Racin'
& Internet Stuff:
By Tom
Avenengo
02/
24/2011
First:
I have to imagine that most of my readers were like me about who might win the Daytona 500 – not giving Trevor Bayne much of a chance. After all, he just turned 20 years old the day before, and he did have that big yellow stripe on his rear bumper, meaning he was a rookie. Granted, the kid looked pretty impressive earlier on when he teamed up with Jeff Gordon on Thursday, and they “two-by two’d” it during the qualifying race.
We had some over for the race, one of which was our family’s former race driver – Brett. After the race he commented – “Geez, he’s younger than me”!
Second:
With NASCAR coming out by limiting the drivers as to what one of the three major series that they have, as far as running for points, it’s strange to see someone that won the 500 not being in the point chase. Same goes for the Nationwide race, too. Questions came up about Trevor Bayne and if he might decide to switch from the Nationwide to the Cup Series, which he could do. One little problem with that, though – he still would not get points for his 500 win, per this, from Jayski’s website:
“Bayne unlikely
to run for Sprint Cup points: Daytona 500 winner #21-Trevor Bayne said
Monday he's probably not going to attempt to run for the Sprint Cup
championship this year. The 20-year-old became the youngest winner in Daytona
500 history Sunday with a surprise victory in NASCAR's biggest race. He's
scheduled to run only 17 Cup races this season for the Wood Brothers while he
competes for the Nationwide Series title for Roush-Fenway Racing. NASCAR rules
this season made drivers pick just one series to collect points, and Bayne
chose the second-tier Nationwide Series. He can change his mind, but he would
not be given retroactive points for the Daytona 500. NASCAR officials said
Monday the win would count toward seeding in the Chase for the Sprint Cup
championship, but he would not receive any points for Sunday's race. NASCAR
this year changed the format for the 12-driver Chase field. The top 10 in
points after the 26th race of the season make the Chase, with the final two
spots going to drivers with the most wins who aren't already eligible. The
drivers would have to be ranked inside the top 20.(Associated
Press), the team has added at least one race to it's 2011 schedule,
selecting to run at
Third:
Here’s
a surprise – next years Daytona 500 will be a week later!
Again,
from Jayski’s website:
“Daytona 500
pushed back a week in 2012: The 2012 Daytona 500 will be held a week later
than normal, eliminating the early off date and shortening the Sprint Cup
season. The "Great American Race'' will be held next year on February 26. "We have a very short offseason,'' said Steve
O'Donnell, a senior vice president with NASCAR. "This gives us a little
more time shortening up the season.'' Beyond moving the date to shorten the
season, O'Donnell said NASCAR wanted to get ahead of any potential moves to an
18-game schedule by the NFL that could push the Super Bowl later than normal.
There are no plans to condense the length of Speedweeks, although the date of
the Budweiser Shootout has not been officially set at the weekend before the
500 (would be Feb 18th].(ESPN.com)
AND Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III announced
today that the 54th Annual Daytona 500 will be held on Sunday, February 26,
2012. "The decision to kick-off to the NASCAR racing season one week later
was made in close partnership with the sanctioning body, our broadcast partners
including FOX, community partners and others within the industry," said
Chitwood. "This move shortens the racing season by one week, which is
something the teams and competitors will surely enjoy, and it eliminates the
off-weekend typically scheduled in March, which many fans and media partners
have said created a drop in momentum in the early part of the racing season. We
also know some of our great fans like to plan their visit to the 'World Center
of Racing' well in advance so we are announcing the 2012 date much earlier in
the season to minimize any inconveniences in planning their visit." The
dates of Daytona International Speedway's other racing events that comprise
Speedweeks, in addition to the motorcycle events in March, will be determined
in the near future.(DIS)(2-20-2011)”
Fourth:
Kinda makes one think a little – I found this on the Internet on Sunday night, after the Daytona 500 was run:
“So
Trevor at 20 drives an outstanding 500 mile race and wins. Meanwhile Danica with much
more experience and age shouts "tell me what to do!!!" If Trevor had
said that he would be out of a ride. See the difference and bias. Trever is the
real deal. Danica isn't but know one in her camp will ever admit it. Experience
isn't the problem. You either have instinct/skills or you don't regardless of
age,gender or race. This weekend just highlighted it.
Great run Trevor, hope Woods/Roush lets you run the full year as you are a
wheel man.”
Fifth:
Big monies are
coming up for a midget race. But here’s
something probably a lot of race fans don’t know – check out the last
paragraph!
Found on Track
Forum:
“NIGHT BEFORE THE 500” MIDGET WINNER TARGETED
FOR $20,000 PAYOUT MAY 29!
A prize of $20,000 awaits the winner of the May 29 “Night Before
the 500” USAC Mopar Midget race at Lucas Oil Raceway at
The “Night Before the 500” Classic, was among beneficiaries of Mr. Wright’s
last will and testament and the winner’s share matches the $20,000 claimed by
Jason Leffler for his victory at the 1999 “Summer Sizzle” at Indianapolis’ 16th
Street Speedway.
"The $20,000 payday this year only adds to the lure of this race,” says
Bryan Clauson, who won USAC’s 2010 Narional Driver Championship and Mopar
National Midget title. “The Night Before the 500
midget race is one of the crown jewels of midget racing, and it is definitely
circled on every midget driver’s calendar each year. With a winners
share that matches the highest ever in our sport, fans will see a lot of tough
guys show up for this one. After finishing second the last two years in this
race, I can't think of a better year to finally breakthrough and add my name to
the winners list for this great event."
The “Night Before the 500” race is one of
Tanner Swanson of
To put this race in some perspective, Mel Kenyon won 17 races on his way to the
1967 USAC National Midget championship. His total take for the 49 Midget races
that year was just over $11,000!
The 1999 “Summer Sizzle” victory still gives Jason Leffler a considerable
amount of pride. “I was nearly broke when I won that race at
Crocky Wright’s legacy is one of extreme dedication to the sport of Midget auto
racing. A 2005 inductee into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame, he
was presented his award that year by his hero, Tony Stewart, whom many consider
was a key beneficiary of Crocky’s many columns and writings. A racer himself,
Wright, whose real German-born name was Ernest Schlausky, witnessed his first
Midget race the same year the sport was born, 1933, and is one of only two
motorcycle stuntmen honored by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.,
the other being Evel Knievel! In 2004 Crocky was awarded the prestigious “Jim
Blunk Award” at the USAC Awards Banquet in honor of his many contributions to
the sport he loved.
“We feel this purse will add to the excitement and historic significance this
race holds in the race community,” said Wes Collier, general manager of Lucas
Oil Raceway at
“It’s a fitting tribute to Crocky that this race honors his memory,” adds USAC
President/CEO Kevin Miller. “He was so much a part of the fabric of this sport
and we are honored to be part of this celebration of his life and his
contributions to Midget auto racing.”
For the sake of history, it should be noted that Dave Steele claimed the
largest single night payout in Midget racing history in 2002 when he won
back-to-back 25-lap feature races at the then-named
Sixth:
As I made mention a while back, there will now be two
motor sport shows that will more than likely have race cars in them from tracks
like OCFS and the Accord Speedway.
Seventh:
Not racing related, but a subject that will be discussed over and over in the coming future – What are those that are in college, studying to be teachers, and upon graduating, find there are no jobs available due to the on-coming mass lay-offs of teachers, which sure looks like a coming thing, for sure, going to do?
Well,
there was an article about this in my local paper on Wednesday, the 23rd: http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110223/NEWS/102230348/-1/NEWS
Remember
President Obama and his State of the Union speech? How he wanted to improve our education
system? Uh huh. And what is (probably will in the immediate
future) every state now looking to cut back on?
Uh huh!
Maybe
I’m wrong, maybe I’m right, but as far as I’m concerned, last one hired is the
first to be let go. Teachers are now
fighting this. Big time problems ahead
of us, for sure!
Eighth:
Think we’ll see more of this – short fields in the
Nationwide Series? As of Wednesday
night, according to the entry list for the Nationwide
race that is on Jayski’s website, this coming weekend at
http://jayski.com/nationwide/2011/next/entries/nns02phxentry2011.htm
And,
from Jayski:
Short
field at
UPDATE: Am told by the team that 2nd Chance Motorsports will be in
Cassill doesn't
have
Former
OVRP
The
dirt modifieds ran some races down in
In
Kart racing, down in PA in “Motorama”, in Briggs Heavy “A”, Clinton Mills was 7th
and Bobby Hassenmayer was a DNS. In
Briggs Heavy “B” – Chris Daley was 1st. Chris was also first in Briggs Medium “A”,
while
Randy
Brundage was at Motorama too, but was a DNS in both the Senior Champ and 35 and
over classes.
When
the had the indoor racing in Rhode Island, in the Champ Kart race, Eric Zeh was
23rd and Randy Brundage was 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
February 11th to February 24th:
FEBRUARY 11
1888
Fred Offenhauser... Born
1901
Anton "Tony"
Hulman... Born ...
1934
John Surtees ...Born ... A
former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer and Formula One driver from
1959
Marshall Teague... Died ... NASCAR, AAA and USAC driver. Finished
7th in the 1957 Indy 500. Teague, 37, died in a crash during a closed
course speed record attempt at the new Daytona International
Roberto Moreno... Born ...
Formula One and Indy car driver from
1994
Neil Bonnett ... Died ...
NASCAR driver who compiled 18 victories and 20 poles over his 18-year career
and died from injuries suffered in a practice crash at Daytona. He was part of
the famous "
2001
Dave Schultz... Died ... Legendary, six-time NHRA Pro Stock Bike champion died of
colon cancer at age 52.
FEBRUARY 12
1904
Floyd Roberts... Born ... AAA driver who raced in the 1930's.
1920
Jack Turner ... Born ...
AAA/USAC driver from 1955 -1963
1929
Ronnie Duman... Born ... USAC
driver from 1961 to 1968
1932
Dick Tobias ... Born ... He was
modified stock car driver that went on to run URC sprints, USAC sprints and
Championship Dirt Cars. He was an innovator and race car builder.
1962
Kevin Doty... Born ... Sprint
car driver
1980
Floyd Samuel "Sam"
Nunis ... Died ... The dean of American Automobile Association race promoters.
FEBRUARY 13
1948
Jim Crawford... Born ... USAC/CART driver 1984 to 1995. Ran
the Indy 500 eight times with a best finish of 6th in 1988.
1969
Ronnie Johncox... Born ... A former driver in the Indy Racing League. He raced
in the 1999-2000 seasons with 8 career starts.
1972
Louis Durant... Died ... AAA
driver 1939 to 1948
1976
Paul Russo... Died ... AAA / USAC driver from 1934 to 1965. He started
racing midget cars in 1934. He went with a contigent of midget car drivers to
1977
Lance Blevins... Born ... World of Outlaws racer.
FEBRUARY 14
1932
Edwin Keith "Banjo"
Matthews... Born ... A NASCAR driver, car owner and builder.
1968
Scott Sharp... Born ...
Trans-Am and Indycar racer.
2000
Tony Bettenhausen Jr. ... Died ... Tony Lee Bettenhausen Jr. was one of three
racing brothers and a son of two-time U.S. Auto Club national champion Melvin
"Tony" Bettenhausen, who ran at the Indianapolis 500 from 1946-60 and
was killed in practice in 1961. Tony Jr. drove Indy cars from 1979-93 and also
competed in 33 Nextel Cup Series series events in his career, most coming in
1974 when he scored a career best 7th place effort at Richmond International
Raceway. He raced in 11 Indy 500 with his best finish of 7th in 1981. He died
in a plane crash that he was piloting, he was 48.
FEBRUARY 15
1919
Earl Motter... Born ...
AAA/USAC driver from1955 to 1959
1929
Graham Hill... Born ... British
racing driver and two-time Formula One World Champion. Graham Hill is the only
driver to win the so-called Triple Crown of Motorsport, which is alternatively
defined as winning either: the Indianapolis 500 (won by Hill in 1966), the 24
Hours of Le Mans (1972) and the Monaco Grand Prix (1963, 1964, 1965, 1968,
1969) or the Indianapolis 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Formula One
World Championship (1962, 1968). Using either definition, Hill is still the
only person ever to have accomplished this feat.
1948
NASCAR , a week before the organization was officially
incorporated, held its first race for modified stock cars on a 3.2 mile-course
at
1957
Jimmy Spencer
... Born ... NASCAR driver and commentator. During his days racing modifieds, he was nicknamed
"Mr. Excitement" for his sometimes aggressive racing style.
1999
Billy Garrett ... Died ... USAC
driver 1956 to 1958
Bill Lipkey ... Died ... He
organized the first USAC sanctioned race.
2000
Ray Knepper ... Died ... Drove
AAA Indy Cars 1950 & 1951, drove sprint cars in
1956.
FEBRUARY 16
1906
Fred Wagner , the starter of
the race, waved what is believed to be the first checkered flag used to signify
the finish of an auto race as Louis Wagner was about to win the 1906 Vanderbilt
Cup Race.
1920
Walt Faulkner... Born ... AAA driver from 1949 to 1955. He also competed in
NASCAR races. In 1950 Faulkner became the first rookie to win pole position at
the
2005
Russ Klar ... Died ... He was a
race driver in the Northeast. He drove TQ’s, midgets , sprint cars and 'big cars'
in the 1940s and '50s and late in his career modifieds (stock cars).
2008
Jerry Karl ... Died ... Jerry
was a 6 time
Note: Notice anything about
the two drivers above? Both passed away
on a February 16th, and both last names contain the same four
letters. They both ran with the ARDC and ATQMRA
FEBRUARY 17
1910
Louis Tomei... Born ... AAA
driver 1932 to 1949
1925
Colby Scroggin ... Born ...
AAA/USAC driver 1954 to 1963
1987
Frank Kurtis ... Died ...
Pioneer race car designer and builder.
FEBRUARY 18
1928
Jim McElreath ... Born ...
USAC/CART driver. He raced in the 1961-1983 seasons, with 178 combined career
starts, including 15 in the
1937
Gary Congdon
... Born ... USAC midget, sprint and Indy car driver. Congdon died in
1962
Scott Kalitta ... Born ...
American drag racer and son to veteran NHRA driver and crew chief Connie
Kalitta, and is cousin to teammate Doug Kalitta.
1976
Jimmy Kite
... Born ... USAC midget, sprint, silver crown and Indy car driver.
2001
Dale Earnhardt, Sr.... Died
...Earnhardt is known for his success in the Winston Cup Series, now known as
the Sprint Cup Series. He won seventy-six races (including his only Daytona 500
victory in 1998), and his seven championships are tied for most all-time with
Richard Petty. His highly aggressive driving style made him a fan favorite and
earned him the nicknames "Ironhead", "Mr. Restrictor
Plate", "The Man in Black" and most famously, "The
Intimidator." Earnhardt died in a last-lap crash during the 2001 Daytona
500.
FEBRUARY 19
1921
Ernie McCoy... Born ... Eastern
midget, sprint and Indy car driver.
1928
Malcolm Campbell set a Land
Speed Record of 206.956 MPH in his Bluebird at Daytona.
1944
Paul Pitzer... Born ...
1960
John Paul, Jr.... Born ...A
former race car driver in CART and the Indy Racing League and winner of the
1982 12 Hours of Sebring while co-driving with his father John Paul, Sr.
FEBRUARY 20
1907
Tony Willman ... Born ... AAA
driver 1926 to 1941, died in a midget race at Thompson, CT on October 12, 1941.
1934
Bobby Unser ... Born ... One of
the greatest Indycar racing stars of all time, Unser was twice the USAC/Indy
Car champion (1968 and 1974) and three times winner of the Indianapolis 500. The brother of Al Unser and Jerry Unser, the father of Robby Unser,
and the uncle of Al Unser, Jr. and Johnny Unser. He was the undisputed
king of the
1937
Roger S. Penske ... Born ... A
national sports car driving champion (1964); established the Penske racing team
in 1961; co-founder of Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART). Penske Racing has
won 12
1959
Scott Brayton ... Born ...
USAC/CART driver 1981 to 1996. Scott tragically lost his life in a fatal crash
during practice at the
2008
Buster Warke... Died ... AAA
driver from the 1930's , 40's to the mid 1950's.
FEBRUARY 21
1957
Scott Lagasse Sr.... Born ... A
1965
Jean Marcenac ... Died ...
Veteran race mechanic died of a heart attack.
He was famous for working on the
FEBRUARY 22
1911
Emil Andres ... Born ... AAA
driver from 1935 to 1950
1914
Georgie Rice (Viola) was born –
he was the 1947 ARDC driving champion and now a member of the National Midget
Auto Racing Hall f Fame. Sadly, he left
us on February 26, 2003.
1920
Ray Knepper ... Born ... Drove
AAA Indy Cars 1950 & 1951, drove sprint cars in
1956.
1921
Marshall Teague... Born ... NASCAR, AAA and USAC driver. Finished
7th in the 1957 Indy 500.
1933
Malcolm Campbell drives his
Napier-Campbell to a One-Mile Speed record of 272.109 mph on the beach at
Daytona,
1959
Lee Petty edged Johnny
Beauchamp in a photo finish of two feet to win the first Daytona 500.
1977
Larry Foyt... Born ... Raced in
NASCAR and IRL . He is the grandson and adopted son of
A. J. Foyt, and the older brother of A. J. Foyt IV. He also drove in the 2004,
2005, and the 2006
FEBRUARY 23
1958
Paul Goldsmith wins the final
NASCAR race held on the beach at Daytona,
1964
Richard Petty won his first
NASCAR Daytona 500.
FEBRUARY 24
1909
George Robson... Born ... AAA driver 1938 to 1946. Had 3 Indy 500 starts with
a win in 1946. Robson died with George Barringer in an accident at the Lakewood
Speedway in Atlanta, Georgia.
1927
Rosemarie (Tiny) Avenengo was
born. She’s my older sister. I think out of all the Avenengos that lived
in
1932
Sir Malcolm Campbell in his Bluebird
set a new land speed record of 253.968 mph at Daytona Beach, FL
1938
Connie Kalitta... Born ... In a
career that spans all eras of drag racing, Connie Kalitta has done almost
everything and done absolutely all of it his way.
1955
Alain Prost... Born ... F1
World Champion
1983
Joshua A. Goodchild was
born. He’s one of our grandsons. For a while, Josh lived in
The History of the Sport:
Again,
I’m going to take you back to an indoor TQ race that was held in the
Dick
Peterman was the night’s feature winner, after having missed a few of the
previous weeks racing events. A massive
8-car accident on the 21st lap of the feature sure did change
things. It kinda hurts when, racing on a
flat, painted concrete floor, and you’re in 5th place, in front of a
bunch of cars, that you break a water hose – especially on a tight 1/10 mile
track, as you enter the third turn.
That’s what happened to George Sweeten.
Tony
Bonadies ran in almost every race that night, and still didn’t make the cut to
the main event, mainly due to engine problems.
When Sweeten blew his water hose, not only did it take him out of the
feature, but also Johnny Zeke, who won the previous week, and Bobby Marshman,
too.
Don
Stumpf was second in the feaure, with Ssonny Sanders, Sy Kaback, Len Duncan,
Fred Clifton, Jim Lacy and Ernie McCoy following.
Heat
winners were Sweeten,
The
semi-final winners were Sweeten and
As
I said, my future wife and I hit every one of those Teaneck TQ racing events
that were held in the winter of 1959 and 1960.
In the Armory, there was seating on both sides of the track – front
stretch and backstretch. Off of turns
one and two there was a pretty good-sized balcony, which
usually got to be difficult to see as the nights racing program went on – due
to smoke. We always sat on the
backstretch, opposite the start/finish line and in the front row, where we
could relax and put our feet up on the wall that was right in front of us. With that tiny 1/10 mile track, it was quite
easy to take in all the action and not miss any.
More racin’ stuff:
Congresswoman wants
to ban military from sponsoring NASCAR teams
In part:
“How significant is this in terms of money saved? In 2009,
the U.S. Army paid $11.6 million to sponsor Ryan Newman’s car. The National
Guard sponsors Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s car, and the Air
Force is a sponsor on AJ Allmendinger’s car.”
http://hamptonroads.com/2011/02/congresswoman-wants-ban-military-sponsoring-nascar-teams
Note: Well, if you
haven’t heard, that bill got knocked down.
In a way, I kind of agree with her on this – taxpayers monies being used
to sponsor race
cars/teams. Prior to the results of the
vote on this bill, I got to thinking about Dale Eanrhardt, Jr. and his sponsors
– National Guard and AMP. AMP, along
with other types of drinks that are in the same area, are being “attacked” and
face the possibility of maybe being taken off sale and off of the shelves, in
case you haven’t heard.
Some
Racin’ stuff from the AARN:
Note: The annual issue that has all the schedules in it is due out any week now.
From
the February 8th issue:
Some neat coverage and photos from the Indoor TQ race that was held in
Rich
Ricci, Jr. will be calling
The
Citrus County Speedway, down in
Wall
Stadium in
March
4th through March 6th are the
dates for the 8th annual Southern Tire Speedworld car show to be held at the Oakdale
Mall in
In
2006, at Daytona, there were 58 cars that attempted to qualify for the
500. No, that’s not a “typo” Fifty Eight cars is
correct.
From
the February 15th issue:
This
issue had a lot in it about Racecar trailers and safety.
It
was said that Brett Hearn wasn’t sure about his “Big Show” event returning to
OCFS in 2011. He’s saying that he might
not have enough time to work on the project.
The
Las Vegas Speedway came out with a free ticket offer to those that had worthless
Super Bowl tickets – for the March 4th to 6th racing
weekend. According to what was said,
only two people took them up on the offer.
It
was said the Chris Economaki has been having some health issues and has taken a
break from doing his weekly columns in his paper the National Speed Sport
News. Chris is all of 90 years old, now.
Note: Speaking of Chris, did you happen to see the
photo of him in
a midget in my last photo article on http://newenglandtractor.com/racereport/
NASCAR
has lowered the age limit in its regional touring series to 15.
There
was a full page article about Cody Darrah and how he’s come back from those
serious injuries he had when involved in an on the road car accident a year
ago. There was a photo of the “hardware”
that was attached to his leg, while he was recovering. I imagine you know that when he made his
return to racing, late last year, he won his first time out?
Hendry
County Speedway, down in
The
question was asked: “Would a HANS Device
have salved Dale Earnhardt?” Not knowing
for sure, but it’s said that they think it might have helped by keeping his
head back.
Note: Then again, had he had his seat belts
installed properly that might have helped, too, as far as I’m concerned. I side with Bill Simpson on that.
One
of those that had competed at OVRP’s Dirt Oval, and has been included when I
make mention of how the former runners from that track have done in bigger
racing vehicles, Alex Bell, is switching from dirt to pavement and will be
racing at Albany/Saratoga and Devil’s Bowl, this season.
I
have to imagine that some of you that read this column have, at one time or another, raced and won a trophy or two. One of the writers for the AARN, Karen
Mansfield, asked in her column “How many trophies does “King Steve” have?” There is also some mention of how many other
drivers have and where they are kept.
Some drivers do have special trophies that are kept “in house” so to
say.
Here
are some names for ya: Martin Truex,
Jr., Frankie Schneider, Jim Delaney, Wally Campbell, Pepper Cunningham, Tommy
Coates, Al Tasnady, Carl Van Horn, Bob Pickell, Jimmy Horton, Tommie Elliott,
Budd Olsen, Gene Coyle, Roscoe “Pappy” Hough, Bobby Vaughn, Nelson Applegate,
Bobby Courtwright, Charlie Cregar, Pete Frazee, Jack Reynolds, Jack Choquette,
Paul “Wimpy” Erwin, Dominic Persicketti, Jimmy Metzler, Don Stumpf, Chcik and
Rocky DiNatale, Joe Bossard, Billy DeCoster, Ed Paskovich, Ed DeWolff, Phil
Demola, Ben Cannizzaro and Bill Claren.
Any
idea as to what they all have in common, other than being race drivers? Well, all are/were from
Many
years ago, while we were attending the first Enduro race at OCFS – a 200+ car
and 200 laps, “Race chaser” Guy Smith happened to sit in front of us. I always get a kick out of reading what Guy
has to say in his columns. He doesn’t
pull any punches, that’s for sure. When he feels something ain’t right, or he
has a complaint about something, he’ll come right out and make mention of
it. So far, Guy has been to over 1,300
tracks. One of those tracks is Mototown
Thirty
five years ago, in 1976, the modifieds ran on the road course at Daytona. Bobby Allison won that 200-mile race and was
followed by Merv Treichler, Gene Felton, John Bryant, Buzzie Reutimann, Philip
Smith, Fred Harbach, Geoff Bodine and George Wagner.
Note: I recall some of those races being on
TV. Remember the Plymouth Valiant
cars? They were quite popular back in
that era.
Additional
Racin’ stuff:
Found on Jayski’s website:
Fuel Injection
to NASCAR in 2012: NASCAR is expected to announce Friday that the Sprint Cup Series will
shift to fuel injection in time for the 2012 season-opening Daytona 500. It is
expected that
Also, from Jayski:
$5 million bonus
for win in Indy Car finale by outsider: The Izod IndyCar Series confirmed its 2011 season
finale at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with an enticing twist: A $5 million reward
to any driver from another series who can win the race. IndyCar CEO Randy
Bernard says a selection committee would be created to select a group of five
entrants from outside IndyCar, likely determined by mid-summer. A test session
also will be held at
And,
what about the change in time for the
http://www.theindychannel.com/sports/26942785/detail.html
Tony Stewart’s race
day schedule in 2001, when he did the double:
Tony Stewart's Double Duty II (May 27, 2001)
9:25 AM EST (10:25 AM EDT) TO 9:40 AM EST (10:40 EDT): Stewart's hospitality
appearance at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
9:50 AM EST (10:50 AM EDT): In the Chip Ganassi Racing garage stall, Stewart
changes into his fire suit. Ganassi lined up Richie
Hearn to take Stewart's place in the Indy race should he be forced to drop out.
10:15 AM EST (11:15 EDT): The drivers are introduced.
11:00 A.M EST (12:00 PM EDT): The start of the 85th
green flag stop on lap 80, Stewart charges near the front, By lap 139--after a
few more flags and some flawless work in the pits by
his crew--Stewart jumps into the lead and holds it for 12 laps until a rain
delay, which threatens his precisely timed departure for
North Carolina. Stewart feels cramping in
his right leg on lap 150 and uses another red flag delay to receive medical
attention.
2:30 PM EST (3:30 PM EDT): Stewart finishes the Indy 500 in sixth place.
2:35 PM EST (3:35 PM EDT): Stewart rides a golf cart to the infield care
center.
2:45 PM EST (3:45 PM EDT): Stewart boards a helicopter to Signature/Combs
Flight Center.
3:08 PM EST (4:08 PM EDT): Stewart leaves for
later than anticipated--Stewart is administered an IV of just under two liters
of fluid in order to combat dehydration and
exhaustion.
5:03 PM EDT: Stewart lands at
5:10 PM EDT: After relaxing briefly,
Stewart changes into his Home Depot firesuit and walks to the helicopter that
will take him to
the Lowe's Motor Speedway infield.
5:15 PM EDT: The drivers are introduced. Stewart, who qualified in 12th place,
is forced to start 43rd because he missed the
mandatory driver's meeting.
5:20 PM EDT: After circling over the 1.5-mile facility, Stewart lands on the
infield grass at the start/finish line.
5:37 PM EDT: "Gentlemen, start your engines!"
5:45 PM EDT: The Coca-Cola 600 begins. On the opening lap, Stewart spins coming
off turn 3, but does not hit the wall and--thanks to
being penalized and forced to start in the back--no one is behind him and the
fear of getting tagged by another competitor is
negated. When the sun goes down, Stewart's performance level shoots up, and by
lap 180 he is in the top 15. By lap 265, Stewart is
in the top 10. On lap 370--after being the fastest car on the track over the
previous 100 laps--Stewart passes Dale Jarrett for
fifth place. He also would pass Jimmy Spencer and Mark Martin.
10 PM EDT: Stewart finishes the Coca-Cola 600 in third place, behind winner
Jeff Burton and Kevin Harvick.
Future Racin’ stuff?
How about a two cylinder, four piston engine? Check it out, here:
http://www.engineeringtv.com/video/Opposed-Piston-Opposed-Cylinder
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/
(must register to post)
Victory
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.
Wheels of Speed: http://www.wheelsofspeed.com/
The
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
Note: You might want to check out this website
every week now, since the racing season has begun.
2011
Track and other Schedules:
New
Hamlin: http://www.hamlinspeedway.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/
CRSA
Sprint Cars: http://www.crsasprintcars.com/
From
Column # 43:
NEMA: http://www.nemaracing.com/
ARDC:
http://www.ardcmidgets.com/
Williams
Grove: http://www.williamsgrove.com/
Xcel
600 Modifieds: http://www.xcelchassis.com/
Mountain
From
Column # 44:
Indy car: http://www.indyracing.com/
Kutztown: http://www.kutztownfairspeedway.com/
RoC
– Dirt: http://www.rocdirt.com/
Video time:
I haven’t had a
“crash” video for quite a while, so check these out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2rE_lQfy74
Going back a few columns:
If you recall, a
few columns back, Column # 43, I had this:
“Non racing news:
Believe it or
not, I had about six different topics, and with that amount, I was just going
to put in the headlines and links. Lo
and behold, after I did that, they did not appear in this spot. No idea as to where they went – out in
“internet space” I guess? Anyway, I did
remember some of them, and starting this week I’ll just be putting in the topic
and the links.”
Well, I believe this is one
of the items that got lost:
http://dailybail.com/home/there-are-no-words-to-describe-the-following-part-ii.html
Note: Pretty scary – those that are running the
country!
Non-racing news:
In part:
“Gov. Jan Brewer
sued the federal government Thursday for failing to control Arizona's border
with Mexico and enforce immigration laws, and for sticking
the state with huge costs associated with jailing illegal immigrants who commit
crimes.
The lawsuit claims
the federal government has failed to protect
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_arizona_immigration
“Call it the
Mystery of the Missing Workers.
Since 2008, the
American labor force--that is, the number of people either working or
actively working for work--hasn't grown at all, The Economist reports,
looking at Labor Department numbers.”
“Cuomo proposes a
historic cut of 7.3 percent in school aid.
Public
school advocates say that will force thousands of teacher layoffs, larger
classes and hurt students the most”
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110215/NEWS/110219848
“In 2008, Michelle,
a 53-year-old
But when Michelle
told him how long she had been out of work, the headhunter turned apologetic:
His client, he said, wouldn't accept people who had been unemployed for more
than six months. Michelle would go on to stay jobless for so long that she
ultimately exhausted all her unemployment benefits, and, for the first time in
her life, was forced to apply for food stamps and welfare.”
“Walker's
legislation would end collective bargaining rights--the process by which
employees band together to negotiate with employers--for almost all of
Wisconsin's state, county and local workers (police, firefighters and the state
patrol would
be excepted). This would mean, among other things, that unions wouldn't be
able to seek pay increases above inflation, unless voters approve those hikes
in a special referendum. Unions also would not be able to require members to
pay dues, and would have to hold yearly votes to stay organized.
The bill also would
make public workers pay half the cost of their pensions, and at least 12.6
percent of their health care coverage. On average, state employees' share of
their pension and health care costs would go up by 8 percent.
In exchange for all
this,
Note: I think this
Is this true?:
You're gonna love this one!!
From an e-mail I received:
Who says everyone in
You must read this.....a proper decision by the
courts...for a change.
In
Closing with this:
A
man suffered a serious heart attack and had open heart bypass surgery.
He awakened from the surgery to find himself in the care of nuns at a
As he was recovering, a nun asked him how he was going to pay for his
treatment.
She asked, 'Do you have health insurance?'
He replied in a raspy voice, 'No health
insurance.'
The nun asked, 'Do you have money in the bank?'
He replied, 'No money in the bank.'
The nun asked, 'Do you have a relative who could help you?'
He said, 'I only have a spinster sister, who is a nun.'
The nun became agitated and announced loudly, 'Nuns
are not spinsters! Nuns are married to God.'
The patient replied, 'Perfect. Send the bill to my brother-in-law.'
Remember – My columns will be back on a
regular weekly basis, again, starting next week.
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