O’Reilly Southern All Star Dirt Racing Series Fast Facts

WHAT: NASCAR Weekend 50

WHERE: Talladega Short Track—Eastaboga, AL—1/3 mile semi banked clay oval

WHEN: Saturday April 26th

DIRECTIONS: 1 mile east of Talladega Superspeedway on Speedway Blvd

DISTANCE: 50 Laps/16.65 Miles $5,000 to win $300 to start

STARTING FIELD: 24 cars, 10 cars locked in through qualifying, next 12 positions determined by B Main events. 2 provisionals determined by 2008 Series points standings.

PROMOTER: Talladega Short Track—256-831-1413

RACEIVER IS REQUIRED FOR ALL O’REILLY SOUTHERN ALL STAR EVENTS

ALSO TRANSPONDERS WILL BE USED THIS WEEKEND AT TST $30 FOR BOTH DAYS OR $20 FOR ONE DAY

SCHEDULE:

Saturday April 26th

Pit gates open at 1:00 pm

OSAS Tech Starts at 2 pm

Driver Meeting: 5:30 pm

Hot Laps at 6:00 pm

PARTICIPATING SPECIAL AWARD SPONSORS:



OFFICIAL SERIES SPONSORS:



Mandatory decals for 2008 are O’Reilly SAS, Hoosier Tire, Sunoco



SAS DIRT RACE WINNERS IN 2008:

1.JIMMY OWENS—GOLDEN ISLE SPEEDWAY

2.SCOTT BLOOMQUIST—GOLDEN ISLE SPEEDWAY

3.STEVE FRANCIS—GOLDEN ISLES SPEEDWAY

4.JONATHAN DAVENPORT—LAVONIA SPEEDWAY



OSAS TOP TEN:1.Iveden Lloyd 362; 2.Jason Fitzgerald 314; 3.Jimmy Owens 276; 4.Clint Smith 270; 5.Chris Madden 260; 6.Scott Bloomquist 256; 7.Michael England 248; 8.Brady Smith 248; 9.Derek Ellis 248; 10.Stacy Holmes 244

CLEVELAND SPEEDWAY DRIVING SCHOOL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR:1.Jason Fitzgerald 314; 2.Derek Ellis 248; 3.Dillon Wood 216; 4.Anthony Hill 192; 5.Travis Pennington 184; 6.Tony Knowles 70; 7.Dingus Griffin 66; 8.Steven Howard 60







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by Jane Smith

People ask many times, "where are the cars?" when they go to a track.

Well plain and simple, the cars are at home because the economy won't allow the racers to race. With the price of gas to haul to a track and home, to pit gate entry, food at the track, fuel for the cars and tires if needed, people just don't have the money right now.

Orlando SpeedWorld is trying to give the racer a break by letting one division in free each week starting April 25th. That means no pit entry fee for the racer. But is this enough to bring the cars out and support the track, who knows.

People are losing their jobs because of the economy. People are losing their houses because they have no jobs. Insurance and property tax is crazy and when your escrow account is more than your actual mortgage payment, that is just plain wrong.

Eggs might as well be gold. Milk, it is almost cheaper to own your own cow. And if gas goes up much more, we will all new bikes to get around.

But something has to take away all this stress and give us a few hours of just plain fun. Fun where you forget your troubles and just enjoy yourself.

For some it is racing, for others it is a movie and dinner, and for some, it is just sitting home and watching a movie on tv because that is all you got.

Will these bad times end soon, I hope so.

I have talked to many racers who have been honest and said they just plain can't afford to race every weekend. Maybe once every two weeks and some only once a month. They have to save to race. Some give up racing to help a family member race which is very hard but they do it. Watching and not racing is the hardest thing any racer can do but I have seen this sacrifice many times.

So if you are a race fan and you go to a local race, please remember when the car count is down, it is not because the racers don't want to be there for you, it is because they have bills also and don't have the money themselves to race.

So next time you are at your local track and you are down on pit road for an autograph session or in the pits after a race, just say a simple "thanks" and that will mean more than you ever know to a racer.



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by Jane Smith

It is really a shame that racing has become so negative. No matter what you do or what you try, someone always wants to put it down and make it bad.

What and who have we become?

What happened to a racer will race for nothing just to race? In a world so full of negative things now, why is it when someone offers a fun time, it is not enough??

There are quite a few classes everywhere that race for nothing but a trophy. They don't complain because they know from the start that is all there is in it for them. They just want to race and have some fun. So why is it when someone gives the racers a place to have fun, it is not good enough? Too many divisions, not enough cars but then again, that is the case all the time no matter where you go.

Saturday afternoon at SpeedWorld, fun was the name of the game. You come, you race no matter if there is one car in your class or fifteen. You have fun. You learn. You enjoy yourself. That doesn't sound bad to me but then again, I am not a negative person by any means.

There is enough cut throat racing during the year. You hit me, I am going to get you back. I don't like you because you beat me so just maybe you will find yourself against the wall and maybe I will win. Your car is illegal, it has to be, it beat me and I am the best. Come on now, who really enjoys that.

I have been around this sport now for too many years to count. I have seen the good and the bad from the grandstands and the pits. And I have worked on all sides from the track's side to the writer's side. But hopefully I have never looked on the negative side and always seen the good in everyone and everything in racing.

Yesterday at SpeedWorld, a complete stranger came up to me and thanked me for my writing and all I do for Florida racing. He wasn't sure it was me, the Jane of karnac and the Jane of FASCAR but when I said yes, it was me, he thanked me. That meant more to me because seldom do we get thanked for bringing good to a sport that everyone wants to put down. No matter the situation, the track, the racer, the fan, I have always tried to be positive and hope people see what I see at a track. Because if your heart is not into making this the best it can be, you have no place in the racing world.

My wish for 2008 is that everyone, fan, driver, crew, officials, track workers, everyone, sees the joy I do in this sport. Lifelong friendships are made at these tracks. Extended families are a gift and should be treasured. That we look inside of each other and not judge so harshly. Racing lasts but minutes, friendships can last a lifetime.

Merry Christmas to all!!!!!!




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EDITORIAL OPINION

by L.M. Schneider

Short track racing has gone to the dogs.

Yes, I said, to the dogs.

Where has the fun gone?

Seems what use to be fun is now cut throat and there are far too many chiefs and not enough Indians in the sport. Everyone thinks they know it all and yet, they really know nothing.

That is when the sport is no longer a sport but a war where no one wins especially the racers. Unless you have been on a race team and been a fan, you have no idea of what a racer goes thrum to race. A fan sits in the stands, picks out their favorite racer, and comes every week to see how she/he does. They have no idea of what it takes for that racer to be at that track. The sacrifices he/she makes and the family to be at that track. Most short track racers are hard working family men. They go to work, come home and spend time with their family, hopefully have dinner together, and then steal a few precious hours maybe to work on their cars if they are lucky.

None make money at racing so the little they get paid goes into the car fund. If there is no car fund, there is no racing. Bills, mortgage, food must come first. Racing should take a back seat to that always.

Most drivers will tell you they race for fun, it takes away the weekly stress and they love going fast. Sure they want to win but winning is not everything to the majority of the drivers. Winning is the icing on the cake but racing is the cake. They do their best and expect their fellow racers to play fair but more and more lately, that just is not the case.

All a racer wants is a fair playing field. Cars teched the same for everyone. They don't want to be taken out because someone does not like them. They really don't want to fight but tempers are getting hotter. They ask very little of the tracks except to be respected and they don't always get that. Respect is very important to all of us but in racing, it is a must. Without the racer, you have no cars or fans and then no track.

Racers whine, that is a given.

But when they whine, they are only asking to be heard. But the problem is that officials also are hard working people who work all day and then come to the track after a hard day and aren't really in the mood for more whining. Funny thing is that both racer and official have worked their butts off and forget that another life exists beyond that track, that night.

How and where is the solution?

The solution lives in all of us.

The solution is that this is a sport, a hobby not a livelihood. We race for fun. We race for the happiness it brings to our hearts. We race because racing is in our hearts. You won't get rich, heck, you probably won't even break even at the end of the year. It is time to bring back the joy in short track racing. Time to remember that we all sacrifice certain parts of our lives to be at that track.

Time to say "thanks for coming" and "thanks for having us."

Time to remember that the TAZ on the track could be your best friend in times of need. Time to remember that we all deserve respect and that we are one family linked together by racing.

When we feel appreciated, we want to come back. When we have come in last and still have a car to put in that hauler, that is a great job. Easy to say but often not.

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By Jack Smith

Florida race fans were denied one of the best shows of 2007 Saturday Night

The race was going to provide Florida race fans with another good look at the great competition and exciting finishes that the ASA Late Model Series had provided all season, both North and South Divisions.

Though the entry list was abysmal in terms of numbers, with only 20 cars qualifying on Friday night at DeSoto Super Speedway, the talent in the field of assembled teams has proven all year they always come to race. The only runaway win all year in the south was the incredible performance of Brandon Johnson at New Smyrna Speedway, blowing away the field with his under funded and short-handed team.

But this race, scheduled for Saturday night, was shaping up to be something very special.

Jeff Choquette, sitting atop the points lead in the ASA Southern Division and Chris Fontaine is fourth in points 137 points back of Choquette in the ASA. Choquette has one win and Fontaine keeps bringing a fast car but still is looking for his first win.

Lets go back a year to the end of 2006 racing season in the All American Challenge Series at DeSoto. Choquette was battling neck and neck with Chris Fontaine for the AACS title. Choquette won the championship at the last race, narrowly beating out Fontaine for the $10,000 Championship winner's purse.

Fontaine went out Friday night and set fast time, and was looking forward to the rematch with Jeff Choquette, in front of the DeSoto fans. "We missed a chance for a showdown with Choquette" said the disappointed Fontaine, as the haulers were loading up to leave DeSoto Friday night.

The apparent altercation between track owner John Sarppraicone and an ASA official that led to the series making the decision to pull out will get sorted out by courts or will just fade away, but this reporter will never forget the sadness associated with that night.

When Super Late Models take to the tracks in Florida, the scenario is fairly familiar. A typical race has one or two or in some cases three or four cars that are much faster than the rest. In the ASA Late Model Series, that rarely happens, due to the crate engines and other factors that keep the fields evenly matched. It is very much about setting up the car for the track at hand and drivers being able to make the best of their equipment. It is the most competitive short track racing we have seen, show after show, in several years.

Besides the Fontaine-Choquette rematch, several young stars have emerged this year, and the fans of South Florida did not get to see them shine. They so much looked forward to this one. At Orange County Speedway near Raleigh, NC earlier this year, they talked about the DeSoto race. At South Georgia and Senoia they talked about the DeSoto race.

Sean Bass, consistent to a fault in the early races, hit a streak of disaster that not only he but the whole team was struggling to overcome. Watching this well spoken young man deal with heartbreak on the track, and try to get back on a winning track, you could see the courage of a winner.

Brian Blum, under funded, was barely able to make the long haul to I-70 Speedway (Odessa, MO), in fact not knowing until a few days before the race whether he would make the trip. Brian has somehow hung in there and overcome obstacle after obstacle to gain a seventh place ion points in the Southern Division. he was preparing to race Saturday night with no front brakes, as he had at I-70, funding just not there to fix the problem in time.

Young Patrick Staropoli, well known from his success in the Fastkids and Fastruck Series, was finally getting his first chance to test his skills against many of his peers in an ASA race car.

Drew Brannon has shown great promise in the FASCAR Goodyear Challenge Series and won a 50 lap feature at the 1/2 mile at New Smyrna in June. What separates the success of Brannon from some others is the fact that he turns 15 in November. How did he like his first time in the ASA car? "I think I am going to take the chip out of this car and run it in the Goodyear Challenge next week", he said, adding "I love it." Drew qualified sixth, the number six pill was drawn, which meant he was denied the chance to start on the pole in the biggest race of his life, when the race was canceled.

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Jimmy Lang, riding 9th in Southern Division points, made the trip with his family and crew from Bluffton, South Carolina, to a track he is very familiar with. The nineteen year old raced a in a four day Legends event at the speedway five years ago, winning three of the four races.

Travis Wilson, son of NASCAR racer Rick Wilson, made the trip from North Carolina, to the track where he won his first feature event, that being a sportsman race, also five years ago. Travis is currently sixth in the Southern Division points chase, still looking for the breakout race, and hoping it would be at DeSoto Speedway.

David Wilson was back with his number 83, with the awesome crew headed by the legendary Dick Anderson, Wilson sure that this time he could get the 200 pound gorilla off his back in 2007.

South Florida race fans did not get to see Beau Slocumb, John Wes Townley, Brandon Johnson and Travis Cope, four very exciting young stars who are aimed at the winner's circle every time the green flag waves.

Those are just some of the story lines. The 100 laps of green flag racing never happened. Why it did not happen may not ever be answered in full to race fans.

There will be more races for the ASA Late Model Series, for DeSoto Super Speedway and the drivers who were denied their chance at some glory at a track with a long tradition of producing big races. And there will be other big races for the fans and in time the nightmare of this weekend will be forgotten.

I stood outside the breezeway at DeSoto Speedway, with a light mist in the air, lightning in the distance, and watched those haulers pull away and head back to places like Jacksonville and Loxahatchee and and Haines City in Florida.

Back to Juliette and Watkinsville in Georgia, back to North and South Carolina and I wondered about all the conversations going on in those haulers and those cars.

Wondering with a surreal and profound sadness how a collision of personalities and events could have brought such a stellar alignment of potential to the fact of those diesels rumbling out to State Road 64.

Terry Wall and myself have covered this series very closely throughout 2007, attending events all around the southern states, interviewing in depth dozens of the drivers, officials and others involved with the series, both for the weekly O'Reilly ASA Fastlane show and for written articles. We have both come to admire the young talent chasing a dream, and the officials who work the events and make the series happen.

We can only hope that lessons will be learned by all parties concerned, as it is very obvious the fans were seriously let down by the events of this past weekend.

There were no winners.

ASA PHOTO GALLERIES

Next: The future of the ASA Late Model Series

by BJ Cavin

As all stock car racing fans know, rain and racing do not mix.

Tradition is the reason rather than necessity, but stock car racing currently comes to a halt when nature chooses to dampen the track. For asphalt and concrete tracks there is always the hope of drying the surface and going racing after some delays, but for the dirt tracks a good shower usually sends everyone home.

And we all know that rain is as much a part of life in Florida as is the sun, and rain will usually become an issue for race tracks all over the state every season when the summer storms begin rising on the sea breezes.

True race fans rarely allow a little weather to keep them from the track on the weekends, but the not so hard core fans may not be so apt to endure a little wetness in order to see some racing. That combined with high humidity and rising temperatures, works to thin the crowds at many local race tracks each summer, especially in the hottest months of July and August.

Another effect the summer weather has at the track is in concession sales. While the sales of soft drinks might rise, the sale of foods and such drops as it is not conducive to eating when you are hot and sweaty. In both cases the tracks lose profits when the fans stay home, go to a movie, or come to the track and sip on a soft drink or a beer instead of buying the burger and fries for each member of the family.

Rain, and a rainout of a night's planned events, is bad enough. Anytime that a track is forced to cancel or postpone events it hurts the profit margin. But the worst case scenario is when the rain materializes late after preparations for the night's events have already begun. In those cases rain checks must be issued to fans, pit crews, and drivers, and that take a chunk out of the gate proceeds at the next event.

In addition, any food that is already prepped is usually lost because it cannot be held for a week and reused, so there are more losses there.

And finally, there are the losses caused by expenses such as the employees who are there and working and have to be paid for their time, when virtually no money was generated with which to pay them.

It is for these reasons that no tracks choose to issue any rain checks after heat races are completed and many are quicker to call off events before they can even get started. A rush to judgement on the weather could be driven more by a fear of losing more profits than an attempt to save crews and fans a wasted trip to the track.

The stock car racing community in Florida has become quite adept at dealing with the weather woes that our climate brings, but that does not make it any less frustrating when events are being delayed, postponed, or outright canceled, several weekends every summer.

So in response to this some tracks began running what is sometimes referred to as a "split season." Under such schedules the racing season is begun in January or February and will run through late June or early July. Then there is a break of a month or two before racing resumes (either as a separate season or a continuation of the earlier season) until sometime around Thanksgiving or even into December.

Mild winter weather in Florida makes this possible, and it gives the Florida tracks a much longer window during the calendar year within which to schedule events and therefore make more profits. Some tracks have adopted this type of schedule, or some variation of it, and found success.

Others found that the fans and drivers were less inclined to adapt to a new routine. Currently one can find tracks that run a continuous season and a split season in Florida, so the jury seems to still be out on which is the better method. But it cannot be denied that attendance at the track and concession sales will slump as the heat and humidity rises, and one answer to that is refusing to fight Mother Nature.

The weather pattern over Florida this season has featured heavy storms covering most of the state on a daily basis. While it is normally a matter of one or two tracks in the state suffering rainouts once or twice in a season, it has become a matter of multiple tracks suffering repeated rainouts week after week, and everything from the tracks to the drivers to traveling racing series, are feeling the loss of income.

This is a very frustrating situation for promoters because rained out events need to be rescheduled, but the rains keep coming and more dates keep falling victim to the weather. And with the repeated rainouts even the fans and drivers are finding other things to do instead of going to the track and dealing with the weather.

Will it rain or will the storms miss the track? Will the track call off the night's events or attempt to get them in? It amounts to an inability to make solid plans and quite a bit of inconvenience, and that has caused some to find other things to do where they can at least not have to grapple with whatever nature decides to do.

Not that long ago I watched Ocala Speedway owner and promoter Michael Peters look up from a radar image on his computer screen and loudly proclaim that, "...we will NOT do this next season!" Was he serious about that? Could Ocala Speedway be going to a split season to avoid the summer weather hassles?

Maybe that was a heaping helping of frustration talking when Peters said that, or maybe he was serious. Time will tell, but if he is like some other promoters in Florida time might make it all go away.

Once the weather calms down in the waning months of the season it is easy to forget about all of the hassles and frustrations that were experienced when the weather was threatening your every plan and contract, and putting a dent in your wallet as well. Many promoters have shouted the same proclamation only to schedule racing throughout the summer for the following season.

And when the frustration of rescheduling and money loss is not there to numb the fear of changing things, promoters tend to think about how their drivers and fans may react to their traditional racing schedule being rearranged.

One might think that drivers and fans might appreciate the break, but it is quite hard to gauge reactions to such things without actually putting new policies into effect. That means change, and promoters are usually afraid of change, especially if that change might hit them in the pocketbook.

But losses are losses, whether they come from bad weather in the summer or a unwillingness to adapt to a new schedule for racing, and the weather in the summer of 2007 is reminding promoters that there is another option out there.




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by BJ Cavin

With the recent events surrounding NASCAR Craftsman Truck driver Aaron Fike and his fiancee, the subject of drug use and racing is again at the forefront in the racing media. NASCAR officials state openly that they believe there is no drug problem in NASCAR, but there has been more than one incident where a driver has trashed a career over substance abuse, and a couple more where the driver got a second chance.

NASCAR refuses to impose any sort of random drug testing for it's drivers, saying that there is no reason to do so. But some drivers disagree, and Kevin Harvick recently told the media that he supports at least two random drug tests per year for all NASCAR drivers. Harvick's stance is fueled by his wish that even the possibility of a problem be eliminated before it can occur, and he says the drivers and crews owe it to the fans and the sponsors to prove that they are racing clean and sober.

But what about your local speedway? Could there be a local driver or two that possibly could have a drug problem, and could that problem put that racer or others at risk?

Go to almost any local racing facility across America and you will find a wide variety of rules in place to deal with racers and substance abuse, but typically the only substance those rules are meant to control is alcohol. And when you think about it, alcohol is probably the major threat when it comes to racing because it and racing seem to be almost synonymous.

One can find tracks where alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited in the pit areas and where no one else on the premises is allowed to consume alcohol while holding a pit pass. On the flip side of that I have personal experience with visiting a track years ago where there was as much alcohol being consumed in the pit area as there was in the grandstands.

Times have changed somewhat since then, but there are still tracks where drivers can leave the pits and purchase alcohol. And when you consider the possibilities there is no way to prevent a driver from drinking before coming to the track, or to prevent them from sneaking alcohol into the pit area either. There is always a possibility for a driver to get onto the track after consuming something that they should not.

So what happens if a driver is suspected of abusing alcohol or other drugs while racing? In most cases where a driver is reported to have been drinking in the pits before a race, the process usually involves everything from observing the accused to actually confronting them.

But unless someone is caught red handed or is obviously impaired, there are virtually no policies in place that dictate how to proceed. In the end it becomes a judgement call made by track officials as to whether the accused participant should be allowed to race or not, and with no way to physically test the driver on site the likelihood of mistakes being made is real.

An innocent driver might be sent away in the interest of safety while a impaired driver who appears alright could be allowed onto the track. And in cases where a driver may have an ongoing issue with substance abuse, local racing facilities have few options to exercise short of simply banning the driver.

Drug tests could be required in order for the driver to be allowed back onto the track, but those cost hundreds of dollars and the track could find itself a target for legal action should that process somehow not go as planned.

In one incident I remember from years ago, a driver was accused of being "coked up" before a race. With no obvious signs of any sort of impairment visible and no way to test the driver, he was allowed to race. But later on he was suspended for conduct on the track and again the accusations surfaced. The track then asked the driver to submit to a drug test to clear the air and prove that he was clean and sober, but the driver refused. At that point the track made the move to not allow him to race until such time as he submitted to the test, and he never did, nor did he race again. Guilty or not, the problem was solved.

If drivers or fans at a particular track are concerned about drug or alcohol use at their home track, it is always best to address those concerns to the management or owners of the facility. Some tracks have a written policy that fans and drivers can read while others do not, but most tracks will openly state their stand on the subject if asked. And virtually all will state that it is imperative that all drivers be clean and sober before going racing, and would take some sort of action should the situation warrant. One would be hard pressed to find a speedway today where no one cared if the drivers were drinking or not.

But if you ask track officials, drivers, and fans, you will find that the vast majority do not feel like there is a need for drivers to prove their sobriety before racing, nor is there a need for any sort of random testing policy at local tracks.

This is because most believe that there is no problem with drug or alcohol abuse in racing. Individual incidents will continue to be dealt with by race officials as they see fit, and unless an overall problem becomes apparent there appears to be no reason for anyone to panic and impose invasive looks into drivers' privacy or extra expenses on the tracks.

Of course it is important that drivers be clean and sober before racing in the interest of safety, but virtually no one believes that substance abuse poses any serious threat to other drivers, the officials, or to the fans, at most local speedways in America today.

If you would like more information on the policies regarding drugs and alcohol at a particular track or in a racing series, it is always best to contact those who are in charge and directly question them on the subject.

Although most of us agree that substance abuse is not a problem in racing, we all know just as well that it can and will happen if we allow it to, and the results could be deadly.


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By Jack Smith

We hear the constant drum beat on message forums and in conversations between fans, among drivers and promoters about the importance of "promoters" working together, or more precisely, "not working together".

Each year the Florida track owners, speedway general managers and series promoters get together in the autumn for their yearly scheduling meeting. They come with sharpened pencils, some with plans already drawn out for the coming year, some with their latest "big idea". Actually not all of the owners are present, for different reasons. Not all dirt track owners are present, and Five Flags Speedway is not usually in the mix.

It seems like a pretty good idea, the people who put on the shows organizing things well in advance and the traveling series and owners save time by getting a lot done in a few hours as opposed to endless phone-tag sessions and other irritating distractions to their daily routines. It also serves as a way to help prevent major events being scheduled on top of one another, or in current racespeak "getting promoters to co-operate with each other".

Does it work?

Sometimes yes, and sometimes no with an exclamation point. A recent example, according to some fans, track owners etc., of "no co-operation" was the Florida Triple Crown weekend. On Friday night the Triple Crown opened at DeSoto Super Speedway in Bradenton, Fl. The event was a combination FASCAR Sunbelt Series and All American Challenge Series event with points being important to both series and the Triple Crown chase.

Twenty-two super late models signed in and twenty of them took the green flag at DeSoto in a cleanly raced event won by Jeff Sloan, beating several of Florida's best in the process. Orlando Speedworld, 134 miles to the north east, also raced super late models with eight cars in the field and won by Chad Pierce outrunning Jared Allison.

On Saturday night Citrus County Speedway raced a Twin 50 super late model show. The same night of course that the Sunbelt Series raced the second leg of the Triple Crown at the "bullring" Bronson Motor Speedway. Seventeen super late model race cars started the first of the twin 50 races at Citrus. Only nine cars signed in at Bronson and one broke prior to the race.

A total of 26 super late model race cars were ready to race on Saturday night.

[Ed. note: a report that Columbia Motorsports Park had four super late models was in error. CMP had no super late models racing according to FASCAR officials. This article has been corrected.]

Sunday, Ocala Speedway hosted the final leg of the Triple Crown with a daytime show and featured 18 cars. Six Florida drivers made all three races. Another 4 raced in two races. Fifteen of the 22 teams that made it to DeSoto Super Speedway ran no other triple crown race. Seven of the 18 racers at Ocala only raced in that one Triple Crown event. Two drivers that raced at Citrus County Speedway on Saturday made it Ocala for Sunday's race.

I'll leave it to you to draw your own conclusions from the above facts.

While some fans and racers are scratching their heads over why multiple tracks would schedule super late models on the same night, this writer is scratching his head over an entirely different questions.

How many super late models are there in Florida?

Where are the rest of the super late models? What is keeping them home and how do we fix it. Some fans like to romanticize about the 'good ole days' when 140 late models showed up to race. That day is past and will never return. That is not being negative, that is being realistic. Some complain that a field of 50 cars fighting for 28 starting spots is what is needed. Looking at the big picture, two tracks with full grandstands and 25 cars showing up at each fulfills the economics far better these days.

No scheduling meeting will fix a paltry 30 super late models racing on a night with two big races plus a third race at a track recovering from the doldrums.

What we hear consistently and no, not from message board experts, but from drivers, crew members, car owner and even their wives is the affordability factor. Though other reasons for not racing arise, the most common reason by far that we hear is money.

Not the purse money, just the cost of racing versus the cost of living. Another factor is that many of Florida's drivers have drifted northward in hopes of hitting a home run in the big leagues of racing.

There just aren't many high profile races in Florida, at least as far as the super late models go. The Snowball Derby will pay $20,000 to win this year and all the way back to sixth will $5000. There are 42 drivers pre-entered, 11 of them from Florida as of the date of this article.

The Governor's Cup will pay $10,000 to win this year and up to $20,000 in bonus money will be spread through the field. Thirty-four teams showed up for last years' Cup race, which paid $5000 and $100 for each lap lead, earning winner Mike Fritts $17,900 for his winning effort.

There are a whole new batch of potential Super Late Model racers coming up through the ranks. These are youngsters racing FASTKIDS, FASTRUCKS, FASCAR Pro Trucks, Mini Cups, Legends and so forth. Will the current confusing messages these drivers (and more importantly their parents) are getting entice them to race in Florida, or will they drift northward and join the ASA Late Models, and other series north of the state line?

Other than the successful efforts of FASCAR's Terry Roberts with BrightHouse and Radio Disney, there is not much to report on the major marketing sponsorship scene with tracks or traveling series. Three years ago the then promoter of the Gulfcoast Modifieds was nearly crucified for taking a commission after securing a major sponsorship with Corteco. This attitude does nothing to lure competent sales and marketing people into the industry. And that is what it takes to secure major dollars from high profile companies, not smoke, and not mirrors.

There is no good reason why, if the drivers on the sidelines could be brought back, that a very good field of late models, super late models, trucks or even modifieds could be fielded at New Smyrna Speedway on the East coast of Florida and on the same night at any one of several tracks on the West coast. We have seen this happen several times in the last few years. Yet the urge seems to be to kill the competition instead of using the competitive factors to create better shows.

Each race track for the most part does not compete with other tracks for its Friday or Saturday show, either in terms of fans or in terms of drivers. If there is a TBARA event at DeSoto on Saturday night, fans of that series will go to see them, regardless of your special promotion, unless you are giving away money and even that won't work for die hard sprint car fans.

No amount of purse money, cajoling or anything else is going to get a significant number of Charlotte County Speedway regulars to come to DeSoto on a regular basis. The drivers mostly live in Lee and Collier County and it is just too far for them to travel, in their estimation. That example is one, but it is repeated statewide. A very small handful of drivers will take their cars and family from the Tampa area to Orlando or New Smyrna on a regular basis.

Citrus County Speedway has the highest average car count for asphalt tracks this year, and has consistently over the last few years. Some have said that is due to Sunshine Speedway closing. The facts indicate otherwise. Citrus was drawing more cars than anyone else even when Sunshine was running, as the archived race results in the Tracks section of Florida Stock Car Racing clearly show.

DeSoto Super Speedway has seen its car count of local racers steadily grow as youngsters of former racers begin to get involved in beginners divisions and move up. This trend is being repeated across the state, although the progress is slow.

It is doubtful any track really needs traveling series shows.

However there are some very entertaining and consistent fields in series such as GulfCoast Modifieds, Florida Mini Stock Challenge Series, Goodyear Challenge Late Models, Southern Sportsman Series, FASCAR Pro Trucks, FASTRUCKS, Outlaw Modifieds and the king of them all, the TBARA winged sprints. They bring quality shows for the most part that help speedways attract fans. They serve a good purpose, and the tracks are not organized to operate these kinds of series, so the series promoters are an important ingredient in the entertainment mix.

We are left with the conclusion that when the owners and series promoters get together for their annual scheduling media this year, they focus on positive ways to improve the industry, and not dwell on negatives which will never bear any fruit, except perhaps some mutated samples spoiled by spiritless exercises in futility.

The racing community is only as strong as the people who comprise it. It's not about the real estate the track sits on. It's not about the egos of the ownerships and promoters. It is about the drivers and their families, the fans that spend their money, the sponsors, and the people working at tracks, nearly all working not for the money but for the love of the sport of racing.

If, when the owners and promoters convene this fall, they spend time looking at the long range panorama of the future and find ways to strengthen the resourses we do have, including the traveling series, the people resources, the sales resources, the media resources and find ways to make racing more affordable at all levels, in order to keep racers racing and maybe bring back a few sitting on the sidelines, they will have served the racing community well.

Co-operation between two or three tracks that hurt another speedway's programs is doubtful to be really seen as co-operation, but more likely viewed as competition. Real co-operation would be activities done with agreements where all parties win. In business, win-win conditions and activities is the hallmark of the really successful, conversely win-lose is the hallmark of shallow short term thinkers who leave no lasting legacy to their endeavors.

There was once a very great man in the 1860s, who used the phrase "the better angels of our nature" in a famous speech. Florida racing needs leadership as much as it does "co-operation". Good leaders, who leave a positive mark on their time always appeal to the "better angels of our nature".

Yes, scheduling is important for all kinds of obvious reasons, but no amount of co-operative scheduling is going to increase car counts, front gate attendance or entertainment quality.

It's about people, as in race car drivers, fans, staff and sponsors.

It is also about the future of the sport, which even the dullest among us must realize we cannot take for granted.

Where do you think co-operation is needed to secure that future?





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A Commentary on Message Board Use and Abuse in 2006

By Jack Smith

A recent post on the Florida Stock Car Racing message board says "I came onto this board because I felt it was a good way to stay informed and up to date on what was happening in and around Florida racing... Instead, and this isn't my line... I end up reading the Bathroom Stall Wall!"

My response is:
You came to the wrong place. This board is not now and never has been a "good way to stay informed and up to date on what was happening in and around Florida racing". There are literally thousands of race fans who have made that same mistake. If you want to stay informed, I suggest you navigate to the front page of Florida Stock Car Racing, and then use the links off that section to get information. There is also a wealth of information about Florida racing on Short Track America, if you are so inclined to spend the time listening instead of reading.

On this board you will occasionally get pieces of non-time sensitive worthwhile information not found elsewhere on KARNAC. Very occasionally! That is the nature of the beast, and you me and the multitudes aren't going to change the human nature that makes it so. If good news made more money than bad, or occasioned larger audiences, CNN, FOX and MSNBC would not spend endless hours on the Michael Jacksons, Jon Benet Ramseys, endless pieces designed to keep us scared half to death of some bogeyman and the like. They would be sharing with us all the positive news of the world, like news the Good News Network covers (www.goodnewsnetwork.org).

Now you must understand you folks new to the message boards entered a theatre with the show well in progress. There are actors and actresses with well established roles and several redundant plot lines already well into the third act.

Don Nerone coined the phrase "Bathroom Wall" six or seven years ago. Personally I don't now nor never did see it that way. I see it as a community newsletter where anyone (just about) can publish, and there just happens to be very low standards as to what we accept. We do that because quite frankly, this Internet thing, which I have been having a very intimate experience with for about 12 years, is still a Grand Social Experiment.

Many track owners and promoters don't like the fact that fans can have such broad reach with their thoughts and like it less than many have appeal. Very understandable.

It is also very understandable that there is a lot of "negativity" on this board. Consider this, name each Florida track that closed in the last 10 years because the owners weren't making money. Name each track that closed for other reasons that had nothing to do with the racing program's success. Race fans are afraid. They see lower car counts and fans counts in the last few years in general than 5 or 10 years ago, and it scares them. You love this sport. You see it as having a sickness. It worries you. It seems no one is listening. Many race fans don't see a lot of tremendously positive things happening around their track.

Mind you the above paragraph is not making value judgements, we'll get to those in a minute. We are simply restating an age old marketing maxim "Perception is Reality". If the race fans don't feel the owners and or promoters are doing the sport justice, that is the reality the owners and promoters darn well address, and ignore at their peril. Forty years of experience in stock car racing or 40 million dollars isn't going to change the fact that there is an overwhelming number of the hard core faithful that are very unhappy.

No I am not worried about race tracks closing. As a matter of fact I said a few years ago and stand by it that a few race tracks closing is not going to reduce the quality of the racing industry in Florida. Consider this; thirty years ago a major sports franchise cost "X" dollars and today a major sports franchise costs "X times 20" dollars, accounting for inflation. Many people who in past years could have afforded a team can't even get in the game today. NASCAR racing fits this scenario as well.

The point of that is that there are people trying to run race tracks right here in the Sunshine State today who do not have the money to do so. It takes a lot more money to do it now that it did in 1970, 1980 or 1990. A lot more.

If you don't have a competent full time marketing and sales person on your staff, you are not going to be able to have a quality venue with solid attendance enjoying quality entertainment. It takes money in the form of sponsorship and special promotional considerations and marketing partnerships with the businesses in your community to pull it off. Don't believe that? Call any Minor League franchise of a Major League Baseball team and talk to them. They have the exact same problems race tracks have as far as the attendance figures go.

Now drivers and car counts and all that is a different story, but it the opinion of most professional sales and marketing people I talk with that you cannot fill the grandstands in 2006 by creating car counts. The dynamics are completely different from 20 years ago.

What scares me far more than the potential loss of race tracks is the "turning away" of racers. Racers is this case meaning lifelong fans, drivers and other participants. This week two good friends of mine packed it in, sold their stuff and said the heck with it. That was not caused by a track closing. That was caused by a final frustration with racing as they perceive it and for which they cannot bring any change.

Hopeless and frustrated, they said farewell.

What does all this have to do with the message board as a "Bathroom Stall Wall".

Back when Don Nerone originally referred to the "bathroom wall", there was some serious social misconduct occurring on the message boards with a constant barrage of threats, language intolerable except from the most depraved and personal attacks that kept a team of six or seven moderators going round the clock.

We don't have that now, albeit a occasional anti-social dreg manages to sneak something in. Now we do have a contingent of sometimes angry, at times insensitive, but very caring race fans crying out for owners and promoters to listen and hear their anguish at the direction their sport has, in their mind, taken in the last few years.

To call the only outlet these race fans have, a "Bathroom Stall Wall" is both off the mark and a statement of ignorance as to the current state of stock car racing in Florida. Of course, in jest, I too often refer to a "bathroom wall". But any serious race official who views it that way in earnest is in serious jeopardy with being out of touch with the race fans "reality"

If you want to have fun and entertain yourself and others with the Message Boards you will probably fair well, if however you see it as a means of keeping informed, I can assure you will not be happy and you will be often misinformed.

And too, insensivity to the people who are trying hard at their local track is not serving any worthwhile purpose.

[NOTE: Since Sept 2003 the Florida Stock Car Message Board has been visited 1,101,281 and race fans have read 7,141,471. We estimate that since 1998 the Message Board has been visited approxmately 3,500,000 times and fans have read around 18,000,000 posts. That is one whale of a "stall door".

By Rick Anges

The aggression that is being displayed on the tracks of NASCAR absolutely disgusts the purist race fan these days. Most of these people want an instant Black Flag for the person or persons that show this. Throw the Bumbs out!

The punishment cannot be severe enough for the people who just want to watch a good race, methodical passing, scientific pit stops, the physics of the racecars, and the mathematics of fuel mileage. It all should come together like a Broadway Musical right?

In the end all the competitors should be shaking hands and enjoying Yoo-Hoos congratulating the winner for a wonderful job on the track.

What sport are you watching??

Flash back to February 18th 1979. For the first time NASCAR racing was being broadcast to its biggest audience. The race had been actually been pretty boring for the most part and a lot of the purist sports fans that were tuned in were wondering what the point was to what was being flashed on their screens. No homeruns, no goals, no last second interceptions or other things that make a sport a sport.

Then it happened. After taking the white flag Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough answered those questions. Coming out of turn two they made contact, what happened next was what brought this sport to its current popularity and acceptance in the Main Stream sports world.

A scene form the 2000 Governors Cup

by Bill Green

Bradenton based Anderson Motorsports and the Anderson Automotive Repair garage are still in shock. They will be for a while. Todd Blevin's son, twenty-three month old Landin Blevins drowned in his mother's backyard pool Saturday afternoon around 4PM.

Todd Blevins, is a racer. Todd, 30, lives in St. Petersburg, FL and was preparing for the Fast Truck Pro race to be held Saturday night at Charlotte County Speedway. He drives the #52 Anderson Automotive sponsored Medieval Motorsports "Conquering The King" Special. When tragedy strikes a racer's family, it strikes his surrounding racing family as well.

A racer's son is somehow meant to follow in Dad's foot steps in the local racing world. Accomplish what his father couldn't. Achieve what Papa fell short of in the southern racing world. So this, as is any pool drowning of a toddler, is a tragedy that can not be over come. It can not be made right by hard work and perseverance. You can not set the world straight by paying a fine or doing time. This family's destiny is to morn the loss of an innocent life taken. To soon and at to young an age, most will say.

The following excerpts are from the local racing message board at Karnac.Com. The tributes are genuine and from the heart of an extended racing family, to the hearts that are bearing an unbelievable pain. God Speed Landin Blevins!

The string begins (string: a term used by Internet message boards for the subject matter discussed in the chronological thoughts of posting visitors)

(original post, 6/18/2006 at 7:22 AM) Tragedy Strikes Danny Anderson Racing of our FASTRUCK Series. Todd Belvins lost his two year old son yesterday with a pool accident. Our thoughts and hearts go out to Todd and the whole Anderson Racing Team. Please say a pray for our fellow racer. (signed: Fast Truck Series)

(reply) Wow. What a tragedy to happen right at Father's Day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to that family! (Signed: +++BJ+++)

(reply) Todd... I cannot tell you how my heart hurts hearing of your loss. you and your family will be in my prayers. I know the FASTRUCK FAMILY will be there to comfort you and I pray God will help you deal with your pain. (signed: carol wicks)

(reply) Pray board members........pray.The pain must be unbearable...(series: Ford Racer)

(reply) You are in our prayers. Our hearts go out to your family. (signed: speed angle)

(reply) Losing someone is always difficult. Losing a child has to be downright catastrophic. My thoughts are with you. (signed: Frasson118)

(reply) Todd I know how you feel as I lost my 2 and a half year old daughter in an accident. My heart breaks for you and we will be praying for you and your family. Father I pray for your peace to come over this family at this time.Put your loving arms around them and hold them all together. I ask these things in Jesus name. Amen! If we can do anything please let us know. (signed: Chaplain Bill and Erika Ross)

(reply) To Todd and his father and mother, Wayne and Mickey Blevins, our hearts and prayers go out to all of you in this most hurtful and heartbreaking time. There are no words to say to ease your pain, and I know that your mom and dad will be right there with you thru it all, and that their hurt cannot be described. May the Lord give you the comfort and peace that only He can give you and know that our entire family will be praying for you and your family. With Much Love to Old Friends, (signed: Sandi Naughton and the entire #0 SLM Rich Pratt team)

(reply) To Todd, Wayne & Mickey - I am so very sorry for your loss.I cannot imagine what you are going through. If there is anything I can do for you, please call. (signed: Kenny Alderman)

(reply) Todd, it was good to see ya Fri night(at practice) but we are truly saddened to hear about your loss..... (signed: Sean & Chris)

(reply) Todd we cannot tell you how deeply saddened we are to here about your loss. Please know that we are all thinking about you,your family,and your extended family at Anderson racing. (signed: Foxworth Flyer Motorsports Team)

Send your cards and letters of encouragement to: Todd Blevins Family, c/o Anderson Automotive, 601 9th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205

Thank You for your prayers!

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By Jack Smith
-KARNAC.com

Long time readers of KARNAC.com and Florida Stock Car Racing will remember over the years the many times we have taken speedway ownerships to task for under performing in the area of media, marketing and promotion. We will now report on an example in Florida of a speedway, or perhaps we should say multiple speedways, that are actually achieving success in those areas.

Great changes are usually preceded by an event or series of events which paint the landscape with a different brush. The year 2001 was, as most Americans will agree, a year of momentous change in all our lives, whether we wanted the changes or not. But that year also signaled a positive change for Florida stock car racing, a change mostly unnoticed by those even in the inner most circles of the racing community.

When the Governor of the State of Florida stood on the front straight at New Smyrna Speedway on the night of October 13, 2001 and spoke 15-20 minutes he told the fans, "My Brother says we need to get back to normal and normal in Florida on Saturday night is stock car racing!".

That was a point where the racing game was changed. As a point of fact, State Senator Bill Posey, former owner of Eau Gallie Speedway and FASCAR race car driver was responsible in large measure for bringing the Governor to the race. Coming close on the heels of September 11, the importance of the event was magnified beyond what anyone could have expected.

Terry Roberts, FASCAR Marketing Director and General Manager of New Smyrna Speedway, explained it this way, "It really all goes back to when Jeb Bush came, the momentum started then and we have not let go of that." The "it" Terry Roberts is talking about is a community oriented marketing campaign that has transformed the relationship of New Smyrna Speedway with it's neighbors in a way no other speedway in Florida, and few nationwide can boast of.

"We do a lot of things that other tracks don't know about and really don't care about, they care about what happens Saturday night where ever they are. We have be concerned what legislative things might happen to motorsports in Florida, we have been concerned about those things." Roberts feels very strongly about the importance of maintaining a strong awareness of the political and governmental landscape as it affects motorsports, "We'll be in Tallahassee this year as part of our delegation goes up there to see what is involved with our County and what's going on, and if a track owner or operator tells you it doesn't make a difference they are way wrong".

A point echoed in a recent discussion we had with Craig Armstrong, media and marketing representative for South Georgia Motorsports Park, "We have been embraced with open arms by the Cook County Officials, they are very progressive, this has been the spark plug that is driving the engine of bringing new business to the County, and they will tell you that in a heartbeat". Working in cooperation with local governments and businesses is no longer a luxury, it is a business imperative. Armstrong says, "In my opinion, there's are a lot of old time promoters....and people think they know something about the motorsports entertainment business who really don't, or they are holding on to old notions about what should be in the perfect world. You know, 'it worked 20 years ago and there's no reason it shouldn't work now', and that mentality is going to put those kind of people, unfortunately many of them are my friends, either out of business or force them to change their ways and to make motorsports entertainment relevant and exciting to the new generation of race race fans".

Roberts agrees, "Craig is exactly right about what he says, you can't live in yesterday, what's going on today and tomorrow, and look down the road. Things we do today, how is that going to affect us down the road?" The FASCAR Marketing Director hit the nail on the head when he explained that the advertising and marketing campaigns are two and three year processes.

The relationship with Bright House Networks, the title sponsor for the opening Sunbelt Series opener at New Smyrna Speedway is a case in point. "Bright House is a huge corporate Sponsor, I will sell a sign if someone wants to buy a sign, we will sell them a sign, but Bright House didn't just buy a sign, it is a whole big package that we haven't even touched the tip of the iceberg yet, and that is coming up. It took me about three years to put this deal together."

In addition to sponsoring the opening night, Bright House will be the title sponsor of the huge Crash-A-Rama event at Orlando in early June, and will be the "presenting sponsor" for the Florida Governors Cup on November 18. There are also parts of the Bright House program that FASCAR is holding close to the vest.

One area of the Bright House program that Roberts was willing to talk about is the new advertising direction FASCAR will be taking, "You will start to see us begin to market our drivers, they will be a part of our commercials that we do throughout the year, to invite people to come out to the speedway".

Two new programs FASCAR has begun to implement at New Smyrna Speedway are just getting underway and picking up speed. One is a unique Green Flag Fundraising Program for organizations and non-profits, and another is the Central Florida Car Clubs Program.

The Car Club deal is designed to involve classic car enthusiasts, a huge audience throughout Florida, in the activities at New Smyrna Speedway. Billed as a way for car clubs and groups to promote their activities and events, members can bring their cars, get a free pass to the speedway, and be a part of the parade lap. In addition New Smyrna's grounds renovations have continued and a section south of the concession area has been setup for the clubs to have a "mini car show" at the track on race night. New Smyrna Speedway is currently booking Car Club nights running through November.

The Green Flag Fundraising program allows tickets to be purchased at deep discounts for resale by organizations seeking to raise money or awareness for their particular group or its activities. There are literally hundreds of organizations seeking funding sources around the state, and in a time when it is harder and harder for many of these groups to get the funding they need, this program over time will likely benefit the community as well as the speedway.

But even if these are break even programs, Terry Roberts, reflecting the attitude of FASCAR owner Robert Hart, has it right, "Racetracks want to take out of the community, but they have to put back into it also, and I really believe the more you put back in the more you get out", adding after a moment of reflection, "and we've been blessed to be at this speedway and given the opportunity to the things that we do."

The events surrounding the visit to New Smyrna by Jeb Bush in 2001 may have been the catalyst the FASCAR organization needed to make major changes in its marketing but the changes actually began prior to that. Owner Robert Hart hit a a home run when he brought in Don Nerone as General Manager and Terry Roberts as Marketing Director for the organization.

Terry Roberts explains "New Smyrna Speedway has come a long way in six years from where it stood in the community, with our involvement with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch, and the Police Athletic League. Things are really coming along and they are huge".

There have been quite a few events in the past few years that have caused serious observers of the racing scene to take notice. People who follow the business of racing closely will remember on July 1, 2004 a major section of State Road 44 near New Smyrna Speedway was named in honor of Clyde Hart, Robert's father and the man who built the famous speedway in the mid sixties. The Volusia County Sheriff is a regular participant in the annual Battle of the Badges at new Smyrna. If there is any doubt about the advertising and staying power of this kind of involvement in the community type "Sheriff Ben Johnson's Battle of the Badges" in Google and you will find the first link that comes up is the New Smyrna Beach Visitor's Bureau. A fact Floridians may take for granted but surely not the national and international visitors to the area. The other links that come up on that search will amaze most race fans, who complain about not enough publicity for racing. We'll make it easy for you, use this link to see for yourself..

And the gains are not limited to New Smyrna Speedway. Last year Rusty Marcus, named Lowe's Motor Speedway Short Track Promoter of the Year, made major breakthroughs in bringing excitement to FASCAR's Orlando Speedworld. Crash-A-Rama continues to grow and thrill audiences under the guidance of Don Nerone. Nerone is working this year on helping rebuild Columbia Motorsports Park, a recent addition to the FASCAR organization.

FASCAR, even with its marketing reach and successes, must be ever vigilant for new opportunities to make itself known and to further the reach of stock car racing in Florida. And yes, race fans who may be wondering, a brand new scoreboard is on order and is expected soon to complement the brand new hospitality area and the other fan friendly design additions to the grandstand area.

Now for those tracks that unlike New Smyrna Speedway and South Georgia Motorsports Park, do not have a dedicated, experienced marketing director, the question is why not?


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When all is said and done, nine straight nights of racing does take a toll on the body. Four hours or less of sleep a night, long, long days but in the end, it is all worth it. Old friends return, new friends are made. Sad and happy when it ends. Finally your own bed, a hot bath, more than four hours of sleep and many, many memories that last until the next World Series.

This year at New Smyrna, there were old friends and new friends. Even a surprise or two. Seeing Wayne Anderson on his roof on fire was one of the surprises. Seldom do we ever see Wayne upside down but we did. But we also saw the Wayne Anderson who does not let that bother him or stop him because he was right back into a racecar none the less.

In 2005, we saw Ryan Mathews do a "flying" car and almost take out the flagstand but this year it seemed calmer. Although some cars had to leave early with severe damage,. only one driver suffered a broken bone and it just happened to be the worst broken bone since it was his foot and you can't drive with a cast on your foot. But even the drivers who had to leave early were happy with their new experience at the half-mile New Smyrna.

Two Memorial races were run with drivers in each of those two divisions determined to take home that honor. Richie Evans and Pete Orr were well respected, loved by all that they came into contact with. Some drivers came only for the honor and hopeful glory of winning those races. How wonderful it is that we see such reverence for a driver by his peers and fellow racers. The footprints of those drivers are embedded in many and to touch so many lives, well, you know your life was meaningful.

For Travis Kittleson, winning the World Series Super Late Model crown was great but winning the Pete Orr Memorial was his dream. Travis worked with Pete and Pete was the one who got Travis on the road to ASA. Each year he has come to try and win that race but it has not been his time. His time was February 18th and that one win meant more to him than any other win in his career. That means something, that says something.

Whether dirt is your thing or asphalt, there is plenty of racing action for the short track fan in February. They come from all over the country and Canada for just one thing, plenty of racing. They save all year long for those nine nights because where else can you race against racers from every end of the country. They may not always like each other but they definitely have one thing they share, the joy of racing with the "best of the best".

So to all the racers and crews from East Bay, Voluisa Speedway Park and New Smyrna Speedway, we salute you for giving your time, your pocketbook, and sharing your joy of racing with us. Your joy showed and you made us joyful and that is why we are family whether it be dirt or asphalt, it is all racing.

To the Champions of all the races, congratulations. To old friends, we hope to see you next year and to new friends it was great meeting you and hopefully you will come back.

When we look back each year at the memories of those nine nights, we look back with happiness. And we look forward to the next year, eager to see who returns and what new faces it brings. So goodbye 2006, hello 2007.









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A little over thirty six years ago, part of my childhood died when Hurricane Camille hit the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and basically flattened her. Gone were the huge trees that lined the streets, gone were many homes and businesses, gone was the giant Edgewater Hotel where I spent many summers with my grandmother and cousin basking in the Mississippi summer sun and playing bingo at night in the Hotel lounge.

Growing up in middle Mississippi, I had never dealt with hurricanes only tornados and those we had. The one thing I knew about hurricanes was that my grandmother, who lived in Deland, found these glass balls on the beach after a hurricane that came off the fisherman's nets. As soon as the hurricane was gone, she had my granddaddy at that beach so she could find these green and clear glass balls. That was my knowledge of hurricanes.

In 1966, we moved from Mississippi to Florida and I learned firsthand about hurricanes. I learned that I did not like them but then again, I was never really in a bad one. Instead I chose to live in earthquake country in California for 13 years.

When I moved my kids back to Florida in 1989, right off the bat, there was a hurricane. But it was not until 1999 that we actually were told to get off Merritt Island because of a hurricane. Twice in 16 years I have had to pack up my precious pictures and all my pets and kids and leave my home. No fun but thinking of what could happen was even worse.

Last year we had a hurricane that looked to be headed straight for Merritt Island. They told us we had to get out because if we stayed, we could be underwater. Now leaving was the hardest thing I have ever done. Not because I was leaving everything I had but because my dad refused to leave. So I left my oldest son with my dad and just prayed that God would protect them.

We lucked out and the hurricane lingered but it was no where near the strength or damage they had expected. But it will come and we all know it will come just as Katrina has come to take my beloved Mississippi again.

I realized that it makes no difference how far away from a hurricane you are, there is no sleep after you have been in one yourself because of the fear you feel for the intended new victims. What makes it even worse, it is headed straight to your family and friends that you grew up with.

After Camille hit in 1969, I went back to Biloxi to see what was left. But there was nothing left of what I knew or had grown up with. Everything was gone. Part of my family was gone because they decided a hurricane party was the way they would wait out the storm with their neighbors and friends. No one realized that there is no safe place when a hurricane that size hits and very little can withstand 210 mile an hour wind.

Tonight I can still see that devastation in my mind. I still feel the emptiness of that day's drive to my favorite vacation place and nothing was left. I still remember all the nights I spent in New Orleans with friends and having a Hurricane at Pat O'Brien's and staying down in the French Quarter and having French doughnuts for breakfast. Will Katrina leave me any of my memories, somehow I doubt it.

Mississippi has dirt racing tracks that they love just as much as we love our tracks. Will they still be there after tonight??
The odds are that they won't and what is left may not be enough to rebuild.

All the places I took Alex and Josh to last year as we ran from our hurricane are the ones being hit tonight including my hometown in Mississippi and where I grew up, where my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousin are buried. Where life is more slow paced than life here in Florida. Where hometowns are still small and everyone knows everyone and front doors are not locked.

How many years will it take for them to rebuild and where will they move when they are fed up with Mother Nature and her hurricanes?

Sleep out of the question. Prayers never ending. Memories planted deeper in the mind. And knowledge knowing that this is not the last hurricane and none of us are out of harms way when it comes to hurricanes.

Fact - knowing that we have to smell the roses, open the eyes wide and treasure what we see because tomorrow, it could be gone in a flash.


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Racing Philosophy 101, or who are all these crazy people chasing themselves around in circles every week?

by Jane Smith

Everyone has their limits but some limits are just alittle more than others. Some let the limits stop them dead in their tracks, others say, "nothing is going to stop me now" and life goes on.

You are born with feet on top of your legs, hands that look like crab claws and for the first five years of your life, you know nothing but casts, surgeries, and braces. You never crawl because you have full leg casts so you roll. Then at the age of fourteen months, you stand up with full legs casts and walk to everyone's surprise. Astonishing to everyone around you.

All your life and before you were even born, you have heard racecars. You grow up loving racing, dreaming of being behind that wheel, pushing that gas pedal, and going fast.

Racing does far more than empty your pocketbook, at least, for the majority. Racing gives you a second family that does not make fun of your dreams and understands completely. Some let you help them on their cars because they see the desire in your eyes to learn. You want to know everything there is about the sport you love the most.

Years come and go and you are 12 almost 13 going on 20. Your desire has grown with each passing year and yes, you know how to drive. You ask every person you know if they will give you a car, any car, so by the time you are 14 you are ready to go. Your desire shines thru and many see it.

Then someone gives you a chance not in a car but on a motorcycle. They do stunts for the show but allow you to go out with them as if you were one of them. They make sure you are safe and have a helmet and that you can drive that cycle and part of your dream comes true.

In a world where most like to judge others not by the inside but by the outside, some see thru the limitations of life and get down to the real person inside. They see what you can do and not what you can't do.

Dreams help reach the goals of tomorrow and last Friday, one little boy took one step towards that dream. You were part of a race team, a close knit family, that saw you as a future star and gave you a chance. And that is all that is needed for anyone, a chance.



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This was written way back when but it seems to apply more today.
We are all going thru tunnels right now but the sun will come back out and the darkness will fade.

by Jane Smith

Have you ever been in the tunnel in Mobile, Alabama? As a child, it felt like that tunnel lasted for miles under the river. Sometimes in racing, we go thru tunnels. Some are short, others long but we long to see the sun again. It may take awhile but eventually the sun does come back and the warm light of day touches the face.

Any amount of time in racing when you feel like you are in that tunnel is hard. We all work hard to race and when week after week something happens to your car, sometimes it feels like it will never be okay.

You build a brand new engine, put more money into it than you should have, and 17 laps later, it blows up all over the track. The tunnel is very dark now but if you want to race, you must work your way back to the surface.

Then you are leading the race, your first win hopefully, and your tire blows out. Straight into turn 4 wall we go, no one can stop you or help you. It was not your fault or any one else's but once again a tunnel appears and you go in it.

But tunnels won't last forever. Just ask George Hall, III. one of our Classic car drivers. When he had a stroke at a very young age of 27, he had a long tunnel to fight thru and he did. Because even though he was not l00% himself, he got back into that Classic car and he raced with all his friends and it did not make any difference to him where he finished, it was that he could do it.

His tunnel was no longer dark and his face felt the warm sunshine once again. Even though we try to feel what he must have felt, we really can't but the joy he had that night showed and everyone could feel that.

Mike McLaughlin, a Busch driver, was in a firey accident last year at Homestead. He had to work his way back into racing and almost one year to the day, he won his first race from that firey accident.

LeRoy Porter never got to race again from his firey accident but you can find LeRoy at the tracks still, crew chiefing for a friend, and still loving racing but promoting safety for sure. His tunnel now has plenty of sunshine.

We all have tunnels in life. We all have tunnels in racing. Even though at times it feels like we will never get out of that darkness, we will. Tunnels teach us to appreciate the sun just alittle more.


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by Bill Green "From Behind The MIC!"

Tampa, FL (March 17th, 2005) Yesterday, East Bay Raceway Park owners Al Varnadore and Todd Hutto released me from my announcing duties at East Bay Raceway Park. I guess it's a nicer way of saying your fired, but it still hurts. Not that I, nor East Bay won't be able to continue without each other, it just the pain of loosing an old friend I guess that makes it seem so surreal.

In my few years as an announcer, only 8, many others have 20 or 30 years of history behind them. I've learned that while racing is a family sport and a track will become your family very quickly when you work there, business is business and no one is immune from termination. I'm sure I'll land on my feet in some racing position, maybe even right at East Bay because it will be hard to leave her.

I'm good enough at what I can do to hope for the best as an announcer and writer in motorsports, add in the broadcast certification and talk radio experience and I'm probably a very good employee to have at my current price. So I want to Thank so many of my racing friends that have stayed in touch over the years, as I've move from Sunshine Speedway and Radio to East Bay and now on to who knows where. Your a special bunch of people and deserve the best in racing entertainment. I hope these sort of changes are what you want and brings many of you back to racing, even if it's just to check on the state of the sport in 2005.

As for my sponsors in the media, what can I say. You've all been wonderful. From the North River News in Manatee County to the Observer in Hillsborough, Keel's-N-Wheels in Sarasota, Whowon.com, the St. Pete Times, Lakeland Ledger, First Coast News, On Line Tampa Bay, Florida Motorsports Magazine, Hoseheads.com, Luvracin.com, National Speed Sport News, Motor Sports Weekly and of course Karnac.com, they have all carried my work over the years. For free, I might add. I Thank You and East Bay Thanks you for the countless months of free advertising along the way.

You'll hear from me again, when and from where I'm not sure. Guess I'll have more time for my kids for a while and that is worth something right there.

Love to all!

We'll see You at The RACES!

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by Jane Smith

SpeedWeeks are over. Daytona is well on it's way to being clean. Fans, drivers, and crews have returned home for a much deserved rest after nine nights of racing. Some are happy and feel very satisfied that they did their best and others are disappointed because their best was not good enough.

Some only made it one night being wrecked out and disappointly having to go home. Others were lucky enough to have back-up cars but when that was damaged, it was work all night and forget the word sleep.

No racer does this for money because it just does not pay what you put into it, they do it because it is the one time of year where north meets south and east meets west. It is the one time that you really get to see what your stuff is made of against some of the best in the country.

Everyone thinks of the drivers and crews and what a great effort they put into SpeedWeeks but it is also the behind-the-scenes people who make SpeedWeek work. From the back gate person to the concession stand people, they give countless hours to help make SpeedWeeks successful. They smile when they are bone-tired and they give it their all to make everyone feel important which is what they are.

SpeedWeeks is like a giant family reunion, old friends get together and new friends are made. Tears are shed when you say goodbye and hugs are unending when you say hello.

There have been many stars of today's series that have spent their time at SpeedWeeks from Scott Wimmer to Shelby Howard, Clay Rogers, Bobby Gill, Joey Miller, Kevin Cywinski, and the late Tom Baldwin. SpeedWeeks is full of surprises, you never know where that little unknown driver will end up.

For all those drivers and crews, concession stand workers, gate workers, ticket booth workers, even bathroom attendents, we say "thanks for a great show and see you in 2006."


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by Bill Green - "From Behind The MIC!"

St. Petersburg, FL (Dec. 3rd, 2004) The vision of Leo Musgrave, that would be a Pinellas County Landmark for 44 years, has now seen it's last race.

November 20th, 2004, marked the end of an amazing era.

Leo and Sybil Musgrave raised 11 kids on this gulf coast peninsula patch of farm land. I'd like to believe that even the lone patriarch of Leo Musgrave's clan, Sybil, would have like to have seen it go on forever.

My first day at Sunshine Speedway is only a distant memory some 44 years later. An old family photo of me in front of the front stretch fence, with my Dad's 32 Ford coupe on the track behind me has even disappeared over the years. Coming full circle in 1995, I became an announcer at Sunshine "ACTION" Speedway and remained there until my move to East Bay in 2003.

I was privileged to have work where legends like Bobbie Allison, Red Farmer, Smokey Unyoke, Buzzie & Wayne Reutimann and thousands more, have driven and walked the sacred pits. I met local characters and racing families over my tenure as announcer. I will always look proudly on the 2000 race season as my favorite. The "Battle of the Tracks" that I was privileged to be a part of should stand as a reminder, tracks can coexists, be competitive and have fun. That year will also always make me tear up, as I think of the loss of our friend, "Wild" Bill Revard.

As most racers know, progress has killed off the bulk of Florida's speedway's over the years. But unlike Golden Gate Speedway, Phillips Field and the dozen other tracks that came and went over those 44 years, Sunshine "ACTION" Speedway made it through til now, as progress closed in.

You have all heard the story of how Leo Musgrave had visited local raceways leading up to the birth of his big plan. Seeing the car tags, that were mostly from Pinellas county, in the parking lots of those "other" tracks, set the wheels turning. Leo owned quit a bit of land in Pinellas County and the new airport wanted some of it, so a deal was struck and the vision began to rise up from the farmland.

Sybil Musgrave has outlived her husband, and now his prize gem, Sunshine Speedway. The loss of which will have a big effect on the local economy through the loss of revenues, race shops, speed shops and all the rooms, food and parts sold in the area. But, it is the Sunshine "ACTION" Speedway's buildings, ticket booths, flag stand, scoring tower, fencing and more, that has already made it's way south to Charlotte County Speedway to live on.

All to make way for the future roads planned through and over the property by the Florida Dept. of Transportation. That's the part that got me to thinking. Roads are important, but so is Pinellas County's history and Pinellas Park's amazing little oval track. So if we must coexist, let the name that marks the future highway across our beloved Sunshine Speedway read: "LEO MUSGRAVE PARKWAY." This proposal is already being drafted and forwarded to the Florida Dept. of Transportation and Pinellas County officials.

Thousands of race fans from all over the United States and beyond have trekked the necessary miles to visit the gem Leo designed in the late 50's. So in the future as they drive through Pinellas county I hope one of their grandkids or your grandkids reads a sign and asks, "Who was Leo Musgrave?" When they do, you take the time to recount the dream and vision of the dairy farmer and his speedway, you tell them about the opportunity and the institution that will forever be, Sunshine "ACTION" Speedway.


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by Bill Green - "From Behind The MIC!"


I was there at age 5 to see it open. The vision of Leo Musgrave, that has been a Pinellas County Landmark for now on 44 years, will see it's last races on November 20th, 2004. That is the date given by current promoters, Frank & Bonnie Hill, Bonnie being one of the 11 children that Leo and Sybil Musgrave raised on this gulf coast peninsula patch of farm land.

My first day at Sunshine Speedway is only a distant memory some 44 years later. An old family photo of me in front of the front stretch fence, with my Dad's 32 Ford coupe on the track behind me has even disappeared over the years. Coming full circle in 1997, I became an announcer at Sunshine "ACTION" Speedway and remained there until my move to East Bay Raceway Park in 2003. I was privileged to have work where legends like Bobbie Allison, Red Farmer, Smokey Unyoke, Buzzie & Wayne Reutimann and thousands more, have driven and walked those sacred pits.

Progress has killed off the bulk of Florida's speedway's over the years. After a little research I have found there were some 47 race tracks for automobiles in the peek of the 1970's. But unlike Golden Gate Speedway, Phillips Field and the dozen other tracks that have come and gone over the years, Sunshine Speedway has made it through over 40 seasons of Saturday Night stock car racing as progress closed in on its four asphalt turns.

Leo Musgrave had visited those other raceways over the years leading up to the birth of his big plans. Seeing the car tags, that were from mostly his home county of Pinellas in the parking lots of those "other" tracks, set the wheels turning. Leo owned quit a bit of land in Pinellas County and the new airport wanted some of it, so a deal was struck and the vision began to rise up from the farmland.

Sybil Musgrave has outlived her husband, but still owns the entire Sunshine Speedway complex. The loss of which will have an effect on the stables, oval track and drag strip. But, it is the Sunshine "ACTION" Speedway signs that will come down first. All to make way for the future roads planned through and over the property by the Florida Dept. of Transportation.

Leo was one of the first race track owners that saw the races not as a competition, but as a live show for the spectators.

My father told me a story about Leo and a visit to Sunshine in the late 60's. Seems Dad had been a fairly regular visitor to the raceway and Leo knew that the towing of a stock car from the little town of Mulberry, some 50 miles away, was tedious at best. This particular night Dad's car blew up, sending a piston rod through the block in a very smokey and fiery display during the practice laps. Leo caught up to Dad after the car was loaded and shook his hand, placing in it a crisp $100 dollar bill. Leo only said the following, "Guess we'll see you in two weeks?" My dad looked into his hand and with what he called a big grin replied, "Yes sir, you sure will." The rest of my Dad's life, through June 1970, he never missed a race at Sunshine if he was in town, even when he no longer campaigned a car.

Thousands of central Florida race fans over the years have trekked the necessary miles to visit the gem Leo and Sybil Musgrave designed in the late 50's. But you, YES YOU reading this story, you only had until that final checkered flag on November 20th to get a look at the amazing sites and sounds of the fastest 1/4 mile in the South. Now you've missed it. You will not see the dream come true and be able to pass down the story of the farmer and the vision, the opportunity and the institution that will forever be, Sunshine "ACTION" Speedway.

As of Sunday morning the roar of race car engines and go-kart screams will forever be silenced at Sunshine, but the track will live on somewhat. Port Charlotte's Charlotte County Speedway will benifit from the Pinellas County loss, as they are set to rebuild their damaged track with Sunshine Speedways parts. Grandstands, towers and other parts of this grand ole dairy will help others enjoy their Saturday night racing passion for years to come. Hopefully, years from now, lets say 44 years or so, maybe some youngester of today will take the time to note the passing of a Florida speedway.

I hope not. I hope they last forever.
For more information about Sunshine Speedway, call the track office at 727-573-4598. Tell them you read it here, in this "From Behind The MIC!" commentary and you want to be at the final Champion's Banquet on December 3rd. Come out and live a little of Leo's Magic.

We'll See You At The RACES!




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By Claude Lewis

Charley causes half million in damage, but owner hopes to have things back on track by this fall

LeRoy Davidson looked out at the bare slab of concrete that once housed the grandstand bleachers at Charlotte County Speedway and cracked "When we open, it will be standing room only."

A little humor can help break the monotony of another painstakingly slow day of piecing it all back together following a natural disaster.
Located in southeast Punta Gorda in the Airport Industrial Park, Charlotte County Speedway was out and out slammed hard by Hurricane Charley.

Davidson, the stock car race track's owner and promoter, estimates it will take at least $500,000 to get things back the way they were before the Category 4 cyclone hit home on August 13.

Besides the loss of bleachers that once seated 3,000 fans, many other areas of the track also took a severe beating. Three concrete light towers were toppled. Several others are leaning. The fixtures atop are gone. The press box/scoring tower is no more, disintegrated by the 150 mph winds that ripped through the area. The flag stand was picked up and flipped over. The scoreboard has been ripped from its foundation. The fences are also in ill repair.

Although trying to keep his head up, Davidson is taking the destruction pretty hard. He built the track with his own hands in the late '80s. The first race at the 3/8-mile semi-banked paved oval was in late 1990.

Now 14 years later, he will rebuild much of it piece by piece, God-willing.

Davidson is always willing to put in the sweat equity. He believes other tracks, racers, mechanics and fans will fall in line.

He'll also need insurance money and help from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

Another important issue is his lease from the Airport Authority. Davidson only has 3 1/2 years left in his current lease. He wants at least a 10-year extension if he is willing to sink $500,000 back into the track to get it up and running.

An hour in a walk-in cooler

Davidson can be found at or in the vicinity of Charlotte County Speedway for roughly 350 days out of the calendar year.

As fate would have it, he was on a rare trip out of state when Charley struck. He was visiting his 90-year old mother in his hometown of Findlay, Ohio.

He flew out of Fort Myers on Wednesday, Aug. 11, along with wife Connie and teenage daughter Tabitha.

"I knew there was a storm down there but I really didn't think anything of it," Davidson recalled. "I thought it would go somewhere else like it usually does."

By Friday morning, Davidson knew the storm might be a threat to family members living in Port Charlotte.

"I got a call from my daughter Wendy asking me what they should do," Davidson said. "I told her the track is probably the safest place since the building is made up rock and concrete block."

Wendy, her daughter Amanda, joined Davidson's sister Mary, her husband Ben, their son Ben Jr., and family friends Ray Bisbee and his sisters Hannah and Heidi.

The eight headed to Punta Gorda, not knowing that would be the place Charley decided to go.

Huddled together, the eight knew they were in trouble when the bleachers, press box were picked apart by the wind, and finally when the roof of the office started blowing away.

"I was on the phone with Wendy," Davidson recalled. "When she told me that the roof was going, I told them they should all get in the walk-in cooler."

In the cooler they went. It wasn't easy considering Ben Sr. is paralyzed and in a wheelchair. There were also three dogs crammed into the cooler. Ben Jr. ventured out a couple of times to catch some of the destruction on a videocam. When things got out of hand, he got back in and battened down the hatches.

"We got in when the bleachers made a hole in a roof," said Mary, who is a part owner along with her brother LeRoy. "It felt kind of secure, but it was dark."

"I was worried about something falling in front of the door and that they wouldn't be able to get out," Davidson said. "I finally got through and the police checked on them. Everyone was OK. Thinking about it, they would have been safer staying in Port Charlotte, but nobody knew that at the time."

Davidson's family told him about the damage to the track facility. He was able to catch a flight back to Fort Myers Saturday night.

The aftermath

Davidson wasn't really surprised when he got out to the track Sunday morning. The reports he received from his family were accurate. Seeing it first-hand was indeed emotional.


Debris field grows daily as track cleanup progresses.

"They had to be powerful winds to do the things it did," Davidson said.

Davidson has already started to repair the roof on the office/concession building. Donna and Jerry Gilbert have been out at the track nearly every day. A group of 40 volunteers came out last Saturday and cleaned up tons of debris.

The mess now sits in two piles by Piper Road.

Davidson said the help came mostly from out of town.

"The Outlaw Modified folks -- the Sands, Brighams, Endees -- they probably had more people here than anybody. Wilson Excavating of Sarasota brought three front loaders. We worked from 9 a.m. Saturday to 3 p.m. Sunday. We got all the trash out."

There will be more Saturday workshops. Davidson lists mending the fences, replacing the flagstand and cutting the now tall grass as priorities.

Old friend Bob Mitton, who did original electrical work on the track, is coming down from St. Petersburg to see what he can do with the lights.

Inside the track are hundreds of boats and RVs. Insurance companies have set up camp, using the infield and pit area as a staging areas for damaged boats and RVs being towed in from all parts.

Davidson said they would be gone in a few months, especially if the track is up and ready to race again.

The future

Anyone who knows Davidson will tell you he is a fighter. He was ousted from the speedway in a power coup in the late '90s only to victoriously return in 2002.

This latest blow hasn't wavered his determination.

"I've heard people saying that we aren't going to rebuild it," Davidson said. "There has been some negative talk."

Davidson believes some of the negativity has filtered down from DeSoto Speedway.

"Three tracks have called and asked if they could do anything -- Sunshine Speedway, Hialeah Speedway and East Bay Speedway," Davidson said. "Sunshine is closing down in November. When DeSoto found out, they called it Christmas in July. Now it's Christmas in August. DeSoto is celebrating we're down. They can celebrate all they want. We'll be opening again."

Davidson optimistically points to Nov. 1 as a target date to have a race.

Red tape and other unforeseen problems could push that back.

The fall stock car racing season was scheduled to begin this coming Saturday, Sept. 4. Thousands of fans would have been at the track, cheering on their favorite drivers and enjoying the thrills and spills of door-to-door competition.

Instead, the track will be dark.

"People need to get their own lives back together first," Davidson said. "Then they'll get the itch to go back racing."

Hopefully, Charlotte County Speedway will be ready to answer the call.

By John Berti

It's amazing the snowball effect a typographical error can have.

East Bay Raceway Park reported on their website and in releases to the press that David Reutimann finished second in the open wheel modified feature this past Saturday night. It was a typographical error as it was Greg Reutimann not David. David wasn't even in attendance.

The Tampa Tribune had the erroneous information within its auto racing results Monday morning. There may be other newspapers in the Tampa Bay area which did likewise. Even yours truly gave the bogus information in my column for Karnac.com.

I can only imagine how many readers were upset with themselves that they did not go to East Bay and missed seeing David Reutimann, who is in contention for rookie of the year honors in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driving for Darrell Waltrip, race. I must admit I was one of them.

I found out about the error when I visited Buzzie Reutimann at his Reutimann Racing shop in Zephyrhills. I commented that wouldn't you just know it when I don't go to the races at East Bay David races. Buzzie gave me a puzzled look and said, "David didn't race at East Bay, that was Greg."

I informed Buzzie about what I'd done in my Karnac.com column. I felt so bad that I told him I was going to apologize to Greg right away so please excuse me. Off I went to nearby Reutimann Collision.

I got a warm welcome from Greg and I surprised him when I said I was coming over to apologize to him. "Apologize for what?" he asked. I informed him of what had happened.

It seems Greg knew all about it as he went to East Bay's website early that morning. He was not upset, in fact he had some fun with it. He told me he called David at about 9:30 a.m. He said to David "I can never catch a break even when I do well its you, David, who gets the credit."

While I was visiting Greg I thought I'd ask him why it is that he's been doing so well of late at East Bay. He attributes it to two people: Mike Rudder and Uncle Buzzie.

"Mike is my new chassic man and he sets the car up." Greg said, "The new set up has made the car handle better than ever."

He told me that a lot of credit also has to go to Reutimann Racing and Uncle Buzzie. "Buzzie has helped a little bit here and a little bit there changing items on the car and the result is that we've hit on a good combination."

Well it was about time for me to move on. We parted with my congratulating him on his great 2nd place finish and I'll see that you get your due credit.


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By Jack Smith
-KARNAC.com

On Wednesday August 11 some race fans were happily poking fun at a few track promoters; those few who, in advance of the impending Hurricane Charley, cancelled Saturdays' races.

Of course those fans knew that the storm would arrive on Friday late afternoon, perhaps drench the western coastline with even more unwanted rain, and be gone, leaving the beautiful blue skies that follow a big storm and dry race tracks and business as usual on Saturday night.

Those fans were wrong, dead wrong.

On this Friday the 13th , the cute little phrases about "Mother Nature" race writers like to play with became meaningless words, meant for some other world.

This Friday one speedway would be destroyed, while another at the other end of the state would barely fight off the fiendish winds of Hurricane Charley, dozens of racers would lose their shops and homes, a million Floridians would begin to live in darkness, in the midst of a multi-billion dollar disaster movie, the script being written day to day.

Drivers and their crews from Cape Coral to Punta Gorda to Arcadia to Wauchula to Lake Wales to Orlando and New Smyrna Beach and all points in between by the dozens lost their race shops, some losing their homes and valuable possessions, and thankfully as far as we know none lost their life.

This was no storm to poke fun at.

Winds in excess of 140 miles per hour tore across the wide expanse of Charlotte Harbor and the the open cow-grazing flat lands of Punta Gorda and hit the grandstands of Charlotte County Speedway with a fury that twisted with a vengeance those wooded bleachers it could not completely dismember. Charley's furious charge took the scoring tower in it's grasp, exploding it into wood fragments, while whipping the roof from the concrete block main buildings housing the concessions and offices and began chewing on the contents. Charley's winds circled the track faster than any race car ever has, bending and breaking concrete light poles, while stripping the safety fencing off the concrete walls.

By the time Charley left Punta Gorda en route to Arcadia and a visit to Raymond "SuperFrog" Jones' race shop, he had left nothing untouched at the 15 year old race track.

Jones along with wife Diana were among the racers who took time from their first weekend in the aftermath of the destruction to make the trip to Charlotte County to assist in the clean-up phase of what may be the building of a race track. One of the top racers in the Outlaw Modified touring series, Jones' Arcadia based race shop was a total loss, according to a Charlotte track official.

Charley next stop was, among other destinations, the home and race shop of Super Late Model star B.J. Mcleod. McLeod, whose family resides in Wauchula suffered major damage to their home, according to an early report from the McPhail racing family. Jane Smith reported that Ministock Challenge Series racer Tim McPhail and family fled the Pinellas County area to the supposed safety of the McLeod homestead in Wauchula, some 60 miles inland. Charley changed all plans Friday evening, sparing McPhail's home and forcing the McLeods to find other living quarters for now.

And on the storm raged, only slightly weakening in destructive damage to older wooden homes and the thousands of trailer parks and manufactured home neighborhoods, as it made it's date with the track Clyde built, New Smyrna Speedway sitting 10 miles south of Daytona and 70 miles from Mario Gosselin's hometown of Lake Wales. Gosselin was in Nashville for the ARCA/REMAX Waste Management 200 Saturday afternoon at Nashville Superspeedway. The Lake Wales racer fought back from one lap down to grab a fourth place finish, while his neighbors dug out of Charley's mess.

New Smyrna Speedway's damage was primarily to the older structures, signage and lighting. At least 75% of the infield building, 80% of the track's billboards, much of the safety fencing gone. Hurricane Charley, now down to Category 2 status, tore the roof of the main office building off, and then destroyed a mobile home behind the office. "What happened was a little tornado came through there, and just came right down between one and two, down the back straightway made a turn and went straight across the track", according to General Manager Don Nerone.

Nearby and to the north Volusia County Speedway had only very minor damage, but to the east and south Orlando Speedworld also had damage to pit side buildings.

After a week of picking up the pieces the tracks all are ready to fire up some Saturday night action, except for possibly New Smyrna Speedway and of course for Charlotte County Speedway, which will need several months to rebuild. New Smyrna is still working on their lighting as of Tuesday afternoon.

At Charlotte County Speedway on Saturday and Sunday, racers and friends came to begin the massive cleanup effort needed before rebuilding can start. Outlaw Modified promoter Steve Brigham and racer George Sands came from Florida's east coast the the Keys along with their families and other Outlaw racers arrived early Saturday.

They were joined by Kenny Busch and Don Wilson and his front end loaders and other heavy equipment from Wilson Construction. Tom Durfee and other TQ Midget racers also assisted Saturday and Sunday, joining with many Charlotte County racers in the cleanup. On Sunday Gulfcoast Modified promoter Gary Robertson and Open Wheel star Wayne Jefferson came down from the Tampa-St.Petersburg area.

Charlotte County is expected to reopen in three to six months. Which may be how long it takes to get the surrounding area back to some semblance of normal life. The devastation in the Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte area is beyond description, no amount of still photos, video or news commentary can prepare the mind for the scope of the catastrophic damage especially in the days immediately following Charley's rampage. It is safe to say the area will never be the same again, many racers will likely never return, having lost too much, and having only memories left, will seek other places to put down new roots.

As for the track, the future may be brighter than anyone expected. LeRoy Davidson said last week, "we have been knocked down before and we'll just have to get back up, fix the track, and make it better than before".

The weather has been brutal for Florida tracks in 2004, many of which have already been reeling from the effects of a wavering economy on many parts of Florida, and Charley certainly put the exclamation point on it.

One thing is for sure no one was laughing on Saturday, August 14, and it will be a long time coming before anyone laughs about a hurricane in south and central Florida.

Related News
John Barker' Ledger Column: Race Tracks Damaged but Not Top Priority

Jane Smith: Charley's Wrath

By Rick Warren

In this first of a series, we will profile some of the drivers in the popular Corteco Gaskets/GulfCoast Modified Series. We hope to allow you, the race fan, to get to know these fine racers a little better. The first driver we would like to introduce to you is 36 year old Teddy Nelson, winner of race #4 in the Corteco Series at Charlotte County Speedway on June 5, 2004.


(L to R) Dalton, Teddy and James Nelson

Teddy is a home grown talent, spending all his life in the Largo/Clearwater, Florida area. Teddy is married to his lovely wife Cindy, and they have 3 children, Amber, Dalton and Brylee.

Teddy's racing career has spanned 20 years, in many types of race cars, including Mini-stocks, Street Stocks, Super Late Models, and for the last 8 years, Open Wheel Modifieds.

Even when not at the track, Teddy is involved with racing and racers. His business, Nelson Brothers Machine Shop, specializes in building high performance engines, for anything from Street Rods to Drag Racers to any kind of Oval Track Racing Engine.

For Teddy, racing is a family activity. His earliest oval track experience came while helping his father, James Nelson. Teddy helped his Dad with his race car in what was then called the "Outlaw Class" at Sunshine Speedway in St. Petersburg, Fl. James had the #75 car driven by Dave Brakefield, and the younger Nelson started learning his way around a race car by working on the family race car.

In the same way, Teddy is introducing his son Dalton to the finer points of race car preparation. Dalton is an up and coming racer in his own right. Dalton races a Jr. Champ Kart, and this year won every heat race and feature that he entered. He also won his class championship at DeSoto Speedway.

In his career as a racer Nelson has won track championships in 1999 and 2000, at Desoto Speedway, in the Open Wheel Modified Division. He has raced local series at various tracks, and has also competed in different series, including the old SARA Modified Series, and the All American Challenge Series, and currently is in the top 10 in points in the Corteco Gaskets/GulfCoast Modified Series.

At one point, between 1998 and 2002, Teddy held 7 different track records at the same time. Nelson likes racing the Open Wheeled Cars, and says the reason is simple economics. Teddy says these cars are as competitive as any division in racing, and at the same time are much less expensive to build and maintain than the Super Late Models or an ASA car, or a Hooters ProCup car. According to Nelson, "You don't have buy fenders and body panels after almost every race."

Nelson also tells us that he enjoys the series format because it allows him to spend more time with his family. When questioned about his future plans in racing, Nelson responds that he would like to race another 4 or 5 years, and then start working his son Dalton into the drivers seat. This may also include relocation to North Carolina or Indiana.



Racing at any level involves hard work and a great deal of time to be successful. Nelson credits the hard work and long hours of his crew for his being able to field a competitive car at each event. His father is his Crew Chief, Car Chief, and #1 Mechanic. James has been at every race that Teddy has been in! All of his family takes an active part in the chores at the track, along with the rest of his crew, which includes Chester Layton, Sam Rogers, Barry Carlson and Neal Perez.

The Nelsons give a special thanks to Sam Philpot, who helped James construct the current race car, from the ground up. Just as the car was completed, Sam passed away due to heart problems, without getting to see the car on the track.

Nelson also knows the financial aspect of fielding a first class race team. Sponsorships are vital, and Nelson has many, including Nelson Brothers Machine Shop, Cindy's Vinyl Graphics, J. Cerda Roofing, New Homes of Tampa Bay, RD Motorsports, and Second Coming Ministries.

When asked what one thing Teddy would like the fans to know about him, that they may not already know, Nelson was quick to answer: "Simply this, that I am a Born Again Christian." We wish Teddy Nelson continued success and safety in his racing career, and encourage all that have the opportunity to meet him at a track near you.

(Rick Warren can be reached by e-mail at ardyuu@copper.net)

by Bill Green - "From Behind The MIC!"

I was there at age 5 to see it open. The vision of Leo Musgrave, that would be a Pinellas County Landmark for now on 44 years, will see it's last races on November 20th, 2004. That is the date given to current promoters, Frank & Bonnie Hill, Bonnie being one of the 11 children that Leo and Sybil Musgrave raised on this gulf coast peninsula patch of farm land.

My first day at Sunshine Speedway is only a distant memory some 44 years later. An old family photo of me in front of the front stretch fence, with my Dad's 32 Ford coupe on the track behind me has even disappeared over the years. Coming full circle in 1997, I became an announcer at Sunshine "ACTION" Speedway and remained there until my move to East Bay Raceway Park, Gibsonton, FL in 2003. I was privileged to have work where legends like Bobbie Allison, Red Farmer, Smokey Unyoke, Buzzie & Wayne Reutimann and thousands more, have driven and walked the sacred pits.

Progress has killed off the bulk of Florida's speedway's over the years. After a little research I have found there were some 47 race tracks for automobiles in the peek of the 1970's. But unlike Golden Gate Speedway, Phillips Field and the dozen other tracks that have come and gone over the years, Sunshine Speedway has made it through over 40 seasons of Saturday Night stock car racing as progress closed in to its four asphalt turns.

Leo Musgrave had visited those other raceways over the years leading up to the birth of his big plans. Seeing the car tags, that were from mostly his home county of Pinellas in the parking lots of those "other" tracks, set the wheels turning. Leo owned quit a bit of land in Pinellas County and the new airport wanted some of it, so a deal was struck and the vision began to rise up from the farmland.

Sybil Musgrave has outlived her husband, but still owns the entire Sunshine Speedway complex. The loss of which will have an effect on the stables, oval track and drag strip. But, it is the Sunshine "ACTION" Speedway signs that will come down first. All to make way for the future roads planned through and over the property by the Florida Dept. of Transportation.

Leo was one of the first race track owners that saw the races not as a competition, but as a live show for the spectators.

My father told me a story about Leo and a visit to Sunshine in the late 60's. Seems Dad had been a fairly regular visitor to the raceway and Leo knew that the towing of a stock car from the little town of Mulberry, some 50 miles away, was tedious at best. This particular night Dad's car blew up, sending a piston rod through the block in a very smokey and fiery display during the practice laps. Leo caught up to Dad after the car was loaded and shook his hand, placing in it a crisp $100 dollar bill. Leo only said the following, "Guess we'll see you in two weeks?" My dad looked into his hand and with what he called a big grin replied, "Yes sir, you sure will." The rest of my Dad's life, through June 1970, he never missed a race at Sunshine, even when he no longer campaigned a car.

Thousands of central Florida race fans over the years have trekked the necessary miles to visit the gem Leo and Sybil Musgrave designed in the late 50's. But you, YES YOU reading this story, you only have until that final checkered flag on November 20th to get a look at the amazing sites and sounds of the fastest 1/4 mile in the South. Don't miss out. Take the kids so they can dream too and maybe they will be passing down the story of the farmer and the vision, the opportunity and the institution that will forever be, Sunshine "ACTION" Speedway.

For more information about Sunshine Speedway's racing every Saturday Night through this final season, call the track office at 727-573-4598. Tell them you read it here, in this "From Behind The MIC!" commentary and you want to see Leo's Magic Pasture.

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By Marty Little

The count is now up to four, the number of Florida short tracks that will cease to operate at year's end. This is sad but true and the list could grow by a few more any day.

Jax Raceway - all the adjacent land has already been sold and owners of the speedway land have a signed contract for that as well. So, the entire complex of dirt oval, go kart track and drag strip are done when their season is over. This track opened in 1968 as Gator Speedway, a third-mile paved oval.

Hialeah - long rumored to be finished, this is finally the year. Regardless of what happens, the decaying 50 year old money pit will shut down in late November or early December and the bulldozers will take it down. The land is simply to valuable to remain a poorly attended speedway and will be developed.

Thunder Cross, Okeechobee - one of the newer ovals in the state, this nicely groomed clay quarter-mile oval on a former cattle/sod farm is closed already. Last event was final Saturday in June. Located just off Highway 70 east of town, the area will become a housing development. No word on the adjacent moto-cross track but since it's owned/operated by the same family it too is probably doomed. TC opened in June 1997.

Sunshine Speedway - This neat little quarter-mile oval and the adjacent eighth-mile drag strip, opened in 1960, have been sold to make room for nearby expressway expansion. Over time local growth has simply closed in on the facility and while the rumors have circulated for ages, they are now fact. The Hills have leased the track back from new owners and will finish out this season and then it's done.

Allan Brown's current National Speedway Directory shows 39 active facilities in Florida for 2004, so losing six (drag strips are seperate for Jax and Sunshine) is a 15.3% loss for one year.

May not sound like much, but a huge loss, especially to those who have raced or are currently racing at these tracks.

RIP to them all. If your local track is still in operation and healthy, be very thankful, because many are not.

Marty Little


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By Jack Smith

Dumb to the behind closed doors politics of Florida racing, naive to the treacherous shoals patrolled by a ruthless race track operator, the Bradenton Herald fell for the clever PR, hook, line and sinker.

"Then last week, it became official. Sunshine Speedway, arguably DeSoto's biggest business competition, was to close at the end of the season." That is one of the opening lines in a column written by Douglas A. Kaid, published in Saturday's Bradenton Herald.

Sunshine Speedway is not anywhere near being DeSoto's biggest competition, that distinction goes to dozens of other entertainment businesses, but it gives us an insight to the mindset of the current ownership, which is most certainly where the writer got that brilliant gem. Same place they got this quote describing Sunshine's closing, "like Christmas in July", attributed to one of the Bradenton owners.

Not sadness on losing a priceless treasure created by Leo Musgrave a half-century ago, no not even a momentary reflection on the real impact to Florida race fans and drivers. Just more of what many racers and fans we have spoke with over the last two years call unadulterated greed, a disease that many of those racers and fans see as the reason for a decimated car count compared to that enjoyed by the speedway prior to 2000.

Is this the "Christmas" they couldn't get when attempts in 2002-2003 to drive out Charlotte County Speedway ownership out of business failed?

Just to refresh your memory, the DeSoto owner made serious attempts between 2001 and 2003 to get the Charlotte County Airport Authority to not grant a new lease to LeRoy Davidson, his effort including giving blatantly false information to the Authority in support of his attempts to take over the Speedway. You can read one of those pieces of false information here. He was able to effect a huge increase in the amount of the monthly lease, which has had the effect of making it very difficult for the Charlotte County program to keep pace with the rest of the Florida tracks, especially in these tough economic times. It is a credit to the resiliency of the Charlotte County Speedway fans, racers, ownership and track management that they have been able to rise above the economic burden and currently have as successful a program as any track in Florida.

But even this "Christmas in July" isn't enough to satisfy the financial desires of this ownership.

Now it must embark on a campaign to rid Florida of the independent traveling shows, or at least to force them out of business by squeezing them financially.

"We have all decided that we own the playground and we're going to control what happens".

"The whole face of racing is going to change. It is our way or no way."

You can guess who made those statements. Yes that's right: the owner of DeSoto Speedway. It is that last line that draws the line in the sand and makes one wonder about "means" and "ends", and morals, and business ethics.

Are there issues that need to be addressed between the track owners and the promoters of the various traveling series? Of course there are and many of these have needed to be addressed for some time.

But this owner would do better to fix his own kitchen before telling the world he is in control.

A few months ago former DeSoto Speedway promoter and marketing whiz Margi Nanney joined DeSoto Speedway's team in an effort to use her considerable talents and local Sarasota and Manatee County connections to help bring back some of the veterans who have parked their cars since the current regime took over. As marketing director she envisioned helping improve the morale so necessary to the operation of a successful racing facility.

That dream was short lived however and she resigned last week citing a "difference in philosophy and a difference in principles". Which ironically is the same reason so many racers have parked their cars in the area.

Translated, that probably means that she became disgusted with the aggressive attempts by the ownership to undermine traveling series and lack of regard for the racers who provide the entertainment.

In fact Nanney came aboard specifically to try and win back the hearts and minds of the racers and the community. Nanneys' credentials in Manatee County are impeccable having served as the Marketing Director for Bill Graham Ford for nearly a decade. She is one of the most respected personalities in the Florida stock car racing scene. And now she too is gone.

No doubt many racers from Sunshine will go to DeSoto and give it a try, but many will go to Citrus County Speedway, which by the way has a good car count, and rumors being spread about that tracks demise are completely off the shelf nonsense.

Many will travel the 100 miles to Charlotte County Speedway, which still has three and one-half years left on it's current lease and is overall doing quite well in it's rebuilding program.

Many will opt to sell their racing equipment and go fishing, and many will join the traveling shows that the DeSoto ownership is so fervently opposed to.

But some of the Sunshine racers will go to Auburndale Speedway, some will make the trek across I-4 to race at Orlando Speedworld, and some will join the ranks of East Bay Raceway Park, a dirt track that is cut above most of the asphalt tracks in organization.

Tears will be shed on the day that DeSoto Speedway runs it's last race and rightfully so.

The state is losing Hialeah Speedway at the end of the year, but no one in South Florida jumped up and said it's "Christmas in July" over that one. Is that because there is only one ownership that has the point of view that it all business and impersonal and money is the only important commodity?

The highway that New Smyrna Speedway is located on was just named after its founder, Clyde Hart, by the State of Florida. That grand old speedway on the Clyde Hart Highway is creating a Hall of Fame type theme to honor its former competitors who after all made it what it represents today.

More tracks should follow that lead.

It is not about money. It is about keeping a sport alive for future generations, and if that is done wisely and with care and a look to continuing to improve and find new ways to satisfy the public's desire to be entertained, those ownership's will find that profits will be there.

Every time a track goes to seed, or is put on the auction block of human progress and becomes a highway, a shopping center or housing development the sport of stock car racing dies a bit.

New tracks can be built, contrary to popular belief, perhaps not built on the model of the 1970s or 1980s, but instead multi-use facilities that have several revenue streams.

Rejoicing over the closure of a Florida Speedway is tacky at best, disgusting to real race fans.

It is a shame to lose any race track and even though one day as certainly as the sun will set this evening they will all be gone, only by the current group of owners working together with each other and the independent traveling series to produce a better product for fans and racers can any long-term survival be expected for the sport you love.

It can't be saved by killing off members of the fraternity or stomping on imagined 'competitors' or listening to the sound of greed.

It is not "Christmas in July".

It is a sad day for racing.

-JS

[NOTE: Let us know what you think about this article and any comments you may have on any of the points made or not made, send an e-mail to KARNAC.com.]




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by Bill Green

Tampa, FL (June 18th, 2004) - Carlos J. Rodriguez is not your ordinary Go-Kart racer. He's not your ordinary rookie racer, by far. Carlos is different. Carlos cannot use his legs.

Young racers come from all walks of life, but most of them can walk. But when the younger Rodriguez began to show an interest in cars and the racing that his Father, Carlos A., was watching on TV, mom had an idea.

When the family moved from Massachusetts to Florida, she used the opportunity to try some parental psychology. Jannette Rodriguez made a deal with the want-a-be-driver. He would have to learn more of the normal day-to-day caring for himself. In return she promised him, his own Go-Kart.

"At the time, I was not thinking racing. I was thinking something for the yard, not trying to out run others." Jannette explained with her deep Spanish accent.

So the young driver worked hard to fulfill his end of the bargain. He brushed his teeth, learned personal hygiene and began the difficult road to self-sufficiency. As mom and dad looked on, Carlos really started to change. Little tasks that most of us take for granted, Carleto (Car-lee-toe), as his parents call him, had to work hard to master. But, he did and mom kept her promise.

Dad soon started watching the small trade papers and newspapers around their home in Gibsonton, Florida, for karts for sale. Finally a $1000 dollar Kart appeared in the paper. Carlos, Sr., was skeptical, but mom said at least we can look and see what it looks like to compare to others. So the Rodriguez family paid a visit to the Butch Rubb racing family.

They learned quickly that not only was it a cool looking Kart, but it was a very safe racing Champ Kart. As the Rodriguez's explained their story to Butch Rubb, he explained the safety of the extra roll cage and the local learner classes that were available at Ambassador Racing to teach young Carlos more about driving and competing. As Jannette explained the next part of the story, I choked up. You would have too. "Bill," she said, "Mr. Butch gave Carlos the Kart. He is an angel. He would not take any money and he has been there every step of the way as we began the racing."

After a full set of training days at the Ambassador Racing School in Balm, Florida, Carlos arrived at East Bay Raceway Park for his first night of racing. Even though it was a Champ chassis with special built hand controls, he entered the rookie beginner class. For the first 10 weeks he started at the back of the heat and feature lineups, but I think after recent events, he may take his rightful place among the pack in the near future.

Yyou have to understand that to compete at all makes Carlos the victor. Two events back he tested his parents nerve when he opted to go full speed into the exit lane fence, in order to miss the flagman standing outside turn 4. The sudden stop on the fence post stopped every heart that witnessed it. Carlos was OK and he was rolled into the pits with major front-end damage, everyone applauded his grit. The next week he would not just stop hearts, he scared the heck out of us all. Especially Mom.



As the race started Carlos kept pace with the others. Using hand controls is awkward to say the least. You're always a little slower to react, but as Carlos has gained experience, he has gained in car control. As he was near others on the track someone began to spin ahead of him. Someone behind bumped him. Suddenly Carlos J. Rodriguez was rolling. Tumbling over other racers. Landing back on his wheels in a sudden jolt. Think about it! You're eleven years old, you've just started racing and you've done everything to build your confidence and ability in a few short weeks. Last week you survived your first wreck and now, in your first real side-by-side racing, you get upside down.

When his father arrived, he was smiling. When his mother arrived, she wanted to stop. But, when Carlos' father ask how he felt, his reply was, "Fine." Medics quickly assessed the young driver and found no problems. So his father asked more questions. Where you scared? "A little bit, but I liked it!" Do you want to stop? "No, I want to race!"

As the helmet went back on and the engine fired, there erupted such a roar from the spectators that tears came to many eyes. The little boy, that mom thought would find life hard and cold as he learned simple tasks, was making friends at every event. Plus, after finishing third in a heat recently, he got lots of high-fives and good wishes, from his new found racing family. His self-esteem has grown and his parents now know that young Carlos can handle himself out in the world. On and off the track.

The story has been told before. Others have over come great odds to go racing, but reading it is not like living it.

Come to East Bay Raceway Park and meet the boy that won no races, just the admiration of all who watch him run in his Rookie Year. You'll be glad you came and your children will be glad you brought them, too!

You can meet Carlos Rodriguez, plus his bold and supportive parents on any given Friday Night during East Bay Raceway Park's "Friday Night Under-The-Lights" Go-Kart racing.

We'll See You At The Races!
William C. "Bill" Green

By Jack Smith

There have been several posts recently on our message board about why we do not cover the DeSoto Speedway news.

Hopefully this will answer those questions.

The owner of the speedway said two things on March 13, 2004 while Rebecca Richards and I were in the DeSoto Speedway office in preparation to cover the TBARA Sprints.

1. "No way in hell are you coming in here" to Rebecca Richards and myself with his secretary present. We were thus denied entry to the speedway.

2. When I asked "Don't you want us to cover your racers?" He replied with only the following "I really don't give a f_ _ k".

Nothing more or less occurred than than.

Other related facts are:
This was a few weeks after I personally arranged with the publisher of Florida Motorsports Magazine to have a feature article done on the speedway and the son of the owners, which subsequently appeared in the next issue of that publication.

Repeated attempts through (speedway public relations person) Margi Nanney to have whatever issues the ownership of the speedway has with KARNAC resolved through meetings with the ownership got absolutely nowhere, as the speedway owner flatly refused and the last statement transmitted to me was that the owner "wanted nothing to do with KARNAC".

The statement made by Rick Anges (DeSoto Media Rep) in a post dated 06/07/2004 "We do not pay karnac for advertising there for we are not covered!" is a complete and utter falsehood and he knows it quite well.

We will in the future cover the speedway's operation exactly when and by what means we choose, and are extremely sorry to know that there is an ownership with such a closed attitude toward mutual cooperation to improve and expand short track racing in Florida.

We have repeatedly said in e-mails to Rick Anges and in conversations with Margi Nanney, that we were willing to meet with the owners at any time or anyplace to resolve whatever issues they have with KARNAC.com

We have no idea what those issues are, have asked repeatedly and have never been given a clear answer.

We will not be harrassed nor intimidated in the Florida racing community by these falsehoods any further.

Any further questions may be sent by e-mail to karnac@verizon.net.

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by Kim Hale
-KARNAC.com/FLMS Magazine

Forty-five minutes in my car driving I-75 North from Naples, I found myself in Punta Gorda. About ½ mile off the highway, I pulled down a dirt road where I got my first glimpse of Charlotte County Speedway. Lawn chairs lined the top of a grassy hill off turn 4 and the parking lot was filled with the cars that brought dedicated race fans to watch some good old fashion Saturday night racing.

I pulled into my parking spot and headed over to the pit window to grab my pass for the evening. This was my first visit to Charlotte County Speedway, let alone I had never been to a short track. I gave the lady my name and she put a band around my wrist that said VIP. By this time, my adrenaline had begun to run, and I was getting extremely excited. I asked her where does this get me, she looked at me and said anywhere you would like to go. I could not believe what was happening. I was not sure of where to start walking, so I headed over to the grandstands. I gave the girl at the entrance a dollar for a raspberry lemonade lollipop that she was selling. She was too cute not to buy one.

As I walked in, I finally saw the asphalt track. To the left was the grassy hill I saw from the parking lot, and the grandstands made of boards and iron bars holding it together, were to the right. I stood near the fence for a second to catch my breath and see all the beauty in front of my eyes. There were only a few cars on the track practicing. When I finally got a glance of one of the cars, it looked a little funny. The cars had no fenders on them and were not your typical NASCAR stock cars that I was expecting. Later that evening I found out that they were the Open-Wheel Modified cars.

I found a seat in the stands and took in another deep breath. Calmness raced through my body, I knew I was home. I looked over to the right and saw the oranges and pinks of one of the most gorgeous sunsets I had ever seen in Florida. Over by turn 2 the cars were behind the track wall waiting their time to roar around the asphalt oval. Cars were traveling up and down I-75 in the background not knowing what magic was happening at Charlotte County Speedway. The infield had a huge asphalt X in the middle. What was that for I wondered? There were also a few battered old cars also in the infield. Are they are going to race those? I knew then that I was going to watch some racing, as I had never seen before.

Since I had this VIP band around my wrist, I went for a walk, exploring the track. My feet took me to pit row. Cars were lined up with crew members putting final touch-ups on set-ups for their cars, some drivers where talking with family and friends. Walking onwards, I saw many different types of cars. If I thought the Open-Wheel cars looked strange, then what were these small, souped-up, go-cart looking things called?

This was going to be a learning experience. The TQ Midgets were definitely my favorite looking cars of the night. Those things just looked fast. I could not wait to see what they would do on the track. Along my walk, I also saw the 4-cylinder, Road Warrior, stock and super stock, and the Thunder Truck cars. It was amazing. All these cars gathered to accomplish one goal, which was to win the checkered flag.

"Kim Hale please come to the timing tower," was heard over the loud system. I was hoping that maybe they found my ID I had lost during my walk. I headed over to the tower; Jack and Rebecca greeted me. It was nice to finally meet them and know that my questions where going to be answered. I got a quick run down of what was going on for that evening. There was going to be a lot of racing. Seven featured events were on the schedule, plus a figure 8 Road Warriors race and a fan participation flag pole race.

I followed Rebecca back to the pits. She told me some safety rules to follow while in the pits and the infield. She gave me a small tour and told me about the cars I was going to watch that night. We headed back to the stands for the opening ceremonies. I took my seat once again in the stands.

A school bus with tiger stripes on it was waiting at the start/finish line. The announcer asked if there were any children that would like to ride the bus. Kids came running out of the stands. Parents accompanied a few. Fans rose to honor our country in the playing of the National Anthem.

A young girl beautifully sang The Star Spangled Banner. I looked around and saw the stands full of fans, young and old, on their feet, their hats over their hearts. The bus lead the parade, followed by a blue truck waving our flag, and than the safety crew for the night. As the anthem ended, the bus began to do figure 8's for the kids. The kids were having the time of their life out there on that track. What a time to be an adult I thought. When the bus stopped, the announcer told parents to collect their kids. It was racing time.

It was time for the first featured event of the night, 12 laps of 4-cylinder car racing. There were a few kids driving. A parent must accompany any child driving who was under the age of 16. For only 5 cars on the track, it was a exciting race, especially for my first one at the speedway.

Cody Benoit, driver of the #39 took the lead after #33 driven by Chris Loney, crashed into the wall in turn 4. After that, it was smooth sailing for Cody. He took the checkered flag and thanked his family and sponsors for helping him get to the winner's circle, and like any great racer, thanked all his fans for supporting him.

Every race that followed was just as exciting.

I sat in the stands for the Road Warriors race. With a name like Road Warriors, this had to be interesting. The race filled with cautions and lead changes, just like any great race. If you were in front of another car coming out of turn 2 and looked in your review mirror, there was sure to be another car on your bumper waiting to give you a bump and run. Those Road Warriors sure did live up to their names.

On lap 9 the #22 driven by Ann Marie Ricardi went into turn 3 sideways than headed into the dirt bringing on the first caution of the race. There were 3 more cautions during that 25 lap race. On lap 23 #30 driven by Chris Huntoon gave the #18 a little bump and run coming out of turn 2. #30 eventually took the checkered flag 2 laps later.

My soda I drank earlier finally had the best of me. If I had to choose to go into the bathrooms at Charlotte County Speedway or Homestead-Miami Speedway, it would be Charlotte hands down. They were clean and well kept. It was nice not having to be scared of the bathrooms.

I then took off back to the pits. The stock car racers were on the track getting their turns at taming the asphalt. I sat on the wall, behind the fence, off Turn 2 during the race. They came in hard off turn 1 and went high out of turn 2. You could feel the cars as they rushed around the track. Friends, family, and crew members lined the wall cheering on their driver. That was my favorite spot to watch the race. Piece of advise, if you go down to the speedway, and want to see the race up close, pay the money to get a pit pass and sit on the wall. It was truly amazing to sit there. I fell in love with racing all over again.

The highlight of the evening was watching the fan participation flagpole race. All those battered old cars on the infield were going to get their chance at a race.



First, a flagpole race is where you have a flag in the middle of the track, in this case, before turn 1, and every time you go by the flag you must complete a 360-degree circle around the pole and than continue on your way.

At the beginning of the evening, they had sign-ups from fans of who would like to enter this event. The only requirements were that you were over the age of 18 and had a helmet. Several drivers donated their helmets for the fans to use. It was truly something that the track wanted to give back to the fans for supporting them every week. It was their way of saying 'Thank you'.

Ok, so let me get this straight. A bunch of racing fans are going to get into old cars and race around the track, but also having to do a circle around a flagpole. How fascinating. The cars lined up, green flag dropped and off they went. Around the track they went, and then it was time for the flagpole. Single file down the straightway and than the brakes came on to go around the pole. The first few went around incident free. As more cars came went around the more hectic it got out there. One car would go around the pole hoping not to run into another car trying to start their circle around the pole. As the race went on, the people increasingly got more daring around the pole. It was a sight to see. Next time I am down there, I will be in one of those cars to experience for a brief moment what it is like to be a driver of a race car.

My other favorite part of the night was to watch the Road Warriors compete in a figure 8 race. 15 laps of figure 8's, with drivers who have never ran this type of race, more excitement going down at Charlotte County Speedway. Figure 8's are when they use the X in the infield. They race around the corners, but go through the X thus forming a figure 8 during the lap.

At first, the cars went single file around the track. As the laps went on, the cars got spread out, making it more dangerous to cross in the middle of the X. Around lap 8, it got interesting. Lap after lap there were narrower escapes in the middle of the X. The leader would not want to give up his lead by stopping. Full speed they ran down the X, meeting up with someone coming in from the other side. Imagine sitting in your car, going towards on coming traffic trying to get through the same intersection as you are going through, just in different direction. That to me is just plain nuts, but makes for an exciting spectator event. Everyone escaped with minor damages. The Mazda, which was used for the flagpole race, was also used for this race. It suffered the most damage, loosing only it's front bumper. I needed to catch my breath after this race. My heart was racing for the drivers.

If you have only ever been to a NASCAR race, go to a small local short track. See where all the big names got their starts. I cannot wait to go again. It will only take one time, and you will be hooked for life. I know I am.

Charlotte County Speedway is the home of amazing and exciting racing. If you live any where near there and are bored on a Saturday night, get in your car and drive down there. Pay the $15 for your ticket and have a fun filled night of racing. Support the locals.

You never know when who you might see later on the NASCAR circuit. In addition, just think, you can say, hey I saw him down at Charlotte County Speedway where he got his start.

-Kim Hale

[Editors Note: Kim Hale is the newest edition to KARNAC.com's growing group of staff reporters and photographers, she also writes for KARNAC's partner in print Florida Motor Sports Magazine. Kim can be reached at kimhale@karnac.org]

by Jane Smith

Okay, you are angry, you are mad, you think it is okay to downgrade anyone, anything, anytime. Are you right - never.

As people and citizens of the same country, where is our respect for each other?? Has it gone out the door, thrown in the wastebasket never to be thought of again. Racing is a sport and on a local level, it is done for fun. Not for money, maybe for glory sometimes, but mostly fun.

Then why, when you have nothing to gain, do some find it okay to invade others lives, to start wars where there are no wars. Every track has it's own problems, and whether you like to hear it, see it, believe it, fans and drivers can and do make a difference in those problems.

Every driver and every fan know exactly what a "dirty driver" is. Is that acceptable behavior anymore on a racetrack - NO IT IS NOT. Does the track owe the other drivers the right to be able to race without fear when they have seen that one driver uses his car as his brain??? Yes they do or eventually all the good drivers go where they can have fun and not drive in fear.

In today's world, nothing is certain except that we all need one another to survive. Yet in our play time, we act like we have never been civilized, never been taught there is a time and place for everything. We open our mouths and NEVER think.

NASCAR is going down hill fast. It has out-priced itself and lost the fun in racing. Local tracks still have the fun and although some do get carried away with how much money they spend on a car, most are everyday hard working joes who do the best they can and love every minute of it.

Tracks do not run on air and there is alot of time and hard work involved in getting everything done and ready for racing. Is it appreciated - NEVER. Food does not magically appear, bathrooms do not service themselves. Schedules, rules do not just appear on paper without hard work going on to make them. Gas, tires, parts are not dropped out of the sky by helicopters.

Tempers get hot, life long grudges are built, out goes the fun and in comes the desire to do nothing more than to take that person out. EXCEPT when that is done, who really wins? No one. Not the track, not the fan, not the drivers.

Racing message boards are meant to help not harm or belittle or use language that our mothers would have washed out our mouths for. Do four letter words make you a BIG person. Only in the eyes of the few who know no better.

Once I had a friend who never had a bad word to say about anyone or anything. Oh, he would get mad when he felt someone had done him wrong but he never held a grudge and he never went after that person.
He was loved and respected and no one was afraid to drive next to him because they knew he had common sense and racing was just racing and things happen. Maybe not what he wanted always but they did happen.

If you persist in looking for the bad in everything and everyone you encounter in life, you will find no good. Looking for the bad is easy, finding the good takes work and it seems that for some, that is just too hard to do.

This is it, the only chance you get in life. Find the good, forgive the bad, and put the fun back in racing and the friendship back in your heart. You might just find that life truly is a blessing and you are the one who is blessed by life.



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Arnie Frye
-KARNAC.com

Daytona Beach, Fl.

Racing at Daytona and racing anywhere else is not the same. It seems when race car drivers come to Daytona they leave their brains at home and come with one thought, "win ay any cost".

Now these races are run to be won by someone. So of course everyone wants to win every race. But there is something about coming to Daytona Beach that is different and causes strange things to happen in the drivers minds. They throw caution to the wind when they get here.

This change in these drivers is nothing new. I have been coming to Daytona since 1959 and it has always been that way. It doesn't matter what type of race car you drive either. It can be a sports car, stock car, IROC car or even a motorcycle. It is just a wild eyed bunch that gets behind the controls of these high powered racing machines.

Look back at the racing we have seen since the Rolex 24 hours of Daytona. There have some strange driving habits in control of all types of machines. And as the week has progressed things have increasingly gotten more aggressive. There have been some big accidents even in practice.

It was almost like you could see it slowly starting during the Rolex 24. Then came the Budweiser Shootout last weekend. Now it seems that the lights have made this change over even worse than ever before. Is there some kind of gremlin in the night air? Do you think it could be all that salt blowing in from the beach?

I never heard of a salt high. I have heard of a sugar high but that’s not it because there is no more sugar here than anywhere else. Friday afternoon in the Crown Royal IROC race we even Danny "The Dude" Lasoski, from the World of Outlaws acting strange and sticking the nose of his race car in places thee was no room.

Maybe I have found the answer to it all though, it’s the YELLOW LINE. No where else except Talladega and Daytona do they have the YELLOW LINE. That has to be it because now that I think of it they do kind’a act the same at both places. Do you really think that could be it?

No that can’t be it either because New Smyrna Speedway and Volusia County Speedway Park has the same thing going on in the races they are having. They don’t have a YELLOW LINE at either of those tracks.

Maybe it is the spirit of Fireball Roberts, Barney Oldfield and all those racers from the past. That can’t be it because it was the same way even when they were here. That also means I can not blame on the younger and younger drivers coming here to race. In fact most of them are having less trouble than the ones that have been here for a while.

Did "Big" Bill France know something about this special place on the east coast of Florida that turns men crazy about speed or was he effected too? Maybe he got the bug and brought it here. Do you suppose? Where did he get it and is there a cure? Sure doesn’t seem like there is at this time. Even as I type this I hear them going fast around this place and bumping into each other. They are even bouncing off the walls. Maybe these walls need PADDING.

I know it cannot be the smells of racing that causes this strange change in these men and even a few women. Speaking of the women maybe that is why this sport has been so bad to the ladies that have attempted to play with these boys. The sport doesn’t want to see ladies act like these men are. No that is not it. I know Shawna Robinson and she can hang with the best of these guys any time. She is as tough as any man out there.

Maybe it is a combination of the salt air and the sand!?!? Well if that is it then why do they act much the same at Talladega? No salt and no sand there.

Some people say it is the size of the track. That can’t be it because Indy is the same size as Daytona. These same men are not as crazy there as here.

Others have said it is the High Banking but Bristol has that. Hum, hey maybe that is it! Things get pretty crazy at Bristol. No that is the way every race is on a short track.

Well I am still looking for the answer to what makes these drivers change. But I don’t think I have found it yet. There are a couple more days of Speed Weeks 2004 left so I guess I had better get to work and figure it out soon.

[Arnie Frye can be reached at ArnieFrye@karnac.org]

Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board!
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By Arnie Frye
-KARNAC.com

Alli Owens - Mini Stock racer

By Jack Smith
KARNAC.com

On the Super Late Model scene in 2004 look for even better races, more co-operation between sanctions and tracks, and not to put too heavy a spin on it, more co-operation problems.

By Rebecca Richards
-KARNAC.com

Engines rumbling in the background, wiping his hands with a shop rag, Dan Benoit of Ft. Myers, watches his yellow 1977 # 74 Camaro Enduro roll out of the pits at Charlotte County Speedway after he checks it over prior to the race. A part of his normal routine for this remarkable racer and car builder, he has to make sure that everything is to his satisfaction.

Down to earth and honest, Dan Benoit races in an asphalt Enduro series for fun and as serious business and in the Sportsman Series. He said, "Having fun, and beating the other guys is the fun of it, ...it's stress ...a lot of laps, a lot of wear and tear on the car...engine, transmission and the out side of the car from other racers' banging into you, and your body.

When I get out of the car, my arms hurt. Out there, it's survival, you want to make it to the end and try to stay on the lead lap." He's proud of his 19 out of 21 feature win record too, he admits modestly. Dan claimed his first feature win in 1993 in the B-Tigers division at Plattsburg, NY. That was 18 feature wins earlier. Now fans can watch Dan race the yellow, #74 Dan and Son's Free Junk Car Removal, Full Scale Builder's, and Meems and Pop's sponsored 1977 Camaro race around Charlotte County Speedway, his home track, and DeSoto, Volusia, Jacksonville and Jack's Speedways.

Dan is quick to give credit to the people who make his race team successful. He says he couldn't do it without his team; wife, Kim, father-in-law, Bill Sawyer, Meems and Pops and his three sons. Kim and Dan met when her Dad, Bill Sawyer hired Dan to build a race car.

"I didn't even know racing existed before I met Dan!" she said, "The first time I went was in 1992 and I was pretty amazed actually. I didn't know what any of the flags meant or anything about them." Now Kim is as addicted to the sport as Dan and the couple's three sons.

What makes an Enduro race so different from other classes is the "endurance" aspect. The car has to be built sturdy and the engine able to handle the high speeds, heat and duration. For the racer it's a constant battle of upper body stamina, concentration, coping with the heat and clear thinking for 100 to 250 laps.



"An Enduro race is just green and red, no yellows. You have to have a good car to make it to the end. These cars sometimes look like junk but they have to be built tough to make 250 laps, and you don't want to come in and pit," Benoit said with a laugh, continuing, "A flat tire really makes you mad. You get down four laps and your chances of winning are over." "You can go to five and six races and win some serious money," stated Benoit. "The most I've ever won was a $5,000 race followed by a $3,000 to win event. I haven't won the ten grand yet, but I think I can do it," laughs Dan.

The serious side of Enduro racing is the victory though. A $20,000, $10,000, or $5,000 to win race event is becoming more popular, and attracting more Enduro racers' eyes besides Dan's.

A $10,000 to win Enduro race can easily draw 70 to 90 cars. Out of those cars according to Dan, 50 will be racing for the $10,000, not beating, banging you, and trying to put you out. "They want to win that money too. If you can take a car and beat it for 200 laps and win $10,000 even $5,000, it's a lot of fun, " he said. Dan's race season is usually through the winter which leaves time for he and wife, Kim's three sons to race.

Danny, 13, and Codey, 10 both race at Charlotte County Speedway in 1985 Dodge Chargers in the new kid's club. Youngest son, Billy, 7, races around on the family's home dirt track on their property. Kim may not have had a clue in 1992 about anything to do with racing, but over 10 years, after marrying a racer, and three sons whom love to race later, Kim Benoit is well versed in the sport!

-E-mail Rebecca Richards at rebecca@karnac.org

By Rick Warren
-KARNAC.com

What do racers do during the off season? Some build new race cars. Some rebuild old race cars. Some go hunting. Some catch up on chores that were put off during the long racing season. Some however, this year, decided to go to school.

Racing School! Not just any racing school, but a school held by 3 of the winningest racers in the state of Florida.

Wayne Anderson, Lee Faulk, and Dick Anderson were on hand to not only talk about winning, but to share the knowledge they have gained over years of racing and winning.

Mike Howell, himself a former racer, and vice president/director of the school, explained the school was designed for the serious racer. It was intended to take the racer, starting with basics, and rapidly moving into hands on setup, and showing the racer how to get the absolute most from their race car. The final day would include track time on the asphalt of Ocala Speedway, to put the newly gained knowledge to the test.

With over 50 students in attendance, everyone stayed very busy, especially the instructors and their assistants. Racers traveled from as far away as Arkansas, Pennsylvania and Georgia to learn more about how to make their racers go faster.

As local racer Jeremy Gerstner described it, “I’m here looking for that edge. If I can spend a weekend and pick up a couple tenths on the track, it’s time well spent.” Another racer put it this way; “I’ve followed behind the Andersons on the track more than once. I’d like to race with them. I want to find some of the Anderson Magic”.

Day One

The quest for the ”Anderson Magic” began Friday morning. After a Meet and Greet session, it was on to the classroom for some serious learning. Presentations were made by all three instructors, concerning definition of terms, relationship of chassis parts, ( i.e. why does changing the location of the panhard bar affect the way the front of the car works? ), and typical race preparation.

Presentations were also made by representatives from various manufacturers of racing hardware. These presentations by the manufacturers were not designed to sell specific products, but to inform the racers of the best methods of using the racing equipment, and how to select the right part for each specific application.

Dan O’Connell, a very successful race engine builder, talked about getting the most power and durability from an engine. Dan discussed proper methods of measuring valve lash, what exactly a compression test will let you about your engine, and how carburetor / spacer plate / intake manifold combinations affect total output and best operating RPM of a racing engine.

Mike Newcomb of ARP racing bodies was on hand to discuss what is available in the world of race car bodies. He explained proper mounting techniques, and how placement of the body can affect the handling characteristics of a race car.

Gaylord Rowe had several examples of the latest safety equipment on display, and explained pros and cons of the different safety devices that are currently available. As he talked about safety, Mr. Rowe, of R & R Solutions, and also a representative of Safety Solutions / Bill Simpson Racing, had all the students’ undivided attention.

Also present were Trent Thomasson and Steve Hood, of Essex Parts Services, manufacturers of AP Brake Products. Mr. Hood is a product engineer with the parent company in England, and Mr. Thomasson is a product manager from North Carolina.

In his presentation, Thomasson explained in depth the importance of attention to detail, and brake system maintenance, to keep good brakes on a race car for the entire race. Thomasson and Hood also discussed the different brake fluids available for racing applications, and pros and cons of the various fluids.

Walt Stanley of PRO Shocks discussed various shock packages, what to do to keep expenses down in the shock absorber department. Stanley also explained techniques to insure long life for shocks. Stanley also explained different terms in “shock language”, and how to use shocks to fine tune a race car chassis.

All during the days classroom activities, questions from the students were welcomed and encouraged. As you might imagine, all the students had a multitude of questions for all the manufacturers representatives, and the reps all did an excellent job of answering the questions. At the end of the day, all the students agreed that this was a very beneficial day. Jeremy Gerstner, Ocala Speedway 2003 Modified Champion, remarked that he had attended several racing schools, and added, “ I got more useful information today than all the other schools combined”.

Day Two

Day 2 dawned bright and sunny, and very warm for this time of year. As the pit area where the racers had their cars set up came to life, it looked almost like a race day. Any student without a car was assigned to one of the teams with a car. All the racers went to work on the cars, putting into practice the knowledge they had gained the day before in the classroom.



Class books full of notes were in use everywhere you looked, and the instructors were busier than a cows tail in fly season. At any time you might see an instructor under a car helping to square the chassis, or at the tech shed showing the correct way to rate a spring, or leaning under a fender helping to square a brake caliper, or demonstrating the easiest way to measure and adjust bump steer.

All day , while the students were literally rebuilding their racers, with help from the instructors, the manufacturers reps were just as busy, giving advice, and even turning the occasional wrench. One racer was heard to say that he hoped the Speedway didn’t charge him for filling the dumpster with his no longer needed parts! As the day went on, all the cars were nearing readiness for the test and tune session to come on day 3.

Chris Turner, a Late Model driver from Naples, Fl.told us how good it was to have the car right there, so that He and his crew could make some immediate practical applications of the tips they had picked up in the classroom.

Young Ryan Forstner, 16 years old, all the way from Arkansas, and fresh from running the Snow Flake Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, talked about how much he had learned about the chassis, and how he felt it would help him to better communicate what the car was doing on the track to his crew chief, (his father).

Another young racer, Jackie Ziegler, 13, from Pennsylvania explained that coming from open wheel racing, the full bodied cars were a new experience for her, and the knowledge gained would really help her hit the track running. As her ambition is to work her way into the Busch ranks, and eventually into Nextel Cup, she felt that this experience was invaluable to her.

Nobody in the work area worked any harder than this young lady, and any who got to know her will not be surprised if someday they see her name in the ranks of Nascar.



Tal Ethridge, from Georgia, an experienced racer, and his crew, seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the day, and doing a tremendous amount of work on their bright yellow racer. Tal was heard to say that the best part of the school so far was learning that there were easier ways to do things in setting up a race car chassis. By the end of day 2, all the students were learning that “finding the edge”, or “getting some magic”, could be done, but involved a great deal of work.

Day Three

The Payoff for all the hard work. This was the time to see what all the hard work had accomplished. The day started with the instructors speaking on actual driving techniques. Early apex, Late apex, what it means, what it does, what situation for each.

The instructors took the students around the track, describing best lines, where to brake, and why. They talked about passing, where best to accomplish it, and where it was probably not a wise move. As the drivers hit the track, it was plain to see that all had paid great attention to the lessons.

As the day progressed, drivers gained confidence, got used to new set ups, lap times got quicker, and adjustments were made. The drivers all got experience and understanding as to what changes affect what on their race car. You could see the drivers and crew members smiling as all the pieces of the newly gained knowledge started to fit together.

The key to the puzzle of the consistently quick race car was coming to completion for these dedicated racers. At the end of the day, all those who experienced this racing school agreed, that it was time very well spent.

Many expressed plans to return next year, and others say they will recommend the school to any serious racer who wants to stay on top of the game. And who knows, perhaps some of them, if not all , found the “magic” that they were looking for.

PHOTO GALLERY AVAILABLE HERE

-Rick Warren

[Rick Warren is the Media Representative for Bronson Motor Speedway and a regular photo contributor to KARNAC.com]

By Jack Smith
-KARNAC.com

Florida race fans were treated to a full night of entertainment Saturday with a little something for everyone.

There was some excellent races, record breaking speeds, a spectacular crash and at least a few tempers approached the explosion point.

Citrus County Speedway, located about 50 miles north of Tampa on Route 41 in Inverness, is a three-eighth mile banked asphalt track with wide straights. Every year the track keeps the racing spirit burning with their Winter Spectacular events, first in December followed up with an event in January.

This seemed like a good time and place to take KARNAC.com's newest photographer, Oliver Pioquinto, to another Florida track, what with the weather expected to be very mild, and Super Late Models on the bill.

Saturday's main event was a Super Late Model 125 lap race and supported by a 50 lap Mini Stock race, Open Wheel Lites series and a few of the local classes.

In the first race of the night Rick Fort in the #2 car chased the leader #33 Justin Durbin for the last 10 laps making a last lap pass for the win, in what was as good a race as any the 'big boys' put on.

Then things got heated up pretty good early on with the Wilson-Smith feud being rekindled.



It all started when the #42 got up on the outside of Doc Batson's #77 who was running behind the #85, the latter with his eyes glued to the mirror.

Coming out of turn 2 the #42 of two time champion Richie Smith and the black number 85 got together hard, then got twisted together, then both spun down into the infield.



It was rather amazing, and amusing to some to see a Hobby Stock race take on epic proportions somewhat resembling a WWF commercial, for what couldn't have been for more than a hundred dollars or so. A few of these folks carried on like the Hatfields and McCoys and gave the local Sheriff's Department a workout in barfight negotiations. General Manager Tim Christman showed extreme patience in dealing with the unruly racers and eventually it all quieted down.

The team from the 42 car were not a set of happy campers, and put on a display that would have gotten them removed on the spot from many tracks. But the folks that run Citrus seem to know their people and got things simmered down without any blows being traded, and saved the Citrus taxpayers money from sending anyone on a trip to the pokey.

Maybe it's something in the water, but I jokingly told Oliver it was the Nuclear Reactor up the road a piece that causes folks to get so enraged over a sporting event.

Bronson photographer and media writer, Rick Warren, gave Oliver a few tips, among them the golden rule for track photographers, "Don't turn your back on the cars". Oliver, equipped with his souped up digital equipment, soon learned the importance of that rule, courtesy of Rick Sirmans.

Rick Sirmans is unquestionably one of the best Mini Stock racers in the state, and a regular on the Florida Mini Stock Challenge Series tour. Last month he took advantage of lapped traffic in the final few hundred yards at New Smyrna's big half-mile to win the FMSC series 100 lap support race for the Governor's Cup.

Steve Griffin, a young man who also had a strong run at the New Smyrna race, had to leave with a busted radiator after running in second and getting caught up in the first caution on lap seven involved a hand full of the competitors.

Shortly after the restart George Neumann took his #99 to the lead with #51 Dustin DesChamps following and what remained was to hold off the monster charge of Rick Sirmans in the familiar zero-five machine.


Sirmans (yellow car) and DesChamps in need of a new hood a few laps before disaster

Sirmans had moved up into the third spot as the top three began to drive in and around lapped cars at about lap 30, eventually passing DesChamps and climbing on the rear of Neumann dodging the lapped cars as they wound down the laps.

On lap 43, Rick Warren's lesson to Oliver came home. Sirmans came up off of turn two with one more lapped car to clear which would leave the battle just between him and Neumann. The lapped #18 and Sirmans made contact, Sirmans car slammed with intense force into the beginning of the back straight wall, the pitch of the motor changed and the 05 flew off the wall full bore at an angel headed to the infield and hit DesChamps who was coming underneath to avoid the wreck.



The impact luckily turned Sirmans car a little sideways and it flew at speed into the infield headed for the photographers on the hill and impaled itself on the guardrails situated in the infield with a loud crash. As a collective gasp was heard in the crowd, Sirmans amazingly was out of the car before anyone could reach him, the red flag out immediately and officials and the County Fire and Rescue rushing to the scene within seconds.

A stuck throttle is a scary thing at a race track.

A shame because the lapped cars that had helped Sirmans win a 100 lap race now took away a chance for the win in the 50 lapper and the fans lost a chance to see a real 5 lap battle for the win between Neumann and Sirmans. After the race was restarted Neumann cruised to an easy and well deserved victory.

All this excitement and it was only 8 o'clock, and the Super late Models were getting ready to go for 125 laps, the race preceded by the sixteen drivers being introduced on the front straight.

Herb Neumann, Jr. started the race on the outside pole with Dave Pletcher (Red #75) firing off first. Well he was supposed to anyway. It took a few times to get the start 'started', green flag instead of yellow flag.

It actually was comical to see these machines doing a 'you go first' routine. Pletcher seemed to be a step behind on the starts all night. We counted seven cautions and seven times Pletcher gave Neumann a two to three car cushion on the starts.

Not that it mattered as Pletcher held second all 125 laps and Wayne Anderson, Florida's most dominant Super Late Model racer in 2003, held third the whole race.

On each restart it would take Neumann a few laps to build up a comfortable lead on Pletcher and Anderson would fall back a five or six car lengths with the field bunched up behind him.

Anticipation mounted all through the race Neumann clearly was the class of the field this night.



It looked like the hard charger was Jim Smith in Pletcher's "old" car, the black #75. Smith started 8th and took the checkers in fourth.

All in all it was pretty good night at Citrus County, good crowd for mid-December and a good car count. The track has all the basics covered, new General Manager Tim Christman is all over the place general managing. He went around to all the Mini Stock drivers as they sat in staging telling them good luck and shaking hands with many.

The safety crews are from the County and of course have top notch equipment on hand and a full staff of professional EMS and firemen ready to go to work. There was plenty of Sheriff's Deputies on hand to keep the peace.

We highly recommend a trip to Citrus for the second stage of the Winter Spectacular on January 17th. Check the weather and dress accordingly, but you won't be disappointed.

by Jack Smith
-KARNAC.com

Regardless of the ins and outs of the situation between the owners of two tracks, and the subsequent opinions of staffs, racers and fans, the attached letter speaks volumes.

There are far too few race fans, far too few drivers and crews.

No track, not DeSoto, not Charlotte, not New Smyrna, not Bronson, not DeSoto, not Charlotte, not Sunshine, no one is filling their stands on a regular basis.

John Barker of the Lakeland Ledger has written several articles recently and much hand wringing has been going on for the last few years nationwide over the dwindling stock car fan base as well as the continuing effort to stop the trend toward pricing the average Tom Dick or Harry out of the racing game. $10,000 motors in lower classes and increased competition from hundreds of other forms of entertainment, along with escalating costs of doing business are the real culprits and should be the real issues that are addressed.

If one track falters, it could be argued that this will have a negative long range impact on all tracks. I doubt many owners look at it that way, but real business folks, (with real money) always argue in support of their industry, not the exclusion of players. Right now racing needs to make a larger pie, not fight tooth and nail over increasingly smaller pieces of a shrinking pie.

There is much discussion and more co-operation between race tracks in Florida these days than have been evident in the last 6 or 7 years. Who is to say whether any of these cooperative efforts will have any lasting effects. We would like to think so.

Talking recently with one promoter, I made a statement to the effect that there are tons of potential volunteers and intelligent, capable people across the state who would help the efforts of owners and promoters. This statement was made in reply to the promoters comment that it was a shame there were not more people willing to help promotional efforts or something to that effect. When I made my comment I saw the head swivel in disbelief at my comment.

There ARE plenty of capable people who don't need to get compensated with stock options and part ownership, a simple sincere "thank you" is often enough. One lady a few years back had this experience: She helped promote a rather large event, worked dozens of hours over weeks and raised thousands of dollars in contingencies and got a great turnout, almost exclusively her own doing. She, after not even getting that pat on the back, said she would never do it again.

And she hasn't and probably will not. One more ambassador for stock car racing silenced at the hands of a promoter/owner with reads his bottom line through the prism of thoughtlessness and personal glory and greed. I could site a book's worth of examples from around the country, but I won't bore you with sob stories.

There are exceptions to the above, and those stories will get told in due time. There are still business people out there who know that people are the real capital, not those greenbacks in the safe.

The point is this: a bigger pie is the target, not glee at the hardships of your "competitor"

If the letter attached to this article <(click here to read it), written by one track owner to the landlord of another facility, represents a proper approach to the business of stock car racing in the early 21st Century God had better help the sport, for only He can save it.

- Jack Smith


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This is a reprint of a story that was in the September 3
edition of Florida Today. It tells the story of a three
generation race family in Brevard County.

By Jane Smith
For FLORIDA TODAY

Brothers Ron and Lynn Dicandio of Canaveral Groves grew up at racetracks, watching their father Mike rub fenders across Florida.

Now, Ron's son Alex is doing his apprenticeship and preparing to become the family's next racer.

Family patriarch Mike Dicandio began racing in the 1950s at Jacksonville Raceway and Lake City. Mike drove a 1946 Ford Coupe against all levels of competition including NASCAR legend Fireball Roberts.

His sons took copious mental notes while assisting their father and now have found success of their own on Central Florida speedways and hope Alex can continue the legacy when his time comes.

It's obvious the love for racing has been passed from father to sons to grandson.

"We lived in Green Coast Spring which is about 26 miles from Jacksonville when I began racing," Mike Dicandio said. "I owned my own repair shop so working on my car was easy. Ron and Lynn were little fellas but always right there, right under me no matter what I was doing. They learned at a very early age how to build a racecar.

"Ron was always johnny on the spot with his spray paint and a hammer to bang out the dents in the car, he liked my cars pretty. Even today, Ron takes great pleasure in having a pretty race car," Mike added.

"I sold my shop in Green Coast Spring and we moved to Cocoa but I no longer raced. I worked for Weekly Lumber which was out on U.S. 1 but is no longer there now. Every weekend the family and I would go to Eau Gallie Speedway to watch the races and every weekend I would tell my wife 'I sure would like to have one of those again.' The answer was usually 'no way,' but one weekend my wife did not answer and I built my first racecar for Eau Gallie Speedway as a car owner," Mike recalled.

Ron McCreay from Sebastian was Mike's first driver as a car owner and Mike ended his racing career with Dave McCabe as his driver.

"I had great success with both drivers as we raced at Eau Gallie Speedway until it closed and then we moved on to Vero Beach Speedway, Orlando SpeedWorld, New Smyrna Speedway and the old Lakeland track. Eventually, Vero Beach Speedway also closed so we just had Orlando, New Smyrna and Lakeland," Mike said.

"I put Ron in my car for the very last race at Eau Gallie Speedway and I knew he was hooked then for good. Ron drove my car for about nine weeks and then got his own," Mike said.

"Growing up in dad's shop taught me a lot about racing and how to build racecars. When Lynn and I were small, we were not allowed to go into the pits but when dad got the car home, we could be there for anything and everything he did," Ron Dicandio said.

"I began racing in the old bomber class and moved up to Super Stock. But I eventually bought dad's Late Model and in 1989 and 1990, I raced in Don Nerone's USA Stock Car Allliance out of the old Lakeland track. When Hooter's Cup bought out USA, my chassis no longer fit the rules and I could not run with them," Ron said.

In 2002, Ron ran full-time at New Smyrna Speedway in the Super Late Model division placing second in points for the season.

"That was a great season for us. Lynn helped me a lot and Alex learned a lot. In 2003, I began the season at Orlando SpeedWorld but had to quit when my car was wrecked," Ron said.

"My goal in 2004 is to run some of the Sunbelt Super Late Model races and go back to New Smyrna Speedway and win that Championship" Ron said. "This year I have helped Lynn with his modified at Orlando SpeedWorld and helped Alex get his Sportsman ready for racing."

Lynn does not live far from brother Ron, who owns a three-bay shop at his home in Canaveral Groves, and his dad, Mike.

Lynn also has his own shop at his home in Canaveral Groves.

"I work for WalMart in Titusville but I make time to work on my car and get it ready for Friday night races at SpeedWorld. I have not really had any sponsor help this year which I could use but my wife Jane did buy me a tire this year," Lynn said.

"I started racing after Ron did in a Street Stock at Orlando SpeedWorld. In 1998, I ran a Sportsman at New Smyrna Speedway and then switched to a Late Model the following year. But because of low car counts, Orlando SpeedWorld phased out the Lates and I was left with no racecar to race. It was either switch back to a Sportsman or move to a modified which is what I did," Lynn said.

This season, Lynn debuted his No. 20 red and blue modified at Orlando SpeedWorld.

"It took some getting use to for sure and then my handling was way off. But each week the car got better and now runs in the top five. My goal next season is to put a bigger motor in the car now that I have the handlling down," added Lynn in front of his shop.

Lynn currently runs fourth in points at Orlando SpeedWorld in the Open Wheel Modified division.

A few years back, Ron began the Racers Against Peer Pressure show for local elementary school kids. Both Ron and Lynn, plus a few other drivers from Brevard County, take their racecars to local schools and show the kids what racing can do in a youngster's life.

"I have grown up going to racetracks to watch dad and my uncle race," said Alex Dicandio, a student at Cocoa High School this year. "My dad and uncle have taught me everything about building a car and running a car and how hard and time consuming it can be. But I have always wanted to race and hopefully by the end of the year, I will have my Sportsman at Orlando SpeedWorld."

"I have worn out dad and Uncle Lynn with questions about stagger, loose, tight, all those things you need to know when you race and work on your car. And Grandpa is always there to help too," Alex said.

"Over and over again I have heard my dad say, "Winning isn't everything, it is how you play the game. You may get beat but taking someone out just because you can't pass them is not racing, rcing is running side-by-side, door-to-door, never touching but giving it your all and knowing you did the best you could. That is the kind of racer I want to be," Alex said.

Lynn and Alex are looking for future sponsors to help them when they race.

"Just sponsoring one tire a month or an entry fee for the night, that would help a lot. Racing is done on this level for fun but it does get expensive and it is always nice to have some help in that expense." said Alex, as his dad and Lynn shook their heads in agreement.

Ron, Lynn and Alex all agree that growing up around a racetrack and having that love deep inside you that only racing can give is a life long experience.

"The one good thing about racing is how the family stays together and does it together and the kids know that if you want to race you better stay out of trouble," Mike said.





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by Jane Smith

Boy, we thought last season was bad for rainouts, this season has been nothing but rainouts. Racing two out of eight weeks, that really sucks for everyone especially when you get to get just alittle taste of speed in hot laps only to have the bottom drop out before heat races.

What do you do when you are rained out?? Well, some go out to dinner and some get together with a few of their rained out friends and some just go home and pout.

Yes, we have a greener Florida and much less fire danger but we don't have that need for speed fulfilled or the companionship of our other family that we also love, our racing family. We don't just go to the track to race but to see each other, to spend time together with friends that we only see at the racetrack.

This year the rain has not only affected asphalt tracks but also the dirt tracks. Even dirt tracks have a hard time running when they are flooded. Maybe the only racing that we can do is mud bogs but even mud bogs can get too wet and all you see is "stuck" trucks. So where do we go??

Well, airboat racing could be the thing for rainy day rainouts. Rain does not affect airboats and the water and mud could only make the racing better. Even swamp buggies would do at this point. Anything that has some speed and thrill will fill the bill for the fans. But drivers, well, that is another story. They need that "behind the wheel" thrill which only comes from their racecars.

Keep the faith family because rainy season won't last forever and sooner or later we will get to race. May be this week or could be a month from now, but we will get to race. In the meantime just remember, we are definitely ALL in the same boat this year.


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by Jane Smith

On a warm, really hot, Sunday afternoon which also happened to be Mother's Day, I watched a family that had not seen each other for 30 years or so come together again.

I saw the mean bad #98 (never knew his class), come and register to the tune of "hey, that bad #98 is here." I saw widows of drivers come and sign the book for their husbands who raced long ago at Eau Gallie Speedway.

Lou White, wife of driver Johnny White, said it best. "When you walked into Eau Gallie Speedway, it was like coming home. It just felt right. No other track has ever made me feel the way Eau Gallie did." And that my friends, was the sentiment of most everyone.

What made that track so special?? Was it the food, was it the asphalt, or was it the family inside that track that actually did consider themselves family??

Children who grew up at Eau Gallie Speedway watching their dads race have never forgotten the feeling they had of enjoying numerous parents. Just think, if you got into a bunch of trouble not only would you get it from your parents but from all your second parents. You can end up with endless hours of lectures why you should not do that. But hey, it only meant you were loved.

The Eau Gallie Speedway Reunion not only brought drivers home but mechanics, car builders, consession stand workers even Ms. Diane who did the weekly programs. It was a time when racing costs very little and to watch a race might have been $2.00.
It was a "golden" time.

When friends of 30 years or more get together, what do they do?? They remember everything in the past. Scrapbooks adorned tables, posters from racers worn by time and yellowed, photo albums with black and white pictures of drivers and races everywhere. Names that we have heard of and names that won't be forgotten.

A race track is not just an oval of asphalt or dirt, a race track is a home. Beyond that pit gate entrance is a family like no other and time does not make it less so. There is a magic there, hard to explain to someone who has never felt it. Unspoken words between drivers, crews, owners, promoters, that you can count on me when the times are hard.

Eau Gallie Speedway is nothing but weeds and alittle asphalt but in the memories of all those that attended the Eau Gallie Speedway Reunion on Mother's Day, it is still home and nothing can ever break their bond.


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by Jane Smith

For those fans who visit Orlando SpeedWorld and New Smyrna
Speedway, they know the familiar #71 Open Wheel Modified of
Joe Middleton.

Joe, who was a long time racer in Super Late Models and Open Wheel
Modifieds, was always the one who would show no matter what.
With his wife by his side, the two would get the car ready and
go racing.

Joe was one of those drivers who would help anyone and everyone,
no matter what division you drove in. He was always there willing
to help.

About a year and a half ago, Joe had to leave racing which was
very hard for him. He was at every regular race that I can
remember and he would be at the World Series of Asphalt Stock
Car Racing with his #71.

Joe had seen racing change over the years and the expenses go
up but although he would not like it, it did not make him quit.
He wanted to race and as long as he could get in that car and
do it, that was what he was going to do.

His wife Marilyn would always be at his side and between the two
of them, that was usually it for a crew. She had every set up,
every tire pressure, every lap down on a piece of paper for Joe.
She was the best Crew Chief he could have ever needed.

Joe had to leave when he got sick with cancer, but every now and
then you would see him and Marilyn in the pit grandstands watching
the races. But I always knew that Joe much rather be out there in
his old modified than sitting in those stands.

Joe Middleton left us this week but for those of us who really knew
Joe, he will not be forgotten. We will always hold the memories
of him and his race car in our hearts. He will always be one of
our racers who forever will race on the track.

God bless Joe and Marilyn Middleton. We love you Joe, we will
miss you but we know that you will race with some of our best
now on that golden track in heaven.



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by Jane Smith

Nine nights of racing takes it's toll on not only the racers
and crews but the people who work at the tracks during that
period. You can have a good night or a bad night but no matter
which, it is always a "late" night.

When you come to race for 9 nights or 3 or 4, there is no sight
seeing, no play time, no going to get some food. It is work on
the car, get the car better, eat with dirty hands, and if fire-
suits could stand alone, they certainly would.

Drivers come from all over the country once a year to race in
Florida as SpeedWeeks in Daytona are going strong. To my
surprise this year, at New Smyrna Speedway, there were Mini
Stockers from North Carolina, Virginia and New Hampshire, a
long tow to race Mini Stocks.

Big names show up at all the area tracks running SpeedWeek
events and small, unknown names. It is a time when NASCAR
drivers are walking thru the pits just like any other fan,
a time that the person standing next to you may be a visitor
from England, a wonderful time of year.

For the unknown workers and crews that make the tracks run,
it is a time of little sleep, tired, tired bones, and yet,
they would not trade this time for anything. It is a time
when your eyes are full of "kitty litter" enough to last
you until next year at this time. It is a time that your
back hurts so bad that you want to cry but you keep pushing
for the guys who have traveled so far to be at your track.

Is it worth all the dirt, the little sleep, the ups and downs?
The answer is YES, by all means, yes.

Bob Fox, Jonathan Smith, Bob Eastwood, Tom White, Mike Fitch,
Eric Beers, Donald Long, David Browning, Eddie VanMeter and
countless more, make it worth it.

For all the drivers and crews from East Bay to Volusia Speedway
Park to New Smyrna Speedway, you make all the countless hours
of work to get the show out, worth it. For each and every
team that made the haul to Florida to put on a show and give
the fans some great memories, we say thank you for the memories.

See ya in 2004!!!

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by Jane Smith

This has nothing to do with racing and yet everything. Since I live on Merritt Island, home of Kennedy Space Center and the shuttle program, yesterday was a day that everyone here was looking forward to.

After weeks of dark skies and frigid weather, Saturday was picture perfect, so much so, that no plans were made to land the shuttle anywhere else but Kennedy Space Center.

Sixteen minutes before the sonic booms were to hit our fair area, the shuttle just disappeared. People lined the roads across from the VAB just to get a glimpse of that big white bird coming home from space. But this time it was not to be, this time she did not come home.

January 27, 1967, we lost three men in a fire on the Apollo program. They had no way to escape the capsule they were in and they burned to death right there in front of the space workers. Men tried to get them out but the capsule was too hot and they were burned. Three good men lost in seconds.

Then on January 28, 1986, 73 seconds after liftoff and the command to "throttle up", Challenger blew up with seven astronauts on board. The Space Coast was deva- stated and so was the Space program.

Now it is 2003 and on February 1 just 16 minutes from landing at their home, Kennedy Space Center, Columbia blows up. Brevard County was the first to know since it is the home of the Space program. Everywhere, people were crying in disbelief that this could happen again.

Coming home from a mission has never been a questionable fact, they just came home. Now sitting on tons of liquid air waiting to get blasted off the pad, that is a different story. But coming home was always safe.

Some say these five men and two women are not heros but they are. When the racing family lost Dale Earnhardt, they mourned and he was their hero. Now the Space family has lost seven and they mourn and these are our heros.



Not anyone can race a car and not just anyone can go into space, the unknown. It takes someone special who is willing to take that risk for the betterment of mankind.

Not only did seven astronauts die yesterday but a number of rats, fish, ants and experiments that we will never have the results from. Some results were down- loaded and are safe, others were lost forever.

There are those that hate us, rejoicing in the streets that we have lost our shuttle and lost our astronauts. But they do not realize that the American spirit cannot be broken by tragedy but strengthened. We will go back into space, we will make life better for all mankind and we have seven new heros now that we won't forget.

Since 1989, I have seen every shuttle that has gone up and heard every shuttle that has landed back in Florida. I have many friends and neighbors who work aerospace just as I have and I know how close a family they are also.

As I sit across the river from the VAB and look to the skies, I pray that God welcomed his newest angels with love, no pain and no fear. I pray for their families, their children they leave behind and for all the space program family. We will not forget you just as we have not forgotten the ones who have gone before you and we thank you for taking that step into the unknown to make our world a better place.

Michael Anderson, David Brown, Kalpana Chawla, Laurel Clark, Rick Husband, William McCool and Ilan Ramon - God's angels and our heros. Rest in peace.

Only a few more days and it is Thanksgiving. A time for family, love, alot of good food and memories of the heart and what we are thankful for. For alot of the Florida racing family, this has been a hard year with all the family members we have lost. But still, we are thankful for alot.

Jane Smith with her family and State Senator Bill Posey

by Jane Smith

Well Pete, I guess you are looking down on us right now
and smiling that warm smile of your's. You see how many
people love you and respect you. You didn't want to
leave us but God needed you more and now you are Guardian
Angel to so many.

I knew your name long before I knew you the man. For
years, I watched you race and I never missed a Busch
race when you were in it. And then one day, I got to
know the "Great" Pete Orr.

Sometimes we see people in the wrong light because we
think of them not as people but Gods. You were so
well known that I expected you to be a snob but you
weren't. You were warm, open, honest and caring. No
snob in you.

Many times Pete and I would run into each other at
different tracks. Once at Sunshine when he was helping
Chad Pierce in the SARA Late Model series. And at St.
Augustine when he was crew chief for Travis in his
ASA car. Little did we know then that Pete was sick.

My favorite memory of Pete will always be of a night
at New Smyrna when the races were called and he was
with the McLeods. Somehow Alex talked Darwin into
letting him drive the Gator and drive is exactly what
he did including Pete. Pete got into that Gator with
this little boy behind the wheel and never once
hesitated. That night I saw Pete Orr for the first
time as the wonderful person he was.

Yes, Pete was a great racer, he could build a car and
set it up but more than that, Pete was a great human
being. He gave without question, he loved his wife
and you could see that love, he adored his children
and was very proud of them.

In my son's room is an old poster of Pete Orr and David
Russell and the Horsen Around #30 and #36 cars. That
poster has always meant alot to my son because Pete
and David signed it but now it means even more to him.
That is his friend Pete, the man who told him he could
drive good when he was 8 years old.

My heart like everyones is very, very sad right now.
But Pete will never be gone because so many hold him
in their hearts. As long as someone remembers a
person, they never die and Pete Orr will never die.

You can be sure that there will be many a driver with
a Guardian Angel on their shoulder for many years to
come all because of Pete Orr. He gave so much, he
taught us so much and he will always be part of us.
We treasure the minutes, the hours, the days, and
the years he shared with us.

For much more on the life and accomplishments of Pete Orr,including photos and interviews, click here!



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by Jane Smith

Only a few more days until open practice for the 37th
running of the Governor's Cup 200. Why is this such
an important race and why is it the one trophy every
red blooded Florida Super Late Model driver wants his
name on??

Wayne Reutimann won the first cup race way back in 1965
with a man from Hueytown, Alabama in second. That man
was Bobby Allison. The track was Golden Gate Speedway.

Over the years, big names have come to try their luck
at winning the Cup race. In 1978, Dick Trickle from
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin beat Dick Anderson, Leroy
Porter, Dave Pletcher and Gary Balough. Now that would
have been some race to see. Trickle also came in 1979
finishing second with another Wisconsin Rapids driver
named Mike Miller. Trickle also ran in 81 and 82.

In 1988, a young up and coming driver named Joe
Nemechek from Lakeland tried his luck. That year
Dick Anderson won with Daniel Keene second, Bobby
Gill third and Nemechek fourth. David Russell,
Leory Porter, Lee Faulk, Jeff Earnhardt, Wayne
Anderson and Duke Southard finished out the top ten.
That was the year the Cup race was moved to New
Smyrna Speedway where it has been ever since.

Some of Florida's best Super Late Model drivers have
come and given it their best to have their name
added to the Cup trophy. The only other trophy that
is as honored as the Governor's Cup trophy is the
Daytona 500 trophy at Daytona USA. The trophy
remains at Daytona with the winner each year added
and the Governor's Cup trophy is just the same.

With such a grand history, thirty seven years, it
is no wonder that the Governor's Cup is the race that
every driver dreams of racing. It may not get you a
ride in Winston Cup, it may not make you rich, but
it does state that you were the best that day.

Many drivers dream of winning the Cup race. Afterall,
it does have a great history behind it and the "Best
of the Best" have won it.

This year is no different. Young lions like Travis
Kittleson, B.J. McLeod, Justin Drawdy, Brian Finney,
Barry Willoughby, Eric Black, Jay Middleton, Jacob
Warren all want the win. They will have to duke it
out with Dick Anderson, David Rogers, Bruce Lawrence,
James Powell, Michael Williams, David Froelich just
to name a few.

Who will it be?? Will it be a "Young Lion" or a
"Seasoned" driver?? No one will know until the
checkered waves.

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By Jack Smith

Awesomedale!

One word that conveyed a mountain of meaning to fans of stock car racing in Polk County, Florida.

Bill Martino was gone; and the new promoter who came with such promise in late 2000 was J.T. Beard, a supposedly well-to-do entrepreneur from California who had made his fortune in the storage business.

A new sun was rising over the little quarter mile speedway and 500 race fans volunteered in a "massive clean-up effort" at the track in October 2000. New wood for the bleachers, new PA system, paint and lighting system, all pointed to a new era at the "little speedway that could".

As we approach the two-year mark on Beard's adventure into stock car racing it is becoming increasingly clear that rough times are indeed here for the foreseeable future at Auburndale Speedway.

Now I hate eating crow, hate the taste of that foul fowl. Which is why I usually make damn sure have my stories straight.

Last November John Barker wrote a piece for the Ledger, Lakeland's hometown newspaper, in which he made the case that Auburndale Speedway was in trouble.

Among other things he made the following observations:
"racing at Auburndale Speedway is still a bit questionable, because strong management still has not taken center stage."

"One thing for sure is track owner J.T. Beard must step up and make some key changes regarding rules being the same for every driver in each class. If not, there's sure to be a driver rebellion of sorts."

"The gates here could swing shut for good unless the entire Auburndale team is on the same wave length next season."

I took Barker to task on each of those points and defended Beard this way:

"Perhaps Barker is still irate over the outsider J. T. Beard buying the track. For those unfamiliar with the details, Beard bought the track, the property, and the whole shooting match. He's not leasing the place to make a quick buck. J. T. Beard is in fact looking to reduce his commitments to his other businesses so that he can devote full time to the track in 2002, and has made tremendous improvements to the physical plant while learning the inside of a stock car short track. New pavement, much better lighting and improved safety features combined with keeping the place clean and neat are some of the improvements Beard has made. For next year's season Auburndale has also made a strong commitment to community involvement and bringing many new sponsors on board. J.T. Beard has been quite clear in his statements about the kind of facility he wants. The emphasis will be toward putting on entertaining shows that draw a wider range of race fans and audiences. "

Barker was right, and I was wrong. Fact is, I was deceived by a smooth talking purveyor of deception.

The track was paved all right, but the paving company still has not been paid even though courts have ruled in their favor.

Beard has numerous other lawsuits against him and several more pending suits from individuals and businesses, many of which are so sensitive we can’t yet discuss them.

He is in the middle of a nasty divorce that has become part of the Saturday night landscape at the track, he is in what may end up being a major lawsuit involving his own family as they discover more and more of his financial misdeeds. See, sources indicate to us that good ole Carl Beard Jr. (AKA J.T.) actually has no money of his own to speak of. He may have used the assets of Beard family up in Virginia to get control of the speedway without laying all the facts out for the Trust.

That's the short hand version.

There are many questions we would like to have Beard answer for the race fans, but he refuses to answer our e-mails or return our phone calls.

Among the questions are:

Did he have the permission of the family trust to commit funds for the purchase of the property?

When will the back taxes be paid?

What has been his motivation for banning so many racers and fans from the track?

Why did he really ban scanners at the track?

Does he still deny he tried to lease the track back to Martino and or others?

What justification is there for not allowing certain parents of children racers to participate with their children's activities at the track?

What is his relationship with the young man arrested on felony drug charges involving Beard's property?

Did he really steal the Rental Truck and use it to conduct speedway business?

Why has he refused to pay the paving company for the work they did and for which he has been receiving benefit?

Why does he express verbal contempt for the racers and fans at the speedway?

Where did the points fund money go for the year 2001?

How much is in the points fund now and are you willing to back up any such claims with bank records?

Are you paying speedway employees under the table?

Do you employ children in violation of State laws?

How can anyone justify having young children running on a racetrack, which everyone knows is a dangerous activity without safety equipment and personnel on hand? Could you live with the death of a child brought about in part by your own lack of concern? Why is this allowed?

Yesterday a youngster of eleven or twelve years old and another young racer from the Kids Club were involved in a serious accident at the track during practice. Daniel McClain sustained back injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. No safety team was available to help and the ambulance had to be called.

Most folks outside the racing community would consider this child abuse. I do, and a half-dozen non-racing friends I have contacted concur. Both the adult members of the Kids Club and Carl Beard Jr. should take immediate action to remedy this situation.

My guess is that Beard has none of his own money to back this speedway venture and is just in racing to make a quick buck off "these stupid people".

The promise for the fans and racers of Auburndale Speedway was so high two years ago, but castles built on quicksand don't last long.

The car count continues to tumble as racers move on to other tracks with less contentiousness and fans are staying away as the entertainment value fades. Promotion of the track has become less and less. Special events are becoming a ritual of one big monster truck a handful of demo derby cars.

Are fines the drivers and unaccounted for and 50/50 money becoming an income source to replace lost revenues from proper operation of the business?

Can the situation at Auburndale be reversed without new ownership?

We don't think so.

In any event the thrill is gone, and it's gone for good.

This time we asked the questions, next time we'll begin to answer them.

-Jack Smith


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By Jack Smith

Whether anyone likes it or not track owner Carl Beard has made a mess of what could have been a very good situation. If that is not clear then you are either denying reality or are ignorant of the situations that exist at Auburndale Speedway.

Nobody forced him to do harmful things to the Auburndale race drivers, Auburndale race fans, racing businesses and in general create a mountain of unnecessary enemies. Those decisions were made of his own accord.

The fact that we have decided to make sure the race fans of Florida know the facts surrounding the purchase and operation of the track is sure to make some folks mad, perhaps enrage some.

That's understandable.

The fact that I would publicly humiliate a track owner on a message board also tends to upset some people.

That's understandable also.

When a man raps himself in the Holy Bible and expresses the concept that the "Lord" is guiding his decisions with the race track on the one hand, and on the other knowingly tries to rob businesses and individuals of their services, then I say public humiliation is being too kind.

When this same man expresses verbal contempt for the racers whose money he uses to support himself then I say the man is now a hypocrite twice.

People may bash me, think whatever thoughts they want, I don't care about that. What I do care about is that the racers, the fans, the business owners who support and contribute to the sport and entertainment of racing don't get screwed over by greedy, self-serving mongrels.

If J.T. Beard (AKA CARL BEARD)wants to take responsibility for the mess he has created and begin to deal honestly and fairly with the racers, the fans, the business owners who support and contribute to the sport then I say, great.

The sport of stock car racing really can't tolerate too many more track owners who don't have the future of the sport at heart. The days of greed machines is at an end.

Owners should make a ton of money if they pay their staffs good, run good shows and deal honestly and fairly with the racers, the fans, the business owners who support and contribute to the sport.

If they don't do the above they do not deserve the respect or loyalty of the racers or the fans.

As I have said many times in the six years KARNAC.com has covered the racing scene in Florida, KARNAC.com is not here to promote race tracks.

KARNAC.com is for the fans, the articles are written mainly by fans, the message boards and chat rooms are populated by fans and moderated by fans.

The agenda: yes there is one.

The KARNAC agenda is to provide news and entertainment to Motorsports fans, and hopefully as a result promote Motorsports. The thousands of photographs and thousands of pages of news and the tens of thousands of posts on our message boards are testimony to the fact that we are achieving the purpose.

Sometimes the news is nasty to report and sometimes the entertainment goes right over some people's heads.

Nobody (in their right mind) likes to report bad news.

Sometimes it becomes necessary to bring about change for the positive.

In a editorial I wrote in December 2001,"John Barker - Bought and Paid For?" I defended both the speedway and J.T. Beard in the wake of a story published by the Ledger(Lakeland, Fl newspaper) written by John Barker.

On Independence Day I met with John Barker at New Smyrna Speedway and I told John that he was right about a lot of what he said in his article. A bit embarrassing but, hey news is not always clear cut black and white, there are always those grey areas that creep up on you.

And in news the guy with the facts ultimately wins. Barker had the facts and I didn't. In fact John also assured me he was not an "old codger".

As stated earlier, whether anyone likes it or not Carl Beard has made a mess of what could have been a very good situation.

Hopefully he will have the courage to fix the mess.

Only he can.

We'll begin to explore the "mess" next.

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By Jane Smith

Now that you think I am crazy, that is the number of
cars that were in the Florida Pro race at Columbia
Motorsports Park, "The Little Trees Road to Charlotte"
Sunbelt Super Late Model 125, and the All American
Challenge Series at DeSoto Speedway.

Yes, points will definitely change in these three Super
Late Model series. Dick Anderson and Jay Middleton, who
race both the Florida Pro and Sunbelt Super Late Model
series, went to Florida Pro.

Anderson, who leads the points in both series, had a
smaller margin of lead in the Florida Pro than the
Sunbelt so naturally he would go to the one that would
be in more jeopardy.

Jay Middleton, who was second in points for Florida Pro,
also races both Pro and Sunbelt. He also has a good
point standing in the Sunbelt but not second so
naturally he would go for the gold and be happy with
the silver.

Jimmy Cope, Justin Drawdy, B.J. McLeod are all in the
top points at the All American Challenge. But you will
see them in a Sunbelt race too. But on August 31, none
could afford to not be at the track where they had the
most points.

Travis Kittleson, Doyle Boatwright and Mario Gosselin
won August 31. It was not a good night for any of
the point leaders or even some of the top five's.

Sure, everyone would like to see more cars in a big
Super Late Model Series but when you have three in the
same night, 15 - 17 - 19 was not bad. None of the
fans were disappointed as each saw "Big Boys" at each
race.

When so many Super Late Model Series run in a state,
and run on the same night, not everyone will be happy.
But after seeing the final results for each series,
no one was disappointed either. Fans saw some great
racing and some of Florida's best.

Just think, maybe someday in the future, those 51 cars
could be at the same track and what a show that would
be. Anderson, Cope, Drawdy, McLeod, Sloan, Pletcher,
Middleton, Finney, Willoughby, Powell, Kay, Franklin,
Kittleson, Fritts, Good, Williams, Cook, Keene Sr. &
Jr., Scofield, Bigley, Emery, DiCandio, Sawyer, Rogers,
Warren, Lawrence, Bresnahan, Froelich, King, Bramlet,
Pierce, Black, Flynn, Carlton, Staggs, Strong, Boyd,
Faulk, Johnson, Allison, Ebersole, Lovelady, Murphy,
Russell, and the topping to a perfect cake Pete Orr.

Now that would be a race to see. But in the mean time,
the next Sunbelt Super Late Model Series race will be
September 13 at Orlando SpeedWorld. All American
Challenge Series will run on September 21 at DeSoto
Speedway and the schedule has not been determined for
Florida Pro but they have September 21 marked for a
race. And don't forget Sebring is coming on September
28 and 29 - a road course.

Enjoy





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by Sharon Fancher

Whether you're a driver, crew member or spectator, you're putting your life at risk when you don't take appropriate precautions to "beat the heat" at the track. hen you're attending a race event, you're exposing yourself to four potentially serious problems, one of them life-threatening.

Sunburn, Dehydration, Heat exhaustion, and Heat stroke (life-threatening), all of these conditions can be prevented by taking appropriate precautions.

Sunburn:
You're a tough guy, right? Time to pull out a muscle shirt and show those biceps. Maybe work on the tan as well. And there's nothing like having the lady of your life draw admiring glances. If that's your philosophy, you're exposing yourself and the special people in your life to a painful sunburn.

Even though the dangers of exposure to the sun have received substantial media attention in the past years, many people disregard these warnings unless they plan to spend the day near the water.

And who needs to worry if the skies are cloudy? The facts are that you're in danger of sunburn whenever you're outdoors for an extended amount of time. You're especially at risk during the hours from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, prime hours for auto racing activities.

Whenever you're going to be outdoors, take appropriate precautions.
Wear a hat and sunglasses. Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably long pants and shirts with long sleeves.

Use sunscreen or sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 on all exposed areas. This includes face, arms, neck, legs and feet.

Reapply the sunscreen or sunblock regularly. Every two hours is recommended.

Dehydration:

It's easy to become dehydrated at the track, especially when beverages are expensive.

Plus, who wants to leave a seat during a race to head to the bathrooms? You do, if you want to avoid becoming dehydrated.

As a rule of thumb, if you aren't heading to the bathroom every couple of hours, you're dehydrated. Make sure that you have a bottle of water with you at all times and take frequent sips.

If bottled water is expensive and you can't bring your own to the track, plan to purchase one bottle then fill it from water fountains.

While alcoholic beverages such as beer provide fluid, watch your consumption. On hot days it can be tempting to keep drinking cold beer.

Keep your personal limit in mind and supplement alcohol intake with water or other beverages.Sports beverages have become increasingly popular and are a good choice for fluid replacement.

Heat Exhaustion:
Heat exhaustion can affect anyone. It's often the result of strenuous exercise (walking to a seat in the stands can be strenuous!), dehydration and exposure to high temperatures. Unrecognized and untreated it can progress into heat stroke which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical assistance.

If you start to feel tired and weak, get out of the sun and increase your fluid intake immediately. Don't think that you can "tough it out" until the race is over.

Heat Stroke (Life-threatening):

Heat stroke, also called sun stroke, is a life-threatening emergency. It cannot be stressed enough that this requires immediate medical attention! Heat stroke symptoms include headache, vertigo, and fatigue. The pulse is often rapid. Persons suffering heat stroke stop sweating and can lose consciousness.

Get help immediately if you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke. This is a situation where it is far better to be safe then sorry. People die or can suffer permanent brain damage from heat stroke.

Your Track Survival Kit:

The night before you head to the track put together your survival kit. Since you're often leaving in a hurry and it's easy to forget these items:

Sunglasses (for children as well as adults), hat, sunscreen or sunblock, Water bottle (many fanny packs now include water bottle holders), Cell phone (call 911 in an emergency; they can contact the track emergency facilities),Medical identification for each person, including any medications being taken

With a little advance planning and awareness of these potential problems you can "beat the heat" and help ensure a fun day at the race track for everyone.

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By Scott Hawkins

First let me say that I'm not a big-time NASCAR fan anymore since the accident and death of Dale Earnhardt. I watch it for the most part, but I could care less who wins.

I pull for Joe Nemechek because I have met him and he is one of the nicest drivers in the series, and he actually remembers me when I get to see him or talk to him! I am an "old school" race fan and therefore my reason for this post.

The red flag in racing is for the safety of the drivers, not for the reason of adding additional laps to the race for the fans enjoyment. It is used when a more serious accident occurs, (example: when a driver needs to be extricated from the car) or when the track becomes completely blocked.

There was never a question about this until very recently when the truck series started doing it. It has been made worse since Helton and his wishy-washy policies have made it so controversial. In years past, it was never a question, and it shouldn't be now.

I have seen literally hundreds of races end under the caution, and the rules should remain the same. And even when they do go "green, white, checker," it's not for the fans...its so NASCAR and TV to get additional advertising revenue.

NASCAR had totally lost its grip on what got them to where they are today...the REAL race fans. This is evident by the children made "Grand Marshall" for the races. Jessica Simpson? You have got to be kidding me! She didn't even get the words right for America the Beautiful, and was awful as a singer.

Plus, I don't even know who she is! Next it will be the "Back Street Boys" or some 10 year old rapping to the Star Spangled Banner. NASCAR likes to act like they promote local racing, but why then so much Saturday night racing?

They care about one thing...lining their pockets as quickly as they can with no regard for the sport itself. Don't worry true race fans. The "Hollywood elite" will soon bore with racing, just as they do with their 3-month marriages, and divorce their "so-called" racing fever. Then perhaps, the racing will return to the people that truly love it for what it is.

As far as throwing things from the stands, there is absolutely no excuse for such behavior. Drunken idiots throwing items that could have hit a youngster, infant, somebody's mom, or anybody is totally asinine.

And if you weren't drunk and threw something anyway, then you REALLY have no excuse for your immature behavior! Jeremy Mayfield said he thought a bottle hit the hood of his car! I can only imagine what I would do to someone that threw a bottle and it hit my daughter. Not even a 200 MHP Cup car would not keep me from running your butt down!

-Scott Hawkins

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By Robin Smith Miller

The race fans at Daytona International Speedway eagerly displayed their displeasure at the Winston Cup officials who ended Saturday's running of the Pepsi 400 under caution.

As Michael Waltrip led the field of cars around for the final two laps as the yellow flag flew, fans threw seat cushions, pizza boxes, beer cans and anything else they could find onto the racing surface to show their anger at being denied a green flag finish.

Seasoned veteran, Rusty Wallace said he had never seen anything like it in his entire racing career. Points leader, Sterling Marlin, made his biggest bonehead mistake of the season after the race, which has been marked by more than a few NASCAR for Dummies incidents involving himself.

"Those were the cheap seats where they were throwing those cushions", Marlin said after the race. Marlin must not think too hard before he opens his mouth as evidenced by his remark earlier in the season about the fact he never read the NASCAR rulebook either. This remark about the cheap seats, however, should have him hanging his head in shame.

Considering the lowest price for any seat at Daytona must be at least $50, there are no cheap seats. In those cheap seats sit the fans that made NASCAR what it is today, lower middle class families who save money all year to bring their families to a stock car race.

Those are the people who sent todays NASCAR stars on their way to the road to riches so they can sit in their million dollar motor homes in luxury in the pits, while their fans are sweating for hours in the sun, in low seats that do not allow them to see beyond what is in front of them on the race track.

The people in the cheap seats are not the new breed of race fans, upper middle class professionals who buy $50 golf shirts at vendor trailers; guzzle $6 cups of beer, or pay $500 or more for access to the air-conditioned hospitality tower.

The people in the cheap seats buy their t-shirts across the street from the speedway at K-Mart; and bring in their own 14 inch cooler filled with beer, soda and bologna sandwiches because that is all they can afford.

It becomes more obvious every day the people in the cheap seats don't matter to NASCAR or its drivers anymore. It doesn't matter that many of these people sat in earlier versions of the cheap seats with their parents and grandparents, watching the sport they love when no television network would even think about broadcasting this redneck Southern sport. The people that matter are the ones who are lining the pockets of the NASCAR community with dollar bills.

Shame on Sterling Marlin, and on NASCAR for forgetting their roots.

They seem to forget the impetuous nature of the America public. How quickly they flit from one amusement to another in their quest to avoid boredom.

Time and time again we read about the loyalty of NASCAR fans and how they buy products that are affiliated with NASCAR. What they fail to say, is that it is the people in the cheap seats who buy these products, not the new breed of race fans.

The new breed of race fans drink Corona beer or some other exotic foreign label; not Budweiser, Miller or Coors. The new breed of race fan sends their laundry out, they dont buy Tide because it is on Ricky Cravens car.

Most of the new breed of fans dont shop at Home Depot or Lowes, they pay someone to repair or renovate their homes. The closest they get to McDonalds french fries are a baked potato at the Outback Steakhouse and that is a cheap night out for them.

Stock car racing is America’s sport, supposedly. It needs to remember the Americans who made it successful, those sitting in the “cheap seats”.

If they fail to do this, those sitting in the “cheap seats” may fail to remember to buy Tide or Kodak film or Budweiser beer. How long do you think these corporate sponsors will remain in a sport where its fans don’t buy its products?

Maybe then Sterling Marlin and NASCAR will remember those fans in the “cheap seats.”

-Robin Smith Miller
[Originally published in the Lehigh Acres Citizen, Breeze Corporation]

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By Jane Smith

July 4th means alot of things like fireworks, family bbq's, beach day, swim day, and race day. This year July 4th will mean a lot more to many people since the September 11th attack on the United States.

By Robin Smith Miller

Cavin Councilor was best described in three words, self-made man. He moved to Florida twenty years ago with $1500 in his pocket, in a borrowed car.

He had scholarship in hand to attend Florida State University, thanks to being the 1981 Michigan state high school cross-country champion.

He worked hard, paying his own expenses and came to Naples, Florida during the summers to paint houses. In Councilor’s eyes, the world did not owe him a living.

After receiving dual bachelor degrees in criminology and economics, Councilor moved to Naples and painted. He put his economics degree to good use.

He began investing his hard earned money in a gas station and real estate. He bought houses to fix up and resell. He lived frugally for the most part, driving the same old 1988 pick-up truck and living in a modest condominum by Naples standards until recently.

Collier County is one of the richest counties in Florida and has experienced unprecedented growth in the past ten years with a 65 percent increase in population since 1990.

Councilor was able to capitalize on that growth and make himself a small fortune, probably a least a million dollars by conservative estimates.

Councilor was a risk taker, which was partially the reason he was so successful in his business career. He also had a weakness for risk taking in his personal life, as well.

He loved to ski, fly and drive stock cars. His dream and inspiration for his business success was that he wanted to own a Winston Cup race team.

He already was the owner of an Auto Racing Club of America (ARCA) team and dabbled in the Craftsman Truck Series, as well.

Councilor got the racing bug a few years back. He bought a friend’s street stock racecar and drove about ten races at Charlotte County Speedway, a three-eighth’s mile asphalt oval track located in Punta Gorda, Florida.

Not content with that, he immediately graduated to the NASCAR Goody’s Dash and USAR Pro Cup Series. He drove about a dozen of those types of races and decided to try his luck in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, just a step down from Busch Grand National and Winston Cup racing.

Councilor started his ARCA career in his home state, Michigan in 1997. He ran as high as second place at Michigan International Speedway before he broke an axle and was out of the race after wrecking at 175 mph.

He had several bad wrecks in his racing career causing a scapula injury and bruised kidneys but he still loved to race.

His best finish as a driver came in 1999 at Winchester Speedway where he finished fifth. He posted ten Top 10 finishes in the series between 1998-2000 including four seventh places finishes at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Berlin Raceway in Michigan, Kil-kare Speedway in Ohio, Salem Speedway in Indiana; and Winchester Speedway, also in Indiana.

He finished ninth at Kentucky Speedway and Berlin; and was credited with a tenth place finish at Flat Rock Speedway in Michigan. In all, Councilor participated in 57 ARCA/Remax Series events from 1997 to 2001.

His crowning moment in auto racing took place at the inaugural Chicagoland ARCA 200 in 2001 as a car owner. His driver, Ed Berrier, took the win. Councilor also fielded ARCA cars and Craftsman Truck Series vehicles driven by Mike Swaim, Jr. and Brent Sherman.

His race shop located in the hub of race, Mooresville, North Carolina was run by his crew chief, Lee Leslie, brother of Tracy Leslie, past ARCA champion; and Ben Leslie, crew chief for Mark Martin in the Winston Cup Series.

Councilor flew from Naples to Mooresville frequently. When asked by his good friend and past crew chief, Marty Walsh, why he didn’t just move there, Councilor replied, “Because I can’t make $10,000 to paint a house in North Carolina.”

Councilor loved to fly airplanes as much as he loved to race. A registered instrument rated pilot for 15 years, Councilor had owned a twin engine Aerostar Machen 700 but decided to buy a single engine Piper Malibu because the plane could carry more passengers.

At one time he had even considered buying a Russian MIG fighter jet but decided not to because it was only big enough for two people.

While Councilor was said to be fearless in flight, he was also calm and kept a level head when presented with danger. Walsh was flying to Illinois with Councilor when the plane began losing oil pressure near Nashville, Tennessee.

Councilor pulled up on the throttle and turned off the motor to the engine that had good oil pressure in case the other engine stalled. He was able to land safely and Walsh never hesitated to fly with Councilor even after the experience.

Walsh describes Councilor as “a seat of the pants” kind of guy. He might not make plans until the last minute for something but everything always turned out all right.

There were times before Councilor had his own airplane, that his race crew would arrive at an airport to fly to a race and the tickets wouldn’t even be bought but everything always came together in the end. He liked to do things on the spur of the moment or a whim.

Councilor had a zest for life and always had a smile on his face, according to Naples open wheel modified driver, Chris Turner. “He’s the kind of guy, you always look up to. He started with nothing and became a self-made entrepreneur. He did it all on his own, honestly. All he ever talked about was racing.”

Last year, he decided to sell some of his ARCA cars and rented out some of them, as well. Richard Childress rented one of Councilor’s cars for several ARCA events for his current Busch Grand National driver, Johnny Sauter, to gain some seat time in.

Although he had not driven a race car in recent months, he took his race team back home to Michigan International Speedway on June 15 for the Flagstar 200 ARCA race with his driver, Brent Sherman, posting a career best 11th place finish.

Councilor also visited his family in his hometown Flint, Michigan while he was up north for the race. He didn’t fly his plane this time because it was due for its annual maintenance.

He returned home and made plans to fly with several business associates, Shawn King and Charles Scherer, Jr. to Sarasota, Florida on June 19 to look at a cabinet shop.

Councilor, who was piloting took off from Naples Municipal Airport just before 10 a.m. After his plane left the ground, it appears he tried to turn back towards the airport after it appeared his engine failed.

Councilor made a steep left turn avoiding traffic congestion on Airport-Pulling Road only to spiral into the ground from 1,000 feet in the air, just 30 feet from the Collier County Humane Society.

There were no signs of smoke or fire from witnesses or any communication with the air traffic control tower before the plane crashed.

Councilor and Scherer were killed on impact and King died several hours later at Naples Community Hospital. The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the crash with results expected in six months.

Councilor is survived by his mother, Pat Pearson; brother, Ed; and sisters Tricia Shannon and Jessica Pearson, as well as their families; his grandmothers, Adeline Polidan and Glennie Pearson; and a large extended family, as well as many friends.

His stepfather, Ken Pearson, a retired General Motors assembly line worker, died of cancer last year. He was also pre-deceased by his natural father, George Councilor.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, June 22 in Naples, Florida with over 250 people in attendance. Another service is planned at St. John’s Catholic Church in Davison, Michigan on Saturday, June 29.

A scholarship fund in his memory has been set-up at the high school he graduated from in Michigan. Donations may be sent to Kearsley Community School, 6161 Hopkins Road, Flint, MI, 48506.

-Robin Smith Miller


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by Jane Smith

We all know that Florida has a rainy season and sometimes
a fire season. Well, we are in rainy "watch out for the
hurricanes" season. This makes Florida a beautiful
GREENER state but it sure does stop the fun of the many
who love stockcar racing. It may be sunny and bright in
the morning and black and downpouring in the afternoon.
It may rain on the frontstretch and not on the backstretch.
It can be CRAZY!!!

Well, this week has been nothing but rain. Now, some
tracks may be able to race but others may not because
either the track is under water or the pits are flooded.
So now is the time to find AIRBOATS and let's go racing.
It isn't that strange, they do race airboats on dry land
so on wet tracks, they should really fly!!!

Airboats can have two different kinds of engines. Some
have big block engines like old Caddies and others have
airplane engines. Both will fly but I am sure that even
airboaters would argue which engine is the best. So you
know that stockcar drivers will too.

I can just see it now, the young lions and the old lions
facing each other off in what use to be pits at the
track. The old lion roars that engine letting the young
lion know that he is not "one to be played with lightly."
The course is still a 3/8's mile oval but what once was
asphalt IS NOW MUDDY WATER. So the fans, seeking their
weekly racing fix, won't drown, only 8 airboats race at
a time.

As the airboats enter the muddy track, the fans are on
their feet cheering as the old lions and the young lions
get ready for 25 laps of non-stop action. The field is
set and the green is thrown. Water and mud are everywhere
as the field takes off around the oval.

Then, all the sudden, all airboats are still. The fans
are on their feet yelling "what is wrong???" The lead
airboater points to something in the middle of the track.
One fans yells "ole gator".

Yes, in the middle of the track, watching what he must
believe was a good lunch or dinner, was a 15 foot gator
just waiting for the first caution to come out.

"Yum yum" thought the gator, "nice juicy racecar drivers".

You see, the gator was very, very old and had seen alot of
nice lunches in his life. He always knew that rainy season
brought out the best lunches looking for a racing fix. The
track was always a perfect place to dine.

Moral of the story:

A racing fix should never make you lunch. Always post,
"NO GATORS ALLOWED" on the pit entrance.

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Okay, I understand that cheating is part of racing. That
everyone cheats just alittle but you would think since so
many cry "wolf", "broke", "unaffordable", we would stop
some of this insanity.

Traction control has been a big no-no. It seems that
it has been made even easier to cheat with this since
now there are no wires on the ignition box to be seen,
guess what, it is inside the box.

Now, I guess we need to ban cell phones from the track since
the newest way of hiding traction control is no less inside
the ignition box. No wires to show, no little devices slipped
in the driver's pockets, no, a cell phone can set it off and
working.

What I don't get anymore especially in Winston Cup, is,
WHERE DID THE FUN GO?? Has the sport gotten this far out
of hand that we must have engineers thinking of ways to
cheap and hide it so we can win at all costs. Is this
right, is this excusable???

One thing I have never wanted my Alex to learn and that is,
"WIN AT ALL COSTS". Because there is a cost to winning,
maybe not one you can see or put your hand on, but one that
costs your soul and your value. Once you put that aside
and do "whatever" it takes to win whether it is illegal or
not, then racing is lost. Sportsmanship is dead and our
children see and learn just the opposite of what is really
right.

So now, everytime you see someone on a cell phone especially
in the pits or while someone is racing, you can't help but
wonder if they are really talking to someone or just putting
the old traction control to work.




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by Jack Smith

The six-year controversy over who owns the Charlotte County Speedway finally moved from backrooms and courtrooms to the street last Saturday.

The scene at the track entrances was a bizarre one as fans and drivers coming to see the Saturday night show were greeted by members of both sides in the ongoing power struggle over control of the track.

One group, led by Naples attorney Chris Felden, was at the track entrances to inform fans and drivers the track was closed.

The other group headed by Leroy Davidson was across the narrow pit and grandstand entrance roads trying to convince the fans and drivers that the show would go on.

Eventually perhaps 300 fans paid $5 to see 25 cars put on a Saturday night stock car show.

It all started on Sunday June 16 when Davidson took possession of the speedway, and immediately began to make repairs to the track surface. On Monday KARNAC.com was reporting that Davidson had taken over the track and that Charlotte County Sports and Recreation LLC, Felden's organization was accusing Davidson of illegalities.

Davidson meanwhile insisted his purchase of the track from Glen Vanhorn gave him the right to take the speedway back from Felden, asserting they did not have a valid lease and were in arrears on payments due Charlotte County Speedway Inc.

Wild rumors began to circulate that Davidson would be arrested for tearing up the track with his heavy equipment. Felden's General Manager Ronnie Bacelo insisted Felden would have Davidson locked up on Thursday when he got back from his vacation in Europe.

Of course none of that happened.

On Wednesday FASCAR announced the Triple Crown scheduled for the 22nd would be postponed, and Bacelo sent out press releases to local, state and national media, as well as fans and racers informing them the speedway was closed until further notice.

Davidson meanwhile finished the repairs to the track surface and continued to promote the Saturday show.

All of this confusion over who was really running the speedway left the drivers, and of course the fans, in a quandary. "Who are we supposed to support?" stated one Charlotte fan.

According to Davidson, Felden or his staff made numerous attempts to stop the speedway from operating on Saturday. "They called and had the portable toilets removed, had the dumpster taken away, and called the papers and the radio stations", Davidson said.

During the week we made several calls to Peter Drinkwater, a partner in Charlotte County Sports and Recreation LLC. The calls were returned by Ronnie Bacelo instead, who was operating on orders from his bosses. Bacelo told us "We have been told to stay away".

By midweek many of the staff that had been working at the track during the week and on Saturday were faced with the dilemma of who to support. Several of the staff depend on the paychecks from Charlotte County Speedway, and were in the middle. If they went to work as usual they risked being fired when Felden took the track back from Davidson.

Meanwhile volunteers who were willing to support the track regardless of who owned or operated came into help Davidson prepare for Saturday.

Davidson struggled to get insurance coverage and by late Friday had a commitment from an insurer, picking up the binder on Saturday. Meanwhile the word had been spread that he did not have insurance and the racers would not be covered.

Chris Felden must have felt like he had entered the twilight zone, after nearly a year of court dates, mediation hearings, Airport Board meetings and all sorts of negotiations with both Glen Vanhorn and Leroy Davidson, he returned home from a long vacation to find all his work in shambles.

Felden, who with his wife Victoria, not only has a very successful law practice in Naples, Florida, but is also an entrepreneur involved in many businesses. Felden entered the fray in 2001 with the goal to end the six-year battle between Vanhorn and Leroy Davidson, get the speedway brought back to respectability and make the physical improvements so badly needed for the track to be successful.

As he told me Saturday night, "It would take $100,000 in investment in make this track successful". But as he pointed out nobody in their right mind would put out that kind of money with the continuing lawsuits between Vanhorn and Davidson.

I got to the track at 5:00 PM on Saturday and with the threat of rain looming large didn't really know what to expect in terms of turnout, especially in light of all of the turmoil during the week. What I encountered was strange indeed.

The pit entrance and the grandstand entrances were staked out with people and vehicles, and for a brief moment I thought perhaps security was beefed up over some terrorist threat. Then I saw Peter Drinkwater and several others I recognized standing vigil over the entrance.

When I arrived at the office and was told what was going on something on the order of disbelief set in. That we would have two squads of troops battling over the speedway at race time was too much for even this reporter. Having covered the Florida racing scene full time for six years and being privy to the back rooms of race tracks fans and even most of the race car drivers have no idea about, I thought I had seen it all.

There were 24 cars in the pits, one came later to make 25, and eventually perhaps 300 fans paid to watch them. It reminded me of Bronson's speedway before Mike Cope took over.

Leroy Davidson and Willie Tetter were busy scrambling to get a staff together, the phones were ringing off the hook with Cheryl Weaver and Sara Tetter trying to answer the phones and still answer the barrage of questions being thrown at them by myself and others.

Eventually Davidson found an announcer, assembled some scorers, and held a driver's meeting.

A couple of race fans sitting near the top of the bleachers wanted to talk, so we listened. "This is childish and really out of place at a race track," the lady said. Her husband jumped in, " Don't drag the drivers and us fans into this mess, we came here to see racing".

After listening to the sadness of their comments, we rushed off to the driver's meeting, which Davidson held himself. The first one he had held in many years.

He first passed out photocopies of the insurance binder to all the drivers and crews, followed by a pep talk about putting on a good show for the fans. He explained that even though there was only a small car count, the fans who were there deserved to see them see a good night of racing.

Then the discussion turned to the points fund and purses. After a brief discussion of the alternatives, the drivers themselves agreed on how it would be handled. Davidson told them "I'm here to look out for you guys, and we'll race next week". He also told them he would do whatever it takes to get the car count back up.

The new announcer was a hit right off the bat and clearly brought excitement to even the small crowd, and then after no one could find the tape for the National Anthem, Connie Davidson, Leroy's wife, with some help from a friend stepped up and gave it to the fans live.

It may have been 300 people but the applause sounded like it was twice that number.

Before we left to head for the All American Challenge Series race at DeSoto, I spoke with Chris Felden for a half-hour.

We stood alone, with the racecars roaring in the background, going over the whole situation from his point of view.

Chris Felden is a very personable man, and I could see the hurt in his eyes as we talked. He had worked hard to get the lawsuits settled and make Charlotte County Speedway, not just a good racetrack, but also a top-flight entertainment complex.

Felden expressed his feelings about the drivers and fans, and how he had come to know and like so many of them.

But foremost on his mind was how he felt Davidson had illegally taken over control of the speedway. He explained that he could not just sit back and let all of his hard work to salvage the speedway be undone.

Leroy Davidson, a man I have much conversation with over the last several years, is also a very likable personality. He built the speedway without much money, ran some big shows and was a very active promoter until his removal by the Board of Directors in 1996. He always felt he was railroaded out of control, and on this night finally felt like he had got back what he rightfully owned.

I first visited Charlotte County Speedway in 1997 with my sales partner at the time Terry Wall. Having been very familiar with Charlotte, Lee and Collier County we felt we could help the struggling little racetrack with our marketing and promotional expertise, so we made an appointment to meet with Glen Vanhorn, the man who held control of the corporation that owned the track at the time.

On a very hot Wednesday afternoon we trekked down to see Vanhorn, were taken up to the tower and were all set to discuss the promotional angles we could bring to the speedway. We were offered a beer, declined the offer, and tried to give him our plan.

For the next two hours we sat and listened to a monologue from Vanhorn about how he had run Leroy Davidson out of town. No detail of exactly how he accomplished this task was too minute for us to hear. Any attempt to talk about the track's promotion was immediately shifted back to Davidson. The man seemed obsessed with Davidson, and we never did talk about the track.

But he invited us back to see him and once again we drove the hour and a half, hoping this time we would get down to brass tacks. He never talked to us at all that day. Instead we watched as a five-minute board meeting was held to appoint a new General Manager. A whim executed by a very likable man, well past his best business years.

Having made many trips to Charlotte County Speedway, met hundreds of their fans and many drivers, getting to know a lot of the staff that work there, we have come to really admire the 'family' that exists there.

All of this made Saturday a day of mixed emotions.

On the one hand a very, very sad day. Sad to see an awesome potential being wasted, sad to see the fans and drivers being drawn into a business fight, something like watching mom and dad having a family quarrel, with the children helplessly looking on. Sad to see nice people personally, having to expose their tough business sides for all to see.

On the other hand to see the determination of race fans and race to drivers do what they love to do on Saturday night, despite overwhelming odds and impossible conditions, brought a glow to the spirits of all who were there.

Peter Drinkwater, a real race fan, walked by Chris Felden and I while we discussed the future of Charlotte County Speedway, and said to Chris, "I'm going to watch some racing, I never get to see racing".

Hopefully soon all the fans and drivers will get the chance to "just watch some racing" at Charlotte County Speedway.

Hopefully all these good people will find a way to make a peace that benefits the showmen we call racers and lets the fans get back to cheering for their favorites on the track, instead of having to choose sides.

The following is a story that ran on arcaracing.com
in 2000 about Cavin Councilor.

With l,500 bucks in his pocket and a borrowed car, Cavin
Councilor left his Flint, Michigan home at 17, headed
straight to Florida, and never looked back. And, in
more ways than one, he's been flyin' ever since.

Through the course of it all, this Yankee-turned-Rebel
managed to put himself through college, establish him-
self as an ultra-successful business owner, learned to
fly airplanes and drive racecars. In short, Councilor,
with nothing but the clothes in his suitcase, and
completely onhis own, made it. He is, arguably, a
perfect example that if you have the guts, the stamina
and smarts combined with the right approach, the American
dream is still there for the offering. If it sounds like
'rags to riches' tale, it's because it is.

"I took my final high school exam at 2 o'clock, and by 4,
I was on the road to Florida in my buddy's car cause I
didn't have one," said Councilor from his Naples, Florida
home. "I had $l,500 in my pocket and no prospects for
work, but a buddy said there was a lot of work down there,
and sure enough there was, so I started painting. Worked
my way through school, bought a house, rented out the rooms
to my college buddies, and then one purcase led to the
next. A scholarship paid my classes, but I painted and dry
walled for room and board, food and all the essentials."
As a Michigan State high school cross country champion,
Councilor attended Florida State University on a track
scholarship and graduated with 2 bachelor's degrees, one
in Criminology and the other in Economics.

And it's becoming more apparent that Councilor has the
economics part pretty well figured out. The Michigan
native would become the proprietor of Edgewater Properties
inc, a business that not only owns his Painting company,
but one that's designed to buy, sell and develop property
to include construction and leasing. Now add a full-time
ARCA Bondo/Mar-Hyde Series team (Westbay, Inc.) as well
as a plane to the mix, and you can begin to appreciate
his accomplishments. Especially considering he's less
than 40.

"When I graduated from College, there were some offers but
I soon realized I could make more money painting, so I
started my own company."

For nearly 10 years, Councilor has been a registered
instrumented-rated pilot and flies himself to and from
the ARCA circuit. "I bought a 6-seat, single-engine
Piper Malibu to help carry people, including myself, to
the races. Just figured it made more sense to get some-
thing of my own rather than pay someone else to do it.
So far, it's worked out pretty good, and I love to fly,:
Sounds like Captain Councilor is at the helm in more ways
than one.

In addition, he's taken on the controls of a 3,400 lb.
steel ARCA car, a Target Saws & Blades-Earthlink sponsored
#19 Chevy Monte Carlo. And for 3 years, this 'man of many
hats' has religiously chased stock car racing's most
versatile series. From Daytona to the dirt, Councilor's
on the road and criss-crossing the friendly skies in search
of ARCA. "Lee Leslie (brother of l988 ARCA champion Tracy
Leslie) is our crew chief and builds race cars throughout
the week sohe's a major contributor to the team, and I've
got some great help on the weekends. It also helps to have
the support of Traget Saws and Earthlink. I'm still learn-
ing and I feel we're making progress although, I'm well
aware, that we can always use more."

Now after 3 years plus chasing ARCA, and with his share of
bruises, bumps, breaks and wrecked racecars, Councilor is
indeed showing signs of improvement. It started with a 9th
place point finish in '99. After 12 events in 2000, he's
10th heading to Winshester where last year, the Florida-
Flier recorded, not only his career best qualifying,
(outside row l) but his career best ARCA finish of 5th. In
49 career ARCA starts Councilor has managed l0 top-10
finishes and if he's not, should be building, not only
houses, but respect as well.

In whichever direction Cavin Councilor sets the compass
from here, or however you choose to size him up, look for
this particular ARCA warrior to be at the helm. If it's
not up in the wild blue yonder, look for the #19 Target
Saws & Blades EarthLink Chevy at an ARCA track near you,
and happy sailing.

REST IN PEACE CAVIN COUNCILOR

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By Robin Smith Meiser

My career in stock car racing officially began on December 15, 1991. It is hard to believe that it has almost been a decade since we officially opened the pit gate at Charlotte County Speedway and held the first late model race at the 3/8th mile banked oval.

My first job there was as a trainee scorer, and I had no idea what that entailed or as I have said in the past I would have been the 50/50 girl instead. The word scorer had a nice ring to it but I really didnt know what they did. Boy, did I find out in a hurry!

I got the opportunity to work at Charlotte County Speedway thanks to a man everyone in the Southwest Florida racing community has heard many stories about but few people actually know.

His name is Leroy Davidson and he built Charlotte County Speedway with his own two hands. It took him several years and borrowing a lot of money to accomplish the feat but he was determined to do it and he did.

Remember the movie Field of Dreams where a voice in the cornfield kept telling Kevin Costner if you build it, they will come?

Well, I am convinced that one of the cows in the pastureland that was once Charlotte County Speedway said the same thing to Leroy Davidson and he believed it and that old cow was right he built it and the people came!

Everybody in the stock car world knows who Humpy Wheeler is I am sure. If you dont know, he is the President of Lowes Motor Speedway (AKA Charlotte Motor Speedway).

He is known for his innovative and creative ideas and promotions at his race track. Well, let me tell you, old Humpy Wheeler has nothing on Leroy Davidson when it comes to trying hair brained ideas. He was never afraid to try anything when he was the promoter at Charlotte County Speedway.

Back in the good old days, there were actually Enduros at CCS that had close to 200 cars and they were held every holiday weekend.

The most popular was the News Years Eve of Destruction and Hangover Enduro, which is the only one that is still held there because too many other tracks in the state got the idea from Charlotte and started running their own holiday Enduros.

In the beginning, people would come from all over the state, camp for the weekend; enjoy the wacky, unique New Years Eve races that still continue every year.

Events such as train races where three cars are chained together with one being the engine and one the caboose or Blindfold Races where the driver was blindfolded and coached around the track by a passenger or a race in which a Volkswagen was used as basically a bowling ball.

The evening was and still is, capped off by Paul Reveres Midnight Ride where the lights at the Speedway are brought down and the cars make their way around the track with only a flashlight mounted on their hood to guide them.

Davidson brought the World of Outlaws to Southwest Florida the year after the Speedway opened.

I will never forget trying to score the winged sprints as they made their way around the track in barely ten seconds; or meeting Steve and Mark Kinser, Stevie Smith and even Sammy Swindell.

Some old timers might even remember NASCAR star Kenny Schrader flying in for a late model race. We had great late model races in those years, bringing in drivers like Jeff Purvis who is also a NASCAR star now.

Tragedy struck the year after the Speedway opened when Davidsons son, Brian, died years before his time, leaving behind a baby daughter who Davidson has raised since she was in diapers.

In memory of Brian, who we all loved, Leroy created the season ending Brian Davidson Memorial Late Model race every year,which again packed the stands.

Leroy Davidson remembered what a lot of present day promoters tend to forget, we are in the entertainment business and folks expect to be entertained when they spend their hard earned money to come to yourfacility.

He brought events like motorcycle demolition derbies and motorcycle dare devils like Sky Lungston to the Speedway. He once even got into the boxing ring himself as a promotional event, although I can't remember why anymore.

Gail Cook, the best 50/50 Girl that Charlotte County Speedway ever had and my best friend says she loved working with Davidson because he was never afraid to take a risk. He would guarantee $1,000 50/50 drawings when there was only $500 in sales some nights.

By the end of the night, she would have reached her goal and even went up to $1,200 one night. She said he never lost money when he guaranteed the $1,000 although he would be nervously chewing his famed toothpicks to shreds until the goal was made.

The Summer of 1994 is one that will be long remembered by long time CCS fans. That was the season of White Hats vs. Black Hats.

Two of the Top Gun limited late models drivers of that time, who have both since retired from racing, were feuding weekly on the track, reeking havoc on each others cars week after week. Davidson decided to use their grudge match as a great promotional tool.

The more aggressive of the two drivers was put on probation after a particularly rough night of racing and the next Saturday evening, Davidson had him brought through the back gate in a Sheriff's cruiser handcuffed.

As the cruiser circled the track, the theme from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly played and the vehicle came to a stop in front of the flagstand and a deputy led the driver out of the car, where he met his car owner and Davidson to sign his bail papers as his car owner paid his fine.

The driver in question was much like the recently deceased Dale Earnhardt, you either loved him or you loved to hate him so the crowd went wild with both cheers and boos being heard throughout the stands.

Davidson had five white and five black Western hats made for the two drivers and their crewmembers and a ten lap grudge match was supposed to be run but, unfortunately,the driver in the White Hat broke an axle on his car and the race was shortened.

Davidson also had one hundred felt ribbons of each color made for fans to buy at a buck a piece with the proceeds going to the Junior Fan Club, which was huge back then.

Selina Kuykendall, who was simply the best office manager/race director that has ever existed, spent untold hours on Junior Fan activities way over and beyond the call of duty. That was Selina though, she always had a smile on her face and there was nothing she could not do.

Anyway, the Junior Fan Club had Art Contests and Box Car Races that were fully supported by the track management, big trophies were given out and prizes too. There were Gold Rushes where pennies and other tokens with prizes such as trips to Busch Gardens were thrown out on the race tracks and the kids would scramble to see who could get the most. One year a go-kart was given away to the child who accumulated the most points, membership in the Junior Fan Club was way up then.

My dear friend, Sara Carmean, who does an excellent job as Junior Fan Club Director misses those good old days too but has continued on the tradition of the Easter Egg Hunt and Trick or Treat the Drivers, which has since become a ritual at many other Florida race tracks as well.

That was another area Davidson tried to do well at, building better communication with other race tracks like Jack Smith is trying to do now with KARNAC.

Sometimes I think that is why I enjoy working with Jack and Rick so much because they are born risktakers too! Davidson got this wild idea to start an organization called the Florida Area Race Tracks Association, with the acronym of FART, to unite all the track owners in Florida.

Unfortunately, he did not have a great marketing tool back then called Karnac to help him in his quest but they are carrying the banner right now, doing the very same thing by having monthly owners meetings. He had the same philosophy that Karnac has; we do not have to compete with each other, we can all work together!

When USA International Speedway in Lakeland was being built, Davidson spent weeks helping to set up the infield walls and painting at a track that could be considered his biggest competition at that time.

He even moved Charlotte's racing program to Sunday evening, the first week Lakeland ran so his limited late model and late model drivers could participate in USA's first race.

When Hurricane Andrew did extensive damage to Hialeah Speedway,Leroy traveled there with generators and tools to help them get ready for their weekly show and he took up a collection at CCS to help Hialeah.

Leroy Davidson taught me what the word philanthropy means. The dictionary defines it as love of mankind shown by practical kindness and helpfulness to humanity.

Two good examples of present day Florida racing philanthropists are Bill Green with his yearly Family Fundraiser to raise money for racing families who have suffered adversity throughout the year; and Rick Bristol with his NASCAR Nana Memorial go-kart races to benefit a childrens home in Central Florida.

KARNAC will soon have a fund of their own to help those in the racing community who need it. Glen Vanhorn, the current president at CCS, also opens his heart and track up to worthy causes such as the Do the Right Thing program, MDA and March of Dimes.

He never said no to any worthy cause when I was the public relations director at Charlotte County Speedway. That is one thing that has never changed at CCS, good corporate responsibility, giving back to the community.

Davidson was also like that, raising $5,000 to help buy a wheelchair for a severely injured young woman; auctioning off Enduro cars to benefit a child who needed life saving surgery; presenting checks to groups for the prevention of child abuse.

When one of his drivers, George Richardson, had a terrible accident in which his race car fell on his head, Davidson gave him a life time pass to the Speedway because he said "George has a harder head than I do"!

Particularly dear to my heart and to those in the racing family who live in my community is a little something called Noise for Toys in which we hope to raise funds and collect toys to give needy children in ourcommunity a good Christmas.

Davidson was the founder of Noise for Toys; another one of his promotional tools to try to overcome adversity. The year after the Speedway opened, there were people in Charlotte County that wanted it shut down because of the noise created by the racecars.

They almost got their wish; it came so close but the persistence of Davidson kept it open (along with an 11:30 curfew and mufflers on all the cars). It was shortly before the holiday season when this occurred and Davidson had already planned to do something for the disadvantaged children of Charlotte County for the holiday season.

The name Noise for Toys seemed appropriate and over 100 children for three years straight had a good Christmas because of Davidsons hairbrained idea. We hope we can do the same in our community this coming holiday season and we hope our community will help us in our endeavor.

That's the key: helping each other out, no matter which community is involved. Charlotte County Speedway is now facing another crisis of sorts.

The Airport Authority has raced their rent astronomically and the county commission will soon vote on whether it will happen. Its times like this that Leroy Davidson would come in real handy because somewhere in that off the wall head of his, he would figure a way around it.

Therefore, it is up to the Charlotte racing community and our fellow tracks all over the state to unite for this cause. Petitions will soon be appearing to protest the rent increase and all of the racing community needs to sign them.

If you don't, my dear family at CCS, your Field of Dreams surrounded by what is now a cow pasture in Punta Gorda may die. We all need to come together for the greater good of our racing family, if not we may not have a Speedway to call home!

Robin Smith Meiser

Larry MacMillan, in his midweek report from Citrus County Speedway, revisits a common problem that stock car racing divisions face.

Larry says "The Thunder Stocks seem to be creating their own problems by making modifications to what was intended to be a beginner, inexpensive class. The only way that can continue is to keep it strictly stock so when they are found to be running something other than stock parts they will be declared illegal. That has happened to at least a half dozen cars in the division and is causing a need for a big attitude adjustment within the division."

In the mid-nineties DeSoto Speedway wisely started a division for new racers. The first mistake was naming it the novice division, but the class could have survived that. What it couldn't survive was the upward spiral of mechanical inflation.

It started as a class you get into for less than $2000. Get a car you could buy out of a junkyard or buy on the street for a few hundred dollars, go to Fred's Garage for safety outfitting and when you were done you had a race car, ready to roll.

Within three and a half years some of the cars had 6-8 thousand dollars wrapped up in them, with $3,000 motors becoming common. Post race tech inspections and upsets following them also became common.

By the track not enforcing and keeping the division for the purpose it was designed for, which was to make it easy to get more folks interested spending Saturday night getting greasy, and paying at the back gate, they lost this valuable resource.

Mr. MacMillan goes on to say in his article "Over the forty five years I have been involved with racing promotions I have seen ten different divisions price themselves right out of the racing program just to become more competitive. If you want to get really competitive and make modifications to your race car than get into another division that allows for this. The dissension within the division is going to lead to its demise and it is a shame to see what is happening to what used to be a fun group to race with and for the spectators to watch."

Another example of this is the Charlotte County Road Warriors. What a hoot this class is. A pack of wild cars, beat up, banged up, crunched fenders and all going three wide on street tires adding new dents every lap. And you know what? The fans love it.

When the line isn't held on tech and drivers are not forced to move up instead of moving their cars up in price, the fans lose that brand of excitement, the drivers lose because eventually they run of money or their wives threaten to send them back to Arkansas, and eventually the track loses money without cheap 'feeder' divisions.

Hopefully the promoters and owners around the state will heed Larry MacMillan's word of wisdom.

After all isn't it called "Stock Car" Racing?

-Jack Smith

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Where did the unknown rule come from that says only
Lates, Limited Lates and Modifieds are racecars? What
happened to Sportmans, Super Stocks, Bombers, Pure
Stocks, Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks, 4
cyl. bombers, and Strictly Stocks?? Do they not have
motors, do they not have roll cages, do they not have
drivers who work just as hard on them as any Late Model
driver does on his??

When stock car racing began, back in the good "ole"
days, there were no fancy cars. They just raced every
day street cars that half the time they drove to the
track and prayed that they would be able to drive it
home again or they were not getting home. They may
have souped up the engine some but that is about all.
They were just everyday cars.

Personally, I love watching the old films on those cars,
the drivers in their white t-shirts that were black from
the dirt coming in the car, and the men's faces when they
took off their goggles and looked like raccoons. There
was no arguing over "what is a real racecar" because
there was only one car.

Why do drivers not move up a class when they have raced
the same division for years?? Come on now, don't you
think they want to BUT you run what you can afford and
that is just how it is. If all you can afford is a
Strictly Stock or Pure Stock and you come week in and
week out just to race for the fans in the stands, you
have nothing to be ashamed about. Even those low
class Strictly Stocks cost money and every driver puts
his/her blood, sweat and tears into that car.

It would be great if all racers could have a Boyd
engine or a Graham car but they can't. There are
$25,000 engines racing against $8,000 engines and
guess what, those $8,000 engines can and do win also.
Having more money in a car does not mean it will be
better than one that has less money, it just means
it costs alot more when it breaks.

Sometimes more is less and less is more. You can have
the most expensive engine, chassis, everything and
still get beat. It can and does happen. You see it
in all classes and all forms of racing. But you do
not have to race a Late, Limited Late or Modified
to be called a racer. Because every class costs
money and not every racer has money to go up in class.

Some of Winston Cup's finest racers came from Mini
Stocks and Bombers or Super Stocks or Pure Stocks or
whatever you want to call them. That is the learning
ground for most racers. Most don't have the money to
jump straight into a Late Model.

In a day where you see so many "big rigs" at local
tracks, the every weekend racer who does race on a
budget gets overlooked. There are far more of those
guys than Big Boys. The car counts alone prove that
at most all local tracks. You see far more Super
Stocks, Mini Stocks, and Strictly Stocks than Late
Models or Limited Late Models or even Modifieds.
These are the classes that are somewhat affordable
although even these guys make no money at racing.

So next time you hear someone say, "man, that was a
boring race" just think how boring it would be if
that class was not at the track with 20 plus cars
and guys racing their hearts out. With the cost of
racing going up and up, you run what you brung, and
race what you can afford.



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By Danny Snow

Now that the finger pointing and the name calling has shifted from Desoto to Charlotte, which track will be the next "main topic" of the KARNAC message board?

For some people it's only one person they have a personal grudge for. For other's it's the whole team. From the people who make the calls to the ones who do nothing but show up to give their support.

To everyone who likes/loves short track racing, we need to show our support for the track, the racers and the future of the sport.

You like pizza? You go to your favorite pizza shop and support that place of business. If you don't support it, it will be gone. Same goes for your favorite bar, grocery store, gas station and so on and so on. Know what I mean?

Charlotte County Speedway has been there for a long time, why let it go with a "aw, who cares". If you enjoy racing, then support the facility that brings you the capability to do just that, ENJOY!!

How many people go to a track with a smile because they are doing something they enjoy?

How many people go to a track just to look around and see how many things they can find to fuss about for the next week or two?

If a place of business was just starting out and you went to see what it was all about and enjoyed doing business there for let's say four years or so, and then all of a sudden, the next time you go there you find that it has changed owners or management and you don't like the changes because it's not like it used to be, even though you still enjoy using the product the business is providing for you, do you abandon the place you are happy with?

Or do you try and find another place for the same reasons you started going to that first business for only to find that it cost more and it isn't better anyway?

I don't do much for Charlotte County Speedway, but I do feel pretty damn good about what I do.

I have to put in alot of hours to make a living for my family and Uncle Sam. If I could afford the time, I would give the "#1 CCS Fan" a run for the money as far as the SUPPORT goes.

Come on out Saturday night and lets show the community and the racers that we want the Speedway to be a benifit to the business' and the surrounding areas. Not just a bunch of noisey cars going around in a circle so people can bitch about it on the computer the next day and hide behind a mouse with a fictional name.

-Danny Snow

[Editor's Note: Mr. Snow writes the weekly race report for Charlotte County Speedway]

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By Jack Smith

By Carol Wicks

I have been to Desoto Speedway before but only as a racing spectator. I paid little attention to the details of management or operations. This time I observed both!

I found the track to be the best around for the type of racing I enjoy. You can see the cars from any angle no matter where you sit. The last time I was at the Bradenton speedway I sat under the scorer's box on the general admission side. This time I sat in the pit area.

The infield is open and if a driver loses control he has a safe place to go at least on one side. There are no obstructions. Also on the infield are their safety vehicles, which included an ambulance, fire truck, and several types of rescue and tow trucks. That was really impressive to me because anyone who knows me knows I am most concerned with the safety and well being of all drivers. Everything else is secondary.

The people I met seemed to know their jobs and everyone greeted me with a friendly smile. I bought a chicken dinner with fries to share with my baby and the food was good. The lemonade was GREAT but a little expensive for what was mostly a large cup of ice. It was $4.00!

I tried to sit up on the bleachers but felt it was too dangerous for a 2 year old so opted to sit in the first row and keep him within 5 feet of me at all times and never let him get near the fence. I really believe that people have to take some responsibility for their own actions and not make their stupidity a liability to the business.

The races were well organized and everything moved along nicely. I had heard it took them forever to remove wrecks from the track so when a wreck happened during the late model race I thought it would be a perfect time to go to the ladies room. Guess what? As soon as I got there I heard the cars racing.

GRR...this is the only place I found to be dissatisfactory. The ladies room was quite nasty. I realize it was late and it is the fault of the fans for being slobs but at CCS we have a lady who sits at the rest rooms and keeps them immaculate all night long. They smell clean too.

The only other gripe I had was that the announcer seemed to be gloating over the fact that CCS was having problems. I would never be happy to know Desoto Speedway was in trouble. How could a real race fan want that to happen? We should be working together to make it fun and profitable for both tracks by alternate schedules. One week the OWM drivers come to our track and the next to theirs. That way both tracks get a good car count and something to give the fans! (Just my opinion.)

All in all, the track made our drivers feel very welcomed and went out of their way to allow them a fun night of racing. I appreciate that because these guys went through a lot to get up there after finding CCS shut down. One of our Road Warriors even won a track record! Chris Oncken won the race and I think the fastest time in his class. We are proud of Chris.

In closing, I rate Desoto Speedway a very professionally run track with the driver's safety a prime issue and the fans enjoyment also a priority. It was a very enjoyable night and if I don't make it up there often it is because I am Charlotte County Speedway's number one fan, my car is a relic, and where I go, the baby goes and I can't afford for both of us to pay the pit pass fee.

Thank you to all the people who made it a fun night for us. I would like to especially thank Mary Jane McLeod for her hospitality and friendship. Her hubby even set me up with a safe and convenient parking place so it would be easier for me to get around with the baby.

So in closing, I am now DESOTO SPEEDWAYS #2 FAN!

Carol Wicks


P.S. When Jack Smith of KARNAC asked me to write a short evaluation of my opinion of Desoto Speedway in Bradenton, I told him I would be happy to oblige but only if he publishes what, in my opinion, I believe to be true. I think it made some people at Desoto nervous to have Carol Wicks, who is Charlotte County Speedway's # 1 Fan evaluate, their track.

by Jane Smith

Two years ago this Sunday, Mother's Day, a young man died
and his death touched many people. Adam Petty died hitting
a concrete wall at the New Hampshire track. His father nor
his mother were there and yet they had talked to him by
cell phone not long before that fatal accident occurred.

Sunday, as we give our mothers and grandmothers and wives
or girlfriends, the respect that they earn in raising the
children of our world, remember the mothers of Adam Petty,
John Nemechek, Tony Roper, Kenny Irwin, Dale Earnhardt,
and all the unknown racers we have lost in our sport. They
are truly "Steel Magnolias" in the eyes of their families
and in the eyes of the world.

To be a race mother is not an easy task. You must have
nerves of steel or appear that way, alot of hair color
for that grey you have gotten thru the years, and a deep
love for your child to let him/her do what makes them
happy even though it gives you hives and no fingernails
sometimes.

For all those moms and all moms, Happy Mother's Day.



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By Robin Smith Miller

Nobody knows the three-eighths mile banked asphalt track named Charlotte County Speedway better than Randy Fox. He has been driving stock cars there since the day the track opened. Last season he did what no other limited late model driver has been able to do in the track's history, he won both the regular division and Six Pack series title championship in the same year. This season he has won all three of the regular division races and appears to be on his way to setting more records.

Fox's racing nickname has been "Hondo" for a lot of years but he has more than earned a new that this writer is now bestowing on him, "Iron Man". Fox has more than one fish to fry this year. First, he is building the first full-service race shop that Southwest Florida has seen in quite awhile. More importantly, he is running the race for his life.

Last November Fox started having neck pain and thought that maybe an old back injury was acting up again. He went to Dr. David Anthony for treatment and Anthony immediately referred him to a specialist. It seems the neck pain and accompanying lump growing on his neck was Hodgkins lymphoma. Fox then went to cancer specialist, Dr. Lowell Hart, who has been treating him with chemotherapy, radiation and anti-oxidants. Fox credits Dr. Anthony with saving his life thanks to the early diagnosis and treatment. The Iron Man will now be a cancer survivor rather than a casualty.

Cancer has not slowed Fox down at all. He won two of his feature races this season, the same week he took chemotherapy. He is still overseeing the day to day operations of his business, Randy Fox Inc., as well as the construction of his new business at 217 Wallace Avenue, off of Leonard Boulevard. After its completion in July, Fox and wife, Scarlett, will offer a full race shop operation including chassis set-up, fabrication and race parts for all types of racing vehicles. Phase II of the operation will include 25 and 50 foot stalls that will be rented to area race teams.

Fox has learned the ropes of building racecars from the likes of past Busch Grand National champion, Randy Lajoie, and American Speed Association legend, Mike Garvey. His true mentor is legendary Florida short track specialist, Dave Pletcher, who has the closest race shop facility in the area in Clearwater. Pletcher and Fox designed the chassis for his winning racecar, owned by Mark Bruno and his father, Sal. Fox designed it from his extensive knowledge of the Charlotte County Speedway track and says "It's the car that's winning, not necessarily me. Racing is all about finding out what the competition hasn't got."

This is only half of Fox's operation. The other half of the shop will be a full service fleet maintenance shop for area dump trucks. He will offer nighttime maintenance service to area drivers who rely on their trucks to make their living during the day. Fox also envisions commercial parking for dump trucks and tomato haulers on the property. Fox's partner in the operation is attorney, James Neal. For the past few years Fox has partnered with best friend, Clayton Olding, who has decided to downsize his operation. For more information on Fox's new operation, call 369-0300 or 565-8411.

Fox says he would have never made it through the past few months without the support and prayers of the local racing "family". They serve as his inspiration to keep winning all of his races and the "Iron Man" will continue to race and build his business thanks to early diagnosis and the excellent care of his physicians.

-Robin Smith Miller

Never have I in the 13 plus years that I've been in
racing, have I seen so much confusion between the
drivers and fans. Racing is becoming a free for all
and someone is going to get hurt! It is getting
ridiculous, when you can't take your children to a
track on a Saturday night without having to witness
a "Royal Rumble".

I mean what is racing suppose to be?? I would like to
think if we wanted to see a boxing match or demolition
derby, we would seek a place that had that type of
entertainment and not in the stands or on the race
track. But come on, THIS IS STARTING TO GET WAY OUT
OF HAND.

An innocent bystander is usually the one who gets
hurt. God forbid if anyone does get hurt. But the
tempers raging and attitudes roaring out of control
as I've seen for several weeks now, the inevitable
is surely going to occur!

Racing is a dangerous sport and I'm sure everyone
involved is aware of that. But racers are making it
more dangerous than it has to be. All drivers want
to come home with the win but that isn't possible as
we all know. Once your hands get dirty with knowing
you injured or even killed someone, you'll not be
able to turn the clock back then.

Who wants to go home at the end of the night knowing
they are going to have to do some major repairs to
their car just because of stupidity? And that is what
alot of it boils down to. Being agressive is one thing,
but trying to win on the first lap is ridiculous.

Contact is going to be made on the track, but when you
get drivers who just have to leave their mark on half
the field you know something is wrong. If drivers are
not going to do some major attitude adjustments, I
think that's when these owners and promoters should
step up and take matters into their own hands.

When a driver takes revenge on another driver for an
accident in the real world, it's called ROAD RAGE.
Most people, however, are choosing to call it racing.
Secondly, to seek revenge for an incident of this
nature is not only inappropriate but it is childish.
Drivers who display this type of behavior are behaving
like a nine year old who can't accept the consequences
of their actions and blindly strike out at their
"enemy". Racing is a sport for drivers who are adults.
Drivers definitely should not be at the wheel of a
race car until they can mature.

Hopefully these owners and promotoers will take a
stand! After all, aren't they the ones' in control???




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by Sharon Fancher

Florida Short Tracks are being scrutinized against about
the planning of schedules and rules being used. People
are wondering why they can't come to some kind of
compromise. KARNAC as I recollect, set out last year
to try and bring all these tracks together. But
unfortunately, it was short lived.

Why can't tracks work together in a very "BIG" question
nowadays. In reality there shouldn't be a reason why
they couldn't. We are after all just "ONE" big racing
community right?? I've seen so many people literally
begging for tracks to make changes so they can possibly
race elsewhere. Florida racing is somewhat a little
strange to me as I do come from up north.

Rules and scheduling wasn't a problem at our tracks
because the tracks ran basically the same rules and very
seldom was there confusion of scheduling the special
events. We did have certain people who cried "FAVORITISM"
and slso dealt with a few "GRUDGE" matches as I call
them, but there isn't a track around that doesn't
experience this.

But all in all we always had a great time. Track Owners
in the state of Kentucky also weren't afraid of dishing
out fines, suspensions, etc. for what was necessary.
If you didn't pay you couldn't even be a spectator at
the track. So you can bet a lot of pockets emptied quick
as these people thrived on the thrill of racing.

In my opinion these tracks would benefit from making what
I would say to be "Minor" changes. The locals will always
be there, and greed by trying to make it where drivers can
only run their track will cost them more in the long run
than trying to compromise.

I'm around racing basically 24/7. I hear what these racers
would like to see happen. I know of several who haven't
participated at certain area tracks because they would have
to build 2 or 3 cars just to be in line with the rules.

All you have to do is look around when you are at the
tracks now. Fan and driver count is ridiculous, because
of conflict between tracks. This should tell the owners
and operators something.

Racing needs to be brought back to what it once was. A
place for family and friends to enjoy what they have paid
to see.


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By Jane Smith

"Mama, he pushed me." Well son, "push him back. Don't
try to work this out or be playmates, the fists will
settle it all." How many times have parents told their
children this thinking it would make them strong. It
is an age old story taught by many a parent to their
child BUT in today's world, this is not always the best
or only way to settle a dispute.

God gave us this round thing that sits on top of our
shoulders and actually does work if used. Inside that
round thing he gave us something called "a brain"
which does function even in the hottest of situations
and anger. But lately, it seems that the brain does
not function and the fists and the mouth have all the
power when it comes to racing.

Take two grown men, responsible, mature or at least
on the outside that is what you see. Take two racecars,
very comparable, both wanting to win. One car may
block the other or one car may actually cut down on
the other or they may touch accidentally causing
them BOTH to spin out. One driver gets out of his car,
fists talking while the other driver is a sitting duck
in his raceseat still strapped in. Eventually the one
driver frees himself from his seat only to end up
still being punched and eventually ends up on the ground
fighting for his own safety. Five years olds or grown
responsible men, that is the question???

Take an older driver being beat by a younger driver.
They may touch while racing and the older drivers decided
that the youngster needs to learn a lesson. So when
the race goes under a caution, the older driver aims
his car directly at the younger driver and pushes him
hard into the cement wall of the track. Where is the
brain now?? Not in the round thing on top of the
shoulders.

There is no excuse for fighting or trying to purposely
hurt someone in the world of stockcar racing. That
legal, killing machine is just a toy in a way, something
that is not necessary to our lives but something we
want to play with. Tempers have no place in a playground
or racetrack, none at all. What use to be acceptable
and great fun for the fans has finally come around to
be seen as five year olds who have temper tantrums
because they did not get their way.

Winston Cup now fines drivers heavily for throwing fits
or temper tantrums. Supposedly, hitting someone where
it hurts the most will make them see the error of their
ways, supposedly. They can't afford to suspend a driver
since they are having a hard time right now getting their
43 car count for the payoffs the drivers expect. But
in local racing, fines, suspensions even banning
should be done to an angry playmate.

Parents today tell a child to work things out, talk
to the other child. Hitting is not the answer, name
calling solves nothing but causes hard feelings.
Grown men are no exception to the rule. Racing is NOT
a necessity of life, it is a playtime that is shared
by many a local racer. Sure it costs an arm and a
leg and most racers are in the same boat when it
comes to that arm and a leg. Torn up machines or
damaged bodies don't help you make a living in the
real world.

In the "real" world that we live in most of the week,
if one man hits another then the police step in, arrest
the two, take them to jail, then court and more than
likely some Judge will tell them "Anger Management"
classes are in order. Too bad that our tracks don't
have anger management classes for our drivers and instead
of using fists, they might just use that thing in the
round thing on their shoulders like God intended it
to be used.

Jane Smith



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by Sharon Fancher
I once again returned to Putnam County Speedway with an eagerness to see the recent improvements to the facility and track, I was once again amazed at the dedication Bob Potter has put forth trying to satisfy his racing community. From the banking in turn four, pit slabs all with electric, to the new tech shed just to mention a few of the improvements.


He has also made some adjustments to some of the class rules, payouts and track rules as well. He is very dedication to enforcing those rules also. From last season to this season I have seen what the racing community can do to and for an Owner of a Speedway. Bob Potter has went from trying to please everyone to finally realizing you can't please everyone and can have some driver suggestions, but in the end the Owner,and Officials need to have the final say. So with all this taking place it has finally made for some major changes at Putnam County Speedway. Very good changes I might add.

Mr. Potter is focusing not only on the enforcement of the rules, but also intends on making the 2002 season the safest possible year that he can for everyone who attends his Speedway. I must say I was really impressed with the new Staff and how well organized they seem to be and all the improvements that have currently been made.

I spoke with Bob for just a few minutes, while he was telling me to "Tighten" my truck and car up (Because God knows I couldn't ride a bicycle and park it straight!!) but he made the comment to me, "I don't mind doing these things as long as everyone appreciates it." That statement from him I will recall for a long time. These Owners don't want to just be known as someone that gives us a place to race, they want to feel the appreciation for trying to do their best for us as a racing. Potter gets an A+ for his effort in trying from my point of view. (Even if he tells me to tighten up every time I attend his track)

Bob Potter's track still has some of the finest dirt track racing I've had the privilege of attending and also a top notch facility to just relax and enjoy watching these races.

Sharon Fancher

Jane Smith

Yes, we have drivers out there in our state who love to
beat and bang their way to the top. They don't care
who they hit or what they do to another racer, it
is the win that counts, not how you get there. The
expression "win at all costs" is their motto. Sure,
some fans love this kind of racing but alot of others
do not.

You can't win a race on the first lap but there are
some that think you can. It is jump to the front
no matter what it costs, but sometimes it costs too
much for all. There are others who do not intentionally
hit anyone and yet when they do and they don't
communicate with each other, there becomes a war.

When goals are set to purposely turn someone around,
THIS IS NOT RACING. Using a friend to turn someone
around that you think has done you wrong, THIS IS NOT
RACING. Yes, anger is there but anger and racing no
longer have a place on the track. All this does is
form a lasting "payback" goal which in racing, payback
goals have no place. Racing is racing, accidents
happen, people make wrong moves, cars get loose, cars
check up, but if you really think there is one driver
who purposely wants to wreck another, then that driver
has no place on a racing surface. You have to under-
stand that you are driving a "killing machine" and
you can kill someone when racing with anger in your
heart and paybacks on your mind.

It does not take much to get to know a person and
talk is free. Instead of holding all these "grudges"
and "I will pay him back" maybe the mouth muscle
should work instead of the rolled up fist or the
killing machine car. Don't go angry and wanting
to fight, go with a clear and open mind with no
temper and ears that are open to listen and just
maybe there will be no need for "paybacks". Ever
racer in this state has something to offer to
another racer whether it is advice on the car's
handling, set-up or how to turn right. Why not
use these qualities for the good and realize that
instead of wanting to "payback" or "get even" on
the track is not the answer to any problem.

Just like the saying "what comes around, goes around"
this will happen if someone purposely puts you into
the wall. Someone always gets their due in one way
or another and fans do have eyes. Don't use a racecar
to PROVE your point, try using the mouth that God gave
you just for that purpose "to open and speak" and
ears that open and hear and LISTEN to each other.

Everyone can "agree to disagree" but "paybacks" are
no longer acceptable at the racetrack.

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by Donnie Helmly
Have you ever wondered, how much luck comes into play in racing? Sure, luck is something that affects us everyday in everything that we do. I recall NASCAR Winston Cup Champion, Bill Elliott, making the statement after a win at Rockingham that he would rather be lucky than good.

Well, regardless, whether you call it luck or fate, or that nice guys finish last, or what ever the power to be is, it has become a part of racing at every level of competition. All drivers will tell you that, good luck brings good finishes, which creates momentum, Which helps to keep the sponsors happy, which brings smiles on the faces of the crews and families, which fuels the ego of the driver.

Racing at the local level has changed alot over the past few years. It was not that long ago that cars were towed to the track with open trailers by the majority of racers because that was all they could afford. Engines were not so much Boyd Motors or Graham Fabrication but a work of art out of your own shop or garage maybe even driveway.

Somewhere in all the hoopla, racing for fun amoung some of the classes is no longer fun but blood. You lose sleep trying to figure out how to better your car, how to get just a little more horsepower out of the engine you can afford because a Boyd motor is out of reach or any other motor but your own. You forget the reason why you began racing in the first place "because it was fun and you enjoyed it."

Every now and then you will still find a Super Late or a Late Model being towed to the track on an open trailer, tools thrown in the back of a truck, tires loaded in too and every Tom, Dick, and Harry in the family at the track. Yes, you go to win, you ALWAYS go to win. But money has now become your worst enemy and if you don't have it, you probably will just "suck wind" as they say. But having a Boyd motor or a Graham car or a Renegade hauler, does not mean you always win and you are having FUN.

B. J. McLeod was one of the first to have a big hauler but his dad Darwin built that hauler and it was done because B.J. was going to race Southern All Stars and they needed a hauler that could carry two cars and provide them with a "home away from home." B.J. has "Darwin" motors and has proven that his motor is just as good as any.

Some have asked why B.J. quit Southern All Stars when he was doing so well?? Well, the simple answer is that it costs alot of money to do all that traveling and no one was having any FUN. You see, no matter how far B.J. wants to go or will go, when the fun is not there, then the racing becomes a chore and not a pleasure.

Wally Finney, well known in Florida racing, bought a big rig but the only reason he did so was because both his sons, Kevin and Brian, were racing. They needed something that could carry both cars and the family. Brian was running Florida Pro and the Sunbelt series but frustration set in for him and the reason why, was he forgot that it was for fun and not "do or die". When it became a duty and not something you want to do on a Friday or Saturday night and you stayed up long hours at night even though you had work the next day, where is the fun anymore?

There is no one to blame but if you look in the pits at alot of our tracks, what do you see anymore? You see money and big haulers for something that is done just on the weekend. Instead of smiling faces that use to say "boy, am I happy to be here", you see frustratoin and disappointment in the faces of drivers and their crew.

Mark Martin has always said, "when the fun is gone, it is done." When weekend racing becomes more of a job and a task, then something is definitely wrong. Look back when you first started racing and remember how it felt when you first went on that track, your first win, your first "boy, you did a good job" and that was fun. You raced with your friends, you were proud of your accomplishments and you did not have to have a "money tree" in your backyard just to haul your car to the track.

Fewer and fewer racers have open trailers for hauling, some even have homes on wheels hauling but this does not make the racer by any means, the racer makes the racer. It is the ones that make something out of nothing, that never gives up and always has that smile that says "I am having fun."

You will never get rich in our world of racing and some will never get where they want to in racing. But when you lose the fun and find yourself going nuts on the "what I don't have and they do", then where is the fun anymore?

Jane Smith

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This year I did something that I have never done before, I actually stayed at the track overnight in a tent and saw for myself what these racers must endure when they want to race for nine straight nights. Some of the racers will never have to do this but as I saw last Saturday night, there are quite a few that do and they do it because they love SpeedWeeks and they love racing.

Although the pit gates do not open until noon, the pits start to stir at around 8 a.m. Trailers are opened, cars are taken out, engine hoists and engine stands become familiar. Tranny jacks appear and small and large tool boxes are opened. Parts are being searched for, front clips repaired or replaced with little thought of food or water.

It is strange to see how many racers bring so much with them but they do from the Super Lates down to the Mini Stocks. Spare engines, spare trannys, front clips, radiators, rims, wheels, you name it and they have it or they will get it. They work up until about noon when the pits are cleared and it is time to check in and pay your pit entry fee. At least at this time they get a break and hopefully some food and water. Then it is back to work on whatever needs to be done for the race that night and hopefully for practice laps to see what needs to be adjusted.

When you race nine straight nights, you get very dirty and very tired. Most stay at the track and if racing is done early enough, they may get to leave for awhile and have a nice dinner, other than hamburgers, hot dogs, and whatever cooked at the track. But if your night was bad, there is no leaving. It is not unusual at all to hear generators running and lights burning at 4 a.m. It is not unusual to survive on maybe three hours of sleep if your day has gone bad.

Why do these crews and drivers work themselves down to the bone for 20, 30, 50 or maybe 100 laps of racing?? Is it because it is SpeedWeeks and at no other time do you get to race that many nights in a row? What is it?? They are dirty, tired, hungry and yet they go on and on.

There is only one answer and that is that they LOVE racing. Racers dream of winning and winning at SpeedWeeks is the closest thing that a short track racer has to the Daytona 500. This is their Daytona 500 and their dream of being the Champion of SpeedWeeks. This is the time that drivers from all parts of the country get to share their knowledge and skill against each other and if that means no sleep, dirty clothes and stinky feet, they do it.

Jane Smith

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by Jane Smith

As I was taking my son Josh to work Friday, I noticed
that there was a road course, outlined by tires, in
the front mall parking lot. Well, being someone who
writes for racing and is extremely curious at times,
I had to know more. So the next day when I took Josh
to work, there were go-karts, tents, bleachers, and
a whole bunch of people walking around.

The first person I came to at this miniature race
course was Wally Finney. Wally's brother Phil
Finney is the Race Director for the Grand Prix.
In fact, the whole Finney clan work at this annual
race. Kevin Finney, soon to be seen in his new
Late Model in the Goodyear Challenge Late Model
series, was the flag man. Brian Finney, driver of
the #80 Super Late Model in both Florida Pro and
the Sunbelt Series, was a Pit Official.

In 1992, the Cape Canaveral Hospital Foundation started
an annual fund-raiser in Cocoa Village which was their
Mardi Gras for Florida folks. Just like New Orleans,
Mardi Gras was a grand street party with floats, beads,
and lots and lots of fun. So in 1995, Mardi Gras was
extended with a 5K run and the first Mini Grand Prix
which was minature Indy and Nascar type racecars which
was run in the shady, cozy streets of Cocoa Village.
Twelve cars entered that year.

Mardi Gras in 1996 was a tremendous success. Over 700
runners ran the 5K race and 17 cars came to race the
Grand Prix. So in 1997, with over 900 runners and
25,000 patrons at the Mardi Gras parade and festival,
the Grand Prix race was made a separate event to take
place in the Spring of 1998.

Once again run in Cocoa Village, the 1998 Grand Prix
saw 25 race cars and they raised over $40,000.00 for
the Hospital's Pain Management Center. This year also
began a new tradition of a "Prix Race Party" where
sponsors, drivers, and crews were treated to a
bar-b-q buffet and contests of best dressed race team,
best decorated car, and a tire changing competition.

Until last year, 2001, the Grand Prix had moved to
different locations but it finally found it's home
at Merritt Square Mall. One Saturday each year,
the front parking lot of the mall is roped off and
a road course outlined by tires becomes a very hot
racetrack.

Doug Wilson Enterprises sponsored the Grand Prix and
also has a very sleek, fast black #66 go kart that
races every year. Race teams this year included
Bob Steele Chevrolet, #107 WA1A Radio, Merritt Island
Air and Heat, Merritt Square Mall, and on and on.

Each race team must change drivers halfway thru the
race and change one tire. The karts are closely teched
and it is restrictor plate racing since no one really
wants anyone to get hurt. But that does not stop the
action which is bumper to bumper and side by side.
Spectators come with chairs and umbrellas to take away
some of the Florida sun and stay all day until the end
of the event and the trophys are awarded. And, of
course, like any good racetrack there is plenty of food
and drink available.

This year the Grand Prix was for cancer care at Cape
Canaveral Hospital. Last year almost $70,000.00 was
raised from the race and this year I expect that will
be met and more. Volunteers are plenty at the race
and the racers are very serious about their Grand Prix.

Yes, Merritt Island has a Grand Prix race. The money
goes to the hospital for needs of the public and
businesses get to compete in an area where normally
they don't compete. And spectators get to eat, drink
and enjoy what we all love - racing.





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By Robin Smith Miller

Stock car drivers and racing officials, as well as their families and pit crews, got out of their usual blue jeans and t-shirts and donned formal wear to attend the 2002 Charlotte County Speedway Awards Banquet on January 12 at Victoria Estates Country Club in Port Charlotte.

Randy "Hondo" Fox's table included almost 40 people as they came to celebrate his championships in both the CAT Country 107 limited late model division and the Collier Electric of Naples Limited Late Model Six Pack Series. Fox is the first limited late model driver in the speedway's history to accomplish this feat. To cap off the evening, he was also presented the annual Big Heart Award for his leadership and community service, which included he and wife, Scarlett's, involvement in spearheading the First Annual Noise for Toys Car Show held on November 30 of last year in Lehigh Acres.

Port Charlotte's Chuck Sweet took Rookie of the Year honors in the regular limited late model division with a fourth place finish and the East Coast's, Al Fradette, was named Rookie of the Year in the six pack series.

Joining Fox in the championship ranks was Buckingham's Chris Dean, who won the K&S Transport Open Wheel Modified division points battle for the second year in a row. Dean, who has raced at the speedway since it opened over a decade ago, also took second place in the Budweiser Open Wheel Modified Six Pack Series.

Open Wheel Modified Six Pack Series Rookie of the Year, "King" James Dubose of Arcadia, won the championship in a year that saw him racing in four divisions. He also took eighth place in the limited late model six-pack series and tenth in the regular limited late model division. Last year's KIX Country Sportsman division champion, finished second in that division, to its Rookie of the Year, Danny Yates of Cape Coral, who was also a dual championship winner this year.

Yates, no stranger to racing at the 3/8th's mile banked track, also took championship honors in the inaugural Little Vic's Concession Modified Mini's division, which also meant he took the series Rook of the Year title, as well.

Arcadia resident, Elbert Butts, who took home championship laurels this year in the Lee's Auto Detail Pure Stock division. Charlotte County's John Plakiotis took Rookie of the Year honors.

East Lee County, Keith Risinger won the Big Wheels Mini Stock division championship for the first time in his racing career. He finished second in last year's battle. Shortly before the racing season began, Risinger lost his father and he dedicated the entire year to his memory. Alva resident, Michael Johns was the division's rookie of the year.

Conrad Molter of Naples took home both Rookie of the Year honors and the championship trophy in the Shirley's Bookkeeping Rebel Road Warrior division. This was the first and only year for this class.

Fellow Naples driver, Del Beckner, was this year's Lee's Auto Repair Road Warrior division champion while Trey Almand was awarded the Rookie of the Year title.

Punta Gorda resident, Don Vanacker was awarded the Hendry's Mango Maniacs Cowboy Cadillacs championship title, while Gene Pack was the rookie of the year.

The speedway is closed until February 23 but will host the First Annual Kids' Motor Speedwy Gathering that will include a sell and trade show during the weekend of February 2 and 3. For more information on this event, call Kenny Vaughn at 941/594-1570. For information on upcoming events at the speedway, call 941/575-2422.

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by Sharon Fancher

I have spent the last 15 years around racers and to me
there are no finer people anywhere. However, as with any
large group of people, there's always a few with a stray
air bubble in their think tanks, which can lead to lock-
up. A small but disconcerting percentage of racers have
the ability to be mechanical wizards, skillful competitors
and safety boneheads all at the same time.

I'd love to have a free pit pass for every fast car I've
seen that also was accompanied by a few exceedingly dumb
safety mistakes. Of course, there are slow cars with
equally dumb mistakes, and it is important to remember
that differences in lap times do nothing to mitigate the
level of danger racers can find themselves in.

Racing can put competitors in situations that look comical
when seen in a photograph - afterwards, if all ended well.
Unfortunately, some of the situations seen are deadly
serious and, while they may appear humorous, could easily
result in real-life tragedy.

Far too many racers still think a window net is only to
keep arms and other body parts inside the car. They
do that very well, but nets also keep many potentially
harmful things; tires, rocks, clods of dirt from entering
the car and knocking you out or worse.

Another far-too-common mistake: Many cars in certain
divisions allow some form of hood scoop or tunnel to
provide clearance for air cleaners. This, however, is
not a scoop. It is a duct that, with great but
unintentional accuracy, can and will aim fire or hot
liquids escaping from under the hood directly at the
driver.

Another dangerous practice is stretching a tire to
increase it's diameter. Intentionally over-pressurizing
a tire is ALWAYS DANGEROUS. Manufacturers recommend
against this practice but racers do it anyway, primarily
with bias-ply tires. An exploding tire does not care if
it's being installed or stretched; the consequences can
be equally lethal in each case.

For the vast majority of competitors, racing is a hobby -
pursued with a passion, but still a hobby. Taking
chances with your own or others' personal safety should
not be part of any team's program. While we're on the
subject of safety, all these things people already know,
but sometimes choose to ignore for some reason or
another.

Before anyone goes under a car for any reason, it should be
solidly supported by heavy-duty jackstands. Everyone
knows they'll lose the gravity battle against a 3,000
plus pound racecar but we see people do this time and
again. I've seen some people who choose not to use jack
stands at every track I've visited. Why, because they
are in a hurry? That's NO excuse.

Radiator Caps:
No matter who you are, you're not fast enough to get your
hand out of the way. Racing cooling systems can be
under tremendous pressure and removing a radiator cap
usually unleashes a powerful geyser of scalding water
that will burn whoever it contacts. How many times have
you seen people do this?

Coolant Systems:
How often have you seen a team remove the hood from an
overheating racecar and immediately set it on the roof?
The crew has forgotten that the upper radiator neck is
aimed at the interior of the car, or at least at the
windshield. If the normal pressure build-up in the
cooling system, after the engine is shut down, blows
off the top hose, the driver or anyone nearby will be
sprayed with scalding water. Think about it!!!!

Stay Aware:
Never ever turn your back on moving racecars whether they
are on the track or in the pits. Drivers often can't see
well through dirty windshields and often pit lighting is
not very bright - and the high state of excitement overall
can mean that not everyone sees everything. Always assume
drivers cannot see you and position yourself accordingly.
Get out of harm's way!

Tragedies, such as the loss of so many racers this past year,
should make all of us stop and look at what we can do and
make sure that these simple safety procedures are used.
Racing will continue to be fun as long as all of us come
back next week to try it again. Let's have a great 2002
season!

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by Jack Smith

"John Barker is simply a paid hack who has no clue about the sport he has been covering for the last few centuries." Someone told me that recently. I could have said it but I didn't and I'm not telling who did say it. In a recent little ditty from John "the old codger" Barker which he laughingly titles "Highs and Lows at the Local Tracks in 2001", published by that tremendoulsy well known rag called the Lakeland Ledger, he rambles on about the greatness of USA International and picks a bone or two with little Auburndale Speedway. What a guy.

"USA International Speedway in Lakeland enjoyed one of its best seasons this year and continues to be the dominant Florida short track for racing." Oh really John. What makes USA International Speedway the dominant short track? What does this dominance entail? Did the Governor of the State of Florida come to USA International and spend nearly an hour on the front straight? No, I think that was that little underprivileged half-mile called New Smyrna Speedway. Did USA have any part of the Florida Triple Crown? No I don't think so. How many shows does USA put on each year? Thirty, Forty? How many did your local track put on this rainy 2001?

To compare the operation at USA International with the other short tracks in Florida is ludicrous and marks Barker as simply another racing reporter who knows how to do one thing: suck up.

USA International Speedway is a great racing facility, and the management puts on some excellent racing events. But it is, as everyone with a common sense and a little knowledge of Florida racing knows, not, I repeat NOT a Saturday night racetrack. USA puts on special events. It is not what anybody with a modicum of brain cells left would call a 'local short track'.

Auburndale is a quarter-mile local track, a short track catering to race fans 35-40 weeks a year just like Sunshine Speedway, Citrus County Speedway or any of the other regular Friday or Saturday local venues. These tracks bring in maybe 800 to 1500 race fans through the front gate, maybe 2000 once in a while and even occasionally some special event will prompt ticket sales of 3000 or more. They have small staffs, small budgets and small crowds by USA International standards.

USA International is closer to being like Homestead than it is like Auburndale, DeSoto or Charlotte.

Barker instructs us with his wisdom: "Meanwhile, racing at Auburndale Speedway is still a bit questionable, because strong management still has not taken center stage." Oh John, turn your hearing aid up for a minute please. WHICH LOCAL SPEEDWAY IN FLORIDA WITH NEW OWNERSHIP HAS STRONG MANAGEMENT THAT HAS TAKEN CENTER STAGE?

"One thing for sure is track owner J.T. Beard must step up and make some key changes regarding rules being the same for every driver in each class. If not, there's sure to be a driver rebellion of sorts." Oh Really John, are you telling us there is some perception of favoritism at Auburndale? You must have been spending time on the Auburndale message board lately. And you must also be ignorant of the fact that this perception of favoritism exists at every facility in Florida and probably the Country.

Poor Mr. Barker leads us down the road of ominous threats of closure of 'the little Speedway that could' with this little incantation: "The gates here could swing shut for good unless the entire Auburndale team is on the same wave length next season." John, what inside information do you have that you are not sharing with us uninformed race fanatics? Show me one track in Florida where the 'entire team' is on the same page, Johnny Boy. Show me one track where all the track officials are "on the same page or keep a closed mouth". Let us in on which tracks have no perception surrounding them that some drivers get special breaks.

You can't Mr. Barker because such Nirvana doesn't exist.

USA International doesn't have these problems because USA International doesn't have a Saturday night show with it's own officials etc.; the track simply opens the track for racing series to come put their own show. Of course you already know this John. You write this crap because somebody pays you to write this crap. In fact if you were being intellectually honest, you would be more likely to compare USA International to Homestead than to a local Saturday night short track. USA International's operations much more closely resemble in every aspect that one-mile venue. Compare those two operations and maybe USA stands up, maybe not.

The last race at USA, the USAR Hooters ProCup finale for 2001, drew quite a nice crowd, according to Barker over 7,000 fans. Little Auburndale Speedway, 30 minutes of winding roads and traffic away from the Big Track, also had a good crowd estimated at 2000 or so. The Auburndale fans were treated to a 23-car demo derby, a 17-car Limited Late Model race, and figure eight racing and generally had a lot of fun. After all the night was billed as "Fun Night" with the Winter Haven Dodge dealership spotlighted, and with the regular season already put to rest the previous week, the track champions were on the track in a sparkling new Dodge truck.

USAR Hooter ProCup Photos From USA International Speedway

Auburndale Speedway's Fun Night Photos

Both tracks, with completely different types of fans, had a great night of action. Having heard some nonsense about how Auburndale, unlike in the days of Martino ownership (and Auburndale fans know how strong that management was), no longer closes it's doors when USA runs an event, and how this will hurt the USA attendance, I waited in anticipation Saturday night for the attendance reports from our KARNAC reporters. I had predicted to a number of people that both tracks would do very well at the gate, as the audiences are as different as the shows they come to see.

Perhaps Barker is still irate over the outsider J. T. Beard buying the track. For those unfamiliar with the details, Beard bought the track, the property, and the whole shooting match. He's not leasing the place to make a quick buck. J. T. Beard is in fact looking to reduce his commitments to his other businesses so that he can devote full time to the track in 2002, and has made tremendous improvements to the physical plant while learning the inside of a stock car short track. New pavement, much better lighting and improved safety features combined with keeping the place clean and neat are some of the improvements Beard has made. For next year's season Auburndale has also made a strong commitment to community involvement and bringing many new sponsors on board. J.T. Beard has been quite clear in his statements about the kind of facility he wants. The emphasis will be toward putting on entertaining shows that draw a wider range of race fans and audiences.

Whatever the motivation for his drivel, Barker needs to get over it, grab a slug of Geritol, down a handful of Viagra and go spend some time at the little short track he loves to malign.

Next year look for an expanded schedule of activities at the awesome facility at USA International Speedway and we expect this time next year Auburndale will be celebrating a year that saw some challenges overcome, some more improvements in the racing operation. Just as will Charlotte County Speedway, Bronson Motor Speedway, DeSoto Speedway, Putnam County Speedway as well as others.

But you still won't be able to adequately compare USA with any of these.

Well, maybe John Barker will.

You can read his article here:

Jack Smith
Publisher KARNAC.com

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by Bill Green

It was the busiest day of the year for me. The 3rd Annual Racing Family Fundraiser was in full swing. Thirty plus race cars were on display. A dozen bikes, and another dozen classic cars. The Pro Star Mazda Team of Michael Stephen's was on display with a 78 foot hauler and 3 sleek looking scaled down Indy style cars. had just begun judging for the Race Car/Motorcycle/Classic Car Show, and then came the tap on the shoulder. When I turned around Scarlet was holding her. My newest Granddaughter. Dallas Faye Renee Green. What a beautiful baby girl. She is something. Has Grandpa's round face, her Grandma Cheryl's little nose, her mom's eyes, and her dad's bald head. I think he shaved it for her, so they would match.... LOL

She was a nice break from the pace of the day. A special hug and that sweet fresh smell of a baby. But, I still had to take a pie in the face, auction off $4000 worth of collectibles, do a two hour LIVE radio show, and judge an evening Karaoke Contest. So it now seems ever so fleeting, this surprise encounter.

For the record, this years 3rd Annual Racing Family Fundraiser raised a record $10,061 dollars. We hope the final total for this year's, year long effort, will top $10,500 as a few more dollars roll in.

Thanks to all who helped make this possible. You'll see your names up on the Short Track USA web site soon. But literally, there were hundreds of people involved, and every one of them should feel great about what they helped us accomplish.

Thank You ALL!!!

William C. "Bill" Green
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November 12, 2001

FSCR

TWO YEARS AGO TODAY

by Bill Green

Two years ago today I saw a bright sunrise. There was a nip in the air, that hint of another winter on the way. I remember going to the studio early, cause on that Saturday the radio show was still 1-3 in the afternoon, before the gates to the speedway opened. If you go back to that day on our Internet hookup, you can hear the conversations filled with hope for a great seasons finish. You hear some already looking forward to the next year in anticipation of greater things to come.

As we prepared for the second and final leg of "The Battle of the Tracks," even I felt the future was bright with possibilities. Eastbay and Sunshine were working together. Street Stocks from the asphalt and dirt were meeting one another and making new friends. What a wonderful thing was happening in racing. Remember? Mike Hinegardner, Scott Charles, and Ed Kidd were representing Sunshine, we were proud and excited as the night started. Then "The Battle of the Tracks" was on.

At Eastbay we had seen the Sunshine boys hold there own, but the dirt drivers were ready on their day and showed us the way. Now it was our turn. We lined up on the out side row, and when we were done, Sunshine held the trophy high by only one point, what a great time in racing.

What a friendly exhibition of competition. I was probably never happier or prouder of myself and my Short Track USA crew, than at that moment. That moment when that trophy was held high atop the winning car, not for Sunshine's Win, but for the door we had opened in the future of local racing. The possibilities were endless, but little did I know, how tightly that door would be softly closed before the night was over.

James did not mean it, Bill did not see it coming till the last few feet, but when it was over an angel had left Sunshine, and with it went more than just a friend of yours and mine. Along it's side went a thousand shattered dreams and million broken hearts.

"Wild" Bill is still missed. Missed by my heart and all the hearts he touched in his short life. That night local racing stopped turning. Every person in the stands that night can still tell you exactly where they sat. Every child saw the adult tears. Every mother came face to face with her worst fears.

By now you would think the hurting would have stopped. But here I sit with a face full of tears, remembering my friend and the lesson that he taught us. That to live life, you must live it. Not hold anything back for another day, but live it to it's fullest, everyday. But most of all, to always enjoy the company friends and family when you can. They may not always be able to stay by your side. You have to keep them in your heart.

God Bless "Wild" Bill Revard, and we think you for your inspiration to help others enjoy life, as you enjoyed yours!

-Bill Green

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November 12, 2001

FSCR

Pit Crew Members Unsung Heroes of Racing

by Cambria Laveck Padgett

As the Director of Member Services for the National Association of Pit Crew Members for the National Association of Pit Crew Members and the wife of a Winston Cup jackman, I know the life that pit crew members lead as well as the dangers that they face. The pit road accident on lap 111 of the Pennzoil 400 in Homestead, Florida was devastating to these crew members as well as their families; devastating but not surprising.

These are professional athletes that give 110% to their jobs. You wont see their faces on fans T-shirts or see them hop on a helicopter after the race with the drivers and team owners (they sit in race traffic by the way just like you). They dont live in the spotlight like the majority of the race competitors. They are, however, one of the most important parts of a race team, if not the most important. Their hours are long, the work is dangerous and on most race days victory depends on them.

Why, then, dont these athletes get more attention? Why arent they treated with the same respect as all the other race participants? Why arent crew members spouses issued hard cards (permanent pit passes) as drivers wives are? Why do the crews have to sit in race day traffic trying to get home while drivers and team owners take helicopters straight from the track? Why arent crew members salaries similar to the other race competitors? So much of racing now is dependent on sponsorship. Why hasnt a corporate sponsor realized what they could gain by putting these athletes in the spotlight? There is a long list of questions such as these. Nobody seems to have any answers.

The bottom line is that these men (and women) deserve more respect than they are getting. The work that pit crew members do is very dangerous and they sacrifice their free time to do it. They spend days each week away from their families and several hours each day practicing and training. They work seven days a week for ten months straight with only three weekends off each season. They are the hardest working people in the sport of racing and they are the most overlooked.

Pit crew members deserve the same respect and treatment as all the other competitors at the track. It is the goal of the National Association of Pit Crew Members to put these athletes in the spotlight and to continue to work on their behalf to get them the respect and attention that they so rightfully deserve.

The thoughts and prayers of the NAPCM are with the families and friends of the crew members injured in the line of duty on lap #111 of the Pennzoil 400 in Homestead, Florida.

- Cambria Laveck Padgett

[Editors Note: Cambria Laveck Padgett is the Director of Member Services for the National Association of Pit Crew Members. Her husband is Mark Padgett, jackman for the #33 Winston Cup Oakwood Homes Chevy. For more information on the National Association of Pit Crew Members, visit www.pitstops.org or call 828-242-0877.]

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October 23, 2001

FSCR

PARADISE ANY WAY YOU LOOK AT IT

By Robin Smith Miller

Notice anything different about this story yet? Check out my by-line, yes, I have a new name - Robin Smith Miller. Not much different; same initials still; I can use the same monogrammed towels. On October 18, I married my fellow KARNACIAN, our photographer, Max Miller, as the sun set on Mallory Square in Key West on the Eve of the start to Fantasy Festival. Those of you who know me, are shaking your heads and chuckling at the same time and saying, "only Robin would do something like that!"

We had a wonderful time in Key West but raced back on Saturday, driving from Key West to Lakeland to exchange one paradise for another, with a half an hour to spare before the start of the Discount Auto Parts 150 NASCAR Goodys Dash Series race at USA International Speedway in Lakeland. For our readers who prefer the "technical" race stories, let me steer you right now to my racing buddy Thom Watson's superb synopsis of the evening's race action. For those of you who prefer a little more rambling, I hope you will stick with me here.

My new hubby (that sounds really strange!) and I raced through the pits, just in time to get some good pictures during driver introductions. I got to say a very brief hello to some of the wonderful drivers I have met this year in this series like Tim Nichols, Kelly "Girl" Sutton, the Hobgoods, Cam Strader, local racers Derrick Kelley and Tony Hargraves. Missing in action was Doc Brewer and Angie Wilson, who elected to stay home this weekend. In all my years of racing, I have seldom met such a great group of people than those in the Goodys Dash Series!

I got a tear in my eye, as did most everyone there, when the "Boys Band" called 490 did a magnificent a cappella version of "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America" and yet again when Jessica Swartzkopf sang "The Star Bangled Banner". As a local service club unfurled a huge American flag, the fans waved little cardboard replicas provided by the Speedway. We all shared a moment of silence, remembering those we have lost in the past six weeks. This was the first race I had been to since the September 11 attack and it felt good to be "home" at an oval track.

The Willsboro, South Carolina Hobgood boys, Jake and Justin, were the two fastest cars in qualifying, making their dad Will proud yet again. It has been a great year in racing for this family including a one-two finish earlier this season at Myrtle Beach and domination at the season opener in February at Daytona International Speedway. Big brother Jake started on the pole but little brother Justin "ruled" most of the race, leading almost 100 laps. The only other driver not named Hobgood who led, was Randy Humphrey when the Hobgoods pitted midway through the 150-lap race.

My young friend, Scott Thornton of Jacksonville, was not so lucky. The young high schooler whose pit crew consists of his father and grandfather was out of the race before three laps were complete. Also, not having a good evening, was Kelly "Girl" Sutton who is a source of great inspiration to me. In her usual "never say quit" fashion, however, the Crownsville, Maryland driver held on to finish a respectable 14th out of 35 cars.

Tony Hargraves (left) and Kelly Sutton (right)

My eyes constantly followed the Rookie of the Year contenders, young Shane Hmiel of Pleasant Garden, N.C. and the #52 Old Milwaukee/John Boy and Billy Grilling Sauce/U.S. Air Force car of the oldest rookie of the year contender in the series, Tim Nichols of Cedar Bluff, Virginia. As I said earlier his car owner and teammate, Doc Brewer, kept his Pabst Blue Ribbon/John Boy and Billy race car home but Lakeland driver, Tony Hargraves, racing in only his third start this year, did the PBR logo justice by finishing in the top half of the field in 16th position.

In the end, Jake Hobgood took the series first ever win from the pole in his Cedar Creek Auto sponsored Pontiac and brother, Justin finished second in his Sunfire sponsored by Tracker Boats/Holiday Kamper and Boats.

Series point leader and last year's Rookie of the Year, Cam Strader of Wilson, N.C. finished third in his Wesson Oil/Peter Pan sponsored Cougar. Fourth place went to Chuck Gafrarar of Mooresville, N.C. in his Miller Lite Pontiac. Winter Haven's Keith Roggen finished fifth in his Chevy Cavalier sponsored by Southern Road Builders. Local favorite Derrick Kelley had the best finish of the "Florida boys", bringing his Discount Auto Parts sponsored Pontiac Sunfire to a sixth place finish.

Tim Nichols was credited with a 12th place finish, keeping him ahead of Shane Hmiel in the Mag-Klip Rookie of the Year points. However, Wayne Edwards of Sheppardsville, Kentucky, gained ground on Nichols, ensuring an exciting season ending race at Nashville Speedway on November 25. Strader needs only to start in the race to ensure his first series points championship.

Next on the track were the Executive Racing School SARA Late Models for a 100 lap race. One of "my" own drivers, Doug Moff of Fort Myers took the fastest qualifying time but had to start fifth. Another driver who I have been proud to watch and write about since he was 14 years old, young lion, Brad Barkis of Fort Myers sat on the pole after he qualified fifth. Barkis dominated the first 42 laps. It was then yet another of my old Charlotte County Speedway regulars, series champion Bobby Beauchemin of Davie took the lead.


Several laps later a wreck on the front stretch took Barkis and Jason Boyd out of contention. Moff was also involved but was able to remain on the lead lap. Beauchemin continued to lead as the wily Wayne Morris of Mulberry snuck behind him, taking the lead on Lap 82 where he hung on for the win. Joe Boyd of Tampa was third and Martin Pierce of Sanford was fourth. Rounding out the Top Five was Rookie of the Year contender and another of my home town favorites, Smokin' Joe Sumasky of Lehigh Acres.

I am sorry to say, by that point in time we were exhausted after our 500 mile trip so we didn't stay to see Aaron Dreher win the inaugural Erock Series race but again you can get the rest of the story from my buddy Thom.

I can't wait for Goodys Dash race rebroadcast to really watch the race and focus on it. For those of you who are interested, you can catch it on Fox Sport on Saturday, November 3rd at 11 am or Saturday, November 10th at 8 PM. It will also be shown on the Sunshine Network on Tuesday, November 6th at 2 PM or Wednesday, November 7th at 8 PM.

-Robin Smith Miller

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October 18, 2001

FSCR

Rebirth of the Governor's Cup

By Jane Smith

In the heart of every local racer is a dream, a dream of that one big race. In Florida, we are lucky, we have three big racing events. The first is the Governor's Cup, the second is the Triple Crown, and the third is the Snowball Derby. Each has a long history of it's on but this past weekend, fans and racers alike felt the pomp and grandeur of the Governor's Cup race of years gone by, thanks in no small past to Don Nerone.

Don Nerone has been in racing for many years. He has seen the good and the bad, the grand and the small. Don knows the history of the Governor's Cup and the Triple Crown and what they use to be. This year, he set himself a goal, a goal to bring back the past and start a new present.

The first step of bringing back the past was writing to Governor Jeb Bush and inviting him to be the Grand Marshall for the 2001 Governor's Cup race. Of course other Governors in the past have been invited to throw the green but it was Governor Jeb Bush who wrote back and said "yes".

Of course Governor Bush got a lesson in what this race used to be from Don Nerone and State Senator Bill Posey, who also is a racer. The Cup use to be standing room only, reserved seats ordered at least a month before the race or you would not get a seat. And the most important information of all, the race was commissioned by a Governor thirty six years ago.

Once Don Nerone received the reply from the Governor, plans had to be made on making this "The Race" of the year. Robert Hart, owner of the speedway, had new main grandstands built, a new press box put up, new speakers wired and new fencing put up. The track took on a whole new look.

A grand parade was planned, one that has not been seen in many years at the Cup race. Each driver was introduced first to the fans and then to the Governor. And to the Governor's surprise, he was presented his own driving suit from Pennzoil and helmet, signed by each of the Cup drivers. Don's dream was truly coming true.

The pomp and grandeur of the past is now the present. Although we may not always have a Governor to throw the green, the fans will look forward to the 37th Annual Governor's Cup race because one man cared enough that he wanted the past to come back alive.

36th ANNUAL GOVERNOR'S CUP PHOTO GALLERY ONE!

36th ANNUAL GOVERNOR'S CUP PHOTO GALLERY TWO!

Spend an hour with Don Nerone enjoying the racing insights and plenty of the humor of Florida's top promoter.

-Jane Smith

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September 29, 2001

FSCR

Searching For An Answer

By Sharon Fancher

After all the terrorism witnessed in New York and Washington, I have found that people were so united immediately following the destruction. But what I realized is how quick most people have put it aside or maybe buried it from fear of facing what is to come in the days ahead. This week it's as if nothing ever went wrong. People are once again showing there negativeness much more than ever before.

The comment I would like to make on all this is can't we all be friends and put our difference's aside? The he said, she said stuff isn't going to get us anywhere. The criticism of the Tracks, Owners, and Karnac website is ridiculous. Do we not want a place to run and watch races? Do we not want a place to be able to vent in an effective way?

The petty criticism that is going on right now is causing a negative impact on the way these people are thinking and reacting to us that have allowed us these privileges. And yes they are privileges. I'm sure if you sit back and look at everything that is going on, you most certainly can see these things taking place yourselves.

The track Owner's are dealing with trying to make the best possible place for us to have some sort of entertainment in our lives. They don't have to do this and I will tell you right now it isn't for the money. All the tracks in the state of Florida are struggling right now. There loosing there behinds and I will tell you why, because everyone isn't going to be pleased with something. So they are in turn going to downgrade the Track, Owner's, and Official's and this negative behavior is turning people away fast.

I go to the driver's meetings at the track I attend every Saturday and I know there very few legitimate questions ask. If you think someone is the favorite, illegal, or changes need to be made, why not voice your opinions then and show a little respect for these people instead of choosing to wait until you get home on the computer to do so? I've witnessed several things that haven't been right {in my opinion}, but I haven't blown my stack over it. If you feel the drivers meeting isn't the place to discuss a problem you might have, then ask whoever it is you'd like to address your concern, to speak with them in private. I mean wake up people these Owner's and Officials are just as human as you and I.

Last but not least, the KARNAC website. I've watched as certain one's have expressed there likes and dislikes of the site. Some have made good remarks and some have made very outlandish remarks against it. But yet they return to the site again and again, why? Maybe because they felt the need to stir up trouble. I mean God forbid it to actually be because they liked the site, or being able to communicate with other people to express the rights and wrongs of racing, or maybe just to make a friend, or help a fellow racer with a need or problem they might have.

My point is, if we continue to create havoc on all these people involved, pretty soon they will get tired and lose interest in something we all love. Eventually closing down or selling {which is becoming frequent nowadays} the Tracks we love racing at and the site we spend a lot of time praising, and venting on. I don't want to see this happen, but I know how I would feel if I had to deal with the problem's these people do everyday.This is something we do have control over. Let's start using our hearts as well as our heads and make racing what it really is "A Fun, Adventurous & Loving Sport" for all.

-Sharon Fancher

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September 27, 2001

FSCR

Seldom Recognized People Of Racing

Often there have been stories shared with us about the all the great drivers, officials, track owner's, etc. But too often we forget about the others out there working who also make racing more pleasurable. Those people are the 50/50 salesperson, ticket booth and concession stand operator's to name a few. They are there for every race, but never get to see the excitement.

Ever wonder what would make someone possibly desire to do these jobs? Maybe it is the desire to meet and serve people? I'm sure the pay isn't what keeps them coming back to stand in those hot buildings or walk around in the HOT sun to sell tickets. Or stand over an extremely hot grill and fryer cooking the burgers and things that satisfy our hunger or thirst. The people who hold these types of jobs at the tracks also play a very important part in racing.

The ticket booth operator's are usually in a tiny space, with very little room to move and temperatures close to 100 degree's with no air. But even though they suffer these types of conditions, when you arrive at the ticket window, they are still able to address you with a smile and courtesy. I admire these people for being able to cope with the surrounding circumstances, there is no way I could. So people should take this into consideration, before going up to the window and being rude or disrespectful because you are hot or had a bad day. Imagine how they feel!

The 50/50 salesperson doesn't have it any easier either. They walk around all day selling tickets, climbing up and down the bleachers. Why do they do this, to make it easier for us to enjoy the race and to sell more tickets maybe? This contributes to more money for someone to win and also creates a bigger fund for things the track might use the other half for (drivers, injured drivers, driver points fund, etc.). These people are also very courteous and should be admired too.

Now last, but not least, the concession stand operator's. Do they ever have a tough job, working in those tiny stands dealing with even more heat from the grills, fryer's, etc. And I bet their pay isn't making them any richer either. So they must really love their job right? What pleasure could they possibly obtain from working under these conditions, with hardly any pay? Once again for the love of meeting and serving people. I've seen people be really nasty to these workers, and why I ask? Because maybe they are not serving you fast enough or the food is too cold or whatever reason you might have. So when you go to the concession stand asking for a beverage, food or whatever, try and put yourself on the other side. Would you want to be in their shoe's?

Just remember if these jobs weren't filled with people who have a passion for meeting and serving people, then there would definitely be some unhappy people without them! Let them know you appreciate the work they do on your next visit to the track. Because they deserve to be recognized and appreciated also!

-Sharon Fancher

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September 24, 2001

FSCR

Answers to Some Questions

by Jack Smith

Hopefully we can clear up some misconceptions people may have about the Internet, KARNAC and other mundane things. I say mundane because, in light of recent events on the world stage, stock car racing and other forms of entertainment have taken on somewhat less importance in the scheme of things, at least in my world.

In order to be clear about any misinterpretation of the following statements and comments, lets look at the meaning of a few words. Three words in particular are Opinions, Facts, and the cursed five-letter word, Rumor. Another word often meaning different things to different people is Friends.

A Fact could be said to be something that can be proven to exist by visible evidence.

An Opinion is something that may or may not be based on any Facts.

Webster’s says Rumor is "general talk not based on definite knowledge, mere gossip". Also "an unconfirmed report, story or statement in general circulation".

By way of example: last week a Rumor was started on an Internet message board (not belonging to KARNAC) to the effect that KARNAC.com "was going out of business". This rumor was created out of the fact that parts of KARNAC.com were unavailable to the public for varying lengths of time, anywhere from one to four days depending on various Internet factors. This Rumor was then turned into "KARNAC.com was bought out by some big web company". Unconfirmed statements put into general circulation by people with malicious intent is the hallmark of Rumor mongering and trouble making.

In actual Fact: KARNAC.com experienced loss of it's DNS (Domain Name Server) due to a fouled up system within Network Solutions that makes updating Registration Information for Domains a nightmare. The problem was at first thought to be connected either with the W32.Nimda.A@mm virus or possibly with Internet slowdowns associated with the national crisis in the US. On Thursday we isolated the problem as being with our DNS, and within 12-18 hours the problem was corrected and everything was pretty much back to normal. So sad for the Rumormongers.

Another such example is the very malicious Rumor spread by staff at a Florida speedway to the effect that we took a post offering a reward for finding a hit and run driver in Sarasota off of our message boards because the speedway in question is not a paying advertiser of the speedway. The Rumor also has versions that tracks pay KARNAC.com to keep bad things about the track off of our message boards.

The Facts regarding this are as follows:
1. The post contained the phone number of a business owner in Sarasota. Our rules clearly state, "Please remember posts are not considered news and the validity of any statements are not to be construed as factual. The authenticity of the posters is also not to be considered reliable." Therefore in order to confirm the validity, and since there was a phone number I called the business owner, confirmed the information and offered our assistance as best we could. We then wrote out the simple facts of this horrible crime, posted them in a section we call Pit Stops, which is where news articles of a brief nature usually are placed in our online magazine. We then edited the post by 'Gus n Cindy' adding the link to the article for anyone to read. The Pit Stop section is also available from links at the top of most of our boards as well as the Front Page of Florida Stock Car Racing. By taking the above steps we followed our routine procedure of verifying and publishing important information we are assured is reliable in the NEWS section, not on a message board where anyone with a malicious heart can promote any Rumor he or she likes. The message board is ENTERTAINMENT, not NEWS.

2. Tracks, which advertise, with KARNAC.com do get help in dealing with Rumor and malicious gossip. Do we remove a post simply because it is negative toward a track? The answer is no!
I firmly believe that it is good to get the feedback of the fans in order to continually improve the operation of our speedways. We strive to help our paying advertisers, regardless of the type of business, improve their image in the public arena. This is never charged for but is given as an additional service to advertiser's placed advertisements and special promotions.

If any of the staff, ownership or other interested parties of the speedway in question had bothered to bring their complaint directly to KARNAC.com through any of our email addresses or by the readily available KARNAC.com phone number the above Rumor would have been unnecessary.

We try to adhere to the basic premise that our News sections of KARNAC.com whether on our Southern Short Track or Florida Stock Car Racing site remain a place for Facts. Our message boards are a place for Opinions. When one of our moderators feel a particular topic is headed into Rumor mongering and becomes malicious the topic is frequently deleted. We have been over and over this point in the last few years. Anyone who feels our moderators are being too lax in this regard is always invited to contact KARNAC.com so that remedies can occur.

I find it particularly amusing that our Community Forum, which requires Real Names, is not used anywhere near the level of our good ole straightforward 'post with any anonymous name you wish' boards. It is in my personal Opinion a shame that more people are not willing to express their Opinions openly thus creating real dialogues with real people who are being real with each other.

I daresay that is how Friends are created.

What does that word mean to you?

-Jack Smith

[Note: if you have a Rumor you would like clarified regarding some aspect of the Florida racing scene, email us at rumors@karnac.com]


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September 15, 2001

FSCR

Wake Up America

By Jane Smith

America, home of the brave, land of the free and land of plenty. America, a land that never thought it could be hurt and yet on September 11, learned a very hard lesson. We open our hearts to strangers, we give our money to poor countries, and we get attacked by our own commercial jet liners. Why, how could this happen?? We are suppose to be able to control these things with all the expensive gadgets that the country is always building. Yet, some strangers get through our sophisticated security systems at the airport and are able to take control of our planes. Talking about a wake up call, we got it.

Before all this happened, Americans took alot for granted. We live in the land of the free, home of the plenty maybe too much plenty. Compared to some countries, even our poorest of poor are rich compared to what they have. We always want more, our kids want $l00.00 toys and every new thing that the toy market can come up with. We own cars that cost more than some people make in a lifetime in other countries and yet, we forget just how lucky we are.

Why did it take Septemer 11 to make us fly our own American flag? How many people even owned a flag? When and where did we lose the respect we have now for our country and all that it means? Even "We the People" never meant that but we the race or that race but not "we the people". Why were we not a family before this attack and where did all those prejudices go after it?

America, you have your "wake up call:". You have a second chance to do it right, to be united and realize that we are all one nation under God. This is the time that we cannot just think of ourselves and our own little family but all families, all people. Yes, those attacks woke the GIANT again but it should have never been asleep. We took too much for granted, in fact, like a Russian friend told me once, "Americans are spoiled rotten." We can go and buy a loaf of bread and never stand in a line for it, we have toilet paper which is hard to find in some countries, we have everything and we took it all for granted.

September 11 our lives changed and we remembered what was important to us, our country. Isn't it a shame that we never felt this way before now, we never flew our flag at our homes and said "I am proud to be an American". We never prayed so much for guidance and the healing power of prayer.

For me personally, I will never take what I have for granted, I will never take the many priviledges I have in this country for granted and I will never think that just because you live in America, you cannot be hurt. September 11 proved that for all Americans. Wake up America, we have been given a second chance, let's not blow this one.

Jane Smith



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September 11, 2001

FSCR

Runaway Problem

By Sharon Fancher

The term "aggressive driving" isn't new to the racing world and bespeaks an explosive, behind-the-wheel ugliness that sometimes can end in tragedy. It stems from a combination of ignorance, bad manners and at the time not realizing the potential risk or outcome of such actions. When racers get behind the wheel of a car, sometimes a demon takes over in certain situations and causes that person to become irate, rude, offensive or out of control and can lead to a lot of problems.

Aggressive driving is starting to show itself at an alarming rate in the local racing industry. Racers are reared in a racing culture were irate expressions are sometimes considered a part of the normal wear and tear of racing. Once a driver enters a race car, they sometimes think that suddenly the rules change. Thinking that it is justifiable and OK, for them to be mad, or get very upset, out of control, and use bad language that's ordinarily not allowed, just because someone did something they didn't like while racing.

Just because aggressive driving is a learned cultural habit and knowing that you can retaliate if you want too, doesn't mean you have to retaliate and respond in a destructive manner. When we do get frustrated while racing we do have the choice of deciding how we're going to respond. There are types of responses available to us like: venting without retaliating, not venting, staying cool and objective, or back off until we can act responsibly. It's up to us how we respond and it's up to us how we train ourselves to respond.

Aggressive driving doesn't occur for no reason. It happens in a response to someone doing something silly or even dangerous. For example, a racer dangerously cuts down on another racer and causes them to spin. The victim is angry and not clearly thinking and abuses the perpetrator. While racing, drivers are closer to each other, so they can see each other better, and notice more things about each other, including mistakes, some of which are merely annoying, others that could cause life threatening injuries.

Sometimes racing can get so intense that drivers become emotionally insane on a temporary basis and snap. They then become primitive savages engaged in hurting or killing each other. Or, if not killing each other, at least behaving in an aggressive and hostile manner, enough to loose control of themselves and acting dangerously. Feeling stress behind the wheel may be a familiar sensation for hundreds of racers, but it can be more than just a temporary irritant. It can also cause us to react in a destructive and sometimes deadly manner. How our choices could affect other drivers, fans, etc., is what we should be thinking about, before entering a race car.

Aggressive driving has become a runaway problem. It is only now with so many injuries and lives that have been taken in such a short time period of time in local racing, that people are starting to realize the potential dangers of aggressive driving. So lets make the right decision and drive responsibly.

Sharon Fancher

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September 11, 2001

FSCR

Confusion Is Not The Word

by Jane Smith

Ok, I admit first off that I am a woman. But that does not mean that I don't know anything or that I am brain dead or stupid. But right now, the sport that I have given my heart to, has got me so confused that I am not sure whether I am coming or going.

When I look at the message board and see that yet another stupid act has happened on a racetrack and another arrest has been made, I wonder why. Why or how can a "family" sport like racing get so violent. I mean, the purses are not that big and you don't win a house with a points championship so why the violence. Yes, I understand that tempers get hot but so do they in everyday life. Has no one ever heard of channeling your anger in another direction other than at a person??

There has always been rubbing in racing but today, we have gone way pass rubbing. To literally aim your car at another car whether under green or yellow, is not acceptable. Flipping a car is beyond belief. Both of these actions are deadly. Yes, I know that racing in itself is deadly and accidents do happen but when they are not accidents and done on purpose, how are we suppose to handle them??

Okay, both racers involved in one of these incidents has family that loves them. The young man at St. Augustine has a wife and two young sons and he is facing a year away from them. He and the other driver were friends so why would you do this even if you lost?? I just don't get it, maybe I never will, but when you know that you are that angry and you know that your hands are in control of a deadly weapon, why act on your temper? You know that you could hurt or possibly kill that person.

Now we are back to square one. Do we excuse these actions as just a racing thing or what??? Some say because they are inside a racetrack, the owner should have the last word as to what is done to the driver. So does that mean if by some strange reason that a driver could have a gun, hopefully never, and got mad enough that he shot another driver, the law should not be called. What is the line, where is the line??

Even in Busch and Winston Cup, fans are getting upset with some of the driving manners they see each week. Is it okay to take someone out just to win? I thought the rule was "if you can't pass cleanly, you're not really winning." Ricky Rudd knew how to rub Kevin Harvick just right, just enough to get him lose but not wreck him to pass for the win. Even Benny Parsons said that is the way to do it, NOT the way Kevin Harvick had done it to Rudd for the lead. Again, these are what they call "old timers" saying the new ways are the wrong ways so what is it??

So here we are again, wondering who should or should not have the control over dirty drivers or angry drivers?? How do we stop this?? Can we stop this?? Like an old friend wrote me this week, where he raced years ago, the owner of the track got so tired of all the fighting at the races he put a boxing ring in the middle of the track for the drivers so they could knock each other crazy and work their anger out. This way they only hurt their faces and used their hands and not cars as their weapons.

If some kind of solution is not found for these "crazy" actions, we are going to see someone not come out okay. I don't think any fan wants that and I know no racing family wants that. We certainly aren't Winston Cup and we don't make a fortune to do local racing so why are we acting so stupid. God gave us all common sense and a brain, isn't it time yet to use them before someone ends up in prison for life because of a racing accident.

Jane Smith

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September 8, 2001

FSCR

WHAT IS & IS NOT ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR WHEN ANGRY

By Luann Nieborg

Ok… let’s define this a little shall we? So everyone has a basic understanding of what is and is not acceptable? This is just my little guideline list for those who are lacking the common sense that was given a snail.

Acceptable:

1.Rubbing to get by someone when trying to take a position during a race (come on… that’s why your out there). Just don’t let it get out of hand. You can usually get by someone with out needing to send them into the wall.

2.Nudging the guy in front of you who has no idea that he is slowing you down during the race (but then who infront of you doesn't know they are slowing you down). Again… you can usually get by someone with out needing to send them into the wall.

3.Talking trash and boasting… in your own area or on the message boards (with in reason guys) this is fine. We all have egos and they can get a little on the large side. (Must be where that extra right side weight is coming from.)

4.Yelling… in your own pit area or in the car (but lets try to leave the other guys/gals mother out of it shall we? That’s just rude).

5.Screaming… well… look above.

6.Ranting… I guess these all go together.

7.Beating your head, hand, fist… whatever on your steering wheel… well if you must hit something in frustration I guess this is as good as anything (but that’s got’ a hurt).

8.Kicking your tires, door panel of your car, jack (the thing that lifts the car not the guy). Mind you this is all YOUR equipment so if you feel better breaking your foot on it or breaking it… have at it.

9.Jumping up and down like a freak on a volcano vent while yelling, screaming or ranting… well… if this helps you release the anger… be our guest.

Please note… these things are all right if done in YOUR OWN AREA/PIT! Please don’t do them on the track, in someone else’s pit or in the middle of the pit lineup area.

Unacceptable:

1.Threaten someone with physical harm to his or her equipment, physical person or family. (You just don’t get to do this and not have a big guy with a badge & a gun come looking for you. Not even on the message boards.)

2.Ramming someone’s car on purpose at any time on the track or off… during green or yellow flag racing or after the race is over. (What’s the matter with you are you trying to kill someone and end up in jail?)

3.Getting in someone’s face and calling them names, bringing their family into it or calling his/her mother ANYTHING (again… what do you have a death wish or something?). We have addressed yelling, screaming and ranting so you should be familiar with it by now.

4.Shoving the track official, another competitor or cop (what are you just stupid or something? You don’t put your hands on a cop unless you want a real pretty pair of linked chrome bracelets). Putting your hands on ANYONE is not acceptable at all especially if you are angry.

6.Taking a swing at someone - open handed or with a fist and especially not with something IN your fist. (I mean come on… there IS more in your head than just mush… isn’t there?)


Penalties:
1.Heavy Fines
2.Probation
3.Suspension - with no reinstatement unless you can prove that you have had some kind of anger management course.


Notification:
1.Every track with in a 200-mile radius.

These are just my basics… There are more but I am out of time & ideas for the moment. If you have some to add... please do. I'm sure that I haven't covered everything...

This kind of behavior is not acceptable and needs to be dealt with. Period!

-Luann Nieborg




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September 3, 2001

FSCR

Racey Ladies

By Robin Smith Meiser
I started out in this sport as a racing widow. It grew on me as it has thousands of other women throughout the country. It became a way of life; it actually becomes your life. One of my daughters carried on the tradition and married into a racing family, what was that song in the Lion King, 'The Circle of Life'?

What is strange is that sometimes when the circle of life is at that down turn and racecar goes away after being part of your life for so many years, and then a marriage can fall apart. Kind of like empty nest syndrome, I guess. The really funny thing is that after my marriage ended to a stock car driver, he was no longer involved in the sport but it was then that I totally immersed myself in it. For the past seven years, I have lived and breathed racing day in and day out.

In those years, I have met many of the new breed of racy ladies, as I call them. The ones like Luann Nieborg discusses in her Racing Widow story. I have met some tremendous women in the past few years, many of them drivers, racing with the full support of their spouses, children, parents, grandchildren, other family members and friends. I even tried my hand at racing a couple of Powder Puffs in the late 1970s. The first was at the old Suncoast Speedway, which now lies in the underbrush off of US 41 in southern Charlotte County. The first race I ran in, I was leading the first lap going into Turn Two when I felt a huge jolt and my car went flying.

Luckily, it was a jalopy division car and it came back down on all four wheels. I had been sent flying by a young lady by the name of Susan Meier, the wife of Peter and mother of Jeremy, who race at CCS intermittently. She won the race but I did manage to finish fourth out of four cars! I got out of racing as a participant shortly, thereafter. I always tell people though that Susan should have gone on racing because she would have been one of the best!

The first lady driver in a regular racing division I really knew was a woman by the name of Karen Fowler, who used to race at Charlotte County Speedway in the early 1990s. Karen is a gutsy lady, whose ex-husband John is now the crew chief for limited late model/sportsman driver, Buzz The Bomb Martin. John used to do all of the work on Karen’s car and Karen would drive the wheels off of it. She could have driven in the ladies division as CCS had a Lady Road Warrior class back then but for some reason she didn’t.

I am getting older now, a grandmother you see, so sometimes I forget things like my story last week when I said CCS opened in 1991, it was actually in the late 1980s, I believe. Anyway, one hot summer night Karen was racing in the last race of the evening and was coming down the backstretch when she wrecked with another car just before the entrance to the pits. All at once, the ground shook from a horrific explosion, as Karen’s car became a fireball, totally engulfed in flames. Some brave fellow driver reached in to get Karen out and got burned himself. I can't remember who it was but I am sure someone will be happy to post it on the message board for me. The track workers whisked Karen off in an ambulance to the hospital and we all knew she had to be seriously injured, it was the worst fire I had ever seen at CCS, second only to Leroy Porter's wreck many years ago at DeSoto.

Most people who go to CCS know that the Speedway gas station on Jones Loop Road is a very happening place for local racers after the lights go down at the racetrack. On that particular night, we all sat in the parking lot and worried about Karen Fowler. Imagine our surprise, when scarcely an hour after the accident, Karen and John pulled into the lot. Karen got out of the truck, bandages covering both her arms. She had burns underneath but that was the extent of the damage, she was a lucky lady. At any rate, the first story I ever wrote about a woman driver was Karen after that incident. She doesn’t race anymore but left a lasting impression on me.

Right now there are at least three gutsy women drivers at Charlotte County Speedway who race in regular division racing and their husbands do all the work on their cars and then pace nervously in the pits while the little woman is out racing with the men. The one with the longest racing history is the current points champion in the Cowboy Cadillac (although it should be Cowgirl or Cowperson Cadillacs since she is the current champion, HA HA) division, Cheryl The Pearl Weaver who prides herself on being a racing grandmother. A very active member of Racers for Christ, she races her purple and white Chevy truck with a stuffed Elmo hanging out her passenger window.

Elmo is there because her granddaughters love him so much. Last Halloween weekend for the annual Trick or Treat the Drivers, Cheryl ensured a special appearance by the red monster and at the 2000 points banquet; Sesame Street balloons marked her table. All the other champions were decked with black and white balloons but then Cheryl is just a really special lady and is loved by everyone at the Speedway. Cheryl's husband, Dave, is her biggest fan and they have been married for over 30 years after being high school sweet hearts.

Probably the scariest moment of his life though was the time when she climbed out unhurt after she rolled her car on the front stretch of the track. As soon as the car was towed into the pits, Dave started working on it, changing the springs and Cheryl climbed back in, rejoined the race four laps down but took home a ninth place finish. That's Cheryl, she has that never say die attitude.

Fellow racing lady, road warrior driver Donna Connolly, has put her husband John through the scare of seeing her flip on two separate occasions. John is a real excitable kind of guy and both times I was afraid he was going to stroke out on us until the tough gal climbed out both times relatively unscathed. She is like a Timex watch; she takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Every time she wrecks her car, John takes it home and fixes it. That is what racing is about in the new Millennium.

Christine Gibson, who drove her first open wheel modified race at CCS on August 25 after spending several years in the pure stock division, gave her husband Tom, and sons Justin and Josh, a horrendous moment during hot laps that evening.

As Christine spun, another car flew on top of her car with a portion of their front wheel poking through her window. Quick pit work by Tom and crew got her back on the track for her heat race. Tom stands on top of their trailer playing the role of spotter while Christine races. You can see the pride in his eyes every time he looks at her; they are still relative newlyweds you see, having been married less than two years.

Several months ago, the Gibson’s and myself made a visit to a middle school truancy program funded by the Department of Juvenile Justice with Christine's racecar. I had made the mistake of telling the school that driver Chris Gibson would be there and immediately the teacher and principal went up to Tom, thinking he was the driver. It was hilarious! They showed the kids around the trailer and explained how everything worked on a racecar and Christine started her car and made several laps around the school track (as in track and field). I cannot tell you the impact she made on at least five middle school at-risk adolescent girls, she is their heroine!

Speaking of adolescent girls, I have a new little racing sister who is just emerging on the race scene this year. Her name is Christy Boyett and she is in the rookie division in the Outlaw Modified series, currently running sixth in points and has had a Top Ten finish in every race except her first this year. This young lady has the full support of her parents, Bill and Nancy, and is going to try to move up into the Fastrucks next season. Of course, late models are her short-range goal.

Recently, I had a discussion with Cheryl Weaver about Christy Boyette. Cheryl and I both think Christy will go far because she has the drive, talent, and personality to make it in the big league. More importantly, she is an excellent role model for other teen-age girls. She is the kind of young woman who can show other teen-age girls, who may not have the same self-esteem that she has, that they can do ANYTHING they want to do. Like the Nike commercial, JUST DO IT!

I have two other lady racing role models who I have to discuss briefly. The first is probably the bravest lady I have had the pleasure to meet, NASCAR Goodys DASH Series driver, Kelly Sutton, who is sponsored by Copaxone. What is Copaxone you might ask? It is a drug that people who have multiple sclerosis take to control their muscle tremors. Kelly or The Girl as her admiring fellow drivers call her, takes the drug and it is what allows her to race, as she has multiple sclerosis. I cannot tell you the respect and admiration that I have for this woman who I met only twice. I hope to be writing about her for years. I can't tell you that much about her now because I don't know her that well but what an inspiration she is to the racing world.

I cannot close this commentary without discussing my personal role model and friend, Kim Scheffler. She has been written about by many Florida writers in recent years and has a litany of accomplishments both on and off the racetrack. Everyone who visits this Website knows of her work with children and children's charities. If you want to learn more about her, visit her personal Website at www.kimschefflerhays.com or read past stories written about her on this Website. I do have to sing her praises though about one thing I really haven’t discussed with the KARNAC readers yet. Several months ago, I lost a young man who was like a son to me. I wrote a story about Daniel Miller and I am sure it is in the archives if you haven't read it. He died after being thrown out of a Jeep because he wasn’t wearing his seat belt. My dear friend, Kim Scheffler, heard the sad story and with the support of her Fastruck owners, Firestine Motorsports, she decided to race in his memory for this season. Decals saying Racing in Memory of Daniel Miller were placed on the hood of her truck and she spoke of the importance of young people wearing their seatbelts. Daniel's parents, Dan and Sara Miller, were totally devastated after the death of their only son. The silver lining in their black cloud though was the evening they saw Kim’s truck with that tribute to their son on it. That was the night the healing began for the Miller family and I will be eternally grateful to Kim for her thoughtfulness. She did for the Millers what none of us could do. And as I always say, when you do good, you get good back and boy, does she have some good coming her way!

Another breed of racy ladies are women like my friends, Linda Jericka and Karen Woodruff, the head scorers at our two Southwest Florida stock car tracks. If you want to see the toughest job at any racetrack, go up into the score tower and watch what they do. You have no idea how hard that job is but if they weren’t there, you couldn't run a race. My other two girlfriends at CCS, Krista Holmes and Michelle Jackson, do the same tough job. Hats off to you, my girls, I am proud of you.

Two other racy ladies I am proud to call my dear friends are volunteers. The first is Sara Carmean, who runs the Junior Fan Club and actually introduced me to KARNAC. She is a phenomenal woman who has poured hundreds of hours or work and love into the kids at Charlotte County Speedway. The other is one we all have come to know and love in the past few months, Carol Wicks! I wont even get started on her because I am sure you will all fill up the message board on that one!

Also, what has happened to my other message board girlfriend, Missy? Are you out there still? I miss you. Finally, to my fellow Lady Karnacians, Luann Nieborg and Jane Smith, I am proud to be on the same Website with you. I want to be just like you both when I grow up (like I ever will, grow up that is!).

-Robin Smith Meiser


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September 2, 2001

FSCR

Caution Racing Has Got To Go

by Jane Smith
We saw it yesterday in the Busch Race, caution racing. The first incident was no one's fault as a part broke on the car but the second, well, that could be debated. Tempers flair and somewhere goes the brain and good sense that we are suppose to have. It happened last year, it happened not long ago in a SARA race and according to the message board, it happened last night at Volusia Speedway Park.

Ok, in local racing, the guys that race have few sponsors. Their sponsors are themselves and the money to race comes from their own pockets. But that is no excuse for hitting someone under caution, there is no excuse. Track owners are not going to put up with such behavior and fans definitely will not. The one time that a driver is truly safe, is under caution and yet now, we have too much caution racing.

It is understanding that tempers can get overheated in a race, especially when it is a race with alot of beating and banging. But hitting a person under caution is never and never will be right. If you got cut off on the interstate and hit someone, you would go to jail. So maybe the only solution for hitting someone under caution on purpose is jail. You are using a deadly weapon for all the wrong reasons.

Winston Cup, Busch, all the NASCAR series will not put up with this kind of behavior. There is no excuse and before you know it, you will be without a ride. If you can't pass someone clean in a race without turning them around, you are not racing. If you can't behave under caution, you should not be on the track.

Maybe we should start Anger Management Classes for our racers that have these problems. We have it for men and women who cannot control their tempers and flare out and hit someone. And then again, maybe all tracks should ban these racers to let them know that this is NOT acceptable at any track.

Good clean racing is dangerous enough in itself. You should never have to race and worry about being hurt under caution, never. Maybe it is time that all the track owners get together and decide one rule for these incidents and it might help stop it. Make it a statewide rule with harsh punishment and just maybe, it will stop because there won't be a place you can go to race.

We know that rules vary from track to track but this is the one thing that all tracks could do together. Together they would have the power to stop this, together they can agree on the punishment for this crime.

Jane Smith

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August 25, 2001

FSCR

"Racing Widows?" Not Anymore!

By Luann Nieborg

A very wise woman I know recently said, "Love and marriage is about sharing and compromising. He should not have to give up racing and his spouse should not have to be a racing widow". That got me thinking how many women do I know who feel like they're racing widows? With all of the different tracks that Hans & I travel to, I have seen a lot of women sitting in the stands and most of them were seen cheering their husbands on to victory, near victory or the very best night he has had in a long time. I've watched them as they hold up their young children and say, "Watch honey here comes Daddy. He's going to get third this week. Isn't that great?" It didn't seem to matter to them at all that he didn't win, as long as he did his best. I have seen them get mad as a caged tiger when another racer bumps, scrubs or outright rams their spouse during a race (sometimes getting as vocal, if not more than, their husbands do). I have also seen the wives roll up their sleeves and push the car into the pits after something broke; crawling under the car and helping to fix it; banging out a dented fender or grousing about a rotten call. Racing widows? No not from where I have been watching.

On the flip side I have also sat in the pit stands and listened to husbands crowing as their wives passed another racer or took the lead. Shouting encouragement to their other half as she zoomed by knowing she probably can't hear him, but so what? "That's his wife out there!". I 've also listened to the very "GUY" comment of "If so and so hits our car again I am going to pound them into the ground!" (Wow, I could swear I heard something similar to that during the race from another voice a bit higher in pitch though). I've watched as fathers pointed to the track as they said to their small daughters, "Look honey Mommy's going to kick butt tonight. Someday we'll build a car for you too." I have also seen hugs and concern as she crawls out of a very crumpled car "It's ok as long as you're not hurt. We can fix it and try again next week."

We so often think of racing as being a MAN'S sport, the little woman inside fixing dinner as he works on HIS car night after night getting it ready for the weekend. You see, that's changing and we're seeing husbands and wives working together to get it ready in time. Mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, aunts and uncles pulling together to "get 'er done" before race night. This has often been the way of it. It's where the idea that racing is a "Family Sport" came from.

More and more though, the cars that are being worked on belong to the wife or daughter of the family instead of the husband or the son. We're seeing fewer and fewer "Racing Widows" and, thankfully, more and more "Racing Families".

Racing Widows? Not if the women of today can help it, because they won't stand for being left on the outside looking in. Now, they can be found in the Driver's seat experiencing the same passions and addictions that the men seem to suffer from.

Good luck ladies, and remember the winner's circle isn't only at the track. It's in the heart too.

Luann Nieborg

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August 23, 2001

FSCR

"Safety," Is It Not Important?

by Sharon Fancher

Safety issue's in racing has created a disturbing question, in which I've wondered about for quite some time now. Safety in racing, "Just what does that mean to a driver?" Especially after carefully listening to the Karnac staff and Craig Clarke on the Karnac Real Racin Talk Show, discuss the cost of having an ambulance and emergency personnel present at the track.

Why would a driver not want an ambulance or at least some sort of emergency transportation available if needed present at the track? Qualified emergency personnel being on hand is great, but what if a driver or anyone at the track were to be seriously injured and need to be transported to a facility that could give the necessary advanced treatment that might be needed?

Has anyone ever really considered how long it can take for an ambulance or helicopter which is even faster, to arrive at a track? Then having to turn around and take the injured back to a facility to be given necessary treatment? Those few minutes could mean the difference between a life and death situation.

Where I'm from an ambulance present on the track was never an issue, it was a State law. So when I moved to Florida and witnessed my first serious accident at Ocala Speedway, I assumed the track had an ambulance present, but all to soon it was brought to my attention that there wasn't one present. After realizing this, all I could say was, "Oh My God, I can't believe there isn't an ambulance here to get this man to a hospital." So I sat there in the stands praying to God that someone would arrive quick.

Being a CNA and knowing this man was suffering from life threatening burns, and also thinking about how that could be a loved one of mine, made me want to run out on the track to help in anyway possible, but I knew there was nothing I could do. That is the most helpless and horrible feeling a person can have and one that I'll never forget. It still runs chills up and down my spine just thinking about it.

Eventually the severely burned man was air lifted off the track, by a Stat Medical helicopter. But as a witness to that scene, I will also tell you it took what seemed like forever for that helicopter to arrive at the Speedway from Gainesville. Then it took even longer for it to finally find out how and where it was actually going to land. About 20 minutes altogether total time in getting there and landing.

Can you imagine how his family felt? They were present and had to watch as a loved one of there's was suffering from life threatening burns and for it to take 45 minutes to an hour for him to finally get transported to a facility, must have had to seem like an eternity to them.

So what I would like to ask all of the drivers, fans, and everyone else associated with racing, doesn't safety need to be considered the #1 priority? Is it not worth the extra money that could be spent toward admission to pay for an ambulance on the track? I for one know that I would be willing to give more money to help cover the cost of ambulance, and the fact of knowing there would be proper transportation and more advanced medical equipment available if my racing family or anyone else were ever to need it. The safety crews and personnel we have are GREAT, but medical transportation provided at the scene when and if needed I know would also prove to be beneficial.

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August 23, 2001

FSCR

Thank You Bill Simpsom

by Jane Smith
Today was the day that NASCAR released their report on Dale Earnhardt's accident. I was at work when they had their televised conclusions but it is all over the web. They still say that the belt separated from the impact.

But no matter what that report says, Bill Simpson has been a blessing to motorsports and to my family. His belts, his helmet, his shoes, his firesuits have protected the men, women, boys and girls in the motorsports world. With each horrible accident in racing, Bill Simpson has done his best to find a solution to the problem and help protect our guys more. I personally have never seen a belt fail at any of my local tracks and we do insist that belts be changed every 3 years.

Bill Simpson's helmet saved my friend. When his modified hit the wall wide open and his head was knocked against the wall, the helmet protected him. It was scratched some but not his head. We even found window netting material in the screws where his shield moved but Justin was fine. Bill Simpson did that.

More than once I have seen a Simpson firesuit protect one of my guys from fire. Fire is probably the most feared of all racers in that car. It is very important not to cut back expenses by getting the wrong firesuit for the class of stockcar you drive in. I have seen a driver wear a one layer suit when the rule book called for two and what happened when he did catch fire. His firesuit was old and ragged, not much protection at all, but if he had had the firesuit that was required and a two layer Simpson suit, the damage to his body would have been far less.

I have read that Simpson was so upset about the belt that he pulled his safety trailer from the NASCAR tracks. He, above all else, has done more for the safety of our drivers than any other person. We all depend on him and I hope that he does not close his doors to the many people who do believe in Simpson products. He is needed, not only by Winston Cup, but by all of us.

As for this one person, I say thank you Bill Simpson for everything you have done for my guys and gals. You were there for my Justin with your helmet, your harness protected my daughter when she wrecked in her first race, you have never failed me once. My trust and the trust of many, many racers is still in your hands. NASCAR is just a small part of the many racers you help, please don't judge the many from the few.

Bill Simpson, you are needed. Not just for the "Big Boys" but for us "little guys" also. And this one lady would like to thank you for caring so much about the racers that entertain the many every week.

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August 21, 2001

FSCR

Racing thru the Eyes of a Child

By Jane Smith

Racing, thru the eyes of my 8 year old son, is much different than what you and I see. When I say, "Alex, let's go" he is not thinking about cars going around the track but what fun he can have with his other family. This is just a small portion of his adventures.

Don Nerone, well known by most racers, has a side that only a child sees. Don has many duties at both tracks but this busy man can find time to sit down and make a paper airplane for a little boy that asked him to. And sometimes, it may be more than one plane. Then comes along Jason Boyd, bad boy to some, but another really good paper airplane maker. By the end of the night, we have our own airport right there in the pit office thanks to Don and Jason.

It is funny how busy drivers and crew chiefs can find time for a little boy. Mike Good, Lee Collins, David Rogers have all had the pleasure of this little boy. Lee Collins is well known for the scooter he has and uses in the pits. Alex spotted that scooter in seconds and before the night was over, guess who was on the back of that scooter having a ball.

B.J. McLeod has a gator that he uses in the pits. One rainy Saturday when the races were called, Alex got to drive the gator. Not only did he drive it alone but he took Darwin, Mary Jane, B.J., Pete and Bobby Orr and a number of other guys all around the track for the ride of their life. The only problem was that he wanted to go thru all the mud holes which was not Mary Jane's idea of fun. And now whenever he sees Darwin, he always asks if they brought the gator.

Travis Kittleson and his gator took Alex for his first ride around the track on his birthday in rain once again. Travis was getting soaked but that did not stop him from giving Alex a really good birthday. Memories that will always be with Alex.

The biggest thrill for a little boy is to think that he is really helping on a car. Tim McPhail, the Missileman, has put Alex to work more than once. Alex has cleaned windows, rolled tires, wiped off the car, anything to help. He has put lug nuts on Justin Henderson's modified and a happy face on David Castello's mini-stock. He has driven Tim Clark's golf cart and almost put them into the back of his hauler before he learned what brakes were. He has driven around Orlando SpeedWorld with Chad Pierce in a go-kart steering the whole way around.

Little boys and racing, what an adventure, what memories.

Jane Smith

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August 21, 2001

FSCR

Gods We Are Not

By Jane Smith

This past weekend I learned alot from the drivers and fans in the Sunshine State when it comes to racing and karnac. People know my name but not my face so that helps me learn alot without being associated with anything. I am just one of the guys who love racing.

The key word in everything I do is "love". See, I am lucky enough that I get to know all these guys and gals who do the racing for the many fans that sit in the stands and get entertained. I know how hard they work to race, the blood, sweat and tears that goes behind the scenes that fans never get to see. Then, I am also lucky enough to know some of the owners and promoters of the tracks. And believe it or not, they are human.

Recently, Kevin Ruic called us "karnac Gods". But I disagree with that since karnac has no more control over drivers or tracks than anyone. Karnac is the place where everyone comes to see what is happening where, to find results from different tracks, maybe to read a story or two but not anything else. We have opinions just like you have opinions but that is all it is, opinions. You can write your's as well as we can write our's.

Some track owners have come to realize that Karnac is the place to advertise their tracks and promote their events. They realize just how big the computer world has gotten and more and more homes seem to have these magically machines. Yes, many tracks have their own web-sites but there is only one place on the web that has every track in the state and that is karnac. We have worked hard to supply the out-of-state fans with news from every track and believe me, this is not an easy task.

Five years ago we were barely known and now, everyone knows us. Not by face but by karnac.com. They read our message boards, they read our stories, they look to us to inform them of what is happening. And as we grow, more and more good things grow for the fans and drivers of our state. But by no means are we Gods nor do we have any intention of being a God.

Everyone loves their "home" tracks, everyone loves their "home" track drivers but we are lucky enough, at least I am, to love them all. In that respect, I am not a God but very, very lucky to be able to know some of the greatest guys and gals on the asphalt and dirt surfaces this state has to offer. There is not a track that I go to that does not have at least one driver that I know. that I have met while covering the tracks in our state.

This weekend I learned for myself that we are the place that everyone goes to first on their computers when they are involved in stock car racing. They appreciate what we do for the fans and drivers of our state and how hard we work to keep them informed of all our tracks. Gods we are not, just people who love racing and realize that racers do deserve to be known.

In the last five years, I have stated my opinions when things were not right, when safety was lacking and someone was hurt due to that. I have seen many changes and I have seen track owners realize that they needed to listen as well as talk. I have seen drivers and fans open their hearts and wallets for other drivers who have been hurt or killed at our tracks. I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly just as you all have and I am still here but by no means a God.

Jane Smith

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August 17, 2001

FSCR

Difference Between A Driver And A Racer

by Sharon Fancher
Do you know what the difference between a Driver and a Racer is? I know the vast majority of the public will in some instances disagree. But to me a Driver is someone who is out there not so much to win a race, but someone who'll profit financially either way. Racers on the other hand get out there and race their heart out to win. And knowing that in the long run the profits will be minimal, if any at all.

A Racer doesn't race for the fortune or fame it might bring, but instead for the love, excitement, and satisfaction of knowing they did their best. As amazing as this may seem, I find it to be the cold bitter truth. You will see a Driver most often in the higher-level series. That's where all the money is to be made. And very little of it is made in race winnings. The team owners take most of that home anyway. The real payments are shelled out for appearances, sales pitches for sponsors, and driver-themed memorabilia.

Play the game right, and you can get pretty rich. Even if you don't win. And so, there is a surprising number of drivers out there who don't mind not winning. Who needs to win if you can finish in the top twenty and still get paid? Hit a few top ten finishes in a year, keep your sponsor selling hats, T-shirts, or motor oil, and you've got it made. Other drivers are paid so much by their team owners that they'll do anything to keep them happy... including taking a dive for a teammate.

But if you ask an actual racer what the best way to win a championship is, and he'll tell you flat out: "You win races." If you are looking to find the true breed of racers, you'll have to go to your local racetracks. That's where all the drivers are racers. There is little reward for racing on a local level outside of the little sparkling trophy and the purse that wouldn't even cover a set of tires. The only other outcome is having that picture taken that proves you made it to victory lane.

At a local track, there is no satisfaction in a top ten finish (sometimes there aren't even ten cars in your main feature). You haul your pitifully small team and your beat-up sheet metal to the bullring and throw it around like tomorrow you'll be working on it again anyway. And even if you only get paid enough cover travel expenses, you will still have the satisfaction of winning that race.


I bet you the drivers in higher-level series racing look back on those days, when they were still hungry and lean, racing to eat instead of racing for luxury. And when they think about it, I'm sure they must wonder when their focus changed. And wonder if it was worth it in the long run. Speed, noise, naked aggression and a pure rush of adrenaline. I think that's an effective way to sum up the amazing experience of a Racer behind the wheel of a stock car at any of America's finest local short tracks. It is a great chance to develop your driving skills, as there is a good deal more to stock car racing than simply thrashing around the track and colliding into your opponents time and time again. You learn control on the edge, and avoidance, although that's not to say you won't have the odd spill or two. Yes, it can be dangerous, but your safety should always be first priority. Local Short Track's, "Will always be the Home of theTrue American Racers!" The true definition of a racer!

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August 14, 2001

FSCR

Message Boards and Takeouts

By Jane Smith

After many weeks of being rained out, New Smyrna Speedway lucked out last night and got to race. To bad that what could have been a very good night for all, turned out to be not so good for one. What everyone calls "get you" happened last night and not because the driver was purposely taken out of a race like Aric was at Ocala last night but because of nameless messages on a message board and taking for granted that your fellow drivers wrote those messages.

The night started out really good with heats (2) in the Late Model division. But the second heat was in our Mini-Stock division which turned out to be very costly for a friend of mine. Because of what was said on the message board about this driver and his car, he came to the track according to a friend, "out to get everyone he thought said the remarks."

Whether he purposely took out this young driver, I cannot say. I was told that he could have lifted and given her room but chose not to. But in the end, she was taken to the hospital with a broken right wrist, something a high school student does not need the weekend before school starts. So needless to say that when it came time for the Mini-Stock feature race, instead of watching the race, many were watching to see if this driver did take out the rest. Luckily, nothing happened but this is exactly why posting on a message board under some fake name causes trouble.

As for what happened at Ocala and the #14 SARA Modified, I can only read what you do. But I have met Aric and his family and I have never seen Aric drive dirty and make someone want to take him out. If he was put into the wall on purpose and a member of his crew (which is usually family) came out to his defense and was arrested, I can only say that I would have probably done the same thing. Aric is only 14 or 15 and yet can drive just as good or better than the older drivers. But to see him purposely put into the wall, I think I would be fighting mad also.

"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me" does not always hold true especially when it involves racers and their cars. Next time someone wants to post something negative about a driver, try and think about who will pay for this post. Hopefully not someone who when they do post, does use their own name.

Jane Smith

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August 14, 2001

FSCR

Conduct On and Off The Speedway

by Sharon Fancher

I've had the experience of attending racing events at different tracks in the past few weeks. Myself and others as well have seen some very bad behavior taking place at different tracks, involving the same situations at each of them. I know this doesn't just happen here, it is being demonstrated everywhere in the United States.

I sit in the stands and listen to people talk about certain situations occurring at different tracks. How disgusted they are at seeing these things take place and they wished they had spent their money watching a movie or doing something else. People are becoming more and more upset at racing and what it is becoming today.

The fans, drivers, etc., are dropping fast because of this. It is no longer a sport for people to bring their families to sit and watch good honest racing. It has been turned into some kind of uncivilized circus between racers, officials, track owners, fans and everyone else involved. Racing is a sport that does involve some type of contact occasionally with the cars and doesn't mean the fans, pit crew, etc., should respond with violence. Let's face it, that is why it is called racing. Everyone knows contact of the cars is sometimes intentional and sometimes it isn't. But for the drivers to come on a track and blatantly demonstrate this kind of contact is ridiculous. The intentional contact of cars, violence of the fans..., etc., is very bad for the racing industry.

For the track officials to let this type of action go unpunished, will hurt the racing industry all around. Everyone knows that at some point in time, there has been certain situations accidentally and purposely overlooked on the track. But this happens in any type of business for one reason or another. I remember when you could go to any given track around and the stands and pits were always packed. But for everyone involved to show such immaturity is such a disappointing factor in racing.

You go to the races and hear people in the stands screaming obscenities, drivers on the track refusing to exit the speedway when told and getting out of the car to fight with the officials, officials making unjust calls (mistakenly and intentional), the intentional taking out of drivers, bashing on message boards, and so forth and so on.

I don't need to sit here and explain everything that is happening, everyone out there witness's it themselves. And I don't care how perfect your vision or hearing is, someone is always going to see or hear it differently. This isn't a perfect world. Yes, I agree that some issue's being brought to everyone's attention, does need addressing. But they need to be addressed by everyone involved in a calm, courteous, and mature manner.

The reckless driving, violence in the stands and bashing of everyone isn't going to get it taken care of! Why can't people just realize that and do their part to build racing up not tear it down? We are after all a big family right? Positive reaction almost always results in positive outcomes. Negative reactions almost always results in destruction. Watchout when biting the hand that feeds you, after all the decision is yours.......

by Sharon Fancher



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August 11, 2001

FSCR

A Racing Hero Of Mine

by Sharon Fancher
Racing for me is a time for family and friends to get together to share some quality time and excitement. My Step Dad introduced me into the sport of racing several years ago, but unfortunately he is no longer with us.

Today his love for racing continues to live on within his family. When I visit the surrounding tracks here in Florida, it always brings his racing memories to mind. He was by far a very talented driver. He was the one to start my addiction in the sport of racing. I love the feeling you get from racing, as a fan and driver! You drive a race car for the first time and your blood is pumping so hard from all the adrenaline flowing through your veins, that when you step out of your car after racing you are trembling all over!

My Step Dad was the first to let me experience such an excitement. He allowed me to race the first car he ever owned and I was so worried I was going to tear it up and he wouldn't have the money to fix it. He told me to get in that car and race it like he would. He was so proud that night, you would have thought I was his biological daughter! In his eyes and mine I was.

He laughed so hard, because he had chained the springs down on one side and everytime I hit a bump on the track the car would come off the ground. He took them off of course after having his fun with me. He said he did that because he knew it would slow me down and being my first time racing he didn't want to see me get hurt. He always said I would give it all it had and that was what scared him. We were very close! From that day on I was hooked! I helped him build, paint and work on his car. He said I wasn't normal, because I would get just as dirty as him working on his car. I'd be in my makeup with my hair all done up and you would see me under the hood of a car with a wrench working away.

We spent numerous hours getting his car ready. So I do have a lot of knowledge relating to race cars. I can do a lot of things besides change a tire and I owe it all to the man I called Dad. The two of us were his only pit crew in the beginning. He would have a flat and I'd be waiting there to change his tire and get him back on the track. I always hated how he seemed to have some sort of difficulty with his car mechanically everytime he raced. He wasn't a top runner in his first few years and it wasn't because of his driving ability. He unfortunately wasn't blessed with having the money to meet the expense's to equip his car with the best of everything. So he always did his best with whatever he had. Eventually as the years passed, his racing career started to take off and he was finally one of the top cmpetitor's. So he decided to set his goal at winning a points championship.

The 1999 racing season had started out great for him and he was winning almost all his races. That year he managed to obtain the 4th place spot in the points championship. But unfortunately before he could complete his goal he was sadly taken from us. He died about an hour after racing the last race of the 2000 season in our hometown. He died at the age of 44 a week before his 45th birthday. He was laughing and talking about the events of the night when he smiled and peacefully passed away. Remembering him is what brings back the "Happy Times" of racing for me. He will always be remembered as my #1 Hero in racing and in life. " I love you Dad!"

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August 7, 2001

FSCR

FISHING AT THE OLE RACE HOLE

By Jane Smith

Hopefully, this is pure fiction but if the rain does not slow down over Florida, IT COULD BECOME REAL.

"Hey David" shouted Jack, "want to go fishing tonight at the Orlando race pond?" "Sure", David answered. "Let me make a few calls and the more the merrier. If nothing else, we can fish competitively. I heard they are catching some big ones at that hole"

David took out his trusted black race book and started checking to see who he should call to go fishing tonight. First, he called Dickie because he was always telling fish tales and he wanted to see just how big a fish he could catch. Then he called B.J. who was taught by the best to fish, his grandmom. Of course if B.J. came, the whole family would come along with Pete and Bobby. Next he would call James and Mike F. and Michael and Jimmy. Then to make it really sporty, he would call Barry, Travis, Brian, Morgan and Jonathan. And, of course, fishing would not be fishing without Don, Sandy, and Donnie and the Pierces. Then a judge had to be there to judge who did catch the biggest fish, now who could do that. Roland Martin of course, the great Florida fisherman.

As the guys started to gather round the asphalt banks of the fishing hole, a four foot gator swim right in front of them. "Now," Dickie said, "that is fun to catch. He will definitely give you a run for your money." "Now guys," Roland began, "there is only one gator so to make this contest fair, you have to catch FISH."

As the guys started taking out their fishing tackle and eyeing each other's poles, the fight began. "Hey Roland, Mike F. has bigger hooks than mine Is that fair or do we all need the same size hooks?" As Roland thought on the subject for a minute, he found enough of the same size hooks in his tackle and so to stop the arguing, he gave each fisherman the same size hook. "Now Jimmy, are you happy" laughed Roland.

Now being that these are race drivers and not really fisherman, how many knew what kind of bait to use and how to put the bait on the hook. In disgust Roland looks at each of the bank fishers and shakes his head. "What do you guys do all the time? Don't you know fishing is the best sport in the world. You babies can't even bait a fish hook. Shame, shame on you."

At that point, Roland presented the bait - worms and minnows. Either one would catch a fish, a big fish, if you have the patience to wait for that big bite. "Okay fellows, chose your bait and start your reels to working" commanded Roland. As the guys took their open face and closed faced reels and lifted them to cast them out, a cry was heard, "hey, his fishing line is thicker than mine."

Poor Roland, Florida's best known fisherman, was at a loss. "Okay guys, any size line will do. But it takes a Class A fisherman to land that big fish on four pound test line. If you think you can't do it, switch, get a bigger pound test but stop whinning." Roland cried out. "What does it take to get you guys lined up and ready to fish?"

Finally, all the guys had a line in the track hole each waiting to catch the biggest fish at Orlando. But little did they know that Don and Sandy had a head run on them because they knew where the big fish were hiding. Before all the rain came, there was a natural low spot on the track and this was where the big bass lay waiting for that minnow or worm to catch their attention.

As each fisherman pulled in their prize catch, it was funny but they all seemed about the same size. "Hey, maybe we can step on it and stretch it just alittle" said James to Jonathan. "Who would know if they don't catch us?" But James thought twice about it and decided he really didn't want to step on a fish to win.

As Roland measured each fish, a smile came upon that weathered face of his. "Hey fellas, you are all winners. Not one fish is bigger than another." "Oh well" said David, "how about we try the DeSoto hole next week??" And so went the fishing saga of the race drivers and crews and promoters of asphalt bank fishing.

Jane Smith



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August 6, 2001

FSCR

Open Letter to the Fans of Florida Stock Car Racing

Dear Family,

I know alot of you are tired of the message board and all the bull. and that is exactly what it is bull, on the message board. It seems we need two boards, one for honest racing messages and one for whoever wants to cutdown, call names, cuss and vent nothing but pure anger and hatred because that seems to be what it is. Personally, I have more people tell me that they don't even go to the message board anymore because there is nothing there but bull.

A message board is where a beginning racer can ask experienced racers questions, where you can congratulate a winner or someone who just did good in a race. A place to let people know when there is a loss in the racing family, a birth, even a marriage or remarriage. It is a place where you can ask for race results or even if a race is still scheduled and that is why there is a message board.

Many sites now have closed down their message boards because of all the driver bashing and name calling and bull. Some have not put them back up and one even closed the site permanently and moved to a new internet address because his message board was just plain out of hand.

Even with a moderator on this board, not everything can be erased or stopped. It is really crazy how much bull you read on this message board. I am very proud of KARNAC and the work they do for the racing community but I am not proud of this message board. If you have to vent your anger towards another driver or track then maybe we should have a "VENT YOUR ANGER BOARD" and that way, people can go there and cuss and call names all they want but the honest fans of racing do not have to see it or read it.

I was not born in a barn and I was taught if you have nothing good to say, DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL. What good is all this anger and bull doing anyone? You hurt people you don't even know most of the time and why? Because they did what, raced with you or sat next to you or maybe went to the bathroom the same time as you.

My vote goes with a "VENT YOUR ANGER BOARD" Jack and let the true fans of racing have the Florida board. Then the loyal fans of Florida Stock Car Racing Message Board can come back and read what they used to - the whys, hows, good driving, happy announcements of the drivers and fans of this state.

Jane Smith

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August 6, 2001

FSCR

For the Love of Racing

Racing has not always been a part of my life. When I was a senior in high school here on Merritt Island, I dated a boy who dragged race with Bob Dance. This was a time when drag racing at Orlando SpeedWorld was a 1967 El Camino with stacks coming up from the bed of the truck and glass packs. This was a time when there was not as much safety as there is now so cars went off the strip very easily and people were hurt. I even got lucky and was allowed to take the El Camino down the drag strip once and felt the power of that 350 under the hood.

But times changed and I got married and moved to Ohio for awhile and then California which had the best sprint cars around and we had a local dirt track but my husband then was not the least bit interested in racing so we never went. I even got to see Riverside Speedway when it was in it's big time era but only from the outside. However, once, I did see the Baja tracks where the trucks ran but only from a distance once again.

Time passed, I got divorced, and came back home to Florida. Eventually I met someone who did like racing so we began our every weekend trip to the drag strip. I loved the speed of the cars and the sounds and I would go alone when no one else would go just to fill my soul with the sounds and smells of the strip. Then one Friday night, something made us go to the asphalt track behind the drag strip. What, I don't know but once we went, we never stopped.

We found out that Orlando SpeedWorld had a sister track, New Smyrna Speedway so on Friday we went to Orlando and Saturday to New Smyrna. Sometimes we only had enough money to get in so we took bread and sandwitch meat and drinks and had a ball. We would go all year round and carry blankets and gloves in the winter and lots of soda and water in the summer.

My kids were raised on race fumes. Alex went to the races before he was born so when we took him when he was about 3 months old, the noise never once scared him. He would just sleep thru everything and still today, he is the only kid I know that will just go to sleep at a racetrack and not be bothered. I think he was about 2 years old when he got his first kid ride with Rose Dickerson at Orlando SpeedWorld in her 4 cylinder bomber. Rose was known for going around the track on her roof back then and she did just that that night after the kids rides. Alex always remembered that because he had riden with her earlier.

The family then went from grandstand fans to pit crew people. We got our own runabout, that was the novice class, a 1971 Buick Regal that we traded a 1960 Parkwood Chevy station wagon for. We gutted her, except for her bench seat, put a roll cage in, safety harness, window net, bought a firesuit and used helmet, put a white stripe down her, and went racing.

This is when I learned how much work goes into racing weekly. I melted all my fingernails off when I degreased her parts, got grease in my hand and needed surgery, got my share of being yelled at for all the wrong reasons, but still loved racing. In the almost three years that we raced, we blew 5 engines and made the oak tree out front be our engine puller. When the Olds Rocket 350 motor blew, the car was on fire for a few seconds but quickly went out. The car got beat to heck and back but we always fixed her and eventually painted her like Jeff Gordon's rainbow car since that was Alex's favorite driver. Every week I would repaint the stripes so she would be pretty for the fans and every week, all the kids would come up to us because they loved the car.

During this time, I began writing for Florida Stock Car Racing as the track reporter for Orlando and New Smyrna. I was there every weekend and at that time Jack Smith was looking for all the help he could get for race results. Then one day, I wrote a very short article on racing and so began my love with writing about the sport I love most. This was the year of the fires in Florida and I wrote about how we take for granted the things we see all the time, like the trees and the plants as we go to our tracks. Those fires changed alot and to this day, they are still not the same.

As the years have gone by, I am still at a track every weekend weather permitting. I have learned alot, listened, seen and made some friends that I will love for life. I still have the same love for this sport that I started with way back in 1991 except that I understand it alot more now. I have seen joy, sadness, and some pretty silly reactions from racing. I have fought for better safety after the racer was burned so badly at Ocala and always said what I think whether it is liked or not. I have cried when Barry Willought won his first modified race, I cried when Justin Henderson hit the wall at New Smyrna and we thought he was dead, I was there when Mike Cope died in the pits, and I was overjoyed when Barry won the Championship for the SARA Mods. Thankfully, there has been more joy than sadness.

Racing will always be a part of my life. I can't walk away from it, it won't let me. It is part of my heart now and to give it up, would just give me half a heart. I have extended my family over and over from racing. From the Christmas in l999 when I had no money and Tammy and Wanda gave Alex a Christmas, from B.J. McLeod so generously giving Alex a racing bike on his l7th birthday, and Donna and Tim McPhail loving Alex the way they do, I have been blessed over and over again. None of this would have happened if I had not gone to that round track one stary night and fallen in love instantly.

Racing is something I do because I love it. Just like the drivers, I get no money reward except for the fact that I know inside of me, I have shared something with my family that only they understand because it is in them too.

-Jane Smith

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August 3, 2001

FSCR

Is It Really Necessary?

by Sharon Fancher
I know people are probably getting pretty tired by now with all the circulating talk about rough driving. But the rough driving continues and isn't being dealt with in an efficient enough way to get the point across. People are speaking up more often than ever now about the safety of others due to someone else's actions. While the careless drivers continue to defend themselves and make justifications for doing it.

But I really think someone should take a good long look at what is happening and has been for many years. Track Officials and Owners need to take these driving tactics into consideration and start handing out stiffer penalties. Racing is in fact a dangerous sport to be involved in and everyone understands this. But sometimes people do and are going to get carried away.

Racing is supposed to be a fun and adventurous sport for all involved. Intentional careless driving has begun to take that away from racing and is replacing it with anger, retaliation and destruction. I have listened to numerous people over the last several years discussing different things good and bad that have taken place at the race tracks. People are becoming more aware of the dangers that possibly can happen in racing. We all know that we can't prevent all accidents from occurring, but with that in mind we also know that some accidents are preventable.

If people take the time to look back at racing and remember what it once was, they can say without a doubt that it has taken a big leap. More and more people are starting to get involved with racing, and more situations that can be controlled but sometimes aren't, continue to be allowed on and off the track.

The "Battle Tank Racing" as one lady put it, is so true and really getting out of hand. All of this is occurring for one reason, to be in the winners circle. I ask myself is it worth it? To destroy another mans car and sometimes yours as well and possibly end up hurting someone, just for a checkered flag? The adrenaline rush is great, but winning sometimes doesn't even cover damages sustained while racing. A trophy is nice to have and show off. But by demonstrating good values and standards will by far win you more respect with people than anything. Why would anyone want to win a race the dirty way, to only have no one cheering when they take their spot in the winners circle? People often look at how a person won a race and not the fact that he/she won.

So with all this in mind, I think people would benefit from talking to one another. To discuss the possibilities of severer penalties for such an action taken at a track. Setting rules, regulations and penalties and standing behind them will bring the most fans and drivers. They will appreciate this above all else.

Sharon Fancher
Aka : CRANKitUP

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July 24, 2001

FSCR

"The Message Board Saga"

A RACE FAN'S OPINION

by Sharon Fancher

You know I sit here everyday wondering just what possess people to get on a message board and slander children. It is enough that our children in society are dealing with everything that goes on in the world today. I just find it very disturbing that grown adults can show such a manner toward children. We as society should be encouraging our children, and not be making such absurd comments as I have seen in the past few days on the message board. I ask people, "Would you want someone treating your children in such a manner?" Probably not, and I'm sure you would be furious if they did.

I am a Mother of 3 wonderful boy's, and I can't even begin to imagine a person saying to them, " Accept what you get little boy", posted by Watcher. Can someone please tell me what would even make an adult make such a horrendous comment as that? The boy is only 13, and here you have an adult threatening him, to do possible personal injury, or maybe even kill this child or someone else for that fact. A race track or anywhere else is by no means the place to show this type of aggression toward a child.

Have people today forgotten all the family value's that their parents bestowed upon them as children? Situations like these are not pleasant to deal with. Can't people just wake up and realize all the destruction that is already occurring today in society? To make such a threat, especially coming from an adult, I find to be very disgusting. How is this child going to learn anything but anger, if right off the start you have people saying such horrible things? Society unfortunately is what we as adults are going to make it. If constant anger, mental abuse, and revenge are what we teach are children, what do you think they are going to grow up doing? Hurting people of course.

I ask everyone to sit down tonight and hug your children, tell them that you love them and how proud you are that they are a part of your life. Teach them not to pay attention to bad comments that are made against them. Teach them that if you reach for the sky, hard work and detication will get you there. There is no limit as to what you can do if you set out to do it in the right way. Because, you know they may not be here tomorrow. You are only given one chance to raise your children. So people had better do their best why they can. I say do your best Terry #007, and hold you head high!

Sincerely,

Sharon Fancher
"AKA CRANKitUP"





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July 23, 2001

FSCR

Just A Short Little Story

By Jane Smith

The other day my dad told me a story about Bill France, Sr. and how Daytona was back in the 70's. My dad was the PR Director for a junior college in Cocoa, Florida. He belonged to a PR Club that was invited by Bill France, Sr. to tour the newly built Daytona International Speedway.

A PR Club has press people from all over the state so it was no little gathering. The members were taken to the VIP Suite that belonged to Bill France, Sr. and wined and dined on the finest of food and drink. But there was one problem, there was an open bar where one member decided to drink his lunch instead of eating

After this fabulous lunch, the members were given a grand tour of this very large race facility with Bill France, Sr. as the guide. But little did they know that they were in for the ride of their lives that day also.

To their surprise, Mr. France had arranged for each of the PR members to have one lap around the great track in a racecar. Now this was the time that no restrictor plates were used so the cars went wide open. Little did my dad expect that day to go almost 200 miles per hour around a race track. But the part that held my interest the most was when he told of the driver taking his hand off the steering wheel when going into turn 1 and 2 showing my dad that the car naturally turned left, he did nothing to make it turn.

My father was definitely impressed and also slightly nervous when he got out of that racecar but the best part was when the member who drank his lunch went for his spin around the track. He was already spinning from his liquid lunch and when he got out of that racecar, he thought he had been on a jet. Little did he know that his driver had no hands on the wheel and the car naturally went to the left.

Just a little story on the beginning of Daytona International.

Jane Smith

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July 16, 2001

FSCR

Last Minute Sportsman Driver 'Meeting' - Say What?

by Jack Smith

What in the world has happened at Charlotte County Speedway
The thought of the cops macing the cow outside Charlotte County Speedway still leaves me in somewhat of a state of disbelief. The concept of a cowardly con-artist really thinking he was clever enough to commandeer (steal) a speedway is good material for A & E's Investigative Reports.

But the so-called Sportsman 'drivers meeting' called at Charlotte County Speedway 10 minutes before the blazing fast division was scheduled to take to the track for a 35 lap midseason showdown will forever be stuck in my mind as the height of absurdity at a Saturday night track, and for several reasons.

The young man known around Charlotte County Speedway as Flyin' Bryan may not have expected a warm welcome back from his year long suspension from some quarters, but the welcome he was to receive on Saturday was probably beyond his imagination.

The cow? As the KARNAC.com loaded with cameras, recorders and notepads approached the entrance to Charlotte County Speedway we noticed several Charlotte County Sheriff's deputies and County Animal Control on the side of the road with another Deputy approaching. As we came closer Rick and I were yelling at Bill Hunt, our trusty photographer, to get his camera out. We fully expected to see a huge gator, or maybe a python on the loose, but we never expected to see what we saw. As I pulled the ole' Rivera along side the cruisers it became clear there was a need for lessons on the old farm for the Charlotte boys. Here were three cops and a guy whose job was to deal with really nasty animals squaring off against a cow. You would have thought they were up against an unruly race fan that contributed too much to the Bud till. The cow was confronted with one cop standing 6-8 feet away half hidden and crouched down pointing his fully loaded canister of official issue Pepper Spray. I'm still mad a t Bill for not getting the arm of the cop in the picture, but we had a 'meeting to go to', not that we knew that at the time.

I could go on with things that made me wonder if I was in some sort of weird dimensional shift Saturday night, things such as the track's wrecker running out of gas, but I won't. Instead let's get to this impromptu 'meeting'. Impromptu generally means some dumb thing to do that somebody dreamed up at the last minute because of incredible organization or perhaps, just perhaps occasionally as a spark of genius. I'll let you decide which use for this occasion.

Bryan Beckner is a youthful 19 year old that has been racing at Charlotte County Speedway for as long as anyone down there can remember. He doesn’t have much money. Maybe a total of $6000 in a banged up Sportsman. "Flyin' Bryan has a really bad habit; he likes to try to win. Which from what I hear he has done a bit of. One year he and his father Dave raced neck and neck all year and Bryan had to settle for second to his dad in the pure stock division at Charlotte County Speedway. Now mind you, on the track this kid is no saint. Neither is Jimmy Cope, Wayne Anderson, David Rogers, Wayne Jefferson, Gus Coorssen, Junior Purcell, Jimmy Spencer or Tony Stewart. I'm sure most of you have a better list of "aggressive" drivers than I do. What in the heck is an aggressive race car driver anyway? I believe the dreaded "Man in Black" made an unmatched legendary career by being aggressive.

It seems that Bryan has developed enough of a reputation as an "aggressive driver" to cause a suspension earlier in the year followed by getting sent home for the year. Sort of like getting sent to your room for being too rough with your brothers or something. This all happens while the owner of the track is up north undergoing surgery and recuperating. Not that Glen VanHorn was the guy who oversaw the racing rulebook at the 3/8 mile (so they say) track with an inside and outside wall and shallow banking that just seems to love to collide with racecars. If I owned Charlotte I would sell the inside wall to Bronson Speedway, but that too is a whole other story. So while the owner is up north, there is this guy named Abernethy that starts running the show who is quickly changing nearly everything he can about the successful speedway's operations. Brian receives a hand written yearlong suspension signed by the management. Based on some facts we have unearthed down at the Punta Gorda Playground, it seems the letter was instigated by driver complaints to the "management". The management being a hard person to put your finger on.

Seems this guy Abernethy was busy with lots of things to improve the speedway like making lots of phone calls at other peoples expense to exotic places like Panama, Venezuela, Guatemala and Columbia and continuing to convince Glen VanHorn he was a real 'business man' trying to buy the track. In with the new, firing everybody in sight and inserting his own people. The track went out of control. You can read all about the sleazy dealings of Abernethy on KARNAC.com very shortly. But then the "old man" (I do mean that with the greatest respect) gets wind of the conspiracy to steal his track and his money, and comes back we find that Bryan Beckner along with the rest of the folks who had been run off, were now being quietly invited back.

Charlotte had a pretty big schedule of events Saturday night with all classes running and it got really crazy when the rain forced the races to begin after 9:00 PM. KARNAC.com had lent some financial and other assistance to Bryan Becker so that he could race that night. See, Bryan didn't even have the dough for tires. Gotta have new tires for the mid-season championship. I had talked with youngsters’ parents and then to Bryan and they seemed like real down to earth folks who really, though hurt, were willing to accept whatever fate the track 'management' dealt them. No vengeance in these folk’s hearts at all.

After meeting Bryan in person and talking a bit, I found him to be a quite likeable young man with a passion for stock car racing. We were all watching the races, taking pictures and doing what KARNACIANS do on race night eagerly awaiting the sportsman race. Then the loudspeaker blares out the announcement (fifteen minutes before the class is scheduled to race) that all sportsman drivers are to report for a "driver's meeting" in the tech shed. Then a few minutes later the Owner is summoned to the "meeting". Big Stuff. Glen has to break away from entertaining his friends in the stands to attend this last minute get together. We all wondered why in the world the Owner would be called to this meeting. I though they were going to have to postpone the race due to the curfew at the track.

As the drivers assembled in the room behind closed doors for this meeting, the curious surrounded the tech area awaiting word of this important conference. Willy Tedder, the Chairman of the Board on all things concerning competition and tech at the track led the meeting. He started the meeting by letting Bryan Beckner know in no uncertain terms that "if he bumped a car, rubbed a car, or even touched another car" he would find that his number 27 sportsman with the new KARNAC.com colors would "be put on the trailer". Then the meeting was turned over to the drivers whose had had their chief spokesman one Ralph Goddard. Goddard is a 40 something racer who preceded to explain to Bryan that he didn't "want his $40,000 car tore up" by Bryan's junk. And other mean and nasty things. A few of the other drivers joined in and it became clear the purpose of this "meeting" was to intimidate and single out this young man in a group setting. Maybe OK on practice night, maybe OK at a midweek meeting. Certainly OK for Willy Tedder to do privately.

But to put this young man, already under pressure to do the right thing and 'not screw up", through this embarrassing, harassing ordeal minutes before the green flag is inexcusable. It is inexcusable for a 45-year-old competitor whose own son races alongside of him and Bryan to be that crass. This is a sport, not a place to carry out personal vendettas with youngsters. But I don't really blame the elder Goddard, because I suppose anything to get an advantage on the track in racing is acceptable. Or is it? The blame for the absurd nonsense sits right on the shoulders of Willy Tedder. Wherever the pressure came from to cause him to pull this stunt, he certainly didn't have the stamina to stand up to it.

Imagine this: Don Nerone, head of the Sunbelt Late Model Series and promoter of the FASCAR tracks at New Smyrna and Orlando calls a meeting just before the green flag at the Governor's Cup and tells Jimmy Cope, "Jimmy if you touch one car out there I'm going to put your car on the trailer, the boys don’t like the way you're racing, you're too damn aggressive". And then Dick Anderson says 'Darn right Jimmy I got too much money in this 'ole 00 and you know my car owner he don't like to have his stuff tore up so watch your step".

To bring it down to reality if the head of tech at DeSoto Speedway were to bring the sportsman drivers in and harass Lonnie Miller, Gus Coorssen, or any of the other drivers like they did to Bryan Beckner, the Sherriff's department would have to call in extras. The sportsman class at Charlotte can't hold a candle to the rough stuff in the same class at DeSoto. They complain about each other constantly. They tear up some cars. But they put on the best show of any class there and the fans love it. It's racing! And the races are decided on the track, not in a 'meeting'. Of course no body there last time I checked were bragging about their $40,000 car either.

Too funny? Too absurd!

It's racing and it is an aggressive sport. If the flagman black flags a driver for being reckless on the track to the detriment of the competition and race fan enjoyment so be it. If the Competition Director suspends or expels a driver after a few on track incidents in which the flagman had to act, then fine.

This nonsense that went on at Charlotte falls into the category of the fan's biggest complaint everywhere: favoritism by officials. Listening to driver’s complaints instead of taking on track action under racing conditions and following up with penalties where necessary by the Race Director, that's one thing , but not some group insanity called management decision based on driver complaint.

Is this a family sport or isn't it? When it becomes the Hatfields and McCoys, you can have it because Lord knows there is enough of that in the world. Family values, yeah right. I wonder how much of that is cheap talk by some to make people feel good about the crap they do.

Yeah the cow incident was bizarre, but only a cow possibly got hurt. As least in the world of humans, cows don’t feel humiliation, and loneliness.

Glen Van Horn was able to act in time to keep the track from being swindled right out from underneath his nose. He's been around more blocks than most of us and has weathered more storms than most of us. He can take good care of himself. He knows right where he stands with the world.

Bryan Beckner is a young man trying, like most his age to find the right way, understand this crazy game called life. It's time for the right thing to happen with Bryan Becker and the rest of the competitors at the track. It's time to teach our children.

It's time for change.

-Jack Smith


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July 16, 2001

FSCR

What's Wrong With Young Racers?

By Jack Smith

A few times recently I have seen items posted on the message boards on KARNAC.com about youthful drivers that set me off a bit. Not that it takes much to do that, but I get so confused with all this talk about family this and family that and then kids don't belong in the pits, kids don't belong on the track, and to borrow a phrase from the Putnam Web site blah, blah, blah.

People have been ripping young Jason Boyd apart for his actually being young. I got so incited by that garbage I called my buddy Scott Hawkins (announcer for the SARA series and contributor to KARNAC.com in many ways) up on the phone and we talked about it and this is some of what he had to say:

"I have gotten to know Jason and his father very well over the past 3 years with the SARA series and I have to say Jason is as nice, humble and polite young man that I know. He is VERY soft spoken and I have NEVER heard him say anything that would be considered to be arrogant or abusive. (ok...maybe abusive after the race, but I have heard ALL of them do that!) I have never heard him talk about "going all the way to Winston Cup", just trying to go as far as he can, and who can fault him for that? I can only go by my experience....but Jason is a nice, respectable young man with his own problems to deal with like EVERYONE else. He is GREAT for the [SARA]Series and he ALWAYS makes the races exciting. What I don't understand is how mature adults get on here and bash an 18 yr old young man. I like Jason and everyone on his team, and take them for what they are....a group of fun and crazy young men racing on Saturday nights."

It seems Jason Boyd does what all young people do. They do things that irritate adults. After raising two of my own and dealing with all my friends kids, I can certainly vouch for that. Scott Hawkins made the point: the young man is a good guy.

Now I must point out that B.J. McLeod, approaching 18, started an ASA race at 13 years and eleven months of age and finished the race in 18th place. He won two late model championships at different tracks in one year at age 14. The ASA is a far cry from local pure stocks or street stocks. At 15 he came in second in points in the Southern All Star Series, of which many say is the fastest late model series in the country. Though in my mind (and I may be a bit biased) he is a stellar example of youthful success in the stock car game, there are literally hundreds of examples of this sort of success. I get press releases and news items and PR material quite often detailing some amazing performances. Enough that if I so chose I could easily have a fairly large web site dedicated to youngsters who are out dueling their much older and more experienced on track adversaries. There are just some things that our youth can adapt to quicker than adults. Golf, swimming, computers, and yes in my opinion, going fast and turning left.

We just have to give them a chance to succeed.

And after all, this thing called stock car racing supposed to be about family?

I think that includes youth.

-Jack Smith


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July 13, 2001

FSCR

EXCUSES AND OTHER RAMBLINGS

By Robin Smith Meiser

Last week I had the pleasure of going to Daytona International Speedway to see the NASCAR Goody's Dash Series race. That's old news, I told you all about it last week. If you missed it, the story is called "Don't Drive Faster Than Your Angels Can Fly". What I didn't tell you though was a great problem I had while trying to write that story.

I told you all about Dash Series drivers like Doc Brewer, Tim Nichols, Robert Huffman, Kelly Sutton, Angie Wilson and the other stars of this series. I wrote about the people I had met and talked to, those I was familiar with. Several days after I did my story I received this e-mail message:

"I am disappointed in your Dash ( by Robin Meiser) article that you failed to mention a Sanford, FL native Nolan Wilson. It was only his 3rd career dash race and he got his first top 10 after starting 36th. He is a veteran of the central florida short tracks: Orlando, Volusia, Smyrna, etc... Just thought I would express my comments... Thanks!! Nolan' s brother, Adam Wilson "

Words cannot express the embarrassment I felt after receiving this email. I wrote Adam Wilson back but haven't heard from him yet. I told him how sorry I was for not including his brother in my story. I told him to please contact me so I can learn more about Nolan Wilson, his brother. I feel awful! If nothing else, I hope my "sister" Jane Smith can help me out since she is familiar with drivers from the East Coast.

To be honest I never even knew who Nolan Wilson was. You see, I could not even find a list of drivers in the pits of Daytona International Speedway for the Goodys Dash Series. They did driver introductions and I remember cheering for the "Florida Boys" during them but that was it. After the race was over, NASCAR moved right into "Happy Hour and a Half" for the Winston Cup drivers.

There was so much going on and unfortunately, I was not at the race as a "member of the media" who was afforded the perks of getting official media packets, etc. In order to obtain those credentials at DIS, you have a list a mile long of what you must do to obtain those credentials. It is almost impossible to obtain official credentials as a free-lance journalist who works part time for a weekly paper and the most well known Website in local stock car racing in Florida. You have to have liability insurance and workers compensation, etc., the stumbling blocks just go on and on.

I was in the Goodys Dash series garage area thanks to a fellow race fan named Ken Catlette of Pabst. He invited Max Miller, our photographer, and myself to attend because he knew how much we liked the series. We jumped on the opportunity and came to cover the race for Karnac.com and after the Goodys Dash race was over we headed home.

We did not stay for the Pepsi 400 on Saturday, although I have been to that race for the past three years as a paying race fan. I love Winston Cup racing, don't get me wrong. I went to seven straight races at Atlanta Motor Speedway and always say, when I die bury my ashes there, I love the place. I have been to Daytona, Charlotte, North Wilksboro, Darlington and Homestead.

I haven't been to a Winston Cup race this year because to be honest, I am so turned off to all the hype behind Dale Earnhardt's death. I thought we could lay it to rest last week after Dale, Jr. won the Pepsi 400 but it has only gotten worse. Now all over the television, radio and print media all you hear is the race was fixed, they let Little E win. Give me a break! If you had been there on Friday night after the Goodys Dash race, you would know THERE WAS NOT A FASTER CAR ON THE RACE TRACK THAN DALE EARNHARDT, JR.

I am sure there are many of you out there saying that NASCAR let him cheat with a different restrictor plate, blah, blah, blah.. If that was the case, they sure had a let down when the caution flag came out five laps from the end, didn't they? It took skill, and a lot of "inherited genes" for Dale, Jr. to get to the front in five laps. Of course those new tires someone had the wisdom to take on might on that last pit stop might have had something to do with it. And yes, Michael Waltrip did stay in back of him, protecting his lead. So what! Whatever happened to "what goes around comes around"? Dale Earnhardt, Jr. did the same thing for Waltrip in the Daytona 500,as his father died in Turn Four. Is it not acceptable for people to "Pay it Forward", return a favor to someone who did something for them? As for the other drivers "letting Dale win", you make me laugh. Do you really think Tony Stewart would have "let" any driver around him in those last couple laps? PLEASE!!!! Need I say more?

At any rate, I am getting off the subject of my story but then again, maybe I am not. As I sat down to get ready to watch the Pepsi 400, I was gathering information to write my story about the Goody's Dash race. One thing I really wanted to know was what caused that big wreck in the last ten laps of their race. I checked out all the Websites including NASCAR on-line.com, Goodysdashseries.com. and the ESPN/Sports Illustrated Website. Not one of those sites had a story about the DaytonaUSA.com 150 race. They had the results of the race with the drivers names and that is it! Everything else was about asking Winston Cup drivers "How do feel about racing at Daytona after Earnhardt's death?"

I have to toot our horn a little bit here, meaning Karnac.com and all the media relations directors at our Florida short tracks, let's all give ourselves a big pat on the back! Most of Florida's short track races are on Saturday nights, as I am sure they are all over the United States. By Sunday evening, at the latest, you can read about race that happened on Saturday night on our pages, if they have been submitted to Karnac.com . NASCAR on-line.com submitted their press release for the Goody's Dash race held on July 6, at 12:16 p.m. on July 9! Karnac.com had their story on-line about the Goody's Dash race by the morning of July 8 but knowing Jack Smith, I would bet it was on-line by midnight of July 7!

I think my point in all this is that I am trying to find a convenient excuse to give to Nolan and Adam Wilson, the rookie Florida Dash driver that I didn't mention in my story last week and his biggest fan, his brother. Maybe the best thing I can do is just say again, Adam, I am so sorry! I hope to hear from you or your brother soon.. The Goody's Dash Series comes to Lakeland on October 20 and I swear I will do you justice, as I will any other Florida driver I forgot to mention. If I did, let me know, I am a fellow Floridian above all else. My e-mail address is RSMeiser@aol.com.

-Robin Smith Meiser

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July 10, 2001

FSCR

Races Fixed??

By Jane Smith
Message boards across the internet are alive with the word "fixed". They say that the Pepsi 400 was a fixed race for Dale Earnhardt Jr. to win. If you looked at how he has done since the tragic death of his father last February, it had to be "fixed". Now if you were to believe that 42 drivers would purposely hold back, not try to win and give the race to just one certain driver, then racing will soon be a dead sport.

Every driver has bad seasons, bad races. How long did it take for Dale Earnhardt to win the Daytona 500? Was that "fixed"? How about Michael Waltrip's win last February? He had only won one other race in his racing career, the Winston. How could someone like him win the 500?? And let's not forget first wins of Steve Park, Kevin Harvick, Joe Nemechek and Jeremy Mayfield. Were they all "fixed" races or just their time to win.

To believe what message boards are saying would be the end of my love affair with racing. The one magic quality of racing is, YOU NEVER KNOW WHO WILL WIN. Sometimes in local racing you just know that if a certain driver has the pole, it is almost a sure fire win for that driver. But in Winston Cup, seldom does the pole winner win the race. He may lead some laps but having the pole does not guarantee a sure win.

Faith walks in all areas of our lives. Faith knew that alot of fans needed closure to the death of their racing legend, a son knew he needed to win to prove that he could go on without his father. But saying that is was "fixed" destroys every good thing that Dale Earnhardt, Jr. did for himself and his father's fans.

Before every Winston Cup race, there is chapel. I am sure that Dale Jr. went to the chapel and talked to God and asked him for his help to win this race for many reasons. God looked down on Dale Jr. and gave him the talent last Saturday night to fulfill his faith.

It is the history of racing that sometimes drivers that have had very bad seasons, do win. It is not "fixed", just the luck of the day. I believe last Saturday was just the luck of the day for Dale Jr. and a very special angel on his shoulder. Not for one second did I ever look at Dale Jr. and say, "it was fixed."

Jane Smith



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July 8, 2001

FSCR

The Old Green Truck Ran Again

By Jane Smith

Clyde Hart may have left this physical world, but last night at New Smynra Speedway behind the pace truck was his old green truck. Once again drivers and crews and fans that knew him, saw it go around the track that he loved for the Twin 125 Clyde Hart Memorial Racecar Engineering Sunbelt Super Late Model race. The stands and pits were packed as Clyde and Dolly Hart were remembered by the ones that knew them and by new friends that never knew them.

As the green truck sat behind the pace truck with the ever popular and well loved Barbara Pierce, a friend asked me, " why is that old green truck on the track". He had noticed it parked above the track by the flag but never knew why this old beatup truck sat on the hill. "That's Clyde's truck and he owned this track and Orlando and when he died, the truck was put on the hill to watch over New Smyrna and to give him the best seat in the house" I explained. We now have this race every year for Clyde Hart and the many wonderful things he did for racing and his friends.

Not every car that came knew Clyde Hart but most racers know of his love for racing. Clyde always said that the track would run no matter if there were only two cars that showed up, that would be racing. But thirty nine of Florida's fastest Super Lates came to race in his memory. On the pole was Michael Williams who set fast time and was truly blessed to pick the 0 pill. The line-up would stay as qualified. On the outside of Williams was James Powell with Jason Burkett and Mike Franklin, Jr. in tow.

The drivers were introduced to the fans with David Rogers, Jack Cook, Dick Anderson, Barry Willoughby, Brian Finney, B.J. McLeod, Mike Good, Mike Fritts, Morgan Hoover, Jason Boyd, Joe Fitos, Jim McCoy, Jeff Sloan being just a handful of favorites. The green flag was waved and Williams and Powell were off but not for long. The pace of the race was set in the first half lap as one driver decided to win from the first half lap and caused a massive pile-up damaging and taking out a number of cars.

The race was red flagged before it even had begun and as I ran to turn 3 and 4 to make sure that my favoirte driver was okay and the monkey had left him, there was the monkey jumping up and down once again. Not his fault at all but this took him out of the race once again.

Williams and Powell got into each other and were sent to the rear which left Jason Burkett with the lead but in the field was Mike Fritts and the #27x who drove hard and took over the race. Many cautions would come and another red flag but each restart, Fritts would hold off Dick Anderson on his tail and that is not an easy task to do. Since Dick Anderson returned to Florida racing, there are very few Super Late Model races that he has not won and just run away from the field. But tonight, he was second as Fritts kept the tiger at bay.

It is strange to see half cars but tonight, there were many half cars. Even David Rogers had problems with his car as well as B.J. McLeod. Brian Finney kept working on his car and by the end of the race, he was running really good and he got to finish the race. For some, there were no monkeys and for others, they would not go away.

As the track shot off some really fantastic fireworks and the top five cars sat on the track for the fans to see and hear interviews, I realized that the Pepsi 400 has nothing over us. To the fans in the stands and the families in the pits that help make these cars entertain the crowd, a warm feeling came over me. This is my family, where my heart belongs in racing. Clyde Hart knew many years ago that racing meant family and that is just what we celebrated as those fireworks filled the skies.

Every track should have an old green truck sitting on a hill with the best seat in the house. Thanks Clyde for watching over your family.

Jane Smith

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July 8, 2001

FSCR

NEVER DRIVE FASTER THAN YOUR ANGELS CAN FLY

By Robin Smith Meiser

(KNS)- Last month I got an email from my racing buddy, Ken Catlette, of the Pabst Brewing Company asking if I would be interested in coming back to Daytona International Speedway for the newly added Daytona USA.com 150 NASCAR Goody's Dash series race on July 6. I jumped on the opportunity because I became a big fan of this traveling series after covering the Dash series race in Daytona during Speedweeks last February.

Ken Catlette is a die-hard race fan and his efforts to bring Pabst beer back into auto racing have resulted not only in their involvement in the Dash series but also the ARCA REMAX series. Unfortunately, it has also resulted in him spending much less time being a race fan and a lot more time trying to organize their racing efforts. As a matter of fact, once Ken came out and got us so we could get our credentials, I barely saw him again the rest of the day and never did get to thank him for bringing us back so I say it now "Thanks, Ken!"

Our credentials gave us access to the Dash garage area so we went to see Rookie of the Year points leader, Tim Nichols, who just happens to be sponsored by Old Milwaukee Beer and John Boy and Billy Grilling Sauce (yes, the same notorious John Boy and Billy Big Show that is syndicated on many of America's top rock an roll stations). He proudly showed us the new sponsor logos he added to his #52 car since he ran a great race in Daytona; finishing third in his first ever race at the 2.5 mile track. Escatawba Farms, a trout farm in Virginia, and J. Walter Cafe and Catering in Richland, Virginia (home of the best food in Virginia, according to Tim) were his newest sponsors. Unfortunately, Nichols has had a lot of bad luck since his remarkable performance in the first Daytona race. He looked forward to being here again and hopefully breaking his bad luck streak. He brought his young son T.C. with him and several other crew members including crew chief, Todd Worley.

We then went in search of his teammate, Tom "Doc" Brewer who drives the #44 Pabst Blue Ribbon/John Boy and Billy Racing Pontiac. He wasn't in his garage stall where his crew was working on his car. We finally spotted him down on pit row with the Winston Cup cars that were qualifying for the Pepsi 400.

He was talking to his mentor and patient (yes, "Doc" means he is a medical doctor), Terry Labonte. I don't know what they were talking about but Doc sure did make the usually serious Labonte laugh a lot.

Around 3 p.m., the usual Florida thunderstorm hit the area and we were forced to take cover in Nichols garage stall. It was an unusually busy storm with lightning crashing time and time again, making big, tough race car drivers and crew members jump repeatedly. Meanwhile, some of the crew members used the time as an opportunity to take a catnap and make bologna sandwiches. I used it as an opportunity to check out some of the other cars including points leader Cam Strader whose car is sponsored by Albertsons, Peter Pan Peanut Butter, Wesson Oil an Back Country BBQ. Parked close by was the White House Apple Juice sponsored car of Robert Huffman, making the Goody's Dash garage resemble a grocery store.

Eventually the rain went away and we wandered around the paddock area. I was hoping I would get the chance to see my favorite Winston Cup driver, Tony Stewart. We stood outside the media center and I daydreamed about what it would be like to be in there. As I stood there in a trance, Winston Cup Champion, Bobby Labonte, also a patient of Doc Brewer's walked right by me into the media center. In the trance again, I missed TONY STEWART walk right past me into the media center. I decided to take a chance with my press credentials and was able to get access into the No Bull Five press conference taking place with Labonte, Stewart, Mark Martin, Jeff Burton and Kevin Harvick.

I think I died and went to heaven right then. Here I was, in the room with five drivers of who I am an ardent fan of each one, especially Tony Stewart. Not only that but I was in the same room with America's most notable motorsports journalists. I was in total awe but made my way to the front of the room to get pictures, I could have reached out and touched Mark Martin and Tony Stewart actually looked at me and smiled. Of course, that is my favorite picture of the week!!!!!

During the question and answer session the media's focus was on Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and how the drivers felt about coming back to Daytona, where he died on the last lap of the February race. Jeff Burton put it quite simply "That incident happened five months ago. We don't associate racing with death, the media does. This race track is not what killed Dale Earnhardt."


The drivers did share concern over recent rule changes at Daytona that causes the cars to drive close in packs. Mark Martin said "It takes an enormous amount of courtesy and consideration not to wreck someone here. I am anxious to get back to real racing where you can leave your foot on the gas longer." Stewart shared Martin's sentiments by merely stating "I could do without four races a year but I won't mention which ones they are." After the conference was over, I floated out of the media center and went back to pit row as preparations were being made for the Dash race. Doc Brewer was puffing on his final cigar before he climbed in the car and Tim Nichols was making a deal with Robert Huffman about drafting together since they had the two quickest cars in practice. I ran into local open wheel modified driver, Doug Moff, who was with Dash driver Jeff Underwood who had flipped his car in the February race after an incident with Doc Brewer. Also there helping out Winston Cup driver Jeff Purvis was my old Ford racing buddy, Kevin Utter of Fort Myers.

After driver introductions, the national anthem and invocation, the 42 drivers climbed in their cars for the 60-lap race. I had my scanner tuned to Tim Nichols team and got a good laugh out of hearing him say "OK, it's rock and roll time" as the pace car pulled off onto pit row and the race began. Nichols started in tenth position but was in seventh by the time the cars completed the first lap. By Lap 2, he was up to fifth but his drafting buddy, Huffman was long gone, taking the lead with Scott Weaver right behind him. They quickly left the rest of the field behind. With no drafting partner, Nichols fell back to eighth, while one of my favorites, Kelly "The Girl" Sutton followed behind him in her Copoxone sponsored car. Copoxone is the drug Sutton takes for her multiple sclerosis, which enables her to race. Directly behind her was rookie Shane Hmiel, son of Winston Cup crew chief Steve Hmiel and Angie Wilson, the other female driver in the series.

As the caution flag flew for the first time on Lap 16 for debris, Nichols told his spotter he might have a wheel rubbing but he did not make a pit stop. Teammate Brewer did make a pit stop but was held by the officials for some reason. As the green flag flew again, the lights started coming up as Huffman continued to lead. Several laps later, Doc Brewer spun through the front stretch, bringing out the caution flag again. After a four-tire change he was able to continue. Most of the field also pitted for a "gas and go" stop including Nichols.

On the restart, the #07 led as Kelly Sutton moved to second around Hmiel but with no drafting partner she fell back several cars. Nichols was trying to make his way back up through the field and when the caution flag flew again for third time, he was sitting in back of Sutton. He told his spotter "Don't nobody want to dance with me this time like in February." His spotter replied, "Nobody's dancing with anybody, this time."

On the restart, Nichols was leading the second bunch of a huge pack of cars when disaster struck coming out of Turn Four, close to the spot where Earnhardt lost his life. From pit row, all you could see was dust and each of us watched as the cars drove by but Nichols car was not among them. His spotter began saying "Tim, are you ok, buddy?" The silence was ominous as no reply came over the radio. We all headed for the huge TV screen on pit row and were relieved to see Nichols climb out of his car under his own volition. It was an extremely scary moment.

The huge wreck took eight cars out of the race including Nichols, Sutton, Wilson, Underwood and Naples driver, Scott Krehling. I went to Nichols' pit where his crew was working on the car, while Tim made a visit to the infield care center. It was then I saw the sticker on his steering wheel that read "Never drive faster than your angels can fly." Nowhere is that saying more appropriate than at Daytona.

Robert Huffman went on the win the race with Danny Bagwell right on his back bumper. Rookie Shane Hmiel finished third and climbed out us car, sweating more than I could have believed possible for a human being. Zach Brewer, Roger Sawyer and Mickey York were the back half of the six-car freight train that thrilled the fans the last several laps of the race. Doc Brewer salvaged an 18th place finish out of a not so good night for him while Tim Nichols finished 28th.

Immediately following the race, the Winston Cup cars came out for a late Happy Hour and a Half. The crowd in the stands cheered loudly as Dale Earnhardt, Jr. led the way, the fastest car on the track, a man on a mission. As we left the track, the last sight I saw was the word "Daytona" coming out of Turn Four just where we lost Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and his son "Little E" was still leading the way.

Tonight, I am sitting in front of my television with ten laps left to go in the Pepsi 400. I have watched Dale, Jr. dominate the race, wanting him to win like every NASCAR fan in America, even though my main man, Tony Stewart, is right in front of him. More than anything I hope Little E remembers that saying, "never drive faster than your angels can fly" but I know in my heart that no angel can fly faster than the one he has looking out for him tonight.

The entire race world now knows how this story ends. Little E didn't drive faster than his angels could fly. He had an angel above him named Iron Head and one behind him, an angel named Michael and that angel was flying right on his back bumper.

What a wonderful end to a tragic beginning.

-Robin Meiser

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July 2, 2001

FSCR

Sadness and Joy Intertwine

JANE SMITH
This weekend and the Pepsi 400 will definitely intertwine sadness and joy. For those of us who live here in Central Florida it is a time when those car haulers make their parade into Daytona International holding all our dreams for our favorite driver to win. Qualifying will be on Thursday night to more than seventy five thousand fans but there will not be one fan that does not have the #3 in their heart.

Even if you were not a Dale Earnhardt fan, this is the track that saw him race his last race. This is the track that gave thousands the saddest day in their lives and made his family without their head. This is where fans decided that racing without Dale was not racing anymore to them. And yet, this is the track that Dale loved most and waited for so many years to get his first win.

On the local Sunday sports special tonight, Dale Jr. talked about coming back to the track that made him fatherless. It cannot be an easy time for him knowing that this was the last place he saw his father alive. And yet, he carries on hoping that in time, the pain will lessen. That he will make his father proud of him as if he was not when he was here.

Daytona at night is magical. The Pepsi 400 race at night is magical. Those lights shining down on the brightly, colored cars going by so fast that sometimes it is hard to tell which car is which. The #3 car was here last year, qualifying to the cheers and boos of the crowd. Earnhardt had a way with him, one that either made you like him or not. And yet, the man was one of the kindest around.

It will be a sad thing when the haulers make their parade into Daytona International. As I watched them leave last year in the wee hours of the morn, Dale and Dale Jr.'s left together - father and son. And yet this year, it will be the son only that will parade in and slip away at night.

No matter whether there is a black #3 or not in that line-up, in all the minds at that great race, Dale will be there. You will see him flying high in the camp area, on the shirts of the fans and on the heads of his greatest fans. Joy will be felt for the man who raced his last race just this year.

For Dale Jr., this will not be easy just as it cannot be easy for Kyle Petty to race in New Hampshire. I am sure he will feel the excitement of yet another race but sadness that this is where he said his goodbyes and never knew that is what they were. Racing can change a life in one second, this time it changed the lives of many.

No matter how many cars qualify this Thursday night, there will be an extra one, one that is in the heart of many. And in that car with Earnhardt at the wheel, will be Adam, Kenny, Tony, Davey, Neil and so many more. And we will feel joy from our sadness because they are all there, taking that lap, doing their best.

Sadness and joy can intertwine, memories can last a life time, and the love for your father can show thru. Yes, the haulers are coming and on Saturday night, magic will once again surround the Daytona International Speedway and we will feel joy in our hearts.

Jane Smith

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June 20, 2001

FSCR

Integrity, A Fading Value

By Jane Smith
Integrity, according to Webster's Dictionary, means "a firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values." Something that everyone thinks they have but often throw away when money comes into the picture.

About two weeks ago, I was pleasantly surprised to see that this once gallant value thrown out the door for many still does exit in a few. A young man, someone I like to think of as a friend, had a great opportunity to drive in a door opening race series. He drove one race and showed not only the car owners but the TV audience that he had talent behind a race car wheel. This was a great opportunity to set the wheels in motion for his dream, one he and his parents had worked long and hard for.

As I talked to his dad that night at the track and told him how proud I was of his son and the job he did, his dad beamed. But after a few minutes of remembering that race, his dad told me that he would not be driving for this team after all. It seemed that this ride had a condition, one which most drivers would not mind doing but one that went against this young man's integrity, he had to fire the manager that got him the ride.

Now for most racers, this would not be a problem. They had the ride and it was their's but the man who got them there, had to go. Simple for some, not right for others. The dad did not answer for his son although he knew in his head what he would do but this was not his decision. That belonged to his son, the driver.

The team wanted this young man badly but they had their standards and rules. They explained that they did not deal with managers although it was a manager who got the young man the trial ride. Without hesitation, the young man knew what was right, who got him at this place and who would work for him in the future. He gave up the ride and stayed with the man who got him there and will again.

Integrity, a value that is extremely important and yet seldom practiced, shown brightly around this young man and his family. Knowing what is right and what is wrong when it comes to value especially in racing very seldom is shown. The dollar means more and sometimes, not always, the driver makes the wrong choice and goes with the money and not what he knows is right. When this happens, both lose in the long wrong if the ride does not work out and the manager does not feel that loyalty meant more than the dollar.

Not many racers get to their dreams. It is a long, hard ride and one that has many bumps in the road. But for this young man, he rather drive Super Late models in our sunshine state than to cut the throat of the man who stands l00% behind him. For some a very easy thing to do when it comes to racing and your dream.

In today's world where no one seems to have morals and values anymore, on a wet Friday night, I saw integrity once again. As I talked to this young man and his feelings on what this team had offered him and the conditions of the offer, I could see in his eyes that integrity is an important value in his life. He told me that he knew his manager would get him another ride and that if that ride did not work out, he would find him yet another one. But this manager had done nothing wrong and he was not willing to cut his throat for a ride.

Sometimes our dreams cost us more than they should. When you add dollar signs to those dreams, sometimes that makes us chose the wrong course. For this young man, stabbing someone in the back was not the course he wanted to follow for his dream.

At what cost do we draw the line between what is right and what is wrong? Do we sell out the people who get us where we want to be or do we say "no thank you" at that expense.

Integrity showed it's face to me on a wet Friday night in the smile of a 17 year old and his beaming father. There will be other rides but seldom do you find a manager who works so hard to get you that ride. You do not cut off the hand that feeds you for if things don't work out, you have no one in your corner. Integrity, such a good word and so seldom used.

Jane Smith

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June 18, 2001

FSCR

Positive is the Way to Go

Jane Smith
Something is very wrong here and it is time that the fans of racing who go every week and spend their hard learned money speak out. The message board is full of nothing but complaints, cheating, name-calling, BUT nothing good. There is so much good out there in the world of dirt and asphalt racing. Everyone here knows what they feel in their hearts for this sport, why not dig down and find that and share it instead of all the dark sides.

Every track has diehard fans. And yes, every track has cheaters and some have better safety than others and some have better tech than others and positively some have better food and bathroom facilities. But they all have their faults and good points.

People come to Florida Stock Car Racing because they love racing and they want to know what is going on in the world of round track racing. The front page stories are great but the message board is a place where a complete stranger would think that all Florida fans do is complain. I myself don't go to the message board that much anymore because there is nothing there but whinning and more whinning. We cannot stop cheating, it is just not going to happen. The heavy duty cheater will get caught and believe me, fans in the stands can tell when a car is illegal compared to the rest of the pack. Cheating to win is not winning, we all know that. Stopping the cheating would mean teching every car, every Friday or Saturday night before the races and marking the engines, everything so you know if it has been tampered with or not.

As a writer and a fan, I hear alot from drivers. They admit they cheat but most say they only cheat because everyone else is and they would stop if everyone stopped. But it takes more tech than most tracks have to stop this and it has been going on forever. But it would be so nice to see on the message board someone telling a driver that he did a great job with what he had instead of this car and that car is cheating. Sometimes the positive in life works better than the negative.

In my travels, I have been to many of our asphalt tracks and a few dirt tracks. i have been lucky enough to meet some of the greatest fans and drivers this state has to offer. I have heard complains from purses at a track to attendance but when a track is owned by someone who cares, you do see changes.

That should go for message boards also. It is time to change. All the negative you see now only makes the good fans and racers NOT to want to go there. Just think how you could really make someone feel good when you write a message of congratulations for a great race instead of cheating. Positive is the way to go and the way to make the message board work.

There will always be good and bad in racing, cheating and playing fair but we as fans and readers of this site can and should make it where it is a place we want to come. Old dogs can learn new tricks so can racing fans.

Jane Smith



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June 4, 2001

FSCR

Watching Dreams Come True

Last night and a few weeks ago, I had the priviledge of watching two young men open the door to their futures. One is 21 years old, the other is 17. One has a extensive background in racing, the other had none really. But both are determined and both have shared one heck of a teacher in Pete Orr.

If you were around New Smyrna Speedway back in the early 90's, you will recall a race team called "Horsen Around". This was the #30 of Pete Orr and the #36 of David Russell. What a team they made and still to this day, people remember their achievements. Pete went on to drive for Busch Grand National for a year and I was also priviledged to see some of those races.

Back then, B.J. McLeod would have been about my Alex's age which is 8 and Travis Kittleson would have been between 12 and 13. B.J. was running in go-karts and Travis was just dreaming.

Some kids only dream their dreams and others get to live their dreams. Travis got his dream for his high school graduation present and B.J. was born ready to race. Both of these very fine young men have families that back them 100% and you will never see them at a track without that support.

Although Travis Kittleson was not in the ASA race from Nashville, he had his car there and was proudly displaying another Missing Child on it's hood. If you have ever met Travis, you would know that he really loves kids and they love him. He goes out of his way for his smaller fans by attending their birthday parties and taking them out for rides in a Gator when it is pouring down rain for their birthday.

B.J. is also a kid pleaser even when he was a kid himself. B.J. has a smile that beams and a giving heart to go along with that smile. He may get alittle upset when things aren't just right but that seems to pass quickly. And he definitely has had to be able to handle being around his peers since he seems to always be the youngest driver in the group.

But Travis and B.J. both have a dream, a dream to reach the top and be a Winston Cup driver. Last night, B.J. took his first step towards that goal in driving the #22 Hertzog Motorsports ASA car. Starting 21st, he did well until spinning around and being sent to the end of the lead lap where he worked his way back to a 15th place finish. Two weeks before, Travis Kittleson had the lead at Concord, going to second, running out of gas and still finishing 8th. Not bad for a rookie.

Travis Kittleson started his first ASA race with Pete Orr on the head set as his Crew Chief at St. Augustine Speedway in Febuary. Last night, B.J. McLeod made his second ASA race, he was 13 for the first, with Pete Orr on the headset as his Crew Chief. Strange but true, Pete Orr guided both young men. Pete Orr helped each of them take one more step forward to their dreams.

There is an old song called "Dream Weaver". Now whenever I hear that song, I will think of Pete Orr and the magic in his experience to weave the dreams together of some very fine young men. Watching dreams become reality is something we rarely see, Pete Orr has seen it twice.

Jane Smith


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June 1, 2001

FSCR

A ROLE MODEL FOR GOOD DECISIONS

By Robin Smith Meiser

Last week, I lost someone very important in my life in a most tragic way. I don't have a son so several of us "son-less" girlfriends kind of adopted a very special young man. His name was Daniel Miller and he was just 16 years old.

He was our only boy between at least four women who are closer than blood relatives. Between us, we have eight girls and "our boy", Daniel. He was the apple of his mother, Sara's eye but she was kind enough to let him call us "mom" too. He was adored by all of us, as befits the only son and brother of so many females. He in turn, always made sure to tell us how nice that dress made us look or how good that particular food you made was.

Daniel was also a surrogate son to at least three men who didn't have a son nearby or didn't have a son period. His dad, Dan, gladly shared the glory of Daniel with them. Daniel played pool and horse shoes with them, went hunting and fishing with them and learned all the manly things young men learn from their fathers. Racing was his favorite activity in life.

It was always a joy to do things with Daniel because he loved life so much. All six of his surrogate parents took him to his first NASCAR Winston Cup race at Homestead last November. He was so in awe of it and couldn't believe he was in the presence of his hero, Dale Earnhardt, Senior. Daniel's room was covered with racing memorabilia and just a month ago my family had taken him a picture of Earnhardt's car after he qualified at this year's Daytona 500, along with a special limited edition die cast Earnhardt car. We gave it to him because we loved him and he had always done so much for us. He fed the dog when we were at the race and checked on the house. That was what Daniel did, he took care of things.

That's what Daniel was doing on the afternoon of May 21. He and best friend were putting a stereo in a friend's car. They needed parts for the stereo so they needed to "head to town". Daniel made sure that they went by his house to tell his mom he where he was going. His mother needed to drive into town too so she told him she would see him soon. An hour or so later, her car was rerouted around her usual turn where the Miller family lives. There had been a horrific accident about a block east of their street, past where Daniel and his friend would have turned to take Daniel home. Sara Miller looked at the crash scene as she drove by and thought fleetingly of Daniel but didn't see Brandon's Jeep plus it was PAST their house, they wouldn't be heading in that direction.

Her husband, Dan, was watching the hockey game in Fort Myers with friends that evening. Daniel had a 10 p.m. curfew so Sara didn't start worrying until that time. Daniel was never late or would have at least called. Around 11 p.m. a law enforcement officer came to her door and she was told the terrible news. Her only boy had been killed in that accident she had seen earlier that evening. She had to identify him by a picture the medical examiner had taken. A call was made to his father and all the law enforcement officer would say was there was an accident and that Dan needed to drive home carefully.

Once home, he received the awful news. He went to the crash site and spent the night, pacing back and forth on SR 82 mourning the loss of "his boy" and asking "why"? The next morning, as his real parents called each of us surrogate parents, we all asked the same questions. Their house was full of people for the next four days, continually asking "why"? I am sure the family of the boy who was driving and lay in coma in the hospital was asking the same question

Unfortunately, the reason "why" was quite simple, neither young man was wearing their seatbelt and both were thrown out of the Jeep they were in. Daniel was thrown more than 25 feet headfirst unto the asphalt road, he never stood a chance. It is ironic that this the month where seat belt use is recognized. All of us would have given anything, however, if "our boy" Daniel was not this year's poster child for seat belt use. I have always worn my seatbelt. Lots of people don't. Daniel always wore his seatbelt when he was with one of us but you know when kids get around their peers, they forget things like wearing a seatbelt.

Over a week since the accident has passed and today I got an email message that finally brought a bit of sunshine to my broken heart. My dear friend, Kim Scheffler-Hays has been named the national spokeperson for Students Against Destructive Decisions, better known as Team SADD Racing in the stock car world. To add to her well-deserved honor, she gets to get in a race truck and drive again. She will be driving the #92 purple Firestine Motorsports Chevrolet truck in the FASTRUCK race at USA International Speedway in Lakeland on Saturday, June 2. Kim has not had a good year in racing or life in general but as I always say when you do good, good things happen and no one does better than Kim!

She will be having her traditional autograph session for her fans at 5:45 p.m. Kim lives for the children. You could not begin to name all of the wonderful things she has done for kids since becoming a racer. That is one of the reasons in 1999 she was given the elite Eckerd 100 Salute to Women Award. She was selected out of 2,800 nominations.

Kim has no children of her own but has more adopted children than anyone could count. Just last November, I competed with Kim in the 12th Annual Central Florida Children's Home NASCAR Nana Memorial go kart race where Kim brought home the championship trophy. That was not enough for her though; she also made several visits to the home and donated all her 2000 PARTS Pro Truck Rookie of the Year winnings to the children at the home.

Another young lady to benefit greatly from Kim's philanthropy was young cancer patient, Courtney Surrency. Kim went from track to track throughout Southwest Florida to attempt to raise money for Courtney. When she was done over $1,400 was raised and Courtney received stuffed animals, a computer, desk and chair, as well VIP treatment at tracks and programs.

Whatever track Kim competes at, there is always a throng of children around her when she comes to the grandstands. It is difficult to say whether she loves them more or they love her more. My own 15 year old daughter adores Kim and has pictures of her and her race vehicles all over her room. Kim in turn always takes the time to email her whenever she hears of something good Brittany has done. I am sure she does this with many other young people. She has a fan club that costs nothing to join and a Website that lists her many accomplishments on and off the race track. Just type in www.kimschefflerhays.com and you will see for yourself just how special she is.

Kim never stops giving to young people. It is so appropriate that she be given this wonderful opportunity that she will make optimum use of to help young people make "good decisions". I personally will be campaigning for her to get the word out to our young people about the "good decision" to take three seconds to put on a seatbelt so they don't break the hearts of their friends and families when a tragic accident happens such as happened to Daniel Miller on May 21.

-Robin Smith Meiser

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May 31, 2001

FSCR

Please Take A Moment

This is not about racing but since many racers and fans are families, this does pertain to you.

Here in Florida we have State Attorneys. All charges filed with the Sheriff's Office goes thru channels to them and it is their final word whether the charges are enough to go to trial or not. Almost two years ago, my daughter filed charges against her step-dad for voyeurism, in other words being a peeping tom and invading her privacy. The state picked up these charges and for almost two years, we have gone thru hell with them.

The first time we went to trial, the charges were wrong and had to be dropped and refiled. The second time, the Judge knew the detective involved in the case and he removed himself from judgement. The third, that is why this is being written.

The third time, there was a motion for dismissal which we knew nothing about. Being that we are the victims, you would think that we should but we did not. We were not there, we were not called, we had no voice and due to a statement from the detective written in anger against the defendent, the case was dismissed due to a 90 day time clock for misdemeanors.

I understand that the Judge felt he was upholding the law but in any case, that Judge also should have asked and known that the victims in the case were not present. This was a young girl in the beginning, and no case, none, should ever be decided after such a long time period without that girl.

We have been told that charges can never be refiled and that eight years of her life are just not important. But we can make sure that all victims, in all states, are never informed like we were about such a decision. To call in for a hearing date and be told that the charges were dismissed two weeks prior, IS NOT RIGHT.

If you have children, please take the time to write one of the following officials and let them know that this will never happen again. Victims are sent letters stating that they have rights but as of yet, I have not seen them upheld. I have seen the defendent's well taken care of to the point that he was allowed to live right around the corner from us for almost three months. Can you imagine having the man who invaded your privacy for 8 years and bragging about it, living right around the corner.

Voice your opinions to: Governor Jeb Busch State of Florida Executive Office of the Governor The Capital Tallahassee, Fla. 32399-0001

Norman Wolfinger State Attorney 2725 Judge Fran Jamison Way Viera, Fla. 32940

Judge A. B. Majeed 2825 Judge Fran Jamison Way Viera, Fla. 32940

Case: 05-1999-MM-045478

Thanks and for once, let's make a difference and make things better for our children.

Jane

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May 31, 2001

FSCR

The Effects of the Full Moon on Racing

Last weekend we had as close as you can get to a full
moon. Now, fish and shrimp don't go nuts on a full
moon, in fact, they kindof like it. But racing seems to
have ill effects to the full moon. Drivers go alittle nuts,
their hidden personalities come to surface and watch
out - The MOON IS FULL.

Maybe the moon is just a good excuse for drivers acting
like spoiled children and doing stupid things that they
normally never do. We all have seen these actions at one
time or another but isn't it strange that they really do come
out during that "full" moon.

Last weekend was no exception. We saw good cars taken
out, innocent people abused, and all because that moon which
to most of us is really romantic when full, was looking down
on the racetracks. Why does something so pretty and
romantic cause such madness on a racetrack????

You would think by now that drivers and crews would reazlize
that the moon does effect them when full and they would
work harder not to let those crazies come out. But, no, not
our guys. The crazier they get, the more we worry about them, the dumber
some seem to get. For some reason, the
no-no's of racing seem to have long memories and sooner or
later, they come out and usually it is a FULL moon.

If you think about it, Winston Cup has very few night races,
do you think they know about the "full moon curse"????
Maybe they are smart and know that the moon can't get
them if they race during the day. Although, they do have
crazies come out during the day sometimes. But I will always
remember one crazy Bobby LaBonte attacking his car at
Bristol during the night race and a full moon. His car
certainly felt his anger that night. Throwing his helmet
is not different than one local guy pushing another all
around a track instead of just passing him. And if this
should come about on a "full moon" night, watch out
because there will be a crash-a-rama.

There is nothing prettier than a full moon shining over
water and shimmering lights reflecting in the eyes of the
person you love most. That is how most people think of
a full moon. But if you are into local racing, the "full
moon" means one thing and one thing only - crash time.
It is a time that the worse comes out and the sensible
hides.

The moon effects all of us in different ways. A new moon
holding water is a great time to shrimp and fish. A half
moon is sad but a full moon is a smiling face looking down
and making us remember how beautiful the night time is
except when it is race night and the moon smiles on the
track. And then, we get the "full moon" crazies for the night.

Jane Smith



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May 21, 2001

FSCR

Monkeys and Peanuts

By Jane Smith

Last night as I drove home from New Smyrna Speedway in Samsula (what a name) Florida, I listened to the Winston which was in the wee hours of the morning. I heard my Bobby LaBonte's name in fourth place and I thought of "monkeys and peanuts."

There are three things that racers seem to get bad luck from and those are "monkeys on the back, peanuts anywhere around anything to do with racing and the color green." Now some- times the green does not always bring bad luck as shown last night with Bobby and the lookalike green Super Late Model that won at our track but on the other hand, my daughter's boyfriend that drives a mini-stock with green on it, well, the heat race really did not go well.

Out of these three crazy "notions" of bad luck, the worse is the "monkey on the back". Once you get that monkey, he seems to settle in for awhile. And for many, he is really hard to shake out. But never fear, the monkey will get tired of the same old spot and will look for another tree to rest. Some- times fans and drivers feel like this is something they will never shake but eventually, sometimes even a year or more, the monkey does leave. Jeff Gordon had a monkey for awhile and now he is gone. B.J. McLeod, a Super Late Model driver here, had the monkey also but last night he won a Pro Super Late race and the monkey was gone.

Now peanut shells, that is a hard one. I once saw an EMT who was good at his job but had no idea that the peanut shells he was throwing on the edge of pit road, was really giving bad luck to the whole racetrack. Each time a division would come out to race and he would eat his peanuts and toss the shells on the edge of the track, "wreckfest 2001". People could not figure out why there were so many wrecks, it seemed like we could not go one lap without one, but I found the reason - the EMT eating peanuts and throwing the shells on the track.

I have seen some racers who won't even let anyone in the crew have, look, or even smell peanuts while racing. And some, they won't even let them eat them after the race. You ever want to get even with a driver, put peanut shells in his car. That will do it, just one little shell and you get instant "pay- back time." And fans, well, if we pulled peanuts for the races, I don't think they would be happy.

Green, I love green myself. My alltime favorite car is green and last year I watch Bobby take that green car and win one heckof a championship. But green IS NOT good in racing and could cause severe wrecking problems. David, my daughter's mini-stock boyfriend, has green and not really that much but enough that he bought part of the farm last night in the heat race. He was able to fix the car for the feature (with blue duct tape - not green) but I have a funny feeling that next weekend, there will be spray paint in the pits just in case he does not remove the green this week. But Bobby LaBonte, "don't you dare even consider changing that green. Winston Cup would not be Winston Cup without the GREEN MACHINE."

So if you see one of your favorite drivers having a really bad time and you just can't figure it out since he is such a good driver and always has an excellent car, check for MONKEYS, PEANUTS, AND GREEN.

Jane Smith

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May 17, 2001

FSCR

Welcome to Gas Crunch 2001

Racing is changing. It has to. With the cost of building
and running any stock car and the present value of gas
to get to and from the track unless you are lucky enough
to own a diesel rig, racing must change. The every
Friday and Saturday night racer may find it harder now
to be an every Friday and Saturday night racer. Just
like our cost of living every year rises, this gas crunch
will definitely effect the local guys.

The majority of all local track racers are every day "Joe's".
They work to pay their bills, support their families with
roofs over their heads and food on the table and somewhere
in there enough money to race. Now an average weekend
of racing is hard to exactly say how much since some
drivers only go across the street to race or others may drive
up to two hours or more. Pit fees vary from $l5.00 to
$25.00, track gas goes from $3.50 a gallon up, and purses
vary between all tracks. What is the deciding factor???

Well, if you ask Tim McPhail, a former Sunshine Speedway
driver, why he drives to Orlando SpeedWorld and New
Smyrna Speedway he will tell you that "it is the way you
are treated at a track that brings you back week after week."
Tim, his wife Donna and their 4 legged children, travel
every weekend to be with their other family. Yes, their
RV drinks gas but racing is what they love and racing is
what they do on the weekend. Now I am sure if gas goes
up to the $3.00 they say it could be, that could put a
damper on their traveling.

There use to be what drivers called "tow money" at tracks.
But nowadays, no one seems to be able to afford such
a thing. Drivers and their crews must tough it out on
their own or just not race and if you know racers like I
do, that is really a hard one. Racing is what they wait
for every week. This is their time and the government
better not screw with that. Making gas prices go sky
high is the worse thing you can do to a "stressed out"
racer.

What can tracks do to help their racers in a gas crunch?
Not much really as a gas crunch also affects the fans
that come to the races and almost everything in our lives.
Food goes up, beer goes up, soda goes up, everything
changes because of gas. Sometimes I think the only ones
that are not hurt are the President and his cabinet.

I guess we have one thing to be thankful for and that is
that we don't have to sit in long lines waiting for 8 gallons
of gas, our weekly allowance. We have been there and
we learned how to save gas and just how much or little
we could do in that week. There was not much driving
to race tracks then.

Hopefully this crisis will not last forever. Hopefully we
will be able to survive it and have all our guys do what
they love to do - race. But I guess a diehard racer can
find something to race or than a stock car if they had to.
Have you ever been to scooter races????

Jane Smith

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May 13, 2001

FSCR

Greyhounds and Nascars

By Jane Smith

Now most people would think me crazy if I compared greyhounds to Nascars but recently I found that they are very similiar. Both are used to race, both can be winners in their time, and both are put out for adoption once they are no longer race worthy.

Greyhounds are very gentle, loving dogs. They are raised to race. Up until a few years back, they were just killed when their racing careers ended. But some very loving people decided they deserved good homes and time to be pets so now they are adopted.

Now you are going either this lady has lost her mind or she is just plain crazy. But not really. You see, recently I saw two Nascars that had been adopted by a very nice gentleman in Titusville, Florida. And to my surprise, he adopted the number 21 car that Morgan Shepard and Michael Waltrip drove and now has Elliot Sadler behind the wheel. A true Wood Brothers car. And he had the #28 which was personally bought from non-other than Ernie Irvin.

Just like retired greyhounds, the retired Nascars are put in loving homes where they are truly wanted and taken care of. These two cars needed to be refreshed and that they are with loving and kind hands. The hands that will guide them eventually in car races with other retired Nascars at Daytona, Watkins Glen, Road Atlanta, etc.

No one ever really thinks about all the used-up racecars that Nascar must have but now I know that some do see the light of day again and feel the asphalt underneath their chasis. They go to loving homes where someone has waited for years to be able to afford this adoption of a lifetime.

Greyhounds and Nascars, how lucky they are. Once they have given every ounce of racing skill they have and given their best for all to see, they find new and rewarding lives to end their careers. Greyhounds and Nascars are really two of a kind. Both race, both are born and made just for racing, both give it their all for their careers, and once the glory is over, they come home to loving and gentle arms.

Jane Smith

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May 1, 2001

FSCR

Why I Love Racing

by Clinton Terry

It’s probably an age-old question, maybe as far back as when the first car was ever built, but it has to do with what makes us want to go fast. Why I Love Racing? Well, it’s a number of reasons, some understandable and some unexplainable, but it’s a feeling more or less of the heart that makes racing so appealing to everyone and myself. I assumed at first that it was a universal feeling that made people love the sport of racing, but after 3 weeks of post and comments from many people I found that the love of the sport is as divers as the people that love it. In this article you will read many different peoples versions of why they love racing. You will see many sides to an unanswerable question. One thing you will learn however is that when its all said and done, why shouldn’t you love racing? Though it’s just an opinion, there is no sport like motor sports.

Mod4 wrote to me and gave me his reason for loving racing. He told me it was an addiction, which I agree with completely, but I never thought of this other part that makes it so addicting. “Every race is the sum of all it’s participants: their work, their ideas, their Passions and talents. Every race is unique to itself: it can be like watching a master painting a canvas, or 7 year olds throwing dirt clods at laundry on a clothesline.” Colorful and true, with the exception of Daytona and Talladega lately, every race is something new.

RBC21 filled me in on a little secret that I haven’t had the opportunity to experience but hope to some day. He is a driver and when he was a child he dreamed of climbing in the car and racing around the track. I guess its proof that dreams do come true if you work hard at it. However, his most interesting point has to do with the Adrenaline rush from doing so. “I don’t know how to explain the feeling I get when I strap in my modified or even when I jump into a 5 hp Briggs & Stratton Kart…I’m getting goose bumps just thinking about it.” I get the same feeling when I'm pulling into the racetrack every Saturday just to watch. I can’t wait till I get into my own car some day and turn a few laps.

In racing one thing that I have noticed is that a little passion and adrenaline can result in Fire, but the kind of fire Sakimom brought to my attention took me a little by surprise. Although this is a woman’s perspective I have to admit this is a two-sided coin. “It has something to do with how cute race car driver’s tushes are in those one piece fire suits.” Well, I don’t know about the guys, but I have seen a lot of good-looking ladies in fire suites as well.

Little Meanness, after meeting her she isn’t so mean, told me about being a driver’s girl friend. She at first thought herself to be crazy after going to her first race; I guess the whole thing didn’t make any sense to her. Her Love for her boyfriend might have had something to do with her love of racing now though. “Being a driver’s girlfriend is tough, but I will also admit that I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s in his blood… I want him to have the life he wants. Now, four years later we’re still going strong… and the relationship is great too.” I have the privilege of getting to see her and her boyfriend every weekend since they come to Putnam County to race. I wish them both the best and I love watching him race on Saturday.

Robin touched on my favorite reason for loving racing. This feeling has never been more evident than it has in the past two years. Racing has seen a lot of tragedies at its top levels, plus the ones that go on in the local levels that we don’t always hear about. All in all it’s the Family that makes racing so great. “The stories of the people who make the sport. The different walks of life we come from, the adversities we overcome to get there, the triumphs and the tragedies. The best thing about racing is that we all come together in times of need no matter what track we are from or how much competition there is on the track. Off the track we are all “Family”.”

Support, by fans and family make the race that much more exciting as Linda will tell us now. “I think that all drivers should be supported by their family, fans, and most important of all the race track that they choose to race at. The men and women that race on a weekly basis enjoy the fans that come every week to support them. These racers probably have full time jobs as well as trying to keep up a racecar. Trust me there is a lot of work that goes into these race cars so the racers can be competitive and put on a good show for the fans.” I don’t think the fans even realize how much they mean to the sport of racing. I’m a fan, and more often than not I think of racing! As my means of escape from my hectic life. To think that I’m that important to a person that they would want to race to entertain me makes me want to show them all the support I can. I know there are many people that probably feel this way as well so I just want to say Thank you to all the drivers for your continuous desire to drive fast, and turn left, it keeps me going every day.

In a sport where victory favors the sportsman, the only way to survive is to love the challenge of Competition. Kyle had this to say about racing, “ I love the challenge of building the fastest, best car out there, and making it a winner.” When I got old enough to really understand why my dad spent every waking minute he could in the garage instead of watching TV with me I became a sportsman like Kyle. The challenge sometimes can bite you like a snake, and sometimes it can pay off, but the real sportsman keeps the battle alive by never giving up the fight.

Missy, I’ll let you wrap this up for me. “I love racing because it is filled with what all the greatest movies and novels are made of- Passion, Adrenaline, Fire, Love, Hate, Family, Sportsmanship, and Competition- a few broken hearts and always a happy ending for someone.” I couldn’t have said it better my self. Racing is by far the greatest and most unique sport on earth. It stretches beyond shores and territorial boundaries. Whether its stock cars or motorcycles, the feeling is always the same, the spirit of motor sports is felt the same way everywhere. To all of you who helped me with this article I would like to say thank you. To all of you who love racing, thank you. I hope that this article helps us all understand why WE LOVE RACING?


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April 29, 2001

FSCR

Heaven's Birthday Party

By Jane Smith

As I sit here and watch the Winston Cup race in a state that I spent thirteen years in, things have surely changed. There was no California Speedway, in fact, there were mostly dirt tracks where I lived. Some were sprint car racing but mostly good ole dirt racing.

It was the kind of tracks that you sit on a hill or you took a chair but very few blechers. I think alot of folks know about these tracks.

I am sure that alot of folks are looking back today, remembering the good old days and some of their favorite drivers that we no longer have with us. Davey, Alan, Neil, Adam, Kenny, Tony, and countless unknowns that only their local tracks know. But unknown or well known, you can bet your bottom dollar that they are having a good ole party about right now.

Today as we watch the California race, it is heavy on our minds that today would have been a major celebration day for Dale Earnhardt. Today is the birthday some celebrate with great anticipation as to the next 50 years and some dread. I think Earnhardt would have look forward to this day with joy. He did not see it as a bad thing but one to celebrate.

Even in heaven, they can still have birthdays. Everyone has their own ideas of heaven and what it is. This is mine and the big party that is going on there right now:

There is a big screen tv with the California race going on. The room is more a man's room than woman's, you know what I mean. It is manly. Racing trophys, racing pictures, sports of all kinds, decorate the walls. Black streamers hang from the ceiling coming to a point in the middle of the room. Black balloons decorate the corners and little buzzards are everywhere too. You see, being 50 means you get the "over-the-hill" treatment even though you are no means over the hill yet. And the buzzards are there to remind you that you are now "an old buzzard" of a fellow.

There is a table behind the sofas, that sits so perfectly in front of the tv, with every known goodie that a man's heart desires. And, of course, even in heaven, there is beer for the beer drinker and soda for the sugar freaks. And in the middle of that vast amount of manly food, there is a sheet cake. A racetrack decorates the cake with a number of cars going around the track but only the 3 is out in front. You see the 3 will lead because today is his birthday.

The guys have filled their plates and getting comfortable and suddenly there are wet little drops coming from their eyes. As they watch 3 doves fly above this grand racetrack, they realize that they are not forgotten. In years to come, they may not be celebrated as much but there will always be a fan or two with each guy in their heart. They realize that each has made footprints in the sands of people's souls and this alone will keep them alive and on earth for many years to come.

May your birthday in heaven be as festive as it would have been on earth because 50 is worth celebrating. We down here celebrate you - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DALE EARNHARDT.

Jane Smith



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April 15, 2001

FSCR

Don't Short Change Your Safety

By Jane Smith
Last night was not a full moon but looking at the message boards, there were quite a few full moon accidents. All seemed to hit the walls very hard. And we all found that the walls don't move, only the drivers and their heads move.
No one wants a driver hurt. No one wants to see a helicopter fly in and a roof cut off a car. Last night at New Smyrna Speedway in the first feature race of the night and in the last lap, Justin Henderson was fighting for his first win. He had the pole and he did a great job keeping the lead but coming out of turn 3, his car got a real bad push, he tried to correct it and thought he had it and he and the other lead car touched just enough that Justin hit the wall extremely hard and on the driver's side.

From that hit, everyone seemed to know that he had to be out. The safety guy got there first, then the track officials, EMT's, flagman, everyone. It was obvious to everyone in the pits and the stands, things were not right. A crowd gather above the pit wall watching as they started to cut him out. More emergency vehicles arrived, more guys worked on him, and last the helicopter flew in.

This scene is not one any of us want to see but when it is someone you know and really care about, it is the hardest thing to do which is stay out of the way, stand back and wait. What seemed like forever really wasn't but finally they got Justin out of the car, on a backboard and strapped down and on that helicopter with our pick-up not far behind it on the ground.

Luckily, Justin had no broken bones. His safety harness had done it's job well. What they thought was a broken collarbone was a really bad bruise from that harness taking care of Justin. His helmet had some window netting in it and scratching from the wall but it too did it's job. The car that was now a pile of sheet metal had done it's job safety wise and protected the person that was in it.

When a dirt driver from Volusia Speedway Park was brought in while we were still there, what the nurse had said really hit home, DON'T EVER SHORT CHANGE YOUR SAFETY. Both drivers had hit walls, hard, full force. But luckily, both did not short change the one thing that can and does save your life - your safety measures.

Daryl Shelnut was hurt at Hialeah and a driver at Charlotte County and two here. But we can still write about them, they are still with us. Their cars may be in shambles, completely totaled but they aren't.

Please, check your helmets and your harnesses and make sure your rollcages are the best. You are the most important person in the world to someone, make sure you are there for them. Don't short change your safety.

Jane

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April 12, 2001

FSCR

Take Time to Remember What Is Important

By Jane Smith
After looking at the message board and all the bickering and whinning on it, it came to me that alot of us need to remember why we are at racetracks, why we race, and why KARNAC is here. Not for the bickering and complaining but for the love of that thing called "racing". We all share the same love but lately more dislike than like comes thru on the message board.

One person wrote that we all need to help our tracks in promoting them and getting people to come. But it is hard to do that when some tracks change their purses or put it in small print, what the purse will pay. Then the driver feels used and very mad and it is not very good treatment for anyone.

Some tracks don't welcome outsiders, which is really stupid. Everyone wants to spread their wings and try other tracks from time to time when the gas prices will allow the towing. But if you don't feel welcome and appreciated, you definitely don't return. All tracks need to welcome their drivers, their fans, everyone with warmth and make people want to return. A little sugar goes much further than none.

Since this is Easter weekend and a very special time for alot of us, maybe we can put aside all the bickering and belittling and just remember that Easter is a time for family and WE ARE A FAMILY. We do and have shared this common bond since we first set foot in a racetrack. If we did not share this bond, why would we break our backs to work ourselves too death to race??

Easter is a time for family and I plan to be with mine on Friday night and Saturday night no matter what track I am at because all of them are family. So God Bless my family this Easter and race safe, hunt eggs and take care.

Jane Smith

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April 10, 2001

FSCR

ROOKIE WINNINGS GIVEN TO THE CHILDREN’S HOME IN ORLANDO

by Vicki Moyer

On March 16, not December 25, there were 22 packages wrapped in NASCAR gift wrap delivered not by way of a sleigh driven by a jolly, roly-poly man in a red suit, but by way of a six-foot-tall female race truck driver dressed in purple. It was just a pretty typical Friday at the Central Florida Children’s Home (CFCH) for its twenty-two residents. From the moment the kids learned of Kim Scheffler Hays’s upcoming visit, their faces beamed with huge smiles of anticipation. They recalled her previous visit when she arrived with her racecar filled with stuffed animals, joined them on the playground, and just spent time with them. On this day, though, they had no idea what surprise awaited them.

After sharing their talents on the playground equipment, the kids entered the living room to find a gift-wrapped box for each of them. Kim expressed to the kids how impressed she was with them, and this was a gift to show how much she believes in each of them and how proud she is of them. Then the moment arrived: "Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines!" And the wrapping paper was off! One cannot find words to describe some of the facial expressions. The majority was a look of awe—ONE HUNDRED-ONE DOLLAR BILLS IN EACH BOX! Kim explained to the kids that this was their money to do with whatever they want. This money comes from Kim’s Rookie of the Year winnings and other money she has raised through Polk county businesses and individuals who believe in Kim’s dream. The local Wal-Mart and Publix donated the boxes and wrapping paper. Several minutes were spent counting, recounting, stacking, tossing bills in the air, simply running hands around in the box with all those bills. Smiles abounded! Finally Kim asked each child what he/she was going to do with his/her money. Many answered, "Save it," and "Put it in the bank." Other answers included, "Buy chocolate," and "Give 25% to the church and put 75% in the bank." The appreciation radiated from the children—their faces, their eyes. This appreciation and obvious respect for what they have and receive is just one of the CFCH kids’ character traits that captured the attention and six-foot heart of race truck and car driver Kim Scheffler Hays.

Kim first became aware of the CFCH when a racing associate e-mailed Kim regarding a fundraising event to benefit the Children’s Home. As Kim’s heart and one of her goals is "to touch as many people’s lives as possible using my racing career to help open the doors," some follow- up contacts were made. Kim inquired as to what was needed. Kim offered/agreed to participate in a "Celebrity Race" and other "feature" races. In fact she earned the NASCAR Nana trophy that day. Interestingly, prior to the fundraiser, another acquaintance mentioned to Kim a children’s home and its mission and a little about the kids who live there. This was the same children’s home. Following a personal appearance/safety talk with students at an Orlando elementary school, Kim stopped by the CFCH to deliver stuffed animals and spend some time with the kids. Of that experience Kim states she "fell in love with their attitude toward life." It seems quite obvious that God meant for these paths to cross/come together.

From the moment Kim met the kids she was impressed. These are "good kids." They display good behavior. Kim says, "They have good hearts"; they have positive "attitudes and outlooks" rather than anger that is so predominantly expressed in society in general today. The older kids have a very evident positive influence on the younger kids. Their appreciation for what they have and what they receive is evidenced by their respect for each other, their personal belongings, others’ belongings, their home, and of course their respect for Rachael and Jack Bradford who live, care for, and keep the routine running smoothly at the CFCH. The home is not state funded and runs by donations and fundraisers only.

Kim also says of the kids, "They are learning respect and responsibility which will get them through life. Becoming strong inside develops the bare essentials of what it takes to become a good citizen."

Kim Scheffler Hays drove away from the CFCH having achieved another goal. When asked why she was doing this—giving this money to the kids—Kim answered, "This money is being given to the kids for no particular reason other than to put a smile on their face," "to see a kid smile and let them know I am proud of how they act and behave considering what they have been handed in life. . . . They can believe in themselves!" Oh, how they smiled! Mission accomplished!

Kim compassionately expresses they "have nothing, but have everything because they have the most important things: stability, love, affection, and admiration."

Kids have a special place in the heart of this race truck driver. Kim hopes through her God-given talent and avenue of racing "to bring more awareness to organizations trying to make a difference, especially in children’s lives. Everything is based on what kids can do—they are our future" Auburndale Sun , 10/28/99, RE: "Eckerd 100 Salute to Women Award"). Kim wishes to give back to the community for their encouragement and support of her racing career. She uses her race vehicles to demonstrate and discuss to schoolchildren the importance of seatbelt, bicycle helmet, and fire safety. She expresses the importance of education and inspires the motivation to follow dreams. Kim is "very committed to helping in the community wherever there is a need." To Kim, personal/public appearances to raise awareness and to educate are as important as winning races. Kim made over 75 appearances in 2000 ranging from safety talks at schools to radio, newspaper, and magazine interviews, autograph sessions and charity events. Kim has received numerous awards for her ongoing charity work and has been named "Driver of the Year" and "Driver of the Month" in newspapers and racing publications. In just five years of racing, Kim has won 33 races, captured two track championships and three Rookie championships including the most recent 2000 PARTS Pro Truck Rookie of the Year. Kim is a respected competitor who is a devoted advocate to the sport of racing for the young and young at heart. She is a loyal spokesperson of the sport and is always thankful to the sponsors and fans as demonstrated by her charity work, community involvement, personal appearances, fan club, etc.

Kim is currently pursuing a racing team for the 2001 season. She is committed to providing a high level of success and pleasing her fans and sponsors both on and off the track. She continues to "drive" toward her racing goal of competing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

-Vicki Moyer

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April 8, 2001

FSCR

Cops and Robbers Big Hit

Last night at Orlando SpeedWorld in front of full grand
stands, the cops of various areas including Orange County
and Titusville, pulled out to fight the worse of the "let out"
jail prisoners for the first figure eight school bus race of
the year. The only thing missing in this special event was
the gentlemen named Bucky Buckman who has maintained
these buses for years.

Instead of being at the track watching his "babies' race
their engines out, Bucky is in a hospital room fighting
for his own survival. Bucky has lung cancer but it has not
beaten him yet. He isn't ready to give-up, not without one
last fight.

So last night when those buses went on that track, everyone
that knows Bucky, had him in their hearts and prayers.
Nickelodon was on hand filming the figure 8 race for kids
to see in May. In June, for the big Crash-a-Rama, the Today
Show will be on hand to film this night of unusual racing.
And it has been Bucky who has gone out and gotten some
of the camper trailers, boats and trailers for previous Crash-
a-Ramas.

Last night one of the robbers won the bus race, but the
fans did not care who won, they just loved the stand up,
edge of your seat thrills that the figure 8 school bus race
brings. One bus did a rollover, the driver was fine, and
a few others overheated badly but the majority of buses
were still running at the end of the race.

Bucky would have been proud last night of his "babies".
They did a fine job entertaining the crowd, giving the cops
who came to drive them, a ride that they won't forget for
awhile. And the crowd who came to see this could only
yell "more".

And if you really love those races then Bucky did his job
and did it well. Let him know by leaving him a "get well"
card at the track next time you are there and see you in
June for Crash-a-Rama. Hope to see Bucky there too.

Jane


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April 6, 2001

FSCR

ARCA AND OLD MILWAUKEE TEAM UP FOR POLE AWARD

By Robin Smith Meiser

In the 1980's NASCAR legend Tim Richmond began his Winston Cup career with the Old Milwaukee beer logo on his Pontiac until he joined the Rick Hendrick stable. In the ensuing years, Old Milwaukee and The Pabst Brewing carried a low profile in stock car racing.

Two years ago, Pabst decided to try their hand in the business again and teamed up with John Boy and Billy Racing of syndicated radio fame, to sponsor "Doc" Brewer in the NASCAR Goody's Dash Series. An internal medicine doctor from High Point, N.C. who counts the Labonte Brothers among his patients, Brewer drives the #44 Pabst Blue Ribbon Pontiac Sunfire.

Brewer's new teammate, rookie Tim Nichols from Cedar Bluff, Virginia thrilled the crowd at Daytona during the Goody's Dash Discount Auto Parts 200 by a surprise third place finish. Driving in his first race at the 2.5-mile oval, his #52 Pontiac Sunfire carried the Old Milwaukee beer logo.

Now the Pabst Brewing Company has announced even deeper involvement with stock car racing. They have inked a three-year agreement in which Old Milwaukee, the Official Beer of ARCA, will be the official pole award sponsor of ARCA's touring series to include the ARCA RE/MAX Series, the Lincoln Welders Truck Series and the Auto Value Midget Series.

Old Milwaukee Pole Award winners in RE/MAX Series competition will receive $1,000 for winning the pole at any superspeedway race and $500 for any short-track event. In addition, Old Milwaukee will offer $5,000 in year-end awards to the driver who wins the most poles throughout each season.

Old Milwaukee Pole Award winners in ARCA Truck and Midget divisions will receive $100 for each pole and a bonus of $1,000 in year-end cash awards to the driver in each series who has collected the most poles throughout the year.

"The Old Milwaukee Pole Award gives the ARCA competitors something additional to shoot for," said ARCA Marketing Director Jim Clarke. "It, without question, adds greatly to our overall awards program. Old Milwaukee's been a staple in this country for more than a century, and ARCA's been around for a half century, so from a business standpoint we have a lot in common. We're proud to have Old Milwaukee on board as our pole award sponsor, and I know the racers will appreciate it as well."

ARCA driver Kirk Shelmerdine was the first driver to win the Old Milwaukee Pole Award this year after posting the fastest speed during the Daytona race. Shelmerdine is best remembered as past crew chief for Dale Earnhardt, Sr. during his heyday of winning championship after championship. After catching the "racing bug", Shelmerdine left Earnhardt to purse a career in stock car driving himself.

The next ARCA REMAX/Challenge race will be held at the 1.33 mile banked concrete oval called Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tennessee. Winston Cup driver Kenny Schrader has already entered the PFG Lester 150 event along with notables such as Shawna Robinson, Tim Steele and Bill Venturini are also already entered into the event. Past NFL head coach Jerry Glanville of Atlanta Falcons and Houston Oiler fame is also entered. Glanville races stock cars when he is not providing football color commentary in the broadcast booth. Also slated to appear will be third generation drivers, Jason Jarrett, son of 1999 Winston Cup Champion Dale Jarrett; and Steadman Marlin, son of Sterling Marlin.

Fox Sports Net will be broadcasting the race that begins at 4 p.m., Central Time, on April 13. The NASCAR Busch Series will close the weekend on April 14 with the running of the Pepsi 300.

Doc Brewer, Tim Nichols and Goody's Dash driver Angie Wilson will be featured on Karnac's Racin' Talk radio show which airs on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on April 4, 11, and 18. So tune in to learn more about Pabst and Old Milwaukee's involvement in racing.

by Robin Meiser

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March 28, 2001

FSCR

A SERIOUS INTERRUPTION

By Chief Craig C. Clarke

One of the most dangerous conditions for a race car driver besides fire, is a stuck throttle or an engine run-away condition. In the past, the driver did not have any option but to hang on and try and stop the car by slamming on the brakes or attempting to kill the ignition.

Reaching for the power switch in a panic situation is not an easy thing to do; Not to mention if the throttle linkage becomes jammed, stuck or broken. Now, this situation can me managed automatically with the introduction of the ROUSH IGNITION INTERRUPTER SYSTEM. This is a multi-component system that reacts to the vehicle and driver when the throttle linkage breaks or sticks, and positively disables the ignition system on the vehicle.

In a recent personal interview at a race with Roush spokesman Robert Corn, he described the various components and their actions:

INTAKE MANIFOLD VACUUM SWITCH:
This is a pressure switch that is installed in the intake manifold, and works off the principal that the throttled engines power is proportional to the vacuum in the intake manifold. The Roush system is set so that the switch closes just before full power is achieved. It is recommended that this switch be screwed directly into the intake manifold spacer under the carburetor. This switch has a 1/8 NPT male thread on it for this purpose. This switch is normally closed and will open with vacuum. It is set to go closed when exposed to falling vacuum. For Winston Cup, Busch Restricted and Super Truck vehicles, the vacuum set point is 4Hg falling vacuum. For Busch Open engines, the vacuum set point is 6Hg falling vacuum.

BRAKE LINE PRESSURE SWITCH:
The brake line pressure switch is set into the front brake lines and set to close at a value that represents a high pedal effort such as in a panic brake situation. It is however, not set to activate under normal race braking situations. The preferred mounting location for this switch is in the junction block where the right and left front brake lines divide from the master cylinder front brake line feed. They suggest that this switch be securely attached to reinforce the mounting in the brake line block. This is a normally open switch that will close with 1100psi rising pressure.

BRAKE PEDAL POSITION SWITCH:
This is a travel indicator switch that is attached to the brake pedal and works as a backup to the Brake Line Pressure Switch. It activates the Roush Ignition Interrupter if the brake pedal linkage breaks and/or goes to the floor. Since every team and each car varies so much, they state that the individual team should develop their own mounting bracket for this particular switch. It is suggested that the mounting location for this travel switch should be to attach the switch arm to the brake pedal at the same point where the master cylinder push rod attaches to the pedal. The switch is self adjusting for stroke, so you need to be sure to make the pedal go through its complete travel. This should be done after the switch is mounted to the bracket. It is important to note that some vehicles have brake pedals that bottom out on the master cylinder. Therefore, the switch must be adjusted with the master cylinder push rod hooked up.

CONTROL PANEL - IGNITION LATCHING CIRCUIT:
This is a small profile control panel which consists of a red warning light, a 5 amp ATO fuse, and a momentary reset switch. Included in the system are two relays which provide a positive disconnect latching circuit which prevents any power flow to the ignition system of the vehicle until it has been manually reset from the control button mounted inside the car.

This system was tested by race car drivers Jeff Burton & Ricky Rudd under NASCAR supervision last season, and is the only device of this type currently approved by NASCAR for all of their divisions. According to Robert Corn (Roush), The system can also be configured to all types of race cars, not just NASCAR. How much is this great technology? Under $600.00 for the complete system. Its approach is simplistic, and if it can save a driver from crashing into the wall due to a stuck throttle, it is well worth the price.

By Chief Craig C. Clarke
KARNAC.com Safety Editor

TRACK RESCUE

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March 27, 2001

FSCR

Once Again, Children See The Wrong Thing

by Jane Smith
No matter whether it is a Winston Cup race or a Sunbelt race or even the Snowball Derby, there is a child's hero in that race. No matter what we say and stress to our kids, kids learn by what they see and NOT always by what we hope they hear.

How many children love Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart? More than you know. Adults seem to say unkind remarks about Jeff Gordon, mostly because like Darrell Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt once said, people don't like repeat winners all the time. But kids, kids love Jeff Gordon and my own 8 year old is included in that. Jeff has been his favorite for awhile now and you don't say bad things about his Gordon.

Tony Stewart has also become a kids' favorite but why I am not sure except for maybe his wins. Kids like his Home Depot Pontiac and he is the teammate to Bobby LaBonte. Both Stewart and Gordon have no children but I am sure that they must realize how they effect our children.

When Stewart hit Gordon purposely after the race, everyone automatically thought of an incident last year, not after a race but during the race caution. That incident also involved children's heros and once again, they were shown that being a bully is what you do when you are a sore loser. That may sound strong but racing is bumping, rubbing and pushing. Jeff Gordon did not try to take out Tony Stewart but Stewart felt differently.

Just like Rogers and Anderson, Stewart and Gordon have a history. They have gotten into it before, being warned and fined probably but racing sometimes brings out the "Dr. Jeykl and Mr. Hyde" in men. In Winston Cup, I don't think it is so much the dollar signs like in local racing but more a macho status.

Maybe one day these macho men will stop and think before they show your kids and mine, the wrong side of sportsmanship. Being a bully is costly, I am sure that Tony Stewart knows that now and I know for a fact that Wayne Anderson knows that. You never gain or win anything by being a jackass and showing your butt and that is exactly what happened last Sunday. Bristol may get the best of you but I much rather see something like Bobby LaBonte did than seeing one driver hit another with his car. Remember Bobby got out of that car, threw his helmet at it and only his car took abuse, not someone else.

With so many younger drivers coming into our sport, maybe their sportsmanship will guide our children. They tend to appreciate more what they have been given and even though they get mad and I am sure disappointed at times, it is not so physical as some of our drivers.

Racing is racing. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose but you never purposely hit your fellow racer in front of your younger fans and give them the idea that you win at any and all costs and paybacks are a bitch. We need less paybacks and more sport.

-Jane

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March 24, 2001

FSCR

SPREADING MY WINGS

by Robin Smith Meiser
Like most "Roundy Rounds" (AKA oval track stock car racing) fans, I have always been a bit disdainful of drag racing. I am joined in this prejudice by many stock car racing fans. It's kind of like a Gators versus the Seminoles thing; if you like one you usually don't like the other, or so I thought until St. Patrick's Day when I went to the 32nd Annual Mac Tools Gatornational NHRA Winston Drag Race in Gainesville.

I knew the names of the major players like John Force, Kenny Bernstein, and Tony Schumacher. While I have not been an ardent straight line-racing fan, I have always had a great respect for them and the awesome speeds they travel. Any race fan knows Kenny Bernstein was the first person to ever break the 300-mile per hour barrier in 1992 at the Gatornationals in his Bud King Funny Car. What I remember the most about Bernstein is he was the owner of Ricky Rudd and Brett Bodine's Quaker State NASCAR race team in the late 1980s/early 1990s. Since then Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher has broken the 330-mile per hour mark.

It's easy to say that, 300 miles per hour but do you have any idea how fast that really is? I learned first hand on March 17 the awesome power of drag racing. I was lucky enough to stand approximately 50 feet behind Bernstein and the others when they did their "burn outs" at the start line. I got to watch first hand their reaction time as the Christmas Tree lights came on and they stepped on the gas to power their way down the quarter mile. The ground rumbled like I imagine an earthquake must; your eardrums and heart felt like they would burst from the thunderous roar; your throat and eyes burned from the alcohol fuel that smelled more like formaldehyde than petrol; the heat and flames that burst from the tailpipes felt as if it would singe the hair right off your head.

I had the thrill of meeting John Force, getting his autograph and shaking his hand. I must say I have always had a soft spot for him, when I watched drag racing it was to see him, he is my drag racing hero. He is now one of my top racing heroes because he took one minute out his busy schedule for me. It's amazing how little satisfies most race fans when it comes to their heroes.
Robin Meets one of her heros.

One of the truly great things I learned about professional drag racing was when you buy a ticket to an NHRA event you have total pit access and can get close up and meet the stars. Each one of the professional drivers had stands with autograph cards in their pit area and actually posted when they were available for autographs. Unfortunately, their NASCAR brethren have become so popular that necessity precludes this from happening at most Winston Cup event due to their hectic schedules. One thing I noticed too that I haven't seen in the Winston Cup garage in a long while was drivers with their heads bent over the engines of their cars, assisting their crews.

Best of all, I got to feel like I was part of a race team again, as my friend and local Stock division driver Al Peters won his first three elimination rounds with my good buddy Dan Miller serving as his crew chief.

Unfortunately, I did not get to see Al race as the rain began to fall forcing a postponement of the Gatornationals final eliminations to April 21. I did, however, get to meet a few of his fellow competitors and learned they are no different than the local stock car drivers I know and love. I got to sit around with them for a couple of hours and just shoot the bull. I listened to these grown men, gossip worse than women and in that respect, they are definately no different than their stock car racing counterparts.

I met men such as Scott Helms of Crystal Springs who has raced in the G Stock Automatic Stock division for the past five years and spoke longingly of being like his brother Kevin Helms who is in his first year of full time drag racing. However, on this weekend he got beat by own buddy Al Peters, the man wearing a special pass around his neck this year given to past world champions which reads "Proud Champion". Funny, I have known Al for years but never realized what a great drag racer he is.

I also met Jack Baillie of Tarpon Springs who has been to every Gatornational event ever held with his wife. They started going to the traditional Gainesville event while they were still dating. They bemoaned the fact that they used to be able to take their entire family to the events for the entire weekend for less than $100. In that respect, race fans are alike, we all agree that it costs way too much to attend professional races and feel that the sanctioning bodies are shutting out the fans that have made their sports popular by inflating ticket prices.

Most of all, I learned that the drag racing family grieves just as much for their fallen hero, Florida's own Dave Schultz, who passed away from colon cancer on February 11, one week before stock car racing lost their greatest hero Dale Earnhardt, Sr. on February 18. Schultz, a six.-time NHRA Pro Bike champion won the Gatornationals in the year 2000. Last August he was diagnosed with colon cancer but went on to compete and win his 45th national event at Houston Raceway Park despite undergoing chemotherapy. I met Dave once at one of Randy "Hondo" Fox's Christmas parties and found him to be an extremely likeable guy. He is on the same pedestal as Earnhardt, that's for sure.

At any rate, I learned alot on March 17. I expanded my horizons and spread my wings like I said I wanted to do when I left Charlotte County Speedway as their media/public relations director. I opened my mind, all those saying we use when we try new experiences. This was definately one experience that I know I will repeat and I have found a new sport that I think I will grow to love.


By Robin Meiser
NOTE:Anybody else that wants to expand their horizons can get more information about the Gatornationals by calling 1-800-884-6472 or visiting www.gainesvilleraceway.com. To learn more about the National Hot Rod Association, visit www.nhra.com. You can order tickets for final eliminations that will run April 21 from Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com.

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March 11, 2001

FSCR

STRANGER THINGS HAVE NEVER HAPPENED

By Robin Smith Meiser
I just saw the most unbelievable thing I think I have ever seen and I have seen some incredible things in my life! Kevin Harvick's photofinish win over Jeff Gordon in the Cracker Barrel 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway takes the cake though!

No one could ever have imagined a book or a movie that would compare to what the racing family has been through in the past month. The book would have won the Pulitizer Prize; the movie the Academy Award for Best Picture. But no one in his or her right mind would ever believe it actually happened.

First the story book finish of Michael Waltrip winning the Daytona 500 with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. right behind while racing greatest driver and car owner perishes by hitting the wall just as the checkered flag falls on the race. As Waltrip celebrated his win in Victory Circle, the Earnhardt family mourned the loss of husband and father.

The following week was hard on all but especially the Earnhardt family as the world came to grips with the loss of the Intimidator. The family will never forget the generosity of the Earnhardt family and the sensitivity of Ted Turner and the FOX Network as they allowed millions of family members to attend Dale, Sr.'s memorial service via television. The sight of Teresa Earnhardt's grief ravaged face as she was led out of the memorial service after having the valor to walk up to the podium during the memorial service to thank those who came. The indignation of Dale, Jr. as he served as family spokesperson to defend fellow driver Sterling Marlin who received death threats after Earnhardt's death.

The race family then tried to put it behind us somewhat as we watched the Rockingham race but our hearts all stood still as Dale, Jr. hit the wall on the first lap in Turn Four and we all said a silent prayer that he would be alright and our prayers were answered, this time. The rain delay, similar to what occurred at Bristol after the death of 1992 Winston Cup Champion Alan Kulwicki led many to think that the angels in heaven were crying for what race fans lost the week before. The joy we all felt when Steve Parks won the race the following day and the vision of Parks and Waltrip driving around the track in opposite directions in tribute to their mentor and car owner, giving the high five sign when their cars passed. The strange coincidence that Paul Andrews, Alan Kulwicki's crew chief is now Parks crew chief was especially poignant to this writer!

Jeff Gordon's win at the Las Vegas race was bittersweet as many remembered the early days of Gordon's Winston Cup career when he would follow Earnhardt, Sr. around racetrack after racetrack, learning the tricks of the trade from his mentor. The disappointment some Gordon fans felt when he failed to acknowledge the part Earnhardt played in Gordon becoming the driver he is today.

The courage of Teresa and Dale, Jr. as they made a plea on national television to stop the release of Dale, Sr.'s autopsy photos to the Orlando Sentinel. The outrage of the racing family as they sent over 10,000 emails to the Sentinel and 14,000 emails to Florida Governor Jeb Bush to stop the release of the photos. The decision by Governor Bush and the Florida legislature to file a bill to try to ensure that this never happens again wipes away the bad memory of chads and national elections and restores integrity to Florida government.

None of this compares though to the last few laps of today's Atlanta race as five cars raced for the win, including Kevin Harvick, Jeff Gordon and Dale, Jr. Unfortunately, Dale, Jr. cut a tire but still salvaged a 15th place finish while Harvick's white #29 Goodwrench car took the lead.

I never thought anything could be as exciting as the finish between Waltrip and Earnhardt, Jr. in this year's Daytona 500. The photofinish years ago between Davey Allison and Mark Martin at Bristol, or the year Davey Allison won the Winston unconscious after being wrecked at the finish line come close but there has never been a finish like today's. Harvick, unknown to most race fans until he burst onto the Busch Grand National Scene last year, taking the win by inches in his third Winston Cup start alone is the topper of all toppers. The fact that he did it in The Intimidator's car with his pit crew only adds to the incredible events of today. The sight of Chocolate Myers face, crew member for Earnhardt for his whole career, as far as I know, as he realized Harvick had won the race says it all. That mixture of joy and sorrow, tears and smiles, I am sure we all had that look on our faces.

It has indeed been a month of highs and lows for us all. The roller coaster ride is not over yet by a long shot. Repeatedly today you heard one thing from Harvick, D.W. and even Jeff Gordon saying "Somebody is watching over us." Well, whether it's God or Dale Earnhardt, Sr. (I choose to think it is a combination of the two along with all of our other racing angels) , it has given me renewed faith, as it has millions of our racing family, to sustain us through this harrowing but exciting race season.

Robin Meiser

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March 6, 2001

FSCR

SWAMP BUGGIES HIT MILE O' MUD

By Robin Smith Meiser
I have lived in South Florida all of my life. When I was a small child, my grandfather took me on a trip to Naples for the first time. I remember we slept in the back of his station wagon in a parking lot on Radio Road. We were there for a relatively new event called swamp buggy racing. I didn't even know what a swamp buggy was.

I found out that Sunday morning. They were the strangest contraptions I had ever seen. Built low to the ground, almost flat like a boat bottom with what looked like wagon wheels perched perilously on a long pipe on each side of the vehicle. When they took off in the water, they sprayed mud and water everywhere as they raced through the course. When they hit the Sippy Hole they were almost completely submerged under water and some actually sank. I thought that was the funniest thing I had ever seen and it was the first motorsports event I ever attended.

In the years since then, I have been a spectator to the event only twice, counting this weekend's running of Porky's Last Stand Winter Classic. Names such as Jolly, Langford,and Chesser are familiar to me because I actually worked at the Florida Sports Park as a scorer when they ran stock car races their in the early 90s. They are the stars of this unique sport that is now run with some regularity thanks to the opening if Mesa Park in Fellsmere and the Florida Sports Park facility in Collier County.

The best place to watch the racing action is in the Standing Room only section where families watched the races together atop personal swamp buggies, dump trucks and even cherry pickers. Barbeque grills were cooking ribs, tents were pitched for the weekends, and bull dogs were lying underneath old pick up trucks. The entire scene is reminiscent of the good old days of NASCAR when you would party in the pits for the entire weekend and not worry about getting your Tommy Hilfiger's dirty.

I personally was perched atop the homemade swamp machine of Alan "Weasel" Molter, an old racing crony and brother to Charlotte County Speedway Rebel Road Warrior driver, Conrad Molter. Alan's buggy is made from an old welded bed frame and every time you moved it would creak and shake but that only added to it charm. Alan and Conrad regaled us with stories of past swamp buggy races as the races went on and brought us up to speed on the various classes.

There are several classes of swamp buggies for those not familiar with the sport and the winner of each class on March 4 is posted in parenthesis .
· Pro Modifieds - 2-wheel drive high performance modified class with speeds up to 90 miles an hour (Brian Langford "Rubber Duck" and Glenn Weber "Porky's Revenge")
· Modifieds - 4-wheel drive high performance modifieds attaining speeds up to 90 miles per hour
· V8 Super Stocks - high performance class with speeds up to 60 miles per hour (Bonnie Jolly "Fatal Attraction")
· 6-Cylinders - stock class with speeds up to 50 miles per hour (Donnie Cooper "Tractor Traction")
· 4-Cylinders - stock class with speeds up to 25 miles per hour (Ray Thornton "Cold Duck")
· Air Cooled - air-cooled engines (such as Volkswagens) that power up to 25 miles an hour (Gene Johnson "Puddle Jumper")
· Jeeps - 4-cyclinder Jeeps with speeds up to 15 miles per hour (Rick Johnson "Secret Weapon")

Ray Thornton's "Cold Duck" took the Little Feature and Donnie Cooper's "Tractor Traction" took the Intermediate Feature. The Big Feature winner and new Swamp King is Brian Langford who won the event in his two-wheel drive Pro Modified "Rubber Duck". The event ended with the traditional mud bath for the Swamp Buggy Queen Desiree Tetrault, a sophomore at Naples High.

Of course, I must end this with one of my favorite race tales. Several years back when I was still a scorer at Charlotte County Speedway, a Greek journalist named Michael came to CCS for his first ever stock car race. He interviewed us with his heavy Greek accent and told us the first racing event he had gone to was the swamp buggy races. He asked us one question "Why do you have queens?"

"Queens?" I said puzzled by what he meant. He said "Yes, at the swamp buggy race why do they have a beautiful queen, in a beautiful gown and they pick her up and drop her in the mud?" We all laughed hysterically but no one could give him an answer except to say it is a tradition. It was then his turn to laugh and I am sure I was reading his mind as he said to himself "Silly Americans!!!!!!!"

The swamp buggies will return to Florida Sports Park the weekend of May 20 and also October 28. For more information on this bizarre sport and the events at Florida Sports Park in Naples, go to www.swampbuggy.com or call 1-800-897-2701. For information on Mesa Park in Fellsmere (East Coast of Florida) go to www.mesapark.com or call 1-877-MESA-TIX. For information on the North American Swamp Racing Association (NASRA), go to www.NASRA.com.

You can catch swamp buggy racing action on the Sunshine Network and The Nashville Network as well. Also, watch for a repeat performance on A&E of a documentary filmed during the October 2000 event that was held in Naples.




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March 4, 2001

FSCR

FIRE ADE 2000

A New Era in Fire Protection
By Chief Craig C. Clarke

Yes, you can be equipped with one of the hottest products (sorry for the pun) available in the battle of fire protection. I am excited to talk about a new product, FIRE ADE 2000, the ultimate fire quencher. This product comes to you from the original inventor of a similar product back in 1986, Ron Thames. In side by side comparisons with other traditional extinguishing agents, FIRE ADE 2000 blows away the competition, as well as the hazard! This product was designed to combat Class A (Ordinary combustibles) and Class B (Flammable Liquid) fires, but is also extremely effective on Class C (De-energized Electrical) as well as Class D (Combustible metals).

It was developed for high hazard areas such as industrial & commercial settings, fire department & hazardous materials response, and any areas where fire poses a risk. This red colored liquid is non hazardous, non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-carcinogenic, biodegradable & environmentally friendly.

FIRE ADE 2000 works by reducing heat, eliminating oxygen through foaming, and emulsifying the potential hazard and eliminating vapor release rendering the hazard non-flammable. In addition, it interrupts the chemical chain reaction by disrupting the Free Radicals produced during combustion.

It makes flammable liquids incapable of sustaining ignition or re-ignition which is important especially on large area or mutidimentional fires. Traditional Foams work by creating a blanket which prevents explosive vapors from reaching oxygen and an ignition source. FIRE ADE2000 totally encapsulates and emulsifies the fuel or hazard so that there are NO explosive vapors. The best part of this system is its Environmentally friendly approach. Run-off of the hazard and the product is totally biodegradable, and does not pose a threat to the environment or wildlife.

Here's the best part, It has NO SHELF LIFE! This agent can be left out in the sun, or stored in the dark with no worry about separation or spoilage as with other traditional foams. It can be mixed into existing water tanks/systems, or it can be used with the various pre engineered systems from the manufacturer including small hand-held units that can be used around the home, auto or any place that you can carry them.

I have seen many products come and go, but I have to say that this one is truly amazing. Is it possible that we have finally found an answer to those impossible to put out fires that you read about every day? I think that this is a BIG first step.

Chief Clarke discusses revolutionary new fire safety system.

By Chief Craig C. Clarke
TRACK RESCUE FIRE DEPT.
KARNAC.com Safety Editor

[EDITORS NOTE: Chief Craig C. Clarke owns and operates TRACK RESCUE FIRE DEPT. A veteran Firefighter/EMT & Fire Chief, with over 20 years experience, he is a national advocate to improve motorsports, and has been an expert witness in courts as well as written numerous articles on motorsports safety.]

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February 28, 2001

FSCR

Touching Lives

By Jane Smith

Many have said that racing is over for them. That with Dale Earnhardt on that sunny Sunday afternoon, their love for the sport died. Many keep asking "why". The "whys" are for God to answer but if Dale were here now, he would answer the fans who feel like racing is over for them.

From an early age, all Dale Earnhardt wanted to do was race, race like his dad. He knew in his heart and soul exactly what he wanted and he got it. No one knew he would be such a success, not even his dad. Before his dad could see him get towards the top, he died. Now, Dale Sr. is gone but out of his four children, three have followed their father and grandfather's foot steps.

For what it is worth, I was never an Earnhardt fan. I did not like his method of winning a race but I admired the man. You don't have to agree with someone to admire them, Earnhardt knew that. But after Talledega and his accident there, I had a small soft spot for him. One that actually wanted him to win that 500 in 98.

Dale Earnhardt is not the first driver that this sport has lost. And he won't be the last. But alot of his fans felt like he was the "Iron Man" and could not get hurt. He always came out on top but even Dale knew that someday he might not in racing.

For those who feel racing is over, you must not really be a fan of Dale's. That is not what he would have wanted. He worked hard to build his fan following and even harder to build NASCAR into what we see today. Just because his #3 is not out there on that track, does not mean by any means that he isn't.

Look at old pictures or old tapes with Earnhardt and watch for that little grin of his. Remember it in your head because when you go to the races he loved and cheer or boo just like you did when he was there, he will be grinning and saying to Adam, "see Adam, we did a good job. They care and they will always care.".

Racing has it's dangers but so does anything else. No one is immortal even though you wish them to be. But we can all keep memories alive and make that life worth remembering. For all the racers lost in the past years is someone who knew them, loved them, and has kept their memory alive for all of us. The Earnhardt family will do the same just as the Pettys and the Allisons and the Bonnets.

Take a rest from racing if you need to but don't give it up or you will be forgetting all those that we have lost. They live on in all of us because we chose that and because they touched our lives one way or another.

Jane

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February 27, 2001

FSCR

Life Without The Intimidator

by Clinton Terry
I arrived at North Carolina Speedway about 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning and there was a cold hush in the air. It was evident the moment I set foot on the cold ground that the weekend would be a brand new experience altogether. I expected that the change would not be evident till race time Sunday, but as I walked toward souvenir alley It was then that the loss of a legend set in.

The trailers had writing all over them from hoards of fans wanting to send their last respects to the man that brought fear on the racetrack, but love as a human being. It brought a tear to my eye as I read the different things people had written and I instantly realized that I was not the only one hurting from Daytonas incident. As more and more people came to sign the trailer I started to notice that it wasnt just a memorial it was also a line. Just two hours before souvenir alley was supposed to open people started lining up like vultures to get their hands on the last remaining pieces of an American Legend. Granted some were true Earnhardt fans, but some just seem to be fighting for priceless souvenirs. Dont forget that price gouging had started as well. I found a Earnhardt leather jacket that last year sold for $300 marked up to $800 in just one week. Is this any way to remember a legend? Maybe Im just going over board, but I hope that the memories are what we best remember Dale Earnhardt by.

Qualifying time brought a little relief and put many peoples feet back on the ground. Back to business I heard one person say as they announced the order for qualifying. As they interviewed drivers before and after there runs you could tell that a lot of them were sadden, angered, or still amazed at the fact that they didnt have a black number 3 to deal with this week. A lot of drivers got standing ovations as they went out on the track to make their runs. Not to different from any other qualifying event that I had attended, at least not until Sterlin Marlins run.

This was the point where we would find out just how much of a race fan the majority of the crowd was. If you didnt hear over the week after Dales death many people were quick to pass the blame on to Sterlin for putting Dale into the wall. Death threats were the key issue and this just added to the pain that Sterlin was already feeling from being in the position to make incidental contact in the first place. It just showed how ignorant the common race fan could be. We saw many times how Dale could just be behind somebody and things would happen. That was no different in this case. For both drivers it was just racing and that is what Dale would have said if he had survived the accident.

Sterlin fired up his silver CoorsLight Dodge Intrepid R/T, and the crowd in support of the targeted driver stood in true Nascar fashion and issued a rousing applause to the falsely accused driver. It was remarkable to say the least as I expected to hear boos and bitter words tossed about, but not a bitter word could be heard and Sterlin made a quick run placing well in the field. He would also finish well and Im sure that helped with his healing process. The rest of the day was pretty ordinary. Many large crowds could be heard tossing stories of Earnhardt glory hear and there, but that was not unusual. Sunday would be when we would find out just how hard racing would be.

Sunday, cold and bitter with 100%chance of rain, in all honesty the best forecast for the days events. My friend that went to North Carolina argued with me the entire trip that this race shouldnt take place. He constantly said that God sent the rain to make us stop and think. I got very angry cause I wanted to race but now I agree with him. With the exception of normal conversation the crowed was very quiet as they entered the racetrack for the days events. The speedway handed out pennants with Dales car and signature on them for fans to have as a remembrance of Dale. I cheated and got two of them, but dont tell anybody.

The rain of course came and delayed the start of the race by about 2 hours, but Nascar got the track dried. They announced the starting line up and drivers went to their cars to a rousing applause as out of nowhere the sun began to break through. With this sign of life came Darrel Waltrip, one of racings good ole boys. As he spoke of Dale the Sun got brighter,and hotter, and the clouds parted as if this was what the day was meant to be. Some people in the stands near me were crying and some couldnt speak. Then we had a moment of silence and a prayer. The National Anthem was rendered effortlessly and then came the signal to start the engines.

The engines fired and the crowed came to life with a bit of hope as the cars rolled off the grid. They circled the track for what seemed like hours as they attempted to get some heat into the surface. When they gave the one to go signal I was listening to Bobby Labontes in car radio on my scanner. The pennants that they given out were being held up all around the racetrack. Bobby said to his crew I wish yall could see this from where Im sitting, its beautiful. When they dropped the green flag the clouds returned and as the field entered turn three Dale Jr. got punted into the wall. This was the sign that racing was not to commence today.

The showers came about 30 minutes later putting a stop to the days actions. As the track cleared out I remember hearing people say what if it hadnt happened this way. Did this mean God is a race fan, or did it mean we should just stop and remember instead of moving on with life? I think that its both. Dale was not just a racing hero he was a legend. Even someone that didnt know a thing about racing could recognize the name Dale Earnhardt and know what you were talking about. It was a fitting end to the day in the fact that we showed respect for our falling champion.

The moment I started my car to leave the racetrack the funniest thing happened. All at once the clouds opened up and the sun came right through my window. God truly wanted Sunday to be a time of remembrance for Dale and we know God gets what he wants.

A Joke that came out back when Davie Allison died goes a little bit like this.


Davie gets to heaven and he finds his car sitting on the grid before the race. He looks over and sees Alan Kulwickie and then up on this high pedestal is Dale Earnhardts car. He looks at Alan and says, I didnt know he was here too. Alan said Nope, thats Gods car.


Lord you took our hero home, but we know you had a reason. Thank you for your many blessings and for giving us your soon Jesus Christ so that one day we can all race together again with you in Heaven. We love

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February 26, 2001

FSCR

TO EVERTHING THERE IS A REASON

By Robin Smith Meiser
The Southwest Florida stock car racing "family" came together on February 25 to pay tribute to arguably the best race driver of all time, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Local short track driver, Randy Fox; his wife, Scarlet; and business partners Clayton and Linda Olding played host to crowd of several hundred race fans at the Tra-lin Motorsports shop on Construction Lane.
Earnhardt, Sr. hats and shirts were the garb of the day as folks watched a pre-race tribute to him shown on Fox 36 on two large screen televisions. Smaller sets were set throughout the complex as people milled about talking about terrible loss that the racing world suffered on the last lap of the February 18 Daytona 500 when The Intimidator was killed after slamming the Turn Four wall. He suffered massive head trauma but it has also been learned a frayed seatbelt contributed to his death as it gave way in the horrific accident.

People laughed and cried as a rain delay in Rockingham North Carolina allowed Fox to devote several hours to Dale, Sr. and his life. When at last the time came for the prayer and national anthem preceding the race, all those present held hands and bowed their heads as NASCAR great Darrell Waltrip led millions in prayer for the fallen hero. When it was over, many in the crowd had tears streaming down their face as they wept for the man who made Winston Cup racing what it is today.

Donations were accepted for the Carolina Foundation, a children's charity and people wrote their thoughts about Earnhardt on banners scattered through the facility. Many expressed their gratitude to Tra-lin Motorsports at being allowed closure on the terrible tragedy that has befallen the race community and for having the opportunity to do share the day with other race fans.

TO EVERTHNG THERE IS A REASON
As many fans gathered for the tribute to Dale Earnhardt, Sr. at Tra-lin Motorsports, stories about the Man in Black were shared. It seems that everyone has their favorite Dale, Sr. story and I would like to share a few, starting with my own favorite recollection. Please read it with an open mind and at the end I will give you the moral of the story.

In 1994, I went to the final Atlanta race of the year. Dale Earnhardt, Sr. was attempting to win his eighth championship and Jeff Gordon was standing in his way. I had snuck into the garage area of the track, it was easy to do back then and I was being the world's worst autograph hound. Suddenly, I spotted him, The Intimidator and he was walking alone towards his trailer after a not-so-good qualifying attempt.

I brazenly walked up to him and asked him to autograph my jacket, not thinking about the shirt I was wearing. He looked down at my Jeff Gordon shirt, gave me that trademark "annoyed" look he had, told me he had to go make a bologna sandwich and walked away from me. Well, let me tell you, I was not amused!!!

I followed behind him to his trailer and watched him walk inside. He then commenced to make a bologna sandwich, just like he said he was going to do. I waited patiently for him to come outside again and when he did he breezed right past me, chomping away on that sandwich, never even looking in my direction.

Another fan walked in his direction wearing a #3 hat and an Intimidator shirt. He asked politely for an autograph. Dale stopped, looked me right in the eye and then smiled at his true fan and gladly signed the young man's shirt. At the time it happened, it really got my goat and validated my then belief that he was not worthy of my admiration.

In the past week I have spent literally hours pondering on Dale, Sr. and what he meant to us. I have wept daily over his loss and I say this as a person who respected rather than liked The Intimidator. I can, however relate, to the pain and anguish of the millions of people who truly loved Dale Earnhardt. I was that way over Alan Kulwicki, it took me years to sit down and watch a full Winston Cup race again because the screen was so empty without that #7 car. It will be even worse without the #3 car because he was always there!

I never really thought about it until the past few days but since the day Dale Earnhardt, Sr. set me in my place, so to speak, I have never bothered another driver for an autograph again. When I went into the pits at Daytona several weeks ago legally, I made sure I did not wear any apparel that identified me as a Tony Stewart and Dale, Jr. fan. I do have Dale's autograph by the way in several places, as well as many other racing legends and I treasure every one. Dale taught me to appreciate the fact that each driver has true fans who love them and most drivers will do their utmost to accommodate their fans. However, it is not their responsibility to take up their valuable and precious time by giving autographs to people who are just "collecting" signatures so to speak.

Another Earnhardt story I must tell quickly also happened in Atlanta in 1994 when he won his seventh championship. My best friend, Gail and I were sitting outside the gates of the garage area as drivers were leaving for the day. I was still an autograph hound and was getting as many signatures as possible. My Gail-friend, however, was sitting patiently, waiting for just one man, her hero, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. After several hours, she decided to walk back to the motor home for something but I stayed behind to get more autographs. Five minutes after she walked away Dale strolled out of the garage gate and I got his signature on my jacket.

We all went back for the spring race and this time, my Gail-friend decided to go shopping at the race mall, as we call the souvenir stands outside the gates of every NASCAR event instead of watching the Busch Grand National race. Well, I being the tomboy I am, stayed behind with the guys to watch the race on top of the motor home. A car parked next to us and out stepped Teresa Earnhardt, a picture of class as always, she has always been one of my heroes because of her shrewd head for business. We watched her walk to another motor home just behind the gates of the garage and walk inside. We kept an eye on that motor home and sure enough, Dale came out and climbed up on the roof to spot for some Busch driver, maybe it was even Dale, Jr., I really don't remember. Anyway, he stayed up on that motor home the entire race.

I finally walked over to it and asked Dale if I could take his picture and he gladly obliged. We talked back and forth for a minute and I walked away, camera in hand, totally unimpressed, as I was not a Dale fan. The race ended and Dale climbed down and went out on the track for Happy Hour practice. Gail came back from her shopping excursion and we all excitedly told her about Dale and the motor home. Well, having pulled the wool over eyes a time or two, she refused to believe our story. On her birthday, a month later I presented her with the pictures I had taken of Dale smiling down from the motor home. That was the closest she ever came to meeting her idol.

Randy Fox, who hosted the Earnhardt Tribute in Lehigh Acres also has a wonderful story to tell about an Atlanta race he went to several years ago and Dale, Sr. who is also Fox's hero. Anyone who has ever seen Randy drive a stock car knows how hard he tries to be like Dale.

Anyway, Fox is riding on the elevator leading down from the Penthouses at Atlanta, wearing his trademark Earnhardt hat. You know how you never look at people when you are riding in an elevator, that is what Randy was doing, looking at the floor, mind preoccupied. Just as the elevator door opens, a familiar voice says to Fox "Nice hat!" and the person walks out of the elevator. Fox looks up to say thanks and Dale Earnhardt is walking away from the elevator. Randy said he was so surprised he couldn't even answer. Again, anybody knowing my buddy Randy Fox knows he is never speechless!!!

Just one more little story and I will shut up, I promise. My good friends Brenda and Dave Wynn of Cape Coral are the biggest Dale Earnhardt, Sr. fans I have ever met. They love him so much they recently spent $33,000 on a signature Dale Earnhardt Monte Carlo two-door coupe. Only 25 of these cars were made and could only be purchased from Earnhardt's Mooresville Chevrolet dealership. They received one of the first three made this year and the only one that had met with Earnhardt's approval. The Wynns got it with 100 miles on the speedometer and after Earnhardt's untimely death last week, they contemplated getting rid of it because they were so devastated by his passing. However the changed their minds and drove that car to the Earnhardt tribute today. It was the hit of the party.

I share all of this with you for a reason. We all have our favorite Dale stories and the time has come to put aside the sadness and tell these wonderful stories. It is time to laugh, not cry. As the Bible says, to everything there is a reason and a purpose to everything under the sun. We had our time to cry; now it is our time to laugh and enjoy the person who was Dale Earnhardt, Sr. That is what he would have wanted us to do and I, for one, would never want to be on his bad side, would you?

By Robin Smith Meiser

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February 22, 2001

FSCR

Earnhardt

byJohn Matthews
Every part of Speedweeks had been so great up until
that point. I met so many people from so many states
at Volusia, Easy Bay, and New Smyrna. They all go to
racing because it's fun. East Bay Raceway announcer
Jack Miller says you have to enjoy what you are doing.
It has to be fun.

And it was fun. Up until that point.

I've never considered myself a Dale Earnhardt fan. I
can't begin to count the number of times he wiped out
the driver I cheered. Whether it was Bill Elliot,
Rusty Wallace, or Terry Labonte, it seemed Number 3
was there to take them down.

He was the driver I loved to hate. Many others hated
him too. Despite the arrival of Jeff Gordon, the
Intimidator still got the biggest rise out of the
crowd, for or against. He wasn't always the fan
favorite, but he was always the show.

Now, I sit here in a quandary. In the corporate
driven NASCAR world, the show will go on. But it
won't be the same. It won't be a Winston Cup race
without Dale. He won all those races and
championships. He carried NASCAR on his back for
fifteen years. Now, he is gone.

The next time a crusty maverick with a bristling
moustache comes along, I hope I appreciate him more.

May you rest in peace Dale.



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February 21, 2001

FSCR

Time to Celebrate Our Newest Angel

As strange as it may seem, we need to let go of the sadness and
celebrate a life that touched each and every one of us in one
way or another. Earnhardt was either your favorite driver
or the "one most likely to get your boos." He showed us how
to take the air off someone's car to make it very, very loose.
He showed us how it was never his intention to wreck someone
like Terry LaBonte that time for the win but he also showed
us the pride a father has in his son and his son's accomplishments.

Earnhardt seemed to hide his good deeds, his good heart and
he wanted to be the Intimidator, the one you loved to hate at
times. He had a rough look but inside, he was nothing but
soft. You could see that in the way that he hugged his small
daughter or his wife. And he had no problem in publicly hugging
his son, something that alot of father's find very hard to do.

Earnhardt would not want all this sadness. I think he is sitting
up there looking down on all of us and saying "Stop it, stop it
now. Don't forget me but don't mourn me long either. For I
am not gone just out of your sight for now."

Last Sunday taught us all a lesson, one that I hope we remember
for a long time. None of us are immortal, not even men in black
and made of steel and iron. We are loaned to the earth for only
a short while, making the most out of it is exactly what we are
put here for.

We will long remember Dale and his racing career just like
Davey and Alan. But Dale was not just a racecar driver, he
was a father, husband, grandfather and friend. We will
miss him but he will never be gone for his memory lives on
in all of us and his family.

Celebrate your friend and his life, give thanks for having him
in your life and be assured that "in that racetrack in the sky"
we all will meet again.

Jane

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February 21, 2001

FSCR

FORCE KILLS, ANOTHER BLACK EYE FOR NASCAR

By Chief Craig C. Clarke
So now, we bury one of the greatest drivers of all time. The issues of safety have again reared their ugly head and said, Now what are we going to do? Flat tracks, banked tracks, soft walls, the HANS device, restrictor plates, it didnt look that bad, I have heard a hundred different reasons why Dale Earnhardt should still be alive today.

The cold hard facts are that the car did not absorb the impact and G forces, the DRIVER did. I have a sneaking suspicion that when the final autopsy report is released, you will see a case of brain stem injury and closed head injury caused from the rapid deceleration of the vehicle into a non-moving stationary wall causing a whiplash effect of the drivers head and cervical spine beyond its normal range of motion causing irreparable injuries.

Comments were made that the HANS device would probably not have made any difference in the outcome, I disagree. It is possible that any type of head/neck immobilization device could have saved him from the force-impact type of life-ending injuries. Proponents will say that it was just too much momentum traveling at the speed that the car was, and the mechanism of the crash, and they may be right. So how can we prevent this from happening again? Simply put, you cant.

We can however reduce the amount of G force that is transmitted to the driver. The answer is to make the cars more shock absorbing and able to withstand the shock of crashing into a wall or other hard object. Remember the bumper cars at the amusement park? Same concept. NASCAR and other stock car sanctioning bodies need to step up to the plate and ask for assistance from the myriad of safety professionals from across the country that have various technical backgrounds, not necessarily racing, but industrial & commercial safety backgrounds, and formulate a safer car.

The bottom line is that stock car racing's greatest sanctioning body needs to ask for assistance, and should set the precedent rather than following a reaction from other groups. The steps that they have taken so far, have been a rolling experiment, trial and error. Unfortunately the error side is not favorable. The latest changes with the aerodynamic packages have enabled a faster tighter grouping of the cars which makes for some great racing...especially when they crash. This tight formation does not afford any room for mistakes. Yes racing incidents and bumping and grinding are part of the sport, but lets not forget that everyone needs a little space for correction especially when you are traveling in excess of 190mph with only a foot of clearance.

Numerous drivers including Dale Earnhardt have also expressed their objections to the restrictor plate mandate. They have stated that it takes vital horsepower away from them when they are in a situation where they have to pull out from a potential crash and/or incident. There is point where the lines of safety and speed cross, and it is up to the people who brought you Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty and the like, to work towards a safer car as well as a safer track.

My deepest condolences and heartfelt wishes to the Earnhardt Family and friends of racing worldwide.

Chief Craig C. Clarke
KARNAC.com Safety Editor

Related Links:
The HANS Device
NASCAR Idles While Drivers Die

[Craig Clarke owns and operates the Track Rescue Fire Department and has an extensive background in safety operations: www.trackrescue.com "Safety for Racers" ]


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February 19, 2001

FSCR

Should Race Fans Get the Black Flag?

By Terry Clinton
Its race time again and that means hot nights at the
track. It means action, engines, hot-dogs and beer.
It means seeing some faces and friends you might not
have seen since the last checkered flag of the season.
It also means battles return to the forefront as to
who is the best driver around.

On many race tracks around the nation drivers are seen
as invincible, immortal champions that brave the
harshest of forces to make an unforgettable name for
their selves. As fans we see them as the mirror of
the life we wish to lead and put them high above
ourselves in the ladder of life. Now, when someone
new comes along boasting of their higher immortal we
take a serious offense to this challenge of supremacy
and the race becomes a heated battle of insults and
hatred.

I didn't first realize how bad it affected the sport
until this past weekend when NASCAR lost its greatest
champion Dale Earnhardt. In the weeks prior I visited
several message broads, and joined in many chat rooms
to find the same event everywhere. "Dale Earnhardt is
an over the hill loser, Jeff Gordon is the man." Or;
"Dale Earnhardt sucks and couldn't tie Dale Jarretts
shoes." Words or, etc., along that line. While all
three of these drivers maintain respect and
friendships off the track fans more than make up with
insults and constant bickering in the stands and
around the nation.

Has it gotten out of hand, I think maybe it has.
Discussions usually consist of facts and figures to
back up claims to supremacy, fights consist of name
calling and angry words. I'm baffled by the way we
can support fairness and completion in on track
action but can't carry the same attitude on a message
board. The inconstancy in fan attitude really hurts
the overall spirit of the sport we call America auto
racing. It seems to me that the sport is better
appreciated by its competitors than its fans.

In disaster do we see the real nature of some of these
twisted individuals. Statements like, "You may like
him or you may hate him, but you never would want him
to die, he made this sport what it is." These words
can come from the same person that two days ago
said, "He is so bad I wouldn't let my dog crap on his
shoe."

At the track we heard several times of fans of
different local drivers getting into scuffles over the
results of on track incidents. At first I thought
that the officials should do a better job at control
behavior on the track but now I have come to the
conclusion that the "Barbaric" attitude is born and
bread in the stands. Penalty to the fans-which is
what makes racing so popular-show more class and lets
prove why racing is America's biggest sport. Lets
leave the brain dead arguing on the football field and
show America why the class of society-the working
man/woman are race fans.

Here's to a safe and competitive 2001 racing season.
I hope that the arguments of 2000 are left in the past
and that the real battles are the passing on the
racetrack. Written for the fans in remembrance of the
Drivers that made us fans.

Rest in Peace "Intimidator." Your legend will never
die and you will never, ever be forgotten. #3 lives
with the rest of the ASPHALT ANGELS. Good-bye Dale
Earnhardt.

by Clinton Terry


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February 19, 2001

FSCR

Sadness of the Soul

By Jane Smith
There are no words that help. To say that he died doing
what he loved, does not help. We have lost four good
men in the last year - Adam, Kenny, Tony and now Dale.
All have died because of hitting a wall full force at a high
speed. Human bodies are not meant to do that.

If we are going to race and race hard like Winston Cup,
we have to make it safer. For a sport that started out to be
"just for fun", it is costing too much. One life is too much,
four is unreasonable.

In all the sadness there is anger. Anger that this keeps
happening. From John Nemechek back at Homestead in
a truck race in l997 to Dale Earnhardt in the 2001 Daytona
500, enough is enough.

Racing is dangerous, we all know that. But with all the
expert safety people we have today, someone has to find
the answer to the sudden, hard impact death. It it takes
padding walls or a different compound to make them
softer or padding the cars to take more impact instead
of the driver, whatever, the cost is not too much compared
to the families going on without their fathers, husbands,
sons and grandfathers.

Too many times now I have sat down to write about a
death in racing. Whether it is on the local level or the
big Winston Cup level, the sadness has anger in it. Anger
that it happened, anger that the sport we love has cost
a family so much.

Dale Earnhardt was not just a seven time Winston Cup
Champion. He was a husband, a father and a grandfather.
We only knew him from his racing career, his family knew
him for everything else. Yes, he was part of our family, our
racing family, and our children and maybe even grand
children loved him. We will continue his racing footprints
for all time, his family will continue his love for them for
eternity.

Jane

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February 19, 2001

FSCR

The Man In Black

by Robin Smith Meiser
It can't be true, it just can't! But it is, the man who we all thought was invincible is gone. As Michael Waltrip was praising the Earnhardt family for their support of him after winning the Daytona 500, doctors at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona were pronouncing Dale Earnhardt, Sr. dead from head trauma he suffered in a last lap wreck during the February 18 race.

The one word that we have all heard in the dark hours since The Iron Man's death is "irony". That word does not even begin to describe the events that unfolded in today's running of the Daytona 500. No one could have written a book or a screenplay that would have been more unbelievable than what happened today.

Anyone who has followed Winston Cup racing can recite Dale Earnhardt, Sr.'s history, whether you liked him or not. He commanded and earned your respect. There was only one Iron Man and there will never be anyone quite like him again. No one has ever been more competitive on the NASCAR circuit than he was. That was one of the ironies of today.

It was evident he could have taken his second Daytona 500 today. However, for the first time in anyone's memory, including his racing colleagues who are mourning his loss tonight, The Intimidator kicked back and let someone else win. Lap after lap, he held off Sterling Marlin while good friend Michael Waltrip, led the race and his son, Dale, Jr. followed right on his bumper. He owned the two cars in front of him and was watching two of "his boys" going for the checkered flag. You can see him with that roguish smile on his face as they came through Turn 3 in front of him, sprawled down in the seat thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle in front of him, saying "may the best man win.".

Michael Waltrip won the race with his brother Darrell cheering him on along with millions of race fans that were watching Fox Sports first live Winston Cup broadcast in 2001. Little E, as Dale, Jr. is called by the racing family, was right behind him. In the back of the screen, as they came around to take the checkers, television viewers could see Dale Earnhardt, Sr. taking a wild ride after being tapped by Marlin. Also collected in the accident was Kenny Schrader. Just behind Earnhardt was Rusty Wallace, one of Earnhardt's early protégées, a man who may possibly be alive today because Earnhardt helped save his life a few years back after a bad accident at Bristol.

Darrell Waltrip brought us all back to reality as he was crying tears of joy for his little brother's first Winston Cup win in 463 starts. He said something about I sure hope Dale's all right. Suddenly, a shot of Dale, Jr. running up pit row flashed on the screen but you never saw the wreck scene itself. Several minutes later when Kenny Schrader came out of the infield care center, a somberness fell over the celebration. There was just something not quite right about the way Kenny was acting but you couldn't put your finger on what it was. Next you heard the commentators say that Dale had been extricated from the car and was being taken immediately to Halifax Medical Center.

It was then that I felt it, the prickly hairs on the back of your neck that rise when something isn't right. Never in 19 years of watching Dale Earnhardt Sr. race can I ever recall him " extricated" from a racecar. Helped out by safety personnel, yes, but never extricated. Meanwhile, Michael Waltrip was celebrating his triumph but there was not an Earnhardt to be seen in Victory Circle. Another indication of something being not quite right. The ambulance making its way out of the pits to the hospital, there was just something so sinister about.

Nascar Online said a few minutes after Fox Sports signed off that Earnhardt was unconscious and in serious condition. There was a glimmer of hope in that, there is a big difference between serious and critical condition, or so we all thought. You felt a little better and went back to watching Sunday TV until special reports started coming in. I was on the phone with my best friend, who is a die-hard Earnhardt fan for over a decade when we got the news of his passing. The grief shot through me like a knife and I must confess I was one of those people who respected rather than liked Dale.

My best friend lost her hero, as did millions of other people throughout the race world. I know that loss, I lost my hero when past Winston Cup Champion Alan Kulwicki died in a plane crash in 1993. Racing has never been the same to me since then. Racing will never be the same for any of us after today. The greatest racecar driver who will ever be has left us.

He must have been a truly good person though because think about it, how many of us will be lucky enough to die instantly doing what we love best and the last sight we see is two people we love dearly going on to triumph because of a sacrifice you made to get them there.

-Robin Meiser


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February 8, 2001

FSCR

The Lead is Flying!

By Craig Clarke
Recently at a racing event somewhere in Florida, (I promised not to say where, but it is near the center of the State, oops), several cars decided that they didn't want their extra weight...in the form of lead blocks, attached to them any more.

Imagine that! I would like to shed some weight too, but not like that. Numerous unidentified "bricks" of lead, somehow managed to break free from their mounting positions under and around the cars. One of the pieces was thrust through the firewall section of one car narrowly missing the driver coming to rest between his clutch and accelerator pedal.

Fortunately he escaped with minor contusions. During another event at the same track, we encountered a lead "brick" fly through the lexan windshield, which barely missed the driver who probably had to replace his fruit of the looms.


Upon inspection of the lead weights, it was determined that they were NOT MARKED with the car # that they belonged to which is part of the series rules, and that they were not painted white or another bright color which also is part of the safety rules. The important point to remember with these weights is that some of them weigh in at a hefty 50-100lbs, and if propelled under power become a deadly missile.

Now I am not one to point fingers or blame anyone in the tech. department that is supposed to inspect the cars, but the fact of the matter is that accidents do happen, and all we can do is try to prevent them from becoming big problems instead of small ones. If you race or do safety with a series or a track, encourage them to maintain a good program of inspection that all "ADD-ONS" to the race vehicle, can withstand the force of the impact with another car or the wall. In addition, make sure that these items are clearly marked so that if they do become dislodged from the vehicle, they can be easily spotted by track workers before they are hit by another car and become a torpedo to the stands, pits or another car. Race cars if they are built to published standards, can normally take a lot of abuse, but when you modify them such as in the addition of weight, lots of unforseen variables come into play. Make your track and/or series as safe as possible!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE SAFETY NEWS...Next time we will talk about the Concession stands, and how you can prevent becoming a casualty. Bye for now, and stay safe!

Chief Craig C. Clarke
TRACK RESCUE FIRE DEPARTMENT
"Safety for Racers"
http://www.trackrescue.com

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January 24, 2001

FSCR

The Asphalt and Dirt is Heating Up

By Jane Smith
With the Orange Blossom l00 this Saturday at New Smyrna Speedway, racing returns full-time to Florida tracks. For some fans, it has been a long dry spell except for some racing at Hileah and the Red Eye at New Smyrna, not much action has taken place. But after this Saturday, fans should start to feel better.

Lakeland's USA International will open it's gates to their first Speedfest next Thursday, Febuary l. For four days, fans will be treated to non-stop racing action with some of Florida's best Super Late Models, Late Models and Modifieds. And with the Florida boys will be some Northern boys and you never know who you will see.

The drivers and crews will have four days to fix, repair, revamp, etc. their cars for The World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway. Ted Christopher will return again this year along with Jamie Tomaino and Charlie Pasteryak in the ever popular Featherlite Modifieds. This year's line-up in the Featherlite and S/K Mods is bigger and better than ever and won't leave any one disappointed.

This year will also have Ted Christopher in a Super Late Model along with Junior Hanley, Gary Balough, Jason Schuler, Steve Carlson to name but a few of the outstanding drivers here. Nine nights of non-stop action will keep even the hardest to please fan happy.

For dirt fans, action will be plentiful also. East Bay and Volusia Speedway Park will provide some of the best dirt action of the year. Last year fans at Volusia Speedway Park were surpised by Tony Stewart's appearance in two of the shows. This only proves that no one can ever say for sure who will and won't be on the racing surface.

And Florida Speed Park will host the first ASA race of the year on February 17 with quite a few Florida drivers on hand. Mike Cope, Travis Kittleson, Ricky Carlton just to name a few. Also on the list will be Chris Wimmer, younger brother of Scott who was in ASA last year and Hooter's Pro Cup before that. You should see the best of the best for this first race.

Also, the asphalt at Volusia Speedway Park will be open this year. You will see the Classic cars, Legends, Baby Grands, Pro Challenge and Modified lites. These will run Febrary 8 thru 14.

And we cannot forget all the racing activity at Daytona International with the 500 being the cream of the crop. What more could any race fan ask for than non-stop, bumping, grinding, squealing action of asphalt and dirt racing. So fans, if you are traveling here, be sure to bring warm clothes since it is always cold as heck during SpeedWeeks and your favorite race hat and t-shirt and it is finally time TO GO RACING. And Florida Stock Car Racing is ready to keep fans updated on all the action to the best of our ability.

HAPPY RACING ALL

Jane Smith

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January 23, 2001

FSCR

Hail to the Weekend Warriors

Robin Smith Meiser
I have spent most of the past decade as a Weekend Warrior at Charlotte County Speedway. My definition of a Weekend Warrior is a person who works another job during the week and then spends their Saturdays at a local short track as an official, public relations person, 50/50 person, concession help, or any of the myriad of jobs it takes to put on a race show.

Being a Weekend Warrior is mostly a thankless job. The staff who work at the track during the week sometimes resent you because they work hard all week long at the track as their full-time job and then we come along on Saturday nights, undoing a lot of what they have done during the week. The management looks at you as basically a necessity they would rather do without and a financial drain on them. The drivers and crews sometimes think it is within their rights to curse you and mistreat you because you "work" at the track. The fans take their animosity out on you because they have paid an admission fee and you are the closest available body that is connected with the track.

Add into the mix, the dreaded words "track politics". All you have to do is read the KARNAC message board to understand what that means. All over the state stock car tracks have been bought and sold like junk at a flea market in the past few years. Every time this happens, Weekend Warriors have to worry about losing the jobs they love, just like the full time staff. Unfortunately, the Weekend Warriors do not qualify for unemployment but they have every bit as much of a vested interest in what happens as the full time staff, maybe even more because they are there for the sheer love of the racing community and the sport.

Anybody sitting out there who thinks Weekend Warriors work because of the money involved is sadly mistaken. Most Weekend Warriors average about $50 a week before taxes. Of course, with a check this small, there is usually no income tax taken out so most Weekend Warriors have extra money taken out each week to compensate. I personally had an extra $5 taken out per week.

Many Weekend Warriors travel a long distance to get to their track, I personally had almost a 100 mile round trip each Saturday night. Because most of us are salaried employees we don't get to claim mileage on our taxes either. So figuring at the Florida state rate of 29 cents a mile for travel, I incurred almost $29 a week in travel expenses.

Our track allows each employee to bring one guest into the track, luckily when my children were young the past management allowed me to bring all three of them in as guests or I never could have afforded to work at what I loved. We also receive our drinks and one food item for free. This does not take into account the fact that many track personnel such as ticket sellers, scorers, pit stewards, and tech people are at the track at 2 p.m. and many stay until well past midnight. One food item does not go a long way in ten hours of work. Again, luckily, we had many wonderful race friends who brought us pizza, cookies, and homemade candy to help us get through Saturday nights.

Rainouts are Weekend Warriors worst nightmare. We must dedicate each Saturday to racing but when Mother Nature intervenes and we have to cancel the show, the Weekend Warriors suffer too. Yes, the track owners lose money but Weekend Warriors are lucky to walk away with $10 for gas money unless we are able to get a few heat races in, then we get half pay. Worse yet, is Weekend Warriors don't know what to do with themselves on Saturday nights when there is a rainout. We complain all year about having to be there every week but let it rain and we are at a total loss about how to spend the rest of the long evening.

I am not bringing this out into the open to try to shame track owners. They too have thankless jobs. Most try to treat their employees fairly but they must do so within their financial means. Most local short track employe between 30-50 Weekend Warriors which works out to a payroll of at least $2500 per week, probably more because I am very bad at math. At the end of most race nights, the track owner at Charlotte County Speedway is there offering to buy you a beer or a hot dog, realizing what a long day and night it has been for his employees.

What I am trying to do by saying all this is that all of you race fans, drivers, pit crew members, full time track staff and track management need to open your eyes and look around at the dedicated groups of Weekend Warriors who keep our race tracks going. Don't take them for granted or belittle them or make them feel worthless. You never know, you may wake up one Saturday and not be able to put on a race show because your crew of Weekend Warriors decides enough is enough. Pat him or her on the back once in a while and tell them "Good Job!" instead of pointing out every small error or bad call they make.

It has been my privilege to spend the past six racing seasons with a wonderful group of Weekend Warriors who remain professionals, despite all of the above. They are my second family and I love them dearly. My hat is off to you all and I say thank you for all you do. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your family and may you have a wonderful 2001 season.

HAIL TO THE WEEKEND WARRIORS!

Robin Meiser

Editors note: I recieved the rough draft on this article on 1-21 several days before Robins resignation from CCS
Rick Anges
Editor
Florida Stock Car Racing

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January 23, 2001

FSCR

Bus Racin' Hialeah Style

By Rick Anges
Hialeah Speedway is famous for being one of the oldest active Speedways in the state of Florida. Careers of great drivers were started on this flat track just outside of Miami. Serious battles have been fought by some of the top names in the sport. This is a place that is filled with so much history it could be a museum in itself. But on a chilly night in January the name of the game was "Fun and Excitement"!!!!


When the KARNAC Krew last made it's journey to Hialeah in November we found out from an excited Dennis Coyle that he had something up his sleeve for the first night of racing in 2001. January 20th he had planned a "Wild and Crazy" night. Taking a note from the success of the "School Bus" Figure 8's at venues like Sunshine and Orlando, veteran figure 8 driver Coyle wanted to bring that action to the fans of Hialeah. I took this opportunity to volunteer my services to drive one of the buses. I have driven in many special event type races including demo-derbies and chain-races and also had the chance to ride in a school bus race at Sunshine. Dennis told me he would work on it.


Just the thought of having the chance of running a bus through the figure 8 was a rush. But when we actually got the call from Dennis that he had a bus for us it was like getting that Christmas present you had asked for all year!


We arrived at the Speedway on a cold and wet Saturday afternoon. The Busses were lined up on the pit fence facing the track we had no idea which one was ours. When we finally found Dennis Coyle he told us which bus was ours....."The Prison Bus" we all looked at each other and smiled. The bus was all white with bars on the on the windows which were all painted white. Behind the drivers seat was a wall with a cell door going to the rear. They already had my name and unbelievably my number "4" on it. It took a little priming before it would start and she ran a little rough before the water that had been standing in the carb burned through, but the old International came to life. I immediately put "Engineer" Hans to work checking it over.

The old Holley 4bbl on it was only a 350 cfm and had a governor on it! We tried removing the governor and richining it up a little before I took it out for a few hotlaps. Well, not only did the little holley have a governor on it the secondaries didn't kick in so at full throttle three quarters of the way down down the straight on the 8 she would go flat. I tried a few different things but found that down shifting and running about 3/4 throttle I could at least get some power. I brought it in.


The skies finally dried up but the temps were dropping fast. As the sun went down the stands were still fairly empty and there was worry that the weather would keep the crowds away. But by the time the drivers meeting was held the traffic was backed up on the expressway to get into the speedway and Mike Powers had to open up more parking just to fit the cars that were coming in. At the drivers meeting an enthusiastic Dennis Coyle told us all that tonites racing was a show, no points or championships tonight it was all for the fans. He emphasized for everyone to be careful and not to tear up any cars. Yea sure......


Between the "Cyclones" trying to knock down the light poles to the "Pro" figure 8 drivers flying through the X to the oo's and ahhh's of the over 4,000 chilled fan's in the stands you would have thought it was last points night of the season!! The fans were getting their moneys worth and the Buses hadn't even hit the track yet.


We finally got the call to line up and get ready to race. After doing a few laps to warm the engines up the green flag dropped and we were off. Although I didn't have the power of most of the other buses I kept my foot in it nonetheless. It's quite and experience to drive something that big on a track that was designed for something four times smaller. With the added weight of the bars and other things to make this bus a "Jail" bus it really liked to lean in the turns and the turns are where I was doing the shifting so I was mostly one handing it in them. After five or six laps two buses got tangled up and the red flag flew. While we were stopped under red one of the buses blew a power steering line and dumped fluid right where we coming out of the 8 and into turn one. When carnage was cleared up and we went back to green my bus seemed to pick up a little. And when I finally got it up to a decent speed I hit that oil patch, I'm telling you there is no feeling like driving a 2 ton school bus into a turn and the back wheels break loose......It Was AWESOME!!!!!




20 laps flew by and before I knew it and the checkers flew for Victor Leo who came from mid-pack to take the checkers. Even though the KARNAC.com "Special" finished three laps down we brought it home in one piece. Hopefully when the next bus race comes along at Hialeah we will be invited back but this time the Krew will come down early and tune that baby up and then we will have some serious fun!!!! From Hialeah Speedway.....Rick Anges

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January 1, 2001

FSCR

View from the Driver's Seat

2000 Season Wrap-up
by Jeff Haven
It doesn't seem possible this season is over already. It was exactly one year ago that Chuck and I met with Troy and decided over dinner to team up, and Plowshare Racing was born. How things have changed since then! During the 1999 season, it was just Chuck doing all the work (most of it in my driveway), and me doing all the driving. I'm still the driver, but everything else has changed for the better. Troy brought Randy in to handle the marketing end of things, and about three weeks into the season Kevin came to the shop to offer some advice on the chassis setup. I don't think he's been home since. Sorry, Jamie.

The season got off to a rough start when I failed to qualify for the feature in the 2000 Winternationals. We were ready with a new motor for the start of the regular season March 3. The numbers look like this:

21 races
No wins
6 Top 5's
16 Top 10's
Failed to finish 4 races (1 stuck thermostat, 2 crashes, and 1 black flag for rough driving)
Completed 404 of 435 laps (93%)

I'm disappointed I wasn't able to win this year, but I can only see the season as a huge success. I started the year as a guy who sat in a race car and drove it around a track, and I think I ended the season as one of the top racers in my class. It's the difference between following the pack and hoping for a good break, and charging toward the front and trying to make my own breaks. As I look back at the earlier races, I did a lot of following, even when I was near the leaders. Some of that was due to the car, a lot of it was due to me. I became more confident and more aggressive as the season went on, and while I had some higher finishes, I don't think there's any doubt my finest moments as a racer came in the last two races of the season. In the last regular 15-lap race, I started 9th and charged up to 2nd before getting black-flagged in what I still think was a stupid call. In the 100-lap finale, I started 23rd in a field of 49 cars. I got as high as 3rd before having to pit due to overheating. We got it cooled down and I got back on the track, finishing 6th.

More important than my personal progression, though, was the growth of the Plowshare Racing team. We started the season barely knowing each other, and ended the year as a cohesive racing family. And I do mean family. This isn't just the guys doing the racing thing, it's the families too. We've worked together, partied together, traveled together, suffered the down times together, and celebrated the good times together. This has become much more than just a hobby now, and everyone on the team plays an important part.

The Haven family: You know me, of course. Tricia, my wife and biggest supporter, was not at all thrilled about me getting into racing. I know she was hoping that I'd try it a couple of times and decide I didn't like it, but she knew it was a lost cause when I climbed out of the car after my very first race in '98, and she's backed me every inch of the way since. From letting us know what's happening before our race, to bringing dinner to the shop when everybody's working late, to just simply being there, she's the most important person on the team for me. My daughter, Raeanna, hasn't gotten the racing bug as much as the rest of us yet, but she supports us as much as her busy teenage schedule allows, and she has shown some interest in racing in the Hornet class when she turns 16. Just what Mom needs, another racer in the family!

The Carter family: Troy is the team president, manager, coach, and pretty much anything else we need at any given moment. He's the heart and soul of this team, and sets the tone for everything we do. When I started racing, I just expected to run an Enduro for a couple of years. Troy has the team looking to the future, and that future looks a lot different than it did a year ago. Cindy is, among other things, our travel agent, race-night sandwich supplier, and Troy-calmer-downer when he gets a little extra fired up. Nathan is a 5-year-old ball of energy, and our biggest critic. After a race, he heads straight to the car and points out every new scratch and dent, and lets me know when I've "really messed it up". I love it!

The Spicer family: Randy is our marketing and promotions guy, along with helping out at the shop where he can. Tara helps keep Randy in line and never misses a race. Megan and Kathryn are 6th- and 3rd-graders who can strip a perfectly good street car down to nuts, bolts, and sheet metal in just a few hours. We call them The Wrecking Crew.

The Billard family: I wouldn't be racing if it wasn't for Chuck. When Tricia introduced us in June of '98 (see, this is all her fault!), we found out we had a mutual interest in racing, and a few hours later (and a few beers) we were a team. Chuck did ALL of the work on the car in '98 and '99, and got me the seat-time I needed to become competitive this year. Sue's job in the retail industry, and the 40 miles away that they live, has kept her from participating as much as the rest of us, but she's been there when she can. Chuck and Sue are expecting their first child early next year ( a Hornet racer in 2017?), and Chuck won't be able to devote the time required from a crew chief for a 40-race season, but he is staying on to help as much as he can.

The Webb family: Joining the team in March, Kevin has gone from chassis consultant to crew chief. He is responsible for everything on the car, and is expected to have the car ready to race every Thursday for practice and every Saturday for the race. If you haven't done it, you can't imagine how heavy a load that is, and there's nobody more excited about taking on the job than Kevin is. The relationship between crew chief and driver is the most critical one on the team. Kevin's the first one I yell at when I'm not happy about something, he ignores me until I'm done, and then we get to work making it better. He wants nothing more than to make me better and I trust him completely. Jamie's a school teacher, so she knows how to handle a bunch of kids who only want to have fun...a perfect match for this team. Her favorite part of racing is the road trip. Even sitting through a 4-hour rain delay at the Hooter's Pro Cup race in Lakeland and getting back into town at 5 AM didn't slow her down. She's a keeper!

Ballyhoo Grill & Raw Bar, Zeigler Transmissions, Better Than Dirt, The House Doctor, Auto Radiator Exchange, Lucky's Ice Machines, and Holiday Air all helped us out this year. Check out their addresses and phone numbers on our website, and give them your business. They are great people, and we wouldn't have been so successful without them. A lot of people have helped us at the track over the last 2 years, and we've made many good friends, including

Roger Welch, Street Stock #98
Dan Partelo, Street Stock #9 and Modified #9
Ron "Hollywood" Davis, Street Stock #40 and Figure-8 #89
Harold and Jackie Ashley, Enduro #27 and 72
Herman Brame, Enduro #55
James Ellershaw, Enduro #50

And many other racers I haven't mentioned. I want to thank Ernie, Scott, and Jeff who helped us at the shop so many times. And I want to give special thanks to my parents, who taught me to accept responsibility for myself (I think I tried that once or twice), but to never be afraid to take a chance or make a mistake. It was a big leap from the grandstands to the driver's seat, but the only way I could fail was to never try. One thing I won't be doing in my later years is wondering what I could have done but didn't.

If you're still with me here, thank you, I know you're a true fan. We wrapped up the 2000 season at the SSRA (Sunshine Speedway Racing Association) Awards Banquet, where I was presented with the SSRA Supporter of the Year award. This award was in recognition of our efforts off the track which included appearances at fund-raisers held at Lugnuts Race Bar and Ryan's Steakhouse, an appearance on the Short Track USA radio program before the 2000 Winternationals, top contributor to the Easter Bunny giveaway to youngsters at the gate in April, kid's rides throughout the year, and participating in the Great American Teach-in where I talked with more than 500 6th-, 7th-, and 8th-graders. Although it's my name on the award, this is very much a team award. These things take time from everybody, but when opportunities like these come along, it's an easy decision to participate. We love the world of racing, and the future lies in the kids. We work very hard to promote ourselves and racing in general.

So now, it's on to 2001 - A Racing Odyssey. Sorry. Our next challenge is moving up to the Street Stock class. Kevin, Randy, and Troy are already hard at work building a new car. We'll be running a 1974 Malibu with more horsepower and better handling, a lot of technical changes from last year (don't ask me to explain them all, I just drive), and tough competition from the other Enduro drivers moving up, plus the drivers who already have experience in the class. We've established a goal of finishing in the top 10 in points, and we really believe we have a shot at the top 5. The biggest challenge might be racing every week, with only one week off between the first of March and the end of November. I think we're prepared to do it, since we missed very few weekly practices last year, and we were strongest at the end of the season when we raced 6 times in the last 8 weeks.

Thanks for joining us this year. It was a year of accomplishments, new experiences, and constant learning. I'm sure the pace will pick up even more next year. The first race of the year will be the 2001 Winternationals on February 4th. 40 days...I can't wait.



Jeff Haven
Street Stock #7 (we think)
formerly Enduro #98
Plowshare Racing
www.plowshareracing.com

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December 22, 2000

FSCR

Unselfish Acts of 2000

Christmas is almost here once again. It seems nearly impossible that a whole year has gone by and by so fast but it has. 2001 (I can't help but remember the movie) is almost here. So with the biggest birthday celebration coming up soon, I would like to share with you some of the past year's racing kindnesses.

Alot of people think that racers, when it comes to their cars and parts, are selfish people. This is probably the biggest untruth that I know of. Time and time again, I have seen strangers offer cars, parts, and help to another stranger just to help someone race a race. And this is not just in the lower divisions, it is also in the upper divisions.

This year at New Smyrna Speedway, during whatever we use to call SpeedWeeks, I saw Travis Kittleson give his Super Late to a Wisconsin driver because his car was totalled and he was in the points race for the Championship. This was Travis's first adventure into the 9 straight nights of racing and he and his crew spent quite a few sleepless nights working on a wounded car. Travis did well for a rookie but the Wisconsin driver had done very well but lost his car the night before the big l00 lap final race. Travis very unselfishly did not race and gave the Wisconsin driver his car. That was a very unselfish act.

I have always believed that any act of kindness will be rewarded. At my first Florida Pro race this year at Florida Speed Park, I went to cover a good race and my daughter went to watch her friend Jonathan Brown race. During tech, it was discovered, that Jonathan had the wrong carb to race. Luckily one of his fellow racers had an extra carb, just the right one, and loaned it to Jonathan for the night. Without this kindness, Jonathan would not have raced nor finished in the top five that night.

The Governor's Cup race this year was one of the best I have ever seen. We had the "Best of the Best" in the field. For B.J. McLeod winning the Cup race is right at the top of his list of "I Want To Do's" so we was looking forward to this race. But mechanical problems with the engine kept him from racing that night. But something happened in those pits that I have seldom seen an that was B.J. was offered an engine to race by his friend Jonathan Brown. If you know these two young men at all, you know that most think them unfriendly to each other because of their kart racing together, but usually that is only someone wanting to stir up gossip and trouble. Jonathan's act was genuine, he wanted B.J. to race and he wanted to race against him but the engine would not fit.

Engines and carbs are one thing but to give your whole car to a stranger is not an easy thing to do. Two Strictly Stock drivers did this at the last race of the year at Orlando SpeedWorld for a grudge match between male and female. The two drivers never got any practice on the track or in the strange cars before the race so you can imagine how nervous the owners felt. But still they did this. And because of their unselfish acts, their cars were fine.

When Rick Bristol told everyone about his children's homes and what he was doing, I saw many tracks come together and help. Giving is always better than receiving and that is exactly what the racing families of our great Florida tracks did - GIVE. They gave their time, their money, and their love to these children.

Time and time again, racers have given. To hurt drivers, to driver's families they have come together to help. They also came together to save a track - Hialeah. Drivers, crews, fans, track personnel have all worked hard because just like you, they love their track.

We talk alot about the bad things in racing but there are alot of good things also. A few bad apples will never spoil this great family that we have. And all you have to do is watch and you will see for yourself the magic that comes from the hearts of this sport.

-Jane Smith

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December 5, 2000

FSCR

TOP TEN 2000

TOP TEN 2000
2000 saw some awesome racing at a bunch of great race tracks. The competition was tight and I got to see a lot of it. Here are ten of my favorite from the past year.......

10. A chilly February Saturday night before the Daytona 500 at EastBay Raceway saw Danny Lasoski win the final race of the Sprint Car 410 Winternationals with car owner NASCAR star Tony Stewart flying over to help with the set-up of the car.

9. B.J. McLeod ended his drought at DeSoto Speedway and took a commanding win in the 125 lap Pro-Late Model race in April over veteran drivers Jimmie Cope and Dickie Anderson.

8. The emotion-filled win by Figure 8 Champ Art Calkins in the Sunshine Speedway Winternationals "Wild Bill" Revard Memorial race. This was the first race since Revard was tragically killed in an accident at the Speedway.

7. Dennis Wilson Jr's victory in the first ever Street Stock Nationals. Dennis out lasted some tough competition in the grueling 100 lap race.

6. Back to Sunshine for the SARA vs. Sunshine/ GoodYear vs. Hoosier/ Carb Rule vs No Carb Rule Open Wheel Modified Race. The build up on the message boards for this race was unreal and the race turned out just as good. Former SARA standout and Sunshine regular Luke Hill took the win for the Sunshine gang.

5. The bizarre win at Charlotte County Speedway in the Road-Warroir division for "Tip Over" Terry Price during the Ron Dushek Sr memorial race, Dushek a racer in the division had passed away while driving. The field was supposed to pull into the pits one lap before the end of the race and Price was running a distant second when the leader miscounted the laps and pulled into the pits one lap early giving Price the victory.

4. Ron Laney came by on the last lap to dethrone Gary Wright for the"KING" of the 360 Sprints again at the WinterNationals at EastBay Raceway.

3. Back to Sunshine Speedway and the SARA Late Models, young Michael Faulk holds off a tough field of drivers to take his first ever victory in the class. Faulk's father, legendary driver and car builder Lee Faulk, congratulated his son in the winners circle with tears in his eyes in the emotion filled win.

2. Chip Shell had a rough year this past season with some great qualifying efforts, but some hard luck with crashes and mechanical woes. But an October night at USA Speedway made all the work worth it as Shell took His first victory in the last race of the year for the SARA Latemodels.

1. The same night at Lakeland the PARTS Pro Trucks were also running. This is one of the most competitive racing series running in the South. From the drop of the green flag it was racing all over the Speedway. But from the mid-race pit stop on it was two drivers who took center stage, Wayne Sutherland and Dusty Williams ran nose to tail the rest of the race with Sutherland holding on for a well deserved victory and doing some awesome doughnuts to show his thrill in winning this race!

I'm sure there was other races that I didn't include here but these were some of my favorites. All in all it was a pretty damn good year, yea we had our bumps and bruises and a black-eye or two along the way but there are changes on the horizon. I believe in the year 2001 racing will start taking a new course, new blood is coming in and the old guard is starting to make its way out. Racing is now becoming state wide with people being able to see the goings on all over the world right here on KARNAC.

Let's all just sit back and reflect on the past year and try to recall the good things that happened in our racing families. How we came together in the tragedies and helped each other. Let's not forget our fallen heroes and their families and keep them all close to our hearts. Racing people are like no other people on this earth, we live for the rumble of Saturday night, the togetherness we feel when we are at the track, no matter what track we are at is something that people who are not in racing do not feel. Take the time in this off season to hug the ones you love just a little bit tighter and tell them you love them. Have a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Before you know it February will be here, fresh paint and sheetmetal will be everywhere and as the first green flag of the season falls we will all know........"It's Time To Race!"
Rick Anges
Editor
Florida Stock Car Racing
www.KARNAC.com

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December 1, 2000

FSCR

Looking Back 2000

They say you should never look back but only look forward to the future. Maybe that is true in some areas but in stock car racing, looking back is what we all do so that we can improve the coming year.

The year 2000 started out with what was SpeedWeeks for most Florida racers. We had racing in the dirt, racing on asphalt and of course racing at Daytona. Tony Stewart surprised dirt fans and raced at Volusia Speedway Park a few nights. Scott Wimmer, newest talent added to the Winston Cup ranks, raced with his brother Chris at New Smyrna Speedway. Scott has been one of the favorites that comes into the not quite so cold Florida before starting his race year off. But with his new ride, 2000 may have been his last visit to New Smyrna Speedway.

When the crazies end in February, it is time to open the racing season for our local tracks. We see our series return to the tracks and all the weekly racers and life is once again full for the local short track fan. We meet new friends, say goodbye to old friends and start our endless bitching about the "good and bad" aspects of our tracks. Some tracks do improve, some don't but racers race no matter what.

I think the first biggest event in any of our lives was the death of Adam Petty and how it touched us all. This young man, same age as my daughter, was only beginning his life. He had just built his first home and was doing well in the Busch series. Then he was gone just as fast as he came into our lives. No one was not touched by the loss that the Petty family felt, the love that obviously Adam received from his parents, and his dad's leaving the Cup car to drive his son's car for the rest of the year. The ever-smiling young Petty left for all to see his footprints in the sand.

Local tracks also had their share of losing racers. Bronson lost two at one time, Sunshine, Charlotte County - too many. Each time the fans and fellow racers tried their best to understand why and to help the families left behind. College funds were set up for children, benefits became too common. But out of all the sadness, there was some happiness. Shaun Farr still is on the road to recovery and hoping one day to get back in his TBARA Winged Sprint.

2000 was the year for seeing Hialeah open it's doors under new management and racers come back to one of the oldest and best known tracks in the state. Hialeah was on the verge of being no more but the racers got together and took it over and in time, they have seen hope. One thing that they have tried to do is listen to their racers, get them back to the track and back on the track and so far, they are doing a good job.

Dirt racing became more popular in 2000 with bigger purses and better car counts than asphalt racing. A new dirt modified series is starting up and expected to be just as good as the asphalt SARA Open Wheel Modified Series. Fans packed the stands at Volusia Speedway Park every Saturday with sometimes "standing room only" left. Yes, thanks to VSP, East Bay, Thundercross, Jacksonville, Clewiston, and even Orange County Speedway dirt tracks are becoming "the place" to race.

2000 has seen new faces and old faces in the Super Late Model Series of Florida Pro and Florida Sunbelt. Shane Russ returned to racing with Florida Pro as well as newcomer Tom McCann. We saw a number of drivers that raced both series at a time - Travis Kittleson, Justin Drawdy, Brian Finney, Ricky Carlton, Dick Anderson, Mike Franklin, Jr., James Powell to name a few. Which ever Super Late Model series you were lucky enough to see, you saw the "best of the best" in Florida's Super Lates.

This year also seemed to be the year of uncontrolled tempers on and off the track. A number of drivers could not control what should have never gotten out of control seeing either fines, suspensions, or in some cases, jail time. Whether it is the cost of racing now or just the fact that some drivers don't take defeat well or bumping and rubbing, who knows. Tempers flew too much and not enough control was taken to stop the bad sportsmanship.

This year's Governor's Cup looked to be the best race of the year. Every big name came out - Dick Anderson, Wayne Anderson, Billy Bigley, Jack Cook, David Rogers, even David Russell returned to racing. And the race proved to be the "best" until lap 153 when Wayne Anderson hit David Rogers on purpose under a yellow flag destroying his car and Rogers's. Rogers's was able to bandaide his car and finish the race but the crowd knew he was shaken and so were they. From being the "best" race of the year to one of the biggest all out brawls was a surprise to everyone. But the biggest surprise was what happened after the race in the pits. Because of racing anger, an innocent man lost his eye sight for no good reason and this alone made many see that owners and promoters must take more serious steps in controlling their races and their drivers so that this should not, will not EVER happen again.

2000 saw the return of the Triple Crown and the three days of racing madness. First night at Orlando Speedworld on his l7th birthday which was November l7, BJ McLeod won the first leg from the pole and lead every lap. Night two at New Smyrna Speedway saw Mike Fritts and Ricky Carlton duke it out for the win with Carlton getting his first Sunbelt Late Model win. Then day three saw James Powell on the pole but "birthday boy" Dick Anderson taking the win. Three hard, long days of racing and moving.

The biggest shock to alot of racers and fans was the closing of Florida Speed Park (St. Augustine Speedway). This came after a full season of running and speedweeks for the very first time. But, the racers and track workers were treated to no banquet, no points money, and no explanations. But on the other side of the coin is the new Melbourne Speedway they are trying to get and a new asphalt track at Moroso Speed Park. And Mesa Park is hoping to add a new dirt track to it's lists of facilities.

And now, the Snowflake and Snowball Derby will close the 2000 Florida racing season. All eyes will be towards Pensacola and the Who's Who that will show up. And when the last fan leaves and the last hauler pulls slowly away to head back home, the 2000 racing season will end.

Looking back over the year, it has been good and bad. We have lost too many racers this year but we found our faith in God and each other each time. Family truly was what we became.

By Jane Smith

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November 21, 2000

FSCR

Mullet Wrappers and TP Computer Reviews

The following turned up on the KARNAC.com Florida Stock Car Racing message board recently:

{BEGIN POST}
This was an interesting article written by John Barker of the Lakeland Ledger...maybe it will shine some light on what you read on this or any internet site.

[I'm all for free speech as long as it gives each party an
opportunity to have its say.

But this equation has been ignored by certain Internet
sites that have chosen to be subjective rather than
objective.

Having looked at 10 different web pages, I've found
some are lacking in an unbiased look at many aspects of
racing and are self-serving in their approach to
reporting. These sites are more interested in the number
of what are called hits (site visits by a reader), but are
lacking in the written word of what actually transpired
during a race. Most story content is editorial comment,
but not all information is complete facts. This is a column
and there is a difference.

I really think some answer their own e-mails in order to
show a high reader count. They can also choose not to
post your message on their board if it's contrary to their
opinion.

Some race reports appear to have been written by a
former driver with an ax to grind or a race fan who is
unhappy with a particular promoter.

Race fans, please find out the whole story, not the
watered-down version of these cyberspace "Toilet
Paper Computer Reviews." Read if you must, but take
much with a grain of salt.]
{END POST}

Of course not knowing if the above is the entirety of Mr. Barker's piece on Internet sites, I may not not have the whole picture. Having said that, the battle of words and wits between 'traditional media' and 'Internet media' has been waged on many fronts for some time and certainly is not limited to racing news outlets.

Mr. Barker represents an old established medium of news distribution and it would be hard to say he is an unbiased observer. The content of his piece as reprinted above (assuming it is a reasonable facsimile) is severely lacking in specifics. That is a shame as it leaves the door open to wide interpretation.

'Toilet Paper Computer Reviews' is no different rhetoric than the 'mullet wrappers' phrase heard often as descriptive of certain newspapers. I wonder if Mr. Barker would apply the same critical eye to the Charlotte County Speedway story published by the Charlotte edition of the Sarasota Herald Tribune a few months ago.

The headline read: " RACE CAR DRIVER DIES IN ACCIDENT" with the subheadline "Ron Dushek is killed during a novice-division race at the Charlotte County Speedway". The story went on to describe the death of Mr. Dushek at the speedway as a racing incident, without of course checking any facts in the matter. It turned out that the story was nothing more than a reporter and his editor's attempt to meet a deadline, and that all of the pertinent facts as reported by the Hearld Tribune were completely false. They did not check with the Medical Examiner nor did they obtain a statement from the Sheriff's Department; other than that, they had no comment.

KARNAC.com, on the other hand, checked with both the Sherrif's Department and the Medical Examiner and ran the story correctly according to the facts presented by both of the official departments and the speedway's Public Relations Director. The paper's deadline was late Saturday night. Our story ran Sunday morning.

This is but one example of shoddy (and dangerous) reporting that can be routinely found in the 'traditional media'. Of sourse everyone will remember the infamous Mother's Day Editorial written by John Gearan of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

Interestingly both of the examples above are from papers owned by the New York Times.

An Internet message board, on the other hand, is not a news source, and if a reader decides to use it as such then the reader will most certainly find his head full of misinformation, and worse. KARNAC.com's Florida Stock Car Racing Message Board is titled (look and see) "The online version of KARNAC.com's Racin' TAlK RADIO". It is modeled on WFLA Radio's Talk call-in shows of the 80's and 90's. WFLA just happens to be one the most listened to stations in the country. KARNAC.com message boards are among the most read on the Internet. If you want the news, read our news pages covering Florida Stock Car Racing, USAR Hooters ProCup, Southern Short Track, etc. If you simply want to be entertained read the message boards.

Now, another point that is extremely funny is this "bathroom wall" metaphor that is being bandied about recently. There is sure a lot of promotion being done these days on 'bathroom walls'. My oh my. If the 'bathroom walls' are that bad on KARNAC.com, why is there such an extraordinary demand to have events and such being promoted on them?

You'd think there would be better places to promote events, series, events and such. Maybe it's just because it's free. Or maybe, it's also a widely know fact that the message boards are read by so many people and it's easier than sending out a press release.

Whatever the case the may be, all the angst in the world will not change the fact that news and entertainment delivery, whether we like it or not, is no longer ruled by 'old school' print media, nor even television for that matter.

As that other long haired radical from Minnesota said, "The times, they are a changin'!"

-Jack Smith

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November 19, 2000

FSCR

A Dream Becomes Reality

by Rick Anges

Saturday the 18th something I and a few other people have worked very hard on will become a reality, practice and qualifying for the first ever Southeast Street Stock Nationals with the race on Sunday the 19th. When I started working with Jack here at KARNAC I had no idea how fast things would start happening for me. I started out just writing the weekly race report for Desoto Speedway. I got to do an article on the ASA opener that year and that was actually my first ever press pass. As almost everyone knows DeSoto closed down for quite awhile so I had to take my new found talent of writing to other race tracks around the state.

I went to Charlotte County, EastBay and eventually was invited to ride in the School Bus figure eights with Frank Hill at Sunshine, man was that a thrill!! From there I covered races from all parts of the state even doing an article from the Pepsi 400 in Daytona. Things were moving faster then I had ever imagined I went from playing on the computer and just being a race fan to actually becoming Editor of the fastest growing Internet race site in the state of Florida.

All of a sudden I realized I was part of something really big, I had always wanted to be more involved in racing then just being a fan, hell I drove demolition derbies so I could do just that. Then when this opportunity to write for KARNAC came along I jumped on it and it grew and grew. It's an awesome thing to walk up to a top name driver after he has just won a big race to do an interview, introduce myself and they say "hey I know you I have read your articles." Now I am the host of the KARNAC.com Real Racin Talk Radio show, something I never in my wildest dreams thought would happen.

But even more is what is going to happen this weekend, the Street Stock Nationals. I have always loved watching these guys run and wondered why no one had ever put together a big show for them. So one day back in May I put together a web site took a set of rules from Desoto and basically asked people for their opinions on what they would like to see different. Dave Waddell got ahold of me and volunteered to be my Tech man, he had to take a real job though and had to step down but not until he had helped me get most of the rules into a generic set so most people would not have to make major changes to their cars.

The rules were only the beginning, the next major step was finding the track to hold the race. I talked to several venues but had my hopes set on DeSoto Speedway not only because it is close to home but it has the best facilities and is centrally located. I proposed my race to then GM of DeSoto Earl Savage a long time racer himself and he thought that this race would be a great idea. We sat down and figured dates, times, purses and all the other things that go along with putting an event like this together. Rennie Wilbanks (former ASA crew chief for Mark Martin) agreed to come on board as my head tech man and we ironed out the rest of the rules. Cindy Dring of Custom Draperies in Bradenton also volunteered her time to help me find sponsors to help cover the purse and other expenses that come with this kind of thing.

It seemed we were on a roll people were calling us inquiring about being sponsors, drivers were getting ready to pre-enter it was now August and the race was set and ready to go, then it happened......the race track was sold and a new owner whom I had never met was coming in. All of sudden Earl was gone and all my plans were up in the air. It was to late to start talking to other tracks because schedules were already set. So I waited not knowing how to answer the questions that were being asked because like the people asking I was also waiting. John Sarpriconne took over as new owner and I scheduled a meeting with him hoping that he had been informed about the details of the race and everything was still on the way we had planned. Well it wasn't that way, John came in with only the knowing the race was scheduled but was not informed of "any" of the details so I was back to square one. After several meetings John and I got the race back on track and I want to thank him for everything as all of this was new to him and he could have told me that he didn't want to take this on.

Just when things were looking up again several of the big sponsors that Cindy had lined up backed out due mostly to the sale of the race track and them having no knowledge of the people taking over. Square one again, Valvoline quick change in Bradenton came on and helped us out as much as they could. Cindy and her partner George of Custom Draperies came up with the bulk of what was needed to cover the rest of the purse. My daytime boss Earl Thompson of Thompson Automotive kicked in and also helped on the contingency money. Jack Smith who gave me the web space to build the web site for this race gets the credit for staying on my butt just when I was ready to pack it all in and give up telling me "Rick you just have to go for it!"

This race has grown from a simple idea to a long journey for me, it's become my baby and I'm hoping that when it all comes together we will have something that we can make grow and the drivers who are the back bone of our sport, the Street Stocks will finally get the recognition they so justly deserve and we will be able to bring it back bigger and better next year.

To all the competitors who will be out on the track Saturday and Sunday I thank you, please be safe and have a good time. To all the fans out there who will come to watch I hope we put on a good show that you will remember. Most of all to all the people who have helped me build my dream, I can't thank you all enough. Well everyone the talking is over......"It's Time To Race"

Rick Anges



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November 6, 2000

FSCR

Racing Now Has NEW Qualifications

No longer does racing require driving skills to become part of it's family but now you must have a short temper, anger at the drop of a pin, know how to throw a punch, and most importantly, teach the children that racing means doing anything for the win.

Now, what is wrong with this picture? Is this what you want in a racecar driver and someone that your child might just possibly hold as a role model???? If the answer is yes, well, you might need Anger Management 101.

Listen to an Anger Management Specialist.

Not only did fans see anger this weekend in Central Florida but by the looks of it, all thru Florida's local short tracks. What is causing this anger? Isn't this the sport done for fun, not profit. Isn't this the sport that teaches your child that how you win is more important than just winning??

There is one simple thing that alot of people do not understand and that is "why is this happening when so many racers have such a hard time just being able to race?" When you think about it, most of you say that racing is getting harder and harder to afford so why purposely take out your anger on your car or someone else's car? Chasing a car thru the pits is not cool especially when families with kids are in those pits.

We have got to stop this anger. It was suggested that part of the anger comes from the end of points season but that is no excuse. There is no excuse for any of this. It is not what fans come to see and it surely is not what the racers want. We don't need bullies in this sport and now is the time to stop it.

If all our tracks would gather together and make the same rules for all tracks on this fighting, wrecking cars, etc., then just maybe we could stop it. There is no place in today's world that bad behavior is accepted and racetracks are no exclusion. Parents do not want their children to see this in spite of the fact that some seem to think that fighting and wrecking is what is expected at a track. But for those of us who are smart, we realize that racing is expensive and no one can afford to be wrecked on purpose.

Soon, tracks will close for awhile. Maybe this time would be a good time for all track owners and management personnel to come together and stop this behavior before it goes to far which is not too far off in the future. Find a common solution to these situations and stick to it. It can be done. Fighting in the pits, fighting on the track, fighting period is NOT acceptable to any of us. If that is what you want to do, go find some boxing gloves, a ring, and forget racing.

By Jane Smith

Related Article:It's Time To Stop The Violence




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November 5, 2000

FSCR

It's Time to Stop the Violence!

Most of the following commentary on Florida racing was written on Friday the 3rd day of November. Saturday night, a somewhat similar scene to what happened at New Smyrna Speedway occurred at the Leo Musgrave Memorial, Sunshine Speedway's tribute to the founder of the track. Saturday night Jimmy Cope and Andy Werden did their part to destroy the family atmosphere that Sunshine tries so hard to create. At least in this case the ownership was wise enough to have police on hand to ensure the safety of the fans.

Now onto the Governor's Cup:
The Florida Governor's Cup is now three weeks into the history books. But there are too many questions and not enough answers.

I'm sure you have read at least some of the hundreds and hundreds of posts on the Florida Stock Car Racing message board, or at least have some knowledge of the events that Saturday night.

After 150 of the best laps of late model racing we have seen in recent times, a bizarre chain of events occurred which still has many fans shaking their heads....and questioning. What would cause a professional race driver, not some rank amateur, but a former NASCAR Slim Jim All-Pro champion, a five time All-Pro winner in 2000, and one of the most visible late model racers in Florida to go berserk? Why would a speedway hold such a major event with 5,000 fans and not provide adequate security to ensure the safety and well being of fans and participants? How could a near riot occur with fights breaking out all over a section of the track surface, people being beaten, kicked and worse, and never see an officer of the law? How could a fan, accompanied by wife and friends be beaten half to death in the pits after the race, in the presence of hundreds of witnesses and yet have no one held accountable?

These are just some of the questions that have been left unanswered.

Let's look at the issue with Wayne Anderson ramming David Rogers at full tilt while under yellow. I suppose anyone familiar with stock car racing can at least understand the competitive fire involved on the track. Wayne simply lost it. Not cool, he almost killed a track worker and made a fool out of himself, but if not excusable, at least understandable. The race had been a burner from the opening green flag, with he and his father Dick Anderson battling very early for the lead, with contact being made several times between the two in the early laps. By the time three-quarters of the race was in the books, the battle was between Rogers, Anderson, and Anderson. Contact was being made by Anderson, Rogers and Anderson on almost every lap for what seemed an eternity. This was racing.

What ensued at approximately lap 150 was not racing. It was a disgusting spectacle performed in front of men, women and more importantly children. At the conclusion of the race a thousand fans clung to the fence separating the track from the grandstands screaming their protests, drowning out the on track interviews with the winner Jimmy Cope and runner up Dick Anderson.

Within 15 minutes a fan would lie on the ground in the pits, beaten unconscious with a blood soaked face and head, surrounded by hundreds of spectators and race crews.

Perhaps thirty minutes later police deputies arrived on the scene. Wayne and Dick Anderson's names have both surfaced in connection with the beating, though as of this writing neither they nor anyone else has been charged by the authorities.

The event subsequently caused such a firestorm on the official New Smyrna Message Board the track owner shut the board down. Several TV stations ran a video of the on track fighting and the ramming of David Rogers race car by Wayne Anderson. It was not a pretty sight. Earlier in the year there were violent confrontations between Wayne Anderson and other racers during or after FASCAR events. If action had been taken by the General Manager then, perhaps the Governor's Cup race would not have been tarnished and perhaps Wayne Anderson would not have lost his head and the respect of Florida race fans.

And perhaps a young man would not have suffered a savage beating and incurred permanent damage to his eyesight.

A Disturbing Trend

A modified racer was arrested by Manatee Sheriff's Deputies at DeSoto Speedway Saturday September 23rd after a fight erupted at the conclusion of the Open Wheel Modified race. A fellow racer used the rules to 'claim' the other's motor. The upset driver in a fit of rage took to beating the other until the deputies intervened. The arrested driver was a former track champion, and received no fines nor penalties from the speedway. The ongoing feud between the two drivers was a well known fact at DeSoto Speedway. Perhaps if action had been taken earlier the incident would not have gone as it did.

Also in October just weeks after a speedway death at Charlotte County Speedway brought track violence to the forefront, one of their most distinguished racers, was suspended and fined $200.00 for fighting in the pits. Big deal.

Sunshine Speedway has had similar episodes. Earlier his year at DeSoto Speedway a racer decided to sell his car after being threatened with violence at the track.

Regardless of the reasons, this kind of behavior is not tolerable in the year 2000. The wonderful little stories about fisticuffs by the NASCAR heros of yesterday, told with a grin are as outdated as hooded hate mongers instilling fear into the populace. The idea that it's acceptable to have local stock car racers act like play yard bullies is fine if you want to close the doors and quit inviting the paying public.

Or call it something other than family entertainment. All the radio commercials, newspaper ads and big mouthed promoters, all the benefits and community activities will not bring the family atmosphere to a race track when the owners and managers handle this unprofessional and uncivilized behavior with a wink and a nod.

Is this really the kind of morality and lesson we really want to teach our children? Promoters quick to try and sweep these incidents under some rug, and yes Virginia they do exactly that, are dangerous to the future of the sport. But not nearly as dangerous as track owners who refuse to lower the boom on this nonsense. They are the ones who set the standards for the level of professionalism they expect at their facilities.

A few days after the event there was a photo of the owner of the New Smyrna Speedway on the top of the Florida racing message board. It was accompanied by a caption labeling him as the 'most dangerous man in Florida racing'. One promoter type thought that was too 'personal'. He runs multi-million dollar a year entertainment venue. He put people's lives in danger. He is the only track owner to my knowledge too cheap to pay for adequate police protection.

I stand on the opinion that Robert Hart should be held accountable to the fans for his operation of an unsafe racing facility. After having asked thirty or more race track owners from around the country, interviewed a dozen or more event promoters and organizers, and spoken with hundreds of fans, I could not find one person who would condone having a major event such as the Cup race with no law enforcement on hand. Many had the opinion on the order of 'who would be foolish enough to do something like that'.

Robert Hart, owner of New Smyrna Speedway, the same owner who allowed drivers to race in firetraps without any serious fire safety. The same owner who had a fan beaten senseless at his track and didn't make the effort to contact the man's family to see of his condition. That in itself is shameful.

No apology from him, business as usual.

If that's acceptable for the racing community, then it is indeed a sad day for stock car racing in Florida. As for the Governor's Cup, Robert Hart and his operation have trashed the tradition. Perhaps some illumination may come and a business or person will offer him enough money to move Florida's most prestigious race to a speedway that will give it the respect it deserves.

Whoever would do so would earn the respect of thousands of race fans.

Then of course there's the issue of who beat this fan so unmercifully. Those with knowledge of the events and who for their own reasons are withholding evidence from the authorities will have to live with their own conscious, and will inherit the karma they create. Many said the fan brought it on himself. Isn't that for the authorities to sort out, or as some believe a race track is a world unto itself with it's own rules, which exist outside of the rest of the society?

I personally don't see how we can promote racing a family oriented sport and activity while condoning such behavior. Brutality and family activity don't really belong together. Beyond that the respect that fans have had for the drivers is quickly eroding and ticket sales, contrary to the beliefs of a few misguided relics form the past, will continue to falter unless the tracks do something to stop it.

Fining or suspending drivers by a single track owner is as foolish as allowing this level of sportsmanship in the first place. Fines are just more money in somebody's pocket, and the driver simply packs up and moves to the next convenient track to do his thing. Until the track owners work together on these matters it will not change the game. 98% of the fans in survey after survey say common rules would be a positive move for Florida racing.

Not it's not about competition rules. It's about making your track a safe environment to take the family. And making it a place where the entertainers don't destroy the values you try to teach at home, and teachers try to teach in school.

Remove the thugs from racing so the rest of us can enjoy the sport.

by Jack Smith

More:Listen to a few fans from the Governor's Cup.

More: What Really Matters

More:Reward Offered in New Smyrna Beating

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November 1, 2000

FSCR

Having an Idea and Making It Work

Last Saturday night at New Smyrna Speedway, after all
the feature races and big l00 lap Late Model race was
over, race fans were entertained by a different form of
racing. In the cool, brisk night air, the second 4 cylinder
demo derby was held under the watchful eye of its
originator - Chuck "Junkyard Dog" Rush.

Now Junkyard Dog has been in alot of demo derbys
including the two that were televised from Orlando
SpeedWorld on TNN a few years back. We have
seen Junkyard in demo derbys, school bus races,
camper trailer races, boat trailer races even a 4
cylinder bomber mini-stock at Ocala Speedway but
these days he has taken on a new face - that of
CEO for his own 4 cylinder demo derby races.

Junkyard added a touch of the WCW world and
added music and girls to his introduction of the
cars and drivers. With different colored smoke
coming up and off the track in mysterious ways,
the demo cars are introduced one by one thru
colors of the rainbow until all the cars are out
of the pits and on the track ready to rumble.

Junkyard has set rules for his demo derbys and
set ways for the cars to be made safe. He does believe
in good, safe fun which you can see when you are at
one of his derbys. He pays more than fair and that
helps make them such a success.

Chuck Rush is only beginning. He has big plans for
his future and the future of his demo derby races. And
if last Saturday night is any indication of his bright future,
than Florida fans better watch out for his future demos.
And if you do love crashing and bashing and never quitting
until the last engine refuses to go, try a demo derby. And
better yet, try a Chuck "Junkyard Dog" Rush demo derby.

Jane

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October 25, 2000

FSCR

First Hand Experience: Cost to go racing...

Interesting story Jane. I have been involved in local Super Late Model racing for almost 2 years. It is truly amazing how costly local short track racing is and has become. My cost to race a Super Late Model heat and feature 30 lap event is $750. As you mentioned, if winning the race pays $1,000...coming in second might be a break even point. If we place 3rd or worse the team will lose money. I will also spend over $1,500 to race in a 125 lap event, like a Florida Pro or Sunbelt race. This is all taking into consideration that we have no necessary repairs to make after the race.

I believe the way to improve local short track racing lies in the hands of the race track owners and managers. A basic principle in business is..." you must spend money to make money". I have been a stock car racing fan for over 20 years and did not know that right here in Central Florida is some of the best short track racing in the country. You what to know why? Because, track owners and managers do not properly market and advertise their business. This goes back to the basic principle of "you must spend money to make money".

Here's what needs to be done.
1. Spend some money....do more advertising and marketing necessary to draw attention to the speedway.

2. Lower the cost of admissions. Make it so the common working man and woman can afford to take the family out and enjoy some good wholesome saturday night action. A family of 4 should pay no more than $ 25.00 on admissions. This way they will spend $20.00 on some food, drinks and snacks while enjoying the event.

3. Increase the purse. Without teams, cars, and drivers there will be no racing. Make it worthwhile to show up for the race. A 30 lap heat and feature Super Late Modle race should pay $1,500 to win, 2nd $1,200, 3rd $900, 4th $650, 5th $400...etc. Big 125 lap events need their purses also raised about 30%.

4. Spend some money on improving the facility....both for the race fan and teams......inside and outside the pits. The more money that is spent on improving and modernizing the facility, the more a track owner can charge for admissions.

5. Make all race teams pay by the same set of rules.

Anyway thats some of my thoughts.

My cousin races late models in New England area. He tells me....that car count for a Friday or Saturday heat and feature night is usually 30+ cars. Pay out is $ 1,500 + to win. Its standing room only for race fans. Admissions are averaging $ 10.00 18yrs and up, $5.00 12 - 17 yrs, and children under 12 are free.

Scott Williams
Scott Racing, Inc.




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October 24, 2000

FSCR

How to Keep the Cost of Racing Down

First off... I'm one of those racers "in mothballs for some of the same reasons Jane brings up.I couldn't agree with Jane any more about keeping the cost of race cars down. We can't control costs of gas to get us to the track, and the price of replacement parts etc, but the promoters can do something.

I'll try to explain........ History has proven that each year (season), each division seems to add or change a rule that will allow more modifications. Each time this happens, the cost to the racer usually increases. I've seen this same thing happen since the 1950's! The evolution of each division is clear to anyone that's been around a few years. I'm more aquainted with the Street stock type of car, but the same principles apply to all divisions. The people responsible for the rules MUST remain firm and resolute in not letting the rules get more liberal.

The key to competitive racing is all the cars running nearly the same speed. They don't have to run faster to put on a show.T he spectators can't tell the difference between 75 MPH and 85 MPH. unless the cars are running in the same race! The cost to a racer is tremendously different for that much difference in speed. Some examples are: allowing headers where stock manifolds were in use or allowing aftermarket intakes where stock cast iron ones were in use. Allowing 8" slicks where DOT tires were in use. The racers are always begging for "just one more change". They don't always know what's best for the division. There are many areas of the rules that could benifit from some 'rethinking".

Many times the rules are written with the best intentions, but the end result is all together different from the purpose. Example: Rule states, No modification to the cylinder head. That was written to keep cost down, Now to enforce the rule, the head must be removed to facilitate inspection. Who pays for the teardown ? The racer. This rule also would prevent the use of screw in or pinned rocker studs that increase reliability, and are cheap. They also don't add speed. An alternative would be to restrict the carb and exhaust severly! No matter how the head was "worked" a small carb and small exhaust would remove most benifit. The head doesn't need to be removed to "tech" and the racer saves money. Any knowledgable engine builder will tell you that restricting intake and exhaust would remove any advantage the "big money" racer might have. Reliability would become far more important.

There are many items in everyones rule book that could be "re-thought". The progression upwards to a higher ranked division should be encouraged when possible. That's another subject for another time. My suggestion would be for the responsible parties to sit down with some advisors and review each divisions rules one by one.

The board of advisors should include: 1. One track SAFETY official. 2. One representative from the division being reviewed. 3. One representative should be one who has run that division in the past,but not now involved in that division. 4. One experienced tech inspector. 5. One race car parts supplier and builder. 6. The track race director.

Each of these"chosen " five should be given a set of rules to review for at least 30 days. The five would then have a sit down meeting and review each others inputs. They could make notes and have a lively disscussion! They would meet perhaps several weeks later to make final adjustments and to make rule proposals based on the predeeding discussions. These advisors would have ample time to listen to inputs from any interested parties. The Track promoter would have the last word of course.

The test that all rules should be subjected to are as follows: 1. What is the impact of this rule on safety to all concerned? 2. What was the original intent of this rule and is it still valid? 3. How will this rule impact cost to the racer? 4. Will this rule promote competitive racing ? 5. In the case of entry level divisions,will this rule help the owner/driver learn the skills and gather the resources to move on to a higher division? 6. Is the rule written in such a manner as to be easily understood by everyone involved? 7. Can the rule be easily enforced without extensive and expensive teardowns?

As you can see, I have given this area a great deal of thought over the years. This is just a start towards re-thinking the rule book. I'm sure there are as many views as there are racers.I think we all agree that something needs to be done at all the tracks and as soon as possible.

Dave Waddell
Melbourne, FL

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October 17, 2000

FSCR

What Really Matters

Last Saturday night changed my life and the lives of many racers and fans forever. I have heard every excuse why this happened but none of them are acceptable in a civilized world.

Some say the full moon caused the violence of October 14 but who knows. No one can ever really say what was in Wayne Anderson's mind about David Rogers. Who was to blame, was there any blame? But, there is no excuse for destroying another person's car or NOT seeing that there was someone on the track at that time. If your anger is that deep, then maybe you need anger management classes just like domestic violence criminals do.

Althought I was not in the Anderson pit area when my friend, which I have known for two years and is an honest person was hurt, I have listened to numerous reasons why he almost lost his life. None of them excuse what he got, none.

Mr. Anderson was not touched in any way to cause such a violent reaction. Even if his wife and the injured man's wife had words, why would you beat the husband?? And if pits are that unsafe after a race, then maybe we all better stop racing now.

The man who was hurt was a racer, and I do mean was because after this, he says he will never race again. I have seen him wrecked, I have seen him angry but I have never seen him go after a fellow racer or fan when they came into his pits at that time. Maybe alot of you believe that your pits are "off limits" but when you have a crowd like we did last Saturday, people are going to step into your pits.

What really matters here is "was there a good enough reason for this man to have been beaten worse than a dog and left on pit road to bleed??" Why did no one help this man or his wife or friend except for a very few?? Is it that everyone is that scared of Dick Anderson since I was told no one can stop him when he is mad??

Last Saturday night has no excuses. Yes, tempers can flare in racing but if it comes to the point that it did last weekend, we all need to step back and look very hard at ourselves. Maybe it was this way every weekend years ago but thank God, I hope people are wiser and smarter now. Yes, we have seen a few push-shoves in NASCAR but someone stops it before it gets out of hand and someone pays dearly for the anger.

I happen to know that the man who was beaten is a very good father. He takes his young son to the track alot but thank goodness, that Saturday night was "date" night. But sooner or later his son and daughter had to see him, once he was out of the hospital, what do you think they thought???? How do you explain to your children why your face is half gone, why someone did this and yet, did not even know you??

I have always admired Dick Anderson and his talent. I remember the first time I saw him in a Hooter Cup race and guess who finished right behind him - David Rogers. I have never seen his temper or Wayne's or even known that they had these tempers until last Saturday and I saw Wayne go thru some pretty rough SpeedWeeks and no anger fits then. So why did this happen??

We may never know the whys and we may never agree with the excuses but when it comes to track heros and racers for my son to look up to, it won't be someone who can almost take a stranger's life. "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me" is what I have taught Alex and some do give him a hard time because of his temporary disabilities.

Going back to New Smyrna and seeing where Kevin lay bleeding will be very hard. But I care about the people there, they are family and they were family to Kevin also. And maybe someday, when you get caught in a situation like Kevin and no one will help you, you will wonder where that racing family of your's is also. Remember, it is the every weekend racer that counts to all of us and not just the "big names" who come every now and then. The every weekend racer makes the track work.

What really matters now is that this never happen again.

-By Jane Smith

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October 9, 2000

FSCR

Memories of Yesterday

Time seems to have a way of flying by, it goes faster as each year passes. This weekend, October l4, will be the biggest Super Late Model race that Florida has - the Governor's Cup. Besides being one of the longest, by the number of laps in this race, it is also the one race that every Super Late Model driver wants to win. Having your name added to that trophy is one of Florida's stockcar racing goals.

Come this Friday, New Smyrna Speedway will see small trailers and big rigs roll into the high bank track of New Smyrna Speedway. Old friends, new friends, and probably an enemy or two will come together for one purpose and one purpose only, TO WIN the Governor's Cup.

This past weekend was a Super Late Model race at DeSoto Speedway, the race before the BIG RACE. That race saw Daryl Shelnut in the #00 of Dick Anderson take the win with BJ McLeod and Mike Franklin Jr. behind him. At New Smyrna Speedway, fans saw a few Super Late Model drivers at the track for practice and once again, Travis Kittleson saw Victory Lane instead of David Rogers. Kittleson will definitely be a threat to the "old lions" with Pete Orr as his Crew Chief. But, it will seem strange not to have a Pete Orr #30 or #99 in that long line-up of Super Late Model drivers.

Fans will not only see some of their favorite racecar drivers but the new "young lions" of the Florida Pro and Florida Sunbelt Super Late Model series. Justin Drawdy of Fort Pierce, Travis Kittleson of Merritt Island, Brian Finney of Merritt Island, Barry Willoughby of Port St. Lucie, BJ McLeod of Wachula, Jonathan Brown of Sarasota, and maybe even Tom McCann of Ocala. Of course, David Rogers, Jack Cook, Bruce Lawrence, Mike Franklin, Jr., a Burkett, hopefully some Andersons, Ronnie Roach, Eddie King, Ricky Carlton, even Billy Bigley is rumored to be there. I think fans will definitely be surprised by the list of drivers.

Who will win, who will have fast time??? That is the question and to get the answer, come to New Smyrna Speedway on Octobeer 14 and see for yourself, who will have their name added to the Governor's Cup trophy. Will it be a repeat winner - one of our old pros or one of the "young lions"?? Your guess is as good as mine.

Jane Smith

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October 4, 2000

FSCR

Time to Rumble or Is It?

by Jane Smith

We have all heard that it is the "show" that counts in local racing. The "show" brings in the cars and the drivers and the cars and drivers bring in the fans. And with more cars and more fans comes more "purse" money. This is true to an extent but now when new rules are being written at most of our local tracks, maybe it is time to ask how do we do this feat?

There are far more racers out there than what you see every weekend at your local track. There are far more racecars in moth balls than you could ever imagine, so WHY aren't they racing them?: People from Orlando and New Smyrna Speedway would say "purses" but when you have people who come all the way from Sunshine Speedway every Friday night to race at Orlando, IT CAN'T BE ALL PURSES. Even if we could have every track pay the same purse for the same class, would the car counts grow????

Owners, you must realize thst you have these cars in moth balls. Have you ever talked to any of these drivers who once ran your track every weekend with their families in tow??? If you love your tracks, and I honestly believe that most of you do, try talking to one of these drivers and really listen to them. Not all your drivers have alot of endless money to spend on what we call a "sport". It is really bad when you can either race or build a home.

There was a time when a mini-stock used a stock motor and when it blew, the nearest junkyard was the engine builder. There was a time when Super Stocks or Bombers had at the most $l500.00 in an engine, now you see up to $5,000.00. What is wrong with this picture? When and how did it get so expensive to race every Friday and Saturday for FUN.

The worse part of racing is that once you have done it and it gets into your blood, it is very hard to let go. You don't want to let go but very few of us have open wallets, endless racing budgets and families who are willing to do without for racing. So, you are forced to make a decision and that should never be the case. We have let racing take control of our wallets and I think if all those "backyard" racers would speak up and let the owners know how many there are, just maybe some changes would be made.

Making it cheaper to race could not hurt racing at all. In fact, it just could give you the car counts you want and the fans that you desire. You could go down the "yellow brick road" hand in hand - owner and racer and find the "pot of gold" that will give us all wings to fly. We could all be sister tracks and share the wealth of our kinship and families and the joy that racing gives us all.

Everyone says it, "racing is a family sport", now let's prove it and make it where all the family can do it.

- Jane Smith

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September 24, 2000

FSCR

Just As Expected, Fans, Drivers, and Promoters Do Care

Racing has a big heart, filled with many different chambers. But when it comes to trying to save local track racing, be it dirt or asphalt, round or straight, we do CARE.

Track owners and promotorers this is not an assault on you nor a cutdown saying that you don't care. Even the most hard hearted track owner must care just alittle about racing and people to keep his track going and to make that dollar which means so much to some.

Racing is not complicated, never has been, never will be when it comes to local tracks. You are dealing with everyday people, people who put their pants and dresses on the same way you do. People who work hard to take care of their families and to have enough left over to race without putting the family out on the streets and homeless. You can laugh if you want to but a diehard racer can and does outspend himself just to make his car compete with the high dollar cars.

There is nothing wrong with a Super Late Model class at any track but maybe we need to cut down on the costs to be a local Super Late. It is not the tires nor the gas that is killing the classes, it is what is inside of that 350 4 bolt main or 402 Oldsmobile or whatever motor you have. Save the high dollar motor for the Series like Florida Pro and Florida Sunbelt and be more like Bruce Everett who ran "Chocolate Thunder" for years at Orlando SpeedWorld and New Smyrna Speedway. He had fun, he did not lose his shirt and you could see his face shine when he was behind the wheel of his beloved racecar.

Purses do count, don't get me wrong, but if we could cut the cost of racing itself, the car, the motor then maybe just maybe alot of these "I want to be" can be "I am" a local short track racer. But it must be done at all tracks and that is where it is difficult. If you took a Orlando Sportsman to Florida Speed Park and ran them side by side, Florida Speed Park would be the winner because their cars are built more. And I saw this for myself with a winning Sportsman from Orlando at Florida Speed Park. That Sportsman looked like it was crawling around that track where in Orlando, it flew.

I can bet you that there is not one driver that would not like to see all tracks run the same rules just so you could go experience a new track without it costing you a fortune and hours of work. What would it hurt? Would tracks lose their cars? My bet is that drivers will stay at their home track as long as they are treated human and the rules are fair for all and every now and then, go forth and spread their wings to a new track.

Would not a blown motor hurt less if you did not have your life's savings in it???? I am not saying make them all the same but I am saying make them alittle less than what we have now so more can play. It is not the purses that stop racers, it is the cost of putting together a competitive car. And with more cars, more fans will come and everyone could win.

As for the cost of going to a race, yes, it is killing family fun. A Florida Pro race or Florida Sunbelt race costs the same if not more depending on where you sit for a Hooter's Pro Cup race. If we could charge less and get more fans in for less money, more money would be spent on food and drink and checkered flags. And everyone wins and with more fans comes more "future" stars.

Maybe it is time for all tracks in our state to gather at a central point and try and make it where racing is more family than in-laws or out-laws. I am sure every owner asnd promoter will agree that racing is worth the effort to save and if we don't at least try, then soon we will have nothing to save since car counts drop weekly at tracks. Let the Series Racing have the high dollar motors and bring back more "Chocolate Thunders" for local tracks. Come on guys, I know we can do this.

-by Jane Smith

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September 16, 2000

FSCR

A Reply To Jane Smith: Let's Try!

Dear Jane Smith,

My name is Michael Powers I am the President of the S.F.R.A., the group that recently re-opened Hialeah Speedway. Your story is right on the money. The group that is the S.F.R.A. are all racers, and when our track was closed we banned together to re-open the history. The group puts in many hours each week and unfortunately our racers think you just open the gates and the place runs it self.

The S.F.R.A. has collected no pay, all the monies coming in go right back into the track. As you had said many of the upper classes purses must be large for them to economically race and we have been limited on recourses to bring them in and we have been forced to lower most of the regular purses in order to meet the income necessary to keep the doors open. Our racers think we, the group, are doing this to keep money for ourselves but as you stated it takes money to keep the doors open. For us to open on a average week we are looking at $7000.00 to $8500.00 to open the gates and put on a event. Then you add in a large purse or a traveling show and that cost better than doubles.

Your average big show (All Pro, T.B.A.R.A.,etc) runs about $12000.00. This cost with the attendances coming to tracks and the competition between tracks scheduling against each other makes it impossible to survive. I agree we all need to get together tracks, racers and fans and try to do something before its too late. Hialeah Speedway is at a point in its long great history if this deal with the landlord doesn't work out it will be good-bye forever and the doors will be closed and the history will be just that, history.

To the people at KARNAC I personally would like to say thank you. You are a big part of why we got the support and interest for us to re-open the place I call home on Saturday night. I know it can be hard to keep going but keep up the great work. We had even started a message board after the great use of yours, but recently due to the comments that were getting out of hand, we had to shut it down.

Thanks for all your help,

Michael Powers S.F.R.A.

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September 15, 2000

FSCR

It Is Definitely Worth a Try

by Jane Smith

Lately, I have set back and let others do the talking for me.I have listened to drivers from Sunshine to Hialeah speak about this sport that we all love so much. It is not the sport itself that is causing so much pain and unrest, but the cost of having fun today.

When compared to the cost of tires and gas to race say a Late Model maybe twenty years ago, surprisingly it is not that different than today. Twenty years ago you could run Goodyear, Firestone, Hoosier or McCreary tires. Goodyear and Firestone were the most expensive at about $l20.00 each where the Hoosier and McCreary were between $80.00 to $l00.00 and lasted better and were faster for the first three races or so. Gas was about $3.50 a gallon, maybe a dollar different than today. But the biggest difference in making the $750.00 pay off more worth it then was the cost of the engines.

Engines back then were expensive for the time but nothing like they are today. Use to you could build a good Late Model engine for maybe $12,000.00 where as today, that would not build a open wheel modified engine. I was once told that you should never spend over $l500.00 ona Super Stock or Bomber engine but today, some are $5,000.00 and up. Why????

We could blame this on racing, saying that a lot of it is caused by the cheaters and to compete in the sport, you need to out cheat the next person so the cost of building an engine keeps going up. But what happens when it gets to a point that no one can afford to race????

Take for example, one of our traveling series. I was told by one of the drivers that it cost him $700.00 for 15 laps once (that was new tires, gas, hauling, pit entrance,etc.) and the purse was $1,000.00 to win so even if he had won, he would not have come out very good. Not too many everyday racers can afford this, they are just average people like you and me who race on a budget. Yes, you can say if they can't afford it, then they should not race but that could knock out more guys than you realize.

Just to say raise the purses, that is not the solution. Maybe the solution is to stop and think about what we are doing. Maybe the local tracks need to make it cheaper for these guys to race and keep the expensive cars more for the traveling series. This way, the classes could be fairer which everyone does complain about and the purses could come up from the car counts rising because the cost of racing will lower.

But who says the world is round and the grass is green and maybe it is a pipedream to ever find a solution to local track racing. Maybe we are just born to complain but never find any solutions because we like to complain. But there are those of us who do sincerely love our tracks and the guys who work their butts off to bring you local track racing and really do want to help. Maybe what we need is someone from every track, both dirt and asphalt, to all come together and try to work out a plan to help racing, to help the guys who do the racing, and help eac hother.

It is definitely worth a try.

-Jane Smith

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September 14, 2000

FSCR

Have A Heart

By Robin Meiser

In the past month, the Charlotte County Speedway road warrior division has had to bury two of its heroes, Paul Pojafsky and Ron Dushek, Jr. Both were very special men with a great sense of humor and hearts as big as all outdoors. Hidden inside those big hearts were time bombs ticking, waiting to explode.

And explode they did, while both of these wonderful men were navigating four wheel vehicles. Scary, isn't it? It had to be even scarier for Paulie's 10-year old daughter, Kelsey, who was with her dad in his vintage El Camino when he suffered a massive heart attack. With wisdom and fortitude far beyond her years she was able to stop the vehicle and turn off the motor, thus avoiding further injury to her or anyone else driving during the torrential downpour. Paul was about my age, his early forties.

Several weeks later the outstanding competitors in the road warrior division gave up their winnings and raced in memory of Paul Pojafsky. They then took their helmets into the grandstands where our racing family gave from the bottoms of their pockets to Robin and Kelsey Pojafsky. Among those walking through the stands were both the senior and junior Ron Dusheks. It was an emotional evening for all but little did we know what was in store for us a scant two weeks later.

The week after the Pojafsky Memorial race, the road warrior division was unable to race due to rain and curfew. On September 2, they were slated to run two 20-lap feature races. The first race was relatively uneventful, won by Terry Price, which fit with my philosophy that I have proved over and over again "when you do good things, good things happen." You see, the week before he had stood in the hot sun for several hours asking each of his fellow competitors to donate their winnings to the Pojafsky family.

It took several restarts to get the second feature going, I was working on getting my press release ready when the caution flag came out and my fellow officials in the tower fell silent. I looked up and saw a four car crash in Turn Two. The red flag came out and I made my way to the door as one of the spotters called for the safety team to assist with Ron Dushek, Sr. At the gate was Ron's wife, Evelyn, frantically trying to get to the other side of the track. I asked her to stay where she was and I would let her know as soon as I knew anything and I made my way to Turn Two. Evelyn came shortly behind me, which I would have done in the same situation.

I didn't have a radio that night so I was thrown for a loop when I reached Turn Two and saw our safety team working so hard, administering CPR to Ron. Standing beside them, looking like lost little boys, were Ronnie, Jr., also a competitor in the road warrior divison; as well Lil' John Hanuschik and Big Al Welling racing compatriots who are married to Ron's nieces, DeeDee and Christine. As Evelyn and the girls sat crying on the pit wall, I tried to comfort Ronnie while all the other officials in the area tried to help with Ron. In our minds was one united thought "Breathe, Ron, breathe."

The ambulance came and took Ron to the hospital while DeeDee and Christine helped their Aunt Evelyn to her car. I followed shortly behind and arrived at the hospital where I waited with the family for word on Ron. Needless to say, we had another unfortunate outcome and I have never been through anything so tragic in my own life as what that family experienced that night. Those of us that were with them, had no idea what to do or say so we just held them in our arms, trying to silently comfort them in their despair.

I think it hit me so hard because I lost my own only beloved little brother when he was 22 years old from heart failure. He was running in a marathon when he experienced chest pains and sat on the side of the road. The paramedics approached, asking if he needed help and he said "I am going to finish this race if it kills me." With that, he stood up, slumped to the floor and died. The paramedics worked on him for an hour, so they say, not wanting to give up on one so young. I don't know, I wasn't there, I lived a thousand miles away so maybe in my own way when Ron died I relived my own tragedy through them.

I do not write these words to bring further sorrow to the Dusheks. Heaven knows, Evelyn, Ronnie, Sharon, Ronda, Lewis and the other family members have enough of their own. I do not want to bring back painful memories for Kelsey or Robin Pojafsky. I love all of these people, as do our entire racing community. It is because of this, I write these words.

This goes out to all of "my drivers" and yes, I am possessive, you are all my drivers although I share you with the rest of our staff and officials at Charlotte County Speedway who are also possessive and feel the same way, whether you want to believe that or not. You are also "our pit crews" and "our fans" and we hope you feel the same about us. Isn't that what a family is all about? Please, I beg you from the bottom of my heart to listen to what I am about to say.

Do not let what happened to Paul and Ron, happen to another one of us, if we can avoid it. Please, go get a physical and an EKG. Maybe if heaven is with us on this, some wonderful doctor will read this and hear our plight and give all of our drivers physicals and EKG's before the next racing season. Every night before I go to bed, I pray to God to help me say this the right way and help us find a way to avoid any more tragedy in our "family".

I have personally known six men this year in their mid-50s and YOUNGER who have died from massive heart attacks this year. Most were not aware of a heart problem. All have left grieving family and friends behind asking "Why?"

All youth sports teams, high school teams (including cheerleading) and professional sports require participants to have a physical every year before competition begins. You may not like what I am going to say here but all stock car tracks should do the same in unity so that drivers can't go to another track simply because they don't require a physical..

Yes, a good physical exam costs good money but think about it, the money you spend on a set of racing tires could be spent on a physical and it could keep you alive long enough to compete in your next race. Racing wives and girlfriends, nag your men until they go get a physical or buy them one for their birthday but while you are at it, make sure you make an appointment for yourself because heart attacks kill many women in this age bracket too. Racing parents, do the same, insist that your child whether a minor or adult have a physical but also do them a favor and have one yourself. I wish my father had, he might still be alive today and I could hug him and say "I Love You, Dad."

Please forgive me if I have struck too close to home and know I say what I say because of my love of our sport and our family. We do not need to lose anyone else if it can be avoided and many heart attacks can. So please, make an appointment today with your family physician, it may save your life or the lives of others, as well.

-Robin

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September 12, 2000

FSCR

The Reality of Racing Message Boards

Somewhere in the neighborhood of three or four years ago, some major changes began to take place in the Florida racing community. The changes were brought about by a new communications medium called the Internet, or World Wide Web.

Think about it. Five years ago (1995) if you lived in Tampa, or Orlando, or Hialeah, or any other town in Florida that has a speedway and you didn't travel much there wasn't much awareness of what else that might be happening around the state. At least not for the average fan or driver. There wasn't much news or information getting around except of course for perhaps a few subscription publications, and the word of mouth rumor mill.

The Internet has changed all that. And in a very big way.

These days nearly any fan, racer, or any one involved or with an interest in Florida racing can find access to information which a few short years ago would have been nearly impossible to get. The amount of information available at anyone with access to a computer is staggering. The speed at which this information becomes available to you is perhaps even more amazing. KARNAC.com has several thousand pages of information on the Florida racing scene detailing much of the history of the last three years, and it is updated daily.

Not everyone is happy about this.

While some of the track owners, operators, and general managers have begun to take advantage of the new technology and are using it to help promote their tracks, communicate with their drivers and fans, and look for positive ways to improve their operations, there are still some die hard nay sayers who simply haven't seen the light.

Some perhaps never will.

The big gripe about the Internet amongst some is the dreaded and evil message board. The place where racers, fans and others can say what they want, without having to own up to their involvement. One owner referred to it as a "cowards corner". There is some truth to that assessment. Too many people in the racing community, as in life, don't really have the courage of their convictions. It's said the message boards hurt racing by giving it a black eye, what with some of the unending tirades against certain tracks, personalities, and especially track owners.

I agree with some of that thinking, and particularly am personally disgusted with people who have to use vulgar language to express a point. Not that any of our necessarily saints when around close friends, like that guy from Texas who wants very badly to be your next President let one go on a reporter last week when he though the microphone was off.

There are several problems I see with those opinions that insist the message boards are bad for the sport.

What I read on the message boards is what I see at the tracks. All the name calling, out of control emotions, fighting, foul abusive language and so on have all been in evidence at any track I've been to, and not just as a rare occurrence but with regularity. As they are at nearly every other sporting event. Racing venues are actually quite mild compared to football games, not to mention the slide of major league baseball players into competing against pro hockey sticks for the Mike Tyson Gentleman's Award. Uncivil behavior in the United States these days looks to rear its ugly head at every turn.

It would seem to me that if the track owners want a more disciplined bunch of drivers and fans, they would take the initiative at their own facilities. Then perhaps the wailing against the "media doesn't give us any coverage" would have more substance attached to it. Do you really want channel WXYZ and Joe Reporter from the Daily Planet printing stories and showing video clips of some of your finest racers, crews and fans?

Who knows, it may increase your fan count. It's amazing the positive promotional effects of what you or I might consider 'bad publicity' can have.

Another problem that I have with the nay sayers is the rumor mill complaints. If you were a promoter or owner of a track and you saw false information about your place on a message board, why in the world would you let it stand without giving out the correct information? It's not like this sort of thing ONLY happens on KARNAC message board for Pete's sake! Didn't you ever have a teacher in school do the 'pass the word' drill? She tells one student, "Mike is wearing a red shirt", and that student has to pass it on the next student and so on. By the time the 30th student has been passed the original comment, it has been turned into "Mike is getting expelled because his girlfriend Lisa is pregnant with twins". Rumors are controlled by a steady stream of factual statements and press releases by managements, not by some faith that human nature is going to take a right turn tomorrow because we will it so.

Those promoters who don't fall into the nay Sayer category are to be commended. Billy Hooker from Citrus County, J.T. Beard, soon to take over the Auburndale operation, Don Nerone of Orlando and New Smyrna, Louis Smith formerly from Florida Speed Park, are some of the promoters who aren't afraid of their fans and drivers and care enough to take the time to correct false information, and are trying to use the Internet and the new technology to benefit racing. Regardless of your personal or professional feelings towards these people, they are not hiding from you! And in reality some of the owners or promoters just haven't caught up with all this computer stuff, and that is understandable, I suppose for some people it's not all that easy.

But to those sitting back saying how bad it all is and blaming the Internet for their ills, get used to it! It's not going away. Learn how to use the new technologies to help grow racing, and focus on the positive tools available to you. Just a few of the tools with enormous potential are e-mail marketing combined with devices such as autorepsonders can add enormous marketing potential to reach both drivers and fans. The information storage, retrieval, and transmission capabilities over the Internet will not only create changes in the way speedway offices operate, but enormously impact the efficiency of the small staffs most speedways employ. Right now it is possible for a speedway to air its races with video and audio over the Internet for less than the cost of one week's purse of one of it's racing divisions. By gradually implementing these concepts a speedway can immediately increase it's reach into their communities while reducing the costs of marketing and management.

Within minutes a message can be placed that will reach over a thousand people directly, and by the time word of mouth via e-mail and telephones has done it's job three to four times that many fans will have heard your message.

All in one day!

At practically no cost.

Lowered fan counts and less drivers has nothing to do with message boards, but it does have something to do with not enough advertising, promotions, not using the new technologies, and not keeping up with the ever changing face of marketing.

I predict that the speedways that continue to run their facilities with 1960s and 1970s thinking will continue to struggle or force ownership changes while those that embrace new marketing tools will become the big players in the near future. Running on automatic is a sure way to destroy stock car racing in a community.

Racers hurting their cause

One complaint some have about message boards and chat rooms are the 'bad image' some drivers and fans give the sport with the comments made on the boards. There is no doubt some truth to this. But it's not the complaining about official's calls, lack of promotion, rough driving, 'cheating', poor safety or any of those types of things that impart a bad image.

Rather I would suggest to you it is the foul abusive language accompanied by personal attacks, and similar poor judgment used by the combatants. A personal phone call or e-mail or even personal confrontations out of the eye of the general public is one thing. Mix these with the cowardly avoidance of using your name and you have, at least in the opinion of many, shown a high degree of disrespect for the sport you supposedly love. These kinds of emotional outbursts in a public forum in the main are not from kids, they are not from fans, but most of the time are from drivers or crew whose emotions have run out of control.
You see this on the track and in the pits. Poor sportsmanship is poor sportsmanship, regardless of logic defying excuses for ramming cars, getting out and acting like a child at a sporting event by beating on a fellow competitor. Many will point to the other sports such as baseball where brawls are becoming commonplace. Last week I saw three Hall of Famers make this exact point. It shows a lack of respect for the game itself, not to mention your competitors. Baseball handles it with serious suspensions and fines. So should Saturday night racing shows. Some speedways have a place in their program or web sites to announce suspensions and fines. Although anyone is capable of 'race track rage' a 'three strikes and you're out permanently rule' may be a good thing to rid the tracks of repeat offenders who can't control their behavior. Stress reduction clinics are one place to deal with aggressive behavior problems, but not a race track.

It's no secret in successful companies that you keep the morale high by removing malcontents from your ranks. Bad apples do indeed keep good people away. If you want a slugfest, WWF with reality or tough man competitions, fine. Call it that, promote it and fill the stands.

Then on the other hand, perhaps the evil 'driver in black' against the 'white hat' is a good draw.

The participants who grace our message boards with their childish nonsense are no doubt the same ones who are constantly causing problems at the track.

Another example of the lack of respect shown the sport of stock car racing is when egos collide and the almighty dollar is involved. A perfect example exists as I write this. In the wake of a recent terrible tragedy at a Florida speedway the former owner/promoter, currently involved in a maze of legal disputes with the current ownership, decided to attack the current management and used the death of an innocent racer to further his own agenda, and chose to involve the message board as a weapon. Not only did the timing and judgment of such an action bring pain to more innocent people, but also it reduced the credibility of the former owner's claims and certainly had the opposite effect that he intended.
Also it must be noted that conversations dealing in a positive way with improvements that may be needed in our State do not get read very much, nor posted to with any frequency. While at the same time goofy, off the wall childish posts, as moronic as the Springer show, get read the most and become the longest on-going conversations.

Go figure.

Our policy at KARNAC.com has been to remove vulgar posts when we become aware of them. We have stated over and over, bring them to our attention, and we will remove them. We do not and will have a policy of removing posts complaining about the official's calls, or posts describing the poor taste of your food, or fans that think your prices are too high. Those are issues that ignore them if you want, are legitimate complaints whether you or I think so or not. Sports fans all have one thing in common: they love to argue, and occasionally pitch a fuss about some aspect of it.

The Internet is here to stay. None of us are going to change human nature in our fellows on any broad scale. But as a racer or fan of stock car racing it would seem it's time to realize the power of the Internet and as with any tool, learn to use it wisely.

Of course we welcome your comments and suggestions on these issues. We support the repsonsible use of community message boards.

Maybe the best we can do is use the tools of the Internet to their best advantage, and find solutions to reduce the impact that 'bad apples' have on the racing community tree, and the resulting misuse of the new technology.

Regardless of how the future treats the sport of sport of stock car racing, that future is in the hands of the people who care about it.


-Jack Smith


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August 27, 2000

FSCR

The Red Glow Was Not the Sunset

Ok, we live in a state that is suppose to be full of sunshine and all good things but right now Orlando SpeedWorld seems to be located in a very bad spot for racing or anything. For the last five weeks, a fire has raged underneath the earth causing smoke to take over this last week and actually cause numerous accidents and closings.

The smoke closed down Highway 50 yesterday from I-95 into Orlando. A Florida Highway Tropper greeted you if you even tried to go up 50 letting only a few chosen business owners and workers thru. Between the smoke and the fog, you literally could not see. A very scary ride for someone commuting between Orlando and Titusville, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach and Merritt Island.

Even when the smoke cleared and the roads were reopened, that smell of burning wood and burnt wood overtook the fresh Florida air. That smell always causes you to look around and see if you can see the fire but this one you cannot. The race tracks at Orlando were open last night, a few brave souls came to race at the round track, the drag strip and the dirt tracks. As the smoke would come in and then float back out, it was alittle scary.

The lightning began to surround the track and the races speeded up their pace to get everyone out. Then in the far off right of the track, a strange red glow began to appear, not some UFO landing but the glow of yet another fire starting up. Lightning was hitting hard and it was the kind that hits the ground and seems to stay forever but really doesn't. The kind that if you are smart here in Florida, you get out of.

Races lasted all of an hour and a half and then it was over, both heats and features. No partying afterwards, haulers and trailers loaded up right after the final lap and out of there. As my daughter and I went home, we tried to pick which road would be safest to go home on - 50 or 520. Now 50 is four laned and 520 is two laned so we went down 50. Both have smoke and fog so it was "either/or" choice.

Then as we came to this little church in Christmas, Florida, one that we have always thought how pretty the setting was, that strange red glow was shotting way above the little church and the homes right there. Fire engines surrounded this peaceful setting and cars were stopping just to see if they could help hose down anything. The fire was to the backdoor of these homes and the church. When we went to the track around 7:30 that night, there was no fire but just a few short hours later, it was there.

Racing went on last night and fans left happy because they did race but last night only proved to me that things change very fast at times and one person's happiness can be another's sorrow. I hope they saved that little church and the homes around it but I won't know until next week when we go on 50 to the racetrack.


-Jane Smith

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August 12, 2000

FSCR

Whose Responsibility Is It??

By Jane Smith

Once again the message board is on fire and this time, some of it is being blamed on kids. Whether or not that is true, I don't know but even if it was kids making the posts, where did they get their attitudes???

Drivers, crew members, owners, track personnel, we all have a responsibility to the kids that watch the races and the ones that eventually become racers. Why are we teaching them that it is okay to have a double standard, to say one thing and yet do another? All this does is teach that no one has to go by the rules, that rules don't count and winning is everything so you do whatever you have to to win even if that means taking someone out when you really know better.

Have you ever seen the look on a child's face when his or her hero has been punched in the face? Let me tell you, that is not a look that anyone wants to see. Fighting does not accomplish anything ever, and it NEVER teaches children anything good. Fighting is not the solution to any problem and if you are too angry to discuss the problem, walk away, cool off and come back and talk reasonable.

The tracks where I take my children have never been one for fighting. Fighting is a no-no and usually if you want to fight, then you don't want to race anymore and that is usually what you get. But recently you see on the message board about tracks that actually have more fights than racing. If this is true, then something is definitely wrong and someone needs to step in and take control and stop the childish behavior.

Raising good kids is not easy. Racing does help keep families together and for most parents, it pretty much lets them see their kids since they are at the track and not out wondering off in no-where land. But it is not just parents that teach these kids, it is all of us and we need to do a better job. Don't teach these kids that it is okay to cheat, it is okay to call other people names and it is okay to knock the socks off someone simply because you were in a bad mood and had to take it out on someone. This is not the way it is suppose to be, IT IS THE WAY THAT IT SHOULD NEVER BE.

Recently I was told that racers at Orlando SpeedWorld and New Smyrna Speedway don't know how lucky they are. They race where they are safe and comfortable and where people actually seem to care about you. Not all tracks seem to care about their families and that is one of the key ingredients for a good track, caring and listening to your second family.

For the sake of our kids, and they are "OUR" kids, let's teach them that winning is not everything but what truly counts is how you play together and how you treat your fellow racer and man. We are not in this local racing scene for money, no way, no how. Local racing means having fun, doing your best, and congratulating the winner with a smile on your face and a hand shake or kiss, which ever is appropriate.

It is much easier to do the right thing than the wrong thing and kids do know the difference although we all know, that kids do what they see and NOT what they are told. If you drink, they usually drink. If you smoke, they smoke and if you cheat at a sport or life, so do they. What kind of adult do you want your son or daughter to be and do you want them to believe it is okay to do anything as long as you WIN?? And if you think the kids are really writing mean messages on the message board, think where they got them from. Somewhere, sometime, somehow, an adult has shown them the wrong way.

Jane Smith

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August 9, 2000

Rick Anges

The Sponsor

You have seen them on all the big names, Richard Petty STP, Dale Earnhardt GM Goodwrench, Rusty Wallace Miller Lite, the list goes on and on. These people spend millions of dollars on the men and their machines just so their product can be displayed in an arena of specialized people, Race Fans! Who among us can't say that when it came down to buying a box of laundry soap that we didn't choose the Tide over the Cheer due to the fact they are a sponsor of a race car? Yes, this sponsor thing does work for both parties, the company sells products and services, the race car driver gets to race!

Getting the sponsor is probably the easiest part, the hard part is keeping them. When a team gets a full time sponsor who helps foot the racing bill and keep the car on the track the team has to keep the image of the sponsor in good standing with the crowd, the officials, and the people they race with. Fights, on track negative displays, yelling, and just acting like a person possessed are not the way to gain business for the person who comes up with the check.

Part of what it takes to get to the big time in racing is know when to say when and walk away. Sure the big boys also show their emotions from time to time but it takes a lot to cause them to want actually take out their anger in more then mere words. When the calls on the track don't go your way or are obviously wrong then take it up with the officials, it is their job to make the calls but it is also their job to explain the call. Asking them while you are fired up is not the right time, ask when would be the right time to ask the questions you want answered. Also take time to ask other people what happened on the track, sometimes what is seen from the car on the track is not the big picture at all. Now if the officials won't explain then there is a problem, they need to know that they are the people who have taken the job of making sure the playing field is fair. If they wont explain then they only make themselves look bad.

Another thing that a lot of teams don't realize when they get that elusive big sponsor is that they are basically working for that sponsor. Their appearance and the way they handle themselves is what a good backer is looking for. They want every bang from their buck. And any good team who knows what its like to wonder where that next tire is coming from should learn this. Make every appearance that is humanly possible. Do everything you can in your community for your track and your sponsor. If you keep your name out in the community in positive ways you will gain fans at the race track, if you gain fans at the race track your sponsor and the race track gain more customers, then everybody is happy.

Then you win races and hopefully things will start happening for you. If you continue to get your name and your reputation out there and it is a good one, other companies and people will start to pay attention to you. It doesn't happen for everyone but the ones that it does will tell you if you race hard and clean and take what you do seriously then you will have a better chance then the guy with the chip on his shoulder every Saturday night.

Winning the race is the greatest feeling any team can experience, getting to and keeping up that feeling is hard and dedicated work, it just doesn't happen on it's own.
Anyone can try it, only a chosen few can really do it.........
Rick Anges

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August 7, 2000

FSCR

Racing in Florida

Every track has its own problems. My tracks have problems but if most fans are like me, they want to help and they don't want to lose their tracks or their extended families. When racers you know and love leave the track, it does hurt. When track personnel leave, it hurts. When the people you must trust that run your tracks won't listen, where do you go????

Every way you turn, someone is calling "the kettle black". Track owners say you can come to them with any problem but is that true?? Nasty rumors fly, people get hurt, and the track goes down hill. So what do racers, their families, and the fans really want out of a racetrack or even a racing series here in Florida?????

Fairness is extremely important. Yes, most tracks seem to have what they call "track favorites". Even when they do wrong, they are excused where some other guy or gal might not be. That is great for the track favorite but bad for all the other guys. Rules are made for ALL and rules must be the same for ALL.

Local racing and racing in a series here in Florida is shutting the doors for alot of very good guys and gals who just cannot afford what use to be affordable. Series racing should be more expensive than local every weekend racing but since when do you need a semi to go racing? Yes, an enclosed trailer will protect you from the rain but I have seen racers carry as much gear for the cars in an open trailer and van or truck as the enclosed trailers. Big rigs don't make the racer.

How many guys really make their living racing locally or in a state series?? How many are backyard mechanics and maintain their own cars or how many have crews that do that for them? How many work their butts off to race and getting wrecked does hurt and how many just go home and get another car?

Racers need higher purses today to race because it does cost more. And fans need lower admission prices because it cost too much to go to local racing? So, how do we pay out more and take in less? One way is by having full stands and high car counts and this will benefit everyone but I have only seen this done at special races and some dirt tracks.

How do we make our racers and fans happy? How do we get fairness for all with no exceptions? How do we make sure that the rules are always followed? How do we stop losing our guys to the high cost of racing and get racing back to where it was??? And how do we say we were wrong in a bad call and make it right?

Florida racing should be some of the best in the country for local short track racing. We have the tracks, we have some great fans, and we have some of the best drivers around. So why are we so unhappy with our tracks and how they are run?

There is one thing that I know for a fact and that is alot of very good people love these tracks. They don't want to lose them but if we don't start working together and listening to each other and treating everyone the same, we will have weeds in our tracks instead of cars.

Jane Smith

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July 8, 2000

FSCR

The Race Against Fate

Once again we find ourselves mourning the loss of another member of the racing community. I suppose it wont be long before someone will publicly question what is perceived to be the senselessness of motorsports. To the uninitiated, driving a motor vehicle competitively seems as though the driver has a death wish. To be honest, that is far from the truth.

Lets look at this mistaken belief in more depth by trying to answer a couple of popular questions asked by many, OK?

#1) Why do they do it?

A drivers reasons for getting into a racing vehicle are very complex. Many times, it is more than one thing that motivates them. Fame, fortune, public recognition, self-acclaim, a sense of accomplishment and self worth are amongst the more popular reasons in the mix. For some, proving themselves against an internal, insurmountable yardstick is what its all about. Who knows exactly? It is a personal thing.

#2) Dont they realize how dangerous it is?

In a word, yes. The possibility of losing ones life is considered, albeit briefly. The same can be said about the daily commuter driving to work though. There is a possibility that something could go very wrong and he might not make it home again. He doesnt worry about it. Its an accepted risk that hopefully, wont happen to him because the odds seem to be greatly against it. Can you see the similarities? You see, if you concentrate too much on the possibilities for danger, you would never leave the house.

Thats also how racing deals with the laws of probability. 'No, not me' lets the driver live an adventuresome life, rather than cower in a corner, afraid to experience it to the fullest. This doesnt mean they are ignoring reality, they are dealing with it in a way that permits them to continue on.

And then, a tragedy occurs that shakes the very foundation of motorsports. It brings to mind that no matter how hard we try, we cant change the fact we are mortal and must succumb to a higher calling. A racer can decide to acknowledge that fact, then continue on or possibly even choose to stop.

We have examples of those who did voluntarily discontinue their racing careers. Ernie Irvan is one that comes to mind. He tempted Fate more times than the NASCAR community would care to think about. When he stepped down, we, as drivers, owners and fans understood why. Those whom only have a casual interest in racing would probably consider him to be chicken-hearted or say that he should never have begun racing in the first place. No, he did the right thing. He wrestled with Fate and decided that The best 2 out of 3 was good enough. As for Neil Bonnet, just one more time was all he wanted. Fate had other ideas. You just never know what tomorrow holds, so live your life to the fullest. Both of these drivers have done just that.

Racing is an evolutionary thing.

Throughout the years, man (and woman) has pushed the envelope of knowledge, power and safety by going further than most have gone before. Chuck Yeager as a test pilot in the X15, Neil Armstrong as the first man walking on the moon and even Jacques Cousteau peering into the depths of the oceans are fine examples of what happens when someone dares to go beyond what we believe mere humans should do. Racing draws from the same parallels. Pushing the limits of a racing vehicle to seemingly defy the perceived laws of physics reaps many benefits. Finding where that edge is can give a driver the edge in a race. And even when a driver goes beyond the edge, mankind as a whole, learns.

This is the best solace we can take from the loss of a member of the racing community as a whole. The feeling that maybe something can be found to give value to the loss of their existence.

Thank you to those of whom have dedicated their lives, both past and present, to the advancement of humanity by taking the risks most would not. Thank you for providing us with the proving grounds of discovery and adventure. Without you, vehicular power, safety and durability would still be in their infancy.

If after reading this, you still cant understand the need to go far beyond what most are willing to do, we forgive you. It is not in your capacity to live your life to the fullest. For those of you that do understand, together we will mourn a loss with the full knowledge that mans contest with Fate will be an ongoing struggle, but as time goes on and we learn more, the casualties will become less and less.

Godspeed to our fallen adventurers.

By Johannes Nieborg



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July 6, 2000

news

Why Are They Still Booing?

As adults and racefans, sometimes we are definitely wishy-washy. OK, you have liked Jeff Gordon since his sprint car days and his Ford Baby Ruth days. Then after he won that first championship and started making records of his own, he was OUT. OUT to his fans, but not all fans. The real "diehard" fan is the 8, 9, l0, ll, 12-year old who wears that t-shirt and hat proudly, and who never changes his loyalty no matter whose record is broken or whose toes are stepped on.

Last Saturday, as my daughter and I enjoyed the Pepsi 400 as much as the drunks would allow us to that surrounded us, there was a young boy, maybe 9 years old, sitting close to us all decked out in Tony Stewart hat, shirt, and colors. There was no doubt in his mind that Tony Stewart was 'THE MAN, HIS MAN." Every time Tony would get close to the front, the boy would jump up and run to the railing and just hold on for dear life. The thrill of seeing his "guy" get those 5 extra points for leading was overpowering.

When Terry Labonte and Michael Waltrip came spinning and whirling down the front stretch right in front of us, the boy could not help but be afraid for his Tony. Not that he wanted to see Michael, Terry, or Jeremy hurt but he came to see his guy win and no one could take out "his guy."

The only thing that really got the boy's attention was the lady in the hot pink somewhat of an outfit that paraded in front of our section just to get whistles and "nice going guy" to her husband. Of course to all the women, she was not exactly a lady and the outfit basically said that in itself. Not the way to dress for a race since yes, the kiddies are in the audience. Just showing once again, it is not the racing that is important to some, it is the drunken stupor or stares and whistles.

The race had a last minute caution, and Tony was up there but not enough to win the race for his little fan. Then just as Jeff Burton started his Victory Lap, I heard sobs from a child. Being that I have a 7-year old, I am very tuned in to sobs. I started to look around and discovered it was my little Tony Stewart fan, all red-eyed and full of tears. Meeting his mom's eyes, I asked her, "Was it the race?" and she said,"Yes."

Being a mom sometimes makes you a universal mom. You want to protect all the kids and make things right for them. I knew that I could not give this boy the winner he wanted but I could assure him that Tony will win again and one time, he will be there for that win.

Children don't change their favorites like we do. They pick them, they collect them, and they stay with them. And just maybe, the heroes will see how much they can help these young fans in their rocky road to adulthood. We are all responsible for our children; just some are more 'seeable' than others.

So next time you are at a race and you are close to kids, try not to downgrade any driver because you never know who might be his fan, like my little Tony Stewart fan. He clapped for every driver introduced and yelled, of course, for Tony but when all the boos came out for Jeff Gordon, I heard him ask his mom why. And you know what she said..."Because he can drive too good."

-Jane Smith-


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June 28, 2000

news

Just A Little Helping Hand

You have a winning car with a winning driver, but what you don't have is SPONSORS.

That is the story of the owners of the #81 Florida Modified. Their car, with Ricky Wood behind the wheel, just won the 50-lap 'Dick Joslin Memorial Modified Race' at Orlando Speedworld. They would like to race in more open-wheel modified events, but as all racers know and car owners, times are hard and racing is expensive. Not only are there entry fees to pay, but tires to buy and gas.

To sponsor a car and have your name out 'In Lights' does not cost an arm and leg. You can sponsor a set of tires for a big race or maybe gas for a race. Or you could give as little as $50.00 a month to the car owner to help out and still have your name 'In Lights.' And you will find that if you need a race car in front of your business for people to see, you will have one. Race cars are a very big draw for people and you could be surprised at all the new business you could get.

If you love racing and you would like to be more involved, think about sponsoring a car, even this car. Then you can hang up winning photos of you and the whole race team and become more a part of a great sport we all love.

If interested in sponsorship and becoming part of the racing family, let us know.

Jane Smith

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May 27, 2000

FSCR

MOVE OVER

Last night at Orlando SpeedWorld, with a packed grandstand and pits, race fans saw some very good racing. But, even though the majority of those twenty six racers ran a clean race, there seems to always be one driver who has to play mean and dirty. For the fans that were there, they know who it was. No names will be called but fans do have eyes and can see when a driver plays mean.

Even in the Florida Sunbelt and the Florida Pro Series, we have drivers that have money to blow and those that race on what they can. A lot of these guys don't have their own race teams that work day and night on their cars, they go to work every day to enable them to work on those cars at NIGHT. And when they finally get to the point that the car is finely tuned, running in the top five and really doing a great job, someone with more money, more sponsors, wants to play dirty and out they go to start once more on that long road to perfection for the track.

Once again racing is not fun. Once again hard feelings are there and what once was a good evening, turns into a hell of a weekend. And what did the driver and the fans learn? That it is okay to play dirty when you want to win or do anything to get your way? It may look that way kids but it isn't.

Joe Nemecheck got fined $25,000.00 last weekend for rough driving, too bad we can't do that sometimes to our's. But the Winston is run strictly for money, no points, and our Sunbelt and Pro races are more points and money. And this brings out the dirt and the "at all costs to win."

For most fans, the side by side, clean racing is far more enjoyable than the tuck under and take out method. Maybe someday, in time and with age, driving methods will change and the kids will see the true show in racing. You don't have to play dirty to win, you don't have to cheat to win, you just have to do your best and be fair.

--Jane
SIDENOTE TO MOVE OVER
Once again, an article based on opinion and feelings has caused uncalled for reaction. First, yes, I am a woman but not a bitch unless you make me a bitch and then I can be Head Racing Bitch if I want to. Maybe I can and maybe I can't write, but that is up to more than just one person to decide. But, I do know what I want my child to learn from this sport and one fact that he needs to know in his young life is that you can't just do whatever you want to win.

I love racing, I am proud that I can stand up for racing. I have been on both sides of the fence and unless you have, you honestly don't understand or care how hard it is for some of these guys to race. Try working two maybe three jobs for this. Some do. You say why - because they love it. Because it is part of them and without it, they feel an emptiness that nothing else will fill. But they can't all afford to get wrecked purposely and there are some, that can never make it back from those losses.

Anyone who loves racing and their local track, will know a racing family member when they are approached. I, at least, stand up for the sport and for the little guy and for all those wonderful kids out there who need to know that racing is not cheating nor wrecking on purpose or even punching each other out. It is side by side, door to door, lap after lap one inch apart and yet never taking each other out. And if you think that is okay, then I guess you think it is okay to cheat on your wife or abuse your kids or call someone you never even met a "bitch"?

You will never see me call anyone a name or pinpoint one certain driver as a bad guy. The article can be filled in by you, you know who you think plays alittle too rough. And yes, maybe my idea of good racing is not your's but that is what we call OPINIONS.

Jane



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May 20, 2000

FSCR

A Mother's Point of View

As a mother and a woman who loves racing, having a child in your family race is not a bad thing. Racing keeps more families together than any other sport that I can think of. You will find not only wives, husbands, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, even grandparents at the track in the pits but a lot of neighbors and co-workers.

Parents, especially mothers, do not look at their children racing as sending them out for certain death on that track. The odds are that you will be just fine but every now and then, the unexpected does happen. Then, it brings out people like Mr. Gearan who writes totally tasteless articles about nothing he knows one thing about and tries to tell us that he knows how we feel especially us mothers. That, is probably one of the dumbest statements ever made.

As parents who have children who race and probably got that racing bug from us, we all have our fears. I was told that last Saturday night I wore a hole in the pits from pacing from one side to the other when my daughter raced. I would watch her on the frontstretch and run back so I could see her on the backstretch and therefore, everyone teased me that I was putting a hole in the road. But that was my baby and standing still would not have worked and I got thru it.

I think that every parent has that fear in them when their son or daughter is on a track and age has no bearing on that feeling. Kyle Petty had a fear in him no matter if he was a Winston Cup driver himself or not, that was still his son and it was there. But we as parents cannot protect our children from life and if we hold them back from trying what they really want to try, we keep them from ever flying.

Kyle Pettty and all racing parents, support their children l00%. Adam knew that, my daughter knows that. There are many worse things that our kids could do than race and I am thankful that my daugher would rather be at the track with her extended family than out running around and getting into trouble.

--By Jane Smith

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May 14, 2000

FSCR

Shine On

by Robin Meiser


The racing community has become complacent in the past several years. The success of our sport in the past five years has been phenomenal. Stock car racing has soared in popularity, and is now the most popular spectator sport in the country. NASCAR and stock car racing in general has become an industry all its own. We have created a whole new class of folk heroes, the most famous being anyone bearing the name of Petty. They are the First Family of Stock Car Racing. They are the epitome of what a racing "family" should be.


Start with family patriarch, Lee Petty, who we just lost within the past month, a short week after his great grandson, Adam made his debut in Winston Cup Racing. While we all mourned the loss of the eldest Petty, we knew we still had Adam, with his bright future ahead of him. Adam would carry on the Petty tradition with his father, Kyle, racing beside him and grandfather, Richard, guiding them both from the pits. Petty Enterprises would truly be the family business that race fans always hoped it would be.


Any diehard NASCAR fans who have been around a Winston Cup garage or special events that involved the Petty family probably feel like they personally know Adam, his brother Austin, and sister Montgomery Lee. They are the ultimate RaceTrack Brats, as was their father and his sisters before them. Their mother, Patty, had once been Miss Winston before marrying Kyle. They grew up spending their weekends in the pits of racetracks. We all know the Petty Family folklore.


I remember when Adam was about eight years old and they had a Big Wheels race for the children of the drivers at Race Fest in Daytona Beach, Adam Petty being one of them. The fans that were there, my family among them, cheered for the little Richard Petty look-a-like as he raced his pedal powered vehicle. I'll never forgot the way he smiled that day with that big Petty grin taking up his whole face. His parents were standing on the sideline, rooting him on, pride on both their faces like any other average American parents.


That is the thing that makes the Petty family so special to us, they are so average. Anyone fan lucky enough to meet Richard Petty has always found him to be the average Joe, taking the time to talk to fans, sign autographs, and pose for pictures. He has never forgotten his roots, unlike many of today's well known stock car drivers. Richard passed these traditons down to Kyle, who in turn passed them on to his son, Adam.


We expected that Adam would pass it on to his children but unfortunately that will never be. We have lost our Crown Prince. He left us doing what he was born to do, racing a stock car, practicing for the big event. Listening to the commentators during the New Hampshire Motor Speedway Busch race today, I was struck by several things they said. Glenn Jarrett, brother of Winston Cup Champion Dale Jarrett and son of past champion Ned Jarrett, said it best, "while we know there will be risks in our sport, we are never ready to accept the consequences." Is there any better way to say it?


It is a sad day in stock car racing history; there is no doubt about it. How do you even begin to imagine a mother losing her son on Mothers Day weekend? Even people who aren't race fans know the Petty name and grieve with the rest of us. Maybe we should do what ex-driver Buddy Baker said, "rather than grieve, let's celebrate the time we had with Adam." People that knew Adam said he was like the sunshine. Unfortunately, our sun set early yesterday but the sun will come back out and the spirit of Adam will shine on.


The End






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May 9, 2000

FSCR

IN THE "HEAT" OF THE MOMENT

The cars are roaring out of turn two, four drivers are battling hard for the lead, the points are so close that however they finish tonight is the way the will stand come Monday morning. As the second place car makes a move to take the lead the car in front drops low to protect his spot. In an attempt to miss him the second place car goes high, as he does he taps the third place car and both cars go spinning into the infield taking them both out of the hunt for the coveted win.

As the leader goes across the line for the checkers the two other drivers climb out of their steaming cars and proceed to turn the highly contested race into a "Hockey Brawl." Sound familiar? This an occurrence that happens at race tracks all over the country. Men taking what should have been a competitive race and turning it into a fight.

Why? I mean it was only a race right? They are only cars with numbers painted on them right? WRONG! These men and women are competitors as were the Roman Gladiators out to have fun yes, but it's deeper then that, it's a burning desire that most of us have from an early age. Its the old ABC adage "The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat."

When you're that close to being at the top of your game and its right there within your grasp and suddenly in the blink of an eye it's gone as you're spinning into the turn two wall. You see months of preparation, sleepless nights, too many dollars to think about and just blood, sweat and tears going up in a cloud of smoke. Emotions are what cause most of these fights, the pure adrenaline flowing through each and every one of us. It makes even the most calm person lose their temper.

When its over most of people wish it had never happened, wish they had used their head instead of their hands to settle the dispute. But it happened anyway and several thousand people witnessed it. Did it cause a detriment to the sport? Will it make people stop coming to the races because two people lost their heads in the heat of the moment?

No....I have witnessed many of these events on and off the race track. When it happens you can hear the roar of the fans standing up on their feet cheering the battling duo on until officials can break them up. Then it is the talk of the track for weeks to come and its the anticipated return of both drivers to the track to see if they will do battle again. And they will, but most of the time it's on the track as they don't want to miss those weeks of racing because it's in their blood.

Most of us have seen the replays of the Allison-Yarborough fight at Daytona and it was broadcast live too. Now I ask you, did this hurt NASCAR? HELL NO!!! Look where they are today, a billion dollar businesses. It's competitive nature when something like that happens with the big boys, it just proves we all put our fire suits on the same way. Is suspensions and fines the way to handle these fights? Well, it really depends on the situation, if it's an out and out fisticuffs that is totally uncalled for, then yes they should be given some time off to cool their jets. But when its just a racing deal then handle it that way, on the TRACK!

Give them the option to go out there and run a 5 lap grudge race winner wins the argument, 9 times out of ten they will jump for it! What it all boils down to is its human nature, competition makes things happen that make people loose control, its an emotion that is very hard to control and all of yelling and screaming, fines and suspensions will never ever make it go away. It's what will happen when different people from different places are brought together to compete, but also you can count on the same two combatants to be in the pits on a Saturday night lending one an axle so he can make the feature that night and forgetting about what had occurred earlier because it happened "in the Heat of the Moment"

........Rick Anges

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April 20, 2000

FSCR

Rainy Race Nights

You could be a redneck if you dream in black and white and circles. Or some think of racers as rednecks and I admit, when it is hot, their necks do get red but most are not rednecks. Most are hard working men who like to play on the weekends with their cars. Some, if they are lucky enough to have families, are devoted family members with their families behind them.

Others, well, they are without families sometimes because of racing. Wives and husbands who do not share that unending, fire shooting, electrifying passion deep inside of a racer may just find himself/herself without family. That can be the biggest pitfall to racing, it can either bring a family closer together or end one forever.

When it rains out races, a racer is totally lost. They wonder around with no car to work on, no last minute things to do and find themselves in limbo land. If there are races on the television, that can fill the void for a while. But it is not for long. Here we have this strange new form of racing swamp buggies on land (no water) like drag racing. Depending on the engines and how close you are to the engines, you may find yourself moved around a bit. You can definitely say that this does fill the void left in a raceless weekend.

There is one other thing that can fill the void when racing has been cancelled due to rain and that is sitting around listening to racers talk about the good old days. That has to be one of the most interesting conversations around. Personally, I love hearing about racing when it was at it's best and more up to the man and his ability to fine tune the car and not how much money you have to make the car.

When I think of that in my own head, I go back to when racers use to race on the beach at Daytona sometimes in their family cars and then drive home after the races if the car was driveable. That was true racing. Just like the old moonshiners who would tweak their cars just a little so the law could not catch them. But in those days, there was little traffic and it must have been a lot easier to avoid the long arm of the law if you ran shine.

That brings us to one important question - one that will require some thinking time. If there was no purse at all in local track racing, how many would still race??

Do you race for the purse or do you race because that is what you want to do?

What means more to the local track racer - winning, the purse, the trophy, the recognition from the fans that you won????

Only you know the answers, only you know how you dream and why you race and what fills your void on a rainy race night.

By Jane Smith

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April 10, 2000

FSCR

Taking Turns?

Last night during the Florida Sunbelt Super Late Model
race at New Smyrna Speedway, I met a lot of new drivers
from other tracks here in Florida. And in talking to these
drivers and their crews, it became more than familiar what
they were saying because I have heard it a thousand times.
How the purses at their tracks never pay enough, the stands
are never full enough, and car counts are low. Then, I got this brillant idea, maybe we should let track owners take turns running different tracks and in this regard, they could help each other to see what each track needs to become the "very best" it can be.

Racers love to race close to home. Most of them don't want to haul two, three, four hours away for a race. But when your home track is closed or you are on the outs with the local track owner and crew, what else can you do but travel. You see, the racing blood is very strong and does not really go away because you must drive more.

The strangest thing to me in all this is that I see so much love in these guys for their home tracks and for the people who race at these tracks. This is family to them but with inflation and all, racers need to know that even at a local level, their efforts are appreciated. Tracks raise their entrance fees, food and drinks go up and drivers do need their purses to change. Maybe the owners can't give them a big raise but a raise says something to these guys who work their butts off to race at those tracks to put on shows for the fans so the owners make money.

One track may be a "bad" track to one driver but to another, it is heaven. I have even been told that we actually have HUGE purses compared to some of the tracks back up north. Some tracks need repairs and facelifts, some are perfection. But one thing for sure, most every track I have been to and that includes Daytona International, has the nicest, friendliest people around. Mostare always smiling whether they want to or not and if you give them half a chance, most of them can fill your ear with which driver is the track favorite and which is the track trouble maker.

Somehow, someway, racers, fans, crews, and track owners need
to realize how much each needs the other. We have some of the grestest tracks in the United States here in Florida. We canrace all year long which not many people can say that. So if we love these tracks, we need to work for all of them. The saddest sight there is is a wasted track and that can happen if we don't work together.

There is one thing that everyone should realize in local track racing and that is that your opinion does count. Also, if youhave a skill that the track could use or even one of the racers could use, let them know it. Everyone needs help, there are no exceptions. And in racing, if we did not help each other on the local level, we would have very few cars out there on that track.

All good things take time, I know some think and feel that it is taking forever but things do change and hopefully for the best. Just use that love you have in you for something good and let's go racing with our family.

-Jane Smith

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April 9, 2000

Rick Anges

Hialeah Celebrates Tax-Day with RACING!

This Saturday Jack Smith and I will be going to Hialeah Speedway to see the rebirth of a place filled with racing history. Not very often to you get to see a place like this come back from the great odds that were levied against it. But do to the acts of fans and racers alike this family picked up the ashes and fought the impossible odds to breath life back into the beloved speedway. When I started reading about the tax problems and other things they were up against from posts on our message board I began recalling the great tracks that have fallen by the way side like SARA-MANA being torn down in the early 70's being turned into a trailer park and Golden Gate which is now a flea market. Would Hialeah be the next Super Walmart? Not for a while it wouldn't!!!!

Mike Powers started a drive to save his beloved track that absolutely caught fire. An escrow account was set up and low and behold through consistent dedication the dream was realized and now what was a lost cause is a rebirth racing resumes this weekend April 15th (how ironic for it to be open on tax deadline day!!!) >;o) With the formation of the South Florida Racing Alliance, new deals made on the payment of taxes and a man like Mike Powers being the driving force this place so rich with racing history will have many more checkered flags flown over its finish line!..... on my way to Hialeah..........Rick Anges
Hialeah Fires 'Powers' Back To Life!



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March 13, 2000

FSCR

Time for Change

Just as I have lost faith in the justice system right now,
I am also loosing faith in the goodness in man. You
look at message boards once again and instead of good
things and how well tracks and racers are doing, it is
nothing but compliants. What is wrong with this picture?
If you own a track and you want to make money and get
lots of fans to come every week and see your racers, you
have to treat them decent, listen to them, and realize that
without the cars and the fans, there is no track.

Racing is not bickering all the time, racing is not being
jealous of one another because of money, racing is a
kinship of men and women who share the same love and
respect for the world of stockcar racing. We are suppose
to treat each other as we would like to be treated but it
is obvious, this is just not happening.

It does not take an expert or an extremely smart person to
realize that local stockcar racing is in trouble. Tracks that
are well run, offer good racing, good food, clean rest rooms
and an atmosphere that "We are glad you are with us tonight"
will make money, will have cars, will have repeat fans. At
Volusia Speedway Park, a dirt track, has a unique idea in that
they offer scale cars to purchase of their dirt cars. They promote
their racers to their fans and that is great. All tracks need to do
that but it takes just a little bit of effort and caring to do this.

Why don't we all stop this silly bickering and complaining and
help our tracks because they are just that, "our tracks". When
you are a racing family, yes, you will travel to a track but more
than likely, not that often. You end up with a local track very close
to home and that is where you spend your time and your money and
it should be money well spent, not blown because someone got
greedy.

I know it is hard to stop complaining and actually do something
to help it stop but that is what we all have to do as fans and as
racers. Our tracks need to be supported by us and if the track
has an owner that does care, he will listen to one and all for
suggestions and great new ideas of improvement for his track.
That way maybe the racers will come, the fans will come, and
everyone can be happy and truly say "this is the greatest sport
and the best track". Because our tracks can be great, this I know
from all the out-of-state people who tell me that we are lucky here
and I believe that.

Let's start acting like the lucky people we are and make these
tracks work, all of them, dirt and asphalt. We can do this if we
want to and you will be surprised how many new doors can open
up in your life also. Change is not a bad thing if done for the right
reasons, let's change our attitudes and make things better.

-Jane Smith

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March 13, 2000

FSCR

Adding My Two Cents - Jane Smith

Jack Smith is right in his article and the truth should
always be told without having to walk on toes to do it.
I have never been to DeSoto Speedway but I have heard
alot about it. And I do know some racers there. And the
sooner track owners realize that the truth is not told to
hurt them but to make them see that it is time to change,
we will all be better off. Jack does not set out to hurt
anyone, none of us do. But when you actually care about
people and this sport, your tongue and fingers sometimes
definitely do the walking.

No track is perfect, that is for sure. But some tracks have
better owners than others, some even care about their
tracks. It should be a law that if you want to own a track,
you have to take care of it and the people who work there
and race there. It is your second family and you do OWE
it. But if you take care of it and run it right, just like in
everyday life and God, you will see rewards in more ways
than just money and your life will be much happier. But
as always, sometimes you just can't see the forrest for the
trees.

And maybe the solution to it all is what a friend of mine has
done, build your own dirt track and all the cars for that
track and just go out and race for fun, not money, not
trophys, fun. Because if tracks don't wise up, they
may just find themselves with no cars and no fans and
no profits.

People do care in racing but as in anything, it takes
numbers to change anything. So carers, you are on
notice. Let's try and make racing what it should be
not what it has become.

Jane

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March 13, 2000

FSCR

Is Hialeah Speedway Finished? Commentary by Marty Little

There were cheers, tears and above all uncertainty about the
future of Hialeah Speedway when the final checkered flag waved over a field of Cyclone cars Saturday night. Would all the excitement, growing, learning and fender bending come to an end on a cloudy South Florida night or is there life left in the famed third-mile oval?

There is little question that the once proud fortunes of this flat
Miami-area oval have been in decline for the past decade. Run by the Greater Miami Racing Association since its inception in the summer of 1954, the club, out money and options turned over the operation of the track to the promotional duo of Bill Flingos and Ron Kaouk for the 1996 season. Flingos, a former fixture at the track as a driver and car owner, lost his battle with cancer in early 1997 and Kaouk became the solo operator.

With Kaouk as the single person in charge it was the first time the track had lost the involvement with the club membership and the sometimes volatile board of directors. By all good reasoning this change of how the track was managed should have been a plus but it became apparent that the opposite was true. There was no check and balance system and both car and spectator counts began to dwindle noticeably.

From a financial standpoint the biggest yearly burden is the property tax on the leased 33 acre site that encompasses the speedway and its large parking area near downtown Hialeah. This tax as been in the $100,000. range for many years and while some years were more difficult than others, it was always paid on time. This was done via a separate tax account that was added to weekly and used soley for that purpose to meet the April 1 deadline.

Originally Kaouk's contract called for a three year stint as manager but he agreed to take on the 1999 season as well when no other parties stepped forward to unseat him. This season began as did '99 with Kaouk at the helm but there was one big difference. There was no money put asside to pay the looming tax tab. Communication was poor at best but when the racers and fans realized that if the tax bill went unpaid they lost a place to enjoy themselves on Saturday nights they swung into action.

A local attorney who's wife races at the track, Kevin Lunsford, agreed to hold donated monies safely in escrow while others, led by driver Mike Powers and Dennis Coyle, cranked up a telephone campaign to solicit funding and alert the media to the plight of the 46-year-old speedway. Kaouk seemed indifferent to all the commotion and just wanted his reign as promoter to come to an end, to put it behind him.

In only five weeks nearly $30,000 has been raised but it is far short of the $91,000 needed to satisfy the open-handed tax man who cares little about the cares and fears of some weekly racers and fans. An accelerated deadline of March 15 has been imposed by an agreement from a former lawsuit and Lunsford and the property owner's represenative, Pat Bell, will sit down and try to work out an agreement allowing the speedway to remain active.

As we go to press it is not known what fate will befall the place where Bobby and Donnie Allison, Gary Balough, Bobby Brack, Larry Rogero, Mario Gosselin and hundreds of other drivers turned their first competitive laps behind the wheel of a stock car. Only time will tell.

-By Marty Little
RACEHISTRY@aol.com

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March 11, 2000

FSCR

Media and Stock Car Racing Fans

The Race Fans And the Spectators

Everybody knows what a race fan is right? Wrong! Let's see now, who really pays their money at the local short track on a weekend night in Florida? One group are the circle track combatants themselves, with their contingent of seconds wearing the team T-shirts and who are given the designation of crewman. Another group are the team owners, sponsors, or friends of the team owner, sponsor, driver or crew. Their job is to yell real loud and wave the car around the track as if that magical arm wave gives the car more momentum or something like that. And then there's all the kids who belong to one of the above.

At some tracks I've been to those folks above make up the majority of the attendees. I guess that's called making your money off the back gate. At some tracks the folks who comprise the above groups are what are called the 'family'. Not to be confused with the family with the names ending in vowels. That 'family' wouldn't tolerate some of the disrespect shown to senior members of the family. But that's another story.

Then there's the people, we'll call them spectators to keep this simple, who make up the rest of the crowd. If you ever really want an education on fandom, spend an evening in the main grandstand section of a local short track watching the watchers. Don't worry about what goes on out on the asphalt or dirt bullring. The real action is in the stands.

Bill Posey, former owner of Eau Gallie Speedway, racer, now a Florida State Representative, part time racer, and track broker for those seeking to cash in on the surging motorsports craze, or leave it because they've had enough, has the following to say: "To be successful on any level, the sport must continue to entertain. It is the promoter's job to see this is accomplished. Due to increased competition by other sources of entertainment, this job becomes more difficult each day. However, a promoter with an adequate knowledge about the spectator will be more successful in his efforts to entertain him."

Whether or not stock car racing is a sport or not is still open to debate in many quarters, but for now we'll leave it at that. But this word 'entertain' keeps popping up. Is it entertaining to watch 20 drivers tearing up their cars? Sure it is, at least for that group Bill Posey calls the "blood thirsty fan". A clean 25 lap race with no major mishaps or excesses of impatience, and a smiling driver in the winner's circle is not necessarily what they came to see. Mr. Posey says this group makes up about 1000 people out of the 2000 attendees of our mythical audience. He estimates the group I called the 'family' earlier will comprise around 400 of the 2000 fans on hand. The third group Bill Posey refers to is as being true sports fans. People who understand the fine points of racing and who enjoy good competition. They, according to Posey, "comprise about thirty percent", or 600 of our group of 2000. Read all of Bill Posey's expertise at http://www.race-tracks.net.

There's a speedway in Florida that I currently hold the honor of having had my press privileges revoked, but before demonic possession gripped the owner and forced him to issue the fatal edict to my ego, I had the opportunity to take perhaps 30 friends to the races there. They loved it! Gaga for weeks, "wow Jack that's the coolest thing I've done in years". Even got one guy hooked up as a crew member with a team, until he found out you could drink in the stands, but not with that nasty pit band and a crew T-shirt on. For him seeing cars hitting the wall at 75 miles a hour was more fun after downing a few of the track sponsor's beers. Amazing that the biggest contributor to a track is Budweiser. Until you remember the reason 1000 of the 'fans' are there.

Back to the folks I turned on to local Saturday night short track racing. They didn't come back after more than one or two times. Why? Did it cost too much? An emphatic no! Was there something innately more exciting to do? Were the rent- a-sheriffs too harsh? Was it too far to drive? Would they rather go to Disney world? No. No. No. And no!

It was too predictable, among other things. They saw that elusive devil called favoritism. There was a little too long a line to get a medium sized hot dog. There was perhaps a little too much idle time with nothing happening, like watching a movie that drags. But the most important reason was no body reminded them to go back. These were the actual words used by acquaintances when a year or so later they were asked why?

I guess advertising doesn't work.

Or perhaps there's more to selling the fans than throwing a few canned spots on the radio and running ads where folks are reading the golf results and baseball line scores.

Showmanship and Racing
Now at your track how many different people attend a race once or twice a year? How many make a half dozen races? How many go once or twice a month? How far are people willing to drive? What media do they read, see or come in contact with? Is a person who goes to your local track 3 or 4 times a season a race fan? Does he or she want to know about the drivers, or does she just want to see some hot fast dangerous action? That's right she. Look around the main grandstands and fan watch. Saturday night racing is not stag party. How many kids are there at your track?

"Obviously, auto racing's spectators are the backbone of the sport" sums up Bill Posey's point. Note he says spectators not fans or drivers. Perhaps a spectator is simply a potential fan who hasn't been reminded enough times to come back.

I wonder if P.T. Barnum would agree.

Speaking of old P.T. There's a guy up in Georgia somewhere who used to light up the night skies of one Florida speedway with his shenanigans. His name is Tom Stimus. He is a showman. The fact that he went broke had nothing to do with his showmanship, just as it nothing to do with P.T losing more fortunes than most people can dream. Stimus filled his speedway regularly. Bradenton. Ask around and many old time race promoters and even some drivers tell you he knew nothing about racing. So what? He filled the place and when you ask around, people who long since became bored with the weekly shows under the current ownership, will tell you enthusiastically how they loved going to Tom's Place, and it's just not the same now. Are the drivers and the racing any different? Probably not.

Stimus reminded people to come back. Incessantly and non-stop he gave spectators a reason to return to see the show.

Were they fans? Not necessarily. They were spectators who loved spending their hard earned dollars at Tom's Place because he put on a show. Big purses come from having lots of spectators. To keep spectators coming back you have to entertain them and then remind them to come back.

And the more you do that the more fans you make.

Bruton Smith, Founding Member of the NASCAR Moguls Club and his side kick Humpy Wheeler, recently started a new campaign at Charlotte Motor Speedway, (I refuse to call it Lowe's just like I refuse to credit Raymond James) called Fan's First. Even in the rarefied air of NASCAR there are people smart enough to know you don't just have to get them there, you have to get them back. http://207.153.224.233/followthe.html

Fans and Spectators are Fickle
Of course having a lot passionate fans are your track, as opposed to causal spectators, presents problems of it's own. They don't necessarily agree with everything and being passionate, they tend to want answers, and want to complain about things they either don't understand or things they don't like. East Bay raceway has as passionate fan base as you'll find in Florida. Boy, can they present problems. Last year at the big "Run what you brung race" there was a near riot when the officials black flagged the majority of the large Street Stock field. The brouhaha went on for fifteen minutes with the flagman in fear for his life, as drivers and fans came uncomfortably close to storming the palace walls. But the fans come every week and cheer vociferously for their favorites and boo the drivers they are sure are clowns pretending to be race drivers. And spend their money. I wouldn't be surprised if the East Bay concessions some weeks exceed the gate receipts at a few tracks.

Fans are fickle, completely nuts at times, but they are the reason the speedway is open and running every Friday or Saturday night. The track isn't there to give guys and gals with a passion for speed a place to vent. It's not there to please the drivers, it's there to get spectators and fans to come watch the folks with a passion for high speed motorized competition, and spend their money. And if a speedway doesn't make sure the show is half decent and people are not treated in a friendly fashion, and asked repeatedly to come back, they won't continue to 'support' the track. And the track goes broke.

How do I know this?

It's real simple, I'm a fan.

Press, Promotion, and Money
The point of it all is that racing, even a local short track, is big business. Do the math. Really, don't be lazy if you made it this far. How many fans? How many drivers and crews paying the pit fees? How much are the fans, and drivers paying at your track? The concessions, perhaps tire sales, gas sales, photo sales. Then look around the track and count the billboards, how much are they bringing? You're on your own from here, but I will tell you flatly this is not an exercise in how much money owners are making!

Racing at local short tracks is a big operation. It takes a knowledgeable full time, hard working, dedicated promotion person with a myriad of skills to fill a track to capacity every weekend. Reminding people is big job. This is a horn I've been blowing for three years and has gotten me into more hot water in certain quarters than you can imagine. It in actual fact is what led to the creation of KARNAC.com

How can you run a multi-million dollar nearly year round entertainment facility without having a full time marketing person, and a full time PR and media assistant?

Well the truth is, you and I know it's being done at tracks in Florida and has been for years. But this is the very reason why the people who wring their hands to see their favorite driver in the Tampa Tribune, Miami Herald, or Lakeland Ledger are so frequentlydisappointed. Crime, blood, sex, violence, disaster, and other mean and terrible things are their editor's stock in trade.

Get real here. Read the 'round ball' stories. Do you think for one minute, these guys are going to treat your track like it was High School football alumni week year round?

This is a business! Daryl Strawberry getting busted for cocaine one more time gets bigger headlines than George Brett donating a bunch to charity. Find that story in small print in some rare 'goody two shoes' obscure magazine. See, when you open your doors to the CBSVD and other mean and terrible things than dominate the 'traditional media' you now have to be ready to fend off the negative publicity because they will print it every time there's a big ruckus in the pits.

And worse. Joe blow high school loser gets busted for the 14th time and goes to Juvenile Justice. It might get buried deep in some list farmed out from the Sheriffs Department that eventually made it into the hands of a writer or editor. But if that young man was a star on the football team, he would make front page sports, probably front page local, and maybe if blood was slow that day, he might be Front Page. It takes someone on your staff to deal with that kind of realism, and he or she usually has a name like Public Relations Director or something.

If you want your name in lights, you had better have a PR agent to keep you from getting burned. If you want good coverage in newspapers and television for racing at your local tracks be prepared to have your dirty laundry aired.

Some of the mild rebukes track owners, officials, and cheerleaders have received on Florida Stock Car Racing are child's play compared to the 'hatchet jobs' TV and newspapers will deliver if they start paying attention to your game.

Want capacity crowds at your track every week? It takes more skills than are currently being applied. Some of you will take this diatribe as a knock against your track, your hard working dedicated track workers. It is not, so get over it.

Public Relations, Marketing, and Press Agenting are not skills developed overnight. But they are vital to filling a speedway with fans and spectators every week. And good ones with the knowledge of the art and science of these subjects cost money.

It takes money to make money is more than a flippant phrase. And it most certainly takes money to make fans.

If you were owner of a Florida Speedway, would you spend it?

-Jack Smith
www.karnac.com

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March 7, 2000

FSCR

Accidents and Investigations, "Should the Show Go on?"

After the tragedy at USA International Speedway in Lakeland on February 26th, a lot of inquires and questions have been brought to light. We often seek some since of understanding by formulating a quick theory in our own minds.

How could something as simple as putting air in a tire, kill someone? It's hard to understand, and even harder to explain.

When accidents happen, everyone wants answers. The family needs to understand what happened to their loved one. The race team needs to understand what happened so as not to repeat it again. The track needs to understand what
happened in order to insure the word gets out, if a problem does exist. And race fans want to understand that safety is really a priority when they visit a speedway.

Substances under pressure are inherently unstable, and the containers they are kept in are subject to failure. As investigations have proven out so far, no one performed any illegal act, or used a non-approved substance or
procedure in this case. Early "eye witness" accounts were not substantiated, only fueling rumors and finger pointing by even fellow competitors. But what was brought to light were the flaws in the investigative procedures at
raceways and the need for everyone to understand that sometimes the show doesn't have to go on.

If your local racetrack is ever faced with a tragedy such as this, please think about the following points I wish to make.

First, as in all accidents, let the safety teams do their job. Stay back from the scene as much as possible. Often your helping is a wonderful benefit to the stressed and stretched to the limit track safety crew, but your normally
not needed unless your expertise is in the trauma field or a related area of medicine.

Once the injured have been removed from the accident scene, it should be standard procedure for local authorities to be contacted. When I say authorities, I mean county or city police, as a minimum. Just like with a highway accident that claims a life, an investigation should be started
immediately to insure all of the previously posed questions are answered as to what really happened. I would think tracks would want to investigate even the smallest of accidents and injuries to insure steps are taken to avoid
their repetition.

This thinking does not help a promoter or track owner, who has 10,000 race fans in their seats waiting to see the on track action. It also, surely will not make any fans happy, having to wait hours to get the show back under way.
This is where you can use some common sense, even if you don't have a common rulebook.

The racers and fans directly involved in an incident should be interviewed and there accounts documented, as soon as humanly possible. This saves a lot of soon forgotten information for a more in-depth review later. Also, thought
should be given to not allowing teams to continue to race when involved in incidents requiring someone's transportation from a race facility for medical attention. More often than not, the concentration levels of a driver and their race team are affected to the point that damage vehicles are the end result.

So whether it is determined that an item failed, or a system or procedure is flawed, we must strive to make our losses count toward a safer sport. Lifting the sprit in our racing souls will be harder at times, but as long as we
demand excellence in racing, we must demand excellence in the investigations following the few instances we face trackside.

So tracks, racers, fans and media must work together to insure misinformation does not exist. Tracks must insure that procedures are in place to handle the situations that come along. Racers are task with insuring than crews are
aware of the dangers of working around high-powered machines. Fans must understand that while every situation conceivable is planned for, often the inconceivable is a sudden reality. Spreading half-truths or rumors through
racing message boards does no one any good and often leaves wounds that cannot be healed.

Last of all, the media, especially outside of racing circles, must strive to report the good in racing. In recent month's radio and television news coverage of racing in my area, has consisted of a horrific 3 car fire at one
track, the death of a figure 8 driver at another, and now the tragic loss of a crew member in the pits of another. Not a word has crossed the air waves and papers about the driver that won 18 out of 31 races, the figure 8 driver
who won his first feature event ever after 25 years of racing, or the 71 year old great-grandfather still driving sprints for fun. Why can't we report on the positive affect that racing has on the community.

The charities that
benefit, and the families that spend time together each week should be in the news. It's time for the media to start making a difference, and it should start with this very article.

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February 15, 2000

FSCR

NASCAR vs It's Own Grass Roots

I could really get my hand slipped for this but it is the
truth. NASCAR is not the "real" racing of motorsports.
NASCAR was formed from the simple form of racing
that we enjoy every weekend not only here in Florida
but all over this country at our local dirt and asphalt
racing tracks. That is the "real" racing and I will
argue that point with any NASCAR fan.

My mother lived here when the Daytona 500 was run on
the beach. That was a time when it did not cost an arm
and a leg to attend a race and some drivers came and
went home in their race cars. That was a time when
cars were really stock cars and had no special anything
in them. We don't drive our race cars to and from the
track anymore, they are usually towed, but it is a little
more affordable for the average family to attend a local
track race than any NASCAR event.

The first NASCAR event that my family and I ever attended
was the first Craftsman Truck race held at Disney World. We
were use to our local track and the policy of kids 11 and under
getting in free. We knew that they probably would not let our
3 year old in free but have some kind of discount for a child that
would not occupy a seat since he was a "still in the lap" boy.
But we were informed "full price" or don't go. That is when
the hard fact hit us right square in the face, NASCAR was not
a family sport. Family sports have considerations especially for
small children, NASCAR had none.

Whether fans will stop buying NASCAR shirts and hats, who knows.
But NASCAR has to eventually listen to the fans because without
fans, they go broke. As we all know, any track - local or not, has to
have fans to pay for the cars that come and race at a track. No
fans, no purse. NASCAR has forgotten it's roots and why they
even formed NASCAR, the only goal now is more money in their
pockets. The name of the game is racing not money. But
according to Dale Earnhardt Sr., "the tracks that they now race
on must hold at least 80,000 fans or it is not worth them going to
that track." So, we watch with much sadness to see some of
the original NASCAR tracks fall out of the schedule that once
was their's.

Racing started out a family sport with ordinary cars and ordinary
people. At your local track, you still find families racing together
and track owners that realize families have limits to how much
they can afford to spend to see a race and they keep prices down
so they will have fans. This may cause low purses true but very
few local track drivers race locally strictly for a living. They race
because they love racing and they know that they may break even
at the end of the year, they may even have a little to spend on a
new car for the following year, but local racing is not a money
winning sport.

I think if you ask Richard Petty or Dave Marcis or Dick Trickle
if they honestly like how NASCAR has grown, fans wise they would
say yes. But as to the cost of owning and running a NASCAR car
and what it use to mean to race, the changes are not always good.
The more money tracks and sponsors make, the more they
want and slowly but surely, they will loose their fans.

If you truly love racing, go to your local track just once and you
will be hooked. And you will find the "real" racing in stockcar
racing. You can see the race, you can talk to the drivers, and
you will meet some great people.

-Jane


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February 14, 2000

Rick Anges

Race Tracks

Well, for starters, what does everyone think about the problem at Hialeah? For myself, my heart is breaking. It's obvious that urban sprawl is finally catching up to one of Florida's more beloved tracks. I had the false hope that I would see it rise out of the doom and gloom and everything would be fine. But, with the lease expiration coming into the picture, the best I can muster is to visit one last time this year, take all the pictures I can stand and shed a final tear in memory of the years I spent there in my childhood.

I hate to feel like this because it seems to be the fate of many small tracks who don't realize that if they can't get the community to accept their existence, they will eventually be swept aside. The political powers-that-be have the strength of tons of taxpayer money to get what they want, when they want it. For years Hialeah (the city) had entertained legislation for noise abatement, EPA regulations, usage impact fees and a myriad of other ways to force the closure of this once-mighty bastion of South Florida racing. Now, the waiting game will be won. Time and money is now stacked in the city's corner. Man, this sucks!

So here I am, wondering who is next. Will I have a chance to introduce my future family members to the family sport I love so much? What can be done to work towards protecting what we have against the future? I would love to know how. Granted, there are no absolutes against the unknown, but the Y2K scare was good proof that big problems can be effectively hindered by preparing for the what-ifs.

So what do you all think? Is all of this worth it? Is there anything we could do to make a difference at our own favorite track to preserve it for future use? I welcome any positive thoughts on this.

The Family Section.


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February 6, 2000

Rick Anges

Palm Beach Speedworld

I have attached a copy of the petition sent to the County Commissioners protesting the development of Palm Beach Speedworld. The Commissioners received hundreds and hundreds of these, resulting in the postponement of the
February 3, 2000 hearing concerning approval of the site. Several of their "points" are simply not true. Read it and judge for yourself. I believe we racers can accomplish the same kind of response from the Commissioners, but in a positive way, if we contact them with overwhelming support for the facility.
Palm Beach County
Board of County Commissioners 561-355-2001
Planning, Zoning, and Building Executive Office 561-233-5003
Planning Division 561-233-5300
Make a few telephone calls and let them hear OUR voice.

Bill Moody

Date: _____________

Palm Beach County Zoning Commission
100 Australian Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 33406

Dear Commissioners:
As a property owner in the Jupiter Farms area I am concerned about the proposed development of Palm Beach Speedworld, PDD99-074. You are scheduled to review this development on February 3, 2000. Before deciding whether this proposal is appropriate for this site I hope you consider the negative impacts it will have on our neighborhood.
NOISE from this proposed facility will be intrusive and detrimental; not only to our lifestyle, but to the neighboring wildlife conservation areas. The developers claim that this site is ideal for a motorsports park because this is a “noisy” part of the County. They base this claim on the existing industry and commerce in the area. However, residents here can tell you that the Farms are QUIET and PEACEFUL. Yes, we can hear the occasional jet engine or train, but this is nothing compared to the potential racket of six different motorized venues practicing simultaneously from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., seven days a week. There is little doubt that the intrusive qualities of this proposal will also negatively impact the animals and birds who hunt and roost in the newly acquired Pal-Mar Conservation lands; adjacent to the northern border and westward across Pratt Whitney Road.
You must also consider that this facility will be IN ADDITION to the existing and approved events that occur in the area specifically the fact that Moroso Motorsports already has County approval to build a 3/8 mile stock car track on their property. This means that if you approve the Speedworld stock car track, we will have TWO tracks within A MILE OF ONE ANOTHER, and both within 3 miles of Jupiter Farms residences.
Pollution from this proposed facility is also a major concern. All the residents of Jupiter Farms are dependent on well water for drinking and bathing. There is no protection to our groundwater from fuel, oil, and other discharges made onto the dirt tracks and into the jet ski lake. There is also no pre-treatment planned for any stormwater washing over this site. Instead the plan is to drain straight into the canal system which eventually discharges into the Loxahatchee River.
In addition there are concerns over increased traffic on Indiantown Road, potential decrease in our property values, and safety for our young people. This proposal claims to provide a place for young people to ride their ATVs in a legal and safe manner. However, there is minimal space for any real riding, and more importantly there is NO LEGAL MANNER for riders to reach this facility without carting the vehicles out on trailers.
We hope you see how detrimental and inappropriate a motorsports park would be on this particular site. We plead with you to use common sense and address the concerns of thousands of property owners in the Jupiter Farms Community by not approving this development.

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January 30, 2000

Rick Anges

View from the Driver's Seat

The 2000 racing season has begun. The 2000 Winternationals were held at Sunshine Speedway last night to officially end the "off-season" for us. What a misnomer - the "off-season"! We worked harder the last two months than we did all last season. Complete new body, redesigned interior, new sponsors, new paint. We knew the chassis setup was pretty close, and the motor was ready. Or so we thought.

The night started out ok. We got to the track about 3:00, thinking we'd be early enough to get on the track for pictures before 4:30. First mistake. We didn't even make it through the gate before 4:30. Thanks to Russ Calabrese, we put the car out in the grass at the back of the pits, and Russ came out to take the pictures. First problem solved.

Next up, drawing the pill for starting spot in the heats. Pill number 33 put me on the inside of row 3 in the second heat, with the top 8 qualifying for the 50 lap feature. I was happy with the spot because I was pretty sure I could hold my position and qualify.

Everything was good at the start, and after 4 laps I was still running 5th, only about 4 or 5 car lengths behind the first four who were running and banging in a tight pack. I was content where I was, the car was running and handling really good, and I knew nobody was going to catch me from behind. Then the trouble started. I had no idea anything was wrong until two cars shot by me down the front straight. I couldn't see or feel anything wrong, but I wasn't going anywhere but to the back. I struggled to a ninth place finish, and limped to the pits with little power and no brakes.

A spark plug wire had rubbed bare against the air cleaner, and the rev limiter had kicked in and started shutting the motor down. The faster I tried to go, the slower I went. Still don't know what happened to the brakes. Not how I envisioned the night, but we'll fix it and be back March 4th.

Can you believe those school buses last night? Three of them rolled, and track promoter Frank Hill managed to roll his all the way to the roof, then back on to the wheels and kept racing until a hose knocked him out. Wow!

I was really happy to see Art Calkins win the "Wild Bill" memorial 50-lap figure-8. I met Art Saturday morning for the first time. We talked about how tough it was going to be Saturday night, and I know how emotional it was for Art to win for his good friend.

I didn't have the good fortune to know Wild Bill personally, but I'd seen him many times in the pits. He always said hello, or would wave as he drove by. I know we've all lost a great friend and competitor, and I was truly honored to drive at these special Winternationals in his memory. Maryellen, you raised a wonderful son. You and Bill have inspired all of us at Plowshare Racing to be the best we can be both on and off the track.

Finally, a word of thanks to Wayne Bowman and all of the sponsors of the Thrill Ride. My wife, Tricia, took the ride for the first time last night. Even though they could hear her screams from the infield, she had a great time and says she'll be back for more.
M
an, it's great to be back on the track again. We'll see everybody at practice, and then for the season opener March 4th.
-Jeff Haven
Enduro #98






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January 26, 2000

Rick Anges

Looking to the 2000 Racing Season

Little by little, Florida's race tracks are re-opening for the 2000 season. Fans are dusting off their race hats and finding that soft cushion to sit on and getting ready to visit their favorite track. But, the question is, will
they see the same old, same old or a better, more competitive and fair racing season.

Yes, we have had our share of what some call "bad tracks". We still have unsafe tracks and owners who would not change if they won the lotto. But it is not the owners that get fans to come in to a track, it is the racers themselves. And racers will race no matter what conditions are and are not met at a track. It is in their blood and almost an
overpowering desire to handle the wheel of that racecar.

But there is something that all drivers and fans must realize and that is children also love racing and children do learn by what they see. When they see an out-of-control driver who throws his helmet and hits a fellow driver, that is NOT the message a child should get. Having a fit may make the driver feel better but it does not teach a child anything good. True, they are not your child, but remember, children have heros and alot of you are heros to young race fans. So if someone does something to you during
a race and your anger gets the worse of you, try not to teach the children that hitting or throwing is the right way to get your point across. Go to your
track officials, state your case, and teach these kids.

This year hopefully tracks will get a better control over the cars so there is not so much cheating and hard feelings. Yes, each car in every division should be equal, cheaters should be disciplined and racing should be fair. And sometimes homework is just done closer and better and that makes it look like a car is cheating. Sometimes it is not done on purpose but when it is, in the end, it is found out and cheaters never win where it counts.

If you are racing this year, no matter whether it is dirt or asphalt, please for your own sake, make sure your harness is in good condition. Wear the right firesuit for the division you are racing in, no cheating. Wear a good
helmet and gloves and fire shoes and make sure that your fire extinguisher in the car is full and working. You are important to your families and your fans, take care of yourselves. If you can't afford the right equipment, save
and get it but don't take a chance of getting hurt. Having all this may not save you but it surely could help you.

Tracks are made up of humans, just like you and me. If you love your track and it just does not seem to be doing as good as it should, offer your help to the owner and staff. Help keep the track clean and bring friends whenever
you can and get them interested in racing. Spending a night at the races definitely beats sitting on a bar stool at any bar. You meet good people, have a great time, and maybe even find something new that you might like to try.

This is a new year and a new beginning for all of us. Let's make this a great year, a safe year, and one that our children will remember fondly. AND SEE YA AT THE RACES.

-Jane Smith


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January 14, 2000

Rick Anges

Jack.......From Jane Smith

Jack Smith, webmaster of karnac, home of Florida Stock CarRacing, deserves to be acknowledged. Jack and I have workedtogether now for over two years not making any money but giving karnac everything we could. Jack has done his fair share of traveling to our state tracks, both dirt and asphalt, and getting to know the drivers of these tracks. It was while doing this thatJack found his love for racing and our Florida racers.

Fans of Florida Stock Car Racing have no idea of the numberof hours that Jack gave this to make it work. But it takes moneyto live, money to go to all these tracks, money to pay the phonebills that are run up researching, money to keep the electric onand the house just right for those precious computers that giveyou karnac.

It has come now to where Jack must take care of Jack and Cathyand he must find something that will pay money for his many talentsthat he has. I know Rick and Bill will do a great job at taking overkarnac but for me, Jack will always be the editor in charge. Jackmay look like an "old hippie" some say but Jack has a heart of goldand has done alot for Florida Stock Car Racing with no rewards atall.

Jack will always be just a phone call away and I know he will stillbe there for me and I will always be there for him. Writing for himhas changed my life for the better and given me the direction inlife that I did not know I had. There are not enough words to tellyou how good a person and boss he is.

Jack, you did a great job. I hope that you find that money tree andsomeday you can afford to just be Jack, editor of the greatestracing website on the internet.
I love you - Jane





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January 12, 2000

FSCR

Stock Car Racing: Are you ready?

Have you ever pulled onto the track, looked at the stands and said, "Well, here I am"?

Many fans think you're out there for the money.
Those who drive know better. A few teams can make enough to more than pay the bills. Most can't.

Some fans think it's for the glory. Well in part, yes.
I can't imagine winning the checkers, taking the parade lap, climbing out of the car with the flag in your hand and the only thing to greet you, are some empty stands.

I believe the other major part is a sense of accomplishment. Of banging door-to-door, struggling hard to come out on top in the next turn and finally taking the lead. God, that is exhilarating!

Maybe you don't come for the glory or the personal challenges. Maybe to you, it's the camaraderie. Meeting people every weekend you have grown to know and care about. That's entirely possible.

The end result is, you have strapped into your ride, you're lined up and waiting for the green to fly.

And the question is, are you ready?

I mean really ready. Sure, you've filled the fuel cell, checked the tires, put on your gear and warmed up the motor carefully before pulling out onto the track. That's not what I meant by asking if you're ready. You see I have been peering into a few rides at several different tracks over the years and unfortunately, some of the things I've seen cause me great concern.

For example, how about the battery that has an automotive inner tube wrapped around it while it's mounted in the driver's compartment? Or how about, a roof that has been cut open and flammable expansion foam can be seen between the open layers from the rear. And better yet, rear frame rails so rusted out you wonder how much the frame flexes in a turn, or for that matter, if it will make it through the turn.

I have watched a car bang into a wall in the backstretch of a local track and the race was red flagged, the car was cut apart and then the driver was airlifted to a local hospital. The hit didn't seem to be all that hard. I was real close to it and from my point of view it didn't make sense. But then, when I got to see the car in the pits, I knew why. Most of the welds had failed from the impact. A good three-quarters of them looked like popcorn. You could see where the car crushed in on the driver.

These are just a few examples of the many things I've seen. Believe me, I have seen worse.

My point is this. Have you taken all of the precautions necessary to ensure that when the race is over, you get to go home? I'm hoping you don't have anything in your car that was assembled or installed with a "That's close enough" attitude. And in truth, I haven't pointed out things that cost very much to do correctly in the first place. True, it takes money to put a car on the asphalt or dirt. But the ultimate price shouldn't be paid. Take some time and really go over your car. Think about what would happen if suddenly you find yourself 'wheels up'. Do you want a poorly secured battery bouncing around and throwing acid all over the place?

Also, If you find yourself turned over, could you get to your fire suppression switch? How about with your left hand? Your right hand could be incapacitated. Have you practiced getting in and out of your ride as quickly as possible? Our children have fire drills in school and yet I'm willing to bet most drivers haven't handed a stopwatch to the wife / husband and tried to see how long it takes to get out of such a tight space. You may even discover a little projecting thingamabob that catches you suit and prevents you from exiting faster.


It's the little things that count when a situation goes wrong.

From what I've seen, it takes several components of a collision to come together all in the right sequence to cause something bad to happen. It seems to me, that if the safety equipment or the car itself hadn't failed how it did, where it did, when it did, things would have turned out for the better. If just one of the components in the collision were to be changed, just one, the events may have taken a different course. So this is my plea to you. Do what you can to stack the odds in your favor. Check everything out. Play out in your mind what would happen to your car if it got hit just so, at an angle from a part of someone else's car that could do the most damage. Would your rigid steering shaft that connects to the gearbox on the front stub deflect to the side, or come straight back?

What kind of safety equipment do you have surrounding the driver? Hopefully, the best you can afford. That is important enough of a sentence that I will repeat it. Get the best you can afford. Don't use a motorcycle helmet with no flammability rating. It can't protect you in a fire. And a full-face with a shield offers more protection to the face. Try to wear driving shoes instead of sneakers. Sneakers assist a fire by contributing to the flames. When they burn, they turn into a bubbling, gooey mass. Gloves are a good idea too. If you're in a fire, your hands are what are going to get you out. Check the fuel lines and clamps in the car while you're at it. You may just stop an inevitable fire the next time you hit the track.

As we all know, racing is a dangerous activity. But so too, is crossing the road in rush hour traffic. Doing what you can to safely accomplish your goal is what it really is all about. I am reminded of a sign I saw posted over a bathroom mirror. It read "Who you see in front of you is ultimately responsible for your safety". Not the track, not the rescue crew, it's just you. If you don't like the safety equipment at a track, don't go. Or move to another one. Sure, there might be hardships, but at least you can still be around to gripe about them. Do what is right to ensure you keep coming back, fighting the good fight.

I hope I have caused some of you to pause for a moment and will think about looking over your cars a little better. I want this coming racing season, (and many after) to live up to our old state license plate motto,
"Arrive Alive".


If you wish, drop me an email and we can discuss some of the many other things that could help make your drive even safer. I would enjoy the dialog.

-The Family Section



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January 11, 2000

FSCR

Character

November 22, 1999

Some of the words used in Webster’s to describe character are “an individual’s pattern of behavior or personality; moral constitution;moral strength, fortitude.”

Forty years ago Bonnie Hill's father, Leo Musgrave, built the Sunshine Speedway near St. Petersburg, Florida and the racing began in 1960. Bonnie and Frank Hill have been overseeing the since the 1980s. In nearly forty years of intense competition the fans have seen some fascinating times. One letter we received recently from a reader went like this:

"In what I refer to the 'good old days' of Sunshine...back when the cars or the drivers all had nick names or sayings that they and there cars where known for, as in Kip Pierce in the Tooterville Trolly, Dan Daughtery's Figure 8 car was No Guts No Glory, and his late model, was the Looker, Don Lyons in the early model class (1965-66) the Wichita Lineman, Rastus Kimball had Ole Yeller, Lester Slone's early model was the Red Ball Jet, and his figure 8 the Orange Blossom Special , and the saying 'giddy up go' prior to his name on the roof of the car, there are others I am sure if I thought about it they would come to me, yep Howard Turner the #90 figure 8 was Yogi Bear with a bear on the roof, and #33 was Fat Man Elmer Sieffert."

In forty years you can build some real character.

This past year a new wave swept the racing community. Some call it Internet Fever but however you refer to it, the World Wide Web has brought a whole new dimension for fans, drivers, media, and the managements of tracks statewide. Factual information and rumors alike travel at the speed of light. managements and media are in far better communication with the racing public.

In 1999 the Sunshine Speedway brought some of the 40 years of character building to the Internet via the KARNAC.com message boards. I have letters from six states away telling me they can't wait to meet Kim Sermins and Tracy Rumsey on their next trip to Florida. It became for a group of people who share the common bond of racing. And to share their likes and dislikes in front of the world. In a tasteful or tasteless manner depending on your point of view. They let us know who they thought was cheating, and who was winning on skill. Sometimes they even let us know who was sleeping with who, or who toked the mean green or took a slug before climbing into the race car.

Not that Sunshine folks had a monopoly on any of what a writer for the St. Petersburg Times called "Trash talking message boards", they just did it with more flair and perhaps a little less discretion. One speedway manager warned her drivers at a drivers meetings of the evils of anonymous posting to the KARNAC message board. I sat in another owners pickup as he he gave me his take on the boards, while another insists it is bad for racing for the racing public to act like NFL fans or WWF fans. It probably drives some of them nuts not knowing who just called them an incompetent buffoon. Course nobody called them that. I can't print some of the things people have called them.

Three years ago there was no outlet for fans in part of the state to know what fans in another were thinking, or wanting to talk about. That's all changed now and it will never be the same again.

And neither will the racing community of Sunshine Speedway.

The Sunshine racing community had never lost a driver to a racing incident.

As the Sunshine Speedway racing season approached what was to be it's last night in 1999 that was all about to change. One very popular driver would run his last race. Another, running his first race, would be left with a nearly impossibly unreconcilable guilt. A young six year old would be left fatherless, with questions that not even the most life hardened adult could answer. Bonnie Hill, who has operated the track with her husband Frank Hill since the passing of her father many years ago, would be left wondering if she could ever again oversee the racing at Sunshine's 'Action' Speedway, with the same enthusiasm. The fans, drivers, and crews, and track workers, and indeed the entire racing community would be left in shock, and in some quarters a sense of wonderment.

Figure Eight racing is arguably short track's most exciting form of stock car racing. It is also conceivably the most dangerous. Figure Eight racing keeps the spectators on their feet, the hair standing on the back of the neck, and will literally take your breath away as cars pass in the center of what is called the X, as very high speeds, milliseconds away from devastating collisions. This Saturday the worst of nightmares became a reality.

James Martin was running his first Figure Eight race, having raced in the weekly enduros at Sunshine.

‘Wild’ Bill Revard had raced at Sunshine Speedway and entertained the loyal fans for nearly a dozen years. He was extremely popular, among not only the spectators but was loved and respected by his competitors as well.
His racing career started back in 1985 when he began in the Enduro class
which eventually became known as Pure Stock. He raced both ovals and
figure 8’s in the class. In 1992 he conquered the class to win the Pure Stock
Figure 8 points championship. That year he also captured the win in the
October Super Series. The following year he won top honors as the Pro
Figure 8 Rookie of the Year at DeSoto Speedway. He also won two Figure
8 Winternational honors.

Prior to the race on November 13, 1999 Martin had drawn the third starting spot, but considered starting at the end of the field. Revard advised the rookie figure 8 racer to go ahead, start third like he had earned, and to "have fun". In the eighth lap of the race ‘Wild’ Bill Revard's yellow #10 Hungry Howies Maverick approached the X in the center of the track. Coming from the other direction was James Martin.

As the two drivers approached the X, as has happened thousands upon thousands of times in forty years, the fans were on their feet, tensing for the instant where the cars pass inches from each other at speeds of 70 miles and hour. A figure eight race is breathtaking, literally.

This time it would a breathtaking moment that will never be forgotten as long as people race cars in Florida. as all eyes focused on the X James Martin's machine and the yellow Maverick came together with the #10 careening full speed into the front straight wall near the flagstand.

As the emergency crews responded and the helicopter came to transport the obviously injured Revard, it began to dawn on the fans this was a serious accident. Announcer Bill Green had the unenviable task of letting people know the racing was over for the night as the track officials knew the worst had happened: Sunshine had lost it's first racer to an accident.

The first post on the Florida Stock car Racing message board appeared at 11 PM and by 11 PM the next night there were over 150 posts expressing sadness, and the sense of loss, and admiration for Bill Revard. Bill had for nearly a dozen years had laid it all on the line for the fans of Sunshine. And in the end he had given all that he possibly could to them.

And they repaid him with all the love and admiration they could muster.

Out of respect for a fallen hero the rest of the Florida racing community went silent with the usual official and driver bashing that normally peppers racing message boards.

The Sunshine family, that at times in 1999 seemed like it was on the verge of civil war, came together in one unified voice to memorialize Bill Revard, in a manner that only a real family can do.

That takes a lot of character.

Bonnie Hill very quickly made the announcement that Sunshine Speedway would not run their final night of racing, and would not resume until the year 2000. Even though the speedway could have packed the house and filled the coffers, and with some in the racing community in disagreement with the decision, Bonnie and Frank Hill stood by that decision.

That takes a lot of character.

On Thursday November 18th nearly a thousand members of the Sunshine racing family gathered at a church in Pinellas Park to honor Bill Revard. A turnout that would be befitting of the most well known and respected of public figures. But it was for a man who was known for his ability to drive a car at breakneck speeds and thrill the weekly audiences. And for being a friend to many. But probably most of all because he was ‘family’.

Bill Green helped lead the Sunshine racing family through the most desperate of times. At the memorial service Bill Green spoke for the Revard family members and to racing family members while at the same time dealing with his own most intense inner pain. Very few of us ever have to deal with the gut check that Bill Green did. He did it with love.

That too takes a lot of character.

They didn't clam up and try to hide their loss, and just as Bill Revard left it all on the track every Saturday night for a decade, the Sunshine family left it all on front street, for the world to see.

And that my friends takes a kind of character from people that we can all be proud to call as our friends, "the Sunshine racing family".

John Matthews covers racing around the state for Florida Stock Car racing had this say:

"The outpouring from the fans has been incredible. The much maligned
message board changed from a war zone to a memorial overnight. One fan
established a web site as a tribute to "Wild Bill." Racers and fans
alike have come together to support the Revard family. This speaks
volumes about how deep the racing communities' roots run.
As for the man "Wild Bill," I never met him. I can't speak about how he
lived, raced, or acted. But one thing is clear. Sunshine Speedway
didn't just lose a good racer Saturday, November 13. The world lost one
of the good guys."

Out of the worst that life can deal out came a shinning example of the spirit that resides in all of us. The spirit of love, hope, reconciliation, and the spirit of caring and giving.

This past weekend at tracks all around the state, Bill Revard was remembered and race fans and participants came to the fore. Over $20,000 has been raised in eight short days for the Trust Fund set up to ensure Bill's son is taken care of.

I doubt there is a member of the Sunshine community who hasn't grown from the events of the last eight days. I doubt there are few in the Florida racing community at large who haven't been touched in some way by these events.

I have been involved in many many groups and 'communities' in my lifetime, but I can truly say, I have never witnessed anything like the sense of community and the immense character that I have seen recently.

The following post from an anonymous fan sums up the special relationship that exist between the race fans and the race drivers:

To begin with, please pardon this intrusion. My wife and I have attended Sunshine Speedway for almost 10 years. Yes, we are only fans. Yet, in that time, we have seen cars and drivers come and go. Some, with anger in their hearts for the track that fights back. We have watched many heart-stopping moments and through every one, we were given the opportunity to let out a sigh of relief when the driver was found to be OK.

This time, it was different. In all of my years of watching, I never expected to one day have to explain the loss of a hero to my 8 year-old daughter. To be truthful, I don't think I did very well. That's where this message board has helped me. The feelings that have poured out here have helped many more than just yourselves.

Thank You.

The first thought that came to our minds after this tragedy struck was that we would never come back because we did not want to see something like this again. But, we were compelled to at least see what the Sunshine Family had to say on this message board. After quite a bit of reading, it became obvious to us that we would miss everyone that we came to see every Saturday Night.

Who I am is not important. Who you are is. What you do is even more so. Please remember the feelings you have for Wild Bill and each other at this moment and apply them to when you all compete in the coming year. You must remember, it's not the rules, not the win, not the money that matters most. Being there on the track is. This was one thing Bill was very aware of.

I am sure this is what made him seem so happy most of the time.

Again, Thank you for being there for those of us who just don't know how to say what we feel. You can be sure we will be walking the pits after the races next year and this time, when my daughter wants to walk up and meet one of you, I will not tell her "No, that driver did not have a good night tonight. He/she probably does not want to talk right now."

The chance meetings she has had left indelible impressions in all of our minds.

Godspeed 'Wild' Bill

- the "Family Section"

I have come to the conclusion through my own private and written ramblings that there few better places to learn about, experience and develop character that at a local race track.

I have never met a better bunch of people.

-Jack Smith

{note: as of this writing over $25,000 has been raised for the seven year old son of Bill Revard}




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January 10, 2000

FSCR

Kindness that Is Extended to Our Racing Family

For a while now, reading racing web-site message boards is more a place for cutting a track down than to give it praise when it deserves praise. Yes, all tracks have good points and bad points but they are still run by the same everyday person that you yourself are.

These are humans with feelings and hearts and when they do
something that is not expected but brings so much joy to one
child, then I owe them their praise.

We have seen tracks collect money for burned racing victims, for driver's families when we have lost one tragically at the track and for the future education of a driver's child. But this Christmas, I had many Christmas Angels watching over my family.

It is no secret that my family and I have had the winds taken out of our sails and almost totally been destroyed. Besides the personal lost and betrayal that we felt, we were robbed of every cent we had and as we all know, it is almost impossible to replace money and still have money for present bills. I knew that there was no way I could give my kids anything for Christmas but maybe a few stocking
stuffers which would have been fine with my oldest two kids but my 7 year old still believes in Santa.

And a miracle happened, one that I did not expect at all. First, Racing Diva, a new NASCAR web-site gave me an auction to try and help me save our home. Jack Smith, our KARNAC boss, helped in every way he could and hopefully once the money is in, I can save our home. But the tracks, Orlando SpeedWorld and New Smyrna Speedway, gave my kids a Christmas.

You always hear of the kindness in people but seldom do we get to see it firsthand. This Christmas, I did over and over again. Not only did the track buy my little boy a new bike but warm jackets, new socks and underwear, toys, a bike helmet, and even a Christmas stocking. Without
them, he would have had nothing. They truly were Santa Claus for me and forever in my heart they will always be for the unselfish acts shown to a family in dire straits.

Not only did the track help us but fellow racers that I had helped along my path at karnac and some that I met thru other web-sites, sent things for Christmas to my kids. And by all these acts, my kids got a sense of love and that people do care about victims and not always the person accused of the crime.

All I can say to everyone is thank you. You, and you alone, made my kids know that they are loved not only by me and their grandparents but by their other family, their racing family. You can cut down tracks all you want but you can never say anything bad about the people who run them or own them, they are good people.

Thank you sounds like so little but thank you is all that I have to give and a heart full of love for my racing family.

-Jane Smith


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November 16, 2024

FSCR

The Big Showdown That Never Happened

By Jack Smith

Florida race fans were denied one of the best shows of 2007 Saturday Night

The race was going to provide Florida race fans with another good look at the great competition and exciting finishes that the ASA Late Model Series had provided all season, both North and South Divisions.

Though the entry list was abysmal in terms of numbers, with only 20 cars qualifying on Friday night at DeSoto Super Speedway, the talent in the field of assembled teams has proven all year they always come to race. The only runaway win all year in the south was the incredible performance of Brandon Johnson at New Smyrna Speedway, blowing away the field with his under funded and short-handed team.

But this race, scheduled for Saturday night, was shaping up to be something very special.

Jeff Choquette, sitting atop the points lead in the ASA Southern Division and Chris Fontaine is fourth in points 137 points back of Choquette in the ASA. Choquette has one win and Fontaine keeps bringing a fast car but still is looking for his first win.

Lets go back a year to the end of 2006 racing season in the All American Challenge Series at DeSoto. Choquette was battling neck and neck with Chris Fontaine for the AACS title. Choquette won the championship at the last race, narrowly beating out Fontaine for the $10,000 Championship winner's purse.

Fontaine went out Friday night and set fast time, and was looking forward to the rematch with Jeff Choquette, in front of the DeSoto fans. "We missed a chance for a showdown with Choquette" said the disappointed Fontaine, as the haulers were loading up to leave DeSoto Friday night.

The apparent altercation between track owner John Sarppraicone and an ASA official that led to the series making the decision to pull out will get sorted out by courts or will just fade away, but this reporter will never forget the sadness associated with that night.

When Super Late Models take to the tracks in Florida, the scenario is fairly familiar. A typical race has one or two or in some cases three or four cars that are much faster than the rest. In the ASA Late Model Series, that rarely happens, due to the crate engines and other factors that keep the fields evenly matched. It is very much about setting up the car for the track at hand and drivers being able to make the best of their equipment. It is the most competitive short track racing we have seen, show after show, in several years.

Besides the Fontaine-Choquette rematch, several young stars have emerged this year, and the fans of South Florida did not get to see them shine. They so much looked forward to this one. At Orange County Speedway near Raleigh, NC earlier this year, they talked about the DeSoto race. At South Georgia and Senoia they talked about the DeSoto race.

Sean Bass, consistent to a fault in the early races, hit a streak of disaster that not only he but the whole team was struggling to overcome. Watching this well spoken young man deal with heartbreak on the track, and try to get back on a winning track, you could see the courage of a winner.

Brian Blum, under funded, was barely able to make the long haul to I-70 Speedway (Odessa, MO), in fact not knowing until a few days before the race whether he would make the trip. Brian has somehow hung in there and overcome obstacle after obstacle to gain a seventh place ion points in the Southern Division. he was preparing to race Saturday night with no front brakes, as he had at I-70, funding just not there to fix the problem in time.

Young Patrick Staropoli, well known from his success in the Fastkids and Fastruck Series, was finally getting his first chance to test his skills against many of his peers in an ASA race car.

Drew Brannon has shown great promise in the FASCAR Goodyear Challenge Series and won a 50 lap feature at the 1/2 mile at New Smyrna in June. What separates the success of Brannon from some others is the fact that he turns 15 in November. How did he like his first time in the ASA car? "I think I am going to take the chip out of this car and run it in the Goodyear Challenge next week", he said, adding "I love it." Drew qualified sixth, the number six pill was drawn, which meant he was denied the chance to start on the pole in the biggest race of his life, when the race was canceled.

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Jimmy Lang, riding 9th in Southern Division points, made the trip with his family and crew from Bluffton, South Carolina, to a track he is very familiar with. The nineteen year old raced a in a four day Legends event at the speedway five years ago, winning three of the four races.

Travis Wilson, son of NASCAR racer Rick Wilson, made the trip from North Carolina, to the track where he won his first feature event, that being a sportsman race, also five years ago. Travis is currently sixth in the Southern Division points chase, still looking for the breakout race, and hoping it would be at DeSoto Speedway.

David Wilson was back with his number 83, with the awesome crew headed by the legendary Dick Anderson, Wilson sure that this time he could get the 200 pound gorilla off his back in 2007.

South Florida race fans did not get to see Beau Slocumb, John Wes Townley, Brandon Johnson and Travis Cope, four very exciting young stars who are aimed at the winner's circle every time the green flag waves.

Those are just some of the story lines. The 100 laps of green flag racing never happened. Why it did not happen may not ever be answered in full to race fans.

There will be more races for the ASA Late Model Series, for DeSoto Super Speedway and the drivers who were denied their chance at some glory at a track with a long tradition of producing big races. And there will be other big races for the fans and in time the nightmare of this weekend will be forgotten.

I stood outside the breezeway at DeSoto Speedway, with a light mist in the air, lightning in the distance, and watched those haulers pull away and head back to places like Jacksonville and Loxahatchee and and Haines City in Florida.

Back to Juliette and Watkinsville in Georgia, back to North and South Carolina and I wondered about all the conversations going on in those haulers and those cars.

Wondering with a surreal and profound sadness how a collision of personalities and events could have brought such a stellar alignment of potential to the fact of those diesels rumbling out to State Road 64.

Terry Wall and myself have covered this series very closely throughout 2007, attending events all around the southern states, interviewing in depth dozens of the drivers, officials and others involved with the series, both for the weekly O'Reilly ASA Fastlane show and for written articles. We have both come to admire the young talent chasing a dream, and the officials who work the events and make the series happen.

We can only hope that lessons will be learned by all parties concerned, as it is very obvious the fans were seriously let down by the events of this past weekend.

There were no winners.

ASA PHOTO GALLERIES

Next: The future of the ASA Late Model Series

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