By TOM AVENENGO
This week’s photo:
I am not sure if the above photo was taken on September 20, 1952, or not. But that is the date that the late, great Bill Schindler took his last ride in a race car – the one pictured above. The track was the half mile dirt track at the Allentown, PA Fairgrounds. Strange as it seems, another one of the great drivers from here in the east also took his last ride in that car, on the same track, some years later. Johnny Thomson. More on Bill and some other drivers, later on in this weeks column.
Special from me:
Those of you that normally read my columns on the New England Tractor website might have seen it not posted there last week. It’s all my fault. There have been complaints made to the owner of the web site, of some of the (critical) things I’ve been writing about that have been in my columns, and he thought it best not to publish last week’s column. Do I blame him? No, I don’t. At times (too many times per some) I make comments about a race track that I’ve been attending since around 1946. Yes, it’s OCFS. Personally, it saddens me to see such a lack of attendance at that historic place. Now, it seems that the owner is trying his best to make improvements to the grand stands and later on to the whole place, including the track surface.
Yes, it’s highly doubtful that I’ll ever attend another race at that famous facility, since I’m now down in Florida, and for the track, those that race there, work there and those that enjoy going there to watch the events – I wish only the best in getting the old girl somewhat like it was “back in the day”.
One thing that kinda made me feel good was the amount of people that attended OCFS a few weeks ago on “Nostalgia Night”, and asked about me.
Hey, I’m still hanging in there. Sad thing is, I haven’t been to hardly any races down here since I got here, last September.
Some personal/family stuff:
I had a rather enjoyable Father’s Day this past Sunday. Of course I would have loved to have three of my five children attend, but, heck, they’re up in New York State. Still and all, we had a real nice time with a BBQ and some getting into the pool. It was, however, a tad warm to sit outside to eat, se we did eat in the house.
Over this past week, I’ve seen a slight increase of my weight. It’s gone from 159 up to 165, with that 165 being on Monday AM. Later on, on Monday, I had a scheduled appointment to have the old Pacemaker checked. The “sweet heart” that does that was somewhat concerned about the weight gain, and is giving me a week to get it back down. Hopefully I’ll be able to do that and not require a visit to the hospital. Been there – done that, last September – when I was damned near 200 pounds. So, hopefully, I’ll see that scale of mine show me some lower numbers.
I have a special column planned for next week. It’s scheduled to come out on July 2nd. Last year, on July 3rd, the love of my life lest us and is now with our Lord. So, yes, I’ve found some real nice sayings and they will appear throughout next week’s column. Yes, it’s been a very fast year!
Racin’ stuff:
OCFS:
I found this, posted by OCFS, on Dirt Track Digest:
” The Charlie Loder Memorial race has been rescheduled for JULY 18 – The Small Blocks will be added to that race date, all other divisions scheduled that night will remain on the schedule.”
From Jayski:
http://www.jayski.com/
Ten different winners in last ten races at Sonoma:
In the last 10 years there have been 10 different winners at Sonoma Raceway: Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Juan Pablo Montoya, Kyle Busch, Kasey Kahne, Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Clint Bowyer, Martin Truex Jr. and Carl Edwards.(6-24-2015)
Kentucky might not be only track this year with special aero package:
Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer, said Monday on “The Morning Drive” on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio that fans could hear “fairly soon” about another track with a rules package created specifically for its race. NASCAR announced last week that it would have a special aerodynamic package for the July 11 race at Kentucky Speedway. The adjustments – intended to improve passing and increase the number of lead changes – include cutting the spoiler to 3.5 inches, reducing the radiator pan to 25 inches and limiting the overhang on the splitter to 1.75 inches. “We had a lot of discussions with really everyone in the industry in looking at where we may or may not want to head for 2016,” O’Donnell said on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. “What it kept coming back to … if we could really dial in some packages around certain tracks.” O’Donnell stressed more work remains.
“This isn’t just Kentucky and then we go away,” he told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. “I think we want to look at this possibly even again this year. Not everyone agrees in terms of certain packages or certain directions. It’s our job, ultimately, to make the call on what we’re going to run at Kentucky, but I think it will give us some really good feedback, especially from the fans, as we go forward and look at what, if any, tweaks we can make prior to the Chase for 2016.” Asked on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio what might be another race this season where NASCAR could try a different rules package, O’Donnell said: “I think it’s still a little early, but it is certainly being discussed with the race teams and the drivers and something you could hear about fairly soon.”(NBC Sports)(6-23-2015)
Earnhardt welcomes leadership role:
As a member of NASCAR’s newly formed drivers’ council, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. has had the ears of the fans, drivers and NASCAR in the past four weeks. And now that he’s more comfortable than ever about giving his views on the sport, Earnhardt appears to relish his place on the council, which met with NASCAR executives for the first time May 30. At a promotional appearance on a hot midweek afternoon a couple of weeks ago for Amp energy drinks, one of his sponsors, Earnhardt acknowledged that he’s more opinionated now than he was when he started racing. “All the drivers have very strong opinions, and we all feel like we have a handful of answers of things that we could change to make this sport better,” Earnhardt said before going onstage. “I don’t know that my ideas are better than anyone else’s. We all sort of get together and talk it over.”
Being elected as an inaugural member of the council shows that Earnhardt could fill the role that his father once played in the garage as the person who can walk into the NASCAR hauler and truly have the ear — and respect — of NASCAR brass. Jeff Gordon somewhat assumed that role in the 2000s. Earnhardt isn’t necessarily ready to fill that role when Gordon retires after this season, nor does Earnhardt feel that one driver should have that role. The council membership is designed to change year to year; it includes the top driver from each manufacturer, some past champions, the top rookie and other members selected to represent a cross section of the standings. “You take a little pride in that your peers respect you,” Earnhardt said about his selection to the council. “I think we all share that respect for each other and won’t be on the council every year. The way the voting is with the points and everything and the way the guys are kind of chosen and locked in, it will change every year, which is going to be good because it will get fresh guys in there with new ideas.”
“There’s a lot of guys that are not on the council that probably belong on the council,” Earnhardt said. “There’s more drivers, certainly, qualified, deserving and smart. There’s a lot of guys with a lot of amazing ideas that should be in that room. But NASCAR thought it would be good to sort of keep it down to a small number so the conversations are reasonable.” Earnhardt isn’t sure what impact the council will have this year. He believes this group is laying the foundation. “It won’t really bear fruit right off the bat,” Earnhardt said. “It will take a few meetings. Let’s get down the road several months so we can understand how to talk to each other and how to work together. Then this next crop of guys, whoever comes in the council next year, will be more productive then.”(see full article atESPN.com)(6-23-2015)
Congrats – Kasey Kahne:
In October, #5-Kasey Kahne will achieve a lifelong dream: fatherhood. Kahne’s girlfriend, Sam Sheets, is due to deliver a baby boy on Oct. 10. “I’ve always really wanted a kid. Absolutely,” Kahne said via speakerphone while dragging a sprint car-loaded trailer up the interstate toward Indianapolis. “When I was growing up, I thought I’d have kids by the time I was 25. We’re 10 years past that now, of course. But once we found out, I realized how badly I wanted kids. It’s something that’s been on my mind for a long time. I’m really excited to have this type of life-changing experience, and I can’t wait to be the best dad I can possibly be.”(ESPN)(6-24-2015)
Note: Hmmm, nothing mentioned of Kasey & Sam getting married, I see? Hey Kasey, you want to be “the best dad you can possible be? Get married.
From Track Forum:
http://www.trackforum.com/forums/forum.php
2011 revisited – so little has changed
http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php/195832-2011-revisited-so-little-has-changed
From the Dirt Track Digest Forum:
http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/DTD/
I’m thoroughly confused…
http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/DTD/index.php?/topic/53950-im-thoroughly-confused/
An email I received:
This one is from Anne Fornoro
Friends & Colleagues,
Many of you have asked how A.J. is doing so I thought you might enjoy this in-depth profile on him which centers around his return to Indianapolis.
It was written by a non-motorsports writer which gave her a unique perspective. For the perfectionist, there are a couple errors that crept in but overall, it is really well done. I just wish I had remembered my own cardinal rule—the recorder is always on!
http://www.sbnation.com/longform/2015/6/17/8777931/a-j-foyt-indianapolis-500
Warm regards,
Anne
Contact: Tom Herzig
DIRTcar Racing PR
802-249-2850 | therzig@dirtcar.com
Sheppard leads Super DIRTcar Series to Utica-Rome
WEEDSPORT, N.Y. June 22, 2015 Super DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Series point leader Matt Sheppard of Waterloo, NY will go after his second straight series win Wednesday, June 24 at Utica-Rome Speedway in the SUNY Canton presents SDS 100.
The event marks the return of the Super DIRTcar Series to Utica-Rome for the first time since 2003. Sheppard is coming off a hard-fought win at Grandview Speedway his second 2015 series win.
Sheppard will be right at home at Utica-Rome where he unofficially took over the regular season point lead from Pat Ward with a third-place finish on Fathers Day behind Stewart Friesen and Vic Coffey.
Defending SDS Champion Billy Decker of Unadilla, NY, who stalked Sheppard through lapped traffic at Grandview before settling for second and is currently second in the series point standings, looms as an obstacle between Sheppard and the $6,000 winners check Wednesday.
Big-Block competitors entered for the Suny Canton presents SDS 100 include Brett Hearn, Jimmy Phelps, Larry Wight, Tim Fuller and Billy Dunn as well as Friesen, Ward and Coffey.
Utica-Rome welcomes a special guest appearance Wednesday by four-time NASCAR Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., post time – 7 p.m. Admission is
Adults-$25, Students/Senior/Military-$20, Kids $10.
For more information on the Super DIRTcar Series, visit www.SuperDIRTcarSeries.com,www.uticaromespeedway.com, follow on Twitter @SuperDIRTcar, and like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/DIRTcar.
From the AARN:
Matt Sheppard Clicks For Three Wins In Five Days At Three Tracks In Two States
Shane Clanton, Josh Richards Score ‘Eastern Swing’ WoO LM Wins
Twenty-Fifth PA Speedweek Is At Hand: Nine Races At Seven Tracks Starts Friday
Bobby Santos, III Claims USAC Silver Crown Victory In Iowa
Photo Finish At Oswego: Muldoon, Sitterly Both Declared Winners
Delaware International Relaxes Tire, Engine Rules
Schatz On Win Spree; Runs Win Skein To Five Straight
Saxton: “Race Tracks Don’t Brag Enough”
Some more stuff found in this week’s issue:
At Rolling Wheels, when the modifieds race there, they’ll be using DIRTcar rules, but will not be DIRTcar sanctioned.
“Most auto racing facilities across the nation do not brag enough” – that’s the headline on Ernie Saxton’s column this week.
Note: I know of some tracks that really do not have anything to “brag” about, today, and that’s sad.
Brett Deyo, in his column, makes mention of “Street Stock” racing in the region has been on a decline at quite a few tracks.
Note: Hmm, maybe due to what their purses are – or maybe also due to some poor (if any) teching?
Wow! Only 11 ATQMRA TQ’s at Bethel, NY last week, and four were “DNS” for the feature.
The PA 410 Sprint Week – 9 races at 7 tracks in 10 days, starts this Friday at Williams Grove.
Slowly I can see more and more “short” fields in racing events up in the Northeast. I mention Northeast because that’s basically where this old man attended 95% of the races I’ve seen. I’d venture to say that the cost is what’s hurting some classes. As an example – the ARDC. I’ve noticed they’re drawing 15 cars on an average per meet. NEMA with it’s regular midgets still run those expensive engines, but in their other class, less expensive engines can be used, and that class is slowly growing. And, while I’m talking about the midgets, to me, it’s really sad to see only a couple of full sized midgets having races in New York State.
The big block modifieds also seem to be hurting at some tracks too, with car counts down into the lower 20’s. Of course those lower car counts do not bring more fans into the stands, but just the opposite – fans are leaving.
At Glen Ridge, the POWRI Midgets had 9 midgets sign in for their part of the show.
A lawsuit has been settled on the case of an individual being hurt at Fulton while in the pit area. That individual was awarded $675,000.00. It’s expected that there will be an appeal on how that cases ended up.
Note: And what if the appeal does no good and the individual keeps that 675 G’s? How might that affect other tracks as to just who would be allowed in the pit areas? Hey, I’ve seen photos of quite a few little ones in the pits, that aren’t racing. Now, when you get into Slingshots, Micros etc etc, and they happen to run on the same track and same night as the stock cars, how can you control the ages?
Alex Bright has returned to racing here in the East, after running with the Hmiel/Jones team out in the Mid-west. He didn’t meet with much success out there, so now he’ll be running with the ARDC and some Micro Sprints, it seems.
Donnie Schatz has been on a tear lately, winning five WoO features in a row.
Stephen Kellogg has an interesting column this week. He questions: “Are mid-week races no longer special”?
Ken Kuhlman had an interesting article about the history of Flemington Speedway, what types of cars ran there, and some of the drivers that ran there.
Note: I did notice, however, that there was no mention of a race that my wife and I went to
– I believe it was a co-sanctioned midget race (100 laps?) with the ARDC and USAC midgets. I recall one of the Caruthers boys flipping his yellow midget in the first turn. The following day, he won the midget race at (I believe) the big track at Nazareth.
“Big Daddy” Don Garlits, all of 83 years young, is planning on topping 200 MPH in a dragster that will be powered with an electric motor.
Otto Sitterly and Michael Muldoon had a “Dead heat” finish at Oswego last week.
Former OVRP Dirt Oval racers:
Note: Not too many race results this week. “Mother Nature” seems to have been the winner at quite a few tracks up in the Northeast.
Kyle Redner won another Sportsman/358 Modified feature at Bethel, with Rich Coons 2nd.
In the 4 Cylinder Advanced feature, JB Morris was 3rd and Joe Morris 8th.
At Grandview, in the SDS race, Anthony Perrego was 12th and Danny Creeden 14th.
Davie Franek was 9th in the URC feature at Big Diamond.
At Glen Ridge, A.J. Filbeck was 2nd in the 602 Sportsman feature.
Brett Wright was 9th in the Modified feature at U/R. A.J. Filbeck won the 602 Sportsman feature.
Zack Mead was 4th and sister Winter Mead 13th in the Spec Sportsman feature at Accord.
Note: I find it quite puzzling that there are hardly any former OVRP Dirt Oval racers running at Accord, whereas there are quite a few that run OCFS. Might it be that each track uses a different tire?
Brett Wright was 6th, Alex Bell 16th and Bobby Hackel IV 24th in the Modified feature at A/S. Hunter Bates was 13th in the Sportsman feature from June 12th, and 11th in the nights regularly scheduled feature. Brian Krummel was 24th.
In the CRSA Sprints, Josh Peinazek was 2nd, Billy V 8th, Chuck Alessi 10th, Brian Krummel 12th and Emily VanInwegen 18th.
There were two nights of racing at Hamlin. On Friday, Charlie Lawrence won the All Star Slingshot feature while Tyler Pirone was 5th. On Saturday, Lawrence was 4th and Pirone 5th. Jacob Hendershot won the 270 feature on Friday, and was 2nd on Saturday.
At Accord, in the All Star Slingshot make-up feature, Wyatt Clark was 3rd. He was also 3rd in the nights regularly scheduled feature.
Brian Sobus had a 22nd place finish in the first Super Modified feature at Oswego. He was a DNS in the second feature.
As I said, “Mother Nature” wasn’t too kind to the racing up there in the New York area. If I missed anyone, my apologies.
Midget Racing from “Back in the Day”:
As I made mention in the beginning of this week’s column, here’s some more on racing great Bill Schindler.
I’m sad to say, that out of all the races I’ve seen him compete in, I’ve never had the opportunity to talk to him in person. He left us about three years prior to me obtaining my driver’s license, so usually whenever I attended an even he competed in, we were always in a rush to get out and “beat the crowd”, so to say. And, sadly, the same can be said for me not meeting with, and talking to some of the other great drivers from back in the 40’s – or earlier, then into the 40’s. Drivers like Johnny Ritter, Ted Tappett, George Rice, Art Cross, George Fonder. Later on, aftr I got my license, I was fortunate to attend some races – usually on my own, and would visit the drivers and cars after the racing was complete.
Bill Schindler was my father’s favorite driver. Tappett was my brother’s. Little Johnny Ritter was mine. Yes, I can fondly remember the night at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, when Ritter first drove his new yellow # 3 Offy powered midget. We always sat on the backstretch at Hinchliffe, and this 11 year old kid did indeed have his face up against the fencing – just to get a good up close of my hero and his new machine.
But as for Schindler – well back then he was in a class of his own. He wasn’t the ARDC driving champion in 1947, losing that title to George Rice. But he did win 53 features. In 1948, he won the ARDC championship – with another 53 feature wins. Sadly, if you go to the ARDC website, and their list of feature winners, none of those that ran with the ARDC back in the ’40’s are listed. And, no one has come close to 53 wins in a season with the ARDC, either.
Back in those late 40’s, there was plenty of midget racing up in the Northeast. I think it was the last full week in July of either ’47 or ’48, when there were like 35-36 midget races scheduled – and run. At times, some of the top drivers would get “paid” to race elsewhere. I found that out one night when my brother and I went to a midget race (sorry can’t remember what track!), and we went into the pits after the racing. Henry Renard ran that night – driving that blue & cream # 10 Offy. We were talking to him when another driver came over and asked Renard if he was running at a certain track the following night. Renard informed him that, “No I’m not. The promoter gave me first place money to run at another track this week”.
I’m willing to bet that doesn’t happen today. I guess I can say that I was extremely lucky to have been able to watch some of the best in racing compete when I was a little kid, then up into my teenage years. Some events remain in my head like they happened only months ago.
Note: With what I have planned for next week’s column, I do believe I’ll not have this section in it, due to “other” things I’ve saved up (about my late wife), but I’ve been informed that quite a few people like my going back in time with the history of Midget racing and things I can remember and related to, so I’ll have more after next weeks column.
However, to those that said they like my “Midget History” parts in my columns, might I suggest you check out some of my very first attempts at writing, back when I was part of the www.openwheelracer website?
All you have to do is go here: http://www.thevintageracer.com/ Then click on “Historian’s Corner”. Two others that I know, Jim Nise and “Racer” Rich Boteler, also have some nice photos and articles on that website, too.
Found on Facebook:
NASCAR will not ban Confederate flag from tracks
http://www.wmur.com/sports/nascar-will-not-ban-confederate-flag-from-tracks/33732192?utm_campaign=WMUR-TV&utm_medium=FBPAGE&utm_source=Social
Press Releases:
Contact: Tom Herzig
DIRTcar Racing PR
802-249-2850 | therzig@dirtcar.com
Sheppard leads Super DIRTcar Series to Utica-Rome
WEEDSPORT, N.Y. June 22, 2015 Super DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Series point leader Matt Sheppard of Waterloo, NY will go after his second straight series win Wednesday, June 24 at Utica-Rome Speedway in the SUNY Canton presents SDS 100.
The event marks the return of the Super DIRTcar Series to Utica-Rome for the first time since 2003. Sheppard is coming off a hard-fought win at Grandview Speedway his second 2015 series win.
Sheppard will be right at home at Utica-Rome where he unofficially took over the regular season point lead from Pat Ward with a third-place finish on Fathers Day behind Stewart Friesen and Vic Coffey.
Defending SDS Champion Billy Decker of Unadilla, NY, who stalked Sheppard through lapped traffic at Grandview before settling for second and is currently second in the series point standings, looms as an obstacle between Sheppard and the $6,000 winners check Wednesday.
Big-Block competitors entered for the Suny Canton presents SDS 100 include Brett Hearn, Jimmy Phelps, Larry Wight, Tim Fuller and Billy Dunn as well as Friesen, Ward and Coffey.
Utica-Rome welcomes a special guest appearance Wednesday by four-time NASCAR Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., post time – 7 p.m. Admission is Adults-$25, Students/Senior/Military-$20, Kids $10.
For more information on the Super DIRTcar Series, visit www.SuperDIRTcarSeries.com,www.uticaromespeedway.com, follow on Twitter @SuperDIRTcar, and like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/DIRTcar.
News from Thunder Mountain Speedway
Media Contact: BD Motorsports Media LLC – thundermtnspeedway@gmail.com or 845.728.2781
For Immediate Release/June 24, 2015
Two Huge Days Of Racing At Thunder Mountain Speedway This Weekend: Climb The Mountain To Get Closer To The Stars; Full Program Saturday, ‘Lightning on the Mountain’ Sunday!
CENTER LISLE, NY – It is a huge two-day program of action at Thunder Mountain Speedway this Saturday and Sunday June 27 and 28. Some of the sport’s most prominent stars will be in competition at the ‘Fast Track’ this weekend.
On Saturday, it will be a complete program of racing: Modifieds, Open Sportsman, Crate 602 Sportsman, Rookie Sportsman, Street Stocks, XCel 600 Modifieds (tour race – $1,000 to win!) and Four Cylinders plus the visiting Empire Lightning Sprint 1000cc Mini-Sprints.
Saturday gates open at 4 p.m. Hot laps get underway at 6:20 p.m., with racing at 7 p.m. Grandstand admission is $12 for Adults, $10 for Seniors (ages 65 and up) and Students (ages 10-17). Kids 9 and under are FREE. Pit admission is $30, with no license required.
On Sunday, the Short Track Super Series Fueled By Hi-Tek Modifieds race 50 laps for a $25,000-plus total purse ($5,000 to win), while the SpeedSTR open-wheel race cars make their first appearance ever on the Mountain racing for $3,000 to win! A driver sweeping the Modified and SpeedSTR events will leave with no less than $10,000 thanks to Olum’s!
Just some of the names that will take part in Sunday’s program include Pauch (Jr. and Sr.), Brightbill, Bachetti, Tobias, Perrego, Manmiller, Mahaney, Strunk, Johnson, Laubach, Creeden, Meier, Brown, Higbie, Van Pelt, Lawson, Buckwalter and so many more.
The STSS Modifieds will compete for valuable Bob Hilbert Sportswear North Region points.
Street Stocks race for $700 to win, XCel Modifieds have a $1,000-to-win tour event and Four Cylinders complete Sunday’s program.
Sunday gates open at 3 p.m. Hot laps begin at 6 p.m. with racing to follow immediately. Adult admission is $20. Seniors (ages 65 and up) and Students (ages 10-17) pay $18. Kids 9 and under are FREE. Pit admission is $35, with no license required.
Camping is permitted on the speedway grounds, free of charge.
For Thunder Mountain Speedway general information and a complete schedule, visitwww.thundermtnspeedway.com. The speedway office number is 607.657.8202. On race day, call 607.849.7899. The speedway e-mail is thundermtnspeedway@gmail.com. “Like” Thunder Mountain Speedway on Facebook or follow @thundermtnspeed on Twitter.
Thunder Mountain Speedway is located at 91 Hunts Corners Road Center Lisle, NY 13797, approximately 25 miles north of Binghamton. The three-eighths-mile clay oval features hillside concrete seating, free parking and camping, a variety of concession items and novelties, a family environment and more.
Brett Deyo
Promotions, Public Relations & Marketing
Thunder Mountain Speedway
91 Hunts Corners Road Center Lisle, NY 13797
www.thundermtnspeedway.com
Cell: 845.728.2781
“Thunder Mountain Speedway” on Facebook
@thundermtnspeed on Twitter
Contact: Tom Herzig
DIRTcar Racing PR
802-249-2850 | therzig@dirtcar.com
Cornwall Speedway hosts Super DIRTcar Series
June 28 100-lapper has $30,000 purse paying $6,000-to-win
CORNWALL, ONT. – June 22, 2015 – The Super DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Series crosses the border for its second Canadian event of the season, the Mel Valade Backhoe Services 100, Sunday, June 28.
Matt Sheppard, driver of the FX Caprara No. 9h and a three-time Series champion, will arrive at Cornwall as the point leader on the strength of series wins at Canandaigua Motorsports Park and Grandview Speedway.
Sheppard will go up against defending Super DIRTcar Series champion Billy Decker, Stewart Friesen, Jimmy Phelps, Pat Ward, Larry Wight, Billy Dunn, Tim Fuller and eight-time series champion Brett Hearn of Sussex, NJ as well as Cornwall 358-Modified champion Carey Terrance and top local drivers including Chris Raabe and Stephane LaFrance.
Hearn, the winningest driver in Super DIRTcar Series events at Cornwall (4), has had two top-5 finishes in his first four starts. He began the week fourth in the point standings behind Sheppard, Decker and Danny Johnson.
Sundays race card includes Cornwalls support divisions. Post time is 7 p.m. Admission is $30/adults, $15/seniors, $2/kids 16-and-under.
For more information on the Super DIRTcar Series, visit www.SuperDIRTcarSeries.com,www.cornwallspeedway.com, follow on Twitter @SuperDIRTcar, and like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/DIRTcar.
News from the Short Track Super Series Fueled By Hi-Tek
Media Contact: Brett Deyo – bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com or 845.728.2781
For Immediate Release/June 22, 2015
Major Chance To Cash In For Modified Racers This Sunday, June 28 At Thunder Mountain Speedway ‘Lightning on the Mountain’ Event; $25,000-Plus Payout Posted For Short Track Super Series Fueled By Hi-Tek North Region Event
CENTER LISLE, NY – Short-track dirt Modified racers have a major chance to cash in this Sunday (June 28) at Thunder Mountain Speedway.
The Olum’s ‘Lightning on the Mountain’ presented by VP Racing Fuels and Town Mechanical is set for the three-eighths-mile with a purse of more than $25,000 posted for big-block/small-block Modified competitors in a 50-lap main event. Valuable points for travelers of the Short Track Super Series Fueled By Hi-Tek are also on the line. The ‘Lightning on the Mountain’ serves as event No. 4 of the Bob Hilbert Sportswear North Region.
The ‘Lightning on the Mountain’ has a non-top-heavy pay structure that should appeal to competitors throughout New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The winner’s share is $5,000, with the remainder of the field paid as follows: 2nd) $3,000; 3rd) $2,000; 4th) $1,500; 5th) $1,400; 6th) $1,150; 7th) $1,125; 8th) $1,100; 9th: $1,050; 10th) $1,000; 11th) $750; 12th) $650; 13th) $550; 14th) $450; 15th) $425; 16th): $415; 17th) $405; 18th-24th) $400; series provisionals: $200.
In addition to the posted purse, there is lap money, bonus cash, contingency awards, product and more available to STSS Modified competitors.
Complete rules and general information have been posted: http://bdmotorsportsmedia.com/lightning-general-info-rules-and-pricing/
The Speedway Entertainment SpeedSTRs will make their first-ever visit to Thunder Mountain in a 30-lap, $3,000-to-win, $250 to start event. A driver able to win both the STSS Modified and SpeedSTR mains will leave with no less than $10,000 thanks to the Olum’s ‘Double Down’ bonus program.
Also on the program: Doug Borger’s traveling XCel 600 Modifieds in a tour race competing for $1,000 to win; Street Stocks battling for a $700 minimum payday thanks to the support of Zimmer Logging; and FWD Four Cylinders.
For Thunder Mountain Speedway regulars, 50 show-up points will be offered for the Modifieds, Street Stocks and FWD Four Cylinders. Track and tour points will be distributed to the XCel 600 Modified competitors.
A complete program is planned for Thunder Mountain on Saturday night (June 27). Camping, free of charge, is permitted on the speedway grounds.
For the ‘Lightning on the Mountain’ special, pit and gates will open at 3 p.m. A drivers’ meeting is planned for 5:40 p.m., with hot laps at 6 p.m. and racing promptly at 7 p.m.
Adult grandstand admission is $20. Seniors (ages 65 and up) and Students (ages 10-17) pay $18. Kids 9 and under are FREE. Pit admission is $35, with no license required.
To learn more about the Short Track Super Series or BD Motorsports Media LLC, visitwww.shortttracksuperseries.com or www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com, call 845.728.2781 or e-mailbdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com. “Like” Short Track Super Series on Facebook or follow @ShortTrackSS on Twitter.
For Thunder Mountain Speedway general information and a complete schedule, visitwww.thundermtnspeedway.com. The speedway office number is 607.657.8202. On race day, call 607.849.7899. The speedway e-mail is thundermtnspeedway@gmail.com. “Like” Thunder Mountain Speedway on Facebook or follow @thundermtnspeed on Twitter.
Thunder Mountain Speedway is located at 91 Hunts Corners Road Center Lisle, NY 13797, approximately 25 miles north of Binghamton. The three-eighths-mile clay oval features hillside concrete seating, free parking and camping, a variety of concession items and novelties, a family environment and more.
RACING NEWS FROM. . .
THE BIG SHOW 7
A BRETT HEARN/DRIVEN MARKETING
PRODUCTION
CONTACT: JOHN SNYDER at: 845.216.8103
WWW.BRETTHEARN.COM
COME EARLY; ENJOY THE FUN AT THE BIG SHOW 7
Refreshments, Souvenirs, and Driver Autographs
Part of the Pre-Race Activities
SUSSEX, NJ (June 22)……..Spectator gates for The Big Show 7 Super DIRTcar Modified Series race meet at Albany-Saratoga Speedway (Malta, New York) on Tuesday, July 7, will open at 4:00 pm. Fans are encouraged to come out early and enjoy the attractions. Besides sampling all the refreshments available, several souvenir trailers offering a wide variety of racing-oriented items will be on site. There will be tables set up for fans to get autographs from top Super DIRTcar Modified Series and Albany-Saratoga Speedway drivers and special guest NASCAR XFINITY Series driver and Fox Television analyst Kenny Wallace. The autograph session is scheduled for 5:00-6:00 pm. Warmups and pre-race activities will follow.
The Big Show 7, for big-block DIRTcar Modifieds, will include group time trials, qualifying heat and consolation races and the 100-lap feature race.
The companion support division will be the Sportsman cars. The field for the Sportsman portion of The Big Show 7 will be divided in half for a pair of 20-lap feature races, each with its own payout. All the competitors will register qualifying times during timed hot laps. Then the field will be evenly divided, and the top-12 from each group will redraw for starting positions for their feature races.
This is an open event for all Sportsman cars and will be run under the jurisdiction of the DIRTcar Crate Sportsman rules with one notable exception: rev limiters will not be required. The aluminum wheels of the Sportsman cars from Albany-Saratoga Speedway may be used and all Sportsman cars may use either the Hoosier DIRT Sportsman tire or the Hoosier 300 or 400 Modified tire.
Presented by Recovery Sports Grill Malta, Ferris Industries, VP Racing Fuels, and Cedar Peaks Enterprises, The Big Show 7 is bound to be an exciting evening of dirt track racing at its very best.
Brett Hearn is a champion professional race car driver with more than 865 feature race wins to his credit. He holds 86 track and series championships and in 2013 was named Area Auto Racing News 50 Years Greatest Driver. Driven Marketing is Hearn’s team that promotes special motorsports events.
Hearn may be contacted during business hours at 973-702-0819, or go to www.bretthearn.com for additional information.
Here’s an interesting read:
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2015/06/23/i_m_not_arguing_to_keep_it_but_this_is_not_really_about_the_confederate_flag_in_south_carolina
The Confederate Flag (s).
Yes, I watched the Governor of South Carolina and how she (they) are planning on removing the Confederate Flag. Over this past week, I’ve read a lot about that/those flags. Hard to believe, but that flag they are wanting to move, is not “racist”, is not harmful to others, as some of them were. And watching “The Five” on TV later in the day – yup, not one of them actually knows what that specific flag means and/or stands for. To me, that’s a shame. It seems we have more and more ignorant people telling us what they think or how they interpretate certain things – and actually believing they’re correct. This coming September, I’ll hit 78 years of age. With the way things have gone in this country over these 10 years or so, I really am dreading what the future holds. I feel major changes have to be made. Hopefully they will be. Will I be around to see them? Highly doubtful.
One thing I found about that flag can be seen if you go to this link below. Gotta warn ya though – it’s quite lengthy.
http://www.confederatewave.org/wave/2005/confederate-flag.php
This week’s joke:
Again, special thanks to my friend Elaine, for sending this one out:
Making Friends Outside of Facebook
Currently, I am trying to make friends outside of Facebook whilst applying the same principles.
Therefore, every day I go out on the street and tell a passer-by what I have eaten, how I feel, what I have done the night before, and what I will do afterwards;
I give them pictures of my meals, my partner, family, friends, my dogs, my garden, and ‘selfies’ of when I am pursuing my hobbies such as walking on the beach.
I also listen to their conversations, and I tell them that I love them. And wow, it really works.
Already I have 3 people following me: 2 police officers and a psychiatrist.
Until my next column – next week
Columns are available on the Dirt Track Digest at: http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/ at Contributing Columnists
And:
http://newenglandtractor.com/racereport/