Gater News - July 27th, 2010
Three. That’s it -
just THREE regular Saturday night races left at Oswego Speedway.
Not included are Classic Weekend, and a “penciled in” USAC Silver
Crown race on Wednesday, August 4th. But that’s it.
With the track closed on two Saturdays in August (14th
and 28th), this season is winding down quite rapidly.
In light of that information, I highly recommend that you mark the
next two Saturdays, as well as August 21st on your
calendar. I can’t believe the season is winding down so fast!
---- This week’s show at Oswego is a huge one. It’s the coveted
“Mr Supermodified and Mr. Small Block Supermodified“ $10,000 to
win event for the supermodifieds, and $1,500 for the small block
supers. This event is always very well attended, and you’ll see
some great action. That big check on top sometimes makes the guys
do some crazy stuff….
---- Also on the schedule this week is the third annual “Ms.
Hoosier Mama” women’s race for the small block supermodified
division.
---- Samantha Todd has swept the first two events, driving the
Barry Kingsley #23 machine. But a spin - and meeting with the wall
- during a recent practice may slow her down a little. It hasn’t
been easy, and the first two races were very exciting. Some side
by side racing and excellent dicing between Todd and Janine Regan
for the win have made these races a lot of fun to watch. This
year, 12 cars are pre-entered, and ten of them participated in an
open practice session a couple of weeks ago.
---- The starting lineup finds veterans Debbie Bond and Kathy
Harrington on the front row, followed by Regan and Todd. Tracey
Finke and Jamie Crosset comprise the third row, followed by Jayne
Danzer and Margi LeVea. Robin Phillips and Casey Danzer (row 5),
and Jackie Bruce and Morgan Cliff round out the field. It should
be quite a war.
---- Coming up next week, August 7th, is the 60 lap
“pack the track” race. For just a $6.00 general admission, there
will be a ton of fans flocking to the track. As for the upcoming
USAC Silver Crown race that is on the schedule for August 4th,
I have some concerns about that race still happening. No
advertising about this race on the speedway website just a week
and a half before the date is what makes me skeptic. Stay tuned!
---- Andy Noto may be at the track this week with his brand new
Xtreme Chassis ride. They’ve been putting in some long hours at
the Xtreme shop, but Andy expects to be ready for this week’s
$10,000 to win show. With everything being new on the car, I’m
sure ten grand would really come in handy!
New owner for the Tim Barbeau #50 small block supermodified
SOLD! That’s the story on the Barbeau #50 FFB car, previously
driven this year by Chris Proud and Vern LaFave, and to the
championship in 2009 by Dave Gruel.
“I was going to sell it at the end of the year”, explained
Barbeau, “but when Chris quit driving it, it was kind of getting
to be too much of a headache maintaining that car, also”. Barbeau
currently sits 5th in points as the driver of the Steve
Abt #58, but 4th in owner points for the #50 car. “Jim
was kind of going to buy it anyway at the end of the year, but
somebody else made me an offer on it, so I gave him first shot.
It’ll be a good car for him to learn with”, added Barbeau.
Vern LaFave was tabbed to drive the car after Chris Proud
decided to jump out of the ride, citing financial reasons. “Vern
was having a good time driving it”, said Barbeau, and the guys
split on good terms. “He said he’d like to drive for us in the
future.” Barbeau’s plans for 2011 are to continue to pilot one of
the two small block supers that Steve Abt owns. “Steve may get a
super for next year, but he’s still going to keep both small
blocks. That was the deal”, added Barbeau.
The new owner is Jim Bernys, who bought the car for his son A.J.
Bernys to pilot. A.J. has extensive experience in quarter midgets
and go-carts, and has been jonesing for awhile to get in a small
block super. “Maybe I should be shot in the head”, Bernys joked.
“I wasn’t really ready to buy it financially until the end of the
year, but there were a few people looking at it. I’ve got a lot to
do to get ready. We still have to get a new seat, Hans device, and
some other stuff.”
The plan is to get him out a couple times this season, do some
warm-ups, maybe a practice session. “We’re taking very small
steps. He still has to learn how to use a clutch. The easy part is
done - the car is ready. I’m happy to start with a great car”,
said Bernys. But you won’t see a lot of hard racing from A.J. this
year. “Our goal is to make Classic this year, then run for rookie
of the year in 2011.” The car will definitely not be at the track
this week (July 31st), but possibly after that. Jim’s
on vacation next week, so he’ll have plenty of time to tinker and
fuss with the car. “But we do both have season pit passes, so the
only expense to take the car to the track (for rookie warm-ups) is
fuel.”
As many people find out, buying a car is the easiest part of
going racing. You still need a ton of other stuff like crew,
tools, shop, hauler, knowledge, etc. Bernys is aware of this, and
knows that he has a lot of work ahead of him building a team. The
car is currently stored in Jim Losurdo’s garage.
“I’m happy to give my kid the opportunity to live his dream.
But even though he’s the driver, I’m still the owner”, finished
Bernys. “If he screws up, I can put somebody else in it.”
Gater News - July 20th, 2010
It’s been a fun
year at Oswego Speedway in 2010. Yes, it is always fun at Oswego
Speedway. But this year has been even better because of all of the
new winners! Two of which happened just last week.
---- In the small block supermodified division this year we
have seen Kreig Heroth, Bobby Henry, and now Barry Kingsley all
get their first wins in the division. In the supermodified
division, Bob Bond won his first feature ever two weeks ago, and
this last week rookie Dave Gruel scored his first victory. New
winners sure do put a smile on peoples faces! Drivers, crew, AND
fans!
---- And what small block supermodified driver deserved a win
more than Barry Kingsley? I can’t think of one. Barry has been at
Oswego Speedway since he was a little kid. Barry crewed for
several different supermodified teams, but the itch was always
there to get behind the wheel.
---- Barry’s first crew assignment came in 1987, when he helped
out Tony Pafumi in the super division. Over the years, Barry
worked on cars driven by Howard Page, Keith Gilliam, Danny
Kapuscinski, and NASCAR driver David Reutiman (David ran dirt
modifieds in the area for a summer several years ago). A paid crew
chief position for D&D Racing took Barry and wife Debi to East
Andover, New Hampshire many years ago to maintain supermodifieds
for drivers Doug Boisvert and Joey Payne.
---- But many guys that work on racecars are distracted. While
they’re working on the car for their driver, they are secretly
thinking about being the one behind the wheel. Maybe hoping one
night that maybe their driver would “come up missing”, leaving no
option other than to get in the driver’s suit instead. I think
that was Barry.
---- So in April of 2006, Barry bought a small block super from
Bobby Garafolo, and the rest is history. Running that car for
awhile, then upgrading to the newer Proud Chassis (currently
numbered as 24), then this year making the move to Chris Lupa’s
Hedger Chassis, Barry has continued to move up the ladder. Maybe
not as fast as he would have liked at times, but it all culminated
with his first victory this last weekend. Things looked good in
the heat, when only a punt from Steve Abt kept Barry away from his
first heat win.
---- As a member of Barry’s raceday crew, I’ve seen him go
through a lot of ups and downs. Actually, probably more downs than
ups. So it’s really gratifying to see someone who has worked so
hard finally get his just due. Most of the work is done by Barry
himself in his garage, under the watchful eye of Debi, and their
daughter Paige. People have no idea about the amount of blood,
sweat, and tears that Barry has put into this division. I would be
willing to bet that Barry doesn’t have one enemy in the whole pit
area, and the mob of people slapping Barry on the sweaty back and
rubbing his brush cut was huge.
---- Victory lane was emotional for all of us. Unfortunately
Debi and Paige were not at the speedway for the win, but showed up
later to help him celebrate, Paige sporting her “victory pajamas”.
Barry kept it together, but told me later that the one person that
he would like to talk to about the win was his Dad, Donald
Kingsley, who passed away soon after he bought his first racecar
in 2006. For those of you who don’t drive a racecar, you probably
can’t appreciate the magnitude of a win for us at Oswego Speedway.
But it sure gets the juices flowing for those of us who do “get
it”, and brings out all of the emotions. Barry will simmer in this
win as if it were a sauce, and will actually enjoy it more on
Monday, Tuesday, etc., when he has some quiet time to let it sink
in. I couldn’t be happier for Barry and Debi, and I know of
hundreds of people who feel the same way.
---- On Sunday, Barry was overwhelmed with the amount of phone
calls, e-mails, Facebook messages, and pats on the back that he
had received from people. “It’s really overwhelming to see how
much support and friends that we have out there”, said Barry.
“It’s really gratifying to see what a close knit group we are at
Oswego, and see how many people are really behind me.” Please say
it aloud when you see Barry - feature winner, Barry Kingsley!
---- Sometimes many stars have to align for a first time
winner, and this week was no different. One of the most important
parts of winning a race is having a clean, honest driver behind
you, and Barry had that Saturday night. Rookie Mike Bruce has
shown huge amounts of talent this year in the Rob Pullen owned #2,
and now has two third place finishes in a row. Bruce was faster
than Barry, but as I’ve discussed before, if you’re running the
right line, and don’t make any mistakes, it’s really hard for
someone to pass you, unless you’re a lot faster.
---- Barry did make a couple of slips here and there, but Bruce
was not able to capitalize, partially because he was also involved
in a fight with Dave Cliff to maintain the 2nd spot.
“Dave was my ace in the whole”, said Barry, knowing that Bruce’s
defense was cutting into his time on offense.
---- But I - and many others - were very impressed with the
poise and talent of the recent high school graduate Mike Bruce.
Cliff robbed him of his earned 2nd place on the last
lap, just nipping him at the line. It was a great finish, and an
awesome run for all three drivers.
---- A few incidents on the track got a couple of guys riled up
in the hot temperatures, and gave the fans something to talk
about. A low move into the third turn by Bobby Henry sent Vern
LaFave spinning. It was an obvious mistake, and Henry apologized
to Vern after the feature ended. Vern needed some cool-down time,
as he stormed to Bob’s pit stall while we were doing some quick
repairs to the car during the feature. Fortunately, we sent Bobby
back onto the track before Vern got to speak his mind, in the heat
of the moment. Vern was fine later, but like everyone, he’ll
probably make a mental note. Vern wasn’t really amused when I
reminded him of a conversation he and I had just a week earlier,
when he said how he was just out there to have a good time, and
wasn’t going to get too mad or cranked up about it. I’m sure I’ll
needle him about that a little more next time I see him, as well.
Vern’s one of the nicest guys in the pits, and we’ve been friends
for years, so I know I can get away with a lot of chop-busting
with him.
---- I haven’t asked him, but I bet Andrew Schartner has
officially chosen a least favorite driver. The week before, Andrew
felt a lot of contact from the front bumper of the Steve Abt ride
from behind him throughout the feature. This last week, the same
guy sent him spinning when he attempted a low move going into the
first turn, ending his shot at a good finish. It’s always a bummer
when you get caught up in someone else’s mistake, but it’s really
a bummer when it’s the same guy two weeks in a row. I bet 75
percent of the accidents at Oswego in the small block super
division happen when someone is underneath a car going into the
turn, but not far enough for them to see him when he turns down
for the turn.
---- Also a bummer for Jason Simmons, who looked like he wanted
to cry last week. Starting on the outside pole for the feature,
Jason took the lead from Barry Kingsley, and led the first six
laps. A broken throttle linkage on the lap six restart made it
impossible for Jason to take off, taking away what could have been
his own first career victory. Jason won his qualifying heat
earlier in the night, and looked great for those first few laps.
That could have been his night, and maybe I would have been saying
all of those nice things about him instead of Barry right now.
---- Mod lite driver Doug Williams drove the Eddie Horne owned
small block super, and looked pretty impressive for his first time
in one of these cars. This car has been sitting in mothballs for a
couple of seasons, and I was quite impressed to see it go so fast,
with a driver that had never driven one of these before. He
cranked off a 19.817 second lap in the feature. If it wasn’t for a
mid-race spinout, he probably would have finished much better than
his final spot of 12th. “Please sell that car for me”,
said owner Eddie Horne. $7,500 is the asking price.
---- The supermodified division also found a new winner in
victory lane last weekend. Rookie supermodified driver Dave Gruel
had been struggling all season in the Double Deuce Racing Team #50
car, chasing some injection / engine problems that they just
couldn’t figure out. Big things were expected from Gruel, who had
just come off a five win, championship season in the small block
supermodified division. But they had not lived up to the expected
potential, fighting to even crack the top ten in points.
---- But once again, everything worked out for the team, and a
great charge by Otto Sitterly in the closing laps was fought off
bravely. Sitterly was very quick, and maybe one more lap would
have painted a different picture. But we run 45 lap features on a
regular night at Oswego Speedway - not 46. It was a solid win for
Gruel, a night that he will certainly not forget. And probably
just as exciting for the team as winning the feature, is the fact
that the problem that they had been chasing is cured, so they can
be on board for a great rest of the season. Congratulations to
Dave Gruel and the Double Deuce Racing Team!
---- Gruel’s teammate Pat Lavery is one of the most consistent
drivers out there, and is shockingly still looking for his first
feature win. Pat’s been driving in the division for years, and
often finishes in the top five or better in the features and the
point standings. I have a theory though on why he hasn’t cracked
victory lane. It’s called the “curse of consistency”. Finishing
well every week obviously hurts you in the handicapping, so if you
have regular top five finishes, you will have a bad starting
position in the feature and heat. I suffered from the same problem
when I was a weekly racer, which kept me out of victory lane.
---- So it’s a good news / bad news thing. The good news is:
you’re a good driver, you’re fast, and you don’t wreck the car.
The bad news is: several guys that had some bad luck the last
couple of weeks will be starting ahead of you every week, making
it real tough to get to the front. Dooming you to yet another 4th
place finish. Which is great, but I’m sure Pat’s had enough 4th
place finishes. He wants that “W”, but that “curse of consistency”
is working against him each and every week.
---- A couple of comeback kids by the name of Bentley Warren
and Greg Furlong made their season debuts last week in the
supermodified division at Oswego. Two of the greatest drivers of
all times in the division are now part-timers, and happened to
make their return to the track on the same night.
---- Both looked pretty good for being out for the first time
of the season, turning times just a couple of tenths off of the
winner. Warren finished in 7th place in a car that was
purchased from Clyde Booth, passing several cars. I look forward
to seeing Bentley back next week for the $10,000 to win “Mr.
Supermodified” race. Furlong had a 16th place DNF on
the night, only completing 23 of the available 45 laps. And he’s a
several time “Mr. Supermodified” winner. Should be a fun week next
week!
---- It was great to see teammates Shaun Gosselin (12th)
and Tim Snyder (17th DNF) back in action, after
launching engines the previous week. Jerry Curran, who also
toasted an engine on King of Wings night was not back last week.
---- In closing, I would like to mention the passing of my
beloved cousin, Dick Delaney. Oswego Speedway fans from decades
ago would remember Dick, as he was a huge fan of the speedway. I
believe Dick’s old camper / bus that he took to the track, that
had the names of track champions and Classic winners painted on
it, still sits in a junkyard behind my brother Bob’s house.
---- Dick was best known for his booming laugh, and his always
positive attitude. Always with a smile and kind words, Dick was a
great guy to be around. As he moved to Florida several years ago,
we didn’t spend much time together. But a few years ago, his
interest in Oswego Speedway was rekindled, and he joined the crew
of our small block supermodified #93. Dick spent some time with
us, and even bought some property in Williamstown so he could
spend summer here, and spend a lot of Saturdays at Oswego
Speedway, with us and his daughter Lynn. I have some autograph
cards that feature a very proud “Cuzzin Dick”, in his crew shirt,
when we won best appearing car and crew. I’m sure Rose still has
that shirt somewhere.
---- Dick eventually sold the New York house, and hadn’t made
it to the track in a couple of years. Fast moving cancer took
Dick, 72, much sooner than he deserved, and he will be missed
greatly by those that knew him. Our family will remember the good
times with Dick, and I bet a lot of his Oswego Speedway friends
will remember him, as well. Rest in Peace, cousin Dick Delaney.
Gater News - July 14th, 2010
It was officially BOND night at Oswego Speedway last week! No,
not James Bond. (Although he was there. Bob and Mike Bond‘s Dad‘s
name is actually James Bond, even though he goes by Dave. There‘s
a family secret for you.) Both divisions were dominated by people
named Bond, and it was a great night to see.
---- Bobby Bond has been racing in the supermodified division
over ten years, and has gone winless the entire time. Fast cars,
close calls, and some tough wrecks have been the story for Bobby.
It’s been a shock to everyone for the last several years that he
has gone winless in the division. Bob spent ten years as a weekly
competitor at Oswego from 1998 - 2007, finishing as high as 3rd
in points in 2005, but was never able to seal a victory.
---- After the 2007 season, Bond chose to switch to the winged
ISMA series with his car, after a disagreement with Oswego
Speedway management, which had changed some supermodified rules
over the winter. The new Xtreme Chassis that he had just had
purchased, with at that time new independent front suspension
technology would be “outlawed”, unless he wanted to cut the car
up. Man of principal that he is, the decision was made to stop
racing at his beloved Oswego Speedway, which is located about 7
miles from his home. He hadn’t missed a race as a driver or a fan
in over 30 years at Oswego.
---- An 8th place in ISMA points in 2008 was
followed by a nasty foot injury in 2009, which sidelined him for
most of the season. 2010 didn’t start off well for Bond, when he
wrecked on the first lap of the first practice of the first race
of the year. A couple of 9th place finishes later, Bond
came into the Oswego race 17th in points. Not many,
including “Bubsy” himself, expected what would happen next.
---- “Not very good”, is how Bobby told me his car was running
after warm-ups. The perennial “Debbie Downer” never has anything
good to say about himself. In the thirty plus years that I’ve
known him (Bob and his brother Mike were in our wedding in 1985)
I’ve probably seen Bobby get enthused maybe two or three times,
and that conversation sure wasn’t one of them. “It’s not too bad”
is what Bobby would tell me, even if he was getting ready to lap
the field.
---- But July 10th was certainly his night, as he
would make history when he and brother Mike both won their
qualifying heats AND features, the first time in 60 years that
brothers had swept the action at Oswego Speedway. Just a great
night for the family and crew, and I was very happy to be there to
watch it unfold.
---- The iPhone picture that I have of Bob, Mike, teary-eyed
dad Dave Bond, and longtime crew man Ed Matteson in victory lane
is one of my new favorite pictures. (Must be Larry VonHoltz, Larry
VonHoltz Jr., and Travis Cole were too overcome with emotion to
make the picture.) I can only imagine what it felt like for Dave
to see both of his boys win on the same night, and I’m tearing up
just thinking about the look on Dave’s face. Mom Nancy wasn’t at
the track that night due to some health reasons, but “changed out
of my jammies” and called her sister Donna for a speed run to the
speedway for the celebration. The laughing and hugging went on for
hours. I couldn’t be happier for the whole family, who have
dedicated decades to racing as a family. What a great night.
---- But just Bobby’s luck. In 2009, the King of Wings event
paid $10,000 to win. This year, I believe the cash was distributed
more through the field, leaving $5,000 for the winner. Yes, I’m
sure Bob was happy with the five gees, but I bet he’s thinking a
little today about what he could have done with that other five
large.
---- And what more can be said about Mike Bond, the best driver
in the history of the small block supermodified division? Mike now
has 21 career feature wins, more than anyone. Ever. Some nights he
makes it look easy, and this was one of those nights. But hour
after hour in the shop, and a knack for driving are what make Mike
the winner that he is. Mike spent hours and hours working on the
car after a wreck the previous week. This win moves him to 2nd
in points, just four points behind Dave Cliff. I’ve never seen a
prouder brother in victory lane than the picture I have of Mike
standing with baby brother Bobby after his win.
---- Bobby Bond had to hold off a huge field of winged supers
to take home the “W”, as 37 winged supermodifieds were in
attendance. Cars from all factions of supers from Oswego, MSA, and
ISMA worked together to make up this astounding field. The title
“King of Wings” is certainly an appropriate name when you have
this type of representation. It was a great example of all of the
groups working together, and I look forward to more of this in the
future.
---- Great to see a couple of Oswego regulars strap on a wing
and run well. The Oswego supers don’t often do well with wings on,
but a few of them looked pretty stout. Bobby Magner, who runs both
ISMA and Oswego, finished 4th. Joe Gosek ran to 5th
in the 00. And Otto Sitterly, who often dominates the un-winged
races but fails to live up to his potential when he flies the
kite, came across with a solid 8th.
---- Paul White in the Steve Miller Sweet 16 looked great in
the feature. They were running very well in the feature, and moved
into third place just a few laps from the end, before retiring to
the pits in a cloud of smoke. “We fought the engine all night. We
knew we had trouble. It was way down on horsepower - we couldn’t
get over 7,000 RPM’s”, Steve explained. But the car was fast in
spite of the tired motor, and expired just three laps from the
end. “There was oil and water coming out of places that it
shouldn’t have come out.” This old Evans motor has been around so
long that Eddie Bellinger ran it in the early 90’s when he was
driving the Graves car. “It’s been around since Hector was a
pup!”, said Miller.
---- A new Enders Motor has been in the works since before the
new year, but some parts have been tough to come by. “Kevin Enders
is real particular and real fussy”, said Steve, not looking to
rush him. It will be a brand new engine, from the base all the way
to the “Kinsler Dragon Claw injection”, Said Steve. He doesn’t
know, as of last Sunday, when he will be getting the new power
plant. But it looks like the team will be in pretty good shape
when they get it.
---- Some other unfortunate casualties of blown engines were
Tim Snyder, Shaun Gosselin, and Jerry Curran. It’s especially
heartbreaking for Curran, who had just spent almost a whole year
rebuilding from a huge wreck. He sure doesn’t need a huge engine
bill to pay for after all of the digging and scrambling to get the
car done. And Shaun Gosselin’s father Steve told me “I’m not sure
what we’ll do. I just sent in a big check for Shaun’s (college)
tuition.” There will be a lot of scrambling this week. Hopefully
some guys will be able to salvage some parts, and get back soon.
---- When there are 37 cars attempting to make a 26 car field,
some have to go home empty-handed. Snyder, Gosselin, and Curran
are three of the Oswego regulars that didn’t make the show. Dave
McKnight and Danny Connors were both on the outside looking in
come feature time. McKnight never even got to attempt to qualify
for the show after a warm-up crash. Connors spun in his time
trial, and finished 9th in a consi that took four cars.
Dave Gruel (6th) and Larry Muroski (8th)
were two drivers who just missed the cut. Ray Graham got into the
feature via provisional after having problems, and finished 18th
in the feature.
---- Other Oswego regulars who did make the show were Pat
Lavery (15th), Lou LeVea (19th), Jason
Spaulding (21st), Joey Payne (22nd), Keith
Shampine (23rd), and Jeff Holbrook (24th).
---- Ridiculously scary wreck for Danny Lane, who took a flyer
off of Tim Snyder’s right rear tire during the heat, when Snyder’s
engine blew. Lane piled into the first turn at what looked like
full speed, ripping the front end off of the car, sending the
front axle flying through the air. The balance of Lane’s car then
barrel-rolled, coming to rest upside down, with the engine still
running, the spinning rear tire dangling in the air.
---- It was a horrifying scene, but Lane eventually emerged
uninjured, after some extra time to get him extricated from the
car. I was really shocked to see him looking so calm when he
finally did get out of the car. I expect to see some amazing
pictures of this wreck, as many photographers were right on the
scene. The front axle and tires, after flying high into the sky,
ended up dangerously near where some photographers stand - in the
infield, nowhere near the remains of the car.
---- The biggest story in the small block supermodified
division was Mike Bond winning the feature, setting up the
aforementioned clean sweep for the Bond brothers in both
divisions. But the other shocking story was the story of who was
NOT racing.
---- With one feature win already under his belt, and sitting
poised in second place in the points, Chris Proud chose to step
away from his ride in the Tim Barbeau owned # 50. “On Thursday,
Chris called me and said he wasn’t going to be racing the car, and
brought it back to me”, said Barbeau. The car was returned, and
Barbeau went to work to find a driver for it.
---- Vern LaFave had already wheeled a car for Steve Abt
earlier in the season, and the deal was cut for him to drive it
the rest of the year. “Vern wasn’t my first choice. I called Mark
Regan, but he didn’t want to do it”, said Barbeau. There are a
couple of other things that Vern had planned for some Saturdays,
but he thinks he’ll be able to make all or most of the remaining
four race nights. “That car’s an animal!”, said Vern when I asked
him how he liked the #50.
---- So how could Proud walk away from such a potent ride? “I’m
just running low on funds”, said Proud, summing up his stunning
decision. Proud’s arrangement with Barbeau was that he was to pay
the expenses on the car, such as tires and fuel, and he was also
responsible for repairs, maintenance, etc. As everyone knows,
racing is not a cheap sport.
---- The car was ready, and he could have raced it, “but I told
Timmy that if I wrecked it, I wouldn’t be able to afford to fix
it”, said Proud. Trying to avoid a possible disaster, Proud
decided that the sensible thing to do would be to avoid that
possibility. “My race money was set aside, and when that was gone,
that was gone”. Chris also had some unexpected bills come up for
his son, who has had some medical problems. It was a decision of
paying bills or racing, and paying bills had to win.
---- Proud reached out to some of his sponsors for some help,
but nobody was in a position to help get him over the hump for the
remaining five weeks. Money is tight for everyone right now, and
with no money coming in, it was impossible for the whole racing
budget to come from his paycheck. Winnings from the car during the
season went to the car owner, so money raised from Proud’s
fundraiser and sponsors evaporated quickly.
---- Some theorized that Proud’s decision was based on the fact
that he was involved in an incident that happened on the track the
previous week. That was not the case. That had nothing to do with
his decision, as that stuff had all blown over by last Saturday.
The two drivers spoke just a few hours after the blowup, and put
it in the past.
---- Great runs last week for Dave Danzer, and rookie Mike
Bruce. Danzer has been struggling all year with a car that looked
haunted at times, so it was great to see the team pull together a
solid finish. I know Dave and his Dad Craig work very hard on this
car, so it’s great to see them get some positive results.
Unfortunately, they are the only ones who do all the work, because
Jayne and Casey will NOT help.
---- Mike Bruce moves into the top ten in points unofficially,
surging into the lead in the rookie standings with the solid third
place finish. Bruce looked very fast and smooth, and shows a lot
of promise behind the wheel. But he doesn’t dare relax too much.
If I’ve figured it correctly, Dennis Richmond sits only five
markers behind in the rookie points. Nice run for the youngster!
---- Steve Abt was bluffing when he said he was going to
protest Brian Sobus’ engine, as a retaliation from a protest the
previous week. No protest happened, and no DQ’s or penalties were
handed down after tech inspection last week. Head games are fun!
---- But Steve was NOT bluffing when he said he would be using
the bumper if he needed to. He caught some crossfire from Mike
Bond after the qualifying heat, where Mike thought he almost was
spun. Then he wore out Andrew Schartner’s rear bumper for a good
portion of the feature, repeatedly nailing and muscling him,
throughout the race. Schartner was irritated, but not intimidated,
keeping the car straight to finish 5th. The usually
calm Andrew was still quite animated an hour later when I asked
him about his feature experience. Maybe even walking a little
funny.
---- Say what you want about that Steve Abt (and they do!), but
he sure is making some noise for himself in the small block super
division, and making things exciting. I haven’t decided yet if
he’s the new Russ Brown, or the new Larry Muroski. Either way, we
sure know he’s there!
---- Kreig Heroth took a flyer up onto the inner hubrail in the
heat race, after colliding with Guard Nearbin. It looked like
Nearbin came down into Heroth after pushing high, possibly not
seeing Heroth dive underneath. Fortunately the previous week’s
winner didn’t receive too much damage, and was able to come back
for a 12th place finish in the feature. Which moved him
to 4th in the points.
---- With Proud bailing out, it now looks like a three man
separation for the small block supermodified championship. Dave
Cliff (680), Mike Bond (676), and Brian Sobus (663) have busted
out from the rest of the field, and appears as though these three
drivers will be the ones who will decide the title. It would be
Cliff’s or Sobus’ first championship, if they can pull it off.
Heroth sits in 4th, with 593 points, and Tim Barbeau is
5th, with 577. And yes, these digits are unofficial
numbers that I figured myself Sunday night. Go ahead and sue me if
I’m wrong.
---- Good news: both Bryan Haynes and his brother Brad Haynes
were in competition last week in the small block supermodified
division. Bad news: both guys had problems, and struggled to
finishes of 15th (Bryan) and 18th (Brad).
Good news: I think this was the first time that two brothers had
competed against each other since the infamous Andrews Brothers
raced together in the division in 2001. Bad news: many people
chose to stay home when they heard the Haynes Boys were going to
racing, afraid of the dreaded “Malachi Crunch”, that these dudes
are certainly capable of!
---- Bryan was driving his own car, the #86, for the first time
this season. Bryan lives out of state these days , and doesn’t get
to go racing as often as he would like. But he was able to wrestle
the ride away from Brad this week, because the Pitt Watson owned
#43 had been completed. Watson and B-Rad had been working on the
car all season, and last week was its first time on the speedway.
Good luck to both drivers in the future!
---- My own car, the #93 driven by Bobby Henry Jr., should be
back at the track this week. Henry heard through the grapevine,
then received a letter the next day that he was suspended for an
additional week after a skirmish with safety officials sent him to
the principal’s office on July 3rd. It was called a one
week suspension, but it cost him two features. An appeal with
myself and speedway officials Steve Gioia, Chuck Handley and Craig
Tyrell was unsuccessful, as the video footage of the incident was
mostly inconclusive when the isolated camera shot of the scuffle
was recorded over accidentally.
---- The gentlemen were courteous in meeting with me, but the
discussion did not go as I had hoped. Any chance of a different
outcome evaporated with the lost video footage, so we were all
going on what we had heard - not seen. Which are different
stories. So the two week red-ass (classified as a one week
suspension by track officials) has now been paid, and we’ll put
this all behind us. This is the first driver suspension that has
occurred in many many years at the speedway (they couldn’t tell me
how long ago the last one was, it was so far in the past.) We will
agree to disagree, and attempt to salvage a good run or two before
the season runs out.
---- So did Henry sit around and whine about it? Nope. He
picked up a ride in a sportsman car at Skyline raceway, and raced
it to second place. Not a bad night off, at all.
---- Jason Simmons had to jump into his old car, the #91 that
has been hanging around as a spare, due to an engine problem in
his regular ride, the Terry Solazzo owned #25. It has NOT been a
good season for Jason. Jason also informed me that the 91 has
actually been sold, to soldier Dennis Rupert Jr., who will be back
from overseas deployment in time to run the car Classic Weekend.
They will have the car all ready for Dennis when he gets back from
Afghanistan.
---- And one other sale of a small block supermodified sees
Chris Tedd buying the #05 car from Steve Abt, that Bill Moore,
then Vern LaFave competed in during the season. This purchase
makes Teddneck Racing a three car team, that will now field cars
for Dennis Richmond (#7), Keith Gilliam (#37), and an occasional
different driver now in the third car.
---- Tedd tells me that he may see some time in the third car,
along with Zack Crawford, who he may have on board for a full
season in 2011. No amount of hinting or looking moon-eyed has been
able to get me a ride in any of these extra cars. Don’t you guys
know that the older I get, the faster I used to be? Come on boys -
my birthday is coming up - and it just happens to be on a race
night! (August 7th.)
---- This Sunday is the fun / fundraiser event that’s coming up
in a couple of weeks to benefit small block supermodified
competitor, and all-around good guy Barry Kingsley. Here are the
details:
---- Sunday, July 18th. KINGSLEY RACING #23 Small block super
GOLF TOURNAMENT AND BBQ. Tamarack Golf Club, Oswego and Front Door
Tavern, Oswego, 10am-5pm. Golf- 4 man captain and crew 9 hole golf
tournament- $30 per person- this includes 9 holes and cart and the
BBQ that follows at the Front Door Tavern. Teams and tickets are
still very much available, and will be right up until game time.
Call Barry any time to set up your team, or to purchase a hole for
the event at 315-374-6195. I will see you there!
Gater News - July 7th, 2010
Wow! Talk about
fireworks on the 4th of July! We definitely saw our
share of fireworks at Oswego Speedway last week!
---- Of course I’m going to begin by talking about all of the
excitement involved with my own car, the small block supermodified
#93. All of the emotions came into play this week.
---- Our driver Bobby Henry Jr. started on the pole for the
first feature of the night, which was the rained out event that
was supposed to take place on June 19th. Obviously the
pole starting position is a big advantage, but it takes a lot of
things to fall together to win a feature in this division when you
don’t have the fastest car.
---- The first thing it takes is a clean driver behind you. Tim
Barbeau started on the outside pole and ran 2nd for all 30 laps,
but he drove him clean. He tried everything he could to get under
him in the turns, but he never quite got up next to him enough to
complete the pass. There were a couple of times where it was a
really close call, as Bob came down in the turns while Barbeau was
under him, but not quite enough next to him for Henry to realize
he was there.
---- Was he intentionally blocking? I don’t think so. But was
he taking up a lot of space? Absolutely. That’s the way it’s done
at Oswego. I know any car I ever passed at Oswego sure made me
work hard for it. There’s one groove on that speedway that if you
run it perfectly, it’s almost impossible to get passed, unless the
guy is a ton faster than you, or uses his bumper. Barbeau was
definitely faster, but he did not use the bumper. I thanked him
for that. And Bob’s definitely lucky that it was Tim behind him
instead of a lot of other guys, who would have laid the iron to
him. “The wideness is just built into that car”, someone said in
the pits afterwards.
---- Barbeau wasn’t particularly pleased with the outcome, but
the two drivers talked at the tech shed. No lasting hard feelings
will haunt the friends. The story I heard later about someone from
the crew wanting to fight with Henry about it in victory lane was
one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever heard in my life.
---- Although Bob Henry is a newcomer to the division, a lot of
effort is what put him in victory lane. To the people that think
he just jumped in my car and started racing it, nothing could be
further from the truth. He and his buddy Dave Gruel worked on that
car all winter, going through it from front to rear in Dave’s
garage. They checked every part on that car, and did a ton of
changes and maintenance to a car that had pretty much been
neglected for the last few seasons. New shocks, springs, heims,
brakes, transmission, clutch, etc. Not to mention the motor that
Bob’s Dad, Bob Henry Sr. of Henry Performance built.
---- This win was no fluke. It happened because of hard work,
driving talent, and the necessary amount of luck and opportunity.
Just like every other win.
---- So that was the cool part of the day for the 93. In the
heat race for the night‘s second feature, things got ugly. And I
do mean ugly.
---- Running hard, Henry and Chris Proud came together on the
front stretch. I saw the video, and talked to Chris about it. “We
came together when I tried to get under him, and we brushed
wheels. You know what happens sometimes when these cars hit
wheels”, he said. The cars came together when Chris drifted into
him coming off of turn four, and around they went. The 93 went
hard into the front straight wall, wrecking the body on the left
rear, bending a spindle, heims, rim, etc. The full extent of the
damage will be assessed this week, but it looked a lot worse than
it actually was. Bobby and Proud talked calmly about the incident
later in the evening.
---- “When I got out of the car, I saw dollar signs!”, said
Henry, explaining his anger. Our deal is that Bobby is responsible
for the car - not just the labor, but also replacing parts and
repairing whatever happens. They’ve put a lot more money into that
car than I have this year, and they are also competing Sundays at
Utica-Rome Speedway with their dirt modified.
---- It all went downhill when Proud started gesturing at Henry
after the incident, possibly in response to some jawing from
Henry. That would set anyone off, and when Bobby tried to cross
the track to answer the call, he was aggressively restrained. Some
bruises on his arm show that he was grabbed pretty hard, but it is
also possible that they were trying to prevent him from walking
into traffic. In the process, he also fell getting out of the car,
and was bent down trying to pick up his radio.
---- The scene got ugly after that, because one return shove
from an angry driver brings an army of safety workers defending
their own. It was a huge show of force, as I have a picture of
exactly EIGHT safety officials escorting him to the gate. The
situation escalated to where Henry was paraded across in front of
the grandstand and booted out the front gate.
---- So was Bobby wrong to be angry? No. He’s an old school
racer, and from the time I’ve spent around him and his Dad,
they’re not the type of guys to take any crap. But you can’t
return shove track safety workers, even if you feel that they
shoved you first. Maybe he’d take that back. I didn’t see the
whole exchange myself, but I wonder if maybe the scene could have
been diffused with a little hug around the neck and calm talk.
Yelling in someone’s face to calm down is not how you get someone
to calm down. Adrenaline makes everything tricky in these
instances, and a lot could be gained by just a couple of deep
breaths, or maybe a count to ten. That didn’t happen. I wish it
had, for the sake of everyone involved. And I don’t want any of
these words to be taken negatively by the speedway officials. I
still think Oswego has the best safety / security crew of any
track, and I’m sure the same guys that flexed on Bobby will be the
first ones there to help him if he’s injured in an accident.
---- Bobby came back after the races were over to get the car,
and we hung out the rest of the night. I’m expecting that this
thing will all blow over soon, and hopefully he’ll be back on the
track this weekend. I assume that the one race suspension that he
served that evening, and the ensuing loss of points will serve as
his penalty, so hopefully he will be back this week. This isn’t
the first time I’ve seen an incident that seems like a huge deal
at the time calm down real soon, and I imagine this will too. I
wish it hadn’t turned into such a big public scene. He was made
out to look like a real gangster, and he didn’t need groups of
people standing around glaring at him while he was being berated.
“He was really angry and upset, but that’s to be expected in a
situation like this”, said track official Craig Tyrell. “He
apologized after he got calmed down”. I’m sure some things were
said that he wished he wouldn’t have said. “I just didn‘t think
they had to treat me like that”, said Henry.
---- Bottom line, and this will be a controversial statement:
incidents like these are not necessarily bad for the sport. It’s a
very emotional sport, and you would never want to take that out of
it. Fans want to see passionate drivers. Have you ever seen a guy
win the feature, then be dragged out by his ear like the angry
lunch lady in middle school? It’s a first for me. This drama will
give people something to talk about all week. You can’t judge how
you would react in this situation unless you had as much on the
line as Bobby, or any driver does. Please don’t judge our guy
until you’re in the same spot. As his car owner, I’m not that
embarrassed by the incident. Bobby’s a passionate dude, and he’s
good for this track, as well as the dirt tracks where he runs his
modified. I’ll only be mad if it happens again. I love this kid.
Don’t hate him because he’s beautiful.
---- Now he has earned a new nickname from me. He’s not
“Handsome Henry” any more. Now he’s “Hothead Henry”.
---- Oh, and there was one other good thing that happened this
night. With Bobby in the principal’s office, the guys really
wanted to put the car back together and get it out for the
feature. I was too annoyed to care actually, but Mark insisted.
“Find a fire suit - you’re taking this $%&*ing car out in the
feature!”, Mark told me after the car was cradled to our pit. We
started looking at things, cobbing on body panels, changing bent
parts, and I went shopping for safety equipment. Chris Tedd’s
racing shoes, a borrowed blimpo fire suit that Barry bought on
Ebay but is way too huge for anybody under 400 pounds to wear,
Bobby’s helmet and Hans. I tried to get into Kevin Knopp’s old
fire suit, but we didn’t have enough butter for my hips.
---- After a slow lap around the pits I was interested again,
and I had a fun time racing to a 9th or 10th
place finish from scratch, after a gray area trip to the rear for
jumping the start once during a huge brake check incident. ¾ inch
of toe didn’t help it much, but the car still felt pretty drivable
and fun. I had been itching to turn a wheel, so that itch was
scratched. It was fun, and I really like the changes that Bobby
made to the car.
---- Okay enough about me. I understand that there were some
other people that raced at the track this week, as well.
---- Congratulations to Kreig Heroth on his first win, also!
Kreig won the second feature of the evening in Tom Aaserud’s #44
car, in what I heard was an excellent race. Tom has assembled
quite a team of drivers for the 2010 season, as Andrew Schartner
won a feature earlier in Aaserud’s other car, the #18. As a Hedger
Chassis guy myself, it was really great to see Hedger guys sweep
the evening. We’re definitely outnumbered by the speedy FFB’s, but
we still have some quality representation at the speedway!
---- Steve Abt finished 3rd in both features, but an
extended, closed door stay in the tech shed after a protest from
another team may prove to be a change in the order of finish. I
spoke with Steve on Sunday, and he confirmed that he was deemed
illegal due to an illegally modified crankshaft. But he’s not cool
with it.
---- “Sobus better bring a lot of tools this week! I’m
protesting his engine. He’s pulling a piston out, and we’re
checking the ring size”, promised Abt. Sobus’ sponsor is who put
up the cash to protest the engine, and Steve’s not happy. “He’s
mad because I beat him in the heat”, said Abt, who felt the
protest was not done within the guidelines of the rules, which
dictate that a protest must be filed previous to the qualifying
heat, not after it. So he’s ready for some retribution this week.
“We’re definitely protesting one car a week, every week, for the
rest of the season. Sobus is first, and a lot of other people will
follow”, said Abt. Steve told me that at press time he hadn’t been
informed what the penalty will be for the transgression, but I’m
sure it will be announced soon. Abt now has a new Morrison Engine
being built for his car. The speedway’s website shows that Abt was
moved to 24th position in the second feature, but was
allowed to keep the third place finish from the first feature of
the evening, prior to the protest.
---- A few welcome additions to the field were Keith Gilliam,
Danny Kapuscinski, and Fred Kilian, making up a full field of 24
cars for the second feature.
---- Gilliam was asked to drive the Chris Tedd #37 car, and
looked pretty good. He won the “fireworks” heat, and finished 7th
in the second feature. Tedd would like to see Keith back in the
car, Gilliam said.
---- Kapuscinski was driving the second Barry Kingsley car,
numbered 24. Last week was just a shakedown for the car, but this
week the North Carolina resident will put some tires on the car
and see what he can really do with it.
---- Fred Kilian came back out with his #02 Twinz Racing ride
for the second time of the season. Fred pulled in early, however,
credited with 23rd in the second feature. Great to see
Fred back in action.
---- Some solid runs for Dave Cliff, who had a 2nd
and a 5th on the evening. Also a good night for Guard
Nearbin, who rattled off 6th and 8th place
finishes. And it was no fun staring at Brian Osetek’s rear bumper,
as he finished 9th in the night’s second feature. Nice
run!
---- The supermodified events were also pretty exciting. Maybe
not AS exciting as the drama-filled small block races, but pretty
cool nevertheless.
---- The surprise of the night was that Otto Sitterly, who had
won every other event at the speedway this year, did NOT win. You
know you’re good, when people are shocked when you don’t win. But
Otto was definitely off his game this night, finishing 4th
and 9th in the two features. He looked really quick in
the day’s first feature, but needed a couple more cautions. But he
wasn’t himself in feature number two, for whatever reason.
---- Jeff Holbrook grabbed a feature win in his #35 machine,
after leading the whole race. He also led some laps in the early
feature, before falling out early in the race. But he made up for
it in the nightcap, and grabbed his third career victory in the
supermodified division at Oswego Speedway.
---- Holbrook had to stay ahead of Keith Shampine, who finished
2nd at the end. It was a bittersweet night for Shampine,
who almost snatched his first career victory in the early feature.
Shampine spun the car while leading on lap 21, possibly due to
some fluid that was on the track from another car. It’s a real
heartbreaker for Shampine, who continuously almost wins in the
division.
---- Ray Graham was also a winner at Oswego, capturing the
earlier race after Shampine spun. Graham went on to score the
victory by a very large margin, and we’ll always wonder if he
would have beat Shampine if he hadn’t spun out. Some quick evasive
action was taken by Graham to even miss the spinning #88. Graham
was 7th at the end of the second feature.
---- Once again, Mr. Consistency Joey Payne landed two
excellent finishes, while just missing a win in the newer Strong
Racing #99 car. 2nd and 3rd place finishes
would be a relief for anyone, for sure. Dave Cliff Jr. ran his
first and second supermodified features ever in the other Strong
Racing entry, pulling down 14th and 12th
place finishes.
---- Dave McKnight also headed home with some solid results. 4th
and 3rd place finishes, in a damage-free evening in the
Syrell Racing #08 would be appreciated by anyone. Joe Gosek scored
5th and 6th place finishes. And Dan Connors
landed 6th and 8th place finishes when all
was said and done.
---- Davey Hamilton flew in from the west coast to race one of
the John Nicotra owned cars, but he looked like he wasn’t hooked
up as much as he had hoped. Hamilton was 11th in the 2nd
feature of the evening, the last car on the lead lap at the
finish.
---- And it was great to see Jerry Curran back at the speedway
for the first time since a horrible incident last season put him
on the sidelines. The “Nuclear Banana” looks great, and Jerry
turned some good times with the car before retiring on lap 33. The
car was so fast that when I saw Jerry later in the evening, his
hair had turned completely orange, and turned into an afro under
his hat. Just when you thought he couldn’t get any more handsome.
Welcome back, Jerry!
---- This weekend is the second annual “King of Wings” weekend,
which will feature winged supermodifieds on both Friday and
Saturday nights. Regular Oswego Speedway race teams will strap on
wings for the MSA sanctioned event. An excellent $55,000 purse
awaits the teams for the weekend of racing action. Twenty four
cars will qualify into each feature event with two promoter’s
options, one each for MSA and the Oswego Speedway, which could
push the starting field each night to twenty six cars. Race teams
will get $600 to start the 40 lap feature on Friday night with the
winner getting $3,000. On Saturday night, race teams will get $700
to start the 50 lap feature with the winner getting $5,000.
Saturday night carries a rain date of Sunday afternoon. Joining
the winged supermodifieds on Friday night will be the Tobias
SpeedSTR's presented by Parts Plus and on Saturday night the small
block supers will be running a "$1,000 to Win" 30 lap feature
event. This should be a weekend to remember, just like last
weekend!
---- I finally made it back to Brewerton Speedway, and once
again I was not disappointed. Every time I go to Brewerton it’s a
solid show, and last week was no different. Photo finishes, new
winners, and plenty of side by side action!
---- It was great to see mod lite and small block supermodified
competitor Andrew Schartner get his first win in the mod lite
division. Schartner switches back and forth from pavement to dirt
every weekend driving in the two divisions, and does it
effortlessly. Andrew has won on both surfaces this year, proving
that if you have enough talent, anything is possible.
---- The mod lite feature was a tight race, as many of the
drivers were commenting about how the track surface was so much
different than it usually is prepared. Shartner led most of the
laps in the middle groove, although eventual second place finisher
Joe Garafolo was doing all of his business in the low line. As the
laps wound down, and three time winner Garafolo was charging
underneath Schartner, we were hoping he would move to the low
groove to block Garafolo, but he stuck to his guns. Excellent
decision. And a great win. Doug Williams and Tim Devendorf, who
usually also fight for most wins, finished 6th and 7th.
---- The IMCA modified race also saw a first time winner, and a
photo finish! I couldn’t call who the winner was, as Michael Smith
and Dale Caswell came across side by side for the checkers. Smith
led most of the laps, but the often dominant Dale Caswell made his
charge through the field. When a caution took Smith’s lead away,
it seemed obvious to me that Caswell would use the help to close
the gap, and win another feature. But Smith held the position, for
the rewarding first victory. Great show!
---- The Crate Late Model division, although still suffering
from smaller fields, puts on a great show. An 11 car field is
still not what fans expect to see, but it’s an improvement from
what was available the last time I was at Brewerton. They really
are cool cars to watch, though.
---- Alan Fink was the winner, but AJ Kingsley, in the Patriot
Trucking / Finkel Distributing ride was the driver to watch.
Kingsley charged high on the cushion, momentarily taking the lead
from Fink, before jumping the cushion, falling back several
positions. But he never gave up hope, and at the finish he was
side by side with Fink for the victory. Looks like that cushion
was an effective yet dangerous tool for many of the drivers. After
it cost Kingsley some spots, he then used it to get them - or most
of them - back. Fun to watch!
---- In the modified feature, it looked for awhile as if Larry
Wight or Tony Steiner would steal the glory away from regular
winners like Billy Decker, Alan Johnson, Jimmy Phelps, Matt
Sheppard, Pat Ward, and Michael Storms. But Wight’s big lead was
eventually negated by a caution flag, allowing the cream to rise
to the top.
---- We were wondering for awhile if there would be any “team
orders” for Decker to maybe take it easy on Wight, who happens to
be the son of his car owner John Wight. That was not the case, as
the drivers ran side by side for awhile before Decker pulled away.
---- Jimmy Phelps was the dominant car, catching and dusting
Billy Decker, who had just wrestled the lead away from his
teammate Larry Wight. He was definitely the car to beat, and
nobody would do that this week. Decker was 2nd at the
finish, and Wight would eventually fade to 8th.
---- Matt Sheppard was in the pits more than he was on the
track, it seemed. After a hard wreck into the first turn fence
early in the race, and another pit stop or two during the feature,
he still came back for an impressive third place finish. Maybe
that car thrives on drama.
---- Chad Phelps borrowed Larry Wight’s backup car for a “start
and park” in the feature, after finding some engine problems after
his qualifying heat. I knew it wasn’t a good thing when I saw that
dreaded gray water/oil mixture on the ground behind Chad’s car
when I went over to say hello. And then I really knew it was bad
when I saw a couple of the spark plugs, which had flattened ends
on them Not good.
---- Early leader Tony Steiner walked away from a hard double
flip late in the race, which looked quite nasty. Nothing scares
these guys.
---- People are getting geared up for a fun / fundraiser event
that’s coming up in a couple of weeks to benefit small block
supermodified competitor, and all-around good guy Barry Kingsley.
Here are the details:
---- Sunday, July 18th. KINGSLEY RACING #23 Small block super
GOLF TOURNAMENT AND BBQ. Tamarack Golf Club, Oswego and Front Door
Tavern, Oswego, 10am-5pm. Golf- 4 man captain and crew 9 hole golf
tournament- $30 per person- this includes 9 holes and cart and the
BBQ that follows at the Front Door Tavern.
Gater News - June 30th, 2010
With the Oswego
Speedway season half over, everything is in line for an excellent
second half of the season. A lot of cool stuff is on the schedule
in July and August, and of course Classic Weekend in early
September.
---- For example: July 3rd - double features for the
Supermodifieds and Small Block Supermodifieds, along with an
autograph session and fireworks. (Important note about this show:
races start at 4:00PM, instead of the normal 6:30 starting time.)
July 9th and 10th - two nights of winged
supermodified racing. July 31st - “Mr. Supermodified and Mr. Small
Block Supermodified” night which pays $10,000 to win for the
supers, plus the “Hoosier Mama” Ladies Race. August 7th
- 60th Anniversary night, for just $6.00 admission. And
on August 21st, twin features for both divisions. A lot
of fun stuff coming up, for sure!
---- I had a conversation with track owner Steve Gioia last
week about the Oswego Speedway season, and sensed a lot of
optimism. It’s been a tough season so far for the track due to
weather, low car counts, and other issues, but things are looking
up from here forward. Many of the issues that have been gossiped
about this year have been corrected, including a shortage of tires
and fuel at the track. “Yes, there have been some problems, but we
have rectified the situation and we’re ready to move ahead and run
the speedway as it should be run”, said Gioia when I asked him
about rumors of some disagreements with co-owner Pat Furlong. As
with any partnership, people aren’t always going to agree on
everything, but that goes with the territory. “We need to do a
better job of getting the show done”, Gioia acknowledged, and
changes are being made to do that. I predict a quick show this
week, with limited intermission.
---- The Wednesday, August 4th USAC / Silver Crown
remains on the schedule, and details are still being worked out
for this event. Kasey Kahne promoted the event in 2009, which was
a huge success, but will not be promoting it in 2010. The race
will be an Oswego Speedway promoted event. The toughest part of
putting a race of this magnitude together is lining up some “name”
drivers. Kasey Kahne and Ryan Newman competed last year, which is
the main reason for the success of the event. Gioia has been
working with some agents to make that happen for 2010, but could
not give any names at this time. He also acknowledges that the Cup
drivers were the main reason for the big crowd in ‘09, so much
that the show may not even go on if he can’t get a commitment from
any of the Sprint Cup drivers. Stay tuned.
---- Looking at the mid-season point standings at Oswego, I see
some interesting stuff. Some surprises, and some not so
surprising.
---- For example, nobody is surprised to see Otto Sitterly in
the super points lead. He’s been the lead dog the last few
seasons, and it would be a surprise if he wasn’t in the lead.
Let’s face it - he’s won all of the features. Nobody’s catching
him. They may as well write the check today. He is 80 points ahead
of Dave McKnight currently.
---- But if it wasn’t for Sitterly, it would be a pretty tight
race. McKnight being in second is kind of a surprise to me,
because he hasn’t been a regular competitor at the track for
years. But he’s fast in the Syrell Racing #08, and he’ll get a win
before the season is over. Pat Lavery and Joey Payne are 3 and 11
points behind McKnight, which can be made up very quickly.
---- It’s good to see Keith Shampine running 5th,
since he hadn’t been a steady driver at the speedway in some time
either. Joe Gosek and Tim Snyder, in 6th and 7th,
are a little lower than many thought, but even Snyder is only 30
points out of 2nd place. Dave Gruel leads the rookie
standings in 8th, over Larry Muroski (12th)
and Shaun Gosselin (13th). Craig Rayvals is 14th
currently, but may be done racing at Oswego on a weekly basis.
---- The small block super point standings are a lot closer,
with Dave Cliff running the show. But Chris Proud sits just 14
points behind. Brian Sobus and Mike Bond are well within striking
distance, as only 24 points separate the top four.
---- Steve Abt sits in 5th place, after a DQ a few
weeks ago. At many speedways, a competitor loses their handicap
and all of the points earned on the night of a disqualification,
but Abt was able to keep many points from that evening. At 47
points behind the leader, a run for the title is still not out of
the question.
---- Stan Gates is currently listed in 6th place,
but will fall this week because he wasn’t at the speedway for the
June 19th rained out event. Barry Kingsley (329) is
currently listed in 7th, but hot on his trail are Kreig
Heroth (328), Jason Simmons (322), Guard Nearbin (320), and Mike
Bruce (317).
---- The biggest surprises in the small block standings are Tim
Barbeau (13th), who has dropped out of two races while
leading, and Andrew Schartner (15th),who missed a race
a few weeks ago. These two drivers certainly were expected to be
in the top five. It should be a very interesting rest of the
season!
---- People are getting geared up for a fun / fundraiser event
that’s coming up in a couple of weeks to benefit small block
supermodified competitor, and all-around good guy Barry Kingsley.
Here are the details:
---- Sunday, July 18th. KINGSLEY RACING #23 Small block super
GOLF TOURNAMENT AND BBQ. Tamarack Golf Club, Oswego and Front Door
Tavern, Oswego, 10am-5pm. Golf- 4 man captain and crew 9 hole golf
tournament- $30 per person- this includes 9 holes and cart and the
BBQ that follows at the Front Door Tavern.
Gater News - June 23rd, 2010
Wow - what a show coming up on July 3rd at Oswego Speedway!
When this week’s show rained out after the heat races, the
decision was made to run double features for both the
supermodified and small block supermodified divisions on
Saturday, July 3rd. (The track was already scheduled to be
closed on June 26th due to graduation weekend for many of the
local schools.) Get a load of this lineup:
----Two 45 lap supermodified features. Two 30 lap small block
supermodified features. “Hoosier Mama” ladies race. Kids
autograph session. Fireworks. And post-race party featuring
the Domicolo & Barlow Band. Everything starts at 4:00.
---- But the best part? The price. You can see this entire
show for just $7.00! If you have your rain ticket from the June
19th race, just show it at the gate for $5.00 off of the $12
admission. OR if you don’t, you can still get in for just ten
clams if you pick up an advance sale ticket at a Price Chopper
grocery store. How’s that for a deal? But even if you don’t
take advantage of any of the discounts, this will still be an
amazing show for just $12! Expect the speedway to be packed for
this one!
---- All that happiness at my favorite speedway. So why do I
look so sad? Because I have to MISS it! A long ago planned
trip to Ohio for that weekend will cause me to miss one of the
most exciting nights of the season. Not to mention that my own
car, driven by Bobby Henry, will be starting on the pole for the
event, and probably win just because I’m not there. Maybe it’ll
rain out again…
---- Michael Barnes made his first appearance of the season in
the #66 supermodified, but it wasn’t the best debut ever. He
and the Osetek / Buske Racing Team have been working on this car
all season, and there are still some bugs to work out. I was
not there for hot laps, but he was not able to compete in his
heat race event due to a stuck throttle. But not the dangerous
way, as you would expect. “The throttle was stuck…closed!”,
Mikey told me later in the evening.
---- Joey Payne and the Strong Racing team rented the track
earlier in the day, to take some time to work on the “new” car,
that Payne still hasn’t competed with yet. Chasing some
problems on and off throughout the season in the car that was
completed during the 2009 season, Payne has elected to drive the
older car out of the Strong stables every week so far. But this
week the decision was made to switch gears, and it would have
been fun to see how the New 99 ran. I guess we’ll have to wait
to see that.
---- So what about the “old” car? Complete, race ready car
sitting in the pits, looking lonely. That didn’t last long.
Small block supermodified driver Dave Cliff Jr. was called over
from the other side of the pits to jump in the supermodified
before the heat, and he looked very smooth in it. He’ll be back
behind the wheel of the car on July 3rd.
---- Keith Shampine, Jeff Holbrook, and Joe Gosek all won
qualifying heat races before the rains came. The heats were
done by 7:30, and it was announced that the small block super
feature would green at 7:45. But then the rain started, light
at first, then heavier, then downpour. Track safety and many
peoples’ personal vehicles made laps around the track when the
rain stopped, but then it started again. And then the night was
called just a few minutes before a huge gulley-washer struck
again. Speedway officials and personnel did everything they
could, but it just wasn’t meant to be.
---- It was great to see a total of 20 supers in the pits, for
the first time in awhile. Joe Chillemi made his first
appearance in awhile at the speedway, but was a DNS in his heat
race.
---- Jason Spaulding returned after several weeks off, due to
a nasty practice crash at a track rental several weeks ago.
Apparently a brake problem caused that crash that sidelined the
Jake’s Automotive #23 for half the season. He finished 5th in
his heat race.
---- I think I’ve got this Otto Sitterly figured out. I’ve
been watching him. I know what he’s up to. Not too much gets
by me. And in the interest of making the racing in the
supermodified division more competitive, I will now reveal the
secret to his success: tire management.
---- Watch him in his heat. He’s just taking it easy, because
you have to run the same tires in the feature that you run in
the heat. A couple weeks ago he finished 5th in his heat. Last
week, third. Good finishes, sure. But the fastest, undefeated,
dominant car isn’t slower than all of the guys that he finishes
behind in the heat races. He’s just not pushing it, doesn’t
want to lean on his tires. If he can grab an easy position,
he’ll take it. But he’s not taking any chances. He doesn’t
have to. He knows he’s starting 12th no matter where he
finishes in his heat. There aren’t enough cars, so everyone
automatically qualifies. And since he’s the only guy that can
win this year, he can sacrifice points for the heat.
---- Then, come feature time, he’s still stroking it. Watch
him - he’s not pushing it. But then when it gets to crunch
time, BOOM, he flips the switch. Last 20 laps, he’s the fastest
car there. His tires are fresher than the other guys because
he‘s babying them. He’s pretty smart, this Sitterly kid.
---- Small block supermodified heats were won by Dave Danzer,
Tim Barbeau, and Chris Proud. Twenty small blocks were also in
competition this evening, same as the number of supers.
---- Finally a solid run for our buddy Bobby Henry in my #93
small block super. Bob was 2nd in his heat race to Dave Danzer.
The two started side by side in the front row, and Danzer
snatched the lead - and eventual win - from the outside pole.
Did he jump the start? Or did he catch Bobby snoozing at the
wheel? That’s the question of the day. Unfortunately for me, I
missed the heat, arriving at the speedway late from a family
party. But I definitely heard both answers, so I won’t point a
finger either way. Bob will be starting on the pole for the
held-over feature, so I bet he’ll be ready this time. “Maybe
with a green track the kid can pull off the shocker from the
pole…”, Bobby theorized.
---- Pushtruck driver Pete “The Hogman” LaFave called to let
me know about some of his fine body work on Dave Cliff’s car
Saturday night. Cliff apparently had a nerf bar pushed into his
tire, and Pete just happened to have a chain - and a truck -
available to get the 06 back in action. “Remember when the
smoke was pouring off his tire, because somebody bumped him in
the back? Well I yanked that bumper back out where it
belonged!”, he explained. The “Hogman” has been pushing cars
for years and years at Oswego. Hogman to the rescue!
---- Lou LeVea Jr. was finally back at the speedway for the
first time in a few weeks, after an accident gave him some time
off. But it wasn’t an accident on the track. It was an
accident on the way to the track that gave him some time off.
He was run into awhile back, doing a lot of damage to the
trailer and racecar. I think he’s safer ON the track than off
it!
---- Will Hadcock had the field covered in the Haynes #86
small block super. Or he would have, if it didn’t rain. It was
Will’s first time in the car, and his official finishing
position of 7th in the heat race didn’t do his driving justice.
Word on the street is that just like Otto Sitterly, he was
saving his tires for the last 20 laps of the feature. Watch out
next week, guys! Same thing for Terry Solazzo, who also took
some laps.
---- Big props to driver / car owner / birthday boy Mark
Castiglia. Mark owns and drives the #90 small block super, and
owns the #61 supermodified, which is driven by Lou LeVea. Both
cars have had a rough time so far in ’010, and it was a question
if they would even be back this week after the huge wreck for
both at the last event. A lot of hard work for Mark, Louie,
Craig Soper and the rest of the gang.
---- People are getting geared up for a fun / fundraiser event
that’s coming up in a couple of weeks to benefit small block
supermodified competitor, and all-around good guy Barry
Kingsley. Here are the details:
---- Sunday, July 18th. KINGSLEY RACING #23 Small block super
GOLF TOURNAMENT AND BBQ. Tamarack Golf Club, Oswego and Front
Door Tavern, Oswego, 10am-5pm. Golf- 4 man captain and crew 9
hole golf tournament- $30 per person- this includes 9 holes and
cart and the BBQ that follows at the Front Door Tavern.
---- Coming up this weekend, the rained out June 12th NORA
Opener at Thunder Alley (formerly Evans Mills) has been
rescheduled for Saturday, June 26th according to NORA President
Steve Reynolds. Since June 26th is an off night at Oswego
Speedway, the drivers were looking for a place to run, and the
deal was cut.
---- Thunder Alley runs 4 Cyl. thunder stock cars, 4 cyl.
thunder stock trucks, 4 cyl. sport compacts, 4 cyl. light trucks
and Thunder Alley Super Stocks on a weekly basis. Added to their
June 26th show besides the NORA Small Block Supermodifieds are a
50 lap enduro and Open Wheels. The Open Wheel division consists
of DIRTcar style Big Block Modifieds, 358 Modifieds, Sportsman
and IMCA. Gates open at 3:30pm with racing beginning at 6pm.
Gater News column - June 15th, 2010
Keepin’ it
Real by JJ Andrews
What will happen this week at Oswego Speedway? The last few
weeks have caused havoc at the track for many in the supermodified
division, and last week’s scheduled week off may have been just
what the doctor ordered. A lot of supermodifieds have been damaged
so far in 2010, and that will hopefully be behind us all when we
get back to racing this week.
---- This week’s scheduled events feature another $12 admission
night, or $10 with advanced sale tickets purchased at any Price
Chopper grocery store. Many different racecars are expected to be
back at the speedway this week, many for the first time this
season. A look at the roster on the speedway website shows several
drivers that may be out this week, or soon, that we haven’t seen
much of in 2010.
---- Bentley Warren, Greg Furlong, Jason Spaulding and Jerry
Curran are four drivers who are rumored to be in attendance this
weekend. Coming soon also will be Andy Noto, Michael Barnes, and
Davey Hamilton. Keith Gilliam has picked up the motor for his
supermodified, and will see action in a few weeks. Hal LaTulip,
Joe Chillemi, Bill Sharkey, Todd Stowell, and Bob Bogwicz are all
on the roster at
www.oswegospeedway.com,
but haven’t seen any track time so far this season. And Stephen
Gioia III and Shawn Muldoon are two drivers still on the mend -
both physically and financially - from nasty 2009 accidents. So
although car counts have been off, we’re very close to seeing a
big field of cars any week now.
---- Then after another scheduled week off on June 26th
for graduation week, July promises to be a huge month at Oswego
Speedway. July 3rd finds the fireworks, kids autograph
night, and the “Hoosier Mama” powder puff event, which will once
again be won by Samantha Todd. Then on July 9th and
July 10th, two huge nights of winged supermodified
racing will take place at the speedway. A rare Friday / Saturday
show will feature two nights of supermodifieds, topped off by the
MSA “King of Wings” show on Saturday night. And then on July 31st,
the supers will compete for $10,000 to win in the “Mr.
Supermodified” event, while the small block supers will get a huge
boost to $1,500 for the win. Youngsters also will be able to meet
the drivers for autographs on this night. July promises to be a
huge month at Oswego Speedway!
---- Another big promotion at the speedway that is sure to get
a lot of people excited is the recently announced “Ride with the
Legends” event for the 2-seat supermodified at Oswego Speedway.
The following is a press release provided by the speedway.
---- “Oswego, N.Y. - Classic Weekend at the Oswego Speedway you
will have the opportunity to ride in the 2-seat Supermodified
driven by Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame and future Hall of Fame
drivers. Five members of the Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame, and a
two other drivers who are sure to become Hall of Fame members will
be behind the wheel of the 2-seat Supermodified giving fans rides,
and raising money for Cleaning for a Reason. Imagine hitting
speeds up to 150 MPH with an Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame Driver
behind the wheel!
---- Cleaning for a Reason is an organization whose mission is
to provide free home cleanings to women who are undergoing cancer
treatments. Tom Heveron’s Beachland Cleaning, with 3 Florida
locations, is one of more than 650 partners in all 50 states and 3
Canadian provinces supporting this program. Beachland Cleaning is
the sponsor of the 2010 Oswego Speedway Supermodified Rookie of
the Year and Supermodified Classic Rookie of the Year programs.
---- Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame members Pat Abold, Eddie
Bellinger, Davey Hamilton, Doug Heveron, Bentley Warren, and
future Hall of Fame members Greg Furlong and Joe Gosek have all
committed to take part in the program. All will be behind the
wheel of the 2-seat Supermodified Classic Weekend to help the
Cleaning for a Reason program.
Starting immediately, a maximum of 3 rides will be sold with
each of the following drivers, Pat Abold, Eddie Bellinger, Greg
Furlong, Joe Gosek, Davey Hamilton, and Doug Heveron. Each ride
will consist of a push off lap and 5 green flag laps. From now
until August 1 you can schedule a ride with these Hall of Fame
drivers for $200.00 each, with a portion of the proceeds going to
Cleaning for a Reason. After August 1st, if there are
any rides remaining, they will be sold at $250.00.
---- On Friday night of Classic Weekend, during the Party in
the Pits, one additional ride with each Hall of Fame and future
Hall of Fame drivers will be auctioned off, with the minimum bid
being $150.00. At that time one ride will be auctioned off to have
Bentley Warren as the driver. Bidding for the ride with Bentley
Warren will start at $250.00. All rides will be taken starting at
9:00AM on Saturday, September 4. In the event of inclement weather
all rides will be rescheduled.
---- During the Ride with the Legends the Oswego Speedway main
grandstand will be open with free admission for those who want to
watch the greatest drivers of all time return to the Big O. To
schedule your ride with an Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame driver
Classic Weekend call Roy Sova at 315-297-2262.”
---- A last minute trip to Utica-Rome Speedway last week turned
out to be a good idea. I don’t get to Utica-Rome very often, but
when I do, I’m always impressed. Since I got there at about 10
minutes after the starting time of 5:30, I had already missed two
sportsman heats. A prompt starting time is important on a Sunday
race, and Utica-Rome management is obviously very aware of that.
Qualifying heats for FIVE divisions of racecars were completed by
6:20, as the show is moved along rapidly. Unfortunately a rain
delay held things up for around an hour, but I was still on the
way home at 9:30, after seeing all five features. Which means
without the rain, it would have been a three hour show, getting me
on the road by 8:30 or so.
---- I enjoyed the whole concept of the show.
1. Start promptly. No dilly-dallying.
2. Plenty of racecars. Even though no divisions had more than
24 cars, five divisions of cars placed over 90 different cars on
the speedway surface during the evening.
3. Keep the night moving. A short intermission was filled with
an uneventful four car spectator race. There were no big groups of
time where there was nothing to watch. And no excessive caution
laps before the races start. When you hit the track, you see the
white flag. You had better be ready to line up and go, or else
they’re starting without you.
4. And a very nice facility, with friendly track employees at
every turn makes a big difference. Just a smile from the guy
checking your pit pass, or a kind word at the ticket booth goes a
long way toward making your visit enjoyable. That, to me, is the
most important part of running any business - make your customers
feel comfortable.
---- Not everything was perfect, but it’s easy to overlook a
negative here and there when there are a lot of positives.
Obviously the speedway couldn’t control the weather, but they made
the best of it. And a huge opportunity for the track to sell a lot
of food was lost when concessions were either closed or out of
food during the rain delay, and the rest of the evening.
Concession prices were on par with most tracks (not cheap, by any
means), but that early closure certainly spelled missed
opportunity. And a seeping water hole in the front straight never
stopped gushing water, no matter how many cars raced across it.
---- Bottom line: the product is there. Utica-Rome is an
exciting, fast track. Plenty of cars and a really impressive crowd
made for a great show. I loved my trip to U-R, and maybe the
owners of some other speedways would do themselves a favor by
heading down there on a Sunday night and taking in the show. Look
around. Compare notes. The crowd was excited, and everyone was
having a great time. And there was no time for people to nit-pick
over concession prices or long intermissions.
---- It sure helped that the racing was excellent, too, which
is something track management can’t control. Side by side battles
for the lead in all but the modified division kept it exciting for
all. Pete Taylor won his first race since 2003 and was very happy
about that. He bested Willy Decker, Ronnie Johnson, Paul Jensen,
Todd Burley, and Pat Ward.
---- Steve Way and Mike Button swapped the lead repeatedly in
the sportsman feature, putting on a very exciting show for the
fans. Mike Janczuk grabbed second near the end of the very
competitive event.
---- The “602 crate sportsman” division made one of three
scheduled events at the speedway, which was won by John
Scarborough, was also hotly contested. Jeff Leslie was right there
with Scarborough, followed by Jeremiah Munson, Kory Wilder, and
Jack Gentile.
---- I chose the right place to sit in the stands during the
pro stock feature. I always enjoy animated fans, and I happened to
sit right in the middle of “Shawn Frost Country”. Shawn Frost was
the winner of the pro stock event, and it was fun to see his
friends and family and fans enjoy the win. But just as excited as
they were for their car to win, they were equally excited about
the misfortunes of another driver, who apparently isn’t their
favorite. “Learn how to drive!”, was just one of the barbs yelled
at Pro Stock driver Mark Effner by the animated fans. Effner’s
car, which has a “rubber ducky” attached to the roof, was
definitely a target for these fans, and they were very happy to
see him not make it back into the top ten after a trip to the pits
with a flat tire, possibly due to a run-in with Frost early in the
race. The “rubber ducky” was even a target of some insults. Plenty
of fun, for sure. The only insult I didn’t hear, which I expected,
was “eff you Effner!”
---- I think Bret Belden was the fastest car in the division,
but coming from the back of the field, Belden never quite got his
shot to tussle with Frost. He missed stealing 2nd place
from Rocky Warner by inches, but a few laps more and he would have
had the position. Great drive by Bret, who we used to call
“Bretski” back in the days when we raced together at Brewerton and
Fulton. After the race, in a moment of extreme brown-nosing,
Belden thanked track owner Gene Cole twice in a victory lane
interview, yet thanked his wife Brenda a total of zero times.
Possible tactical error.
---- I also had someone to cheer for in the pure stock
division, as my old arch-nemesis Chris Cunningham had probably the
fastest car in the pure stock race. Like Belden, Cunningham had to
come from deep in the field, and made it as far as second at the
finish. It was a solid drive for Cunningham, who has the best
looking car in the field. Even if it is a Chrysler. It’s even
better looking than “Junkyard” Jim Thomas’ 55 Chevy pure stock.
I’m proud to say that I’ve finally stopped holding a grudge
against Chris for an on-track incident we had around 20 years ago.
Maybe I’m growing up.
---- One more thing that I really enjoyed at U-R is the
interviews for the top three drivers in all divisions. It’s tough
to get to the top three, and I’m sure the guys are grateful to get
to say their thanks and pat their sponsors on the back. And also
it’s great for the fans to get to know the drivers.
Gater News column - June 8th, 2010
What were you
doing when you were 16 years old? Playing video games? Watching
TV? Chasing girls? Thinking about sneakers? Outrunning adults in
$50,000 racecars?
---- That’s what 16 year old Daniel Connors is doing. Connors
has established himself as one of the top drivers in the
supermodified division at Oswego Speedway in only his second year
in a super. On opening night, Connors finished a solid third,
after dusting a couple cars off in the closing laps.
---- Last week, Connors looked as though he would have his
first trip to victory lane, leading - and at times running away -
for the first 39 laps. He ran a great line, and if it wasn’t for
“Mr. Domination”, Otto Sitterly, he would have had his entry into
the “Thousand Dollar Club”. One slip, on lap 39 of 45, and
Sitterly blew by for the lead, and 4th victory of the
four race season. But everyone in the house went home talking
about Dan Connors, Jr., and his future in the sport. The crowd did
go pretty wild earlier in the day also, when he captured his first
ever heat win in the division.
---- Sitterly’s domination must be recognized, however. He’s
absolutely the guy to beat, week in and week out. Although people
are starting to get sick of seeing Otto win every race, please
take a minute to appreciate the hard work and dedication that is
required to win at this level. Yes, he has a great car owner in
John Nicotra, but John will be the first to tell you that Otto
works harder than anyone on the cars to keep at this level.
Equipment is one thing, but it takes a lot more than excellent
equipment to run like Otto does. There are very few guys that
could do what he‘s doing - even with the same equipment. “I got
lucky to hook up with Otto just at the right time in his career”,
Nicotra told me last year.
---- Another horrible wreck swallowed up a bunch of supers
again last week. It appeared as though a top five running Dave
McKnight slowed down coming down the back straight. As Lou LeVea,
who was running behind him lifted for the slowing McKnight, he was
collected by Jeff Holbrook, who was trapped. All hell broke loose,
as Pat Lavery, his teammate Dave Gruel, Ray Graham, Holbrook and
others were caught up. Lavery scared everyone, flipping the 22. It
was a nasty, costly, damaging wreck.
---- Although the Lavery car was badly damaged, LeVea’s Mark
Castiglia owned ride may have received the worst damage. It was a
shame, because for the first time this year, LeVea was running
great. A horrible season for the team seems to keep getting worse.
LeVea limped away from the scene holding his side, “probably broke
a rib or two”, he told me on his way back to the pits. He was
later transported to the hospital, heading home without any broken
bones. I heard on Sunday that he was in plenty of pain, but was
“already trying to work on the car”.
---- Lavery was uninjured in the accident. The team was quite
relieved to see that he was okay, and looked pretty shook up
before he walked away. Very scary and upsetting scene, for sure.
“I’m fine - it wasn’t too bad”, Pat told me later. That’s easy for
you to say, buddy!
---- When racing finally resumed, Rookie Shaun Gosselin had the
best run of his short rookie supermodified career, finishing in 6th
place. And rookie Larry Muroski also was credited with a solid 7th
place, continuing his wreck-free season.
---- Chris Proud won his first feature of the season in the Tim
Barbeau owned #50 ride, holding off a determined Brian Sobus and
Dave Cliff. Proud survived some major bumper-banging in the heat
with Kreig Heroth, which was punctuated with a huge shot to
Heroth’s rear bumper after the checkers. The car was definitely
straightened around for the feature though, landing the FFB car in
victory lane.
---- The race was a wreck-filled contest as well, with one
wreck after another sending guys to the pits. Sobus’ rear clip was
crushed around his fuel cell from some heavy contact with Cliff,
as the two were caught up in one of the many tangles. Cliff’s
front lower wing was pushed under the car, dragging on the ground
for the rest of the race. Cliff’s upper nose also flapped and
waved in the breeze for most of the race, but he was allowed to
continue anyway. Seemed dangerous to me, but I was relieved that
it never came flying off.
---- The number of laps in this race was eventually shortened
from 30 laps to 25 laps for the small block feature after all of
the wrecks. The official word was that it was because of impending
bad weather, and too many wrecks. But the rest of the story is
that since the speedway wasn’t able to supply the small blocks
with enough fuel, there was concern that many of the cars would be
running out after all of the caution laps. There was fuel at the
speedway, but the tank was empty before everyone got what they
needed for the night.
---- Track tech and a few of the drivers were seen traveling
from pit to pit scavenging fuel for the cars that needed it, since
the speedway had no fuel for the cars after warm-ups. I know Barry
Kingsley shared a couple of gallons with Brian Osetek and winner
Chris Proud, that didn’t have enough fuel to race. It was
definitely a bad situation, but fortunately everyone made it. If
the speedway is going to make it mandatory to buy the fuel at the
track, they had better be able to provide you with that fuel. I am
sure that many people will be bringing their own fuel to the
speedway from now on, even though it is against the rules or
wishes of the speedway. I know if I was racing, I sure wouldn’t
want to be going from pit to pit begging my competitors for a
gallon or two of fuel.
---- Jason Simmons had a shot at his first ever win in the
Terry Solazzo owned #25 car. After inheriting the lead when Tim
Barbeau’s engine launched, Simmons led some laps. But mechanical
problems then attacked Jason, and he had to start driving the car
one-handed, with the transmission jumping out of gear. Simmons
held on for 6th in the final rundown.
---- That’s two heartbreakers in a row for Tim Barbeau, who
dropped out of the race while leading both times. After winning
heat number two, engine builder Doug Holmes was called to
Barbeau’s pit because of an oil pressure problem with the engine.
There’s usually not much you can do at the race track to cure an
oil pressure problem though. “I put duct tape over the gauges and
told him to run it”, car owner Steve Abt told me later. Barbeau
lasted ten laps in the feature, and turned the fastest time of the
race, before “grenading“ the engine.
---- It was a solid, and nearly damage-free night (other than
the rear bumper that was caved in by Chris Proud after the heat)
for Tom Aaserud’s Crow Motorsports team. Kreig Heroth finished 5th,
and one-time driver Bobby Henry finished 7th. Great run
for both cars.
---- Henry, who usually drives my #93, was enlisted by Aaserud
to fill in this week while regular driver Andrew Schartner had to
fulfill a “previous commitment”. It was a great night of
experience for Henry, who has been hampered by a few problems in
the 93 so far in 2010. Schartner will be back in the car for the
next race, although there is one other race night later in the
season that he will have to miss.
---- The original plan, incorrectly reported by me, was for me
to drive the #93 and work on setup last week while Henry drove the
#18, but that plan changed on Saturday morning when Bob chose to
not bring the 93 to the track. Since he’s been racing his dirt
modified as well on Sunday nights, the 93 wasn’t quite ready, so
the decision was made to leave it home. But some changes were made
on the car, and it should be ready to win when it comes back on
June 19th. (The speedway is closed on June 12th,
giving everyone a week off.)
---- Our bro Barry Kingsley is starting to drive with an
attitude.. and I LIKE it! He’s getting the Lupa-Kingsley #23
dialed in better every week, and has now landed in the top ten
every night out this year. He was involved in an incident trying
to pass Dennis Richmond early in the race, dinging up the car and
cutting a tire. But despite a horribly long tire change by his
unprepared crew, we still got him back on the lead lap, and he
came back for 8th place at the finish. He also finished
2nd in his heat, after leading a few laps. I think he’s
feeling this Hedger Chassis…..
---- Can Mark Castiglia’s fun times at the speedway be any
worse? First, a grinder accident in the shop on race day gave him
some nasty gashes. After a violent wreck the previous week that
everyone was shocked to see repaired by race time, a lap 4 crash
in the feature ended his night again, with another bent race car.
But don’t forget - that wasn’t the extent of his bad evening.
Castiglia also owns the supermodified that Lou LeVea drives, which
was destroyed in an accident Saturday, as well. I’m sure that week
off will come in quite handy.
---- Also a very rough and stressful night for Stan Gates. The
Ray Pike owned machine showed up at the track after warm-ups,
which always puts you way behind the eight-ball. It’s tough
watching Stan pace nervously waiting for his ride to show up. Then
he struggled adjusting to a new setup without having the warm-up
time. A 6th place finish in the qualifying heat, and a
17th in the feature after a lap 7 crash were not what
the team had in mind.
---- The Eagles Fan Club at Oswego Speedway has been doing a
lot of work this year to build up the point fund for the drivers
of the supermodified and small block supermodified divisions.
Coming up on Sunday, June 13th, the Eagles and LaGraf’s
Pub will present a captain and Crew Golf Tournament at Tamarack
Golf Club. A $250 prize will greet the winning team, and a
driver’s shootout and skins will add to the fun. $55 /person
includes 18 holes with the cart, and a great buffet and prizes
afterwards at LaGraf’s Pub. For more information, contact Larry
Lee at 315-529-1504, or Bob Garafolo at 315-254-6528. Or email
oswegoeaglesracingfanclub@yahoo.com.
ALL proceeds benefit the Eagles Fan Club general fund and injured
drivers fund.
---- I wonder…
---- Ed Horne told me awhile back, and I’ve heard a few times
since that mod lite driver Doug Williams would be trying out the
division in Horne’s small block at some point. I wonder when that
will happen.
---- What happened to small block rookie Fred Kilian, who I
featured in a story in the Post-Standard about being the oldest
rookie in the small block super division? He raced one time out of
four weeks, in week two, and I haven’t seen him since. As he had
never driven any type of racecar before that, maybe he just didn’t
like it, as some people decide.
---- I wonder if Chris Tedd will be back behind the wheel of
his Teddneck Racing #37 next week, after handing the seat of the
#37 over to Dennis Richmond, who handed the seat of Tedd’s other
car, the #7, over to first time driver Zack Crawford. Confused
yet?
---- I wonder if Dave Danzer found out what that hideous skip
was in his small block super. Sounded nasty.
---- I wonder if Vern LaFave will tie a string around his
finger to remember to take his firesuit to the track, so he
doesn’t have to miss the first set of warm-ups, driving half way
home to Philadelphia, N.Y. to get it.
---- I wonder how bad the #26 small block super got damaged
when it hit the fence head-on last week? “I didn’t even look at it
- just pushed it in the trailer”, said driver Mike Bond.
---- I wonder if you’ll support the following fundraisers?
…. Saturday, June 12th. Gnomey Racing, Dave Cliff,
small block supermodified. LaGraf‘s. 1:00 - sold out. Steak Bake!
…. Saturday, June 12th. Crow Motorsports, Andrew
Schartner and Kreig Heroth, small block supermodified. Ukranian
National Club in Auburn, N.Y. Chicken barbecue and car show. Noon
- ?.
…. Sunday, June 13th. Eagles Fan Club golf
tournament at Tamarack Golf Club. See more information above.
…. Sunday, July 18th. KINGSLEY RACING #23 Small
block super GOLF TOURNAMENT AND BBQ. Tamarack Golf Club, Oswego
and Front Door Tavern, Oswego, 10am-5pm. Golf- 4 man captain and
crew 9 hole golf tournament- $30 per person- this includes 9 holes
and cart and the BBQ that follows at the Front Door Tavern.
Gater News column - June 3rd, 2010
Keepin’ it Real by JJ Andrews
Can Otto Sitterly be beat at Oswego Speedway? So far, Sitterly
is a perfect three for three in supermodified competition, and
looked quite dominant winning the Jim Shampine Memorial 75 lap
event last week. Starting deep in the pack didn’t effect Otto’s
chances much, as a short field of cars was immediately chopped
up on lap two when five cars were eliminated in a huge pileup.
After that, Sitterly only had to pick his way through the
remaining eleven cars, looking a lot faster than everyone in the
field. Otto sent a message to the rest of the field that he
will be setting the standard. And he punctuated that message
when he passed Dave McKnight for second, bullying him up out of
the groove a little, causing McKnight to spin. McKnight still
recovered for 4th.
---- The big wreck on lap two collected a bunch of equipment,
and did a lot of damage. It looked to me as though Joey Payne,
in the Strong Racing #99 received the worst damage. Craig
Rayvals, Jeff Holbrook, Doug Didero, Dan Connors, and Payne were
all done for the night as a result of the incident. “It looks
like the frame is okay” was the best silver lining that Pat
Strong could offer when I asked how bad the car was hurt. A lot
of bent equipment.
---- I couldn’t see exactly what caused that wreck, but it
happened about a half lap after Craig Rayvals and Jeff Holbrook
made some contact. Holbrook looked quite aggressive in the #35
in the early going, bailing into the second groove with
authority. Contact to Rayvals’ right rear tire from Holbrook’s
left front caused a big cloud of tire smoke, but both cars were
able to recover, at least temporarily. One theory was that
Rayvals had a flat tire just half a lap later, contributing to
that pileup, but I don’t know if that is correct.
---- Joe Gosek arrived at the track late, missing all of the
warm-ups and qualifying heats. Gosek was involved in a huge
wreck the previous week, and he and the crew apparently had just
completed the repairs to get the car to the track. Gosek was
given a couple of warmup laps prior to the feature just to make
sure everything was okay with the car, but otherwise he went
into the feature with an unknown car. Under those
circumstances, Gosek and the crew had to be quite content with
their 6th place finish at the end of the night. At one point
during the week, Gosek had already lined up a ride in the 2nd
Strong Racing machine, because the #00 wasn’t expected to be
ready, but didn‘t need it.
---- There was apparently some confusion at the finish, as
both Gosek and Pat Lavery, who had been lapped by leader Otto
Sitterly, pulled into the pits after seeing Sitterly’s
checkers. The mistake was that they had only completed 74 of
the scheduled 75 laps, but neither lost a position because they
were the only two cars on that lap.
---- Dave Gruel had a new engine strapped into the Double
Deuce Racing #50 for the night, but the team chased problems
with that all night. It may have been a problem with the
injection or something else, but they never quite got the car up
to speed. Gruel did still bring home an 8th place finish at the
end of the night.
---- Gary Morton made his first appearance of the season in
his #70. Good to see Morton in the field. He finished 9th in
the final rundown.
---- Steve Abt was dominant in the Tony White Memorial small
block supermodified event, and would not be denied this win. Abt
had some very kind words to say about Tony White in victory
lane, whose #4 was retired in a special ceremony earlier in the
evening. After a wreck the previous week, Abt was on a mission,
and wasted no time marching to the front. Abt held off Mike
Bond, Dave Cliff Jr., Chris Proud, and Stan Gates for the win.
---- The small block supermodified feature ended in
controversy, as winner Steve Abt’s carburetor raised some
questions in post-race tech. No final determination was made on
race night, as track tech told Abt that they would have to make
a phone call to Holley Carburetors to verify a question about
numbers on the metering block. Abt was confident that the
discrepancy was just a technicality, and the victory would
become official on Tuesday after the phone call to Holley is
complete.
---- Of course a lot of people are waiting anxiously for the
answer to this question. A lot is on the line, because one of
the drivers in our division was DQ’ed after last year’s small
block Classic for a carburetor infraction. The right call will
be made, no matter what the outcome, or political implications
of the correct decision. Stay tuned.
---- Mike Bond, who finished in 2nd place, took the high road
when asked if he hoped Abt was disqualified. Of course he has
the most to gain if the win isn’t upheld. Bond, Abt, and Dave
Cliff, who finished third, are in a tight battle for the
championship, so that extra couple point bonus would help the
cause.
---- Stan Gates, who is driving Ray Pike’s #60 in 2010, pulled
his own car out of the garage to fill in this week. The #60
received a lot of damage to the rear clip the previous week, and
after some repairs at Ray Hedger’s shop, they ran out of time to
get the car back together in time for the weekend. Fortunately
Gates’ own car was available, so the decision was made to
activate that ride for Saturday. The team never missed a beat,
as Gates finished 2nd in his heat, and 5th in the feature.
George Knight is expected to be in that car this week, as Pike’s
Hedger car should be back on the track by then.
---- Steve Abt’s car #05, driven the first two weeks by Bill
Moore, had a different driver behind the wheel this week. Moore
decided to step away from the ride, at least temporarily,
because he “wasn’t having fun”, according to Abt. A few people
were offered the ride, and Vern LaFave was the driver that ended
up wheeling the car on Saturday. Vern enjoyed the ride, and
told me that he will most likely be in the car the rest of the
season, with the exception of Moore getting back in the car on
occasion. The former dirt mod, supermodified, winged
supermodified, and previous small block supermodified driver
finished 11th in his first outing, and enjoyed himself. “I
forgot how much fun this was”, said Vern.
---- Danny Kapuscinski was at one point tabbed to drive the
same #05, but missed out on the opportunity when he couldn’t get
to the track early enough from his home in North Carolina. He
arrived before the heats began, but a flight change to get him
to the track in time for practice and warm-ups would have been
tough to work out. Yours truly was also offered this ride, but
I couldn’t do it. Not being in the position to commit to
running the balance of the season or contribute financially, I
had to decline the offer, but I was flattered to have been
asked.
---- Tim Barbeau had a heartbreaking night. The #58 won his
heat, and was on a rail in the feature, leading many laps, and
turning the fastest lap of the race. But his lead was
eliminated when a problem with his steering box caused him to
park the car. “It started getting a tight spot in it and I just
switched how I was driving, then it was like it just seized up
all of a sudden.”, explained Barbeau. “It happened the caution
before, and I figured I'd try it on that last restart, but it
just wouldn't even turn. I definitely had a great car last
night.” Credit Tim with 17th in the final rundown, after
completing just 18 of the scheduled 35 laps.
---- Also heartbroken was Mark Castiglia, who had such a solid
run the week before, grabbing his first career top five.
Castiglia led several laps of the heat race before getting
freight trained out of the lead. Then, on the last lap of the
heat coming off of turn four, the car turned directly into the
wall, doing a ton of damage to the snazzy #90. Mark was
uninjured, and he theorized that something broke on the car due
to some contact, causing it to take a right turn. A lot of work
to do on that car this week, for sure.
---- Chris Proud had a solid run after a big wreck the
previous week. Chris won his heat, and was running up front in
the feature. He lost a few positions when he tried to make an
outside pass, but recovered for a solid 4th place at the finish.
---- Brad Haynes made his season debut in brother Bryan’s #86
car, renumbered to #43 for the night. Brad will be driving the
Pitt Watson owned #43 car when it’s ready, but borrowed Bryan’s
ride to get out and have some fun. Bryan, who currently lives
and works out of state, will be back in the ride in July, and
for a couple of races after that.
---- Since I was at Oswego Speedway Saturday night, I had to
miss seeing my buddy Chad Phelps pull off a photo finish victory
at Fulton Speedway in the big block modified division. From the
speedway’s race recap, it sounded like an amazing battle between
Chad, Jimmy Phelps, and Jim Witko. A quality win for “the other
Phelps”, as he beat drivers like Matt Sheppard, Billy Decker,
Pat Ward, Alan Johnson and Dale Planck to notch his first ever
Fulton Speedway big block triumph. Congratulations Chad!
---- If you will humor me for a minute, I would like to
recognize something personally in my life that is not racing
related. On June 1st, my wife April and I will celebrate our
25th Anniversary. It’s amazing to think back about how our lives
have changed in those 25 years, yet we’ve always remained on the
same page. In this day and age it’s rare that people actually
stay happily married for that long, and I am very proud that we
have accomplished that. Three great kids have been the icing on
the cake.
People say it’s a lot of work to keep a marriage
healthy, but I have to say that it really hasn’t been that hard.
We don’t agree on everything, but we’ve always been able to find
a compromise or work out the things that have come up over the
last quarter century. We were lucky that at 19 years old we were
able to find the right person, and it’s been an amazing ride for
us.
We’ll be celebrating the event quietly this year due to other
commitments to our son John’s graduation party and daughter
Lacey’s wedding this summer, but we’re already planning quite a
vacation for our 26th Anniversary. A trip to the lake at Roy’s
cottage will be a great way to spend the day, and a trip to
Alexandria Bay this Friday will be a great celebration.
Happy Anniversary to my amazing wife April! I have been very
fortunate to marry the best person I’ve ever met, and I look
forward to the rest of our lives together. I love you!
---- The Eagles Fan Club at Oswego Speedway has been doing a
lot of work this year to build up the point fund for the drivers
of the supermodified and small block supermodified divisions.
Coming up on Sunday, June 13th, the Eagles and LaGraf’s Pub will
present a captain and Crew Golf Tournament at Tamarack Golf
Club. A $250 prize will greet the winning team, and a driver’s
shootout and skins will add to the fun. $55 /person includes 18
holes with the cart, and a great buffet and prizes afterwards at
LaGraf’s Pub. For more information, contact Larry Lee at
315-529-1504, or Bob Garafolo at 315-254-6528. Or email
oswegoeaglesracingfanclub@yahoo.com. ALL proceeds benefit
the Eagles Fan Club general fund and injured drivers fund.
---- It’s always Fundraiser season. All season long, many race
teams organize fundraisers and parties to start raising some
funds for our season of racing. It’s a great way to support your
favorite driver, as well as a fun time to touch base with your
racing buddies. I go to as many as I can. Here’s a list of some
upcoming fundraisers, and the information. Please let me know
about yours, so I can plug it here. Here are the ones I’ve
heard about.
…. Saturday, June 5th. 14th annual “Tournament for Wishes”
Golf tournament, to benefit Make-A-Wish. Noon, at Webster East
Golf Club. Includes lunch, prime rib buffet after. Call
585-368-9666 or 585-255-0781.
…. Sunday, June 6th. Rob Pullen / Mike Bruce, small block
supermodified #2. Woodchuck Saloon, Oswego. Chicken BBQ from
1-5pm. 50/50 and other raffles.
…. Saturday, June 12th. Gnomey Racing, Dave Cliff, small
block supermodified. LaGraf‘s. 1:00 - sold out. Steak Bake!
…. Saturday, June 12th. Crow Motorsports, Andrew Schartner
and Kreig Heroth, small block supermodified. Ukranian National
Club in Auburn, N.Y. Chicken barbecue and car show. Noon - ?.
…. Sunday, June 13th. Eagles Fan Club golf tournament at
Tamarack Golf Club. See more information above.
…. Sunday, July 18th. KINGSLEY RACING #23 Small block super
GOLF TOURNAMENT AND BBQ. Tamarack Golf Club, Oswego and Front
Door Tavern, Oswego, 10am-5pm. Golf- 4 man captain and crew 9
hole golf tournament- $30 per person- this includes 9 holes and
cart and the BBQ that follows at the Front Door Tavern.
Gater News column - May 26th, 2010
Who will beat Otto Sitterly in the supermodified division at
Oswego Speedway this year? From the drop of the green flag, it
was obvious that he was the car to beat. It looks like he’s the
faster car in the division, and he can just pick and choose his
way through the field. Of course it’s not really that easy,
because there are a few cars that are just as fast, and have had
problems this year. I think the difference is, although other
guys are turning quicker times during earlier practices and
qualifying heats, Otto is faster at night - when the chips are
down. But he’s rolling right now, that’s for sure. It’ll be
tough to beat him. He’s got three in a row, dating back to last
year’s Classic, along with both of this year’s features. The
boos have already started…
---- Dave McKnight isn’t rolling over though. The Syrell
Racing #08 turned some great times, and finished in a solid 2nd
position. McKnight led some laps before being busted by the
insidious Sitterly.
---- Strong Racing and driver Joey Payne once again chose to
drive their older car in the feature, as the newer car is still
suffering from new car issues. Strong Racing’s Facebook states
that the older car will definitely be the car of choice for this
week’s event, and that a guest driver may be in the newer car.
---- Joe Gosek wheeled the newer Strong racing car for about
13 laps last weekend, after a horrible wreck in his heat race
put the #00 out for the night. The 13th place finish will help
out a little in the run for the championship.
---- Lavery 2. Gruel 0. That’s the way the competition is
going on the Double Deuce Racing team for the two drivers. I
doubt they are keeping that score, because they are a pretty
close-knit team. But hey - if I can stir up a little bees nest
between the teammates, I’m more than happy to do it. First
week, 8th and 10th. Last week, 5th and 6th.
---- Actually, Gruel looked like two different drivers last
week. For the first 30 laps, he was “Rookie, Dave Gruel.” But
toward the end of the race, he looked more like “Bad-ass, Dave
Gruel.” Which one is driving this week, in the 75 lap Shampine
Memorial?
---- Keith Shampine looked strong again, but had a few things
go against him. First, a delay in his flight up from North
Carolina on Friday night cost him a limousine pickup at the
airport. Then, a top five finish in the feature was foiled
because of penalty for jumping the start. The penalty for such
a transgression is to be sent to the rear of the field on the
next restart, but since the race went green the rest of the way,
he was sent to the rear of the lead lap at the finish. The good
news is, he only fell to 9th place, as only nine guys were on
the lead lap. Busted!
---- Tim Snyder was another disappointed supermodified
driver. Snyder’s new Xtreme car was fast, and he led several
laps. But a stupid “magneto wire loosened up” on the car,
making it die out. 11 laps and a 14th place finish are all that
he has to show for the night. But a not wrecked racecar, and a
simple magneto repair will give the team some time to focus on
other stuff.
---- Also bumming… Dan Connors Jr., who scratched on the
evening before his heat race due to an engine problem.
…. And Jason Spaulding, who had a bad wreck at a track rental
on Friday, taking his car out for at least the weekend. A bunch
of damage, and a missed race for the weekly competitor.
---- Scariest thing I’ve seen in years. I thought I was going
to watch a bunch of racecars - and maybe people - burn up when
Dave Danzer’s fuel can went up in flames while they were
refueling the car after warm-ups. Nobody really knows what set
the fire off, as it was a simple refueling process. Static
electricity was blamed for the random flare-up, and you can see
some photos of the disaster at
www.lakesideracingnews.com. The burning fuel can was thrown
to the center of the pits, away from the cars, and seemed to
grow with every squirt of a fire extinguisher. The flames had
to be 15-20 feet in the air, and it was a terrifying sight.
---- But just a few minutes into the near disaster, (although
it seemed like forever), the track safety crew arrived with the
“monster” fire extinguisher on a truck, and sure disaster was
averted in seconds. Once again, Oswego Speedway’s talented
safety workers were equipped with exactly the right equipment
for the job, and knew exactly what to do. I’m telling you - I
was right there watching it, and that fire was going crazy.
Then two minutes later, it was old news. Thanks again, guys,
for saving us all from danger. And a reminder to everyone in
the pits - no refueling while the driver is in the car, just for
that reason.
---- A ton of excitement in the small block supermodified
division led to a solid win for driver Andrew Schartner in the
Crow Motorsports entry. Still chasing a transmission problem
early in the night, the temporary triple bungi cord repair
proved successful, keeping the 18 in high gear, so he could
drive with both hands on the wheel. Congrats to Andrew, Dad
Karl, car owner Tom Aaserud, and the rest of the team!
---- Definitely need to shout out to Mark Castiglia on a solid
run for his first top five - which was also his first top ten.
A new lettering and graphics package looked great, and made the
car a lot faster, as well. Mark led some laps, and held on for
a 5th place finish, outrunning the likes of Mike Bond (6th) and
Barry Kingsley (7th). Mark was pretty frustrated after having
problems on opening night. “I’ve spent way too much money at
this place to have nothing to show for it”, Mark said in
frustration after week one.
---- Mark also owns the supermodified that Lou LeVea drives,
and it’s been two weeks of wrecks for Louie. But hopefully this
solid finish will bring a little grin to Mr. Grouchy’s face for
awhile. You’d never have known it when he pulled into the pits
after the top five, but I was able to get a smile from him
simply by requesting one. Congratulations, Mr. Cool!
---- A huge wreck on lap five damaged a lot of vehicles.
Jason Simmons and Bill Moore tangled coming off of turn two, and
then there were cars all over the place. Simmons, Moore, Tim
Barbeau, Chris Proud, Mike Bond, and Steve Abt were all
damaged. Basically, it was a horrible wreck for Abt, as all
three of his cars (Barbeau and Moore’s cars also belong to Steve
Abt) were involved. And adding to the “bad luck by association”
situation, Proud got the worst damage, driving a car owned by
Tim Barbeau. That car looked like it was hurt very badly. Or
maybe the connection was that all of the cars driven by those
drivers were FFB Chassis.
---- We were also able to get many grins from Barry Kingsley,
after a solid 7th in the Lupa-Kingsley Racing #46. Barry looked
pretty comfortable in the Hedger Chassis #23, after curing his
own transmission problem from opening night. Apparently these
guys feel that “it steals my flow to have to drive one-handed”,
with one hand on the shifter holding the car into gear. Now if
we can get Barry an inside row starting position just one time
in his career, maybe he can avoid that freight train freefall
that seems to happen to him every time that he starts outside,
when he’s too much of a gentleman to force his way to the inside
lane. You watch - as fate has it weekly, Barry will start in
the outside row in both his heat and feature this week.
---- Think the Danzers are having fun racing in 2010? First
they destroyed their supermodified in a track rental before the
season began. Then the aforementioned fire with their small
block supermodified, when they almost lost that also. So is
their bad luck out of the way yet? It might be. After all of
the labor involved to pull and drain the fuel cell after most
likely getting a bunch of fire extinguisher chemicals in it,
Dave started last, working to 9th at the finish. Hopefully
their bad luck is out of the way, as well.
---- Lou LeVea Jr. also had some bad luck on Saturday night -
before they made it to the track. Their hauler was involved in
an accident on the way to the speedway, when someone in a
Hyundai blew a stop sign, t-boning the trailer. Then they
struggled with one problem after another with the small block
super, ending up with a 15th place DNF to show for all of the
work. Sometimes you’re better off just staying home!
---- And more bad luck for my own car, which is being driven
this year by Bob Henry, Jr. After an early spin in the heat
race, he was collected by Dennis Richmond. The nasty impact to
the right rear tire broke the rearend, and did a ton of other
damage. So far Bobby’s pavement experience hasn’t been much
fun, but he at least got enough laps last week to find out that
he’s going to be fast. Prediction: when the bad luck streak
ends, this week, he’ll finally get to have a good time racing at
Oswego.
---- A ride at Utica-Rome Speedway last week in his dirt
modified reminded him that it’s not all bad luck this year.
After starting out of the top twenty because of distributor
problems in the heat, he raced to 6th place at the finish, with
the benefit of only one caution flag. He beat guys like Pat
Ward, Ronnie Johnson, and Willy Decker in the process.
---- Glad to see the “Twinz Racing” rookie Fred Kilian out for
the first time this season. Kilian got some laps of experience
under his belt, which is the first step toward getting
comfortable in the car. Keep crankin’, Fred!
---- It seems a little strange this year in the small block
pits without series veterans Shawn Walker and Jack Patrick not
there. Walker, after threatening to retire for years, maybe
finally really meant it. Shawn continues to list the car for
sale, and I haven’t seen him at the speedway even once this
year.
---- Patrick suffered a shoulder injury during the winter, and
has been out of work for months. With the car all ready to go,
Jack will be back as soon as he recovers, which he hopes will be
the end of June or the beginning of July. We miss ya buddy!
---- Also on injured reserve for awhile is Ivan Steen Jr., who
was injured in a small block supermodified accident on opening
night. Steen came into turn one as two cars were spun in front
of him, and spun his own vehicle, backing into the backwards
racecars. Steen was taken out of the car on a backboard, and
transported to the hospital. Steen suffered broken ribs, a
shoulder injury, and a concussion in the incident. He will be
back after a couple months of healing, I am told. Get well soon
Ivan!
---- Coming back to the small block super division is Vern
LaFave, who will be activating the former Steve Austin car.
Four scheduled small block races at Caprara’s Thunder Alley
Speedpark in Evans Mills Speedway were enough to pique Vern’s
interest, who lives just a few miles away from the speedway.
Vern has spent a lot of time and money over the years on small
block and big block supers, as well as dirt and pavement
modifieds. Now he just wants to have a good time, and stay
close to home.
---- The plan is to run the Thunder Alley shows, and he’s not
too concerned about bringing the car to Oswego Speedway, the
home of the small blocks. But if he has fun with it, he may
bring it to Oswego a little before Classic, and run Classic.
It’ll be great to have Vern back - he’s one of the nicest guys
in the pits. He’ll be a nice addition to the field.
---- Friday night’s events at Brewerton Speedway always are a
great time. Great races, great people, and a great track. Last
week’s limo-gate party added to the memories that I have from
Brewerton Speedway over the last thirty plus years. I sure do
have a lot of them!
---- The modified feature went from green to checkers. I was
very impressed by Mike Mahaney, who jumped out to a big lead.
Mahaney had a great setup, and the lack of caution flags
certainly helped him. As the race wore on, some of the heavier
funded teams started reeling him in, and the upset was foiled on
lap 31 of 35, when Jimmy Phelps caught and passed Mahaney for
the victory. Mahaney ended up in 2nd at the finish, still
holding off the likes of Pat Ward (3rd), Matt Sheppard (4th),
Billy Decker (5th), Alan Johnson (9th), and Tim Fuller (15th).
---- Phelps did put on a solid drive through the field, coming
from 12th at the start. He caught and passed Mahaney just a few
laps from the end, and punctuated the pass by crowding Mahaney
into the fence. I wasn’t sure what that was about, because he
was definitely able to pass him clean without flexing his
obvious muscle. Maybe something happened between the two in a
previous race, because Mahaney sure wasn’t owed a thrown elbow
from anything that happened during that feature.
---- I always enjoy watching the mod lites at Brewerton, and
this week wasn’t any different. It’s always a close show, but
usually it’s Doug Williams, Clayton Brewer III, or Tim Devendorf
fighting it out. But this week was a little different story, as
Joe Garafolo won his first Brewerton feature since 2004.
Garafolo was stuck to the bottom of the speedway, and never
wavered (well, maybe a little…) despite heavy pressure from
Devendorf. It was a solid win for Garafolo, with Devendorf 2nd,
Jeff Isabell 3rd, Saturday’s Oswego small block super winner
Andrew Schartner finishing 4th, and Doug Williams 5th.
---- I had the opportunity in the pits to meet the famous mod
lite driver Doug Williams. Williams’ crew chief and personal
life coach Eddie Horne has been having a good time racing with
Williams this year, a new challenge after several seasons as a
small block super owner and driver. Ed introduced me to
Williams in the pits, and I have to say I was quite surprised.
Doug Williams really looked a lot…er… different than I
remembered him in the 80’s when he was the quarterback for the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Super Bowl winning Washington
Redskins. Quite a change. Big fan.
---- Wayne Wideman returned to his former place of glory in a
IMCA modified, hitting the speedway for the first time in
several years. The former dirt street stock and small block
supermodified driver finished 9th in the final rundown, running
incident free, shaking off the rust.
---- On Memorial Day Weekend, the Eagles Fan Club will be
raffling off a 20" x 30" poster sized "WARPED SPEED" Art photo
courtesy of Brian Sweeney at BSP Images. The lucky winner will
have his/her choice of driver. Tickets will be $1.00 each and
will be available at the Eagles table in the main concession
stand area of the front grandstands. See Sue Lee, Jessica Lee
or Jason Kingsley there.
---- It’s always Fundraiser season. All season long, many race
teams organize fundraisers and parties to start raising some
funds for our season of racing. It’s a great way to support your
favorite driver, as well as a fun time to touch base with your
racing buddies. I go to as many as I can. Here’s a list of some
upcoming fundraisers, and the information. Please let me know
about yours, so I can plug it here. Here are the ones I’ve
heard about.
…. Saturday, June 5th. 14th annual “Tournament for Wishes”
Golf tournament, to benefit Make-A-Wish. Noon, at Webster East
Golf Club. Includes lunch, prime rib buffet after. Call
585-368-9666 or 585-255-0781.
…. Sunday, June 6th. Rob Pullen / Mike Bruce, small block
supermodified #2. Woodchuck Saloon, Oswego. Chicken BBQ from
1-5pm. 50/50 and other raffles.
…. Saturday, June 12th. Gnomey Racing, Dave Cliff, small
block supermodified. LaGraf‘s. 1:00 - sold out. Steak Bake!
…. Saturday, June 12th. Crow Motorsports, Andrew Schartner
and Kreig Heroth, small block supermodified. Ukranian National
Club in Auburn, N.Y. Chicken barbecue and car show. Noon - ?.
…. Sunday, June 13th. Eagles Fan Club golf tournament at
Tamarack Golf Club. More details to follow. Save the date!
…. Sunday, July 18th. KINGSLEY RACING #23 Small block super
GOLF TOURNAMENT AND BBQ. Tamarack Golf Club, Oswego and Front
Door Tavern, Oswego, 10am-5pm. Golf- 4 man capt and crew 9 hole
golf tournament- $30 per person- this includes 9 holes and cart
and the BBQ that follows at the Front Door Tavern.
Gater News Column - May 19th, 2010
Finally - Oswego Speedway got their opener in on a C-C-COLD
night! But we survived it, and got our fix. Wanna hear about
it?
---- Otto Sitterly picked up right where he left off at the
end of 2009 as the dominant driver in the supermodified
division. It was obvious to most people there that he was going
to win the race, which he did. He marched through the field,
and captured yet another feature win. It could be a long season
for the competition!
---- But I think Doug Didero may have had a little something
up his sleeve to keep Otto in sight. Didero was the faster car,
but Otto got to the front first, and built quite a lead. Didero
may have had something for Sitterly, even making a rare outside
pass. But a close visit with the outside wall ended his night,
leaving Sitterly alone for the cakewalk.
---- The most horrifying wreck of the day took place prior to
the day’s events at a track rental in the morning. Rookie
supermodified pilot Dave Danzer rented the track prior to the
day’s events, to be ready for the night. “I went out twice, and
we were going pretty good, high 17’s. Then we went out for a
third time, and the throttle went right to the floor”, Dave
explained. The car smashed the wall, flipped, and took an awful
ride. The damage is horrible - even the roll cage is bent.
Thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours will be required to
get that car back together. If it’s even possible.
---- Amazingly and thankfully, Dave was not injured. He
sprained his wrist and cracked his helmet, and suffered a few
bumps and bruises. But he was back at the track a few hours
later hanging out in the pits. I chose not to ask him the
obvious question of when - or if - the supermodified would be
back. I didn’t want to make him feel any worse. I’m sure they
don’t know those answers yet. So is he taking the next couple
of months off?
---- “If I can get my medical clearance this week (which is
required because of the cracked helmet), we’ll be there this
week with the small block”, Dave told me on Sunday. “I feel
fine”.
---- The Danzers still have their small block supermodified
that they campaigned the last few seasons, that was on the
backburner in favor of the super. He was going to race it a few
times in 2010, but the super had obviously been the priority.
So now the focus will have to go back to the small block, with
the super on lower priority, I would think. But I would have to
be deaf to not hear the enthusiasm in his voice about getting
back on the speedway - right away. “I’ve got to get a new
helmet this week”, said Danzer. Maybe his next purchase should
be a couple of blindfolds for his parents, Craig and Sherry, who
were certainly mortified at the sight of the wreck.
---- As impressive as Otto Sitterly’s drive was to win the
supermodified feature, 17 year-old Dan Connors Jr. was equally
impressive in his supermodified. Connors ran top six most of
the night, but made some exciting moves in the closing laps to
dust Dave McKnight, Keith Shampine, and Joey Payne at the wire.
He sure looks like he’s ready to have a solid season. Very
exciting last couple of laps.
---- Keith Shampine looked for awhile as though he may score
his first win at the speedway in the Daratt Farms #88. Shampine
led many laps, then ran in second position until just two laps
to go, when Joe Gosek, and then Connors blasted past. But a
great start to the season for Shampine, even though he was
disappointed.
---- It was a good thing that Strong racing had two cars in
the pits, ready to go. The new car had some problems early in
the evening, so the decision was made to activate the “old
car”. Although the problems with the new #99 weren’t serious,
possibly a magneto issue, it’s tough to chase when you have a
perfectly good - and fast - car sitting there next to it race
ready. The “Jerzey Jet” took home a 5th place finish at the end
of the day, after a scary spin which sent him right into the
exit, missing both walls. Did he plan that, or guide it there?
---- The rookie battle for supers is off and running.
Obviously, Danzer won’t be in the running, but the other three
rookies finished pretty close. Larry Muroski was 9th, Dave
Gruel was 10th, and Shaun Gosselin was 12th in the final
rundown. Muroski was the only driver who survived the night
incident-free. Gruel was involved in a minor spin, and spent
some time in the pits before running the last few laps. And
Gosselin was involved in a very hard crash into the outside wall
off of turn two. The car looked badly damaged, so hopefully
they will be back by this weekend.
---- The small block supermodified feature found a brand new
smiling face in victory lane. Steve Abt has made a huge
commitment to the division in 2010, fielding no less than THREE
sharp small block supers on a weekly basis. Abt, FFB Chassis
builder Dan Dennie, and a great crew did a lot of work to the
2009 car over the winter, and it showed from the first time he
stepped on the gas. I’m sure Stan Gates will agree with that
fact, as Abt pushed, shoved, and polished his rear bumper
throughout the qualifying heat. The car is obviously very fast,
and he showed it, passing cars and leading most of the laps -
including the last one.
---- “This is my last year”, Steve told me awhile back. He
has spared no expense outfitting three cars for himself, Tim
Barbeau (finished 7th), and Bill Moore (13th). It looks like he
plans to go out with a bang. Congrats Steve Abt! Welcome to
the “Five Hundred Dollar Club”.
---- Mike Bond was a strong 2nd at the finish, charging from
the back after a heat race crash relegated him to a starting
position of “way back” for the feature. Bond charged hard
during the feature, not making any friends in the process. But
the car came back pretty fast after the crash, probably faster
than Abt at the end. Or was Abt just taking it easy at the
end? Bond was definitely going faster, but maybe Steve was
being conservative. We’ll find out this week!
---- I was very impressed with rookie Mike Bruce, in Rob
Pullen’s #2. Bruce ran 3rd in his heat, holding off Brian Sobus.
He then looked like a seasoned veteran in the feature, running
in the top five before a spin in turn one ended his night.
Bruce was one guy that wasn’t too happy with Mike Bond’s
aggressive charge to the front, as apparently some contact from
Bond’s #26 contributed to his demise. But I do see a strong
future ahead for the mod lite and go-cart racer. Keep an eye on
this kid!
---- Ivan Steen Jr., another rookie in the small block
supermodified series, was taken to the hospital after getting
caught up in that wreck with Bruce. Steen was awake and
conscious, but appeared to have a back injury. Hopefully
everything’s okay with Steen, and he’s up and running soon. I
wasn’t able to get an update for you by press time, but keep an
eye on my blog at
www.gaternews.com, and I’ll let you know if I get any news
on Ivan’s condition.
---- The best finishing rookie of the night was Dennis
Richmond, who ran a solid race to come home 8th in the Teddneck
Racing ride. It was a great first night for Richmond, who
looked very confident on the track. Richmond’s car owner Chris
Tedd, driving the team car #37, was involved in the incident
with Bruce and Steen, and his night ended at that time. Tedd
was credited with 17th in the final rundown.
---- There were plenty of disappointed drivers on opening
night. Add the driver of my car, Bob Henry Jr., to the sad guy
list. A slipping clutch in the 2nd warmup led to the big task
of a labor intensive - and unsuccessful - clutch change at the
speedway. It’s a pain in the neck to change a clutch at the
track, and we were very disappointed when the borrowed parts
didn’t work out as we had hoped. Bob took a couple laps and
called it a night, clutch still slipping. Try again this week.
---- Probably the only positive to come out of the night’s
events for our team was how hard other people worked to help us
out. “I’ve never seen anything like that”, said Henry. “If
that was my Dad and I, we would have just loaded the car”.
Thanks to Pitt Watson, Aaron Vrooman, Mark Sledziona, Barry
Kingsley, and anyone else who jumped in to help. I don’t think
dirt guys really get that involved with helping out other teams,
but I’ve seen this type of thing a million times at Oswego
Speedway. Thanks guys!
---- Dave Cliff Jr. had to do more than change a clutch
though. They had to change a car! Cliff blew an engine in the
#06 early in the evening, but they didn’t let that stop them.
They just happened to have another small block super sitting in
the garage, so they loaded up the car with the blown engine, and
went and got the car that wasn’t. Imagine having an extra car
kicking around, that you could just jump in and drive to 4th
place. Pretty impressive performance for the Gnomey Racing
Team.
---- Nice run for Guard Nearbin this week. Nearbin finished
2nd in his qualifying heat to Kreig Heroth, and ran up front all
night in the feature. A 6th place is a solid start for Guardy
this year!
---- Rough night for Tom Aaserud’s Crow Motorsports team.
Both of the drivers, Andrew Schartner (14th) and Kreig Heroth
(19th), were involved in tangles, including an early one with
each other, and didn’t finish the feature. Not a great way to
start the season, but you know they’ll rebound. I would have
thought Schartner would have given his Dad Karl a little nicer
birthday present than a wrecked racecar!
---- Rough start to the season for Mark Castiglia, who loaded
up early due to an axle problem. Castiglia also owns the #61
supermodified that Lou LeVea drives, and that didn’t go very
well either. LeVea was one of the first ones out of the race
after a collision with the wall in the supermodified feature.
Not a good night for Castiglia Racing. Hopefully things go
better this week - these guys work too hard.
---- Missing in action was rookie small block supermodified
driver Fred Kilian. Kilian purchased a car last year, and has
been at practices and track rentals, but not with his car. I
also understand that he did get some laps in recently in the car
at a track rental, so I was surprised to not see him there on
opening night. Tick tock, buddy! You only get about ten to
twelve chances to race at Oswego during the season. And now
you’re down to nine to eleven…
---- Don’t forget to head to Chris Porter’s
www.lakesideracingnews.com for the driver audio clips from
both divisions at Oswego. Porter’s two websites from last year,
sbsracingnews.com and superracingnews.com have now been combined
into one site, and will have all of the quality stuff - and more
- that you’re used to seeing. Including my “SuperStar of the
Week” feature that’s coming soon.
---- It’s still Fundraiser season. This is the time where many
race teams organize fundraisers and parties to start raising
some funds for our season of racing. It’s a great way to support
your favorite driver, as well as a fun time to touch base with
your racing buddies. I go to as many as I can. Here’s a list of
some upcoming fundraisers, and the information. Please let me
know about yours, so I can plug it here. Here are the ones I’ve
heard about.
…. Saturday, June 5th. 14th annual “Tournament for Wishes”
Golf tournament,to benefit Make-A-Wish. Noon, at Webster East
Golf Club. Includes lunch, prime rib buffet after. Call
585-368-9666 or 585-255-0781.
…. Sunday, June 6th. Rob Pullen / Mike Bruce, small block
supermodified #2. Woodchuck Saloon, Oswego. Chicken BBQ from
1-5pm. 50/50 and other raffles.
…. Saturday, June 12th. Gnomey Racing, Dave Cliff, small
block supermodified. LaGraf‘s. 1:00 - sold out. Steak Bake!
…. Saturday, June 12th. Crow Motorsports, Andrew Schartner
and Kreig Heroth, small block supermodified. Ukranian National
Club in Auburn, N.Y. Chicken barbecue and car show. Noon - ?.
…. Sunday, June 13th. Eagles Fan Club golf tournament at
Tamarack Golf Club. More details to follow. Save the date!
Gater News - May 12th, 2010
Once again, even though everyone got sunburn at the ISMA race at
Albany-Saratoga just one week earlier, Oswego Speedway’s opener
was met with SNOW. Apparently someone didn’t wish Mother Nature
an early Happy Mother’s Day.
---- The good news is that we now will be racing at Oswego on
May 15th, a date which wasn’t originally scheduled to be a race
day at Oswego. The original schedule listed May 15th as an “off
day”, so this is a great fill in. It’s risky business for the
speedway though, as people have been looking at their schedule
for several months now, and many have already made other plans
for that open date on the schedule.
---- So to those people I will say this: cancel your other
plans! This Saturday is race day! We need to spread the word,
so there is a great crowd for opening day - even if it’s not on
the schedule. Get there - and get your friends there - for the
season opening 60 lap event, in honor of the Speedway’s 60th
anniversary.
---- Joe Gosek is ready to go for Oswego Speedway’s opener.
One of the all-time great drivers in the history of
supermodifieds, Gosek hasn’t been a full-time competitor in the
division since 2007. But 2010 is a different story.
---- “My ultimate goal is to run for the championship (in
2010)”, said Gosek, who earned the nickname “Double O Joe“
during his successful run in the Indy 500 in 1996. Shoulder
surgery prior to the 2009 season kept him from a championship
attempt in 2009, but the team is all set to do what it takes in
2010.
---- The car is an Xtreme Chassis owned by Rob Gunther, the
original Xtreme car built by Paul Colloca and Doug Didero.
“They’re all good guys to work with. This is like an old family
deal. Works good”, said Gosek of his team.
---- The car is housed at Gosek’s shop in Oswego, and Joe and
some quality help do all the maintenance and repairs on the
car. The engine belongs to Gosek. With one championship already
under his belt in 2003 as a driver for Mike Muldoon, Joe would
really like to win another one in a team that he fronted.
---- In 5th place on the all-time feature winner’s list, the
seasoned veteran is more than enthused about the season. Gosek
has 39 feature wins in the record books currently, and is only 2
wins behind Nolan Swift for 4th. But Greg Furlong (37), and
Doug Didero (34) are hot on his heels, and will also be in
competition this season. (Stats courtesy of Jakessite.com.)
---- The team will concentrate on Oswego in 2010, but haven’t
ruled out dabbling in a few winged races. “You really should
have two cars to run the wing and non-wing shows with”,
explained Gosek. “But we’ll switch over for a couple wing
shows”. The two night MSA /Oswego Wing and King of Wings races
on Friday July 9th and Saturday July 10th are on the radar for
the team this year.
---- Another long time supermodified team that enters 2010
with a lot of enthusiasm is Steve Miller’s “Sweet 16”. Steve
has been racing in the supermodified division as a car owner for
decades, with many different drivers. This year’s driver is
former USAC Champion and NASCAR Truck series driver Paul White.
“He’s got the credentials”, enthused Miller.
---- The arrangement for White to drive the famous Sweet 16
was put together by Miller’s friend and longtime sponsor Fred
Gormly, who worked with White on Skip Matczak’s Silver Crown
car. White won two championships in 2009 in different divisions
in his home state of Texas, but Gormly had been after him to try
the supermodified. White came to an open practice at Oswego
Speedway on May 1st, and followed that up with a run in ISMA’s
series opener at Albany-Saratoga Speedway.
---- “It was interesting to watch him think his way through
the race”, said Miller, describing White’s finish of 8th place
at Albany-Saratoga. An early-race incident necessitated a pit
stop for the Sweet 16 to do some quick repair to the front
wing. White was able to negotiate the war zone of cones,
stones, and automobiles to the top ten finish.
---- Next on the tentative schedule for the team is the May
29th race at Waterford Speedbowl in Connecticut. “I’d like to
run every darn one of them, but that depends on finances”, said
Miller, at this point unsure of an exact schedule.
---- For the past couple of years, Steve’s son Kelly had been
his driver. Kelly hounded the old man to let him wheel the
super for many years, winning races in his own street stocks,
but Steve and wife Sharon resisted. “I could never live with
myself if anything ever happened to Kelly driving our car”,
Sharon told me years ago. “Plus, you see how he drives that
street stock”, said Sharon, referencing Kelly’s aggressiveness
behind the wheel.
---- But after years of hounding, and the healing of some
family feuds, the obviousness of the situation finally worked
its way to the surface: what car owner wouldn’t want his bouncin’
baby boy to drive his racecar? Especially when your child had
the talent to do a great job.
---- After a couple of races it was evident that Kelly, also
known as “Norton” around the shop, could be good at driving a
supermodified. But after some great runs, mixed in with some
frustration and mechanical failures, the frustration mounted.
“Kelly was frustrated. It was lack of money more than
anything“, offered Miller of the split. They knew they had a
car capable of getting to the front, but not the funds to get
there.
---- Since I’ve been friends with both parties for years, I
would bet that “Miller Pattern Stubbornness”, as both guys are
equally pigheaded, had something to do with Kelly walking away
from the ride. (I think I can get away with that comment, since
we’ve vacationed together, and I drove for Steve in 1995 to a
solid 27th in points. And I think I can outrun Sharon on
foot.) “I tried talking Kelly out of quitting - I hope we get
together eventually”, Steve Miller said.
---- The engine in the car currently is down on power, and in
need of replacement. And a replacement is coming. The last
couple years have been tough financial years for the
self-employed Miller, but things are starting to look up. Gormly
has ordered a brand new Enders big block for the car, which the
team hopes to have in place in time for the two night MSA
/Oswego Wing and King of Wings races on Friday July 9th and
Saturday July 10th . “For the first time ever, we’ll have a
brand new engine. Oswego Speedway is the best track we race
at”, reminded Miller.
---- There’s a special place in Miller’s heart for Oswego, just
ten miles from his home, and he feels that he has a great
winged supermodified setup for that speedway. A win in either
of those events at his home track would be the FIRST ever win in
Miller’s career as a car owner. “I think we’ve got the horse”,
said Miller. “And I think we’ve got the jockey”.
---- Ohhh man, am I in trouble. The fallout from my
predictions column last week has already begun. At least one of
my predictions has not gone over very well. Despite the fact
that I picked this gentleman to improve on his previous season
finish, Steve Abt was not happy with my pick of 9th for him in
the final point standings. Steve has done everything right over
the off-season, and feels that he is in line for a lot higher
finish than 9th. No expense or effort was spared. Which prompted
the “stink-eye” that I was given when I saw Steve last Saturday
evening.
---- In all seriousness though, Steve’s tongue-lashing only
started when he was instigated by Dan Dennie. I really don’t
think I’m going to get kicked in the Adam’s Apple when Steve
wins his first feature. He was mostly joking. I think. Maybe I
did put him a little lower than he deserves. Hey, if I had
known at the time I was working on my prognostication that Abt
was the only driver so far this year to hit the 19.2 second mark
in practice, I probably would have bumped him up a few spots. I
didn’t hear about those numbers until a phone conversation with
Steve on Monday morning - a few hours AFTER my deadline.
---- Maybe I only picked Steve 9th to motivate him. Maybe
it’ll make him try harder to win the championship, just to show
me what a schmuck I am. Maybe it’s because the words
“@%&* J.J.” will be
seen on Steve’s belly pan if he flips it over this year. Sooo…maybe
he’s top three. There - I said it. Maybe top three. And I’m
NOT just saying that because I was hoping to get a ride or two
in one of Steve’s cars this year. Look out men, it’s Steve in
‘Ten!
---- Last Thursday on Time Warner Cable was the debut of
“Trackwide Thunder”, a cable TV show put on by Thomas
Productions, that features local auto racing. The initial show
covered Fulton Speedway’s 100 lap Super DIRTcar Series race from
April 10th, and it was a great show. I believe this will be a
weekly show, and I look forward to this week’s show, which will
feature the ISMA winged supermodified opener from
Albany-Saratoga on May 2nd. Tune in Thursday on Time Warner
Cable, check your local listings for times.
---- I did get one chuckle out of last week’s broadcast. An
interview with modified racer Jimmy Phelps discussed the 2009
Fulton 200 where Phelps stated about the race that he “had it in
control, but we ran out of luck”. And at that comment, the TV
showed a late race incident where Phelps blatantly dumped Billy
Dunn going into turn three, a move that was apparently
precipitated by a loss of brakes by Phelps. But the way it was
presented, it looked like Dunn was the driver who “ran out of
luck”, not Phelps. Kind of funny though. Phelps nearly got a
“throat punch” that night to go along with his lack of luck,
from Billy‘s cousin. Samantha was not impressed!
---- Stats: do you find all time speedway statistics
interesting? I do. (Especially when I’m involved!) There are
a couple of great places to check out Oswego Speedway stats.
After a few years of not updating the all-time statistics on the
Oswego Speedway website, it’s now all done, right up until the
end of 2009. Go to
www.oswegospeedway.com and check it out. Where else could
you find out that J.J. Andrews is in THIRD PLACE in all-time
small block supermodified Classic points, and SEVENTH in
all-time small block supermodified points?
---- And then, for even more statistics, dating almost all the
way back to the horse and buggy era, head to
www.jakessite.com. Jake literally has hours and hours and
days and days into compiling all of these results. Where else
could we have found out that J.J. Andrews happens to be 305th in
all-time non winged supermodified points? Ahead of such all-time
great drivers as Maynard Troyer, Rat Lane, Richie Evans, Mark
VanLuven, Barefoot Bob McCreadie, Chris Perley, and Dave
Sanborn? Look at me!
---- Yes, the #93 small block supermodified will be ready for
action for this week’s opener. It would have been close if the
opener happened last week as scheduled, but an all-nighter at
the shop would have been enough time. As it was, an almost
all-nighter last Friday put us in pretty good shape, but that
extra week makes sure things are done right. I would like to
thank Dave Gruel, for housing the car all winter for us, and the
hours and hours of work he has done with his buddy Bob Henry
Jr. to get our car ready, despite his responsibilities with his
own ride in the Double Deuce…err… the supermodified that he
will drive that he will drive to the rookie of the year title in
2010. Thanks Dave - and thanks Bobby! It’s going to be a fun
season.
---- It’s still Fundraiser season. This is the time where many
race teams organize fundraisers and parties to start raising
some funds for our season of racing. It’s a great way to support
your favorite driver, as well as a fun time to touch base with
your racing buddies. I go to as many as I can. Here’s a list of
some upcoming fundraisers, and the information. Please let me
know about yours, so I can plug it here. Here are the ones I’ve
heard about.
…. Sunday, May 16th. Dan Conners, supermodified. Lighthouse
Lanes.
…. Saturday, June 5th. 14th annual “Tournament for Wishes”
Golf tournament,to benefit Make-A-Wish. Noon, at Webster East
Golf Club. Includes lunch, prime rib buffet after. Call
585-368-9666 or 585-255-0781.
…. Sunday, June 6th. Rob Pullen / Mike Bruce, small block
supermodified #2. Woodchuck Saloon, Oswego. Chicken BBQ from
1-5pm. 50/50 and other raffles.
…. Saturday, June 12th. Gnomey Racing, Dave Cliff, small
block supermodified. LaGraf‘s. 1:00 - sold out. Steak Bake!
…. Saturday, June 12th. Crow Motorsports, Andrew Schartner
and Kreig Heroth, small block supermodified. Ukranian National
Club in Auburn, N.Y. Chicken barbecue and car show. Noon - ?.
…. Sunday, June 13th. Eagles Fan Club golf tournament at
Tamarack Golf Club. More details to follow. Save the date!
Gater News - May 5th, 2010
Ahhh…supermodifieds. Small block supermodifieds. Finally!
---- Oswego Speedway had their first open practice of the
season last week, followed this week by the season opener.
Around a dozen of each, plus a couple of winged supers were in
attendance to shake off the rust, and get the cars dialed in for
the season.
---- Otto Sitterly was the fastest of the supermodifieds in
attendance, and the only one that cracked off a lap under 17
seconds. Teammates Pat Lavery and rookie Dave Gruel were the
second and third fastest, driving the Double Deuce racing
supers. This team looks very well prepared, and Gruel was quite
impressive for only his second time out in a super. Dave and Pat
were both running in the high 17 second laps on old tires, but
shared a set of new tires in opposite practice sessions to get
into the low 17’s. Excellent team work, and a great example of
maximizing your status as a two car team.
---- Another rookie out cranking some laps was Larry Muroski in
the Coon-France ride. Muroski comes from quite a controversial
former career in the small block supermodified division, and a
lot of people made comments about how he may be very dangerous
in a super. I confess to cracking wise myself more than once.
Muroski takes ribbing pretty well though, and dishes it out just
as well. But I have to admit that I thought Larry looked pretty
smooth when I watched him on the speedway, and he turned some
excellent laps for the amount of time that he had invested in
driving a super. I mean under 18 second laps - just like a lot
of the guys who have been driving them for a long time. Great
start. They grow up SO fast!
---- Shaun Gosselin was another rookie who hit the speedway for
some fast laps, but he wasn’t as successful. Gosselin is driving
the former Tim Snyder super, renumbered as #26, out of the
Snyder Racing camp. Gosselin did some damage to the car when he
bounced off of the inside wall, early in the practice day. The
damage was enough to end the day for the team, so he’ll have to
try again this week. Snyder’s own #0, a car built in Paul
Colloca’s Xtreme Chassis shop, was not ready to roll yet. He is
hoping to be at the speedway on May 7th with the new car for a
track rental.
---- Joey Payne was out in the new Strong Racing #99 car, a car
that has only been at the track once, in 2009. Jerry Curran
drove the ride in the Classic last year after Lou Cicconi
decided not to run it. (Curran was a DNF in the ’09 Classic with
mechanical problems.) Payne got the car running quite well at
the practice, and discovered a couple of minor changes to make
for this week’s opener.
---- Daniel Connors and Keith Shampine also took some laps
during the day. And the ISMA cars of Gary Morton and Bob Bond
were also on hand to prep their cars for a race the following
day at Albany-Saratoga Speedway. Morton’s car was driven by
Michael Barnes, who dropped out of the race at A/S with
mechanical problems, after a solid heat win. And Bond, who was
very quick at Oswego, immediately wrecked the car at A/S during
warmups. The car wasn’t hurt very bad, but there were no spare
parts available or prepared yet for the custom built Xtreme
Chassis. What would have been a 20 minute repair was enough to
load the car up and head home early.
---- In the small block super division, Tim Barbeau and Dave
Cliff were about the fastest cars that I had the clock on during
the day. Along with Brian Sobus, all of these cars were in the
low 19 second range. Chris Proud looked decent in the Tim
Barbeau #50. Steve Abt and Bill Moore’s cars were there, but I
don’t know if I ever saw them hit the track. A track rental the
day before was probably enough practice for the team cars. The
TMS Racing team cars of Mike Bond and Jason Simmons also looked
great.
---- Barry Kingsley turned some laps for the first time in the
Kingsley-Lupa Racing #23. He had a couple of sessions of
familiarizing himself with the equipment, chasing stagger and
setup on last year’s tires before transmission problems
sidelined him for the day. Perhaps his new Freddy Krueger style
shifting levers were the problem.
---- Many rookies were on hand for the event, getting some
quality time on the track. Brian Osetek, Mike Bruce, Ivan Steen,
Dennis Richmond, and Chris Tedd were all on the track getting
experience. Richmond and Bruce were probably the fastest,
looking pretty comfortable during their laps.
---- Chris Tedd, I think the only of the above mentioned
rookies with no prior racing experience of any kind, took
probably the least laps of anyone. I think Tedd only went out a
couple of times, as a revolving door of many other drivers
jumped behind the wheel. I would have thought that the guy with
the least experience should be the priority to get the track
time. Dear Teddneck Racing: get your driver behind that wheel
every chance you can! Maybe a track rental and a lot of laps may
be in order. You’re not born with that knowledge - you need
laps.
---- Three other rookies, for a total of eight rookies in the
division, are already behind the eight ball. Brad Haynes, who
has teamed up with Pitt Watson to hit the speedway in the small
block super division, was nowhere to be found. Fred Kilian, the
61 year-old rookie who purchased the former Eddie Horne owned
Hedger Chassis ride also wasn’t in attendance with his car,
although I did see him there looking for some new tires for
opening day. And Bob Henry, who is wheeling my #93 car in 2010,
also missed the open practice, because the car wasn’t ready yet.
All three of these drivers are now officially at a big
disadvantage, as pavement racecars rarely come out of the shop
dialed in and ready to go. Coming soon - watch for these three
rookies to play “catch up” after missing their open practice
session.
---- Another fun show took place at Brewerton Speedway last
Friday night. Five divisions of racecars put on a great show for
the many fans on hand.
---- For many laps during the modified feature, many of us
thought that Jim Witko may be the surprise victor over the many
big names on hand. But a couple of cautions played into Billy
Decker’s hand, giving him exactly the catch-up that he needed to
eliminate Witko’s huge lead. And before that, Johnny Hill opened
up a decent lead during a long green flag run. Witko eventually
passed Hill and disappeared, before those nasty cautions proved
to end his shot. Witko did hold on for 2nd place in the final
rundown.
---- I’ve always maintained that drama on the track - and in
the pits - is good for the sport, and NASCAR now seems to be
seeing that as well. And the very popular TV show called
“Madhouse”, which focuses on the drama amongst the modified
racers at Bowman-Gray Speedway also proves out that theory.
---- An incident on the track during the feature between Pat
Ward and Matt Sheppard, that overflowed into the pits, had a lot
of people talking. A trip into the fence for Sheppard after some
contact from Ward precipitated a hasty pep-step by Sheppard to
Ward’s pit to scream in his cockpit, while repairs were being
made to Ward’s car. I didn’t see any punches thrown, but there
may have been if Ward’s “bodyguard” hadn’t pulled on Sheppard
enough to make him go away. I’m not sure who the woman was, but
she definitely looked like she had some experience in the sport
of Tug-of-war. Pretty exciting!
---- Rob Keller was the victor in the IMCA modified race, but
it was certainly a bittersweet win. As he took the white flag in
the lead, his engine started smoking badly. A fast-closing Dale
Caswell almost stole the win, but the smoky engine held on just
long enough to seal the deal for Keller. It was a pretty
exciting show, but an expensive one for Keller.
---- The mod lite division looks to be a class that has three
standout cars, of which one of them will most likely win the
feature on most nights. Tim Devendorf (this week’s winner), Doug
Williams, and Clayton Brewer III seem to be head and shoulders
ahead of most of the other cars. This week Williams was 2nd, and
Brewer was 7th after coming from the rear in an early race
incident, with a bent racecar.
---- Alan Fink won the Late Model feature, over modified driver
Larry Wight and last week’s winner Dale Caswell. There were 11
late models in the pits this week, an improvement from opening
night. Gus Schmidt’s new #30 late model has to be the best
looking late model I’ve seen yet. A great paint scheme.
---- The ISMA supermodified series kicked off their season with
a show at Albany-Saratoga Speedway. That will be a great
facility for pavement racers I think, but they were not prepared
for the different challenges involved in fielding a show for the
winged supers. Probably the biggest challenge that I see for the
speedway is keeping the drivers from driving off the track into
the infield, kicking up stones and dirt onto the surface.
---- Some cones lined up along the edge of the surface was a
bad idea, as the cones were continuously knocked onto the track,
causing caution after caution. Finally, after a cone got stuck
under the DJ Shullick ride, the speedway decided that it was
time to get rid of the stupid cones. I think some rumble
strips, like Spencer or Evans Mills had would be a better
deterrent to keep the guys from widening the track, and causing
all of that trouble.
---- I enjoyed the race, but a few changes will have to be
made before they are up to speed. And a one hour plus
intermission was a little offensive, especially when you have a
traveling series, and impending rain in the forecast.
---- Prediction Time! As frequent JayMates know, every year I
make my foolish predictions about who will win the
championships, and where they will finish in the points. Some
people actually read it. And some drivers are more than happy
to rub it in my face when I am wrong, like the time I had a guy
(who now races supers) tell me that he was going to get me fired
from my writing job because he wasn’t happy with my prediction.
Let’s hope I can torque someone off that much this year…
---- Supermodified Division:
10th - Dan Connors Jr. - Coming off a solid rookie of the year
season, when he finished 13th in the points, expect Connors to
crack the top ten in points this year. And some top fives while
he’s at it.
9th - Jason Spaulding - After speaking with Jason a couple of
months ago, he wasn’t sure if he would run the whole season. I
think he has since made that decision to run the whole season,
so I would be crazy to not have him in my top ten.
8th - Craig Rayvals - After running the ISMA winged series, and
having a horrible crash in ’09 that put him on injured reserve,
he plans on a full-time assault at Oswego in 2010. Just before
his ISMA wreck, he had taken delivery of a brand new un-winged
Hawk Chassis super which went into storage, so he’s all ready to
go with that car.
7th - Tim Snyder - Snyder will have a brand new Xtreme Chassis
at his disposal, which is likely to be very fast. If the car
was ready as I’m writing this (which I don’t believe it is), I
would pick him for a higher finish. But once he does get it
finished and dialed in, watch out!
6th - Dave McKnight - I’m not sure if frequent ISMA racer Dave
McKnight is committing to a full season at Oswego, but I think
that he is planning a full season in the Syrell Racing ride.
Top 6 easy, and at least one win.
5th - Pat Lavery - It’s going to be a competitive season this
year, with more cars than the last few seasons. But Pat’s up to
the challenge, and is one of the most consistent drivers in the
division. And if he doesn’t get his first win this year, I will
eat my hat!
4th - Joe Gosek - I think he’s running the whole season, so if
I’m correct, he is a definite title contender. Gosek is one of
the all time greats in the history of supermodified racing, so
top four is an easy pick.
3rd - Dave Gruel - That’s right - I’m putting a rookie in the
top three. And a feature win. All the talent. All the
equipment. All the support. And all the DRIVE. Watch.
2nd - Joey Payne - It comes down to these last two big shots:
Joey Payne and Otto Sitterly. Last year it came down to 29
points at the end, where Sitterly was the victor. It’s really a
crapshoot to pick one over the other. So I’m going with some
reverse psychology. I’d love to see the “Jerzey Jet” win the
title, for himself and for Pat and Terry Strong. And since I
picked him last year to win, and I was wrong, I’ll try the
opposite this year.
Champion - Otto Sitterly - How can you not pick Otto Sitterly
to win another championship in the John Nicotra owned fleet of
supermodifieds? He’s got three top shelf supers sitting there
at his disposal, all the help, all the talent, and all the
resources. Can he be beat?
Rookie of the year - Dave Gruel, over Larry Muroski, Kody
Graham, Shaun Gosselin, and Dave Danzer. It’s a solid rookie
season, but I’m pretty confident in this pick.
So who did I miss? Who’s in your top ten, that isn’t in mine?
Doug Didero, Keith Shampine, and Ray Graham all live hours and
hours away from Oswego. I don’t think they can, or are planning
to run a full season. Jerry Curran would certainly be in my top
ten solidly, but he’s still rebuilding from a horrible wreck
last year, and will not be ready for the opener. Jeff Holbrook
would be in there, but I don’t know that he will run a full
Oswego season in addition to his ISMA schedule. And rookies
Muroski and Danzer will be kept out of the top ten because of
experience.
---- Small block supermodified division: I couldn’t narrow it
down to just ten, so…
12th - Barry Kingsley - Barry cracks my “dirty dozen” this
year, after a 14th place finish in 2010. Just a couple of weeks
before the season opener, Barry switched gears,aligning himself
with Chris Lupa, to hop into (or buy or rent?) the #46 Hedger
Chassis ride. While it’ll take a few weeks to get used to it, I
think Barry will ultimately be faster in this ride than he was
in 2009,and have a little more fun.
11th - Jason Simmons - His first year as a “hired gun” in the
Terry Solazzo owned #25 car should be a good one for him. He’ll
improve on his finish of 13th in points last year, and even
challenge for a win at least a few times this year. And he’ll
have his own car, the #91 at the speedway all ready to go as a
spare for himself or teammate Mike Bond.
10th - Kreig Heroth - Kreig was the rookie of the year in 2008
in Chris Lupa’s car, and should improve on that in 2010 as the
driver of the Tom Aaserud owned #44. This great equipment will
be fielded and maintained by Kreig and his Dad Duane, and should
have a lot of fun in 2010.
9th - Steve Abt - The owner of three solid FFB cars has said
that 2010 will be his last year. Nobody has invested more in
this sport for 2010 than Steve Abt, and he should be rewarded
for that. A 9th place finish in points - and a feature win -
would be an excellent reward for his contributions.
8th - Bob Henry, Jr. - I think the driver of my own #93 Hedger
Chassis has all of the talent in the world. And I’ve had 20
people tell me that, as well. A track rental a couple of weeks
ago where Tom Aaserud graciously gave him several hours of track
time put him in good shape about how to handle the track, and
proved his natural ability to adapt to racing on pavement. The
experienced and winning dirt modified driver is going to be a
great addition to the division, and will steal a victory at some
point during the season, I predict.
7th - Stan Gates - Stan this year will be driving the Ray Pike
owned #60 that was almost the champ in 2009 with Russ Brown
behind the steering wheel. Stan’s a very solid driver, and this
is great equipment. He’ll have a lot of fun in 2010 being a
“hired gun”.
6th - Dave Cliff Jr. - Although he’s a young guy, Dave is a
veteran in the division, and was very fast in the pre-season
open practice. He’s always a contender, and putting him in the
top six is not much of a risk.
5th - Tim Barbeau - “Barboo” drives another of the fleet of
Steve Abt rides, and is also a solid contender when he hits the
track. He’ll be very fast, and should improve on his 6th place
finish in 2009.
4th - Chris Proud - Proud is back as a full time driver, after
taking some time off, and picking up a ride here and there.
Proud drives the car owned by Tim Barbeau, which won the
championship in 2009 with Dave Gruel behind the wheel. A lot of
pressure to perform, but I think Proud is up to the task. He’s
never won a championship before, but he has come close. He’ll
be fast.
3rd - Andrew Schartner - As a rookie in 2009, Schartner was 5th
in points, with two feature wins. Quite a performance for the
young man. The Crow Motorsports equipment, owned by Tom Aaserud,
is top shelf, and Andrew showed a ton of talent and poise as a
rookie. Expect Schartner to improve on that solid rookie
performance.
2nd - Brian Sobus - Sobus was 4th last year, and week in and
week out he is one of the fastest cars at the track. The family
owned #79 Hedger Chassis ride was really quick at open practice
last week, and he will only narrowly miss the championship.
Champion - Mike Bond has been track champion before. But that
won’t make him want it any less. Mike drives the other TMS
Motorsports / Terry Solazzo FFB Chassis a teammate to Jason
Simmons in 2010. Mike missed the championship by 53 points last
year, to Dave Gruel who moved up to the supermodified division.
You watch - he’s the best driver in the division.
Rookie of the Year - Bob Henry, Jr. - Henry will top a large
field of rookies in 2010, that features eight drivers. Brad
Haynes, Ivan Steen, Fred Kilian, Mike Bruce, Dennis Richmond,
Chris Tedd, and Brian Osetek will be his competition.
Who I didn’t put in my top 12:
Bill Moore, Ken Pierce, and Dennis Richmond are three drivers
that will be fast, but I don’t expect any of them to be in my
top 12, because I don’t expect either of them to race a full
season.
---- It’s still Fundraiser season. This is the time where many
race teams organize fundraisers and parties to start raising
some funds for our season of racing. It’s a great way to support
your favorite driver, as well as a fun time to touch base with
your racing buddies. I go to as many as I can. Here’s a list of
some upcoming fundraisers, and the information. Please let me
know about yours, so I can plug it here. Here are the ones I’ve
heard about.
…. Saturday, May 8th. Matt Magner / DeGroff Motorsports, mod
lite. 11:00AM at Thirsty’s Tavern in Oswego. Chicken barbecue.
…. Sunday, May 16th. Dan Conners, supermodified. Lighthouse
Lanes.
…. Saturday, June 5th. 14th annual “Tournament for Wishes”
Golf tournament,to benefit Make-A-Wish. Noon, at Webster East
Golf Club. Includes lunch, prime rib buffet after. Call
585-368-9666 or 585-255-0781.
…. Saturday, June 12th. Gnomey Racing, Dave Cliff, small
block supermodified. LaGraf‘s. 1:00 - sold out. Steak Bake!
…. Saturday, June 12th. Crow Motorsports, Andrew Schartner
and Kreig Heroth, small block supermodified. Ukranian National
Club in Auburn, N.Y. Chicken barbecue and car show. Noon - ?.
Gater News - April 28th,2010
It sure is great to hear the rumble of racecars again! These
races at the beginning of the season are such a thrill to auto
racing junkies like me.
---- Brewerton Speedway was packed for their opener. A great
crowd greeted a pretty good field of five divisions of
racecars. I still say that the best thing about Brewerton is
the way the grandstands are located so near the racing surface.
I just love that place.
---- It looked for awhile as though “Lightning” Larry Wight
would snatch the early season checkers, but he was eventually
overpowered by Jimmy Phelps, who would steal the victory in his
Troyer ride. Wight’s teammate Pat Ward would ride 3rd at the
end, followed by Alan Johnson and Michael Storms. 21 mods were
in competition.
---- The new Late Model division are some pretty sweet looking
cars, and Dale Caswell and Larry Wight put on quite a show.
Wight had to settle for second place once again, which is a
pretty good night, if you ask me. Nine late models hit the
speedway, certainly not up to par yet.
---- But compared to Dale Caswell’s night, Wight was bummin’.
Not only did Caswell snatch the Late Model victory, but he also
stole the win from John VanTassel and a dozen or so other guys
in the IMCA modified feature, making it two for two on the
night. Caswell has been by far the top driver in the area in
the IMCA modified series, so nobody is shocked when he pulls off
the victory.
---- JJ Courcy also pulled double duty, finishing 7th in the
IMCA division and 3rd in the Late Models.
---- The mod lite division was captured by Doug Williams.
Williams bested a solid field of 30 mod lites, still the
strongest division at the track. Clayton Brewer III was the
quickest car on the track, but was penalized a couple of spots
on the last restart for an apparent restart infraction. Brewer
did get back to 2nd at the finish, passing Terry Lapham. But
with a few more laps, I think he had something for Williams.
Kelly Skinner gave his ride to Tim Devendorf, who had some
problems with his own ride. 17th was his finish.
---- On the agenda this week are a couple of pavement events.
On Saturday, many of the teams that compete at Oswego during the
season will attend an open practice at the speedway. Grandstand
admission is free.
---- This will be the first time on the track for several of
the teams, although many will have already turned some laps by
Saturday. For $1500, teams can rent the track for four hours,
and have plenty of time to experiment and dial in their cars.
Usually four to six or seven teams chip in together to rent the
facility, and lay down some laps. Last Saturday, five small
block supermodifieds rented the track to get their cars out and
make sure everything was ready to go. Fred Kilian had committed
to the rental, but wasn’t able to get his car there for the
day. He still was there to check it out, but not behind the
wheel.
---- “NOW it feels like a racecar!”, I heard Stan Gates
exclaim after coming in from one session. Stan was there in the
Ray Pike owned car, which he will campaign in 2010 for Pike. The
team spent a lot of time wrenching on the car during the day,
but it appeared as though all of the bugs had been worked out of
the car by the end of the four hours.
---- Brian Sobus also was fast in his family owned #79, even
experimenting with the new tires that the small blocks will use
in 2010. It’s a totally different tire from the track tires
that were used on the cars the last few seasons. It’s a
different compound, and even a narrower size. “I like the way
they hook up off the corners”, Brian said. 19.5 was the best
time that I saw Brian crank off, which may be a great time for
the new tires, which seem to make an awful lot of “squealing”
noises going around the turns. Brian Sr. wasn’t too excited
about the times though. “We really want to crack that 19
seconds…”
---- Both of Tom Aaserud’s Crow Motorsports cars, which this
year will be driven by Andrew Schartner and Kreig Heroth, were
on hand for the rental. As Schartner is still in college in
Charlotte, N.C., he wasn’t able to attend, so rookie of the year
contender Bob Henry Jr. was enlisted to turn some laps in the
#18. Both cars looked great on the track, and rattled off some
great times.
---- I would like to thank Tom Aaserud for having Bobby Henry,
who will campaign my own #93 Hedger car during the season, get
the feel for the track and the division. It was an excellent
opportunity for Bob to get some laps on the track, since the
dirt modified driver hadn’t turned a lap on a pavement surface
since his quarter midget days. But after a couple of sessions,
(he even practiced spinning out a couple times), he looked
pretty comfortable. But you really have to appreciate the
sportsmanship of Aaserud for taking the time to work with a guy
who had never driven anything like it. Also, defending champion
Dave Gruel was right with him for every lap, advising him of the
best “line” on the track, and giving him pointers. Quality
stuff.
---- The 93 wasn’t quite ready for that practice, but we
should be out this weekend for the open practice. The car won’t
look much different that it did last time on the track, but Bob
and Dave Gruel have done a lot of work on the “old girl” over
the winter. I can’t wait to see it back on the track!
---- Next on the agenda this weekend is the season debut of
the ground-pounding ISMA supermodifieds, at Albany-Saratoga
speedway. I’m very excited about a trip to a new track, and to
see the amazing winged supers. I think everyone that I talked
to last weekend is planning a trip to the race.
---- From a press release on the ISMA website:
“Albany-Saratoga was a paved surface until 1977, at which time
it was covered in clay when C.J. Richards purchased the
facility. This latest transformation (back to a pavement
facility) actually began as an experiment, when Albany-Saratoga
Speedway promoter Bruce Richards decided to remove the clay in
September 2009 and run some shows on the original asphalt
surface, which has remained under the clay for more than 30
years. At that time, he also booked dates with three asphalt
touring groups (American Canadian Tour late models, ISMA
supermodifieds and Modified Racing Series/ROC asphalt modifieds)
for races in the spring, and the plan was to put the clay back
down in May 2010.
---- But after discussions with his business partners,
sponsors and race teams, the decision was made to make a
complete change to asphalt. “2009 was really tough,” Richards
said. “I can't tell you the time and effort that was put into
track preparation, just to have it rain at 5 or 6 p.m. on a
Friday night. We're opening up a new world of opportunities in
regard to fans, race teams and sponsorship. By going asphalt,
we're also going to be unique. There are a lot of dirt tracks in
this area, but we will have the only show on asphalt, and we're
going to be able to do some things the other tracks can't do.”
---- ISMA competitors are anxious to get their season started,
and so are supermodified fans from all over the northeast. It
should be a great show, and I can’t wait to see it. It’s a 50
lap winged super show, that will also feature the CVRA sportsman
division. See you there!
---- Andy Noto’s new Xtreme Chassis supermodified is almost
ready to race, but Andy doesn’t know if he’ll quite be ready for
the opener. Working in Maryland for the last ten weeks put him
behind the eight ball time wise, and building a new motor put
him behind the eight ball dollar wise. “I want to honor the
commitment program”, said Noto, which allows him to miss only
one race during the season to stay on the speedway’s bonus
system.
---- Super rookie of the year favorite Dave Gruel and Pat
Lavery and the Double Deuce Racing Team will have turned some
laps on the speedway by the time many of you will read this.
They have a track rental scheduled for this week, prior to the
open practice on Saturday. Steve Abt, Tim Barbeau, and Bill
Moore will also be in attendance, to crack off Abt’s three small
block supermodifieds.
---- Dave Danzer, who last week was “praying for rain” for
opening day because he didn’t think his engine would be ready.
But the new Marsden Motor has been delivered, which should give
the team plenty of time to get things together and plumbed in
time. I’m sure they’re thrashing on it as we speak!
---- It’s officially Fundraiser season. This is the time where
many race teams organize fundraisers and parties to start
raising some funds for our season of racing. It’s a great way to
support your favorite driver, as well as a fun time to touch
base with your racing buddies. I go to as many as I can. Here’s
a list of some upcoming fundraisers, and the information. Please
let me know about yours, so I can plug it here. Here are the
ones I’ve heard about.
…. Saturday, May 1st. Mike Bond, small block supermodified.
Lighthouse Lanes. (After open practice.) Pulled pork, Millenium
Music.
…. Saturday, May 8th. Matt Magner / DeGroff Motorsports, mod
lite. 11:00AM at Thirsty’s Tavern in Oswego. Chicken barbecue.
…. Sunday, May 16th. Dan Conners, supermodified. Lighthouse
Lanes.
…. Saturday, June 5th. 14th annual “Tournament for Wishes”
Golf tournament,to benefit Make-A-Wish. Noon, at Webster East
Golf Club. Includes lunch, prime rib buffet after. Call
585-368-9666 or 585-255-0781.
…. Saturday, June 12th. Gnomey Racing, Dave Cliff, small
block supermodified. Lighthouse Lanes. 1:00 - sold out.
…. Saturday, June 12th. Crow Motorsports, Andrew Schartner
and Kreig Heroth, small block supermodified. Ukranian National
Club in Auburn, N.Y. Chicken barbecue and car show. Noon - ?.
Gater News - April 21st, 2010
Keepin’ it Real by JJ Andrews
We’re getting closer to opening day at Oswego Speedway! I can
feel it. Many teams are scrambling to finish up their Oswego
cars, while many dirt drivers have already been racing for a few
weeks.
---- Three of the supermodified teams that I spoke with could
use an opening day rainout. For whatever reason, Oswego’s
opener often falls on a day that has crappy weather. I bet
there’s a 50/50 chance at best that the opener can even happen
on that day. Which is fine for some of these guys.
---- “In the last 10 years, opening day got rained out how
many times?”, asked Tim Snyder. The team is in the process of
finishing their new Xtreme Chassis, which was started in late
January / early February. Their other car will be driven by
rookie Shaun Gosselin, so if the new car isn’t done, he’ll be
watching the opener. But the team is thrashing to get the new
car finished, and they are hoping to have it done in time for a
track rental that is scheduled for May 6th, just two days before
the opener. (But 5 days after an open practice is scheduled at
the track on May 1st.) But they could breathe a lot easier if
they knew the car didn’t have to be ready for the speedway’s 2nd
scheduled event, on May 22nd. “This year we’re going to be
close, so it’ll probably be a nice night on May 8th”, predicted
Snyder.
---- “I’ve still got a lot of parts to get together before I’m
ready”, Jerry Curran told me. A recent fundraiser for Curran’s
supermodified team at Dominick’s in Scriba, N.Y. was well
attended, and helped out with the budget. Jerry was very
thankful to all who attended, and is working as hard as he can
to get the car ready. But it’s all a numbers game for drivers
who race from their own pocket, and there is a lot of cash that
has to be spent before Jerry turns a wheel in ‘010. (Borrowing
someone else’s car for the opener may be a possibility, but
Jerry would rather be wheeling his own.) As you may remember,
Jerry’s last car was destroyed in a horrible wreck late last
season, a wreck that may have been a career ender for some
people. But Jerry’s rebuilding process began immediately. He
salvaged as many parts as he could, and with six months of hard
work and help from a lot of friends, he will definitely see the
track this season. Will it be in time for the opener? That
remains to be seen. But he sure could use that extra couple of
weeks that an opening day sprinkle would provide.
---- “It’s gonna be close. We’re still waiting for the
motor”, said rookie candidate Dave Danzer. The small block
supermodified feature winner will make his debut in the
fire-breathing family owned supermodified in 2010, but exactly
when that will happen is still up in the air at this point.
Based on Davey’s facebook information, I know they’ve been
working hard all winter on this car. “The car is almost done, we
just need the motor back, and have it plumbed”, offered Danzer,
of his soon to be completed Marsden Motor. It’s a lot of work
to get these cars ready, but you can be sure it’ll be done right
when it is done. I do know this though - when the green flag
falls, Danzer Racing will be there - whether it is with their
new super, OR with the small block supermodified that they raced
last year. But like so many of his comrades, Danzer is “praying
for rain” on opening day.
---- Also not ready to race, but NOT praying for rain, is
supermodified competitor Keith Gilliam. A long time competitor
at the speedway in both divisions, as well as being a former
dirt driver, Keith isn’t as motivated to get back to the grind
as some drivers. He recently sent his engine back to Doug
Holmes to be freshened, but didn’t put the rush on to be ready
for the opener. “I told Doug to just put me in line where I
fall, and I’ll go racing whenever”, said Gilliam. The retired
police officer doesn’t want to be committed to anything in 2010,
but he definitely intends to hit the speedway. He just hasn’t
decided exactly when that would be. “Maybe I’ll only run a few
times this year, miss it, and come back full time in 2011. Or
maybe I’ll like running only a few races, or even get out of
it”, theorized Gilliam. Sounds exactly like where yours truly
was just a couple years ago. And my decision after just running
a few races in 2008 and 2009? Thumbs up! I clicked the “like”
button - I bet Keith will do that as well. After twenty or
thirty plus seasons of the weekly grind, maybe it‘s more fun to
race when you aren’t pushed by a weekly points race. “I’ve got
a Harley and Corvette that I don’t use enough”, added the Johnny
Cash fan. So watch for Keith Gilliam to hit the track…uhhh…sometime.
---- One driver / team owner does NOT need any rainouts. “We
could race right now”, small block supermodified owner Steve Abt
told me at his fundraiser on Saturday. “Cars are loaded, pit
carts are set up, tires are mounted…everything’s ready.” What
makes it more amazing is the fact that Steve has THREE small
block supers ready to go. Not just the car that he is driving,
but also the other two cars that he owns, which are driven by
Bill Moore and Tim Barbeau. Three race ready cars, just staring
at the calendar, waiting to hit the speedway. If preparation
wins races, then it sounds like this team will be the team to
beat. The whole fleet of cars will first hit the track at a
rental on April 30th, along with a few other cars.
---- Bill Moore couldn’t be more excited about his upcoming
season in Abt’s car. “We worked on the cars every Wednesday
during the winter, and it’s been a lot of fun”, Bill told me.
Bill had just about decided to retire after many years in the
sport, when Steve Abt made him an offer: “Sell me the car, I’ll
pay the bills, and you drive it”. It took him about a second to
say okay, and the deal was on. The car has been completely
redone and updated, and should be a great ride for Moore. He
doesn’t plan to drive the car every week, though, and other
drivers have been talked about to hop in the car a couple
times. Either way, Bill is very happy about his situation with
the ride, and plans to have a great time in 2010. As he had in
the off-season.
---- Yet another rookie has announced his intention of joining
the small block supermodified division. “I hope to run all of
the races, but that depends on work”, and other commitments,
said Brad Haynes. Haynes, younger brother of Bryan Haynes, will
campaign a car owned by Pitt Watson, the same car that was
driven by Michael Barnes a few seasons ago. Brad has had the
itch for awhile, and I thought he would end up in his brother
Bryan’s #86, since work has also taken Bryan out of town. But a
deal was cut with Watson, who may also see the occasional turn
behind the wheel, according to my theorizing. Bryan does still
hope to hit the track occasionally during the season, either in
his own car or someone else’s. He denies it to my face, but I
have already been warned that the Haynes Brothers are working on
their own version of the “Malachi Crunch”, as was done to Fonzi
on the series “Happy Days” all those years ago. Be afraid. Be
very afraid.
---- And the rookie class keeps building. Brian Osetek is yet
another rookie that will be added to the small block
supermodified wars in 2010. Osetek hasn’t had a lot of
experience behind the wheel, and will drive racecar #00 in the
upcoming season.
---- Barry Kingsley is working an early-season deal to jump
into the Hedger Chassis / Holmes powered #46 car, which is owned
by Chris Lupa. “Chalupa” has been trying to sell the car, but
after finding that racecars are almost impossible to sell, he
and Barry worked out a possible deal. While the details aren’t
finalized, the beginning of the season will find Barry’s #23 on
the sidelines, and he’ll be wheeling the Lupa ride. It’s a nice
deal that has been made by the two friends, but it could also
cost them a friendship. Plain and simple - if Barry runs well
in the car, Chalupa will be so jealous that he will probably
never speak with him again.
---- My own car, the #93 Hedger Chassis car is almost ready
for the new season. Dirt modified driver Bob Henry, Jr. will be
behind the wheel of my ride for 2010, and is my prediction to
win rookie of the year. Henry is a decorated dirt driver with
many wins, but always wanted to try a small block super. I had
this perfectly good car sitting in my garage waiting until
Classic Weekend. It was like a moment from match.com when we
were introduced, and I think it will be a fun season for us. “I
really want to WIN one”, Bob told me in one of our
conversations.
---- So the question is: do I look like this awesome genius if
Bobby runs well this year? Of course I’ll take all of the
credit for “finding” the next pavement star. But I’ll tell you
guys the truth. Bob has done most of the work on the car, with
some help from his buddy Dave Gruel (where the car is housed
currently). Sure I gave him the car to drive, but they’re doing
all of the maintenance and repair and setup on the car. Ray
Hedger will offer setup advice, and Bob Henry Sr. is giving us a
fresh motor. So if we do well, I will be sure to give credit
where credit is due. And if he doesn’t….
---- It sure would be nice to be young and have all of that
ambition. In addition to working on the small block
supermodified, Henry and his Dad have also prepared the family
owned small block modified. If the weather had cooperated, they
were all set to start off their season on the dirt at Utica-Rome
Speedway last Sunday. So it should be a fun - and busy - season
for Bob Henry Jr. I’m looking forward to joining him for the
ride.
---- For as long as I can remember, Oswego Speedway has used a
very strange system to line up the cars during the beginning of
the season. During the first three weeks, the finishes from the
previous season would be used to handicap the cars for their
starting positions. This made it very difficult and random for
the drivers who either didn’t race the previous season, or ran
well during the final weeks of the season. Well apparently that
has been changed for 2010, at the request of the small block
supermodified competitors. If I’m understanding this correctly
(I hadn’t seen the official letter from the speedway as of press
time), drivers will be lined up in their heats by a draw during
the first three weeks, and then the features will be lined up
afterwards, based on a redraw or heads-up status. I think it’s
a great idea to not bring the previous season’s good or bad
results into the next season, and start with a clean slate.
Plus, it doesn’t handicap the rookies so severely, who will be
able to earn a better starting spot if they are fast enough,
without being automatically stuck at a huge disadvantage if they
can go fast enough.
---- The ISMA winged supermodified series will once again in
2010 have a point fund for the drivers. Not like all other
point funds, that reward the team owner - this fund is separate,
specifically for the drivers. Here is some information about
this fund, excerpted from a press release on the ISMA website,
written by Keith Shampine.
---- “The International Supermodified Association will
continue to feature a Drivers’ Point Fund in 2010, a program
established in 2006 and since supported by a number of gracious
sponsors. Entering its fifth year, the ISMA Drivers’ Point Fund
has grown to a very respectable program with increased payouts
to the drivers of the winged supermodified series each year. The
goal for the point fund in 2010 is a total payout of $10,000.
Introduced by ISMA secretary Kathy Harrington, the point fund’s
purpose is to give back to the racers who risk their lives
wheeling the ultra-fast winged supers, many who receive little
or no compensation for their efforts. While many ISMA racers do
not own the cars they race thus don’t incur the expenses of a
car owner, the talented “helmet carriers” still make great time
and financial sacrifices to put on a show for the fans. Many
racers work during the week to maintain the racecar and some
contribute money to the team as part of a deal with their car
owner. Coupled with time off from work to travel to races and
other expenses, the drivers make a substantial sacrifice on many
different levels.”
---- “Harrington, who credits former super driver Nokie
Fornoro and Helping Hands of America owner Mike Jarret for
motivating her to establish the program, believes the racers
deserve more and the Drivers’ Point Fund is a way to help offset
their costs and show appreciation for the job they do. The
sponsors are what have made the point fund a success, and in
2009 the fund had seven fine outfits’ support.”
---- “SUPRS, at
www.suprs.net, is an online supermodified racing game that
has supported the Drivers’ Point Fund since its inception.
Champ Enterprises, owned by New England racing legend Russ
Conway, continued to be a focal supporter of the Drivers’ Point
Fund in 2009. Perley’s Marina in Rowley, Mass., was a third-year
sponsor of the Drivers’ Point Fund in 2009. KDP Townhouses is a
growing outfit in the Oswego, N.Y. area. Lane Tire Sales
provides teams with Hoosier tires at each ISMA event and also
sponsors the Drivers’ Point Fund. Luther’s Way Out Grafix is an
Oswego-based operation that letters a number of supermodifieds.
Inkspot, owned and operated by Oswego small block super racer
Chip Wood, showed its support of the fund by supplying shirts
for fundraising.”
---- “The new ISMA season, which kicks off May 2 at New York’s
Albany-Saratoga Speedway, will mark the fifth annual ISMA
Drivers’ Point Fund and the program is always interested in new
sponsors. Sponsors’ support goes straight back to the racers of
ISMA.
If you’re interested in sponsoring the Drivers’ Point Fund,
don’t hesitate to contact ISMA Drivers’ Point Fund chairperson
Kathy Harrington at 315-529-2031 or e-mail
Harrington51@hotmail.com.”
---- Here’s another great press release, from Brewerton and
Fulton Speedways, about what I think is a really great offer
from the speedways….
---- “BREWERTON, NY…In a major announcement, Brewerton
Speedway and Fulton Speedway Officials released information
today that fans 18 years of age and under will be admitted free
for the majority of the 2010 events at both Oswego County race
facilities. This will make Brewerton Speedway and Fulton
Speedway one of the few tracks in the entire United States and
Canada with such an open policy for free grandstand admission. A
valid I.D. card will be needed to prove eligibility.”
---- “The only dates that those 18 years of age and under will
not be admitted for free are as follows. At Brewerton Speedway
the dates are Tuesday, June 22, Thursday, July 15 and Thursday,
October 7. At Fulton Speedway the not valid dates are Tuesday,
August 3 and Fulton 200 Weekend, October 1-2. Brewerton
Speedway will open the 2010 season this Friday, April 16 with
the SUNY Canton sponsored event. The DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds
will battle in a 50-lap special. Also in action will be the IMCA
Modifieds, Beaver River Distribution Mod Lites, NAPA Late Models
and the Four Cylinder Super Stocks. Track gates will open at
5:30 p.m. with race competition set to start at 7:30 p.m. Adult
admission is $15, with everyone 18 years of age and under with a
valid I.D. card admitted for free. For more information please
go on line to
www.brewertonspeedway.com. The track office number is
315-668-6906.”
---- “Fulton Speedway will return to action on Saturday, May
1. In race competition will be the DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds,
SUNY Canton DIRTcar Sportsman, NAPA Late Models, E&V Energy
Novice Sportsman, Mod Lites and the Gladiators. Track gates will
open at 5 p.m. with race time set for 7 p.m. Adult admission is
$12, with everyone 18 years of age and under admitted for free
with a valid I.D. card. For more information please go on line
to
www.fultonspeedway.com. The track office number is
315-593-6531.”
---- It’s officially Fundraiser season. This is the time where
many race teams organize fundraisers and parties to start
raising some funds for our season of racing. It’s a great way to
support your favorite driver, as well as a fun time to touch
base with your racing buddies. I go to as many as I can. Here’s
a list of some upcoming fundraisers, and the information. Please
let me know about yours, so I can plug it here. Here are the
ones I’ve heard about.
…. Saturday, April 24th. TTR Racing. (Luther Gray, Nick
Demling and Jason Vickery’s Kart team.) LaGraf’s. Noon - 9:00.
Chicken barbecue. Millenium Music.
…. Sunday, April 25th. Castiglia Racing #61 (Lou LeVea
supermodified) /#90 (Mark Castiglia small block supermodified)
Fundraiser. American Foundry in Oswego, noon - ? Spaghetti
Dinner.
…. Saturday, May 1st. Mike Bond, small block supermodified.
Lighthouse Lanes. (After open practice.) Pulled pork, Millenium
Music.
…. Sunday, May 16th. Dan Conners, supermodified. Lighthouse
Lanes.
…. Saturday, June 12th. Gnomey Racing, Dave Cliff small block
supermodified. Lighthouse Lanes. 1:00 - sold out.
…. Saturday, June 12th. Crow Motorsports, Andrew Schartner
and Kreig Heroth small block supermodified. Ukranian National
Club in Auburn, N.Y. Chicken barbecue and car show. Noon - ?.
Gater News - March 31st, 2010
“Dear Mr. Andrews.
Thank you for a postcard and autographing them. Your soot is
ausome! We liked the books that you read to us. We all liked your
car. Thank you for taking time off your day and reading to our
class. From Owen and Jason.”
---- One of my all-time highlights in auto racing happened a
few weeks ago, and it had nothing to do with driving a racecar.
This was my payoff for my several years as a driver, earned by
knowing the right people. This was a GREAT day for me. A day that
I will not forget any time soon.
---- “Dear Mr. Andrews, thank you for coming to Weedsport Elem.
School. The pictures are nice of your racecar. It was wonderful
that you read to us. We appreciate that you took time off from
work to read to us. We hope u have a grate day. From, Maddie and
Alex.”
---- Jane Redding, mother of small block supermodified driver
Andrew Schartner, and teacher at Weedsport Elementary School,
arranged for me to attend the school’s “Rev up for Reading”
campaign on March 8th, along with several other drivers
from the Central New York area. This was a day of school dedicated
to encouraging the students, grades K-6, to read books, and every
driver in attendance was very happy to help with that
encouragement.
---- “Dear Mr. Andrews, We love the stories you read. Thank you
for spending time with us. Thank you for the autographs. We love
your racing outfit. Reading is important to us and to you. It
helps us everyday. Love Gwen and McKenna.”
---- I read books to three different 2nd grade
classes, while the other seven racers in attendance also took
turns reading to the other students at the school. Late Model
racer Joe Gwilt, small block supermodified drivers Andrew
Schartner and Brian Sobus, sportsman and modified driver Tom Juhl,
former sprint car and small block supermodified driver Mike
Bozzuto, driver of pavement modifieds and many other divisions,
Rick Zacharias, and sportsman driver Katelyn Kane, all took turns,
while wearing their driving suits. Gwilt had his late model at the
show for the students to admire, along with the small block
supermodified
and the mod lite cars that will be campaigned by Andrew
Schartner in 2010.
---- “Dear Mr. Andrews, We appreciate you taking the time to
read to us. Our class appreciates you giving us pictures of your
car. Reading helps you write your articles and helps us to read
and write in school. Your racing fans, Jenna and Aaron.”
---- Mrs. Loperfido’s second grade class sent me these
well-written letters with perfect penmanship, which brought a
smile to my face, and a tear to my eye. Kelly Voll wrote a story
about this campaign for the March 9th edition of The
Citizen newspaper (www.auburnpub.com). Previous to the reading in
the classrooms, all of us drivers were introduced at a special
assembly in front of the entire school. We were treated as heroes
this day, and I will never forget the looks on these children’s
faces. Thanks to everyone involved for allowing me to spend some
time with this great bunch of kids.
---- (on the cover) “J.J. Andrews is in first! (Inside) Dear
Mr. Andrews, Thank you for coming to Weedsport Elem. to read. We
loved the post cards that you gave us! You taught us that reading
is important. From: Michaella and Aubrey.”
---- Now for a story about driver with a new ride, that was
originally posted on my blog at
www.gaternews.com.
Note: while the blog section of the Gater News website has been
hampered by some technical difficulties lately, rest assured that
it will be corrected soon….
---- “This is a whole new environment - I’m ready to go out and
have some fun, and win some races!”, said Jason Simmons, the new
driver of the Terry Solazzo owned #25 FFB small block super. This
rumor had been floating around for awhile, but it was never an
officially done deal until just recently.
---- In 2009, Solazzo’s two car team found Mike Bond 3rd in
points, and Rob Pullen 9th. With Pullen not returning to the seat,
Solazzo had to decide whether he was going to just field the one
car, for Bond, or link up with another driver. Of course at the
end of last season, the talk was of only returning with the one
ride. But I know how racing season is. Many of the season’s
frustrations and woes that build up during the racing season seem
to cool off with the cool weather, and are often mostly forgotten
with the first big freeze. It’s just the way it works - I see it
every year.
---- Simmons will supply his own engine for the Solazzo #25, a
Mike O’Connor built power plant that was new near the end of the
2009 season. Jason’s own car though, will be at the speedway
weekly, and be ready as a backup, or “in case you want to hop in
it”, Jason offered.
---- The #25 will have some new body panels and bumpers, and
will be gone through thoroughly before the season takes the green.
“It’s a level playing field now”, Jason enthused, looking forward
to trying a newer car than his own, with all of the current
updates. “I want to push the envelope…”
---- Simmons also still owns an SST modified, which he ran once
last year. That car will also be prepped and ready for a few
events at Oswego, and maybe Shangri-La2 or Spencer Speedway. The
SST will also sport a new O’Connor motor, and driving duties will
be shared by Simmons, and Mike Bond. It’s not a full-time deal for
either one, as the focus will be on the small block supermodified
division, but there will definitely be a few shows for the #91 SST
mod.
---- Brian Sobus, who retired from small block supermodified
racing after the 2009 season, admitted recently that he’s coming
out of retirement…again. He’s not sure yet if he’ll run the full
season, but he’ll be there when the green flag drops.
---- “To be honest with you, I don’t really want to do the
whole season. We’ve got to see how the first couple of races go”,
Brian informed. But we all know what an illness racing is. My
prediction is that once they race a few times, they will be locked
in. It happens every year. Especially with Brian and his family
owned team.
---- They did consider moving to the SST modified division. “I
love the speedway, and don’t want to give it up yet”, Brian
shared. Sobus and the family team were involved in some
controversy at the end of ‘09, so it wasn’t definite that they
would come back - or be allowed back. But things always blow over,
and in the light of spring, racing at Oswego Speedway looks like
fun again.
---- So add the #79 back into the equation for the weekly (I
predict) drivers. Although the division looked like it may be
faltering at one point, I think car counts will be equal with, or
maybe even a little ahead, of the 2009 field.
---- Rob Pullen, who reportedly wasn’t planning to race much in
2010 due to the startup of a new business, may still have the car
at the speedway on a weekly basis. I heard recently that mod lite
driver Mike Bruce may be wheeling the car on several race nights,
and that Pullen himself may still hop behind the wheel for
selected races. The division grows again!
---- And yet another small block super has been purchased by
rookie Chris Tedd. In addition to the former Kevin Knopp car,
renumbered as #37, Tedd has bought the former White’s Car Care #
4, and will campaign that as a second car under the “Teddneck
Racing” umbrella in 2010. Teddneck’s crew chief Dennis Richmond
will be behind the wheel of the car a few times, and other “guest”
drivers may see some time on the track.
---- Tedd is looking for someone to bring some sponsorship or
cash to run the #7 car (formerly the #4) a few times. The car is
also signed up for the commitment program in ‘010, and hopefully
will be there weekly. Several open nights are available. If you’re
interested, get in touch with Chris Tedd, and work out a deal.
---- The prep work on the #37 car (formerly #04) is almost
done, and is going back together this week. Dan Dennie is building
a new body for the car. The #7 (formerly #4) was in very good
shape, and didn’t need a lot of work to be ready for the season.
The engine will be freshened.
---- Chris is still very excited about the new season and the
new challenge, and will be a great addition to the small block
supermodified community. He has a track rental scheduled for April
30th. And he’s very appreciative of all of the help
that he has received from guys like Dennis Richmond, Steve Abt,
Dan Dennie and others. And most importantly, “my family’s still
excited about it!”, said Tedd.
---- You can also possibly add in Chris Lupa’s #46 car, as
several inquiries have been made recently about the fully updated
Hedger car, which has recently been offered at a closeout price of
$6,500. I predict that this car will be sold soon, and see laps at
the speedway in 2010. That’s a ridiculous deal for that price. And
Shawn Walker’s #68 is still for sale for $5,500 or best offer or
trade for whatever.
---- One dedicated longtime small block supermodified driver
may have a tough time supporting the division in 2010, as
originally planned. Jack Patrick suffered an injury to his
shoulder in the off-season, and is unsure at this stage in his
recovery if he will even be okay to drive when the green flag
flies on May 8th. Like Arinze Onuaku for the Syracuse
Basketball team, only time will tell how soon the recovery will
happen. Jack has said that he will consider putting another driver
behind the wheel of the car temporarily if he’s not healed up by
the season’s opener. “I do want to have the car there for every
race, even if I can’t drive it”, said Patrick. He definitely wants
to support the division, live up to his obligation to the
commitment program, and give his sponsors the visibility that they
deserve.
---- Former supermodified driver Bob Reis is hitting the dirt
in 2010. After driving other divisions of racecars including
pavement modifieds and supers, Reis has purchased a dirt sprint
car that he will compete on the ASCS Patriot Series in 2010. “I
don’t have any dirt experience”, Bob told me, but he’s anxious to
give it a try.
---- The scheduled 31 race ASCS series will not be enough to
satisfy Reis’s “need for speed” this year though. Bob still has
his asphalt modified in the garage, and plans to hit the Race of
Champions pavement mod trail when he can.
---- But does that mean Reis’s legion of supermodified fans
have seen the last of him in a super? Absolutely not. He’s not
done with supers. His couple race stint in the Daratt Farms Racing
entry in 2009 was enough to keep him interested in the “world’s
most awesome racecar,” as I like to call it. Bob has actually
looked at a supermodified recently to purchase, and may be behind
the wheel of that at some point in 2010. Quite an ambitious
schedule for the personable driver. Best of luck in 2010!
---- It’s officially Fundraiser season. This is the time where
many race teams organize fundraisers and parties to start raising
some funds for our season of racing. It’s a great way to support
your favorite driver, as well as a fun time to touch base with
your racing buddies. I go to as many as I can. Here’s a list of
some upcoming fundraisers, and the information. Please let me know
about yours, so I can plug it here. Here are the ones I’ve heard
about.
…. Saturday, April 3rd. Double Deuce Racing.
Lighthouse Lanes. 1:00- 7:00. Chicken barbecue, and Millenium
Music.
…. Saturday, April10th. Jerry Curran. Dominick’s
Sports Bar in Scriba (new location). 1:00 - ? Chicken barbecue.
…. Saturday, April 10th. Proud Motorsports. LaGraf’s.
1:00 -7:00. Chicken barbecue. Race simulators. Music.
…. Saturday, April 17th. Steve Abt. Lighthouse
lanes.
…. Sunday, April 18th. Chris Tedd’s Teddneck Racing.
Change of Pace Tavern in Syracuse. Noon to 6:00.
…. Saturday, April 24th. TTR Racing. (Luther Gray,
Nick Demling and Jason Vickery’s Kart team.) LaGraf’s. Noon -
9:00. Chicken barbecue. Millenium Music.
…. Saturday, May 1st. Mike Bond. Lighthouse Lanes.
(After open practice.)
---- There’s an initial list of the upcoming fundraisers. More
to come. Please support when you can.
---- Also, I’d like to add one more subject on fundraisers. I
recently saw a Facebook message that stated “thanks to those who
came to my fundraiser, and (profanity) to those who didn’t”. While
many people support fundraisers, we can’t hate the ones who don’t
attend, for many reasons. Although I have gone to this racer’s
past fundraisers, It was impossible for me to support the
aforementioned person’s party at the time it was held since I was
out of town. But the nastyBook that I received while I was down
there made sure that I didn’t contribute later, as I often do.
Yes, we do make mental notes of who doesn’t come to our
fundraisers, but we must try not to take it personally. I prefer
to focus more on what people DO for me, than what they don’t do.
---- I did get some interesting feedback from my last column
which featured some of my personal favorite columns that I had
written in the past. I came across this one recently that gave me
a chuckle, from April, 2007…
---- I suppose you’re all wondering
why I’ve called you here today. I’m here to speak with you all
about a subject that is very near and dear to my heart. I suspect
that if you are reading this today, that we are of similar mind,
and that many of you may be suffering from a parallel condition. I
am here today to speak to you about addiction.
---- Addiction is a chronic relapsing brain disease. Brain
imaging shows that addiction severely alters brain areas critical
to decision-making, learning and memory, and behavior control,
which may help to explain the compulsive and destructive behaviors
of addiction. Many of you are familiar with addiction. You may
have a friend of a friend who has an addiction. You may have a
relative with an addiction. Some of you may even have an addiction
of your own. People in all walks of life are subject to addictive
behavior. Poor people in the ghetto often suffer from addictions.
A wealthy man in a high-rise office building may be addicted to
something. Soccer moms - often addicted. Doctors - lawyers -
Indian chiefs. Many are addicted.
---- Gater News columnists - I know one with an addiction. It
is with a heavy heart that I go public with this confession. MY
addiction. This column is a cry for help. I’ve dropped hints with
my friends. My family, aware of my torture, refuses to help me. I
need an intervention. Does anyone out there care enough to help
me? Or are you too wrapped up in your own sicknesses to be my
“knight in shining armor”?
---- Okay - out with it. Enough beating around the bush. Time
for my confession: I’m addicted to… auto racing. There - I said
it. That confession in itself was very liberating. A huge weight
has been lifted off of my shoulders. Thank you. I can’t get enough
of auto racing. Fast cars. Slow cars. Cars with doors. Cars with
tops. Cars with wings. Cars with expensive parts. Noisy cars.
Quiet cars. Cars driven by men. Cars driven by women. Cars driven
by people with nappy hair.
---- For years I’ve replaced the word “addiction” with the word
“passion”. “Racing is my ‘passion’. But let’s be honest here. I’m
not gonna lie. The lies are over. According to my calculations,
this is the year 2007. Since my formative years in the 70’s,
approximately several years ago, I have been forced to hear the
rumble. Brewerton Speedway and Weedsport Speedway (yes, I called
it Weedsport Speedway - not today’s weird name of CCFS. That in
itself should illustrate how severely this addiction has gripped
me) were the haunts that my parents unwittingly used to lay the
groundwork for my pain. Why would they do it? Why did I love to
hate Will Cagle and George Mowry, and love to love Fran Kitchen
and Frankie Doll and Stoney Stoneburg and Deek Decker and Dale
Weigand? In their defense, my parents had no idea what they were
doing to me back then. Just like cigarette smoking and Diet Pepsi
and broccoli, the research wasn’t out there in those days,
informing us of the dangers of such actions.
---- Next came the beginning of what I call “the driving
years”. I’ll never forget the rush. I was hooked the first time I
tried it. Although I’ve never tried any actual drugs, I think the
symptoms of driving a racecar are the same. Surge of euphoria
("rush") accompanied by a warm flushing of the skin, a dry mouth,
and heavy extremities. Mental functioning becomes clouded due to
the depression of the central nervous system. It was a cool night,
July 8th, 1979. Weedsport Speedway. 1967 Chevy Impala. 283 cubic
inch engine. Painted with a brush. First place trophy. Interview
in front of the grandstands with announcer Joe Marotta. (Note:
some of these facts may be inaccurate or embellished for dramatic
license. For example, the “amateur division” was so disrespected
in those days that I doubt that there was an interview with Joe
Marotta, maybe a two word comment from the flagman. The facts are
a little fuzzy after all of these years. But I’m being honest
about the first place trophy. Although I only finished third in
the six lap, seven car race, during intermission, they gave me the
wrong trophy. Yes, I kept it, and didn‘t say anything. Track
management was in a big hurry to get our ugly cars off the
speedway in favor of the Gremlin and Pacer bodied modifieds.) I’ll
never forget that day. Or was it night…
---- Bottom line - I was hooked. Fast forward to 2007-
approximately plenty of years later. It’s been an outstanding
career. Multiple championships. Countless feature wins. Trophy
hotties. Champagne. High-paying offers. The envy of my peers.
(Again, don’t mind the dramatic license.) Just one year removed
from my worst season in many years of competition at Oswego
Speedway. I was THISCLOSE to quitting. Don’t have the time. Can’t
justify the expense. Crew guys getting busy. Kids getting older.
Business issues. Competitors threatening petitions against me. It
was time to hang it up. Good run, lot of fun, time to be done. I
even ditched a week of racing, for the first time almost ever.
Heck with it.
---- Then BOOM! I don’t know how to explain it. Now look at me.
Somehow I’ve gone from being ready to get out, to now having the
best available car to race in 2007. Ray Hedger’s cars frequently
dominate the division of small block supermodifieds, and I’ve got
one. Doug Holmes builds the best engines for small block
supermodifieds, and I’ve got one. New aftermarket spindles, best
of everything. How did this happen? How did I go from having my
fill, to having the best equipment in my garage? I’ve got one
word: addiction. If anyone has the name of a good counselor,
please get me an appointment. If not, I’ll see you at the opener.
But not because I want to. Because I HAVE to.
---- Do any of you suffer from “racecar-itis”. That is why I’ve
started a self help group, called “R.A.”. Racer’s Anonymous
meetings will be held starting May 5th, on Saturday nights.
Meetings will be held at my pit stall at small block supermodified
car #93 at Oswego Speedway after the races. R.A. does not keep
membership files, or attendance records. You do not have to reveal
anything about yourself. No one will bother you if you don’t want
to come back. Don’t be nervous about seeing people that you know
there. They will be there for the same reason you are there. They
will not disclose your identity to outsiders. You will find people
talking about what racing did to their lives and personalities,
what actions they took to help themselves, and how they are living
their lives today.
---- Just ask one of our members, we’ll call him “Chip W.” in
the interest of anonymity, how he feels about R.A. “Ever since I
joined R.A., I have led a more successful and happy life. I now
spend my Saturday nights watching T.V. and occasionally even
conversing with my family, when they are not at the evil races. I
purchased a boat when I sold my racecar, and I expect that I may
use it one day. Yes, I have fallen off the wagon a few times,
usually around Classic Weekend, but I’m trying to get better. Yes,
my beer bill has increased, but my tire bill hasn’t. I even buy
another small block super every now and then to prove my strength,
which will all sit around my garage in various states of repair. I
love not racing, and I extend my hand to anyone who would like to
join me this summer for R.A. meetings. I will be contacting some
drivers/owners, whom I also will leave nameless, such as “Mike B“,
“Russ B”, “Eddie H”, “Kevin K”, “Pitt W”, and “Jack P” (names
abbreviated to maintain their privacy), who were recommended to me
by “JJ A”, that he feels could benefit from our meetings.”
---- Just remember our slogan, made up by fellow members,
ex-racers named “Andy N” and “Chris P” - a non-racer is a happy
racer! It makes sense.
Gater News - February 24th, 2010
This month’s column is something new. Well, not new content,
but a new idea for the column. Call it “recycling”. This
episode will be a few columns / stories from the 2009 season
that I wrote before. So if you’re a regular ”Jaymate”, you will
have already seen some of this stuff. But the following are
some of my favorite items that I wrote either for this column,
or my blog at
www.gaternews.com, or from my “SuperStar of the Week” column
that I do for Chris Porter’s
www.sbsracingnews.com. Enjoy! Please check out both places
to read more of my writing.
---- But before I get to the “recycling”, I do have a couple
of new items.
---- “This is all new to me…”, said first time racecar owner
Chris Tedd. Just a few days ago, Chris Tedd, out of Constantia,
N.Y. picked up his new racecar from the Scriba, N.Y. garage of
Kevin and Kathy Knopp. Tedd purchased the #04, the 2008 track
championship ride, and will be ready to contend for rookie of
the year in 2010, along with already announced rookies Fred
Kilian and Bob Henry Jr.
---- He hasn’t set his goals too high yet, but from talking to
him, I could tell he’s not going to be satisfied as an also-ran.
“I don’t plan to go out there and be a ball of fire right away,
but I don’t want to run around in last”, he said. “I have a
competitive edge. My goal is to not piss anybody off. I don’t
want to wreck the car. If I can’t do it, I’ll let somebody else
drive it.”
Chris looked at a few small block supers that were for sale, but
Knopp’s was easily the best deal. “Kevin’s done racing - he gave
me everything he had”. He also looked at Shawn Walker’s #68, and
Wayne White’s #4, but he was pretty satisfied with the deal that
he got, which also included the enclosed trailer and all the
spare parts.
---- The 38 year-old driver has enough funding at this point
to “just about” run the full season, but he will be searching
for sponsors and teammates in the coming weeks. He will run
weekly at the speedway, and wants to take a shot at rookie of
the year in ’010.
---- Tedd’s friend Dennis Richmond has “agreed to do the
wrenching on the car” for Tedd. Dennis has done some driving
himself, and may get a ride here and there in the car if the
situation permits. The team would like to rent the track for
seat time prior to the start of the season, and plans to attend
the open practice on May 1st. “I wanted to try it the couple
times I went”, said Tedd, who was encouraged by Richmond to take
the plunge. “I used to kick my brothers’ butts in go-karts!”
---- He’s undecided at this time what his racing number will
be. As a Jeff Burton fan, he’s leaning toward #31, but he’s not
sure at this point. He doesn’t have a team name yet (I’m
thinking “Right Said Tedd Racing”, inspired by that goofy 80’s
band “Right Said Fred”). Is this just a stepping stone to the
big time? “I don’t think at 38 I’m looking at a career in
racing. This is just for fun”, but he didn’t rule out a fantasy
of trying a supermodified 4-5 years down the road if he finds
out he’s good at it.
---- He did scare me when he said it’s a “weekend hobby”,
because experienced racers know that if you’re serious about it,
the weekend is only one small part of your time investment. If
you want to succeed, you’re committing 4-5-6 days a week to your
racing hobby.
---- He is pretty excited about the season, though. “It puts a
spring in your step, for sure”, Tedd added. “When I come home, I
go out and look at the racecar. THEN I kiss my girlfriend”…
---- Coming up on March 13th is John “Luther” Gray’s 10th
annual - and reportedly last - fundraiser for Make-A-Wish. I’ll
have more information for the next edition of Gater, but I
wanted to make everyone aware of the details. Save March
13th,and make plans now to head to the Moose Lodge in Oswego,
N.Y. There will be many auctions and fundraisers, along with
several different types of entertainment, raffles, auctions,
etc. Put it on your calendar, and make your plans. Go to
www.luthermotorsports.net for more information.
---- Dave Thomas Jr. recently organized the “DT 100” kart
racing event, to contribute to Make-A-Wish, and raise money. A
group of Oswego race fans and competitors made the trip to
Portland, Maine for the event. It was a great fundraiser which
raised a lot of money for charity, and included a trip to the
famous “Bentley’s Saloon”. Unfortunately, none of “our guys”
qualified for the exclusive event. Barry Kingsley, Michael
Barnes, Dave Danzer, and Keith Gilliam all missed out. 70
drivers attempted to qualify for the event, which started only
10 karts. The race was won by Mike Murphy, but the event and
the support for Make-A-Wish was the real reason for the day.
---- Barnes came the closest to making the event, winning his
qualifying heat. But scoring methods dictated that you had to
run well in two different races to make the “Big Shoo”.
Curiously, not long after Barnes failed to qualify, a foreign
substance was found on the racing surface. It was thought that
maybe a dog had made his way onto the track to do his
“business”, but looking back, there were many theories…
---- Recently added to the schedule at Thunder Alley Speedpark,
in Evans Mills, N.Y. were four races for the small block
supermodified division. On May 15th, June 12th, August 14th,
and September 18th, the small block supers (called limited
supermodified on the website) will be in attendance. I’ll have
more on that subject later, as well. While no announcement has
been made about the events that I have been made aware of, these
events did recently pop upon the schedule.
---- Now for that “recycling” that I was talking about…
---- SuperStar - July 22nd, 2009: - Last week’s “Hoosier Mama
Powder Puff”/beauty pageant/race for women drivers of small
block supermodifieds was a great show. The intrigue, the muscle,
the drama, and the skill of the “boys race” was all there,
wrapped up in a pretty pink bow.
Intrigue: race organizer Kathy Harrington did a lot of
finagling to put this deal together. But when it came time to
draw for starting position, only four of the nine entries were
allowed to participate in the draw for the top four starting
positions. It was decided that only the four drivers who
competed in the previous year’s event were ready to start up
front. So who drew the pole? Kathy did. Things that make you go
“HMMMM.”
Muscle: Janine Regan and Jayne Danzer intimidated the rest of
the field during a special “hot chick” practice session earlier
in the day, where all of the girls were allowed to turn some
laps, two at a time. They made the cars very loud, both causing
their team’s regular drivers to look very embarrassed - and
ashamed.
Drama: When Jamie Whitford saw Kim Brown passing her in the J.J.
Andrews #93, her drama level went right off the charts. She
looked just like Rob Pullen, nailing Kim’s left rear tire with
her right front, sending Kim spinning. Apparently it was some
type of grudge that Jamie was harboring from the 80’s (before
she was born), when I called her father, Chuck Whitford,
“Chuckles.”
Skill: Although they have very limited driving experience, you
would have thought it was Bentley Warren and Randy Ritskes out
there, slicing through traffic, swapping the lead back and
forth. Winner Samantha Todd and 2nd place finisher Janine Regan
put on an epic battle for the ages, bringing out all of the
emotions to the fans that were standing on their seats watching
the race. I laughed … I cried … it became a part of me.
Almost as much fun as the racing was the “Firesuit
Competition,” where each model/driver walked the catwalk to the
interview stand to draw for their starting position. I didn’t
even know that they made fireproof high heels.
The Q and A portion was quite entertaining as well, just like
the Miss America pageant. I was surprised to hear the ladies’
opinions on such subjects as gun control, the economy, global
cooling, and who’s hotter - Pat Furlong or Steve Gioia?
And finally, the talent competition. Coincidentally, almost
EVERY woman in the pageant chose “racecar driving” as their
talent. It was unprecedented. The only one who did something
different was Jayne Danzer, who decided to leave the car parked,
and play the oboe for the listening pleasure of the judges.
(That wasn’t her first choice for the talent competition, but
“sexting” was disallowed.)
Congratulations, ladies! Please feel free to shower the judges
(me) with thank-you’s next time you see me. And I think you know
what I mean by “thank-you’s”…
---- Here’s a part of a blog from early 2009 about my future
writing plans -
… and finally, my writing plans for the year. I’ll of course
stick with Gater Racing News as long as they’ll have me. I’ve
been with Gater for I don’t know how many years - 20ish? Not
even sure. In the past couple of years I’ve decided that the
Patricks actually like what I do - not just tolerate it. I would
love to know how many people read my words nationally, but I bet
it’s a lot more than you realize. This blog is the perfect
addition to my Gater column. It allows me to break some scoops
immediately - I can update it from my i-Phone no matter where I
am. I have a lot of fun spouting off here. It also allows me to
be a little emotional sometimes, like I’m doing here today. I
enjoy writing for the Oswego Speedway Eagle program, and will
certainly do that again in ‘09 if I’m asked.
---- I also got a kick this year out of writing for Chris
Porter’s
www.sbsracingnews.com website. My SuperStar of the Week
articles drew some laughs, and torked a lot of people, which is
what I do. And in 2008 it was a huge personal accomplishment to
do a story that featured our own small block supermodified
drivers in Syracuse’s Post Standard newspaper. The first of its
kind. It was so exciting to see quotes from, and press for all
of my buddies in the Post Standard. A big deal, in my opinion!
---- I have given a lot of thought since the end of the season
about my writing style going forward. I work very hard on it,
and give people a lot of information and opinions about local
racing, and especially the drivers and teams at Oswego Speedway.
I keep Oswego and its teams very much in the public eye. Also,
I’ve always not taken myself or my column very seriously,
focusing on cracking jokes and busting peoples’ chops. While
that is fun, and I’m aware that many people “get it”, the down
side is that you never see a serious journalist cracking wise
like I do. Because of that, I’m not taken seriously. I can only
assume that that is the reason why in over twenty years of
writing I have never been recognized for my efforts. So do I
change my style, be more serious, act like a real journalist,
and maybe win some award some day for writing? I’ve thought
about that a lot lately. I had a choice to make: stay the same,
or change to be more appreciated by the masses?
---- Here’s the verdict: Nope! I’m not changing. I don’t do
this for a living. I’m not looking for a career as a journalist.
I do this for my entertainment, as well as the people who “get
it”. Don’t take yourself too seriously, and I won’t either. I’m
very happy with what I’ve done for this sport, and I think you’d
miss me if I was gone. I have a lot of good stuff in my column -
not just jokes. 2009 calls for more of the same - news, fun,
dumb jokes, actual useful information, needling, and limited
appreciation. I’ll keep enjoying what I do - and I hope you do,
as well. Like me or hate me, please appreciate my passion for
the sport. I’m doing good work. My only pay? Your comments -
let me know what YOU think. Click on the “leave a comment” link
below. You don’t need to register. Send me an e-mail at
JJcqracing@aol.com. Or tell me when you see me. Thanks for
reading!
---- Here’s another “SuperStar” story from last July, designed
to break the tension after a racing incident that got some guys
fired up for a few minutes -
…. Close call. After an on-track incident last week during the
feature, Mike Bond was nearly dragged into the ring - the
professional wrestling ring - by this week’s TWO SuperStars, the
“Killer B’s!” Tim “B”arbeau, and “B”arry Kingsley, the modern
version of professional wrestling’s “Killer B’s,” were not
happy. They were disappointed when they both ended up in the
wall after some on-track contact. And the two-man tag team
wasted no time jumping out of their cars, standing on the roll
cage as if they were getting ready to jump from the ropes of a
wrestling ring.
---- “They looked like two carp going after the same piece of
corn,” said safety man John Byrnes of the two. Barbeau had some
comments of his own. “He’s the only man I know of who can hide
his own Easter eggs.” said Tim. ”He looks like something that
fell out of a deck of cards!”
---- Not one to back down, Bond had some answers for Barbeau.
“I’m so quick, I could spit in the wind, duck, and let it hit
the old lady behind me!” And then added, “I’ll hit you so hard
you’ll starve to death rolling.” Apparently intimidated,
another track safety man, Jim Bernys had this to say when he saw
Kingsley jump out of the car - “This guy makes coffee nervous!”
After successfully restraining Kingsley, safety man Eddie Maxon
added, “He’s as strong as an ox … and ALMOST as smart!”
---- “I see Mike Bond spent $4.00 on a haircut, $1.00 for each
side!” quipped Kingsley. ”When we’re done with you it’ll look
like we set fire to your face and put it out with an axe!” Bond
had some words for Kingsley, as well. “I see you have wavy hair
… It’s waving goodbye!” And then added, “Barry wouldn’t win a
body building contest for best abs, he’d win for MOST abs.”
---- After things calmed down, feature winner Brian Sobus
decided to add his two cents worth to the evening, when he was
heard saying, “Win if you can, lose is you must, but ALWAYS
cheat!” To which head tech Mike Bozzuto replied, “Go ahead
Sobus, just when you think you know all the answers, I’ll change
the questions.” (Disclaimer: these are obviously not anything
that any of these people really said. When I got the “Killer
B’s” idea, I decided to google “professional wrestling quotes”
and see if I could come up with some one-liners to diffuse that
whole wreck that has certainly blown over by now. I’m certainly
not adding fuel to the fire - just giving the guys something to
laugh about together this weekend.)
---- But I’m not always busting chops. Sometimes I get all
sappy, like I did on my blog last Father’s Day…
---- Father’s Day. Please don’t judge me. I’m not always the
joker and buster that you’re used to reading about here. I
apologize in advance if you find this boring, but I hope you’ll
allow me to be sappy for a few minutes. There’s a lot on my mind
this time of year, and my bosses at Gater give me free reign to
use this forum as therapy if I need it. Thanks to Joe Patrick -
and his Father Norm Patrick - for this outlet. I’ll feel better
in a minute. And if you’re not interested in seeing my “softer
side”, no hard feelings. Pass on this blog. Just tune out for
today, and I’ll be sure to get back to the normal racing BS that
I usually write soon.
---- A few of the guys in our division are fortunate enough to
have their fathers side by side with them to help with their
racing careers. Dave Cliff Sr. owns and fields the #06 small
block supermodified that is piloted by his son, Dave Jr.. Craig
Danzer is the driving force behind his son Dave’s #52 small
block super. Brian Sobus has had his moments of stress and
heartache behind the wheel of his family owned #79, but his
father Brian Sr. and family’s support always have him back at
the track for the next race. And I’ve known Dave Gruel for a few
years, and I’ve never seen him at the races without his Dad,
Dave Sr. Dave, Craig, Brian Sr., and Dave - thank you. Your sons
need you, and none of them would be where they are without you.
Don’t ever forget that.
---- I’m not limiting my congratulations to those four
fathers. Many of the drivers have fathers who are also involved,
in many different capacities. Bob Lupa (Chris), Dave Bond
(Mike), Bob Pullen (Rob), Tim LaRochelle (Josh), Duane Heroth (Kreig),
are all drivers’ fathers that I see or have seen at the track in
support of their driving sons. I apologize to the other drivers’
Dads that I haven’t mentioned. You are all appreciated and
needed, and it’s great that you are able to be there. Many
drivers have Dads that aren’t or can’t be involved for whatever
reason, but I still recognize you for the contribution that you
have made to our sport. You made a racecar driver - and put a
special breed of person on this earth.
---- As a father, I wish I was like you guys. No matter how
hard I tried, I have never been able to beg, bribe, or coerce
any of my kids to share my love of racing. My daughters, 19 and
18, apparently like other things, like boys and other yucky
stuff. My son John Jr., 17 next month, couldn’t be any less
interested. And I can’t even bribe him with French fries to get
him to go to the races, like when he was little. “J.J. Andrews
Jr.” drove quarter midgets for awhile, but it eventually became
evident that he was just humoring me, and wasn’t really into it.
Hey - you like what you like. Never figured out how to control
that.
---- It really bothers me that I can’t race with my son. But
you can’t force your kids to like something that you like, no
matter how hard you try. If you guys have any suggestions,
please let me know. I would put John in my car in ONE SECOND if
he was the least bit motivated. While many of you guys use
racing to connect with and spend time with your families, racing
has only been a wedge with my children. My only chance now is
that maybe I’ll have a grandchild that I can trick into liking
racing down the road. J.J. Andrews III has a nice ring to it.
Don’t get me wrong. April and I have three great kids, who will
be great members of society. You would like every one of them.
Great personalities and awesome senses of humor. Not sure where
they got that? Lacey, Chelsea, and John - I love you. You make
my Father’s Day amazing!
---- Now to the sons: worship your father. Appreciate what
he’s done for you. He’s put his heart, soul, money, work, etc.
into racing for YOU. Yes, it’s also for his own
self-gratification. He enjoys it, too. But please tell him how
you feel. Thank him for his efforts. Don’t take him for granted.
You have no idea how stressed he is when you’re out on the
track. When you have a rough night, it’s worse for him than it
is for you. But he enjoys it more than you do when you do win.
The next time you think he’s barking at you, just let it roll
off your back.
Racecar drivers are badasses. We’re the toughest guys on the
planet, and for every one of us who are fortunate enough to
drive racecars, there are thousands out there who wish they were
us. I know it’s not really what racecar drivers do, but to all
of you sons out there - now is the time to show Dad your soft
side for a minute. Tell Dad you love him - I dare you. Just
watch the look on his face. It’ll be well worth any
embarrassment that you may feel.
---- When I was 14 years old, my Dad, Bob Andrews and I built
my first racecar. This wasn’t a quarter midget or a microd or a
go-cart or anything like that. It was a 1967 Chevy Impala
“amateur division” car for Weedsport Speedway, that lasted a
total of three weeks. First race was on July 8th, 1979. Charlie
Fletcher welded a roll cage into it, and it was about as
primitive as you could get. After that car was destroyed, we cut
the roll cage out with a torch and welded it into a ‘72 Lemans 4
door, which we flat-towed with a tow bar until we hit the big
time and bought a trailer. Not too far down the road, when I was
16, Dad moved me up to Street Stock at Brewerton and Fulton
Speedway. Not because I was ready, but because he cut a great
deal over a Schaefer draft with Pete Compeau, who was in the
mood to get out of racing that day. Probably needed some beer
money. Dad was there when I took my first checkers, in a consi
at Brewerton over Sam Reakes III. Somewhere there’s a picture of
me in that #16 Chevelle, with an angry Reakes in the background,
protesting to the flagman about some injustice that he felt I
had done.
---- A year or so later, my racing career took a turn when Dad
had his heart attack. He fought back to half speed over the next
year and a half, and passed away in 1982. He was only 52 years
old. The night he died, my brother Bob and I, and our friend
Mike Bond had just returned home from watching the races at
Weedsport Speedway, if I remember correctly.
He would have enjoyed my racing at Oswego Speedway, because he
was a pavement guy. He raced the paved (they called the surface
“macadam” in those days) speedways at Brewerton and other places
in the 50’s. Bob Andrews drove a few different cars, some
numbered ½, but only had a limited career as a driver. More of
his racing was as crew or occasional driver for his brothers
Bernie and Ron Andrews, when he was home on leave from the
Marine Corps. I can still feel the bump that Dad made me feel on
his nose from when he flipped Uncle Bernie’s car into Archie
Green’s junkyard, which was off the first turn of Brewerton
Speedway.
---- When I won my feature at Oswego Speedway in 2001, the
first thing I thought of was how much my father would have
enjoyed it. Dad had been gone for 19 years, but he was the first
person that I thought of. He never took us to Oswego Speedway as
kids, but I bet he would have been there to watch me race. He
would have thought that a small block supermodified was the
coolest thing. And he would have encouraged me to have a Ford
engine in it - not an old “stove bolt Chevy”, as he called them.
Dad would have been a lot of fun in the pits. We probably would
have been involved in a few fights, too. Bob Andrews was a tough
bar owner and Marine with a short fuse and a love for life. I
inherited one half of that. You guys would have liked him. I’ve
got some stories if you’re interested.
---- I’d pay a lot of money to have my Dad bark at me in the
pits or the garage. Or give me an awkward man hug. And I would
very much enjoy to see that look on his face when I tell him “I
love you”.
Gater News - February 10th, 2010
It’s been a pretty easy season here in central New York for snow
accumulation. Which means one thing: early spring! So all of
you race track promoters may want to plan accordingly, and maybe
move your schedules back a month or so. Let’s start in April -
or March, instead of May. Let’s go!
---- Our group of CNY race fans recently returned from our
annual trip to Atlantic City for the yearly indoor races at
Boardwalk Hall. While we didn’t have a bus ride to take us
there, we still had my 14 passenger van and a couple of other
vehicles taking a group of us down for laughs and racing. It
was definitely a trip that made a lot of memories for me.
---- The racing was pretty solid, as well. We didn’t make it
to Friday night’s events, but Saturday’s racing saw a lot of
action and passing, as always. Actually, there was a little
less passing for the lead this year, as winner Lou Cicconi Jr.
pretty much dominated the show, but a lot of passing throughout
the field kept us entertained.
---- Mike Stefanik was really quick, but a second place finish
was the best he could muster, behind the dominant Cicconi.
Stewart Friesen was 3rd (as he was in Friday’s preliminary
event), Ryan Smith was 4th, and supermodified driver Mike Lichty
was 5th.
---- The “Jersey Jet”, Joey Payne finished 6th, after a really
crazy weekend. Jet was leading Friday night’s race when the
motor expired. Then, as he described it to me in his charming
New Jersey accent, “my jackass car owner fell down and knocked
himself out cold”. Payne’s supermodified owner Pat Strong
slipped on some snowy pavement prior to Saturday’s race,
knocking himself out and earning a trip to the hospital. After
knocking the cobwebs out of his head, Pat returned to the track
Saturday night. Probably landed a nice headache out of the
deal.
---- Joey ended his race night with a burnt foot from the
racecar. But the weekend wasn’t over yet. Then he got stranded
in an elevator at his condo for a couple hours. Quite an
adventure for the Jet, to say the least!
---- The hottest car on the track though was pole-sitter Mike
Tidaback. On lap 19, after a lap 7 tangle had sent him to the
rear, Tidaback was in a big jingle that ended up with his car in
a huge ball of flames. Tidaback walked away from the scene, and
it was said that he was not seriously injured.
---- Ted Christopher was fast, but one tangle after another
put him in 9th place at the end of the day. Indy 500 veteran
Davey Hamilton was also fast, but he got tangled up in that
nasty crash with Tidaback and others.
---- I think Chris Stockham was robbed out of a qualifying
spot in the last chance consi. It happened right in front of
me. There was a little jam-up on the track in front of Stockham,
and when the cars got jumbled up a little, Stockham made a move
to the low side of turn 3-4, making contact with another car,
sending him spinning. Stockham was immediately sent to the rear
for the contact, which may have been prudent for a different
race, but not an event of this type. Things happen fast in
these tiny cars on this tiny track, so when you see an opening,
you have to go for it. The drivers will tell you - indoor
racing is a contact sport. There were a lot worse moves than
that one that went unpunished. Stockham ended up one spot out
of qualifying at the end of the event, barely missing his
opportunity to race against the best on Saturday night.
---- Sixty-one other drivers also failed to qualify for
Saturday night’s event. Bobby Santos III, who has raced and won
in almost every division of racecars known to man didn’t make
the show either night. Lady sprint car drivers Jessica Zemken
and Becca Anderson DNQ’d both nights. Indy car and
supermodified veteran Davey Hamilton didn’t make the show either
night. Danny Shirey - who I foolishly picked to win this year’s
event - got skunked all weekend. Timmy Jedrzejek. Ryan
Bartlett. Frank Polimeda. Mike Osite. Even Josh Dalrymple had
a DNQ attached to his name! That’s right - Josh Dalrymple.
---- All in all, our winter trip to Atlantic City was a great
mid-winter racing fix. No, there was no break from the weather,
as it snowed and froze us out just as if we were home. But it’s
always great to get out of town with your friends and family.
And as always, it was also a very educational weekend. A trip
into the ocean with a few of our travel partners confirmed that
the water is so cold in January that it feels like someone
stabbing you with a million knives. Congratulations to Bobby
Hollenbeck, Nancy Lewis, and Chrissy Gray for joining me in our
ocean run!
---- Here’s another thing that happened in Atlantic City. One
minute, I’m hanging out, talking about racecars with my new
friend Bob Henry Jr. A few days later, he’s at my house picking
up my racecar, for the season’s wars at Oswego Speedway. How
does that happen? Apparently, Atlantic City’s rules are
different from Las Vegas’ rules. What happened in A.C. did NOT
stay in A.C.
---- Okay, that’s an exaggeration. That deal was actually cut
before we ever went to Atlantic City. Here’s the story,
originally announced on my blog on January 23rd at
www.gaternews.com:
---- “A decorated dirt modified star will make the switch to
the pavement ranks in 2010, pulling a well-known car out of
semi-retirement. Feature winning dirt driver Bob Henry, Jr. has
come to an agreement with J.J. Andrews to be the full time
driver of the Hedger Chassis #93 small block super in ‘010. The
car will be maintained and fielded by Henry, Bob Henry Sr., and
their crew. Andrews will still be the owner of the car, and will
be on the crew at the speedway on race nights. Henry will still
compete in several small block modified races in his car, but on
Saturday nights, Oswego Speedway will be the priority.
---- Okay - enough third person. That Andrews guy is ME, so
I’ll stop calling me “Andrews”. I’m pretty excited about this
season. Although I just met Bob Sr. and Bob Jr. a few days ago,
they come with some pretty high recommendations. “Bobby Henry is
so fast, he can run around the world and punch himself in the
head”, said rookie supermodified driver Dave Gruel, who is
longtime friends with Henry, from their quarter midget days.
“Every cell in Bob Henry’s body has it’s own beard. He once
donated ten liters of his own blood. After that, he won the Tour
de France on a pogo stick.” Pretty high praise, to say the
least.
---- Speedway announcer Joe Marotta, another longtime friend
of the Henrys told me that “Bob Henry’s tears could cure cancer.
Too bad he’s never cried. In order to survive a nuclear attack,
you must remember to stop, drop, and be Bob Henry. He’s so
talented, he can speak Braille”.
---- I followed Bob’s career on the dirt modified circuit, but
never met him until a week ago. A lunch conversation with
speedway announcer Roy Sova is what started the ball rolling,
when Roy and I got together to discuss ideas to add to the small
block super fields. Roy suggested that Bob Henry Jr. would like
to drive a car at Oswego, and the groundwork was down.
---- Since my plan was to not race on a regular basis in 2010,
it would have been a shame to see the car sit all season,
especially when it looked like car counts were going to be down.
Bob is pretty enthusiastic, and I’ll enjoy working with him and
seeing my car on the track.
---- I’ll of course still be crewing for Barry Kingsley, as
well, and we’ll all park together and be teammates. Bob and
Barry haven’t met yet, but I’m sure they’ll be “BFF’s” in no
time. And also importantly, a key part of the deal for me is
that I retain the rights to drive the car in the 2010 Classic,
which is the most important race of the season for me. I’m in
the top five all time points for the limited classic, and I
would still like to improve on my finish of 3rd in the 2009
Classic. (I’ve finished 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in the Classic, but
would love to add that win to my resume!) This should be a fun
season!”
---- Bob Henry won’t be the only rookie at Oswego Speedway
this year. Fred Kilian, of Camillus N.Y., has purchased the
Eddie Horne #10 small block supermodified, and plans to race
weekly in the division in 2010. Kilian is 60 years old, and
hasn’t had any circle track racing experience in “49-50 years”,
since he raced go-karts as a youngster. Kilian’s drag racing
experience in his hemi-powered Challenger won’t be much help at
the “Steel Palace”, but his enthusiasm for the sport should
carry him a long way.
---- “Twinz Racing” is the name of Kilian’s race team, in
honor of his two 11 year-old twins. The Doug Holmes built
engine that came with the car will be freshened by Morrison
Performance for the season. His goals are to “have some fun,
run fast, and not take a car home in pieces”. He’s had some
help from Dennis Botindari of Motorsports Safety Systems getting
his safety equipment together, and has even been offered an
illegal carburetor for the season. “I’ve enjoyed Oswego
Speedway since I was a kid, and now I would like to try it from
the other side of the fence”, he told me. From our
conversation, Fred sounds like a great guy. I think he’ll be a
great addition to the division, and I look forward to the head
to head battle for rookie of the year with my own driver, Bob
Henry.
---- “You may want to send a warning out…”, added Kilian. But
that warning wasn’t about what may happen on the racetrack.
Kilian wants to inform all of his friends and business owners
that “if you see my number pop up on your phone, that’s me
calling about sponsoring my racecar”. Sounds like Kilian will
be burning up the phone lines looking for partners and teammates
for the ‘10 season.
---- The supermodified division is loaded with rookies in
2010. Larry Muroski will drive the Coon-France Racing
supermodified, formerly driven by Lou LeVea. Dave Gruel will
team up with Pat Lavery and wheel one of the two Double Deuce
Racing supers. Dave Danzer will move up from the small block
super division in the Danzer Family Racing supermodified, a car
recently purchased from Furlong Racing. Shaun Gosselin, a
veteran of the USAC Ford Focus Midget series, will be behind the
wheel of a car from the Snyder Racing stables. And Cody Graham,
son of Ray Graham, Jr., will see time behind the wheel of one of
his father’s Supers in 2010. He had some time behind the wheel
during last year’s Classic Weekend. Quite a group of drivers
coming in - should be a great season for the supers in 2010!
---- There have been some rumors floating around about small
block supermodified driver Brian Sobus returning to the speedway
for 2010. I called Brian to ask him about that last week. Not
the case, says Sobus. “I’ll probably race the go-karts. The
car’s still sitting in the garage. I tried to sell it to Jason
Simmons. We probably won’t run it. We haven’t rebuilt the
motor or anything. I don’t think we’re welcome back.”
---- Sobus was DQ’d with an illegal carburetor after last
year’s Classic, and some subsequent letters sent from Brian’s
father to several speedway sponsors put him in a bad place with
the speedway and his competitors. Many of us were offended by
the attempts to undermine the speedway and damage the place that
we all love. Be mad at the promoters, but don’t try to ruin it
for all of us.
---- But after a long off-season to cool down, a conversation
with Brian reminds me of a lot of things. Brian Jr. and Sr. and
Sobus Racing were a great member of the division. They worked
hard, raced hard, and won races. The car always looked great,
and he put on a show every time out. Brian was right on the
verge of a championship, and I know his name had been brought up
for other rides in other divisions because of his obvious
talent, but that may all be lost. While they may not be welcomed
with open arms, the BS “Sobus letters” will eventually blow
over. And most importantly, with the top two in points in 2009,
Dave Gruel and Russ Brown moving on, maybe this could be his
championship year. Brian’s a good dude, and I hope he comes
back.
---- “Maybe we’ll pull it out for Classic”, said Brian about
his unsold race car. Prediction: we’ll see him more than just
Classic.
---- Jason Spaulding still has a lot of work to do on their
Jake’s Automotive supermodified prior to the 2010. Spaulding
and owner Jake Ratcliff have a new Hawk Chassis supermodified in
the works for 2010. “We’re not running a full schedule this
year”, Spaulding told me. Jason rattled off quite a list of
work that remains - and money to be spent before the season
starts on the Jake’s Automotive #23. A new camper in the family
will also prove to be a distraction for the team in 2010.
---- But I’ve heard this whole song and dance before, from
many people. I’ve even said it myself. In the off-season, it
’s easy to say that you’re not racing weekly. But after a
promising season, and a 6th place in points in 2009, can they
really do it? Can the veteran team actually miss any races?
“That was our plan last year, then when we finished 3rd in the
winged race, we were locked in”, Jason told me. Hopefully the
team runs well in their first race this year!
---- As mentioned above in my rookie discussion, Snyder Racing
will field a second car for a rookie driver this year, in
addition to having a new car in the works.
A deal has been cut for a first time supermodified driver to
drive (on a rent -to- own basis) the Hawk Chassis - which was
modified before the 2009 season by Xtreme Chassis builder Paul
Colloca.
---- Shaun Gosselin, who has driven many different types of
racecars, including Ford Focus midgets, will be behind the wheel
of the #26 supermodified. Snyder Racing, with the help of
Gosselin’s crew, will maintain the car at the Snyder Racing
shop. It will probably be a weekly deal, if the team is able to
get on the franchise plan, according to Snyder. “They’ll have
the use of all of our equipment, spares, etc.”, said Snyder.
Part two - the new car. A new Xtreme Chassis will be - or has
been - ordered for the 2010 season.
---- Of course the proceeds of the sale / rent of their
current car will go toward the new 2010 Xtreme car. Although
it’s a pretty short time frame for Colloca to build a new car by
May 1st, since he’s already in the process of building a car for
Andy Noto, Snyder is confident that the car can be done in time.
But what if it’s not? I asked Tim. “I can find a car. We’ll be
there. But we plan to rent the track the week before opener for
the new car”.
---- He’s still mum about it as of press time. He admits that
he’s had discussions with people, but that no definite deal has
been done. That’s Jason Simmons, who is apparently up for the
ride as a teammate to Mike Bond, in the Terry Solazzo owned
#25. But I sure didn’t hear that from him.
---- But I’m predicting, even though Jason won’t confirm or
deny it in my repeated calls or text messages, that he WILL be
parking his own car, and wheeling Solazzo’s FFB car for 2010.
Jason should have a great season in that car, and this just may
be the year that he gets his first win. Driver of the car last
year, Rob Pullen, is said to be taking the season off to pay
attention to a new business venture.
---- In 2010, Oswego Speedway has added a “commitment program”
for the small block supermodified division. Here’s the press
release from the speedway about it:
---- “The 2010 season at the Oswego Speedway marks the
nineteenth year of competition for the PathFinder Bank Small
Block Super Racing Series. As has often been mentioned, the SBS
Series could be the main class of cars at most any weekly track
in the country instead of being the support class at Oswego. In
recognition of the great support that the SBS teams have
provided over their existence at Oswego, the Oswego Speedway
announces a purse increase for regular weekly events.
---- New in 2010 for the SBS Racing Series will be a
“Commitment Program” which is modeled after the successful one
that is used for the Novelis Supermodified division. Teams that
commit to run the entire season and miss one race or less will
be eligible for the higher purse pay-outs. The program will
initially be open to the top twenty four cars from the 2009
Owners Point Standings. A purse increase of nearly $500 will be
added into the field from positions eleven through twenty four
that will guarantee all commitment teams of a minimum payout of
$100.
---- Commitment Program letters will be mailed out the week of
January 25th to the top twenty four car owners from 2009. Any
spots that are not filled by the cut-off date will then be made
eligible to any other owners that want to register for the
program.
The Oswego Speedway is pleased to have this program into place
for 2010 and it is likely the largest guaranteed starting money
for any support class throughout the country.”
---- Another topic of discussion for the small block
supermodified competitors is Steve Abt’s pursuit of some new
speedways for our cars. Abt has spoken with several promoters
at different tracks, and would like to know what the drivers
would think. Abt has spoken with such speedways as
Albany-Saratoga, Evans Mills, and even Sandusky Speedway in
Sandusky, Ohio. The obvious question though is this: are the
teams willing to travel, if Abt can negotiate a decent purse?
---- Steve would like to hear from you on that subject. A
September 18th trip to Sandusky to coincide with the non-wing
supermodified race was definitely the topic of a conversation
between Abt and Sandusky owner Kevin Jaycox. Please call Steve
Abt at 315-303-5552 and let him know what you think of that
idea. Sounds like a fun trip to me!
---- In closing, I would like to offer my condolences to the
family of Gater scribe Don Post, who passed away recently. I
had never met Don Post, but I always read his columns. His
passion for the sport was obvious, and he will be missed by the
sport and the media. From everything I’ve heard, Don Post was
“one of the good guys”. Rest in peace.
Gater News - January 12th, 2010
It’s been a long off season already, and there is still a long
way to go. But we’re getting there. Thanks to my Facebook
friends Skip Howe and Terry Strong for the daily updates,
reminding me that there are only 118 days remaining (as I’m
writing this) until Oswego Speedway’s opener! I’ve been talking
to a lot of teams, so here goes…
DOUBLE DEUCE RACING. - There has been a major shakeup in one
of the top supermodified teams. A new driver has been selected
for the Double Deuce Racing #22, formerly driven by Bobby Magner.
It was announced on the team website that Magner would not
return, and a story on the Oswego Speedway website indicates
that it was a “friendly parting of the ways. Bobby has other
things he wants to do and may not want to run a full season in
2010.” The unconfirmed rumor at this time is that Magner may be
doing some driving on the ISMA circuit in 2010.
---- The new driver for the team will be Dave Gruel, who has
earned a lot of respect as a driver in the small block
supermodified division. Gruel won the championship and a nearly
impossible five features in 2009 in the Tim Barbeau #50. Dave
carries himself very professionally, and always sounds very
polished in every victory lane interview. He knows how to work
on, set up, and maintain a car, and will be a great member of
the crew as well as driver. He’ll do a fine job in this great
ride, which brought first time wins to Bobby Magner and Michael
Barnes in the past few years.
---- “I was talking to them (owners Bob Hoefer and Billy
Samuels) before when they ended up hiring Magner, and I was
hoping I got it then. But I’m really excited to get the ride
now”, said Gruel. Gruel is appreciative of the breaks and rides
that he has had that led to this opportunity. He knows without
the help of Tim Barbeau last year, and, and previous small block
owner Tom Aaserud, that he would not have been in position to be
offered this ride. “This is a great team, and a great
opportunity. They told me they aren’t interested in running
mid-pack, and I feel the same way”, added Gruel. No “learning
curve” will be expected by either party.
---- A similar story takes place in the small block
supermodified division. Another driver has left a top team, and
a new driver has been selected.
RAY PIKE’S SMALL BLOCK SUPER - Ray Pike debuted a brand new
Ray Hedger Chassis in 2009, which was driven by Russ Brown and
maintained by Ray Hedger. Brown had an amazing season,
finishing in the top three every week except one, and finished a
solid 2nd place in points. But Brown wasn’t happy with that,
because they never won a race all season, and vowed, (again), to
never race at Oswego Speedway again in a car without a roof.
(He acknowledges that he would compete in a modified at the
speedway at some point.) After maybe the most controversial
season ever, filled with drama and angry sound bites, Pike was
left without a driver.
---- “We’re going to have some fun this year - not like last
year”, said Pike. “I’m very excited”, said Pike about his new
driver. Stan Gates was a first time winner in 2009, and has
quietly earned the respect of everyone in the pits as a solid,
controversy-free pilot. Gates will park his own Ford-powered
machine in 2010, and be the full-time driver of the Pike Bros.
Racing #60.
---- “I’m honored to park my car and drive for Ray”, Gates
said. “I think it’ll be really nice having new tires, and more
help at the track, and not having to run used stuff all the
time“. Stan’s car will serve as a backup, and he’ll compete in
some races at other tracks, if any are scheduled, with his car.
The Pike Racing machine will be maintained at Pike’s shop in
Norwich, N.Y. In Gates’ spare time this year, he will be able
to help his friend and teammate George Knight with his own car.
---- Pike was going to have his nephew drive the car in 2010,
but he prefers to just work on it, according to Pike. “The
engine is at the engine shop (Cummings Auto Machine in Norwich),
and they’re doing what they have to do, looking for more speed.
The car will be set up every 2-3 weeks at Ray Hedger’s shop”,
according to Pike. “We have a lot of Ray’s (Hedger) notes, and
we’re taking all of the graphics off of it, painting it a
different color, so it doesn’t look like a bullseye like it did
last year”, added Pike. “The car was good every week, trying to
get the win. Maybe we will this year!”, enthused Pike.
Returning sponsors will be Cummings Auto Machine, Chenango
Welding Supply, and Ray Hedger Fabrication.
---- All last year, in addition to fielding the car and
working full time, Pike has been fighting cancer. A lot of
nights you could tell that he was under the weather. But lately
he’s been feeling a lot better. “I’ve been getting
(chemotherapy) treatments every 28 days. Doing well. Doctors
are happy. I’m feeling GREAT now”, added Pike. A hospital stay
in December for pneumonia and H1N1 hasn’t dampened his spirits.
---- So back to the Ford subject. I asked Stan if, all things
considered, would he have taken the amazing ride, if it wasn‘t
powered by a Ford engine? “I wouldn’t drive it if it was a
Chevy. I think my car was pretty fast toward the end of the
year last year”, Stan deadpanned.
TIM BARBEAU‘S #50 SMALL BLOCK - So then the other obvious
question about driver changes is this: who will drive the Tim
Barbeau #50 small block supermodified that Dave Gruel is exiting
to move up to the supermodified division? This excellent ride
dominated the division last year. Who wants that kind of
pressure?
---- Not Barbeau. Tim’s racing this year, but not in his own
car. He’s sticking in the Steve Abt #58 car that he drove to a
6th place in points last year. The former Larry Muroski FFB
Chassis is a solid car, and Barbeau will be fast in it once
again, you can be assured.
---- Then who IS driving the #50 Barbeau Racing machine? This
deal is so fresh that I had to beg Tim to release the
information. While it wasn’t one hundred percent finalized as
of press time Sunday, both parties seemed in agreement in
separate phone conversations, so I’m running with it. So here
it is: Chris Proud will be the new, full-time driver of the
Barbeau Racing #50 that won the championship last year. Proud
will maintain and field the car, for a full-time run at the
championship in 2010. “He’ll maintain the car exactly the way I
would maintain it - or even better”, said Barbeau. Proud called
Barbeau about the ride as soon as it was announced that Gruel
was moving up to the supermodified ranks. Barbeau had several
inquiries about the ride. He had previously asked Hall of Famer
Mark Regan to drive the car, but Regan passed on the
opportunity. “He’s definitely capable of winning”, Barbeau said
of Proud.
---- While Proud was sworn to secrecy as of Sunday when I
called him (before Barbeau’s confirmation), he admitted that he
did have something in the works, but it wasn’t finalized yet.
“I can’t say what the ride is yet, but I’m very excited about
it”, offered Proud. Don’t sweat it Chris - I already went
behind your back for the info….
RAY GRAHAM - I called Ray Graham, to see what his plans were
for the 2010 season. Graham entered the Thousand Dollar club in
2009 by winning his first supermodified event at Oswego, and
then followed that up with a second win later in the season.
Graham plans to come from Iowa weekly to run the entire season
in ‘010, and will take another stab at the championship if
things go well. Graham missed a couple of weeks at the end of
the season in ‘09, but “I could have made it if I was close
enough to contend for the championship”, he said.
---- Over the previous winter, Graham’s car, originally a Hawk
Chassis, was cut up and reworked by supermodified guru Clyde
Booth. The front end was completely redesigned, and Graham had
a good season. This winter, the rear suspension of the car was
redesigned by Booth. “Basically the roll cage and the steering
wheel are about all that is left (of the original car). I think
Clyde knows a lot more than anyone building supers right now.
He’s been a great resource.”, said Graham.
---- His teammate Johnny Torrese will compete on an irregular
basis in his own car in 2010, and Graham’s son Cody may hit the
track a couple of times this year as well. “Cody did a good job
last year when he drove the C&C car. He did low 18’s the first
time out. He never drove a car before”, added Graham.
---- Ray Graham is pretty enthused about this season at Oswego
Speedway. “If you look at the roster, there are 15-16 feature
winners there. It’s going to be very close competition.” Joey
Hawksby is currently finishing up a new frame for another car,
that will be assembled as a roller “in case we need it”. In
addition to the Oswego schedule, Graham hopes to run a few ISMA
races after classic. Maybe Star and Thompson. And the May 2nd
ISMA race at Albany-Saratoga is also on the team’s radar, adding
to the buzz that’s starting to develop for that event.
MIKE BOND - Although he regularly says its his last year, Mike
Bond will once again be behind the wheel of the Terry Solazzo
owned #26 for the 2010 season. The team is all set to go, with
the same car, for the new season. No big changes - just more of
the same: hard work, solid driving.
---- It’s not clear as of press time if Solazzo will be
fielding just the Bond car, or if he’ll be fielding two cars, as
he did last year with Rob Pullen as his other driver. At least
one driver (to be left nameless) is in pursuit of the ride, but
no deal had been cut either way as of press time. “You never
know what Terry’s going to do”, said Bond of Solazzo.
---- Mike may have also been in the running for the Double
Deuce supermodified ride. “I told him I didn’t have the money
for that”, Mike said of his conversation with the 22 team.
While he never really investigated what the price of the ride
would be, even a tire / fuel deal would be out of his price
range. His recommendation for the ride was Dave Gruel, who was
ultimately chosen. Maybe he was getting tired of getting
spanked by Gruel in the small block super division, and wanted
him gone….
STEVE ABT‘S FLEET OF SMALL BLOCK SUPERS - Steve Abt will have
quite a stable of cars in his posse this year. In addition to
his 2009 FFB car, and the FFB car that Barbeau will be driving,
Abt has also purchased the former Bill Moore #20 car. No
official driver has been named for that car yet.
---- Abt was working on that car, renumbered 05, when I spoke
to him last Sunday morning. “This car should be pretty fast
this year. It’s got all new stuff on it, and the motor was
fresh at the end of last year”, said Steve. Bill Moore will see
some time behind the wheel of the car, but not on a full time
basis. Other drivers may have a turn in the seat, (yes, I was
one that asked for a ride in the car for fun) but nothing is
cast in stone at this time. “I got a call about putting Otto
Sitterly’s son in it for a couple of races, but I haven’t talked
to Otto yet”, said Abt.
---- So why does Abt keep buying and fielding small block
supermodifieds? “I just like the class. I’m doing my part to
keep cars on the track, keep the class going”, said Steve. He
has two new engines for the 85 (that he drives) and the 58 (that
Barbeau drives), that are built by Tommy Carr, in association
with Doug Holmes. Abt has been getting a lot of help from a lot
of people, including Dan Dennie, and hopes to have all three
cars at the upcoming Gater News Motorsports Expo in March.
MICHAEL BARNES - I had a visit with heralded supermodified
pilot Michael Barnes last week. Barnes started his
supermodified career with the aforementioned Double Deuce ride a
few years ago, and won a feature in only his third or fourth
race. He left that ride after barely losing the championship to
drive for the legendary Clyde Booth, and has driven a few
different cars since then.
---- In the ’09 season, he picked up the ride in a new car
built by the Osetek / Buske team from Oswego. “They’re very
ambitious guys, and I think we’re going to be pretty good this
year”, said Barnes. The team struggled with the upstart ride
last year, but Mikey’s confidence remains with them. They are
building a new chassis as a spare to the existing car, and he
feels this team will show their potential in ’10.
---- Barnes had a conversation with Bruce Budnick about
driving his ISMA car in 2010, but he is focused on the Oswego
Speedway and the #66 Buske / Osetek ride. “Bruce didn’t
officially offer me the ride, but we did have a conversation
about it. But I want to run the whole season in the 66”, Barnes
told me. Barnes did drive Gary Morton’s #70 car a time or two
in the past with a wing on it, and may do that again sometime if
it’s offered, around the Oswego schedule.
---- Mike and his dad Richie Barnes still also own a NEMA
midget, which they’re hoping to get on the track a few times in
2010. They bought that before last season, but it never worked
out where they hit the track with it. That car should be ready
for action this year.
BOBBY BOND- Bobby Bond will be all healed up for the 2010
season, after a racing foot injury last year took away his
second half of the season. “It bothers me a little now and
then, but it’s pretty much better”, Bond said of his foot.
---- The rumor mill has been churning about Bond returning to
Oswego Speedway full time with his Xtreme Chassis car, and
parking the wing in the back of the garage. Not true, said
Bond. “I’m planning on running ISMA again this year. We’ll see
how it goes. If we start having problems, or get behind, I may
avoid the the further away ISMA races, but as of now I’m going
to try to run the whole ISMA series. Maybe we’ll hit a few
Oswego shows, but I prefer the independent suspension setup”
(which is illegal at Oswego Speedway. Bond’s team changes the
car back and forth from independent to straight axle suspension
depending on if they’re racing at Oswego or with a wing.)
---- So I had to ask him the obvious question: if Oswego once
again allowed independent front suspension (the indy ban - and
the way the track handled it - is what chased Bond to the ISMA
series in the first place), would you come back to Oswego full
time? Bond thought for a minute, then answered, “I want to run
better on ISMA. If we quit now, we’ll never get it. I really
want to give ISMA one more shot - maybe one more year. I know I
can run pretty well at Oswego (which is about 7 miles from his
home), but I’m not done with ISMA yet”.
ANDY NOTO - Andy Noto’s new Xtreme Chassis ride is coming
together well, according to Andy. He’s looking forward to a
return to the supermodified division that he left a few years
ago, when he decided to go sprint car racing. He’s gone to one
of the top builders, and will have one of the best cars
available to try the class again. He purchased an engine from
Kenny Bell, which is being completely rebuilt by Port City
Machine. The engine will be run on a dyno before it hits the
track.
---- The goal is to run as much as possible at Oswego, (Andy
works out of town frequently, so he can’t be sure if he’ll be
available for all of the races) with possibly an occasional
winged event. They hope to hit the ISMA opener on May 2nd at
Albany-Saratoga Speedway as a shakedown for Oswego’s opener the
following week.
---- TOM AASERUD - Long time small block supermodified owner
Tom Aaserud will field two cars in 2010. Last year, Andrew
Schartner drove Tom’s car to a solid 5th place in points, rookie
of the year, and two feature wins. Toward the end of the
season, Tom purchased Johnny Moore’s car, and hired Chris Proud
to be the driver. Proud was involved in a painful accident
early in the association, and decided that he didn’t want to
drive the car. Kreig Heroth was then enlisted to drive the car
Classic Weekend.
---- Kreig Heroth won a B-main and finished 11th in last
year’s Classic , driving the car for the first time after it was
repaired from Proud’s wreck. That association was satisfying
for both Aaserud and Heroth, and a deal was cut for Heroth to be
the driver for the 2010 season. Heroth and his family will
maintain and transport the car, which will be owned by Aaserud.
Heroth’s rookie season in 2008 netted him a 12th place in points
in Chris Lupa’s car, along with the rookie of the year honors.
After that season, Heroth left Oswego for “greener pastures”,
when his family bought an SST modified. But like others before
him, he came back to Oswego when he found out it wasn’t such a
terrible place after all.
---- “I’ve got a ton of respect for these guys”, Aaserud said,
referring to Schartner and Heroth. “Both cars are totally
rebuilt - new engine, transmission; new bodies and chassis
completely gone through by Ray Hedger. I‘m giving them
everything they need.”
---- STOUT RACING / WINGED SUPERS - Here’s an unconfirmed one
that I heard, but don’t have too many details yet. It involves
the Steve Stout MSA / ISMA supermodified team. Trent Stephens
is one of the team drivers, but his teammate from last year,
Randy Burch, may not be behind the wheel of the other Stout
Racing ride. My assumption would be that since Burch is the
director of MSA in 2010, maybe he doesn’t have the time to drive
the car, or maybe he wouldn’t want to have a conflict of
interest.
---- So who is the driver? I understand that LOU CICCONI will
be the driver of the other Stout Racing machine, for the winged
MSA and ISMA supermodified shows. It looks like a great driver
lineup for 2010. Cicconi has quite a history in winged supers,
and Stephens busted onto the scene in 2009 as a very impressive
rookie driver, winning features very early in his supermodified
career. Expect an announcement soon about Cicconi.
---- ATLANTIC CITY- Next race for me: the Atlantic City
Indoor races, which are coming up on January 29th and 30th at
Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. It’s an annual event for many
of us central New Yorkers, although there aren’t a busload of us
going down as there has been the last few years. There are at
least 20 or so of us headed down, that are staying at the
Chelsea Hotel. I believe this is the 8th consecutive year that
I’ve headed south in January, an annual trek that has brought a
lot of great racing and laughs over the years.
---- As of January 7th, almost 100 TQ Midgets were on the
entry list. This makes for some major wars to even make the
show, which starts just 26 cars. Time trials line up the
qualifiers, and it all starts on Friday night. Then on Saturday
night, four heats and two consis finalize the starting
positions.
---- Here are some of the pre-registered drivers that we’ll be
watching for. Modified ace Ted Christopher, Supermodified
drivers Joey Payne, Lou Cicconi, Mike Lichty, and Bobby Santos
III, Ohio hero Danny Shirey, local CNY drivers Ryan Bartlett and
Chris Stockham, and World of Outlaws pilot (and possibly Tony
Stewart’s squeeze) Jessica Zemken. My pick for the win? This
year I’m going with our Ohio hero DANNY SHIREY.
---- The highlight could be the possible grudge match between
Joey Payne and Billy Pauch Sr., who had quite a run-in at the
indoor races in Providence, R.I. In December. Payne was quite
outspoken after that event about some on-track battles, so all
eyes will be focused when the two are near each other on the
track. Will Payne pull a “Denny Hamlin” on Pauch? Stay tuned.
---- And the Oswego contingent will also have a local to watch
in the Champ Kart event. Oswego’s Nick Demling, along with
about 70 other brave souls will attempt to qualify for the 24
car Champ Kart feature. Nick wheeled Dave Cliff’s small block
supermodified a little in 2009, which officially makes him one
of “our guys”. Good luck, Nick!
---- Coming up this weekend there will be a sponsorship
seminar in Oswego N.Y. Here are the details, from Roy Sova:
“Joe Marotta and I are going to host a seminar on getting
sponsorship. It will be Saturday, January 16 from noon until 4
at Lighthouse Lanes in Oswego. The cost is $20, which will
include a buffet. We will discuss how to prepare a sponsorship
proposal, how to deal with prospective sponsors, why you should
stop trying to get dollars from the same people everybody else
is talking to, how to prepare yourself for a meeting with a
sponsor, what to do after you get the sponsorship deal, and what
NOT to do. Of course we'll be fielding questions. The
sponsorship seminar is open to 50 people. To make your
reservation call Joe at 315-491-0759 or call me at
315-297-2262.” I’m told that there are still spots available
for this seminar, and even though it’s last minute by the time
you read this, they may still have a couple of openings. Should
be an informative meeting.
Gater News - December 14th, 2009
Can you believe that another year has come and gone? It is
officially almost the year 2010. I hope ‘09 was a great one for
you, and I fully expect ‘10 to be even better. I would like to
start this month’s effort by wishing everyone a Happy New Year
and a wonderful Christmas. I know our family is pretty big on
celebrating the holidays, so it’s a very exciting time for us
here in Mexico, N.Y.
---- Oswego Speedway has offered up quite a gift for race fans
in 2010. I can’t imagine how in this economy a business can
lower their prices substantially, but they’ve done it. Check out
this press release:
---- “During the 2008 racing season the Oswego Speedway
introduced five family priced nights with $10 adult admission.
In 2009 that was increased to six of these reduced rate nights.
For 2010 an additional family friendly night has been added to
the schedule. With the increased number of low priced grandstand
adult tickets, fans that purchase a season’s reserved seat
ticket for 2010 will see the price for that pass drop below $200
for the first time in track history. With the 2010 tentative
schedule having been released in November and with weekly race
prices still being finalized, the 2010 grandstand and pit area
Season Passes are now on sale at lower prices for the third year
in a row. The 2010 schedule includes some of the best big shows
in track history with two “$10,000 to Win” events including a
two day format for the second annual “King of Wings” weekend.
Season Passes will be good for all of the big weekends and the
increase in family friendly nights brings down the average
weekly cost of attending the races which results in the lower
grandstand and pit area Season Pass prices for 2010. Grandstand
reserved seat Season Passes for 2010 are priced at $180 which is
down from $225 in 2009. This ticket will include racing from
“Opening Day” on May 8th up to “Track Championship” night on
August 21st. The ticket will not be good for any races where the
Oswego Speedway is “rented out”, as was the case with the Kasey
Kahne Steel Palace Classic - USAC event in 2009. For an
additional $80, fans can get reserved Classic Weekend tickets as
close to their Season Pass seats as possible. A pit area
Season’s Pass for 2010 will be priced at $380 which is down from
$495 in 2009. These passes will be good from “Open Practice” on
May 1st right up to the “Track Championship” night on August
21st. As with the grandstand passes, the pit area passes will
not be good for events where the track is “rented out” either.
For and additional $100, this pass will include Classic Weekend
as well. The grandstand Season Pass is designed to save fans
approximately $25 over the cost of weekly ticket purchases and
the pit area Season Pass is designed to save fans about $65.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Box Office on weekdays
or calling at 315-342-0646.”
---- The track is still working on finalizing their schedule
for ‘010, but a pretty thorough TENTATIVE schedule is posted on
the website. Yet to be finalized on the website are the USAC
Silver Crown and the Race of Champions dates, but some research
on those organizations’ websites would indicate that dates have
been decided.
---- The Race of Champions website shows that the RoC Weekend
at Oswego Speedway next year will be held in late September, as
opposed to the week after Classic Weekend, as in 2009.
September 25th is the date listed for the modified 200 lap event
on the RoC website.
---- And although the USAC Silver Crown event, the Kasey Kahne
Steel Palace Classic, isn’t locked in on the Oswego website, it
would appear from the USAC site that a tentative date has been
set. It looks like Wednesday, August 4th may be the night that
fans can see Kasey Kahne, and possibly other NASCAR stars in
competition at Oswego Speedway. Watch for an official
announcement on both of these dates when they are locked in.
---- I don’t have much racing news to report this month. I’ve
been pretty focused on other stuff, like the holidays, and an
amazing trip to Disney with my whole family - 21 of us, that we
did for Thanksgiving. So yes, I’ve been slacking on my racing
coverage. But I do have a couple of teasers for you to get you
thinking, and I promise that I’ll have more info for next
month’s column. I’ll also post developments on my blog at
www.gaternews.com as they come up.
---- Eddie Horne has sold one of his small block
supermodifieds to Fred Killian, who will compete in 2010.“He’s
60 years old, and he’s never driven a racecar before, but he
wanted to try it”, Eddie told me.
---- There is a possibility that Ray Pike will be back in
competition as an owner in the small block division. Pike’s car
finished 2nd in points in 2009 with driver Russ Brown, but Brown
vowed to NEVER race at Oswego Speedway again in a car without a
roof. (He may still compete at Oswego in Ray Hedger’s
modified.) So that leaves Pike without a driver. I’m sure
there are dozens of capable drivers out there, who would love to
have a shot at one of the best cars at the track. Maybe Stan
Gates? That’s one rumor that I heard. The fact that Stan is a
Ford engine fanatic, and that this car is powered by a Ford
engine adds a lot of fuel to that fire.
---- Third place points finisher Mike Bond, who last year
during the season joined the group of guys who always say that
its their last season, will of course be back for 2010. He’s
got another season on the schedule in the Terry Solazzo ride,
and some extra horsepower in the works.
---- Brian Sobus insists that he’s done racing at Oswego no
matter what, and some letters sent to speedway sponsors probably
secured that fact. So when I heard his name come up in
conversation recently about driving at the speedway, I was
definitely surprised. I would think that that bridge is
probably permanently burned.
---- Kevin Knopp was also adamant about retiring from racing.
And he seemed sincere enough, when he offered his racecar for
sale at a ridiculously cheap price. But I wonder…if the car
doesn’t sell (which it hasn’t so far), will he bring it out and
drive it in 2010? Stay tuned. And I think his buddy Shawn
Walker is in the same category.
---- Jason Simmons has his small block for sale, and did
purchase an SST mod last year. But he will certainly be in a
small block in 2010. He has looked at a couple of cars to
purchase, and may even be involved in conversations about
driving someone else’s car.
---- And I heard a real good one about the possibility of a
decorated small block super driver, who may have a ride in one
of the top supermodified teams in 2010. It’s a little early to
spread that rumor here, but I’ll keep you posted.
---- There will be new ownership at Can-Am Motorsports Park
for 2010. Here’s a press release on that subject, from the
speedway’s website:
---- New Ownership Brings Enthusiasm to Can Am Motorsports
Park - written by Craig Revelle – Finish Line Web Design.
---- “Just days after announcing his plans to purchase Can-Am
Motorsports Park from the Caprara family, new owner Tiger
Chapman, a businessman from the Rochester, New York area has
made it clear that 2010 will be a great season at the track.
Consistent rules, lower concession prices and an emphasis on
filling the stands on a weekly basis are just a few items that
Chapman will look to address as the new season approaches.
“We had talked about this deal for a while now with the Caprara
family,” Chapman said. “The track was almost sold last year to
another buyer, but it fell through. When the opportunity came up
again, we just decided to go for it.”
---- Chapman is a racer at heart, competing for many seasons,
most recently in the Street Stock division at Can-Am in 2009.
Chapman brings a lot of enthusiasm and great ideas to a track
that has struggled in recent years with getting fans to come out
in support. Chapman has many ideas in efforts to bring more fans
in weekly, ones he plans to implement very early in his reign as
track owner. “I started going to the track at a very early age,
following our local drivers at the Evans Mills Speedway,”
recalled Chapman, who has now been involved in racing for nearly
25 years. “At age 17 I raced my first event and have been hooked
ever since.”
---- The first change that was announced came at the annual
Can-Am Motorsports Park awards banquet on Nov. 21 at the Bonnie
Castle Resort in Alexandria Bay. Just after being announced as
track owner, Chapman asked those in the crowd if they would be
interested in a 100-lap endurance race, to which there was a
large applause supporting the event. January 2, 2010 will be the
first event under the new ownership. A demolition derby has also
been added to the Saturday show and snowmobile races may be
scheduled during the winter months, weather permitting. The
endurance race, ‘Hangover 100’ will pay out $600 to the winner
of the event, $300 for second and $100 for third. The Demolition
Derby winner stands to collect $500. The rain date will be
Sunday, January 3.
“We’ll still be running under the DIRTcar sanction, with all our
divisions finalized over the next couple weeks,” remarked Can-Am
General Manager Chip Burdick, who will continue to work hard
over the off-season to secure sponsorship for the upcoming
season. “We’re already looking forward to our first points
event, the season-opener on April 17. Its sure to generate a lot
of excitement with a Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series
doubleheader for 358-Modifieds and Sportsman topping the card.”
More information on the 2010 season at Chapman's Can-Am
Motorsports Park can be found at
www.canammotorsports.com or by contacting Chip Burdick at
315/778- 3407.”
---- And here’s some news from Fulton Speedway, via a press
release…
---- “FULTON, NY…The Greatest Show on Dirt, the World of
Outlaws Sprint Car Series, will return to Fulton Speedway during
the 2010 season on Tuesday, August 3. The special event will
mark the third ever appearance by the World of Outlaws Sprint
Car Series to the Fulton Speedway high banks. Brooke Tatnell won
the first ever World of Outlaws Sprint shoot-out at Fulton in
2005, while Donny Schatz claimed the victory in the 2006 event.
Schatz, the four time defending World of Outlaws Series
Champion, will lead the invasion of the World of Outlaws Sprint
Cars to Fulton Speedway for the only event this summer in
Central New York. Steve Kinser, the King of the Outlaws, will
look for his first ever victory at the popular Oswego County
Facility on August 3. Joey Saldana, Jason Meyers, Danny Lasoski,
Jac Haudenschild and 2010 World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year
Candidate Cody Darrah are just some of the stars that are
expected to be in competition.
---- Fulton Speedway will open up the 2010 season in big
fashion with its’ first ever Spring Fever Weekend on April 9-10.
The newest event on the Fulton Speedway agenda will conclude on
Saturday, April 10 with a Super DIRTcar Big Block Modified
Series race. The main event on Friday, April 9 will be a Super
DIRTcar Series 358 Modified event. Several classes will join the
Super DIRTcar Series racers on both days of the opening weekend
of speed in Central New York. A Test and Tune Practice session
will be staged on Saturday, April 3.
In weekly competition this season at Fulton Speedway will be the
DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds, DIRTcar Sportsman, Fastrak Late
Models, Novice Sportsman and Four Cylinder Stocks. Several
special events planned throughout the season with various
visiting classes on the schedule. The 2010 season will be
highlighted with the 25th Annual Fulton 200 Weekend on October
1-2. The weekend rain date is October 3. For more information
on Fulton Speedway please go on line to
www.fultonspeedway.com. The track office number is
315-593-6531.”
---- And Brewerton Speedway…
---- “WORLD OF OUTLAWS LATE MODELS SERIES TO INVADE BREWERTON
SPEEDWAY DURING THE 2010 SEASON ON TUESDAY, JUNE 22ND
BREWERTON, NY…The World of Outlaws Late Model Series will return
to the Brewerton Speedway during the 2010 season on Tuesday,
June 22. Last September the World of Outlaws Late Model Series
made their first ever appearance at the D-shaped Dirt Demon in
what was a highly successful event won by local hero Tim Fuller.
Fans will want to mark their calendars now to attend the 2nd
Annual Dirt Demon 50 on Tuesday, June 22. Fuller will look to
make it two in a row in World of Outlaws Late Model competition
on Tuesday, June 22. His biggest rival figures to be fellow
North County competitor Tim McCreadie. Josh Richards, Steve
Francis, Darrell Lanigan, Rick Eckert, Shane Clanton, Chub Frank
and Brady Smith are some of the nation wide stars that are
expected to challenge for the $10,000 payday in the 2nd Annual
Dirt Demon 50. Brewerton Speedway will start of their new
season with the 2010 Grand Opening on Friday, April 16. Weekly
competitors at the D-shaped Dirt Demon this season will be the
DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds, IMCA Modifieds, ESDCA Mod Lites,
Fastrak Late Models and Four Cylinder Stocks. Several special
events and touring classes will also highlight the 2010 season
at the popular Oswego County facility. A Test and Tune Practice
session is set for Tuesday, April 13.
For more information on Brewerton Speedway please go on line to
www.brewertonspeedway.com. The track office number is
315-668-6906.”
---- A bunch of us CNY race fans are getting psyched up for
our annual trip in January to Atlantic City for the indoor races
at Boardwalk Hall on January 29th and 30th. This annual trek
has turned into quite an event, and we’re putting our plans
together now. Past bus trip organizers Larry Lee and Luther Gray
will not be organizing a bus trip for this year’s events, but
there will still be plenty of us headed south for the weekend.
More on this subject in next month’s paper.
---- Best wishes to all of my racing friends - and even
enemies - for a great holiday season! Enjoy your families and
friends, and make some plans to make 2010 an even better year.
See you next year!
Gater News - November 18th, 2009
The 2009 racing season is almost officially done. But not
quite. While a few races remain in the area, their status is
all questionable because of the potential for nasty weather
this time of year. But the sharpest and best prepared teams
are already hard at work on the 2010 season. They’re working
on new cars, or taking apart old ones. They already have their
engines apart, or have taken them to their engine builders.
And they are cutting deals with sponsors. Racing is a twelve
month sport, if you’re doing it right.
---- It was good to see plenty of my Oswego Speedway racing
buddies at a recent get-together / fundraiser for the injured
Stephen Gioia III. As you may remember, Gioia received
horrible injuries to both of his legs in a supermodified
accident during last September’s Classic. Stephen was in the
hospital and then physical rehab for 45 days before returning
home. A fundraiser was held at Lighthouse Lanes in Oswego to
help medical expenses, which was very well attended. It was
good to see Stephen and all of our other racing friends come
together for a great cause. I hope a lot of cash was raised
to help Stephen’s situation.
---- Of course I asked Stephen the obvious question: when
will you be back on the track? There is no question that
plans are to be back for next season, but he’s not sure when
that will be. He’s still in a wheelchair, and looking at a
long recovery, but that doesn’t seem to dampen Stephen’s
enthusiasm. “I’d like to be back by the Mr. Supermodified
Race”, said Stephen, which takes place on July 31st. “But my
goal? Opener!”, Gioia joked.
---- Gioia wasn’t the only injured driver at the party.
Craig Rayvals, who was also badly injured in a supermodified
wreck during the 2009 season, was in attendance. Rayvals is
still on crutches from his accident, but was scheduled to get
back on his feet the next day. “I’ve got a Doctor’s
appointment tomorrow”, Craig told me on Sunday, November
15th. Craig’s plans are to return to weekly competition at
Oswego Speedway for the 2010 season, after a stint on the ISMA
series. “ISMA is great, but Oswego works better for me”, said
Rayvals, talking about the difficulties involved in travel
with the ISMA series.
---- The third member of the “walking wounded” that I spoke
with was Shawn Muldoon, who also was badly injured in 2009 in
a supermod wreck. Shawn looks great, and has a new car in the
works for himself for 2010. “The new frame is just about done
at Hawksby’s”, said Shawn. He will definitely be back on the
speedway next year, but doesn’t think it will be for the
opener. He received many injuries and broken bones during a
stuck throttle incident at Oswego - so many that I was
surprised to see him back in such good condition. I guess
racecar drivers are fast healers!
---- Coming this summer to Oswego Speedway, speedway
management has acquired a two seat supermodified, formerly
owned by Davey Hamilton, for promotion and RACING! For just a
little over a hundred bucks, you will have the opportunity to
get the thrill of your life, on Saturdays and other select
dates.
---- The two packages available will cost $125 for three
hair-raising laps, or $150 for five terrifying laps around the
famed steel palace. The smaller package includes two general
admission tickets for the night’s events, and the bigger
package bumps you up to three tickets, along with a visit to
the VIP tower and sky deck during the evening. Most ride-alongs
will take place on Saturday afternoon before the races, and
will be limited to a maximum of probably ten riders. A helmet
and fire suit will be provided, and you must be 15 years old
to ride. Mid-week group / corporate packages will also be
available and customized to your group. This unique creation
has been used on the west coast for promotion and excitement
for the division. The passenger sits directly behind the
driver, for maximum thrill, and vision of what’s happening.
The car will be used mostly WITH a wing, for ultimate
stability - and SPEED! Of course the car will be completely
gone through prior to turning any laps, for maximum safety.
But this is a REAL supermodified - something very few people
in this world get to cruise.
---- The car will be on display in the Oswego Speedway booth
at the National Parts Peddler show at the New York State
Fairgrounds in Syracuse N.Y, coming up on November 20-22.
“Show special” packages will be available at a discounted rate
of $100 or $125. (Limited availability.)
---- Now for the coolest fantasy part of this deal… How
would you like to ride around Oswego Speedway with your
favorite driver from the past or present? A “Ride with the
Legends” program is in the works. For an additional charge,
perhaps you could get a ride with Bentley Warren? Davey
Hamilton? Steve Gioia Jr.? Greg Furlong? Or how about Doug
Heveron? Nothing like this has been finalized yet, but I am
sure that some drivers will be approached by speedway
management about taking some lucky fans around the speedway.
Extra proceeds would be for charitable contributions to cancer
related charities, I’m told. It’s still early in the planning,
but I bet any of those legends, and many more would consider
something this fun - and helpful. This could happen Friday
night of Classic Weekend, so start working up your nerve now.
What could be more exhilarating than a ride around Oswego
Speedway, at speed, without the worries of keeping it off the
wall, or the expense of building / owning the car?
---- There’s a small block supermodified driver that has
acquired a supermodified for the 2010 season. Danzer Racing
has purchased a supermodified from Pat Furlong Jr., and will
campaign it this year. As of press time, the full schedule
hasn’t been decided, as the car was only purchased as a
rolling chassis, less motor. “It depends on the motor, when it
gets done”, whether or not they run the whole season,
according to driver Dave Danzer.
---- The team isn’t selling their small block supermodified,
and will campaign that regularly, if they don’t end up running
a full season in the super. It’s a little early in the
planning stages, for sure. Right now the focus is on making
room in the garage for the second car - and banishing the
small block to the trailer. “The car is the old West Chassis
that was redone by Hawksby 4 years ago. It has three Classic
wins and a couple of track titles”, Dave told me. It’s also
the car that Michael Barnes got his first win in, and was also
driven by Bentley Warren a few times for Double Deuce Racing.
It last ran at Sandusky in 2007.
---- Dave sounded pretty excited about the season when we
were talking about it. The actual schedule for the car will be
worked out in the coming months, but there will be some double
duty nights, where he’ll run both the super and the small
block super. “We’ll run both Classics” in 2010, said Danzer.
---- The official 2010 Oswego Speedway has been released,
and will be distributed this weekend at the Oswego Speedway
booth at the National Parts Peddler Trade Show at the NYS
Fairgrounds in Syracuse.
-------- One highlight is this year’s plans for a two night
winged supermodified weekend at Oswego Speedway in 2010.
Friday and Saturday, July 9th and 10th, will be King of Wings
Weekend. Different from ever before, this weekend will
feature TWO nights of supermodified competition.
---- Both nights will feature winged MSA sanctioned
supermodified competition - a 40 lap Oswego / MSA wing
challenge on Friday, and the 50 lap $10,000 to win King of
Wings event on Saturday. Of course the field won’t be limited
to MSA competitors, as all of the best winged supermodified
competitors in the world will be in the house to fight for the
$10K. Definitely a weekend that would be on my list!
---- Other discussions about the 2010 schedule confirmed that
a second USAC Silver Crown event is again in the plans. The
event will take place on August 11-12, and USAC midgets may
also be added to the card. This event was a huge success in
2009, and may even be better for 2010.
---- Also this year is the possibility of adding a third
class to the schedule. That is definitely a thought, and a
pavement sprint division had been considered. I suggested a
late model division similar to the new series that is coming
to Brewerton and Fulton Speedways in 2010, that use crate
engines. “I’d love to see cars with fenders back at Oswego”,
was my best argument.
---- Actually, I believe that there is a very good chance
that street stocks may make a return to the speedway this
season. The reported closing of Adirondack Speedway in 2010
will leave a group of dedicated pavement street stock guys
searching for a place to compete, some of which have already
raced at Oswego in the past. Also, with Fulton Speedway
dumping the street stock division for next year, that should
also provide a bunch of drivers with cars looking for a home.
So although it hadn’t been announced or decided by press time,
I fully expect that you will see street stocks at Oswego
Speedway in 2010.
---- The season will kick off with the first race on May
8th, and will be closed on May 15th. May 22nd will see a
“stunt bike show”, and the next race will be the Port City
events on the May 29th Holiday Weekend. June will see regular
shows on the 5th, 12th, and 19th, and closed on the 26th for
graduation weekend. Another change will see a concert
scheduled for August 14th (performer TBA). As it is planned
now, Classic Weekend racing will only take place on Saturday
and Sunday this year, with Friday reserved for party in the
pits, and some two seat supermodified rides. (Saturday should
be winged supers, and small block supers, and Sunday will be
supermodifieds only, like last year, only with a later start.
---- The Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet took
place a couple of weeks ago at the Turning Stone Casino. Many
of the teams, drivers, and fans attended, and had a great
time. The banquet committee does a great job of putting this
shindig together. Five new members were inducted into the
Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame, and some of the drivers in the
top twenty in points were on hand to accept their awards and
recognize the series sponsors. The Hall of Fame and
championship speeches were professional and interesting, and
very brief for the most part.
---- Curiously, several teams chose to not attend the event,
for various reasons. I personally always enjoy the banquet,
and look forward to attending, whether I am eligible for point
fund money or not. We always rent a room at the hotel, and
have a great time visiting with our racing friends one more
time before the season expires. I understand that some people
do have conflicts that present them from attending, but I was
surprised that there were so many teams that just chose not to
attend. I think many people miss out on a lot of fun by having
a cranky attitude.
---- Of the top twenty supermodified teams in points, only
ten drivers found it important enough to show up to represent
their sponsors, and respect the track and series sponsors.
Thirteen small block supermodified drivers showed up, which
means that seven did not.
---- A couple drivers come to mind that have burned bridges
with their fellow competitors, and would not have been
welcome. Although they finished well in the points, their
presence may have caused a conflict, which is not really what
is needed at a formal affair. It’s always a shame to see
people lose sight of the friendships and camaraderie that
racing brings, often for petty reasons. My love of the sport
has always been based on spending time with my friends, but
many don’t look at it that way. I’ve always been one to have
fun after the races afterwards, whether I won, lost, or
crashed. Bitterness saps the fun out of the sport for many,
and that’s too bad for them. The rest of us, who “get it” will
always have a good time, and share a laugh. Sometimes at the
expense of the “other guys”, that are too cool to show up.
---- Many drivers and teams, in addition to the Hall of
Famers, received awards. For example, the Oswego Speedway
“Recognition Award”, and Ed Clark Safety Crew “Spirit” Awards
were both given to the Oswego Speedway Track Safety Crew.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Don Flack, who credits
the safety crew with saving his life during a cardiac arrest
at the speedway, presented the awards. It was great to see Don
there, and great to see the safety guys get their due.
---- As Otto Sitterly and Dave Gruel gave their championship
speeches, I resisted running onto the stage to grab the
microphone away to proclaim that Beyonce had the best music
video of all time, as singer Kanye West did during the MTV
Video awards. Andrew Schartner and Daniel Connors Jr. capped
off impressive rookie seasons by winning Rookie of the Year
honors. Steve Abt and Keith Gilliam accepted the car owner of
the year awards for their divisions, and Tim Barbeau and
Stephen Gioia III accepted the crew of the year awards. Eagles
Fan Club president Larry Lee presented supermodified owner Pat
Strong with the prestigious Jimmy Shampine Award, and Rob
Pullen parlayed his friendship with the late Tony White into
receiving the Tony White Award. It was announced by Lee that
future Eagles Fan Club Awards will be decided by a membership
vote. Several speedway sponsors, including Pathfinder Bank,
Novelis, Bosco & Geers, Cleaning for a Reason, Steve Gioia
Sales, Mitchell’s Speedway Press, Chris Nelson Insurance, and
others were recognized throughout the evening.
---- Roy Sova served as master of ceremonies for the evening,
a duty that is usually shared with co-announcer Joe Marotta.
Marotta was sadly not in attendance due to the death of his
five year-old grandson, just a few days before the event.
Marotta and his wife, along with Joe and Serese Marotta of
Ohio were on the minds of many banquet attendees, both that
evening, and since. Expressions of concern can be sent to
Marotta Sr. at 100 Alhan Parkway, Syracuse, N.Y. 13209, and
Joe and Serese Marotta at 120 Brookside Drive, Springboro,
Ohio, 45066.
---- Also a couple of Saturdays ago I was asked to appear on
Marotta’s radio show with Roy Sova, who was filling in for Joe
on WFBL 1390AM, and Oswego Speedway co-owner Steve Gioia. I
always enjoy doing this show, which Joe usually has me do once
a year. Roy did a great job filling in, and we had some great
on-air and off the air
conversations.
---- Speaking of crate late models, here’s a press release
about that…
---- “BREWERTON, NY…Crate Late Models will compete weekly at
both Brewerton Speedway and Fulton Speedway during the 2010
season. The possibly about the Crate Late Models racing at
both tracks during the 2010 season has been talked about now
for months. The official announcement confirms the rumors that
the Crate Late Models will indeed be a weekly class at both
Oswego County tracks under the ownership of John and Laura
Wight. The early announcement will allow race teams a head
start in securing a Late Model chassis for competition at
Brewerton Speedway and Fulton Speedway in the crate powered
class. Complete rules, sanction affiliation and more
information on the Crate Late Model division at Brewerton
Speedway and Fulton Speedway for the 2010 season will follow
this announcement.”
---- I like the idea of this division coming to Brewerton and
Fulton, and I look forward to seeing them when I can. I don’t
know much about the division, but these cars sure look amazing
when I have seen them. I know they ran them at Can-Am Speedway
this year, and it didn’t really catch on. Only 8 different
drivers competed all year, and only one, champion Andy Howard
competed in all 17 events.
---- But I bet a commitment to run them now at two more
tracks will give the division the traction that it needs to
make it grow. I would love to try one, but I don’t know much
about them. What do they cost? How hard are they to work on /
maintain? How much is the crate engine? And most importantly:
would anyone like to trade one for a complete, race ready,
small block supermodified? I’d trade today. I can’t wait to
see this division, and I look forward to learning more about
them. Anyone that would like to give me an overview of these
cars, please shoot me an e-mail at
JJcqracing@aol.com.
---- The bad news about this division of crate late models is
that they come to Fulton Speedway as a replacement for the
street stock division. There’s a special place in my heart for
these cars, as I raced them for many years, and still even
have my street stock (they were called pure stocks when I
raced them). It’s a crying shame that these cars and drivers
are dumped.
---- From the outside looking in, it looks like maybe rules
have contributed to the waning car counts in this division,
which led to their ultimate ouster. These aren’t the “pure
stocks” that they were when I ran them, and I’m sure they are
a pretty expensive class now, running for a very small purse.
I also feel that years ago, in the 80’s and 90’s,
Brewerton/Fulton owner at the time Harvey Fink never really
liked or appreciated the pure stocks, so it’s quite a
coincidence that now that Fink is back on board as the
promoter at the two speedways, the class is eliminated. Could
there be any truth to that theory, which was given to me by my
former car owner when I ran that class? Hmmm…. Say it ain’t
so, Harvey!
---- There was a huge race weekend at Black Rock Speedway in
Dundee, N.Y. a couple of weeks back that featured street
stocks, sportsman, big block / small block shootout, a
demolition derby, several enduros, and highlighted by a
$10,000 to win enduro.
---- This sounds like a fun weekend. No, it wasn’t all of
the big names, but for all of the money that’s on the line,
I’m sure there was some amazing action. I have no idea how
promoter Dean Hoag was able to pay out all of that money on
such a potentially iffy weather day, but it worked out,
according to Hoag. Two thumbs up for taking such a huge risk
this late in the season.
---- According to Hoag, Saturday’s races were a great
success. “Could not have scripted it any better. 109 cars
started, 35 left at the 50 lap break. At the end, five cars
were on the lead lap. It came down to two, door handle to
door handle the last lap out of turn four for the $10,000.
Nine cars finished, and the winner started 91st.
Unbelievable!”, said Hoag in an e-mail. The winning car was a
Ford Probe.
---- I took a ride down for Friday night’s portion of the
show, which featured three enduros and two smash-filled street
stock events. Although it was CCCOLD! that night, the racing
was fun to watch. Where else can you see victory lane
interviews done by a “clownouncer”? Black Rock is a really
cool track, and I’m looking forward to getting back there to
see some more races - or race there when I trade my small
block super for a dirt car.
---- From the press releases and the website, Saturday’s
show was quite a success, and featured great fields for all
divisions. I think they’re building a sweet little late
season race weekend here, and I hope a wine tour - torturously
in the exact same area - doesn’t keep me from seeing “the big
one” in 2010.
---- Speaking of cool places, I recently paid a visit to the
new Shangrila2 Speedway, which opened during 2009. In the area
a couple of weeks ago, I rolled into the place on a Friday
afternoon to see what it looked like. There were no races, and
nobody was there, but the gates were open, so I checked it
out. WOW!
---- Although it was a rainy day, and the grounds were pretty
muddy, I was very impressed with what I saw. The track looks
ridiculously fast, as it’s pretty big and very high banked.
The stands are very nice. It’s obvious that everything isn’t
completed at the speedway yet, but it’s off to a great start.
Skyview Dragway is also on the grounds, which makes it quite a
racing destination for the area. I have to see a race there in
2010, or maybe even compete in one. Our NORA small block
supers had an event scheduled at the track for 2009, but was
cancelled after speedway management ran into delays getting
the speedway completed by our proposed date.
---- I don’t know if it was something symbolic, like the wild
horses scene in the movie “Nights in the Rodanthe”, but
standing in the infield at Shangrila2 on that rainy Friday was
a random horse. I’m not making that up. Just a single horse
standing over by turns three and four. No explanation. I’m
sure it was a signal of some kind, but I’m not deep enough to
pick up on it.
---- Speaking of racetracks that I don’t usually attend, I’ve
had a few people ask me why they saw me at Super Dirt Week a
few weeks ago, yet I didn’t write anything about it on these
pages. It comes down to a simple thing: no tickee, no talkee.
I requested credentials from the Gater News office several
weeks prior to the event for SDW, and was told in no uncertain
terms that there was no chance. Apparently World Racing Group
limits their press credentials, similar to many Sprint Cup
tracks, and they were certainly not looking for anyone else.
DENIED!, as my teenagers would say. I counted eleven other
Gater writers that wrote about SDW in the next week’s Gater
after SDW, which I assume means that they were allowed
credentials for the event. I guess it’s good for me to get
knocked down a peg every now and then to remind me where I
stand, and don’t get too full of myself. If only they would
have allowed twelve…
---- A local supermodified driver will be holding a
fundraiser this coming weekend to raise some dough for his own
team for 2010. Here’s a press release:
---- “Rochester, NY- Bob Bogwicz, owner of Group R
Motorsports and the driver of the #09 Supermodified at Oswego
Speedway, announces the “Bog & Grog” off season fundraiser on
Sunday, November 22nd from 2-8 PM at Lighthouse Lanes in
Oswego, NY.
“Lighthouse Lanes has become the premier gathering place for
Oswego Speedway fans”, says Bogwicz. “Lighthouse owner Bob
Hoefer and I will be offering an off season party that will
not only be a fun gathering of fans and friends, but will also
assist me in putting a quality supermodified on the track at
the ‘Steel Palace’ in 2010”. For a $10 admission, you’ll enjoy
a summer picnic of burgers, dogs, sausage and salt potatoes.
There will be a 50/50 “plus” raffle with additional numbers
drawn for more prizes. For even more fun, there will be a
“Crazy 8’s” bowling contest for the opportunity to win cash
prizes. For those of you who are attending the Parts Peddler
show, you will get a $2 discount with a valid show ticket from
any of the three days. “Don’t worry about missing the Cup
race from Homestead”, states Bogwicz. “We’ll have it on the
many TVs at Lighthouse Lanes!”
Lighthouse Lanes is located on Jim Shampine Drive, right by
the speedway. For the GPS and internet savvy people, you can
enter 295 East Albany St., 13126 for direction. So, please
join us at the “Bog & Grog” on November 22nd for good food,
good friends and good times.”
Gater News - October 21st, 2009
This Saturday is the Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame and Awards
Banquet. It’s the annual event that is held every year at the
Turning Stone Resort and Casino, and is always one of the most
fun times of the year.
---- Most of the drivers and many of the fans of Oswego
Speedway will attend the star-studded event, and be all decked
out in their monkey suits and snappy dresses. I know that I’ve
put a lot of thought into my special outfit. It’s not easy to
find burlap in this area, but thanks to the internet, I was able
to secure just the right materials. Omar the tentmaker has
whipped something special up for me, and I’m sure I’ll be the
snappiest dresser on the dance floor. If anyone would like to
join me in the Chicken Dance, the line will form near my table.
---- This year the speedway and banquet attendees have
reserved the entire 4th floor as the party floor. In the past
couple of years, people near the hospitality room objected to
all of the “race people”, as apparently we are noisy when we’re
having fun. This year should be the best year ever for the
people who like to hang out after the banquet.
---- Many people head down early in the day for some gambling
and hanging out, and some even arrive the day before. The party
will start early for many. The Oswego Speedway banquet staff
always do a great job of putting this party together, from the
dinner, to the awards, the HoF ceremony, to the music (now that
they’ve hired Millenium Music instead of bands), right down to
the hospitality room afterwards. A good time will be had by all.
We’ll be there early, and look forward to seeing all of our
racing friends, some for the last time this year.
---- The week before the banquet, the local clothing stores
see a boost in business from banquet attendees. For example, I
saw the Danzer triplets at Carousel Mall last week, putting
their costumes…I mean outfits… together. They were at Spencer
Gifts.
---- Hall of Fame inductee Mark Regan has prepared quite a
lengthy speech, I’m told. I understand that Regan goes through
his entire history, from when he grew up in a one room school
house, all the way up to senior citizenship, and the first time
he told kids to “get offa my land”. It should be quite a
captivating journey. He’s afraid nobody will remember him when
he’s gone. I can think of several reasons he’ll be remembered.
He wouldn’t like any of them, but I can think of them.
---- 2009 season ending awards will be presented to
competitors in the Novelis Supermodifieds and PathFinder Bank
SBS Series. Along with the top twenty supermodified drivers that
will receive Hoosier & Coca Cola point fund checks from the
Oswego Speedway and the Eagles Fan Club, additional awards are
scheduled to be presented to Otto Sitterly, Stephen Gioia III,
Keith Gilliam, Ray Graham, Jr., Charlie Schultz, Trent Stephens
and Daniel Connors, Jr. After the Hoosier & PowerAde point fund
and Eagles Fan Club checks are presented to the SBS drivers,
additional awards are scheduled to be presented to David Gruel,
Tim Barbeau, Steve Abt and Andrew Schartner. The Oswego Speedway
will be presenting their “Recognition” and “Ed Clark” awards and
the Eagles Fan Club will also be presenting the Tony White and
Jim Shampine “Memorial Awards” for 2009.
---- I also think it’s pretty cool that both championship cars
will be at the ceremony this year. The Novelis Supermodified
track championship #7 car of Otto Sitterly and the PathFinder
Bank SBS track championship car #50 of David Gruel will be on
hand at the banquet, so be sure to bring your cameras and
sabotage equipment.
---- Not that anybody asked, but I’ve got some ideas for this
year’s banquet….
---- How about a clown, who can juggle and make balloon
animals? We’ll have plenty of clowns there, but can anyone
juggle tennis balls? I know “Hairbag” Knopp built a wonderful
coffee cup pyramid a couple of years ago, but when it collapsed,
it knocked almost all of the hair off the top of his head, which
still hasn’t healed.
---- How about a magician? I think it would be amazing if
there was a guy there in a top hat and tux that could pull a
rabbit out of a hat. Or a dove out of a handkerchief. Or make
Joey Payne and Pat Strong handsome. You know - somebody really
amazing.
---- Or maybe make it a Hillbilly party, with fake buck teeth,
work shoes, and bib overalls. I watch Redneck Weddings and
Bridezillas all the time, so I could help put this together.
Plus, I’ve already been to several Brewerton Speedway banquets,
so it would be just like old times.
---- Maybe a stand-up comedian? I could help out with that,
too. My brother-in-law Floyd has a new joke every time I talk
to him, so I could either hire him, or write the jokes down and
tell them myself. Or have Jack Patrick do a couple of his
internet rants in person - that would have people rolling in the
aisles. Get a couple of Bud Lights in Keith Gilliam, and have
him do some cop stories. The headliner would be Joe Marotta,
with his prostate test story.
---- Wait a minute! How about a talent show! Russ Brown
could do his post-race accusations. Tim Snyder could do a
soft-shoe dance. Jason Spaulding could do a special UFC
(Ultimate Fighting Champion) demonstration. I’ll kick off the
karaoke portion of the talent show with my version of “After the
Lovin’”, by Englebert Humperdinck. I’ve seen Debbie White dance
like Madonna in the “Like a Virgin” video. Brian Sobus Sr.
could do a dramatic reading of “the Sobus Letters”. Tim Barbeau,
Kenny Pierce, and Guard Nearbin can do a great rendition of the
Three Stooges - I’ve seen it. Dave Cliff taught me the “Soulja
Boy” dance, so he and I will be performing that whether there is
a talent show or not. Trina Helmke, Debbie Bond, and Kathy
Knopp are an excellent group of lady rappers. And April Andrews
as Lady GaGa - enough said. (Who will do Shakira? Nancy
Lewis?)
---- Oh - I’ve got it. What if instead of awards, it was a
roast? I’ve done some preparation for that, as well….
---- Small Block Super Champion Dave Gruel hasn’t been feeling
the best lately. When he went to the doctor, he said “Doc,
every morning I look in the mirror and feel like barfing, what's
wrong?". The doctor replied, "I don't know but your eyesight is
perfect”. Then he met the surgeon general - who offered him a
cigarette. His psychiatrist told him he was crazy, so he asked
for a second opinion. He said, “okay you're ugly too.”
---- Kevin Knopp retired after this season. I think it’s
because he’s too cheap. He had "Mom" tattooed on his belly
instead of his chest so he wouldn't have to pay for the "O".
---- Jason Simmons wasn’t the most popular with his parents.
As a kid, his bath toys were a toaster and a radio. Once he
was kidnapped and they sent back a piece of his finger to his
father. But his Dad said he said he wanted more proof.
---- Mike Bond was such an ugly child that his mother had
morning sickness after he was born. When he played in the
sandbox, the cat kept covering him up. They had to tie a steak
around his neck to get the dog to play with him.
---- Small Block Super builder Dan Dennie was always very
mature when he was growing up. As a child, his favorite
Popsicle flavor was Bacardi.
---- Steve Abt is one of the more intimidating drivers in our
division. He’s the only guy I know who can curl spaghetti
around his fork just by glaring at it.
---- Barry Kingsley found a new way to cover up his bad
breath. He holds up his arms. When he was born the doctor
turned him upside down and said, "my God - twins!"
---- Supermodified champion Otto Sitterly had his car stolen
last year at the banquet. When the police asked if he saw who
took it, he said “no, but I did get the plate number. At the
state fair this year, he went to the freak show - and they let
him in for nothing.
---- I know some people who went to school with super driver
Pat Lavery. Apparently he had a lot of pimples in school. One
day he fell asleep in the library, and when he woke up, a blind
man was reading his face.
---- ISMA / Oswego super driver Craig Rayvals had a problem
last year on the way to the banquet. He stuck his head out the
window, and got arrested for mooning. On Halloween, the parents
sent their kids out dressed as HIM.
---- Eagles Fan Club president Larry Lee had his own problems
last year. When he asked the bellhop to handle his bag, the
bellhop felt up his wife, Sue. Then they stole HIS towel.
---- Which goes to show you, as nice as some hotels are, none
of them are perfect. I went to a place once where the cooking
was so bad that the flies pitched in to fix the screen door.
They left dental floss in the kitchen and watched the roaches
hang themselves.
---- Yes, a roast would be fun. But I think the clincher to a
perfect banquet would be a good old-fashioned fistfight. Sure,
a fight is low rent. But it sure gives you something to talk
about for years to come. I’ll bring some handcuffs just in
case. (Always carry them…)
---- And if nothing else, I at least want to see a sincere,
passionate, acceptance speech. I want Dave Gruel or Otto
Sitterly to tear up a little. Maybe even a full melt-down. Or
any of the Hall of Fame inductees. I hope that every speaker
grasps the full importance of what they have earned. Track
champion, or Hall of Fame member would be the biggest possible
thrill for an Oswego Speedway competitor / member. Treasure
these awards, gentlemen. You will always be respected for what
you have accomplished. Congratulations, from the bottom of my
heart!
Gater News - October 14th, 2009
An emotional victory took place last week at Brewerton Speedway,
and I was very glad that I was there to see it. I think
everyone in the packed grandstands were happy with the outcome
of last Thursday’s 358 series event at Brewerton Speedway.
---- Vinny Salerno’s Four Star Racing Team suffered a
devastating theft at a DIRTcar series event in Drummondville,
Quebec on September 19th. Salerno’s complete team was stolen
from a motel parking lot in the middle of the night. After the
huge hauler was stuck in the mud on a dirt road about thirty
miles away from where it was stolen, the contents of the trailer
were completely gutted of everything inside. Look at this list,
from the team‘s press release:
“· complete big block Modified car
· complete small block Modified car
· 60 Keizer wheels mounted with Hoosier tires
· several unmounted Keizer wheels
· black Snap On Tool wheeled tool box with all hand tools
· One Off pit cart
· impact wrenches
· Storms’ helmet and Hans device
· two complete Quick Change rear ends
· five carburetors
· bottle of Nitro Oxygen
· lead weights
· Four Star Motorsports set up books
· RACEceiver and Transponder systems
· transmissions
· 30 shocks
· front end unit
· entire contents of all hauler cabinets (i.e. nuts, bolts,
etc.)
· Storms’ apparel items (including tee shirts for sale)
---- Motel security cameras show the Four Star truck and
hauler being driven out of the motel at 5:19 a.m. on Saturday,
September 19 by a heavy set male with light or grey hair and a
companion. The truck and hauler were found abandoned in a rural
hunting area approximately 30 minutes from the motel. The
vehicle, which had become stuck on the dirt road, was empty of
its entire contents except for several jugs of racing fuel. No
insurance was carried on the trailer contents which means the
team will have to replace all items, from complete cars to spare
nuts and bolts, with no outside source of funding.
Salerno has an extensive inventory of the contents and indicates
all items, including hand tools, were marked with the team name
making it difficult for the thieves to resell them.
The $20,000 reward is being offered by the Salerno family and
team sponsor Don Kruger. They are asking the members of the
racing community to be alert and report anything they might see
at upcoming race flea markets, on the internet, or on used car
parts they might be purchasing. Anyone with information, no
matter how small the detail, is asked to called Vinnie Salerno
at 845-786-2200 or 845-591-7254. All information will be
investigated. The team is hopeful a piece of information learned
will lead to an arrest and conviction.”
---- Many teams chipped in to help out the Salerno team, with
driver Michael Storms, and they were able to continue racing.
Many fundraisers are currently ongoing to keep things rolling
with the Salerno team, which I’m told are a very well respected
within the DIRTcar community. Prediction: teams will start
adding sleeper cabs to these huge haulers, and team members will
take turns crashing in the trucks to prevent these thefts, which
have happened before. Possibly with a weapon…
---- For the Brewerton event, Tim McCreadie was enlisted to be
the driver. McCreadie has had his own share of bad luck,
starting in the early months of the season when he was seriously
injured in a crash at the Chili Bowl. Coming back gradually
from his injuries, McCreadie was ecstatic to win this race for
himself and the Four Star Team. It was a huge celebration, and
(according to the speedway’s press release) the largest crowd in
Brewerton Speedway history was there to see it.
---- Brett Hearn looked several times as though he had a shot,
but was never able to mount a solid challenge. Hearn was 2nd at
the finish, followed by Stewart Friesen, Matt Sheppard, and Pete
Bicknell.
---- This was a huge event, which featured 52 cars, 5 heats, 2
consolations, and the aforementioned monster crowd. The race
also featured my favorite actor from the movie “Superbad”.
“McLovin” wheeled the #3D in this race, but failed to qualify.
He used the fake name of Dexter Stacey to avoid being noticed.
---- The accompanying mod lite race was also very
entertaining.
---- On the initial green flag, fellow small block
supermodified racer Andrew Schartner jumped into the lead, but
then went caught a rut and went around, collecting Rocco Leone
and another car. It looked like a bad hit, and I was glad to
see that Schartner, now considered “one of our guys”, was
uninjured.
---- Clayton Brewer III and outtatowner Paul McGinley had
quite a battle, and Brewer survived a nasty looking takeout
attempt from McGinley, thanks to a well-timed caution on the
other side of the track.
---- While those two cars sparred, Tim Devendorf was waiting
in the wings, and entered the fight. Devendorf eventually
passed McGinley, then went after Brewer. Devendorf made a great
move to pass Brewer, then coasted to the win. Devendorf
announced in victory lane that he will field a late model in
2010, along with more competition in the mod lite. “We’ve got
cars, and we’ve got people - just have some decisions to make”,
said Devendorf, still undecided about specific plans.
---- See you this weekend for the last supermodified show at
Thompson Speedway, along with 14 other divisions of racecars!
Get a load of this list: Whelen Modified Tour - 150 Laps, ISMA
Supermodified -50 Laps, NEMA Midgets - 30 Laps, Sunoco
Modifieds - 30 Laps, SK Sunoco Light Modifieds - 20 Laps, Super
Late Models - 30 Laps, Late Models - 25 Laps, Thompson Modifieds
- 20 Laps, Ltd. Sportsman - 20 Laps, Mini Stocks - 20 Laps, Pro
4 Modifieds - 25 Laps, ARTS Trucks - 25 Laps, Outlaw Late Models
- 25 Laps, Outlaw Strictly Stocks - 20 Laps, Outlaw Mini
Stocks - 20 Laps. Fifteen divisions - and admission for the
whole weekend is just $50. Quite a show!
---- And then next week - the Oswego Speedway banquet! I’m
almost done writing Otto Sitterly and Dave Gruel’s championship
speeches done. And I understand that Gruel has already been
fitted with a sweet new purple leisure suit. Can’t wait to see
it!
Gater News - October 7th, 2009
The 24th annual Fulton 200 (formerly known as the Victoria 200)
is officially history, and will go down again as a quality
event. The weather tried to screw everything up, but track
officials persevered, and everything was completed.
---- Friday’s events for the sportsman, IMCA, and street stocks
was a total washout, and had to be shipped over to the Sunday
rain date that was reserved on the schedule. Fortunately,
Saturday’s weather was fine, and the modified event was
completed as scheduled. Friday’s weather was absolutely
ridiculous, but the event being switched to Sunday worked out
perfectly.
---- Saturday’s crowd looked down early, but it filled in
later for another huge crowd. Over 80 cars attempted to qualify
for the 200, which is typical for this event. This race is one
of the most historic and prestigious events in central New York,
and has built a lot of memories in its 24 years.
---- The race was a rough and tumble event. 44 cars started
the 200 lap show, and a count on lap 127 showed 15 cars left on
the speedway. A lot of attrition was caused by crashes, and
some were probably attributed to the rough surface. All of the
rain on Friday, and during the week made it tough for the crew
to groom the clay as they would have liked.
---- A last lap pass for the win in a race of this magnitude
always leaves the fans talking. We’ll remember this one for a
long time. Billy Decker looked dominant early on, but he got
tracked down by Jimmy Phelps, who eventually passed him and
checked out. Phelps blew by on lap 161, and appeared as though
he was going to coast to the win. But Phelps was having
problems with the car later in the race, as a broken brake rotor
and overheating engine slowed him down enough for Decker to
sweep by on the very last lap. Phelps held on for 2nd, but
despite his car problems, Phelps was still going to win that
race, had it not been for a last lap skirmish with Billy Dunn.
---- Dunn had a very strong run going, running in or near the
top five all day. But Phelps ran into him while lapping him on
lap 191, an inadvertent slip due to Phelps’ brake problems. It
ended a fine run by Dunn, who I was forced to cheer for by his
relative Samantha Todd, who was very intimidating in her
support. Dunn was a solid 6th at the time of the mishap. Dunn
started 13th - and was credited for 13th at the finish, after
completing those 191 laps.
---- Danny Johnson always runs well in this race. He quietly
advanced from his 25th starting position, finishing in third at
the final buzzer. You don’t really notice Danny working through
the field, but he’s always there at the end.
---- And as always, I’m always impressed by Alan Johnson. I
was keeping a close eye on Alan, as I was fortunate enough to
land him in Ray Gregory’s pool. I thought I was in trouble when
I drew #40, giving me whoever would start in 40th position. But
it worked to near perfection, as Johnson’s wild ride from 40th
to 5th landed me some sweet cash, since 5th place was a paying
position. Johnson crashed during his heat and consi races, and
only gained a spot in the show by capitalizing on a provisional
starting spot. But guess what - Alan’s one of my favorite
drivers, so I would have been watching him even if I wasn’t
hoping to get paid.
---- I also had Bobby Varin, who started and finished 4th, but
I wasn’t able to cash in since 1st and 5th were the money
spots. I’m never speaking to him again.
---- Will Brett Hearn ever win this race? Brett Hearn is one
of the most decorated drivers in the history of dirt modifieds,
yet he has never won this race - or any race at Fulton
Speedway. Once again, Hearn leaves Fulton Speedway empty handed
calling it a day on lap 127. His final finish of 17th is not
exactly how he had his weekend laid out.
---- Glad to see that Shane Donath wasn’t injured in a scary
endo flip on lap 126. He got some major sky time, but the
safety equipment apparently did its work.
---- Several drivers took advantage of a new loophole in the
rules that would allow drivers to pit during a caution, without
losing a lap. Even though cautions counted, you could be in the
pits for several laps under yellow flag conditions without
losing that lap. Jimmy Phelps, for example, pitted early in the
event, but still made his way back to take the lead - and almost
the win. This definitely made things interesting, and gave a lot
of drivers more of a chance for a better finish. It seems a
little strange that because of that, Phelps actually completed
less laps then Decker, but I don’t know if it matters, because
they were only caution laps.
---- Sunday’s three division event was quite entertaining.
All three divisions provided solid fields of cars, and the
qualifying was very tough. For example, 60 cars in the
sportsman division required 6 heats and 3 consis to set the
field. Quite a tall order to make the show.
---- Ryan Susice won the sportsman event, but if there was
another lap or two, I’m not so sure it would have gone that
way. A fast closing Chris Raabe made his way to the front from
his 13th starting position, but ran out of time. I think Raabe
was the faster car, and I think with one or two more laps added
to the feature, we may have had a different winner.
---- This was a hard fought event, that saw several different
leaders. Many different drivers looked to have the race locked
up at some point, but had situations change along the way.
---- Tom Juhl and John Pietrowicz had an incredible battle for
the lead, and both looked at times as if they had it wrapped
up. Juhl led the most laps, but must have burned up his tires,
as he faded to 5th place in the end. Pietrowicz held on for 3rd
after a solid run.
---- There are some great drivers in the division, and I
really enjoy watching them. I wish they had the sportsman
division at Brewerton Speedway where I could see them more
often.
---- The IMCA modified race was an amazing race. Kevan Cook
and Dale Caswell put on one of the better driving displays that
I’ve seen in awhile, side by side and back and forth, lap after
lap. They must have changed positions 20 times. But the good
times ended when Caswell left the race with mechanical problems
on lap 18. These guys were great to watch.
---- It was also impressive to watch JJ Courcy run through the
field in an unfamiliar car. Courcy has turned into one of the
better IMCA drivers, and meticulously worked his way to 3rd at
the finish, from his 20th place starting position.
---- George Valenti took a nice ride on the last lap of his
heat race, landing on top of Tony Finch’s hood as they came down
for the checkers. He was able to get the car back on track for
the feature though, and finished 12th.
---- All of the races were closely contested, and the street
stocks were equally close. Ron Hawker and Bubba Burnell ran
door handle to door handle for several laps. Burnell squeaked
by for the win, but it was a classic war. Very nice driving by
both competitors.
---- The street stock race did see a ton of cautions, as the
guys were definitely fighting hard. Larry Fenton’s flip right
in front of us set up one of the best on-track interviews by a
pit announcer ever. I have the transcript: announcer: “you
okay?”. Fenton: “yep”. Announcer: “good. Back to you in the
tower, Bill.”
---- The three support division features took a long time to
complete, as they were all hampered by repeated cautions. It
was extremely frustrating that “intentional cautions” are
allowed at Fulton Speedway. One after another after another, a
car would slow down and stop on the racing surface, and then
take off or head into the pits as soon as the caution was
waved. Absolutely ridiculous. It seemed as though every time
the leaders would get in a good battle, or a fight for the lead
in lapped traffic, some random car would stop on the track -
usually just inches from the pit entrance - then head to the
pits within seconds of the caution flag. Flat tire, headache,
broken nail - I don’t have all of the reasons. It’s a terrible
buzzkill, and momentum breaker. Other tracks don’t tolerate
this (it’s an immediate black flag at Oswego Speedway, for
example), and it needs to be stopped at Fulton. If it had
happened just once or twice, maybe it wouldn’t have been so
intrusive. But it nearly ruined Sunday’s show. Very
frustrating. I bet intentional cautions stopped the races
twenty times on Sunday.
---- It was great to see everyone at the Fulton 200 last
week. Since I’m an Oswego Speedway addict now, I don’t get to
go to Fulton much, and I really miss it. We had a lot of
laughs, and added a lot of stories to the memory banks. To the
guy that kept my fake wad of money attached to fishing line at
the men’s room - please don’t try to spend it. You’ll get in
trouble. To the security guards on Friday night, thanks for
letting us take “choice A”. To Roger Phelps, thanks for hiring
JP Shaggy to play the after party on Saturday night. He was
hilarious as always. And to all of my friends that helped me
enjoy my 24th consecutive Fulton 200 - I owe you.
---- So for the 25th Fulton 200, will track owner John Wight
somehow make a deal with Utica-Rome Speedway management to get
the original name back, and make the 25th Anniversary event once
again called the “Victoria 200”, in honor of track builder Bub
Benway’s wife, Victoria? What better time to make that deal.
Gater News - Sept. 30th, 2009
Yes! This is it! I love the “Fulton 200”, which is the name of
this year’s incarnation of the 24th annual season-ending 200 lap
modified event at Fulton Speedway. This is the one major event
that I’ve attended every single time since the beginning, and I
couldn’t be more excited. I hope I get a chance to meet YOU at
the Fulton 200. I should be easy to find - I’ll be the one with
the big grin on my face, having as much fun as everyone else.
I’ll of course be there Friday and Saturday, and maybe in the
campgrounds Thursday for some pre-game, with “Luther’s” camper
in the furthest corner from the race track, up by the road.
---- It’s tough for me to not call this race the “Victoria
200”, as it had been called until last year. The race was
originally named in honor of track builder Bub Benway’s late
wife Vicky, and ran for the first 22 years with that name. In
2008, the name was acquired by the owners of Utica-Rome
Speedway, where they continue to honor Mrs. Benway’s name. The
race was moved to May, and the winner’s share was reduced to
$10,000 to win. (This year’s season-ender at Fulton pays
$20,000 to win.) I personally think that Mrs. Benway should
still be honored at the track that she and her husband built,
but I don’t know the legalities of it. Apparently the name was
sold, and can no longer be used at the Benway built facility.
I’ll have a great time at the “Fulton 200”, but to me and most
of the people that I know, it’ll always be “The Vic”.
---- This event has always been one of the premier events in
the area. In its 23 years, only ten different drivers have been
able to find their way to victory lane. Billy Pauch has been
there the most times, six wins, including the first five
Victoria 200’s in 1986 - 1990. He came back for another win in
1997, but has only been here 4 times since ‘97, never cracking
the top five. 11th place was Pauch’s finish in 2008, his first
attempt since 2003. Alan Johnson (4), Tim Fuller (3), Danny
Johnson (3), and Tom Kinsella (2), are the other multiple time
winners.
---- Last year’s version of the Fulton 200 saw over EIGHTY
cars in attendance. 40 cars started the race, and 13 finished
on the lead lap. Qualifying consisted of eight heat races, and
four consolations. Forty plus great drivers went home. In the
past, I’ve seen over 100 cars attempt to qualify for a coveted
starting spot. See why I’m so excited?
---- So who will win it?
---- Brett Hearn has never won this race. It’s hard to
believe that one of the most decorated dirt mod drivers of all
time has never won the Fulton 200 in the 13 times he’s tried,
but it’s true. Hearn has been 2nd twice, including 2008, where
he led a ton of laps before being beat by Danny Johnson. You
know he’s a favorite.
---- Pat Ward runs well at this race. He has finished 3rd
four times in this decade (‘02, ‘05, ‘06, and ‘08), and is
having an excellent season this year. Love to see Ward get this
one!
---- Matt Sheppard has been on a tear lately. He’s got six
wins on the Super Dirt Series in 2009, and is always a threat.
---- Danny Johnson is the all-time points leader for this
event. He hasn’t had the year that you would expect him to
have, but he always looks great in this race.
---- But my pick is Alan Johnson. Alan has jumped from ride
to ride in 2009, but he’s always done that. He’s still one of
the best drivers of all time in a dirt modified, and will surely
contend no matter what he’s driving. I don’t care if he gets a
ride in a wheelbarrow - he’ll have a great finish.
---- Billy Decker is another driver that will have a solid
shot. Decker is 5th in all-time Fulton 200 points, and 3rd in
SDS points. He won this race in 2007, and was 24th last year
after only completing 164 laps.
---- Past winner Dale Planck (’94) has a solid ride this year,
and has quite a history at Fulton Speedway. I also remember a
few years back when he failed to qualify for this race.
---- Friday night’s races are equally amazing. The sportsman,
IMCA, and street stock divisions will have huge fields of cars
on the scene for those coveted victories. You’ll see 100-120
cars competing in just these three divisions on Friday night, in
15-20 qualifying races. I wouldn’t miss this night either!
---- And a huge part of the Fulton 200 weekend is the
nightlife in the campgrounds. People come from all around the
area with campers to the huge Fulton Speedway campgrounds. I
personally have had a lot of fun at these campgrounds. In fact,
I think the party after the races for the first Vic, in 1986,
was probably one of the most fun parties of my life. These
parties have been legendary over the years. Heck - some of my
escapades in Victoria #2 or 3 even cost me my column in Gater
News for several years. Of course I’ve grown up a little in the
last twenty years, but not that much!
---- This year, entertainer JP Shaggy has been hired by a
local race team to perform in the campgrounds after Saturday
night’s race. If you’ve never seen Shaggy, he plays guitar and
sings all of the current songs that you know. But he also will
keep you amused with his wisecracking and interacting with
everyone in the crowd. He’ll get many of the racecar drivers on
stage with him to sing a song, and he’ll keep you laughing the
whole night. I spoke with Shaggy last Sunday, so be forewarned
- he’ll definitely get me onstage with him for a song at some
point in the night. I apologize in advance for the pain to your
ears. He’s a lot of fun though - don’t miss him!
---- I attended part of the Rolling Wheels Raceway’s World
Series of DIRT Weekend last week. Friday night’s event included
events for the DIRTcar 358 series and the street stock series.
---- It was kind of quiet there. The crowd looked pretty
small, and I feel that they could have used one or two more
divisions of cars there to fill the night. It was definitely a
laid back evening.
---- But in spite of the smaller field and crowd, the features
were great. The 75 lap small block modified race consisted of
several top names, and required four heats and a consi to get
the show lined up.
---- Billy Decker took a big lead during a long green flag
run, but wasn’t able to run away and hide. Lapped traffic
helped Alan Johnson catch up, and get within striking distance.
Eventually, Matt Sheppard got hooked up, passing Johnson and
catching Decker. The suspense built as some caution laps put
Sheppard on Decker’s bumper, but he was never able to seal the
deal. Decker went on for the win, but it was very fun to watch.
---- Johnson was wheeling “The Deuce”, a car fielded by
longtime car owner and former driver Duane “Deek” Decker. The
Deuce appears a few times a year, and has been driven by many
different shoes over the years. Bob McCreadie wheeled The Deuce
a few seasons back, for example. In post-race inspection, The
Deuce “was penalized half its third-place earnings for a minor
ignition system violation”, according to the Rolling Wheels
website.
---- Ronnie Johnson and Chad Brachman rounded out the top
five. Jimmy Phelps, Pete Bicknell, Danny O’ Brien, Mario Clair,
and Larry Lampman, Jr. were the top ten at the finish.
---- The street stock race was also a great show. Russ
Marsden started on the outside pole, and we all expected him to
run away with the race from there. But it didn’t quite work
that way. Marsden ran well, but seemed to be having a lot of
trouble getting through turn three. Eventually Bubba Burnell
took the lead, and went on to the hard fought victory.
---- Ron Hawker made sure it wasn’t easy for Burnell,
however. Hawker almost had Burnell a few times, but couldn’t
quite close the deal. Marsden faded, and Dave Mannise got into
the mix at the end. I looked everywhere online for the official
results, but none were posted as of press time, last Sunday.
I’m sure that a full rundown and order of finish can be found in
this Gater.
---- The 2009 Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame class has been
announced, and awards will be given out at the Hall of Fame and
Awards Banquet on Saturday, October 24th at the Turning Stone
Resort and Casino. Five deserving members will represent the
four categories of Officials, Special Achievement, Owner and
Driver in the Hall of Fame.
---- Dick O’Brien and John Hill are being inducted in the
“Officials” category; Mark Regan in the “Special Achievement”
category, Dave McKnight Sr. in the “Car Owner” category, and Pat
Abold in the “Driver” category.
---- Another great selection of contributors to the history of
the Oswego Speedway will be entered into the Hall of Fame in
2009. This year’s five inductees join sixty-six other members.
Congratulations to all Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame inductees -
past and present! It’s great to see more members of the media
and small block supermodifieds added to the group, along with
the other officials, owners, and supermodified drivers.
Gater News - Sept 22nd, 2009
So it’s a couple of weeks later, and I still have some scraps
left over from Classic Weekend. Last week’s column was one of
the biggest ever, but I still didn’t cover everything that I
wanted to about Classic. So grab a “Monster” and have a read.
---- I spoke with supermodified driver Bobby Bond about his
bad luck at Classic. Injured in a bad wreck in July, Bond had
been on crutches for the remainder of the summer. But Bob’s
Xtreme car was repaired in anticipation of Classic Weekend, and
he went back to work two weeks before Classic. He admits that
maybe he pushed his recovery a little bit trying race Classic,
but he really wanted to run it, and I’m sure they weren’t
willing to hold the Classic off a few weeks for his foot to heal
more.
---- In a Friday practice, Bob had to slam on the brakes to
avoid a spinning Rich Reid (ironically, he was the same driver
who was involved in the initial accident which caused his
injury). In the process of climbing onto his brake pedal, Bob
irritated the tendons of his brake foot, the same injury that
had been healing since July.
---- Joe Gosek was then enlisted to drive the car for the ISMA
/ MSA winged show, since his own #00 car was not entered in that
race. Unfortunately, Gosek only survived 5 laps, as a fuel cell
problem ended his evening. The team had hoped to rework the
brake pedal so Bob could still drive the Classic, but decided
that he was not well enough to wheel the car for 200 laps.
---- “I really wanted to run the Classic. The tires were
bought, and the car was all ready to go”, said Bond. But since
he wasn’t able to do it, Bob and Larry and Ed went looking for a
driver. Chris Perley and Mike Ordway Sr. were offered the
ride. They turned it down because “they both had plans to go
home”, according to Bob. (What the heck? Wouldn’t you think
that maybe these guys would rework their plans for a ride in a