Long Island's original and most popular Daytona 500 Party, now in its third decade, remains the event to attend for the Great American Race, with hosts Bob Finan and Stephen Halpin announcing today that the bash would return to Steve's TJ Halpin's Restaurant in Setauket. The race, pushed back by NASCAR for 2012 to Sunday February 26th, promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years with numerous rules changes, and you won't want to miss a lap of the excitement with your fellow Long Island race fans at TJ Halpin's.
Located on the scenic Heatherwood Country Club, TJ Halpin's will again offer a free hot & cold buffet during the Daytona 500 and feature $3 Domestic pints and $4 Import and Micro Brew pints. As is his nature, Stephen Halpin, in conjunction with his partner Timmy "TJ" Moore, will offer some great giveaways during the race. The famed Daytona 500 pools organized by "TV" Tim Halpin and his brother Stephen will again be available, as will a 50/50 Raffle. In that 50/50 Raffle, aside from the cash prize that is awarded, Tommy Baldwin of TBR Racing is once again adding two hot passes for the Spring races at both Dover International Speedway and Pocono Raceway as prizes.
A separate Daytona 500 Pool will be offered, with the winner taking home a huge flat screen TV to watch the remainder of the 2012 Sprint Cup Series season.
Over the years,those who have attended the Long Island Daytona 500 party reads as a virtual who's who in racing. Started back in the early 90's by Bob Finan and the Halpin brothers at the former Gallagher's Pub in Rocky Point, the concept started as a way to get a few friends together to watch the race in a Super Bowl type atmosphere. The party, in its three decades, has entertained thousands of race fans.
A heated tent, complete with a big screen TV, will be erected on the deck of TJ Halpin's, while inside you won't miss a lap of the race with numerous TV's keeping the call of the race by Mike Joy, Darrell Waltrip, and Larry McReynolds on FOX pumping all afternoon long.
For those who can't make the Daytona 500 Party on Sunday, Stephen Halpin has announced he will present "Thursday Thunder" at TJ Halpin's for the Duel at Daytona qualifying races Thursday, February 23rd. For that afternoon, TJ Halpin's will start the daily Happy Hour at 2:00 pm for the Duel at Daytona qualifying races, and there will be the usual Happy Hour drink and food specials available.
Admission is, as it always has been, FREE to the Daytona 500 party, with the doors to TJ Halpin' swinging open Febraury 26th at 11:00 a.m. to start making the Daytona 500 pools available. The Heatherwood Country Club, on Arrowhead Lane in Setauket, is just South off Route 347, with the restaurant right at the front of the golf course.
MYRACENEWS.COM
A Wild Ride Around Riverhead, An Interview With Tommy Walkowiak
Tommy Walkowiak has been described from the best Blunderbust driver in Riverhead Raceway history to the biggest villain in Riverhead Raceway history; such is the life of the career leader in Blunderbust wins. It’s Walkowiak's ‘checker or wrecker’ personality that has earned him many friends and his fair share enemies in his 21 years of racing, and the nickname the “Wild Child” from famed Riverhead Raceway announcer Bob Finan. Walkowiak's racing style would be evident in his very first Enduro race, as he would lead his first laps of racing, but failed to finish the race because, as he put it, “I destroyed the car racing, it was total junk.” Sounds about right for someone known as the Wild Child.
Walkowiak has raced all over the Northeast, with wins in many different types of racing, spanning from Blunderbusts, demolition derbys, spectator drags, blind folded taxi cab races, and car rollover competitions, to a shopping cart race (and yes, he won!). Each of these races brought different challenges, but Walkowiak races all with the same mantra as his very first race, or as he put it, “off the track I will help anyone, with any knowledge or help in anyway. But once we hit the track, the gloves are off and I will do anything to win.” And that style of racing has brought him over 80 wins in all types of racing, with 48 of them achieved in the Blunderbust division to go along with 5 championships. To many of his competitor's surprise, the win that means the most to Walkowiak is a demolition win in 2009 at the Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, NY. “For some reason I really always wanted to win a demo and that was a big one, as it had over 100 cars” says Walkowiak.
Married for 13 years and a father of 2, Walkowiak grew up in Queens, NY and attended his first races at the old Freeport Speedway with his father, and he loved the demolition cars the most. While sitting one afternoon in his race shop, with the glow of over 100 trophies in the background, and the iconic royal blue Chevy Caprice Blunderbust, his pride and joy, on jack stands being readied for the 2012 season, Walkowiak reflected on a wildly successful and tumultuous career.
Finnegan McGhee: So what are some of your other interests off the race track?
Tommy Walkowiak: I really enjoy sky diving, hunting and flying planes. These are hobbies that are totally different from driving my race car and breaks up everyday life and gives me balance. Though I love racing, believe it or not, I don't really enjoy watching racing. Who knows, maybe it’s a control thing?
FM: Who has been your biggest competitor since entering the Blunderbust division?
TW: My good friend and un-official racing teammate, Scott Maliszewski. There have been others, but Scott has been there since the beginning battling it out with me. And though we share the same 'win at all cost' attitude, we do it in completely different race styles. He is so quiet and smooth you never know he is out there, and then when we come to the checkers, it’s like, "where did he come from"?
FM: How did you choose your car number and color scheme?
TW: Well, my original number was 33, as that was the number I used for my very first Enduro win and I always felt double digit numbers were good luck. When I went to register, my number 33 was already taken and since I was starting Blunderbust racing in 2000, I figured double zero would be good. Interestingly, I beat Scott to register the number, as that was also the number he was going to use. The color, well my first Sponsor was C & A Auto Parts and that was their colors, so I decorated my car in it and it has kind of just stuck.
FM: So then you believe in superstitions?
TW: Yes, many. But I consider my wife as my good luck charm. I won my very first race immediately after I started dating her and she has been there by my side every Saturday night cheering me on. She is the best.
FM: Any future goals you would like to achieve?
TW: 50 wins in the Blunderbust division.
FM: What is your favorite track to race outside of your home track?
TW: Wall Stadium in New Jersey. I have only raced there a few times, but I really loved it. The high banks create so much speed it’s a total rush.
FM: Though you are not old, you are a seasoned veteran of racing. How much longer can you see yourself driving?
TW: Wow, never really thought about that. I guess as long as there is a race track at Riverhead and I don't get bored, I will continue. I still love racing as I did when I first started, but I do have other interests, and well, I’ll just have to take it year by year.
FM: How will you want people to talk about you as a race driver?
TW: Another question I really have not given much thought to. Let’s phrase it this way. One time after an episode on the track a former chief steward was asking me what the heck I was doing. I told him “I drive the length of the Long Island Expressway to race 20 laps and I am going to get my money’s worth.” I want them to know that if they beat me, they had to be at their very best to do it, because I am not going to give you an inch. Some may say I drive too rough, but I know they feel prouder when they beat me, and that is what keeps me competitive. I don’t know if I really answered your question. I guess as one tough SOB from my arch rivals, and a true friend to those who got to know me.
With the roar of another racing season fast approaching, Walkowiak will once again make Riverhead Raceway his Saturday night stomping grounds. And along the way to the goal of a 50th victory, there are sure to be as many checkers as crashes, as many friends as enemies, but always a wild ride.
For comment, questions, and thoughts please email Finmcghee@yahoo.com
The Original Daytona 500 Party back at TJ Halpin's
TED CHRISTOPHER TO RUN WAYNE ANDERSON'S EASTPORT FEEDS NASCAR MODIFIED AT RIVERHEAD RACEWAY IN 2012
Riverhead, NY. Jan. 24th
By Bob Finan
The off season silence of the racing world on Long Island was shattered in early January when it was announced that Ted Christopher of Plainville, Ct. would drive Wayne Anderson's Eastport Feeds NASCAR Modified on a weekly basis at Riverhead Raceway starting with the Twin 30 feature events on opening night May 5th. Anderson confirmed the pairing Tuesday after returning from vacation.
The weekly NASCAR Modified field at Riverhead Raceway is known to be among the toughest and most star studded in the Whelen All-American Series, and with the announcement of the Christopher/Anderson pairing it gets even stronger. "Teddy and my crew chief Kenny Lechner had been talking on and off" Wayne reflected when confirming his new team for 2012, "recently Teddy started calling Kenny more often and so we put a deal together". Before going public with the news Anderson first consulted with his longtime and loyal sponsor Doug Corwin of Eastport Feeds, who was quick to approve of the new tandem.
One thing is for certain with both Christopher and Anderson, they both know how to win track titles, as they have 20 between them. Wayne is a former five-time Riverhead Raceway titleist who also garnered two championships, each in the NASCAR Modified ranks, at Islip Speedway and the New Egypt Speedway. Teddy, who has been dubbed "TC" during his successful career has won the Stafford Motor Speedway championship 7-times and has 3 Thompson Speedway and one Waterford Speedbowl titles to his credit. If the 20 track titles between the duo weren't enough, both Wayne and Teddy have also won the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour title as well.
"The way the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour schedule sits, and if Teddy had a solid full-time ride in that series, he'd have to miss two Riverhead shows" Wayne noted. The WMT has Saturday night stops at both the Monadnock Speedway and Waterford Speedbowl early in the season. Christopher, in a recent Lenny Sammons article in the Area Auto Racing News, stated he'll fly to Long Island on a friend's plane for remainder of the season.
Just because Teddy Christopher is wheeling the Performance Technology powered Chevy for Anderson doesn't mean Wayne will be sitting still all season long cheering on his driver. Anderson has a back-up car that was started once during in 2011 by Mike Ewanitsko that Wayne will race on a part-time basis for the upcoming campaign.
Ted Christopher, aside from having a reputation that precedes him, is not just known for his victories and championships in both SK and NASCAR Modified racing, but he perhaps is also one of the most versatile drivers in the sport. Over the last several years, Teddy has won an indoor TQ Midget event in Atlantic City, a DIRT Modified race on a road course in Millville, NJ, and a Super Modified Race for noted car owner Clyde Boothe. His driving style, which mirrors Anderson's in his heyday, will certainly spice things up on the tight confines of Riverhead Raceway in 2012.
Joining the NASCAR Modifieds on opening night May 5th at Riverhead Raceway are the Late Models, Figure Eights, Chargers, Blunderbusts, Super Pro Trucks and Legend Race Cars. For the entire 2012 schedule please visit www.riverheadraceway.com or call 631-842-RACE.
Driving with Mr. Clean, An Interview With Roger Oxee
As a 7 year old kid growing up in Peconic, NY, Roger J Oxee, or RJ as he's known to his fans and friends, was a regular at Riverhead Raceway watching the action with his parents and getting hooked on what would become a lifetime commitment to racing. His parents would take him because “basically they could not find a babysitter” as Oxee would put it. He enjoyed the racing so much that at the age of 27 he found an old figure eight race car in a field one day and turned it into his first race car. "I thought I was hot stuff, but after my first race I quickly found out I was out of my league and decided it was not for me.", said Oxee recently as he sat back and relaxed, reminiscing one afternoon during another off season, his 32nd and possibly last. He has actively hinted that this could be his last season racing at Riverhead Raceway.
Oxee would give the racing thing another go, as he was hooked and would come to realize that racing was going to be a life calling. He started his racing career in 1979 at the very track the he enjoyed attending as a youngster, Riverhead Raceway. Though his racing would take him to tracks all over, Hudson in New Hampshire, Wall Stadium and Flemington Speedway in New Jersey, Thompson Speedway in Connecticut, Mountain Speedway in Pennsylvania, and Islip Speedway in Islip, he would call Riverhead his home track. Who knew that the lack of babysitting services in the Peconic area around 1964 would lead to a 32 year career in racing that would see Oxee notch his 60th win this past season and a track championship in 2005 in the Late Model division.
Oxee, a father of 3, and soon to be 4, resides in both Carmel and Peconic, NY. He has long been known for his immaculately kept race car, and his tough but clean driving on the race track. In recent years, he has become the voice of resurgence in his beloved Late Model division, as with the falling economy have come falling car counts and the threat of eliminating or reducing the division. This past season saw a surge in Late Model car counts, thanks in some part to Oxee encouraging many new and former drivers to get on the track. Recently, I had the chance to sit down with Oxee and get a lifetime of perspective of one of the truly old school racers still left in the game.
Finnegan MeGhee: First Roger, congratulations on a tremendous career in racing. So I have to ask, is this really the last season?
Roger J Oxee: Perhaps I may have jumped the gun on that one. I strongly doubt this will be my last season. Being realistic about it, racing is such a huge part of my life that it is so hard to just walk away from it. If however, I feel that I cannot be competitive and I feel I can no longer win, then I will let go.
FM: What are some of your other interest away from racing?
RJ: I enjoy both snow and water skiing and I also enjoy model trains.
FM: Who is/was your biggest competitor since you started racing at Riverhead?
RJ: Paul McElearney and Quinn Volgraff. Paul was so good he could make a wheel barrel go fast. Quinn was the toughest guy to try and pass that I ever have raced against.
FM: How did you choose your car number and paint color scheme?
RJ: I have raced many different colors but red is personally my favorite color so I always go back to that. The number 39 is interesting because my original number was 35. When the Cromarty's bought Riverhead, all the guys coming over from Islip Speedway had first dibs on numbers and a guy named Hank Kramer already had 35. So I had an old high school football jersey with number 39 and I figured I would switch to that.
FM: Any future goals you want to achieve?
RJ: Of course another Riverhead championship would be nice. But besides that, I would love to win off the Island. I have had strong runs at other tracks but I have never been able to bring home a checker flag.
FM: What is your favorite track to race outside of Riverhead?
RJ: Wall Stadium in New Jersey. It is just a really fun track.
FM: Do you have a most memorable or favorite win?
RJ: Two. The night I won, the day after we buried my mom. She was and still is my biggest supporter. I felt like she was riding with me that night. When I crossed the finish line there were tears flowing down my face. I took the lead on lap 31 and never looked back that night. I really did not even want to do an interview in victory lane, as I did not think I could compose myself. Basically, after I got out of the car, all I could say is “This is for my mom.” The second was a personal thing for me because I always felt I wanted to win and lose by the rules. One week, after a race, my integrity was brought into question when the rules official said my tires were too soft. I know for a fact that those tires were not altered. I took the penalty of $500 and being required to start from the rear and drove my you know what off to get to the front and won the race. What most do not know is that immediately after the race, I had to be helped out of the car and taken to an ambulance. They hooked me up to an IV as I had an irregular heart beat and strep throat. The car was inspected and deemed completely legal.
FM: Do you have any mentors or any other driver you looked up to?
RJ: Robin Vollmoeller is my hero (laughs). I actually say that to him to this very day, every time I see him. Growing up watching him race I was just in awe of how good he was. Funny story though. Before I started racing I actually stalked him (laughs again). I found out where he worked and went there one day and asked him a whole bunch of questions about racing. He probably thought I was nuts (and a final laugh).
FM: How will you want people to talk about you as a race driver?
RJ: First word that comes to my mind is “clean driver.” I know there are times my crew would like me not to be, but I take pride in my driving and knowing that if I beat you, I did it fair and square.
As Oxee prepares his race car for another Late Model season at Riverhead Raceway, there are two things we can depend upon. He will have one of the best looking race cars on the track, and if he is passing someone, we know he has done it very cleanly.
For comments, questions, and thoughts please email: Finmcghee@yahoo.com
(photo from Roger Oxee's Facebook page)
Mountain Speedway Releases Jam-Packed 2012 Season Schedule
By: Gene Ostrowski
January 22, 2012
St. Johns, Pa- Full bore and flat out, the action is set for 2012 at Mountain Speedway in St. Johns, Pa. Two opening weekends of action are slated at the 1/3-mile oval with points paying time trials on Saturdays, followed with feature events on Sundays. Mountain Madness Enduro Series events are also on the card and will accompany the time trial events both Saturdays.
Following open practice sessions for All divisions on Sunday, April 1 and Saturday, April 7, the first weekend of action is scheduled for Saturday, April 14 with time trials for the Sport Modifieds, Late Models and Factory Stocks, plus a 100-lap 6/8-cylinder car enduro is scheduled. With a cone style race format, feature events for the Sport Modifieds, Late Models and Factory Stocks will take place on Sunday, April 11. The INEX Legends and Bandoleros are also on the card for the Sunday afternoon show.
The second weekend of action is scheduled for Saturday, April 21 with time trials for the Tour Type Modifieds, Street Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks. A 100-lap four-cylinder car enduro is planned for the afternoon. Following the cone style format, the feature events for the Tour Type Modifieds, Street Stocks and 4-Cylinder Stocks will be held on Sunday, April 22. The INEX Legends and Bandoleros are also on the card for the Sunday afternoon show.
Sunday, April 29 will feature the 30-lap Mike Moyer, Jr. Factory Stock Memorial, plus the Sport Modifieds and Late Models are in action. On the card for the first time this season will be the TQ Midgets, and the INEX Legends and Bandoleros are also added to the jam-packed show.
The 4th annual Brad Kline Memorial Street Stock Shootout is slated for Sunday, June 10 and the INEX Legends and Bandoleros are also slated to join the action.
Several special events are planned for this season, extended lap features for all divisions, with double points to the drivers during the summer months. Autograph and camera nights are also planned during the summer racing programs, which give race fans the opportunity to meet the stars of the speedway and also receive autographs.
Visits from the Atlantic Coast Old Timers and the 4C Modifieds also help fill the great schedule that Mountain Speedway has to offer for 2012 and other events will be added, such as big wheel races for the kids and fan nights at the speedway.
Following the annual season-ending “King of the Mountain” event in October, the North East Late Model Association will return in with the running of its NELMA Late Model Challenge.
Most of the divisional rules have been released for this season and the divisions that haven’t been updated will be finished within the next week. All rules can be downloaded from the speedway website.
Mountain Speedway is just minutes from Hazleton, Pa, located on St. John’s Road, between Routes 93 and 309. Grandstand admission for all regular events is just $12 for ages 11 and older. Children 10 years of age and younger are admitted for free.
For the complete 2012 racing schedule at Mountain Speedway, please visit www.mountainspeedway.com.
Chris McGuire To Drive Modified Full Time In 2012
With the help of M3 Technology, EMPower Capital Inc., Gershow Recycling, Chris McGuire will be driving the Ken Massa Owned 89x Modified at Riverhead Raceway full time in 2012. Justin Bonsignore will be driving a part time schedule at Riverhead and full time on the Whelen Modified Tour for the Ken Massa M3 team, looking for his first WMT Championship.
McGuire, who has driven his own beautifully prepared 89x Charger car for many years, will only add to the excitement of Riverhead Raceway's 2012 season as he joins an ever growing field of Modified drivers competing weekly there. Still awaiting confirmation as to whether McGuire will also run his Charger weekly.
Listen in each week to Joe Larsen's "5 Off 5 On Racing Show". I bet he'll have something to say about this and much more. www.inravio.com Monday nights from 7 to 9 PM
Gearheads Gather at Eastern States this Weekend for Auto Parts Swap ‘n Sell
Vernon, CT (January 18, 2012): This weekend Start-Finish Productions hosts the annual Auto Parts Swap ‘n Sell at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA. This anticipated event provides the ultimate weekend getaway for automotive enthusiasts who have a passion for stock cars, hot rods, classics or custom cars. Flea market aficionados and avid bargain shoppers will relish the prices and selection provided by the 300 plus vendors.
Buyers and sellers alike enjoy the comfort of a heated venue and the additional benefit of showcase lighting. Auto Parts Swap ‘n Sell offers prices competitive with any online auction website without the cost of shipping, without the wait, and without the risk of buying sight unseen; helping to ensure mutually beneficial transactions.
The indoor all-automotive swap meet will feature a vast array of vendors including manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and private sellers offering a huge assortment of new and used parts for all automotive areas of interest.
“We have more private sellers than ever before, “said Brian Fredericks, Show Director. “It seems like a bunch of guys are cleaning out their garages. It should be very interesting.”
A host of loyal vendors line the aisles of the 123,000 square foot Better Living Center. For racers, top-notch retailers are always a mainstay at the annual Auto Parts Swap ‘n Sell with exhibits from the likes of Spraker Racing, Northeast Race Cars and Parts, Gardner Leavitt’s Action Racing, Duraflex, Central Connecticut Coatings, and many more.
After debuting at Auto Parts Swap ‘n Sell in 2010, Magnus Racing Products of Danielson, CT, has become the leader in transmission rebuilding and REM finishing in the racing industry. Owner Mike Sangermano and staff will be on hand this weekend to showcase their innovative product line and services.
Confirmed vendors from street rodding and customizing industry include Checkered Racing of Bedford, IN, suspension professionals for rodders and racers; Moon’s Classics of Roxbury, NH, purveyors of parts and accessories for ’55-’57 Chevys and Ames Performance, also out of New Hampshire, who provide specialization for GTO owners. New England Performance Mustangs has secured vendor space representing the blue oval brigade. Specialty vendor Memory Lane out of Auburn, PA, offers a huge array of owner’s manuals and car brochures.
Up-and-coming Victory Lane Designs of Norton, MA, is a first-time exhibitor at Swap ‘n Sell. Specializing in screen printing and embroidery for the automotive industry, Victory Lane offers superb custom artwork and affordable pricing.
“This show offers us the perfect opportunity to introduce our products and services to our target market,” said owner and designer Kristin Nason. “Auto Parts Swap ‘n Sell is a perfect fit for our company.”
Mike McGriff’s Overtime Auto makes the trek from Olney, IL, to provide a great selection of tools. Metro Cremo out of New York offers one of the largest collections of discount tools and accessories found at any swap meet.
Other notable vendors Flow-Rite Headers, New England Chrome Plating, All-American Blasting, Coolflex Motorsports, Ray Williams, and many more.
Single-day adult admission in only $10.00; kids under 12 are admitted free with a paid adult. Show hours are 8AM to 5PM on both Saturday and Sunday, January 21&22, 2012.
The Eastern States Exposition Center, “Home of the Big E”, is located at 1305 Memorial Ave, W. Springfield, MA. Just off Route 91 at 1305 Memorial Avenue (Route 147) in West Springfield, MA, Auto Parts Swap ‘n Sell is easily accessible from most major highways and allows easy access to plenty of amenities including hotels and restaurants.
Auto Parts Swap ‘n Sell is a production of Start-Finish Productions. For more information call (860) 871-6376 or visit thompsonspeedway.com.
Ted Christopher To Field The Anderson Racing #15 Modified
Wayne, Kenny, Doug from Eastport Feeds, and the entire crew are looking forward to an exciting 2012 at Riverhead Raceway! We are honored to have a driver of this caliber continue to keep the Anderson Racing legacy running up front like Wayne did for many, many years. This will be a new experience for all of us. We still look forward to having Wayne race occasionally.
Kenny Lechner, crew chief, #15 modifiedSo I guess in this world you can't make everyone happy by the choices one makes! Case in point; the choice to put "TC", Ted Christopher, into the #15 Eastport Feeds modified of Wayne Anderson, has obviously met with some nay sayers as well as accolades on this move. Why does it have to go to the negative side of things when the season is still 3 months away? The question then becomes if it was another top chauffeur, with the same credentials, would the press the team recieves be all positive or negative or both? Just because some people do not like Teddy's "style" of racing, he obviously has what it takes to win and win he will i'm sure! Let us wait and see what will transpire in May and beyond before casting your opinion. I applaud the move, and wish them the best of luck in the 2012 season. This year looks to be a banner year for modified racing at Riverhead, with the rumors of other top notch drivers hitting the oval we know as home. Can't wait till the season starts and look forward to possibly having heat races again. Don't forget, it takes a lot to walk away from a sport you spent 40 plus years doing.
From Cuzzin' Vinny - Facebook post
BETHEL DRIVER TO VIE FOR MS. MOTORSPORTS TITLE
BETHEL, NY – Fans at Bethel Motor Speedway have become accustomed to the sight of 20-year-old Kimberlee Morgan strapping on her racing helmet each Saturday, as the Lake Ariel, PA resident has become a regular competitor in the track’s headline dirt Sportsman class at the quarter-mile asphalt oval.This coming Saturday, however, Morgan hopes to trade her helmet for a different type of headwear as she competes for the prestigious title of “Ms. Motorsports” during the Motorsports 2012 show in Oaks, PA.It will be Morgan’s second year taking part in the pageant.“I think I am better prepared this year, because I know what to expect after doing it last year,” Morgan commented. “I think it makes it a little easier knowing exactly what you’re going into.”Morgan already has her share of titles – she was named Ms. Rockland County Motorsports Show last March, and she was also Ms. LegendStock 2010 at Bethel Motor Speedway the previous year.But Morgan also has a confidence that very few contestants possess – she has experience behind the wheel of a race car, making her more well-versed in racing than most, which is sure to complement her pageant experience.“I’ve experienced the racer’s point of view, the fan’s point of view, and the pageant point of view,” she said. “I think the combination of experiences will make me more confident going into the pageant.”Morgan will represent Morgan Racing in the pageant, a two-car Sportsman team that fields cars for both herself and her father, Greg Morgan. The elder Morgan finished second in points at Bethel in both 2009 and 2010, and he closed out the 2011 season fourth in points.Both father and daughter plan to compete at Bethel again in the 2012 season – undoubtedly with the elder Morgan’s eye on the championship and the younger Morgan’s eye on her first win.This week, however, she will be content with a win in the Ms. Motorsports pageant.Photo attached: Kimberlee Morgan normally wears a racing helmet on Saturday nights; this coming Saturday, she hopes to wear a crown instead.Photo credit: Lisa Andresen
BETHEL MOTOR SPEEDWAY EXTENDS BANDOLERO RAFFLE UNTIL MARCH 31ST
BETHEL, NY – On the quarter-mile asphalt oval at Bethel Motor Speedway, the development of young drivers is fostered on a weekly basis, as evidenced by the growth in the track’s developmental classes, which include both the Bandolero and 4 Cylinder Novice classes. The track has established a Young Racers Program, specifically designed to assist new drivers as they begin their racing careers. Several months ago, the speedway management announced that they would be raffling off a Bandolero in order to benefit the program for the 2012 season. The raffle was originally scheduled to take place later this month, but it has been announced that the drawing has been rescheduled for March 31, 2012. The drawing will now take place during the Middletown Motorsports Show. There will still be only a maximum of 500 tickets sold for the chance to win the car that won the prestigious LegendStock Bandolero race back in August.“The goal of the raffle is to benefit the Young Racers Program, and we want to insure that we have the time needed to sell enough tickets to positively impact what we are able to do with the program,” stated Bethel’s Business Operations Manager, Tracy Chirico. “Our Young Racers Program has captured attention throughout the Northeast and beyond for the positive influence it helps to provide for both the young drivers involved in it and for the sport in general, and we are committed to benefitting the program as much as we can.”At Bethel Motor Speedway, the pit entry fee for Bandolero drivers has been waived each year since 2008. The regular weekly car count in the Bandolero division has tripled since 2009, and has provided some exciting racing as its young drivers have gained valuable seat time.The car that is being raffled off was donated by the Grala family immediately following Kaz Grala’s impressive win in the LegendStock event. Grala was awarded one of the unique guitar-shaped trophies that have become a trademark of the event. After a brief but notably successful stint in Bandolero racing, Grala is moving up into a Legends car for the 2012 season.Tickets are available for $10 each, with no more than 500 tickets being sold. Tickets will be available at the Motorsports 2012 trade show to be held January 20-22 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania; and they will also be available at the Middletown Motorsports Show to be held at Orange County Fair Speedway on March 30 and 31 while they are available. NorthEast Legends has added tickets to their online parts catalog for Internet sales at www.northeastlegends.com.For more information, visit www.bethelmotorspeedway.com, or call (845) 319-7908.
