and Jimmy Johnson was 8th.  Wyatt Clark was 5th in the Slingshot feature.

 

Kyle Redner was 4th and Rich Coons 7th in the 358/Sportsman feature at Bethel. 

 

Danny Buccafusca was 21st in the wingless 600 feature at Kutztown.  Jacob Hendershot was 15th in the 270 feature .

On Sunday, Danny was 9th.

 

Tyler Pirone was 5th in the  All Star Slingshots at Hamlin, while Jacob Hendershot was 3rd in the 270's.   Jacob won the wingless 270 feature.

 

Justin Grosz was a DNQ in the USAC/ARDC Midget show at Path Valley.

 

Not positive if I've found results for a those that ran the OVRP Dirt Oval, in the past.  If I missed anyone, my sincerest apologies!

 

 

 

 

Racing from "Back in the Day":

 

As I made mention at the beginning of this week's column, here are a few more photos of the late Bill Schindler.

 

C:\Users\Dad\Pictures\Bill and Al Keller at Chery Park.jpg

Bill on the outside and Al Keller on the inside.  Pretty sure this was in Cherry Park Speedway in Avon, Ct.

 

C:\Users\Dad\Pictures\Bill in Basement Bessie.jpg

Bill in "Basement Bessie", a car originally build by Paul Russo and Ray Nichels.  I'm not positive, but I think this Walt Imlay photo was taken at Williams Grove.  Yes, "Indy" cars ran there quite a few times.

 

C:\Users\Dad\Pictures\Bill in Beal Offy.jpg

Bill in the Earl Beal sprint car.  I'm not sure as to when this photo was taken, but this is the car he was in when he had his fatal accident at Allentown.  It was one week prior to his death when he and the late Paul Russo had a real good race at the Morristown, NJ track, basically running side by side the whole race, which Russo won - in the Caruso stretched midget.  I was there to see that race, along with my brother Raymond (Jim).

 

C:\Users\Dad\Pictures\Bill Schindler head on photo.jpg

A "head shot" of Bill

 

 

 

Press Releases:

 

NEWS FROM                                                                                                             

Orange County Fair Speedway                                                                                    

239 Wisner Avenue                                                                                                    

Middletown, NY10940 

 

CONTACT

Mike Gurda

845-342-2573

 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 URC SPRINT CARS RETURN

TO ORANGE COUNTY FAIR SPEEDWAY

 

Twin-15 Feature Races for the Small-Block Modifieds!

 

MIDDLETOWN, NY (August 16)……..For the first time in several years, the United Racing Club (URC) 360 Sprint Cars will return to the big five-eighths-mile Orange County Fair Speedway with their exciting, fast-paced brand of open-wheel racing competition. 

 

Curt Michael is the current URC point leader, with a 75-point lead over Robbie Stillwaggon.  Davie Franek, a former Orange County Sportsman competitor, is third with 1559 points. They’ll lead the remaining URC drivers in their return to The Hard Clay.

 

In addition to the URC Sprint Cars, the Small-Block Modifieds, Sportsman, Rookie Sportsman, Street Stocks, Thunder Trucks and Four-Cylinder Cars will also see action in qualifying heats and feature races. The Big-Block Modifieds are not scheduled, but will return on August 29.

 

Once their qualifying heat races set the field, the Small-Block Modifieds will have two---not one---15-lap feature races, adding to the drama as the season-long point race heads into its final weeks.  Currently, Gary Edwards Jr. holds a 21-point edge over Tommy Meier with just a single race remaining after this coming week’s action.

 

The Beer King and Rock Fantasy Concert & Smoke Shop are the night’s presenting sponsors.

 

Admission prices for the August 22 race meet remain at $14 adults, $12 seniors, and $1.00 for children 12 and under. The exceptionally full night of racing begins promptly at 6:30 pm.

 

Advance ticket sales for all remaining 2015 races, including the September 19 Eve of Destruction and the October 23-25 54thAnnual Eastern States Weekend, and track information are available at the Orange County website,www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net, or from the Track Office. Call 845-342-2573 during business hours.

 

 

UPCOMING:

 

August 29 --- Accord Speedway Night “King of the Catskills Qualifier” for Modifieds

 

September 5 --- WLR Construction Championship Night end of season points

 

 

 

 

 

 

Found on the Internet:

 

OK, I realize it's still August, but before you know it, Christmas will be here (as long as we survive the dangerous times being forecast for September 22nd to the 24th).  Might you be looking for some model cars, shirts or books maybe?

If so, here ya go:  http://www.davesracing.com/

Note:  I'm not saying you might get a "break" if you mention my name, mind you!

 

Also, might I mention Coastal 181?

http://www.coastal181.com/

 

 

 

 

Subject: EMMR

 

 

Coming up on August 21-23 the annual Old Timers Convention at the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing at the Latimore Valley Fairgrounds.
A weekend of fun and old friends you may not have seen for years. If you were involved with ARDC in the past or today come out and have a great time remembering or learning about the history of all types of motorsports in the East. You never know who you might run into and the museum is great. As always there is no admission to the fairgrounds or the museum. For a schedule of the weekends events, directions or information on camping go to 
www.EMMR.org See you there.

 

 

Mandee Pauch.  You ever hear of her?  She's the daughter of racing great Billy Pauch.  She has done a little writing about racing, and now it looks like she'll be doing something monthly.

Here is her latest:

 

http://mandeepauch.com/2015/08/17/the-ugly-truth-about-racing/#comment-28

 

 

 

Ya never know what might turn up on the Internet:

I came across this around 7:35 PM on Wednesday:

 

Resolution Reached In Andretti Sports Marketing v. Andretti Autosport Dispute

INDIANAPOLIS (August 19, 2015) – The parties involved in the recent filing of Andretti Sports Marketing v. Andretti Autosport reached a resolution Tuesday. The parties came to a preliminary settlement agreement through the assistance of Mediator John R. Van Winkle. Although the terms and conditions are confidential, the mediator commented that all parties, including Michael Andretti, John Lopes and Starke Taylor, went to extraordinary lengths to keep their employees, fans and the racing community in mind. There will be no further litigation and this matter will be dismissed. As a result of this settlement, the parties have agreed that Andretti Sports Marketing will be sold to Mr. Lopes and Mr. Taylor and will be renamed. 

With this dispute closed, the parties and their executives remain focused on their future businesses. 



Media Contact: 
John R. Van Winkle, 317­-231­-6320 

 

 

 

 

My, how time flies:

It’s been 40 years since passing of Mark Donohue, Penske’s first star driver

 

http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2015/08/19/its-been-40-years-since-passing-of-mark-donohue-penskes-first-star-driver/#comments

 

 

 

 

Video:

 

Subject: NEMA Midgets - Thompson Ct

 

http://origin.fanschoice.tv/nascar/player/nascar/thompson-speedway-nema-midget-august-12-201510636

 

 

 

 

 

Other News:

 

5 mistakes Hillary Clinton made in her latest e-mail press conference

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2015/08/19/5-things-hillary-clinton-did-wrong-in-her-nevada-e-mail-press-conference/

 

 

 

Somehow, this just does not seem right:

 

Family of 4 Lives in Taxpayer-Funded Public Housing—You’ll Never Guess How Much They Make in a Year

For example, one family-of-four living in New York City claim a sizable $497,911 as reported income, but pay a mere $1,574 for rent per month.

 

http://www.ijreview.com/2015/08/395981-family-4-lives-taxpayer-funded-public-housing-youll-never-guess-much-make-year/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Owned&utm_term=ijreview&utm_campaign=Politics

 

 

 

This week's joke - well, not really a joke:

 

I'm presently in my late 70's.  But I can remember when I was a lot younger, how we thought of having some kind of "rocket" that we would strap onto our backs, and we'd fly to our destinations.  Thank God that's never happened - so far.

This past Wednesday I received an email about a new form of transportation.  Oh yeah, I can just visualize a bunch of these in the future!  Hopefully, if they ever do get to be the "real" thing, it will be after I'm long gone.

 

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/D4uSWtazRCM?rel=0

 

 

 

 

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/

 

Just in case anyone wants to contact me.  My email  is:  ygordad@yahoo.com