2006 & 2007 Vault News Stories
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RAY EVERNHAM'S "RACING FOR A REASON" AT WALL TOWNSHIP SPEEDWAY AUGUST 4TH posted July 20, 2007
STATESVILLE, N.C. and WALL TWP., N.J. On August 4th, NASCAR stars Ray Evernham, Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler, Erin Crocker and Bill Elliott will be Racing for a Reason at Wall Township Speedway in New Jersey. This short track night of action will feature the stars in an RMP Modified Affordable Division 20 lap race giving Evernham a chance to return to his roots in the driver seat at his hometown track. Ray Evernham will also compete in the Modified Division's 40 lap feature driving Jimmy Blewett's Statusgreen No. 66. Wall Township Speedway will donate a portion of the night’s proceeds to Evernham’s foundation, Racing for a Reason. The Whelen All American Modifieds, Street Stocks, INEX Legends, Value Towing Factory Stocks, and TQ's will also be in competition.
Racing for a Reason’s mission is to help those in need and fund the ongoing research to find a cure for cancer. The main beneficiary of the foundation is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a cause close to home for Evernham as his own son Ray J is a leukemia survivor.
In addition to the feature racing event there will be more Saturday night fun including a silent auction filled with NASCAR memorabilia and a VIP meet and greet option. Gates open at 3:00 p.m. and general admission tickets will run $40 per person. Racing starts at 6:30 p.m. A limited number of fans will receive autographs from their favorite drivers Evernham, Kahne, Sadler, Elliott and Crocker on a first come first serve basis. To purchase event tickets in advance call Wall Township Speedway at 732-681-6400 or for more general information visit their website at www.wallspeedway.com .
This event is one of many fundraising efforts in 2007 that Evernham’s foundation will partake in to support their mission. For more information on how to catch Racing for a Reason’s draft, visit www.racingforareason.org.
About Racing for a Reason
Racing for a Reason is a 501 (c) (3) organization co-founded by Ray Evernham in 1997. Racing for a Reason is devoted to helping those in need and funding the ongoing research to find a cure for cancer. The foundation supports The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in addition to many other charitable organizations and efforts. Racing for a Reason achieves their initiatives and fundraising efforts at national and grassroots level through four core approaches; horsepower, education, health and entertainment. For more information on how to catch our draft please visit www.racingforareason.org.
Racer Joe Donahue Passes
From Mike Monnat - 5/8/07 (Gator Racing News):
Joe Donahue, passed away last Monday after a lengthy illness. Joe raced from the very early beginnings of the area tracks right up into the eighties. He won numerous features both on dirt and asphalt and many track championships at Penn Can, Midstate and Five Mile Point. He also raced at both Harmony Speedway when it first opened as well as OCFS and Reading.
His name is synonymous with racing in the fifties and sixties around this area. His son Joe Donahue Jr. also raced and has won features and Penn Can and Five Mile Point. Joe was 80 years old.
From Mike Monnat (Gater Racing News)
60's and 70's Racer Walt Endy Passes (posted 4/30/07)
Vintage Driver Walt Endy passed away at Bridgeport Speedway on Saturday, April 29th. We understand Walt was enjoying a night of vintage car exhibition and had just completed a brief on track session and was heading off the speedway when he fell ill. Walt, in the driving suit is shown above at a recent Legend's Event held at New Egypt Speedway in September 2006, and is shown in the photo on the right just a month ago on the track at Bridgeport in his blue #12 Camaro bodied racer.
Walt Endy born in Lansdale Pa. and resided in Hilltown Pa. Walt was 65 years old and is survived by son Carl and fiancee Aime. He was proceeded in death by his wife Terry.
Walt raced from the early 60's until 1973. He raced at many tracks over the years including Hatfield, Grandview, Reading, Harmony and Bridgeport Speedway. Walt's current #12 vintage car is a replica of the last car he drove as a Modified at Bridgeport Speedway in 1973. Walt also was a founding member of the 60's BELL club at Hatfield and also served as the secretary. One of Walt's closest friends is Woody Nyce. Woody worked on Walt's crew for many years and has several of his own vintage cars.
The viewing will be held at the Huff & Lakjer this Wednesday, May 2nd from 7pm - 9pm and on Thursday May 3rd from 9:30am - 10:30am. A service will be held at on Thursday, May 3rd at 10:30am. Huff & Lakjer is located at Cannon and Derstine Ave. in Lansdale, PA 19446.
Our condolences go out to the family of Walt Endy.
Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club Mourn the Loss of Club Secretary and Friend Bill Dietrich
A dedicated officer of the Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club, Bill Dietrich is pictured above (on left) with friends and fellow GSVSCC officers Ray Shea, Earl Krause, Bill Erbe and Paul Hayes. Bill's passing will leave a void in the club and in the lives of all who knew him. Our condolences go out to the Dietrich Family.William "Bill" Dietrich, 68, of Matawan, NJ, died Monday, April 02, 2007, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. Born in Newark, NJ, he resided in East Orange, before moving to Matawan in 1966. He graduated from East Orange H.S. where he played basketball and javelin. He was a radar man with the US Navy serving on the USS Everglades during peacetime. Bill was a police sergeant with the Matawan Police Department for 25 years before retiring in August of 1992. He was a communicant of St. Clement's RC Church, Matawan. He was a member of the USS Everglades Association; the Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club and the current secretary; PBA #179 and served as a delegate, treasurer, vice-president and president; he was an avid traveler with his wife; a Nascar fan, and a nature photographer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William T. and Ethel (Morgan) Dietrich. Surviving is his wife, Louise (Romer) Dietrich of 42 years, Matawan; a son, William Joseph Dietrich of San Francisco, CA; a daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen Marie and Scott Donohue of Sellersville, PA; a sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Al DeNorcia of Holmdel, and a grandchild on the way. He will also be missed by his lunch buddies.
Visitation is Wednesday, 2-4 & 7-9PM at Day Funeral Home, 361 Maple Pl., Keyport, NJ 07735. Entombment St. Joseph's Mausoleum, Keyport. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, at a time and place to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NASCAR Foundation, P.O. Box 79281, Baltimore, MD 21279-0281
(Above provided by Bill's son in law Scott Donahue as it is to appear in the Star Ledger and the Asbury Park Press.)
Condolences can reach the Dietrich Family at:
The Dietrich Family
4 Weldon Road
Matawan NJ 07747 - 3026
NEW JERSEY RACER CASOLA EXCITED ABOUT RACING AT NASHVILLE SUPERSPEEDWAY ON
APRIL 7 NASHVILLE, TN. APRIL 2, 2007 . . .
“I am pretty excited about racing at Nashville Superspeedway,” said rookie racer Dominic Casola. “I had a good test session there this past weekend even though we did blow an engine.”
The former Wall Township, NJ Speedway racer is coming off a strong 17th place finish at USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Florida a couple weeks back. He was able to bounce back from a cut tire midway in the race and finish five positions higher than his starting position. It was his first outing with the ARCA RE/MAX Series.Casola will be in the Andy Belmont owned NOS Energy Drink/Casola Farms #1 Ford when it rolls off on the 1.33-mile Nashville Superspeedway concrete oval.
“The track, a concrete surface, had great grip to it,” said the 19-year-old Holmdel, NJ racer. “I really felt comfortable on the track even though we were limited to about 45 laps because of the blown engine.” There were five or six teams that participated in the weekend test session at Nashville.
Casola will have an opportunity to practice from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm on Friday, April 6th followed by late afternoon Pole Award Qualifying. The ARCA 150 will get the green flag at noon on Saturday, April 7th and will be followed by a NASCAR Busch Series event. “I am looking forward to Saturday at Nashville. I think we can have a great run,” said an enthusiastic Casola. “Andy (Belmont) has been a great coach and mentor for me. We work well together. He and the team know what I like in a car.”
After the ARCA 150 at Nashville the team will head to the high banked asphalt oval at Salem, Indiana Speedway for an April 22nd ARCA race followed by a Friday, April 27th event on the 1.5-mile semi-banked Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas.
Casola plans to run the entire 2007 ARCA schedule with Andy Belmont Motorsports. The ARCA RE/MAX Series is made up of 23 events being run at 17 racetracks located in 12 different states.Information on the ARCA RE/MAX Series can found at _ www.arcaracing.com .
DOMINICK CASOLA READY FOR FIRST ARCA RACE AT USA INTERNATIONAL
HOLMDEL, NJ MARCH 17, 2007 . . . Young Dominick Casola will make his first start in ARCA RE/MAX Series competition when the Construct Corps-Palm Beach Grading 250 is presented at USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Florida on Saturday, March 24th.
The former Wall Township, NJ Speedway racer will be at the wheel of a Ford owned by veteran ARCA and NASCAR racer Andy Belmont.“Dominick tested with us at Talladega over the winter and I was impressed with his feedback,” said Belmont from his Mooresville, NC office. “He has a good feel for what is going on, so that is a real good start.”
The 19-year-old racer spent the 2006 season racing on the USAR Hooters Pro Cup circuit finishing second in rookie points and finishing 16th overcall running in ten events. He has had previous experience at USA International Speedway.
Casola is excited about this next step in his racing career. “I am looking forward to getting back to Lakeland,” said the youngster. “I am anxious to get more seat time. Andy is providing me with a good car and crew. We are all looking forward to doing well.”
The Holmdel, NJ racer will have the benefit of two days of testing earlier in the week at the family owned Tri County Speedway in Hudson, NC. “I am flattered that the Casola family would choose our program to work with, “ commented Belmont. “He is a fine young man and extremely marketable. Coaching Dominick will be a great experience for me.”
Sponsorship support for the Belmont owned #1 Ford will come from Industrial Depot, Continental Fire and Safety, Bucks County Cigar and Candy, ISC Racer Tape, Scott Performance Wire, Dayco, Deka Battery, Mechanix Wear and VDO. At present the team is planning to run a number of other ARCA RE/MAX Series events during the 2007 season with a complete schedule to be announced shortly. Casola is actively seeking marketing partners for his racing programs during 2007 and 2008.
NEWS FROM
A.CASOLA MOTORSPORTS, LLC
MEDIA CONTACT: Ernie Saxton Communications, Inc.
215.752.7797 - office
215.752.1518 - fax
267.934.7286 - cell
Esaxton144@aol.com
Driver Tommy Comerford Passes
Thomas F. Comerford, Sr., 70 of Fort Lauderdale, Fl. formerly of Neptune, NJ, suddenly passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2007. Comerford was a modified race car driver for many years retiring from driving in 1987. He was an avid race fan and loved boating.
Comerford enjoyed of his retirement in Fort Lauderdale, entertaining family and friends. Surviving is his loving wife, Laraine; three sons, Thomas Comerford Jr., Robert and his wife Diana Comerford and Keith and his wife Kimberlee Robinson; three daughters, Carolyn and her husband Leonard Valente, Shari and her husband Gil Steever, Kelly and her husband Michael Matthews; eleven grandchildren; Danielle, Dylan, Tiffany, Dalton, Chelsea, Justin, Morgan, Natalie, Rita, Bailee and Chase; and a brother Ronnie and his wife Louanne Comerford; a sister-in-law Kim Wooten, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Meme DeSantis Sr Passes
Meme DeSantis Sr passed away on Mar 13th at the age of 82. He owned his own mushroom business, and also owned the #14 flathead and modifieds that raced throughout the east coast with drivers such as Russ Delp, Harry Moore, Freddy Adam and Whip Mulligan just to name a few. During his early modified years the legendary Tommy Hinnershitz built his engines. He is survived by his wife Jeannette, son race driver Meme DeSantis Jr, three daughters, Mary Jo Ober, Vicki Furillo and Lynne DeSantis, one brother and five sisters. He also had six grandchildren and one great grandchild. The viewing will be Thursday from 7:00-8:30pm at the Milkins Funeral Home, 4914 Kutztown Rd, Temple and will be laid to rest on Friday at the Gethsemane cemetary in Laureldale. Donations may be made to the Memorial Fund of Holy Guardian Angels Church 3121 Kutztown Rd Reading, Pa. 19605
Victory Speedway's Enno Van Dam Passes
(Information provided by Steve Sisco - Published in the Times Herald-Record from 3/10/2007 - 3/11/2007)
Enno Van Dam, a prominent builder and real estate developer, passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side, on March 8, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 67.
Son of the late Enno and Florence Masker Van Dam, he was born April 13, 1939 in Middletown, N.Y.
As a young man, he resided on a working dairy farm in Goshen, N.Y. that is now the location of Harness Estates. He attended school in Chester and was a 1958 graduate of Goshen High School.
On December 1, 1962, he married his High School sweetheart, Shirley Van Dam and had three daughters.
He found an early love for car racing having worked at his family business at Peekskill Speedway and Victory Speedway in Middletown, N.Y. Through life he was an avid race fan, traveling the NASCAR circuit in support of his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
In the early 1970's, he began a land development business and built homes throughout Orange County, including Hill Road Estates. He was a man who took much pride in his work and accomplishments.
A caring and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he will be sadly missed.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters: Darlene Van Dam-Burch and husband, William Burch of Montgomery; Sheila Dzierzek and husband, Michael Dzierzek of Campbell Hall; Andrea Van Dam-Sica and husband, Richard Sica of Ridgefield, Conn.; grandchildren: Ryan and Brennan Dzierzek of Campbell Hall; Cory Schreiner and Nicholas Burch of Montgomery; Isabella and Alexandra Sica of Ridgefield, Conn.; mother-in-law, Josephine Lempka of Goshen; brothers-in-law, Robert Lempka of Walnut, Calif. and Richard Lempka of Middletown; sister-in-law, Rose Lempka of Palm Bay, Fla., and nieces, Tammie Lempka and Tracey Miller. He was predeceased by his beloved Golden Retrievers, Ginger and Cinnabon.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Donovan Funeral Home, 82 South Church St., Goshen, today, Sunday, March 11, from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 12, at St. John the Evangelist Church, 71 Murray Ave., Goshen at 10 a.m. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Newburgh, N.Y. and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Hudson Valley in Tarrytown, N.Y.
Arrangements under the direction of the Donovan Funeral Home, Goshen. For directions or to leave a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.donovanfunerals.com.
Published in the Times Herald-Record from 3/10/2007 - 3/11/2007.
East Windsor Speedway Owner Don Jones Passes Away at Age 85
Don Jones, Bruce "Pee Wee" Griffin and Tex Enright in victory lane at East Windsor Speedway in this late 1960's Ace Lane Sr. Photo.
Don passed away on Feb 15th, 2007. While we all knew the last race engine had been heard at East Windsor Speedway, the passing of Don surely represents the true end of the speedway to those who were still holding out hope. We would like to pass along our condolences to the Jones Family and will remember the years of enjoyment provided to all because of Don Jones and his Family.
PAYNE SCORES EMOTIONAL ATLANTIC CITY WIN
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – January 14, 2007
Talk about emotion. As Joey Payne of Fairlawn, N.J., circled the Boardwalk Hall following a victory in Saturday night’s “Gambler’s Classic” presented by Pepsi M&R Midget (Three Quarter Midget and 600cc Micro-Sprint) main, his joy was never more evident. Payne’s win was worth over $6,000. However, this one was not about the money.
Payne bested fellow Supermodified standout Lou Cicconi of Aston Pa., by less than a car-length in the 40-lap main. Payne became the first driver to win two headline events since Len Sammons brought racing back to Boardwalk Hall following an absence of two decades in 2003.
And he did it by beating his best friend.
“It was just awesome,” said an elated Payne, who led the entire distance (Cicconi surged ahead during a pair of mid-race restarts only to have his bids negated by cautions). “I’d rather race with Lou than anyone else in the field. We grew up together.”
Payne, a winner of a ‘Roaring 20s’ qualifier on Friday night, started from the pole and fought off the challenges of Canadian Stewart Friesen before Cicconi, who started 13th, took over second place for good on lap 33. Cicconi spent the remaining 17 circuits trying to work by Payne. On the final lap, he darted to the inside, falling just feet shy of the win. Asphalt Modified star John Blewett III of Howell, N.J., drove from 16th starting position (as the B-Main winner) to place third, ahead of Canadian Mike Lichty and 360 OTC World of Outlaws Late Model Series star Rick Eckert of York, Pa., both of whom rebounded from spins to earn top five-finishes.
Ryan Smith of Kunkletown, Pa., drove from sixth starting position to win the 25-lap Slingshot main. Smith earned $1,500 for his second straight “Gambler’s Classic” triumph. He took the lead on lap four and was never headed. Matt Carman of Flemington, N.J., was second, ahead of Jim Housworth of Riegelsville, Pa, Scott Goodrich of Middletown, N.Y., Kyle Rohner of Bushkill Falls, Pa. Mooresville, N.C.’s Bob Baker topped the 25-lap Sr. Champ Kart main. After passing fifth, Baker took the lead on lap 11 and pocketed $1,500.
A large crowd jammed Boardwalk Hall for the event, run in conjunction with the Motorsports 2007 Show presented by VP Racing Fuels at the Atlantic City (N.J.) Convention Center.
“GAMBLER’S CLASSIC” RACE SUMMARY
M&R MIDGET FEATURE FINISH: JOEY PAYNE, Lou Cicconi Jr., John Blewett III, Mike Lichty, Rick Eckert, Rob Vivona, Danny Shirey, Mike Tidaback, Stevie Smith, Scotty Smith, Stewart Friesen, Mike Iles, Matt Janisch, Marc Rogers, Tim Adams, Curtis Friesen, Jeff Heotzler Sr., Bill Unglert, Ted Christopher, Matt Seavey, Heath Hehnly, Bubba Broderick, Bob Watkins Jr., Cody Darrah, Jeff
HeotzlerJr., Mike Osite.
SLINGSHOT FEATURE FINISH: RYAN SMITH, Matt Carman, Jim Housworth, Scott Goodrich, Kyle Rohner, Ronnie Smykla, Marc Daniels, Jamie Yannone, Scott Ferrier, Rich Kuiken Jr., Nick Pecko, Ben Whitaker, Kyle Hieber, Jesse Hartman, T.J. Etchison, David McCullough, Bill Van Inwegen Jr., Paul Lotier Jr., Nick Wean, Ray Woodall Jr., Tiffany Wambold, Gary Hieber, Michael Butler, Steve Whary, Bill Weaver.
SR. CHAMP KART FEATURE FINISH: BOB BAKER, Brett Stratford, Nick Herriven, Chris Lamb, Timmy Solomito, Larry Stolzenberg, Rudy Pinkham, Greg Robinson II, John Beatty, Chris Kennedy, Coby Cressinger, Stephen Moran, Shawn Solomito, Alan Purser, Barry Hausman Jr., Eddie Larsen, Chris Daley, Steve Hricko, Kyle Harvell, Tammy Smith, Andrew Swisher, David Pantanella, Kevin Eyres, Vinny Delaney, Eric Lewis.
Racing Community Loses Orange County Veteran Danny Mitchell
(Weedsport, NY - Jan 6, 2007)
Photo By: Carl Becker/ Provided by Bob BeckerFormer Orange County Fair Speedway driver Danny Mitchell, known as D&J #1, a contributor of maintenance and equipment as well as sponsor at Orange County, passed away on Friday, January 5 at O.R.M.C. Horton Campus in Middletown (NY) at the age of 74.
A consistent contender downstate as well as on the Penn-Jersey circuit beginning the 1960s, Mitchell won a pair of big-block Modified feature races at Orange County with his last coming on July 24, 1971 --- the same year he posted a career-best fourth-place finish in the prestigious Eastern States 200 at the historic Middletown oval. Mitchell also frequented Nazareth (Pa.) Raceway, where he raced until its closing in 1979, and the now defunct Reading (Pa.) Fairgrounds and Olivebridge (NY) Speedway.
Photo By: Sam Rosenberg?/ Provided by Dick Scoonermaker
Son of the late William and Bertha Davis Mitchell, Danny was born November 30, 1932 in Warwick, N.Y. He was a past owner of Citgo Gas Station in Bloomingburg, the Mobil Station in Wurtsboro and the owner of D&J Auto Body for many years as well as the OCFS pace car driver following his retirement from racing. He was also in the towing services for both the Orange and Sullivan county areas. Mitchell was already preparing for the 2007 race season after purchasing a brand new Teo Pro Car numbered 1 for Tom Hindley to chauffeur on the 'Hard Clay' during the upcoming open-wheel campaign.
He is survived by his loving wife, Cathy R. Crotty Mitchell at home; his children, Daniel P. Mitchell and his wife, Pauline of Bloomingburg, Dana Marie McCormick of New Windsor, Michael Mitchell of Las Vegas, Nev. and Dara Unruh and her husband, Daniel of Las Vegas; stepdaughter, Tina Moore of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; brothers, Clifford Mitchell and his wife, Mary; brother-in-law, Harry Romer; grandchildren, Stephanie McCormick, Ethan and Trevor Unruh, Cathy and Daniel Mitchell, and Matthew Mitchell; and one great-granddaughter.
Friends and family may call on Monday, January 8, 2007 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc., 130 Highland Avenue, Middletown. A Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 at 10 a.m. at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc. Cremation will be private at Cedar Hill Crematory, Middle Hope, at the convenience of the family. The entire staff at DIRT MotorSports sends it deepest condolences the Mitchell family.Above story written by Tom Skibinski, DIRT NorthEast PR Director and provided by South Jersey Dirt Racing www.southjerseydirtracing.com
BODINE AND CROCKER ADDED TO MOTORSPORTS 2007 RACE CAR SHOW
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ January 2, 2007 . . . NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Todd “The Onion” Bodine and rising young female star Erin Crocker have been added to the impressive array of major motorsports figures that will be appearing at Motorsports 2007 presented by VP Racing Fuels. The three day show, offering just about everything imaginable in motorsports, will take place January 12th through 14th at the plush Atlantic City Convention Center.
Bodine, who comes from a racing family that includes brothers Geoff (a Daytona 500 winner) and Brett (a NASCAR Cup winner), brought the first major series title to the Bodine family when he won the 2006 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship. Todd is also planning to run a limited number of Nextel Cup events in 2007 in addition to defending his Truck Series title.
“The Onion” will be signing autographs at the Brickel’s Race Collectibles display from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 14th.Erin Crocker, who was the first female to find success with the World of Outlaw sprint cars, currently is part of the Ray Evernham NASCAR organization and ran events in NASCAR Busch Series, ARCA Re/Max Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2006.
Also scheduling an appearance at Motorsports 2007 is SPEED Channel personality Bob Dillner. He will be signing autographs with Erin Crocker in the stage area from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Other major figures making appearances at the show include former NASCAR Winston Cup crew chief Jeff Hammond who will be signing copies of his “Real Men Work In The Pits” book that will be on sale.NHRA Funny Car driver Ron Capps will be signing autographs early on Friday afternoon and again from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Brickel’s Collectible display while NASCAR Nextel Cup racer Dave Blaney, a former World of Outlaws champion, giving away his signature at the Dover International Speedway booth from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.
ARCA RE/MAX Series standout Bobby Gerhart will be visiting with fans at the Pocono Raceway display and make a major sponsorship announcement at 2:30 p.m. on Friday while 2003 NASCAR Nextel Cup champion Matt Kenseth will sign autographs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chapman Ford display.
NASCAR Nextel Cup Rookie of the Year Denny Hamlin will be talking with fans and signing autographs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the stage area on Saturday, January 13th. And legendary journalist and former TV broadcaster Chris Economaki will be signing copies of his new book, “Let ‘Em All Go.” Chris will sign autographs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Coastal 181 display.
The show, covering more than 270,000 square feet of the Convention Center, will have more than 250 racecars on display, 600 booths offering nothing but racing, the U.S. Tobacco Ms. Motorsports Contest and much, much more during the three days.
The “Gambler’s Classic sponsored by Pepsi” will offer the M&R Midgets (Three Quarter Midgets and 600cc Micros) in two nights of racing January 12th and 13th at the Boardwalk Hall making for a fantastic weekend of motorsports entertainment.
For more information, a complete schedule of weekend events, and more check in at _www.aarn.com_ (http://www.aarn.com) or telephone 609.888.3618. $1.00OFF discount coupons are available for Motorsports 2007 at participating McDonald’s restaurants.
PEARSON, MCCREADIE, JOHNSON, KAUFFMAN, BLAZE AND MATTIOLIS TO BE INDUCTED
INTO EMPA HALL OF FAME
Alan Johnson and Tim McCreadie earn Driver of the Year Awards
LANGHORNE, PA JANUARY 2, 2007 . . . The Eastern Motorsport Press Association, made up of close to 200 media that cover motorsports on a regular basis, will be adding six new members to their Hall of Fame.
NASCAR great David Pearson (winner of 105 Cup races), DIRT Modified standout Bob McCreadie, World of Outlaws founder Ted Johnson, sprint car racing legend Keith Kauffman, the late Trenton, NJ Times motorsports writer Harry Blaze and Pocono Raceway owners Drs. Joe and Rose Mattioli will be inducted into the EMPA Hall of Fame on Saturday, January 27th. The induction ceremony will be part of the annual three day EMPA Convention taking place at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center in Trevose, PA.
In addition to the Hall of Fame inductions, Alan Johnson, who had an outstanding season in DIRT Modified competition winning 20 feature races and three track titles on his way to the Advance Auto Parts Modified Super DIRT Series “Mr. DIRT Modified” Championship, will be honored as the Richie Evans Memorial/EMPA Northeast Driver of the Year.
Tim McCreadie, winner of the World of Outlaws Late Model championship, will be honored as the Al Holbert Memorial EMPA National Driver of the Year. James Hylton, 71 years of age and still running NASCAR and ARCA events in 2006, will receive the Junie Donlavey Spirit of the Sport Award while Indy Racing League “Rookie of the Year” Marco Andretti will be honored with the T.
Wayne Robertson Newsmaker Award.In addition a variety of other special awards will be presented as part of the NASCAR/EMPA Hall of Fame dinner which will be preceded by a SPEED Channel reception at 6 p.m. on January 27th.
During the course of the three day convention there will be a variety of press conferences and other events. There will be participation by the IRL, NASCAR, ARCA, DIRT, Watkins Glen, New Hampshire International, Richmond International Raceway, Dover International, Pocono Raceway and a host of others. It is a great opportunity for local tracks and organizations to meet the media that covers the sport on a regular basis and increase their exposure opportunities.
Information on the EMPA and/or their convention can be had by contacting Ernie Saxton at 215.752.7797 or e-mail _Esaxton144@aol.com_ (mailto: Esaxton144@aol.com ) .
Photographer Bob Sweeten Passes 12/26/06
Bob served as track photographer at Alcyon, Reading, and Bridgeport, and also photographed Trenton, Penn National, Syracuse, Langhorne, Nazareth, US 13, East Bay, Volusia Co., Daytona, Homestead, Atlanta, Dover and others
Bob's son Rob tells us that Bob's favorite memory was from Reading when they had to wait for him to develop his pictures to declare a winner.
The images captured by Bob Sweeten allow us to remember a time that many of us are not ready to let go of. Those images and the memories they create will be with us forever.
Viewing: Thursday Evening 7:00-9:00 at the First Baptist Church, 544 N. Broad Street, Woodbury, NJ
Friday 10:00-11:00 with funeral services at 11:00
Obit. in Gloucester County Times.From Russ Dodge on His "Friend in Racing"
Racing has lost a true friend. As a "South Jersey-an", I quickly learned the name Bob Sweeten when I went to the races at Alcyon. Bob would set up in the infield and sell pictures. I remember they were 5"X7" photos and sold for 50 cents. I feel Bob is responsible for starting my racing collection.
Later on Bob was a great deal of help to me in planning and hosting an Alcyon reunion in 1974 at the Dutch Inn in Gibbstown. One of the first such events held and one people still remember. Bob was the track photographer at Bridgeport and again our paths crossed the years I was affiliated with the track.
My best description of Bob is he was like an "over wound" toy. Just full of life, always on the go. He always had many projects going on at the same time. Regardless he would always make it to the track in time to photograph the races. He love the sport and he loved the competitors.
In 2002, Bob came up from his home in Florida to attend my reunion in Elmer. It was a wonderful feeling to see the tears in his eyes as he reminisced with Ralph Smith, PeeWee Pobletts and the other drivers he had photographed at Alcyon over 40 years before.
I am proud of the photos I have taken by Bob, but I feel I'm really lucky to say he was a friend in racing. I hope and pray for the very best for the Sweeten family as the deal with the loss of Bob and their other health issues. Thank you, Russ Dodge
Our condolences go out to the family of Bob Sweeten.
ACTOR/COMEDIAN LOUIS “TWITCHELS” CENTANNI TO APPEAR AT MOTORSPORTS 2007
Deptford, NJ – Actor and comedian Louis “Twitchels” Centanni, best known from radio’s “Opie and Anthony” and most recently MTV’s “True Life: I have Tourettes”, will be appearing at Motorsports 2007 Presented by VP Racing Fuels January 12th through the 14th at the Atlantic City Convention Center.
Centanni will be at Big Jim’s Racing Videos booth #2447 greeting fans and signing copies of his children’s book Little Twitching Timmy – The Turtle With Tourettes throughout the entire weekend.
Nicknamed “Twitchels” by Nicole Ritchie on an episode of The Simple Life, Centanni has learned to cope with his disorder – Tourette’s Syndrome – through the art of comedy and never taking himself too seriously. In addition to his outrageous appearances on the popular Opie and Anthony show, he has also been a guest regular on the Atlantic City – based radio program “Scotty and Alex”, as well as the “Cousin Ed Show” on Philadelphia’s WYSP.
“I’m really excited to be a part of this year’s Motorsports 2007 and am looking forward to a fantastic weekend,” said Centanni, a native of Ocean City, NJ and graduate of Ocean City High School class of 2003. “Being from South Jersey, my family used to attend the races at Pitman’s Alcyon Speedway. I am thrilled to be a part of the next generation of a racing tradition.”
Motorsports 2007 Presented by VP Racing Fuels will be taking place at Atlantic City’s Convention Center January 12th-14th, 2007. For more information on tickets and schedules, visit the Area Auto Racing News webpage at http://www.aarn.com .
New Owners at New Egypt
12/2/06 -
As rumored earlier this year, former Super Stock driver and car owner Bill Miscoski and a partner will become the new owner of the New Egypt Speedway. The 2 new owners were on hand at the New Egypt Speedway Awards Banquet in Atlantic City on Saturday, 12/2 when the announcement was officially made.
Miscoski, a successful business man and respected member of local government, has his racing roots in drag racing, but also enjoys the excitement of oval track competition. In addition to a saturday night racing program featuring a variety of classes, speculation is that Bill may consider bringing Late Model's to New Egypt on selected Friday evenings. He recently had the opportunity to visit a few speedways that featured this class and thought it could be a good fit for New Jersey.
Bill has been very supportive of auto racing as a fan, in his roll in local government, as a competitor, as a car owner, and now he'll have the opportunity to take that passion for the sport and use it to guide him in taking New Egypt Speedway into the future.
We appreciate the work that the the Grosso Family has done to make New Egypt Speedway one of the premier short tracks in the country.
Announcements will follow regarding any changes to the racing program.
(Story Source: 3Wide - Based on conversations from those in attendance at the 12/2 NES Banquet along with earlier discussions. Thanks Banquet attendees!)
LOTS OF CASH AWARDS ANNOUNCED FOR A.C. INDOOR RACING EVENTS
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (November 18, 2006) . . . Race fans and drivers aren't the only ones excited about the "Gambler's Classic" event headlined by Three Quarter Midgets and 600cc Micro-Sprints at Boardwalk Hall Frday and Saturday, Jan. 12-13, 2007. A long list of sponsors has jumped on board the fifth annual event, which also features races for the Slingshots and Sr. Champ Karts.
"The sponsor input has been phenomenal," said Len Sammons, who is presenting the Atlantic City Indoor Race at Boardwalk Hall and the accompanying Motorsports 2007 presented by VP Racing Fuels at the nearby Atlantic City Convention Center Fri.-Sun. Jan. 12-14. Having the two major mid-winter motorsports events on the same weekend sets up a "show by day, racing by night" doubleheader for race enthusiasts.
"We appreciate all the sponsor support and we're certain the racers will feel the same way." Sunoco Race Fuels has been named the official fuel of the “Gambler's Classic" once again this year. Sunoco - a player in the A.C. indoor action since Sammons brought it back in 2003 after a 22-year absence - will be the exclusive fuel at the event dispensed by Kelly Racing Fuels. M&R Products has stepped up as the presenting sponsor of the TQ Midget/600cc Micro-Sprint division, which has since been dubbed the M&R Midgets. M&R Products makes high-quality driver restraints, tie-downs and safety equipment for cars, motorcycles and ATVs. The products are manufactured for race, recreational and industrial use. M&R Products is on the web at: www.mrproducts.com . Organized by Ray McCabe and family members, a special sector of M&R Midget awards at the "Gambler's Classic" will honor the rich past of indoor racing in A.C.
The fast-timer will collect $339.39 in memory of Larry Michaels, a
three-time Atlantic City winner from 1972 to 1976. The Hard Charger Award will be worth $555.55, in honor of five-time event winner Doug Craig. Craig's wins occurred from Feb. 1971 through Jan. 1973. Longtime, well-known auto-racing reporter and photographer Walter Chernokal will be remembered with the Best Appearing Car Award. Chernokal was a contributor to Area Auto Racing News for many
years. Each of the aforementioned award recipients will receive a commemorative plaque featuring a picture of the honoree.
Dedicated "Gambler's Classic" supporter Dr. Lowe is behind a slew of special awards, including M&R Midget second-fast time, worth $200 in memory of Tony Romit, a three-time A.C. winner (Jan. 1971, Jan. 1973 and Feb. 1973). Sonny Saunders will be honored with the third-fast time award, paying $100. A $500 "Gambler's Consolation" award, in memory of late promoter George Stockinger, who promoted 55 events in A.C. between 1965 and 1981 will go to the first driver in Saturday night's M&R Midget order of finish - but not the winner - who took the optional $100 "Gambler's Fee."The leader of lap one will earn $50 in recognition of flagger Nick Fornoro Sr., who waved the flags over indoor racing at Boardwalk Hall through the Stockinger promotional era and later worked for the Indy Racing League (IRL). Fornoro's two sons - Nick Jr. and Nokie - went on to excel in Northeast auto racing.
Other awards from Dr. Lowe include $50 to the slowest qualifier and $200 to the top-finishing TQ Midget in the A-Main. 600scene.com, "your source for everything 600cc Micro-Sprint racing," will offer the first 600cc Micro-Sprint across the line in Saturday's A-Main a $200 cash bonus. Spitfire Chassis, a builder of TQ Midgets, will sponsor the M&R Midget Triple 20s on Friday night, while the Long Haul Award will come, appropriately, from Cargo Trailers of Lansdale, Pa. Racing Electronics is once again the official communications supplier of the "Gambler's Classic."
Racing begins at 7:45 p.m. on Friday night and 7 p.m. on Saturday. For additional detailed information - rules, entry forms, hotel info, etc., on the Atlantic City Indoor Race, visit the official website: www.aarn.com , contact the Area Auto Racing News office at: (609) 888-3618 during regular, business hours or e-mail Danny Sammons at: danny@aarn.com . Tickets are on sale now and can be obtained by contacting the Area Auto Racing News office or Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com .
MS MOTORSPORTS REPLACES MISS AMERICA IN ATLANTIC CITY
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - November 14, 2006 … In a city where the famous Miss America Pageant was presented, Ms. Motorsports will now be crowned as part of the Motorsports2007 presented by VP Racing Fuels Race Car Show.
The huge three-day show takes place at the Atlantic City, N.J., Convention Center starting at 11 a.m. on January 12 and continues through 5 p.m.January 14, 2007.
$1,500 waits for the new Ms. Motorsports who will be selected from an array of ladies in the U.S.Smokeless Tobacco Co. sponsored pageant taking place at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Unlike past years there will be no preliminaries with the entire pageant being presented in one “crowd-pleasing” session. The swimwear competition will reward the winner with $500. The audience will decide who gets the top prize in the swimwear competition. In addition to the first-place money there will be $500 for the first runner-up and $250 for the second runner-up. Golden Pleasures Jewelers of Bordentown, N.J., will provide gifts to several of the ladies and there will be special presentations for best in swimwear, best in sportswear and most congenial.
There is no entry fee but all ladies must be at least 18 years of age. Entry information is available at _www.aarn.com_ ( http://www.aarn.com ) .
It will be a huge motorsports weekend with the Atlantic City Gambler’s Classic Indoor Races being presented on the same weekend at the nearby Boardwalk Hall. Fans will be able to visit Motorsports 2007 presented by VP Racing Fuels during the day and then head to Boardwalk Hall for the indoor auto racing events in the evening on Friday and Saturday.
The Motorsports show will include more than 250 racing vehicles on display, more than 600 booths filled with everything imaginable in motorsports and personal appearances by many of the top names in the sport. As in the past there will be FREE autograph sessions. Some of the exhibits at the Motorsports show include parts and manufacturers, tow vehicles and trailers, RVs, speedways and sanctions, collectibles, Vintage racecar clubs, and Quarter Midget groups.
The indoor auto racing, featuring Three Quarter Midgets and 600 Sprints as the headliners, will be in action on Friday, January 12 and Saturday, January 13.
Fans can save some money by purchasing their tickets for the indoor races in advance and there is group rates information available at (609) 348.7021. “We are really anticipating that the Saturday night race events will be a sellout,” commented Len Sammons, the organizer of the show and indoor racing.
“That is a good reason for people planning to attend to call us for tickets, check in at Ticketmaster or go right to the ticket office at Boardwalk Hall. This is going to be a fantastic family entertainment weekend.”
Hotel rooms for those planning to spend the weekend in Atlantic City are going quickly especially since it is a three day holiday weekend. Check in at _www.aarn.com_ ( http://www.aarn.com ) for room reservation information.
The Motorsports 2007 show at the Convention Center will open at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 12 and close at 7 p.m. On Saturday, January 13 the show hours will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday, January 14, the closing day activity runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
One day adult tickets will run $14 with children, six through 12, admitted for just $5. Information on group rates can be had at (609) 888.3618. Information on the show schedule and list of top national, local and NASCAR stars appearing at the show will be available shortly at _www.aarn.com_ ( http://www.aarn.com ) . With exhibit space filling quickly those interested in arranging booth space should be in touch with show manager Joe Pratt quickly at (609) 888.3618.
Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society (RFRHS) to be Held December 2nd
The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society will hold a Christmas Party Celebration on December 2nd at Kemps Hall in Bowers starting at 6pm. Tickets are $10 per person which include an all you can eat , family style Dinner. Reservations must be made by November 17 by calling 610-921-2611. You need not be a member to attend.
Raffles, Prizes and Entertainment will be on the agenda for the evenings activities along with racing movies from the Fairgrounds. The menu will include Roast Beef / Chicken with Potato Filling, Vegtables, Fruit cup, and Salad. Coffee, Punch and Soda provided.
Kemps Hall is located about 1 mile East of the Lyons Fire Company on the Blandon - Fleetwood Road
Harry Blaze has Passed Away.
Many will recognize Harry's name from his Auto Racing column found in the Trenton Times. Others may have gotten the chance to meet Harry in person, with his pen and pad at the ready, while visiting a local speedway.
Harry saw to it that auto racing got its space right along side of society's more favored stick and ball sports. There it was, right along side the stories of the Philly's or Eagles... Harry's column, or a feature on one of our sport's best.
We've been able to trust the history of our sport to Harry. He knew what really happened because often he was there to see it as it happened, and there to capture the history so it could be shared with others.
Harry spoke to those drivers who were known on a National level, and to those that were every bit as big to us here on the local level.
Our condolences go out to the family of Harry Blaze.
from SJDR's Message Board:
Carol Megill Passes (posted 9/10/06)Carol Megill age 62 wife of New Egypt Speedway novelty stand and racing swap meet operator Earl Megill passed away this morning at 9:45am after a long courageous battle with cancer.
Viewing will be held at the Orender Family Home for Funerals - 2643 Old Bridge Rd. Manasquan N.J.- 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm on Tuesday Sept. 12th.For more info go to www.orenderfamilyhome.com
Our condolences go out to Earl, Doug and the entire Megill Family on their loss. The racing community is thinking of you during this difficult time.
Joe Macfarlan and Family
...very sad news received from John Snook:
Modified Driver Larry Taylor Has Passed Away
Larry Taylor above in Modified Action from the mid 70's at Flemington Speedway
It is with great regret that I have to pass on the news that Larry Taylor has passed away. He passed this morning Sat. Sept 2nd. I don't have any details yet.
A true New Egypt Legend, Larry was a great Driver and always had fun. He tought many of us locals a great work ethic on our cars and always gave a helping hand, Lord only knows how many rears he overhauled over the years. Larry also helped out a lot of us "kids" along the way. It seems like yesterday that Lee Sr, Larry and Donnie where all here cutting it up, raising cane and playing practical jokes.
All of them are greatly missed.
Thanks,
John Snook
Our condolences go out to the Taylor Family, one of the greatest racing familes from our area. I will always remember Larry behind the wheel of the Mark's #1, the Brigg's #X15 and other favorites throughout the years.
Joe Macfarlan and Family - 3 Wide's Picture Vault
Charles Edward "Iron Mike" Magill Passes
Iron Mike" Magill pictured at Indy in 1959
Charles Edward ( "Iron Mike") Magill passed away this past Thursday evening. Mike started his racing career in 1946 driving what were then called "Big Cars" and later on "sprints" He was a three time URC Sprint champion (1950,'51 and Co-Champ in '53) He was also the 1951 modified champion at Alcyon Speedway.
In 1953 he ran NASCAR in a factory Lincoln. His NASCAR season ended when a tire blew out and he went over the fence in the Southern "500" at Darlington, that year. He qualified and ran in the INDY 500 in 1957,'58 and 59. A unavoidable accident occurred in the '59 race which resulted in a hospital stay in Indianapolis from race day until Christmas Eve day that year.
He appeared back to get his license to drive in 1960 race to everyone's amazement at the speedway. He didn't run that year but went back in 1961 and tried to qualify a Chevy powered roadster. Oiling problem prevented that happening.
He retired from driving soon after. He always said,"I wish I could have won or finished better, but I got to play in the big leagues!" He is a member of the National Old Timers Hall of Fame, The Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club Hall of Fame and the Eastern Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame. In his later years he enjoyed attending the various old timers events and following Central Pa. 410 sprint racing and Joe Harz Racing.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his graveside services Wednesday, 2:30 PM at Locustwood Memorial Park, Route 70 West and Cooper Landing Road, Cherry Hill, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mike's memory may be made to the Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500 Adam's Way, Randleman, NC 27317, or by visiting: victoryjunction.org. Arrangements by the JACKSON FUNERAL HOME of Westmont, NJ. (Arrangement information courtesy of SJDR Message Board)
I am proud to be able to say he was my friend,
Thank You, Russ Dodge.
"Iron Mike" Magill pictured above in this 1950's Wall photo.
Swanson's Annouce Retirement at Season's End as Promoters at NES (posted 8/30/06)
We would like to offer our best wishes to Jim and Buffy Swanson on their retirement from New Egypt Speedway at season's end. Jim and Buffy have been managing both on track and off track activities at the speedway since 1998, and have always had time to take our calls. They put a lot of effort into running the premier dirt surfaced short track facility in the Northeast, and we sincerely appreciate what they have accomplished.
They move forward to enjoy a more relaxed life and in doing so, have positioned New Egypt Speedway as a very healthy facility for those who step up to the role of Promoter(s) in 2007.
60's and 70's Driver Larry Honey Passes (posted 8/24/06)
Larry Honey Sr. passed away on Thursday, Aug 24th. He was 69 years old.
Larry started out racing in 1962 at Harmony Speedway in the sportsman class as a driver for his brother-in-law Harry Lance in the # 909. He later drove the Richard Lauber #1 sportsman, the Tom Hager #43, the Bill Stecker & John Slacks #1, the Kenny Halls #59, along with other one shot deal rides.
He was very competive and raced at Harmony, Flemington, Nazareth and Bridgeport as well as "Middletown" Orange County. He lived in the Phillipsburg, NJ most of his life and resided in Palmer Twsp, Pa (Easton, PA). the past 10 years.
The viewing services will be held Sunday evening from 7pm - 9pm at the Rupell Funeral Home - 465 Memorial Parkway - Phillipsburg, NJ.
Funeral services will be held Monday, August 28 at 11am at the Stewartsville Lutheran Church on Main St in Stewartsville, NJ
Burial will be in Fairmount Cemetery in Phillipsburg, NJ.
(Click below for the obituary courtesy of PennLive.com)
http://obits.pennlive.com/Link.asp?Id=LS18994162X
(Above information provided by Bob Hummer Sr.)We were fortunate to get to say hello to Larry at the Glen Gardner Race Car Show in 2004. Our condolences go out to the Honey Family. 3Wide & Family
Earl Krause Sr. Passes (posted 8/24/06)
Earl Krause Sr. passed away on Wed, August 23 after a brief illness. Earl Sr. is the father of AARN's Columnist and Racing Historian Earl Krause.
Earl Krause Sr. pictured above with son Earl at this year's Garden State Stock Car Club Banquet.
Mr. Krause was a race fan since the mid 50's and attended various local speedways throughout the years.. His first visit was to Oldbridge Stadium in 1955 with 4 year old son Earl at his side. It was because of that first visit, and the excitement experienced at the races between a father and son that both became fans for life.
The viewing will be held on Friday, August 25th, from 2pm – 4pm, and also from 6pm – 8pm at The Crabiel Funeral Home - 170 North Main St, in Milltown, NJ. For directions, please call 732-828-1331. The funeral will be held on Saturday, August 26th at 9am at St Bartholomew’s Catholic Church on Ryders Lane in East Brunswick, NJ.
Donations in memory of Earl Krause Sr. can be made to the Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club (GSVSCC).
Our condolences go out to the Krause Family.
Joe and Kathy Macfarlan
Richard W. Reider Sr. Passes (posted 8/19/06)
Richard W. Reider, Sr. passed away Thursday, August 18, 2006. He was a supporter of Bridgeport Speedway in the early 70's. He is the Father of Richard W. Reider, Jr., who was the 2001 Late Model Stock Champion and currently driving in the Outlaw Stock. Richie Reider Sr. has touched many hearts and will be missed dearly.
(Click Here for pictures of Richie's cars courtesy of SJDR.)
Ken Kuhlman's "Dirt Trackin" Returns to the Pages of AARN! (posted 8/16/06)
Great to See Ken Kuhlman back writing in this week's edition of AARN.Ken's got a great article on Frankie Schneider on pg 76 of the 8/15 edition of AARN.
For many years, Ken's column was the first thing I turned to each week upon receiving the racing news. Ken always had a way of working in the names of the drivers that might not have been the big winners of the day, but deserved our respect just the same. I think its safe to say that if any of you feel that same attitude when scanning through the pages of the Vault, it is a direct reflection of what Ken provided to me for many years.
Thanks for the inspiration Ken. Great to see you back at it!
Promoter Dave Adams Gives Notice - 2006 To Be His Last Year As Promoter at Bridgeport
(Story in This Last Week's AARN) (Posted 8/8/06)
According to an article by Brett Deyo in the August 8th edition of the Area Auto Racing News, Dave Adams will resign his position as Promoter at Bridgeport Speedway at the end of this season. Siting that he may return to racing as a driver, Dave chose to make this announcement at this time in order to give the track owners and opportunity to find a replacement.
Comment from 3-Wide: I can't say enough good things about Dave as I've always found him to be one of the most optimistic people in this business, and one who puts his heart and soul out there for the good of the sport.
I'd like to say "Thank You" to Dave for the progress he has made at Bridgeport, and for taking my calls from time to time, for always having a minute to listen to a few ideas. The sport is better because of his efforts.
I hope for the best for Bridgeport Speedway in 2007 and hopefully for many more years to come, but I personally don't think they will find a better guy than Dave. If Dave is leaving because this is what he wants to do for personal, family or business reasons, than I hope he is able to help make the transfer to whoever steps up to take on the position.
If Dave is leaving for any other reason, I hope that those involved can work with him to stay on board, and provide him the authority to make the decisions that need to be made to continue the progress.
Bridgeport needs Dave Adams. This sport needs Dave Adams.
3Wide
(From Thomas DiMarcello)
I would like to second the comment from 3 wide regarding Dave Adams. Dave put a lot into Bridgeport and he is surely going to be missed. If it were up to me I would have nominated him for promoter of the year. He worked extremly hard at improving the facility. Its ashame that this is a very thankless job. I think fans and even writers are to quick to complain about the racing, or the surface, or something else about the speedway.
Maybe people need to think twice before complaining about a racing facility that this may be the first step into closing it. I guess then they can complain as to why the speedway closed.
Hopefully Dave will reconsider and stay on. If not lets just hope the next promoter will continue in the right direction.
Thomas DiMarcello
HEARN GETS 700TH WIN! From 3-Wide (posted 8/13/06)
Brett Hearn in Victory Lane after capturing the 358 Modified Feature Event at Orange County 8/12/06We decided to venture out to a different speedway tonight (Saturday, August 11th) and 2 hours later, we found ourselves at the Orange County Fairgrounds. Great night to be on hand as Brett Hearn put on a driving clinic using the inside and outside lanes in taking the win in the 358 Modified main event. This was Brett's 700th career feature win!
Having never been to Orange County before, but having heard so much about the place, I took advantage of the entirely rain free east coast forecast to make the trip, and all I can say is that it was very enjoyable. What the place lacks in glitz, it makes up for in atmosphere. "County Fair" buildings, a midway area, covered grandstands, pits on the inside.... kinda reminded me of a place that used to be near and dear to my heart in Flemington, NJ...until they paved it!
Was the track dry... yup. Was it smooth... you bet! Do all the Modifieds, 358's, and Sportsman look alike....Yup.... Do they have a variety of classes that don't all look alike... YES! (Our favorite class was the Amature Pure Stocks - Where else are you can you find a mid 70's Camaro leading a field of Monte's, Buicks, Cutlass's... By the way, the winner was a very well spoken young lady named Missy who was very impressive on the track and on the mic.) Was the victory lane interviews a little longer than we'd care to see... yup. Did the cars get lined up and "Go Green" quickly... YOU BET... In fact, they didn't even take a warm up lap... just pulled out between 1 & 2 and went green coming out of 4!
Gotta love that for only $3 more for the car, you can still park "Drive In" style along the backstretch hill and watch from the view from the hood of your car. It's might be corny to some, but we thought it was was cool when the cars in the Drive In area flashed their headlights to the drivers as a salute during the wave lap.
But what we realized most about the place is that the fans like what they have. They are passionate about the drivers. They seem to belong there and they are a part of something that is important to them. They are home.
So there you have it, our notes from our visit to this historic speedway. I can only hope that the people that call OCFS home don't let things slip through their fingertips the way that we did here in NJ.
3Wide
From Tom Berry:
Don't know if you heard but a good friend passed away Saturday night, Aug 12th at Mountain Speedway. Michael Drobot, known in the racing community as "Nimey" had a heart attack while his son Beau was racing his late model. Nimey was a noted motor builder for many race cars at Mountain and Mahoning as well as many winning go karts.
Our Condolences go out to the Drobot Family.
From Palmco and Friends:
Little John Protinik - Rest in Peace (posted 8/10/06)
John Protinik pictured above in EWS action - Jim Brown photo.
Rest in Peace EWS track worker, Street Stock competitor, Modified Competitor, race team crew member, race fan, friend, "Little" John Protinik. You left us way to soon kid....
From 3Wide: I met John through some friends at an event a few years back at Englishtown.. He was a young guy who loved local racing. John and his dad worked on the grounds at East Windsor Speedway and his family had a big farm at one time in the Cranbury/Monroe area. Our condolences go out to the Protinik Family.
From Kevin Eyres:
Frank "Gitchie" Byrne Passes (posted 8/10/06)
Frank won races at Wall, East Winsor and Atlantic City. He raced in the 60's, 70's & 80's..
Frank was also a lot of fun and a great pool player. He owned the table at the Tudor.The viewing is at 2 - 4pm & 7 - 9pm on Thursday August 10th at the Reilly Funeral Home, 801 D Street, Belmar, NJ
Our condolences go out to the Byrne Family.
Sprint-car driver Steve King dies after Knoxville accident (posted 8/10/06)
Picture from www.88king.com Courtesy of Slyshots Racingcar PhotographyStory from the Des Moines Register as referenced by "thesource" on SJDR: http://www.dmregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage
A Kansas driver was injured during a preliminary race Wednesday night at Knoxville Nationals. He was taken to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, where he died this morning according to Knoxville's top official. Update: Sprint-car driver dies after Knoxville accident
CART DRIVER CRISTIANO DA MATTA MAKING STEADY PROGRESS
LOVELAND, Colo., Aug. 9, 2006, 6:45 pm EDT -
Champ Car World Series driver Cristiano da Matta (#10 RuSPORT Ford-Cosworth / Lola / Bridgestone) is making steady progress and continued improvements in his condition as he recovers from a serious head injury at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, Wisc. Da Matta was injured after colliding with a deer that ran onto the track near Turn Six at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisc., last Thursday afternoon.Champ Car Medical Director Dr. Chris Pinderski has been in frequent contact with Dr. Randall Johnson at the Neuroscience Group of Northeast Wisconsin, who has been in direct care of da Matta. The following statement is an update on da Matta's medical status.
"Cristiano's recovery from his head injury continues on a positive trend while still in the intensive care unit at Theda Clark Medical Center. Most of his sedation has been removed and he now is moving all of his extremities spontaneously as well as in response to physical stimulation. We are pleased with Cristiano's progress so far and are hopeful he will continue daily improvement."
(Click on title above for the complete story)
Race Car Show - Memorabilia and Vintage Car Display (Show organized by Wyatt Jacobus and Clint Bush.)
Tragic Motor Vehicle Accident Involving Modified Driver Kenny Gilmore (7/29/06)
(From Vault Visitor Clzzer)
According to an newspaper article in the July 31st Reading Eagle, Modified driver Kenny Gilmore was in a tragic car accident with his mother, in which Kenny's mother was fatally injured. The article also said that Kenny had received a broken hip, and his son in the back seat and was not hurt. The accident occurred on the way home from Grandview Speedway at 11:15pm on Saturday, July 29th.
Our condolences go out to the Gilmore family.
Friends of Mike Event, Saturday, July 29th at New Egypt Speedway (posted 7/30/06)
So many stopped by to honor their friend Mike Rogie.
Jim Brown calls out the winning numbers as Danny Serrano and crew congratulate the winners.
We may not have known, but Mike was watching the whole time.
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NJ Vintage Stock Cars on the High Banks at Michigan! (posted 7/30/06)
From Wayne Weaver:
Just got back from Michigan. Here are some shots I took. What a great thrill taking the 12W on the high banks of this famous 2 mile speedway. We had 3 cars representing GSVSCC. Myself, Robert and Richard Caramella and Terry High in the 15. It was a great time. The event was sponsored by Vintage Oval Magazine.
Thanks Wayne - Click below to hop over to SJDR to see the rest!
Vintage Cars at Michigan International Speedway!
Friends Gather to Celabrate Frankie's 80th Birthday
Click on the thumbnails above for a better view.(posted 7/29/06)
Happy Birthday Frankie Schneider
Photos and comment from Lenny Swider:
"Just wanted to send along some pictures of the party. There was probably 100-150 people at the American Legion in Flemington. The party went til midnight."
Photo 1: Frankie trying to start a stubborn car that wouldn't start up
Photo 2: The Ole Master and open wheel driver Jimmy McGuire
Photo 3: Ed Meteka , Jimmy Maguire and Bob Pickell
Photo 4: A group of warriors from left to right: former sportsman driver Rob Ellis, Mod driver Jimmy Bowen, former Howie Cronce crew member Kenny Niece, former mod star Mark Fusco and Flemington's own Clyde Cox
Owner / Driver Jim Briggs Passes: (posted 7/28/06)
Owner and driver Jim Briggs in the #X15 at East Windsor Speedway
We've received word that Jim Briggs passed away early on Friday morning, July 28th. I'm sure many Vault Visitors will remember Jim's cars through the years that featured his trademark #X15. Always the owner and often the driver, Jim on occassion turned over the driving chores to Larry Taylor. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Jim Briggs.
The following appears courtesty of SJDR:
On July 28, 2006, 'Jim' of Pine Hill, Age 80 years. Beloved husband of the late Virginia 'Jeannie' (nee Williams) Briggs. Survived by his daughters Jeane (Bob) Duppel of Williamstown, Susan (Mike) Brannigan of Pine Hill, sons Jim (Sue) Briggs of Pine Hill, Bill (Michelle) Briggs of Pine Hill, 10 grandchildren, Bobby, Kelly, Jason, Tracey, Susie, Nikki, Michael, Brittany, Alyssa, Amanda, 5 great grandchildren, Sara, Lori, Faith, Jason, Ava Jean, brother Charles 'Bud' (Darlene) Briggs of Fla., sisters Josephine Bakshas of Philadelphia, Joan Cassidy of VA., Alice (Charles) Buzby of AR., Donna (Tom) McCouch of Pine Hill, Deanna Wright of Fla., sister in law Eleanor 'Bobs' Briggs of Berlin, faithful companion 'Sam' and many loving nieces & nephews & cousins.
Jim was a U.S. Navy WWII Veteran. He was the owner of Briggs Electrical and Briggs Construction in Pine Hill, and was a member of the Rotary Club. Jim was an avid bowler, and was a race car driver in the modified stock division.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Monday Evening 7pm-9pm and Tuesday Morning 9:30am to 10am followed by funeral services. Services 10am at the ORA L. WOOSTER FUNERAL HOME, 51 Park Blvd., Clementon, NJ 08021
Interment Berlin Cemetery. The family request memorial donations to the Pine Hill Youth Association, P.O. Box 1040, Pine Hill, NJ 08021
Owner and Innovator Kenny Onka Passes (posted 7/28/06)
Driver Jerry Tomarchio in Victory Lane with owner Ken Onka
We have just received word that Ken Onka has passed away. Many will remember the different cars that Ken was involved in throughout the years.
Innovation inside and out in the Butch Green driven Onka #12 at East Windsor.
I was fortunate enough to pit next to Ken and the #12 crew during the early 90's at East Windsor when driver Butch Green drove Ken's unique little #12. The car was wickedly fast and had a lot of Ken's ingenuity embedded in it.
For additional information provided by the Fucillo & Warren Funeral Home, please click below: http://www.webfh.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=92461&fh_id=10530&ck=1
Our condolences go out to the Onka Family.
Grandview Competitor Rich Lindaberry Passes (posted 7/28/06)
Rich Lindaberry at the wheel of the #41 in Late Model Grandview action
Late Model Champion and Sportsman and Modified driver Rich Lindaberry passed away on Thursday, July 27th. Rich is shown above behind the wheel of the #41 Late Model in action at Grandview in this 1970's photo. Our condolences go out to the Lindaberry Family.
COME TO THE READING FAIR!! (posted 7/20/06)
(Action all week, but be there for sure on Mon AUG 7 & Tues AUG 8th!)Once again, The RFRHS is a big part of the action at the fair. Our two big nights will be on Monday, August 7 and Tuesday, August 8.
Volunteers from the RFRHS have been working diligently to increase the size of the track to give bigger infield space for the demo derby and rodeo events so that they will not have to damage the clay surface. The track now has longer straightaways (200’ to 250’) and overall wider.
The 2006 Briggs and Stratton Power Products/Slingshot by Tobias National Tour is scheduled for 60 races, running at 25 different venues throughout the U.S. The Championship Trail will determine the 2006 Slingshot by Tobias National Champion and five Regional Champions (Southern, Northwestern, Northeastern, Gulf Coast, and West Coast). One of the tracks that the Slingshots have chosen as one of their National Tour Races is the new Reading Fairgrounds on August 7th and 8th (rain date is Thursday August 10th).
Cars we have to date: Kenny Brightbill’s #19 coach & Pinto, Ed Farley’s #026, DickQuallio’s #4 and Bobby Abel’s #2. Many more will be attending.Monday, August 7 will be “Flathead Driver’s Night” with the following drivers tentatively scheduled to attend: Del Bitting, Leroy Leibelsberger, Russ Smith, Russ Delp, Shorty Kerschner, Whitey Kerschner, Gary Wolford, Chris Skias and Barry Koch. (More drivers may appear). Autograph session will be from 6:00 to 7:00. Warm ups for the slingshots will begin about 6:30 with heats at 7:00. There will be heats, a C Main and also a Go-Kart racing feature. (Invitational only...from Shellhammers Speedway).
Tuesday, August 8 will be “Modifed Driver’s Night” with the following drivers tentatively scheduled to attend: Freddy Adam, Curt Weller, Bobby Eppihimer, Bobby Braxton, Red Coffin, Ronnie Guinther, Earl Derr, Eddie Holland, Harry Garber, Dick Quallio, Gary Gollub, Mose Moore, Ronnie Blatt (owner) and Dick Marburger (owner). (More drivers may appear). Autograph session will be from 6:00 to 7:00. Warm ups at 6:30 and there will be a B-Main, cash dash and a 40 lap feature for the slingshots.
Thursday, August 12—J & J Demo Simply Stock 4 Cylinder Races. 7:30 P.M. HEATS AND FEATURE EVENT $1500 MINIMUM PURSE. It’s no Sunday drive around an oval with million dollar sponsors or cry baby attitudes. It’s auto racing in it’s simplest form, Always wanted to be a race driver? Now’s your chance! For rules and information Phone: 610-488-9652 or Email: jandjdemo@supernet.com Website: www.jandjdemo.com
Every night from Monday, August 7 through Saturday, August 12, we will have our traveling
museum on the fairgrounds with new pictures and memorabilia for your walk through
memory lane. You can purchase our new 2006 T-Shirt (or previous years shirts), Modified
Memory Books, “Good Ole Daze” video or DVD from Lynn Schaeffer Productions
of footage from the Reading Fairgrounds from 1952 till it closed in 1979. Also, new
decals for your car!
It also would be a great time for you or your family to join the RFRHS at only $15. Remember,
we also have Lifetime Memberships available now for $200.
Admission cost to the fair is only $8 which includes parking, rides, musical entertainment, racing
action and many other events. Check out The Reading Fair’s website for more information on events. http://www.readingfair.usCome meet the "Voice of the RSCA", Warren Ruffner. Fair Times are every day 1:00pm to 10:00pm
We look forward to seeing you at the Fair!
July, 27th: 2006 MONMOUTH COUNTY FAIR MOTORSPORTS NIGHT
THE 2006 MONMOUTH COUNTY FAIR WILL AGAIN HAVE ITS MOTORSPORTS NIGHT ON THURSDAY JULY 27, 2006 FROM 5PM TO 11PM AT THE EAST FREEHOLD PARK IN FREEHOLD N.J. THE 2005 MOTORSPORT SHOW DREW A LARGE CROWD OF OVER 17,000 PEOPLE.
THIS YEARS ATTRACTIONS WILL INCLUDE :
#20 HOME DEPOT CHEVROLET - TONY STEWART, #18 INTERSTATE BATTERY CHEVROLET - J.J. YELEY, #24 DUPONT CHEVROLET - JEFF GORDON HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24 DUPONT CUTAWAY CAR, ALCOHOL FUNNY CAR - JAKE CRIMMINS MONSTER TRUCKS, NEXTEL CUP SIMULATOR - FREE !, BILLY PAUCHS SPRINT CAR SIMULATOR - FREE !, TIRE CHANGE CHALLENGE - FREE !
NEW EGYPT SPEEDWAY - RACEWAY PARK - FREEHOLD HONDA WILL HAVE DISPLAYS W/ NEW EGYPT SPEEDWAY HANDING OUT CHECKERED FLAGS TO THE KIDS.
ALL RACERS FROM ALL THE AREA SPEEDWAYS ARE WELCOME TO BRING THEIR CARS AND BE A PART OF THIS SHOW - DIRT CARS - ASPHALT CARS - DRAG CARS - DRAG BIKES - ROAD RACE CARS - ANYTHING THAT HAULS AZZ - EVEN YOUR KIDS RACE CARS !!!
EXHIBITORS MUST BE ON THE FAIRGROUNDS BY 4:30 PM ON THE 27TH AND MAY NOT LEAVE THE MOTORSPORTS ARENA BEFORE 10:30PM.
COME OUT AND PROMOTE YOURSELF - YOUR SPONSORS AND YOUR LOCAL SPEEDWAYS !!!
CALL JOHN MEGILL ( MEG WHEELS ) 732-681-4378 OR E-MAIL DOUG AT CDR30@AOL.COM
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE !!!
July 29th: Friends of Mike Double New Egypt Winners' Purse Special Gathering Before the Races Saturday, July 29th at New Egypt Speedway to Honor a Racing Friend
A close-knit group of race fans are planning to honor their seriously ill friend by dedicating a night of racing to him at New Egypt Speedway and doubling the winner's share of the purse in four divisions.
Mike Rogie, 38, a long-time race fan and steadfast supporter of New Egypt Speedway, was diagnosed with lung cancer this past winter.
Since then, the disease has spread to his brain and throughout his body.
"Mike is not a quitter by any means, but this is one thing that cannot be beaten," admitted Danny Serrano, who helped to organize the bonus event. "I wish we could get Mike to the track for just one more race, but that is not going to be possible at this point in time."
In Mike Rogie's honor, the Friends of Mike plan to double the winner's prize money in New Egypt's regular four divisions. On Saturday, July 29, the scheduled 30-lap Modified feature will pay $5,000 to win, with the winner's take in the Sportsman class doubling to $1,500, and the Super Stock winner collecting $1,000 for his efforts. As the touring ARDC Midgets will be replacing New Egypt's SS Sprint division on July 29, the Haldeman Ford SS Sprint class will race for double the money -- $1,000 -- on a later date, to be announced.
Friends of Mike will be out in force to honor their good buddy on Saturday, July 29, when New Egypt Speedway presents Midget Madness, featuring the sole 2006 appearance of the wingless ARDC Midgets. Big-block Modifieds, Sportsman and Super Stocks complete the race program, all racing for twice the winner's share of the regular purse.
Gates open at 4 pm on Saturday, July 29, with first green at 6:30 pm. Adult admission is $18, children 7-12 are $6, and kids 6 and under
are free. New Egypt Speedway is located on Route 539, just minutes from Six Flags Great Adventure and the NJ Turnpike. For further details, call the track office at (609) 758-1900 or log on to www.newegyptspeedway.net .
We will be providing more info about this special event to honor a long time race fan and friend of the Vault, Mike Rogie. Click Here for more information: Friends of Mike Double New Egypt Winners' Purse
July 30th: Frankie Schneider Appearing at the Warren County Twp Fair on Sun, July 30, at 3pm
The Warren County Farmers Fair in Harmony Township, NJ, has, for the second straight year, scheduled an appearance by Frankie Schneider on Sunday, July 30, at 3:00 pm. Their website says that other drivers with cars and memorabilia will be on display, at a location near the fair office. The website is www.warrencountyfarmersfair.org From Vault Visitor Greg Collins:
Warren Township Antique and Classic Car Show Sunday, Sept 10th
We promised Ken Brenn Sr that we would help get the word out about the Warren Township Antique and Classic Car Show. It should be a great day as many vintage cars will be on display.
Ken Sr. and Jr. are from the Warren, NJ area and are lending a hand with the show this year. It will be a great day and a chance for the Vault Faithful to say hello to someoldfriends from from the past and present!
Over 140 cars scheduled to be on display including over 40 Vintage Racecars! For registration, contact Ann Carlson at 908-753-8000.
Sunday, Sept 10th, from 10am till 4pm. The show is located at 46 Mountain Blvd in Warren, NJ (Raindate: 9/7)
50's & 60's Driver Clyde Suydam Passes Away Posted 6/21/06
(Published in The Express Times 6/22/06)
Clyde E. Suydam Jr., 79, of Asbury, NJ, died Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at his daughter's home in Asbury, NJ. Born: On June 6, 1927 in Phillipsburg, NJ, he was a son of the late Clyde E., Sr. and Lola DeHart Suydam.
Clyde was a retired laborer, employed by Local #569, Washington, NJ. He had lived in Asbury for 40 years, moving there from Washington. He was originally from Phillipsburg, NJ. He served in the Marine Corps during World War II. He was an avid hunter, and also was a stock car driver in Flemington, Nazareth, and Harmony Township Speedways. In his later years, he continued to be an avid race car fan.
Clyde was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church. He was a longtime member of Asbury Fire Co. and a member of the Flemington Moose Lodge.
He is survived by wife Ila May Devires Suydam, six daughters, Kelly Williams of Asbury, NJ, Candace Drake of Phillipsburg, NJ, Vickie Collins of Harmony, NJ, Lisa Geuss of Phillipsburg, NJ, Sherry Suydam of Phillipsburg, NJ and Ila May Suydam ; five sons, Barry Suydam of Phillipsburg, NJ, Wes Suydam of Harmony, NJ, Clyde E. Suydam III of Catasauqua, and Jeffery Suydam; a brother, Clarence Suydam of Millbridge, Me; 17 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Friends may call on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. in the DeVoe Funeral Service, Inc., 136 W. Washington Avenue, Washington, NJ. Funeral service will be on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be Saturday in Musconetcong Valley Cemetery, Hampton. Online condolences may be made at www.devoefuneral.com . (Published in The Express Times 6/22/06)
Cards can be sent to:
The Suydam Family
426 Old Main St. Box 74
Asbury, N.J. 08802
Our condolences go out to the Suydam Family
Paul Weaver Sr. Passes Away (Posted 6/13/06)
I want to thank everyone who sent kind words and responses about my father during his time of illness. He passed away today (Tuesday, June 13th) in Cooper Medical Center will all of his family at his bed side. I will forward the arrangements as soon as they are confirmed.
Thank you,
Wayne WeaverWEAVER, PAUL I., 77 - of Vineland, former Vineland Municipal Electric Utility Worker, died with his loving family and his lady friend Lori Sansoni by his side on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at Cooper Medical Center, after a brief illness.
A life long resident of Vineland, Paul was born in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He worked for many years for the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company in Vineland before being employed by the The City of Vineland, at the Vineland Municipal Electric Utility. Paul joined the Civil Air Patrol during World War II and loved airplanes and Stock Car racing. He raced at the old Vineland Speedway in the Hobby class from 1955-1957. His love for racing carried over to his children. He dedicated many years in supporting both Paul Jr. and Wayne in their racing endeavors. Paul loved spending Sundays watching his favorite football team, the NY Jets with his grandsons. He enjoyed playing cards with his sons and buddies from the VFW hall.
Paul was predeceased in death by his loving wife Rita (Ciccio) Weaver of 50 years and his brother Milton (Reds) Weaver. He is survived by seven loving children, Sherry Cestaro and her husband Charles, Paul Weaver Jr. and his wife Antionette, Joann Hubschmidt and her husband George, Joan DiNunzio and her husband Larry, Wayne Weaver and his wife Greta, Todd Weaver and his wife Darlene, Kim Dilazzero and her husband Jeff; thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday at 10am at St. Mary's Church, Rosenhayn. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Rosenhayn. Friends will be received on Friday from 7pm to 9pm and again on Saturday morning from 8am to 9:15am at the DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home 1019 E Landis Ave., Vineland. Condolences may be sent to www.dlfuneral.com Published in The Press of Atlantic City on 6/15/2006
http://www.legacy.com/PressOfAtlanticCity/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=18117568Our condolences go out to the family of Paul Weaver Sr.
Joe Macfarlan & Family
Tom Skinner (posted June 12th, 2006)
There aren't enough words out there to describe Tom's abilities. People use words like "Genius" and "Master" to describe Tom's ability to imagine, design and create. Tom, shown above in this photo from the Fall of '05 Pumpkin Run, enjoys a moment seated next to the recreated #659 for which he will be forever associated with. (photographer: C.J. Santilli)
Possibly the area's most famous stock car of all time, the 6 cyl GMC powered Tom Skinner #659, driven by Parker Bohn as displayed at last Fall's Pumpkin Run (above left) held at Flemings in English Creek, NJ. (photographer: C.J. Santilli) The #659 in Victory Lane (above right). (photographer unknown.)
Victory Lane at Wall Stadium. (photographer: Charles Taylor)
The Skinner #659 was a frequent visitor to victory lane at Wall Stadium. Shown above as the #65, there's no mistaking the always recognizable Skinner prepared coupe with Parker Bohn behind the wheel.
The memories that we will always have of the #659, with it's unique GMC power... it's unique sound... the flash of flame from the exhaust.... the way the car glided through around the banks of Wall Stadium....all of it was because of the ingenuity of Tom Skinner.
That is what our sport was all about... and our sport has lost one of its best.
In leau of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to The Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club - 438 3rd Ave - Brick, NJ 08724
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Skinner Family.
Joe Macfarlan and Family
Thoughts about Tom Skinner From the Racing Community
Rick Broschard pays tribute to one of his biggest heros with a collection of photos and his thoughts about Tom at:
Photo Tribute to Tom Skinner from Rick's Vintage Racing
Race Driver Lew Mood Passes posted 4/9/06
Photo By: William Curley /Photo Provided By: Russ Dodge / Info: Ralph Richards
Lewis Mood, 89, of Alloway, NJ, formerly of Elk Township and Franklinville, passed away on Friday, April 7, 2006.
Lew raced at Alcyon, Vineland, Nazareth, Pleasantville and Flemington raceways in his familiar #29.
More information provided by the Gloucester County Times at: http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?Id=LS17387502X
Our condolences go out to the Family of Lewis Mood
Nancy Singer Passes posted 4/6/06
We are very saddened by the news that Nancy Singer (Nancy Cucugliello) passed away on Tuesday morning, April 4th.
It wasn't long ago that Nancy was suddenly called on to be strong for others after the unexpected passing of her brother Bill. The events of that day brought us together, and in the days, weeks and months that passed I got to know Nancy and her family. It was a time that everyone needed each other... and Nancy, through her own grieving, stayed focused, and saw to it that those things most important were taken care of.
As her sister Grace told us, "Now she's with Bill, their mother, and so many others."
The viewing was held on Friday, April 7th from 6-8pm with services held at 8pm at the Kingston-Kemp Funeral home.
Our condolences go out to the friends, family and co-workers of Nancy Singer. We will miss her.
Joe Macfarlan and Family
Racer Maynard Forrette Passes
Long time DIRT competitor last drove his 78 M "Queens Machines" passed away on Monday, April 3rd, 2006
I remember Maynard taking in some special mid week shows at Flemington back in the 1980's. Our condolences go out to the Forrette Family.
Vespia Adds Racer Bonuses To Fast-Time Fan Contest posted 04/04/06
New Egypt, NJ (April 4, 2006) -- Vespia Tire & Auto Care, the area's
largest authorized Goodyear dealer with 29 locations in New Jersey
and Southeastern Pennsylvania, is upping the ante at New Egypt
Speedway: in addition to their long-running Fast-Time Fan Contest,
Vespia will be awarding weekly Lightning Lap bonuses to those drivers
clicking off the quickest laps in all timed dash qualifying sessions
this season.
Vespia's popular Pick-the-Heat-Winner Fan Contest morphed into the
Fast-Time Fan Contest last year, with the advent of timed dashes in
lieu of qualifying heats for the support classes. About a dozen
chosen fans each week try to guess the driver who'll turn fast time
in a select division, with the winning fan receiving a generous
package from Vespia -- a family four-pack of tickets to the next
racing event and a Silver Service gift certificate good for an oil
change and tire rotation at any Vespia location.
For 2006, the folks at Vespia are extending the weekly contest to
include the racers, as well. Drivers setting fast time in the support
divisions -- Sportsman, Super Stock and the Haldeman Ford SS Sprint
ranks -- will each receive a $25 cash Lightning Lap bonus. In
addition, Vespia will be sponsoring a nightly Lightning Lap autograph
session in the picnic area, allowing fans the opportunity to meet and
congratulate the evening's fast-time drivers and others who clocked
laps in the top five. Fans can collect driver signatures on specially
designed autograph cards provided by Vespia.
"It seemed natural to include the drivers in our weekly fan contest,"
said Mike Mintz, Vespia Tire & Auto Care Service Director. "With the
competition at New Egypt Speedway, turning fast time is no minor
achievement, and we're happy to reward the racers. They deserve it,
and we're behind them all the way."
The Vespia Fast-Time Fan Contest and Lightning Lap autograph sessions
will be in full swing this Saturday, April 8, as New Egypt Speedway
officially gets the 2006 racing season underway. The "Go Green!"
kick-off program, sponsored by Pleasant View Landscaping, features a
five-division card of Modifieds, Sportsman, Super Stocks, Haldeman
Ford SS Sprints and the Advantage Financial/Cradle Rock Developers
Rookies. Gates will open at 3:30 pm, with qualifying beginning at 6
pm. Adult admission is $16, children 7-12 are $5, and kids 6 and
under are free.
New Egypt Speedway is located on Route 539, just minutes from Six
Flags Great Adventure and the NJ Turnpike. For more information, call
the track office at (609) 758-1900 or log on to
www.newegyptspeedway.net.
358 Spec Small Block Drivers Prepared for Inaugural Season posted 4/3/06
BRIDGEPORT, NJ (April 2, 2006) – Much of the speculation surrounding the
358 Small Block, ‘Crate 2’, division was answered this past Saturday as just
under a dozen ‘Crate 2’ motors took to the track in their first practice
session.
“I was happily surprised with the strength of these motors,” 2005 GM Crate
Sportsman Champion, Eric Kormann stated after turning laps in the Beach
Builders #12K with a brand new Crate 2 motor bolted in. “It’s difficult to
judge based off of day-time track conditions – we’ll definitely have a better
idea after we get in the pack.”
Just under a full field of 358 Small Block Motors have been purchased
through the speedway including -- 2005 Sportsman winners: Ron Roberts and Mark Forte Jr. 358 Modified competitors: Richie Pratt Jr., Jesse Hill and Drew Ricco. Newcomers to Bridgeport Speedway Bill Tanner IV, Matt Jester and Ryan
Taylor and a host full of others.
While many of those competitors plan on competing for the $1100 top prize in
Saturday Night’s 358/Sportsman Challenge many are gearing up for Friday, May
26 and the opening race of the 358 Small Block division. The 358 Small Block division was created in an effort to provide competitive racing action at a relatively affordable cost. Participants must purchase a GM Crate 2 motor through the Bridgeport Speedway. The 358 Spec Small Block (Crate 2) will compete every Saturday Night with the Sportsman division with a $1000 top prize and a $100 bonus if a 358 Spec (Crate 2) motor is the winner.
Beginning on Friday, May 26, The 358 Small Block (Crate 2) division will compete, by themselves every Friday Night in a $1200-to-win / 25 Lap feature
event. Drivers and teams are encouraged to participate both nights with the
same car combination.
Saturday, April 8 -- We’re Open, WIDE OPEN! Anything can happen when five
laps and five hundred dollars are added to the Big Block Modified feature
event. Defending Champion Duane Howard aims for three titles in a row, but this year aboard the BPG Racing/Chad Sinon Motorsports #4 – Can he hold off strong challenges from Mike Iles, Steve Bottcher, Rick Laubach and the rest of the Bridgeport Bad Boys in a 30 Lap $3,000-to-win feature event?
It’s the first event in our Crate 2 vs. Sportsman Challenge; Can ‘The Master Crater’ live up to his name, pick up the $1000 plus the $100 bonus and prove that the crate motor can hold it’s own against the ‘super’ Sportsman? Plus competition for Sunoco Crate Sportsman, Sunoco Crate Rookies and the Outlaw
Stocks! The action doesn't stop at The Bridgeport Speedway.
Plus! We salute the youth of racing. It's Quarter Midget Night -- All
drivers in uniform will be admitted free of charge and are encouraged to display
their car behind our grandstands! Admission is $15 for adults and kids 12 & under are Free. Pit Gates open at 1 PM, Grandstand gates open at 4, Warm-Ups at 5:15 and the first green flag of the 2006 season drops at 6:00.
For more information on all the happenings at the Bridgeport Speedway visit
us on the web at _ http:// www.thenewbridgeportspeedway.com _
New Egypt Racers Set For April 8 Opener posted 4/1/06
New Egypt, NJ (April 1, 2006) -- Before the skies opened, wheels were
turning on the 2006 season Saturday at New Egypt Speedway, with
almost 80 cars going through technical inspection, and testing and
tuning during an afternoon practice session in preparation for the
track's season opener on April 8.
The practice session, scheduled to take place from noon to 5 pm, was
cut short at 1:30 pm when a thundershower stormed through the area.
Before the rains hit, a few drivers really got to strut their stuff.
Unofficially, Ron John Koczon of New Egypt was fastest on the track
in the Modified ranks, with Flemington, NJ's Keith Plumstead turning
quick time in the Sportsman division in a brand-new Bicknell car.
Kory Fleming was the jackrabbit in the Super Stocks, with Steve
Wilson recording fast time of the day in the Haldeman Ford SS Sprint
class.
Overall, the fastest driver on the speedway, however, was Kevin Welsh
of Far Hills, NJ, who ran a half-second off the track record in his
URC Sprint Car -- a pretty impressive feat on a daytime track. The
URC Sprints will make their first of five scheduled appearances this
season at New Egypt Speedway on April 29.
The fresh crop of a dozen newbies in the Advantage Financial/Cradle
Rock Developers Rookie Sportsman Series was led by Bill Lowden Jr.,
of Bath, PA.
New Egypt fans will find out exactly who's who in the Rookie class
next Saturday, April 8, when the track presents its season opening
"Go Green!" program, sponsored by Pleasant View Landscaping. The
Advantage Financial/Cradle Rock Developers Rookies will be sharing
the bill with big-block Modifieds, Sportsman, Super Stocks and the
Haldeman Ford SS Sprints. Gates open at 3:30 pm with first green flag
at 6 pm. Adult admission is $16, children 7-12 are $5, and kids 6 and
under are free.
For more information, call the speedway office at (609) 758-1900 or
log on to www.newegyptspeedway.net .
Haldeman Ford Sets Pace For New Egypt SS Sprints posted 3/31/06
New Egypt, NJ (March 30, 2006) -- Haldeman Ford, the Hamilton, NJ,
car dealership that has supplied the pace truck at New Egypt Speedway
the past seven years, will once again be the title sponsor of the
Ocean County race track's growing SS Sprint division, an affordable
winged open-cockpit class with a frame chassis and limited engine
size.
"The SS Sprint division is really starting to take off, and we're
proud to be a part of that growth," stated Haldeman Ford sales
manager J.R. Battreall. "We've gotten great exposure from our
involvement at New Egypt Speedway, and we hope to partner with them
for many years to come."
New Egypt's fledgling SS Sprint class, first introduced to Jersey
fans four years ago, really began to rock last season, when
Flemington, NJ's Art Liedl Jr. and Kevin Nagy of East Brunswick
squared off in a personal battle for bragging rights that went right
down to the wire, with Liedl edging Nagy for the championship by four
points on the final turn of the final lap. It was Liedl's second
division title in as many years -- and he'll tell you he's looking to
make it three in 2006.
To that end, Liedl will have his hands full -- and not only with
Kevin Nagy, or Steve Wilson and Ed Hughes, who were also feature
winners in '05. A bunch of newcomers purchased SS Sprint cars over
the winter months, and plan to make their presence known. The new
faces in the division include: former Modified driver Dale Gardner of
Phillipsburg; rookie John Philkill, also of Phillipsburg; Allentown,
NJ's Tom Wyckoff; Charles Lemmel, Hamilton; Nick Bardsley of Cream
Ridge; Glenn Sinibaldi, Highland Park; and 21-year-old David Martin
of Flemington.
The Haldeman Ford SS Sprint class is set to compete in 17 events on
New Egypt's schedule.
The partnership between Haldeman Ford and New Egypt Speedway marks
the car dealer's first auto-racing affiliation in its 32-year
history. The Hamilton location, one of a group of dealerships under
the Haldeman umbrella in central Jersey and Pennsylvania, specializes
in Ford trucks, up to 750 series, and includes a fleet and commercial
division.
New Egypt Speedway's new pace truck -- a 2006 Ford F250 4x4 XLT
turbo-diesel crew cab carrying the Haldeman colors -- will be on site
at the track on Saturday, April 1, during a test-and-tune session
open to all divisions. Gates will open at 9 am, with tech inspection
from 9 to noon and practice from 12 to 5 pm. Spectators will be
admitted free to the grandstands.
New Egypt's 2006 season officially gets underway on Saturday, April
8, with Pleasant View Landscaping's "Go Green!" lidlifter, featuring
a five-division card of Modifieds, Sportsman, Super Stocks, Haldeman
Ford SS Sprints and the Advantage Financial/Cradle Rock Developers
Rookie Sportsman Series. Gates will open at 3:30 pm, with qualifying
beginning at 6 pm.
For more information about the Haldeman Ford SS Sprint class or New
Egypt Speedway's upcoming season, call the track office at (609)
758-1900 or log on to www.newegyptspeedway.net .
Usual Suspects, New Blood Ready To Race New Egypt posted 3/24/06
New Egypt, NJ (March 23, 2006) -- When the first green flag of the
season unfurls at New Egypt Speedway on April 8, all the heavy
hitters in the headlining big-block Modified division will be on hand
to defend their honor.
Former track champions Billy Pauch, Frank Cozze, Jimmy Horton, Keith
Hoffman and Ryan Godown -- an elite group of blood-and-nails
competitors with more than 1,300 career feature wins and 54 track
point titles to their credit -- are more than ready to take on each
other and every other bona fide contender looking to step into their
shoes. The champs can always expect a tussle from feature winners Tim
Tanner Jr., Tom Carberry, Rick Grosso, Bucky Kell, Ron John Koczon,
Sam Martz and Fred Dmuchowski. And a large-looming figure in the Mod
ranks will be the legendary Kenny Brightbill, a 29-time winner at
NES, making his return in '06.
But this season, a new bunch of youngbloods will be stepping into the
scene to challenge the veterans for on-track respect. 2005 Sportsman
champion Rich Rutski, age 29, is moving up to the Modified ranks in
some stout equipment, hoping to follow in the footsteps of former NES
Sportsman champs Bob Worthington, Ryan Godown and G.R. Smith, who all
recorded feature wins as Modified rookies.
Other eager young lions entering the Mod ranks this season include
18-year-old Billy Pauch Jr., an exciting third-generation talent
driving for Paul Lenoir; Dominick Buffalino, 24, a former Star of
Tomorrow in the Sportsman class; and Morganville resident John Dixon,
25.
The same can be said of the Sportsman division, as both young and old
jockey for championship position. Rich Scagliotta of Bound Brook, the
division's all-time winningest driver who settled for second place in
the final point standings the past two years, is the odds-on favorite
to finally clinch the elusive NES Sportsman title. But, rest assured,
Scagliotta will have such fierce opponents as four-time 2005 winner
Willie Osmun, former division champ Gary Butler and last year's
Sportsman Challenge winner Mike Lyons hot on his heels all season
long.
Those are the well-seasoned veterans in the Sportsman ranks. But
there are plenty of young guns looking to make their mark on the
sport. Among them: Jeff Geiges, 27, who had a break-out season in
2005, scoring three victories at NES and top finishes on the regional
Race of Champions tour; Mike Howardson, 23, who was knocking on the
door all of last year; Pittstown pilot E.J. Harrington, 21;
18-year-old Robbie Nixon, a two-time National Dirt Quarter-Midget
champion from nearby Cream Ridge; third-generation challenger Clay
Butler, 19; and John Salvatore Jr., 20, a two-time winner in the
Rookie Sportsman series.
Young and old will be gearing up for action, as New Egypt Speedway
gets ready to rumble for 2006. The raceway will hold a
free-to-the-public practice session on Saturday, April 1, which is
open to all divisions. Gates will open at 9 am with tech inspection
from 9 to noon and practice from 12 to 5 pm. New Egypt's 2006 season
officially gets underway on Saturday, April 8, with Pleasant View
Landscaping's "Go Green!" lidlifter, featuring a five-division card
of Modifieds, Sportsman, Super Stocks, Haldeman Ford SS Sprints and
the Advantage Financial/Cradle Rock Developers Rookies. Gates will
open at 3:30 pm, with qualifying beginning at 6 pm.
For more information about New Egypt Speedway's upcoming season, call
the track office at (609) 758-1900 or log on to
www.newegyptspeedway.net .
Advantage, Cradle Rock Sponsor New Egypt Rookies posted 3/17/06
New Egypt, NJ (March 16, 2006) -- Novice drivers at New Egypt
Speedway will get a boost right off the starting blocks, as Advantage
Financial Mortgage Bankers of Robbinsville, NJ, and Cradle Rock
Developers, construction managers and estate home builders based in
Skillman, NJ, return as title sponsors of the central Jersey race
track's Rookie Sportsman division for 2006.
Advantage Financial and Cradle Rock Developers will present trophies
to all winners in New Egypt's 10-week Rookie series, which will
culminate with formal graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2006 on
Saturday, June 10. The series champion will receive a hefty $750
check. In all, a total of $1,500 in season-end prize monies will be
distributed by Advantage Financial and Cradle Rock Developers.
"This series is all about getting new drivers off to a good start and
keeping them excited about racing," said Advantage Financial
president Gene Stravinsky. "The Sportsman division at New Egypt is so
competitive, they could easily be swallowed up! But this series
allows them time to get their feet wet and gain some confidence,
before taking on the seasoned veterans."
Stravinsky and Cradle Rock principal Mike Lyons are adversaries as
well as angels for the Rookie class: both are regular competitors and
feature winners in New Egypt's crowded and demanding Sportsman field.
New Egypt's Rookie Sportsman division looks strong for 2006, with
nine drivers already signed up to compete. Among the new crop:
third-generation racer and Hopewell native Tommy Carberry, 18, son of
Modified division stalwart and four-time NES feature winner Tom "Top
Cat" Carberry; and Brian Driver, also 18, of Pennington, NJ, an
international go-kart competitor whose father, Bruce, made a name for
himself racing the Flemington Speedway dirt and pavement before
getting the call to drive Don Hawk's Modified on the NASCAR
Featherlite Tour.
As in years past, three-time New Egypt Modified champion Billy Pauch
will again volunteer his time to present a pre-season orientation
session for the Rookie drivers. The free-of-charge primer with
Professor Pauch, who will outline the basics of racing safely and
successfully, will take place at the track on April 1 at 10 am, prior
to a scheduled test-and-tune practice session that is open to all
classes.
Drivers are considered Rookies if they have not previously driven a
full-size race car on any oval track (with the exception of Enduro
competition) on more than three occasions. Those eligible for Rookie
status are urged to contact the speedway office at (609) 758-1900
prior to March 31, to register for the free class and the Advantage
Financial/Cradle Rock Developers series.
The speedway will hold a free-to-the-public practice session on
Saturday, April 1, which is open to all divisions. Gates will open at
9 am with tech inspection from 9 to noon and practice from 12 to 5
pm. New Egypt's 2006 season officially gets underway on Saturday,
April 8, with Pleasant View Landscaping's "Go Green!" lidlifter,
featuring a five-division card of Modifieds, Sportsman, Super Stocks,
Haldeman Ford SS Sprints and the Advantage Financial/Cradle Rock
Developers Rookies. Gates will open at 3:30 pm, with qualifying
beginning at 6 pm.
For more information about New Egypt Speedway's upcoming season, call
the track office at (609) 758-1900 or log on to
www.newegyptspeedway.net.
From Ralph Richards: (posted 2/28/06)
Driver and Car Owner Carl A. DeGeorge Passes Away at Age 73
http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?Id=LS16893134X
above link takes you to The Gloucester County Times
50's & 60's Driver Spud Murphy Passes Away posted 2/18/06
Spud Murphy, a popular dirt modified driver from the 1950’s and 1960’s passed away on Feb 12th reportedly from heart failure. After his driving career ended, Spud owned racecars through the early 1980’s in Florida. The last car that Spud owned was a late model driven by former Northern Modified pavement driver John Bush who had moved to Florida.As a driver, Spud raced at Flemington, East Windsor, Orange County and many other tracks in the Northeast. His signature number was "77" and some will remember his #77 white coupe that Spud drove near the end of his career in the late 60’s at East Windsor in the Modified division.
Spud was originally from Illinois, but lived in Florida most of his life. In the mid to late 1950’s he was one of the first of many famous drivers to head north and race at the local area speedways during the summer.
New Egypt Implements Mod Spec Motor Program posted 1/28/06
New Egypt, NJ (January 28, 2006) -- With the price of fielding a competitive big-block Modified escalating year after year -- notably, in the engine department -- New Egypt Speedway management has made the first move to try to rein in costs by implementing a test program for a spec big-block motor in 2006.
The spec motor built and tested by T/K Performance of Green Brook, NJ, is a 467 c.i.d. cast-iron big-block, featuring a specified laundry list of top-shelf name-brand engine components (World Products, Callies, Jesel, Manley, Moroso, Brodix/M2 cylinder heads, etc.), that produced 780 hp @ 7100 rpm and 660 ft/lbs of torque @ 5400 rpm on the dyno.
"It's a solid piece with all quality parts that will live, week in and week out," said Mike Truppi of T/K Performance. "And the motor makes power over a very broad, usable range."
Factoring in manufacturer incentives, the spec motor has a price tag of under $18,000. Still expensive? True. But a far cry from the $38,000+ powerplants currently considered the hot ticket in the division.
"This is a lifeline for the little guy who's been struggling to compete against the big guns, and a helping hand for the Sportsman racer who's hoping to move up to Modified," said New Egypt Speedway promoter Jim Swanson, who has been researching the spec engine program for more than a year. "This spec motor is certainly not the cure-all for the trend of escalating costs in the sport. But we think it will help. And the time to sit back and do nothing has certainly passed."
As specified, the test motor is legal for Modified competition at every track in the Northeast -- "It is not a one-track-only motor," Swanson pointed out. As an incentive, the Modified spec motor will initially receive a 50 pound weight break at New Egypt in 2006, withminimum car weight pegged at 2450 lbs. vs. 2500 lbs. for an existing big-block. Swanson has been in contact with other area promoters of big-block Modified racing, and many say they will follow suit.
"We're more than willing to pioneer this project, to try to save the Modified class. And we hope we can move others to follow us in the future," Swanson stated.
To ensure the integrity of the program during the test period, New Egypt management will launch the project with three authorized engine builders, at this time. Mike Truppi of T/K Performance (732-968-2030), Mark Rainey of Tony Feil Competition Engines (908-526-2220) and Ron Ross of Simonek Performance (732-751-1902) are on-board to produce the spec motor. All engines will be sealed at the respective shops.
For more information about the spec motor program or New Egypt Speedway's upcoming season, call the track office at (609) 758-1900 or log on to www.newegyptspeedway.net .
John Wyckoff - Chief of NJ Racing Control Unit Passes Away posted 1/26/06
We have learned of the passing of John Wyckoff, 83, of Hamilton, NJ. John passed away in the Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Hamilton, NJ.
From 1952 - 1983, John was in charge of the Racing Control Unit in New Jersey. During those years, John pretty much wrote the book on safety. His accomplishments greatly reduced injury and death to those involved in the sport of auto racing. John was a member of the Hall of Fame in both the Garden State Stock Car Club and the National Old Time Auto Racing Club. In addition, John was The Chief of Highway Patrol for the NJ State Police.
A viewing will be held on Friday, January 27th from 6pm - 9pm at the Chiacchio Southview Funeral Home, located at 990 South Broad Street in Trenton, NJ. The funeral will be held on Saturday, February 4th at 10am at the Grace St. Paul Episcopal Church, located on the East State Street Extension in Mercerville, NJ.
Our condolences go out the the Wyckoff Family. ur condolences go out the the Wyckoff Family.Quick note about John Wyckoff from driver Kevin Eyres:
He sure made it a pain in the ass to compete in New Jersey (ie: heavier roll bar tubing, multiple fuel cell straps, seat belt expiration dates, hot and heavy mandatory fire proof underwear and on and on and on.)
On behalf of all racers and fans alike, THANK GOD FOR JOHN WYCOFF!
Quick note about John Wyckoff from Kevin Newman:
John and my dad had been friends for many years and at that time (1977). Major Wyckoff had arranged for me to take my driving test on my birthday (back in the day the waiting list was 4-6 months)...my dad took me up to Trenton where I got my license that day!!!...he was a racing fanatic and an all around nice guy...
OFFICIAL SILVER SPRING SPEEDWAY ANNOUNCEMENT (provided by: Thomas Fulmer)
It is said that the only thing that remains constant is change. In the coming year and hereafter, there will be a big change in the landscape along the Carlisle Pike in Mechanicsburg. Having hosted Saturday evening auto racing programs every year since its inaugural season in 1953 the Silver Spring Speedway will not open for the 2006 season. The speedway property will be razed for the construction of a shopping center.
While there are reasons for the sale of the property, none seem as important as the memories of the 53 years of great auto racing that Silver Spring Speedway provided. Many of the regions top drivers displayed their talents and provided endless thrills in what was always competitive racing action in all divisions and classes. The scope of competitors who drove here is truly amazing and we have stories and memories to last a lifetime.
There have been four generations involved in the operation and promotion of the speedway and it has been our privilege to be a part of Silver Spring Speedway’s rich history. It is with heartfelt sincerity that we express our thanks and appreciation to all of the many fine employees, officials, friends and family members who worked so diligently to provide a family- oriented night of entertainment. We thank the many sponsors who supported the speedway through their generosity and involvement. We thank all of the members of the race teams for providing the area’s most exciting wheel to wheel racing for 53 years. Thank you to the mechanics and crew members for volunteering their time and efforts to coax every ounce of performance out of their race cars. Thank you to the many fine car owners who gave of their time and money to build and maintain a field of one-hundred plus cars a night. A special thank you to the drivers. They were the ones who captured our imagination, became our heroes and won our cheers with their feats of skill and bravery. Most of all, thanks to the thousands of fans over the many years that filled the stands and supported the drivers and teams. Our 53 years of operation would not have been possible without you.
The cars and drivers of Silver Spring including the Sportsman, Late Models and Street Stocks will have a full racing schedule for the 2006 season. There will be fifteen Saturday evening programs at Williams Grove Speedway under the promotion of Williams Grove, Inc. and the Silver Spring cars will make several appearances at the Lincoln Speedway along with events at other area speedways. We hope that you continue to support these races and the Sportsman, Late Model and Street Stock race teams and drivers. They are great race cars and great drivers. We will continue to host the website at www.silverspringspeedway.com to update current happenings in our world of racing and will also post historical photos and records from the past seasons at Silver Spring.
It has been a great, wonderful ride the past 53 years. No matter what we do in the future or where our paths will lead us, one thing is certain, in our hearts Silver Spring Speedway will always be home. God bless you all.
Alan Kreitzer and the Kreitzer family.
Bridgeport Speedway Releases 2006 Rules and Schedule posted 1/19/06
BRIDGEPORT, NJ (January 18, 2006) – The tentative schedule for The
Bridgeport Speedway’s 2006 racing season was introduced to the public this past weekend at the Motorsports 2006 expo. The 2006 version boasts over 60 events kicking off early in April with the ‘Runnin’ Wide Open-er’ and concluding with The Turkey Chase Weekend in Mid-November.
Spring has sprung in April at the 5/8 mile and 1/4 mile dirt ovals. The Speedway will hold an open practice session for all divisions on Saturday, April 1 with the 5/8 mile Saturday night kick-off just one week later, including a 30 lap - $3000 to win Big Block Modified Event. The ‘Spring Wing Fest’ is on the schedule for April 14 and 15, with 1/4 mile Micro Sprint action on Friday night followed by the first appearance by the URC Sprint Cars on Saturday.
May is packed with Promotions. On May 6, Little Leaguers hit a Grand Slam on Little League Night – all kids in uniform will be admitted free of charge and there may be a special surprise competition for our racers! One week later we salute our Moms, with a Mother’s Day gift of racing and we have a little something extra planned for them too. The third week of May puts our 358 Competitors in the Spotlight – We’ll test to see if our ‘Crate 2’ 358 Spec Small Block can top our ‘Super’ Sportsman competitors in our 30 Lap ‘Mr. 358
Challenge.’ The month concludes in high-action fashion – The Friday Night
5/8 mile competitors kick off action on May 26 with the 358 Spec Small Block
and Limited Sprint Cars headlining the event – and Twin 20s for the Big Block
Modifieds finishes off the month of May!
Dad’s Day headlines the month of June with a special gift for our Fathers on
June 17 – the followed by Day of Destruction IV -- Monster Truck Spectacular
and the Micro Sprint Nationals on Sunday, June 18. Graduation Night on June
24 sends our GM Crate Sportsman Rookies to the Crate Sportsman Big Leagues
and the George Wingate Classic on Wednesday, June 28. The 1st Annual Great
American 1/4 Mile Shootout puts our 358 Spec Small Block and Jasper Sprint
Competitors in tight spaces for some down and dirty extra-short track racing.
Action is hot and heavy in July with a 30 lap $3000-to-win Big Block
Modified event in The 2nd Annual Great American Shootout – followed by ‘Big Bang Banner Night’ just one week later. The Mid-Season Championship on July 15 boasts a Twin 20s event for the Big Block Modifieds and double point events for all other divisions. The Speed Street Fair and Carnival kicks off on
Wednesday, July 19 and runs through July 23. A full week of activities is scheduled including Friday Night racing featuring Twin 20s for the 358 Spec Small Blocks, Saturday Night racing with a regular program and a Sunday Special Demo Derby and a Powder Puff Demo Derby for the ladies. July ends in high fashion with round two of 1/4 Mile Shootout for the 358 Spec Small Blocks and Limited Sprints – followed by URC Sprint Cars on Saturday, July 29.
We end summer in style with the 358 Spec Small Block and Limited Sprints in
their third and final 1/4 Mile Shootout on Friday, July 25. Saturday marks a
monumental event in New Jersey racing history as the AMA Flat Track
Championship makes an appearance on the 5/8 Mile Dirt Oval on Saturday, August 26 and finishes off with the Walt Chernokal Memorial 40 Lap Modified feature on Sunday, August 27.
September kicks off on Friday, September 1 with the Friday Night Season
Championship – with double points for all divisions. A 30 Lap - $3000 to win
Modified Feature event on September 2. The season concludes on September 23
with ‘A Night of Champions’ a Double Points spectacular crowning our 2006
Champions in all Saturday Night divisions. September comes to a close with the 358 division headlining a September 30 spectacular.
The October race season kicks off on the 14 with a 358/Sportsman in a 1/4
Mile Shootout including the Sprints, Crate Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks.
October ends on the 21 with a similar program on the 5/8 Mile Speedway.
The final event on the 2006 schedule, The Turkey Chase Weekend, kicks off a
two-day extravaganza featuring Big Block Modifieds, 358/Sportsman, Limited
Sprints, GM Crate Sportsman and the Outlaw Stocks.
In the upcoming weeks, various new promotions, ideas and activities; as well
as, additions to the JD3Graphics Young Guns will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
For more information including the full schedule and updated rules are
available on the Bridgeport Speedway website at www.bridgeportspeedway.net
(http://www.bridgeportspeedway.net/) or by calling the speedway office at 856-467-4408.
