Mostly
Racin' Stuff
By Tom
Avenengo
06/12/2014
Some
personal/family stuff:
This weeks column
will be quite a bit shorter due to time able to spend on it.
Last Thursday, the wife was admitted to
the
Racin’
stuff:
For the short time I was able to be at
OCFS last Saturday for “Nostalgia Night”, I was fortunate to spend some time
with Jim Gross – brother of Chip Gross.
Chip, over the years has lettered numerous race cars – starting with
when they would come to your place with paints and brushes. Anyway, Jim told me something that was real
great news. The late Bob Green was being
inducted into a Hall of Fame.
Here’s a list of those being inducted:
The Albert Racing Team
who include Bobby Albert Sr, Bobby Albert Jr, and Bobby
Albert III, Tom Athanas, Rich Aurich, Ernie Beesmer, Stan Bomba, Lou
Centelonza, the Crankmasters Drag Club, Tom Dressel. Bob Green, Tim Hallock,
Clem LeChance, Lou Murasso, Bob McDowell, Al Ostrander, Jim Rajczi,
Ray Redner,
Gorden Ross, Ed Stevens, John Van Louvan, Lou Vignogna and Bill Wilson.
Info on this can be seen if
you go here:
Former
OVRP Dirt Oval runners:
From a week ago:
Bob Morris was 2nd in the
Sportsman feature at
Billy VanInwegen was 10th in
the SDS race at
Davie Franek was 3rd in the 360
featue at Selinsgrove.
AJ Filbeck was 20th in the
Sportsman feature at U/R.
Roger Coss was 18th in the
first Modified feature at
Ben Whitaker was 8th in the
make up feature at Susquehanna and a DNS in the nights
regular feature.
Joe Kata was 1st, Chuck Alessi
4th and Josh Pieniazek 16th in the CRSA 305 feature at
Penn Can.
Anthony Perrego won the Modified feature
at 5 Mile while Danny Creeden was 4th. Brad Szulewski was 2nd in the
Sportsman feature.
Clinton Mills was 4th, Mike
Ruggiero 7th, Billy V 13th and Tim Hindley 21st
in the Modified feature at OCFS.
Josh Pieniazek won the CRSA 305 feature
with Joe Kata 5th, Chuck Alessi 8th, Emily VanInwegen 12th
and Brittany Tresch 14th.
Brian Krummel was 2nd, LJ
Lombardo 3rd, Joe Conklin 6th, Johnny Illanovsky 8th,
Andrew Reeves 11th Dominic Roselli, Jr 13th, Joe Falanga
17th, Matt Janiak 21st, Zach Mead 23rd and
Zack Vavricka 24th in the Sportsman feature. Seth Pacella and RJ Smykla were both DNQ’s.
In the Rookie Sportsman feature, Anthony
Falanga was 8th, Winter Mead 9th and Joey Bruning 10th.
At
Matt Pappa won the Sportsman feature and
John Virgilio was 6th.
At Kutztown in the wingless 600’sd Molly Chambers and Paul Quear were DNQ’s. Danny Buccafusca was 3rd in the
All Star Slingshot feature.
Kyle Rohner was 2nd in the make
up feature and was a DNF – 16th in the 600 Micro feature
at Airport.
Molly Chambers was 22nd in the
600 feature at Linda’s.
Charlie Lawrence was 10th and Tyler
Pirone 14th in the All Star Slingshot feature at Hamlin., Jacob Hendershot
was 2nd in the 270 Micro feature.,
Danny Buccafusca was 4th in the Rookie wingless 600 Micro
feature.
From this past weekend:
Jason Roe was 12th in the
Lightning Sprints at
Davie Franek was 6th at
Selinsgrove and 9th at Williams Grove in URC features.
Anthony Perrego was 3rd in the
SpeedSTR feature at Kutztown.
Kenney Johnson was 10th in the
NEMA Feature at
Nick Pecko was 4th at Spencer
and 5th at
Bobby Hackel, IV was 12th, Kyle
Armstrong 13th, Kolby Schroder 14th and John Virgilio 24th
in the Modified feature at the Valley.
Danny Creeden was 3rd, Tom
Hindley 11th, Anthony Perrego 16th and Tyler Boniface 19th
in the Modified feature at Accord. Joey
Bruning was 4th in the Spec Sportsman, while Wyatt Clark was 1st
in the All Star Slingshots.
Bobby Morris won the Sportsman feature at
Anthony Perrego was 16th in the
regular scheduled feature and 6th in the held over feature at 5
Mile. Brad Szulewski was 13th
in the Sportsman feature.
Brett Wright was 4th and Alex
Bell 26th in the Modified feature at A/S. Hunter Bates was 13th in the
Sportsman feature.
Ben Whitaker was 3rd in the
Late Model feature at Big Diamond.
Molly Chambers was a DNQ in the wingless
600’s at Kutztown, while Danny Buccafusca was 2nd in the All Star
Slingshots.
Tyler Pirone was 11th and Joey
Lawrence 26th in the All Star Slingshot feature at Hamlin. Jacob Hendershot won the 270 Micro feature, while Danny Buccafusca was 1st in the
wingless 600’s.
Kyle Rohner was 2nd in the
wingless 600’s at Airport.
Mike Ruggiero was 4th, Clinton
Mills 5th, Tim Hindley 6th, Billy V 13th and
Mike Kolka 15th in the Modified feature at OCFS. Andrew Reeves was 13th and Danny
Creeden 16th in the Small Block feature. Brian Krummel was 1st, Matt Janiak
2nd, Joe Conklin 3rd, Johnny Illanovsky 4th,
LJ Lombardo 5th, Dominic Roselli, Jr 8th, Joe Falanga 12th,
RJ Smykla 14th, Anthony Falanga 15th, Zack Vavricka 17th
and Andrew Reeves 24th in the Sportsman feature. Jimmy Johnson won the Vintage feature.
From
Jayski:
Humpy Wheeler Q&A.....says
NASCAR has 'too many pretty boys':
For 35 years, Humpy Wheeler
was racing's best salesman and track operator. He was a creative and fearless
risk taker, willing to stick his head in a tiger's mouth to publicize races at
Charlotte Motor Speedway. He and track owner Bruton Smith made each other
fabulously wealthy before Wheeler abruptly "retired" after a serious
argument with Smith in 2008. Even though his Speedway Benefits company now
works exclusively with short tracks around the country that hold weekly races,
Wheeler still keeps a close eye on NASCAR. See full Q&A at AutoWeek.(6-11-2014)
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20140610/nascar/140619985
Mayfield to be interviewed by
Sporting News:
Former NASCAR driver Jeremy
Mayfield's 2009 drug suspension and lawsuit against NASCAR still has plenty of
people scratching their heads. And it's a story that Mayfield hopes is not over
as he attempts to resume his racing career. Mayfield will sit down with
Sporting News writer Bob Pockrass for an interview at 1:00pm/et
on Wednesday June 11. But this will be different than Mayfield's past
interviews with Sporting News. This one will be streamed live. Fans can hear
Mayfield's story in his own words and make their own decisions about how they
view the former NASCAR star. The only driver to openly fight his suspension
over a violation of the sport's substance-abuse policy, Mayfield remains
suspended from all NASCAR activity. More info at Sportingnews.com and check out
Mayfield's website.(6-11-2014)
Sad News - Junie Donlavey:
Legendary NASCAR owner and
57th Annual Daytona 500
Tickets On
Tickets to NASCAR's biggest,
richest and most prestigious race - the 57th annual DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Feb.
22 - will go on sale Tuesday, June 10 at 9:00am/et. Tickets for the Daytona 500
start at $65. For the third straight year, the
· 57th Daytona: Children 12
and under will receive 50 percent off all backstretch grandstand seats while
supplies last. Children 12 and under are also free in the Sprint Fanzone
· All other Budweiser
Speedweeks events: Children 12 and under are $10 in reserved grandstands and
free in general admission areas and in the Sprint Fanzone.
In addition to the 57th
annual Daytona 500, tickets for all Budweiser Speedweeks 2015 events will be
available for purchase including the NASCAR Nationwide Series race, the NextEra
Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, the Budweiser
Duel, The Sprint Unlimited At Daytona and Lucas Oil 200 Presented By MAV TV
American Real doubleheader and Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger. Race
fans can also pre-purchase weekend infield camping for The Sprint Unlimited
weekend; Rolex 24 At Daytona infield car parking
packages; and hospitality packages and Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE passes for all
Budweiser Speedweeks 2015 events. Race fans have three different ways to
purchase tickets:
· Online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com
· Calling 1-800-PITSHOP
· Visiting the Daytona
International Speedway ticket office
The stars of NASCAR return to
Daytona International Speedway on July 3-5. Tickets to the Coke Zero 400
Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the Subway Firecracker
250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race are available by calling
1-800-PITSHOP or online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(6-10-2014)
Biffle expects to stay at
Roush UPDATE:
Biffle and his primary
sponsor, 3M, will remain with Roush Fenway Racing, multiple sources have
confirmed to the Charlotte Observer. An official announcement of contract
extensions for Biffle and the sponsor with RFR could come as soon as this
coming week, sources said.A team spokesman said the organization would continue
its policy of not commenting on drivers' contract status until an official
announcement was made.(Charlotte Observer)(6-9-2014)
Penske denies interest in
Edwards:
Team Penske owner Roger
Penske was adamant that he has "no interest" in Carl Edwards. Penske,
who is at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend for the NASCAR / IndyCar
double-header told Catchfence.com that Team Penske is currently not in a
position to field a third NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team in 2015, despite the chatter. "There's no interest," he said. "We
don't have the sponsorship to do a third full-time team and he's under contract
with Roush Fenway Racing. It doesn't make sense."(Catchfence), see past
news/rumors about Edwards on the #99 Team News and Links page.(6-8-2014)
Hornish to
the #21 in 2015? on FoxSports1
NASCAR Raceday, Bob Dillner reported that Sam Hornish Jr. could end up in the
#21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford in a part-time ride next
season.(FoxSports1)(6-8-2014)
From
Track Forum:
http://www.trackforum.com/forums/forum.php
If Karam Goes To Nascar
http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php?187061-If-Karam-Goes-To-Nascar
Long Q & A with
http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php?187043-Long-Q-amp-A-with-Walker-on-future-schedule-and-aero-kits
From
the AARN:
Some things covered in the AARN a week
ago:
Nothing
like a good fight (Bowman-Gray – where else?)
Versatility in Sprint Cars –
Mark Smith
Off the dirt, on to the big
time – Cale Conley & Tyler Reddick
Stewart poised for Sprint Car
return?
Kids and race cars
Coming back home to road
racing – Tom Hessert at
Rainout hardships
This Week
In AARN
One Hospitalized, One Quits
After Violent Williams Grove
410 Crash
Coby,
NASCAR Mod Tour
Coby Prevails
Eldora’s Dream Late Model
Race
Enriches Dale McDowell By $100,000
Hossfeld Derails
Hirschman RoC Mod Gravy Train
With
Bacon Sizzles
On USAC Eastern Storm Tour
Though ‘Storms’ Take Two
Keselowski Falters, Earnhardt
Pounces
In Pocono Sprint Cup Thriller
One More Year:
Mod Veteran Jimmy Horton
Assures 2015 Career
Continuation
Aaron Ott Sweeps URC’s
Back To Back ‘Grove’ Races
Press releases:
NEWS FROM
Orange County Fair
CONTACT
Mike Gurda
845-342-2573
FOR RELEASE BEGINNING MONDAY,
JUNE 9
TWO WEEKS OF “DOUBLES”
UPCOMING
AT ORANGE COUNTY FAIR
Twin-20s for the Modifieds
followed by double points for all divisions
MIDDLETOWN, NY (June
9)......The next two weeks of racing action at Orange County Fair Speedway will
spotlight “doubles,” first with twin feature races for the Modifieds on
Saturday, June 14, and then double points for all divisions on Saturday, June
21.
This coming Saturday, led by
current point leader and five-time track champion, Chuck McKee, the
earth-shaking, 800 horse power DIRTcar Modifieds will have two chances to win
on the lightning fast five-eighths-mile Middletown “Hard Clay” oval. Also on
the evening’s program are the Sportsman division, the Rookie Sportsman, and the
always unpredictable Street Stocks. The night’s activities are sponsored by
Ultimate Restoration.
The following week, Saturday,
June 21, the Small-Block Modifieds take center stage with the Second Annual
Charlie Loder Memorial race. McKee won the track’s most recent Small-Block
Modified race and will be looking to capture this prestigious event as well.
The DIRTcar Modifieds, Sportsman, and Street Stock will also be in action. And all divisions will be racing for double
track points. Arkel Motors and Middletown Collision are the evening’s sponsors.
Admission prices for both the
June 14 and 21 race meets remain at $14 adults, $12 seniors, and $2.00 for
children 12 and under. Both full nights of racing begin promptly at 7:00 pm.
Advance tickets are now on
sale for the 53rd Annual Eastern States Weekend, October 24-26, 2014, headlined
by the Eastern States 200, the oldest continuously-run championship race for
dirt track Modifieds.
Information for all Orange
County Fair Speedway action is available at the speedway website,
www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net, or at the Track Office. Call 845-342-2573
Wednesday through Saturday during business hours.
Upcoming: July 17-27 -- The
174th
This week’s photo:
Something
that has disappeared from the racing scene – an Outboard powered midget. Here’s Charlie
Miller in his # 2 Outboard. I was fortunate to have seen this car race on
many occasions!
Racing videos:
I do not know if the video in
the link below will work or not, but last weekend at the Indianapolis Speedway,
there were 700 Vintage race cars that made it onto the oval and/or the road
course. To be honest, it wasn’t
publicized very much.
http://fox59.com/2014/06/08/vintage-cars-catch-the-eye-of-ims-legends/#axzz34LS1bbm4
Note: There were quite a few short videos posted on
Facebook that showed quite a few different “Indy” cars on the track – from
Silver Crown/Champ Cars to the rear engine ones.
Not
racing related:
On April 3rd, 1965 legendary
radio host Paul Harvey issued a warning to
http://thetruthwins.com/archives/paul-harveys-warning-to-america-if-i-were-the-devil
Note: Pretty Accurate as to what’s been happening,
isn’t it?
An
email I received on Wednesday:
Got this from the daughter of the late
Georgie Rice – Sarah Strickland
This is a wonderful analogy.
The Train
At birth we boarded the train
and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel on our side.
However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us
on this journey alone.
As time goes by, other people
will board the train; and they will be significant i.e. our siblings,
friends, children, and even the love of
our life. Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so
unnoticed that we don't realize that they vacated their seats!
This train ride will be full
of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. Success
consists of having a good relationship with all passengers...requiring that we
give the best of ourselves.
The mystery to everyone is:
We do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. So, we must live
in the best way - love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are.
It is important to do this
because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty -- we
should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on
the train of life.
I wish you a joyful journey
for the coming year on the train of life. Reap success and give lots of love.
More importantly, thank God for the journey!
Lastly, I thank you for being
one of the passengers on my train!
Until my next column – not
sure just when it will be! Please keep
checking either Dirt Track Digest or New England Tractor/Race Report on
Thursdays!
http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/
(Click on “Recent Columns)
http://newenglandtractor.com/racereport/
I can be reached, via e-mail, at: ygordad@yahoo.com