January 17th, 2012

 

Oswego, N.Y.

January 8th, 2012

“Team Tapout” to storm the Small Block Supermodified division in 2012.

The 2012 Oswego Speedway season will see the debut of a brand new two car team, featuring two freshly updated Ray Hedger built small block supermodified Chassis.

Jason Simmons, a six year competitor in the division now owns two Hedger Chassis small block supers, and will field both cars on a weekly basis in the 2012 season. Simmons will drive the #98 car, previously owned by Ed Horne, and most recently by Fred Kilian. Simmons purchased the car during 2011, and drove the ride to several top finishes at Oswego Speedway, and his first win at Thunder Alley Speedway. Two last lap passes by champion Mike Bond are all that separated Simmons from two 2011 victories.

During the off-season, Simmons purchased the J.J. Andrews #93 Hedger, and enlisted veteran Andrews to pilot the ride for the full season in 2012. The team is dubbed "Team Tapout", and will make a full assault for a 1-2 championship finish.

"Our most important goals for 2012 are to have fun and win some races", said Simmons. "After Jay let me borrow his car last year I fell in love with the Hedger Cars, and when the opportunity arose to purchase the 93, I couldn't pass it up".

Andrews has competed in the small block supermodified division since 1997, part time since 2008. He rides 5th in all time points, and 3rd in all time Classic points. He also competed in the supermodified division in 1995.

Said Andrews, "It's a great honor to drive for Jason, especially in the car that's been in my shop since 1997. I was pretty sad to see it go, but Jason and the guys are a lot of fun to be around, and I'm looking forward to a full season of fun in the old girl. I've been wanting to come back full time for awhile now to get another win, and I'm very fortunate to get this shot". As it has been for nearly two decades, the car will still be number 93, a salute to Andrews' former car owner Rob Pollitt.

The cars will be maintained and crewed by Mike O'Connor, Brian Dana, Greg O'Connor, David O'Connor, Corey Norton, and Mark Sledziona. Sponsors include Simmons' own D&S Landscaping, Dynamic Sound and Security, Bracy‘s Auto Repairs, and N.J. Pollitt Demolition.

"I really need that first win at Oswego Speedway", said Simmons, who led many laps in 2011, along with the two close 2nd place finishes. "And I also really want to get Jay another win. Or two."

 

 

Gater News - November 15th, 2011

 

Gater News - October 4th, 2011

Rain is horrible! Plans for a great weekend at Fulton Speedway for the Outlaw 200 were ruined last week, thanks to an obnoxious, persistent, two days of rain. Of course rain is normal for the annual October event, and it wouldn’t feel the same if it was sunny. But since it was so constant, speedway management made the decision to scrap the event on Sunday morning, during a rain storm. Since we were at the track all day Saturday anyway, I was of the opinion that maybe the race could have happened that day. Although the light rain never quit for more than a few minutes all day and evening, I don’t think it ever picked up enough to where the track would have been washed out. Many of us stood around the campfire the entire day in the “misty” rain, without getting very wet. (Hey- it’s our annual race weekend. We can’t let a little bad weather chase us out of our plans.)

---- The decision to pull the plug on Saturday was posted on the speedway’s Facebook around 1:00, which many of us thought was a little early. I also hoped that they would have waited longer on Sunday, as the rain stopped before noon, a couple hours after the cancellation was announced. And yes, I did say cancellation - not postponement. “After looking at the rest of the 2011 season in the Northeast a suitable date can’t be found”, said the speedway’s website. So I guess that’s it for the 26^th annual “Outlaw 200”.

---- I think the early cancellation boils down to one thing: finances. While the race could have happened with a lot of track drying and packing the grounds, how many people would have sat in the wet bleachers with raincoats playing the rain dance? Probably not that many. Many of us diehards would have been happy to do it, but unfortunately, there probably aren’t enough of us diehards to pay the bills these days. Especially when it’s $20,000 to win. It’s quite disappointing to many of us that were craving the action, but I guess that’s the way it has to be these days. If it was my tens of thousands of dollars on the line, maybe I would have shied away from running the show as well. But you can’t make me like it.

---- At least Friday night’s portion of the event was able to be completed. Huge fields of racecars were on hand in four divisions, and put on some great racing for the crowd on hand.

---- Probably the most exciting finish of the night was the battle in the late model division. Larry Wight and Jason Parkhurst were the show early, fighting for the win from their front row starting spots. Then Alan Fink got involved, looking to make his way to the front. Fink got as far as 2^nd at one point, but Wight stayed in command, and was the man to beat.

---- Or that is, he would have been the man to beat, if Tim Sears Jr. wasn’t in the field. Every time I see this kid drive, he’s always going to the front. The second generation driver started in the 4^th row, and methodically picked his way to the front. 5^th on lap 11, then 3^rd on lap 14. 2^nd on lap 17, and then the battle with Wight was ON. The two fought hard, and Sears made his move on lap 24 of the 25 lap event. This young man is quite a shoe, and he sure is fun to watch.

---- In the sportsman division, 60 cars were thinned down through six heats and three consis. Drivers came from all over the northeast to vie for the $1,000 and the coveted Outlaw 200 win. Jeremy Pitcher took the lead on lap two from his second row starting position, and never looked back. Pitcher owned this race, but the racing behind him was great to watch.

---- Katelyn Kane passed a bunch of cars, moving from the 6^th row to 3^rd place at the finish, behind John Scarborough and Pitcher. Quite an impressive run. And Sam Reakes IV, who started 10^th but fell back to 17^th on an early race tangle, drove a solid race to get back to 4^th at the finish. Reakes announced that this would be his last race in the sportsman, as the family is going sprint car racing in 2012, in a former Craig Dollansky sprint car that was purchased from Bob Reis.

---- I also was enjoying watching Bob Henry Jr., who has picked up several different sportsman rides during the season. Starting in the 10^th row, Henry had worked his way up to 8^th before his day ended on lap 18. Racing with Mike Nagel, Henry was sent to the rear when contact from Henry’s front bumper sent Nagel spinning. Henry tried to protest the call, as he didn’t feel the incident was his fault, as he felt he was pushed into Nagel by the 49 of Scott Conover. “Ruined a good run - I think I could have got to the top three”, said Henry, who decided to park the car after the incident. “Well, maybe 4^th…”, I told Henry, reminding him that it was already established previously that he can’t pass Katelyn Kane, who finished third.

---- John Scarborough raised quite a ruckus after his 2^nd place finish, as he refused to pull his engine for tech. In an interview on www.dougsdirtdiary.com, he spent a few minutes calling out track owner John Wight for only paying a “measly” $400 for 2^nd place. I’ve never heard such an aggressive tirade. Scarborough was immediately disqualified, and “banned” from the speedway according to the track’s Facebook site. While some of his points were valid about the cost of things, his tirade could have been taken two ways. Was he feeling shortchanged, or was he trying to hide something by not being willing to pull his engine? Here’s an important fact for all drivers and owners to remember: if you’re going to try to make sense of purses and the costs involved in fielding a racecar, you had better get out of racing. If you think Pitcher’s $1,000 win caused him to break even, I’m sure that didn’t work out like that either. While I found it interesting, Scarborough’s interview sounded like someone who is ready to get out of racing. “I’m a business man - I’m not going to lose money”, said Scarborough - forgetting about how much money racecar owners inherently lose anyway.

---- Doug Williams continues on his tear of burning up the mod lite division. Williams led all of the laps in the race for the big win. Joe Garafolo kept Williams in sight, but really had nothing for him in the end. I don’t know how many victories Williams has this year, but he has definitely been one of the men to beat every time I see him race. Clayton Brewer III, Derek Wagner, and Frank Doll Jr. rounded out the top five. Also a shoutout to Ricky DeGroff and Kelly Skinner, who finished 12^th and 13^th.

---- Mike Smith captured the IMCA mod feature, in a field comprised of a drivers from all around the northeast. As a regular attendee of Brewerton Speedway, I didn’t see many of the drivers that I was familiar with in action. Gary Roberts was second, followed by Brewerton champ Kevan Cook. Pete Neff and Jim Walsh rounded out the top five.

---- This last weekend nearly concludes my racing for the season. I unfortunately won’t be attending the Thompson World Series in mid-October, and my annual Super Dirt Week snub also takes place this weekend, so I doubt I will be attending any of those events. A day after Thanksgiving trip to Wall Stadium for the “Turkey Derby” is in the early plans, and possibly a shot at Black Rock Speedway for a late season race. The Oswego Speedway banquet on October 29^th is the next racing get-together for me, and plans are already in the works for a bus trip to Atlantic City in February 2012 for the indoor races. (More info on this bus trip will be forthcoming, as Luther Gray and Steve Wygant are in the process of putting that together.)

 

Gater News - September 28th, 2011

This is the week - the running of the 26^th annual Outlaw 200 at Fulton Speedway! For the last 25 years this has been one of the most important events of the year for dirt modifieds of all kinds. 60-100 cars from all around the northeast. All of the top name drivers in the sport. 10-12 qualifying heats. 3-6 consis. Four and five wide racing on all parts of the track. Sound awesome? It should. The Outlaw 200, originally known as the “Victoria 200” has been an incredible event since its inception in 1985. And it all happens this weekend, in Fulton, N.Y.

---- In the early days of the event, competition with the DIRT circuit was a major part of the story. Since Fulton wasn’t DIRT sanctioned, there would always be a DIRT race scheduled against the “Vic” somewhere else, siphoning off some of the talent. But many great drivers would still come, often exceeding 100 entries for the event, to vie for the $20,000 prize. A few years down the road, when Fulton Speedway started racing under the DIRT banner, the large fields of 70 or 80 plus continued.

---- Prior to the 2011 season, speedway owner John Wight severed his ties with the DIRT (now known as World Racing Group), opening up the possibility for a schedule war again. Fortunately, no such war took place, as I don’t see any dirt modified races on the WRG schedule for the weekend of Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. So all systems are go for this weekend. Prediction: 70 plus modifieds, even in today’s economy.

---- As an experienced member of the Victoria 200 / Fulton 200 club, (I’ve only missed one of them, and that was last year, in favor of a poorly planned family vacation) I must admit that the incredible racing is only part of the excitement for the weekend. I’ve seen (and participated in) many fun things in the campgrounds over the years. Some safe or funny, some dangerous or ill-advised. It’s been a great history of fun and stories over the years, and I expect this year to be no different. So maybe next week I’ll have some campground stories for you. Or maybe there will be stories that can’t be admitted to. The fun starts for me on Friday afternoon. See you there - let’s make another story!

---- Late last week, the 2011 Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame inductees were announced. The following are excerpts from a press release from the speedway pertaining to the announcement:

---- “The 2011 Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame class includes, a racing pioneer whose family has had a great impact on the track, one of the major sponsors of the Oswego Speedway, a Small Block Supermodified star who made his mark starting from the first year of that division, and one of the all-time greatest Supermodified drivers, whose illustrious career spans four decades. In addition, an “in memory” group of five people who helped grow the track from its very beginning and are no longer with us will also be added. The nine new members to the Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame will be inducted at the annual banquet Saturday, October 29 at the Holiday Inn on Electronics Parkway in Syracuse.”

---- Being inducted In Memoriam are five people who helped the Caruso brothers, Bill, George and Harry, practically from the time the track opened. Bud McManus, Newton Tilton, Dr. John Puzauskas and his wife Helen Puzauskas, and Ed Piersall will all enter the Hall in Memoriam. Johnny Torrese Sr. will be inducted as a racing pioneer. Small block supermodified driver Russ Brown and Supermodified driver Joe Gosek are inducted this year. And a new category called race sponsor was added to the Hall of Fame, and first to be inducted in this category was Dan Dorsey Sr., owner of Eagle Beverage Distributors.

---- The Hall of Fame committee is made up of Debbie Bond and Chuck Handley, representing the Oswego Speedway, and Hall of Fame members Carol D. Haynes, George Caruso, Romey Caruso and Roy Sova. Tickets to the Hall of Fame Banquet are available by calling Debbie Bond at the Oswego Speedway office at 315-342-0646. Tickets are $45.00.

---- Last subject. I know I don’t usually cover Sprint Cup Racing, but this year’s chase is really bugging me. After two races, it looks more as if the chase won’t necessarily be won by the best team or driver, but the team with the best gas mileage. Is that how the title should be decided - where the team who can stretch the longest on a tank of fuel is the Sprint Cup Champion? People running out of gas have had a huge impact in two out of ten of the season’s “chase races”, and has certainly taken some drivers out of the running already. I’m sure a different size fuel cell or different number of laps could immediately cure that problem, and put the title in the hands of the team with the best driver or best setup, as it should be. We want a “Sprint Cup Champion”. Not a “Gas Mileage Champion”.

 

Gater News - September 21st, 2011

As the racing season winds down, it’s time to get cranked up for several big races that are coming up before the season winds down. Fulton Speedway’s 26^th annual “Outlaw 200” weekend is September 30^th and October 1^st. Then it’s Super Dirt Week at Syracuse, N.Y., modified racing’s biggest event in the country, on October 4^th-9^th. After that, supermodified and pavement racing fans will head to Thompson International Speedway for the World Series of Racing, on October 14^th-16^th. And that’s just some of the highlights that interest me. Many other big events are coming up in the next month or so at many different speedways. So check out the schedules, and let’s hit some races!

---- Last week a pretty big show happened at Thunder Alley Speedpark, which included several divisions of cars, headlined by the NORA small block supermodifieds, and a $2000 to win “open wheel” event. For those not familiar with the open wheel division at Thunder Alley, it’s just a random group of cars of all divisions that race together at the same time. Yeah, it’s kinda crazy. Last week’s open wheel division saw small block supermodifieds, a late model, (huh? It was a car without open wheels, in the open wheel division), and then 10-12 fire-breathing dirt modifieds. Big block. Sound random? It is!

---- The small block supers race pretty well with themselves, but don’t have anything for the dust-cloud cars. I call them the dust cloud cars, because they continuously drive over the inside berm, and roto-till all of the dirt onto the racing surface, blinding everyone behind them. The small block supers, with our three inch ground clearance, will bottom out and wreck our oil pans if we drive over the inner wall. But the tall dirt cars have no trouble driving across the infield, and do it repeatedly. Bill Gill was the biggest culprit, causing a several car accident in the first of two 25 lap open wheel events, taking out several small block supers who were completely blinded after having their shields coated in dirt. It’s dirt-track racing at its finest - on a paved track! (To get a feeling of the craziness, look at Karl Schartner’s in-car camera that was in Barry Kingsley’s car, on Barry’s Facebook.)

---- This week I wasn’t driving, so I got to watch it from the stands and see just how crazy it looks. And the fans seem to love it, because the stands were packed last week, on a very chilly night that ran until 1:00AM. It’s an exciting show, as most of the dirt mods are at least a half second faster than the small blocks. The small blocks are at risk of getting monster-trucked at all times by the mods, but they didn’t seem intimidated. Some of the small blocks beat some of the mods, so it wasn’t a total slaughter.

---- Zach Aubertine was the winner of the $2,000 final, along with the $500 first segment, for a pretty good payday. He was the class of the field, and beat Andy Powell, Tony Steiner, Willy Decker, and Bill Gill in the final segment. Rob Pullen was “first in class“, finishing 6^th with four “500“ tires on the car. Dave Cliff was the only other small block super in the top ten, finishing 10^th. Decker looked to have the early advantage in the first segment, but was caught asleep at the wheel on one of the restarts, when Aubertine scarfed the lead and ran away.

---- At the end of the 2010 season, the small block supermodifieds were in competition at Thunder Alley for a season-ending event. On that night Mike Mandigo, the point leader at the time, blew his motor in warmups, and his car was out for the night. Since all he had to do was start the feature to clinch the championship, Barry Kingsley, who was parked next to him and was introduced through mutual friend Andy Powell, offered his damaged but still rolling car to Mandigo to take the green and clinch the title. The plan worked perfectly, and Mandigo clinched the 2010 title. Unfortunately last Saturday, that favor was forgotten, when Mandigo dumped Kingsley early in the open wheel race, when Barry was running pretty strong. Kingsley seeked out and received an apology after the race, but learned a lesson in the process.

---- The small block supermodified event saw a 13 car field, as many of the drivers decided to grab one more trip behind the wheel before the season ends. Nobody was surprised to see veteran Mike Bond pick up the win, especially when he drew position number two to start the event. Bond took advantage of a slow start by Cameron Rowe, and then led all of the laps - but it wasn’t easy.

---- Rookie Dave LaTulip has really showed some great talent in the small block supermodified division this year, and impressed a lot of people in 2011. I don’t know how car owner Chris Tedd found him, but he sure put a solid driver in his car. LaTulip won a race at Oswego during the season, along with rookie of the year honors. And he gave Mike Bond quite a run for the win, getting alongside Bond on the last lap. It’s really difficult to make an outside pass at Evans Mills, but he came within inches of pulling it off Saturday night. The quiet LaTulip does all of his talking on the track. And he shouted “I’m awesome!” from a mountaintop last week.

---- Attrition sent one car after another to the pits during the feature, many with flat tires. But fortunately some courtesy laps were given, and some of the drivers made it back without losing a lap. Dave Gruel was one such driver, who received some speedy pit service from the Team Tapout guys in the Jason Simmons #93, and recovered for a 6^th place finish.

---- Jack Patrick had a solid run in his #9, also capitalizing on the attrition. Patrick nailed a podium finish, followed by Barry Kingsley and Mike Bruce, who was driving the Chris Tedd #37. Tedd must really hate that car, as he hops out of the seat more than he hops into it. According to my calculations, Tedd has had every driver in central New York in that car, except for me.

---- Steve Hutchinson got a lot of seat time in the Solazzo #25, finishing 7^th. Rob Pullen, Dave Cliff, and Cameron Rowe rounded out the top ten. Jason Simmons, Vern LaFave, and Ivan Steen were all credited with a DNF.

---- I got a phone call last week from Oswego Speedway co-owner Eric Torrese, who is looking to get some ideas about how to improve the small block supermodified division and car counts for 2012. Calling from southern Florida, we discussed the biggest change that is being considered right now - a change to four barrel carburetors for the new season. While the small block supermodifieds have run Holley 500 cfm two barrels since their inception in 1992, it may be time for a change. With car counts lower in 2011, and passing at a minimum, 2012 may be the right time to try a change or two.

---- “I want to make the class more attractive to the fans”, said Torrese. “Let’s look at raising car counts, then we can get more fans, then we can look at raising the purse.” Of course the last part - raising the purse - will get the attention of many of the owners. Everyone wants more cash, and that could help car counts immediately. But I think a raised purse will have to be earned first, and we earn that by bringing more cars to the track. And putting on better races. “More passing and more racing, and some more pride in the appearance of some of the cars”, said Torrese. “I think we caught the eye of some of the supermodified fans.”

---- The job right now is to spread the word about the possible change, and get some opinions. This is by no means a definite. “I just had to throw something out there to see if we can improve the division. But it’s definitely up to the drivers and owners. If not (the carburetor change), then I’m open for suggestions”, said Torrese. “I’m trying to be proactive.” Another consideration is to change the tire rule next year, so that the “softer grippier” 500 compound Hoosier tires can be used all around the car, instead of just on the left side.

---- An on track test may be the next step in determining if the change to a four barrel would help. One small block super “spec” engine has already been tested on a dyno, and saw a 35-40 horsepower improvement after just bolting on a four barrel carb, with no other alterations. Also a thought is a “claimer” rule for the carburetors, to keep people from purchasing expensive gas mixers. So a lot of thought and research will go into this before a definite change is made. A meeting with the teams will be scheduled sometime before the October 29^th banquet, to get input. But Torrese definitely stressed to me that any changes will be up to the teams. “Majority rules”, said Torrese.

---- We also discussed a little bit about what else may be in store. While it’s too early for many details yet, a couple of additions / changes to the schedule are already being discussed. “Maybe a Fall Classic”, was one thought, which would mean a race later in the season, AFTER Classic Weekend. Also, they may go back to having the week before Classic as an open date, to give teams a little breather before the stress and extra work required for Classic Weekend. So many ideas are in the works, and I’m very excited about the prospects of what the Torreses may come up with when they have a full off-season to put some ideas into motion.

---- And of course, I thanked Eric Torrese - again - for all of the improvements and love that have been put into the speedway in 2011. They are obviously feeling the love from us, and are already working hard on next year. Already in the middle of “planting” in South Florida, Torrese was taking time off from his other business to work on his New York business. “We love the track, love the cars, and all of the camaraderie that comes with it”, confirmed Torrese.

---- Congratulations are in order for famous racecar driver Dennis Rupert and his lovely wife Ashley on the birth of their first child, Kaleb Connor Rupert last week. Ashley carried that child all through racing season, but the dimpled smile never left her face all summer at the track. Ashley also talked us through the delivery on Facebook, with updates even during labor. Call it “LaborBook”. Congratulations Ashley and Dennis! I know you’ll be the BEST parents! You have no idea how much joy lies ahead of you.

 

Gater News - September 14th, 2011

Keepin’ it Real by JJ Andrews

After one week of recovery, it’s time to talk about Oswego Speedway’s Classic Weekend, which is now a couple of weeks old. My apologies for missing a week, but Classic Weekend is my favorite weekend of the year, and I don’t make it anywhere near my computer on Sunday night, which is my deadline. Despite the potential for threatening weather, everything went off without a hitch, and was a slam dunk for the Torrese Brothers first Classic as speedway owners.

---- Nobody was shocked to see Otto Sitterly emerge as the victor. Over the last several years, Sitterly and team owner John Nicotra have been the most successful, and one of the best prepared, talented, hardest working, and best financed teams in un-winged supermodified racing. He was a favorite, to say the least. But this is CLASSIC, and everything is different.

---- Nobody expected that it would take 199 and 1/2 laps before Sitterly took the lead. And nobody expected that it would take a gutsy outside move over his last minute teammate, winged super driver Mike Lichty. The rumors of “team orders” began immediately, suggesting that Lichty “allowed” Sitterly, the team’s only regular driver, to easily drive past him for the win.

---- I don’t know Mike Lichty. He’s a fairly successful driver on the ISMA circuit, but he hasn’t won so many races that he could justify giving away the biggest race in all of supermodified land, just to preserve a bridge with the leading un-winged supermodified owner, John Nicotra. I know John a little, and although he admits that he was rooting for Otto over Lichty for the victory, I assure you that there were no “team orders” to give up the lead to Otto. No way. And even if there were, that deal would have been forgotten when Lichty pictured that Classic Ring on his pinky.

---- I will however submit though that maybe Lichty was a little more cautious when he saw Sitterly bomb it into the third turn than he would have been if it was someone else. He certainly would have raced a non-teammate a little harder, and admitted that later in an interview for lakesideracingnews.com. Good race, and a memory making day for the team and owner John Nicotra, who also scored a 6th place with his third car, driven by another ISMA racer Chris Perley.

---- Who else was it a great day for? Rookie Dave Danzer drove a solid, smart, consistent race for an excellent 4th place finish in his first Classic. This capped off a great season for the Danzer Family, that saw Dave win rookie of the year, as well as his first feature, in 2011.

---- Pretty great day for Randy Ritskes, who set fastest time, then took off from the pole to lead the first 130 laps. Randy’s chances then started slipping away as the setup of the car slipped away, and he started losing some spots. But a couple of late incidents got him back up near the front, and he held on for a well deserved 3rd to top off a great season. Second in points by just 9 markers, fastest time trial, two feature wins - he’s got to be happy with his season.

---- How about that Tim Snyder? As a past Classic winner, Tim has proven that he has a knack for this race, and gathered a 5th place finish to top off his season. He’ll be back in 2012, but he’s not sure yet what car that will be in. His car is for sale, but he often updates his equipment every year or two. Great top five for Snyder Racing, as well as a 7th place time trial.

---- Have to be impressed with Bobby Haynes Jr., who pulled off a 7th place finish after his first full season at Oswego Speedway. And a shoutout also goes to Joey Scanlon for his B-main victory, after just missing entry to the race during time trials. His day went bad early though, as he was caught up in a wreck in the beginning of the show, taking home the 32nd place trophy.

---- Brian Sobus pulled down his second top ten finish in just two attempts. Sobus, who drove a Ray Graham owned car in 2011 was very appreciative of Graham’s generosity, and will look for a different ride for next year, as the Graham car is for sale. “Ray wants to sell the car, and we will probably look to buy something newer. He did a huge favor for me by helping me get started, and if he didn't I never would have been able to move up. It was a very easy car to jump in and drive fast right out of the box”, said Sobus. Graham was a major factor in the race before a tangle with lapped traffic on lap 185 sent him into the fence hard.

---- A blown rearend ended Joey Payne’s day in the Strong Racing #99, after running up front early. “Hope next year our luck changes“, said Payne, who will finish out the season running some midget races, and Wall Stadium’s Turkey Derby.

---- Bad day for the ride-switching Bond Brothers, as well. Bobby stepped out of his Xtreme #25 to drive for Mike Muldoon, but was involved in a crash with a few other cars, including teammate Mike Muldoon Jr. Then to add insult to injury, Bob’s brother Mike, who was piloting Bob’s car for the weekend, was also tangled up in a different accident. Put down Bob for 20th, and Mike for 23rd. Oh - and also an early race smash for Mike in the small block supermodified Classic. More on that later.

---- Dave Gruel, driver of the Double Duece Racing #50 couldn’t have been very happy either. After blowing his Enders engine on Saturday, a change to the backup motor was necessary. After missing time trials, then running the B-main, a provisional start was necessary for Dave to make the show. Then a 29th place non-finish after just 45 laps finished off a horrible weekend for Gruel.

---- But forget about all of that. Something much more monumental happened at Oswego Speedway during Classic Weekend. Due to the efficiency and knowledge and quick actions of the safety crew, a man’s life was saved during Classic Weekend. A modified driver, Jake Rought, was suddenly stricken with some heart problems during the day, and had to be revived by the track’s safety crew. It has been widely reported that the team’s swift actions saved this driver’s life, and lives another day due to the correct actions that were taken. A post on the RaceNY message board indicates that Rought is “doing well“, and is still being treated at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, and that the family is relieved that this happened where it did, as they had “all the right equipment and personnel” to save Rought’s life, and that they are very thankful to the track safety crew, ambulance crew, fire dept., etc.

---- From Track Safety man Paul Conzone; “To the guys that have been coined "The best in the business", I want to thank you for the fine job again this year, especially Saturday. Ironically, Early on during Classic week I had a conversation with a fan about how quiet the season had been safety-wise. A couple of horrific crashes but no injuries, and no major fires. I had told the fan that we were ready, and that the bosses had allowed us to replace and add supplies and equipment as needed without question. If we needed it, it was purchased. One of those purchases was for 2 new AED's. Fast forward to Saturday of Classic weekend to a driver in need. The boys in white pants were there, living up to that "best in the business" catchphrase. It was a "Classic" save, in more ways than one. Solid work, just solid. Here is a list of the guys working on the safety crew that day, most were very involved in saving a man's life... “

---- The following staff was recognized by Conzone: Don Forbes, Bruce Lee,
Ed Geers, Tom Conzone, Mike Czerow, Bernie Finnegan, Mike Cook, Tom Amedio,
Bill Harrington, George Feeney, Brian Conzone, Mark Kapuscinski, Chris Chetney,
Rick Wallace, Ed Maxon, Gary Richardson, Anthony Sterio, Eric Koproski, Joe Smegelsky, and Mark Vanluven. Congratulations you guys, and THANK YOU. Drivers were greeted by every safety crew member prior to our race.

---- Due to the threat of a big storm on Sunday, the day’s schedule was revamped. The second round of time trials was scrapped, and just a B-main was run. The start of the 200 lap Classic was moved up to around 1:00, to assure all 200 laps would get in before the impending storm. Fortunately, the storm didn’t happen until many hours later, after all of the racing was completed, and haulers were loaded. The schedule change worked perfectly, and fans only missed out on a little racing as a result. Excellent idea.

---- As great as the racing was - and always is - during Classic Weekend, maybe a bigger topic of conversation was the positive feelings about the changes at Oswego Speedway - and how much people love the new owners John and Eric Torrese. I’ve never seen owners of a speedway so involved with every facet of the event. They let race director Chuck Handley handle the nuts and bolts of the racing, but these guys are everywhere. Visiting with campers. Double-checking on calls on the track. Strolling through the pits - both supermodified AND small block supermodified and visiting with the drivers. Breaking up scuffles. Spending whatever needs to be spent for safety equipment. Attendance at the Kart Classic and weekly kart races. Staying up late, and getting up early. Helping drivers load their cars. Sharing laughs. They even rented a jet dryer for the weekend from New Hampshire Speedway IN CASE it rained. And one of my favorite parts - wishing myself and every other driver good luck with a handshake just before we strapped into the car. Also, a big party was thrown at the track the following week for employees only, where people were treated to food and beverages, courtesy of the Torreses. These are some classy guys, and I only hope that they enjoy us as much as we enjoy them. I think they do.

---- Format changes for the small block supermodified division are a nearly annual event, but there hasn’t been a scenario in the last two seasons that has created a pass for the lead. For the second time in two years, the polesitter led all 100 laps of the event. For the 2011 event, the top eight time trialers redrew, and Andrew Schartner was too fast to lose the lead. I’m hopeful that the fans still found the race interesting, as there was some great action and passing throughout the field. But let’s face it: fans want to see passing for the lead.

---- The solution is obvious, but the top drivers don’t want to hear it: dump time trials. Make the fast guys pass some cars. Have them mixed throughout the field, and see how it goes. Qualify through a heat, and do a draw. Or if you have to do time trials, at least invert an undisclosed amount (10 or more) from the ponderous time trials. You want to impress me? Pass someone.

---- Oh - and don’t let us readjust our stagger at half way. This is Classic. Nice try, but I don’t think that’s the answer. And I doubt we were the only ones who figured out how to change wedge during the break when nobody was looking.

---- None of this is meant to take anything away from winner Andrew Schartner and Tom Aaserud’s Crow Motorsports Team. Andrew did exactly what he was supposed to do, and certainly could have passed some cars if he had to. That’s a fast car, excellent team, great driver. He fought off some challenges from Russ Brown in the Sobus #79, but gained some ground when some contact between the two slowed down the 79. Congratulations to the whole Crow Motorsports Team!

---- Equally impressive was Dave Cliff Jr., who pulled their car out of the mothballs and put it in 2nd at the finish. After time trialing in the top eight, Cliff redrew number five, and moved forward from there. Cliff quit the division when the family bought a supermodified, but they haven’t hit the speedway with the super yet, partially because they still need to sell their small block. It’s obviously a fast car. I’m sure the g-note plus second place winnings will go to the supermodified fund.

---- Jack Patrick has been one of the quickest cars all year, and turned in the 2nd quickest time trial lap, but his redraw of 8th proved to be quite a handicap. “Action Jackson” turned in a 4th place finish at the end. The top five was rounded out by Kreig Heroth, in the other Crow Motorsports ride. Tom must have been quite happy to have two cars in the top five for the weekend.

---- Mike Bond was a victim of a fluke. When Mark Castiglia’s car broke (I believe he said broken ball joint), Bond got caught on some debris that came from Castiglia’s car, sending him into the wall, done for the night…. Tim Barbeau was the highest finisher to not time trial into a top eight redraw position, finish 6th in the reworked Steve Abt car that was wrecked badly early in the season. Word on the street is that Jim Losurdo purchased the car recently for his son to drive in 2012.…Good run for Bryan Haynes, who fought off some problems for a 7th place finish. Haynes discusses his race and brother Brad’s (18th) race in a very interesting blog at www.haynesracing.com ….Supermodified driver Shawn Muldoon returned to the division after several years, in the Haegerty owned car, renumbered to #80 for the weekend. Shawn fought to a 9th place finish at the end. ….Dave LaTulip and the Teddneck Racing Team had to scramble to get an engine for Classic after a blown motor the week before. Skip Bloss got a power plant together for the team in time, and break-in was done in the pits prior to the race. (The smoke coming from their pit surely would have intimidated low-flying aircraft.) LaTulip turned in the fastest time of the day (not Russ Brown, as was announced), before starting 9th. LaTulip’s day ended on lap 83, and he was credited with 17th in the final rundown….George Knight somehow got into the third turn wall and flipped the #12 on the very first lap of the Classic. George was uninjured, but that’s more than I can say for his car. Dennis Rupert was also involved the mess, ending both of their days before they started, without completing a lap….Barry Kingsley was an early retiree, the victim of a horrible slow restart by leader Andrew Schartner, which caused a big logjam in the back of the pack. Kingsley and A.J. Bernys both received damage in the incident, with Bernys able to continue. Barry’s string of horrible luck in Classic remains perfect….Congrats to Brian Osetek on a 10th place finish….Excellent statistic: four out of the top five finishers piloted Hedger Chassis cars, built by Ray Hedger. Let the trash talking begin, Brownie.

---- A rash of “mystery leaks” sidelined more than one car, as cars that were sent to the pits reportedly leaking some type of fluid could not find a leak. Jason Simmons was a victim of this on lap 68, but the team never found a problem. Even the next week in the garage, no evidence of leakage could be found on the 98. Simmons time trialed 4th fastest, redrew 7th, and ran in the top five for part of the day, before being sent packing on lap 68, while running in 8th. Game over. And if that wasn’t bad enough, a disgruntled brother of a driver climbed the fence to start a fight with him, thinking his brother’s wreck was Jason’s fault. Imagine his surprise when he saw how big Jason was! The scuffle was broken up by track owner Eric Torrese and security when the gentleman without a pit pass was escorted out, but not before some unnecessary hard feelings and posturing among some of the ladies in the pits.

---- My string of ELEVEN consecutive finishes in the Classic (all but one in the top ten) has officially come to a close. It was a great run, and the string ended violently when I came across a sideways Cameron Rowe in the blind spot off of turn one, destroying my recently freshened Hedger Chassis. As Rowe tangled with Jason Simmons on lap 56 (“it wasn’t Jason’s fault - I just stuck my nose in there and he came down. He didn’t see me”, said Cameron later). Any chance of me missing Rowe’s sideways car was eliminated when a blown radiator hose at the exact moment covered me, my vision, my tires, and my brakes.

---- It was a nasty impact, and I was relieved to see Cameron and I both not seriously injured. Although I definitely had a sore neck, I can only imagine how I would have felt if Andy Noto hadn’t loaned me his “R3” head and neck restraint. (Thanks Andy!) My car is destroyed, and will soon be stuck in the back corner of the garage until I hit the lottery or sell it as is. It looked and ran great though, and I am very confident that our long race setup would have come to me as the laps wore on, and a 6 or 7th place finish would have been likely, but that blown hose issue would have parked me if the wreck didn’t. Thanks to everyone for all of the help and entertainment involved in prepping and racing the car Classic Weekend. Driving is only one part of the whole weekend, and I had a great time spending time with everyone.

---- And to those that think that all of the years that I won Gater News Best Appearing Car and Crew was fixed because I write here, I submit 2011. Congratulations to Jack Patrick for being this year’s winner. Perhaps I’m biased, but I think a lot of people would have chosen this year’s Mark and Ian VanLuven #93 creation as the best looking car, along with our snazzy crew uniforms. Puhlease.

---- The NORA small block supermodified series recently completed their season (or did they?) at Thunder Alley Speedway last Saturday. The championship was very close for the top three drivers, as it came down to single digits. But Vern LaFave was the top dog in the end, winning a tight battle over Rob Pullen and Mike Bruce. Congrats Vern, on what I believe is your first championship. “I’m the oldest guy here, in the oldest car here”, is what Vern told me before the race. Must be he doesn’t realize how old Pitt Watson is. Vern locked it up with a third place finish.

---- This race marked the debut of a potent new team in the small block supermodified division. A team that will soon be a household name in auto racing. A team that will set the pace in 2012, with three brand new cars in the stables, and a full crew of experienced wrenches. And a team that is undefeated since its inception. And the name of this team? Team TAPOUT. Headed by Jason Simmons, TT had three cars strong in the event last Saturday, as Barry Kingsley and J.J. Andrews have landed positions on the coveted team. All drivers and most of the crew handsomely adorned in matching “Tapout” shirts, there wasn’t one team in the Thunder Alley pits not concerned - and envious. It’s hard to say at this point which was more impressive - the way we looked; or the way we ran.

---- Okay, but seriously. Congratulations to Jason Simmons on his first career win at Thunder Alley Speedway, where he led all of the laps and held on over a faster Dave Cliff for the win. Jason’s car wasn’t where it needed to be earlier in the night, but some changes by Brian Dana and Greg O’Connor put him right where he needed to be come feature time. Jason and the guys have put a lot of time, money, and effort into this sport and division, and it’s great to see him get his deserved reward. As the great “Pauly D.” once said, “YEAHHH BUDDY!”

---- I’ve never seen as many cars packed into the pits at Thunder Alley as I did last week. From one end to the other, cars and teams and haulers were everywhere. Even a fenced in back area was filled in. Huge show for Thunder Alley, and the crowd looked quite solid as well. Modified driver Tony Steiner’s double decker truck and trailer stuck out like a sore thumb in the pits, as he unloaded just one of the two cars on hand, which he used to promptly win the open wheel division.

---- Dave Cliff landed the ride in Mark Castiglia’s car for the night, and was very fast in it. As always. But as seems to be Cliff’s trend lately, he grabbed another 2^nd place. Not bad though. Two races, two seconds. According to my calculations, that’s an average of second, for those of you scoring at home.

---- Other ride swaps saw me in Simmons’ second car, which was driven by Stan Gates in the Classic. Although I finished second in my heat, neither of the features will go down as one of my better performances. I had a flat tire on lap one in our feature, and came back a lap or two down, finishing out of the top ten. Then in the open wheel feature, I started in the back, and finished there. I’d like to thank Jason for the ride, and apologize for not doing better.

---- There was a lot of slicing and dicing during the feature, but fortunately no serious incidents. Cameron Rowe fought off Rob Pullen and Jack Patrick, as they finished 4^th , 5^th.and 6^th. Barry Kingsley raced to 7^th in both races.

---- As always, it was a fun trip to Thunder Alley. Since they close too early, we didn’t get to make it to the “Tilted Kilt” Restaurant, but a nice wing feast was held for us at Buffalo Wild Wings in Watertown. Shockingly, they didn’t know who Jason Simmons OR Team Tapout were, but I made sure to inform everyone. As Jack Patrick said about Thunder Alley, “love the track, hate the pits”. We get really spoiled by having such a great facility like Oswego Speedway, with lights, smooth paved pits, electricity, etc. (I ripped the nose off of Jason’s car just driving through the pits!) I’ve had a lot of fun racing there this year. There is talk of possibly having the NORA small block supers back this week for a non-point event, but that wasn’t confirmed as of press time. Keep an eye on the Thunder Alley website, or the NORA website.

 

Gater News - August 30th, 2011

This is it - CLASSIC WEEKEND! Each year, as a fan of Oswego Speedway, Classic Weekend is my favorite week of the year! Drivers and fans of supermodifieds and Oswego Speedway will come from all over the country to our fair city this weekend. And with the renewed excitement at the speedway this year due to the change in ownership, along with the larger supermodified fields that have been in attendance in 2011, look for this year’s Classic to be one of the most exciting in years!

---- For those of you that don’t know, Classic Weekend is one of the biggest pavement short track events annually in the northeast, a tradition that has happened at Oswego Speedway for 55 years. Simply put - to win a Classic is to become a legend.

---- It all kicks off on Wednesday with “Racing Rolling Classic Bowling”. Thursday finds a cruise night and music with Ron Gray’s Millenium Music. Friday is TQ midgets, winged supers, and time trials for the small block supers. Saturday is the small block super 100 lap Classic, RoC Modified 200 lap race, and time trials for the supermodified Classic. And Sunday is the granddaddy of the weekend - round two of time trials, and the 55th 200 lap Budweiser International Classic.

---- As of last Sunday, 34 supers had already registered for the Classic. All of the usual suspects will be in attendance, along with many different teams from around the country, all hoping to get a victory in the biggest supermodified race ever. Also, several teams from Friday night’s winged event are bound to switch over, setting up a field of 40 plus cars attempting to make the show.

---- Of course many rumors are flying around about ride-swapping and different drivers who will be running Classic this year. NASCAR star Johnny Benson plans to run the show. Bobby Bond may step out of the seat of the car that won last year’s Classic, his Xtreme Chassis #25, in favor of the Mike Muldoon car, possibly leaving the seat in his car to his brother Mike Bond. Tim Devendorf bought the Greg Furlong ride, and as of last Saturday, was leaving it parked until next year. But if a deal Furlong has been discussing with John Nicotra doesn’t materialize, expect some heavy pressure on Devendorf to take one last ride in the car for Classic. Lou Cicconi reportedly may not be competing as originally planned, due to an injury. And the biggest story is that Bentley Warren has stepped out of the Graham car, and possibly also the Friday night winged race, leaving that ride open for someone different. A LOT of deals and changes will be happening during the week leading up to Classic, so it’s always fun to see how many of these unconfirmed stories will come true

---- Although the small block super division has been a little down in 2011, 25 cars are already pre-registered, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a couple late additions. Our qualifying will be done via time trials on Friday night, but I doubt that the whole field will be set that way. Watch for a consi on Saturday to keep the show exciting, and fill out the field.

---- There will be some musical chairs in the small block division, as well as some drivers who have not competed on a regular basis at the speedway taking a shot. Dave Cliff will campaign the family’s #06 car, which they have been trying to sell all year. George Knight and Stan Gates are expected to be in action. Brad Haynes shook his car down last week, gearing up for Classic. Russ Brown is taking a break from his mod lite career to drive the Brian Sobus #79. This guy (me) will be back in action with my Hedger Chassis #93. Larry Muroski had a deal to drive Guard Nearbin’s #78, but since Will Hadcock bought that Sunday, that may knock him out of the race. Which may leave the seat open in the Pitt Watson car that Hadcock had been driving. And I also heard that Steve Hutchinson may be driving Terry Solazzo’s 2^nd car, the #25 that has been parked all year.

---- Huge congratulations go out to this year’s track champions - Joe Gosek and Mike Bond. Gosek’s title came down to the last minute, as he won by single digits over Randy Ritskes, finishing 2^nd to Ritskes’ 3^rd. Gosek won the title without winning any features this year. Bond’s title was pretty much clinched when he arrived at the speedway, and he put an exclamation point on it by taking his 5^th feature of the year with a last lap pass. Two veteran champions, adding more titles to their resumes. It was Gosek’s 2^nd, and Bond’s 3^rd.

---- Rookie Dave Danzer drove an amazing race to grab his first ever supermodified win. He led every lap of the feature, and fought off several challenges and even a red flag near the end. Danzer had plenty of chances to get nervous or choke, but he was solid to the end, even when Gosek got to his bumper on the last restart.

---- If things had gone as planned, this would have been Danzer’s 2^nd full year in a super, but a horrible stuck throttle accident on opening day 2010 destroyed their first super. So the family chose to regroup, and built a brand new Hawk Chassis for 2011. Dave took to the car like a fish to water, and has been very fast this year. It was a great first win for the Danzers and Dad Craig, who had been winless since he started fielding a super in 1986. Dave started up front, but he won in convincing form by turning some of the fastest times of the night. He had built up a huge lead, and did everything right.

---- It’s great to see a family who has put so much into the speedway and the division get their reward. I said the same thing when Dave won a small block super feature, the family’s first ever checkers. Danzer thanked his parents Craig and Cherie, his sisters Jayne and Casey, and several others in victory lane. Joey Hawksby and Greg Furlong also were recognized, and Furlong helped keep Danzer calm during a lap 49 red flag for refueling. It was a great night for a great family - and a popular win for the fans.

---- A couple of controversial events got the fans and teams fired up. The worst one was between Joey Payne and Otto Sitterly, while they were slugging it out in the top 5. The two veterans had been fighting pretty hard, and when Sitterly dove under Payne going into the third turn, I knew it wasn’t going to go well. “Joey hates that!”, I said to Mark when it happened, and then the two cars immediately wrecked down the front straight. I didn’t get to see the wreck live, as I was in the pits out of sight of the front straight where it started. But from watching the video later at Lighthouse Lanes, it looked as though contact from Payne sent Sitterly spinning into the wall in turn three. Payne was able to continue, but Sitterly was done for the night - and not pleased with Payne. It was ugly, but fortunately the Nicotra owned Sitterly #7 wasn’t too badly damaged. I have a feeling that this incident will still be very fresh in many people’s minds this weekend.

---- Tim Snyder and Jeff Holbrook also had an incident in the feature, while running in or near the top five with the laps winding down. There was some contact between the two, which sent Snyder spinning. Snyder was getting loose though, so it wasn’t obvious to me if Holbrook hit him because he was loose, or he was loose because Holbrook hit him. Snyder was done, and then Holbrook blew a motor a few laps later.

---- I’d like to recognize a couple of drivers for some great finishes on Saturday night. Stephen Gioia III has run up front quite a bit the last few weeks, but always had a problem take him out of a good finish. Congrats on a 5^th place finish last week. Also want to send out some kind words to Kody Graham (7^th), and Shaun Gosselin (8^th) for some good finishes. It’s always good to head into Classic with a good run.

---- The small block supermodified race was another great race, which was decided on the last turn of the last lap. It was a great finish - or a not so great finish if you’re a Jason Simmons fan.

---- After a very bad wreck the week before, the 98 had to go to Ray Hedger’s shop for another front clip replacement. But a hard working crew put everything back together right, and Jason was lightning fast all night. Simmons jumped out in the lead, and took off. But as the laps wore on, and as Mike Bond got into second place, you could see Jason change his line to a more defensive line. “Mike Bond always passes me on the inside, and I wasn’t going to let that happen again”, said Jason later. But the defensive line slowed him down, and Bond caught up in no time. The two fought for 10-12 laps though, as Mike was definitely not getting under, and he wasn’t able to get him on the outside after several tries.

---- But the last few laps, you could see the ol’ pro setting him up for the outside pass, and that’s exactly what happened on the last lap. Simmons came off of turn two way low, and Bond was able to get position to pass on the outside through 3-4. The two cars made contact in turn three, but both cars gathered it up and finished 1-2. It was a great run , but Jason was understandably pretty disappointed. This isn’t his first close call - and it’s usually Bond that steals his glory every time. Maybe Classic will be Jason’s first win?

---- Dave Cliff Jr. made his return to the division, and was very quick. He rattled off some 19.5 second laps on the way to a 7^th place finish. It was a tuneup for Classic for Cliff, who left the division to pursue the supermodified division. The Cliff family team purchased a super in 2011, but haven’t hit the track with it, waiting for 2012.

---- Congratulations to Dave LaTulip, who won the rookie of the year award - with a little help from a teammate. LaTulip was very fast in warm-ups, but blew his engine in the heat. Meanwhile, teammate Bryan Haynes, who drove up from Maryland to drive the Teddneck Racing #37, had captured his first heat win, in convincing fashion. I’m sure it was a tough call to step out of that car, especially after winning the heat and driving all the way up from Md., but he did the right thing. Karma will return the favor to Bryan Haynes one day.

---- Jack Patrick was involved in a bad wreck with Will Hadcock, who was driving the Guard Nearbin car. Patrick collided with a stopped Hadcock car, and took some HEAVY contact, damaging the front and rear clip. Rough night for Patrick, who had been on a tear this year.

---- Barry Kingsley pulled his backup car, the Proud Chassis, out of the mothballs after a horrendous crash the week before. The Hedger car needs a bunch of front clip repair, so the switch was made, as he had to put his engine into the other car. Adjustments on the car led to improvements throughout the night, and he’ll run the same car for Classic this week. 11^th place was Barry’s result.

---- I left my own Hedger Chassis #93 parked last week, in anticipation of this week’s Classic. We’ll go through the car with a fine toothed comb this week, and hopefully be ready to rumble for Classic. I like my chances this year, because the car felt so comfortable when I took it out for a shakedown a couple of weeks ago. This year’s twist of allowing the drivers to adjust stagger at the halfway point probably works against me, but we’ll have to see how it goes.

---- If I can somehow find a way to do well during time trials, you never know what could happen. We’ll concentrate on that this year, and hopefully break that jinx of me almost always choking during my time trial run. We will also be handicapped somewhat because this year’s Classic budget doesn’t allow for new tires, so I’m hoping the “almost new” ones that I inherited will still keep me hooked up. I’m optimistic that by the end of the race everyone’s tires will be used up, so I’ll be okay. I can’t wait to get out there and see what I can do with the old girl! I have now finished the last eleven Classics in a row, all in the top ten, with the exception of an 11^th place finish in 2007. This is my kind of race!

---- So I’ve been thinking about predictions a lot for the super and small block Classics. Sometimes I’m really good at this, and sometimes I’m way off. My picks are based mostly on gut instinct, and some on history.

The supermodified top ten: 10^th - Michael Barnes in the Strong Racing #98. 9^{th -} Joey Payne will just beat his teammate in the other Strong ride. 8^th - Dave Gruel, 7^th - Dave McKnight will rebound from a horrible month of August. 6^th, Chris Perley, 5^th - Bobby Bond, 4^th - Pat Lavery, 3^rd - Ray Graham, 2^nd - Otto Sitterly, and winner - Joe Gosek.

---- The small block supermodified top ten: 10^th - Mark Castiglia, 9^th - Dave Cliff, 8^th - Barry Kingsley, 7^th - Jason Simmons, 6^th - A.J. Bernys, 5^th - (drum roll please…) J.J. Andrews, 4^th - Kreig Heroth, 3^rd - Mike Bond, 2^nd, Andrew Schartner, and winner: Mike Bruce. Let’s see how I do! Oh - and I almost forgot my Russ Brown prediction. I predict that they will use spell check when laying out their team shirts this year.

 

Gater News - August 23rd, 2011

Just one week until Classic Weekend at Oswego Speedway! And this week is championship week. The exciting season is building to a great finish - you can feel it in the air. Last week’s $6.00 “pack the track” night was hugely successful, as the stands were packed for sure!

---- This week’s championship night will have a rain date of Sunday at 1:00, so there will be two chances for a perfect, rainout-free season. The Torreses definitely want to finish the season with the championship being decided ON the track, not by rain.

---- The supermodified championship chase tightened up drastically this week when Randy Ritskes won his second feature of the season after an epic battle with Otto Sitterly. Randy made some amazing moves, pulling within nine points of leader Joe Gosek going into the final points night. Randy Ritskes has been breathtaking in the Daratt Farms #88 this year, and it would be great to see him win his first Oswego Speedway championship. Two time defending champion Otto Sitterly also lurks 31 points back, which is within reach if Gosek and Ritskes have trouble. This is going to be a great finish to a great regular season!

---- It almost wasn’t that close though. According to an interview on Chris Porter’s www.lakesideracingnews.com website, Gosek poked a hole in his left rear tire with one lap remaining, and probably would have dropped out if the race had been a few laps longer. Gosek held on for third place. It all comes down to this weekend!

---- The return of 71 year-old Bentley Warren had the fans pretty excited, as he picked up a ride in Ray Graham’s car for the weekend, and also for Classic. It was announced that Bentley will be in action for both the winged and non-winged races during Classic Weekend, as he will be driving a second Vic Miller owned car on Friday night. Bentley turned some great times before spinning in his heat, finishing 2^nd in the consi, and a 21^st place DNF in the feature.

---- For the first 20 laps of the feature it appeared as though Stephen Gioia III may enter the “Thousand Dollar Club” , as he jumped out to the lead and looked strong! Gioia has had some great runs lately, early in the features. I know the huge crowd was watching and cheering for Gioia, as it would have been great to see him win his first. Unfortunately, a few laps after getting passed by Dave Danzer for the lead on lap 20, Gioia faded to the rear (I didn’t hear what happened), and parked the car for the night on lap 30.

---- I was also impressed by Dave Danzer once again, as his car was very notable in the second groove, fighting with Gioia. It was a great run, as he took the lead on lap 20. Ritskes and then Sitterly got by on lap 29 and 30, but his great run ended on lap 44 when he spun on his own while running third. No damage again though, and he finished 11^th. He’s running out of chances this year, but he’s going to get one soon!

---- Some musical chairs saw Bobby Bond jump out of his own car, and into Mike Muldoon’s second car, the #05. That race didn’t last for Bond, who parked it after 23 laps. Meanwhile, Bobby’s brother Mike jumped in Bob’s #25 to turn a few laps, and keep up Bobby’s status in the commitment program. Mike, who was pulling double duty while leading the small block supermodified points, parked that after 7 laps. Rumors that Bond will give up his ride in his own car in favor of Johnny Benson are unconfirmed, and I would be shocked to see Bond give up the ride in the car that won the Classic last year.

---- There has been a lot of talk about the John Nicotra super team as far as who will drive his cars for Classic, and how many he will have in competition. After Otto’s bad wreck a few weeks ago, the inventory of Hawk Supers shrunk from three to two. Which would be for Sitterly and Davey Hamilton, with the third ride, which was to be for Chris Perley, gone. But the wrecked car was sent to Hawksby’s shop, and there is a chance that it could be back for Classic and Perley after all. A recent develop now may take Hamilton out of the ride due to other commitments, which brings a different driver into the fold.

---- Long story short, IF the repairs are completed on the third car, and IF Hamilton isn’t able to make it for the weekend, multiple Classic winner Greg Furlong could land in a third Nicotra entry. Otto Sitterly, Chris Perley, and Greg Furlong. Now that’s what I call an all-star lineup! Be interesting to see how that all shakes out!

---- Former supermodified driver, and current mod lite racer Tim Devendorf has been looking at returning to the supermodified division. Since leaving Oswego several seasons ago, Devendorf has been driving several different divisions on the dirt tracks, including sprint cars, sportsman, mod lites, and late models. Devendorf has made an offer to Greg Furlong for his complete supermodified, but hadn’t come to terms with Furlong as of last Saturday night when we spoke. “I’m thinking more for next year”, said Devendorf when I asked if he was trying to get something together for Classic.

---- Rough night for the two car Strong Racing Team of supers. Joey Payne’s night ended on lap 24, reportedly with engine problems, after a tangle with Jeff Holbrook had already sent him to the rear. Michael Barnes was running very solidly in third place when a tangle with Otto Sitterly, while going for 2^nd, sent Barnes hard into the front straight wall. The team wasn’t scheduled to run with Barnes this weekend because of work commitments, so I’m sure the extra week will be well needed to get that car back together for Classic for Barnes. While things didn’t look optimistic for the team to have both cars ready for Classic, I’ve seen miracles happen many times. You may not see either car this week, though.

---- Some solid runs for Dave Gruel (4^th), Tim Snyder, (5^th), and Jerry Curran, who finished 8^th on the night. All of these teams could use some luck heading into Classic. Brandon Bellinger made his first return to the speedway in a long time, finishing 15^th. Same for Kelly Miller, out for his first time this season, but didn’t end up starting any races due to mechanical problems.

---- I talked with Shawn Muldoon and Keith Gilliam, both of which haven’t seen the track in a few weeks due a nasty crash. Muldoon has been working on his car, but expenses and his work schedule from the wreck with Bobby Haynes Jr. have been holding him back quite a bit. He still wasn’t sure as of last week when he would be back, but he’s hoping that he will be by Classic. Gilliam isn’t in the same boat, as he isn’t even repairing his car due to the amount of damage and money he would need to get back on the track. “I took the week off and built a Jeep”, said Gilliam. He doesn’t expect to be doing any more racing this year at all, and didn’t seem too motivated for next season. “Four wheels and four shocks - four thousand bucks. Just for starters.”

---- The small block supermodified division saw some heartbreaking wrecks, a couple of returns from old-timers, and even an elevated temper or two. And also a veteran winner who hadn’t seen victory lane since 2007.

---- Rob Pullen led every lap from his front row starting spot, but it was close. Several different drivers took their shot at Pullen, but they all drove him clean. But Pullen didn’t make any mistakes, and landed in victory lane with the champagne and trophy queens.

---- First driver to take his shot was Bryan Haynes Jr., who ran on Pullen’s bumper for the first 11 laps. But it was a good night and a bad night for Haynes. Coming off of turn four, Haynes got loose, and when he overcorrected, he headed toward the wall, collecting teammate Cameron Rowe, who was running third. Both cars received minimal damage, but were done for the night. “The heat race wreck and a bunch of changes my brother Brad made to the car brought that car to life”, said Haynes, who admitted to coming off of the turn too low, causing the incident.

---- Andrew Schartner next locked horns with Pullen. Schartner was faster, and dove under Pullen a couple of times, but was never quite able to complete the pass. Schartner drove him clean, and the fight for the win remained incident-free. Schartner finished 2^nd.

---- Haynes’ heat race incident caused the biggest wreck of the evening, when he punted leader Jason Simmons going into the first turn. Simmons was then collected by Will Hadcock, with both cars receiving HEAVY damage. “It was my fault - I owned it”, said Haynes, admitting that he stuck his nose in where it didn’t belong. Simmons was very angry, and expressed his anger when he came into the pits. Some shoving ensued, but it didn’t get out of hand.

---- Simmons and Haynes later spoke in the trailer, where Haynes apologized for the mistake. I think the apology was grudgingly accepted, but Jason’s car is horribly wrecked. “It’s ridiculous this close to Classic to get taken out like that”, fumed Simmons. “I just want to ask him what the @&*% he was doing”, said Jason before they talked in the trailer. At least a new front clip will be required to get the car ready for Classic, and it was taken to Ray Hedger’s shop on Sunday. Hadcock’s Pitt Watson owned car was also very badly damaged, requiring an engine pull and serious front end repairs.

---- That wasn’t the only heartbreaker of the night. On lap one of the feature, Mike Bruce got into A.J. Bernys coming off of turn four causing him to spin, where he collected Barry Kingsley. Kingsley was sent HARD into the inner fence, contacting the water barrels under the flagman with huge force. Another horrible wreck for Barry, who wasn’t injured in the wreck. As of Sunday, Barry wasn’t sure what his plan was. And he wasn’t too interested in talking to his crew about it.

---- Barry was a little sore on Sunday. The car needs another front clip replacement, and it remains to be seen if he fixes it, or resorts to the engineless and cannibalized Proud Chassis car that he has been trying to sell. Kingsley was also the victim of a “dump” from rookie Dalton Doyle in the heat race, when Doyle crashed into Kingsley’s left rear, spinning him out. Fortunately, Barry received no damage from that incident, but lost his handicapped starting position. Which put him in position for the horrible wreck in the feature.

---- Good to see George Knight back at the track for the first time this season. George and his friend Stan Gates worked on the car all night, shaking down some bugs himself, preparing for Classic. Expect to see Stan out for Classic as well. With a new car that he built.

---- Budget racers have some real tough decisions to make. And that was me this week. I brought my own car out, which had recently been the recipient of a new front and rear clip, and a new body at Ray Hedger’s shop. My plan was only to shake the car down, make sure everything was put back together correctly, and make sure it was going to be okay for Classic. I decided to NOT race it, because the only reason I still own the car is so I can run Classic. If I raced it and wrecked it, I would miss out on Classic, because the budget is not there right now to repair it if anything happens. That was the plan, and I was committed to it.

---- But that was before I took it out in warm-ups, and stuck on Jack Patrick’s bumper. With old tires, I cracked off some 19.7 second laps right away, with zero adjustments. Not the fastest time of the night, but fast for a rusty old-timer. The fastest time anyone turned all night was a 19.426, which was Mike Bond during his heat. I was very happy with the setup that Hedger put in the car, and surprised that everything went smooth after an early driveshaft issue. (Since I did most of the work myself, I was surprised that I didn’t mess anything up.) I was very happy with how comfortable I was in the car, and can’t wait to see what it will do in Classic with some fresher (new ones aren’t in the budget, but I have some with only a few laps on them) tires.

---- That’s when the peer pressure started. Mark, Chrissy, and Scott started working on me, and told me I should race it. “How can you not race it when it looks so good? I’ll dedicate four nights in the shop if anything happens. FOUR NIGHTS”, begged Mark. I’ll be honest - the thought crossed my mind. A lot. But Paul Stepien reminded me to use my head, and stick with my plan. Then in the heat race, when I started 20 car lengths back, and still passed a couple cars, and turned another 19.7 second lap, I was even more tempted. But during the red flag refuel in the feature for Barry’s wreck, the crew backed off on me, and agreed that I should stay the course. I now have two weeks to look over the car, and prepare for Classic - both physically and mentally. With no damage to repair. I can’t wait for Classic - and the “New 93!”

---- For the first time this year I attended Friday night’s action at the Oswego Kartway, located at the Oswego Speedway, on HRW Construction night. I was again very impressed with the way the operation is run, and the racing was great! Ten divisions of karts put out a lot of action. It’s great to see the kids and adults all working together and sharing time at the races.

---- Winners in each division were: Gold plate: Cole Reinman. 4^th place was Kalyn Rupracht, 8^th place was Tyler Thompson, and 9^th was Jaielle Litchison. Jr. Clone: Hannah Weltzer. Novice: Blaze Strickler. Stock lite: Dustin Geers, 2^nd Chris Natoli, 4^th Pete Palmieri. Stock animal: Tim Kelly. Pro stock lite: Josh Ladd. Pro stock heavy: Joe Hayden. Stock heavy: John Stepien, 3^rd Barry Goodney. Sr. champ: Kevin Schute. And open: Corey Norton dominated, with Davey Marsden 2^nd. (It was great to see Corey, who crew chiefed my racecar for 10 years or so, so dominant!)

---- Coming up next week is the 5^th annual Dirt Track Classic. On Thursday, September 1^st, practice starts at 6:00, time trials at 7:00, followed by the rest of the show. This is a very well-attended event, as many people in town for Classic Weekend will check out the show. And many karts will be on hand to compete for the huge trophies, and the excitement of winning “Classic”.

 

Gater News - August 16th, 2011

It‘s “Pack the Track Night” at Oswego Speedway this Saturday. For just $6.00 adult admission, fans this week get a three division show that includes supermodifieds, small block supermodifieds, and an added SST modified feature. That’s not a misprint - I said $6.00! I bet that place will be packed. Let’s make sure that happens!

---- If you’re an Oswego Speedway fan, this week is the perfect week to bring a friend, preferably someone who has never been to the track, or hasn‘t been there in awhile. The racing has been amazing, and the improvements that have been made to the facility will help make some new fans at the speedway, I’m sure. Hey - if you really want to do something, buy a couple $6.00 admissions to get people here. Look like a hero - for six bucks.

---- Otto Sitterly made a huge comeback last week after a devastating crash the previous week, where the car was destroyed in a last lap accident, while fighting Ray Graham for the $10,000 win. Sometimes it’s tough mentally for a driver to come back after such a horrifying wreck, but Otto was right on point Saturday. With the fastest times of anyone in the feature (Sitterly was the only driver under 17 seconds), it was obvious that he wasn’t going to let the crash slow him down one bit. Sitterly charged to the lead and never looked back, scoring his third win of the year.

---- Car owner John Nicotra was pretty proud of his driver, who had an emotional week after the scary crash. And Otto stated in victory lane that it was a tough week for him. Not because of the equipment so much, as two more Hawk Chassis supers were in the shop ready for action. But a wreck like that can get you thinking. “I don’t care about the car”, said Nicotra, relieved that Sitterly wasn’t hurt, and that he came right back with a win.

---- The team’s plans for the upcoming Classic Weekend were to field three cars - one for Otto, one for Davey Hamilton, and one for ISMA ace Chris Perley. Now that the inventory is down to two cars, Perley will be odd man out. Although the Hawk Chassis that Sitterly wrecked is being repaired, it is unlikely that that car will be ready for Classic. I asked Nicotra if there were any Hawk cars available for sale that he could pick up to go back to the plan. “Nah.. I wouldn’t do that…”, was the reply. He just grinned when I said, “sure you would!”

---- Dave Danzer had an awesome run, and had an excellent shot at being the second rookie to win a supermodified feature. After some engine problems the previous week which resulted in a DNS for the night (long story short), he jumped out to the lead, and off he went! The car was on rails, and even though Otto Sitterly and Ray Graham caught him, it was his race.

---- The trio of cars ran such a torrid pace (Danzer had a 17.04 second lap) that lapped traffic would soon become a part of the picture. And that’s what bit the 52. As Danzer approached Jerry Curran and some other cars, he had to make a decision: high or low. “We’re always taught that lapped cars go to the inside”, said Danzer later. But as Danzer went high, Curran pushed up, sending Danzer up into the third groove, where he spun. “I think Otto showed Jerry a wheel, and he moved up a little”, theorized Danzer.

---- Fortunately Danzer avoided contact, and was able to continue. Another incident later in the race saw the 52 backwards again, but Dave recovered for a 12^th place finish in the final rundown. Care to guess who’s starting up front again this week?

---- Another good night for Strong Racing saw their two cars in the top five, only to have problems in the closing laps. Joey Payne was one of the fastest cars on the track, and made it to 3^rd at the end from his 5^th row starting spot. Michael Barnes was very quick once again in the 98, and made his way to 5^th from his 7^th row start. Barnes was flying, but a fuel delivery problem (no, it didn’t run out of gas) ended the run, just 9 laps from the end. “Just some more of the Mikey Barnes luck”, added Barnes, who is really enjoying driving for Pat and Terry Strong. “Great people - in the shop, at the track, everyone. I really like driving for them.”

---- “We love him, and love having him around”, said team owner Terry Strong, speaking of Barnes, at the mutual admiration society meeting. Leaving for a job out of town, Barnes initially thought he would be done for the season the previous week, but some logistics have been worked out to allow Barnes to run this week, as well as Classic Weekend. “He is a great asset to our team”, added Strong.

---- Bobby Bond had some hard contact with the wall during the feature, after some contact from Jeff Holbrook. The mild-mannered Bond was not pleased with Holbrook, resorting to the “two-lap finger of death”, which is what it’s called when you gesture to the offending party on two separate laps under caution. Apparently one death stare wasn’t enough. Some words were exchanged in the pits afterwards.

---- “The car’s not as bad as I thought it would be”, said co-crew chief Ed Matteson. A bunch of damage, but they’ll certainly be back in good shape for this weekend.

---- Bill Moore took his first laps as a supermodified driver, filling in for Steve Abt in the #85. (Judging by how much Steve likes to see me race, I was kind of surprised that I wasn’t offered the ride.) With family commitments keeping Abt away from the track, Moore got the opportunity to try his hand in the car, and enter the record books at Oswego now in three different divisions: street stock, small block super, and now supermodified. Bill didn’t hang around long, and was credited with 23^rd in the final rundown.

---- A meeting was called for 2:00 during the day for drivers and owners in the small block supermodified division, to discuss the format for the upcoming 100 lap small block supermodified feature. Some of the format is the same as in the past. But some of the announced changes were shocking. Here are some details:

---- Our qualifying will be determined by time trials, on Friday evening. The amount of cars locked into the Classic will be determined by the number of cars taking time trials. The top eight time trailers will then redraw for their starting position, and positions 9 through last will line up from their times. Cautions will count during all 100 laps. A consi will be run Saturday, only if necessary, based on car count. Pretty standard stuff. But then it gets a little crazy…

---- For the first time ever, the race will be halted on lap 50 on the front straight. Crew members will then be allowed to bring a jack, tire tape, etc., to adjust stagger. No other adjustments, just stagger. Then announced after that idea was another jaw-dropping twist, which was NOT subject to discussion, according to Handley. The top six drivers in the running order at that time would then redraw for position. So if you were running 6^th, maybe you would draw the number one, and restart from first place! Or maybe you’re the leader, and you draw number 6. Simmer on THAT as if it were a sauce.

---- Back to the racing. Throughout the supermodified feature, the clouds rolled in, and the lightning kept firing up the sky. Imminent rain showed on the radar, and track officials called for the small blocks to get lined up in a hurry. A light sprinkle just after the cars hit the track delayed the start for a minute, but the green flag was eventually thrown. Cautions on lap 4 and lap 14 when the rain increased slowed the action, but they were able to restart both times.

---- Cameron Rowe has led features many times during the season, but has always had something bad happen. Overheating. Rearend. Transmission. Sore uterus. If it could happen to Cameron, it would. But from his front row starting spot, Cameron looked fast, fighting off Jason Simmons in the early laps.

---- Meanwhile, the two fastest drivers in the division this year, Jack Patrick and Mike Bond, had worked their way through traffic to start the battle with Rowe. And battle they did. It was a great war, as both Patrick and Bond took their shots at Rowe, while battling each other. All during a light rainstorm, which seemed very dangerous to me. It was a classic example of clean, excellent driving - with nobody wrecking anyone.

---- But Cameron was fast, and didn’t make any mistakes. While slugging it out with the “heavyweights”, the rain started to fall harder. On lap 19, the caution was thrown again because of the rain. Knowing that if the race was not restarted, the rain dance began in the cockpit of the Teddneck Racing #77. I watched car owner Chris Tedd’s nervous pacing, which could also be considered a rain dance.

---- “Chris took a chance on me, even though a lot of people told him not to”, said Rowe of car owner Chris Tedd. Finally the checkered flag had been thrown, and Cameron Rowe had his first victory, and the second for Teddneck Racing. Congratulations to a deserving team! I’m sorry that I accidentally spilled my beer on your head.

---- Okay - now back to the conversation about the small block Classic and the redraw for the top six cars at lap 50. After that bombshell, and several joking comments, the meeting was ended. (Best comment was “maybe you should just have us finish the race on mules”, by Brian Sobus Sr..) People were shocked, and the talk was that an unprecedented redraw would turn our race into a circus.

---- In the next few hours, Handley must have received a lot of comments about the redraw. (Theory is that track owner Eric Torrese wasn’t a fan of it, and wasn’t at the meeting during the discussion of the redraw.) I’m not sure who talked to him, or if maybe he un-hit his head, but word was spread later that the redraw idea was being retracted. “Everything is the same (as announced at the meeting), but there will NOT be the redraw”, said Handley when I called him the next day. “We’re still going to stop at lap 50, they will be allowed to adjust stagger, and 8 cars will redraw from time trials, but there will not be the redraw in the feature.”

---- While I think that redraw would have made the race very interesting for the fans, it’s just too random of a thing to do to the drivers. Can you imagine fighting for a position, then having it taken away from you by a draw? I’ve never heard of such a thing. Just too crazy. I’d love to know who talked him down. I bet his name was…everyone.

---- The “two best friends that anyone could have” had quite a battle of their own in the small block supermodified feature. Jason Simmons and Mark Castiglia, also known as “Skipper and Little Buddy”, finished 4^th and 5^th in the feature. From his starting position of 3^rd, Simmons jumped to 2^nd behind Rowe, and gave him a run for his money. Later on, when Simmons was passed by Patrick and Bond, “Ace and Gary” linked up once again.

---- A little bumper tag among the two made for some good conversation later on in the evening over some chicken wings at Lighthouse Lanes. But Simmons would prevail on this night, finishing 4^th to Castiglia’s 5^th in the final rundown. Castiglia also made his first trip to victory lane, snatching his first heat victory.

---- The driving wasn’t all clean and smart, though. The previous week’s “Mr. Small Block Supermodified” champion Barry Kingsley had a warmup incident that caused a lot of damage to the #23. “Driver error” is what sent the car into the fence during warm-ups, according to Barry. Many parts were bent or broken, including the front clip. Barry was only able to put the car back together enough to “start and park” in the heat and feature, and was credited with 16^th place in the final rundown. On Sunday the engine was pulled, and the car was taken to Hedger chassis builder Ray Hedger to get the front frame redone.

---- The other blunder of the night was performed by Andrew Shartner in his qualifying heat. Schartner made an ill-advised dive under Brian Osetek going into the third turn, spinning Osetek, and causing a 5 car incident. Osetek was out for the night with some serious damage to the rearend of the car. If I was a betting man, I bet he wishes he had that move back. Schartner would later finish 8^th in the rain-shortened feature.

---- A special ride in the two-seat supermodified took place on Saturday evening, as the CNY Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted a wish to a young race fan. 14 year-old Joshua Yorgey of Cicero, N.Y. caught the ride with driver Dave Trytek. A great organization, granting a wish to an appreciative youngster.

 

Gater News - August 11th, 2011

 

Gater News - August 4th, 2011

Who’s excited about this week’s 25^th annual “Mr. Novelis Supermodified 50” $10,000 to win event this Saturday night at Oswego Speedway? This guy. Along with hundreds or thousands of other fans of the most awesome race machine ever built. In addition, the small block supermodified division will fight for the $1,500 to win “Mr. PathFinder Bank” 35 lap event.

---- And right smack dab in the middle of the “Mr.” action, fans and drivers also have a supermodified championship battle to enjoy. Just three points separates the top two drivers, and only 46 points separate the top five.

---- Dave Gruel sits in 5^th at 721 points. The second year supermodified competitor drives the Double Deuce Racing #50. He started the season with a new Enders Racing engine built by his stepfather, Kevin Enders. Optimism was high before the season, and Dave has lived up to the promise that was expected of him. His solid season has included one feature win, and most finishes in the top ten. I bet he’s not happy with that though. I think we’ll see an aggressive #50 this weekend. I’m sure the team could use that ten large to help with the repair bill on teammate Pat Lavery’s car after that horrible wreck during Race of Champions Weekend.

---- Multiple time and defending champion Otto Sitterly rides 42 points back, certainly not where you would expect to see him at this point in the season. After winning the last three championships, and four out of the last five, it’s always a surprise when he’s not in the lead. But he already has two wins, and he’ll be on top of his game this weekend, for sure. Don’t be surprised if you see the Nicotra owned Hawk at or closer to the front of the points battle before the season ends, which is just FOUR points races from now. Sitterly spent last weekend keeping himself limber running the Vic Miller #11 at Sandusky last weekend, credited with uncharacteristic 14^th and 23^rd place finishes.

---- Randy Ritskes has been very fast this year in the Daratt Farms Xtreme Chassis #88. Only 32 points behind McKnight, another win or two would be a huge help in his quest for his first title. Randy often appears to be the fastest car, and I can guarantee that the 88 will be all cranked up looking for that ten large. At the beginning of the season the talk was whether or not Randy would be conservative, driving for a team that may not be funded well enough to fix a wrecked racecar too many times. In the last few weeks, it’s starting to look like “aggressive Randy” is coming back out. So watch the fireworks this week, race fans. If he doesn’t wreck, I think they already have that ten grand counted.

---- You sure have to imagine that veteran Joe Gosek, just three points out of the point lead, could very easily add another championship to his storied resume. He’ll know just what to do, and if he doesn’t have any bad luck, the consistent driver will be tough to beat. Surprisingly, Joe hasn’t landed a win this year. I guess that makes him due, and just in time for the $10,000.

---- Points leader Dave McKnight has one victory to his credit in 2011, and has been amazingly consistent all season. The Syrell Racing Team doesn’t have any championships under their belt so far, but this could definitely be their year. They have one of the best drivers in the history of supermodifieds, and the #08 has been very solid week in and week out. I’m sure this team could handle an extra ten grand in the race fund, but I wonder if Dave will play it safe, thinking about that championship.

---- The small block supermodified division isn’t quite so close. As everyone predicted (or maybe that was just me), Mike Bond has a pretty solid lead. He’s not unreachable though, and several cars are fighting from behind, starting at 62 markers away.

---- Jack Patrick returned from an injury last year with a vengeance - and a very fast ride. Patrick’s Hedger Chassis, Chrysler powered ride has been lightning quick, and I’ve never seen Jack drive like this before in his career. It would surprise nobody if Jack grabbed this weekend’s $1,500. Love to see it. Jack is in 2^nd right now with 848 points to the leader’s 910.

---- One point behind Patrick is Andrew Schartner, in the Crow Motorsports Hedger Chassis ride. Schartner already has a victory in 2011, and would certainly enjoy having the title of “Mr.” added to his name. The two Tom Aaserud owned rides are always a threat to win, and this week will be no different. Schartner will be one of the cars to beat this weekend.

---- Kreig Heroth, in the other Crow Motorsports ride, showed some great power during the most recent event two weeks ago. 87 points back with 4 remaining races on the schedule is almost insurmountable, so I predict that he’ll be gunning pretty hard for that title - and the $1,500 - this weekend.

---- Michael Bruce has had a very solid season of his own, although still winless. The way the handicapping is done for this special race, based on the full season instead of the last three weeks, should give him a starting spot ahead of some pretty fast cars. That would put Bruce on a short list of favorites to win this event.

---- Tim Barbeau had to switch rides a few weeks ago, when the car that he was driving was destroyed in the “Hoosier Mama” powder puff race. He then entered the Haegerty owned FFB ride, which had just been exited by rookie Nate Sitterly. Barbeau finished 7^th in his debut in the car, and his handicap will give him a good shot for this week’s race.

---- A lot of surprises happen in these races. Who else could sneak away with all of the marbles? You have to look at the starting lineup to take some guesses. People who have had a rough season will be rewarded in this race with a good starting position.

---- Cameron Rowe drives a real fast Chris Tedd owned hotrod. He’s won several heat races so far this season, and will most likely be starting on the pole for this week’s event. Last race, a last minute engine change still didn’t work out as planned, and he broke just a couple of seconds after taking the green flag. This week could be THE week for Cameron to make up for some of the horrible luck that he has experienced this season.

---- Cameron isn’t the only driver that is owed some success. Jason Simmons has had very few fun nights at the speedway this year, and a lot that were not. Simmons purchased a new (to him) Hedger car mid-season, and was pretty quick in it the first couple times out. He even landed a 2^nd place in early June. Some bad weeks followed that, so he will now be in a great position to be rewarded for his bad luck. This could be the one!

---- Brian Osetek runs a little better every week, finishing at or near the top ten regularly. He’ll probably have a decent handicap, so watch the #00. Will Hadcock also improves weekly, so maybe the “Hadcock-Watson Racin’ “#43 will make some noise this weekend. And this Dennis Rupert - what more can be said about him? Something always seems to happen to the 99, but maybe this is the week that everything falls together. Go Roop!

---- Now for the “Question of the Week”. Here it is: what needs to be done to improve car counts in the small block supermodified division? Where are all of the cars? Not that long ago, back when I was running this division weekly, there were 30-35 small block supers in the pits every week. Sometimes more. Now they’re having a hard time getting twenty. 16 small blocks took the green for the RoC event 2 weeks ago.

---- I know that there’s an ebb and flow to car counts in many divisions at many tracks. Maybe this is just a down year, and next year a bunch of new pilots will fill the pits again. I know the kart races at the speedway on Friday nights is a good feeder for the division. (A.J. Bernys and David LaTulip have already made a great entrance into the division from the karts.) Guard Nearbin’s car may see the speedway this weekend with a different driver in it. Dalton Doyle has hit the speedway a couple of times, gaining experience. Evyn Crisafulli has purchased Jack Patrick’s car from a few seasons back, and plans to debut next year. And I heard awhile back that two new cars have already been ordered from a local builder. So things are looking up.

---- But 16 car fields are not a good thing, even if it is only a support division. Weedsport Speedway recently closed down over a dispute between the track owner and the promoter revolving around car counts for a support division. So I’ll be asking around, and if you have an opinion, please let me know, or shoot me an email at JJcqracing@aol.com . I’ve got some theories of my own, (tech, personal contact from the speedway, or cost are some of my thoughts) but I’d like to hear yours.

 

Gater News - July 26th, 2011

Another amazing weekend of racing has just been completed at Oswego Speedway, as the 61^st annual Race of Champions is now in the record books. Nine classes of cars, hundreds of laps of racing, and thousands of fans!

---- Of course my three favorite divisions of racecars were in action. That would be the small block supermodifieds, the supermodifieds, and the winged ISMA supermodifieds. All three divisions put on a great show, and I took some notes.

---- The (non-winged) supermodified division provided a historical moment, as the father/son team of Ray and Kody Graham finished first and second. It was certainly a night to remember for the Grahams, as well as their fans. Very exciting to see.

---- Jumping out to the lead from his front row starting spot, Kody ran a very strong race, and looked for awhile as though he may snatch the victory. But it was not meant to be, as a wiggle on lap 36 handed the win to the most unlikely of race thieves: his Dad. Ray Graham had moved to 2^nd place behind his son, which brought up the big question: would you let your kid win, or do you try to pass him just as hard as you would anyone else? As a father myself, I would think seeing my son win a feature at Oswego Speedway would be more enjoyable than winning my own.

---- I bet the same thought raced through Graham’s mind when he took 2^nd place away from Bobby Haynes Jr. on lap 27. Should I go get him, or should I block for him and let him get one? I’m sure those exact thoughts raced through the elder Graham’s mind. Of course he would never admit it, but he had to be thinking about laying back for his son. But while he was trying to decide, Kody made the decision for him by getting loose and handing the lead to Ray. Kody gathered himself quickly though, and recovered for an excellent 2^nd place finish to his Dad. I can’t remember the last time I saw a prouder papa. Congratulations to the whole Graham team!

---- Also a great finish for Bobby Haynes Jr., who solidly drove his Xtreme Chassis machine to a 4^th place….Joe Gosek gained some ground on Dave McKnight for the championship, as he finished 3^rd to McKnight’s 6^th. It’s a great five car battle now between McKnight, Gosek, Randy Ritskes, Otto Sitterly, and Dave Gruel, who are all within 46 points of each other, with four point races remaining. Gosek is just three points behind McKnight, while the other three are 32, 42, and 46 markers back.

---- A very frightening qualifying heat accident took Pat Lavery and Stephen Gioia III out for the night - and maybe longer. Racing for position down the front straight, the two cars collided, sending both into the wall at a high rate of speed. Lavery’s Double Deuce Racing ride took the brunt of the damage, and Lavery reportedly suffered a shoulder injury. It was tough to watch - must have been horrible to be in…. Michael Muldoon Jr. also received some heavy damage when he nailed the turn one wall after a collision with Otto Sitterly.

---- Friday night’s winged ISMA supermodified event was an exciting event as well, as Ray Graham nearly pulled off the weekend sweep. Graham debuted a new Xtreme Chassis machine, and jumped out to a huge lead, grabbing the top spot on lap ten, after starting in the 7^th row. The #90 was flying, as he was the only driver to run laps in the 15’s. With the help of almost all green flag laps, it appeared as though nothing would hold him back.

---- But thinking like that when a certain Chris Perley is in the field will never work. For years now, Perley is a dominant figure when the winged supers are in town, and this week was no different. He actually started ahead of Graham, but took a little longer to work his way through. Which probably explains why Graham was slowing down at the end, while Perley was speeding up. Perley tracked him down and passed him, without the help of any cautions. Every time I see Perley race I just shake my head.

---- It was a great field of cars for the ISMA event, which some thought may be a thin field. 26 cars took the green, including NASCAR star Johnny Benson. (Benson’s night ended with a crash on lap number one.)….Ted Christopher struggled to a 7^th place finish in the Clyde Booth machine, but followed that up with a victory the next night at Airborne Speedway with the ISMA field….Bobby Bond was the only Oswego regular to switch his car over to run both nights at Oswego, landing finishes of 17^th (ISMA) and 9th. Ray Graham raced both, but he did it with two different cars….Paul White was back in action with the Steve Miller owned #16 after a nasty warmup crash during King of Wings, when a wheel broke.

---- The small block supermodified event was a hard fought, controversial battle, which was decided after a couple of aggressive moves.

Front row starter Barry Kingsley saw open track on the first lap, when inside pole starter Cameron Rowe pulled off of the 2^nd turn with mechanical problems after taking the green. Fighting a loose ride, those of us on Barry’s crew were very excited to see him hold the lead. And hold it he did, muscling the car like it was his job. Rookie A.J. Bernys was a little quicker than Barry in 2^nd place, but drove cleanly the entire race. “It’s nice to see someone with respect for the leader”, said Kingsley later.

Enter Kreig Heroth. Also faster than the leader, Heroth would never be accused of being patient. For the last few years, supermodified driver Randy Ritskes has been using a move that I call the “third turn dive”, a late pass going into turn three that is both breathtaking and risky. Usually it works, but every now and then it doesn’t. You either make the pass or cause an accident, but you always annoy the driver that you do it to.

On lap 22, Heroth pulled the maneuver on Bernys, with success. Nobody wrecked, he got the position, and he scared the heck out of A.J.’s Dad Jim. With Barry still coming off of turn two a little high, we knew what was coming. And we were right. Lap 29 of a 35 lap feature, Heroth dove under the 23 of Kingsley for the lead. It worked out for Kreig, but not for Barry.

Although Barry didn’t hit anything else, his car drifted high as a result of some nasty contact, then spun out. Fortunately everyone missed him, and Barry finished the race a disappointing 11^th. Barry was very agitated when he came in, the rest of the evening, and still two days later. Perhaps the hard feelings could have been cooled down with an apology from Heroth, but I’m sure the friends will speak eventually.

Of course I am obligated to speak objectively about the incident, which is dicey since I’m a member of Kingsley’s crew. I bit my tongue when it happened, and headed to Lighthouse Lanes to watch the video replay later in the evening. I know what Barry felt, and the opinions of many of the people watching the race from the third turn was that Heroth nailed him. The track’s video didn‘t show much contact, and my vision of the incident wasn‘t conclusive. (Kreig admitted to contact in his victory lane interview.) I don’t like aggressive moves being done on my guy, so I’m inclined to take Barry’s side. But I think even the most objective fan will have a clear cut view when they see the video from A.J. Bernys’ in-car camera, who was right behind them. Find it on youtube, or A.J.’s Facebook.

If Heroth hadn’t made contact with Barry when he went under, there would have been nothing anyone could say. But after seeing the incident from A.J. Bernys’ in-car camera, it was a nasty hit, and both drivers are lucky that it wasn’t a big wreck. I now know why Barry was so mad, after seeing that video.

---- I was most impressed with the drive that A.J. Bernys put on. He ran a great line, and poked his nose cleanly under Barry and the Heroth several times. Great run for the Bernys Team!

---- A lot of fans were squawking about the small block race being shortened on race day from the advertised 50 laps, to 35 laps. While it’s not a huge deal, there is definitely a different dynamic to the strategies of the two races. I asked race director Chuck Handley about the change, and he said it was because of a lower car count in the division. He felt that if the race ran the advertised 50 laps, that there would only be a handful of cars at the finish. (13 of the 16 starters finished the 35 laps.) Then curiously, on Sunday, the late model division ran their full scheduled 100 laps - with just 10 cars! I didn’t understand the call one bit, and I hope the fans don’t get too mad about it. Handley also cautioned that the upcoming small block supermodified feature Classic Weekend may be shortened from the advertised 100 laps for the same reason. Not cool.

---- Zane Zeiner was the winner of the 61^st annual modified race of Champions, his first. Zeiner had a weekend to remember, as he ran in three out of the nine feature that took place during the weekend - never finishing worse than 2^nd! He was 2^nd to Bobby Holmes in the sportsman feature, and won the late model feature! That was quite an impressive weekend for the Pa. Driver.

---- Tony Hirschman was strong all day in the mod feature, but didn’t quite have enough to pass Zeiner. The previous winner of the event would have to settle for 2^nd place, over Erick Rudolph, Lee Sherwood, and Jimmy Zacharias. Positions 6-10 went to TJ Potzebowski, Dave Wallaber, Jan Leaty, Jerry Cheetham and Bill Putney.

---- In Sunday’s factory/pure stock event, I saw a first. Only three cars took the green for the 20 lap event, and one pulled in immediately. A second car pitted a lap later, leaving one car on the track to run the feature. I thought they would checkered flag it, but then one of the cars came back out for a few more laps. Imagine coming back from several laps down to finish 2^nd!

---- I hope the July Race of Champions was a success for Andrew Harpell and the event organizers. I think the Friday and Saturday events were huge, although I think Sunday’s events weren’t as well attended. A full field of sportsman mods, along with the 10 late models and the 3 factory/pure stocks didn’t make for a very full day on Sunday. I bet that will be changed a little for the 2012 event.

---- Oswego Speedway is closed this weekend for the annual weekend off during the city of Oswego’s huge Harborfest celebration, then will be back in action on August 6^th for the 25th "$10,000 to Win" Mr. Novelis Supermodified 50, and 20th "$1,500 to Win" Mr. PathFinder Bank SBS 35 events, along with kids autograph night.

 

Gater News - July 19th, 2011

Coming this weekend at Oswego Speedway is an event that may rival all of the other events at Oswego Speedway this year, with the exception of Classic Weekend. For the first time since I don’t know when, Race of Champions Weekend will be held during the summer, instead of the fall, when car and crowd counts are often negatively influenced by cold and rainy weather. Usually held in September or October, I bet the nice weather will bring a HUGE crowd. Don’t miss this one folks!

---- No less than NINE divisions of cars will be in competition during the weekend, three on each day of the weekend. Friday night will find ISMA winged supers (50 laps), small block supers (50 laps), and mini stocks in action. On Saturday, the 61^st annual Sunoco Modified 200 lap event will crown a new champion. The un-winged / Oswego supermodifieds will have a 61 lap event, and a 75 lap super stock feature will make for an exciting day. Then on Sunday, late models, sportsman, and street/factory stocks will round out the weekend. It sure will be a weekend to remember at Oswego Speedway!

---- For the supermodifieds and small block supermodifieds, both races will be point paying events, which should ensure great car counts. Also, announced last week was that the refurbished sections of the back grandstands WILL be open for those fans that prefer to sit “out back”. This weekend is really going to rock the Oswego Speedway!

---- Some info from the official ROC website at www.raceofchampion.net :

---- “The 61^st running of the Sunoco Race of Champions Weekend will be a tribute to the legendary Richie Evans. Evans who will be inducted into the NASCAR Racing Hall of Fame is a three time winner of the Race of Champions. The Evans family will be on hand throughout the weekend as Saturday, July 23^rd (the day of the RoC 200) would have been Richie Evans 70^th birthday. This year’s schedule of events will make for one of the best weekends of asphalt racing anywhere in the northeast this race season. On Friday the lightning fast ISMA Winged Super Modifieds will tackle the 5/8^th steel palace oval with a 50 lap event. The record breaking winged supers will see all of their stars in action including Chris Perley along with invaders Ted Christopher and former NASCAR Cup and Truck racer Johnny Benson, Jr. Friday action will also see a regular season point race for the SBS Small Block SuperModifieds as they compete in a 50 lap event.

---- On Saturday the 61^st running of the Sunoco Race of Champions will take center stage. The 200 lap event will pay a minimum of $10,000 to the race winner along with over $22,000 in bonus lap money posted as well. The top ten drivers on lap 100 will each earn $600 bonuses from Toyota and the leader of lap 68 will earn a $1,000 bonus from Andrew Harpell in memory of Alex Friesen. The full fledged Oswego Speedway Super Modifieds will race in a 61 lap event paying $3,000 to the race winner. The race will serve as a point race for the track championship so all of the teams will be on hand. Over 30 Supermodified teams are expected.

---- Sunday will see the RoC Sportsman 100 will be accompanied by the RoC Late Model 100 and Factory Stock Showdown. Defending race winners Zane Zeiner (Sportsman) and Bob Weber (Late Models) are both expected to defend their title. You won’t want to miss this year’s 61^st running of the Sunoco Race of Champions Weekend. We’ve saved the biggest and best for year 61 – don’t miss it.”

---- Last week’s events at Oswego Speedway were right in line with most of 2011’s races. Very exciting! There’s a whole new dynamic to the supermodified races this year because of the fact that there are so many cars in competition. Last week, with 31 cars in action, you can see that racing in the heats is a lot more important now, because some of the cars are going home. It’s a whole new deal, and fans saw some exciting action because of it.

---- Otto Sitterly was the man this week, winning his 2^nd of the year from his 5^th row starting spot. While Otto hasn’t appeared as dominant this year in the John Nicotra owned Hawk Chassis supermodified, it’s impossible to discount the speed and consistency that makes this team a champion, year in and year out.

---- Tim Snyder had one of the best nights I’ve seen him have in awhile, running a strong 2^nd place. Tim had a huge wreck a few weeks back, and sometimes cars come back a lot faster after a big wreck and repair. That may be the case with the Snyder team. Great run!

----Joe Gosek also looks really fast this year in the Xtreme Chassis #00. Gosek has a lot of speed in the second groove with the car, and is currently riding 2^nd in points after last week’s 4^th place finish…

---- Joey Payne passed a lot of cars to crack the top five, after a heat race spinout relegated him to a 15^th place starting spot in the feature. He was a man on a mission.

---- But Jerry Curran passed more cars than anyone. Curran started way out in the boondocks, in 23^rd place, and worked his way up to 9^th at the finish. Curran has been riding in or near the top ten in points, and I’m sure this week’s 9^th will keep him there.

----Indy Car racer Davey Hamilton made his first appearance of the season in a 2^nd John Nicotra owned car, and was credited with 13^th in the final rundown after a spin during the feature.

----D.J. Shullick was in town to drive the LaPrade owned #15, which had been most recently piloted by Bentley Warren and Doug Heveron. Shullick finished 10^th in the former Clyde Booth mount.

---- Dave Danzer is getting accustomed to his new Hawk Chassis supermodified in a big hurry. Dave looked very impressive doing some work in his heat, wrestling to the outside of and passing several cars, finishing 2^nd. Then I thought he was going to steal one in the feature, vaulting from his third row starting spot to take the lead on lap three. He stayed there and looked strong, but headed to the pits on lap 15 with an engine problem, after being passed by Tim Snyder. A visit from engine man Russ Marsden was inconclusive on Sunday morning, but I’m sure they’ll find the problem by this weekend. Many are very impressed by how quickly Dave has adapted to the super division.

---- Andy Noto was out - and then back in - the Daratt Farms #48 supermodified. After a problem in his heat race, Andy’s stress level caused him to walk away from the ride. After an attempt to qualify the car in the heat by a small block supermodified driver was aborted on the first lap because of a mechanical problem, Noto returned to the seat for the feature after the use of a provisional. “The car is parked until Classic”, said Noto, after completing 13 laps in the feature.

---- The small block supermodified feature was quite handily dominated by a guy whose name begins with the word “Hero”. Nobody other than Kreig Heroth ever had a chance to win this race. Kreig jumped out to the lead on lap three from his second row starting spot, and proceeded to make tools of the rest of the field. A visit to Ray Hedger’s shop always helps get the cars going fast, which is exactly where Tom Aaserud’s Hedger Chassis #44 car went last week.

---- You know who else has a racecar at Hedger’s shop, that will probably be quicker after some serious repairs, and Ray’s setup? This guy!

---- Jack Patrick was fast again, advancing from 12^th place at the start, to 3^rd place, without the help of many cautions. Jack’s Mopar is flying this year, and getting a lot of attention from his competitors. And what goes with that? Yep, you guessed it. People are starting to squawk about him being illegal already. I always wanted to be accused of being a cheater!

---- Mike Bruce has been having a consistent season in 2011. Top five finishes have been the norm for Bruce, and another 4^th place finish this week should put him in the top four in points.

---- Andrew Schartner had a solid 5^th place finish of his own, in his quest for his first championship. Some hard dicing nearly resulted in a crash for Schartner, which prompted some angry words in an interview on Chris Porter’s www.lakesideracingnews.com. I couldn’t help but think while listening to his interview how reminiscent it was of past small block super driver Russ Brown, who coincidentally has also been helping Andrew out in the pits. He even crow-barred an “it is what it is” into the interview. Good stuff. If Andrew calls me “Bub” next week, I will know that the transformation has been completed.

---- Tim Barbeau was behind the wheel of the Heagerty owned #79 that had previously been campaigned by Nate Sitterly in 2011. Apparently Sitterly wasn’t scheduled to be behind the wheel of the 79, and Barbeau needed a ride since the car he had been campaigning was in pretty rough shape after a crash the previous week in the ladies “Hoosier Mama” race, by Janine Regan. Barbeau finished 10th in the maiden voyage, and I understand that he will be behind the wheel of the car, which has been renumbered to #50, more.

---- “Cookin’ Cameron” Rowe was really cooking during the feature - both literally and figuratively. The #77 was FAST in the feature, cracking off a 19.572 second lap in pursuit of Kreig Heroth. But unfortunately, his solid run came to an early end on lap 20 when he was forced to the pits with an overheating car. Cameron has been chasing an overheating issue, and still hasn’t found the cure.

---- Bryan Haynes was behind the wheel of the #37, but exited early, after 5 laps, when he blew a power steering line. “I had a great start, and felt like the adjustments we made were good”, said Haynes. Bryan looked pretty solid in the heat race, as he continues to familiarize himself with the car. Bryan will wheel the 37, which sports Bryan’s Holmes Motor, a few more times, in preparation for a good run at Classic this year. His next scheduled trip from his home in Maryland will be on August 6^th. His brother Brad may be behind the wheel in Bryan’s absence this week.

---- I was asked by small block supermodified owner/driver Barry Kingsley to say a huge THANK YOU for all of the support at his recent fundraiser. “I was really overwhelmed and humbled by all that everyone did for me”, said Barry after the successful day. He wanted to thank his family, his sponsors, all of the hole sponsors, his friends, and his wife Debi for all of the assistance. Everybody loves you Barry! It was a great time.

 

Gater News - July 12th, 2011

The much anticipated “King of Wings” event for winged supermodifieds at Oswego Speedway was a great success, as 30 winged supers graced the pits, greeting a huge turnout of fans. And the huge crowd was rewarded with an exciting, trouble-free, green to checkered feature.

---- Tim Ice leapt out to a huge lead and it looked as though he would disappear. With no cautions to bunch up the field, I thought nobody would ever catch him. But that was not the case. Mike Lichty in the Reed Salvage car was even faster. A LOT faster.

---- Lichty tracked Ice down and blew past on lap 30, and proceeded to dominate the remainder of the race. It was an impressive performance for Lichty, and a great race for the fans! Lichty started in the 7^th position.

---- Timmy Jedrzejek started 8^th in the Soule Racing machine, and also made an impressive charge to get to 3^rd at the buzzer. Trent Stephens also sliced through the field to get to 4^th place from his 11^th starting position. An amazing show of force!

---- One of the most decorated drivers in the northeast, Ted Christopher, was behind the wheel of Clyde Booth’s #61. Christopher was fast, but far from the dominance that he usually displays when he drives a pavement modified. He started 4^th, and finished 7^th.

---- Randy Ritskes looked very solid early in the event, starting in and running in 2^nd for quite awhile, before fading to 5^th in the later stages. Randy had a problem with the wing, and I later heard that overheating may have been a problem in the 88. Ritskes was the highest finishing Oswego regular of the 14 Oswego drivers that attempted to qualify.

---- As often is the case, the regular wing drivers always have a distinct advantage when the divisions merge. Joe Gosek, Dave Danzer, Bobby Bond, Stephen GioiaIII, and Otto Sitterly were the next Oswego regulars, finishing 12^th-16^th.

---- Rookie Dave Danzer was quite pleased with his 13^th place finish in his first ever winged race. Dave’s having an excellent rookie season in the division, coming off a 5^th place finish the previous week. Also impressive was Dave’s time trial lap of 15.876, 9^th fastest of all of the cars that took times. His personal life coach Casey later was taking full credit for Dave’s success.

---- Paul White, driving Steve Miller’s Sweet 16, was the only car of the 30 attendees that wasn’t able to attempt to qualify. White hit the wall hard during practice when apparently a wheel broke, causing enough damage to put the car out for the night. Dave McKnight had a fiery engine explosion during the B-Main in Gary Morton’s car.

---- Although problems kept Chris DeRitis from qualifying, he still was able to achieve one first on the night. When the car needed to be “backed off” in the infield road near our pit, a few people came over to help push the car backwards. I’ve never seen a girl in a dress and flip flops push a supermodified, but Jamie Crossett got two thumbs up from DeRitis when she leaned over the car to help. May not have been the night he wanted, but he at least has that story to take home. Well played, Jamie!

---- The small block supermodified feature was green flagged right around 7:30, as all of the night’s qualifying events were virtually trouble-free. The same can’t be said for the feature, as a few crashes slowed the action.

---- Two weeks ago, Jason Simmons purchased Fred Kilian’s Hedger Chassis small block supermodified. After borrowing a Hedger Chassis ride from a friend previously, he really enjoyed the feel of the car, and looked into purchasing one for himself. Unhappy with the handling of his old car, and after fighting engine problems all season, he made the deal to secure Kilian’s car. He took it to Ray Hedger for a quick checkup and setup, and his new season was ready to begin.

---- The first week Simmons led 29 of 30 laps before being passed on the last lap by a dominant Mike Bond. Although disappointed, Jason went home pretty encouraged about his new ride, with plans to build on it the next week, after becoming a little more familiar with the car. This last week was similar, and he jumped to the lead on lap 6 after passing early leader Nate Sitterly. But the cautions kept the field bunched up, and Jason wasn’t able to get the big lead he had established the week before.

---- On lap 13, Tim Barbeau made a move under Simmons for the lead. As Simmons moved back down the track to protect 2^nd, he was punted by the front bumper of a hard charging Mike Bond, who was in hot pursuit on Barbeau’s tail. It was a classic case of one driver saying “You came down on me” vs. another driver saying “you came up into me” - the same cause of many of the accidents. Simmons was agitated about the incident, as he felt that the contact was unnecessary from a driver who he considers his “idol”. “He was a lot faster than me - he would have just passed me the next lap anyway”, said Simmons.

---- I watched the video later at Lighthouse Lanes, and it sure appeared to me as though it was a wreck that should have been avoided. It was of course not intentional, and nobody thinks Bond would have dumped his friend on purpose. But a little more patience maybe could have been shown. Mike Bond wasn’t that concerned, and chalked it up to a “racing accident“, and thought that Jason should have known that Mike was going to follow Barbeau past him, and shouldn’t have attempted to turn down behind Barbeau. “I thought he was going to stay up high. I got on the brakes as hard as I could”, said Bond. The contact from Bond was behind Simmons’ left rear tire, not the side of the car, where you could say the front driver should have seen the rear driver. In my opinion, Jason would have had to have eyes in the back of his head, because there was no way he could have known where Bond was. Bond was not penalized for the punt, but it seems like he would have known Jason was going to try to get down to the bottom of the speedway after Barbeau went past.

---- Mike Bond is the best driver in the history of our division, and has won more features than anyone. In 2011 he is by far the dominant driver, who passes everyone in the division at will. He’s won 4 out of the 7 features that have been run, and will certainly win the championship. With the exception of one race where he was 2^nd, he has won every time, with the exception of two nights where he crashed.

---- As a driver myself that has only won a few times, I’ve always envied the hard-charging, take no prisoners, no remorse type of drivers. All winners will tell you that you’re not out there to make friends, and if a guy gets his new car messed up because I have to make every move possible, right now, that’s his problem. That’s how winners win. Did Mike have to stuff it in there on Jason on lap 13, when he was 4-5 tenths faster? Don’t ask me. Ask a winner. I’d be too busy feeling bad.

---- Tim Barbeau ran a strong race, taking the lead from Simmons. Bond passed him on lap 19, but the #50 was really cooking. Tim held on for 2^nd place at the finish. Later in the evening, the car was involved in a violent wreck during the “Hoosier Mama” ladies race, when Janine Regan took a hard ride off the inner hubrail off of turn two. The team has a huge project ahead of them this week to get it back in shape for this week’s races.

---- I was most impressed this night with veteran Jack Patrick. Especially during his heat race, where Jack passed cars on the outside and the inside to make a last lap win over Rob Pullen. “Action Jackson” started 10^th, and finished 4^th in the feature.

---- I also was impressed with first time rookie Dalton Doyle, who recently acquired the Hedger Chassis that was previously raced by Dave Danzer in 2010. Doyle looked like he’s been driving these cars for years, and was immediately moved from rookie warm-ups to regular warm-ups. Dalton finished 14^th in the feature, but not before cracking off some impressive low twenty second laps.

---- Several ladies took to the track Saturday night in small block supermodifieds for the “Hoosier Mama Powder Puff” ladies race after the night’s regular events were complete. It was an entertaining race, won by Kathy Harrington. Kathy has run all three of the Hoosier Mama events, and would not be denied this time. Right from the drop of the green, she was turning times similar to Chris Perley, and never looked back, leading every lap.

---- Lapped traffic seemed to be Kathy’s kryptonite, though. And two time defending champion Samantha Todd sensed that. Kathy’s big lead continued to grow, until she caught traffic, and Samantha started to reel her in. As the laps wound down, you could see the urgency creeping into Sam’s driving. She could see Kathy fighting with lapped cars, and pushed it a little too hard, spinning it out on the back straight. Fortunately for Samantha - and car owner Barry Kingsley - she didn’t hit anything, and nobody hit her. After the spin and the caution, Sam found a whole new attitude, passing many cars on the last lap, getting back to third.

---- So we all found out where small block supermodified driver Andrew Schartner gets his skills. His mother, Jane Redding, took the wheel of the #18, and looked pretty smooth. Jane finished 2^nd, and word on the street is that she may replace Andrew in the car for the rest of the season.

---- As I mentioned earlier, Janine Regan had a very bad wreck on lap one in the Tim Barbeau #50. It was a scary wreck, as the car caught some serious airtime when it bounced off the wall. The other drivers did a great job to miss the spinning #50, although Debbie Bond had some minor contact when Janine came across the track. Fortunately Regan wasn’t injured, but the car sure was. Bent frame, probably bent rearend, and many other parts received damage in the incident. Barbeau wasn’t too pleased about the damage I’m sure, and all of the work that goes along with the repairs. Janine’s husband Mark Regan has agreed to pay for all damages.

---- I hadn’t acquired a full or official order of finish for the Hoosier Mama race, but I think I have an unofficial top five. Kathy Harrington, Jane Redding, Samantha Todd, Jamie Crossett, and Debbie Bond were the top five unofficially. Jackie Bruce, Amy Hall, and a few other drivers completed the event, free of incident.

---- This Sunday, July 17^th, is the date of a great fundraiser, to benefit Barry Kingsley Racing, small block super #23. From event organizer Debi Kingsley: “Golf at Tamarack Golf Club. Sunday, July 17th. $30/ person includes 9 holes of golf and kart / all-u-can eat BBQ at Front Door Tavern, and Door Prizes. Captain and crew format- 4 man teams. If you don’t have a full team, not a problem. BBQ to include Burgers, Hot Dogs, Sausage, salt potatoes and salads. If you don’t want to golf, come on down to the Front Door for some food at 1:00pm, $8.00 to eat. Door prizes, 50/50 raffles and good times with friends. To sign up for the golf, contact Barry Kingsley at 529-1398 or stop by at the Front Door Tavern and let Paul know. Spread the word…..the more the merrier!”

 

Gater News - June 29th, 2011

Big race at Oswego Speedway this week to celebrate Independence Day this weekend! In addition to the regular divisions of supermodifieds and small block supermodifieds, this Saturday will also will feature the debut of the SST Modifieds. The SST’s will run three times during the regular season at Oswego Speedway in 2011, and may be added to the schedule many more times in 2012. If the racing and car counts are excellent, I can’t imagine that speedway management wouldn’t want them for more shows next year. So I would say this is probably an audition.

---- Also this Saturday is the return of the “Hoosier Mama” small block supermodified Powder Puff race. This event has been run twice previously, skipping last year due to weather and postponements. Samantha Todd is the two-time champion, and will run Barry Kingsley’s car looking for the “three-peat”. Sam will square off against 10-12 of the roughest, toughest, lady small block super drivers in the world.

---- Debbie Bond, Kathy Harrington, and Janine Regan are the returning veterans of the division. Last time, Samantha and Janine had a huge battle for the win, with Samantha pulling off a late race pass for the victory. Jackie Bruce, Caylee Heagerty, Amy Hall, MaryAnne Haynes, Binnie Litchison, and Dionne Tedd are rookies in 2011 who hope to have a little something for the veterans. What people don’t know is that Amy Hall has been undergoing intense practice and training through race simulators, and may be the “sleeper” of the event. Plus she drives a G6. Enough said.

---- Last week the NORA small block supermodifieds hit the road, since Oswego Speedway was closed in observance of graduation weekend, which has historically been a poorly attended event at the speedway. 12 small block supers showed up for the event at Evans Mills.

---- Rob Pullen appeared to be the runaway victor from the pole, but a fuel pump failure with just a couple of laps to go set off a chain of events. As the point leader going into the event, the pole starting position and problems for his two biggest competitors seemed to prove that destiny wanted him to have that championship. But everything changed when his car croaked, and 2^nd place points runner Vern LaFave landed in 3^rd place with a car that hadn’t been running well, thanks to attrition. Pullen failed to finish, but was still credited with 6^th place after only five cars finished.

---- Drama ensued when Pullen’s car failed. Although Pullen’s car was no longer running, his teammate Mike Bruce’s car sure was. He punted Steve Abt, spinning him around into the path of Barry Kingsley, taking both out of the race. As always happens though, Bruce was able to continue in the race after a pit stop, finishing 4^th on the night. Good points night for the Malachi Brothers, who have pulled into first and third in NORA points!

---- Cameron Rowe took the lead, and looked as though he would grab his first career victory. Cameron looked strong all night, but one push in the turn allowed Tim Barbeau to sneak by for the win. Congrats to Barboo on his victory! And congrats to Cameron Rowe on one of the best in-car commentaries ever from his in-car camera the week before, where some candid comments (“I didn’t even know the microphone worked”) brought a few good laughs. Find the video on Cameron Rowe or Teddneck Racing’s Facebook pages.

---- Musical chairs put A.J. Bernys in one of the Chris Tedd cars (with Brad Haynes’ engine), Chris Tedd in one of his cars, Steve Abt in the #90, and me in Barry Kingsley’s 2^nd car. It was only a good night for Tedd, who finished 5^th in the #27.

---- Bernys was taken out on the first lap, when Ivan Steen’s throttle stuck, sending him into and through A.J. and Pitt Watson. Steen went all the way across the outside of the track, hitting the outside retaining wall, kicking up dirt while the car sat with the stuck throttle against the wall. Fortunately Steen was uninjured. Bernys and Watson were both out of the race.

---- Since my own car was at Ray Hedger’s shop getting a new front and rear clip from an Oswego Speedway accident when I loaned the car out the week before, Barry and Mark Sledziona and I spent 3 nights putting an engine in and doing other repairs to Barry’s backup car. While I had hoped to call in a favor and borrow an established or race-ready car for one race since I had loaned my own car out to various friends several times over the years, none of the several available rides were offered. Available cars were offered to other people who were not SIX points out of the NORA championship point lead; or just left parked in garages.

---- After arriving at the track late due to trailer problems, one hot lap session was available to me, and the car wasn‘t too bad. A couple of adjustments, and we were ready for the heat. After hitting the speedway for my qualifying heat, the car quit, and would never fire again. We chased a fuel problem for the next several hours, but never found the issue. I watched the race - and my opportunity for my first championship - slip away. I learned a lot about friends and favors this week, and found out that my circle of racing pals was a lot smaller than I had realized. People whose fundraisers I support and promote on these pages. It wasn’t that long ago that I remember people flocking to other guys’ pits to help when a championship was on the line. One time a backup car was given to a competitor to make sure the title was decided ON the track, not in the pits. Now we give cars to people that have no stake in the battle. And those guys keep them. One of Pullen’s FFB teammates even had a car sitting on the trailer. The snub definitely dictated the outcome of the NORA championship, proving that teamwork is the key to success.

---- The NORA small block supers have one more points event. According to NORA secretary/treasurer Jackie Bruce, “The NORA SBS Series has their last race September 10, 2011 up at Evans Mills. This is after Classic Weekend. We are looking at getting as many of the SBS cars that we can to come run our last race of the year. We are also looking at making this possibly a 50 lap race depending on car count.” For more info, you can go to the NORA website at www.norasbs.blogspot.com.

---- I spoke with Roy Sova this week regarding the two-seater supermodified rides that have been taking place at Oswego Speedway. The program has been a popular promotion for the division, but fell under scrutiny a few weeks ago when a “start the feature” ride went bad. Driver Bobby Magner failed to pull into the pits as instructed after taking the green flag, and spun on the track two laps later, bringing out a caution. In the future, a new driver will wheel the car, and the car WILL be pulled into the pits before the racing drivers complete the first lap. According to Sova, who runs the program, “Start the Feature rides will continue. (I’ve had more interest in them since THE SPIN than ever before.) I have pre-practice rides available for King of Wings weekend, but the rest of July is pretty well sold out. Rides are available for all races in August. Driver to be determined.” Sova insists that “the spin” will never happen again, and the new driver that takes over will be under strict instruction to not try to change the program. Contact Sova at 315-297-2262 if you’re interested.

---- Coming up soon are two excellent and unique fundraisers.

---- The first one happens on Sunday, July 10^th. From event organizer Eric Syrell: “GoodTimes of Oswego, along with fellow sponsors Top Quality Construction, Lagraf’s Pub and Scriba Town Inn, present: Syrell Racing's "Race & Rock Bar B-Q" benefit fundraiser on Sunday, July 10^th, at the Scriba Town Inn Summer Concert Stage! Musical guests include Bob Garafolo unplugged, FrostBit’s own John Bletch and his band Vitamin X, and headlining band UNDER THE GUN! Admission is only $5.00 to get in, $8.00 for a chicken dinner (while supplies last); or $10 for both. 50/50 raffle and door prizes available. All proceeds are to raise funds for Syrell Racing and driver Dave McKnight Jr. Doors open at Noon. Music goes from 2:00 till ???”

---- The following Sunday, is another excellent fundraiser, to benefit Barry Kingsley Racing, small block super #23. From event organizer Debi Kingsley: “Golf at Tamarack Golf Club. Sunday, July 17^th. $30/ person includes 9 holes of golf and kart / all-u-can eat BBQ at Front Door Tavern, and Door Prizes. Captain and crew format- 4 man teams. If you don't have a full team, not a problem. BBQ to include Burgers, Hot Dogs, Sausage, salt potatoes and salads. If you don't want to golf, come on down to the Front Door for some food at 1:00pm, $8.00 to eat. Door prizes, 50/50 raffles and good times with friends. To sign up for the golf, contact Barry Kingsley at 529-1398 or stop by at the Front Door Tavern and let Paul know. Spread the word.....the more the merrier!”

 

Gater News - June 22nd, 2011

Keepin’ it Real by JJ Andrews

Wow. What a night of carnage at Oswego Speedway. It was the twins night - twin 20’s for the small block supermodifieds, and twin 30’s for the supermodifieds. I think the shorter distance races create a sense of urgency, and make the drivers run a lot harder - maybe too hard. A lot of wrecks and a lot of controversy! Controversy is good for the sport. Wrecks are not.

---- Congratulations first to Bobby Bond and Dave McKnight on picking up the deserved wins in the supermodified division, and Jack Patrick and rookie Dave LaTulip for picking up the small block wins. Great night for these guys!

---- Dave McKnight had the best night of anyone. A win in feature one, and a second in feature two. The Syrell Racing # 08 has been very consistent and quick this year, and has unofficially taken the points lead - by a large margin. It sure looks like they’re doing everything right this year.

---- Bobby Bond has been fast himself this year - but not fast enough to pull off a win. But this week he made it look easy in the second feature, when he ran away and hid. It was a good night for Bobby, who had a 5^th and a 1^st to show for his efforts.

---- Also a shoutout is in order for Dave Gruel, in the #50 Double Deuce Racing machine. A pair of thirds, a win a few weeks ago, and the fact that he is now 2^nd in points backs up the fact that this is a team to be reckoned with. Great night!

---- That’s the good stuff. Unfortunately, the night was filled with one wreck after another, possibly one of the worst nights I’ve seen for damage. Otto Sitterly smashed the turn three wall in his heat, and had to go to his backup car. There was a terrible wreck in the first feature that involved several cars, where Tim Snyder flipped, and Dave Danzer, Craig Rayvals, Steve Abt, Brian Sobus, and others were damaged. In a different incident, Dan Connors smashed the wall hard after contact with Keith Gilliam, doing tons of damage. As did Michael Muldoon Jr. But even those wrecks didn’t get people fired up as much as the one between two drivers going for the lead.

---- Randy Ritskes and Joey Payne are two of the most polarizing drivers to ever drive a supermodified. People either love them or hate them. In 2011, Payne has been struggling with the Strong Racing #99. I wouldn’t doubt that he’s tiring of the 5 plus hour drive each weekend from New Jersey, as well as the responsibilities of fielding racecars for his son back home. All of that stress can be soothed by a couple of wins, but it is surely magnified when you’re not running well anyway.

---- Ritskes, on the other hand, has been the breakout performer of the year in the Daratt Farms #88 Xtreme Chassis ride. His aggressive driving style had been toned down from past seasons, probably because with the caliber of equipment of this magnitude at his disposal, he hasn’t had to take as many chances. His “third turn dive” that has enraged so many drivers has been pulled out much less this year. He’s been smooth and fast, with a win and a 2^nd, and led the points going into the night’s events.

---- But the shorter features create that aforementioned sense of urgency, and you could see the pressure turned up. Randy started charging a little harder - because he had to. That’s when he pulled the “third turn dive” on Payne for the lead. (For the record for those who don’t know, Ritskes’ patented third turn dive is a late pass that often makes other drivers mad, because it’s aggressive and scares the heck out of them. In my opinion, it‘s a fair move, as long as you don’t make contact with the car you‘re passing. And awesome to watch if you‘re a fan!)

---- But Payne wasn’t having it, and dove right back under Ritskes between turns three and four, a brilliant move that I hadn’t seen anyone do yet. The two drivers came off of turn four side by side, and that’s when it got ugly. A thousand people can watch the replay as I did; 500 will see it one way, and 500 will see the exact opposite. As an objective observer, as I’m friends with both drivers and both teams, I watched the replay with an open mind. In fact, I watched the replay with Payne’s car owner Pat Strong, and we saw two opposite things. I’d like to say that only the drivers know what really happened, but it happens so fast, I wonder if they even know.

---- As the two cars raced side by side down the front stretch, it looked like the 88 of Ritskes wiggled a little, which is normal when you’re running the second groove. The 88 came down a little, and the cars touched tires. Then it looked to me as though Payne, who was still probably enraged about the third turn pass, made contact with the 88 going into turn one. Was it an intentional wreck, to take out both cars? Of course not. But after last year’s Classic incident, and knowing how intense the “Jersey Jet” can be, I’m sure he would have done a lot more than jump around on the hood of the 88 when he climbed out of the cockpit at the wreck scene if he thought that wreck was all Randy‘s fault.

---- Of course a lot of pushing and shoving and yelling ensued in the pits, but I expect this to blow over, just like all wrecks do. Two great drivers, fighting for pride - and a victory for their teams. Unfortunately it will blow over without Payne, who promptly quit the ride, according to his Racebook.

---- So what next for the Strong Racing Team and the 99? Pat and Terry Strong will regroup, repair, and return. With Oswego off this week for local graduations, the 99 will be all set for the July 2^nd races. Since Michael Barnes drove the team’s 2^nd car last week, it seems as though it would be a natural for him to slide into the seat of the main car. Or does the Jet cool off and come back? Let’s hope so. Like him or hate him, Joey Payne brings a lot to the division, and it would be a loss. I know the Strongs will stand behind their driver, and hope that he comes back. Guess we’ll find out next week.

---- The other controversy that had people talking last week involved the speedway’s two seat supermodified. Weekly rides for fans now include an opportunity to take the green flag in the feature. While it was supposed to be parked after taking the green flag, driver Bobby Magner stayed out on the track, and spun the car on lap two. I’m sure it was quite a thrill for the rider, but definitely a dangerous situation. Not to mention that it most definitely took momentum away from the cars on the track, especially leader Joey Payne. I would expect that we have seen the last of the “take the green flag” rides.

---- The small block supermodified features were almost as much of a crashfest as their big brothers. Although not as controversial, there was just as much damaged equipment. But some good stuff, too.

---- Jack Patrick has been racing small block supermodifieds since 1996. He currently sits 4^th in all-time small block super points. But prior to the night’s features, Jack acknowledged that it’s been 10 years since his last victory in the division.

---- Jack’s always immaculately prepared Chrysler powered Hedger Chassis car has been fast this year. After missing most of the 2010 season due to a non-racing injury, “Action Jackson” came back loaded for bear in 2011. Patrick jumped out in the lead in the first feature, he looked pretty comfortable and smooth. But when Mike Bond got to 2^nd place behind him, and a caution came out, it looked like he could have been in trouble. So how did he handle it? He waved bye-bye, and proceeded to drive away from Bond to score the dominating victory.

---- Jack also finished 4^th in the second feature, capping off a night that he should remember for quite some time. Jack turned a 19.2 second lap while dusting Bond, probably the fastest of the year. And the best part - Jack took his first point lead ever during his 15 year career. Congratulations on your awesome, deserved win, and great night!

---- I can’t give you as much history on the night’s second feature winner, because he‘s only raced at Oswego Speedway a few times. Rookie Dave LaTulip landed the ride for car owner Chris Tedd of Teddneck Racing during the off-season, and is obviously capitalizing on the opportunity. The Oswego Kartway has been a great feeder for the small block supermodified division, and it has fed us another solid driver. The 17 year-old LaTulip runs karts on Friday nights, and switches his focus over to run the big track on Saturday.

---- LaTulip’s car owner Chris Tedd owns three racecars, which were intended to be fielded by himself, LaTulip, and Cameron Rowe. But as the season opener neared and only two of the cars were race ready, Tedd stepped out of one of the cars. “I wanted to give LaTulip a shot at Rookie of the Year”, Tedd told me when I asked why “that kid” was driving instead of him. Tedd must have seen something in LaTulip, who gave him his first win as a car owner, and a 3^rd place in the evening‘s other feature. He was right. Congratulations to LaTulip and Teddneck Racing!

---- The controversial event of the evening took place during the second small block feature. Mike Bond, who was making a charge from the rear was running hard to get to the front, in the limited time provided by the 20 lap feature, when they usually run 30. (You remember - that sense of urgency that I keep bringing up…) In the process, he banged wheels with Rob Pullen. Neither car wrecked, but when they hit the turn, Pullen smashed Bond from behind on lap 18, spinning him into the inner hubrail.

---- “The retaliation was intentional” said Pullen as the two discussed the incident after watching the video. Pullen felt that the wheel banging between the two was uncalled for, but I don’t know if you’re allowed to wreck someone as a punishment for contact. A few heated words were exchanged, and the word “payback” certainly came up in the exchange. Been there, done that. It’s called “Pullenation”. Bond was scored as 13^th in the final rundown, Pullen 9^th.

---- Good night for Barry “Kingfish” Kingsley, who had a 4^th and a 2^nd on the night…. Mike Bruce a 5^th and a 5^th….Brian Osetek landed his first heat win, and scored 8^th and 13^th place finishes….Lou LeVea Jr. made his first appearance of the year, crashing in each feature….Kreig Heroth ended each feature in a huge cloud of steam, after finishing 7^th and 9^th.

---- Jason Simmons, however, did NOT have a fun night. After experiencing overheating problems with his own car the few weeks before, arrangements were made to borrow my own #93 ride for the week, so he could pull his engine and get it corrected for the July 2^nd event. After picking up my car, Simmons’ engine man concluded that a head gasket change would fix his own engine, so he decided to run his own car, and take mine there as a backup. At a Friday night track rental, everything appeared good with his own car, so I was considering racing my 93 on Saturday after all.

---- But after overheating with his car again in the first warm-up, it was decided that Jason would switch back to the original plan and drive my 93 for the night, while I start-and- parked his car. A fuel line issue in the heat gave him a bad starting spot for the feature, and he paid dearly on lap 4 when he got caught up in Lou LeVea Jr.’s spin. A couple hours of repairs later, Jason was caught up once again in a big wreck in feature number two.

---- This accident certainly ended Jason’s night - and my car. Bent front and rear clips will require some extensive repair, but Jason will surely step up and repair what he damaged. The Hedger Chassis car will go to Ray Hedger’s shop, where Ray will make it as good as new once again. The old girl’s been through worse wrecks than this one, and she’ll be fast again for me for Classic 2011.

---- While I was planning to run the car this weekend at Evans Mills / Thunder Alley Speedway, I don’t expect as of press time that the 93 will be anywhere near ready for action. My only remaining plans for the car were to run this weekend’s NORA show, then park it until Classic.

---- So we’ll see how it goes. If anybody has a ride for an old broken-down racecar driver this Saturday, maybe you can keep me in the hunt for the NORA points championship. I’m currently 6 points out of the lead for the championship, in a pretty stiff battle right now. After all of the loaning I’ve done, maybe I could be the borrower this time. If anyone hears of any available rides, please let me know.

---- Fifteen plus cars are expected to be in competition this Saturday, June 25^th, and Thunder Alley. The NORA small block supers put on some great shows at Thunder Alley earlier in the season. And this weekend’s feature should be another barnburner. Head north - you won’t be disappointed!

---- Current NORA point standings: 1.Rob Pullen * 303, 2. Vern LaFave 298, 3. JJ Andrews 297, 4. Mike Bruce * 287, 5. Pitt Watson 274, 6. Barry Kingsley * 239, 7. Ivan Steen 238, 8.Tim Barbeau 175, 9.Steve Abt 169, 10. Jason Simmons 166, 11. Mark Castiglia 140, 12. AJ Bernys (R) 126, 13. Guard Nearbin 100, 14. Cameron Rowe 87, 15. Chris Tedd 86, 16. Dennis Rupert (R) 80, 17. Tim Dunn (R) 46, 18. Mark Sledziona (R) 45.

---- Cool Oswego Speedway new management fact of the week: two weeks ago, race teams were asked to unhook their haulers and help dry the track after the rains fell. It was a two hour rain delay and track drying procedure, and everyone pulled together to get the show completed. Last week, track owners John and Eric Torrese went to the pits of everyone that helped dry the track, and thanked them for their help.

---- And the best part - teams that helped were handed a $25 gas card for their efforts. Teams and push truck drivers were also thanked during the drivers meeting. Very classy gesture. These guys keep doing all of the right things. And the word is spreading. 29 supers, and a $1,700 50/50 are some examples of proof that good things are happening at Oswego Speedway.

---- Excellent fundraiser coming up soon, to benefit Barry Kingsley Racing, small block super #23.: “Golf at Tamarack Golf Club. $30/ person includes 9 holes of golf and kart / all-u-can eat BBQ at Front Door Tavern, and Door Prizes. Captain and crew format- 4 man teams.....if you don't have a full team, not a problem. BBQ to include Burgers, Hot Dogs, Sausage, salt potatoes and salads....if you don't want to golf, come on down to the Front Door for some food....1pm. $8.00 to eat. Door prizes, 50/50 raffles and good times with friends.
Interested in golfing? contact Barry Kingsley at 529-1398 or stop by at the Front Door and let Paul know. Spread the word.....the more the merrier!

 

Gater News - June 15th, 2011

 

Gater News - June 1st, 2011

Keepin’ it Real by JJ Andrews

Aaaaahhhh….that feels SO good. Oswego Speedway’s opener, and first race under the new ownership of John and Eric Torrese has entered the record books. It sure was great to finally see, hear and smell the racing action again at Oswego, after what seemed to be a very long off-season. I don’t know if people realize how close Oswego Speedway fans came to not even having the speedway open this year, due to the pending sale, and problems between the previous owners. So it really felt great to see that first race get in the books, and share that special day with so many of my closest friends.

---- Congratulations first to opening night supermodified feature winner RANDY RITSKES! Randy’s first race in the Daratt Farms Xtreme Chassis turned out to be a great one, one that he and family and friends won’t forget. Ristskes was quick all day. Finishing 2^nd in his heat, and slicing through the field for the feature victory. Even a pit stop early in the feature wouldn’t keep the 88 out of victory lane, after he received some damage when Otto Sitterly and Dave McKnight wrecked.

---- But without some help from a lapped car, it may not have happened. After his return from the pits, it looked as though Ritskes would finish 2^nd to a powerful Ray Graham, who had led many laps. “I was closing in on him in the corners a little”, said Randy when asked if he thought he had something for Graham. But we all know that catching someone and passing someone are two different things.

---- Just as Graham encountered the lapped cars of Michael Muldoon Jr. and Guard Nearbin, it appeared as though Muldoon moved high to make a move on Nearbin, crowding Graham up into the third groove. Losing grip, Graham spun into outside wall, ending his chances for an opening night win. Graham later returned, with minimal damage, finishing 8^th.

---- Great way to start the season also for Jerry Curran, who grabbed a heat win and finished a solid 2^nd in the feature. The “Nuclear Banana” looked great all night, and I’m sure Jerry is very satisfied to be sitting just three points out of the lead right now.

---- “We finished 3^rd with a 10^th place car”, said Pat Strong, owner of the #99 Strong Racing ride. That sounds like an exaggeration to me, as driver Joey Payne was fighting hard with Curran for 2^nd place for the last several laps of the feature.

---- Tim Snyder is another driver who had a great shot at the win, but ended up heading the wrong way in turn one. It appeared as though Snyder got loose and spun himself out as Ray Graham went to his outside for the lead in the feature. Fortunately for Snyder, the rest of the field missed him. But unfortunately for the rest of the field, a big wreck ensued, as several cars crashed and spun in the process

---- It didn’t matter that Bobby Bond went up on the top of another spinning supermodified in that Snyder crash. After a trip to the pits, Bond returned to the track, and he was still fast. 4^th place for Bond after what looked like a night-ending crash.

---- Great nights for Keith Gilliam and Shawn Muldoon, who finished 5^th and 6^th on opening night, after not running most of 2010.

---- Probably the most controversial incident happened on lap 19, when Dave McKnight went spinning after some contact from Otto Sitterly. McKnight was able to continue, but the crash ended the day for Dan Connors, and put Sitterly laps down repairing damage. Sitterly would later wreck again when he couldn’t avoid a spinning Michael Muldoon Jr., who had looped it in turn one.

---- The fastest car on the track though, was Joe Gosek. Unfortunately Gosek pulled into the pits just after the green flag, for some repairs that would put him laps down. Gosek arrived at the speedway late, as the team appeared to be struggling on day one. After missing several laps, Gosek tore through the field, however, and probably could have passed everyone. He worked his way back to 2^nd on the track, and I’m sure he would have pushed it harder if he wasn’t several laps down. It was kind of risky business for Gosek, racing so hard with many drivers, although several laps down. Guess he just wanted to see what the car was capable of.

---- Twenty-six supermodifieds graced the pits on opening night, which is certainly one of the best opening night fields of supers in many years. (29, if you count Muldoon and Sitterly’s back-up cars, and the Bobby Haynes Jr. car, that was just there for some practice laps. It was said that Haynes will be in competition in his Xtreme Chassis ride, after it is retrofitted with a straight axle front suspension this week in place of the independent front axle that the car currently sports.) And with several cars missing that are expected to be in competition soon, a 30 car field for this weekend and other weekends is a very real possibility. Dave Cliff Jr., Jeff Holbrook, and Kelly Miller are three cars that have committed to the full season by signing up for the speedway’s “commitment program”, so you can be assured that all three of these drivers will be racing this weekend, or they wouldn‘t have taken the position away from another team. (Teams are allowed to miss one event without voiding their position in the program.)

---- The small block supermodified division race wasn’t quite as competitive as the super event, but 19 cars showed up for opening day. It’s going to be tough to get a full field of small block supers this year, after several of the drivers have moved up to the supermodified division for 2011.

---- Mike Bond took advantage of a great draw, and coasted to wins in his heat and feature. He only had to pass one car to take the lead in the feature, Mike Bruce, and seemed pretty dominant after that. Bruce would reel him in a couple times, but it was almost as if Bond would then get a signal, and pull away a little. (I was so sure of that, that I found Mike DeCare to see if he was throwing Mike a message, but he was not.) Great start to the season for the guy that I predict to win all the marbles.

---- Rob Pullen and Mike Bruce, the small block supermodified version of “The Malachi Brothers” (anybody remember the Malachi Brothers from the TV show “Happy Days”, when they ganged up on Fonzie in the demolition derby, and tried to take him out with the “Malachi Crunch“?), did their best to finish together, ending up 2^nd and 4^th. Bruce ran 2^nd for many laps, but Pullen and eventually Tim Barbeau slid by to drop Bruce to 4^th at the finish.

---- Jack Patrick ran 5^th for a good part of the race, but was being hounded pretty hard by another pair of teammates, Andrew Schartner and Kreig Heroth, who both drive cars owned by Tom Aaserud. The two shoes looked faster than Patrick, but could not get position on Jack to complete the pass. The battle got pretty intense, culminating with Patrick going around. I didn’t see what happened, but Heroth was penalized for the incident, being sent to the rear with only a few laps remaining. Schartner ended up 5^th in the final rundown, with Heroth and Patrick recovering for finishes of 7^th and 8^th in the final rundown. “Thanks to Kreig Heroth for ruining my opening night with his lack of judgment. Uncalled for,” said Patrick sarcastically on “Racebook“. 5^th to 8^th doesn’t sound like a ruined night to me.

---- A couple of rookies were quite impressive in their debut. Most impressive was Nate Sitterly, who finished 6^th in the Haegerty #79. Sitterly, son of supermodified three time defending champion Otto Sitterly, looked like he’s had a lot more experience behind the wheel than he has. I also was impressed by Dave LaTulip, in his opening night in the Teddneck Racing machine. LaTulip ran a great line, and finished near the top ten in the final rundown. (No results were available the next day on the speedway website.) Rookie Will Hadcock was in and out of the pits all night, ending up with a DNF in the final rundown.

---- Jason Simmons had a great start to the night, winning the third qualifying heat over Mike Bruce and Mark Castiglia. He looked pretty solid in the feature, running in 7^th position at the time of the lap 12 red flag. Unfortunately he was put to the rear when the race restarted, because a crew member checked one of his shocks during the red flag, which apparently violates the rule about not being allowed to work on the car under caution. A tangle later with Will Hadcock bent the panhard rod, ending his evening.

---- “Black Cloud Barry” Kingsley didn’t have such a great night of his own. Since winning the feature on April 30^th at Thunder Alley Speedway, it’s been nothing but negative for Barry. This week’s episode started with a blown engine for Barry in the heat race. So he then switched to his backup car, which was at the track to be piloted by dirt sportsman racer Mike Fowler. (After two laps in practice before the car quit with a broken distributor rotor, Fowler didn’t have any fun in it either.) Barry’s day ended on lap 12 when an oil leak from a bottomed out oil pan coated the track, causing a lengthy delay for cleanup.

---- During that cleanup, speedway officials took the opportunity to present awards from 2010, as well as the Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame class of 2010, and the Eagles Fan Club “Tony White Award.” All five of the Hall of Fame members were on hand to accept the award, and say a few words. Congratulations to Norris McDonald, Bruce Lee, Jamie Moore, Tony Osetek, and Jim Liccardi!

---- I was very honored to be presented the Tony White Memorial Award, by the Eagles Fan Club. From the Eagles website: “The Tony White Memorial Award was established in 2005, in memory of small block supermodified driver Tony White who passed away in June of that year, to honor someone of similar passion to Tony White for the Small Block Supermodified division at Oswego Speedway.”

---- It was really a great feeling to be acknowledged by my peers, members of the Eagles Fan Club, and Wayne and Debbie White, and have my passion for the division be compared to Tony’s. As I said in my unwritten, mumbling, nervous speech, (the Tony White award is a surprise award, presented to a recipient that wasn’t told beforehand) I truly do love the division of small block supers, which I’ve been involved in since 1996. While prez Larry Lee listed some of my statistics as a driver and an owner, I hope that I will also be appreciated by Oswego Speedway fans for my contributions to the speedway, sport, and division of small block supers as a writer and columnist.

---- Tony White was one of a kind, and I have many memories of Tony from the few years I knew him. While we weren’t buddies, (in fact, I bet he would have some interesting comments about me even winning this award!) we had in common that we wanted to see the division of small block supermodified racing be successful. This has grown into a great division of people, and I think that Tony White would be happy with how the division has evolved. The following is an excerpt from the column I wrote when Tony passed.:

---- “Saturday, June 11th, 2005 is a night that will always be on the minds of Oswego Speedway fans and competitors, especially those of the limited supermodified division. But it will not be remembered for the racing. Saturday night one of our own passed away during competition. And suddenly racing is a whole lot less important.

---- Tony White was a long time competitor at Oswego Speedway. His history included crewing for Mark Regan, and as a successful limited super car owner with brother Wayne and driver Billy Izyk. In 2000, Tony decided to enter the ranks as driver, building a street stock that he campaigned for two seasons. The team earned Super Stock Owner of the year award for Tony’s brother Wayne in 2000. In 2002, Tony and Wayne, along with longtime friend Dan Dennie and others built a limited super, earning Tony the Limited Super Rookie of the Year award. After the 2003 season, Tony and Wayne sold the car, in order to concentrate on their business, White’s Car Care. But Tony couldn’t stay out, and hit the tracks a few times later in 2004 in a car owned by Doug Cliff. For 2005, the Whites were back with a brand new FFB chassis. This turned out to be Tony’s last car. Tony rides in the record books as a three time winner in the street stock division, and a two time winner in the limited supers. Tony White, 37, passed away of an apparent heart attack on lap seven of Saturday night’s limited supermodified feature. After bouncing off of the inner hub rail in turn number one, car #4 skated along the outside wall in turn two before coming to a stop. He was transported to Oswego Hospital, but did not survive.

---- I will not claim to be one of Tony White’s best buddies. We have had our run-ins on the track and off of the track. Our personalities often clashed. But I was also fortunate enough to see the good side of Tony. Tony and I had come to a little better understanding of each other in recent weeks, and even discussed limited super rules and such in a rare phone conversation just two days prior to his passing. I believe our first phone conversation ever, which was initiated by Tony. Tony was a vocal crusader for fairness for our division, and we shared some concerns and tossed around ideas. We shared a few refreshments and a lot of laughs after last year’s Classic, hanging out at one of the campground parties. After a tangle last year with Tony that was my fault, I received a handshake instead of a confrontation, where Tony deemed it a "racing accident". This was the "new Tony White", who admitted that he had taken racing too seriously in the past, and was more interested in having fun. "Besides - I finished the race, and you didn’t!", Tony added with a laugh. Earlier this season, after being the victim of a low move by another driver which caused him to spin, Tony laughed it off, saying "I got Tony Whited." I’ll also relate a story from just last Saturday night. Tony got some laughs from onlookers, for mocking another driver who was complaining about some heat race action that had just taken place. I can just picture Tony rubbing his eyes in the crying motion, joking with the angry driver who was talking at the time. The "New Tony White" was having a good time at the track, and should be remembered that way. Tony’s unique sense of humor and infectious laugh will always be remembered in our pit, and our thoughts will stay with his family. Tony leaves an 11 year old daughter, Chelsea, whom he introduced to me a couple of years back, even at the height of our feuding days. Look for some special tributes this week at the speedway for Tony and his family.”

---- Rest in peace, Tony White. I’m proud to accept this award, in your honor.

---- The Jim Shampine Memorial Award was also awarded on this day. “Since the 80‘s, the Eagles Fan Club has presented the Jim Shampine Memorial Award to the person who best exemplifies the character and passion for supermodified racing of Jim Shampine.”

---- Gary Syrell, long time contributor to the supermodified division both as a driver and an owner, was the proud recipient of the Shampine Memorial Award. Syrell and his family currently field the #08 supermodified driven by Dave McKnight. Congratulations to Gary Syrell and Syrell Racing!

---- It was great to observe all of the changes to the facility, and feel the excitement from the fans on the first race under the new management of John and Eric Torrese. Many improvements have been made already, perhaps the most dramatic being a general new attitude among employees at the speedway. I noticed it personally, and I heard several people talk about it. Thank-yous and smiles go a long way when you’re speaking with customers. And they don’t cost a penny to do. Also shockingly nice was a complete new Men’s restroom in the first turn area. The crowd was great for opening day, and think people really enjoyed what they saw.

---- The only negative that I heard people talking about was lengthy awards and Hall of Fame presentations during the aforementioned red flag during the small block super feature. While this intermission had been planned for later in the evening, speedway officials felt that it would be a good time to handle it during the cleanup break. It did save some time, and it was great to see the Hall of Fame inductees get their deserved recognition, and have the opportunity to say a few words in front of the large crowd. But I did hear some small block drivers grumbling about being left to sit in the cars during the hot sun during the break. It was felt that they should have been allowed to get out of their racecars and cool off during the probably one hour break. Sounds like some poor communication.

---- That’s it for this week’s episode. I’m sure week number two will bring even more greatness to the speedway and fans. I’ll have to miss the race myself, as I’ll be celebrating my 26^th wedding anniversary this weekend with a long planned one week dream vacation to Ireland with my lovely bride April. It’s something we had planned for a long time for our 25^th anniversary, but had to put off a year due to weddings and graduations of our children last year. So I’ll wish all of my friends good luck, and see you next week.

 

Gater News - May 24th, 2011

“I am overcome with glee!” This Saturday marks the grand opening of the ”new” Oswego Speedway. Actually, it’s not new. There’s nothing new about it. It’s one of the oldest running speedways in the country. But the optimism generated by new owners for 2011, John and Eric Torrese, make it feel like a brand new track. It’s going to be a great year.

---- Changes and improvements have been ongoing, and last week’s open practice brought out a good crowd of fans. Show up this week to see for yourself, for the season opening Shampine/White/Evans Memorial races for the supermodifieds, small block supermodifieds, and RoC Modifieds. 3:00 start time.

---- So now it’s time for my annual predictions column. Each year I predict who will be the champs in the super and small block super divisions at Oswego Speedway - sometimes with amazing accuracy.

---- I started with the supermodified division, and decided that I couldn’t decide. I really wanted to pick a champion, but I couldn’t choose just one. First I narrowed it down to 12 drivers that have a legitimate shot at the championship. But I can’t pick all of them. So with great difficulty I‘ve just decided to list them all, and let you fill them in where you think..

---- But I think the champ will be one of these three: OTTO SITTERLY. Of course Otto Sitterly has to be a favorite to repeat yet again, in the Nicotra Racing machine. With all of the talent, crew, ambition, resources, and knowledge of this team, I would be crazy not to put him in my list of potential champions. Definitely the leader… Last year’s runner-up JOEY PAYNE is once again a serious threat for all the marbles. The Strong Racing entry is always up front, with one of the most talented drivers in the division behind the wheel. Payne will wheel the older car from the Strong stables on a regular basis, “my old war wagon“, as the Jersey Jet described it.… PAT LAVERY always finishes well in the points. Lavery drives for the solid Double Deuce Racing Team, as the driver of the 22. This could be the year.

---- Other contenders: JOE GOSEK is one of the most experienced drivers in the division, and will go down in history as one of the greatest drivers to ever wheel a super. This is another top team that could steal the crown…. DAVE MCKNIGHT is another long time member of the division, who will contend in the Syrell Racing #08. Dave was 5^th in 2010.…RAY GRAHAM travels from Iowa weekly to compete in the division, and cracked the winner’s circle twice in 2010. He’s got great equipment, and obviously a ton of ambition, to travel all this way. He would love to be the first champ at his buddys’ new speedway. He was 4^th last year….DAVE GRUEL is the other driver of the two car Double Deuce Racing team, and had a great run as rookie of the year in 2010, finishing 8^th, with a feature win. With a year under his belt, and a new Enders power plant, it would shock nobody to see the former small block super champ win the supermodified championship.

---- BOB BOND is an excellent point racer, and after a breakout Oswego season in 2010 when he won Classic AND King of Wings, his versatility and talent could never be questioned. Although he’s been hitting the ISMA circuit for many seasons, his return to Oswego could surprise everyone….RANDY RITSKES has the best chance he’s had in years to win a title at Oswego. This year he’s wheeling an almost new Xtreme Chassis ride, owned by Daratt Farms Racing. “Great car - nice to drive, and16.8’s all day on last year’s time trial tires” said Randy when I asked him how the car felt at the open practice.

---- DAN CONNORS JR. , JERRY CURRAN, TIM SNYDER and JEFF HOLBROOK are some drivers that could have a great finish in points if things go their way in 2011. All have excellent equipment and talent, and would love to push their way into the top three this year.

---- SHAWN MULDOON and STEPHEN GIOIA both return to the speedway in 2011 after missing all (Gioia) or most (Muldoon) of 2010 due to supermodified injuries from the 2009 season.

---- KEITH GILLIAM is back full time after running only occasionally the last few seasons. “The car was good even though I had two year old tires. New motor was great, and the new changes seemed to be good. I didn’t push it too hard”, said Gilliam….ANDY NOTO drives the team car to Randy Ritskes out of the Daratt Farms stable. Andy’s work and family schedule keeps him from running a full season, but he’s looking forward to running when he can….Haven’t heard much yet about SHAUN GOSSELIN’s 2011 plans, although the fact that he hasn’t signed up for the commitment program makes me suspect that they may not run the full season….KODY GRAHAM has signed up for the commitment program, and will travel weekly to the speedway from Iowa with his Dad, Ray Graham….And BOB BOGWICZ, who is signed up for the commitment program, apparently intends to run the full season.

---- ROOKIES! 2011 boasts one of the biggest and best fields of rookies ever at the speedway. Some excellent talent will fight for the rookie of the year award this year, with some great equipment.

---- MIKE MULDOON JR. leads the charge, as he showed up for opening day with two spotless, brand new supers owned by his Dad, past champion and numerous feature winner Mike Muldoon. Muldoon Sr.’s history as a driver AND owner for others is legendary at the speedway. On open practice day, both cars were in action, as Bobby Bond hot lapped the second car (#20) for Muldoon. But it was a good thing both cars were there, as the rookie took a ride into the water barrels with the #05 early in the practice, before turning some good times in the #20.

---- DAVE CLIFF, DAVE DANZER, GUARD NEARBIN, BRIAN SOBUS, and STEVE ABT are all rookies with a ton of talent and experience, that have moved to supers from the small block supermodified division. Cliff has a super formerly owned by the Payne family. Danzer’s brand new Hawk Chassis looks awesome! Nearbin has the old Mike Casey machine. Sobus drives a car from the Graham Racing stables. And Abt drives for Stowell Racing. Steve had a problem with the steering during open practice, but didn’t get too much damage. “The wheels went left, but the steering wheel stayed straight”, described Abt. A front bumper, nose, and two radius rods later Abt was ready for a track rental on Tuesday. T.J. WOOLSEY and ROD SAUTER are two more rookies that round out a stout rookie class. Put any or all of these guys in your top ten.

---- So who’s my pick for supermodified rookie of the year? It’s going to be a tough one. After seeing the garage photos and spares from the Muldoon shop, it’s tough to pick against him. But there are a lot of rookies with a lot more experience. Brian Sobus and Dave Cliff both logged some laps in a super last year, including amazing runs in Classic. Steve Abt has the decades of Stowell experience to call on, along with all of help from many of his FFB friends, including Dan Dennie. Dave Danzer works for Joey Hawksby, one of the most respected supermodified builders in the country. Guard Nearbin’s extended driving career has been in the small block division, but he has a lot of experience working on racecars in addition to his own. And I don’t know much about Woolsey or Sauter yet, but I’ve heard that there is a lot of experience there.

---- So who do I take? It’s a crap shoot. On a hunch, I’m going to go with Brian Sobus for ROTY in a very tight battle. This title will definitely come down to the last minute, and could be one of any of the rookies. Very exciting to watch this year!

---- So what about the small block supers? This looks like a little shorter field after all of the defectors to the supermodified division. It sure isn’t like the old days when there were 10 cars that didn’t even qualify on a given night. After making a list, I see only 18-19 cars that I expect to be in action weekly. But that still leaves a half dozen teams or so that could make occasional or more often appearances, so I still expect to see twenty plus cars weekly.

---- Top guys? That’s a challenge. Although some top guys left, including 2010 champ Dave Cliff and 3^rd place Brian Sobus, I see a clear cut favorite emerging.

---- Last year’s 2^nd place finisher already has a couple of championships. He’s the winningest driver in the HISTORY of the division. For years I’ve said that he is the best driver in the division. AND he’s a member of the Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame. Any idea who I’m talking about? If MIKE BOND doesn’t win this championship, I’ll eat my hat. And sunglasses.

---- ANDREW SCHARTNER, if he runs the whole season, will be his toughest competition. (Last year Andrew missed two races due to other commitments.) But the potent Crow Motorsports Hedger Chassis car will be fast every week, and will find victory lane more than once. I’m picking the #18 for 2^nd place this year.

---- TIM BARBEAU drives the potent Steve Abt owned #50, and finished 5^th in points last year. Now one of the veterans of the division, I’m moving him up to at least 3^rd in points this year.

---- KREIG HEROTH will certainly equal his 4^th place finish of 2010 in the Crow Motorsports ride. Kreig got his first win in the division last year, but isn’t going to be happy to stand at one. 4^th again for Heroth.

---- ROB PULLEN, another veteran of the division, returns to the division after taking off most of the 2010 season. Pullen has never won a championship, but already has three races (and one win) under his belt at Thunder Alley Speedway this year. I’m saying 5^th place.

---- BARRY KINGSLEY finished 9^th in 2010, his best points finish yet. Like Pullen, Barry also has three NORA races under his belt at Thunder Alley, with one victory. This year, I’m predicting 6th for Barry.

---- Last year’s rookie of the year, MIKE BRUCE, is another of the drivers who has a win under his belt already this year at Thunder Alley. I expect him to beat his ROTY points finish, which was 8^th, by at least one spot. 7^th place for Bruce in 2011.

---- JACK PATRICK, back after missing most of 2010 due to an off-season injury, is poised for a solid 2011 in his potent Chrysler-powered Hedger Chassis. I’m feeling 8^th place for Jack.

---- New Dad JASON SIMMONS will pilot a different ride in 2011, and improve on his 10^th place finish from 2010. 9^th place for Jason this year.

---- My prediction for 10^th place in points this year is also my prediction for rookie of the year. NATE SITTERLY looked pretty solid at last week’s open practice. And if he inherits half of his Dad Otto Sitterly’s talent and work ethic, my pick may be low.

---- But that’s not going to be an easy ROTY for Sitterly, as A.J. BERNYS will be right there nipping at his heels. WILL HADCOCK and DAVID LATULIP are two other rookies that will be in competition, and hope to make me eat my words.

---- A couple of drivers that didn’t crack my top ten are:

---- MARK CASTIGLIA missed my top ten because he didn’t run the full season in 2010, taking a week or two off after some horrible weeks of luck…. CAMERON ROWE also just barely missed my top ten in his first year as driver of the Teddneck Racing #77.…As did CHRIS TEDD, in his self-owned #37 Teddneck racing ride. Rowe and Tedd finished 4^th and 6^th in their season debuts last weekend at Thunder Alley Speedway….I’m not sure of the plans for FRED KILIAN, BRIAN OSETEK, or STAN GATES, as they have all been MIA so far this season at Thunder Alley and the Oswego Speedway open practice….And DENNIS RUPERT JR., back from service overseas last year, will gain a lot more experience in 2011.

---- Now let’s bring on the season!

---- Also happening this weekend at Oswego will be the annual selection of the Mitchell’s Speedway Press sponsored “Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame”, which took place last August. The “Class of 2010” induction ceremony will take place after the conclusion of the heat races on Saturday, May 28^th, at the infield podium with announcer Roy Sova. Lighthouse Lanes will host a Hall of Fame reception on Friday night May 27th at 7:00 in their "Hall of Fame Lounge" for fans to get to meet the new inductees.

---- The five members of the 2010 Mitchell’s Speedway Press “Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame” are: Driver: JAMIE MOORE, Owner: TONY OSETEK, Official: NORRIS MCDONALD, Official: BRUCE LEE, and Special Achievement, JIM LICCARDI.

---- Also on May 28^th, The Eagles Fan Club at Oswego Speedway will present the prestigious Tony White and Jim Shampine Memorial Awards in front of the grandstands at Oswego Speedway. Since the 80‘s, the Eagles Fan Club has presented the Jim Shampine Memorial Award, and since 2005 the Tony White Memorial Award.

---- Usually given in the fall after the racing season at the banquet, the Shampine and White awards will be issued in the spring this year due to the cancellation of the 2010 Oswego Speedway banquet. Recipients are not notified ahead of time, so the winner will be as surprised as the audience during the presentation, in front of the fans at one of the biggest races of the year. For more information on the Eagles Fan Club at Oswego Speedway, go to www.gosupers.com/eagles.

---- Congratulations to Mike Bruce on his victory last week in the NORA division at Thunder Alley Speedway. Bruce wrestled the lead from Barry Kingsley after several laps and some contact, and went on to the win over Rob Pullen, Pitt Watson, Cameron Rowe, Vern LaFave, and Chris Tedd, the last cars running at the finish. JJ Andrews, Barry Kingsley, and Ivan Steen rounded out the short field.

---- I thought it was going to be a night to remember for myself and teammate Barry Kingsley, as we started in positions one and two. We joked the night before about how great it would be if we finished one and two, then we almost finished last and second to last. Barry’s car got wrecked when he tangled with Mike Bruce while leading, and my car got wrecked when Rob Pullen “Kyle Busched” me into the infield by turning directly left into me on the back straight. (A trip to his pit earned me an apology, saying that when we touched wheels, it caused his wheels to turn left, sending me for that fateful ride. I guess it‘s possible, but it sure seemed like an obvious dump at the time.) Although tempted, I resisted smashing into Rob under caution, because that move has already been done this year.

---- At least I had fun earlier in the night, winning our only qualifying heat, and finishing 4^th in the open wheel division, “best in class” behind the three dirt modifieds. After the first week, where we “owned” the dirt mods, Jeff Rowe, Lance Willix, and Zach Aubertine showed us that the ownership had changed hands. It sure is fun racing against those guys. I wonder how many cars will be in the open wheel division when the small block supers aren’t there?

---- I had a very enjoyable conversation at the end of the evening with three guys that were asking some questions about our division of small block supers. “We’ll definitely be back to see you guys”, the one young man exclaimed. Our next race at Thunder Alley is June 25^th. I think we’re well liked there. Thanks to our NORA organizers (especially Steve Reynolds and Jackie Bruce) and Thunder Alley for three great weeks of racing there this early season. It’s been fun!

Gater News - May 17th, 2011

Open practice - or anything at Oswego Speedway in May means what? RAIN. Last weekend, the May 14^th and 15^th open practices were rained out. Which is what usually happens. Maybe this weekend? The open practice has now been moved to May 21^st, with opening day being May 28^th.

---- Prior to the cancellation of Saturday’s practice, a few cars and drivers were in the pits. Although it rained lightly the whole day, track management held off until 2:00 to pull the plug. New track co-owner Johnny Torrese went from pit to pit personally when the decision was made, thanking the drivers for coming. He also informed the drivers that there most likely won’t be early cancellations in 2011. “We’re going to wait - we want to get the shows in. Even if we have to wait until 10:00”, said Torrese of the upcoming regular season shows.

---- Optimism at the speedway appears to be at an all-time high right now. The changes and improvements are evident at the speedway. New foam blocks line the walls. Brush is cleared. New gates and stairs. New bathrooms. Roofs. Windows in the tower. Etc. etc. And throughout the whole rain delay on Saturday, you could hear the sounds of hammering and building, as one of the projects was being worked on the whole time.

---- Some of the supermodified drivers who were at the track included:

---- Otto Sitterly, who had at least one or two John Nicotra owned supers in the trailer.

---- Dan Connors Jr., with the former Doug Didero Xtreme Chassis ride, which had to have the cage modified to fit the taller Connors.

---- Pat Lavery and Dave Gruel both had the Double Deuce Racing supers unloaded and ready. Both cars were fired in the pits, and both drivers looked pretty anxious to turn some wheels. Different from last year for Gruel is a new Enders Racing Engine, built by Gruel’s stepfather, Kevin Enders. “Now we need to see what we have to do to get it (the potential extra power from the new engine) to the ground”, Gruel told me. Sounds like he’s expecting a lot of extra “juice” from the new power plant.

---- Defending Classic AND King of Wings champion Bobby Bond was at the speedway for practice, after he had recently signed up for the Oswego Speedway commitment program for 2011! Bond turned into a winged supermodified racer several years ago after a dispute with track management about rules, when his new independent front suspension car was banned soon after he got it. But as time wore on, it became apparent that Bond was more disappointed about the way he was treated, than the rule. And his return to the track now that there is new management proves that.

---- It was ridiculous that Bond, who lives about 7 miles from Oswego Speedway, and grew up going there EVERY WEEK, would hit the road to travel with ISMA, sometimes contrary to the wishes of his crew. But history will show that Bobby Bond is a man of principal.

Which is another way of saying …STUBBORN. Add yet another QUALITY supermodified team to weekly competition in 2011!!! Definite championship contender.

---- The highly anticipated return of Randy Ritskes, in the Daratt Farms #88 Xtreme Chassis car, was ready to happen. Ritskes was there with teammate Andy Noto, in the 2^nd Daratt Farms ride. Throughout 2010, Noto and Xtreme Chassis builder Paul Colloca built the new car for Noto to drive, but time and family commitments caused Noto to shockingly sell the coveted Xtreme to Daratt at the end of the season, after only wheeling it once or twice. As part of the deal, Noto will wheel the 2^nd car when time permits, or unless it’s needed as a spare.

---- Rookies Dave Danzer and Steve Abt weren’t at the rained out practice, because their cars weren’t quite complete. But both drivers expect to hit the track soon, possibly during this week’s practice. Keith Gilliam also turned some laps in his own #87 supermodified recently, on a day when he was also shaking down the two-seater supermodified, which will be used at the track for thrilling fan rides.

---- A few small block supermodifieds were in attendance for the sprinkles.

---- Rookie Nathan Sitterly was at the speedway for practice in the Heagerty owned small block supermodified. The car is the former Dave Cliff driven FFB Chassis ride. Jason Simmons, Tim Barbeau, and Rob Pullen all had their small blocks at the track, hoping to hit the speedway. Simmons, Barbeau, and Pullen have already been racing in 2011, as they had all been in action at Thunder Alley Speedway in Evans Mills, N.Y.

---- The small block supermodified division is definitely a changed division in 2011. Out of the top 20 in points in the division last year, 10 drivers - one half - don’t intend to run in the division in 2011. Two out of the top five, and four out of the top seven, have all moved to the supermodified division in 2011.

---- Dave Cliff Jr., (champion), Brian Sobus (3^rd), Guard Nearbin (6^th), and Steve Abt (7^th) all leave the comforts of the small block supermodified division, in favor of the supers. Dave Danzer (13^th) also makes the jump, making the supermodified division a very busy one. And the small block division a little scarce.

---- Dennis Richmond (11^th), who drove one of the Chris Tedd cars last year, will not be in competition in 2011. While he would like to be behind the wheel of a car in 2011, he had no plans or offers as of last week when I asked him. Bob Henry (14^th), Chris Proud (16^th), and Keith Gilliam (20^th) are three other drivers who were in the top 20 last year, who will not be in small block supers in 2011. And Lou LeVea Jr. (19^th), has recently purchased a house, stalling off his race time in 2011. He may make it out at some point, but doesn’t have a definite plan to.

---- So who’s left to compete for the title in 2011? Don’t you worry - there’s still a lot of good competition for the throne. Mike Bond (2^nd), and Tim Barbeau (5^th) are obviously two very strong contenders for the championship. Mike Bruce (8^th), Barry Kingsley (9^th), and Jason Simmons (10^th) also hope to be added to that list.

---- Jack Patrick is back in 2011, after missing most of 2010 due to an off-season shoulder injury. Jack has some great equipment, always impeccably maintained, and has been in the division for longer than anyone, with the possible exception of Mike Bond. You know Jack’s Hedger Chassis will make a lot of noise in 2011.

---- I was concerned that the division would lose the Crow Motorsports cars of Tom Aaserud, as he stated that his two cars and drivers would NOT be in competition in 2011, unless he received his point fund money from 2010. Fortunately for drivers Andrew Schartner, Kreig Heroth, the division, and their fans, Aaserud has decided to go racing anyway.

---- These are two of the finest Hedger Chassis cars in the division, and Heroth (4^th) and Schartner (12^th, despite missing two races), are two very strong young drivers, both feature winners in 2011. It would have been a terrible loss to the speedway and the division if a justified grudge against the previous speedway owners had kept them from competing.

---- But don’t worry too much about the division. There are still PLENTY of quality drivers looking to make their mark in 2011. Mark Castiglia is hoping to shed some of his bad luck from 2010, and has a new (to him) car. Cameron Rowe returns to the division full time in 2011, driving the Chris Tedd owned FFB car. Dennis Rupert Jr. is geared up for a full season. Rookies A.J. Bernys, Will Hadcock, Nathan Sitterly, and Dave LaTulip will keep the division strong.

---- Coming next week: my predictions about Oswego Speedway!

---- Also coming up this Saturday, May 21^st, will be the third installment of the NORA small block supermodified series at Thunder Alley Speedway, in Evans Mills, N.Y. The two previous races on April 30^th and May 7^th were very hotly contested, and were won by Barry Kingsley and Rob Pullen, on a last lap move.

---- Most of the small block supermodifieds also compete in the open wheel division, so if you’re a fan of the small block supers, this would be a great opportunity to see us race in two features. Two weeks ago, we raced along with some dirt modifieds, and I’m told that it was quite interesting to see the low-slung small block supers racing wheel to wheel with the tall, aggressive dirt modifieds.

---- Evans Mills, N.Y. is just north of Watertown, N.Y., on Route 11, not too far off of route 81, at exit 48.

---- In closing, I would like to express my condolences to the family of Dick Lindsay, who passed away last week. While I didn’t know Dick real well, I had known him for probably 30 plus years at the races. I had had many conversations with Dick at the track over the years, usually at Brewerton Speedway, including a hello at Brewerton just a couple of days before his passing. Dick was usually there as a fan, but I also remember when he drove in the street stock division, a few decades ago. It will seem a little strange not seeing Dick at the dirt tracks.

 

Gater News - May 10th, 2011

The NORA Small Block Supermodified series now has two events under its belt, as two back-to-back events at Thunder Alley Speedpark in Evans Mills N.Y. have given fans a lot to talk about.

---- Last Saturday’s event had all of the elements of a race that people will talk about for awhile. Side by side racing, nasty wrecks, a leader wrecking with a car that was sent out of the pits, and a pass for the win on the last lap, were all part of this show. How do the guys top that for the next event, which happens on May 21^st? I’m told it was a GREAT show for the fans! Please make plans to attend.

---- Heartbreak. The winner on opening night was Barry Kingsley, in the #23, who ran a solid race, leading them all and capturing the win. But night number two was the exact opposite of night number one for Barry. A hard crash in Barry’s heat race eliminated his #23, with a ton of damage and even a bent front clip. It appeared as though something broke in the front end of the car, and he immediately headed toward the front wall, bouncing off with such force that the crippled car ended up in the infield. Barry’s neck was a little sore the next day as he surveyed the damage.

---- For the open wheel race, Barry jumped in his second car, which was at the track for Mark Sledziona to drive. But early in that event, a tangle with A.J. Bernys sent him for another ride, doing a ton of damage to that car. Two wrecked racecars, and he didn’t even get to start the feature for the small block super division. Needless to say, Barry was pretty down when I saw him the next day. Even considering taking some time off. But we’ll get Barry back on track. He’s worked way too hard to get to this position, and he’ll be back - stronger than ever. As I told Barry, as bad as it is, I’ve seen a lot worse wrecks. And even though he said that he doesn’t plan to be ready for this Saturday’s open practice at Oswego Speedway, I’m confident that with enough peer pressure, he’ll be there.

---- Steve Abt was another driver who experienced some heartbreak. After getting a little overaggressive and raising some eyebrows on opening night, Steve had completely calmed down for last week’s event, even finishing behind me in our heat without touching my bumper. (Perhaps it was the “fist of intimidation” that I waved at him prior to the green flag.)

---- In our feature, Steve let his teammate Tim Barbeau do his “dirty work”, capitalizing on a couple of holes that Barbeau opened up with his bumper. Abt then took off and checked out, opening up a big lead for what would appear to be an easy win. But then the next surprise of the night happened when Dennis Rupert was sent onto the track from the pits, just as the leader was heading into turn one. The two cars tangled, and Abt’s lead - and chances for the win - were taken away when he spun out in turn three with a damaged car. “Karma’s a bitch”, said Abt the next day.

---- J.J. Andrews (yes, me!) inherited the lead, and away we went! After leading the next 8 laps without much warning from behind, I started driving more and more defensively. I was very careful to not make any mistakes, as I know that it’s very difficult to pass on the outside at Thunder Alley. “As long as I keep it low, nobody can pass me”, I told myself. Racing at Thunder Alley is less about having the fastest car, and more about situation.

---- But little did I know, there was an apparent firestorm going on behind me as Rob Pullen, Mike Bruce, Vern LaFave, and Pitt Watson were fighting furiously for my position. But as I took the one lap to go sign, the cars behind me had lost their patience, and whoever was behind me (I’m told Mike Bruce) smashed me hard enough in turn two to upset the car, and the momentum that I lost trying to correct it allowed Rob Pullen to get position to make a run in the outside groove. Teamwork!

---- You have a lot of time to think when you’re in the lead by yourself, and I made the decision earlier in the race that if anyone was going to try to pass me on the outside, I’d do anything necessary to keep it from happening. Even if I had to do it the dirty way. It’s been a long time since I won a race, and I wasn’t about to lose this one. But I couldn’t bring myself to smash Pullen off of turn four like I had planned, and he made a great move to steal my win. (Congratulations Rob - that was a great move!) Once again, screwed by my lack of “killer instinct” that comes natural to the great drivers.

---- Well it was fun for awhile. The car - even with the old tires from last year with the literally hundreds of laps on them - is still a lot of fun to drive. Other than my excessive defensive driving, I had some fun and passed some cars. And I also won my heat earlier in the night.

---- But even the next day, April couldn’t understand why I was “in such a bad mood last night” after finishing second. “Second is awesome”, said a lot of people. It sucks for me, as a part time racer getting up there in years, knowing that there aren’t going to be many more opportunities to see victory lane in this antique car, with my limited budget, help, and ambition level. But even worse, it really sucks to let down your family and friends, who need that win as bad - or worse - than I do, as payment for their support. If you guys think I wanted that win just for me, you are sorely mistaken. “It’s not fun to go to the races with you when you’re like that”, I was reminded. Really?

---- As the sting of the loss fades and I put things in perspective, it’s not really a big deal. The car is still fast and fun, and I get a few more shots at a win this summer at Thunder Alley. May 21^st, June 25^th, and September 10^th. And hey - I’m in 2^nd place in NORA points right now, only 4 points behind Vern LaFave, another old timer in a dinosaur car. We’re having fun - win, lose or draw. I’ll get over myself. But I…no, we… could have really used that win.

---- We should definitely take some time to recognize how great Vern LaFave is running in the old Steve Austin car. The former supermodified, dirt modified, and pavement modified driver seems to be having a good time racing with us again like the old days. Vern was the president of NORA for several years, and lives just a few miles from Thunder Alley. After finishing 2^nd on opening night, and 4^th this week, he’s started his season off well, and is the points leader. Vernie also won his qualifying heat.

---- Speaking of heat race wins, I would like to thank Norm Dunn of Number One Speed in Watertown for sponsoring the NORA heat races. Vern and I collected $25 cash for scoring the heat race wins. Thanks for your support!

---- It’s also good to see Pitt Watson behind the wheel again. Pitt has finished 5^th and 7^th in the two races and rides 4^th in points. Pitt, Vern, and I did a lot of racing together “back in the day”, which was probably 6-8 years ago. Vern, Ed Watson (Pitt‘s Dad), Chip Wood, and I used to run the NORA group, and we had a lot of fun traveling around a little and hanging together. Rob Pullen is the only other “old timer” that is currently racing with us that raced with us in those days. Now if we can get Chip back in a car, along with Shawn Walker, and three or four Bartletts, it will be just like the old days!

---- Tim Barbeau is another top car that has had no luck in the division so far this year. Sure to be a title contender at Oswego, Barboo has finishes of 8^th and 10^th to show for his efforts so far in 2011. The FFB Chassis car, which is owned by Steve Abt, has been in tangles both nights so far. It doesn’t look like Timmy’s having any fun so far, but I bet he’ll be back - and in great shape - next time we come back.

---- A.J. Bernys, who had such a solid run on opening night in the open wheel division, didn’t have such a great time last week. Since I was in the race, I didn’t get much of a chance to watch him, but he seemed to be caught up in several incidents. I saw a lot of wrinkled body panels, especially the nose. I’m not sure if he read his press clippings from opening night and got a big head, or if his hair got so long this week that it was in his eyes. His small block super feature ended before it started, when he had to bail out of the car before the initial green when some of the wiring shorted out in the cockpit.

---- NORA POINTS AFTER 5/7/11: 1. LaFave 208, 2. Andrews 204, 3. Pullen* 199, 4. Watson 177, 5. Barbeau 175, 6. Bruce 175, 7. Abt 169, 8. Jason Simmons 166, 9. Ivan Steen 160, 10. Kingsley* 155, 11. Mark Castiglia 140, 12. Bernys (R) 126, 13. Guard Nearbin 100, 14. Dennis Rupert (R) 80. 15. Tim Dunn (R) 46, 16. Mark Sledziona (R) 45.

---- The “Open Wheel” division race last week was quite a different race than opening night. The first week out, the small block supers had a decided advantage, and hogged all of the top spots, relegating the dirt mods in attendance to the rear finishing positions. This week…not so much.

---- That’s because Zach Aubertine and Tyler Bartlett weren’t there. It was a whole different story this week, as Aubertine was AWESOME to watch. “ That's how a DIRT driver does it. I was telling the guys, "we're (wimps)! That's how it's done." Good run, man. You scared the (crap) out of a few guys, but I'm a dirt driver, so I get it. I only run these cars because I'm old - and can't afford a dirt car”, is what I told my new Facebook friend Aubertine.

---- In true dirt driver form, he was sideways and aggressive, flying over the inner berm with the left side of his car, flexing his “ride height” muscle like the small block supers can’t do. If we try to throw our left tires over the inner berm, we bottom out or swallow the nose or spin out, because of our three inch ride height. But ROAAARRR! is all I could hear. Then he blew by me on the inside, on one or two wheels, before dusting all of the cars ahead of me the same way. I love dirt cars and drivers. Tyler Bartlett also passed a bunch of “our guys” to finish 4^th.

---- Over at Oswego Speedway, optimism is at its peak! Work is going on all around the speedway, as the gates are scheduled to swing open this Saturday, May 14^th, for an open practice session. A TON of repairs are being done by new owners John and Eric Torrese, and a TON of money is being spent.

---- I heard this week that over $20,000 has been spent to order new impact reducing foam blocks to replace the broken pieces that have lined the walls for several seasons now. Bathrooms, roofs, brush, cleanup, painting, tower, etc are just some of the improvements I’ve heard about. Even a many thousand dollar scoreboard is on its way.

---- From the speedway website:

---- “The Oswego Speedway begins the 2011 racing season with an open practice session on May 14. All classes that will be racing during the 2011 season are welcome to participate, so you can expect to see Supermodifieds, Winged Supermodified, Small Block Supermodifieds, RoC Modifieds, Super Stocks, Late Models, and SST Modifieds.

---- Oswego Speedway Race Director Chuck Handley has announced that pits still open at 10:00 AM, and tech inspection for Oswego Speedway’s regular divisions will get under way at that time. The main grandstands will open at noon, with free admission. Practice will start at 1:00 and continue until 5:00. “We expect a lot of cars,” said Handley, “so the race fan will get a really good sampling of what they can expect to see this year at the Oswego Speedway.”

---- One thing the Supermodified fan is looking forward to is the large number of rookies that will be in competition this year. Brian Sobus, who got started last year running a car out of the Ray Graham stable Classic Weekend and at the MSA non-winged show at Sandusky Ohio, is one of more than a handful of new drivers looking forward to the season. Sobus said, “we got off to a great start with two very good runs at the end of last season, but we know we’ve got our work cut out for us. The car is ready to go, and I’m looking forward to practice, and the season opening Port City Weekend.”

---- Also looking forward to the new year is Guard Nearbin who, like Sobus, is moving up from the SBS division. Nearbin has purchased the former Mike Casey Super and plans to be ready for practice day. Nearbin said,“I’ve always wanted to get behind the wheel of a Super, and this was the perfect opportunity. Mike was putting his car up for sale at a good price, and I could sell my Small Block Super.”

---- There could be as many as a half dozen Supermodified rookies in 2011. Dave Danzer will move up from the SBS division, Rod Sauder has bought the Tim Timms super, Gnomey Racing has purchased the former Johnny Payne 67super and Canadian T J Woolsey is ready to go with the former Scott Martel Super. Along with the new faces in the Supermodified field, you will also see the return of three drivers who sat out all or most of the 2010 season. Keith Gilliam, after taking a year off to help with the 2-seat Supermodified will be back behind the wheel of a new design #87, Shawn Muldoon in the #1 and Stephen Gioia in the #9 will be back after they both took a year offto recuperate from injuries. You can also look for several new faces in the Small Block Supermodified field.

---- In addition to the cars, the fans will also be treated to a number of new and improved things at the track this year. With the recent sale of the famed lakeside oval two brothers John and Eric Torrese, a number of improvements havealready been made. The fans will notice some improvements, and others they probably won’t notice. For instance, said John Torrese, “there is already a new roof on the tech barn, and we are putting a new roof on the infield concession stand. Restroom concerns have been addressed and we think the fans will be pleased.” The Lighthouse Lanes VIP Tower is also seeing renovations, and the area outside the turns 3 and 4 area, which over the years has collected all sorts of foam that has been thrown over the wall, is being cleaned up.”

---- It sounds like a great start to the season, and I expect this weekend’s practice session to be one of the most well-attended practice sessions in the history of the speedway. Like many fans, I am anxious to enter the hallowed grounds of Oswego Speedway and see just what has been done already, and get to know the “new regime” a little better. See you there!

Gater News - May 3rd, 2011

NOW we (Oswego Speedway fans) can move forward - the sale of Oswego Speedway has been completed! It’s officially closed, as of last Tuesday, April 26^th. Pat Furlong Sr. and Steve Gioia Jr. have sold to Johnny and Eric Torrese, long time Oswego fans and businessmen. The Torreses currently live in Florida, but are originally from central New York. Thanks to Pat Furlong and Steve Gioia, for saving the track seven years ago, and thanks to the Torreses, for assuring its continuation..

A meeting was held at Lighthouse Lanes in Oswego, N.Y. on the night of the closing, where drivers, owners, and fans were invited to meet the new owners.

 “Sorry it took so long. It’s over. Let’s go racing!” That’s how the meeting was opened, by new speedway co-owner Eric Torrese. Tonight’s meeting finally confirms that the speedway sale has been completed, and it’s now time to move forward.

 The meeting was moderated by race director Chuck Handley, who shared some information, then opened up the floor for questioning. John and Eric Torrese made themselves available for any and all questions from the overflow crowd. The brothers seemed enthusiastic and easy to speak to, and left a lot of optimism to the fans, owners, and drivers who were in attendance.

 “Every week, you’ll see more changes”, said Eric Torrese when asked about what changes or improvements are upcoming at the speedway. While no specific improvements were indicated, there has been enough talk to prove that the Torreses will leave an excellent mark on this facility.

 The first turn of wheels at the track will take place on Saturday, May 14^th, for an open practice. A rain date of May 15^th will be the backup for that, and if neither of those happens, May 21^st will be an open practice day. Track rentals will also be available. The speedway will sell the tires and fuel, and the supermodified tire rule will be the same as in 2010.

 The originally scheduled May 7^th ISMA date which was postponed hasn’t been rescheduled yet, but speedway officials will be working with ISMA officials to find another date.

 Not much discussion was held at the meeting regarding tech for the new season, but “the rules will be the rules”, said John Torrese. No personnel changes have been announced, but Torrese stated that they “are not looking to make any changes”.

 All in all, I thought that the meeting was a huge success. The Torrese Brothers appear to be committed and approachable, and I could tell that there is a lot more good stuff to come. “We have a great staff, and we’ve got more coming”, said John Torrese later in the evening.

 The two owners stuck around for an extended period of time after the meeting to spend time with anyone who wanted to visit. “I’ve got time for any of you”, said John Torrese during the meeting. “Anybody has concerns, get with me.”

 A few days after the meeting, the mood is very positive for most of the people I spoke with. The timing was right for “a new pair of eyes” on the speedway, as I think most would agree. The outgoing owners should be commended for keeping the place afloat since the Carusos sold to them in 2004, and now the Torreses have the opportunity to build their own legacy.

 Probably the only negative that came out of the meeting was the subject of the still unpaid point fund from 2010. Team owners have still not been paid by the now previous owners, and it’s still a very sore subject for a few owners. Many feel that at the bare minimum, they are entitled to the proceeds from the sale of the 50/50 tickets, which is announced weekly as the “driver’s 50/50 raffle”.

 “My cars will stay parked if I don’t get my point fund from 2010”, said two car small block supermodified owner Tom Aaserud. Aaserud’s two cars finished 4^th and 5^th in owner points in 2010, with 3 wins, and are a very professional, well-run team. The loss of these two cars would leave a big hole in the division. Aaserud is adamant that he feels that the 2010 point fund should have been part of the closing. “It’s not the money, it’s a matter of principal. I will absolutely park those two cars if I‘m not paid.” And he’s not the only one that feels that way.

 “We’re going to move forward - that will be handled by 2010 people”, said Chuck Handley when asked about the point fund by Tom Aaserud. Handley was referring to the outgoing owners, Gioia and Furlong, who have been mum since the end of 2010 about the point fund. But the statement that it will be “handled” leads me to believe that some funds may be forthcoming. “But remember, $16,000 of last year’s point fund was added to the purse money”, cautioned Handley. Handley is referring to commitment program funds that apparently came out of the point fund. I’m not sure that drivers were aware of that fact. I expect that more information and explanation will follow soon.

 “We do have a commitment to the point fund for 2011”, said Eric Torrese. It was announced that drivers would be notified of exactly what the point fund would be, prior to the start of the season. Sounds to me like the guesswork is in the past.

 In my opinion, the Torreses aren’t to be held responsible for the point fund of the previous owners. And I’m saying that as a car owner who should have point fund money coming from 2010. BUT if the owners never receive any point fund money from 2010, it will cast a dark cloud for some over the optimism that is currently covering the Oswego Speedway racing community.

 Is there still a possibility that point fund money is still coming for some of the teams, from the proceeds of the sale? Maybe that’s a possibility, after the dust settles from the sale. Both Steve Gioia and Pat Furlong’s sons compete in the supermodified division at the speedway, and I fear that they would probably hear some flack from team owners who felt that they were short-changed, when they came to watch or help their sons at the speedway.

 I like to believe the best about people, and hope that everything will work out. But this needs to be addressed, one way or another, with an announcement or a press release. If the 50/50 isn’t being paid because of the “$16,000“ that Handley spoke of at the meeting, then the numbers need to be explained in more detail. One comment at a meeting is not enough to settle an issue of this magnitude.

 The NORA Small Block Supermodified division had their season opener at Thunder Alley Speedpark, in Evans Mills, N.Y. last Saturday. The race was well attended, as 14 cars were in action. And the action was quite interesting, to say the least. A lot of action, some wrecks, some HOT tempers (present company included) and a new driver in victory lane.

 Barry Kingsley was the winner of the small block supermodified event, taking the lead early on after a tangle with Mark Castiglia on the initial green flag. I didn’t see exactly what happened, but Kingsley landed on the pole after the tangle, while Castglia was sent to the rear. Barry led the rest of the event, even opening up a decent lead during a long green flag run.

 Congrats to Barry Kingsley, now a two time feature winner in the small block supermodified division! Even though I dabble as a part-time driver in the division, I’m still a crew member and sponsor of Barry’s car, so I was very excited that “we” won! And even more exciting for me was the fact that Barry’s bride Debi, who missed Barry’s win at Oswego last year, was there to see Barry snag the victory. THIS is why Barry busts his butt so much, working hard on his car to make it fast. I’m very happy for our buddy Barry!

 At Thunder Alley, the small block supers get to run in two separate races. In addition to the small block division, they also run a mixed division called “Open Wheel”, where drivers of any division that has open wheels can compete together. 10 small blocks entered the open wheel division, along with two dirt mods and an IMCA mod. It sure was interesting squaring off with a dirt mod, as I ran side by side with a guy who was driving the paved track sideways like a dirt driver would! But our cars seemed to have a distinct advantage, so it was basically like a twin feature night for drivers in our division.

 While there wasn’t much passing in the top 3-4 positions in the small block division feature, a lot of dicing took place a little further back. Probably the driver who got the most POSITIVE attention (a few guys got negative attention!) was A.J. Bernys. A.J. only ran a couple of times last year, so it was very impressive to see him passing cars and running in the 2^nd groove. Unfortunately, he went in a little hot outside of me as we fought for 4^th place, and lost it in the marbles. But he recovered for a damage free 9^th place in that event.

 But Bernys was even more impressive in the open wheel feature. Starting last, A.J. powered to a solid 2^nd place, right on the bumper of an equally impressive Mike Bruce, who won the race. He had a lot of people talking, that’s for sure. Keep an eye on this kid - he’s got it!

 Bruce was involved in an early incident in the small block feature, but had a great run in the open wheel competition, passing several cars to snatch the victory. It’s tough to pass or drive in the second groove at Thunder Alley, but these young guys didn’t get the memo. Last year’s Oswego Speedway rookie of the year drove a solid race for the win, showing how he acquired all of the accolades in 2010 at Oswego. Bruce finished 8^th in the points as a rookie, in the Rob Pullen owned car. The family owned team purchased Shawn Walker’s car late last season, and will campaign that car as the #22 in 2011.

 Vern LaFave earned a solid 2^nd place finish in the small block feature in the Steve Austin #66, followed by Guard Nearbin, J.J Andrews, and Rob Pullen. The #66 has been sitting around for several seasons since Austin quit racing, so Vern must have done a great job of putting it back together. Vern ended up smashed into the outside wall in the open wheel feature, and jumped out to give the offending party the “point of death”. I don’t know who it was, but I’ve seen that point before. (From Vern.)

 That wasn’t the only incident that happened to the small block supers. A couple of guys were a little cranky or aggressive on opening night. Guard Nearbin was a guy that I seemed to spend a lot of time behind. It looked like he drove pretty clean in the small block feature, but he was a totally different driver in the open wheel feature. He wrecked Steve Abt under caution, as he apparently didn’t see the caution flag come out early in the race. Then he was crashing into leader Rob Pullen, until he eventually cut his own front tire. Nearbin, who is moving up to the supermodified division at Oswego Speedway in 2011, looked like he was trying pretty hard to get his first victory before he leaves the small block division.

 There was also a pretty heated incident in the small block feature between myself and Steve Abt, another driver who plans to run in the supermodified division in 2011. My car was pretty good, but I couldn’t get position on the cars ahead of me to make a pass. Running behind me, Steve was getting more impatient than me, and started turning me sideways coming off of the corners. I’m pretty good at saving a car, but it gets kind of annoying after awhile. The more years I race, the less tolerance I have for rough-riding, so after Steve turned me sideways enough to pass me, I gathered up the car and dumped him.

 I’m not big on driving like that, but “race rage” is a powerful tool. If you make me mad enough on the track, I will retaliate if I can catch you before I cool down. Fortunately for both of us, no further damage was done to the cars as a result of my action, but Steve was “sent packing” with a black flag for smashing into me under caution. He powered through the field under caution and drove into my right front tire, but fortunately no damage was done to my car from that shot. I found out after the race that the rear bumper and cage of the car was broken from the earlier contact.

 “You can’t get anywhere if you’re not aggressive”, Steve told me later. That conversation was held the next day over the phone, because as bad as I wanted to, I sure wasn’t going storming down to his pits where all those big guys were hanging out. Steve and I have known each other a long time, and I’m glad he initiated contact with me via an ice-breaking text message (“you’re supposed to turn left, not right”) then a phone call to patch this up. “We both know what we did to each other. It’s cool”, said Abt on Sunday. We had our conversation, and I’m more than happy to put that incident in my rear view mirror.

 I’m often surprised at how people who are friendly with each other react to things that happen on the track. It sounds small in the scheme of things, but in that moment, driving that car is the most important thing in our minds. I’m sure Steve wasn’t thinking about the cash I recently contributed to his race team at his recent fundraiser, or the cash I spent at car owner Chris Tedd’s fundraiser just a couple of weeks ago. We talked awhile, then agreed to owe each other a beer and move on. Steve even offered to help me fix my frame, which was good. The good thing about racing, and that it was handled right on the spot, is that we can move on. Now it’s over. Done deal.

 Prior to the open wheel feature, I was surprised to be warned by the pit steward that “they’re watching you up there - you better be on your best behavior”. That helped me take ownership for my own actions. Fortunately no other cars were caught up in our “low rent” maneuvers when we handled it on the track. But I wouldn’t change a thing about the way I handled it.

 Coming up this Saturday, May 7^th, is “round two”. The NORA small block supers are in competition again at Thunder Alley Speedpark, where many of us will run both the small block race AND the open wheel race. We put on an action-packed show, and I think the crowd enjoyed seeing our division in action. Last week we had 14 cars - the most of any division. (Thunder Stocks also had 14.) We’ll also be back on May 21^st. See you there!

Gater News - April 24th, 2011

 

Gater News - April 19, 2011

Gater News - April 12, 2011

 

Gater News - March 29, 2011

Keepin’ it Real by JJ Andrews

Is it sold? Is it not? What’s going on?

---- Oswego Speedway fans are in a frenzy right now about the pending sale of the speedway, which has been going literally for months. But as of press time, March 27^th, the deal still has NOT officially closed. Any amount of behind the scenes checking that I have done indicates that while the deal is still moving forward, it’s not done yet. Day after day people are discussing and theorizing and spreading rumors about whether or not the sale of Oswego Speedway, from owners Pat Furlong and Steve Gioia to potential buyer Johnny Torrese has closed, or WILL close.

---- Adding fuel to the fire was an official message, on www.oswegospeedway.com, that the sale would close on March 23^rd. What’s more official than that? Well that fact also, even though it was on the speedway’s official website, appears to have been a rumor.

---- A couple of different attempts to contact Torrese have been unsuccessful, so as near as I can tell, the official word is that there is no official word. I can only assume that, if there were definite words to tell, we’d get them, but since nothing is definite in business, it’s not done until every one of the final details are resolved. Hurry up and wait, race fans.

---- So what can we, as race fans do now, while we wait in this limbo zone? We need to just CHILL. My assignment to you: take a cleansing breath. We can’t do anything to change or fix the deal. Let’s let the people that are handling it, handle it. As long as it takes. Without spreading rumors as to when, or why. And whatever the outcome, we will support. Because here’s one fact that I AM confident in, and I reiterate: Oswego Speedway will be open in 2011 no matter whose name is on the deed. And it will be a great year, with a lot of promise. The excitement is building for opening day, just about one month away!

---- The next newest official addition to the supermodified division is a driver who has been a very successful small block supermodified driver, who was itching to move up to the supermodified division. Defending small block champion Dave Cliff Jr. already said that he wasn’t interested in coming back to the small block division in 2011, even if the family hadn’t sold both of their FFB Chassis small block cars. (One had been sold at the end of the 2010 season.)

---- The Cliff Family had been looking for a supermodified, but with the other car sitting there unsold, it’s not so easy to step up financially. But a deal has been cut. From Dave’s mother / team press agent Dayna: “ We are hoping to go pick up our Super this coming weekend. We are in the process of buying the former 67 of Johnny Payne. Hopefully if all goes well, and with a little sponsorship help we will be able to run the full season, that is our goal. It would go a long way towards our goal if we could sell the 36 SBS car, but we'll see.”

---- How’s that for some exciting news for the supermodified division? The additions just keep coming. Want more?

---- As I reported in the last edition, Steve Abt has purchased the #61 supermodified from Mark Castiglia, which was campaigned last year by Lou LeVea. But the motive has changed a little. While Steve initially told me he bought it for a “parts” car, it looks as though that plan may change. Now the talk is that the car may be put together as possibly a winged car for Steve to drive in selected wing races, or possibly a second car, for Abt’s teammate Tim Barbeau to roll a few times. Abt has spoken to Castiglia about possibly purchasing a wing and supermodified engine that Castiglia still has in his collection. Stay tuned on that one - but the good news just keeps coming for the supermodified division.

---- Speaking of Castiglia, he has stepped up his own small block supermodified position. He has purchased the #77 small block super from Chris Tedd. Although the #77 came with an engine, he’ll have to use his own engine from his #90 car. Castiglia has his #90 car for sale, for just $3,500 as a roller, and is looking forward to a much more solid season than his “season of Hell” in 2010.

---- Chris Tedd’s stable of small block supers has had weight reduction surgery, as his collection went from almost five cars, to three, with Castiglia’s purchase of the 77. And now he’s considering trimming that back a little more, to two cars, as Dennis Richmond may not be behind the wheel of the #7 in 2011. As of this last weekend, Tedd and Cameron Rowe will be the only two drivers piloting small block supers for Teddneck Racing.

---- Cameron Rowe is pretty excited about the season, and can’t wait to hit the track. “This is a great opportunity for me”, said Rowe of his ride in the former Kevin Knopp championship car. “This is great equipment - probably the most prepared that I have ever been.”

---- Dave Danzer has been hard at work on his all new Hawk Jr. supermodified. “It’s coming really good”, said Danzer. “The motor is in it, and Joey (Hawksby) started the body the other day. Should be all ready by May 1^st!” Although that was a text conversation with the rookie of the year hopeful, I could definitely sense the enthusiasm.

---- One rumor that I checked into has turned out to be just that - a rumor. The story was that multiple track champion Otto Sitterly’s son Nick would be in competition in 2011 at Oswego Speedway, in either a small block super or a supermodified. “You heard it here first - no, Nick is not racing at the speedway this year”, said Otto when I approached him for the hot scoop. It would have been a fun story - in fact I’m so disappointed that maybe I’ll just make one up.

---- Tim Snyder also offered to help make up some news stories. When I asked if he had any fresh news stories, he said “I could start something if you would like. Like J.J. to fill in in the #7 for Davey Hamilton…”. I told him to stand down - I’ll fabricate my own stories, thank you.

---- While Snyder will still be teamed up with Shaun Gosselin in 2011, Gosselins will be working out of their own shop, with help from the Snyder crew at the track. But look for a “new look” for the cars this year. And, as with most teams, Snyder Racing is actively on a sponsorship hunt for 2011, as “money is very tight” right now. Best of luck to the Snyder and Gosselin racing Team(s) in 2011.

---- Jason Simmons’ new Mikey O’Connor small block supermodified isn’t done yet, and opener is about a month away. He sold his own car to Dennis Rupert last year, and won’t be driving the Terry Solazzo car in 2011. So to make sure he’s not ride-less when the season kicks off, he recently acquired a car from Barry Kingsley. A couple of months ago, Kingsley picked up the Jan Donnelly #66, a Doug Reaume built car. Simmons bought the rolling chassis from Kingsley last week, and will put the car together with his own engine, to run until the new car is ready.

---- As racing season approaches, people are starting to get cranked up. The first supermodified race of the season comes to Ace Speedway, in Altamahaw, North Carolina. The event will be an MSA sanctioned winged event, the first of its kind at the speedway. Many supermodified teams and fans will be headed for warmer weather, and will be able to enjoy the smell and taste of methanol, and enjoy the sweet sing of big block engines. Hope it’s a great show, and a great turnout!

---- Racebook. You can learn a lot about your favorite drivers, owners, and mechanics by being Facebook friends with them. Some hang back and read what others write. Some drop in some info every once in awhile. And some pour their hearts out on Facebook, telling you a lot of details - sometimes details that you didn’t really want, or shouldn’t have been told. So for fun, I thought I’d go through some of my “Racebook Friends”, and see what’s doing on their FB sites. Here are a few of them., alphabetically. Let’s see if I get any “un-friending”.

---- Steve Abt (supermodified rookie): Had a trip to Florida and Disney with his son Joey, along with a trip to Daytona.

…Tim Barbeau (small block supermodified): Thanks everyone for a successful fundraiser. May run a super. And recommends Gino and Joe’s char-grilled wings.

… Michael Barnes (supermodified): Feels that SU basketball is overrated. And is a NC fan. (I never liked that kid.)

…. Michael Bruce (small block supermodified): He’s working on his racecar at college. (Now that’s my kind of college!) And he got a new outfit.

…. Mark Castiglia (small block supermodified): Mark’s on vacation in the Dominican Republic - and didn’t take me! I nearly took his spot, though. I just couldn’t find my backwards hat, and tangerine speedo.

…. J.J. Courcy (IMCA Modified and Late Model): He’s not sure he’ll be running a full season in 2011, and he’s looking for some help swapping motors. And is quite unhappy with SU basketball player Scoop Jardine.

…. Chris Cunningham (Pro Stock): He’s got pictures of a very stripped racecar - “lots of work!!”.

…. Ricky DeGroff (mod lite): He’s got a new mod lite, and recently bowled a 300 game. And shows you the pin to prove it.

…. Greg Doust (sportsman): Looks like he spends most of his off-season going to hockey games with his sons. Oh - and Tully’s.

…. Mike Fowler (sportsman): Mike’s not sure if or when he’ll be racing this year, because his job may take him to Albany this year. He also quotes Spongebob Squarepants.

…. Mark Green (IMCA): Mark’s got the engine in his car. And acknowledges that he’s not young and foolish any more - just foolish.

…. Doug Heveron (retired supermodified legend): The “Young One” as he was called back in the days when he dominated supermodified, racing turns 50 years old.

…. Steve Hulsizer (dirt modified): Steve’s headed to Myrtle Beach on vacation. Lucky!

…. Danny Kapuscinski (small block and big block supermodified, and karts): he’s been working on his kart, and observing comments from little boys at Target. “I’m going to wear skinny jeans all week at school”, said the little boy.

…. Barry Kingsley (small block supermodified): He ran the DT100 - and had fun shoveling snow off of his roof.

…. Lou LeVea (supermodified): Loves the McGriddle. And hopes his truck isn’t robbed again.

…. Andy Noto (supermodified): He’s working out of town, and also bought a new cell phone. Apparently he couldn’t afford the iPhone.

…. Howard Page (supermodified): Howard has been in snowmobile riding mode all winter. But he did also share with me more than once that he’s getting the major itch to go supermodified racing again.

…. Jack Patrick (small block supermodified): “Fireman Jack” has been battling fires, and waiting (impatiently) for racing season.

…. Joey Payne (supermodified): The “Jersey Jet” has been spending a lot of time working on his son Anthony’s racecars. He has also been very outspoken about the fact that he will NOT race at Oswego Speedway in 2011 unless ownership changes hands. One would think that his team’s recent fundraiser would obligate the Jet to Oswego in 2011. “If it sells, I’ll be there. If it doesn’t, I’m gone.” My prediction: the sale will eventually happen, and the Jet and Strong Racing will be there with bells on.

…. Chad Phelps (big block modified): Chad somehow got into trouble, and bought some lovely flowers to square it up. I think it worked. And he also went to Monster Jam, presumably learning some new tricks.

…. Matt Rainville (mod lite): Matt’s been working on his racecar. And is also not a fan of Scoop Jardine.

…. Cory Reed (marketing director for Brewerton and Fulton Speedways): Raised over $1,500 for St. Baldricks Pediatric Care Research by having his head shaved bald on March 27^th. Quite admirable!

…. Randy Ritskes (supermodified): Randy’s team is having a fundraiser on April 9^th, (at LaGraf’s Pub in Oswego at 1:00), and there may be an awesome prize available to be raffled off.

…. Dennis Rupert (small block supermodified): Dennis recently displayed his sweet ride at the Gater News Motorsports Expo. You can see pictures of the car on Racebook accompanied by a very attractive individual. And there are also some pictures of beauty contest entrants with the car.

…. Joe Scanlon (ISMA supermodified): Scanlon, from Salem, N.H., has been working on the racecar, and is looking forward to competing in the ISMA opener at Ace Speedway.

…. Andrew Schartner (small block supermodified): Andrew is attending college at UNC Charlotte, and is of the opinion that “women don’t shop, they hunt”.

…. Jason Simmons (small block supermodified): He actually googled directions, and made his way to the race shop. Where he watched the pros work on the car. While eating Friendly’s ice cream.

…. Brian Sobus (supermodified): Brian doesn’t say much on Racebook, but I have learned that he has been given a very cute nickname by his girlfriend Danielle.

…. Chris Tedd (small block supermodified): I would have to conclude from looking at Chris’ FB that he builds the most amazing snowmen. He also is secretly proud that he made the “Smash N’ Crash” tape.

 

Gater News - March 7, 2011

Keepin’ it Real by JJ Andrews

“We may not always win the race, but we never lose the party.” No, that’s not a quote from Charlie Sheen. That’s direct from small block supermodified driver Barry Kingsley, after the 3^rd annual “DT 100” for Make-A-Wish Kart race and after party, in Maine.

---- From organizer Dave Thomas Jr. “On Saturday, the 3rd Annual “DT 100” for Make-A-Wish was held at Maine Indoor Karting in Scarborough. The buzz surrounding the event had been heard all around New England for some time as not only would this be the first year the event would be held on a road course, but event promoter Dave Thomas Jr. had increased the field of talented drivers to a whopping 100! This year 10 states were represented including Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia. All of the major short track touring series were well supported, including NASCAR, ISMA, PASS, ACT, NEMA, among others. Along with many track champions representing Beech Ridge, Lee U.S.A., Star, Monadnock, Seekonk, Thompson, Stafford, Oswego, Canaan Fair, and more.”

---- As a competitor in this event, it was great to be a part of it. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to transfer to the A-main, but it was a great time squaring off against champion drivers from all over the northeast. Only 16 drivers qualified out of nearly 100. And not only was I at a disadvantage because of those numbers, but I also observed that lighter drivers are at quite an advantage (illustrated by the fact that drivers are weighed prior to the event, and the lightest drivers are put to the rear.) I held my own in my three qualifying attempts, but I don’t believe anyone 200 pounds or above made the show. Sure was fun trying though! The closest I could come was a 2^nd place finish to Joey Pole in the B main.

---- Mexico, N.Y. supermodified pilot Michael Barnes was the only one of “our guys” that made the show. Mikey was pretty happy to run the A main, and finished 13^th in the final rundown. “It’s the biggest accomplishment I’ve had in racing in a few years”, joked Barnes. More on that a little later…

---- Other Central New York drivers that made the trip were Randy Ritskes, Barry Kingsley, Peter Palmieri, John “Luther” Gray, and myself. Every one of us had a great time, and look forward to the 4^th annual event, next spring, also at Maine Indoor Karting, in Scarborough, Maine.

---- Alby Ovitt, of Barrington, NH captured the victory. Ovitt runs the “Wildcat” division at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway, where he finished 2^nd in points in 2010. Bill Fiske was 2^nd, NASCAR K&N Pro Series driver D.J. Shaw was 3^rd, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver Ryan Preece was 4^th, and ISMA Supermodified driver Joe Scanlon finished 5^th. Other drivers of note who made the main were Mike Ordway Jr. (7^th), and Erica Santos (11^th). Notable DNQ’s included Vern Romanoski, Dan Bowes, Rob Summers, Jeff Locke, Woody Pitkat, Chris DeRitis, Andy Suess, Lou Cicconi, Dan Lane, and Artie Rousseau.

---- An excellent after party for everyone involved took place at the Comfort Inn Suites in Biddeford, Maine, after the event. Laughs, a pig roast, and dancing finished the night with the band NIMBUS 9. I acquired a new “swagger coach”, made some new friends, sang with the band, and even “made it rain” during my race.

---- But most importantly: over $23,000 was raised for Make-A-Wish - an amazing feat! Great job by the competitors and event organizer Dave Thomas, on a job well done, by a special group of people, for a great cause. It was a perfectly organized event, and went off without a hitch. Thanks to everyone involved for a great weekend!

---- Next subject: the sale of Oswego Speedway. In the last issue of Gater News, I told you about my conversation with potential buyer Johnny Torrese. Torrese was pretty non-committal, but said that he may have some more information “in ten days”. More than ten days later, (I’m writing this on March 6^th), there are still no more definitive answers. That’s all that I have for you at this point. I’ll remind you - any business transaction of this magnitude is very complicated, and a lot of planets need to align to close. I’m left to assume that this is still NOT a done deal.

---- But I still believe this: whether or not the proposed sale of the speedway transpires, all systems are go for a great 2011 season. A lot of great things are happening for drivers and teams and car counts, and we’re all very excited about this season at Oswego Speedway. No matter who owns it, the excitement is building for opening day - only two months away!

---- ISMA competitor Scott Martel’s #14 supermodified recently changed hands, and will be campaigned in 2011 by Canadian T.J. Woolsey. I expect to see Woolsey in competition at Oswego Speedway in 2011. Woolsey is the nephew of many time Oswego Speedway feature winner and champion Doug Didero.

---- Mark Castiglia has sold his supermodified, which was campaigned in 2010 by Lou LeVea. LeVea had nothing but bad luck all season, recording one of the roughest seasons ever. Wrecks, failures, etc. “I’ve spent a lot of money, and have nothing to show for it”, Castiglia told me once last year in disgust. In addition to owning the super, Castiglia also owned and campaigned the #90 small block supermodified, also with mixed results.

---- So for 2011, Castiglia will be a small block supermodified only team. He’s looked at a couple of cars to purchase in order to upgrade his position. He was negotiating with Steve Abt awhile back to purchase his car, but Chris Tedd eventually bought that car from Abt. So Castiglia, while not exactly sure of his plans for 2011, will definitely see time behind the wheel of either the #90, or another ride, if he ends up purchasing a different one.

---- So who bought the supermodified from Castiglia, less engine? Steve Abt picked up the “roller“, which has a lot of usable parts for the Stowell Racing super, that he will be driving in 2011. Abt has been working hard on the Stowell supermodified, with “all new stuff. Spindles, axle, hubs, calipers - all the updates”, according to Abt. Also, “I think Dan did a lot to clean up the air”, Abt said about some body changes, performed by Dan Dennie.

---- Speaking of the Steve Abt small block supermodified, which was purchased by Chris Tedd, there has already been a change in drivers for that car. Tedd purchased that car recently with the intention of teaming up with talented driver Chris Proud for the 2011 season. Tedd was pretty excited about the season, as he told me in an interview in my most recent Gater News column. But that plan has already changed.

---- “Chris Proud just bailed on me because he’s gonna buy a dirt chassis”, Tedd told me just after the last episode went to print. So he’s not sure if he will drive the car himself, and scale back to a three car team (he already plans to campaign cars for himself, Dennis Richmond, and Cameron Rowe), or if he will give someone else a shot at the ride. Sweet opportunity for someone! (Expect to see Abt back in the car possibly for some NORA shows that don’t interfere with his supermodified season.)

---- The Xtreme Chassis car that was campaigned last season by Doug Didero was sold during the winter to Dan Connors for promising youngster Dan Connors Jr. to run in 2011. The only problem is that Connors is much taller than the diminutive Didero, and certainly couldn’t fit inside the car. So the car is currently at Joey Hawksby Jr.’s shop, getting a new, obviously taller, cage installed. Connors will be quite impressive in that car.

---- Supermodified driver, and “DT100” A-Main qualifier, Michael Barnes is planning his 2011 supermodified season. His plans again call for him to be behind the wheel of the supermodified that he helped build with Chris Osetek and Steve Buske. While work commitments may keep him from running the whole season, Barnes is anxious to have more time to work with the chassis. A lot of new ideas have gone into the chassis, which has not reached its potential, and Barnes is enthused about the prospect of getting the car going.

---- “I’ve got a lot of time in that car”, said Barnes, explaining why he has been driving it, despite the less than impressive results so far. “I helped build it.”

---- Michael Barnes splashed onto the supermodified scene in 2006, when he picked up a mid-season ride in the Double Deuce Racing #22. After a short but successful small block supermodified career that yielded three feature victories, he capitalized on the supermodified opportunity on August 5^th of that year, scoring a win in I believe only his 3^rd or 4^th time in a supermodified. That early success was followed up by an even more impressive campaign in 2007, which saw him win two features, and nearly a championship. (Barnes was 2^nd in points in 2007, losing by just 18 points, possibly the result of a controversial rules call during the season.)

---- Then in 2008, Barnes shocked the supermodified division by leaving Double Deuce Racing and his hometown Oswego Speedway for a ride with ISMA supermodified owner Clyde Booth. “If I hadn’t taken Clyde’s offer, I would have always wondered about it”, Barnes told me recently, when I asked him if he wishes he would have stayed with Double Deuce. Clyde Booth’s creations are often considered radical, and have been very successful, and at times dominant over the years.

---- Unfortunately for Barnes, the ride didn’t work out, and team parted amicably after a few races. Since the split, Barnes hasn’t seen a lot of success. Occasional rides in various cars, including some horrible wrecks due to stuck throttles, and the Buske-Osetek ride haven’t brought Barnes any positive results in a few years. He wasn’t really joking when he said that qualifying for the A-main in the “DT100” was the highlight of his last few seasons of racing.

---- But he remains positive, and enthusiastic about 2011. Despite not having any solid results the last few seasons, the “tiger blood” is still there. And people know that. Offers still come to him occasionally to drive other cars, sometimes in other divisions. And the family still owns a NEMA midget, which they run occasionally.

---- If the supermodified team gets motivated and dedicated for 2011, and if Barnes’ work schedule allows, look for him to get his “mojo” back this year. He’s confident that this car CAN work, despite what it has shown so far. Michael Barnes is one of the good guys, who many consider untapped talent. A lot of us Barnesy fans are hoping this is the year that that talent is allowed to show again. If you want, Mikey, I’ll introduce you to my swagger coach…

---- How many of you will be attending this weekend’s “Motorsports Expo and Trade Show”, at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, N.Y. this weekend? This year is the 25^th annual show, and takes place in the Verizon Center of Progress Building, on March 12-13. New York State’s largest show of its kind will feature speedway displays, sanctioning body booths, auto racing publications, diecast, novelties, sponsors, and many other things to see and do. And most importantly - RACECARS!!! This is a great place for race fans - see you there!

 

Gater News - February 21, 2011

“I want to make sure I know exactly where we’re at. I don’t want to spread any rumors”, said new potential Oswego Speedway owner Johnny Torrese, in a telephone interview last week from Florida. While nearly admitting that he was involved in a deal, Torrese reported that he would have more information for me soon. “If you call me in 10 days, I’ll have some answers”, shared the businessman, part-time supermodified driver, and full-time Oswego Speedway fan.

---- As with any business or real estate purchase, it’s a very complicated process to close a deal of this magnitude. There are tons and tons of details to work out - and a lot of ways that a deal could fall through. So the hundreds of reports around the rumor mill and internet message boards that the purchase is a “done deal” are still premature as of this writing.

---- “I have all hopes that everything will go well. We’re looking over stuff, but I’m not in position to say anything right now”, said Torrese. So although I got the impression that a deal is imminent, I wouldn’t call it a definite. Yet. Stay tuned….

---- In doing some more sniffing around about the potential new owners, I called Torrese’s friend, fellow winter Floridian, and three time defending supermodified owner John Nicotra.

---- “They’re not scared. They’re up to the challenge”, said Nicotra about the likely new owners, John and Eric Torrese. He doesn’t know if anyone else is involved in the purchase, but would doubt that the Torreses would want a partner. Nicotra obviously couldn’t tell me one hundred percent about when / if the sale will go through, but I’m sure he knows more about the sale than he felt comfortable discussing. “We go out to lunch all the time, but I try not to ask him”, said Nicotra.

---- Nicotra himself was mentioned as an investor in the purchase at one time, but that is no longer the case. “I’m not involved in it.” But when pressed about the impending purchase, Nicotra added, “I think it’s going to happen. It’s just a matter of time. It’s no secret that Johnny and Eric are longtime Oswego Speedway fans, and are successful in real estate, farming, and business. They want to bring this place back to its former glory”, leaked Nicotra.

---- “If that thing (the speedway) makes twenty cents, that whole twenty cents goes right back into the speedway. They don’t need it. And if it makes $100,000, then $100,000 goes back into the speedway”, is one of the best things John Nicotra said to me.

---- A lot of teams have been planning and working on their rides for 2011. Successful drivers know that championships are won during winter as much as they are won during the season. Cars are being prepared for the season’s wars, spare parts are being made, parts and supplies are being inventoried, and many teams will be shining and polishing their machines for the upcoming Motorsports Expo, at the New York State Fairgrounds, on March 12^th and 13^th.

---- While I was speaking with John Nicotra, I also took the opportunity to discuss his supermodified team’s plans for 2011. During the off season, a brand new Hawk Chassis has been added to the team’s inventory. “The new car, and the #7 car that Otto drove last year will be the main cars for the season”, said Nicotra. “As always, Otto (Sitterly, Nicotra’s primary driver, who has driven to those three consecutive Oswego Speedway supermodified championships) will have first choice, and the other one will be all ready for Davey”, added Nicotra, speaking of Indy 500 veteran and part-time supermodified pilot Davey Hamilton. The third car, run last year as #6, will most likely be used as a winged car, and/or a backup for the two non-wing rides.

---- But that’s not the only plan for that car. There has been some discussion of making that car available for Classic Weekend, for one of the most decorated WINGED supermodified drivers of all time. As part of the deal, Nicotra hopes that a deal could be made for Sitterly to hop into the winged ISMA team car of this wildly successful team. Who is it?

---- “Perley”. That’s all I had to hear. Chris Perley has won multiple features and championships in Vic Miller’s cars, but hasn’t ever showed anything too exciting in a supermodified without a wing. Consequently, Sitterly’s experiences in a winged super have also been less than stellar. “Maybe we should let them do what they do, and let us stick to what we do”, said Nicotra.

---- So although no definite deal is in place to do this swap, it sounds like it could be quite a “super” team if it pans out. “I’d give Perley a great shot - same equipment as the other teams”, said Nicotra. “Perley would have to supply his own crew, but we’ll park him right in between Otto and Davey for Classic.” And a ride in Vic Miller’s 2^nd car for a winged race or two may bring the winged success that Otto has reached for in the past.

---- Teddneck Racing’s Chris Tedd has also been busy during the off-season, preparing his own fleet of small block supermodifieds. And when I say “fleet”, I do mean fleet!

---- “I’ve got an interesting little crew”, said Tedd of his four car team. No less than FOUR small block supers will be fielded by Tedd in 2011! All four will be weekly, full time supporters of Oswego Speedway and the division, and some guest drivers will compete in some of the cars for the NORA races.

---- The cars will be housed at Bloss Machine in Kirkville, N.Y. “Skip Bloss has put together a great package for us”, said Tedd. “We’re running out of his shop, and he is doing a lot of dyno work on the engines.” FFB Chassis guru Dan Dennie will still do the bodies for the teams, which was almost a five car team at one point.

---- Tedd’s latest acquisition is a pretty substantial ride. With Steve Abt moving to the supermodified division, he decided to sell his 2010 Classic winning small block, and he spoke with a couple of different potential buyers, including Tedd and Mark Castiglia. Tedd was ultimately the purchaser of the machine, and has enlisted the Brett Favre of small block supers.

---- Chris Proud has been in and out of racing more times than many of us can count. Last year, driving Tim Barbeau’s car, Proud was very successful before he quit the ride while running 2^nd in points. Citing financial reasons, Proud left the class. But like most drivers, racing is very addictive, and I know Proud wanted to get back behind the wheel. Hopefully everything works out for the team, and their season is a success. Tedd hopes to secure #87 for the car.

---- Cameron Rowe will drive another of Tedd’s rides. Cameron has raced in the division on and off for a few seasons, and will drive car #77 in 2011. Dennis Richmond will wheel the Teddneck Racing #7, and Tedd himself will drive the #37. In addition, Tedd hopes to have Steve Abt, Keith Gilliam, and Dave Gruel behind the wheels of some of the cars for some NORA races at Thunder Alley Speedway in Evans Mills.

---- “All four cars will be incredible”, enthused Tedd. “All top notch stuff!”

---- Jason Simmons will have a new small block supermodified for the 2011 season, currently under construction by Mike O’Connor and Brian Dana. Simmons drove for Terry Solazzo in 2010, but will field his own equipment for 2011. Simmons will team up with Dennis Rupert Jr., and both drivers will sport new numbers and a new crew chief for the new season.

---- “Dennis and I are teammates, and both cars and haulers are kept and maintained by Mikey O (Mike O’Connor) and crew”, explained Simmons. Jason will drive car #98 this year, and Rupert will wheel the #99. And Andy O’Connor has purchased a small block super from Guard Nearbin, that will be used as a backup and NORA car for the team, until O’Connor’s son David, 14, is old enough to drive it.

---- Robert S. “Bird” LaBoda has been acquired by the team to provide guidance, advice, refueling, and moral support. Bird moves over from the Barry Kingsley team after a long association. The split was amicable, and Kingsley is currently interviewing replacements to handle refueling duties in 2011 for the #23. “Bird has been a great asset to the team, and we wish him the best of luck in his new venture with Dennis and Jason”, said Kingsley. “We’re still friends, and we’ll see him at the track every week.”

---- One small block super driver who won’t be back in 2011 is defending champ Dave Cliff, Jr. Cliff and his family owned team have decided that they want to run a supermodified, and have already sold one of their two potent small block cars. They have not at this point purchased a super or secured a ride for the talented driver, but are still hoping to put something together for the 2011 season.

---- “David says even if we don’t get a super, he doesn’t want to drive the small block”, said Dave Cliff Sr. That car will be actively marketed for sale, and perhaps a sale of this car, along with the money already acquired from the sale of the other car would be enough to purchase a super for the season. But as of last week when I spoke with Dave Sr., no definite deals to either sell the small block or purchase a super were imminent. Stay tuned!

---- I saw a sweet picture the other day on Dave Gruel’s cell phone. “This just LOOKS fast!”, said Dave, showing me a picture of the team’s new Enders power plant for 2011. Gruel drives the Double Deuce Racing supermodified, and won a feature in 2010 on his way to earning rookie of the year in the division.

---- Gruel’s stepfather Kevin Enders has done some research over the winter, and has come up with a combination that Gruel is quite excited about. The power plant has been dynoed, and looked ready to fly, from the picture. I could see the pride on Dave’s face when we were talking about it. This is an enthused driver, and a great team, poised for a very successful 2011.

---- Oh - and the dyno numbers? Dave was of course secretive about that, and talked around giving me that information. A smart driver never gives away all of his secrets.

---- Coming up this weekend, racing people from all around the northeast will head to Maine for a charity go-kart event to benefit Make-A-Wish. This will be the third annual “DT100”, and is put together by Dave Thomas Jr., of Epping, N.H. Here’s the description, from the “DT100 Facebook page”

---- “The "DT 100" is an annual charity karting event that features some of the top racing talent from NASCAR, ISMA, MSA, PASS, ACT, and many other touring series and weekly tracks. Their competition? Their own fans! Drivers and race fans battle it out in equally-prepared Sodi racing karts, through a series of qualifying events and feature event to determine the "DT 100" winner! Created in 2008, and hosting its first race in February of 2009. The "DT 100" has featured drivers from many states including: ME, NH, MA, CT, NY, OH, NC, GA, and even AZ! In two short years, our event has already raised over $22,000.00 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Our next race to be held on February 26th. will be our most ambitious yet! 100 drivers will compete at the new home of the "DT 100" (Maine Indoor Karting of Scarborough, ME) for the 3rd Annual "DT 100" crown! With 100 drivers, an expected 400-500 race fans, and a new goal of $20,000.00 in fundraising set... it should be our best show yet! Hope to see you all there.”

---- I will be competing in this event myself for the first time this year, along with some pretty big names. Other Oswego Speedway drivers that are on the entry list include: Andy Noto, Barry Kingsley, Michael Barnes, and Randy Ritskes. John “Luther“ Gray will try his luck. ISMA drivers on the list include: Vern Romanoski, Eddie Witkum Jr., Chris Perley, Dan Bowes, Rob Summers, Jeff Locke, Mike Ordway Jr., Chris DeRitis, Lou Cicconi Jr., Joe Scanlon, and Dan Lane. Whelan Mod drivers Ryan Preece, Woody Pitkat, and Andy Suess are on the entry list. And even stand-up comedian Jimmy Dunn will flex his driving muscles.

---- It’s a great event for a great cause, and I’m looking forward to this weekend’s road trip! I’ll have a full report for you in the next issue.

---- Congratulations to the recently announced Class of 2010 Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame inductees. Five new members will be entered into the HoF in an induction ceremony of May 28^th at the speedway. From www.oswegospeedway.com:

---- “The annual selection of the Mitchell’s Speedway Press sponsored “Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame” took place last August and the names can now be announced as an induction date is firmly in place. The “Class of 2010” represents some of the hardest workers in their categories over the length of their careers and or employment. All four categories, Driver, Car Owner, Official and Special Achievement, have at least one inductee again in 2010. The induction ceremony will take place after the conclusion of the heat races on Saturday May 28th at the infield podium with track announcer Roy Sova. All inductees to the Hall of Fame for 2010 will receive five VIP Tower Passes and will share VIP Room #3 for the Memorial Day Weekend racing action. Roy Sova will escort the inductees to and from the VIP Tower for the Hall of Fame ceremony. Lighthouse Lanes will host a Hall of Fame reception on Friday night May 27th at 7:00 in their "Hall of Fame Lounge" for fans to get to meet the new inductees. The following are the five members of the 2010 Mitchell’s Speedway Press “Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame”.”

---- Driver: Jamie Moore, Owner: Tony Osetek, Official: Norris McDonald,

Official: Bruce Lee, and Special Achievment: Jim Liccardi. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate these five deserving members, and I look forward to your reception and induction coming up in May. What a great honor!

 

Gater News - February 8th, 2011

 

Gater News - January 12th, 2011

 

Gater News - December 15th, 2010

As the year 2010 winds down, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. Hopefully 2010 was a great year for you and your family, and hopefully 2011 will be even better. 2010 was a year to remember for my family, as my oldest child got married, and my youngest child graduated from high school. Along with those celebrations, my wife April and I celebrated our 25^th wedding anniversary. It’ll be tough to top that excitement in 2011, but you can bet we’ll try! (Maybe that postponed 25th anniversary vacation “across the pond” can happen next year!)

---- At Oswego Speedway, 2010 was a pretty exciting season. A lot of cool stuff happened. Here are some of the stories and memories that I found most interesting at Oswego Speedway this year.

---- The first small block supermodified wins for the two guys that I worked with. Veteran Barry Kingsley and rookie Bobby Henry Jr. both grabbed feature wins in 2010. Very exciting nights for me, as I’ve been crewing for Barry for a few seasons, and Bobby was driving my own #93 car. Great memories! If Jason Simmons or Guard Nearbin would have won one, my season would have been complete.

---- The first supermodified wins for a very deserving supermodified driver named Bobby Bond. Bobby had been winless for over ten years in the division, but broke through this year with wins in two of the biggest events of the year - the King of Wings AND the Classic! (For those of you scoring at home, that’s a win with a wing, and a win without a wing, with the same car - unheard of in these times.)

---- Another great part of that memory, was that Bob’s brother Mike also won the feature in the small block supermodified division on the night that he won the King of Wings feature. The look on Mike and Bob’s father Dave’s face that night was probably the best image of the year for me. What a night.

---- Maybe not a positive memory for some, but the fistfight on the track between Joey Payne and Doug Didero during Classic will be a memory for many of us. Two intense drivers, crashed out of the biggest race of the season, punching each other in the helmet.

---- Chris Proud was having a solid season in Tim Barbeau’s small block super, and walked away while riding 2^nd in points. It was quite a shocking development, as Proud cited financial reasons for the sudden defection.

---- Jerry Curran won his first full feature in 2010 in the supermodified division. Jerry had won a “twin 30” event previously, but enjoyed the win in the 45 lap regular event a lot more.

---- Steve Abt emerged as the fastest driver in the supermodified division in 2010. Two DQ’s for having illegal engines created a lot of suspicion amongst the division, but he came back faster after each DQ. Later Abt became the first driver ever to lead every lap of the Classic, and sailed through tech.

---- How about Dave Gruel joining the ranks of winners in the supermodified division, in only his first season? Dave later won rookie of the year, and had a great season for Double Deuce racing in his first season.

---- Small Block super veteran Dave Cliff Jr. secured his first ever championship in the division, topping off an amazingly consistent season. Cliff hopes to move up to the supermodified division in 2011.

---- Or supermodified expert Otto Sitterly’s third championship in the last four seasons. He started off winning the first four features of the year, and coasted to yet another championship for owner John Nicotra.

---- For the first time I think ever, the whole season of small block supermodifieds went by without many of the veteran drivers who had been in the division for years. It was really weird not seeing greats like Shawn Walker, Kevin Knopp, Gregg Davis, Mark Regan, Chip Wood, and Chris Lupa in competition. (Yes, I put Chalupa in there for comedy.) Also, mainstays like Jack Patrick, Rob Pullen, and Bill Moore only ran partial seasons.

---- Noted supermodified drivers Michael Barnes and Bentley Warren both struggled horrendously in 2010, experiencing wasted seasons.

---- Supermodified drivers Keith Gilliam and Vern LaFave returned to the small block supermodified division for a few races in 2010.

---- Greg Furlong’s contact with Doug Didero’s rear bumper during Classic will be remembered by many. That slam precipitated the previously mentioned Payne / Didero incident. Furlong later said that the contact was an accident, but many doubted that a driver of Furlong’s talents could be guilty of such a miscalculation.

---- Mike Bruce had a solid rookie season in Rob Pullen’s ride. Bruce nailed the rookie of the year award - and almost nailed a feature win in his first season.

---- Andy Noto and friends scrambled all season to complete his new Xtreme Chassis supermodified, and hit the track toward the end of the season, but experienced a bunch of engine problems. A month or two later, Noto sold the car to Randy Daratt, for Randy Ritskes to drive in 2011.

---- I’m sure that you have your own memories from this season. I can’t wait to start on the 2011 memories in the spring.

---- The next race coming up for me will be the Gambler’s Classic Indoor races in Atlantic City at the end of January. Our annual trip with a bunch of crazy people will be a great time. My most recent race was the Turkey Derby at Wall Stadium in New Jersey, on November 27^th. That was my 2^nd Turkey Derby, which is a must-see event. It was very cold, but it‘s really an exciting race to see.

---- In my two trips to the Turkey Derby, one pattern has been established: it’s called the Jimmy Blewett show. He’s won both times that I went, and made zero friends in the process. The first time I called him “The man without a conscience”, and it appears that that is still an accurate depiction. He pushed, shoved, and caught some breaks along the way for the win. Many felt that some of the “breaks”, like well-timed cautions and the lack of the black flag were connected with the fact that Blewett’s family was involved in promoting the event. It was a controversial event that had a lot of people talking. But one that I will definitely attend again.

---- Myself and my family would like to extend the warmest of holiday greetings to you and yours. Have a great rest of the year!

Gater News - November 16th, 2010

Think it’s not racing season any more? Think again!

---- At Black Rock Speedway, in Dundee, N.Y., the fall season means more racing, as the last event of the season was held on November 6^th. Sure it was cold, but it was dry, and the racing was great! A $10,000 to win front wheel drive 4 cylinder enduro headlined the event, which was also was joined by a 50 lap sportsman race, a 50 lap street stock event, and a rear wheel drive four cylinder feature.

---- Unfortunately threatening weather kept the crowd down, but the fans that were there saw some good stuff. Track owner Dean Hoag and the Black Rock crew know how to make an enduro fun for the fans, and it was a great show to see. And be in. (More on that later.)

---- This was no wussy 20 car enduro, where they run 30 laps, and clean the stalled cars off the track along the way. Black Rock enduros are hardcore. Imagine the urgency of 77 cars, starting three wide, racing for $10,000 to win. You wreck or quit, you sit there. Wait it out until a fire, flip, or some other type of danger brings out a red flag. Bumpers, cars, tires - they all sit there on the track. It’s total carnage - a major obstacle course, at high speed. Drivers must avoid the many tricks, as well as all of the other moving cars on the track. It’s a riot to watch, and if you’ve never seen an enduro at Black Rock, start making plans for 2011. The first one happens on April 2^nd ($2,000 to win), and they have at least one a month, culminating with next year’s $10,000 to win on November 5^th, 2011.

---- Ronnie Hill drove the most impressive enduro performance I’ve seen - at least for 90 laps. A surprising mistake should have cost him $10,000, but he was so dominant that he could still hold on for the win, despite nearly ripping the right rear tire and suspension off his car. Hill was over a lap ahead of the entire field at the time, and thanks to some problems for some other drivers, was able to keep the dough.

---- The race takes a break at lap 50, and Hill took off at full speed on lap 51, after the track surface had been cleared and heavily watered (to slow the cars down.) It was a pace that I was positive Hill could not keep up, but he did. I would have thought that he could not avoid so many obstacles, on such a slippery track, at such a high rate of speed. But he did it successfully (other than that lap 90 blunder) and scored the earned paycheck.

---- “To keep the integrity of the event and the $10,000”, Hoag informed me that over four hours was spent during post race tech, to ensure that the winning car was within the rules. The camshaft, cylinder head, and even the crankshaft are inspected, to make sure that the engine is stock. Numbers are taken off of many of the parts, and tech wasn’t completed until midnight that day. Twenty positions are paid, so there is a lot on the line. $10,000 to the winner and $300 for 2^nd place makes for a pretty exciting race when the drivers are together. “If you’re side by side on the last lap, it’s up to you!”, said Hoag. Remember - rough riding IS allowed in enduros!

---- Hoag is working hard to build this series, which certainly wasn’t profitable for him on this day, most likely due to the cold, cloudy weather. “We were down about 30% on cars, 60% on people”, Hoag said. “You can’t control the weather.” But it’s obvious that he’s in this for the long haul. “I’d like to get a crew member from every division that runs here to build a car”. Last year there were over 100 cars for this race.

---- Your favorite columnist was fortunate enough to pick up a ride in the $10,000 to win enduro, but I unfortunately fell just short of the ten gee. As a guest on Joe Marotta’s “Around the Tracks” radio program on the morning of the race, Joe hit Hoag with the “you should put Jay Andrews in a car” line when Hoag called in to promote the race. A deal was cut when I called Hoag after the show, and I hopped in the car to head to Dundee. While the car wasn’t completely ready, Derrick and I put some finishing touches on the car, and it was done in time for the race. I made it in time for the driver’s meeting, where one driver asked, with a straight face, “can you bring a spare tire in the car with you?”

---- Starting almost exactly in the center of the 77 car field, my game plan was to take it easy and not damage the car. But these guys aren’t messing around. With cars blowing past me on both sides, I started questioning my strategy. After a lap two or three red flag for a dangerous accident, I decided to step it up a little. I still wanted to be careful, because it was a borrowed car. Pushing a little harder, I passed a few cars, but there were still a lot of them blowing me away. Another red flag gave me more time to ponder.

---- I couldn’t take it. I knew I could drive faster, but bald tires and iffy brakes would make it tough to miss the inevitable crash in front of me. And that’s exactly what happened. The Dodge Spirit was cookin’, and I started passing a lot of cars. Big wreck, couldn’t miss it, wrecked Spirit, game over, lap 6. I wished that I had stuck with my original plan of going slow, but that’s tough to do. It was a fun time though, and fortunately Dean wasn’t mad that I wrecked the car. It looked repairable, but I’m not sure. Thanks to Dean Hoag, Mark Sincock, and Derrick for helping me out with the ride and giving me some fun. And Joe Marotta for helping to put the deal together. I highly recommend competing in these enduros, and I hope to do it again some day.

---- The top twenty finishers were: RONNIE HILL, Nate Peckham, Jarrad Fox, Clayton Weaver, Larry Miches II, Greg Turner, Matt Prescott, Ricky Breed, Joe Povoski, Terry Ostrander, James Hays, Eric Boynton, Rich Post, Tim Gillett, Todd Koegel, Kenneth John Harper, Dave Lowe, Chet Cobb, Bill Werner, Jeremy Warner.

 

---- The other divisions were excellent, close races, as well. He sportsman race saw Donnie Lawson come from the rear after an early crash to collect the $2,000 top prize. Top ten were: DONNIE LAWSON, Jeff Crambo, James Cornell, Ray Bliss Jr., John Juhl, Brady Fultz, Steve Gray, Loren Lincoln, Anthony Perrego, Dave Marcuccilli. The street stock $600 was won by BOB BUONO, followed by Nate Peckham, (who also finished 2^nd in the enduro), Frank Guererri Jr., Dave Fultz, Nate Daggett, Paul Harrington, Chris Fisher, Chuck Winslow, Tom Harrington, and Joe Buske. And the four cylinder feature was won by RICH SHARPSTEEN II, followed by C.J. Winslow, Mike Ziarno, Les Irwin, Justin Schenk, and Derrick Puryear.

---- Last week the Eagles Fan Club at Oswego Speedway had a “payout party” , to distribute the money that the Eagles had collected during the racing season. The Eagles Fan Club board works VERY hard to organize fundraisers and collect cash to promote the drivers and owners of the supermodifieds and small block supermodifieds at Oswego Speedway, and also raise capital for an injured drivers fund. Hats off to president Larry Lee, Vice President: Jason Kingsley, Vice President: Shirley Letcher, Secretary: Debbie White, Treasurer: Mike Foster, Internet Coordinator: Sue Delong, and Jessica Lee for all of your efforts. It’s really amazing what all of you do for the good of others.

---- As an owner of a small block supermodified, I received a check in the amount of $565 for supporting the division. It’s not a points deal or a results award. The Eagles distribute their fund just for supporting the division. Show up, be a member, support racing and the Eagles, and we’ll give you back ALL of the money that we collect for you.

---- So what to do with the $565 that the Eagles collected for ME? I’ve got a lot of bills, like anyone. Christmas is coming, I could use it for that. I’ve got credit card bills like crazy. Five hundo could take me and the Missus on an excellent weekend getaway. Hey - I would really love some new Oakleys or a sweet new pair of kicks.

---- Nope - that’s RACECAR money. These folks busted their humps all year, walking through the pits, sitting at tables while others were relaxing, beating the bushes and making phone calls for one reason: to PROMOTE RACING AT OSWEGO SPEEDWAY. They didn’t do all of that work so I could get some cool new shades. They did that so that every driver can race more. That’s the ONLY reason. So more people can do more racing more often.

---- So that 565 clams goes aside. I’ll save it to buy something for my racecar. Parts, supplies, tires for the few times I race in 2011. Most importantly: I may race more than I planned to in 2011 BECAUSE of the Eagles cash! That’s what I’m doing with my Eagles point fund money, And I hope you do, also. And don’t forget to lay huge thank-yous on all of the above mentioned members of the Eagles board.

---- The NORA small block supermodified organization also had a meeting this past weekend, where the new season was discussed. Some new board members were elected, as well. President Steve Reynolds remains in the position. Craig Tyrell is the new VP, and Jackie Bruce is the new secretary / treasurer. Board members Steve Abt, Chris Tedd, Frank Bruce, Tim Barbeau, and Vern LaFave will help steer the group in 2011, and Sue Delong remains as internet coordinator.

---- Many ideas were tossed around. Thunder Alley Speedway General Manager Greg Smith was on hand to brainstorm with the group about the upcoming season. No scheduling will be made official until after Oswego Speedway announces their own sked for 2011, but Smith expressed interest in having the NORA small block supers several times in 2011. A higher paying, longer lap event may kick off the NORA season at Thunder Alley in early May, with possibly two events prior to the Oswego Season.

---- The meeting was well attended, and there is a lot of optimism for the 2011 season. Look for more races, and new faces at the NORA races next season.

---- Many teams are working on their cars, and planning for the new season. We’ll be hearing a lot more concrete stories over the off-season. For example, Eric Howell has purchased a small block supermodified that he plans to have his step-daughter drive, as soon as she becomes old enough. Kalyn Rupracht will wheel the Sweet 16 Jr. car, as soon as she’s old enough. “In August she’ll be old enough to run NORA shows”, says Howell of the presently 13 year-old kart driver.

---- Chris Tedd plans a three car small block supermodified team again in 2011. He’s committing himself to the full season of driving in 2011, along with Dennis Richmond in the second car. The third car isn’t locked in yet, but he does plan to have it on the track weekly. He has a couple of people in mind, but a definite plan has not yet been made.

---- A lot more bench racing will take place this weekend at the National Parts Peddler Newspaper Trade Show. The 31^st annual event takes place at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, N.Y., and is the meeting place for race fans and owners all over the northeast. The show takes place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 19-21.

 

Gater News - October 26th, 2010

 

Gater News - October 19th, 2010