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NOT JUST ANOTHER RACING COLUMN
by Dudley Balmer
GOOD GUY DANNY SMITH
When your dad drives a sprint car for such notable owners as Dizz Wilson and also owns an Indiana speed shop, the chances you will end up making your living in racing are pretty good. Mike Smith was a regular competitor throughout Indiana during the 1960’s and beyond. As natural progression would have it, the younger Smith grew from a kid in the pits at his father’s side to the seat of a race car. Danny won his first feature at the age of seventeen and the rest is ongoing history.
Danny’s first checker came at Indiana’s Bloomington Speedway in 1974 and he logged another at Lawrenceburg while he was still a junior in high school. As a senior he missed his graduation due to running the “Little 500” as a rookie in 1975. Since that time his career has stretched over four decades bringing over 300 wins at 102 tracks against the nation’s best competition, both then and now. Danny was one of the original World Of Outlaw travelers in the original C.K. Spurlock Gambler and has wins with WOO, All Star Circuit of Champions, ASCS and is competing down under in Australia as this is being written.
Many people felt certain that this great career had come to an end with the 2010 qualifying crash at Ohio’s Attica Speedway and the back surgery that followed. Not quite so however, as 2011 would find Danny return in his recognizable white #4 Maxim to log 17 wins. Danny, no stranger to adversity, once again overcame the challenges as he did after losing his wife to cancer in 2006 and having his shop burn in 2004 losing everything inside with the exception of a couple of engines that were away for rebuilding. Through all the victories and challenges one thing remains the same. Danny Smith is one of the most personable people in the sport.
In this day and age, fielding a competitive sprint car effort is a serious undertaking yet Danny continues to frustrate some of the best financed teams in the business. His driving style has changed little through the years. Though a hard charger, his wins come from skill, experience and maintaining the equipment himself. Danny has always been a fun guy to race with and if you finish ahead of him you know you have earned your spot.
Today the native Hoosier has been transplanted to Chillicothe, Ohio where he lives with wife Stephanie. Danny gives credit to Stephanie who is a registered nurse at the VA hospital for aiding his recovery from the Attica crash. I asked him where his racing plans go from here. He said that he is nearly completely recovered from the crash, feels good and wants to race as long as he remains competitive and the enjoyment remains. This will certainly be good news for the legions of Smith fans. It is obvious when talking with Danny that he loves racing. He still has the #18 Gambler, manufacture #1, with the original engine that was in the car when he drove it. The car had been stolen, then recovered by C.K. Spurlock and now is with Danny where it belongs.
Perhaps Danny Smith’s greatest victory in all his years of racing is with his fans. He is quick to give credit and thanks to his supporters for his comeback. It is clear that Danny loves every part of sprint car racing and that sentiment is not lost in his relationship with his followers. Danny has it together for the 2012 season with one new Maxim and two like new cars, but certainly would welcome corporate or individual participation to make the #4 even more competitive. Danny is still as recognizable as he was when I competed against him in the seventies and eighties. It is great to know that we can expect to see Danny in victory lane for 2012 and beyond. See, nice guys do often finish first.
As for us here in Wewahitchka, Florida, the exceptionally warm winter has afforded us the opportunity to do some updates on the National Speedway Ministries motorhome. Our first 2012 event will be the Daytona Antique Auto Racing Assoc. Spring Nationals at Orlando Speed World. Additional Florida dates are likely to be added in the near future. Like Danny we are actively seeking a partner to help with 2012 travel expenses and make use of the available space on the motorhome. We look forward to an even more productive season than the one just past. It is the association and fellowship with folks like Danny and so many others in our racing family that allows us to anticipate yet another season on the road. More and more people comment on following this column and we look forward to visiting with y’all this season. Till then, God Bless.
PUSHIN PEOPLE AROUND
For any of us that have ever strapped into a push to start car, there are bad memories of our push truck experiences. Most have had a truck drive over our rear tires, been pushed so slowly that the drive line flops challenging the ring and pinion or have been left awaiting a truck to pick us up when we needed to get a hot lap or two before falling in line. A competent pusher is often overlooked but never unappreciated.
For the most part thankfully, most of the push truck folks today are very professional, safety conscious and in some cases become very recognizable. In all probability, Work’N Woody is the most recognizable of any push vehicle in the nation. Work’N Woody” was built by Art Malies in 1978 and was originally operated by he and wife Carol of Carmichael, California. Woody traveled the California highways supporting the now defunct Northern Auto Racing Club for a number of years, until hitting the road with the World Of Outlaws in 1988.
After the 2008 season Art and Carol retired and son Eric took over the operations of “Work’N Woody” and traveled with the World of Outlaws the past two seasons. Once it was announced that Woody wouldn’t return to the WOO trail for the 2011 year, Golden State King of the West members tossed around the idea of bringing the famed push truck back to California. With that in mind an agreement was made and “Work’N Woody” will in fact be returning to its roots as the official Push Truck and Safety Vehicle of the Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series.
Another very identifiable traveling push vehicle is the recognizable and competent “Jimmy Jeep”. Jimmy’s yellow 1985 CJ-7 respectfully referred to as the “War Wagon”, has logged over a half a million miles, is on its 4th motor and is believed to be out of factory warranty. It has had a couple of rebuilds on the original transmission and replacement of assorted suspension parts but it is the only Jeep Jimmy has used.
Few people east of the Mississippi, who follow any sprint car organization, have missed coming across Jimmy Jeep. He told me today that his racetrack total is 97 and that he plans to go over the hundred mark this season. He has pushed for WOO, All Star Circuit of Champions, USCS, DIRT, ASCS, USAC, DAARA and a host of others, including Super Dirt Week. He has done the Syracuse mile, the banks of Bristol and Eldora, the Indiana short tracks and the dirt at Charlotte and Talladega to mention a few.
Jim Knapp is a native of the Finger Lakes area of New York and was a ceramic tile professional by trade. He was an avid modified fan while living in NY. While working on a tile project at Disney World in Orlando in the 70’s, Jimmy met sprint car racer Red Stauffer and the rest is history. The sprint car love affair was born. For the next fifteen years Jimmy followed Red throughout the southeast.
Jimmy gives many people credit for keeping him and the “War Wagon” on the road. Some of these are Red Stauffer, Ron Johnson, Mike Cronk, Eddie Luscomb and Eddie’s late father Bob Luscomb, along with many others too numerous to mention. However, if the truth is known it is Jimmy that has made a difference in the lives of many others along the way. Jimmy has mentored several young men and been a positive influence to racers and people in general. Jim’s list of friends is a virtual who’s who in sprint car racing. Jimmy and partner Glenda Lacer have been together since 2008. Glenda is an accomplished photographer as is Jimmy, and they complement each other while spending much of their life on the road. Glenda’s pictures can be found on many web sites across the country and Jimmy is often positioned to get spectacular action shots from his push vehicle. Together they are a welcome duo to see driving through any pit gate.
Jimmy Knapp
Racers are known for their heroic exploits and dedication and Jimmy rates up there with the best of them. During the 2011 WOO finals at Charlotte, Jimmy was attacked by an intestinal infection and was very ill throughout the event missing one night. On the final night he was too weak to walk to the Jeep so Glenda wheeled him to the vehicle in a wheel chair borrowed from the motel. He worked the entire night with most people unaware of his physical condition. Dedicated? Yes, with the best of them.
We find many professional and sharp pushers as we visit many tracks during the season with our ministry. These folks invest many hours and dollars as well, into their equipment with little return. Most just love the sport and take pride in being an important part of the show. Those who have been at it a bit do a great job and getting pushed off is one less thing a driver has to worry about. I have had some horrific experiences through the years and am glad there are people such as Jim Knapp who brings professionalism to an important part of our sport.
Probably the only thing better than getting pushed off by Jimmy Jeep is to listen to his great stories of past events, close calls and interesting insights into the people of sprint car racing. If one ever wants to know anything about the art of pushing, how to build a push vehicle or the world of Jimmy Jeep, it can be found on “Jimmy Jeeps Push Truck World” at jimmyjeep.com. If one could find any issue with the jimmyjeep site it would be that Jimmy has been too modest in his accomplishments and importance to the racing family. We are glad to call Jimmy and Glenda friends and hope to see them throughout the 2012 season and for many seasons to come. Nancy hopes to get to ride shotgun again at the Orlando DAARA Spring Nationals. It should also be noted that as an additional responsibility, Jim serves as secretary for the Daytona Antique Auto Racing Assoc.
We hope to have varied and interesting material for our column during the upcoming season. We are working to secure financing for our 2012 tour and plan some unique insights into our sport and its people during the upcoming season. Thanks to Jim for helping get our column push started for the new year.
JUST PLAIN FUN
I had planned on this column to get away from the vintage and history subject for a bit but when we get a once in a lifetime opportunity we want to share it with our friends. This being the case, please bear with me as we look at a bit of history one more time.
A couple of weeks ago we were privileged to be part of the Daytona Antique Auto Racing Association’s national event at Florida’s Orlando Speedworld. The title sponsor for the national events have been and continue to be David Johnston founder and president of Miami based Go Power, America’s Generators. David also happens to own and race two beautiful vintage midgets.
This event provided the opportunity to get to know David, Deborah and his good friend, Jerry Carbone. During conversation around the evening campfire David offered me the chance to drive his 1939 Hillegass Ford V8-60 midget. This is an absolutely beautiful museum quality piece that most folks would keep for display only. Here it was, being run competitively in nearly original condition and I was going to have the chance to run it. I did not take this privilege lightly.
For those that do not know. Hiram Hillegass began building race cars, so called “midgets”, in 1919 while working in Allentown, Pennsylvania. By the time he died in 1960 at the age of 65 he was recognized as one of the foremost builders of single seat race cars in the United States. Hillegass along with Frank Kurtis and Pop Dreyer were the premier builders of the day. Hillegass was elected to the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1997. When beginning my racing career, I raced against several Hillegass sprint cars. Driving this car was a treat indeed though it was a bit shy on the safety equipment found on today’s machines.
This beautiful #59 was original with the exception of an electric fuel pump. The hand brake would slow the car coming into the pits but on the 3/8 mile paved oval at speed, made little difference in slowing the car. I was not hampered by shoulder harness or anti-sub belt as there were none. The gas tank of course had no fuel cell and held gasoline not the safer alcohol run today. There was a roll bar that had been added behind my head so I felt truly protected, kind of. There was not much adjustment on the front and rear buggy spring suspension and no step down on the tires. Pretty straight forward, stand on the gas and turn left.
In the first event I had fun getting around the track and staying out of the way of the faster, more modern midgets. The second event however I found myself on the outside of the front row. On the pole was Bill Wendt in what was a very similar car. Well exhibition was over and the race was on. Campfire bragging rights were at stake at this point. On the green he accelerated a bit quicker and maintained the bottom line. Keeping the little car out of the fence chasing the #71 with what amounted to no brakes was a challenge. The faster more sophisticated cars let us go at it as I was skating up the track in every corner. I could get a run on Bill but could not get in hard enough to get him, but was right there till I lost fuel pressure and coasted into the infield. I can not remember having more fun in a race car for quite some time. There was a lot of good natured ribbing around the campfire that evening but in his heart, Bill knows he was fortunate that the little #59 lost fuel pressure.
It was so neat to drive a part of history. These early dare devils drove these things several times a week on all kinds of surfaces from board tracks to flat dirt fairground tracks minus even the roll bar or lap belt. I will forever be indebted to David for allowing me this opportunity to make this memory. Our chaplain ministry kept both Nancy and I very busy for the entire five days we were there in Orlando, but this was a part of the event that I will remember for a long time to come. With all the really serious issues we deal with in the ministry, this was just plain fun.
This event ended our 2011 season and we are now in the preparation mode for 2012. We anticipate that next season will begin again with DARRA at the Spring Nationals in March back in Orlando. Like all race teams we are seeking sponsors and all of our information can be found on our nationalspeedwayministries.com web site. What a way to end our season. We come away with lifelong relationships and more memories than we can count. To everyone who helped in any way, thank you. We mean that from the bottom of our hearts. There are so many of you, but you know who you are and we appreciate each and every one and the efforts you made to keep us on the road. Thank you.
Upcoming columns will include driver interviews, conversations with people who have made our sport what it is today and some fun stuff along the way. Being that we will be home for a bit the columns will be a bit more frequent. As we visit with people around the country we are amazed at how many folks are familiar with the column. It is great to have a forum to share interests and stories like this one with people who appreciate our sport and the people who have made it great and those who make it great today.
As I get ready to send this in, I remember this day as an opportunity to remember, and just plain fun.
FROM WHENCE WE CAME
Look where we are today. Cockpit adjustable suspension on our 900 horse power machines. Transponders, pressure bleeders, driver adjustable wings, multiple tire combinations and so many more advancements on cars made of metals and materials not even heard of a generation ago. These factory produced cars are now transported in eighteen wheel rigs of fiberglass and stainless steel, each costing more money than the average fan can even imagine. But, how did we get here?
Many in today’s racing community have no idea of the lives, perseverance and ingenuity it took to get to where we are today or take the time to even think about it. Since there have been motorized vehicles there have been those that would race theirs against another. There are many organizations and museums that are dedicated to preserving the long history of our sport. The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, the Eastern Motorsports Museum Assoc. and many others are dedicated to preserving circle track history and showing the next generation from whence we came. To be able to walk among the vehicles from the board track days, the V8-60 rail frame midgets, the big cars, the sprint cars and midgets of innovators such as Kurtis, Hillegass, Edmonds, Trevis and so many more is a true history lesson. It is hard to imagine these early warriors fighting machines with no safety equipment, narrow rock hard tires, no power steering, roll cages or even safety belts on dry rutted tracks at fair grounds around the country. These brave daredevils in T-shirts and leather helmets and the imaginative men who built their machines wrote the early chapters of our racing history.
Recently I talked to a driver as he climbed out of his car after removing his wing for the first time. “You really have to drive these things” he commented. Yet he had his Hanns device, power steering, quilted fire suit, full face helmet, and more horse power than he could get on the track. How many of our shoes of today would have made it in the early days? Most teams had “the” race car with the motor that was in the car and hauled it to the track on an open trailer behind the family sedan. Still they raced across the country and went on to lay the foundation for the sport we have today.
The great thing about being part of sprint car racing for as long as I have is to hook up with folks and start the bench racing that inevitably comes around. On our tour this season I got to spend time with guys like Ralph Ligouri, Lynn Paxton, Rich Leavell, John Dockery of the Andretti-Granatelli days and many others. We have a long and storied history and there are many dedicated folks across the country investing time, money and energy in the preservation of American motor racing. The Daytona Antique Auto Racing Association is one of the most active of these preservation organizations. They include name drivers with histories themselves and an assortment of most every class of circle track car from early midgets, coupes, modifieds, stock cars and of course sprint cars. Not only are these machines on display they race competitively in their respective classes at both dirt and pavement venues. Have you ever seen a feature made up of Chevy 2 and Offy midgets or one of V8-60 midgets?
DAARA has asked me to be the chaplain of this family friendly organization and Nancy and I look forward to attending the winter DAARA Nationals in Orlando the second week in November. This four day event will draw cars from up north, the mid-west and all over the south and if weather cooperates should produce nearly a hundred loud, competitive race cars. Along with the racing and story telling, other nightly events are on the schedule including Friday night’s banquet. Nancy and I will be doing the worship service Sunday morning before the final day’s activities. This once again promises to be a “must attend” week for anyone who loves the living history of circle track racing. Additional information can be had at www.daararacing.com
We have come a long way. Our sport has a lot to be proud of and we owe a lot to those who came before. It is as American as apple pie and if you have ever spent a night at The Grove, Eldora, Knoxville, Ascot, Langhorne, Reading or any of the places promoting this form of organized mayhem through the years you know for yourself. Knowing and being part of how we got here makes the racing of today even better.
2011 National Speedway Ministries Tour
Anytime someone can be part of something for fifty years, a half century, that is truly a blessing. 2011 marked the 50th season that I have been active in sprint car racing in some form or another. It does not seem that long ago that I climbed behind the wheel of my Chrysler powered car at the long since closed and grown over Greater Pittsburgh Speedway. Fifty seasons have come and gone since that night, but the love for the sport and the people that make it happen remains. We felt that the perfect way to celebrate would be to visit as many of the people and tracks that made up that history as possible and invite them to be part of our racing ministry and renew old friendships. Our difficult economic times caused us to lose our tour sponsorship but we set out with our limited finances and hoped for the best. Little did we know how many people would join in support of our ministry and allow us to accomplish so much more than we had ever imagined.
Our first stop was in eastern Pennsylvania for the opening of the new wing of the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing. Lynn Paxton spent most of the morning with us, showing us the facilities and partaking of some great bench racing. Then it was up the road to Williams Grove for the usual great night of 358 and 410 sprint car racing. The “Grove” continues to be one of the great sprint car tracks in the nation and it was good to see the Posse in action again. Lincoln closed out the first weekend of our tour with the first night of Pennsylvania Speedweeks. Lincoln remains one of the best action tracks in the east. Friendships were renewed and again the show was definitely ready for prime time.
Much has changed through the years but not so with the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Seeing mountains and tunnels again made Nancy happy though not so for the fuel gauge. Spending time with Nancy’s mother and with my oldest son and the grandkids along with a visit from my youngest son was the next order of business while in the Pittsburgh area. Two visits to Lernerville were rained out before the weather cooperated enough for the World Of Outlaw show. The hospitality of the WOO and Lernerville folks combined to make this a night to remember. Friendships of Friday nights of seasons gone by were renewed and new relationships were begun. Truly a memorable night.
We had hoped to make Ohio the destination for several events. A severe storm engulfed our motorhome on I-70 as we were heading west, flipping an 18 wheeler in front of us, giving us a preview of weather to come. With the inclement weather we pushed on to Indiana for the preview screening of the movie “Courageous” in Fort Wayne. From there it was on to Gas City I-69 Speedway and Kokomo for some central Indiana non-wing racing. Plans for Knoxville were put on hold for this season but we got to enjoy some great racing while dealing with the heat and some mid season track closures and rain outs. While visiting in Indiana I was invited to the Gaither’s music complex for their Tuesday morning men’s meeting. I was able to do this on two separate occasions and measure it as one of the special events of our trip. Nancy got to do two events for the senior folks in our former home of Tipton, IN. On the down side, the accident involving Jean Lynch and the family occurred while we were in the Indianapolis area. We drove north again to Fort Wayne to visit the hospital and let them know that we available for anything that we could do. Ed, Jean, Ed junior and I go back many years and we value the Lynch family and all they have done and continue to do for sprint car racing. From Fort Wayne it was west to the northwest corner of Indiana to visit family and grand kids. After a four day visit it was south to Bloomington for the WOO show in Kinser country.
A light rain threatened to dampen the night events but it passed in time to get in the entire program. There again we were treated to great hospitality by WOO and the Bloomington staff. With the extra water, the track stayed good all night and after a decade absence the fans got their money’s worth from the visiting outlaws. After Bloomington we again went north for more ministry commitments and more non-wing racing. We returned to Putnamville’s Lincoln Park Speedway for a Saturday night show for the first time in many years. Again we were treated to a great show by the non-wing guys.
Stopping in Carrollton, Ky on our way south and home to see our new grand niece was next on our schedule. With the oppressive heat and finances running on empty we were considering passing on our stop at southern Indiana’s Lawrenceburg Speedway. We certainly would have regretted that decision as we were treated to another special night. I would not have recognized the place as little at the current speed plant resembles the old facility. Motorhome hookups, showers and restrooms in the parking area were a welcome treat as was the hospitality. The high banks provided great racing in all divisions and we were gone early ahead of the rain. We are glad we decided to make Lawrenceburg as it was a great event at a fine sprint car facility. Some of the other Indiana promoters would do well to take a ride to Lawrenceburg and take notes.
We missed a lot but did so much more than anticipated. Great racing came in second however to great people and relationships old and new. We enjoyed opportunities of service, speaking at various churches, hospital visits and relating to family and friends that are like family. There is no way that I can begin to mention names of all the special people that made this trip the memorable success it was. Whether it was your prayers, financial help, friendship or a combination of all of these, we say thank you and we love you all. Only the Daytona Antique Auto Racing Association national event in November remains for 2011. In addition to National Speedway Ministries much of our recognition came from our Not Just Another Racing Column piece which appears on hoseheads.com We so much appreciate all of you that went out of your way to re-enforce our love for our racing family. It is our hope to make an even more extensive excursion for the 2012 season. Please contact us through our web site if you would like to be part of our tour in the upcoming season. A laundry list of sponsorship, advertising and appearance opportunities are available. Again, thank you to everyone who kept us going and got us home form this special trip.
NICE GUY RALPH
Liguori
While walking through the pits recently at Indiana’s Gas City
Speedway I came upon the car of young Joe Liguori. I try to stop by and
speak with each competitor during an event but never interfere with the
work taking place. Joe was busy with preparation of the car but there
was a gentleman sitting in a lawn chair in the trailer and we began to
talk. I was delighted to find out that it was Ralph “Ralphie the racer”
Liguori himself. I was fortunate enough to be able to get much of the
history of this legend from the man himself.
Ralph was born in New York in 1926. Yes, 1926. He was a diver during
school and had hopes of making the Olympic diving team. Unfortunately
World War 2 came along and Ralph went into the Navy until the end of the
war. Upon his return he occupied himself in the family dress design
business. Yes, Ralph designed ladies dresses. Bored with his work he
took in a nearby midget race and the rest is history. He bought his
first ride for $25.00 cash and paid for it the first night. He began
racing at Islip (NY) and the dress designing was put on hold for good.
It was not long till he took his talents south and began racing stock
cars and midgets in the Georgia, Florida area. Bill France Sr. heard
about him and he began racing the new NASCAR series billed as the Grand
National series. Ralph made 76 NASCAR starts. He even ran some of the
convertible cars in the early days of NASCAR. Most of us however know
Ralph from his long USAC career.
Ralph won his last race in this decade after driving over 60 years. His
USAC career went from 1957 to 1971. If it had four wheels and went in a
circle, Ralph would drive it. Ralph’s worst luck came in his eight
attempts to make the Indy 500. Crashes, a blown engine and other bad
luck kept him out of this big event but never slowed down his desire for
competing at every level. Langhorne, Reading, Williams Grove, Winchester
and so many others were mentioned by Ralph as though he ran them earlier
this season. Ralph drove for some of the best in the business and on
occasion made cars that were less than winners run up front.
Most of us who have been around the sport a while know of Ralph’s
exploits but it is talking with him in person that you quickly get to
know the man. He came from sleeping in his car at the track and cleaning
up in restrooms along the road to the technical era of today and still
loves the sport as in the beginning. I asked him if when he hears his
grandson’s car fire up before the race if he still gets the desire to
climb behind the wheel. Flashing his broad smile, he assured me that the
desire never changes. Ralph is a truly nice guy who continues to add to
our sport now working with Joe his grandson while in Indiana. Not bad
footsteps for any driver to follow I might add.
The racing on our tour has been great but it has been totally about the
people. We thank Ralph and all the others over the past three months
that have contributed so much in every way to our National Speedway
Ministries tour. After our visit to Lawrenceburg Speedway this Saturday
we will be heading south toward Florida and home. We will take a little
time off the road till the DARRA national event in Orlando in November.
The great thing about the DAARA vintage weekend is that you get to see
the people and cars of Ralph’s beginning era up to those of just thirty
years ago. Not only are they there to view but they compete at speed
each day of the event. It is hard to imagine Ralph came from the V8-60
days to the cars of today and won in them all. It certainly has been a
great experience getting to meet Ralph and so many of you on this trip.
Now it is south to home and time to regroup. In the mean time, God Bless
and we will see you at the races.
NICOLE BOWER BOWLS OVER COMPETITION
On our recent visit to the famed Williams Grove Speedway we had a
chance to witness the number 75 of 20 year old Nicole Bower handily win
her heat race in the tough 410 division. Upon talking to her family we
found that she was the first female in the Grove’s storied history to
win a feature event. She accomplished this feat in the competitive 358
division last season.
Nicole of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania drives the Bower family owned #75
which competes regularly at Williams Grove and Port Royal speedways.
Nicole is a business management student at Delaware State College
attending on a bowling scholarship, again showing her competitive
nature. The Bower family is in the bowling alley business and Nicole
says she has been bowling as long as she could roll the ball down the
alley. Nicole as well as being on the competitive level as her fellow
racers, is a very attractive and pleasant young woman on her way to a
business management degree. Whether it is rolling a bowling ball down
the alley or piloting a 410 sprint car Nicole is up to the task at hand.
At the age of 12 with the help of Randy and Lucas Wolfe, she began
racing ¼ midgets where she racked up over 50 wins. Outgrowing the little
cars Nicole made the jump to the very competitive 358 sprint cars.
Behind the wheel of the Bower family owned sprinter she became the first
woman to win a feature event at the tough, for anyone, Williams Grove
speedway. Not to rest on her laurels, Nicole moved up to the 410
division and the Pennsylvania “Posse”. As we talked, Nicole admitted
that she was surprised by the difference in the two classes and by the
challenges of becoming really comfortable with setting up the 410 cars.
Nicole is a humble young lady and admits she is on a long learning
curve, but from what we saw at the Grove, she is on her way to a career
of many top finishes where ever she chooses to compete.
Though dad Gary and mother Gina Bower own the team it is truly a family
deal with sister Brooke working with the family as well. Nicole gives
the crew credit for her success in the top division as they continue to
learn most the competitive and comfortable setups for the 75. When I
asked Nicole if she was where she thought she would stay in her racing
career, she quickly said that she was in racing to stay. The World Of
Outlaws and NASCAR were quickly mentioned. Both of these goals are
certainly in reach today as I watched Miranda Throckmorton put her
number 22 into the A-main at Bloomington’s WOO show last week. No longer
is it only heard “gentleman, bring you cars up to the line”.
Sometimes there is a team that you just enjoy watching. The equipment
was sharp, everyone friendly and very focused on the job at hand. After
winning her heat (at the Grove) they just took it in stride and began
readying the car for the feature. A nice family getting it done against
some of the best in the business. We look forward to watching Nicole and
the 75 team in seasons to come. Also, I would like to thank the Williams
Grove staff for their hospitality for Nancy and I. Racing at “The Grove”
holds many memories for myself, and it remains a tough place to conquer.
When the nation’s top speedways are mentioned, Williams Grove remains
near the top of the list.
Nancy and I continue our tour with the non-wing sprints here in Indiana.
In a couple of weeks, we look forward to heading south to Lawerenceburg
Speedway then across the river to KY to see our new grand niece. From
there we hope to head south to take in an ASCS show then on to Florida
and home. We are looking to end our 50th season in sprint car racing
with the Daytona Antique Auto Racing Association at their November
national event in Orlando. Once again, thanks to everyone who has helped
in making this tour more than we could ever have imagined. Love ya all.
WOO Woos Fans
There are many venues that present great sprint car racing with great equipment and very talented name drivers. Even with the present economy there is adequate car count at most events to put on a good show. There is however a standard that all sprint car racing is judged, and that is, and has been the World Of Outlaws.
WOO’s slogan of the “greatest show on dirt” can actually be supported by the presentation of the biggest names in the sport, the best equipment, the closest competition and the most imaginative program. Though the same names consistently appear near the front of the field it is truly anybody’s race to win. This was recently illustrated by the WOO touring regulars going head to head with the Pennsylvania posse. No matter where the traveling tour may land the competition and the show in general is like no other.
Part of the WOO mystique is probably the promotion and presentation of the event itself. The “Greatest Show On Dirt” trailer, the uniformed officials, the souvenir trailers all add to the professionalism of the event. Then add the brightly painted and chrome 18 wheel haulers and streams of rabid fans, the excited announcing of “only the best go four abreast” and you have something that can not be equaled in all of dirt motor sports.
From the idea to organize some of the mid-western traveling racers with names like Ferkel and Allen and to pay enough money to attract names like Kinser, Swindell and Wolfgang, Ted Johnson founded the World Of Outlaws. Since this questionable beginning in 1978, WOO has overcome the obstacles of organizing and holding together a group of race teams, scheduling races from coast to coast and burying challenging series to become unquestionably, the best of the best. Other series come and go, racing venues change, names are added while others drop out but the traveling show continues to not only thrive but grow in racing prominence. Whether you want to see Steve and Sammy continue their decades long battle for the same area of dirt territory or want to see Dollanski or Lasoski or one of the other travelers up close, everyone gets their wish. If you are a Blaney or Shaffer fan or a fan of the posse there are chances for you to cheer your favorite on to victory at one of the WOO stops. Names like Donnie Schatz, Jason Meyers, Tyler Walker, Jason Sides and many more outlaws provide a formidable challenge for local teams as the WOO travelers invade their space.
I had the opportunity to be a guest of the World Of Outlaws at Lernerville recently and was quickly reminded as we arrived the day before the event that what we were about to witness was not a regular sprint car event. The excitement builds well in advance of the green flag. The twin thirties themselves did not disappoint the capacity crowd nor did the preliminary events. The first 30 lap event, won by Dale Blaney was flawless and though after much racing the track slicked up, the second 30 was exciting even with the delays for a couple of red flags. The competition and rivalry continued in central Pennsylvania the following weekend. It is just hard to point to a time when the traveling speed circus has not lived up to the fans expectations.
If you are visiting this site and reading this column, you are most assuredly a race fan. Even if you have in the past seen the WOO travelers, but it was several season ago; schedule an event when they come within traveling distance of your track. There are few places to spend your entertainment dollar that will provide a night’s excitement equal to the World Of Outlaws program. Paying over six million dollars over the course of the season, the best of the best continue to show up to grab their share of the considerable pie. All this adds up to substantiating the claim of “the greatest show on dirt”.
Nancy and I are now in Indiana for renewing friendships and for some mid-western non wing sprint car racing. Our web site is updated daily and we are available for your function along our tour. Contact information can be found on the nationalspeedwayministries.com web site. We also hope to take in the upcoming WOO show in Bloomington, IN. Our prayers are with Joey Saldana for a speedy recovery. Until next time, God Bless and see you at the races.
EASTERN RACING HISTORY COMES ALIVE
On June 24th the new wing of Eastern Museum Of Motor Racing was opened to the public for the first time. After receiving the occupancy permit only the day before, now even more space is added to an already fantastic display of racing history.
Upon entering we were greeted by Joe Heisler Jr. the historian of the museum. Joe was a wealth of information about every display in the building and the history of each one. It was obvious that Joe thoroughly enjoys his opportunity to share his wealth of information on the cars, drivers and track history. Joe Heisler 3rd is also a curator of the museum and was busy setting up a new display as we were leaving.
The museum is truly the baby of Lynn Paxton. It was great to see Lynn after many years and the next two hours were a wonderful trip through racing history. The cars and displays were great and should be seen by any race fan, but the time with Lynn was irreplaceable. Running races from years gone by and updating information on personalities from the past made the time fly by faster than Paxton in a feature at the Grove. Paxton and I come from the same time and share the appreciation for those who forged the way to bring the sport to where it is today. Lynn obviously loves cars, racing history and all that goes with it. Lynn drove a 1934 Ford to his high school prom. He drove that same 1934 Ford to his 50th class reunion. He has a beautiful “40” Ford as a daily driver. Lynn just loves this stuff and the museum shows his handy work.
The museum sets just off highway 15 almost half way between Lincoln and Williams Grove speedways at the historic Latimer Valley Fair Grounds. There is ample parking even for your motorhome. The modern appearance of the building holds few clues to the historic treasures held inside. If you come to the central Pennsylvania speedways you must add the Eastern Museum Of Motor Racing to your itinerary.
Tommy Hinnershitz historic sprint car and a replica of a shop of his era is one of the first displays as you enter. Historic sprint cars and midgets cover the first room following the lobby. You will also find every modification of the Ford Model “T” engine. Nearly every configuration of racing engine that has powered a sprint car can be found at the engine display. There is a display of Hyram Hillagas cars in various stages of completion. There are “big car” displays along with some modified and stock cars. Each display brings memories of a bygone era and make you want to get to the next display. A couple of weird creations that I can’t imagine a human being getting strapped into can be found as well.
Lynn and I agree that to 80% of the people that attend the races today, the history means nothing. To the other 20%, the Eastern Museum Of Motor Racing is something to behold. I raced with Lynn in central Pennsylvania for years and to see the cars that I actually competed against in their original configuration was a treat indeed. Memories of forgotten races came to life as we shared stories of seasons past. Names like Tobias, Linder, Allen, Snellbaker, Pitzer, Opperman, Weld, Kaufman and so many more were bounced about like cars on a rough track on a Friday night. This place is certainly worth a second and even third visit. The library would consume a week in itself for a true racing history buff.
Everything in the museum is either on loan or has been donated to preserve racing history. All the staff are volunteers as there are no paid employees. Fund raisers are held on occasion around the area but most of the support comes from visitor’s donations. Yes, it is free to go through this walk of racing history but it would be hard not to want to contribute to its ongoing growth and success. For more information and pictures of the museum, just google Eastern Museum Of Motor Racing. As you pass through displays it is hard to tell who out of the past may be sharing the museum experience with you. We met several names from the past when we visited and Joe Heisler and probably Lynn will be there to enhance you experience. When I emptied my garage at my mother’s home years ago I donated a trailer load of parts to Lynn for the museum. I recognized a wheel and a couple of other things as I passed the displays. This just added to the experience. Something of my history lives on for others to enjoy. If you happen to have something of days gone by that you would like to share you may call the museum during the day at 717-528-8279. I am sure any offers would be appreciated. Memberships to this great organization are also available. I apologize to those at the museum whom I missed getting their names to include in this article. I was just like a kid in a candy store. Too much to comprehend and enjoy in one visit.
More columns will be coming from our visits to Williams Grove and Lincoln speedways. Each place that we visit holds many stories of the people that make our sport unique. We hope you enjoy sharing insight to the people and not just the results of the night’s event. We are now in West Virginia and soon hope to visit Lernerville and Mercer before heading to Ohio then Indiana for even more racing. It is our hope that the coming generations appreciate the sacrifices that others have made to make sprint car racing the greatest sport in the country. God bless and hope to see you somewhere along the way.
50th ANNIVERSARY TOUR “Limited Edition”
Tuesday the 21st of June, we will be leaving the northern panhandle of Florida, in our National Speedway Ministries motorhome, to visit in person with as many of our racing friends, old and new, as possible. Like most of the racing family we have been hit with the economy and sponsor cancellations as many others have. We will visit as many tracks in the east and Midwest as possible. The All star Circuit of Champions and World OF Outlaws events are in our plans as well. It is hard to take tracks off our schedule that hold memories of seasons gone by but we look forward to those where we can return once again.
Many years ago as we were upgrading our equipment, Lynn Paxton hauled off a trailer load of vintage parts for the Eastern Museum Of Motor Racing in central Pennsylvania. We plan to visit with Lynn and go through the museum once again. It is over a decade since my last visit to the museum and very much look forward to returning to see the most recent offering.
While in the central PA area, Williams Grove and Lincoln will certainly be on our schedule. “The Grove” was tough when I competed there as it is now and I enjoyed Lincoln in the old configuration when many others did not. I have been told that to this person’s knowledge, I still hold the altitude record at Lincoln. After the show that night promoter Hilly Rife had me come to the office and gave me two hundred dollars for putting on a show for the crowd. Not quite enough to repair what was left of the car but it got us home. It was certainly appreciated and long remembered.
Racing for the late Don Martin has always been the basis of some of our best racing memories. Don, Helen and the entire crew at Lernerville were like family. Returning to Lernerville will be exciting to renew old friendships but I feel something will be missing as well. Many of the old timers are gone but several second generation folks are keeping tradition alive.
Ohio is on our schedule as well. We are not sure how many tracks we can make but will do our best. If we pick up a bit of sponsorship along the way we will add extra stops to our itinerary. Attica, Fremont and of course Eldora are on our schedule. It would be great to be able to swing through southern Ohio but that is yet to be determined.
Indiana, our home for a decade before moving to Florida, will allow us to visit family, racing friends who have become like family and to take in some good non wing sprint car racing as well. A lot of these guys compete locally then put on their USAC hats and go national with great success. Gas City, Kokomo and Lawerenceburg are on our schedule for sure.
We are available for special activities along our way. If you have ever thought of a race track wedding….we can do that. I plan to speak at a couple of churches during our trip and we are available for any other activity that might fit your needs. We may be reached through our nationalspeedwayministries.com web site. My cell phone number can be found there as well. My personal email is dudleybalmer@yahoo.com. Rather original don’t you think?
Certainly there will be several more columns created from our visits at the different venues. I have prepared our motorhome as best I can and look forward to a wonderful celebration of fifty years of memories. Our celebration will conclude in November with our Daytona Antique Auto Racing Association family in Orlando. We are disappointed that we must cut our schedule short but at the same time are excited about what we are able to do. If the opportunity arises the Knoxville Nationals are a possibility. Fifty years ago as a 110lb skinny kid I started all this in a Chrysler powered supermodified at the long since defunked Greater Pittsburgh Speedway. I have been blessed by witnessing great racing and meeting greater people. It will be good to see many of you again and to meet others of you for the first time. Here we come.
FRIDAY NIGHT REALITY SHOW
If we have 35 entrants show up for a sprint car event there are absolutely 35 stories that would rival most reality TV shows. Being in the ministry, we are often exposed to more of the human stories than some of the other folks that make up the pit area contingency
As I walk the pits and greet drivers and crew members, many volunteer the immediate challenges that they are facing and possible personal victories they have made just to be able to participate in the night’s events. Whether it is a high dollar, big name traveling team or a local family operation racing at their local track, the stories are remarkably similar.
Most of the fans that fill the seats cheering their favorite driver have no idea what it takes for a race car to make its way onto the track. Probably, in today’s economy most teams have had to overcome some financial struggles of one kind or another. To have abundant financing in our present economy is a rarity even with our top traveling teams. It has hit us all in one way or another and few outfits have not done some creative financing somewhere along the way. Asking for money for any business today is a challenge but asking for financing for a race related business is sure to raise the eyebrows of those who control the purse strings.
Weather this season has been more of an obstacle than in recent memory. Some folks have heard their local show has been rained out and drive several hundred miles in another direction to get in an event. Sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn’t. At best this raises the costs, adds to the tension of setting up to run at an unfamiliar track, to say nothing of arriving late with little or no setup time. (How did we do this before GPS?)
With more non competition obstacles to overcome, tensions are often increased between crew and even family members. Everyone seems to have a solution to the current situation or at least a Monday morning quarterbacking comment. If there are any personality issues, and we all have them, unexpected strife brings them to the surface. Tempers and temptations overflow when things are tough and I get more of these unsolicited stories than one can imagine. The only bright spot in some of these confessions is that in almost every case it is someone else’s fault and that seems to makes it easier for those involved to deal with.
Fans often miss the fact that an engine may have been changed in the parking lot after an all night tow by a crew that has gone many hours without sleep. Perhaps an entire car has been constructed from spare parts in a matter of hours. After racing the night before and all the clean up that must take place, the tow of many miles along the interstate, the car preparation is often the easier part of the job.
If there is a crew of four, there are four different personalities, four different ideas and that many different personal issues, all going on at the same time with folks that are under pressure to be at the top of their game yet another night. I have found that nearly every crew is in itself a family worthy of their own reality show. Breakdowns, mechanical, emotional, physical and financial are an expected part of the deal.
I have not mentioned the on track challenges because that is what makes all the others worthwhile. For the driver, when the cars fires and pulls away from the push truck all the other issues no longer exists. For the crew, when they see their car being competitive and moving through traffic, all the other stuff disappears. The owner, who may have lighter pockets than he anticipated, gets his satisfaction from seeing his car sideways, putting on a show for the faithful fans. That is his car, his team, his driver showing off his investment to the best of their ability while hopefully pleasing their sponsor.
The reality of all this organized mayhem is that it is done week in and week out by people who would not want to be anywhere else, doing anything else. The same scenario is played out at tracks across the country throughout the season. The players and the stage may be different but the play itself is relatively the same. No matter the challenges and the personalities, the losses and the victories, the green flag will wave again on this unexplainable reality show we call sprint car racing.
I want to thank folks for their comments and for some of our friends posting excerpts from our column on their web sites. We hope to be on the road again shortly to make as many shows as possible and meet as many friends as we possibly can. When the frost appears in the north land we will head south to conclude our 50th season in Orlando with our DAARA friends. 51st season? Who knows? See you at the races.
INFINITY SHOCKS RACING COMMUNITY
My question to Infinity Shocks founder AJ Atherton was why, at this time with all the economic challenges the racing world is facing, would you begin a new race related enterprise? He willingly filled me in on his history in the sport and his vision for being the supplier of shocks for future of our sport.
Born in Evansville, Indiana, he comes from a racing family. As he was growing up his sister ran a ¼ midget, he spent many weekends around different classes of race cars, and he himself later ran a micro. Always being around racing he naturally gravitated to making his living in the sport.
His plan is to be able to supply an adjustable shock at an affordable price to the average racer that would make them competitive with the high dollar teams. To accomplish these ends he now has a complete machine shop, a fabricating engineer, a Roehrig shock dyno and the resources needed to accomplish this end at his Kokomo, IN location. He states that if you want to run 85lbs on a wheel, he will supply you with a shock that will provide optimum track contact under racing conditions for that wheel. Infinity can supply endless valving possibilities for virtually any application.
Super-modified legend Lou Cicconi recently picked up two tenths of a second just by bolting on four Infinity shocks. Starting twelfth in the A main, Lou was in the lead in a half a lap and continued on for the win. Two more examples would be Sam Hafertepe Jr’s recent ASCS win with Sam giving credit to his Infinity shocks. In the same event, Brady Bacon started in the rear and came to fourth also sporting four of AJ’s shocks. AJ also supplied shocks for USAC’s Shane Hmiel among many others. The list of USAC championships, WOO championships with Donnie Schatz and other victories on shocks supplied by AJ during his career reads like a who’s who in all forms of racing and recent additions can be found on the Infinity Shocks Facebook page.
A.J. recently left Benic Enterprises after a long relationship with Scott and the crew to strike out on his own. He is a supplier and repair facility for both Pro and Afco shocks. If it uses shocks, A.J. will supply the winning combination to meet your needs. Whether it is sprint cars, midgets (tqs on up), champ cars, late models or even ATVs running circle track or any other configuration or racing surface, he will get the power on the ground. His vision for the future includes one day being able to manufacture his own brand of shock from the ground up. With documented success in all forms of motorsports this seems to be very much an obtainable goal.
Our column is to focus on the people in our sport and not to be a cheerleader for any particular company or supplier. It is hard however to ignore a personable young man who has the courage to step out in today’s economy because he loves racing and believes that he has a product that will make a positive contribution to our sport. It was an independent racer who believed that he had benefitted by dealing with AJ that suggested that I give him a call and hear his story.
It is not difficult to find a supplier for your racing needs. To find one with years of winning experience who will treat you with honesty and integrity is another matter. AJ regularly attends races at Gas City, Lawrenceburg and Kokomo along with as many USAC shows as time permits. Though he remains quite busy he is very accessible and can be found putting in long hours in his Kokomo shop. We wish AJ the best in his venture and from what we hear from his customers he will one of the major players for many seasons to come.
We are about to wrap up our ministry commitments here north Florida and look forward to heading north for some good racing and visiting with our racing friends. We hope to make shows from central and western PA through OH and Indiana with our season concluding back in Orlando with the Daytona Antique Auto Racing Assoc. national event. We have lost sponsorship as have many others but we are unwilling to not make an effort to make as many shows and meet as many of our friends as possible. In the mean time, visit our nationalspeedwayministries.com web site for the latest news and our itinerary. Thanks to AJ for taking the time to return my call and in spite of the weather, rising fuel prices and all the unforeseen challenges, we will see you at the races.
Remembering AT 100 MPH +
Our column is about the people of our sport. We have done promoters, the big name drivers and small family owned teams. All of these have in the past or are presently making difference in our sport. One recently departed owner/driver made a difference in my life on our February trip to Orlando, and I find out that I am just one of the many he has touched. You won’t find Jay Yahnke’s name on a World Of Outlaws roster, he didn’t win a USAC championship, he wasn’t a full time racer but he was a full time friend. Jay was however, a long time participant in motorsports including drag racing and many forms of circle track racing. Jay just loved any type of racing and from all that I am told, he loved people as well. Jay was an accomplished and gifted sculpturer for entities such as Disney while wife Sue was a long time accountant for a major Florida law firm. In recent seasons you could find Jay and Sue driving sprint cars with the Daytona Antique Auto Racing Association of Florida. Jay drove the black Bobby Allen #7 and Sue drove the white Osborne #7. This great pair of personalities touched those of the organization and fans alike. As this dynamic husband and wife team raced dirt and pavement alike across Florida and Georgia and even at Darlington, all was well. Life was good. Even as Jay didn’t feel well they made the races with special friend Roy Campbell helping with the cars. A fire in their motorhome while on the road could not stop them from making an event. The two # 7’s were fixtures with the organization. In September of 2009 Jay lost his battle with leukemia. At this terrible time, Sue was surprised to see a convoy of racing trailers show up at Jay’s funeral. Making a detour while on the way to a race weekend was a necessary show of support for a special couple who gave so much of themselves for others. Jay is no longer present at the race events but his spirit remains in the hearts of all who knew him. Sue still drives the white #7 and often gives the boys a hard way to go. Because of his help and special friendship to Jay and Sue, Roy Campbell was given the black #7. Unfortunately a crash cost Roy his special car and he now campaigns his own #10. It was only in October of 2010 at North Florida Speedway that I met the DAARA group. Immediately, Nancy and I were made to feel like members of the family. It was then that we met Sue and heard the story of she and Jay and the #7’s. At the Orlando Speedworld national event this February we renewed our friendship. They were having a memorial race for Jay on Saturday and I was humbled beyond belief when I was approached by Capt. Jack Sapp, driver of the yellow # 77, and Sue to drive Sue’s #7 in the memorial race. Not intending to run the car in the memorial the car had not been fired on this cold February day. So after getting a bit of engine temperature I tagged the rear of the field of the heat race. With the heat completed and having kept it off the wall, it was time to reflect on being asked to be part of this special event. Rocket Roy who continues to maintain the race car went through the particulars of the car with me and after having his help on both Saturday and Sunday I can understand why he fit in so well with the Yahnke team. I do manage to sneak into a car on occasion but it had been 44 years since I had been on pavement. It was a fitting tribute for the team when Rocket Roy ran away and hid in the memorial feature. Roy’s picture with his plaque can be found on our National Speedway Ministries web site in the image gallery. I managed not to embarrass myself during the race and got to run the car on Sunday as well. I never had the pleasure of meeting Jay in person, but through Sue, Roy and all the people whom he touched I feel as though I am somehow the beneficiary of the Yahnke legacy as well. Thank you Sue, for the opportunity to be part of your tribute to Jay. Thanks also to Roy for putting up with me and also to the entire DAARA family. If racers can be judged by more than points, trophies and championships, Jay and Sue Yahnke are all stars. People can now see the ”Real Men Pray-Jay #7” decal on our motorhome as we travel the interstates, remembering a departed friend that we never met.
NOTE: Nancy and I have nearly completed our new upgraded National Speedway Ministries web site and look forward to heading north in early summer for the renewing of friendships and some great sprint car racing. Hopefully one of our prospective sponsors will come through and fuel prices will not become even more prohibitive. Until next time, stay safe and we’ll see you at the races.
GREEN GREEN GREEN
The snow is still falling over much of the nation and likewise the temperatures. At the same time the green flag has fallen on the 2011 racing season. Florida speed weeks are here and though we in the south have had a relatively cold winter, it will be a great improvement from what most of the teams are leaving. With frost bitten fingers and haulers covered with road salt, the “Welcome To Florida’’ sign has to be a welcome sight. If you can’t find a sprint car race to attend in central Florida in the next two weeks you just aren’t looking. Rumor has it that the taxi cabs are also racing somewhere nearby this month. The green is definitely out on the new season.
With so much bad news monopolizing the press and TV, the sound of a freshly fired engine is certainly a welcome relief. Fuel prices at least for the moment have leveled off though they are a dollar a gallon higher than at the end of last season. We have lost a few teams from several series but the folks I talk to remain cautiously optimistic. From the Indy trade show we heard of mixed feelings about the current state of affairs but few were ready to throw in the towel.
Another reason to be uplifted is that our injured drivers from last season are on the mend though most have a long road to recovery. The support for these wounded warriors has been great and once again shows what a great group of people make up the racing family.
Throughout the season there will most likely be columns that are not quite as positive as this, but the perseverance and resilience of the sprint car racers have to give one hope that the sport will survive in spite of economic challenges that might sideline a less dedicated group. When we think of persistence, Danny Smith has to come to mind. Danny has been challenged in unbelievable ways during his long and successful career. We will all long remember the sick feeling of watching the crash at Attica last June. Once again Danny has triumphed over adversity and is back and running well.
No matter what this season holds in store, it is here. Promoters will deal with less folks coming through the gates and lower car counts in a lot of areas. We will all deal with higher equipment costs and rising fuel prices. When November comes around I am sure we will have much to ponder and reminisce about in looking back on the 2011 racing season. No matter how great the competition, how fast the cars or how close the racing, it is the people that make this sport different from all others. It is the Travis Rilats, the Shane Hmiels, the Danny Smiths and all those like them that make what we share so special.
As I begin my 50th year of being actively involved in this sport, I still get chills when the first engine of the night is fired, but the best part of any race is being with the drivers and crews and sharing their good moments, and their not so good ones. Every race is a memory in the making. As the days of sitting on the porch in the old rocking chair with a glass of ice tea approach, as they will, I expect that when looking back on the 2011 racing season it will found to be made up of a host of memorable moments. These together with the renewing of old friendships and building of new ones will come together to make this season live long after the last checkered flag has fallen. We will begin our season with the Daytona Antique Auto Racing Assoc. national event in Orlando. I have been asked to be the guest speaker at their Friday banquet and to do a Sunday morning worship service. Perhaps their thinking was that they needed an antique speaker to compliment their venue. Nancy and I also hope to make a couple of other events on our trek south from downtown Wewahitchka.
Our prayer is for a safe and successful 2011 season for all. Whether it is through this column, our web site or in person, we hope to be in touch with as many of you as possible. 2011, a memory in the making. See you at the races.
GIT’ER DONE
I know it is hard to think sand blasting, powder coating,
going through the tow vehicle and wrapping up sponsors when temperatures
are in single digits and there are still left over relatives from the
holidays, but the time is here. We usually can’t get to prospective
sponsors during the Christmas holidays. As this snow melts we get word
of another one approaching. I remember. I lived up there for years. It
is warm in front of the fire and football’s second season is here. But
the time has come. You have to git’er done, ready or not.
The Chili Bowl is upon us and that means we are into the 2011 season.
The dirt will be flying down here in Florida in a few weeks and it never
lets up from there. Whether you run in your back yard or with one of the
series this promises to be a challenging season. Gas prices are above
three dollars a gallon and diesel is three and a quarter to three fifty
and rising. The cost of everything is up from last season and with
today’s economy the sponsor you thought you had wrapped up may well cut
back their support or pull out altogether. This doesn’t mean we can’t
get it done, but we may have to work harder and smarter just to maintain
the level of seasons past.
I continue to find that help sometimes comes from unexpected sources.
This means that we must tell everyone we come in contact with what we do
and also, what we need. They will not support your program if they are
not offered the opportunity to do so. We naturally gravitate to
automobile and race related businesses, but in today’s market we need to
be more creative and look outside our comfort zone. Your prospect does
not have to be a race fan. You have to let him know how those who are
race fans can grow his business. Do your medical specialists have your
proposal? How about your funeral home or your cable company or other
local service companies? These are just ideas but this is the kind of
thinking it is going to take to keep those of us who don’t have the mega
sponsors out there every week. Have you approached the fan that comes
around your car after the races? They may jump at the chance to be part
of a race team, if even on a limited basis. They won’t however, if they
are not asked or even worse, they may join one of your competitors.
We have already revised our proposal for our traveling racing ministry
due to the unexpected rise in fuel prices. If trends continue upwards
then our expectations may have to be cut back to match resources. One
thing is certain, the 2011 season will come and go and as with
everything in life, those who put in the most effort will have the best
results.
With the computer programs available we all have the ability to put
together a professional looking proposal. Of all the pieces of business
that pass over a prospective sponsor’s desk yours must stand out and get
his attention. Let them know that investing in you is ultimately going
to benefit them with more business and a better bottom line. If you do
not have the resources to put together such a proposal, enlist the help
of someone who does. It will be well worth your effort. Your prospect
needs to know about you and your accomplishments but more importantly
what you can do for them and their business.
During my racing years it was never the schedules, the driving hurt or
the keeping the equipment together that caused the headaches or
sleepless nights. It was chasing someone that would listen then asking
for the money. As with all sales, each “No” brings you closer to the
“Yes” that will get it done for you. Working on the sponsorship is
harder than working on the rolling stock for most of us. What it all
boils down to is just git’er done.
As we focus on a new season, please keep our injured drivers and their
families in your thoughts and prayers. The road to recovery is a long
and difficult one for all involved. Knowing we remember makes the bad
days a little easier to get through.
I Apologize: In our column on the DAARA vintage organization, I
mistakenly listed Dave Cash’s car as a Nance when it is in fact a
beautiful (and fast) Gambler. It was the fifth one made by C.K. Spurlock
and Gambler and carries the # 98. I had spent an enjoyable night with
Dave and the DAARA group and certainly knew better. Again, I apologize.
DAARA-ROARING MEMORIES
It is the best of all the holidays that is rapidly
approaching, so this Christmas season I wanted to do something on a very
positive note. We had an early pre holiday season treat when we went
east to Lake City, Florida’s North Florida Speedway. One of the night’s
attractions was the Daytona Antique Auto Racing Association. Oh the
memories that were suddenly brought back from years gone by.
They presented everything from the old coupes, early stock cars, flat
head and ohv midgets and a nice field of caged and non caged sprint
cars. The midgets were true classics with super nice Ford V/8 60’s an
offset midget and many others. One sprint car had an airplane engine and
there were a good number of more recent sprints.
The cars all must be at least thirty years or older with no down tube
cars. This equipment of the past is not just for display. They race
these historic treasures in their respective classes. Yes, sideways,
throwing dirt and making sideways passes in these exhibition events.
They don’t pay for position but they race for pride and fan enjoyment.
The vintage integrity of the cars is maintained but all safety equipment
and procedures are up to date.
All this is good, but even better than the cars were the people. After
admiring and running my hands over (no one said I couldn’t do that) all
the different classes Nancy and I gravitated toward the 60’s, 70’s and
80’s era sprint cars. Much of the evening was spent bench racing with
folks like Dave Cash, driver of the sharp Nance #18 and Jack Sapp with
his Competition Welding #77 (club champion 2005,2006 and 2009). We got
to know others like driver Sue Yahnke who also serves as club treasurer.
Sue’s late husband was a long time club member and now Sue has taken
over wheeling the car. The atmosphere was somewhat like a family reunion
till they called for the cars to be rolled out for the next event.
President Bill Went leads this well organized group. Vice Pres. is J.T.
Dunn with James Knapp as secretary. They began in 1984 with just a few
individuals that wanted to preserve and maintain this part of racing
history. What began around a kitchen table now has over 400 members from
here in the US along with others from Japan, Canada and Australia. Their
season goes from March through October covering many tracks in Florida
with some out of state trips as well. They just finished hosting the US
Vintage Oval Track Nationals which had 82 cars in attendance with green
flag events Thursday through Sunday. They will present the 2011 spring
edition this coming February in Orlando. If you are making the trip down
for the Spring Nationals, this might be a welcome addition to your
schedule.
There are a few of us still around that drove a car before cages, fuel
cells, wings and cockpit adjustable shocks. To watch the midget drivers
pump fuel with the hand pump and use the hand brake was great to witness
once again. No power steering here. If there was an Offy there I might
have missed it and I apologize as I was fascinated with the V8/60’s.
Most of these cars were of show quality or were on their way to becoming
so. They did however, seriously run these cars, probably nearly reaching
their limits.
These things were right off the black and white pages of old copies of
National Speed Sport news. Names of coupe drivers from the north east
were brought to mind. Early stock cars of days gone by brought back
memories of dusty nights from tracks long since gone dark. This is a
well presented, noise making piece of perhaps racing’s better days. If
you have an old Trevis, Kurtis, CAE or other treasure collecting dust
out in the barn, participating with this group or one like it might
bring new life to the old race car and to you as well. With or without a
car, club membership is just $35.00 a year and just being around these
folks and their cars for even a few events is worth much more. Further
information can be had by visiting daararacing.com
As everyone is busy with their off season activities along with
preparing for all that the Christmas season involves, Nancy and I want
to wish all who read this a blessed, holy and peaceful Christmas season.
Please remember all of our injured drivers and their families in your
prayers. MERRY CHRISTMAS
TOP GUNS TOP SHELF
On a beautiful early fall Saturday Nancy and I made our way east to the North Florida Speedway for the Top Gun sprint series. On the three and a half hour ride home we reminisced how we had just enjoyed one of the best nights of racing in some time.
Phil Guadagno’s North Florida Speedway sits just off I-75 at Lake City, FL. We were welcomed to the well prepared 3/8 mile track by Phil and his cordial staff. I was pleased to be asked to do the driver’s meeting prayer and the invocation. We were treated to a show consisting of the mini-sprints, DAARA vintage cars, the Top Gun sprints and the tracks regular competitors. In spite of multiple divisions, several with push to start cars, the events were run in a timely manner on a race track that held up well under a multitude of events.
The Top Gun winged sprints are under the direction of founder Don Rehm. The organization was put together to limit the cost of running a sprint car in today’s economy. The series runs from March through November in the state of Florida. They have a limited 360 cid engine rule and require Hoosier DT-3 right rear tire and a 40 or harder left rear in an attempt to make running a sprint car somewhat affordable. No cockpit control of wings, shocks or traction enhancements are allowed. However, if one expected to see second class equipment or a follow the leader event they were in for a pleasant surprise. Though only fourteen teams chose to make the trek north from central Florida it was an event well worth the trip across the Florida panhandle.
Tim George leads the points chase over last year’s champ Ryan Partin by just 38 points with two events remaining on the calendar. Though they were down a bit in horsepower to the high dollar series they were equal in competitiveness and enthusiasm. The two heats were competitive and were won by Shawn Murray and Tim George respectfully. The two point leaders finished behind winner Bruce Durdan in the 25 lap feature. The fans were treated to an event equal to most any series in the country. With the side by side racing and the bump and run passing no one could tell that these competitors were a few miles an hour off the pace of the outrageously expensive 410 guys.
Ryan Partin, last season’s point champ is the son of former driver Mike Partin. When Mike and I both lived in Spring, TX in the 80’s we were friends and raced together at Big H and Battleground speedways. Ryan at the time was just a young kid hanging around the shop. It was great to renew this friendship and watch Ryan adeptly handle the #14 sprinter. I also got to meet Doug Shaw of Shaw Racing products. Doug owns the #25 driven by Danny Martin who happens to have won four straight features before coming to the North Florida Speedway. Doug’s dad was a URC car owner at the time I raced with them in the 60’s. Names such as Jiggs Peters, Tommy Price, Harry Benjamin and Buck Buckley wheeled the Shaw car in seasons past. It added to the evening to be able to renew past acquaintances and bring back memories of seasons long since in the record books.
Feature winner, Bruce Durdan of Jacksonville, driving his own #17D told us that he had won 26 features in that particular car and had been racing for thirty years. Also, his daughter Ashlynn was making her 9th start in the #11D and did a good job coming home in 11th spot. Though this series is not on the World of Outlaw’s level they provide a good opportunity for Florida drivers to compete on a regular basis and put on an entertaining show for the fans. The race cars and crews are sharp and Don Rehm and his staff put on a professionally run program. Heat line ups are determined by the drawing of the pill making qualifying unnecessary and speeding up the program. With the car count down at many tracks around the country, forming a series similar to the Top Guns might be worth considering. For more information on the series you can Google Top Gun Sprints or email Don at DonRehm@topgunsprints.com .
We want to thank Don of the sprint series and Phil and his staff of the North Florida Speedway for a most enjoyable evening of racing. Watch for an upcoming column on the DAARA vintage organization. They certainly added to the evening’s enjoyment. Until next time, please remember our injured drivers and their families in your prayers.
BEATING THE BIG BUCKS
The norm today is the big hauler, spare high dollar motors, a
couple rollers ready to go and the shop with employees dedicated to the
keeping the equipment in tip top condition. To even make the show today you
just can’t field a car the old way, right? Well, there is one family team
that is successfully defying the odds.
The family owned Frederickson #58 of Kokomo, Indiana is doing their best to
defy conventional wisdom. Not only do they compete against some of the top
non wing sprint car teams in central Indiana, they do it with class and with
enough competitiveness to win heat races, B-mains and garnish top ten
feature finishes. They accomplish this with a cast iron motor, their only
motor, well used tires and an entirely volunteer crew.
Bill Frederickson leads the group with years of experience and talent in
securing local sponsors to help keep things together. He, himself a local
business man works with area businesses to promote their wares using the #58
sprint car. Jamie Frederickson, Bill’s son and equal team partner is the
driver for the team. Late 2009 and 2010 has seen Jamie come into his own as
a driver and out drive some of USAC’s finest. In spite of some devastating
crashes not of his own making, Jamie may well be the mid west’s most
improved driver for the 2010 season. In addition to his driving abilities,
Jamie is an accomplished artist doing race scenes on glass for some of the
nation’s top teams. Mechanical help is provided by professional mechanic
Paul “PK” Kempton of Noblesville, IN. Set up and chassis work is provided by
Allen Brown of Kokomo. Brown consistently works with Frederickson’s driving
style to get the most out the car night after night. Additional help is
provided by family teenagers truly making this team a family affair.
While their competition is enjoying their air conditioned shops the
Frederickson crew can be found working outside behind their trailer on a
Kokomo side street. Since all the crew members hold day jobs the work is
mostly done in the evenings and everything must go back in the trailer,
finished or not, at the end of the night. Conditions may not be ideal but
the work gets done and a good looking, competitive car is fielded two nights
a week all during the season.
One might think that with the limited budget of this family operation that
the entirety of their efforts would be focused on their racing but this is
not the case. They carry a large ad for Hemophilia of Indiana on their car
and use their car race car and personal time attending publicity events
promoting this worthy cause by helping raise money for disease awareness and
research. Their major sponsor, the Merger Lodge of the Odd Fellows of
Indiana is also an active community participant. The Frederickson team
portrays their faith based principals on the car and begin each nights
racing with prayer. After the night’s program has been completed and the big
guns have departed, the “58” team can be found interacting with the fans
well into the night promoting their team and the sport in general.
People are beginning to take notice and to step up on a limited basis. To
me, it would be fun to see a major sponsor come on board and watch a lot of
the well known, high dollar teams move back a spot. It has been my pleasure
to follow this group of overachievers for the past couple of seasons. This
year they have overcome adversity, been competitive and have been great
representatives of the sport. They are, in my opinion, the essence of the
saying, it is not how much you have, but what you do with what you have. The
next time you see the blue and white number 58, stop by and be greeted by a
group of avid fans of the sport still doing it the hard way. Leave with a T
shirt and a different prospective of what sprint car racing is about than
what you might get from visiting one of the “name” teams. It is not my
purpose to be a cheerleader for any particular race team but it is hard not
to take notice of the good guys having success doing it one race at a time.
Until next time, please remember our injured racers and their families in
your thoughts and prayers.
ITS THAT TIME
Last week I received a phone call from an Indiana team asking me
if I would do a cover letter for their 2011 sponsorship proposal and I
realized that that dreaded time of the year was here. The time when all of
us in the racing industry begin searching for the ever elusive sponsorship
dollar.
Drivers have no concerns about strapping into their 800 horse power machines
and running wheel to wheel with twenty three others doing likewise; crews
work willingly round the clock to ready the equipment; owners take money
from other business interests to finance their racing addiction, but when it
comes time to knock on doors for financial involvement everyone runs for
cover.
To the drivers and teams who have contracted with big dollar investors I say
congratulations. You have probably earned it the hard way. Enjoy the fruits
of your labor. My only suggestion would be not to forget the searching
process as in today’s business climate nothing is guaranteed to be there
tomorrow.
Most teams realize, that courting sponsors is a year long process and keep a
proposal with them at all times. It is at this time in the year though that
the process is looked at with renewed urgency. In our case with our racing
ministry we are in the same boat only on a smaller scale. With all the
demands that any form of racing involvement takes on a day to day basis, it
is hard to focus on the less attractive yet totally necessary job of selling
ourselves to the business world.
A properly prepared proposal is probably your best tool to reach your
prospect. Remember the decision makers that you need to reach are very busy
people and they are not going to read a book on your accomplishments. A good
proposal should tell who you are, what you do, and most importantly how they
will benefit from their involvement with you. Pictures are worth a thousand
words and remember your prospect may not be familiar with our sport in any
way. Even if they are familiar with sprint car racing; don’t assume they are
as knowledgeable as you are and try to overwhelm them with facts not
necessary to get your message across. Research sprint car racing as a whole;
have your numbers and facts correct and sell the sport, then sell yourself
and what your team has to offer. Your cover letter and the first page of the
proposal is the most important because if you don’t get their interest in
the beginning your paperwork will end up in the round file with other ill
prepared proposals. Once you gain access to the company’s decision maker (an
accomplishment in itself) use your time wisely as it is quite possibly a one
time opportunity.
The business climate is in serious decline as we know; but there are some
positives too. Business owners are looking outside the box to get their
message out. Newspaper readership is at an all time low. People that once
listened to drive time radio now listen to cds and dvds. Searching for a tv
station on which to place a regional ad has become a challenge with over a
hundred available stations on cable or satellite. Businesses are open to
unique advertising opportunities. With the proper approach your advertising
vehicle might just be a viable alternative to print and broadcast media for
the visionary businessman. Sell the whole package. The trailer space is a
rolling billboard, the exposure to the fans at the track, the exposure of
the trailer on the highway, the media coverage of the racing events. These
are all benefits far above just lettering on the side of the car. Many teams
make themselves available for company events and this is another marketable
tool. Paint a picture of the company’s involvement and how what you have to
offer is a cost effective use of their advertising dollar.
NASCAR is a marketing marvel. To the general public, if you say racing they
think NASCAR. I would have traded any weekend I ever spent at a NASCAR race
for a weekend at Eldora, Williams Grove, Knoxville or most any other sprint
car weekend event. To their credit, they have sold themselves to America as
America’s form of racing. I believe we have a better product and we have to
sell sprint car racing as a whole and sell ourselves at the same time.
Don’t be discouraged as for every no you get, you are just that much closer
to closing the deal with the sponsor that will allow you to compete yet
another season. There are professional people out there that will do the
work for you but if you take this route be sure it is someone that has
knowledge of our sport as opposed to a general marketing company who has no
interest or knowledge of our special needs and of what we have to offer.
Good luck and we will see you at the races next season and see the fruits of
your labors.
A Hosehead Production
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