Racin' & Internet Stuff:

                                      By Tom Avenengo

                                         Volume # 44

                                           02/ 10/2011

 

 

First:

OCFS will be back with DIRTcar in 2011.

 

From a PR late on Tuesday:

 

MIDDLETOWN, NY (February 10)......The historic Orange County Fair Speedway will open for its 62nd consecutive year of weekly stock car racing Saturday night, April 16, once again under the DIRTcar sanctioning banner.

“We’re really looking forward to the new season,” said Orange County promoter Mike Gurda. ”The decision to return to DIRTcar sanctioning was not made lightly. We considered all our options and determined the benefits of being part of the DIRTcar circuit to be in everyone’s best interest.”

A return to DIRTcar sanctioning will put the racers back on Hoosier-brand tires. But the competitors will have several weeks to use up their stock of American Racer tires that were utilized during the track’s previous independent status. In addition, certain established Orange County rules regarding car and engine specifications will remain in effect. “We will continue to allow Orange County “open” engines in the Sportsman division,” said Gurda. “We’ll have all the se* and other rules questions answered in the next few weeks.”

The full season schedule, including special events and activities, will be available shortly.

Already set, however, is the season finale, the 50th Annual Eastern States Weekend, this year Friday through Sunday, October 21-23. The Eastern States 200 is the oldest consecutively-run dirt track Modified championship race in the country.

The Speedway Office is now open, Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and is accepting orders for grandstand and pit season passes. Call 845-342-2573. Updated information regarding the schedule and other information will soon be available on the Orange County Fair Speedway website, www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net.

* - No idea as to what that is supposed to be.  That’s the way it was in the PR.

 

Note:  There were quite a few “rumors” going around on the Internet about OCFS and a possible return to DIRTcar – especially for the Big Block Modified class.  What kind of shows that all classes at OCFS will be under DIRTcar, and not just the Big Blocks, is where it says:  “A return to DIRTcar sanctioning will put the racers back on Hoosier-brand tires.”

At least they’ve kept the engine rules for the Sportsman class the same – with both types of engines being allowed.  I wonder if that also holds true for the Pro Stock class?  I believe they also had both types of engines these past couple of years.  It should be interesting to see how long the race teams have to use up whatever American Racer tires that they might have, and if they would be able to use them at other tracks, too.

 

Also:  Might this open the door for Brett Hearn to make a return to the track?  How about Danny Johnson?  It’s been said that Danny will be a regular at the Accord Speedway on Friday nights in a Sherlock car, and then he’d be traveling down to New Egypt to run the Petruska owned # 66.  Might that team also decide on making OC their Saturday track?  How about some others, now that DIRTcar is back in the fold?

 

And to this, might we also add the Vinnie Salerno # 4 car to a possible OCFS entry?  If you recall, last year Vinnie towed quite some distances for those DIRT points.

 

And what about 2012?  Supposedly, Mr. Glenn Donnelly will be making a return to the racing wars.  If so, might he put a hurt on DIRTcar?

 

Second:

I would imagine that many of you that read my columns are also football fans and watched the Super Bowl, last Sunday, as I did.  Unfortunately, I also watched a horrible rendition of our National Anthem and a so-so half time show that also left quite a bit to be desired.

The National Anthem thing really lit up the Internet, and in most cases those posting didn’t have very nice things to say.  One would think that somewhere, with these big shows that attract millions of viewers on TV and a lot of fans at the shows, in person, someone would somehow check out the singers as to how they sing the song.  If they mess up the first verse, imagine what they’d do if they had to sing all four verses?



Third:

There’s a new law in New Jersey that pertains to racing.  It’s being called the 3” Law.  It has to do about how high the roll bars should be over a driver’s head, with 3” being the new mandated amount of space.  There’s been quite a discussion on this as to whether it’s to the top of the roll bar or the bottom.  Personally, I’d think it would have to be the bottom.  This new law might make it quite difficult for some racecars to compete in the state of New Jersey.

This is what is now listed in the rulebook for the New Egypt, N.J. Speedway:

This is posted on the NES main page website:

Per New Jersey State Law, ALL cars MUST maintain a minimum of 3" head clearance above the seated drivers helmet. This is a mandatory safety feature and will be strictly enforced during the 2011 season!”

 

 

Fourth:

Mototown  - the indoor place to race bikes and quads and the place that’s been attempting to get a series of Go-Kart races going during this winter, has, more or less, been shut down due to the roof collapsing due to the weight of snow, and ice, on it.  I guess time will tell as to whether it gets rebuilt, or not.  If it should get rebuilt, I do have a small suggestion:  Make sure it has heat!  I really wonder, what with it being, to me, minimally heated, if that might have been a cause for such a high build up of snow/ice?

Photos:  http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Mototowns-roof-just-collapsed,1211142

Video:  http://www.courant.com/community/windsor/hc-windsor-collapse-0208-20110207,0,988768.story

 

 

Fifth:

 

From my last column:

Is Albany/Saratoga for sale and if so, is Kim Duell a possibly buyer.  If so, it’s said that the track would return to weekly dirt racing.”

 

Well, it ain’t gonna happen, as you can see, below:

At this time I would like to forward the official word of the pending sale of Albany Saratoga speedway . As of 1/28/11 I met with Bruce Richards along with Al Williams to discuss the situation of the sale of the track . It was brought to my attention through this website along with phone calls and e-mails and the CVRA website that the track was no longer forsale or lease . But now it has become official as Bruce informed me personally that Albany Saratoga speedway would no longer be forsale . So at this time I would like appoligize if anyone was effected by any rumors or mis interpreted information that may have come either through this website or Facebook . Unfortunatly there were alot of players involved with what was going on with the possible sale of the track , but dates and timing became an issue for all partys involved . It had been decided from the very onset of negotiations that things were to be kept quiet until a more offical agreement had been reached . Any premature info that came out were things that were done with best of intentions . Anyone who knows me also knows that I defended and promoted the CVRA for many many years . I personally have nothing against the Richards and truly hope they turn Albany Saratoga speedway into the kind of track that our area race fans deserve . In closing I would also like to say that through out this whole thing I had many many people ready to dig in and help us with the new venture . I want to say thanks so much for your support and Im truly sorry this didnt work out . And the last thing is to wish all the race teams good luck and have a great safe racing season no matter where you choose to race this year . Thank you . Kim L Duell.

 

Former OVRP Speedway (Dirt Oval) racers:

There were some former Dirt Oval racers that ran in the Indoor show down in Atlantic City a little over a week ago.

 

In Champ Karts, Ryan Kendall was 2nd, Eric Zeh 4th  and Eddie Sickles 9th.  Not making the feature were:  Chris Daley and David Webb.

 

In the Slingshots, Tiffany Wambold was 2nd, Anthony Perrego 10th, Matt Hearn 13th and Nick Pecko 16th.

 

Last Saturday night, out in Rhode Island, in that indoor race meet, in the Champ Karts, Eric Zeh was 23rd, while Randy Brundage was shown as a DNQ.

 

 

Going back, in time:

Note:  Most of the following information was found here: 

http://www.wheelsofspeed.com/history.html

 

Covering the days of January 28th to February 10th:

 

JANUARY 28
1926

Gene Hartley... Born ... He drove in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series. He ran at Indy but without much success in 10 races entered. His best finish was 10th in 1957. Hartley was inducted in the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1985.

Jimmy Bryan... Born ... He drove in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series, racing in the 1952-1960 seasons with 72 starts, including each year's Indianapolis 500 race. Bryan won the 1958 Indianapolis 500 and the 1954(AAA), 1956 and 1957(USAC) National Championship.

 

 

JANUARY 29
1915

Johnny McDowell ... Born ... AAA driver from the mid 1930's to 1952. He drove Midgets and Indy Cars. McDowell competed in the 1949 to 1952 Indianapolis 500 races. He died in a qualifying crash at the Milwaukee Mile the week after the 1952 Indy 500.

1929

Jerry Hoyt... Born ... AAA driver

1950

Jody Schecter... Born ... F1 driver

 

JANUARY 30
1927

Tommy Copp... Born ... USAC driver from the 1960's

1929

Al Smith... Born ... USAC driver from the 1960's

1979

Jason Meyers... Born ... World of Outlaws Sprint Car driver

2011

Tommy McAndrew... Died ... Eastern racer who drove Sprint Cars, Stock Cars, Midgets and 3/4 Midgets during the 60's and 70's.

 

JANUARY 31
1908

Bill Cantrell... Born ... Midget, sprint and Indy car driver from the late 1930's to mid 50's and later he became the West Coast supervisor for USAC.

1966

Robbie Groff... Born ... Driver in the Indy Racing League and CART Championship Car series and is brother of Mike Groff. He raced in the 1994 CART season and 1997-1998 IRL seasons with 9 combined starts. His best career finish was in his first race, a ninth place at the 1997 Indianapolis 500.

1976

Buddy Rice... Born ... Driver best known for winning the 2004 Indianapolis 500 as part of Rahal Letterman Racing.

 

FEBRUARY 1

1959

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

1996

Ray Crawford... Died ... AAA & USAC driver from the 1950's & 60's

2000

Dick Rathmann ... Died ... AAA & USAC driver from the 1940's, 50's & 60's

2009

Jim McWithey ... Died ... He was a lifetime member of United States Auto Club and Indianapolis 100 Mile An Hour Club. He competed in the USAC Sprint and Midget Car Series and raced in the Indianapolis 500, finishing 16th (1959) and 33rd (1960). He raced from 1951-1955 in the Little 500 at Anderson Speedway.

 

FEBRUARY 2

1920

Delmar Desch... Born ... AAA driver that raced in the 1940's and 50's

George Tichenor... Born ... AAA driver that raced in the 1950's

1950

Billie Harvey... Born ... USAC/CART driver in 1980.  He was also a car owner of a dirt modified and was associated with Gary Balough.

1966

Billy Boat... Born ... USAC midget, sprint and IRL Indy car driver. Seven Indy 500 starts with a best finish of 3rd in 1999.

1985

Bob Glidden is the first NHRA Pro Stock driver to run the 1/4-mile in under 7.6 seconds (7.557), at Pomona, California.

 

FEBRUARY 3

1922

Johnny Moorehouse... Born ... USAC driver from the 1950's

1929

Major H.O.D. Seagrave set a new land speed record of 231.4 mph at Daytona Beach, Florida, driving a car called the Golden Arrow.

1944

Lennie Waldo... Born ... Sprint car driver

1950

Rocky Moran... Born ... USAC/CART driver 1980's & 90's

 

FEBRUARY 4
1927

Dale Van Johnson... Born ... USAC driver

Sir Malcolm Campbell sets a Land Speed Record of 174.833 mph in his Bluebird at Penpine.

1931

Bay Darnell... Born ... USAC and NASCAR driver from the 1950's and 60's

1955

Tim Brewer... Born ... NASCAR crew chief

1973

Carl Williams... Died ... USAC driver from the 1960's & 70's.He ran the Indy 500 6 times with a best finish of 9th in 1970. He was killed in a motorcycle accident in Kansas City.

1987

Bruce Jacobi... Died ... USAC driver from the 1960's and 70's. After coming out of retirement to drive, he came to the 1983 Daytona Speedweeks without a ride but picked one up with a smaller independent team by the time of the Twin 125 Qualifiers. During the first Twin 125 qualifying race, he lost control of his car at the exit of Turn 2 and flipped upon entering the grass infield, eventually coming to a stop near the inside dirt bank. The car flipped end over end and it is speculated that his roll cage failed during the crash. Jacobi suffered extensive head injuries from the crash and was in a coma for almost four years before passing away at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

1989

Connie Kalitta becomes the first man in NHRA history to record a speed greater than 290 mph in the quarter mile when he runs 291.54 mph at Pomona, California.

2001

Ernie McCoy... Died ... Eastern midget, sprint and Indy car driver.  He was one of the few that were able to run the entire 500 miles at Indianapolis in 1953 without a relief driver.  I believe with his passing, that left only Art Cross left out of the drivers that accomplished that feat in 1953.

 

FEBRUARY 5
1931

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

1934

Ted Johnson ... Born ... He briefly drove a midget in his early years before settling into a career as a china salesman, never could shake the racing bug and in 1978 he unveiled the World of Outlaws, a collection of the biggest names in sprint car racing that traveled around the country trying to swipe purses from local competitors. The series drew huge crowds, attracted national television audiences and major sponsorship all while competing nearly 100 times a year with Johnson calling the shots every step of the way.

1947

Darrell Waltrip... Born ... A three-time former NASCAR Winston Cup champion, the 1989 Daytona 500 winner, current television race commentator.

1953

Dorsey Schroeder... Born ... Trans-Am and sportscar driver.

1981

Justin Labonte... Born ... NASCAR driver. He is the son of legendary NASCAR driver Terry Labonte and nephew of driver Bobby Labonte.

1986

Reed Sorenson... Born ... NASCAR driver.

 

FEBRUARY 6
1916

Cliff Griffith... Born ... AAA and USAC driver from the 1950's & 60's. He drove in four Indy races, '51, '52, '56 and '61 with his best result, a 9th place finish in 1952.

1986

Willard "Bill" Cantrell... Died ... Nicknamed the "Silver Fox" because of his gray hair and the sly tricks he used to win races, Cantrell came to Southern California from Missouri before World War II. He started racing in jalopies in 1936, and raced midgets with the United Midget Association in 1939. In 1940 and '41 he drove more than fifty different midgets looking for a car that would make him a winner. In 1942 he found that car and scored 15 wins and a 2nd in the UMA points. From 1945 thru 1964, Billy won more than 120 main events with the United Racing Assn., AAA, and USAC. Included in this total is the 1962 "Turkey Night Grand Prix". He won the URA Red Circuit Title in 1947 and was that association's overall champion in 1951 and '52. He also collected 18 sprint car wins with the California Racing Association in this period. After retiring from driving, he served for a time as the west coast supervisor for USAC and as starter for the USRC midget club.

1987

Ira Hall... Died ... AAA driver that raced in the 1920's , 30's and 40's.

2000

Ted Tappett (Phil Walters) died.  He excelled in racing Midgets, Stock Cars and Sports/Racing Cars.  He was signed to drive for Ferrari in 1955 in Sports/Racing cars and also in Formula One Grand Prix cars.  However, while still racing for the Briggs Cunningham team at LeMans, in 1955, and observing the tragedy of that day, he retired on the spot.  He is a member of the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame, the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame and recently the Sebring Hall of Fame.  He was also named as the final driver of the decade for Watkins Glen for the period of 1948 to 1957 on September 7, 2008.   http://www.theglen.com/Articles/2008/09/Phil-Walters-Honored-As-Final-Driver-Of-The-Decade.aspx

 

FEBRUARY 7

1959

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

 

FEBRUARY 8
1920

Mike Magill... Born ... Three time United Racing Club champion 1950, 1951 and 1953. Ran AAA and USAC from 1955 to 1961

1939

Bill Cummings... Died ... AAA driver from the 1930's

 

FEBRUARY 9
1882

Arthur Duray... Born ... A Belgian racecar driver. He is probably best known today for breaking the land speed record on three separate occasions between July, 1903 and March, 1904. Ran AAA races in 1914, 1915 and 1918. Finished 2nd in the 1914 Indy 500.

1909

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation incorporated with Carl G. Fisher as president.

1939

Jan Opperman... Born ... Race car driver known as "The King of the Outlaws". Two time starter of the Indianapolis 500, finishing 21st in 1974 and 16th in 1976. Legendary sprint car driver. Winner of the prestigious Tony Hulman Classic, Terre Haute Action Track 1976; National Supermodified Champion 1971, Knoxville, Ia.; Two time National Supermodified Champion 1971 & 72, Phoenix, Az; World Dirt Track Champion 1973. Critically injured in the 1976 USAC Hoosier 100 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis. Resumed racing after a full recovery only to suffer a career ending injury at Jennerstown, Pa on June 20, 1981. He had several debilitating strokes and spent the final years of his life in a wheelchair being cared for by his 80-something parents. A man of strong spiritual belief, Jan Opperman was very popular with his fellow drivers, the media and fans. Jan Opperman was a larger-than-life dirt track racing legend who stormed on the scene in the late 1960's, dominated sprint car circuits throughout the 1970's and helped define the Outlaw movement.

1964

Todd Parrott... Born ... NASCAR crew chief

 

FEBRUARY 10
1917

Danny Kladis... Born ... AAA/USAC driver from the 1940's & 50's

1919

Eddie Johnson... Born ... AAA/USAC driver from the 1950's & 60's. Ran in 13 Indy 500's with a best finish of 6th in 1960.

1959

Marshall Teague sets an unofficial closed course speed record of 171.821 mph driving the "Sumar Special" streamliner, actually a Kurtis-Kraft chassis with a Meyer-Drake Offy 270.

1987

Andy Linden... Died ... AAA driver from the 1940's and 1950's. Ran in 7 Indy 500's with a best finish of 4th in 1951.

 

 

The History of the Sport:

More indoor TQ racing from years ago, this time, a race that was held in the Teaneck Armory in Teaneck, NJ on January 30, 1960.  It was the fourth race

meet of their indoor racing season.

 

Some of those that saw action or were in attendance on this night were:  LenDuncan, Jim Lacy, Roger Bailey, Dan Maurus, Ernie McCoy, Don Stumpf, King Carpenter, Fred Clifton, Charlie Bettman, Ed Lalick, Sr., Johnny Zeke, Tony Romit, Tony Bonadies, Russ Klar, Maurice Viette, Ed Lalick. Jr., Joe Lacy, Gordon Eisenhower, George Schmal, Bobby Marshman, Sy Kaback, Russ Hoek, Sonny Sanders, Pete Frazee, Harry Hespell, Al Herman and Dick DeYoung.  An interested spectator – Enno Van Dam, the promoter of the race track in Middletown, NY. 

 

Heat winners were Jim Lacy, Roger Bailey and Dan Maurus.  Lacy started 8th in his heat, which had nine starters.  So, passing was possible on the tiny 1/10 mile track.

 

Jim Lacy won the first Semi and was followed by Viette, Bailey, Stumpf, Schmal and Clifton. Ernie McCoy won the second Semi an=d he was followed by Duncan, Romit, Kaback, Klar and Lalick, Jr.    Joe Lacy won the consolation race, with Sanders, Marshman and DeYoung following.

 

The 35-lap feature was won by Duncan.  He was followed by Marshman, Clifton, Jim Lacy, Kaback, Stumpf, Sanders, Schmal, Klar, McCoy, Bailey, Joe Lacy, Viette, and Lalick, Jr.

 

Note:  What was so much different back then, compared to today – was that we really didn’t worry all that much about snow.  My future wife and I worked together in the Monsey, NY Grand Union, and we’d leave work at 6:00 every Saturday, and head to Teaneck – whether it was snowing, or not.  And, when we left the Armory at the end of the night, we’d order the same seats for the following week.  Times have changed, that’s for sure.

 

More racin’ stuff:

Scots racer Dario Franchitti wants to become the fastest man on earth

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/editors-choice/2011/02/06/scots-racer-dario-franchitti-wants-to-become-the-fastest-man-on-earth-86908-22903244/

 

Some Racin’ stuff from the AARN:

 

From the January 25th issue:

 

There was a lot of coverage from the Motor Sports show that was held in Pennsylvania, and also a lot of info about the up-coming indoor racing that would be held in Atlantic City, NJ.

 

Jan Opperman, John Holman, Maurice Petty, Brian Redman and Rex White were all inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

 

It isn’t a very good idea to store racing fuels in plastic jugs.  Fuel is always trying to attract water and will pull water in from the air through the pores of a plastic jug.

 

It is now being said, by Robin Pemberton, that there will be NO fuel injection in NASCAR in 2011.

 

Studies have found that males between the ages of 18 to 34, which made up the bulk of those that watched NASCAR racing, are now into other things.

 

It was said that the Crate Modified champion for the Bridgeport NJ Speedway for the 2011-racing season will get $10,000.00

 

A racecar show will be held on April 1st to the 3rd at the Great Northern

Mall in Clay, NY.

 

At times John Snyder and I don’t see eye to eye on some racing subjects, but I do have to agree with what he had to say about the type of people that linger around the old cars and track history displays - being of a “mature” age, with not so many of the younger generation fans and drivers not showing much interest about the history of the sport.

 

Dale Pelfrey – I’m willing to bet that most of you readers out there have no idea as to who he is.  Well, he was into Indy car racing and has now made a return.  Some of the drivers that Team Pelfrey has had in their cars are:  Sarah Fisher, Lyn St. James, Danny Ongais, Memo Gidley, Bryan Tyler, Billy Boat, Robby Unser and John Paul, Jr.

 

Friday, March 18th and Saturday, March 19th are the opening dates for the RoC Dirt Series for 2011, with the Small Blocks on the 18th and Big Blocks on the 19th.  That’s at the Selinsgrove, Pa. Speedway.

 

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. had to miss the last practice day that they had at Daytona, so he could be a part of his sister Kelly’s wedding.

 

Down under, at the Premier Speedway, for their Sprint Car Classic, had 96 cars signed in.

 

At the Eldora Speedway’s banquet, the champions received trophies, monies from the point fund, personalized driving suits from Simpson Race Products, a helmet paint design from Colors by Barr and championship jackets from Homestretch Sportswear.

 

From the February 1st issue:

 

A ton of articles and photos from those indoor races in Atlantic City, were featured in this issue.

 

The American Racer Cup for dirt modifieds point fund, in addition to individual track awards will also have a separate point fund to be paid out to the top 5 overall American Racer Cup drivers, based on certain criteria.  $10,000.00 for 1st, $5,000.00 for 2nd, $3,500.00 for 3rd, $2,500.00 for 4th and $2,000.00 for 5th.

 

Look for some starting time changes for NASCAR events in 2011.

 

Tim Shaffer was honored as the champion of the All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Car Series.  It was worth $50,000.00 along with other awards.

 

The 26th annual Reading Race Car Show will be held on February 20th to 26th, at the Mall in Reading – the same place where the famed ½ mile dirt track was.  Yes, there are still some that will not go into that mall because it took the place of the track.

 

In a way, I had a hard time believing what I had read about a couple of tracks down in Florida.  New Smyrna Speedway and DeSoto Speedway dropped their sprint car races during the Winter Nationals due to an issue in wanting to pay teams more than $350.00 to win.  Huh?  Wanting to, or not wanting to?

 

February 26, 2011 is the opening day for Sprint Car racing at the Lincoln Speedway in PA.

 

Bill Pascual has been racing at OCFS and other tracks for some time.  In 2011, he’ll be a rookie in the Big Block modified class at OC.  Mind you – he’ll be a 55-year-old rookie, once he hits that age in July.

 

Most of you know of Johnny Benson, right?  Well, he’s in the same boat as Jac Haudenschild – no ride for 2011 – yet – well, for Benson, in NASCAR, that is.

 

Sunday, April 9, 2011.  That’s the date for the first 270cc Micro Sprint 10k Front Row Challenge, to be held at the Greenwood Valley Action Track.  The main event winner gets $1,000.00 – unless the pole winner decides to take the challenge and start 16th.  If he can come from 16th and win, he or she will get $10,000.00 for the win.  Now, if the pole sitter decides he doesn’t want to leave his pole position, then it would be offered to the driver that would be starting on the outside of the pole sitter.  Only those two drivers have the option of going to the rear.

 

NEMA – They’ll be starting their 59th season on April 1st and 2nd at the Waterford Speedbowl

 

 

 

Additional Racin’ stuff:

 

Found on Jayski’s website:

 

Daytona schedule:

 

Times are local to the Track

Thursday, February 10th: 

9:30 am NSCS Haulers Enter, 11:00 am NSCS Garage Opens, 6:00 pm NSCS Garage Closes

Friday, February 11th:

9:00 am NSCS Garage Opens, 9:00 pm NSCS Garages Closes

Saturday, February 12th:

9:00 am NSCS Garage Opens, 10:00 am NSCS Rookie Meetings & Drawing For Qualifying Order, 11:00 am 1:00 pm NSCS Practice,  2:00 pm 3:45 pm NSCS Practice,
11:30 pm NSCS Garage Closes

Sunday, February 13th

7:00 am NSCS Garage Opens, 1:05 pm NSCS Qualifying, 5:00 pm NSCS Garage Closes

Wednesday, February 16th

8:00 am NSCS Garage Opens, 10:40 am 12:00 pm NSCS Practice, 1:30 pm 2:50 pm NSCS Practice, 7:00 pm NSCS Garages Closes

Thursday, February 17th

7:00 am NSCS Garages Opens, 8:00 am NSCS Mandatory Spotter Meeting, 12:00 pm NSCS Driver / Crew Chief Meeting, 1:40 pm NSCS Drivers Introductions, 2:00 pm NSCS Gatorade 150 Mile Qualifying Races, 6:00 pm NSCS Garage Closes

Friday, February 18th

8:00 am NSCS Garage Opens, 11:00 am 12:00 pm NSCS Practice, 12:30 pm 1:55 pm NSCS Practice, 4:00 pm NSCS Garage Closes

Saturday, February 19th

9:00 am NNS Garage Opens, 9:00 am NSCS Garage Opens, 10:30 am 12:00 pm NSCS Final Practice, 5:00 pm NSCS Garage Closes

Sunday, February 20th

9:00 am NSCS Garage Opens, 11:00 am NSCS Driver / Crew Chief Meeting, 12:15 pm NSCS Driver Introductions, 1:00 pm NSCS Daytona 500

 

And this, too, from Jayski:

Evernham tests dirt car: On Monday, February 7, Ray Evernham got behind the wheel of the new US Legends Modified dirt car that he designed & developed for US Legend Cars International. The test took place at Evernham's dirt track, East Lincoln Speedway in Stanley, NC. Ray was pleased with the car's performance, and is very excited about the growth of the new series. Also on hand testing the car was his wife and former NASCAR & World of Outlaws driver Erin Crocker. The car is scheduled to debut at East Lincoln Speedway later this year, and is available through US Legend Cars International. Ray Evernham will be a guest speaker at the 38th annual RPM Promoters Workshop in Daytona later this month, where he will talk to race promoters from all over the country about the new car. Test drive dates & additional information about the racecar will be announced soon.(Dirt Track Racing School/US Legend Cars International)(2-9-2011)

Note:  I really have no idea as to how these new Legends cars will make out.  Oh, they look nice, but with today’s economy, well…………………..

 

 

Other forums/message boards and websites:

 

You might find some interesting reading if you go to the links below.

 

Track Forum: - http://www.trackforum.com/forums/

Frontstretch.com:  http://www.frontstretch.com/

Jayski: - http://www.jayski.com/

Open Wheel Racers3:  http://www.openwheelracers3.com/

Race Pro Weekly:  http://raceproweekly.com/

Syracuse forum:  http://www.syracuse.com/forums/motorsports/ (must register to post)

South Jersey Dirt Racing:  http://theboard.southjerseydirtracing.com/Msgboard.asp?ForumID=27&Return=Msgboard.asp&D83jsd=True

(must register to post)

Victory Speedway:  http://s2.excoboard.com/VictorySpeedwayForum (must register to post & no nonsense allowed)

Yahoo Race History Group:  http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/RacingHistory/ (when one posts something on an e-mail to the group, they do have what is called the “Len Sutton rule” – you put in your name and where you live.  And, yes, things are “policed” too.

New England Tractor:  http://newenglandtractor.com/racereport/

Wheels of Speed:  http://www.wheelsofspeed.com/

The Caruso Racing Museum website:  http://www.carusomidgetracing.com/  A great website if you are interested in the history of legendary Mike Caruso, his cars and his drivers.

First Turn Pro:  http://www.firstturnpro.com/

Vintage Sprint Car: 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=236178

Vintage Midget:  http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=337192

 

 

 

Racing and television:

Racing on TV - http://www.racefantv.com/USTV.htm

You might want to click on the link above, if you want to see when what is on TV from Daytona. 

Note:  It’s somewhat of a shame that with all the racing going on down in Florida, both on dirt and paved tracks, we don’t get to see any of them – and most of them are night time shows, too.

 

2011 Track and other Schedules:

Indy car:  http://www.indyracing.com/

Kutztown:  http://www.kutztownfairspeedway.com/

RoC – Dirt: http://www.rocdirt.com/

 

And:

From Column # 42:

Accord:  http://www.accordspeedway.com/

Big Diamond:  http://www.bigdiamondspeedway.net/

Selinsgrove:  http://www.selinsgrovespeedway.com/

Wyalusing:  http://www.wvmpracing.com/

Stafford:  http://www.staffordspeedway.com/

New Hampshire:  http://www.nhms.com/

Lincoln:  http://www.lincolnspeedway.com/

Hagerstown:  http://www.hagerstownspeedway.com/

CRSA Sprint Cars:  http://www.crsasprintcars.com/

 

From Column # 43:

NEMA:  http://www.nemaracing.com/

ARDC:  http://www.ardcmidgets.com/

Bethel:  http://www.bethelmotorspeedway.com/BethelMotorSpeedway/Home_Page.html

Williams Grove:  http://www.williamsgrove.com/

Xcel 600 Modifieds:  http://www.xcelchassis.com/

Mountain Speedway:  http://www.mountainspeedway.com/

 

 

Video time:

OK, all you people that don’t like Country music – you might want to skip what follows.

Sunday, February 13th, is the anniversary on the death of Waylon Jennings.  Ol’ Waylon left us on February 13, 2002 – nine years ago.  Gee, but the time sure does go by fast, doesn’t it?

Some “Waylon” songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGz_xSSgjY0&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBdjv_VzCkg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKiyoQwiYDc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1-_cZoUOEE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ecE1UML1q8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX9OmeD36e4&feature=related

 

 

Non-racing news:

An uncertain future after jobless benefits expire

 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110129/ap_on_re_us/us_expired_benefits_nevada_unemployment

 

Illegal-immigrant numbers in state jump 35% in 3 years

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014102546_illegalimmigrants02m.html

Graham, McCain flirting with immigration reform support

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110207/us_yblog_thelookout/graham-mccain-flirting-with-immigration-reform-support

Job openings fall for second straight month

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110208/ap_on_bi_ge/us_job_openings

Fans file suit against NFL and Cowboys over Super Bowl Seating

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Fans-file-suit-against-NFL-and-Cowboys-over-Supe?urn=nfl-319085

 

 

Is this true?:

New drilling method opens vast oil fields in US

In part:

“A new drilling technique is opening up vast fields of previously out-of-reach oil in the western United States, helping reverse a two-decade decline in domestic production of crude.

Companies are investing billions of dollars to get at oil deposits scattered across North Dakota, Colorado, Texas and California. By 2015, oil executives and analysts say, the new fields could yield as much as 2 million barrels of oil a day — more than the entire Gulf of Mexico produces now.”

“Within five years, analysts and executives predict, the newly unlocked fields are expected to produce 1 million to 2 million barrels of oil per day, enough to boost U.S. production 20 percent to 40 percent. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates production will grow a more modest 500,000 barrels per day.”

 http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110209/ap_on_re_us/us_shale_oil

 

That reminds me – have you ever seen the video or read the book about the oil up in Alaska, and just where does it go?  It features Lindsey Williams and it’s titled “The Energy Non Crisis”

The video – which is quite long – 1:15.08 in length. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3340274697167011147#

The book:  http://www.reformation.org/energy-non-crisis.html

 

 

Closing with this:

I saw a fundamentalist Muslim extremist fall into the Rio Grande River this morning; he was struggling to stay afloat because of all the guns and bombs he was carrying.

Along with him was an illegal Hispanic drug cartel member who was also struggling to stay afloat because of the large backpack of drugs that was strapped to his back.

If they didn't get help, they'd surely drown.

Being a responsible Texan and abiding by the law to help those in distress, I informed the El Paso County Sheriff 's Office and Homeland Security.

It is now 4pm, both have drowned, and neither authority has responded.

I'm starting to think I wasted two stamps.

 

Remember – My next column will be back on February 24th, and then it looks like beginning on March 3rd, back to regular weekly columns, again.

And, did you happen to catch my last photo article that came out on the New England Tractor website a few days ago?

http://newenglandtractor.com/racereport/

 

 May “Guardian Angels” sit on the shoulders of all of our race drivers and race fans, and guide them safely around the tracks!

Drive safe! 

 

As usual, you can reach me at:  ygordad@yahoo.com