With the crisp fall air comes the reminder that the holidays are not far behind. The plans for spending time together around a Thanksgiving Day feast come to mind. The smells and sounds of the season start to echo in your mind. What does this time of year mean to you? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Ah, the holidays, a time to sit back and relax. Well we should but we get caught up in the wrapping and forget what the real heart of the season is all about. In a couple of weeks we will sit down and reflect on all God has blessed us with. We will be with family and friends and enjoy relaxing and spending time with them.
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With the 2007 racing season now over, planning for 2008 is underway at DeLange Racing. The first step is assessing the team’s strengths and weaknesses and how to improve in the next year. That process is already underway and should be completed shortly.
The next step is to put together a schedule for next season. One decision that has already been made is to focus on Modified racing in 2008. The team plans to follow the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Tour once again next year. The specific races will depend on the 2008 RoC Tour schedule once it has been released. Team owner Dave DeLange plans to compete for a Regional title and hopefully the overall championship.
DeLange Racing will also be taking a move upward in 2008 by running a limited schedule of races on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Once again the exact races to be run will depend on the Modified Tour schedule. It has been decided the team will run the traditional Tour April openers in Connecticut; the Icebreaker at Thompson International Speedway in Thompson, Connecticut, and the Spring Sizzler at Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Spencer Speedway in Williamson, New York has announced they will host a NASCAR Modified Tour race on July 12, 2008, and that event will definitely be on the DeLange schedule. Other races will be added when the full Tour schedule is released in a few weeks and should number from six to eight events for the DeLange team.
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2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Donny Lia is entered in this Friday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season finale.
The Jericho, New York native is looking to make his second career start at Homestead-Miami Speedway after his debut at Loudon earlier this year. Lia will be driving the #59 Simply Fit Toyota for Jim Harris, which was formerly driven by fellow Long Islander Steve Park, and Terry Cook this season.
Concord, NC — Friday at 10am, the gates to Concord Motorsport Park will swing open for the second-annual Mason-Dixon Meltdown. The countdown to the race weekend, which will feature various types of racecars from up and down the East Coast, is now being measured in days and hours instead of months and weeks.
Entries are continuing to pour in to the Pro All Stars Series offices. There will be no shortage of top-notch competitors in not only the headlining PASS South Super Late Model class, but also the PASS/Rolling Thunder Modifieds, Legends Cars, Bandoleros, Thunder Roadsters and Allison Legacy cars.
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Patrick Laperle will be feted as the Série ACT Castrol Champion for 2007 this weekend at the Best Western Hotel Universal in Drummondville, QC. The veteran American-Canadian Tour competitor put together one of the most consistently dominant seasons in recent memory to capture the title, and collects his honors – which include a check for $10,000 – Saturday night.
Laperle will be recognized along with the rest of the Top 15 Série ACT Castrol drivers, Rookie of the Year Eric St-Gelais, the to-be-announced Most Improved Driver and Sportsmanship award winners, and the winner of an ABC-approved body from Five Star RaceCar Bodies of Wisconsin.
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Tradition is a word that runs parallel with family. Something that is done, with those we love, year after year. The Merriam Webster Dictionary has tradition being defined as the handing down of information, beliefs and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another. The Holiday Season is a perfect example of tradition amongst families. Turkey Derby is the example of tradition amongst racing families. Turkey Derby XXXIV will host the end of a tradition: The running of the Blewett Motorsports family owned #76 Red, White & Blue Modified.
Wall Township Speedway is proud to announce that Jimmy Blewett will be running the family owned car at Turkey Derby XXXIV. John “Grandpa” Blewett, Sr. has said that this will be the last time that this vehicle will be run. This will be the public’s last chance to see this amazing tradition hit the banks of any speedway. After Turkey Derby XXXIV, the Grand Champion #76 Modified will be placed in the Blewett Automotive Museum and Wall Township Speedway will retire the number. An honor so duly earned, not just for JBIII, but for the entire Blewett Family. Grandpa wants to see this car run one last time.
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Seekonk, MA — In preparation of its 63rd annual auto racing season, Seekonk Speedway will begin its off-season rules meetings for all divisions this week. “These meetings will give our competitors the opportunity to voice any ideas, concerns, or questions that they wish to share,” Assistant General Manager and Race Director David Alburn explains. “We have no significant changes planned for any of our divisions heading into the new season. With costs escalating and the economy sluggish, we don’t foresee making changes that will force our teams to spend more money. We are, however, open to ideas and encourage discussion that will benefit short track racing as a whole.”
All meetings will take place at the American Legion Hall, located at 350 Fall River Avenue in Seekonk. The speedway’s second tier Late Model division will meet on Wednesday, November 14, at 6:30 PM, and be followed by the Pro Stock division meeting at 8:15 PM. Sport Truck competitors are invited to attend on Thursday, November 15 at 6:30 PM, with Street Stock owners and drivers slated to meet at 8:15 that evening. Seekonk Youth Racing Association teams will meet with speedway officials on Wednesday, November 28 at 6:30 PM with Pure Stock teams following immediately thereafter at 8:15 PM.
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Marilyn Bertrand (Tim’s Mom & Gil’s Wife) is currently in the hospital, bravely battling a rare cancer. She underwent an experimental therapy today (11/13) and will be in the Hospital at least until the end of the week.
(Until Thursday or Friday):Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Gibbon Building, Room 3107, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
(After that):The Bertrand Family, 25 Devine Road, Suffield, CT 06078.
Sources: NEMA PR
We are proud to announce our introduction of KARTS in to our motorsport line-up! You asked for it, you got it Kart racers…a new place to run!
Open Kart Practice on Monday, November 26th, 1-9pm
$100 to join the Mototown Speedway Club (insurance included)
$50 to practice
Las Vegas, NV — Steve Carlson already has a handful of NASCAR championship rings – five to be exact – but it was the one he received Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay that really provided a crowning moment from the 50-year-old driver from West Salem, Wisc.
“Each NASCAR championship is special to me,” Carlson said. “But this is, by far, the biggest one yet.”
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Naples, ME — Thanksgiving won’t take place until later this month, but that fact didn’t keep the Northern champions of the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) from expressing their gratitude a little bit early.
All five Northern champions were honored on Friday night in Westbrook, Maine, at the annual PASS Awards Banquet. That gave the chance for the racers to thank everyone, and anyone, who helped to make them a champion in 2007.
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Mashantucket, CT — The Racing Against Cancer Team celebrated the 2007 season in grand-style on Saturday afternoon. The Foxwoods Resort Casino provided the setting for the 11th Annual Awards luncheon that honored the accomplishments of the charitable organization’s strongest supporters. Unlike traditional banquets, the luncheon recognized the competitors for their contributions off the racetrack. In total, nearly 20 individual competitors and racing organizations were feted for a fundraising season that saw $52,000 raised for the fight against cancer.
The Racing Against Cancer Program has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1997, when a grieving husband vowed to deliver on his wife’s last wish. The first year, the fundraising tally reached $10,000. Now, some 11 years later, over $585,000 has been raised for the American Cancer Society and other cancer related programs. Thanks to the vision of founder Jon Blanchette, the tireless efforts of President and Director of Operations Scott Gregory, the long-standing commitment of the Foxwoods Resort Casino, the determination of team members and the countless race fans that have supported the program, something good has come from Jodi Blanchette’s valiant fight.
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Westport, MA — Champions Ben Seitz and Peter Valeri carried off the biggest trophies as the Northeastern Midget Association celebrated its 55th campaign Saturday night. The 2007 Awards Banquet attracted a capacity crowd at White’s of Westport in Westport, MA.
Club President Mike Scrivani and Master of Ceremonies Peter Falconi covered past, present and future. The usual assortment of hardware, including trophies for the top-15 owners and drivers, was presented.
The festivities ended on a positive note, Scrivani pointing out “a couple years ago we had to struggle to get races. Right now, the promoters are calling us. That’s how good we are.”
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Wall Township, NJ — Joe Csernak announced that he will be teaming with Billy Pauch Jr. to have him race the Csernak Racing 8X for the ATQMRA’s 2007 Turkey Derby at Wall Township Speedway and the Gambler’s Classic at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall.
The younger Pauch will be teamed with his Father Billy “the Kid” Pauch for the Gambler’s Classic. The senior Pauch will be driving the Bryant Ingalls 8 Spitfire that was driven by Lew Ingalls during the 2007 ATQMRA outdoor season. This is the same car he raced in the Gambler’s Classic this past January. It is the same type of Spitfire Chassis that Joey Payne Jr. used to win the 07 Gambler’s Classic.
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North Smithfield, RI — Antonio Cortes, 72, of Wareham, died Thurs., Nov. 8th, at the Woodland Convalescent Center in N. Smithfield, RI, after a period of failing health. He was…
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Waterford, CT — NDRA again is presenting a SINGLE DAY EVENT on Sunday, November 11th. Saturday’s cold, damp, windy, inclement weather forced all activities to be moved to Sunday.
Featured will be all types of street legal cars, from highly modified Street Rods, Pro-Streets, front wheel drive muscle cars, to completely stock everyday vehicles. All cars will be running for trophies. In addition, there will be a “Mustang Shootout”; an event for street legal Mustangs, also running for trophies.
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Waterford, CT — SK-Modified champion Rob Janovic Jr. will share center stage at the January 12 ’07 Awards Banquet (at the Groton Inn and Suites) with four other champions Bruce Thomas Jr. (Late Models), Dwayne Dorr (Sportsman), Ken Cassidy Jr. (Mini Stock) and Michael Gervais Jr. (Legends).
One of three “first time” champions, Janovic took the lead at midseason and that fought off a determined effort by Dennis Gada, the 2006 king who was seeking a record seventh championship. Janovic, who won three times, was never out of the top 10 in 23 starts.
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According to SPEED Channel’s Ray Dunlap, the #59 Harris Trucking Toyota will have a new driver during the 2008 season. He mentioned Donny Lia as the new driver of the Jim Harris owned machine with a sponsorship announcement coming soon.
Lia, a Jericho, New York native won 6 races this season on route to his first NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship in Bob Garbarino’s #4 Mystic Missile. He also competed in his first Craftsman Truck Series race earlier this year at New Hampshire International Speedway. He brought Bill Davis’ #36 home in 20th place.
Sources: SPEED Channel NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series broadcast – Casino Arizona 150
Las Vegas, NV — Steve Carlson leaned back against the seat and exhaled.“Man, I feel like I just finished a 300-lap race,” Carlson said.
The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series champion spent Friday morning at Nellis Air Force Base as a guest of the U.S. Air Force. Carlson was treated to a ride in an F-16 that is part of the Air Force’s world-famous Thunderbirds.
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Mototown Speedway just had the long awaited first practice! We have race dates!!!
The Dirt Oval Track is getting broken in for the upcoming car races on these practice dates: November 25th, 29th, and 30th.
The Bud Light 12-pack Race Series will kick off with a cash race on December 16. January has three races on the 6th, 13th and 27th. February 3rd, 17th and 24th will host racing as well. March 2nd, 9th and 16th will all see racing action as well. The series closes out on April 6th and 20th.
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Atlantic City, NJ — With the first Promoter’s Summit still more than two months away there are already promoters from thirteen states that have registered to be part of the two day event that will be part of the 22nd annual Motorsports 2008 presented by VP Racing Fuels Race Car Show.
The three day show, January 18-20, featuring the two day Promoter’s Summit will take place at the huge Atlantic City Convention Hall. The Summit is designed to bring promoters from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States together to share ideas and be part of the information filled seminars on a variety of subjects.
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Las Vegas, NV — Philip Morris’ hopes for back-to-back championships were dashed by early-season misfortune. But that wasn’t enough to keep the Ruckersville, Va. driver from earning a trip back to the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series championship festivities this weekend at the Mandalay Bay Resort.
A year after winning a regional championship, Woody Pitkat improved to second in the nation. While he missed out on the championship by just six points, the Stafford, Conn. driver is as proud as Morris is that he is making a return trip to Las Vegas.
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Concord, NC – At various points in the year, scores of race teams come to Concord, North Carolina. Depending on the date and the track, those teams might compete in one of NASCAR’s big three divisions, on dirt with the World of Outlaws Sprint Car or Late Model tours or they could be asphalt short track racers.
On November 16th-17th, the asphalt short track warriors will be the circus that is coming to town. They will be filling hotel rooms and heading up and down Highway 601 with their haulers. That is when the second annual Mason-Dixon Meltdown will take place at Concord Motorsport Park – with teams hailing from as far away as Maine, Michigan and Texas to race Pro All Star Series (PASS) South Super Late Models, PASS Modifieds, Rolling Thunder Modifieds, Legends cars, Bandoleros, Allison Legacy cars and Thunder Roadsters.
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Agawam, MA — Gary J. Michnovetz, 65, died suddenly on Tuesday. He was born in West Spring-field, son of the late John and Mafalda Mich-novetz and graduated from West Springfield High School Class of 1962. He resided in West Springfield and Agawam all his life. Gary worked for many years at Germano Auto Sales before owning Gary‘s Service Center in Agawam, which he sold two years ago. He was currently employed at Boardwalk Auto Sales in South Windsor, CT.
He was an avid race car fan, a member of NASCAR. He started his interest in racing with Leo Matte at Riverside Park with the likes of George Lombardo, Ed Patnode and Labbee Brothers Racing. Later years were with Tom Rosati, Rene Charland, Bob Polverari, Reggie Ruggerio and Jerry Marquis. He was part of a championship crew with Barry Kuhnel, Bill Pelley and Bob Polverari in the 80’s and 90’s. He later was a crew member with Bill Pelley and Reggie Ruggerio before moving on to 44 racing with Jerry Marquis and Mari Fiore and was part of their National Modified Championship of 2000.
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We spend many hours of our life preoccupied by things. Thoughts fill our mind and we dwell on them. When we take the time to really analyze them we find that most times we are worrying about nothing. Try to use this standard, if it is going to matter in 300 years worry about it, if not don’t sweat it. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Race day is filled with things to do. The schedule is posted in everyone’s trailer. We all live by it. We all plan our activity around driver’s meeting, tech line opening, on line for qualifying, on line for the race. On race day these are some of the important things we have to keep track of. For some, chapel also falls into that category. Of course, I think it should have a higher priority but I understand.
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Concord, NC — Back in the mid-1760s, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon surveyed land to settle a border dispute between British colonies in Colonial America. What they were not aware…
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In May of 1940, Louis J. D’Amore of Dedham, MA found himself with a new challenge. The young racecar owner was excited about the opening of a brand new race track in Thompson, CT. The land on which the track was built had been transformed from a dairy farm into a speedway following the farm’s destruction at the hands of the infamous 1938 hurricane.
D’Amore had been watching races on dirt and board tracks since he was a kid in the early 1930s, but this May 26th opening of the Thompson Speedway was to be something new and exciting. Property owner John Hoenig had constructed the largest race track in the northeast and had bucked conventional wisdom by making the racing surface out of macadam instead of the traditional dirt, clay or wood that topped most tracks of the day. Hoenig had built the first ‘asphalt’ race track in the United States. Racers of the day could not wait to test the all-new, high banked speedway. None had ever raced on a surface like the one Hoenig had used, but that did not keep them or race fans away. A full field of racecars and the huge grandstands were filled to capacity for this grand opening.
Photo Gallery
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Concord, NC — The Mason-Dixon Meltdown is a Super Late Model version of a racing civil war. Although it is a Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Model race, the event attracted scores of PASS North regulars when it was held at South Boston Speedway (VA) in 2006.
Maine‘s Cassius Clark led a charge to victory by his homestate’s contingent of Johnny Clark, Ben Rowe, Mike Rowe and others last season. But it wasn’t before a number of strong Southern racers, including Travis Kittleson and Jason Hogan, put up a good fight.
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Jack will be in the hospital for awhile.
Send cards and letters to: Jack Glockner 34 Lawrence Rd., Halifax, MA 02338.
Just a couple of quick notes this week, as it’s time to look back at the 2007 American-Canadian Tour/Thunder Road/Série ACT Castrol racing season by the numbers.
First, we’re hearing that youngster Brooks Clark has a new chassis under construction at Jeff Taylor’s Distance Race Chassis shops in Maine. Clark, one of the young lions of Thunder Road’s Thursday night Late Model division, has designs on racing the full slate of events in 2008. The Fayston, VT driver attempted about 75% of the Thunder Road schedule, and was impressive on a number of occasions, including a pair 8th-place runs midway through the year and a 14th at the “regular season” opener in May. He drove the #68 A.W. Clark, Jr. & Son, Inc./Lackey’s Sunoco Chevrolet in 2007.
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