Mostly Racin' Stuff  

By Tom Avenengo  

Volume # 242

09/10/2015

 

This week's special photo:

 

C:\Users\Dad\Downloads\20150907_210225_resized.jpg

 

A wedding day photo.  It's a day I'll never forget - September 11, 1960.  May God bless my beautiful bride!

 

 

 

Special from me:

 

Yes the first few parts of this week's column will be mostly about my late wife, Joan, and me, and some about our immediate family.  It's funny how one gets hooked up with a member of the opposite sex, especially when one has his eye on another one!  That's what happened to me - thank God!  Yes Delores Corridini (could be miss-spelled) was quite an attractive young lady when I first saw/met her, while working with the Grand Union in their Suffern, NY store after I had graduated from High School, back in 1956.  But, maybe lucky for me, per her family, she was "spoken for".  Then Delores got a friend of hers (Joan) a job at the store, too.  Joan worked there for a while, then she left.  Later on, we met up again.

 

 

 

 From "Back in the Day":

 

Note:  This is basically a continuation from the above, and is quite lengthy.  After all, it's a quick review of my life with Joanie and our five children.

 

Joan and I met up again a short time later - this time at the Grand Union in Monsey, NY.  I was the "Second man" in the Produce department and she was a meat wrapper.  One Friday, my boss, Ralph Palumbo, who had been giving Joan rides to and from work, asked if I might be able to take her home after work.  No problem on my end!  Joan lived with her parents, and a couple of other brothers and a sister in Sloatsburg, NY.  So, after work, we got into my MG, and off we went to where she lived.  We parked in the driveway, and talked.  And talked.  And talked, some more.  Finally it was time for me to leave.  On my way back to Pearl River, NY, where I was still living with my mother and stepfather.  I believe I got home a little after 3:00 AM.  I remember it being 3:00 AM as I passed the store we worked in, and noticed the produce truck was there, dropping of our load for the next day.  After that, I was the steady ride for Joan, both to and from work.

Our real first date was to a big midget race at the one mile track in Trenton, NJ.  It had been rained out the previous week when Ronny Colombo and I went.  With me having my MG, and Ron having his Corvette, there was a slight problem.  Luckily, Ron had someone else to go with him, so that little problem was solved.  When Joan and I got to the track, we parked behind the bleachers on the front straight.  Ron & his friend were already there.  Ron gave his friend his rain check, and his friend brought it down to us.  So for that race (250 or 300 miles) I got her in free.

 

Joanie and I attended quite a few races, either together or with other friends.  She loved the indoor TQ races that were held in the armory in Teaneck, NJ.  And, she didn't mind getting dirty at Langhorne, either!

 

C:\Users\Dad\Downloads\20150907_205902_resized.jpg

 

The above photo was taken on our wedding day, September 11, 1960.  Left to right:  My step father John F.X. Clynes, Sr., my mother Kathryn Clynes, my father-in-law, Harry Rose, my mother-in-law Kathleen Rose, My loving wife, Joan, and me.

 

 

Eventually, I did pop the question, and without hesitation, she agreed to marry me, even knowing that I would be getting drafted into the US Army at any time.  September 11, 1960 was the day we married.  December 2nd was the day the government needed my service in the Army.  Yes, it did kinda suck.  After basic training, I stayed at Ft Dix and got into my advanced training, which was the Basic Army Administration Course.  I did have some typing in high school, and it came right back to me.  After a few days I was informed by our WAC instructor that I really didn't need the typing course - I was up to about 50 WPM.  After completion of the course, I was sent to Ft. Bliss, Texas, in May of 1961.  I was interviewed by a Sergeant Harold Redfern.  Guess he kinda liked me, because I ended up working for him in his section.  We handled all the class assignments for those that were there for the guided missile school, then once completed, we would re-assign them to various places in the world.  Our section also handled promotions in rank for the enlisted personnel, too.  Gradually, I did get up to the rank of E-5.

Meanwhile, my wife, who was in the "family way" was able to get down to El Paso in August of 1961.  Our first child, Judith Ann, was born on November 22nd, 1961.  While in Texas, we had our second child - another daughter.  Sandra Lucienne, on March 9th,  in 1963.  In a way, Judy really spoiled us.  She loved to sleep.  Sandy was a complete opposite.  I was honorably discharged in February 1964.  After a trip across the lower 48, we stopped off in Florida to see my brother, "Jim", and his wife, Henrietta.  Then after a few days, it was time to head north.

I did go back to work with the Grand Union, but they could not find an opening for me that was fairly close to home, so after a couple of weeks, I left.  I started working for a trailer park in Harriman, NY.  After that it was a door to door delivery man for Dugan Brother Bakeries.  Our son, Tom Jr. was born on July 7, 1965.  Once they closed up, I landed a job at the Arrow Shirt Company, in Chester, NY.  Worked myself up to running the night shift.  Eventually, Arrow decided to make a move to Atlanta.  I decided not to go with them.  On May 31, 1968, our second son, Eric, was born.  On January 13, 1969, I returned to work with the Grand Union, going into the Greenwood Lake, NY store as a Produce Manager.  Our last child, another daughter, Sarah, was born on March 9, 1973.

Hey, I'll kid you not, we did go through some rough times, on occasion.  Part of life is to be successful.  At times I was.  At other times, not so much.  Financially, it was pretty hard, what with me being the only one working.  The wife?  She had a full time job with the kids and keeping the house livable.  Do I regret it?  Hell no!  Would do it all again in a heartbeat.  I can tell you this though - I'm extremely proud of our five children, and the way my wife (yes, it was mostly her doing) brought them up.  I always enjoyed walking into the house after a hard days work and have all five kids jump me to "beat up" on dad.  Yes, there were a lot of good times.

C:\Users\Dad\Downloads\20150907_210257_resized.jpg

 

And a photo taken some years after our wedding.  I do believe it was when we lived on Farmingdale Road in Washingtonville, NY.  Believe it or not, when things were right, we could hear the stock car races from the Orange County Fairgrounds, in Middletown, NY.  Yes, you can see how much my wife loved me in this photo.  I have to consider myself to be one lucky SOB to have asked her to marry me and she agreed to.  Such a wonderful woman!

 

 

 

 

Eventually we got a couple of "Fun" karts, and had a blast with them.  Then Tom had a street stock he ran a few times.  Eric started racing karts.  Most of the kids always looked forward to going to the races at Middletown on Saturday nights - as long as Eric wasn't racing the kart at Accord.  Tom got married and moved up-state, in New York.  While there he raced a kart on occasion, too.  Eric, who remained fairly close to us, eventually got himself a modified stock car.  He had a lot of help from the Jashembowski brothers, as far as getting a new body for  it and an excellent deal on an engine from them, too.  Brett Hearn was our source of getting used tires.  There's no telling how good Eric would have been in that modified, since he had some family issues of his own, and sold the car.  I can still recall at an Eastern States Weekend when Eric went onto the track with Danny Johnson for a warm up session, and Danny couldn't get passed him.  A fouled plug while waiting to go out for his time trial really did him in for that weekend.  Hey, at times, sh*t happens, ya know?

On October 31, 2003, Joanie and I purchased a house in Port Jervis, NY.  We managed to survive, even with me not being employed, but on disability, then retirement.  Joanie also stated getting Social Security a while before we bought the house.  Yes, things were a little rough, but we survived.  Thank God the house needed no major repairs while we lived there. 

Health wise, we were both doing pretty good - so I thought.  Joanie started having some "stomach" problems.  It was found that she had a cancerous growth in her lower intestine.  Surgery was performed, and, according to the doctor, they had gotten it all.  Meanwhile, we had taken a couple of trips down to Cape Coral, Florida, to visit our daughter Sandy, and her kids that had also moved down there.  Joanie loved it there, as did I.  When we returned back north to Port Jervis in early 2014, one of the first things I did was have a "For Sale" sign put up in front of our house.  Yes, we were going to move down to Florida.  Sadly, we didn't have one single "bite" on the house.  Then, out of nowhere, Joanie started feeling sick again.  Basically the same thing as when she had her first surgery.  So, it was back into the hospital, again.  The doctor was fairly certain it was a blockage, like the first time.  So she was scheduled for more surgery on the afternoon of July 1, 2014.  I arrived at the hospital at around 11:00 AM, and attempted to get a visitors pass for her room, to see her before the surgery.  Sad to say, she was already in surgery.  You have no idea as to how that hurt.  Technically, she never pulled out of that surgery.   She had many tumors inside.  I was told her heart had stopped beating for about 20 minutes, but they got it going again.  Sadly, that didn't help, and whatever damage was done with her "out" for those 20 minutes, was a major problem.  Our two sons, Tom & Eric were in the room with me, with her, when she passed away.  God, but I miss her so much, as do all the other members of our family.  They say time heals all wounds.  I kinda don't believe that.  Joanie was the love of my life and will always be the love of my life!   I miss her like hell, that's for sure.  She was so much looking forward to living down here in Florida, where it's been a year now (almost) for me being here.

Joan, Hun, Mom, Mommy, Nanny fought extremely hard to stay on this earth. However, God had other plans and called her back on July 3, 2014, at 75 years of age. Her whole family told her she had been so brave, fought so hard, but it was time to go be with her sisters, family, enjoy the beach, and be at peace with no more pain

So this September 11th would have been our 55th wedding anniversary.  I have to figure I'll be thinking of her all day long - thinking back to the day we became husband and wife - two people in love - forever.  Thank you Joanie for accepting me to be your husband!  It's a day I will never, ever forget, the day you left us.  And, I'll never forget the love you had for me!  Until we meet again, my love!

 

Her obituary:

 

http://www.grayparkerfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/1375/Joan_M_Avenengo/obituary.html#tribute-start

 

 

 

Racin’ stuff:

 

Kenny Sands (light blue shirt) and crew at work on Labor day, removing the old seats in the covered grand stand.

Ralph Gypsy Corwin's photo.

 

Yup!  New seating will be being put in the covered grandstands.  Even though I'm down in Florida now, I'm glad to see some major improvements being made to the OCFS.  I first started going there way back in 1946 to watch the midgets on the smaller paved track that was in the infield of today's track.  My first stock car race had to be in 1964 or 1965.  All I can recall is Russ Delp won the feature in the "Mushroom Special".  My kids and I spent many a Saturday at OCFS.  In the beginning it was in the drive-in section.  Later on, we went into the half covered stands.  My son, Eric, continues to sit in those half covered stands, today.

Note:  I do believe the photo above was taken by Ralph Corwin.

 

 

NASCAR's thorny throwback problem: the Confederate flag

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nascar-from-the-marbles/nascar-s-thorny-throwback-problem--the-confederate-flag-004046532.html

Note:   Quite an interesting read!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Found on Jayski:

http://www.jayski.com/

 

Darlington TV Ratings: 

 

The Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway pulled in the sport's highest Labor Day weekend overnight in eight years. NASCAR Sprint Cup racing from Darlington drew a 3.4 overnight rating on NBC Sunday night (and 8.82 million viewers), up 13% from the comparable Atlanta races last year and in 2013 (3.0 both years). Those telecasts aired on ESPN. According to NBC, the 3.4 is the highest for NASCAR on Labor Day weekend since 2007. Compared to previous Darlington races, the 3.4 increased 6% from last year (3.2) but dropped a tick from 2013 (3.5), both on FOX. It ranks as the second-lowest overnight for NASCAR from Darlington since at least 2000, ahead of only last year. The race took place on a Saturday night in spring from 2005-14. The last time it took place on Labor Day weekend, 2003, it drew a 5.5 on NBC (Sports Media Watch / tvseriesfinale.com)(9-7-2015)

 

 

Kyle Busch clinches Chase spot: 

 

Now, the debate can begin: Is a driver who misses nearly a third of the season worthy of being a champion? #18-Kyle Busch will get the chance to accomplish that after clinching a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup after Sunday night's Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. That he did is remarkable after missing the first 11 races of the season because of a broken right leg and fractured left foot in the season-opening Xfinity race at Daytona International Speedway. Busch admits he wondered about his chances of making the Chase even with NASCAR granting an exemption that a driver must qualify for every race to be Chase eligible. "We weren't looking so good after Michigan," Busch said of the 43rd-place finish in the June race, which marked his second finish of 36th or worse in his first four races back. "It was really doom and gloom. I was bumming. I just wasn't sure what to do. I wasn't sure what was going on. It took a little bit of that time to get the rust knocked off, I guess. It's probably the longest I've been out of the race car in my life. That was a tough lick." He responded by winning the following week at Sonoma Raceway, starting a stretch where he won four of the next five races to make it realistic that he would climb into the top 30 in points - another requirement to be in the Chase.(NBC Sports)(9-7-2015)

 

 

Truex, Jr. sets team record for top 10s: 

 

Plagued with rear-side damage to his #78 Furniture Row/Denver Mattress Chevy, Martin Truex Jr. held on to post a ninth-place finish in Sunday night's Bojangles' Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. The result was Truex's 17th top-10 finish in the first 25 races, which set a team record for most top-10s in a season. The previous team record of 16 top 10s in a season was set by Kurt Busch in 2013. Truex ran as high as second in the 367 lapper that saw a track record 18 cautions. With 60 laps remaining he was solidly running in fourth place but when he made his final pit stop following a lap 355 caution, he was positioned in 10th place. "We were in a survival mode at that stage of the race and managed to get one position back," noted Truex, whose teal-accented car raised awareness for ovarian cancer. "There are times when you're ok with a top-10, but not tonight." Truex remains sixth in driver points with one race remaining before the start of the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.(Furniture Row Racing)(9-7-2015)

 

 

2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup CHASE Standings:
[after Darlington, race 25 of 36]
(by wins, then by points standings)
1) #48-Jimmie Johnson [4 wins](5th in driver points)
2) #18-Kyle Busch [4 wins] (27th)
3) #22-Joey Logano [3 wins] (2nd)
4) #20-Matt Kenseth [3 wins] (7th)
5) #4-Kevin Harvick [2 wins] (1st)
6) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [2 wins] (3rd)
7) #41-Kurt Busch [2 wins] (9th)
8) #19-Carl Edwards [2 win](12th)
9) #2-Brad Keselowski [1 win] (4th)
10) #78-Martin Truex Jr. [1 win] (6th)
11) #11-Denny Hamlin [1 win](8th)
(above drivers have clinched a berth in the Chase)
[would be in the Chase via points standings]
12) #1-Jamie McMurray, +73 ahead of 17th in driver points
13) #31-Ryan Newman, +61
14) #24-Jeff Gordon, +47
15) #27-Paul Menard, +39
16) #15-Clint Bowyer, +29
[currently out of the Chase]
17) #43-Aric Almirola, -29
18) #5-Kasey Kahne, -31
19) #16-Biffle, -84
20) #42-Larson, -96

 

 

 

Ganassi injured in bicycle accident: 

 

Car owner [#1, #42] Chip Ganassi suffered a broken clavicle when he wrecked riding his bicycle Saturday in the Pittsburgh area, the team confirmed Tuesday. Ganassi had surgery Sunday and expects to be at Richmond International Raceway for Saturday night's Sprint Cup race, the team confirmed.(NBC Sports)(9-8-2015)

 

 

 

2015 Richmond Chase Clinch Scenarios:


Regardless of who wins at Richmond...
#1-Jamie McMurray clinches by starting the race.
#31-Ryan Newman clinches by finishing 31st or better; 32nd with at least one lap led; or 33rd with the most laps led.
#24-Jeff Gordon clinches by finishing 17th or better; 18th with at least one lap led; or 19th with the most laps led.
#27-Paul Menard clinches by finishing ninth or better; 10th with at least one lap led; or 11th with the most laps led.
If there is a repeat winner...
#1-Jamie McMurray, #31-Ryan Newman and #24-Jeff Gordon will clinch regardless of finish.
#27-Paul Menard clinches by finishing 38th or better; 39th with at least one lap led; or 40th with the most laps led.
#15-Clint Bowyer clinches by finishing 28th or better; 29th with at least one lap led; or 30th with the most laps led.
In summary...
Four drivers control their Chase destiny without a win: Jamie McMurray, Ryan Newman, Jeff Gordon and Paul Menard).
Three drivers can clinch without a win, but need help in the form of poor finishes from winless drivers ahead of them in points and/or a repeat winner: Bowyer, #43-Aric Almirola and #5-Kasey Kahne.
Twelve drivers need to win to clinch a Chase spot: #16-Greg Biffle, #42-Kyle Larson, #3-Austin Dillon, #47-AJ Allmendinger, #13-Casey Mears, #10-Danica Patrick, #14-Tony Stewart, #55-David Ragan, #9-Sam Hornish Jr., #6-Trevor Bayne, #17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and #51-Justin Allgaier.
Two other drivers need to win and get help to clinch a spot: #35-Cole Whitt and #38-David Gilliland.
All other drivers have been eliminated from Chase contention.(NASCAR)(9-8-2015)

 

 

Denny Hamlin Suffers Torn ACL in Right Knee: 

 

Joe Gibbs Racing announced that driver #11-Denny Hamlin suffered a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee while playing basketball Tuesday night. Hamlin had a MRI this morning to confirm the diagnosis and has been evaluated by the medical team at OrthoCarolina. He has received the medical clearance necessary to continue racing activities and is expected to race the remainder of the season and through the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship. Hamlin will require surgery to repair the ACL damage following the season.(JGR)(9-9-2015)

 

 

Hendrick says Race Team Alliance, NASCAR deal could be near: 

 

Hendrick Motorsports founder and owner Rick Hendrick said Tuesday he's optimistic a deal can be put in place as early as late this season between NASCAR and the Race Team Alliance to create some sort of permanent value for the teams. Hendrick did not proffer any specifics about what an arrangement between NASCAR and the RTA, a group that represents the interests of individual NASCAR team owners, would look like. But he did confirm that talks are ongoing. "I hope it takes place before the end of this year," said Hendrick. Asked if he thought his timetable was realistic, Hendrick said, "I hope so. I want to applaud (NASCAR chairman and CEO) Brian France and NASCAR and (RTA president and Michael Waltrip Racing co-owner) Rob Kauffman and all of the teams, all of the guys that have worked together. Because I'll tell you, one of the most important parts of this deal is when the team owners got together, and our CFOs started looking at how much we were spending, what we were spending, how could we do it cheaper? Whether it's insurance, airplanes." Kauffman declined comment on what Hendrick said and at press time, two NASCAR officials had not yet responded to e-mails about Hendrick's remarks.(FoxSports)(9-9-2015)

 

 

 

From Track Forum:

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

 

Could We Adapt Top Fuel Dragster Canopies for IndyCar?

 

http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php/197613-Could-We-Adapt-Top-Fuel-Dragster-Canopies-for-IndyCar

 

 

 

From the Dirt Track Digest Forum:

 

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

 

Your thoughts on this/has anyone heard anything?  Found this late on Tuesday on the website:

 

Does anyone know if Central New York Raceway Park, Will Have Electric-Hydro Hookups & Water Hookups for those Wanting to camp at the Speedway ?

 

I remember camping at the New York State Fair & Having Hydro as well as Running Water was a HUGE Benefit to campers

 

Does Oswego Speedway & Rolling Wheels Raceway Park & Weedsport Speedway & Charlotte Dirt Track have Electric Hydro & Running Water Hookups at their Race Tracks Too ?

 

To all the Campers out there now a days how critical is it to use to have Electric-Hydro Hookups & Running Water Hookups, if the Syracuse race was changed to either Oswego Speedway, Fulton Speedway, Rolling Wheels Raceway Park or Weedsport Speedway

 

Will Central New York Raceway Park Have a Dumping Station on the Facility Grounds for those Camping ?

 

 

I keep picturing the land Oswego Speedway sits on and I Just don't think they have near the room they need to accomodate all those who normally camp at the new York State Fairgrounds, During October's Super Dirt Week.

 

 

Weedsport moves big block time trails

 

http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/DTD/index.php?/topic/54791-weedsport-moves-big-block-time-trails/

 

Note:  Uh huh!  I've been waiting to see how Weedsport would manage to screw up the weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

From the AARN:

 

Bond’s Oswego Classic Win Comes WithLate Race Dramatics

 

Jordan Watson’s Best In Deyo’s ‘Blast At The Beach’

 

Andy Jankowiak Shows The Way In RoC Oswego Modifieds

 

Scott Gobrecht’s Susquehanna Speedway Park Purchase A ‘Done Deal’

 

Friesen’s Late Summer Win Spree Continues At Ransomvile, Rolling Wheels, Glen Ridge   & Utica-Rome

 

It’s Over: New York State Politicians To Proceed Wth Post Super DIRT Week Grandstand Demolition

 

Godown Wins Big D Coalcracker After Winning New Egypt Race, Title The Night Before

 

Stateline Reopens Under New Management With A Packed House

 

Freddie Rahmer Joins Twin Brother As Rookie 410 Sprint Winner At Lincoln

 

Clanton, Eckert, Lanigan Win Pennsy WoO Features

 

Cody Darrah, Sheldon Haudenschild Are All Stars In Ohio

 

And a few more things found in the AARN this week:

 

With the last running of Super Dirt Week at Syracuse, in a few weeks, the question now is:  Where will it be held in the future?

 

The headline on Ernie Saxton's column this week, hits the nail on the head:  "Racing has become too complicated, rulebooks that were pamphlets are  now Bibles."

 

As of now, if you're going to ESW, don't expect to see Weedsports track owner Heinke's two car team, or John Wights three- car Gypsum Express team.  Brett Hearn is still saying he'll be at both tracks, although a "Monkey Wrench" was thrown in with time trials at Weedsport on Friday night.  Stewart Friesen is rethinking his schedule, too, and could possibly run OCFS.  Weedsport, as of now has no plans to increase their purse for their Friday & Saturday events.

 

 

 

 

 

Former OVRP Dirt Oval racers:

 

Kenney Johnson was 11th in the  USAC DMA MIDGET RACE at Bear Ridge.

 

At Thunder Mountain in the CRSA feature, Joe Kata was 4th, Brian Krummel 8th, Emily VanInwegen 18th and Josh Pieniazek 19th.

 

 

In the Short Track Super Series race at Georgetown, Anthony Perrego was 6th.

 

At Lebanon Valley, in the Modified feature, Kyle Armstrong was 15th and Kolby Schroder 18th.  John Virgilio won the Sportsman feature, with Cody Bleau 9th with Matt Pappa being DQ'd from 1st.

 

A.J. Filbeck was 6th in the Crate Sportsman feature at U/R.

 

Anthony Perrego was 10th and Tyler Dippel 21st in the Super Dirt Series race at Rolling Wheels.

 

A.J. Filbeck was 17th in the 602 Sportsman feature at U/R.

 

Nick Pecko was 4th in the RoC 100 lap race at Oswego.

 

Mike Mammana was 2nd in the Sportsman feature at Big Diamond.

 

Brian Sobus was 8th in the 200 lap Budweiser International Classic race at Oswego.  He was 19th in the ISMA Supermodified Bud Light Supernationals 60 lap race.

 

Anthony Perrego was 6th in the STSS race at Georgetown.

 

At OCFS, Tim Hindley won the modified feature, with Clinton Mills 6th, Anthony Perrego 7th, Matt Janiak 9th, Billy V 14th and Mike Ruggiero 16th.

Hindley came back and won the 358 feature, too, with Matt Janiak  6th.

Dominic Roselli won the Sportsman feature, with Matt Hitchcock 5th, Anthony Falanga 6th, Joe Bruning 11th, Joe Conklin 13th, Zack Mead 16th, Joe Falanga 17th, Winter Mead 19th and Brandon Finley 24th.

 

Alex Bell was 19th in the Modified feature at A/S.  Hunter Bates was 9th in the Sportsman feature.

 

Molly Chambers was 15th in the wingless 600 Micro feature at Hamlin.  She was 6th in the wingless 600 main at Linda's.

 

Rich Coons was 6th and JB Morris 7th in the 4 Cyl Advanced feature at Bethel.

 

Jimmy Johnson was 2nd in the Spec Sportsman main at Accord.  Charlie Lawrence was 2nd in the Slingshot feature.

 

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Modified race/TV dates

September & October:
South Boston (Southern Tour) race Sept.19, TV Sept.24, 7-8 PM
NHIS race Sept.19, TV Oct.1, 7-8PM
Stafford race Oct.4, TV Oct.10, 4-5PM
Charlotte (Southern Tour) race Oct.8, TV Oct.15, 7-8PM
Thompson race Oct.18, TV Oct.22, 8-9PM

All on NBCSN

 

 

Press Releases:

 

 

 

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/September 4, 2015

Champion, Family Man & Southern Tier Icon To Be Remembered Sunday, September 13 At Thunder Mountain Speedway With Wade Decker Memorial; Short Track Super Series Modifieds Compete For $5,000 Winner’s Share; GRIT Series, Street Stocks & XCel 600 Modifieds Also Featured

CENTER LISLE, NY A champion, family man and popular Southern Tier icon will be remembered on Sunday, September 13 at Thunder Mountain Speedway.

The three-eighths-mile clay oval located just outside of Whitney Point, N.Y., hosts the Wade Decker Memorial event, highlighted by the seventh round of the Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By Hi-Tek Bob Hilbert Sportswear North Region. More than $27,000 cash will be on the line for the 50-lap big-block/small-block Modified main presented by MjH Oilfield.

A talented competitor who progressed from the Street Stocks to race in the Southern Tier and beyond in the Modified division, Wade Decker tragically lost his life on Dec. 5, 2011 in a logging accident. He was just 37 years old.

The Decker family has worked to raise money for the third running of the Wade Decker Memorial event. The first event was run in 2012 at I-88 Speedway in Afton, N.Y. Pat Ward of Genoa, N.Y., was the inaugural event winner. In 2014, the race moved to Thunder Mountain, with Andy Bachetti of Sheffield, Mass., earning a $5,000-plus payday as the victor.

For the ’15 campaign, the Wade Decker Memorial will be a Short Track Super Series-sanctioned program for the first time, offering valuable points toward the $15,000 North Region crowd to be decided at I-88 Speedway in October.

The hefty base purse rewards the race winner with $5,000. Tenth-place pays $1,000, with $400 reserved just to take the green flag. There is lap money at stake, other bonuses and contingency awards, as well.

Heat winners will take part in a Dash for Cash paying $1,000 to the winner courtesy of Hank Decker & Son Logging. The Dash finish will determine the starting order for the STSS Modified main event.

Integra Racing Shocks has signed on to sponsor the STSS Modified Hard Charger Award, offering a set of four Integra Shocks.

Lap money has been collected and will be distributed to the top-seven drivers throughout the feature.

Entering Thunder Mountain, Stewart Friesen of Sprakers, N.Y., leads the STSS Bob Hilbert Sportswear North Region point standings. Friesen has won three STSS events this year: the opener at N.Y.’s Orange County Fair Speedway, the July I-88 Speedway stop and most recently Woodhull (N.Y.) Raceway on August 11.

Completing the top-five in the point standings are Danny Johnson of Rochester, N.Y., Andy Bachetti of Sheffield, Mass., Anthony Perrego of Montgomery, N.Y., and Jeff Heotzler of Wallkill, N.Y.

The STSS visited Thunder Mountain Speedway once in ’15, back on June 29, with home-track hero Brian Malcolm of Lake Ariel, Pa., fending off Friesen to take the biggest win of his career.

Joining the STSS Modifieds during the Wade Decker Memorial are the GRIT American Series Crate 602 Sportsman ($1,000 to win), Street Stocks ($1,000 to win) and Xcel 600 Modifieds ($1,000 to win).

Complete rules, times and general information can be found on the STSS website at the following link:http://bdmotorsportsmedia.com/wade-decker-general-info-prices-rules/

The complete STSS Modified pay structure is also available for viewing at:http://bdmotorsportsmedia.com/wade-decker-memorial-modified-pay-structure/

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.

Thunder Mountain Speedway is located at 91 Hunts Corners Road Center Lisle, NY 13797, approximately 25 miles north of Binghamton. The three-eighths-mile clay oval features hillside concrete seating, free parking and camping, a variety of concession items and novelties, a family environment and more.

 

From: SpeedE17 <SpeedE17@aol.com>
To: speede61 <speede61@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Sep 8, 2015 10:14 am
Subject: Thunder mountain

 The All Pro SpeedSTR Event at Thunder Mountain Speedway for this Sunday Sept. 13 has been canceled by track management .The next All Pro event will be at Lindas Speedway Friday night Sept. 18  Hot laps at 6:30  $3000 to win  $250 to start See you all there .

 

 

Richard Tobias
President of Speedway Entertainment Inc. & Action Track USA
Phone: 717-866-7450
Fax: 717- 866-7402

 

 

 

News from Thunder Mountain Speedway

Media Contact: BD Motorsports Media LLC – thundermtnspeedway@gmail.com or 845.728.2781

For Immediate Release/September 8, 2015

Two Big Days Of Racing Set For Thunder Mountain Speedway This Weekend, September 12-13; Championship Night Saturday Headlined By $1,500-To-Win Modifieds; Sunday Short Track Super Series Visit In $5,000-To-Win Wade Decker Memorial Race

CENTER LISLE, NY - Thunder Mountain Speedway will close out 2015 in grand style this weekend with two days of racing on Saturday-Sunday September 12-13.

A season that began on the final Saturday of April and has stretched through the heat of summer will end with a bang, crowning track champions on Saturday and playing host to a huge year-end event on Sunday.

On Saturday (Sept. 12), the three-eighths-mile clay oval hosts Championship Night: $1,500-to-win Modifieds, Open Sportsman, Crate 602 Sportsman, Rookie Sportsman, Street Stocks, XCel 600 Modifieds (tour race and track points - $1,000 to win) and FWD Four Cylinders. Regular, weekly track points and heat points will be issued (no increased championship points).

Gates open at 4 p.m. with hot laps at 6:20 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

Adult admission is $12. Seniors (ages 65 and up) and Students (ages 10-17) pay $10. Kids 9 and under FREE. Pit admission is $30, with no license required.

Camping is permitted on the speedway grounds, free of charge, for those wishing to stay until Sunday.

Point leaders entering Saturday’s program include Mike Mahaney (Modified), Eric Leet (Open Sportsman), Pat Jordan (Crate 602 Sportsman), Shawn Davis (Rookie Sportsman), Steven Deinhardt (Street Stock), Will Eastman (XCel 600 Modified) and Dylan Robinson (FWD Four Cylinder).

On Sunday (Sept. 13), the MjH Oilfield Wade Decker Memorial takes center stage. The Short Track Super Series Fueled By Hi-Tek Modifieds, big-block/small-block, race 50 laps for $5,000 to win, $1,000 to start and $400 to take the green flag. This is the seventh event of eight in the Short Track Super Series Bob Hilbert Sportswear North Region.

Currently, Stewart Friesen leads the race for the STSS North Region $15,000 championship over Danny Johnson, Andy Bachetti, Anthony Perrego and Jeff Heotzler. All five drivers – and many more – are expected on Sunday.

There are a number of bonuses, contingency awards and other incentives for STSS Modified competitors taking part in the Wade Decker Memorial, set for its third running on Sunday. Bachetti, of Sheffield, Mass., is the defending winner of the event.

Also on the Sunday card: GRIT American Series Crate 602 Sportsman ($1,000 to win), Street Stocks ($1,000 to win) and XCel 600 Modifieds in a tour race paying $1,000 to win!

Gates open at 3 p.m. Hot laps begin at 6:20 p.m. and racing starts promptly at 7 p.m.

Adult admission is $20.  Seniors (ages 65 and up) and Students (10-17) pay $18. Kids 9 and under are FREE. Pit admission is $35, with no license required.

For Thunder Mountain Speedway general information and a complete schedule, visitwww.thundermtnspeedway.com. The speedway office number is 607.657.8202. On race day, call 607.849.7899. The speedway e-mail is thundermtnspeedway@gmail.com “Like” Thunder Mountain Speedway on Facebook or follow @thundermtnspeed on Twitter.

Thunder Mountain Speedway is located at 91 Hunts Corners Road Center Lisle, NY 13797, approximately 25 miles north of Binghamton. The three-eighths-mile clay oval features hillside concrete seating, free parking and camping, a variety of concession items and novelties, a family environment and more.


Brett Deyo

Promotions, Public Relations & Marketing
Thunder Mountain Speedway

91 Hunts Corners Road Center Lisle, NY 13797

www.thundermtnspeedway.com

Cell: 845.728.2781

"Thunder Mountain Speedway" on Facebook
@thundermtnspeed on Twitter

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                             

SEPTEMBER 8,2015

Contact: DICK JORDAN/MARK HANN

 

 

LEVI JONES NAMED USAC NATIONAL MIDGET RACING DIRECTOR



 

 

Levi Jones of Olney, Ill., one of America's most accomplished race drivers and tied for the second-most all-time USAC National Driving championships, has been named National Midget Racing Director for the United States Auto Club, effectively immediately.

 

Jones brings a wealth of experience to the post, having competed in and won in every National series. His new post will involve a myriad of duties impacting all of USAC's Midget programs and schedules, including the HPD Midget series and its overall direction. In addition to his duties overseeing all Midget racing, Levi will have added focuses on the overall fan experience and track safety at USAC National series events.

 

Jones was the winner of several USAC National Midget racing events, including the "Gold Crown Midget Nationals" at Granite City, Ill., plus three "Tony Hulman Classic" Sprint and two "4-Crown Nationals" Sprint races and the 2013 "Hoosier Hundred" Silver Crown race. He is eager to address the issues challenging the sport and has innovative ideas for the future. His USAC National Championships include the 2010 and 2011 Silver Crown series and the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011 Sprint car titles. He also earned a trio of Indiana Sprint Week titles and a pair of Eastern Storm crowns.

 

"I'm anxious to get started and look forward to working with our participants and race organizers in the coming months as we develop our 2016 series plans," says Jones.

 

"We are extremely fortunate to have Levi and the enthusiasm he brings to the table," adds USAC President Kevin Miller. "His fresh approach to the current climate surrounding the sport of Midget racing is welcomed as we enter our 61st year of USAC competition."

 

Levi and his wife Heidi and his children Cru, Winston and Ava have relocated to Plainfield, Ind. to begin this new chapter of his auto racing life.

 

 

 

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/September 8, 2015

Original “Working Man’s Race” Short Track SuperNationals 8 Set For October 9-10 At I-88 Speedway; Short Track Super Series North Region Champion To Be Crowned; Two HUGE Days Of Racing Planned; Reserved Camping Available

AFTON, NY The original “Working Man’s Race” is set for its eighth running on Friday-Saturday October 9-10 at I-88 Speedway.

The Halmar International Short Track SuperNationals presented by Olum’s takes center stage at the Afton Fairgrounds facility during Columbus Day weekend, presenting weekend racers with an affordable option to compete for a large purse structure.

Headlining the weekend is a 50-lap main for the big-block/small-block Modifieds racing for a total payout of nearly $30,000, spread throughout the starting field, on Saturday. The Modified event offers $5,000 to the winner, $1,000 for 10th and $500 to take the green flag in addition to numerous other bonuses.

And the event takes on added incentive. The race is the eighth and final leg of the Bob Hilbert Sportswear North Region on the Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By Hi-Tek, meaning a $15,000 champion will be crowned following the Modified main event and the top-12 drivers will set their positions to share in a $38,000-plus point fund.

The Short Track SuperNationals was founded in 2006 by Brett Deyo, partnering with Pat Jordan – then the promoter of Afton Speedway – to present the inaugural. Last year, the SuperNationals returned to the Afton Fairgrounds for the first time since that first running much to the delight of fans and competitors. The neat-and-tidy I-88 facility, complete with a flat and spacious pit area and camping with hookups, provides an ideal venue for the Short Track Super Series championship event.

Local driver Shaun Walker of Masonville, N.Y., led the list of winners at the SuperNationals last year, taking home the STSS Modified top prize! The win was the most lucrative of Walker’s career.

Again this year, I-88 promoters Jamie and Denise Page partner with Deyo to organize the program.

Saturday’s program will again be “split” with support division qualifying and other activities in the afternoon. The Modifieds will qualify and run their feature after a break.

Joining the Modifieds on Saturday will be the GRIT American Series Crate 602 Sportsman, XCel 600 Modifieds in a tour race, Empire Lightning Sprints and Vintage Modifieds in an exhibition.

Friday night will be topped with a 35-lap Open vs. Crate 602 Sportsman race paying $1,500 to win plus Crate 602 bonuses. Also racing on Friday are the XCel 600 Modifieds in a tour race, Empire Sport Trucks and FWD Four Cylinders.

Modifieds are invited to practice on Friday night. A Dash will be held for the fastest competitors, per the track transponder system, with the Dash winner earning a redraw starting spot in Saturday’s main event.

Reserved camping spots are on sale now at a first-come, first-served basis. To secure a spot, click the following link to download a form: http://bdmotorsportsmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/SuperNationalsModifiedEntry.pdf

To learn more about the Short Track Super Series or BD Motorsports Media LLC, visitwww.shorttracksuperseries.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.

I-88 Speedway is located conveniently off I-88 Exit 7 (Afton), approximately 25 miles north and east of Binghamton, at 46 East Main Street Afton, N.Y. 13730. There is plentiful space for parking and camping. To learn more about I-88 Speedway, visit www.i-88speedway.com.

 

 

 

Found on the Internet:

 

Here are the top 10 reasons to vote Democratic:

 

10. Vote Democrat because you can’t wait for college football season to be delayed or cancelled because the student athletes are union employees.

9. Vote Democrat because you believe oil company’s profits of 4 percent on a gallon of gas are obscene, but the government taxing the same gallon of gas at 15 percent isn’t.



8. Vote Democrat because you believe the government will do a better job of spending the money you earn than you would.



7. Vote Democrat because Freedom of Speech is fine as long as nobody is offended by it.



6.Vote Democrat because you’re way too irresponsible to own a gun, and know that your local police are all you need to protect yourself from murderers and thieves. You’re also thankful you have a 911 service that get police to your home in order to identify your body after a home invasion.


5. Vote Democrat because you’re not concerned about millions of babies being aborted so long as we keep all death row inmates alive and comfy.




4. Vote Democrat because you think illegal aliens have a right to free health care, education, and Social Security benefits, and we should take away the Social Security from those who paid into it.



3. Vote Democrat because you believe businesses should NOT be allowed to make profits for themselves. They need to break even and give the rest away to the government for redistribution as the Democrats see fit.



2. Vote Democrat because you believe liberal judges need to rewrite the Constitution every few days to suit some fringe kooks who would never get their agendas past the voters.



And the Number One reason to vote Democrat is:



1. You think that it’s better to pay billions for oil to people who hate us and want us destroyed, but not drill our own because it might upset some endangered beetle, gopher, fish or frog.

 

And this tid-bit:

" I have a question for all you Obama lovers out there -  when he went into the White House his net worth was 1.2 million he makes $400,000 dollars a year for the last 6 years his net worth now is 12.4 million. How'd that happen? Certainly not through the stock market he hates those people, so how? I want to put my investments there.

 

 

And this, too:

 

The FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that August was a record month for gun sales, with 1.7 million background checks processed.

Note:  Interesting, isn't it?

 

 

Video:

 

Sorry, folks, but no video this week.

 

 

 

This week's joke:

 

Due to the climate of political correctness now pervading America , Kentuckians, Tennesseans and West Virginians will no longer be referred to as

'HILLBILLIES' and/or 'REDNECKS"

You must now refer to them as

' APPALACHIAN-AMERICANS '.

 

  And furthermore,

HOW TO SPEAK ABOUT  WOMEN AND BE POLITICALLY CORRECT:

 

1. She is not a 'BABE' or a 'CHICK' - She is a

' BREASTED AMERICAN. '

 

2. She is not 'EASY' - She is

' HORIZONTALLY ACCESSIBLE.'

 

 

3. She is not a 'DUMB BLONDE' - She is a

'LIGHT-HAIRED DETOUR OFF THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY.'

 

 

4. She has not 'BEEN AROUND' - She is a

' PREVIOUSLY-ENJOYED COMPANION.'

 

 

5. She does not 'NAG' you - She becomes

'  VERBALLY REPETITIVE.'

 

6. She is not a 'TWO-BIT HOOKER' - She is a

'  LOW COST PROVIDER.'

 

 

 

 

HOW TO SPEAK ABOUT  MEN AND BE POLITICALLY CORRECT:

 

 

1. He does not have a 'BEER GUT' - He has developed a

' LIQUID GRAIN STORAGE FACILITY.'

 

 

2. He is not a 'BAD DANCER' - He is

'  OVERLY CAUCASIAN.'

 

 

3. He does not 'GET LOST ALL THE TIME' - He

'  INVESTIGATES ALTERNATIVE DESTINATIONS.'

 

 

4. He is not 'BALDING' - He is in

' FOLLICLE REGRESSION.'

 

 

5. He does not act like a 'TOTAL ASS' - He develops a case of

' RECTAL-CRANIAL INVERSION.'

 

 

 

6. It's not his 'CRACK' you see hanging out of his pants - It's

'TROUSER CLEAVAGE.'

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until my next column – next week

Note:  Yes, I'll be back to covering something on racing from "Back in the Day":

 

 

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