TVMRS Notebook 2: (March 8, 2008)
The final meeting for series officials and team owners/drivers was conducted Saturday, March 8 with new race director Mike Chapman going over rules, procedures, answering questions, and introducing new staff members to those in attendance.
Series founder Jack Bateman advised members that a new policy for heat race lineups is in effect for the new campaign. Starting positions will be determined by drawing for position. It was felt that race teams that are not able to compete at each event would benefit from the decision. Finishes in heat races and consi events will still determine feature lineups.
Bateman also noted that a recent membership vote supported the use of one outside mirror in 2008. He also stated that DART Machine, the newly announced sponsor, will contribute toward the series weekly contingency program.
Had a chance to chat with Doug White, the new guy at Wiscasset Raceway recently. He is anxiously looking forward to the series coming to his race track. If his enthusiasm is any indication, he should make a big impact at the Maine facility. White and his support staff plan to travel to early season races to familiarize themselves with officials and what to expect when the TVMRS heads up Rte 95.
Lots of new interest in the series this season coming from Southern New England. Bill Boudreau, a former Tom Abele Jr. crew member will wheel a former Carl Pasteryak tour car. The Providence , R.I. driver has raced in the Thompson Sunoco Modified division off and on for the last two years.
Waterford CT, standout Jeff Pearl is said to be TVMRS bound running selected shows. He represented the series and Waterford at the recent Hartford CT car show. Meanwhile Bobby Grigas will return and run selected events piloting his familiar # 09.
Mike Douglas Jr, coming off that strong second place finish in the season finale at Lee last year, will have a completely re-worked car for his third season. A new front and rear clip have been added and a new paint job.
Vinnie Annarummo ended the 07 season not knowing what 2008 would bring. His ride was sold after the Lee finale to a new owner, Vinnie Annarummo. The 58 year old driver made it clear at season’s end that he wanted to buy the car from Francis Farm, his long time owner/sponsor. Annarummo says “we were able to work out a good deal, they’ll continue to be on the car and Levesque Tree Service will help out too. Plus Todd will be with me and that’s very important to me.” Todd Annarummo parks his Seekonk pro stock to crew chief his Dad’s race team this year.
Rob Goodenough “hopes” to be ready for the season opener. “Been doing a lot of work on the house.” said the driver of the # 6. Goodenough says he’ll pick and choose shows as he goes through 2008. Like most teams, finances and the economy will dictate.
Running for Rookie of the Year honors will be 24 year old Kevin Iannarelli, Maynard, MA., from the Pro-Four modified division. Iannarelli is an interesting kid to talk too. He is employed by www.iRacing.com, a motorsport simulation website. His involvement with the company has led to a close friendship with Dale Earnhardt Jr, a very active participant with the sim racing adventure. “He races on it all the time” said Iannarelli. “In fact, the night of the Daytona 500, he was right there that night racing.” Iannarelli has befriended Martin Truex Jr through sim racing and also tells of another well known New England sports figure that is heavily involved in the popular game. Sporting a Boston Red Sox ball cap Iannarelli said, “John Henry, the Red Sox owner owns www.iRacing.com and is very into sim racing. He races very often and is really into it.” Iannarelli will have his employer’s sponsorship and that of New England Racing Fuels. He’ll drive a former Kenny Barry 2004 SPAFCO modified.
Welcome to Race Electronics, the official communications supplier for the series.
An oversight in the last notebook, Jonathan McKennedy finished in the top ten in points at New Smyrna FLA.
Series officials would like to thank newcomers Tom Greeley, Glen Griswold, Mike Sweeney, Paul French, and Jeff Pearl for their support of the series and the recent race car shows. Also a big thank you to regulars, David Pinkham, Kenny White, Joe Doucette, Jack Bateman, and defending champion Kirk Alexander. The response to the series was immense. When you can’t keep up to the demand for printed schedules, it’s encouraging.
Got a lot of response to the trivia question of what driver was once an assistant flagman at Star Speedway? The answer is Rob Goodenough. Rob served as an assistant to the late Jim Hanks at the Epping NH track for the 1987 season. The following year Goodenough started his racing career.
If any fan has a question for a driver or official, feel free to e-mail me at the address listed below. We’ll get you an answer.
TVMRS Trivia: Who is the first female driver to compete on the TVMRS?
Til the next notebook, remember questions, comments, or simple hello’s reach me at john.h.spence@verizon.net.
Sources: John Spence, Sr./TVMRS PR