Racin' & Internet Stuff:

By Tom Avenengo

Volume # 47

03/10/2011

First:

In many of my columns, I believe I’ve made mention of how the winter weather really didn’t stop race fans from attending indoor races, “back in the day”. We didn’t worry about snow back then as we do, today. Don’t believe me? Check out this write up about the season ending indoor TQ race that was held in the Teaneck, NJ Armory, back on March 5, 1960 – a race that my future wife and I were in attendance for:

http://www.wheelsofspeed.com/report/3_5_60-1.html

Second:

Coming up:

The racecar show in the arena on the Orange County Fair property is this coming weekend.

http://www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net/

The 25^th annual Motorsports Expo Exposition & Trade Show being held in the Center of Progress Building on the New York State Fairgrounds property is on March 12^th and 13^th.

Sunday, March 13^th – 410 Sprint Cars and Pro Stocks will be racing at the Selinsgrove Speedway, with race time being 2:00 PM. Then on Friday, March 18^th the RoC Small Blocks will be in action, with racing starting at 7:30 PM. The following day, Saturday – the 19^th, the RoC Big Blocks take over with a starting time of 4:00 PM.

March 25, 26 & 27 – another car show – this time down in Rockland County.

http://www.motorsportshow2011.com/

Third:

Millville Motorsports Park files for bankruptcy protection:

In part:

“MILLVILLE — The New Jersey Motorsports Park filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court today seek-ing Chapter 11 protection from creditors while it reorganizes.

The Motorsports Park’s financial problems surfaced about a month ago when it was disclosed that the Millville Rescue Squad was demanding settlement of bills for the coverage it provides for track events.

The park and squad concluded a private agreement”

http://www.thedailyjournal.com/article/20110307/NEWS01/110307001

Fourth:

Jamie McMurray and Scott Dixon to swap rides at Talladega and Barber Motorsports Park.

In part:

“NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Jamie McMurray and IZOD IndyCar Series driver Scott Dixon will get a chance to swap rides for an exhibition performance at Barber Motorsports Park and Talladega Superspeedway.

McMurray, the 2010 Daytona 500 winner, will take Dixon's No. 9 Target Indy car for a spin on the 2.36-mile road course at Barber.

Dixon, the 2008 Indy 500 winner, will then drive McMurray's No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Chevy on the 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway.”

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/03/jamie_mcmurray_and_scott_dixon.html

Fifth:

Brewerton and Fulton leave DIRTcar.

Peer the Brewerton website: They’ve joined the American Racer East Coast Cup for Modifieds for the 2011 season.

In part:

“BREWERTON, NY March 7, 2011(By Dave Medler) – After months of talks the Brewerton and Fulton Speedways will be heading in a new and exciting direction for the 2011 racing season. Both tracks will be part of the lucrative American Racer East Coast Cup for Modifieds .

One of the most asked questions was about tires; both the Modified and Sportsman teams will have a time period use up what Hoosier tires they have in stock.

There will be a new Modified sponsor announcement in the coming days that will bolster the weekly point funds as well as a twin track Modified Championship fund.

The Sportsman at Fulton Speedway will be able to use steel or aluminum wheels with steel wheel cars given a weight break. In the next couple days Sportsman teams will be seeing a point fund incentive that they haven’t seen in the past.”

http://www.brewertonspeedway.com/Home/tabid/40/ctl/ArticleView/mid/384/articleId/140/Brewerton-And-Fulton-Speedways-To-Join-The-American-Racer-East-Coast-Cup-For-Modifieds-For-The-2011-Season.aspx

Sixth:

The New Jersey 3” rule –

In case you didn’t know, New Jersey is now supposedly enforcing a 3” rule – a rule that says the top of your helmet must be at least 3” from the top roll bar in your cage. What, as far a I know, hasn’t really been established is whether that 3” is from the bottom of the roll bar or the top of it.

So on Wednesday afternoon, I go and visit the South Jersey Dirt Racing’s forum/message board.

Here’s the first thing that was posted:

“i got a problem..........................................................Nj has the worst rules ever...here u got bridgeport a track in need of cars and people and they apose a 3 inch saftey rule well i aint got a tall cage car im screwed sorry cant support my local track :( any one else have this issue??”

That’s followed by this:

“State rule not a track rule!!!! NES and Bridgeport is either going to lose cars or inspectors are going to have to look the other way.”

There are other posting, but I’ll just add this one:

“I have 2 street stock cars,an Outlaw Stock and a 4 cylinder. We had to drop our seats to race in this GREAT state. The only other option is a lay back seat. If you want to play you have to play by the rules. And yes the 3" rule has been in the books for a long time. I guess we have all been lucky to an extent that this rule has been over looked.

Could be worse, go buy a 270 micro-sprint and race in NJ. OH YEAH don't forget to run out and get that $1000 bladder to meet the new NJ standards.

Why do you think World of Outlaws is no longer stopping in NJ. The wonderful NJ Department of Transportation mandated a few rules just for them that they don't have anywhere else.

THANKS NJ. I understand making things safe but when we strap into our race seat, fire up the engine and hit the dirt we are fully aware that this is a dangerous sport that can lead to death.”

And how about this, from another post on the subject?

“How is this going to be enforced for the ROC race at NES at the end of the month? If it is going to be enforced, most of the traveling teams should stay home because they won't make the 3 inches. No sense in spending 4-5 a gallon for gas only to be told they can't race.”

Talk about a “Catch 22” situation, huh? Personally, as far as I’m concerned, that 3” rule should really be from the bottom of the top bar, not the top of it – UNLESS they’re allowing for the thickness of the diameter of the bars, themselves.

Seventh:

By now I imagine you’ve heard that both Brewerton and Fulton Speedways are leaving DIRTcar. They’ve decided to go with the American Racer tires.

It should prove to be interesting to see how this pans out – both for this up-coming season, and the season’s hereafter. I can see this putting a hurt on DIRTcar in the future. Keep in mind – Glenn Donnelly is about to put a ¾ mile dirt track right next to the track in Brewerton, and he’s “working” with the owners of that track. Might there be some real big changes in the future of dirt modified racing here in the Northeast?

Eighth:

Variety of racers to chase speed records at Bristol:

In part:

“BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Ford NASCAR drivers in a street-legal Mustang, a Tony Stewart-owned sprint car, two supermodifieds and a world superbike champion will attempt to establish half-mile closed-course records in the "World's Fastest Half-Mile Speed Trials" immediately following the Scotts EZ Seed 300 Nationwide Series race on March 19.”

“Former Cup driver Brad Noffsinger, Mike Lichty and Bryan Clauson will chase Sammy Swindell's all-time Bristol track record of 138.442 mph (13.860 seconds), set during qualifying for a World Of Outlaws winged sprint car event at Bristol in June 2000.

Noffsinger and Lichty will be first to try out supermodifieds, the most exotic cars to hit Bristol's high banks, while Clauson will run one of Stewart's pavement sprint cars.

Former AMA and World Superbike champion Scott Russell will attempt to set a half-mile closed-course motorcycle speed record riding a Yamaha superbike. The five-time Daytona 200 winner brings substantial experience on high banked ovals, though never one as tight as Bristol's half-mile.”

“SPEED will air a 30-minute highlight show from the World's Fastest Half-Mile Speed Trials at 4:30 p.m. ET on April 2, following its live broadcast of the Camping World Truck Series race.”

http://www.nascar.com/news/110309/bristol-speed-trials/

Note: Back on 9/27/2008, the WoO were at OCFS. The fastest speed for a time trial lap was just a tic under 140 MPH

Ninth:

The 2011 OCFS schedule is now out. Unfortunately, even after the delay, it seems like there is no Super Dirt Series race scheduled, which is rather odd since OC has supposedly signed a three year deal with DIRTcar. I also. noticed four 4 Cylinder races on the schedule. That should be interesting. Hopefully, they’ll have more than the one or two cars that showed up a while back when they had them scheduled. Maybe they’re in conjucntion with Lebanon Valley with them? The Valley usually has healthy fields of 4 Cylinder cars when they race up there.

http://www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net/schedule.html

For Sale:

Might you be looking for a Tobias SpeedSTR? If so, check this out:

FOR SALE:
2009  TOBIAS SPEEDSTR MIDGET

Less Than 10 Races since new.
race ready, comes with everything you need to start racing Includes:
dirt wheels and tires, pavement wheels and tires

good assortment of shocks and springs
axle nut wrench
spare front axle
gears
set-up info.
NO SEAT INCLUDED

ASKING $10,500

Contact:
Jeff Johnson
203-393-0642 days
203-393-0790 evenings
e-mail
speedstr46ct@aol.com

And, my son, Eric, still has his dirt modified for sale, too.

Here’s some info:
2006 teo. Standard rack car. NOT bowflex. Complete car minus engine. Winters rear, Kirkey full containmentr seat, Parker pumper, Bert tranny, profile steering, Rear cockpit adjustable panhard bar, Aluminum wheels. $5000 just need engine. Also have spare shocks, wheels, complete sway away front axle minus calipers,springs, spare front axles,and a few other spares. Everything for $5500. spares wont go till car is gone.

Going back, in time:

Note: Most of the following information was found here:

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

Covering the days of March 4^th to March 17^th.

Note: Yes, covering two weeks this week so that in the future, what I’ll cover will be after the weeks column date.

MARCH 4
1902

AAA The American Automobile Association was founded in Cleveland, Ohio as a response to a lack of roads and highways suitable for autos. It soon became a sanctioning organization for automobile racing in the United States until 1956.

1919

Buck Baker... Born ... One of the greatest drivers in NASCAR's history.

1930

Alex "Al" Tasnady... Born ... A modified stock driver for more than 23 years, he had more than 600 victories at tracks along the East Coast.

1936

Jim (or Jimmy) Clark... Born ... He was the dominant driver of his era, winning two World Championships, in 1963 and 1965. At the time of his death, he had won more Grand Prix races (25) and more pole positions (33) than any driver up to that time. He also competed in the Indianapolis 500 five times, and won it once, in 1965.

1944

Greg Weld... Born ... Weld was known as both a driver and a racing entrepreneur.

1953

Herm Johnson... Born ... A former driver in the CART Championship Car series.

1960

Gary Hieber... Born ... Modified stock car and USAC driver from Langhorne, Pa.

1961

Wendell Scott started what would become the first African-American driver to run a full schedule on the NASCAR Grand National (now Winston Cup) circuit when he races at Piedmont International Speedway in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA. He finished in 17th place. Cotton Owens drove his Pontiac to victory in the 100 mile NASCAR GN race.

MARCH 5

1949

URC , the United Racing Club, made a public announcement that was sent to the National Speed Sport News that URC was now an independent sanctioning body and was no longer affiliated in any way with the AAA.

MARCH 6
1909

Bill Schindler... Born ... East Coast midget, sprint and Indy car driver.

1936

Eddie Hill ... Born ... American drag racer.

1938

Smokey Snellbaker... Born ... Central Pennsylvania sprint car driver.

1965

Jules Goux... Died ... AAA driver from 1913 to 1923. He was a Grand Prix racing champion and the first Frenchman to win the Indianapolis 500 (1913) , as well as the first European to do so.

1981

Allen Heath... Died ... West Coast open cockpit driver who raced for years, despite losing a hand in a racing accident.

MARCH 7
1908

Joe Garson... Born ... AAA driver from the early 1950's

1935

Malcolm Campbell sets a Land Speed Record of 276.82 MPH in his Bluebird at Daytona, Florida.

1938

Janet Guthrie ... Born ... USAC / CART driver from the 1970's and 80's. The first woman to qualify and compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500.

1980

Lee Roy Yarbrough ( Former stockcar racer ), is declared incompetent to stand trial for the attempted murder of his mother. He will later be found innocent by reason of insanity. He suffered a bad head injury in an Indy Car crash after he'd left NASCAR.

1993

Duane Carter ... Died ... AAA / USAC driver from the 1940's, 50's & 60's. He raced midget cars, sprint cars, and IndyCars. His son Pancho raced in Indy cars, along with Johnny Parsons (who he helped raise). He was inducted in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1991 and the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1989.

MARCH 8

1958

Kirk Shelmerdine... Born ... NASCAR racer

1970

Don Garlits set an AHRA world record 1/4 mile elapse time of 6.57 seconds at Lions Drag Strip in Long Beach, California, USA, in his Swamprat 13 dragster. Later, in the final round won by Richard Tharp, Garlits' clutch explodes, cutting the car in half and in the process, cut off part of his right foot. This accident caused Garlits to design the first successful rear-engined Top Fuel dragster and changed the look of top fuel cars forever.

MARCH 9
1905

Floyd Davis... Born ... Was the co-winner of the 1941 Indianapolis 500. Floyd Davis drove the first 72 laps of the 1941 race before being replaced by Mauri Rose, who completed the race in the lead.

Danny Sullivan... Born ... Cart driver that ran in 12 Indy 500's and won in 1985.

1955

Teo Fabi... Born ... Formula One driver from the 1980's and drove in 8 Indy 500's with a best finish of 7th in 1994.

1973

Our fifth, and last, child was born – Sarah Rose Avenengo – now Sarah Michelson. Yup, she’s our “baby”.

MARCH 10

1913

Rex Mays... Born ... AAA driver from the 1930's and 40's. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1995 and was inducted in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in the first class in 1990. He ran in 12 Indy 500's with a best finish of 2nd in both 1940 & 1941. He was killed in a crash during the only Champ Car race held at Del Mar Speedway in Del Mar, California in 1949.

1959

Mike Wallace... Born ... NASCAR race car driver. He is a younger brother to Rusty Wallace, older brother to Kenny Wallace, and uncle to Steve Wallace.

MARCH 11
1927

Dempsey Wilson... Born ... USAC driver from the 1950's and 60's.

1928

Benny Rapp... Born ... USAC driver from the 1960's

1929

Henry Seagrave drove his Irving-Napier to a new One Mile Speed Record of 231.446 mph at Daytona Beach, Florida

1930

Troy Ruttman... Born ... AAA / USAC driver from the late 1940's to 1964. He raced in 12 Indy 500's and won in 1952. He was the older brother of NASCAR driver Joe Ruttman.

1951

Derek Daly... Born ... Formula One and CART driver from the 1970's and 80's

1956

Joe Gosek... Born ... He was a super-modified racecar driver. He also raced in the 1996 Indianapolis 500, finishing 22nd. Joe has won numerous races at the famed Oswego Speedway in Oswego, NY. Including their biggest race the International Classic 200 which he has won 3 times. Joe is also a multi-time season champion on the touring International Supermodified Association (ISMA) series.

1958

Eddie Lawson... Born ... A former four-time Grand Prix motorcycle racing World Champion. After finishing his motorcycle career, Lawson pursued a career in four wheeled motorsport racing in the United States competing in the Indy Lights series and eventually to CART. In 1996 where he competed in 11 races with a best finish of 6th. Lawson was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999 and was inducted in the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2002.

1977

John Calla... Born ... Founder of racing website wheelsofspeed.com.

1992

Norm Hall... Died ... He drove in the USAC Championship Car series, racing in the 1961, 1964, and 1965 seasons, with 17 career starts, including the Indianapolis 500 races in 1961 and 1964. He finished in the top ten 8 times, with his best finish in 5th position twice in 1965, both at Trenton.

1995

Dick Fraizer... Died ... AAA / USAC driver 1949 to 1956

Tony George announces the formation of the Indy Racing League.

MARCH 12
1882

Erwin George "Cannon Ball" Baker... Born ... He was a motorcycle and automobile racing driver and organizer in the first half of the 20th century. In 1908, Baker purchased an Indian motorcycle and began entering and winning local races. His most famous victory came in 1909 at the first race ever held at the newly built Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Baker also raced at the 1922 Indianapolis 500, placing 11th in a Frontenac. He later became the first commissioner of NASCAR. Baker was inducted into the American Motorcyclist Association Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998.

1915

Robert "Red" Byron... Born ... He was a NASCAR driver who was successful in the sanctioning body's first years. He was NASCAR's first Modified champion (and its first champion in any division) in 1948 and its first Strictly Stock (predecessor to NEXTEL Cup) champion in 1949.

1938

Johnny Rutherford … Born .. USAC / CART driver from the 1960's to 1992. He raced in 24 Indy 500's and Texas-raised "Lonestar J.R." is one of eight drivers to win the prestigious 500 mile race at least three times: in 1974, 1976, and 1980. Rutherford also dabbled in stock car racing, making 35 NASCAR Winston Cup starts from 1963 to 1988. Rutherford won in his first start, at Daytona International Speedway driving for Smokey Yunick. The win was for the second 125-mile qualifying race (see Gatorade Duel), which was, at the time, a points-paying NASCAR race. In 1981, Rutherford drove twelve races, the most he ever raced in a single NASCAR season. In addition, Rutherford competed in 5 editions of the International Race of Champions -- 1975, 1977, 1978, 1980, and 1984. He was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1996, the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1993.

1963

John Andretti... Born ... One of the most versatile race car drivers in American history, winning in Indy car, NHRA Top Fuel Dragsters, endurance racing and NASCAR racing. John is the son of Aldo Andretti, John has a brother named Mark who had a talent for racing, but chose a different route, they both are nephews of IndyCar racing legend Mario Andretti (Aldo's twin), cousin of Mario's sons Michael and Jeff, and godson of four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A. J. Foyt.

1978

Casey Mears... Born ... USAC / CART/ IRL and NASCAR driver. He is the nephew of four time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears and the son of Indy and off-road veteran Roger Mears.

Ed "Dutch" Schaefer... Died ... Eastern midget racer from the 1940's to the 1970's. Remembered as the man who saved the ARDC from extinction. Schaefer was elected President of the oldest midget racing club in the East in 1952. Near the point of extinction, Dutch managed to hold together a small group of devoted ARDC car owners and drivers, and brought the club and midget racing on the East Coast, back into the limelight.

1995

Rick Muther... Died ... USAC / CART driver from the 1960's & 1970's.

MARCH 13
1947

Lyn St. James... Born ... (born Sandra Lynn Eden) A retired professional IndyCar driver with 11 CART and 5 Indy Racing League starts to her name. She is just one of five women who successfully qualified for the Indianapolis 500, and became the first woman to win the Indy 500 Rookie Of The Year award. The inspiration for the name "St. James" came from actress Susan Saint James.

1951

Wally Parks, Ak Miller and Marvin Lee create the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) in a booth in the Tam-O-Shanter restaurant in Los Angeles, California.

1987

Marco Andretti... Born ... He is the son of 1991 IndyCar World Series champion Michael Andretti and the grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti. Andretti finished second in the 2006 Indianapolis 500 in the second closest finish in the race's history.

1993

Gene Hartley... Died ... AAA / USAC driver from the 1950's and 60's. Gene was the 1959 USAC National Midget Series champion. Hartley was inducted in the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1985. He ran the Indy 500 ten times with a best finish of 10th in 1957.

2002

Bayliss Levrett... Died ... AAA driver from 1949 to 1952

MARCH 14
1914

Lee Petty... Born ... Was an American stock car driver in the 1950s and 60s. He was one of the pioneers of NASCAR, and one of its first superstars. He is the father of Richard Petty, who would become NASCAR's all-time race winner. With sons Richard and Maurice, he founded Petty Enterprises, which became NASCAR's most successful racing team. He was the grandfather of Kyle Petty, and great grandfather of Adam Petty. In 1990, Lee Petty was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. He was inducted in the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1996. He was elected to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

1940

Bill Simpson ... Born ... A retired American racecar driver, but is best known as a pioneer in the racing safety business with his company Simpson Performance Products. In 2003, he was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in the "at large" category.

1961

Hiroyuki "Hiro" Matsushita ... Born ... A former driver in the Champ Car series.

MARCH 15

1926

Bob Mathouser ... Born ... Drove in the USAC Championship Car series, racing in the 1961-1966 seasons, with 30 career starts, including the 1964 Indianapolis 500. He finished in the top ten 4 times, with his best finish in 6th position in 1964 at Langhorne.

1927

Al Herman... Born ... ARDC, AAA /USAC driver from the 1950's and 60's

1962

Josele Garza... Born ... USAC / CART driver from the 1980's

MARCH 16

1896

Louis Unser... Born ... Race Car Driver. "Uncle Louie" Unser was a nine time winner of the Pikes Peak Hillclimb (1934,36,37,38,39,41, 46,47,53). He, along with his brothers Joseph and Jerome (Jerry, Sr) had dreams of racing in the Indianapolis 500 with cars sponsored by the Coleman Front Drive Company. Those dreams were shattered in 1929 when Joe was killed in a practice accident and Coleman withdrew it's sponsorship. After Joe's death Jerry continued to race until 1936 when he retired to go into the automotive business and to raise a family. "Uncle Louie" continued to race at Pikes Peak until 1967 when, after 37 starts he retired at the age of 71. Louis was the uncle of the late Jerry Unser, Jr who died May 17, 1959 of injuries received May 2 in a practice accident while preparing for his second Indianapolis 500, Louis J. Unser, race car driver and master engine builder, four time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser, Sr (1970,71,78,87) and three time Indianapolis 500 winner, Bobby Unser (1968,75,81). Great uncle of two time Indianapolis 500 winner, Al Unser, Jr (1992,94), five time Indianapolis 500 starter Johnny Unser, two time Indianapolis 500 starter Robby Unser and the now retired Bobby Unser, Jr who competed in Sprint Cars, Formula Vees and the Pikes Peak Hillclimb

1941

Jim Reynard... Born ... USAC racer from the 1960's

1947

Billy Stavola... Born ... Along with his brother Mickey co-owned Stavola Brothers Racing. The Stavola Brothers formed their NASCAR Winston Cup team in 1983 with veteran crew chief Harry Hyde and rookie driver Bobby Hillin, who was a high school senior at the time. Before closing the team at the end of the 1998 Winston Cup season when the team lost Circuit City as its primary sponsor, the brothers fielded cars for eight drivers, including Bobby Allison, Sterling Marlin, Jeff Burton and Dick Trickle. The brothers' primary business was Trap Rock Industries, a rock quarry in New Jersey that has an asphalt company as a subsidiary.

1950

Dick Ferguson... Born ... Former driver in the CART Championship Car series. He raced in the 1979-1985 and 1987-1988 seasons, with 26 career starts, including the 1980 Indianapolis 500. He finished in the top ten 5 times, with a best finish of 6th position in 1981 at Michigan.

1967

Andy Granatelli's turbine-powered Indycar is unveiled to the press.

MARCH 17

1910

Ralph Pratt... Born ... AAA driver from the 1940's and 50's. Inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1998.

1929

Tom Pistone... Born ... NASCAR driver from the 1950's and 60's

1933

Dee Jones... Born ... USAC driver from the 1960's and 70's

1950

Chip Mead... Born ... USAC / CART driver from the 1980's.

Some Racin’ stuff from the AARN:

From their March 1^st issue:

Remember when Michael Waltrip won the truck race at Daytona, and the rear spoiler was broken? Well, it seems that NA$CAR has decided to fine Doug Howe, the crew chief, $25,000.00 and team owner Billy Ballew 25 owner points because of that broken spoiler. Yeah, right, like they had control over that?

If you win a Sprint Car feature at the Lernerville Speedway in 2011, you’ll get $1,400.00.

Speaking of Lernerville, the USAC Sprint Cars will make a return in 2011.

Dates are already set for next years DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway – at least on the tracks website – February 14 – 25. That’s for WoO Sprint Cars, WoO Late Models, UMP DIRTcar Modifieds and Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds.

Note: I seem to remember that supposedly the track was closing and that a well known individual was interested in it – remember that from a column or two ago?

It’s being said that the differences in pay-offs between RoC Pavement Series and the RoC Dirt Series is: RoC Dirt is “top heavy” while the RoC Pavement pays better down through the field. Reason: Tires.

Some big monies in NASCAR:

Hendricks – said to be worth $350 million. Roush Fenway worth $224 million. Richard Childress Racing worth $158 million. Joe Gibbs Racing $152 million and Penske Racing worth $100 million.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. – made $29 million, Jeff Gordon $25 million and Jimmie Johnson $24 million – last year.

Tony Stewart will drive Lewis Hamiltons 2010 McLaren Formula One car, and Hamilton will drive Stewarts Cup car, at Watkins Glen

The Daytona 500 will be a week later, next year – February 26, 2012.

The new outdoor season is starting up – even down in Florida. On March 5, at the Punta Gorda track the FMARA TQ Midgets start their 2011 season. One of the drivers in action with that group is a driver who’s name is Jack Duffy. Many, many years ago, Jack ran Midgets up here in the Northeast. He still has his landscaping business down in Florida, and this year will mark his 62^nd year behind the wheel of a racecar. He’s 80 years old. If I remember right, Jack won some features last year.

Note “Track Chaser” Guy Smith took in some Ice racing a while ago, mostly up in Canada. When he went to watch some Ice Racing at Puffers Pond in Vernon, VT on February 13^th, that made it track # 1,345 that he’s been to.

Additional Racin’ stuff:

March 4^th:

INDYCAR: Firestone Confirms Open-Wheel Exodus

In part:

“It’s hard to imagine the IZOD INDYCAR Series without Firestone but the manufacturer synonymous with amazing dependability and success will be gone following this season.

INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard and Terry Angstadt, president of commercial division Terry Angstadt, have traveled to Nashville several times in the past two months to try and reach some kind of common ground so Firestone would be around for the debut of the new cars in 2012.

Bernard has been talking with Goodyear, Hoosier, Michelin and Avon about replacing Firestone in 2012.”

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-firestone-confirms-open-wheel-exodus/

IndyCar, Goodyear discuss race tires

In part:

“Goodyear has had discussions but no formal negotiations with IndyCar officials about supplying race tires for the 2012 race season now that Bridgestone is pulling its Firestone brand from the open-wheel circuit after this year.

Goodyear executives are having ''internal discussions'' regarding supplying tires for IndyCar but no decisions have been made, a company spokesman said.

''Our focus is on NASCAR'' and other motorsports with which Goodyear already has a relationship, spokesman Ed Markey said.”

http://www.ohio.com/business/117553963.html

More on the above:

Owners vote to keep Firestone...

In part:

“Monday's owner meeting leads to a majority vote to keep Firestone as the sole tire supplier, but will the tire giant reconsider its decision to depart in 2012?”

“Less than a week after Firestone announced it would no longer compete in the IZOD INDYCAR series following the 2011 season, the tire company learned it was still wanted.

By the car owners.

The result of an open forum meeting among the INDYCAR owners on Monday resulted in a near-unanimous vote to stick with Firestone – regardless of the price.

“We all want to keep running with Firestone,” said Conquest Racing owner Eric Bachelart. “We know those people; we trust their product and we have to save the deal.”

“They are the best partner ever and we can’t afford to lose them so we’re hoping they’ll review their decision.”

Al Speyer, the executive director for motorsports for Bridgestone/Firestone, had several meetings with INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard and Terry Angstadt, the president of INDYCAR’s commercial division, but a contract extension could not be worked out.

Reached at his home in Nashville, Tenn. on Tuesday night, Speyer seemed surprised but flattered.

“It’s nice to hear those things but that’s about all I can say,” said Speyer. “I guess we’ll have to wait and see if they send us a proposal.”

“Bernard, who called the meeting to get feedback from the guys who spend the money, said: “The owners are concerned there isn’t enough time to find a new company to develop a tire so they want to go back and get Firestone.”

The tire lease for 2011 is expected to be in the neighborhood of $300,000 but it’s believed Firestone might charge as much as $550,000 to stick around for 2012.

It’s clear the team owners are willing to step up and swallow the extra costs if it means holding onto Firestone’s record for safety and trackside support.”

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-team-owners-vote-to-keep-firestone/

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

Video time:

I found out about the passing of Johnny Preston late Tuesday night while on – of all places, the Dirt Track Digest’s forum.

From the forum:

“March 4.....Johnny Preston...71.. (Real Name John Preston Courville) was an American pop music singer, who was best known for his international number one hit in 1960, "Running Bear"...heart failure..

"Running Bear", was recorded in Houston, Texas, in 1958. The "Indian" sounds on the record were performed by J.P."the Big Bopper"Richardson and George Jones. The record was released after the Big Bopper's death in the same plane crash that killed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. It entered the U.S. Hot 100 in October 1959.”

Here’s “Running Bear”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3meEmDpaDU

Note: If you were not aware of it, the late Waylon Jennings gave up his seat on that plane to the “Big Bopper” who was feeling under the weather that fateful night.

Closing with these:

STRANGE BUT TRUE AND UNVERIFIED FACTS – Continued:

-The three most valuable brand names on earth: Marlboro, Coca-Cola, and Budweiser, in that order.

-To escape the grip of a crocodile's jaws, prick your fingers into its eyeballs. It will let you go instantly.

-The average person falls asleep in seven minutes.

-The 'hash' (#) key on your keyboard is called an octothorp.

-The only domestic animal not mentioned in the Bible is the cat.

-Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.

-The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing.

-'Dreamt' is the only word in the English language that ends in "MT".

-It's impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.

-In Chinese, the KFC slogan "finger lickin' good" comes out as "eat your fingers off".

-A cockroach can live for 10 days without a head.

-We shed 40 pounds of skin a lifetime.

-Yo-Yos were once used as weapons in the Philippines.

-Mexico City sinks about 10 inches a year.

-Brains are more active sleeping than watching TV.

More to come, 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