Racin' & Internet Stuff:

By Tom Avenengo

Volume # 76

10/13/2011

First:

Starting off this weeks column with something not related to motor sports, but I really have to ask: “What next?” This, below, came out in our local paper this past Sunday, and if true, could be devastating to many, many families in New York.

Better With Age: Change in Medicaid recovery rules highly troublesome

In part:

“The New York State Department of Health has finalized regulations for expanded estate recovery for Medicaid, a change that can hurt seniors, baby boomers, their children and even their grandchildren.

Essentially, the new regulations allow the government, in ways it never could before, to take assets from your family's inheritance after you die to pay itself back for any Medicaid payments you received during your lifetime.

In the past, the government had always been limited to reimbursing itself from probate assets — those assets that had to go through court before passing on to your family. Now, the state can take from almost anything you own, including living trusts, joint accounts with your children, bank accounts in trust for your grandchildren and on and on — property that used to be safe for your family.

Most troublesome is the loss of protection for your home, often your most valuable asset. Over the years, it has been very common for people to transfer their homes to their children while retaining the right to live in their home for their lives. In this way, the children would automatically own the home upon the parents' death without the time and expense of probate proceedings.

In addition, if the parents were able to obtain help from Medicaid and pay the $12,000-$15,000 per month fee of a nursing home, their home would be safe from being used to pay back Medicaid.

However, in a drastic reversal of this longtime protection, your home with your retained life rights is now fair game for Medicaid recovery like any other asset. If your children had been planning to move into the house and live there, now they may have to sell it just to pay back the government.”

More on this can be seen here:

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111009/BIZ/110090320&cid=sitesearch

Second:

And even more not racing related, but VERY interesting, and sad, too.

Sent to me via an e-mail:

This is very sneaky of the Obama's financial team ..... and what was that part about not taxing the middle class??????Oh yeah, it's not a tax, it's a "FEE"

Direct Deposit for SS Checks

ON JANUARY 1 ST 2012, THE GOVERNMENT IS REQUIRING EVERYONE TO HAVE DIRECT DEPOSIT FOR SS CHECKS.

WONDER WHY?

1% tax on all bank transactions HR4646

Watch for this AFTER November elections; remember this BEFORE you VOTE in case you think Obama's looking out for your best interest.

1% tax on all bank transactions HR 4646

This government just cannot think of enough ways to hurt the American people! I sure hope this dies!!!!!

FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW!

1% tax on all bank transactions HR 4646 - ANOTHER NEW OBAMA TAX SLIPPED IN WHILE WE WERE ASLEEP. Checked this on snopes, it's true! Check out HR 4646.

President Obama's finance team is recommending a one percent (1%) transaction fee (TAX). Obama's plan is to sneak it in after the November elections to keep it under the radar.

This is a 1% tax on all transactions at any financial institution - banks, credit unions, savings and loans, etc. Any deposit you make, or even a transfer within your account, will have a 1% tax charged. ~If your paycheck or your social security or whatever is direct deposit, it will get a 1% tax charged for the transaction. ~If your paycheck is $1000, then you will pay Obama $10 just for the privilege of depositing your paycheck in your bank. Even if you hand carry your paycheck or any check into your bank for a deposit, 1% tax will be charged. ~You receive a $5,000 stock dividend from your broker, Obama takes $50 just to allow you to deposit that check in the bank.. ~If you take $1,000 cash to deposit at your bank, 1% tax will be charged.

Mind you, this is from the man who promised that, if you make under $250,000 per year, you will not see one penny of new tax. Keep your eyes and ears open, you will be amazed at what you learn about this guy's under-the-table moves to increase the number of ways you are taxed.

Oh, and by the way, if you receive a refund from the IRS next year and you have it direct deposited or you walk in to deposit that check, you guessed it. You will pay a 1% charge of that money just for putting it in your bank. Remember, any money, cash, check or whatever, no matter where it came from, you will pay a 1% fee if you put it in the bank.

Some will say, oh well, it's just 1%. Are you kidding me? It's a 1% tax increase across the board. Remember, once the tax is there, they can also raise it at will. And if anyone protests, they will just say, "Oh,that's not really a tax, it's a user fee!"

Think this is no big deal? Go back and look at the transactions you made on one year's banking statements. Then add the total of all those transactions and deduct 1%. Still think it's no big deal?

" A government big enough to give you everything you want is also big enough to take away everything you have." - Barry Goldwater

Really! What’s next, folks?

Third:

I did not go to Syracuse or 5 Mile Point for the races this past weekend. My son, Eric, his girlfriend, Catherine, my grandson, Brett and his wife, Susan did, however. Eric gave me a call after they left Syracuse on Saturday, heading for 5 mile. He was not a happy camper, for sure – about the 358 Small Block race he had witnessed at Syracuse. He told me that if the Sunday race was as bad as the one on Saturday, he would never go to another Super Dirt Week. After what had transpired during that Saturday race, then what happened on Sunday, well, in a way, I couldn’t blame him, or any other race fan, for maybe not wanting to attend that event next year.

Fourth:

Staying on the Syracuse racing subject – by now you’ve heard about what happened, I imagine. No, not what was in the paper (not in our local paper on Monday, mind you), but what really occurred. It seems that there were some problems with some of the cars – things I’ve read about how a certain car failed the fuel tech after time trials, but still kept the pole position, then after winning the Sportsman race, it was found that the engine wasn’t quite following the rule book. Result: Still declared the race winner. As for the Big Block 200 – the rulebook specifies certain things on the fuel cell, and what, specifically could/would/might be done if the fuel cell was found to be not legal. Well, it was reported that the winning car had a fuel cell that held 27 to 27 and a half gallons of fuel, while the rulebook says the maximum amount of fuel is to be no more than 24 and a half gallons. Result: Driver kept the win, but was fined $25,000.00. That, you will not see on any report sent out for publication, and to me, in both instances – well, three, really, I have to say that since the cars were found to be illegal, they should, PER THE RULE BOOK be disqualified. OK, maybe you’ve read it on the Internet how DIRTCar is trying to be like NASCAR – well, as far as I’m concerned, if illegal, you’re DQ’d, no monies, points and trophy, too. As long as the punishment remains to be a “slap on the wrist” so to say, cars will continue to be “illegal”. Someone, sometime, down the road, has got to have the gonads to come out and actually disqualify someone that’s illegal – and I do not mean a “no name” driver, either.

Note: It is now Wednesday, and there is still zero, zilch, nada about the Syracuse races in our local paper – the Middletown Times Herald-Record.

Also, further down in this column, in the AARN section, you’ll see where four out of the top five drivers at a race were DQ’d, including the winner and also another winner was DQ’d, so it can, and has, been done.

Fifth:

Hey, if you haven’t read what’s being said on the Dirt Track Digest and on their forum, might I suggest you take a trip over there and see just what’s being said – good, bad, comical and/or indifferent. Also, I have a special column that went out about what was said on the Dirt Track Digest/Adam Ross race report, during, and mostly after, the 200 was run at Syracuse. The column/article is on both DTD and New England Tractor. Quite a few threads on DTD’s forum about Syracuse, too.

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

New England Tractor: http://newenglandtractor.com/racereport/ta/Aftertherace.htm

Note: DTD’s front page is due to go off of the special Syracuse Super Dirt Week format, and back to it’s normal being, so my “After the race” article should be available.

Sixth:

Some Eastern States tid-bits:

A small group of us over on the Victory Speedway Forum have gotten together and for this year are continuing the Hard Charger Award for the ESW 200 in the memory of the late Eric Koster. This year it will be $50.00 more than the $500.00 that it was last year. The track is going along with us on this with a big check being made up and a special page (with a little surprise) in the racing program, as well.

The Petruska owned, Atlas sponsored # 66 will be at Eastern States. I’m not sure if both the big and small block cars will be there, and as far as I know, as of the date of publication on this column, no idea as to who might be in the seat. Maybe Duane Howard?

For those of you that have not been to OCFS so far this season, just a little tip – JP’s Snack Bar is no longer in business. Whether they will have any additional food services opened up for the weekend, I have no idea.

The Victory Speedway Forum: http://s2.excoboard.com/VictorySpeedwayForum

Note: You must register to be able to read and post, and if you don’t behave, your “outta here!”

Seventh:

In a way, I’m really thinking that the NASCAR Cup races really are too long – both in miles and the amount of time it takes to go from green to checkered flag. Somehow, I’d like to see some kind of a change. Just what, I’m not sure of – maybe instead of one 500 mile race, maybe a series of shorter races, like a bunch of 20 lap races leading up to maybe a 50 lap main event, but with some – a good part of the field inverted. Cars that are a lap down go to the rear, and no “Lucky Dog” awards, either. To spice up the last race of the show, a mandatory pit stop UNDER GREEN and no pitting allowed at any time, under the yellow, unless you’re the car that caused the yellow.

Eighth:

As I said, I actually read what was happening at Syracuse, on the Internet. Some people went and ordered “Dirt Vision” – at – I think it was $19.95?? Those that did were rather upset that it was only an audio show, not video. And I had read that prior to the end of the 200, Dirt Vision suddenly went off. Huh?

As for a video of Super Dirt Week – it will be on SPEED TV on Saturday, October 29^th – 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Masking a bet – not much, if anything at all, will be mentioned about the winning car not being quite legal.

No, I have no idea as to why when a car is found to be illegal – in NASCAR and now in DIRTcar, too, the driver is not disqualified, gets no money and no points. Some say it’s because of the “Media” and how fast things get done, today. Well, as far as SDW goes, there was absolutely no mention of the race in our local (Middletown, NY) paper on Monday. Also, no mention of the race in our Tuesday paper, too. It’s been said that when a race is over, and the fans have left, the sanctioning body (DIRTCar, in this case) wants to fans to go home realizing who won, so they don’t DQ an illegal car, just give them the win and fine them. I don’t agree on that.

Of course, if it was a “no name” things might be different, right?

Ninth:

OK, I’m a Bank of America customer. If you’ve read the news lately, you might have seen how they are trying to squeeze more money out of their customers. G R E E D!

Oh, wait – this weekends Cup race at Charlotte – guess who is the sponsor – uh huh – BoA. How I wish that wasn’t so. And no, I still don’t think that any of our armed forces should sponsor a car, either – especially at what it cost to sponsor today.

Note: Check out “Closing with this” at the end of this weeks column.

Tenth:

In the area where I live, I see countless commercials on TV about switching my phone, cable and Internet service over to one particular company at a “low” price per month – for a one-year period. What they fail to mention, and I feel that they should mention, is what it will cost AFTER that first year, and if there’s a penalty if you leave after that one year period – you know – the “fine print”.

Eleventh:

If you recall, in a couple of my last columns I was putting in some info that I had found in the AARN about some problems that had happened down in Florida at the Volusia Speedway.

Well, there’s some very interesting reading on the Dirt Track Digest’s Forum about Volusia Speedway and it now being closed for the remainder of this racing season.

In part:

“This week Volusia closed up for the year. Their season was supposed to run through November, but something suddenly changed Ken Sand's mind. Hopefully this is just a minor setback and they can continue to operate in some way, because it is a reasonably nice facility. They switched to Friday nights earlier this year after Bubba the Love Sponge purchased Ocala and moved their race night to Saturday. They weren't getting a great car count, but not awful either. Hopefully we'll see Volusia back!”

Note: Here is the link to the thread, but I must warn ya, some not too nice things are being said:

http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/DTD/index.php?/topic/41391-volusia-speedway-ends-season-suddenly/

Twelfth:

As I said above, I was keeping up with what was happening up at Syracuse, and also at Five Mile Point, by what was being said on the DTD/Adam Ross race reporting. Here are a few things that were “said” on Saturday:

“Adam Ross: There's quite a dip between one and two, and if a driver doesn't handle it properly it's going to be costly..moves a car up the track if it's not handled right.

[Comment From howdy sirhowdy sir: ] With this nice hot dog delay no one will be heading to FMP..

Adam Ross: The reason for the delay was track work. Officials don't want a cushion building up in the corners. They've done a great job on the track all week!

[Comment From Y2WIZY2WIZ: ] Rumor has it this is the last year at Syracuse because of track conditons, any truth to that?

Adam Ross: They've already announced the dates for next year. No truth to that.

Every year the race director asks competitors to obey a pit road speed limit, and every year there's drivers ripping down pit road at ludicrous speed.

SATURDAY schedule - they just announced they are approximately 1 hour behind due to track prep.

[Comment From JImJIm: ] Hello, do you know of a website where I can purchase live video coverage of the races?

Adam Ross: Dirtvision.com”

Note #1: As far as not making it to FMP – well, my son and grandson, along with sons girlfriend and grandsons wife did make it, although they estimated they had to park on the road, about one half mile from the track.

Note #2: One must realize that even if dates are announced for a future event, there are things that might come up that could very well alter those plans.

Note #3: This is what I like about DTD – not afraid to lead you to another place on the Internet – unlike that other Forum/Message Board that I had the problem with a while ago. Dirtvision, unfortunately did not have video of the goings on at Syracuse, however, just audio, and supposedly there were problems with that towards the end of the race, too, I’ve seen. That’s why I really did not recommend Dirtvision in last weeks column – just gave out a heads up about it.

Thirteenth:

And, what transpired, in part, on Sunday:

“Cars must run the mandatory spec tires, but in the last 50 laps a team can put on the softer tire.

Are them 'tares' all pretty purple like the rules say?

Yes they are.

[Comment From flyboy flyboy : ]

yea guest boy these guys r better than sjdr and 3 wide put together.no biased coverage. and r accURATE

5:02

[Comment From J.m. Burns J.m. Burns: ]

Thank goodness you guys are here, Dirtvision audio has ceased to funtion”

Note #1: Use of “Mandatory spec tires” – yet they can go to a softer compound – huh? Why even have a “Mandatory spec tire” then?

Note #2: “Pretty purple”? Geez, more and more like other more popular racing series, I see – IndyCar with their different colored tires. My thoughts: Ridiculous.

Note #3: Yes, I was following the events not only on DTD, but also on another “blog” or whatever, that was also reporting the racing as it was going on, and DTD’s was better – and not because I’m a part of DTD, I should add.

Note #4: That’s where I had read that Dirtvision audio had stopped. Did it come back on? I can’t recall, to be honest, since I didn’t subscribe to it.

Fourteenth:

Found this little item on Jayski’s website – for what it’s worth:

Private Event for NASCAR Community:

The last reunion of The Original Moon Shiners and Revenuers of Wilkes County will be held Tuesday Oct 11 at a secret location with a secret pass word for current and past NASCAR race car drivers, car owners, crew members, media, sponsors and special guests. NOTE: THIS EVENT IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Come hear the wild tales of the early beginnings of stock car racing from both sides of the fence. This event is the only event of its kind. NO AUTOGRAPHS. You are the audience as Allen Bestwick,Tom Higgins and Humpy Wheeler emcee the event. Autographed Rocking chairs will be auctioned off at the end of the evening. A parade of antique cars is being organized by Don Miller to leave Mooresville, NC coming to the event as a Moon Shine Run.
Jack Roush has chosen Speedway Childrens Charities and Motor Racing Outreach as the recipients of this years's event. Those of you in racing that qualify call MRO offices or Speedway Children's Charity for screening, time, directions and the secret pass word to get by the moon shiners in the road or just ask one of the 350 people on pit road that attended last years event. The event is about how an illegal occupation turned into a number one sport.(10-11-2011)

Fifteenth:

Not racing related, but I received this Press Release from “Benzee”. If you recall, he has some bus trips to some racing events, so, I thought I’d throw this into this weeks column.

PRESS RELEASE

Join Access #23 TV Station on Sun Nov 6th as we visit the Mt Airy Casino on a one day Bus Trip . Hosted by the Award winning TV show Keeping Country Strong hosts Carl Richards and Erwin " Benzee" Benz . R/T Deluxe Motorcoach , Refreshments , Raffles and onboard entertainment by National Recording Artist Carmine " The Crooner " Pace . Cost is $30 per person with casino comping back $35 in play and food . Departs Monroe , Middletown and Port Jervis . For more info and reservations call 845 234 5323 or email benzee95@hotmail.com

Thank you to the media outlets that can print this in their newspaper , all proceeds will benefir the non profit station

My contact info is same as above

Erwin "Benzee" Benz

benzee95@hotmail.com

845 234 5323

Sixteenth:

Hope this works! Got it off of Facebook.

What a country!!!!!!

Seventeenth:

Found this on Facebook:

Fulton Speedway could use your support on Thursday night.

Friends and competitors! Come out to Town of Volney Town hall Thursday at 5pm to help beat Local Law #1! Come early, bring signs, show your support for a local institution. Lets not lose another business in Oswego County! Be there to be heard!

That is tonight, folks – October 13, 2011.

Eighteenth:

While researching the Internet for this weeks column, I checked the race results for the NEMA race at Seekonk. I’m glad to see that for the regular midgets, they had 21 entrants, while in the NEMA Lights, they had 17. Who knows, maybe in the future, NEMA might have some extra distance races, as mentioned in my column a while back?

Nineteenth:

What next??

DOJ: Feds Can Tell Church Who Its Ministers Will Be

In part:

"In yet another stunning attack on freedom of religion, President Barack Obama's Justice Department asked the Supreme Court last week to give the federal government the power to tell a church who its ministers will be.

The case involves a former teacher at Lutheran school, who along with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is pushing a claim that a Lutheran congregation should be forced to restore her ministry position.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State and American Atheists, Inc. have filed briefs siding with the Obama administration against the church.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations, and the American Center for Law and Justice are among those who have filed briefs supporting the Lutherans.

Acting Deputy Solicitor General Leondra Kruger told the court, during oral arguments, that the federal government should be able to trump the church on these decisions.

"Their submission is that the hiring and firing decisions with respect to parochial school teachers and with respect to priests is categorically off limits," said Kruger. "And we think that that is a rule that is insufficiently attentive to the relative public and private interests at stake, interests that this court has repeatedly recognized are important in determining freedom of association claims."

More can be seen if you go here:

http://cnsnews.com/blog/terence-p-jeffrey/doj-feds-can-tell-church-who-its-ministers-will-be

Twentieth:

Looking at the entrants at Charlotte, for the Cup and Nationwide races, I see there are 48 for the Cup race and 50 for the Nationwide race. Meanwhile, for the Truck race at Las Vegas, there are only 33 entrants for the 36-car (truck) field. That’s as of 4:00 on Wednesday, 10/12/2011 and found on Jayski’s website.

Twenty-first:

I received this PR from John Snyder, on Wednesday, October 12^th:

NEWS FROM

Orange County Fair Speedway

239 Wisner Avenue

Middletown, NY 10940

CONTACT

Mike Gurda

845-342-2573

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NON-STOP RACING ON SATURDAY OF EASTERN STATES WEEKEND

358 Modifieds, Crate Sportsman, and 305 Sprint Cars Star on Saturday

MIDDLETOWN, NY (October 14)……..The small-block Modifieds, powered by 358-cubic inch engines, will be the Saturday, October 22 headline attraction during the 50th Annual Eastern States Weekend at Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, New York. This year’s 35th Annual Eastern States 358 Modified Championship Presented by Arkel Motors race will be 100 laps in distance.

A star-studded lineup of top 358 Modified drivers from the entire Nor the ast dirt track Modified circuit will battle Orange County ’s weekly competitors for the trophy and top prize money in this prestigious event.

Since its inception in 1977, the 358 Modified race has had several different formats, having been run at 50-, 75-, 100-, and 150-laps distances. The field for this year’s 100-lap race will be set through time trials and heat races, with the final starters coming from consolation races all run prior to the main event on Saturday.

Two drivers, Brett Hearn, Orange County’s all-time race winner and eight time 358 Modified point champion, and five-time winner Danny Johnson have won more than half of the previous 34 races in this annual fall classic which dates from 1977. Hearn has 13 Eastern States 358 Modified victories to his credit, while arch-rival Johnson has won this race five times. O the r multi-time winners include Doug Hoffman (four victories), Kenny Tremont (three), and Jeff Heotzler (two wins).

Single Eastern States 358 Modified champions include Billy Decker, Jerry Higbie, Alan Johnson, Dickie Keiper, Mike Petruska Sr., Harry Behrent, and Anthony Ferraiuolo IV.

Saturday’s card is one of the busiest in all auto racing. In addition to the 358 Modified Championship 100 race, the Crate Sportsman division will take to the track for the ir heat and consolation races and the 30-lap Crate Sportsman Eastern States Championship feature race. They will be joined by the 305 Sprint Cars, also with qualifying races leading up to the ir 20-lap Eastern States Championship feature race. To cap off the day’s activities, the big-block Modifieds will get a last practice session during a break in the racing action.

Advance tickets for Saturday or the entire Eastern States Weekend as well as camping and parking permits are available at the Speedway Office during regular business hours, or credit card sales (Visa and MasterCard) by calling 845-342-2573. Additional information can be found at the official Orange County Fair Speedway website, www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net.

Twenty-second:

For as long as I can remember, October 12^th was Columbus Day. However, someone decided that it would now be the second Monday in October – you know – a “three day weekend” thing. Good? Bad? Who am I to say? Somehow, I just wish they had left it, and other holidays that they’ve seen fit to move, alone.

To me, October 12^th was the date when I lost my very favorite race driver – Johnny Ritter. To others, here in this area, that are members of the racing family, it’s also the birthday for Drew Fornoro, having been born on the 12^th of October in 1950. Drew is the son of the late Nofri (Nick) Fornoro, Sr. and his wife, Bette, and brother of Nofri (Nokie/Nick) Fornoro, Jr. and brother to sister Cindee Lee Bertling.

There was another happening on October 12^th – that being in the year 1997. Noted singer/song writer John Denver left us.

A song by him, with Pat Hawk doing back-up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uYag4yPdlA

Twenty-third:

At the Lincoln (Pa) Speedway last Saturday, Lance Dewease was injured when he broke a rear axle and barrel-rolled on the backstretch while running third in his heat. Dewease was taken to Hanover Hospital, and then later transported to York Hospital for further evaluation.

The above was taken from the Lincoln Speedways website.

Twenty-fourth:

Well, this weekend, at Las Vegas, is the last race for 2011 for IndyCar. Can Dan Weldon win it and get himself a cool two and a half million, along with some lucky race fan also winning that amount?

Here’s some info on the race, and those that are entered.

IZOD IndyCar Series

IZOD INDYCAR World Championship

Presented by Honda

At Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011

ABC/IMS Radio Network/XM 94/Sirius 212 (Live)

3:30 PM here in the east, with pre-race at 3:00

Car Driver Hometown Car Name Entrant

2 Oriol Servia Pals, Spain Telemundo Newman/Haas Racing Newman/Haas Racing

3 Helio Castroneves São Paulo, Brazil Guidepoint Systems Team Penske Team Penske

4 JR Hildebrand (R) Sausalito, Calif. National Guard Panther Racing Panther Racing

5 Takuma Sato Tokyo KV Racing Technology – Lotus KV Racing Technology – Lotus

6 Ryan Briscoe Sydney, Australia IZOD Team Penske Team Penske

7 Danica Patrick Roscoe, Ill. Team GoDaddy Andretti Autosport

8 Paul Tracy Scarbourough, Canada Motegi Wheels Dragon Racing Dragon Racing

9 Scott Dixon Auckland, New Zealand Target Chip Ganassi Racing Target Chip Ganassi Racing

10 Dario Franchitti Edinburgh, Scotland Target Chip Ganassi Racing Target Chip Ganassi Racing

11 Davey Hamilton Nampa, Idaho HP Everybody On/DRR Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

12 Will Power Toowoomba, Australia Verizon Team Penske Team Penske

14 Vitor Meira Brasilia, Brazil ABC Supply Co A.J. Foyt Racing A.J. Foyt Enterprises

15 Jay Howard Basildon, England Service Central/RLL Racing Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

17 Wade Cunningham (R) Auckland, New Zealand Air Ride Pallet AFS/SSM Racing AFS/Sam Schmidt Motorsports

18 James Jakes (R) Leeds, England Acorn Stairlifts Dale Coyne Racing

19 Alex Lloyd Manchester, England Boy Scouts of America Dale Coyne Racing

22 Townsend Bell San Luis Obispo, Calif. Dad’s Root Beer/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

24 Ana Beatriz (R) São Paulo, Brazil Team Ipiranga/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

26 Marco Andretti Nazareth, Pa. Team Dr Pepper Ten Andretti Autosport

27 Mike Conway Bromley, England Team Grime Boss Andretti Autosport

28 Ryan Hunter-Reay Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Team DHL/Circle K/Sun Drop Citrus Soda Andretti Autosport

30 Pippa Mann (R) Ipswich, England Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

34 Sebastian Saavedra (R) Bogotá, Colombia Bogotá Es Mundial Conquest Racing Conquest Racing

38 Graham Rahal New Albany, Ohio Service Central Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing

44 Buddy Rice Phoenix Fuzzy’s Vodka/Panther Racing Panther Racing

57 Tomas Scheckter Cape Town, South Africa Angie’s List/Sarah Fisher Racing Sarah Fisher Racing

59 E.J. Viso Caracas, Venezuela PDVSA – KV Racing Technology- Lotus KV Racing Technology – Lotus

67 Ed Carpenter Indianapolis Dollar General/Sarah Fisher Racing Sarah Fisher Racing

77 Dan Wheldon Emberton, England Bowers & Wilkins/Sam Schmidt Motorsports Sam Schmidt /BHA with Curb Agajanian

78 Simona De Silvestro Thun, Switzerland Nuclear Clean Air Energy HVM Racing HVM Racing

82 Tony Kanaan Salvador, Brazil GEICO – KV Racing Technology – Lotus KV Racing Technology – Lotus

83 Charlie Kimball (R) Camarillo, Calif. Levemir and NovoLog FlexPen Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing

98 Alex Tagliani Lachenaie, Quebec William Rast/Bowers & Wilkins BHA with Curb Agajanian/ Sam Schmidt

06 James Hinchcliffe (R) Toronto Sprott Newman/Haas Racing Newman/Haas Racing

Thirty-four cars entered. All cars use Dallara chassis, Honda engines and Firestone tires.

(R) – Sunoco Rookie of the Year Candidate

Issued: 10/7/2011

Coming up:

Accord:

10/15/11

Wreckage in the Catskills

4 cyl & 6 cyl Enduro $1000 to win – based on 25 entrants

4 cyl & 6 cyl Demo Derby $1000 to win – based on 25 entrants

“Run What Ya Brung” $1000 to win – based on 20 entrants

Pure Stocks $400 to win - based on 20 entrants

Pro Stocks $400.00 to win – based on 20 entrants

Powder Puff races – Note: Not on the list anymore, as of 10/4/11

Junior Slingshot National Race - $400.00 to win – based on 20 entrants

Held over 50 lap Sportsman feature from 9/30/11

Pit Gate opens at 11 AM - Spectator Gate opens at 12 - Racing at 2

OCFS:

All the info for Eastern States Weekend should come up if you go here:

http://www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net/

Oakland Valley Speedway (Dirt Oval)

Their Novemberfest races are scheduled for November 4^th, 5^th and 6^th.

For more info, please go here: http://www.oaklandvalleyspeedway.com/schedules-fees/

Lobitz Movie Party/Auction:

Sunday, November 13, 2011. Lots of fun, plenty to eat/drink, racing movies are shown, and an auction to raise money for the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing. You’d be surprised as to what gets put up for auction!

One never knows who might show up.

Things get started around 9:00 in the morning, with a swap meet, followed by most anything else. Quite a few vendors selling race related items, too.

Sit down dinner at around 5:30 in the afternoon.

Lobitz Catering Hall

Rt 940

Hazleton, Pa

(Located directly behind the Fairway Chevrolet dealership on Rt 309 North)

Note: One can usually visit the barn, out back, to see a ton of old racecars, too.

Here’s a Press Release from the ARDC:

Media Contact: Steve Williams

E-mail: swilliamsardc@gmail.com

Phone 570-473-8878 www.ardcmidgets.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PLEASE WITH OUR THANKS

ARDC MIDGETS TO BE PART OF THE THUNDER ON THE HILL 5-25’s HALLOWEEN PARTY

The Wingless Midgets of the ARDC will be back in action this Saturday Night October 15th at Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, PA as part of the Thunder on the Hill 5-25’s Halloween Party. Joining ARDC will be the URC Sprint Cars, 358 Modifieds, Sportsman and Legends in the unique features only program. Also part of the program are the Garden State Vintage Stock Cars and Vince’s Towing Legend Owners Race. The evening will conclude with the Monster Smash Demo Derby.

Leading the Midget charge will be Wrightsville, PA’s red hot Drew Heistand. In the last three events, Heistand sandwiched a third place run at New Egypt Speedway between two wins at Port Royal Speedway and Williams Grove Speedway to solidify his points lead. Another win at Susquehanna Speedway was registered earlier in the season. Heistand has amassed 1,982 tallies and leads second place “Slick” Nick Wean out of Phillipsburg, NJ by 127 points with two races remaining on the schedule. Wean grabbed a checkered flag at Mercer Raceway Park.

Creating a log jam at the top of the point standings is Ryan Smith from Kunkletown, PA. Smith is tied with Steve Buckwalter for the most wins with four. Smith was victorious at Big Diamond Speedway, Bridgeport Speedway, Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway and Winchester, VA Speedway.

“Captain America” Bruce Buckwalter Jr. with a pair of wins at Port Royal and County Line Raceway in Elm City, NC sits within striking distance of the championship in fourth spot.

Buckwalter Jr. along with his cousins Tim Buckwalter, who was last years ARDC Rookie of the Year and Steve Buckwalter, who was last years club champion always bring several bus loads of fans from the Royersford area whenever the Wingless Midgets tour the high banks.

Rounding out the top five in points is Manheim PA resident, Dusty Heistand. Dusty has yet to win a race this season after being close at Penn Can Speedway and Williams Grove. Dusty joins brother Drew on the potent two car Don-Cin Transport team headed up by their dad, Don.

Other drivers with wins this season that will be in action are some of the ARDC “Young Guns” including brothers Alex and Brenden Bright out of Collegeville, PA and Reading’s Steve Drevicki. Drevicki, in his second year has a pair of wins at Penn Can and Big Diamond while Alex Bright, also an ARDC sophomore has a win at Bridgeport. Brenden Bright who is vying for Rookie of the Year has a win at Dixieland Speedway in Elizabeth City, NC.

Gates for the event open at 4:00pm with racing starting at 6:00pm.

Start Pos Car # Driver

1 01 Steve Bull

2 77 Alex Bright

3 88 Brenden Bright

4 6 Dusty Heistand

5 19 Steve Drevicki

6 8 Keith McIntyre Jr.

7 51 PJ Gargiulo

8 83 Bruce Buckwalter Jr.

9 46 Brett Arndt

10 0 Steve Buckwalter

11 78 Nick Wean

12 33 Ryan Smith

13 52 Tim Buckwalter

14 89 Andrew Hannula

15 12 Drew Heistand

16 4 Shane Penny

17 16 Dave Shirk

18 17 Ryan Watt

19 28 Greg Fitzpatrick

20 57 Jason Rice

21 3 Joe Butera

22 11 Eric Heydenreich

23 20 Carey Becker

24 41 Mike Miller

Alt 25 Chris Zrinski

Found on Jayski’s website:

#47 team expected to remain with MWR and Toyota:

JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter told Sirius XM NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody today that his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team [#47 Toyota] will likely maintain its current alliances with Michael Waltrip Racing and Toyota in 2012. "We are looking at a number of different options that will enable us to continue to share notes and technical support with Michael Waltrip," he said, adding that the partnership "has definitely helped us be a better team. As it looks today, we are going to assert some independence. But we continue to work every week with Michael to figure out what (the relationship) is going to look like."
Geshickter confirmed that JTG Daugherty will no longer operate out of the MWR shops in Cornelius, NC, in 2012, instead moving back to their its own facility in Harrisburg.
Geschickter also confirmed that while not complete, talks designed to return JTG Daugherty to the Toyota camp in 2012 are close to bearing fruit. Geschickter said an official announcement of next year's manufacturer and driver lineup will likely come at Talladega in two weeks, but said he expects Bobby Labonte to return to the #47 next season. "Bobby and I shook hands, which is all we've ever needed to do," he said. "Short of signing a contract, we're feeling pretty good about getting that done." Geschickter also revealed plans to expand the team in the foreseeable future, saying, "We're definitely looking to become a multi-car team in 2013."(Sirius Speedway)(10-6-2011)

Cars pushing other cars, rule needed?:

During a late caution at Kansas Speedway most of the field pitted, but #29-Kevin Harvick did not. This was with about 50 laps to go. Harvick was trying to save fuel. Behind him on the track was #98-Austin Dillon, making his first Cup start. Dillon is the grandson of car owner Richard Childress and technically was in a car owned by Mike Curb. Still, Dillon saw Harvick and came up and pushed Harvick, helping him save fuel. NASCAR stepped in and told Dillon to stop. Wait a minute you say, the rule is clear that it can't be done only on the last lap? Well, in a way, you are right and you are wrong. I [Dustin Long] talked with a NASCAR spokesperson after the race and here's what happened.
After the Chicago race (where #17-Matt Kenseth was penalized for being pushed on the final lap after he ran out of fuel), NASCAR told teams that they'd be watching this issue of assisting another car more often the rest of the season. So, already, NASCAR is on the lookout for this more often.
Then came the Harvick situation today. At first, he slowed way down and fell off the rear bumper of the car in front under caution _ NASCAR's rule book requires drivers to "maintain a reasonable speed'' under caution. So, NASCAR officials wanted Harvick to maintain reasonable speed and to close the gap with the car in front under caution (NASCAR likes the field tight to limit how much of the track cars are taking, making it easier to move emergency equipment and clean-up vehicles, if needed, around the track).
With NASCAR already putting word out that it was going to look more closely at cars assisting others, series officials reacted. What I was told was that NASCAR doesn't like this because of the advantage it can provide. Also, this is something not all teams can equally do since not all cars have teammates and thus could be at a disadvantage to a multi-car team. In a way, Harvick can say there's no rule that prohibits it. NASCAR can also say that it adjusts things as it goes and this is one of them. What would seem to be the best situation is for NASCAR to write a rule that either prohibits a car pushing another or provide further guidelines on when it is acceptable and when it is not. Don't be surprised if there's a new rule on this in next year's rule book.(Virginian Pilot)(10-10-2011)

Could Roush drop to three teams in 2012? UPDATE:

This week Jack Roush addressed the topic of Rosuh Fenway Racing dropping from a four-car to a three-car team in a SiriusXM Satellite Radio interview. "We're looking for a sponsor for #6-David (Ragan), but right now I can't tell you who that's gonna be," Roush told host Claire B. Lang. "I'll say that I'm not real close on it. So David has not been encouraged to not talk to other teams going forward for things that they might have or an interest because right now I don't see how I'm gonna run the fourth car unless things turn dramatically." #16-Greg Biffle, #99-Carl Edwards and #17-Matt Kenseth are RFR's other Cup drivers. Roush said he expected to remain active in the Nationwide Series but more likely with two cars than three. He has self-funded in large part the programs of Trevor Bayne (who won the Daytona 500) and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (who is on pace to win the Nationwide title), and even Edwards hasn't had full backing.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(10-7-2011)

UPDATE:

Roush concedes that, while he is still looking for a sponsor to keep Ragan in his current ride, there are still no great prospects. And Roush says he's told Ragan to start looking for a new deal, because without major sponsorship Roush says he won't be able to run four full-time Cup teams in 2012. Speculation is that Ragan could be penciled in for a ride with Kevin Buckler [#71 TRG Ford], the sports car racer turned NASCAR team owner, and a Ford man. But Ragan himself says he's focused more on finishing this season as strongly as he can. "Right now I am not focused on 2012 just yet," Ragan says. "I think it's important for us to finish this season strong. And the stronger we can finish 2011, that will only help our chances of finding a sponsor and a package to go racing next year. Everyone at Roush Fenway is working hard at selling sponsors for us and for Matt. They have to sell some sponsorships for us to go racing next year. Jack has always done a good job of selling our race cars. Even though it's come to the last minute, we have confidence we'll be out on the track racing (next season). And hopefully we can find a partner we can announce, sooner rather than later.(MikeMulhern.net)(10-8-2011)

Dollar General leaves Turner Motorsports; headed to JGR? UPDATE:

Turner Motorsports announced Tuesday that Reed Sorenson, who is currently third in the Nationwide Series standings, is out as driver of the #32 Dollar General Chevy. Brian Vickers will assume driving duties from Sorenson beginning this weekend at Kansas Speedway. Turner offered no reason why Sorenson has been sidelined despite the driver currently sitting third in the Nationwide Series points standings. "I'm pretty confused right now," Sorenson said. "I really don't know what's going on right now. I'm trying to figure some stuff out and get through this weekend. It's hard on me, it's hard on the guys that work on this car and where we finish in points. So it's a bad deal." The announcement comes on the same day that Turner Motorsports acknowledged that Dollar General was leaving at the end of the year. Dollar General is expected to be a limited sponsor on one of Joe Gibbs Racing's Sprint Cup cars and as a primary sponsor in the Nationwide Series. Calls to J.D. Gibbs were not returned.(FoxSports)(10-5-2011)

UPDATE:

The sponsorship picture at Joe Gibbs Racing is set to undergo a vast change next season, The Observer has learned. At a news conference Thursday at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dollar General is expected to announce will greatly increase its involvement in NASCAR, sponsoring both Sprint Cup and Nationwide series teams at JGR in 2012, several sources confirmed. Among the changes:
- Dollar General will become the primary sponsor on driver Joey Logano's #20 Toyota in the Cup series for 10 to 12 races in 2012.
- Dollar General will become the primary sponsor on JGR's #11 Nationwide Series team driven by Brian Scott.
- The company will also be the primary sponsor for several races for JGR's #18 and #20 Nationwide teams.
Dollar General will likely also continue its involvement with the Truck series team owned by JGR driver Kyle Busch, sources said. A JGR spokesman declined to comment on Tuesday when asked about the sponsorship changes. The move means Home Depot, which has been a primary sponsor in the Cup series with JGR since 1999, will relinquish roughly a third of the races on the #20 next season.(Charlotte Observer)(10-11-2011)

Note: Guess now we know the real reason that Dollar General left the Sarah Fisher IndyCar race team, huh?

NASCAR planning three Fuel Injection tests:

NASCAR has three Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) tests scheduled this month for the Sprint Cup Series: Oct. 17 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Oct. 20 at Talladega Superspeedway and Oct. 31 at Martinsville Speedway. The tests are part of the continued development of the EFI Research and Development for the teams. Electronic Fuel Injection will be fully implemented in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning at Daytona International Speedway in February 2012.(NASCAR)(10-12-2011)

Seven-Year-Old Jemsek Reunites with Labonte and JTG Daugherty:

When a little girl named Jordan Jemsek was fighting leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant earlier this season, #47-Bobby Labonte and JTG Daugherty Racing crew members visited her at Presbyterian Hemby Children's Hospital to see how they could help spread the word about her battle. Now that Jemsek has had her bone marrow transplant and is cancer-free, she's reuniting with Labonte and the #47 Lance Toyota Camry team for the first time. Since they visited her in the hospital, this time Jemsek is making it a point to come see them at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage during Bojangles' Pole Night this Thursday.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(10-12-2011)

Former Oakland Valley Speedway (Dirt Oval) runners:

Some of the former Dirt Oval runners made the trip upstate to run some of the events during Super Dirt Week.

At Weedsport, Anthony Perrego was 6^th in the Sportsman feature.

At Five Mile, in the Short Track Supernationals, Danny Creeden was 15^th in the Modified feature while Mike Ruggiero was a DNQ.

At Syracuse, Billy VanInwegen was 12^th in the Modified “Futures” race. He qualified for the 200, and unfortunately blew his engine in hot laps on Sunday morning, prior to the race. He was able to pick up a ride in John Lodini’s Sportsman car in order to take the green. In the Sportsman “Futures” race, Bobby Hackel, IV was the winner, while John Lodini was 21^st. In the Sportsman main event, Hackel was 2^nd and Anthony Perrego 29^th. Lodini was a DNQ.

Note: There was quite a lot being said about the winner of the Sportsman main not being quite “legal”, although he was allowed to keep the win. Also, some things said about that car also not passing a fuel tech after qualifying and getting the pole position – something else that was allowed.

Kenney Johnson was 12^th in the NEMA Lights at Seekonk.

At Mountain Speedway, in the 150 lap Modified feature on Sunday, Nick Pecko was 4^th while Roger Coss was 16^th. On Saturday, in the 100 lap “Sport” Modified feature, Pecko was 6^th. No, I have no idea as to the differences between “Modified” and “Sport Modified”.

Bethel closed out their season with multiple races per class. In the Sportsman class, in their first race, Rich Coons was 2^nd and Kyle Redner 5^th. In the second race, Rich was 1^st and Kyle 6^th. The third race saw Coons 2^nd, again, while Kyle was 12^th. Overall, Rich was first and Kyle 6^th.

Hope I didn’t miss anyone!

Going back, in time – in racing history:

Note# 1: Most of the following information was found here:

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

Note: 2: Yes, most of this info is from Open Wheel racing from “Back in the day”.

Covering the days from October 14^th to October 20^th :

Note: Last week I had this, below, about Johnny Ritter:

“1948

Johnny Ritter was fatally injured while changing a tire on the 20th lap during a 100 lap Midget race at the Medford Bowl. He was born in Austria and his family came to the United States when he was a young boy, his family settling near Detroit, Michigan. Late in the 1930’s he came east to race. He was the track champion at the Castle Hill Speedway and also at the Nutley Velodrome in 1939, and was third in the AAA point standings (midgets), too. Besides the two track championships mentioned, he was also the track champion at Castle Hill again, in 1940, Freeport in 1941 and the Hinchliffe Stadium (Paterson, NJ) champion in 1946.”

I made an error on what lap it was when he had the tire problem – it was the 40^th lap.

October 14th

1974

Bob Sall ... Died ... AAA Sprint car ace who later became NASCAR's Eastern field manager.

2000

Wayne Bailey, Top Fuel drag racer, died from injuries suffered in a crash at the completion of a 5.015, 289.94 qualifying run during the IHRA National event at Shreveport, Louisiana.

OCTOBER 15

1919

Chuck Stevenson... Born ...Chuck drove in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series, racing in the 1949-1954, 1960-1961 and 1963-1965 seasons with 54 starts, including the Indianapolis 500 races in 1951-1954, 1960-1961, and 1963-1965. He finished in the top ten 37 times, with 4 victories, 2 of them coming in the 1952 season when he won the AAA National Championship. Stevenson also raced in two NASCAR events -- one in 1955 and one in 1956, picking up a win at Willow Springs Raceway in 1955 driving a Ford. The race he entered in to in 1955 was driving a car owned by Indy winner Pete DePaolo.

1920

Chris Economaki ... Born ... Racing journalist, TV commentator and Publisher of National Speed Sport News.

1964

Craig Breedlove became the first man to drive 500 mph when he set a new World Land Speed Record of 526.277 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats in his "Spirit of America". He crashed and wrecked the jet car at the end of the second run when his brakes failed. When the dust cleared, Breedlove emerged shaken from the vehicle as the not-so-proud record-holder for the longest skid marks ever recorded. Nevertheless, Breedlove, who already held the land-speed record, did manage to break the 500 mph speed barrier that year, just as he had broken the 400 mph barrier the year before, and just as he would surpass 600 mph in the year following.

OCTOBER 16

1924

Budd Olson ... Born ... New Jersey Stock Car driver from the 1940's, 50's and 60's. From local dirt tracks to NASCAR, Budd Olsen built a solid reputation, first as a driver and then as one of the leading race car builders in the region.

1977

James McElreath... Died ... USAC Sprint Car driver, son of Jim McElreath. James recorded 2 USAC wins in 1977, before his fatal sprint car accident at Winchester Speedway. James was also the 1976 USAC Midget "Rookie of the Year".

OCTOBER 17

1951

Bill Schindler won the AAA Midget race at the Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City,NJ.

Note: I was there that night. He was the class of the field driving the John Hopkinson red # 10 Offy.

OCTOBER 18

1979

Louis Unser... Died ... 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.

OCTOBER 19

1997

Cory McClenathan became the first person in NHRA history to register a 320 mph top speed at the end of a 1/4-mile run. His exact speed was 321.77 mph at Ennis, Texas.

OCTOBER 20

1921

Manny Ayulo... Born ... AAA driver from the 1940's and 50's. His efforts, along with those of friend and teammate Jack McGrath, helped establish track roadsters as viable Indy race cars. He ran the Indianapolis 500 five times and was killed in a crash while practicing for the 1955 Indianapolis 500.

2006

Ted Johnson ... Died ... He briefly drove a midget in his early years before settling into a career as a china salesman, never could shake the racing bug and in 1978 he unveiled the World of Outlaws, a collection of the biggest names in sprint car racing that traveled around the country trying to swipe purses from local competitors. The series drew huge crowds, attracted national television audiences and major sponsorship all while competing nearly 100 times a year with Johnson calling the shots every step of the way. Ted Johnson lost his battle with cancer at the age of 72.

News from the AARN:

http://www.aarn.com/

From their October 4^th issue:

There was a good-sized article about the Glenn Donnelly proposed Central New York Raceway Park racing complex.

In Lenny Sammons column, he makes mention of John Wight having left the Glenn Donnelly group that is working on the above named facility. He makes mention of Donnelly being more interested (right now) in the road racing, tune & testing and drag racing at the new facility. The track will now be ½ mile instead of the original ¾ mile size. Donnelly is willing to talk with the WRG about some of their races being held at the new facility. Also mention of the possibility of Howie Commander being involved, in some way, with CNYRP. There’s a hint of possible slot machines at the facility, too. It would be possible, with the way the tracks are designed, to have a large paved “oval”, if one were to check out the drawing that is in the AARN paper. Yes, Donnelly does say that it would be possible to hold an SDW at the new track.

Ernie Saxton and I agree on quite a few things about auto racing. He, too, isn’t in favor of these “fuel mileage” races. In his column, he makes mention that he’s down in Florida, again, and was hoping to take in a race or two at Volusia. (Sorry, Ernie, but Volusia closed up for the season). He wonders why there are always so many people walking around during the races, and also why must they stand up, when they could see just as well when sitting? On Tony Stewart, he is wondering when Tony will refer to TV reporters as “idiots” when they constantly ask the same questions, over and over, as he has with print and Internet media people. He, like I did in a previous column, touched a little about the problems Kurt Busch had in pre-race tech, a week after Kurt had some problems with the media – payback?

Earl Krause had a good portion of his column about Dave Haupt. Dave, who passed away back in December of 1993, at 66 years of age, used the name “Joe Kelly” when racing stock cars. Why? Well, it seems that back then, he didn’t want to get in trouble with the two open wheel racing clubs he ran with – the URC and the ARDC.

Brett Deyo makes mention of why Billy Pauch, Sr. was at Syracuse for SDW. It seems that if a driver wants to race in the “World Finals” at Charlotte, they must attempt to qualify for at least one SDS race.

Two that were associated with auto racing are mentioned as having left us – Kenny Jones, 86, a long time official at the East Windsor Speedway, and younger brother of Don Jones, Sr. – founder and promoter of East Windsor, has passed on, along with Joseph F. Kennelly, 97, who is believed to be the last known surviving riding mechanic from the Indy 500.

There is a half page ad for the “Need for Speed” Motor Sports expo being held in West Springfield, MA on March 2, 3 & 4 in 2012. A full-page ad for the World Finals being held in Charlotte on November 3, 4 & 5, 2011. And a full-page ad for the Short Track Nationals at Five Mile.

Some fine articles on race drivers – Pete Bicknell (full page), Ronnie Johnson vs Bobby Varin (full page), The “Odd Couple” – Car owner Norm Hansell and driver Jeff Strunk (full page), Ken Tremont, Sr. (full page), Billy Pauch, Sr. (2+ pages), Jack Johnson (2 pages), Doug Hoffman (2 pages), Kevin Bates (full page) and Carl Van Horn (1+ pages). There are three pages devoted to the 21 drivers that have won the “Big one” at SDW. Young Mark Berkenstock, who was severely injured during a Micro Sprint race at the Hamlin, PA track, is shown in a photo, with him basically standing on his own.

Georgetown Speedway has come out with an age limit of 14 years old to be able to get into the pits. (I think more tracks should do this, when bigger racecars are involved!)

At the Stafford Speedway, at their final weekend of racing, four out of the top five finishers in the Late Model race were DQ’d. Woody Pitkat, Ryan Posocco, Mark St. Hilaire and Dillon Motly were all DQ’d. Fourth place finisher, Patrick Townsend was declared the races winner. Also, in the DARE Stock race, winner Kelsey Rottino was also DQ’d from his win.

Note: See, it can and has been done, folks.

Swiss IndyCar driver Simona de Silvestro has joined a list of drivers that have voiced complains about “favoritism” by IndyCar officials.

Do you have any idea as to how many race drivers from here in the East have run in the Indy 500? – That’s actual racing in it, not just attempting to qualify. Gary London, in his column makes mention of 46 drivers that have done it. He also is wondering just where the latest “Phenom” Kyle Larson will end up. He says that the IndyCar owners seem to be only interested in drivers from Brazil and Japan, who bring big checks along with them, while the nine “Elite” NASCAR owners who head up some of the more significant teams, have waiting lists for their next prospects – unless, of course you’re a grandson of one of those owners, I should add.

Bill, George and Harry Caruso, along with Bud McManus, Newton Tilton, Dr. John Puzauskas and his wife, Helen, Ed Piersall, Ed Trenca, Johnny Torrese, Sr., Russ Brown and Joe Gosek, along with long time sponsor (over 40 years) Don Dorsey, Sr. will be inducted into the Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame.

A kind of funny article from John Snyder about his first ever trip to SDW at Syracuse, back in 1977, made this weeks issue.

Guy Smith was making mention of the “Cluster” he and his wife had while attending the IndyCar racing weekend down in Baltimore. Lack of signage for where to go, employees giving them the wrong info as to where to go, poor visibility in most areas, making mention of hearing of a couple that took three and a half hours to get seats, after their previously ordered seats turned out to be for a grandstand that hadn’t even been put up, yet - $70.00 for seats on Saturday and $80.00 for Sunday – again where you can’t see much of the course. He goes on to make mention of the US Formula 2000 Series race being won by an Irishman, with a Finn second and a Canadian third. (So much for “US Formula 2000, huh?). That race was a timed event, and he says it took 1/3 of the races time to clean up the mess that occurred on the first turn, first lap (kinda sounds familiar, doesn’t it for Open Wheel road racing?). The race ended up being only 15 laps long, with only ten of them being run under the green.

Note: Hmmm, whenever I’ve gone to an OVAL race, I’ve never had a problem seeing, or finding out, where I had to go, and I could see basically the whole track, too. Makes me wonder why these city street races are supposed to be so popular. Maybe not for genuine race fans, huh?

The “Fall Jamboree” at the New Egypt Speedway, presented by Speedway Entertainment (Tobias) on November 5^th, will have Micro Sprints, Slingshots and Legends, along with triple 15’s for the Tobias SpeedSTR’s. Also – the Great American Enduro racers are finishing up their 2011 “Big Kahuna” Series.

Note: I’m wondering here about the New Jersey “law” about a certain clearance that is required from the top of the helmet to the bottom rail of the roll cage – is that still being enforced? If you recall, back in May, in one of my columns - or an article about the Vintage Race Car meet up in Loudon, I made mention of the state going to Wall Stadium and checking out the cars, and not one single car passed the new “law”. From what I know – the “State” asked, “What can we do?” and then left.

Also, in the few brief race reports I’ve seen, in the AARN, on the SpeedSTR races, it seems they are still having low car counts. Here’s hoping that changes for the “Fall Jamboree”

More racin’ stuff:

From a Press Release from Brett Deyo on the King of the Can race this coming Friday and Saturday, at Penn Can:

News from The King of the Can - 'It's Good To Be King'

Media Contact: Brett Deyo - 845.728.2781 or Deyo99H@aol.com

For Immediate Release/Oct. 11, 2011

Non-Qualifiers Events Added To Penn Can's 'King of the Can' Event Friday; Short Track SuperNationals DNQ Drivers Featured; Lap Money Adding Up for Penn Can Racers!

SUSQUEHANNA, PA - Modified non-qualifiers from the Short Track SuperNationals last weekend at Five Mile Point (N.Y.) Speedway have not been forgotten.

The drivers not making the cut for the "Working Man's Race" at the Kirkwood, N.Y., oval will be featured in Non-Qualifiers races this Friday (Oct. 14) to kick off the Penn Can Speedway annual 'King of the Can' program. Two drivers will earn guaranteed starting positions for the 50-lap, big-block/small-block Modified event on Friday night through the event(s).

"We had such outstanding support at Five Mile Point for the SuperNationals with 79 Modifieds turning out," event co-promoter Brett Deyo said. "We wanted to do something for the drivers not able to qualify for that event. There obviously wasn't time on Saturday, but this week's 'King of the Can' provides the ideal opportunity."

The race distances will be determined by the number of participants. Five Mile Point DNQ drivers should check in at the registration table when drawing their heat-race starting position.

The '11 big-block/small-block Modified 'King of the Can' event pays $5,000 to the winner with a $20 "gambler's fee" at Penn Can. That is an increase of $1,000 over the 2010 event. Additionally, lap money has been collected to boost the possible cash take even higher! All laps have been sponsored at a $25 per lap minimum. 'It's good to be king' at Penn Can Speedway in 2011.

Run as a BD Motorsports Media co-promotion with track managers Reed Miller and Al Wilcox for the first time, the 'King of the Can' is certain to attract an all-star field of Modifieds to the one-third-mile oval centrally located on the Keystone State side of the Pennsylvania/New York border.

"This year's 'King of the Can' will certainly go in the history books as one of the most lucrative for racers," event co-promoter Brett Deyo said. "Already, a tremendous amount of lap money has been collected and there is a long list of special awards that will be handed out."

Gates open at Penn Can Oct. 14 at 5 p.m. The driver's meeting is set for 6:45 p.m. with hot laps at 7 p.m. The first green flag waves at 7:30 p.m. Grandstand admission is $22 for Adults and $20 for Seniors and Students. Kids 12 and under are FREE. Pit admission is $35 (no license required). The rain date is Oct. 16 (Sunday).

The 'King of the Can' has been the signature Penn Can event since 1999 when Brian Weaver of Windsor, N.Y., took the inaugural victory. Weaver will be in attendance at this year's event.

New for 2011, a number of contingency awards will be distributed from companies including American Racer/Lias Tire, BFP Specialty, Shiley Fabrication and more. Lap money will also be collected at $20 per lap. A Hard Charger Award, Hard Luck Award and other bonuses will be announced as the event approaches.

Kevin Bates of Lake Ariel, Pa., won last year's 50-lap 'King of the Can' event.

Joining the Modifieds on the Friday portion of the 'King of the Can' will be Crate (602) Sportsman ($1,000 to win) and Street Stocks in a $500-to-win event. The top-three Crate Sportsman earn the 13th, 14th and 15th starting positions, respectively, in the Saturday (Oct. 15) Race of Champions Sportsman event. The Street Stock winner starts seventh in the Trackside Products Street Stock Series event to be run on Saturday.

Saturday's program on Oct. 15 is comprised of RoC Sportsman, Late Models, Trackside Products Street Stocks, TSRS/CRSA Sprint Cars, Four Cylinders and Factory Stocks/Trucks.

For further information on the 'King of the Can' event, contact Brett Deyo by phone at 845.728.2781 or via e-mail: Deyo99H@aol.com. Info is on the web at www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com, along with entry forms.

The 2011 King of the Can is presented by Don's Automotive Mall, Gary's U-Pull-It, Pioneer Pole Buildings, VP Racing Fuels, Trackside Products, Bob Hilbert Sportswear, BFP Specialty, S&D Bodyline, Shiley Fabrication, American Racer/Lias Tire and BD Motorsports Media.

Five Mile Point Speedway Short Track SuperNationals DNQ Drivers: Mark Frankhouser, Chris Esposito, John Juhl, Steve Babicek, Kyle Cicio, Chris Wood, Barry White, Scott Ferrier, Craig Whitmoyer, Bob Hamm Jr., Chris Shupp, Dave Rosa, Alan Barker, Marc Johnson, Scott Van Gorder, Jeff Crambo, Scott Brady, Wade Hendrickson, Jesse Hill, Donnie Lawson, Richard Smith, Bobby Puckett, Bob Henry Jr., Colt Harris, Jordan Umbenhauer, Kevin Hirthler, Meme DeSantis, Bobby Varin, Elmo Reckner, Mel Schrufer, Brett Tonkin, Rich Ricci Jr., Ray Bliss Jr., Paul Jensen, Mike Ruggiero, Glenn Knapp, Mike Colsten, Eric Stephens, Stewart Friesen, Mike Nagel Jr., Dan Hineline, Ken Titus, Rob Rowe, Sam Martz, Alan Rudalavage, Mike Austin, Frank Yankowski, Mike Mahaney.

Racing and television:

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

Note: Again - the Syracuse race will be on SPEED on October 29^th – 8:00 to 10:00 PM

Some non-racing stuff:

Obama appeals tough new Alabama immigration law

In part:

The Obama administration on Friday sought to repeal a harsh new Alabama law on immigration, setting up the latest clash between the White House and Republican state leaders over the thorny issue of undocumented migrants.

The Justice Department urged the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta to overturn a ruling that let stand much of state law HB 56, which makes it a crime to be undocumented in Alabama and allows schools to check the immigrant status of students

The Department of Justice also insisted the provisions "invade the federal government's exclusive authority over immigration," and asked the court to issue an injunction pending the appeal.

http://news.yahoo.com/obama-appeals-tough-alabama-immigration-law-195117050.html

Is this true?:

Here’s part one on a rather interesting subject:

From an e-mail I received:

Part one:

“WEINER FALLOUT

This is really something to read........scary........and that puts it mildly!!

*The fallout from the Anthony Weiner fiasco includes a mystery no one yet has resolved, especially the media which is ignoring it like the plague. Make that: Two mysteries*

*Mystery # 1. How is it that Anthony Weiner, a Jew, married a devout Muslim woman, and vice-versa?*

*Mystery #2. How is it that a devout Muslim woman with strong ties to the notorious Muslim Brotherhood is working within a trusted position in the highest levels of the Department of State?

*Here are the facts as we know them:*

*1 - Anthony Weiner, a Jewish U.S. Congressman from New York, (now resigned) married Huma Abedin, a practicing Muslim woman, in 2010.

Ex-President Bill Clinton officiated.*

*2 - Huma Abedin was born in Michigan, but grew up in Saudi Arabia, the daughter of devout Muslim parents. She was later educated in the U.S.

and remains a devout, practicing Muslim.*

*3 - At age 20, Huma Abedin started working as a White House assistant to then first lady, Hillary Clinton in 1996, and has been by Mrs. Clinton's side ever since. She now holds the position of Aide and Deputy Chief of Staff to Sec. Hillary Clinton in the State Department.*

*4 - According to numerous sources, which has not been denied or refuted, the mother of Huma Abedin - a Pakistani - is a member of the Muslim Sisterhood, or, the women's division of the MuslimBrotherhood.*

*5 - Huma Abedin's brother is a fellow with the Oxford Centre For Islamic Studies, which is heavily supported by the Muslim Brotherhood.*

*6 - Islamic scholars and experts confirm that no Muslim woman - especially devout Muslims and

members of the sisterhood - may marry a non-Muslim man, yet a Jew, unless that man has converted to Islam.*

*7 - It is well known, especially in intelligence circles including the CIA and the FBI, that the Muslim Brotherhood is the most notorious global, anti-American, jihadist organization in the world, with long range sights set upon establishing

an Islamic caliphate in the west. (That means, converting America into an Islamic nation, folks). According to their own documents - authored by the highest levels in the MB - America is destined to be settled as an Islamic nation, and that it will use deceit and infiltration to accomplish this goal from within.*”

Note: Part two, next week

Video time:

Not Open Wheel from “Back in the Day”, but some Stock cars:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCXt1FOCzE8&feature=related

Closing with this:

Quite a few years ago, I came across a comic strip – “Hagar the Horrible”. The first time I can recall reading it was when he was asked what his middle name was, and he responded with: “The”. Made me laugh a little.

Well, in our local paper this past Tuesday, in the “Hagar the Horrible’ comic strip, I again had a laugh, although, in reality, it seems that what the cartoon had to say hit the nail on the head as far as how things are today.

It shows Hagar sitting at a bar and asking another patron, who looked rather well to do, “What do you do for a living, stranger?”. The stranger replied: “I rob from the poor to give to the rich”. Hagar came back with: What kind of business is THAT?” The stranger told him: “It’s part of the banking business”.

Told ya it’s how things are, today.

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