Did Ya Know? By Gary Lindahl
Did Ya Know? By Gary Lindahl
Answers to Quiz No. 1 are as follows. 1.} Leo Caldwell's nickname was " The Gobbler". 2. } Tony Brabbs won the last dirt race at Auto City. This question seemed to confuse people who insisted it was Jr Dorr. He won the last Half-mile dirt race at Auto City. The last dirt race was on the short track. By the way, it was Tony's first ever feature victory. 3. } The 3 Bingo supermodifieds were the Bingo 5, 151, and 15. The Bingo 5 and 151 cars were raced extensively around the Midwest and east while the Bingo 15 was most likely seen at Lansing with Dick Cherry driving and maybe a visit to the Grand Rapids Speedrome. 4.} Ken Vaughn, with the big hair, drove the rainbow 28 at Flat Rock.
First of all thanks for all the comments on the column, keep them coming. Always like to hear some feedback and I am always open to suggestions. Sorry about the time between columns, but the Holidays were busy and on the racing front, quiet. Gold Cup late model driver Jeff Bailey was involved in an industrial accident that broke both his feet along with other injuries and has had several operations since. He now has a long road to recovery, but is now at home and I thought could use some encouraging words from our racing community. His address is 1910 S, Ottawa Cove. Toledo Ohio, 43611. We wish Jeff all the best in his road to recovery.
The biggest news in the Late model world was the recent meeting of the Late Model Alliance. The meeting was held at Charlie's Pub & Grill in Jackson Michigan, and the tracks represented were Auto City, Berlin, Dixie, Flat Rock, Kalamazoo, Owosso, Spartan, Toledo, New Paris, and Plymouth. The Great Lakes Outlaw Late Model Series was also in attendance and although they couldn't attend, the Main Event Racing Series gave its pledge to support the decisions made by the group. Several rules clarifications came out of this meeting, mostly for the bodies of the cars and No titanium or Carbon fiber rotors or driveshafts will be permitted in 2011. A video will be made in the coming weeks to demonstrate to teams how the cars will be checked. Gary Howe, Promoter of Kalamazoo, will make the video. When done, it will be posted on each track's website. The tracks and series are committed to continuing the running of the outlaw late models, and have worked hard to have few schedule conflicts for big races. They will have an ongoing dialog through the season with a year-end meeting to be held in October. The rule changes made are posted on each track's websites and all the attendees were in agreement on these changes and their enforcement. It may not be perfect, but it's a start, and personally, the changes probably will only affect 15% of the teams, from what we have seen.
The 7th Annual Michigan Short Track Racing Club benefit bowling tournament will be held on Saturday, February 13th at the Capitol Bowl in downtown Owosso. Sign-in starts at Noon with Bowling around 2 p.m. Its $10 for two games and it's a blind draw to determine who you are partners with. You do however bowl with your own group. I participated last year and had a great time, especially visiting with fans and drivers from many different areas. Last year a record 130 bowlers competed. This year's benefactors are Jake Dickman, who is associated with Mt Pleasant Speedway, and Alan Taft of A.T. Racing engines. Both these individuals have experienced recent hardships in their lives. My brother Steve and I will be back bowling in the tourney again this year. The door prize give-a-ways last year were very impressive. It's well worth the trip even if you don't bowl.
The recent MARFC Banquet once again was a great time. It's the one time of the year when you get a chance not only to talk to drivers but to Promoters as well. I had a long talk with Jim Leasure from Spartan Speedway who is working real hard to get his new grandstands and timing tower in place. He said he spends at least 2 or 3 hours a day working at the track. Spartan's Sunday specials gave us an opportunity to visit a couple times last season at the track I started my announcing days at. Saw some excellent racing there as well.
Congrats to Rob Martel for winning the Mechanic of the Year Award from the club. Rob, best known for his potent Figure-8 cars, will be taking Robbie Loving early in the season to a couple of races at the Indy Speedrome.
I talked with Kalamazoo Late Model champ Terry Senneker and he indicated they were not running for points this season and we could see him again at Toledo. Stan Yee Jr., among others, has been trying to talk Terry into coming to Flat Rock for The Stan Yee Memorial 150. Terry has never been to the Rock. It didn't seem to affect first time visitor Mike Luberda Jr. last season who won the race.
Also talked with 2008 Auto City ACSS/Pro Late Model champ Terry Bogusz who in addition to Auto City may do some Super Pro racing again. If you see Terry around, a party is not far behind. What a great group he and his dad have around them.
Mike Eddy received an award and he said he has been having a great time with son Travis and the Modifieds. Mike said they decided to go Modified racing so Travis could learn all the different tracks around the Midwest.
Found out that Stevie Cronenwet is getting married and his stuff is for sale. Is that till the weather gets warm Steve?
ARCA Truck Series driver Mike Young has bought the #48 Figure-8 car that Mike Cox raced last season. I also heard that Josh and Matt Bunting have bought Street Stocks to compete at Flat Rock.
Dennis Randall purchased Derrick Wiley's #27 street stock--as if Dennis needs another car.
Dennis Strickland sold his car and has a new Perfect Circle Late model.
Hot off the press. The Midwest Supermodified Association/Oswego Winged Challenge Series will now join the AVSS Sprints in The Fastest Short Track Show in the World. The Economy, travel and scheduling necessitated the change from ISMA. The race is Friday night June 11th with more exciting details to follow.
The annual Racers Reunion at the Toledo Speedway Bar and Grill will be held on Saturday, March 13th from noon to five followed by the annual MARFC meeting. It also will be the grand re-opening party for the bar with specials and drawings for the racers which will include track and pad rentals and other prizes making for an exciting day of bench racing.
Til next time, Stay off the Wall, See Ya!