Racin' & Different Stuff:

                                      By Tom Avenengo

                                         Volume # 164

                                                   12/12/2013

 

Please don’t forget:  Benghazi, The IRS Scandal and all the other scandals that seem to get put on the back burners every week.  When will anyone be “held accountable”, anyway?  Oh, don’t forget my description of “Held Accountable”:  Nothing will get done to anyone.

 

Oh, and another thing:  Hillary is EVIL!

 

 

From an email:

 

As a 27 year old staff attorney for the house judiciary committee during the Watergate Investigation, Hillary Rodham was fired by her supervisor, lifelong Democrat Jerry Zeifman.

 

When asked why Hillary Rodham was fired:  “Because she was a liar,” Zeifman said in an interview.  “She was an unethical, dishonest lawyer.  She conspired to violate the constitution, the rules of the house.  The rules of the committee and the rules of confidentiality.”

 

http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/c/clinton-watergate.htm#.Uqk6VdJDu-k

 

 

 

Don’t be surprised when the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) closes down (as planned all along) and we end up with “Single payer” health insurance.  You do realize just who the “Single payer” is, right?  Talk about a “cluster”!

 

 

Here’s a good one, folks!  While watching the news this past Monday at 2:30 PM, one of the subjects was: 

Volunteer Fire Departments could see costs soar under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).

 

 

Racin’ & short’ stuff:

 

I love talking about racing from “Back in the day”.  As you know, I’ve been a race fan since 1946 when my father took me to the midget races at various tracks here in the northeast.  Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, NJ, Danbury, Cherry Park in Avon, CT, Middletown, NY and the indoor races in the Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx.

 

I don’t know if telling stories of what I remember from back then would qualify me as an historian, or not.  But this past Labor Day weekend, on that Sunday, I went to Hinchliffe Stadium with my daughter Judy, again.  I spent about an hour talking with an old timer – Bill Nash.  He was always with Bill Schindler – back in the day.  I have no idea as to how his regular memory is, but as far as racing stuff goes, it’s pretty well planted in his memory vault.

 

I first met him when Pete Kessler and I took Nick Fornoro to one of the racing shows that had been held in the Paterson, NJ Museum.  It seems that many years ago, Nick signed an autograph book – for the daughter of Bill Nash.  We took Nick there two days in a row, and on the first day, she made mention of that autograph, and that she would bring that autograph book in the next day, Sunday.  She did, and Nick signed it again.

 

But, back to Bill Nash.  Sadly, he’s left us.  Gone are the stories he could tell.  Gone are the facts that he could tell one about.  He left us back on November 24th.

This, from Facebook:

Facebook on 11/27:

 

Found this on the Hinchliffe Stadium Racing History page:

Ronny Dennis

I regret to inform everyone that Bill Nash passed away peacefully in his sleep this past Sunday morning. Bill was a big part of this page and everything we do at Hinchliffe Stadium. He wasn't just our historian but he was a dear friend and will be greatly missed. The family will receive family and friends on Fri. Nov. 29, 2013 from 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm at Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home 530 High Mountain Road, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. Funeral Service will be Sat. Nov. 30, 2013 at 10am at the funeral home. Interment at Fair Lawn Memorial Cemetery.

 

 

I suggested a truck class for OCFS a couple of years ago. Also suggested Sat night drags for the young ones that have those "Rice Burners" with the hot exhaust sounds - just to see how quick they really are. Just let 'em drag down the front stretch.  Now I see that OCFS wants to have a 4 Cylinder Truck class in 2014 – with at least 6 dates.  Personally, I think the big 5/8 mile hard clay track is a might too big for 4 Cylinder trucks and/or cars, for that matter.  To be successful, I’d have to say that there would have to be a purse to make it worth while.  Running for peanuts and/or a trophy ain’t gonna cut it.  Dunno, but maybe the Moto Cross track will be successful and some of the monies from that can find their way to the oval racing at OCFS.

 

Rules for the proposed Truck class at OCFS:

 

http://www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net/FILES/2014%20Truck%20Series%20Rules%20(1).pdf

 

 

 

Some interesting thoughts in a thread I started on the DTD Forum:

 

http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/DTD/index.php?/topic/49676-truck-class-at-ocfs-how-many/

 

 

A little more news from OCFS:

 

22-year-old Dutchess man pleads guilty in restroom videotaping at Orange County Fair Speedway

 

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20131211/NEWS/312110329/-1/NEWSLETTER100

 

 

 

 

And as for that opening Deyo/Gurda/Commander promoted show on March 23, 2014, I don’t think I’ll be back from Florida by then.  Dammit!  Would love to see how the racing would be with sail panels.  One downer for that show – New Egypt has one the day/night before.  Hey, Brett has done wonders with his race promoting.  He has plenty of time to get others involved, money & sponsorship wise for that show.  It should be highly successful.

 

Being a fan of midget racing, I’m always checking out a couple of pages on Facebook – both concerning the ARDC.  New engine rules for the ARDC in 2014 have been released (see my last column) and boy, did that open up a huge can of worms!  ‘tis a shame that “progress” has taken us from the Sesco and VW powered midgets that gave us such good competition and good fields of cars a while back.

 

The two pages:

 

Back In The Day With ARDC

 

ARDC Midgets

 

Some interesting things being said.  Accord is one of the favorite tracks for the ARDC drivers.  Some seem to think that the ARDC should somehow connect with Brett Deyo and maybe tie in an ARDC show with one of those he’ll be promoting next year.  That, to me sounds good.  But, one has to look and read about the ARDC and why they’re in the position they’re in today, to see if any kind of help would be of help.  ARDC Midgets – check out what’s said about the new engine rules.  Quite informative.

 

 

 

NASCAR at Syracuse:

 

Question:  Any idea as to when NASCAR had a race on the one mile track in Syracuse?

 

How about August 14, 1955?  No, not stock cars, but NASCAR sanctioned midgets on the mile track.

 

From the NASCAR Midget race results that I have:

 

August 14   Syracuse, NY       State Fairgrounds Chuck Arnold

                   1 mile dirt             25 mile feature  Time was 17:43.60

 

 

 

 

 

Director's Cut: 'The Last Ride of A.J. Foyt,' by Ed Hinton

 

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9669114/director-cut-ed-hinton-aj-foyt

 

 

 

The “Gobbler” and former OVRP Dirt Oval racers:

 

I’m not sure if I would have attended the “Gobbler” show at Accord what with the cold temps.  Sadly I had to opt out of the Sunday at ESW due to some health concerns.  But here is what those that ran at the Dirt Oval did at the “Gobbler:

 

Anthony Perrego won the 50 lap modified feature.  Danny Creeden was 9th, Tim Hindly 15th, Tyler Dippel 17th and Brad Szulewski was a DNQ.

 

In the Sportsman feature, Brad was 3rd, Perrego 4th, Tyler Boniface 5th, Mike Traver 13th, Matt Janiak 16th, Dipple 19th and Alex Bell 20th.  Hunter Bates was a DNQ.

 

 

ARCA champion Hillenburg named Director of Competition for Silver Crown Series

 

http://www.arcaracing.com/news.php?contentid=16878

 

 

 

 

 

The Chili Bowl:

 

Starting on January 13th!

 

http://www.chilibowl.com/schedule/?y=2014

 

http://www.chilibowl.com/

 

 

 

Gentlemen Start Your Off-Season – You’ve Got Seven Weeks

 

 

http://www.hoseheads.com/richard.html

 

In part:  "Upon the completion of this Saturday’s season ending Top Gun Sprint Series race at Hendry County Motorsports Park, the 2013 Florida sprint car season will be over. Exactly seven weeks later, on Saturday, February 1, 2014, it starts again. That is the date for the first sprint car race of the 2014 season (as of this date). It is the first race of the newly formed CCS Wingless Sprints, running exclusively at Citrus County Speedway in Inverness. The series has an ambitious schedule of ten races on the docket for 2014, running on the first Saturday of each month through November. I have spoken to numerous teams based in the west Central Florida area that are already making plans to participate, including some drivers that have not been in competition recently."

 

Quite a bit more on the Florida scene can be seen in that link, above.

 

 

 

 

OK, I’m not “Rich & Famous” and I sure as hell could not afford a ticket to the coming Super Bowl what ever number it is (why use roman numerals, anyway?), but I bet this will really tick off the one that love to party prior to a game:

 

NFL Bans Tailgating For Super Bowl XLVIII

 

http://wpdh.com/nfl-bans-tailgating-for-super-bowl-xlviii/

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know that when you’re eligible for Medicare, If you don’t sign up for Part D, that when you decide to, later on, you get penalized?  We, the wife and I were never informed of that.  I wonder how many more were never told?

 

Medicare offers prescription drug coverage to everyone with Medicare. If you decide not to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan when you're first eligible, and you don't have other creditable prescription drug coverage, or you don't get Extra Help, you'll likely pay a late enrollment penalty.

 

 

This makes Yahoo! News:

Paris Hilton Breaks Out Her Bikini In Dubai

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/03/paris-hilton-bikini_n_4379193.html?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592

 

This does not make Yahoo! News:

Edward ‘Babe’ Heffron, one of the original Band of Brothers died Sunday December 1, 2013, one week after the death of his friend and fellow paratrooper Earl McClung. Babe was 90. –

 

See more at: http://www.marcusbrotherton.com/remembering-edward-babe-heffron-1923-2013/#sthash.nNI8uBpS.dpuf

 

 

On Facebook on December 9th:

 

"PIR should start the copper classic back up, This was a great event"

 

"Unfortunately NASCAB won't allow it. They ruined the joint and its history when they purchased it."

 

"Maybe the new track on the 5 by Bakersfield would be a good spot to get it going again? paved, banked, and big enough to handle it"

 

 

 

You’ve seen these three letters on the Internet, right – WTF.

 

So, WTF has happened to our once great country, anyway?

 

Cops Gone Wild: Police Issue Citations to Obama Protesters — For Displaying U.S. Flag! (Video)

 

http://toprightnews.com/cops-gone-wild-police-issue-citations-to-obama-protesters-for-displaying-u-s-flag-video/

 

Note:   The above is from Facebook on 12/11/13

 

 

Congressman warns Obamacare has provision to create 'secret security force'

 

http://www.examiner.com/article/congressman-warns-obamacare-has-provision-to-create-secret-security-force?fb_action_ids=10152060374954890&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B478987605547900%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.likes%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D

 

Note:  Quite an interesting read!

 

 

 

Also, it was reported on Wednesday night that ESPN will not show an ad because it mentions the name “Jesus”.  But they’ll continue to glorify “thug” athletes, right?  WTF?

 

 

From Jayski:

http://www.jayski.com/

 

France touches on a variety of topics at press conference:

NASCAR continues to work on improving its on-track product, an endeavor chairman Brian France takes so seriously he plans to attend Monday's test at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The test at Charlotte will be the second as NASCAR continues to seek a rules package that could enhance the competition. "Obviously, we want to get more lead changes, we want to get closer, tighter competition," France said Thursday in a briefing with reporters. "I'd love a photo finish every weekend. The point is that we're going to be working all the time on (improving) the competition and ... lead changes are going to be a huge part. Once that Charlotte test is complete and NASCAR has a better grasp of its 2014 rules, the focus could be turned to other areas of the product: France hinted Thursday there could a larger emphasis placed on winning and changes coming to the qualifying process. For qualifying, NASCAR told competitors it is considering moving away from single-car qualifying for the group formats used on road courses. France also downplayed an overhaul to the 2015 Sprint Cup schedule when NBC takes over the second half of the NASCAR television package. "Most tracks with a couple of exceptions don't like to give up a date that's worked for them and so on that they've had for a long time," he said. "So there might be a change or two, but I wouldn't predict any significant changes." Other topics covered by France:

-The Richmond scandal: France said he was personally "pissed off, to be honest" when it became clear that Michael Waltrip Racing had manipulated the end of the regular-season finale in its attempt to get Martin Truex Jr. into the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship field. -Formula One's scheduled race in Austin, Texas: The F1 schedule released this week placed the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin on Nov. 2 - the same day as the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, a three-hour drive from Austin. "Well, I wouldn't have done that myself," he said about F1's race date. "I'm sure they had the same kind of scheduling challenges that we do. They go all over the world, and that was what they chose. It wouldn't be my first choice."

-Iowa Speedway: NASCAR last week announced it had purchased the track, but has no plans to add a Sprint Cup race to Iowa. The track has hosted Nationwide Series and Truck Series races since 2009, and IndyCar also races at the facility. France said NASCAR's ownership gives the track some stability.(Associated Press), see a transcript of the press conference on the December 5 NASCAR Teleconference transcript page.(12-6-2013)

 

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. wins 11th Most Popular Driver Award:

The National Motorsports Press Association announced that Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the recipient of this year's NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award. It is the 11th consecutive year Earnhardt Jr. has been selected through a vote of the fans, breaking a tie with Bill Elliott for most consecutive awards received. Elliott continues to hold the overall mark, having been named the series' most popular driver 16 times. "I don't really keep track of the stats or the score, but Bill was a great driver and ambassador for the sport," Earnhardt Jr. said. "He represents the sport really well to this day, as does his son Chase, who's coming up and carrying on the family name. But, I've always looked up to Bill as a driver so it's pretty neat." More than 1 million votes were tallied for 39 eligible drivers from this year's first race to the last at the site www.MostPopularDriver.com. Fans voted once per day with Earnhardt Jr. collecting more than 700,000 votes. The award was presented to the Hendrick Motorsports driver today during the annual NMPA Myers Brothers Luncheon, a part of the season-ending Champions Week activities in Las Vegas. The final top-10 drivers, in order of votes received were: Earnhardt Jr., Kasey Kahne, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Danica Patrick, Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth, Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards. Earnhardt Jr. is still honored to receive the trophy.(NMPA)(12-5-2013)

 

NASCAR Announces Modifications To NASCAR Hall Of Fame Eligibility And Selection Process:

NASCAR announced a number of changes to the selection process for the NASCAR Hall of Fame (NHOF), including a modification to driver eligibility parameters and the creation of a new award to honor significant contributions to the growth and success of the sport. In all, six changes and updates will be made starting with the selection of the Class of 2015 - all designed to improve upon an already strong process that has led to the selection of 25 deserving inductees. Following is a summary of changes:

Driver Eligibility: Currently, drivers who have competed in NASCAR for at least 10 years and been retired for three years are eligible for nomination to the NHOF. That will not change. Moving forward, however, drivers who have competed for a minimum of 10 years and reached their 55th birthday on or before Dec. 31 of the year prior to the nominating year are immediately eligible for the NHOF. Also, any competitor who has competed for 30 or more years in NASCAR competition by Dec. 31 of the year prior to the nominating year is automatically eligible, regardless of age. Drivers may continue to compete after reaching any of the aforementioned milestones without compromising eligibility for nomination or induction.

Nominating Committee Will Select Five Fewer Nominees for Enshrinement: Throughout its history, the NHOF Nominating Committee has selected 25 nominees each year to be discussed and voted on for NHOF enshrinement. That number will be reduced to 20 starting with the selection process for the 2015 class.

Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR:

Beginning with the 2015 class, a new award - Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR - will be initiated to honor significant contributions to the growth and esteem of NASCAR. Potential Landmark Award recipients could include competitors or those working in the sport as a member of a racing organization, track facility, race team, sponsor, media partner or being a general ambassador for the sport through a professional or non-professional role. Award winners will remain eligible for NHOF enshrinement. Five nominees will be selected by the NHOF Nominating Committee and then be voted on by the Voting Panel. To win the award, an individual must appear on at least 60 percent of the ballots and no more than one award will be presented annually. Voting for this award will occur immediately following the voting for the NHOF class and be monitored by the same independent accounting firm that oversees NHOF voting.

Nominating Committee to Meet, Vote on 20 NHOF Nominees / Five Landmark Award Nominees: For the first time, the Nominating Committee will meet in person to discuss, debate and vote to create two ballots - the NHOF ballot and the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR ballot. Previously, the committee submitted nominees via mail to an independent accounting firm that tallies the nominations in order to create the final NHOF ballot. The Nominating Committee will meet during Speedweeks at Daytona on Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, and the nominees for both ballots will be announced later that day.

Nominees To Be Recused From the Nominating / Voting Process: Any member of the Nominating Committee or Voting Panel who appeared on the previous year's ballot or current year's ballot will now be recused from participating in the nominating and / or voting process for as long as he / she appears on the ballot. If an individual who is currently on the Nominating Committee or Voting Panel is inducted, or is no longer included on a final ballot, he or she is immediately reinstated to active participation on the panel(s).

Reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Added To Voting Panel: As was already announced on Nov. 14 at Homestead-Miami Speedway during the annual NASCAR Championship Contenders Press Conference, the reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion will be added to the following year's voting panel. That means Jimmie Johnson, who captured his sixth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship, will be included in the selection meeting and can cast a vote for the NHOF Class of 2015 on Voting Day, Wednesday, May 21, 2014.(NASCAR)(12-5-2013)

 

Rick Allen named lead announcer for NBC Sports:

NBC Sports Group announced that Rick Allen has signed a multi-year agreement to serve as the lead race announcer for NBC's upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series coverage, beginning in 2015. Alongside Allen in the NBC Sports Broadcast booth will be current driver Jeff Burton, who announced yesterday that he also will be joining NBC's multi-platform NASCAR coverage. For more information on Jeff Burton, click here. "I met Rick early on in his career and it has been fun to watch him develop into one of the most talented voices in motorsports," said Sam Flood, Executive Producer, NBC Sports and NBCSN. "His energetic delivery, great voice, and ability to bring the best out of his analysts have led him to this well-earned position of covering NASCAR's most-watched events." Allen's sports background is wide-ranging, and includes his own impressive run as a decathlete, which sent him to the 1992 USA Olympic Trials. As a broadcaster, he currently serves as Fox Sports' race announcer for NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the ARCA Racing Series. In addition to his on-camera television work, Allen is widely recognized as a top voice-over talent. Allen's voice has been utilized for narrations and national campaigns for companies including Goodyear, Sears, Alltel and Toyota. Allen has hosted multiple motorsports studio shows on SPEED, has presided over several post season awards banquets, and has served on the Voting Panel for the NASCAR Hall of Fame since its inception in 2010. A native of Grand Island, Neb, Allen began his career in 1994 as the public address announcer at Memorial Stadium during University of Nebraska football games.(NBC Sports)(12-4-2013

 

Mobil 1 renews with Stewart-Haas:

#14-Tony Stewart says ExxonMobil has renewed its multiyear sponsorship of both the three-time NASCAR champion and Stewart-Haas Racing. Stewart made the announcement that Mobil 1 will continue its relationship with him and his team while hosting the year-end edition of "Tony Stewart Live" on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Mobil 1 will be the primary sponsor on Stewart's Chevrolet for 11 races.(Associated Press/ESPN)(12-4-2013)

 

UPDATE:

ExxonMobil has strengthened its ongoing commitment to NASCAR by renewing its multi-year sponsorship with three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and Stewart-Haas Racing. Mobil 1 will adorn the hood of Stewart’s #14 Chevy for 11 races in 2014, while taking a high-profile associate role in the remaining races. Additional details of the Mobil 1 and Stewart-Haas Racing deal:

"        Mobil 1 will serve as the co-primary sponsor of the #14 Chevrolet SS with Bass Pro Shops.

"        Mobil 1 will also be an associate sponsor of Kurt Buschs #41 Haas Automation Chevy and Kevin Harvick’s #4 Budweiser/Jimmy John’s Chevy.

"        ExxonMobil will provide Mobil 1 lubricant technology and engineering support to Stewart-Haas Racing, including the #10 GoDaddy Chevy.

Mobil 1 has been the Official Motor Oil of NASCAR since 2003 and is used by more than 50 percent of the teams in NASCARs top-three series.(ExxonMobil)(12-4-2013)

 

Johnson wants to give Donovan McNab a ride:

Jimmie Johnson is giving Donovan McNabb the chance to change his mind. Two-and-a-half weeks after McNabb said on "FOX Sports Live" that Johnson was not an athlete, Johnson said they've talked and he might get McNabb in a car next year. Johnson and McNabb, a former NFL quarterback, talked on the phone Monday. "He'd been trying to track me down," Johnson told Motor Racing Network on Tuesday after an appearance at the annual NASCAR Motorsports Marketing Forum. It was McNabb. "I met Donovan a few years ago at a Super Bowl event. He's a super-nice guy," Johnson said. "He has an opinion, and he seemed open to the notion of following through on the opinion and what our sport is about. We joked about it. Hopefully, we can get something set up in the spring and get him in a car." McNabb upset many NASCAR fans and some competitors when he said Johnson was not an athlete.(Motor Racing Network)(12-4-2013)

 

Driver Changes for 2014:

announced:

#4 [was #39] Kevin Harvick moves from the #29 to Stewart Haas Racing #4

#7 Michael Annett brings Flying J sponsorship and replaces Dave Blaney in the #7

#30 expands to a two-car team with Cole Whitt and Parker Kligerman; the #30 and un-numbered 2nd car

#31 Ryan Newman replaces Jeff Burton

#35 Josh Wise will not return, team will likely run different drivers in the car

#41 Kurt Busch moves to a brand new 4th Stewart Haas Racing team

#42 Kyle Larson replace Juan Pablo Montoya who heads back to Indycar

#47 A.J. Allmendinger replaces Bobby Labonte, switches to Chevy

#55 Brian Vickers(if healthy) takes over the ride full time after sharing it last two years

#66 [was #56] Michael Waltrip runs Daytona 500; Jeff Burton at Las Vegas, maybe other races

#78 Martin Truex Jr. moves from the #56 and replaces Kurt Busch

#95 Michael McDowell replaces Scott Speed / Reed Sorenson, team could run full time

#98 Phil Parsons Racing, Josh Wise named as the driver, switches to Chevy from Ford

not announced / unknown:

#3 [was #29] Austin Dillon moves up from Nationwide Series to replace Harvick and changes to #3, could be announced Dec 11th

#12 third Penske team, could run Ryna Blaney in a few 2014 Cup races

#32 Schrader retires from Cup, no word of Timmy Hill returns and if Terry Labonte comes back for restrictor plates races

#33 Circle Sport / Richard Childress Racing collaboration; plans unknown

#36 J.J. Yeley to return?

#40 Hillman Racing, no word on 2014 plans

#51 supposedly Justin Allgaier will be the driver, replacing a slew of drivers

#83 supposedly David Reutimann will return

#87 indications are that Joe Nemechek will return in 2014

#93 no word from BK Racing if Travis Kvapil returns or team plans

See the 2014 Driver/Team Chart for more changes and how the teams are shaking out for the 2014 season.(12-6-2013)

 

At first I thought this, below, was a joke.  Hell, every Cup race I’ve seen this past season, Joonyers crew and/or Joonyer hisself, managed to screw up at least one pit stop during each race.

 

#88 team wins Mechanix Pit Crew of the Year:

During the championship week in Las Vegas the #88 of HMS was awarded the pit crew of the year award. All year long the #88 has been a strong team and whats more impressive was they did it with 3 rear tire changers. As the season went on they lost their starter, Joe Slingerland to a wrist injury and then David Mayo to a knee injury. In steps the 3rd string changer Steven Tautges and the team continued on with consistent stops The other members of the team are as follows.

Front Changer: Clay Robinson, Front Carrier: Kevin Harris, Jack Man: Nick Covey, Rear Changer: Joe Slingerland, David Mayo, Steven Tautges, Rear Carrier: Matt Ver Meer, Gas Man: Caleb Hurd. (Pit Talks)(12-6-2013)

 

 

Erik Jones wins Snowball Derby:

Erik Jones has won his second consecutive Snowball Derby after original winner Chase Elliott was disqualified in post-race technical inspection. Elliott had crossed the line first but his car was found to have an illegal block of tungsten as a replacement for the lead weighting that typically goes into a Super Late Model. The expensive metal is heavier and more expensive than lead and allows teams to place the weight in a more ideal manner. Tungsten is strictly outlawed in the Snowball Derby rulebook and is typed in boldfaced print. The Elliott team said it was an oversight but chief technical inspector Ricky Brooks was forced to disqualify the #9 team. Before he could be announced as the winner, Jones also had to pass technical inspection and was given the same through treatment by Brooks and his staff that Elliott received. Ultimately, Jones and his Kyle Busch #51 team passed inspection and was declared the winner. Grant Enfinger moved up to second in the revised order and remarkably was able to finish the race, near the front, despite losing a cylinder early in the race. Austin Theriault, Hunter Robbins, John Hunter Nemechek, David Rogers, Kyle Benjamin, Ross Kenseth and Derek Thorn and Donnie Wilson completed the revised top-10. Elliott had led 227 of 300 laps overall prior to his tech failure while Jones did not even lead a single lap as the winner.(SB Nation)(12-9-2013)

 

Note:  Not glad for Chase Elliott, but am glad to see an illegal race winner actually get DQ’d.  That’s how it should be.

 

 

Simpson introduces Hybrid Sport Head and Neck Restraint:

The Hybrid Sport from Simpson Performance Products is the latest in SFI 38.1 approved head and neck restraint technology from one of the most trusted names in racing safety. The evolution of the Hybrid Pro Rage technology and design has led the way for the development of the new high performance Hybrid Sport which promises the racer a better product, at the same price range as the Pro Rage. The Hybrid Sport is lighter, weighing in at 20% less for the large, including hardware; and the DuPont carbon/polymer construction is sleek, modern and appealing with defined wings for seatbelt containment. The sliding tethers and patent pending multi-tether system enhances side to side range of movement and field of vision. The Hybrid Sport over performed in the strenuous SFI testing lab to gain SFI 38.1 certification. The Hybrid Sport retails beginning at $595 and is available in sizes Extra Small  Extra Large. The Hybrid Sport will be available in late December, 2013 and will be followed by the Hybrid Sport Youth model, available in February, 2014. The Hybrid Sport Youth is scaled down for the growing racer and will retail at $399.(Simpson Performance Products)(12-10-2013)

 

 

 

From Track Forum:

http://www.trackforum.com/forums/forum.php

 

Dumb question #3: "That was the car that started it all"?

 

http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php?182048-Dumb-question-3-quot-That-was-the-car-that-started-it-all-quot

 

 

In part:  "I have a friend that says that Jimmy Clark's winning car in 1965 was "the car that started it all".

 

"Many believe that Jack Brabham's rear-engined Cooper was the car that started the rear-engine revolution. Dan Gurney saw the writing on the wall, and got Colin Chapman and Lotus involved. Chapman brought Clark over, and in '65 the die was cast."

 

"Brabham's Cooper was viewed as an interesting curiosity - it wasn't fully competitive. On the other hand, Clark and Gurney in the Lotuses in 1963 were competitive and arguably Clark was deprived a historic win by a "Home-town decision". He did win at milwaukie later in the year. And the US racing establishment sat up and took notice.

What I never understand is why Cooper and Brabham didn't come back to Indy in 1962 with an improved car."

 

"Brabham left Cooper in '62 to start the team that bore his own name, running both a customer Lotus and then his own car, so he had other hills to climb that year."

 

"Mickey Thompson also saw what was needed."

 

"As far as the car that started it all you could look at John Zinks, rear engine turbine. Although not successful, it was a prototype for the soon to arrive change in direction."

 

 

 

From the AARN:

http://www.aarn.com/

 

Special items in last weeks edition:

 

Hirschman, Sesely

Take Turkey Derby

Modified Wins In Crashfests

Note:  Isn’t that an annual thing at Wall – Crashfests and hot tempers?

 

Modified Rookie Perrego

Savors Gobbler Classic At Accord

 

Matt Sheppard Joins

HBR Motorsports

As Jimmy Phelps Teammate

 

Area Auto Racing News

Offers Holiday Season

Christmas Gift Giving Ideas

 

ARDC’s Gala Honors

Trevor Kobylarz

As Its Series Champion

 

Mahoning Valley Conducts

Successful Tests Of SPEEDstrs,

Slingshots

 

Dave Darland Wins

Turkey Night Grand Prix

In California

 

NASCAR Buys Iowa Speedway

 

ACTSeries Releases American,

Canadian 2014 Season Schedules

 

 

 

Special items in this weeks edition:

 

Jennerstown Speedway

To Reopen In 2013

After Five Year Closure

 

New Egypt Speedway

Announces Opening Date

Of March 1, 2014

 

Tommy Barrett, Doug Coby

Gain Top NASCAR

Whelen Modified Tour Rides

 

Erik Jones

Wins Snowball Derby

After Chase Elliott

Is Disqualified

 

Jimmie Johnson Honored

In Las Vegas

For Sixth NASCAR

Sprint Cup Championship

 

Susquehanna Speedway Park's

Todd Fisher Reflects

On Ten Years At The Helm

 

Watt, Other Top Achievers, 

Honored By Bridgeport's

First Year Promoters

 

Bobby Varin, Jake Spraker

To Team For Fonda

Modified Assault

 

Bedford Speedway

Releases 2014 Schedule;

Mid-April Planned

 

Note:  I was kinda saddened when I read what Earl Krause has in his column this week – the retirement of Nick Fornoro, Jr. from racing.  Damn, but the years go by so fast, don’t they?  Nick or “Nokie” or “Nofri” as he’s been referred to as, had quite a career that, due to a serious neck injury was, in a way, cut somewhat shorter than what he would have liked.

 

A few things from this weeks edition:

 

Mike Stefanik presently has no ride for 2014.

New Egypt has March 1st as their opening date.

Jac Haudenschild has been racing for 40 years.  He is 55 years old.

Race results for Indoor Kart races show Syracuse ran on 12/7 while Harrisburg had racing on 12/8

Page 33 had an ad for indoor events.  One thing not scheduled – Indoor TQ races in Rhode Island.  I read on the Internet that there was a “scheduling” conflict – college basketball?

 

Any idea as to what these drivers have in common?

Lou Lazzaro, Frankie Schneider, Will Cagle, Maynard Troyer, Jerry Cook and Buzzie Reutimann.

 

Answer at end of column

 

 

 

 

Steve Kinser Farewell

 

The most successful Sprintcar racer in history, Steve Kinser, has announced he will retire from the sport at the end of 2014 and he will start his farewell season at Sydney’s Valvoline Raceway this summer.

The 20-times STP World of Outlaws Sprintcar Champion arrives in Sydney next week with his family, including son Kraig, ahead of his campaign at the former Parramatta City Raceway, which begins on Boxing Night with the Valvoline Sprintcar Grand Prix.

Kinser will farewell Australia aboard his Bad Boy Buggies #11 Maxim before heading out on his last tour with the STP World of Outlaws.

He has a strong affinity with Australia stretching back to the early 1980s where he made his mark with a number of tours, most notably with the support of cigarette companies JPS and Commodore.

Kinser has recorded numerous World Series Sprintcars round wins in Australia. He sits 12th on the all time feature race winner’s list at Valvoline Raceway with 21 feature wins to his credit and has his name on the Australian Speedcar Grand Prix honour roll as well.

The 59-year-old says Australia has played an important part in his career and he feels it is fitting to start his farewell tour here:

“My career is indelibly linked to Sydney and this will be the start of my lifetime tour to do my best on the racetrack and to say thank you to the fans that have been so loyal over the years,” said Kinser.

 

A young Steve Kinser made his name in Australia with the striking JPS cars

 

“I haven’t thought much about it to tell you the truth, but I genuinely wanted to start the final season in Sydney and finish it at Charlotte  in November.”

Joining the elder Kinser on track in Sydney from Boxing Day until the Scott Darley Challenge on January 17-18 will be his son Kraig – who led the pair to a unique statistic – the only father and son combination to have recorded Knoxville Nationals victories.

Kinser has been at the pinnacle of motorsport for over 35 years. He was one of the original World of Outlaws touring guns when the tour began in 1978 and has gone on to record 576 feature race victories in that Series alone.

He has more Knoxville Nationals wins than any other driver with 12, seven King’s Royal wins at Eldora and 12 Gold Cups.

The Bloomington, Indiana native raced in the International Race of Champions Series seven times winning a race at Talladega in 1994. He finished 14th in the 1997 Indianapolis 500.

In a 2008 ESPN.com peer voted poll, Kinser was rated in the top 25 drivers of all time alongside Nigel Mansell, Ayrton Senna, Don Garlits, Emerson Fittipaldi, Michael Schumacher and Mario Andretti among others and declared the Michael Jordan of Sprintcar racing.

Kinser’s final STP World of Outlaws season will begin at Volusia, Florida in February.

STEVE KINSER CAREER STATISTICS:

Age: 59

Born: Bloomington, Indiana, USA

Lives: Bloomington, Indiana, USA

WoO A-Feature Starts: 2,056

WoO Feature Wins: 576

Feature wins at Sydney Speedway: 21 – 12th on all time winner’s list

Best WoO Point Standings Finish: First (20 times: 1978-80, 1983-88,

1990-94, 1998, 2000, 2002-05)

Competed in the first career World of Outlaws (WoO) race March 18, 1978 at Devil’s Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, Texas.

Has won every major sprint car race during his racing career.

 

12-time Knoxville Nationals champion.

14-time National 410 Sprint Car Driver of the Year.

19-time American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association All-American honoree.

14th in the 1997 Indianapolis 500. Qualified for the race May 10 and that evening won the 415th WoO feature of his career at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, Ind.

7 appearances in in International Race of Champions (IROC) Series – 1994, 1995, 1996, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 – One race win – Talladega 1994

He and son Kraig only father-son duo to have won the Knoxville Nationals

 

http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/DTD/index.php?/topic/49689-steve-kinser-farewell/

 

 

 

Shortly (sooner than ya think!) there will be a migration south of dirt race teams from here in the northeast – all teams heading to Volusia.  Some things said about that:

 

I was just running some numbers on the costs associated with traveling to Volusia with Driver and a crew of 3........WOW

Towing costs

Tires

Entry

Race Fuel

Motel & Meals

Nearly $10,000 before ever turning a lap, and that doesn't include any race car equipment other then tires and fuel.......It must be done for the love of it..... If you have that kind of money....

It amazes me how many actually go.....

 

AS LONG AS GUYS STILL GO THEY GET AWAY WITH A SHITY PURSE IT PAID MORE IN 1984  WHEN I TOOK THE 643 DOWN IN A OPEN TRAILER,MY FIRST WIN AS A CAR OWNER.

 

http://www.dirttrackdigest.com/DTD/index.php?/topic/49637-drivers-list-for-florida-2014/

 

 

 

 

Press releases:

 

XCEL CHASSIS OFFICIALLY CLOSES 2013 SEASON WITH GALA CROWNING JONATHAN PEPE AS CHAMPION

 

              

 

                On a cold winter night ,the Xcel Chassis 600 modifieds crowned a 2013 tour champion, recognized the Rookie of the year, awarded 2 drivers with most improved and named an ambassador for 2014.

                December 7th over 150 people gathered  to officially close out the 2013 season and started to make plans for 2014. Doug Borger, Xcel Chassis founder, started the night by announcing that Shippensburg Speedway and Five Mile Point Speedway will have weekly dates along with Penn Can Speedway and Lindas Speedway.  Lincoln Speedway  will host the modifieds for the first time on July 26th and return trips to Path Valley and I-88 will have the 600 modifieds covering the tri-state area.

" The schedule that was just completed opens up the area for the full or part time racer. Work schedules and family commitments sometimes keeps a racer closer to home and with 4 weekly tracks, it makes it easier. The tour division has 28 dates and the only unknown is Lincoln Speedway, which is new to the division but not race fans, and it's history brings the division up a notch. Good things are on the horizon with new sponsors and a schedule that fits everyone needs. I think 2014 will be a break out year for the series and the drivers." exclaimed Borger after the awards ceremony.

                First on tap was the announcement of a new award honoring someone who goes above and beyond to make the 600 modifieds the best that they can be. It is named for Joe Fanelli, who became an ambassador of sorts, thru his multiple efforts on and off the track. It was decided to make it an annual award of a rocking chair to enjoy during the off season.  Rich Hitzler earned that award for the help he gives to anybody that needs it. Motor issues are his specialty and has become a great asset to the series. Chip Price was also recognized for his help with the use of his Kubota as a tow vehicle and as a representative for the series. Joanne Mady  received accolades for her work as the handicapper along with directing the media and PR for the series. As Joe Fanelli  stated " It takes a team to make it work and  a family to make it grow."

                Shaun Burd and Ronnie Molnar both received the Most Improved driver award for the year has both moved up the rank by over 25 spots from the previous year. Ian Williamson earned his Rookie of the year award with a top ten finish and consistent finishes thru out the season.

                Jonathan Pepe was crowned 2013 tour Champion with a one of a kind trophy and a Hoosier jacket only given to champions. Jonathan is well deserved of his jacket with numerous heat wins, feature wins and consistency that makes a champion in only his first full season with the 600 modifieds. The Orefield native was quick to thank everyone for their support thru out the season. Recently engaged to his fiancée Angelica, Jonathan is excited for the 2014 year to start and defend his championship.  The top ten were also recognized with trophies, prizes and cash. Nick Mady, Aaron Bowes, Will Eastman, Brian Mady, Richie Hitzler, Josh Pepe, Ian Williamson, Korey Inglin, Jordyn Mohr all accepted their awards and already are making plans for the 2014 campaign.

                Up next for the Xcel Chassis series will be a booth at the popular motorsports show held by Area Auto Racing News.  The 29th annual Motorsports show will be held Friday through Sunday, January 10-12, 2014 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa.

 

 

 

Hubler Racing

Media Contact

Bob Snyder

bobsnyderphoto@enter.net

 

Scott Hubler to Test With Bobby Gerhart Jr. ARCA Team At Daytona.

 

Strapped in his Quarter Midget at Blue Mountain Speedway in 1997 five year old Scott Hubler had dreams.  Those dreams would take him from the mini dirt track in Berlinsville , Pa. to the high banks of the famed two and one half mile Daytona International Motor Speedway .

 

This December Scott Hubler and family will make the trek to Florida to test an ARCA car at Daytona under the guidance of ARCA star Bobby Gerhart Jr.

 

While new to this type of racing Hubler is by far no stranger to competition on both dirt and asphalt tracks throughout the northeast.  From 1997 to 2006 the Coplay, Pa. resident racked up 110 wins, being undefeated in his last two seasons, at Quarter Midget tracks in the Pennsylvania region.

 

Graduating from the Quarter Midgets in 2007 Hubler made the move to the Legend Car Series taking to the road and competing at Concord Motorsports Park , Caraway Speedway , and Lowes Motor Speedway .  Gaining valuable experience in the south Hubler returned home in 2009 to take up the challenge at Sundance Vacation/Mountain Speedway where he won 33 feature events and the 2009, 2011, 2012 track championship and a second place finish in 2010.

 

Scott Hubler, “for me this is truly a dream come true.  Every kid dreams of racing in NASCAR and now I have the opportunity to show people that can make something happen what I have to offer.”  Hubler is quick to thank his father Scott who has poured his blood, sweat, tears, into the racing operation from day one.  Hubler also mentions the rest of his family, Bobby Gerhart, Tommy Hunsicker, Randy Kane and everyone who has helped him along the way.

 

Scott Hubler, “we have come to this point and now the rest is up to me and I am ready to take on the biggest challenge of my career.  I will learn as much as I can from Bobby and his crew and apply everything they teach me both on and off the track.  I need to prove that I have what it takes to succeed as a driver in a major racing series.”

 

Anyone interested in becoming involved with Scott Hubler’s racing program can contact Scott Hubler at 876 Barbara Drive Coplay, Pa. 18037.  484-221-0735  or e-mail  advancedmobil@rcn.com    

 

 

 

 

Going back, in time to December 12th in:

 

1913

Rex Easton ... Born

 

1936

Wally Dallenbach ... Born

 

1946

Emerson Fittipaldi ... Born

 

1987

Sammy Swindell won the MARA Midget race at the Tulsa Expo Raceway ,Tulsa, OK. Steve Knepper was second followed by Rich Vogler, Gene Gennetten and Lealand McSpadden.

 

1993

Steve Kinser won the World of Outlaws Sprint Car race over Mark Kinser, Dave Blaney, Sammy Swindell, Jac Haudenschild and Fred Rahmer at the Canyon Raceway, Phoenix,AZ.

 

2008

Kenny Schrader won the UMP Modified race at the Volusia Speedway Park, Barberville, FL.

 

 

 

 

Going back in time – various dates around this time of the year:

 

On December 5, 1996, we lost Wilf Carter/Montana Slim, - country singer.

Country singer John Anderson was born on December 13, 1954

On December 14, 2011, we lost country singer Billy Jo Spears

Wilf Carter/Montana Slim was born on December 18, 1908.

On December 18, 2008, we lost John LeVan, who was a mentor of mine and quite instrumental in getting me to write about motor sports.  We had some great times together.  I still miss the big guy. 

 

 

 

 

I get emails:

 

Here’s a good one:

 

TOP 10 INDICATORS YOU NOW HAVE OBAMA-CARE"...

 

(10) Your annual breast exam is done at Hooters.

(9) Directions to your doctor's office include "Take a left when you enter the trailer park."

(8) The tongue depressors taste faintly of Fudgesicle....

(7) The only proctologist in the plan is "Gus" from Roto-Rooter.

(6) The only item listed under Preventative Care Coverage is "an apple a day."

(5) Your primary care physician is wearing the pants you gave to Goodwill last month.

(4) "The patient is responsible for 200% of out-of-network charges," is not a typographical error.

(3) The only expense covered 100% is. . .. "Embalming."

(2) Your Prozac comes in different colors with little M's on them.

AND THE NUMBER ONE SIGN YOU'VE JOINED OBAMA-CARE:

(1)  You ask for Viagra, and they give you a Popsicle stick and duct tape

 

 

 

I AM FORWARDING THIS EMAIL TO A FEW

OF THE "THINKERS" IN MY ADDRESS BOOK.

 

IT REFLECTS THE FEELINGS OF A LOT OF PEOPLE.

I have never heard this said as simply or as well.

 

Class war at its best.

 

The folks who are getting the free stuff don't like

The folks who are paying for the free stuff, because

The folks who are paying for the free stuff can no longer

Afford to pay for both the free stuff and their own stuff.

 

And the folks who are paying for the free stuff

Want the free stuff to stop.

 

And the folks who are getting the free stuff want even more

Free stuff on top of the free stuff they are already getting!

 

Now... The people who are forcing the people who pay

For the free stuff have told the people who are RECEIVING

The free stuff that the people who are PAYING for the

Free stuff are being mean, prejudiced, and racist.

 

So... The people who are GETTING the free stuff have been

Convinced they need to hate the people who are paying for the

Free stuff by the people who are forcing some people to pay

For their free stuff and giving them the free stuff in the first place.

 

We have let the free stuff giving go on for so long that there

Are now more people getting free stuff than paying for the

Free stuff.

 

Now understand this.

 

All great democracies have committed financial suicide somewhere

Between 200 and 250 years after being founded.

 

The reason?

 

The voters figured out they could vote themselves money

From the treasury by electing people who promised to give

Them money from the treasury in exchange for electing them.

 

The United States officially became a Republic in 1776,

236 years ago.

 

The number of people now getting free stuff

Outnumbers the people paying for the free stuff.

 

Failure to change that spells the end of the United States

As we know it.

 

ELECTION 2014 IS COMING

A Nation of Sheep Breeds a Government of Wolves!

I'M 100% for PASSING THIS ON !!!

For all our sake PLEASE Take a Stand!!!

 

 

Borders: Closed!

 

Language: English only

 

Culture: God, Constitution, and the Bill of Rights!

 

Drug Free: Mandatory Drug Screening before Welfare!

 

NO freebies to: Non-Citizens!

 

Only 86% will send this on. Should be 100%..

 

What will you do?

 

 

 

 

Dr. James D. Manning on Obama!

Written by chuck on September 20, 2013 – 4:12 pm -

 

Watch it closely and pay attention to the end where there is a short pause, then 4 words. Listen for those words! It could not be put more bluntly! Be prepared!!

I’m tellin’ ya, it’s only 44 seconds – Priceless.

(A white guy could NOT say this.)

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=aoZjXDP7LHs

 

 

 

This weeks photo:

 

Hey!  I’ve forgotten – photos can only be seen here:  http://newenglandtractor.com/racereport/

 

Back in 2006, when I was down here in Florida, we took in the PRA Silver Crown race at USA International Speedway.  There was a mandatory autograph session, and for almost an hour I was this close to “Smoke”.  That’s Travis Pastrana in the Red Bull driving suit.  His first, and as far as I know, his only open wheel racing event.  He finished on the lead lap.

 

 

 

Racing videos:

 

During that race, Johnny Heydenreich had a rather serious looking accident when his car backed into a wall after contact with another car.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gq6NYS58Ihc

 

 

 

Music videos:

 

For Christmas:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S50cf3xIb50

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq9c4C2573o

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZH0eZ9KT1U

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NF065ckxUIs

 

 

 

 

 

More non racing stuff:

 

VIDEO: Congressmen Demand James Clapper Prosecuted For Lying to Congress

 

http://www.capitalisminstitute.org/prosecute-james-clapper/

 

 

 

No, you can't keep your drugs either, under Obamacare:

 

 

http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottgottlieb/2013/12/09/no-you-cant-keep-your-drugs-either-under-obamacare/?partner=yahootix

 

 

 

I take it you’ve heard of Cedars Sinai Medical Center?  How about Sloan Kettering Cancer Center?  Would you believe that both of these establishments will not be participating in the Affordable Care Act?

 

 

 

 

Tech giants call for controls on government snooping

 

In part:  "LONDON (AP) — Major technology companies, stung by revelations that the U.S. government collects people's personal data on their networks, on Monday issued an open letter to President Barack Obama asking for tighter controls on surveillance.

 

 

As part of a global campaign to reform data collection, Google, Facebook, Apple and others said concerns over national security should be weighed against individual rights.

 

The balance in many countries has tipped too far in favor of the state and away from the rights of the individual — rights that are enshrined in our Constitution," the letter said. "This undermines the freedoms we all cherish. It's time for a change.

 

The letter was signed by AOL Inc., Apple Inc., Facebook Inc., Google Inc., LinkedIn Corp., Microsoft Corp., Twitter Inc. and Yahoo! Inc."

 

http://news.yahoo.com/tech-giants-call-controls-gov-39-t-snooping-102531981--finance.html

 

Note:  Yeah, right, like HE’s gonna be going to do what our constitution says.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cancer Patient Speaks Out About Obamacare… Immediately Gets Audited (VIDEO)

 

http://www.capitalisminstitute.org/cancer-patient-audited/

 

 

 

Bombshell: 70% of Doctors in California Have REJECTED Obamacare

 

http://www.capitalisminstitute.org/doctors-reject-obamacare/

 

 

Theoretically, our medical history, is strictly protected by law: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).  Moreover, under the law, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has the authority to prosecute any medical facility that does not take measures to protect patient information.  Despite the 22,000 reported instances where medical records were lost and stolen between 2003 and 2011, HHS has issued only 1 monetary penalty and just 2 subpoenas.

Now, HHS has just issued a 253 page ruling under the ACA freeing all government agencies to make available, without patients’ pre-approval, the health information of anyone applying  for government assistance through the new health insurance exchanges.  Analysts will review this information to determine how much health insurance and government assistance is warranted.   It looks like when you ask the government for help,  you lose all the rights guaranteed by law.

For all of us, the government is requiring our very personal medical information to be detailed and available in a more accessible, more vulnerable format without building in any new safeguards or even acting on existing safeguards.  Who is protecting our 4th Amendment Constitutionally guaranteed right to privacy?

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOk0vOup4yA

 

 

Forbes Editorial Demands Obama’s Impeachment… and Goes Viral

 

http://www.capitalisminstitute.org/impeaching-obama-editorial/

 

 

Video: Obama Defends the IRS Targeting of the Tea Party

 

http://www.capitalisminstitute.org/obama-quasi-dictator/

 

 

 

Celebrity Deaths: Stars We Lost In 2013

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/10/celebrity-deaths-2013_n_4418161.html?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592

 

 

 

 

 

Joke of the week:

 

GRANDPARENTS' ANSWERING MACHINE MESSAGE:

Good morning . . . At present we are not at home, but please leave your message after you hear the beep. beeeeeppp ....

 

If you are one of our children, dial 1 and then select the option from 1 to 5 in order of "birth date" so we know who it is.

 

If you need us to stay with the children, press 2

If you want to borrow the car, press 3

If you want us to wash your clothes and do ironing, press 4

If you want the grandchildren to sleep here tonight, press 5

If you want us to pick up the kids at school, press 6

If you want us to prepare a meal for Sunday or to have it delivered to your home, press 7

If you want to come to eat here, press 8

If you need money, press 9

If you are going to invite us to dinner or take us to the theatre;start talking .... we are listening!

 

 

Lou Lazzaro, Frankie Schneider, Will Cagle, Maynard Troyer, Jerry Cook and Buzzie Reutimann were the driving champions from the All Star Stock Car Racing League.  They had some great racing back in the day, using the same cars on dirt and pavement.

 

 

 

 

Toby LaGrange has an article that pertained to the All Stars in this weeks AARN.  He seems to think that the concept could still work – well, for dirt tracks, that is.  Again, each track would have three drivers that would compete as that tracks “team”.  Drivers could not switch tracks/teams.

 

Each track would host a race with the features being 50 laps, $5,000.00 to win and $1,000.00 to take the green.  24 cars per feature.  A team championship could only be awarded to a track that hosts a race.  The driving champion would get $5,000.00 – with the championship monies equaling the purse for one of those 50 lap races.  Both small and big blocks would be eligible to run. 

 

This could also apply to the Sportsman class, but at reduced pay offs.  Like Toby says, at the end of his article, “I do realize that I have a better chance of winning the lottery than seeing this come to fruition”.

 

I kinda agree with that.  I also think that the purses he’s proposing are too small for what it cost to race today.  The cost of racing (due to rules and rule books) keep escalating while purses have remained stagnant for oh so many years.

 

 

 

 

Until the next column – in two weeks on December 26th, or thereabouts!

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

 

I can be reached, via e-mail, at:  ygordad@yahoo.com