Racin' & Internet Stuff:

                                      By Tom Avenengo

                                         Volume # 67

                                           08/11/2011

 

Special notice:

Brett Hearn got win # 799 at Fonda on Wednesday night – last night, with a last lap, last turn pass for the win, in the held over race that was curfewed, on June 8th.   Then later on, he won # 800, in the 60-lap feature.  Congrats to Brett on that feat, although I was hoping # 800 would’ve come at Accord on Friday, when I would have been in attendance, after seeing him get # 799 earlier on Wednesday.

I remember quite well when Brett first started out racing at OCFS some 30 odd years ago.  From what I’ve read, Brett has 471 Big Block Modified wins, 327 Small Block Modified wins and if I’m not mistaken, two URC Sprint Car wins that came at OCFS.  His record for winning races of over 50 laps in length is quite remarkable, with an outstanding 330 wins in long distance races.

I had the opportunity to interview Brett back on May 14, 2003.  At that time he had 616 feature wins, and had been racing for 28 years, having started in 1975.

 

Now, back to my original column

 First:

While I was in the “Crash house” a few weeks ago, my daughter, Judy, and son, Eric, went out of their way to assist me and visit me.  Judy, in fact, took a week off of work to be with me daily and to bring me home when I was released.  She also had daily reports that went out to quite a few that are on my e-mail list.  Eric, too, was almost a daily visitor, managing to leave his job a lot during the week.  It was he that drove me there for what I originally thought would be something a little different than being admitted when we first got there to see Dr. Hirsch.  And it was he that took care of getting my car inspected while I was hospitalized.  So, this week I’m dedicating my column to the.  Thanks, kids!

 

 

Second:

 

OK, about me – Last Thursday I had my two-week check up on the Pacemaker.  Everything went great.  I was told the battery is good for 7 years.  I also found out that when the battery gets replaced, the whole Pacemaker gets replaced.  However, when that is done, it is not an overnight stay in the hospital – just open me up, disconnect the wires, re-connect them to the new Pacemaker, close me up, and send me home.

There were quite a few things I would not attempt to do prior to the Pacemaker being installed – extra walking being one of them, due to shortness of breath.  Well, I’m happy to say that I’m breathing much better now – even went on the track at Accord last Friday during their autograph/photo session.  I would not have done that, previously.  Just prior to going to my seat, after the session, I had a short chat with Russ Meyer – he’s “Security” at the track.  I told him that I would not have done it before, and now (at the time) I wasn’t even breathing heavy.

I’m also glad to say that there are some “meds” that, for now, I won’t have to be taking – the Advair Inhaler and Insulin.  Time will tell on both of them.

 

 

 

Third:

 

From an e-mail from Ernie Saxton on August 5th:

NEWS FROM ERNIE SAXTON COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Publisher: Motorsports Sponsorship Marketing News
Contact: Ernie Saxton
267.934.7286 - cell
215.752.7797 - office
Esaxton144@aol.com - email
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PLEASE WITH OUR THANKS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WITH THE GOVERNMENT HAVING BIG DEFICITS THE IRS COULD BE CHECKING ON YOUR SPONSORSHIP AND “HOBBY LOSSES”

 LANGHORNE, PA August 5, 2011 . . . For years there have been racers using their auto racing losses to reduce their individual and company tax liabilities and it has gone pretty much unnoticed. 
 Now the government has huge deficits and are starting to pay more attention to things that went unnoticed in the past. Don’t be surprised to find a notice from the IRS (International Revenue Service) that you are being audited especially if you fall into the “hobby racer” category.
 Attorney Michael K. Spotts, licensed in the State of Florida, has written a two part article for Ernie Saxton’s Motorsports Sponsorship Marketing News that offers some advice on the IRS, what tax issues you should know about, what type of legal entity you should use and more. The two part article started with Issue 3 of MSMN. The second part is included in Issue 4 coming out this month.
 There is important information included that relates to sponsorship.
 Sponsorship expert Milt Gedo, often referred to as Mr. Sponsorship, offers “New Methods To Achieve The Same Goals (in sponsorship).” Columnist Scott Pacich talks about abusing technology and there are facts and figures on Kyle Busch leading the mid-season TV ratings for all NASCAR drivers. Apparently being a bad boy has rewards.
 Ken Willis, the outstanding columnist for the Daytona News Journal offers “Revolving Sponsors Sign of the Economy.”
 In addition there is quite a bit of news on a variety of sponsorship deals that have been finalized recently.
 The newsletter, published by sponsorship expert Ernie Saxton, is now in its 26th year.
 Subscriptions are presently available for just $39.95 (regular price is $59.95) and while the supply lasts we will be glad to include copies of Issue 3 and 4, containing the tax information, free with your new subscription. To subscribe just telephone 215.752.7797. This SPECIAL OFFER is available only by telephone. Please have your Visa or Mastercard ready when calling. You may also choose to send a check payable to ESC, Inc. to 1448 Hollywood Avenue, Langhorne, PA 19047.
 Information on Ernie Saxton Communications, Inc. and their various services, including custom proposals and sponsorship representation, can be found at www.saxtonsponsormarket.com.
 Saxton’s articles on sponsorship can be found in National Dragster and Late Model Racer magazine along with other major publications from time to time.
 Saxton does present seminars on sponsorship at different locations across the country and is presently putting together his schedule for the off season starting in October.
 Speedways, organizations and race teams can get information on how they can host a sponsorship seminar as a fund raiser by telephoning Saxton at 215.752.7797.
     -End-

 Ernie Saxton Communications, Inc.
Motorsports Marketing
215.752.7797 - office
386-677-5152 - Florida
267.934.7286 - cell/text
Esaxton144@aol.com
Twitter: @ernsax
www.saxtonsponsormarket.com

 

 

Fourth:

 

Ralph Corwin has a bike for sale.  Here’s some info on it:

1988 Harley low rider custom....candy plum.....2 tanks with murals and stripes/  lots of chrome.  black motor.  well maintained.  never dropped.  21k miles.....firm   $7495....you even get a pic of Ozzy sitting on this bike.

Interested?  Here is his e-mail address:  rcorwin@hvc.rr.com

 

Fifth:

The other day I received an e-mail from Ron Lauer, former ARDC driver and ARDC President.  In it was a link to a racing video that covered a couple of USAC Champ Car (Silver Crown) races – one being the 1963 Springfield Champ Car race – August 17, 1963, and the other being the 1963 DuQuoin Champ Car race – September 2, 1963.

The video:  :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5JfGr7sr6w&feature=related

The Springfield race results: 

http://www.racing-reference.info/race/1963_Tony_Bettenhausen_Memorial/UO

or:  http://www.motorsport.com/stats/champ/ldrivers.asp

And for DuQuoin: 

http://racing-reference.info/race/1963_Ted_Horn_Memorial/UO

or:  http://www.motorsport.com/stats/champ/qrace.asp?C=CH6308

Note:  In the tape of the Springfield race, the late Jim Clark can be seen as an interested spectator.  He was even in one of the cars.  No, I have no idea if he took a couple of laps, or not, but it would have been interesting to see, if he did.  That’s what’s missing with today’s Indy drivers – no dirt racing of any kind – well, except for Tony Kanaan who has run the Tony Stewart promoted “Prelude to the Dream” Late Model race, and had a blast doing so.  With the Indy car race this weekend at Loudon, it would have been great to maybe see a driver or two get into a dirt modified or something else, I’d think.  I’m willing to bet that there won’t be any Indy drivers in the other types of racing cars that will be at Loudon over this weekend, either.

 

Sixth:

I see there are 46 entrants for the Cup race at Watkins Glen this coming weekend.  Who will not make it?

http://www.jayski.com/stats/2011/entries/22wg2011entry.htm

I actually enjoy watching the “Cabs” run on a road course.  Kinda puts a lot more of the driver into the equation.

 

Seventh:

You gotta hand it to Brad Keselowski – having a pretty hard hit at Road Atlanta while practicing, resulting in a broken ankle and other cuts and scrapes, yet, four days later he manages to win the 500 mile Cup race at Pocono.  Yeah, I know, it’s “only driving”, still and all, he had to be in that car for the race.  Imagine how long a baseball player, basketball player or football player would be out of commission, with full pay, more than likely, if they had similar injuries – or less, even?  Case in point:  Ike Davis of the NY Mets.

 

Eighth:

Citing weak economy, Fed to keep interest rates low through mid-2013

In part:

WASHINGTON - The Federal Reserve said Tuesday that it will likely keep interest rates at record lows for the next two years after acknowledging that the economy is weaker than it had thought and faces increasing risks.

The Fed announced that it expects to keep its key interest rate near zero through mid-2013. It has been at that record low since December 2008. The Fed had previously only said that it would keep it low for "an extended period."

“The economy grew at an annual rate of just 0.8 percent in the first six months of the year. Consumers have cut spending for the first time in 20 months. Wages are barely rising. Manufacturing is growing only slightly. And service companies are expanding at the slowest pace in 17 months.”

More can be seen here:  http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110809/BIZ/110809810

 

Coming up:

Accord:

This week at the speedway:

Mid Week Madness on August 10th with Slingshots, 4 cylinders, Micro Sprints, Legends, Quads and  Karts

August 12th:

 

Kingston Nissan Night – Racing all divisions plus Lightning Sprints – Lebanon Valley Spec Accord Challenge Series – “King of the Can” Penn Can Qualifier

 

August 17th:

 

Mid Week Madness

 

August 19th:

 

Mid Hudson Concrete Night – Racing all divisions – I’m not sure about Legends, which are on the original schedule, but were not there on 8/5. 

 

August 24th:

 

Mid Week Madness

 

August 26th:

 

Tom’s Auto Repair Night – Racing all divisions plus Lightning Sprints.

 

OCFS:

August 13th: 

Goldenarea Furniture - The Beer Store - Modified Elimination Race by Martine Service Center - Northeast Vintage Modifieds - M/SP/PRO/SS/V

August 20th: 

Sparta Trucking - Holiday Inn of Middletown - Kids Club - M/SP/PRO/SS

August 27th: 

Accord Speedway

Accord Speedway King of the Catskills Qualifier - M/SP/PRO/SS

September 3rd: 

WLR Construction - CHAMPION'S NIGHT - End of Points - Kids Club - Officials Race - M/SP/PRO/SS/4 Cylinder

Note:  I would not expect to see any 4 Cylinders in action on the 3rd. Also, hard to believe the point seasons are coming to an end.

 

Lebanon Valley:

 

August 13th  -

Saxton Signs Presents Biker Night &“King Of The Catskills” Modified Qualifier, Weekly Divisions, 358 Modifieds & Prostock ECHO Series

August 14th:

Electric City Riders AMA Motorcycle Races & Swapmeet NYS 1/2 Mile Championship Event, Gates Open @ 11am, Racing @ 12pm

August 20th:

Benjamin Moore Paints & Hometown Plaza Present The “$1,000 AIM Warrior Modified Dash”, Weekly Divisions & Budget Sportsman

August 25th:

CARQUEST Auto Parts & General Tire Present
$17,500 TO WIN “MR. DIRT Track U.S.A.” 100-Lap Modified DIRTcar Series Race Plus Budget Sportsman, Gates Open @ 5pm | Racing @ 6pm

August  27th: 

V.P. Race Fuels S.E.F. & Heavy Hauler Present “BACK TO SCHOOL” With Kiddie Rides, Weekly Divisions & 4-Cylinders

September 3rd:

J.H. Financial & Pepsi Present Championship Night $3,000 To Win Modified Feature, Weekly Divisions, 358 Modifieds - Final Night Of Points For DIRT Modifieds, 358 Modifieds & DIRT Prostocks (LV PROSTOCK POINTS CONTINUE)

 

Bethel:

August 13:

Cowboy Bill Halstead Memorial Night

Sportsman, Pro Stock, Legends, Bandoleros,

BMS Modified, Street Stock, 4 Cylinder

 

August 20:

 

Sportsman, Pro Stock, Legends, Bandoleros,

BMS Modified, Street Stock, 4 Cylinder

4/6 Cylinder Trucks

 

 

Eastern Museum of Motor Racing – EMMR:

 

August 19th to 21st – 37th EMMR/WGOT Convention at EMMR/LVFG

 

Chris Miller Memorial & Remembering Bowling Green Speedway

 

Fri, Sat & Sun – Daytime events at EMMR

 

Fri PM – Cruise at Latimore Valley Fairgrounds

 

Fri PM – Track Time at Williams Grove Speedway

 

Sat & Sun afternoon – Track Time at Latimore Valley

 

Sat PM – Track Time at Lincoln Speedway

 

http://www.emmr.org/

 

 

 

 

Hinchliffe Stadium:

 

When I first started going to the Midget races, back in 1946, Hinchliffe Stadium, in Paterson, NJ was where we went the most.  Over these past few years, they’ve had an “Expo” at the stadium – usually the Sunday of the Labor Day Weekend.  Last year, my daughter Judy and I attended it for the first time.  My last time there, prior to that visit was on New Years Day in 1950 when they had the “Gasoline Bowl” a racing show for Midgets (their last one there) and Stock Cars.  I was a tad over 12 years old, then, and to me the stadium was pretty huge.  Reality set in last September, when I realized that it wasn’t all that “huge” after all.  Kind of hard to visualize how they got 8,000+ fans in there to watch the races.

 

This years Hinchliffe Stadium Expo is on Sunday, September 4. The show coincides with The Great Falls Festival. Admission is free and entering a car or exhibit in the show is free. Come out and show your support for Paterson's rich racing history. See you at the show...

 

A couple of links about the stadium:

 

For last years “Expo”:  http://www.carlsign.com/hinchliffe.html

Note:  Excellent directions in the above link.

 

Friends of Hinchliffe:  http://www.hinchliffestadium.org/

 

And, Ron Lauer – former ARDC driver and former President of the ARDC, sent me this video of Midgets at Hinchliffe Stadium in 1946.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpaPIkqVS6Q&feature=related

 

 

 

Found on Jayski’s website:

 

Pastrana Nationwide debut delayed until 2012:

Pastrana Waltrip Racing announced that Travis Pastrana will not make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut until the 2012 season due to injuries suffered during the 17th annual X Games last week. The 11-time X Games gold medalist broke his right ankle and foot while attempting a Rodeo 720 with a back flip during the Best Trick competition in Los Angeles, forcing him to miss his scheduled NASCAR Nationwide Series debut at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis last Saturday. The injuries required surgery, which was completed by Dr. Tom Dennis at Riva Road Surgical Center in Annapolis, Md., Wednesday evening. Dr. Dennis said the operation was a success and that Pastrana should make a full recovery following a strict healing process which will require Pastrana to be immobilized in traction for at least one month and unable to apply weight on his right leg for another month. "To give my ankle and foot time to heal properly we have decided to wait until 2012 to make my NASCAR debut," Pastrana said. "I probably could have been ready for the final couple of races in 2011, but it just makes more sense to start fresh in 2012. We are already starting to talk about testing and what I need to do to prepare for next season. My sincere apologies go out to my NASCAR team, fans and sponsors for this delay. Thanks for all of the support. This will be a fun ride & eventually." Pastrana made his NASCAR debut on January 29 when he finished sixth in the Toyota All-Star Showdown at Irwindale Speedway. Pastrana was scheduled to run a total of seven Nationwide Series races this season with his debut at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, Ind. on July 30.(Pastrana Waltrip Racing PR)(8-6-2011)

 

Texas interested in Nationwide doubleheader:

Texas Motor Speedway and the IndyCar Series tried a twist to their night of racing in June when the IndyCar Series ran two points races in one night. Now the track might want to try it in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. TMS President Eddie Gossage and NASCAR Senior Vice President Steve O'Donnell had an informal discussion during the IndyCar weekend on whether the concept could work for a Nationwide event. Whether it actually happens is far from a certainty, but it is an idea that could shine a spotlight on the series. A typical Texas race has been 300 miles, so it's likely splitting the event would result in two races of 150 miles. "I haven't even talked to [NASCAR President] Mike Helton about it," Gossage said in a phone interview. "Steve O'Donnell and I have had conversations. He was here during our twin IndyCar race. It was really well received by the fans. They seemed to like the uniqueness of it all. And so Steve and I sat there and said, 'What if we did a Nationwide race like this?' But that's the extent of it, just casual conversation. We haven't talked about it seriously for 2012."(Scene Daily)(8-6-2011)

 

Nashville will not host NASCAR races in 2012:

Dover Motorsports, Inc. announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Nashville Superspeedway, has notified NASCAR that it will not seek any 2012 race sanctions. Vice President and General Manager of Nashville Superspeedway, Cliff Hawks, stated, "Nashville is a tremendous market filled with passionate race fans. We have some extremely dedicated and talented employees who have made this track a great destination, but the reality is, after ten years of effort, we have to face the fact that without a Sprint Cup race and/or a significant change in the operating model for other events, we simply cannot continue." Nashville has a few events left on the schedule for the remainder of 2011 that will not be impacted by today's announcement. Dennis McGlynn, President & CEO of Dover Motorsports, stated, "We deeply appreciate all the hard work that our employees have put into making Nashville Superspeedway such a remarkable facility, and Cliff Hawks will remain to assist us with transition issues. We have also had years of unrelenting support from state, county and local officials and from the racing community  from racing fans and drivers to sponsors, team owners and various sanctioning bodies. We are, however, at a juncture where we must evaluate all of our options for this track, including its possible sale."(Dover Motorsports PR)(8-3-2011)

 

Earnhardt, Jr. interested in Danica running full-time:

UPDATE full-time NASCAR plan? From Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s media availability on Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway:
WHERE DO THINGS STAND WITH JR MOTORSPORTS AND DANICA (PATRICK)?
"I don't know. I haven't heard anything. I feel confident that she's content where she is and happy with what we're doing and I think things are looking positive for us to put something together. I would like for her to run full time and I'm sure she is considering that and I think she would enjoy it. She seems to really enjoy driving stock cars and racing in the Nationwide Series. We just have to see but I haven't heard anything about it."(Chevy PR)(7-29-2011)
UPDATE: Danica Patrick is in the final stages of putting together her full-time NASCAR plan. Patrick is apparently going to run a full Nationwide schedule with JR Motorsports [in 2012], and run a limited Sprint Cup schedule with Tony Stewart in preparation for an eventual full Cup schedule.(ESPN/Associated Press)(8-2-2011)
UPDATE 2: Danica Patrick could still run the Indianapolis 500 even if she makes a full-time move to NASCAR, The Associated Press has learned. Two people familiar with Patrick's 2012 plans said she is in the final stages of a deal to run a full-time Nationwide Series schedule with JR Motorsports and limited Sprint Cup Series races with the team owned by two-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart. The people spoke to AP on condition of anonymity because the deal won't be finished until she has secured a release from Andretti Autosport. The talks also include her continuing to run the Indianapolis 500, one person told AP.(ESPN)(8-2-2011)

 

Montoya crewman arrested on drug charges:

Police in Huntersville, N.C., made a drug bust Tuesday, and one of those arrested is a front tire changer on Juan Pablo Montoya's #42 Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Sprint Cup car. Trevor L. Lysne, 40, is charged with trafficking marijuana, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and maintaining a dwelling to distribute marijuana, according to the police report. Jerome D. Frey, 27, also was charged with trafficking marijuana and possession with intent to sell and deliver after the Huntersville Police Department intercepted about 10-1/2 pounds of marijuana that had been shipped out of California.(Sporting News)(8-10-2011)

 

Pocono considering 400 mile races:

Pocono Raceway President Brandon Igdalski told Sirius XM NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody that cutting the track's two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races from 500 miles to 400 next season is "being considered". "We're looking at things, but we haven't made that decision quite yet," said Igdalski. "We're looking at it for the future, whether it's this year, next year, or a couple of years down the road. It's a different sport and a different time than it was years ago, and we're always looking at things." Igdalski took the helm of the historic tri-oval when his grandfather, track founder Dr. Joseph Mattioli, announced his retirement Friday. Igdalski said he was unaware of his grandfather's plans, adding, "We got a call about 30 minutes beforehand saying, `Be in the Media Center in half an hour.' I had no idea he was going to retire. My jaw hit the ground."(Sirius Speedway)(8-10-2011)

UPDATE:

Pocono Raceway's first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race was in 1974, a second Sprint Cup Series race was added to the Pocono schedule in 1982. Sunday's Good Sam RV Insurance 500 was the 68thSprint Cup Series at Pocono Raceway. Each race was scheduled for 500 miles and each produced its share of drama and excitement. Starting with the June 10, 2012 Pocono Sprint Cup Series race, the scheduled distance for both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races will be shortened to 400 miles. "The 400 mile distance will make NASCAR racing at Pocono even more exciting," stated Raceway President and CEO , Brandon Igdalsky. "Race strategies will change, fuel mileage calculations will be altered and I firmly believe that our fans will be treated to outstanding racing at the 400 mile distance." "NASCAR supports Pocono Raceway's move to two 400-mile NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2012," stated Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR Senior Vice President, Racing Operations . "We believe this will be a good transition for the fans and competitors. It will provide the teams with a new type of strategy and should make for even more exciting competition at a unique facility that has a long-standing history in our sport." Eight weeks after the Pocono 400. It will be the August 5, Pennsylvania 400. Both 400 mile races will have the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards as companion races. The August Pennsylvania 400 weekend will also feature a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on August 4.(Pocono Raceway)(8-10-2011)

Note #1:  I wonder what “Dr. Joe” thinks of that?  He was quite steadfast on keeping those events at 500 miles.

Note #2:  Might this somehow, maybe, bring Indy cars back to Pocono, this change in who’s running the track, now?

 

Security Guards Stabbed at Pocono Raceway:

Two Philadelphia-area men were in the Monroe County jail over the weekend after police said one stabbed two security guards at Pocono Raceway early Sunday. Daniel Kupper, 20, of Melrose Park, is in Monroe County Correctional Facility on $100,000 bail after Pocono Mountain Regional Police said he stabbed two members of the track's security force during a fight around 3:20 am. Police said Louis Kupper, 23, of Elkins Park, didn't stab either of the two unidentified guards, but is in jail on a parole violation. According to police, the Kuppers were passengers in a van that disobeyed traffic directions given by the event staff at the track's staging area. Both got out of the vehicle and began fighting with security and event staffers. Daniel Kupper then stabbed a 50-year-old security staffer in his neck, shoulder and back, police said. He also stabbed a 55-year-old security staffer in the collarbone and back, police said. Both were taken to local hospitals for treatment. The 55-year-old was listed in stable condition at Lehigh Valley Medical Center, but no condition was available for the 50-year-old victim. Both were employees of the Strike Force Protective Services company. Daniel Kupper is being charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and underage drinking. After a Sunday preliminary hearing, he is in jail on $100,000 bail. Louis Kupper is charged with simple assault, furnishing alcohol to a minor, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. He is being held in the jail on a parole violation and is waiting for an arraignment hearing.(Pocono Record)(8-9-2011)

Note:  A little about me – I don’t drink alcohol.  It was a big part of ruining the married life that my mother and father had, and it left a bad taste about drinking, for me.  I find it hard to see how some can get so “bombed” drinking that they have no ideas as to what they’re doing or saying.  Above is a classic example.

 

Former Oakland Valley Speedway (Dirt Oval) runners:

Checking out results for last weekend, there sure isn’t much, especially from last Saturday, thanks to “Mother Nature”.

At Big Diamond, in the Sportsman feature, which, due to numerous cautions, was only 6 laps in length, Mike Mammana was 6th.

Roger Coss drove his # 17 Asphalt Modified to the feature win at Wall Stadium.

The CRSA 305 Sprint Cars were in action at the Utica/Rome Speedway and John Virgilio was 6th, Josh Pieniazek 10th and Brittany Tresch 13th.

Brian Sobus had an 11th place finish in the 50-lap Super Modified feature at Oswego.

At Accord, Mike Ruggiero was the Modified feature winner.  Michael Storms was 8th and Danny Creeden 18th.  Clinton Mills was a DQ.  In the Sportsman feature, Anthony Perrego was the feature winner.  Kyle Rohner won the Spec Sportsman feature, with Matt Hitchcock 2nd, Tyler Dippel 10th and Kyle VanDuser – who I believe also ran at the Dirt Oval, 14th.

Note:  OK, here I go again – guess you can say, “bustin’ chops”, but to be perfectly honest, I have yet to hear an announcer pronounce Ruggiero correctly.  I’ve always heard it pronounced as if there is an “io” at the end, like “Ruggerio”, when the “i” is really right before the “e” – kinda makes it like it should be “Roo Gee Air oh” – right?

And, again not bashing on announcers, but I’ve noticed that when there is an interview of a driver – not only at Accord, but also at OCFS (in the past, anyway – haven’t been there for a while), the “Mic” goes silent when the driver is answering the announcer.  Yup, I refer to that as the “Tim Pitts Mic”.  Sorry, Tim!

If it wasn’t for bad luck, I guess young Kenney Johnson wouldn’t have any luck at all, while racing his Midget with the NEMA Lights, at Seekonk, on August 5th, he had a car blow an oil line right in front of him, and Kenney took a ride through the oil and hard into the wall, doing enough damage to keep him from starting the feature.  Thanks to the Lajoie seat and his use of the HANS devise, Kenney wasn’t injured.  The car should be ready for their next race, Friday, August 19th, at Lee USA Speedway in Lee, NH.

 

Note # 1:  I was under the impression that the NEMA Lights only used Ford Focus and Quad 4 engines.  Looking at the drivers’ roster, I see that Honda and Mazda engines are also in use for that class.

 

Note # 2:

From last weeks column:

The NEMA Lights (Mostly Ford Focus powered) ran at Waterford, and Kenney Johnson, although breaking a wheel, is listed as finishing 12th.”

In the latest AARN, it shows Kenney as being 11th.

 

 

I imagine that I might have missed some, so if so, I’m sorry!

 

 

 

 

Going back, in time – in racing history:

Note:  Most of the following information was found here: 

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

 

Covering the days from August 12th to August 18th:

 

AUGUST 12

1919

Clark "Shorty" Templeman ... Born ... Shorty drove in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series, racing in the 1954-1962 seasons with 42 starts, including the Indianapolis 500 races in 1955, 1958, and 1960-1962. He finished in the top ten 16 times, with his best finish in 2nd position, in 1961 at both DuQuoin and Syracuse. His best Indy finish was 4th in 1961. He won five Washington State and three Oregon midget state championships. Templeman won all three Night Before the 500 midget car features at the 16th Street Speedway in Indianapolis in 1956. Templeman won the first three USAC National Midget Series champions when he won titles in 1956, 1957, and 1958. Templeman died as a result of injuries sustained in a midget car crash at the Marion County, Ohio Fairgrounds track. He was inducted in the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1984.

1933

Rufus Parnell "Parnelli" Jones ... Born ... A retired American racing driver and racecar owner. He is most remembered for his 1963 Indianapolis 500 win, and almost winning the 1967 Indy 500 in a turbine car. He is also remembered for bringing the stock block engine to USAC Sprint car racing as one of the "Chevy Twins" with Jim Hurtubise. In his career, Parnelli Jones won races in many types of vehicles: sports cars, IndyCars, sprint cars, midget cars, off-road vehicles, and stock cars. He is associated with the famous Boss 302 Mustang with his wins using the engine in the 1970s. Jones' son P. J. Jones was also a diverse driver, with IndyCar and NASCAR starts. His other son Page Jones was an up-and-coming driver before suffering career ending (and life-threatening) injuries in a sprint car at the 4-Crown Nationals, and has been in rehabilitation, working with his father-in-law. Jones retired with six IndyCar wins and twelve pole positions, four wins in 34 NASCAR starts , 25 midget car feature wins in occasional races between 1960 and 1967, and 25 career sprint car wins . His fifteen wins is eighth on the all-time in NASCAR Pacific Coast Late Model history. Jones started Vel’s Parnelli Jones Racing, which won the Indianapolis 500 again as an owner in 1970 and 1971 with driver Al Unser driving the Johnny Lightning special. The team also won the 1971, 1972, and 1973 USAC National Championships. Jones owned the Parnelli Formula One race team from late 1974 to early 1976, although it achieved little success. Jones returned to off-road racing as owner of Walker Evans' 1976 SCORE truck, and Evans won the championship. They teamed up for the 1977 CORE Class 2 championship. Jones owned vehicles that took class wins at the Baja 500 and Baja 1000. His USAC Dirt Car won two championships and the Triple Crown three times. Jones is inducted in over 20 Halls of Fame.

 

AUGUST 13

1935

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

1971

Patrick Carpentier... Born ... Canadian race car driver. He is best known for his career in the Champ Car World Series and the IndyCar Series. Patrick also drove for Gillett Evernham Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

1989

Tim Richmond ... Died ... USAC / CART and NASCAR driver from the 1970's and 80's. He had his career cut short when he contracted HIV and died of complications from AIDS.

2000

Bob Wente ... Died ... USAC driver from the 1950's into the 1970's

 

AUGUST 14

1956

Rusty Wallace ... Born ... A former NASCAR champion, NASCAR Nationwide Series car owner, and television broadcaster with ESPN and ESPN on ABC.

 

AUGUST 15

1927

Eddie Rickenbacker bought the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from Carl Fisher and Jim Allison for about $700,000.

1956

Robin Pemberton ... Born ... Pemberton was a crew chief for several NASCAR teams over 17 years, heading teams for Rusty Wallace, Mark Martin and Kyle Petty. Pemberton was field manager for Ford Racing immediately prior to being named VP of Competition for NASCAR in 2004.

1958

Andy Petree ... Born ... A NASCAR veteran who has been a driver, car owner and two-time NASCAR NEXTEL Cup-winning crew chief for the late Dale Earnhardt, made his television debut in 2007 as an analyst on ESPN and ABC's multi-platform NASCAR coverage.

1964

Sam Schmidt ... Born ... A former Indy Racing League driver and current IRL and Indy Pro Series team owner. While testing in preparation for the 2000 season, Sam Schmidt suffered a crash at Walt Disney World Speedway that rendered him a quadriplegic.

 

AUGUST 16

1906

George Connor... Born ... AAA driver from the 1930's , 40's & 50's who ran the Indy 500 14 times with a best finish of 3rd in 1949.

1916

Iggy Katona... Born ... An American stock car racer from Willis, Michigan. He is most famous for his performance in the ARCA series in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, where he won six championships and a series record 79 races. Other ARCA records held by Katona include most starts (630), oldest race winner (57 years old, Daytona International Speedway, 1974) and most consecutive seasons with a win (19, from 1953-1971).

1952

Bill Schindler won the AAA sanctioned Springfield 100 on the 1 Mile Dirt Oval Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois. Jack McGrath finished second followed by Sam Hanks, Jim Rigsby and Chuck Stevenson.

Note:  That was his only Champ car victory.

 

2007

John Blewett III... Died ... John Blewett III was killed after an accident at the Thompson International Speedway in Thompson CT. John Blewett III got into an accident, while driving his NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour racecar during the New England Dodge Dealers 150. John died as a result of an accident, which involved his brother Jimmy Blewett. The brothers were racing for the lead following a restart of the race on lap 107, when Jimmy hit a wall and then struck John Blewett's car. John Blewett suffered head and neck injuries and had to be extricated from his car. John was one of New England's most accomplished and most popular stars of the last 10-12 years, winning 10 times in the top modified tour and several other track championships and regional honors.

 

AUGUST 17

1952

Nelson Piquet ... Born ... A Brazilian race driver who was Formula One world champion in 1981, 1983, and 1987. He is one of the few men to win at least three world championships in the history of Formula One (the others being Jack Brabham, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna (3 each), Alain Prost (4), Juan Manuel Fangio (5), and Michael Schumacher (7).

1973

Fred Offenhauser... Died ... He became a toolmaking machinist with Pacific Electric Railway. In 1913, he went to work for Harry A. Miller, a successful manufacturer of carburetors. Offenhauser helped Miller turn a flood of ideas for racing engines into metal. Engines that began to win races. As early as 1922, an eight-cylinder Miller engine won the Indianapolis 500, as Millers would for nine out of the next 12 years. In 1932, he encouraged Harry Miller to build a 255 cubic inch, four-cylinder racing engine. The powerplant outlived Miller's bankruptcy and went on, in various forms, to win the Indianapolis 500 30 times, twice the Miller nameplates and 28 times with Offenhsauser identification. When Miller lost his business in 1933 and Offenhauser took part of the 18 months in back wages he was owed in the form of machinery, patterns and parts, setting up shop just around the corner from the Miller plant in LA and made parts for the Miller 255. In 1934, to meet the demand for a reliable engine for the new sport of midget racing, Offenhauser had Leo Goosen draw up a much smaller version of the 255. Quickly dubbed "The Mighty Midget," that engine came to dominate midget racing until the rules changed in the 1960s. Fred put his stamp on the big 255 and 270 engines in 1935 and Kelly Petillo won the Indy 500 that year with an Offenhauser. After World War II, Fred sold the business to Lou Meyer and Dale Drake who carried on the Offy engine. Fred died on August 17, 1973. In May of the same year, Johnny Rutherford had put a turbo-Offy on the pole at Indy. Gordon Johncock won the race with another Offy. His engines would win three more 500s before the turbo boost rules brought an end to the Offenhauser dynasty.

2000

Chuck Booth ... Died ... USAC driver from the 1960's.

Our daughter, Sarah, married Jeffrey Michelson.  Wow – 11 years already!

 

AUGUST 18

1942

Larry McCoy... Born ... Larry was born in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, McCoy died by suicide in 1997. He made his Midget debut in 1966 with ARDC. Larry toured USAC with the Midgets and Sprints. He drove in the USAC Championship Car series, racing in the 1972-1976 seasons with 24 starts, including the 1975 and 1976 Indianapolis 500. His best finish was 12th place at Pocono Raceway in 1974.

 

 

 

News from the AARN:

 

From their August 2nd edition:

 

In the column by Lenny Sammons, he makes mention of Ray Graham and his son, Kody who race Super Modifieds at Oswego.  Believe it or not, they live in Iowa, and make the 17-hour trip (each way) every week to race.

 

If you didn’t know it already, the Danny Johnson/Mike Petruska thing didn’t work out – again.  (I guess it’s just too hard to work together when you’re so far apart – distance wise as both parties were).

 

Jimmy Horton has been racing for 39 years and has won a modified race in 38 of them.  He has 450 wins – 413 in modifieds, 26 in Sprint Cars, 2 in Late Models, 8 in ARCA and 1 in Silver Crown.  

 

Note:  If I’m not mistaken that Silver Crown race was won at Nazareth, on the dirt mile in the Mataka car.  We were there that day.  They had a contest on picking the race winner and my son, Eric, picked Gary Bettenhausen.  Gary was long gone until he got a flat right rear, and had to circle the whole track before pitting.

 

New Egypt Speedway will have the children from the Matheny School in Peapack, NJ as guests on August 27th.  That night, the drivers will be going through the stands with their helmets accepting donations to send the children on an annual fishing trip in September.  Anyone interested in helping are urged to call former tack starter Frank Resta at (732) 887-7773

 

In Ernie Saxton’s column, he was writing about post race celebrations – you know – burn outs etc etc.  One thing I’d love to see changed is getting “Victory Lane or Circle” out from behind stuff in the infield and closer to the track, so the fans who paid their hard earned monies to see the event, get a change to maybe get a glimpse of the victory lane celebrations.  Nowadays the Victory Lane deal is only for TV, it seems, and those watching didn’t pay a dime (in a way) to watch the race.

Chris Economaki is being inducted into the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Hall of Fame.

Race driver Bobby Gunther Walsh – he runs at Grandview and Penn Can – is also a radio personality at WAEB – 790 AM – out of Allentown, PA.  He held a Radio Thon for Animals in Distress and they raised $115,000.00.

Mr. Saxton was at an RoC race – a race where Sail Panels were used, and he was questioning about the Sail Panels covering up some sponsors names.  In a way, I can see his point.

 

Another track has closed – Tri City Speedway has closed down its half-mile track.  The smaller Go-Kart track, which runs every other week will still be in use and the Extreme Dirt Track Nationals ATV event, scheduled for August 5th was still scheduled and I imagine might have been run?

 

In Brett Deyo’s column, there is more mentioned about the rough track conditions for New Egypt when they had the Friends of Mike race.  Seems the culprit was some heavy rain that fell on Friday, while the track was in the process of getting ready for the following day.  Some days ya just can’t win!

 

Jerry Reigel was making mention of the fact that Jason Meyers now has 50 WoO wins with his win at Autodrome Drummond.  Lincoln Speedway has had 14 different winners in 14 358 Sprint Car races so far in 2011.  Randy Whisler was the 11th different winner in 14 358 Sprint Car races at the Trailway Speedway.  When Whisler got that win he was driving a 1996 Gambler chassis!  Yup, that’s right – it is 15 years old.

 

There’s an ad for a 410-winged Sprint Car race at New Egypt on August 30th, with a rain date of August 31st.  That race will pay $5,000.00 to win.  Also, on the same card will be a 30-lap race for Big Block Modifieds, which will pay $3,000.00 to win.

 

In the column by Kevin Rice, he makes mention of Julie Stefanik, wife of race driver Mike Stefanik, being hospitalized due to suffering a seizure while in the Riverhead stands, then having a second one later that night in the hospital.

 

Don and Jo Ann Davies write about racing in the Albany, NY area.  They listed the car counts for Lebanon Valley from July 30thModifieds – 22, Sportsman – 23, Pro Stocks – 23, Pure Stocks – 45 and 4 Cylinder – 24.

Note:  So now I wonder, having heard that the 4 Cylinders were scheduled to run at OCFS on nights when they don’t run at the Valley, why no 4 Cylinders show up at OC?  I believe that Howie Commander is still a part – promoting wise for both the Valley and OC?  And, if I’m not mistaken, they run three different “features” for the Pure Stocks?  Gee, what some tracks wouldn’t give to have 1/3 of the Pure Stock car count!

 

The “Old Master” Frankie Schneider, will be 85 years young on August 11th.  I suppose it would take quite a while to sit and listen to some of the stories he could tell about his career.

 

The list of racing people that have left us included racing official John Hoyt, 37, from the Valenti Modified Racing Series – as their Series Director and he had previously worked at N.H.’s Twin State Speedway.  Jeff Schrum, 47, an Ohio driver form the 80’s and 90’s and Bruce Fleischman, 79, a former Lancaster Speedway racer and starter for the track, and who was also ½ of the B&M Speed Shop

 

 

 

More racin’ stuff:

 

From the Frontstretch:

 

Winners and Losers In Carl Edwards’ Re-Signing With Roush

 

Going Green by Garrett Horton

 

In part:

Carl Edwards has finally broken his silence. After months of giving no  indication whether he was staying with Roush Fenway Racing in 2012, he has re-signed with the team that brought him up onto the Sprint Cup scene in 2004. This doesn’t just affect Edwards, however; it has left an impact on many other figures across the Sprint Cup garage. With that said, here are the winners and losers of his contract extension.”

 

Winners:  Jack Roush, Carl Edwards, Joey Logano and Clint Bowyer.

 

Losers:  Joe Gibbs/Home Depot, Ricky Stenhouse/Trevor Bayne and Matt Kenseth.

 

Find out why, here:  http://www.frontstretch.com/ghorton/34859/

 

 

 

 

Racing and television:

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

 

Note:  Do you get Showtime?  If so, have you seen the Inside NASCAR show that is initially on on Wednesday nights from 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM?  There’s not much held back, verbally, that’s for sure.  Might not be too well suited for smaller children, though, what with there no “beeping” out of words that emit from various mouths.  It gets repeated at 10:30 later on Wednesday night then again at 9:00 AM on Saturday.

 

Some non-racing stuff:

 

On our countries problems -

 

We Need Policy, Not More Posturing — And Now

 

In part:

“No matter what some agency may say, we've always been and always will be a AAA country," President Obama said in his uninspiring speech on Monday, as the markets melted down.

Never mind that this is the sort of thing a coach tells Little Leaguers as they're about to get mercy-ruled. By heaping scorn on Standard & Poor's, President Obama, and the rest of official Washington, Monday violated Gross's Second Rule of Punditry: Don't Pick Down, Pick Up. When you engage in verbal fisticuffs with people below you on the pecking order, it only brings you down and raises them up to your level. Besides, this isn't an episode of Crossfire. We're well past the time for soundbites, catch phrases and discussions about having discussions.

Instead, we need declarations -- of policy, not of posture -- from all the parties who have contributed to the current mess. The markets crave certainty. And while no single entity can guarantee it, each of the key players can do a better job of providing certainty on where they stand.”

“If the long-term budget is to be brought in alignment through cuts alone, Republicans should declare their specifics. And while we know where the Tea Party Caucus stands on taxes, we need a declaration as to where Senators and House moderates stand. Is the Ryan Plan all you're offering? Can you ever contemplate a world in which the tax system brings in more revenue than it does today? Are you capable of making a deal with President Obama and Democrats that involves revenues? Is the plan just simply to wait until Mitt Romney is inaugurated as the nation's 45th president and work with him?”

Interested in more on this?

Here ya go:  http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daniel-gross/declare-215905633.html

 

Is this true?:

 

From an e-mail this past Sunday:

 

 “HELLOOOO... Does   Dallas,   TX have a good idea or what???

Uninsured Cars Off The Road

Recently, the City of Dallas , Texas , passed an ordinance stating that if a driver is pulled over by law enforcement and is not able to provide proof of insurance, the car is towed.   

To retrieve the car after being impounded, they must show proof of insurance to have the car released. This has made it easy for the City of   Dallas   to remove uninsured cars.  

Shortly after the "No Insurance" ordinance was passed, the   Dallas   impound lots began to fill up and were full after only nine days.  80 + % of the impounded cars were driven by illegals.  

Not only must they provide proof of insurance to have their car released, they have to pay for the cost of the tow, a $350 fine, and $20 for every day their car is kept in the lot.

Accident rates are going down and...   Dallas' solution gets uninsured drivers off the road WITHOUT making them show proof of nationality.  

Wonder how the ACLU or the Justice Department will get around this one.  

Just brings tears to my eyes.  

GO   Dallas!”

 

 

Video time:

Ricky Stenhouse and Carl Edwards at Iowa – the finish:

http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/nationwide/story/_/id/6840476/ricky-stenhouse-jrwins-nationwide-race-crash

 

 

 

Closing with this:

 

No jokes again this week, but some helpful - to some - tips on saving dollars for us “older” folks:  This is Part 2 of a few parts over these next couple of weeks.

 

108 Stores with Senior Discounts

Gone are the days of your grandmother’s “early bird special” at the local diner. As our baby boomers reach retirement age, hundreds of retailers are featuring new and improved discounts exclusively for the 60 and older crowd. We have composed a list of senior savings that will help you keep more cash in your pocket. Whoever said getting older was a bad thing, obviously didn’t know about these fantastic senior discounts! This list is not all inclusive. Whataburger gives Seniors over 55 a free drink. I added this to the list. If you don't ask, you won't get it.

 

Retail and Apparel

  • Banana Republic: 10% off (50+)
  • Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month (50+)
  • Belk’s: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+)
  • Big Lots: 10% off
  • Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days (55+)
  • C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
  • Clarks: 10% off (62+)
  • Dress Barn: 10% off (55+)
  • Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
  • Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
  • Kmart: 20% off (50+)
  • Kohl’s: 15% off  (60+)
  • Modell’s Sporting Goods: 10% off
  • Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
  • Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+)
  • The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+)

Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month (55+)

 

Grocery

  • Albertson’s: 10% off first Wednesday of each month (55+)
  • American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50+)
  • Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
  • DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
  • Food Lion: 6% off every Monday (60+)
  • Fry’s Supermarket: free Fry’s VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday (55+)
  • Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
  • Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
  • Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
  • Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
  • Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
  • Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
  • The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday (50+)
  • Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (55+)
  • Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
  • Uncle Guiseppe’s Marketplace: 5% off (62+)

Travel

  • Alaska Airlines: 10% off (65+)
  • Alamo: up to 25% off for AARP members
  • American Airlines: various discounts for 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
  • Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
  • Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
  • Best Western: 10% off (55+)
  • Budget Rental Cars: 10% off; up to 20% off for AARP members (50+)
  • Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
  • Clarion: 20%-30% off (60+)
  • Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
  • Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
  • Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations
  • Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off (50+)
  • Econo Lodge: 20%-30% off (60+)
  • Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members
  • Greyhound: 5% off (62+)
  • Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance
  • Hertz: up t0 25% off for AARP members
  • Holiday Inn: 10%-30% off depending on location (62+)
  • Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
  • InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
  • Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler’s Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
  • Marriott Hotels: 15% off (62+)
  • Motel 6: 10% off (60+)
  • Myrtle Beach Resort: 10% off (55+)
  • National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members
  • Quality Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
  • Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
  • Sleep Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
  • Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
  • Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50 and up
  • United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
  • U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)

 

 

 

 

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