Racin' Stuff:

By Tom Avenengo

First things, first:

Some good news about our grand daughter, Jessica, from our daughter, Judy:

Hi all,

Well we have good news.  The cardiologist told Harry that Jessica's heart has no build up or blockages.  Her one ventricle is slightly abnormal and didn't grow properly.  But, this wouldn't cause the chest pain and atrial fibrulation. He believes it might be something in the esophagus.  He is going to give Harry names of some specialists for this.  He's also going to give him some prescriptions for Jess to help her out.  They did have to go through the groin, although they did try the arm at first.  Harry said the cardiologist told him that she should be able to leave to come home around 9pm tonight.

Thank you so much for all your prayers.  Please continue to pray for Jess so that we can find out what is causing this problem. 

Love & Peace Always,

Judy

Update on Jess: Her cardiologist thinks that one of the problems, besides the esophagus is the disk problem in her back. She'll go see him this coming week to discuss all the issues with him. However, she was on painkillers yesterday for the ...procedure and no episodes with her heart. I was wrong about the procedure. She had a cardiac catheritization. She was awake the whole time!

Some of my thoughts:

I get a kick out of some of the commercials on TV – like the Miller Light commercial that features Kurt Busch. Didja notice – Kurt isn’t shown drinking the stuff?

Some problems for OCFS? I read that someone had gotten their camping permits for Eastern States Weekend – October 16^th, 17^th & 18^th, and it was said on the permit that there would be no “power” available for those that were going to be camping. I wonder why? Also, last Saturday, the “Open Wheel” features were rained out, and they were supposed to be races that the winner of would get a guaranteed starting place in the ESW feature races. Only one night, as of now, is left on the OC schedule prior to ESW, and that’s this coming Saturday nights “Eve of Destruction”. Might those features be a part of that show? I’ve read where one has to check out the OCFS website as to when those features would be re-scheduled to.

Yes, we were among those that ordered and watched the “Prelude to the Dream” race last week. I’d still love to see some Open Wheel drivers get an invite for that show. Heck’ I’d like it better if there was some Open Wheel race included – midgets or maybe some lower class of sprint cars – either with or without wings.

I’ll not say more about the show, but here are a few “Stats”:

Race Statistics

Winner's average speed: 38.978 mph

Time of race: 23:05.405

Margin of victory: 3.358 seconds

Going back, in time:

On September 17^th, in:

1911:

Tony Romit... Born ... Tony was an open cockpit driver from New Jersey, who raced midgets and sprint cars along the east coast from 1948 to the mid 1970's.

1929:

Stirling Moss... Born ... The best driver never to win the World Championship, Sir Stirling Moss OBE is arguably the greatest all-round racing driver of all time. Known during his career as ‘Mr Motor Racing’ he began hillclimbing a Cooper 500 in 1948 at the age of 18. His early career was meteoric and soon he was driving works cars for Jaguar and HWM. In 1955 he was signed up by Mercedes-Benz to partner World Champion Fangio. That year Stirling shadowed the great Argentine in most Grands Prix, beating him to win the British GP. Famously, that year he won the incredible Mille Miglia, the Targa Florio and the Tourist Trophy – all legendary sports car races. For four years he would finish runner-up in the World Championship and, after M-B retired, led the Maserati and Vanwall teams. He also continued to drive saloon and sports cars and during his remarkable career drove more 80 different types of car. In the late 50s and early 60s, he led the changeover to rear-engined F1 cars, achieving the first victory for such a car at the 1958 Argentine GP and was in a class of his own during this period. A near-fatal accident ended it all in 1962 but he was to remain a superstar to this day.

1938:

LeeRoy Yarbrough... Born ... A NASCAR racer. His best season was 1969 when he won seven races and tallied 21 Top Ten finishes. During his entire career from 1960-1972, he competed in 198 races, scoring 14 wins, 65 top fives, 92 top tens, and 10 poles. His racing number was 98. LeeRoy ran the Indy 500 3 times with a best finish of 19th in 1970. A succession of crashes ended his career and he struggled to cope without driving. After an attack on his mother, Lee Roy, real name, Lonnie, was committed to a mental hospital for life. In 1984, he suffered a seizure and fell, hitting his head and died the next day, from his head injury.

1950:

Lee Wallard won the AAA Eastern Sprint Car race at the Reading Fairgrounds, Reading, PA.

Troy Ruttman won the AAA Sprint Car race at the Winchester Speedway, Winchester, IN.

1955:

Jimmy Bryan won the Hoosier Hundred AAA Champ Car race at the 1 Mile Dirt Oval Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, Indiana. Johnny Thomson was second followed by George Amick, Tony Bettenhausen and Pat O'Connor.

Bobby Grim won the IMCA Sprint Car race at the Topeka Fairgrounds,Topeka, KS.

Ray Brown won the ARDC Midget race at the Plainville Stadium, Plainville,CT.

1960:

A.J. Foyt won the Hoosier Hundred USAC Champ Car race at the 1 Mile Dirt Oval Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, Indiana. Tony Bettenhausen was second followed by Gene Force, Don Branson and Johnny Thomson.

Bill Homeier won the ARDC Midget race at the Allentown Fairgrounds, Allentown,PA.

Don Davis won the CRA Sprint Car race at the Ascot Park Speedway, Gardena,CA.

1961:

A.J. Foyt won the USAC Sprint Car race at the Reading Fairgrounds, Reading,PA.

Don Branson won the USAC Midget race at the Salem Speedway, Salem, IN.

Bobby Marshman won the ARDC Midget race at the Trenton International Speedway (1.0p), Trenton, NJ.

1966:

Dutch Schaefer won the ARDC Midget race at the Hatfield Speedway, Hatfield,PA.

1977:

Gordon Johncock won the 150 mile USAC Championship race on the 2 mile Michigan International Speedway. Johnny Rutherford was second followed by Wally Dallenbach, Al Unser and Jim McElreath

Racing on TV:

Actual races on live TV:

Friday:

10:30 PM to 1:00 AM: IndyCar Series from Twin Ring Motegi, Japan on VS

Saturday:

3:00 PM to 5:30 PM: NAXCAR Truck Series from New Hampshire on SPEED

5:30 PM to 8:30 PM: Grand Am Rolex Series from Miller Motorsports Park, Tooele, Utah on SPEED

Sunday:

2:00 PM to 5:30 PM: NASCAR Cup race from Loudon on ABC

7:00 PM to 10:00 PM: NHRA Eliminations from Charlotte on ESPN2

Other forums/message boards and websites:

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

Will there be a change in the “Chase” next year? Some folks seem to think so, and you can see why if you go here:

http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128462

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

McDowell in the #36; Carpentier out UPDATE: Michael McDowell will drive the #36 Wave Energy Drink Toyota of Tommy Baldwin Racing beginning this weekend at Richmond International Raceway. Patrick Carpenitier is no longer driving the #36 because of a business conflict in Canada. McDowell has been driving full-time in NASCAR Nationwide Series Toyota during the 2009 season and captured five top-10 finishes.(TBR PR), Carpentier was scheduled to run the #36 at Richmond, New Hampshire, Dover, Kansas and California. Mike Skinner was scheduled to run in the final six races. No word if Skinner or McDowell will run those races.(9-10-2009)
UPDATE: After being confirmed as the driver of Tommy Baldwin Racing's car #36 for six races, Patrick Carpentier has been pulled out of it after only one of his six scheduled starts. According to the website Jayski.com [via a TBR PR], Carpentier is no longer driving car #36 because of a business conflict in Canada. The possibility of a conflict between Carpentier being a Canadian citizen and the objectives of a new sponsor of the team was mentioned by some sources contacted by RueFrontenac.com.
Carpentier and Baldwin have confirmed Jayski.com's report. "We left on good terms," said Carpentier. "Obviously it's difficult for me to put aside everything that I prepare for my future in Canada just to qualify the car, run some laps and quit due to the lack of funds." Baldwin has similar thoughts. "Times are tough for everyone, but even more for small companies like us," said the owner and crew chief. "It's just normal that Patrick finds it difficult to put his life on hold whenever we need him and that it's simply to qualify the car." Moreover, with budget cuts everywhere in NASCAR, even Baldwin has had, in recent weeks, difficulties in purchasing enough sets of tires needed for practice and qualifying.(translated from French and in part from RueFrontenac.com)(9-12-2009)

Note: Don’t ya just love these “conflicts”? And I really do wonder how a driver can actually go out and run a few laps, then park it. Guess it’s the big bucks, huh?

Dodge committed to NASCAR in 2010: The head of Dodge Motorsports on Friday called Richard Petty's defection a "business decision" that won't affect the manufacturer's participation in NASCAR. Richard Petty Motorsports has signed a letter-of-intent to merge with Yates Racing and field a four-car Ford team next season. It leaves Dodge with just three Roger Penske-owned cars in its 2010 lineup. But president and CEO Mike Accavitti said that's enough for Dodge, which has had to continuously reinforce its commitment to NASCAR because of the cash problems that forced parent-company Chrysler into Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization earlier this year. "Dodge's plan - to be a championship contender in 2010 with Penske Racing and a solid lineup of drivers - has not changed," Accavitti said. "We remain firmly focused on our objectives to be the leading manufacturer in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, win races and compete for the Sprint Cup at the right level."(Associated Press)(9-11-2009)

Note: Somehow, with something brewing between Hendrick and Penske, I truly believe that Dodge will be history in Cup/Nationwide and Truck Series races by 2011.

Start times for races could be more consistent in 2010: NASCAR is expected to have more consistent start times by the 2010 season. Officials confirmed they are working with the networks to standardize starting times that fans have criticized for years. Atlanta Motor Speedway president Ed Clark told reporters on Saturday that the plan is to run most afternoon races at 1:00pm/et and most night races at 7:30pm/et. This may vary for West Coast races.(more at ESPN Insider)(9-11-2009)

Note: I imagine this will cause a little grief from those on the “Left coast”. And with the rumors floating around about an earlier start for the Indy 500, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the starting time for the World 600 moved up, just so no one could do the double.

NHMS pares police for race weekend: As Loudon, NH, gears up for next weekend's final NASCAR race of the year, the police department may find itself with less to do than in years past. With over one-third of its budget for security details slashed, fewer Loudon officers will be on hand. Officials at New Hampshire Motor Speedway said in interviews last week they'll utilize other forms of security, like the state police and their own team to patrol parts of the track, which has a maximum capacity of 105,000. Loudon police Chief Robert Fiske said the reductions translate to a "dangerously low" number of officers at the track. "There's a major safety concern," Fiske said in an interview.
The town's police department, which typically contracts up to 200 officers from throughout the state for full- and part-time use, was forced to re-evaluate its figures last month after the track took issue with a $265,000 bill for police details provided at a June NASCAR race. The track told selectmen the figure was excessive - up 40% from a $190,000 bill for the same race in 2005 - and agreed to pay it on the condition that fees for police and fire coverage on future races not exceed $175,000.
"The June bill was not a realistic reflection of what we needed," said New Hampshire Motor Speedway Manager and Vice President Jerry Gappens. "We had concerns and asked for an adjustment. The bill was paid in protest, but it was paid." The $265,000 was paid last month, and after some last-minute number crunching, Fiske presented the track with a $157,000 proposal for this week's 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition. The bill, which Fiske said he presented "under protest," was further reduced to about $136,000. With a few more changes, the combined bill for police and fire coverage tallied $174,000, according to Gappens.
The biggest reductions came from several areas, Gappens said, including paring back shifts the week before the race, when out-of-state travelers typically set up RVs in the parking areas. The track will man its own security until Thursday. "If we have an incident, then (the police) will respond like they would any other day," Gappens said. Additionally, the state police will take over patrolling in two of the site's campgrounds; the number of officers patrolling the grandstands will be reduced from 30 to 12, but there will be more track security and ushers, said Mark Furlone, the track's security director and a former state trooper major.
The number of shifts and officers on staff were cut in half, Fiske said, and the number of hours in a typical shift were slashed from 12 to eight. Officers working shifts in the overnight RV areas will be off the clock at 2 a.m. There will be a "handful" of people on-call, Fiske said, but if something happens, "I really doubt six people are going to be able to control a crowd of 300." The track has also eliminated 17 officers at 11 of its entrance points, where guests' bags are checked for restricted items. Instead, the track will assign about 300 uniformed workers to man those points. "We're quite well-staffed," Furlone said. "We're very conscious of the safety and well-being of our guests." The changes, according to Fiske, are leaving the town wide open to danger. Given the number of people expected to attend the three-day event, he expects something will go wrong, he said. Fiske said he's especially concerned about the lack of officers at the screening stations. Many of them are being moved to traffic detail on Route 106, which Loudon will also retain control over.(Concord [NH] Monitor)(9-14-2009)

Note: Wow! $265,000.00 last June? Kinda high, isn’t it?

2010 Sprint Cup Schedule Announced: NASCAR announced today the 2010 schedules for its three national series, which will open their seasons at Daytona International Speedway on the weekend of Feb. 12-14, and conclude at Homestead-Miami Speedway on the weekend of Nov. 19-21. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will again have a 36-race schedule starting with the Daytona 500 on Feb. 14, plus two "non-point" events the Feb. 6 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona and the May 22 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Other key dates for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series include:
June 27 and Sept. 19 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the respective openers in the "Race to the Chase" and the "Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup"; the Coca-Cola 600 on May 30 at Lowe's Motor Speedway; the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 25; and the annual "Chase cut-off race" at Richmond International Raceway on Sept. 11.
The NASCAR Nationwide Series will again race 35 times, while the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will again have 25 events, including one of the most intriguing additions to the schedule in the series' 15-year history: a new event at Pocono Raceway's 2.5-mile triangle-shaped track on July 31, as a companion to one of the two traditional NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekends there. The Pocono truck race will be the only new event on any of the three series' schedules. It replaces the truck series' previous February event at Auto Club Speedway.(NASCAR) for more see my 2010 Sprint Cup Schedule page/chart, 2010 Nationawide Series Schedule and 2010 Camping World Truck Series Schedule.(9-15-2009)

Note: Not to many changes, for sure.

NASCAR.com: http://www.nascar.com/

An article about Mark Martin and the Chase can be found here:

http://www.nascar.com/2009/news/headlines/cup/09/14/post.race.mmartin.chase.leader/index.html

Dirt Track Digest’s forum: http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/forum/index.php

Wow! Someone has a thread going about some “cheating” going on in DIRTcar. Quite some interesting things being said by various posters, and most are probably right in what they’re saying. Interested? See it here:

http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=31840

http://newenglandtractor.com/racereport/

On this website you’ll find some race reports for OVRP’s Dirt Oval, photos from Ralph Corwin, and this column, too. In the future, I’m planning on a few articles with photos – from “Back in the day”.

Super Dirt Week:

Hmm, is it doomed? In a way, I can see it going away. I’m going to post the thread that has an article about the possibility of SDW not being held up in Syracuse after this season, and under that, the first post. Other things are being said in follow up postings, and you MIGHT be able to read them without registering on the South Jersey Dirt Racing Forum.

The thread: http://theboard.southjerseydirtracing.com/DisplayMsg.asp?ForumID=27&Msgid=1136462&page=1

The first post:

“Could this be the last year for Super Dirt Week at the Syracuse Mile?

---

Although USAC Silver Crown cars have not competed on the Syracuse mile since 2003, I for one have held out hope they would return in the near future. Those hopes are fading for me, over the past week I have heard from two different sources that the Syracuse mile is in jeporady of being torn up. The fair board no longer sees the value in having a race track that is only raced on once a year.

At this point I consider this hear say or rumor even though the first party to share the information with me is a fair board member and the second is heavily involved in Central N. Y. dirt track racing.

They told me the only saving grace for dirt track racing at the Syracuse Mile could be the fact that the fair doesn't have the funds to implement the changes they want to make. Hearing this news and the recent rainout at DuQuoin and inability to reschedule the race has me wondering how often are Springfield and DuQoin used as a racing venue each year?

When I was a child the N. Y. State Fair always ended with a Labor Day Dirt Modified Race, I guess like many of you say "that was back in the day". Now the granstand is used for seating for concerts with a stage being setup on the track and the track is used as a parking lot for fair vendors cars. In my opinion that is sad, it has been years since that track has been used as a race track during the running of the fair.

If the fair board does away with the Syracuse Mile where will Super Dirt Week go? I cann't think of another dirt mile track in the North East that hasn't all ready been turned into a shopping center, etc.. Any ideas are greatly appreciated?

Normally I don't like to repeat rumors however we can talk all we want on this board about car counts, purses, the high cost of racing, sanctioning bodies, promoters, drivers and owners; if the venue is gone no matter how good the product is you have no place to showcase it. So if you enjoy watching racing at Syracuse, DuQuion or Springfield let there fair boards know it before it is too late.

P. S. This is the address I found for the Syracuse Fairgrounds:
New York State Fair
581State Fair Blvd.
Syracuse, N. Y. 13209

Safe racing to all,

Patti”

Tracks:

OCFS - http://www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net/

Last Saturday’s show only got in a portion of the racing program, before the rains came. Features for the Modifieds, Sportsman and Pro Stocks were rained out. In a way, I was hoping that those three races would have been re-scheduled for this coming Saturday when they have the “Night of Destruction” show. Heck, some fans that might never have seen a race might get to see one and maybe enjoy it and come back in the future. Well, it ain’t happening.

From the OCFS website:

The Modified division will have double 30-lap features on opening night when OCFS begins its 2010 season in April. The Sportsman and Pro Stocks will also have their main events rescheduled during the first few weeks of the campaign.

OCFS management will offer $5 off the admission price for the 2010 opener or Saturday night’s special program presented by Chet’s Garage. Racing fans only need to present their wrist bands from the Sept. 12 rainout to receive the discount.

 OCFS’s “The Night of Destruction” will feature a 100-lap endure, demolition derby, roll over contest and many other unbelievable stunts, including the wreckage of a school bus by a tractor trailer.

Here is the schedule for ESW as it appears on the OCFS website as of September 16, 2009:

Thursday October 15th	48th ANNUAL EASTERN STATES WEEKEND - Pit Gates Open for Modified / 358's ONLY INSPECTION BEGINS 9:00 AM - Grounds Open for Campers 4:30 PM - MIDNIGHT
Friday October 16th	48th ANNUAL EASTERN STATES WEEKEND - Pit Gates / Drive In Gates Open 8:00 AM - Grandstand Gates Open 10:00 AM - 358 Modified Hot Laps 12:00 PM - WLR CONSTRUCTION presents 358 Modified Time Trials (Top 6 Qualify) - 305 Sprint Hot Laps - Modified Hot Laps - WLR CONSTRUCTION presents Modified Time Trials (Top 6 Qualify) - 305 Sprint Heat Races - 358 Modified Heat Races (24 Qualify) - 305 Sprint B-Main
Saturday October 17th	48th ANNUAL EASTERN STATES WEEKEND - Pit Gates / Grandstands Open 8:00 AM - Modified / 358 Modified Hot Laps 9:00 AM - 358 Modified Consi’s - Modified Heat Races - Eastern States 358 Modified Championship - 100 Laps - VICTORY LANE FOR 358 MODIFIEDS - CLEAR PIT AREA - SPORTSMAN / PURE STOCKS / 305 SPRINTS ENTER PITS - Hot Laps for Sportsman / Pure Stocks/ 305 Sprints - Sportsman Time Trials - 305 Sprint Car Dash - Sportsman Heat Races - Eastern States Veteran Pure Stock Championship 20 Laps - Eastern States Amateur Pure Stock Championship 20 Laps - Sportsman Consi's - Eastern States 305 Sprint Car Championship 25 Laps - Eastern States Sportsman Championship 50 Laps - VICTORY LANE FOR SPORTSMAN / 305 SPRINTS / PURE STOCKS
Sunday October 18th	48th ANNUAL EASTERN STATES WEEKEND - Pit Gates / Grandstands Open 8:00 AM - ANNUAL PIT PARTY 9:00 AM - Hot Laps 11:00 AM - Pro Stock Heats - Modified Consi 1 & 2 - Pro Stock Consi - Modified Consi 3 & 4 - Vintage Modified Feature – 20 Laps - Eastern States Pro Stock Championship - 30 Laps - Driver Introductions for Eastern States Modified Championship - 48th Annual EASTERN STATES CHAMPIONSHIP - 200 LAPS 3:00 PM

And, this was posted over on Dirt Track Digest from someone that will be camping at ESW:

“just to let every1 know there will be NO POWER in the camping area this year ...on the HILL ...got camping passes back with a letter saying NO POWER .. IN THE CAMPING AREA...”

Bethel Motor Speedway: http://www.bethelmotorspeedway.com/BethelMotorSpeedway/HomePage.html

A normal Saturday night at Bethel consists of Modifieds, Dirt Sportsman, Pro Stocks, Street Stocks, 4 Cylinders, INEX Legends/Bandoleros. All those classes and only five bucks admission.

Hamlin Speedway: http://www.hamlinspeedway.com/

Last race of the year, this coming Saturday, At Hamlin.  They'll be starting one hour earlier, with Kart warm ups at 3:00 and Big Car drivers meeting at 5:15 and warm-ups at 5:30.  They will complete the racing program from last week, then go into the nights action.

From their website:

*Slingshot Nationals 50! Tour

$1000 to win, plus lap money (twin heats & non-handicap) Entry $50

Junior Slingshot National Tour!, Season Finale; entry fee: $25

PLUS: 270 Plus 270 Winged and 600 Wingless Micros

NOTE:

270 Winged and 600 Wingless Micro's Have Been Re added To The 9/19 Schedule

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

As usual, I always check the weather forecast over the week to see what the weekend MIGHT be like. For Accord, as of around noon on Tuesday, 9/15, there was this:

Thursday: Occasional showers possible. Highs in the upper 50s and lows in the low 50s.

Friday: Few showers. Highs in the mid 60s and lows in the upper 40s.

And, as of 5:30 PM on Wednesday. the forecast has made a substantial change, as you can see, below. Gotta love those weather forecasts!

Tomorrow: Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 62F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow night: Clear skies. Low 51F. Winds light and variable.

Friday: Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 72F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.

From the Accord website:

September 18th
Campers' Barn Night

Modifieds $2000 to win
+ all other divisions

This week's bonus $$ sponsor
Modified - WLR Construction
Spectator Gates open at 5:00 Pit Gates open at 4:30
Adults $12    Kids $3  (11 and under)
Family 4 Pack-2 Adults 2 Kids +$20 in food vouchers for $40

Att: Modified Drivers may not compete in Sportsman Division
Attention Racers & Fans:End of Points is Sept 18

KING OF THE CATSKILLS
 Sponsored by WLR Consruction
September 25 & 26
Friday 9/25
$6000 to win ROC Modified Race
Qualifier for Short Track SuperNationals
Pro Stocks & Kid's Big Wheel Race
Saturday 9/26
 $1000 to win Sportsman Race*
CRSA Sprints  Spec Sportsman  & Pure Stocks
*No Modified Drivers may compete in Sportsman Division
Registration form located in the "Forms" section
Rain Date Oct 2 & 3

OVRP’s Dirt Oval - http://www.ovrpdirtoval.com/

The Dirt Oval is closed this coming weekend

OVRP’s road course: http://www.ovrp.com/ovrp/pages/home.asp

Like the Dirt Oval, the road course is also closed this weekend.

Penn Can Speedway:

For those that were thinking of going to the “King of the Can” race, here’s some important info:

9-12-09

PENN CAN SPEEDWAY FORCED TO RESCHEDULES KING OF THE CAN TO OCTOBER 24TH

Susquehanna, PA…Penn Can Speedway in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania has experienced a season filled with disappointing weather forecasts and rain-outs. Other speedways in the area are facing similar situations having to reschedule their events to other dates as well. With all of the rescheduling, Penn Can officials have been forced to look at all of the possibilities for a successful King of the Can and come up with a new date that with give the event the best chance for success.

The new date for the season ending event will now be Saturday October 24^th. The modifieds and sportsman will be on the schedule with gates opening at 2:30 with hot laps at 4:00 and the first heat at 5:00. The Trackside Products Pure Stock Series race will run Friday October 23^rd as part of a special Friday night program which will include a hot lap session for the modifieds.

“We have talked to many area racers looking to compete in the King of the Can this season. Unfortunately with both Accord and Grandview having to use rain dates, many competitors would not be able to make the originally schedule date this Friday for the King of the Can,” explains Reed Miller.

“We have worked closely with Gary Palmer at Accord and to run the event without the Accord regulars being able to compete just didn’t seem right. Jerry Higbie won the Penn Can qualifier at Accord last week and would not have been able to compete if a schedule change wasn’t made. It also took other Accord cars out of the event that had indicated they would be in the field before all the rescheduling took place,” states Miller. “We also had many Grandview Big Diamond cars expected. By adjusting the schedule, more cars will be able to compete.”

A new format will also be used for the King of the Can. The modifieds will run a sixty lap feature event with all green flag laps. This will eliminate a fuel stop and make for an exciting feature event. Previous King of the Can events have successfully used the sixty lap format. With a large number of cars expected, a “B” main will also be scheduled to add the twenty fifth starting car. The sportsman format will also change slightly. They will compete in a fifty lap feature event. Crate motor sportsman are invited to compete with a $250 bonus for the first crate motor sportsman across the line.

Former OVRP Dirt Oval runners:

Not much to report on this week - thanks to “Mother Nature”.

Last Wednesday, at Waterford, Roger Coss was 5^th.

At Lebanon Valley, in the Sportsman feature, Kolby Schroder was 1^st and Kyle Armstrong 5^th. In the final point standings at the Valley, Kolby was 4^th, Kyle 5^th and Alex Bell 27^th.

At Penn Can on Sunday, Danny Creeden was 19^th.

At Utica-Rome, Michael Storms was 17^th.

At Wyalusing, in the 270 Micro Sprint feature, Rick Casario was 2^nd and Jacob Hendershot 5^th.

Now, if per chance it should rain enough to cancel the races on Friday, the last point night for Accord, here is how the former Dirt Oval runners stand, point wise, for the 2009 Accord racing season.

Modifieds: Greg Hastie – 11^th, Lex Burritt – 25^th, Jimmy Johnson – 29^th, Danny Creeden – 37^th and Tim Hindley – 38^th.

Sportsman: Brian Krummel – 1^st, Mike Ruggiero – 3^rd, Clinton Mills – 22^nd and Keith Leonard 27^th.

Spec Sportsman: Anthony Perrego – 2^nd, , Kyle Rohner – 5th, Jason Roe – 15^th, Matt Hitchcock – 25^th and Rich Coons – 34^th.

Note #1: Perrego is one point out of first.

Note #2: With the change in the weather forecast, it now looks like Accord will get their show in. Look for a point up-date in my column, next week.

Other racin’ stuff:

I see that there are only 45 entrants for the Cup race at Loudon this coming weekend. I’ve seen that on two different entry lists. One list has Mike Bliss in the # 71, while the other list has Bobby Labonte.

And, I found this on Jayski’s website:

Only four drivers: only four drivers have completed in all 29 Sprint Cup races held at New Hampshire Motor Speedway since the first race in 1993: #24-Jeff Gordon [3 wins], #31-Jeff Burton [4], #96-Bobby Labonte [0] and #87-Joe Nemechek [1].(6-29-2009)

More racin’ stuff:

Formula one mess – so you are the owner of a Formula One race team, and to insure that one of your drivers will win the championship, you ask his teammate to do something he ordinarily would not do – crash on purpose. True or not? I doubt we’ll never find out for sure, but we’ll get an inkling of the results in a couple of weeks, maybe.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/news;_ylt=AokecVMfFtWghGbNgFbWYarov7YF?slug=ap-johnleicester-091209&prov=ap&type=lgns

Note: There was a time, “Back in the Day” in the mid 50’s when drivers on the Mercedes Formula One team were told just how they were to finish the race, and in most cases, they did what they were told. I believe I read about the Mercedes team manager, Alfred Neubauer, where he did tell his three drivers where they would finish.\, in Speed Age magazine, on more than one occasion. Might that be any different than if you requested one of your drivers to crash on purpose?

Note: Well, it seems that Renault is not disputing the fact that Piquet was ordered to intestinally crash his car so Alonso could win. Check it out, here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/car_f1_renault_probe

Alex Zanardi:

It seems that Alex just never gives up, doesn’t it? After losing both legs in a racing crash, he’s come back to racing cars and other things. Check out this short article about him, and what he wants to do:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2009-09-15-zanardi-cycling_N.htm

The History of the Sport:

At times, we’ve lost drivers while they were competing on the speedways. Here, below, is just a small, partial list of those that have perished while doing what they loved to do – alphabetically, with a partial list of last names beginning with the letter “T”, this week. I imagine that you might recognize some of the names listed. Later on, in future columns, I’ll continue my way through the alphabet.

Note: If you click on the names below, you should be led to info on that particular driver and the circumstances he was involved with.

Junior Taft, Victor L. Tandy, Denis Taney, Donald Tann, Stephen Tarigo, Jack Tarvin, Ian Taylor, John Taylor,

Dennis Taylor, Buddy Taylor, Gary Taylor, Joel Taylor, Kenny Taylor, Marshall Teague, Fred Teeter, Clark “ Shorty”

Templeman*, Clark Templeman, Jr.*, Bill Tennill, Will Terry, Pat Testori, Brad Teter, Guy Theis, Pat Thibodeau,

Jeff Thickstun, Tommy Thomas, Harry Thomas, Jack Thompson, Len Thompson, Tommy Thompson, Randy

Thompson. Sonny Thompson and Johnny Thomson

* Yes, this was a father and son.

Video time:

Something a little different his week – a couple of videos that should make you laugh:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y367Tp1nCJ0

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

Other (non racing) news:

Bad news maybe, if you’re flying:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090912/ap_on_re_us/us_shrinking_airlines

In a column of mine a few weeks ago, August 27^th, to be precise, I had this to say towards the end:

“Cash for Clunkers is now over and done with. What I can see coming - over the horizon - is that new car dealers, in say a month or two, will be crying the blues, again, due to no new cars being sold. What happens then? No sales = no new car orders from the manufacturer. No orders = more lay offs. Can you say “Catch 22”?”

Well, check this little bit of news that came out on Yahoo! this past Sunday:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090913/ap_on_bi_ge/us_life_after_clunkers

Judge rejects deal between SEC, BofA over bonuses

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090914/ap_on_bi_ge/us_bank_of_america_sec

Here are some letters to the editor of my local paper, the Middletown Times Herald-Record:

Health care for all a must

I went to the doctor today because I have a sinus infection. The doctor prescribed an antibiotic, which I had filled. Then came the bill. My co-pay was $50! If I didn't have insurance, this the bill would have been $170. And this was for 10 pills! Do the math. That comes to $17 a pill! How can anyone justify charging these prices for medicine? What are people to do who don't have insurance?

It is time this country joined the rest of the industrialized world and provided health care for all.

I am tired of listening to the Republican talking points. The government of this country is not the enemy. It is a duly-elected, representative government. The people voted for change in 2008. The Republicans lost!

It is time for these people to stop being obstructionist and participate in writing a health-care bill that will serve all Americans (not just the medical/pharmaceutical complex).

Time for universal care

Well, it's that time again! Did everyone enjoy opening their school tax bill?

When we pay this bill, we will be practicing socialized medicine as a good portion goes to pay for teachers' health care. And guess what? We get to do it again in January when we pay our property taxes, which will help our county and town employees have health care.

But we should be used to this because we practice socialized medicine with every paycheck we receive when our taxes help our state and federal workers have health care, not to mention those on Medicare and Medicaid, and veterans' health care. Imagine how a worker who doesn't have health care must feel knowing he pays for all the above-mentioned people's well being.

Reform shouldn't be a partisan political issue but a moral issue. How can we, as Americans, stand by while our friends and neighbors suffer without health care or those who have it go bankrupt when a major illness strikes? We need universal health care and we need it now!

Stop taxing us to death

I just received a tax bill for my very modest home in Blooming Grove: more than $4,600 for the year.

Those who pay their taxes through mortgage may not realize — yeah — that much for a home purchased in 1983. Research shows that any job that can be will be continue to be offshored over the next 5-6 years. That means continued unemployment even for those highly and well educated. So why are we paying ever higher taxes for education?

Where will these educated children work? In China? Let us then send our children to China and India, and Mexico, for an education. So we can keep our house. Or I, and the rest of Washingtonville and the state, anyone who loses a job, will either have to move to those other countries, or to the gutter.

Stop taxing us to death! Especially those who no longer have children in school, or never did! This is what we should boycott”.

Quick Quiz:

Any idea as to what I’m talking about with the following?

In New York City – about 775 MPH

In Los Angeles – about 850 MPH

On the equator – about 1038 MPH

Closing with these:

On the first day of school, a first-grader handed his teacher a note from his mother. The note read, 'The opinions expressed by this child are not necessarily those of his parents.'

A little boy got lost at the YMCA and found himself in the women's locker room. When he was spotted, the room burst into shrieks, with ladies grabbing towels and running for cover.. The little boy watched in amazement and then asked, 'What's the matter, haven't you ever seen a little boy before?'

While taking a routine vandalism report at an elementary school, I was interrupted by a little girl about 6 years old. Looking up and down at my uniform, she asked, 'Are you a cop? Yes,' I answered and continued writing the report. My mother said if I ever needed help I should ask the police. Is that right?' 'Yes, that's right,' I told her. 'Well, then,' she said as she extended her foot toward me, 'would you please tie my shoe?'

It was the end of the day when I parked my police van in front of the station. As I gathered my equipment, my K-9 partner, Jake, was barking, and I saw a little boy staring in at me. 'Is that a dog you got back there?' he asked.
'It sure is,' I replied.
Puzzled, the boy looked at me and then towards the back of the van. Finally he said, 'What'd he do?'

While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, I used to take my 4-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds. She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers & wheelchairs. One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, 'The tooth fairy will never believe this!'

A little girl was watching her parents dress for a party. When she saw her dad donning his tuxedo, she warned, 'Daddy, you shouldn't wear that suit.'
'And why not, darling?'
'You know that it always gives you a headache the next morning.'

A little boy opened the big family Bible. He was fascinated as he fingered through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible. He picked up the object and looked at it. What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed in between the pages.
'Mama, look what I found,' the boy called out.
'What have you got there, dear?'
With astonishment in the young boy's voice, he answered, 'I think it's Adam's underwear!'

Somewhere between this column, on the 17^th, and my next column on the 24^th, this writer will have hit another year on this great earth. The first 71 years have gone by in a flash – especially the last twenty or so.

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

Drive safe!

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