Long Island Motorsports News

Annual John Blewett III North-South Shootout Race Reports

info@LongIslandMotorsports.com (Mike Fields) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 01:01:00 GMT

November 6, Concord, NC--- This year, Austin Beers was deemed to be too old to compete in the Little Shootout Peddle Race. He ended up throwing the green for the race instead. Rumor has it that he didn’t need to take Geritol beforehand. Briana Huffman picked up the win.

While we were waiting for the racing action to commence, we were walking around talking to old friends. In our travels, we stopped at a stand selling Italian Ices. We had never considered Mango as an Italian Ice flavor; however, it was delicious.

The first feature on the docket was Vintage Modified feature. Johnny Sutton took the early lead, followed by Jim Lambert. With only 2 laps complete, those two already had a half-lap lead on the rest of the field, with only 5-car starting the race. By the end of lap 5, Sutton had a good 20-car lead on the rest of the field. We wonder why this race is 25 laps; but grateful that it isn’t 50…

Sutton picked up the victory of the ’race’. We wonder why the division is still part of the Shootout weekend, as there is never a decent car count, or much competition of the cars that show up. It is more of a 25-lap practice session than anything else.

16 cars were scheduled to start the Vintage Sportsman race. 13 cars actually came to the grid, with 25 laps again to be the distance.

Jeff Melton jumped to the lead, with Willie Wall 2^nd. A spinner put the field under yellow. Melton took off at the green, followed by Brian Thomas 2^nd. Willie Wall was 3^rd, with Todd Bradbury 4^th. Bradbury took over 3^rd on lap 3.

Another quick yellow on lap 6 restaged the field. Melton still held the lead; however, Todd Bradbury was now up to 2^nd, and all over the back of Melton. However, Bradbury was showing a lot of smoke, as Johnny Gregory went under Bradbury in turn four on lap 7. Of course, more yellow showed. Gregory slid under Melton through turn four as they on lap 10. It was now Gregory, Melton, and Bradbury.

Bradbury found a way to get past Melton in turn one on lap 13--- Of course, that was by was of Bradbury trying to go through Melton’s left rear quarter panel. Of course Melton went after Bradbury, but couldn’t do any damage. Melton was parked for the retaliation, and Bradbury was sent to the rear for causing the yellow to begin with.

The new leader was Johnny Gregory, followed by Johnny Buxton, and Brian Thomas. All this, and it’s still only up to lap 13. Buxton was able to finally get under Gregory on the tri-oval on lap 18. After another yellow, Buxton was able to hold on for the win.

The SK Modifieds were up next for their 50-lap feature. As opposed to most SK races, we’re hoping that this will be a fairly clean race. We’re keeping an eye on Burt Myers, who’s starting 17^th and scratch.

Preece got under Silk on the first lap to take the lead. Hirschman is 3^rd, as caution came out for Tommy Farrell and Patrick Emerling spinning on lap 2. Under the yellow, we noted that TC, who started 8^th, is already up to 4^th.

Preece kept the lead, with Silk 2^nd,. TC almost got under Silk, but fell back. TC is, as usual, a force to be reckoned with. TC is all over Silk, banging on his rear bumper, tying to get the 2^nd spot. While Silk and Christopher are fighting for 2^nd, Preece is slowing pulling away, and by lap 11, has a 10 car lead. TC finally has position going into turn one on lap 13, taking over the 2^nd spot.

That leaves Keith Rocco to start working over the rear bumper of Silk for the 3^rd spot. Ryan Preece still has a nice lead over TC; however, a caution came out on lap 17 for a Tommy Barrett, who spun in the dogleg.

Silk, Woody Pitkat, Barrett, Doug Coby, Adam LaCicero, and Tommy Farrell make their way into the pits. Ready to go green, they were now Preece, TC, Rocco, Hirschman, and Paules the top five. When the cars shook themselves out, TC was the new leader, followed by Preece, Hirschman, and Rocco the top four.Filk was 5^th, and Paules and Yuhas fighting for the 6^th spot.

At lap 25, the halfway point, it was TC, Preece, Hirschman, Rocco, and Preece the top five.

Woody Pitkat spun on lap 33, bringing out a caution flag. Most of the field from the 6^th position on back, came into the pits to make adjustments. We are somewhat surprised that despite the cautions, this is a pretty good race. Pitkat spun on the restart, bringing out another yellow.

13 cars remain for the restart, as TC kept the lead, followed by Preece3, Paules, Hirschman, and Rocco. On lap 40, Steven Reed got up and over the concrete wall into the fencing, part of which was ripped down. The red came out immediately, as rescue personnel raced to the scene. Fortunately, the word came to the press box that the driver was OK. This is one of the more horrible hits that I’ve witnessed in many, many years. It is a major tribute to the people that build these cars that Reed was able to safely get out of the car. It also says quite a bit for the quality of the catch fence, or Reed would have been in the woods after going airborne over the wall. Part of the catch fence may be gone; but Steven Reed’s car stayed in the facility.

That being said, it will take a while as the track must put the fence back. The red will continue for a while. After over a half hour, the track went from red to yellow. We’re surprised that the fence is not being replaced at the dogleg. Apparently, they will continue the race show with no catch fence at the dogleg.

With 10 laps to go, the field realigned with TC, Preece, Paules, Hirschman, and Silk in single file. On the green, Preece was all over the back of Christopher. Another yellow came out as Yuhas spun ‘with help’.

On the restart, Preece got into TC, causing both to spin in turn four. Under yellow, several cars decided to hit others trying to come up with their own idea of where they’re supposed to line up. Officials just threw the red so the field could be ‘officially’ lined up. Meanwhile, TC and Preece went to the pits for new rubber. They came out with Preece 11^th and TC 12^th.

Another yellow came out when four cars got together in turn one on lap 43. TC was again in the mix, as he needed a wrecker to get back to the pits with a broken suspension.

As the field was lined up, it was now Earl Paules, Ron Silk, Matt Hirschman, Keith Rocco, and Doug Coby. Silk got under Paules on the restart for the lead. Rocco was 3^rd, Hirschman 4^th. Preece got under Hirschman for 4^th, with four to go. Rocco got under Silk in turn one, and trying to keep the lead, Silk touched the wall, falling to 3^rd. Meanwhile, Preece was up to 2^nd. At the checker, it was Rocco, Preece, and Paules.

It was interesting watching Rocco doing donuts on the narrow front stretch without hitting the wall, as the 2010 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Champion celebrating his victory at the Shootout.

“We had a good car to start with,” Rocco said in Victory Lane. “We’ve had some awful luck in the past at this place.

“I knew we had a real good shot after that last restart,” Rocco concluded.

The biggest surprise to us was how good of a race this was. We can’t remember an SK Modified race in the north-east that was this good.

The final rundown was Keith Rocco, Ryan Preece, Ron Silk, Earl Paules, Mat Hirschman, Doug Coby, Ron Yuhas Jr., Tommy Barrett, Tommy Farrell, Woody Pitkat, Adam LaCicero, Ted Christopher, Steven Reed, Jerry Gradl Jr., Burt Myers, Patrick Emerling, and Dan Kurzejewski.

Now up are the USA Modifieds for their 50-lap feature, as 24 cars took to the tri-oval.

At the green, Brian Springer took the pint, with Chad Poole 2^nd, and Brain Nester 3^rd. Yellow came out as 8 cars got together in turn four, then bringing out the red briefly with a blocked track.

Springer kept the lead, followed by Poole, Nester, Mike Stacy, and Ross Klingelhofer. By lap 5, Sprinter had pulled out a 15-car lead. Chad Poole was barely holding on to 2^nd, but was obviously holding up the field.

Nester finally went around Pool on lap 10 for the 2^nd spot. Chad Poole is getting banged around as cars go around him. At lap ten, the running order is Springer, Nester, Stacy, Klinelhofer, and Poole.

By lap 21, Nester has caught up to Springer, as the two fight for the lead. Nester finally got around Springer for the lead, stringing out the lead. Nester has a 20-car lead at the half-way point, stretching out his lead. At lap 30, Nester’s lead is just shy of a ¼ of a lap, as this race starts to resemble an enduro. At least the field is going green. Lap 37 shows about a 5-second lead, and ended up as the winner of the USA Modified race.

The big race of the weekend, the Tour Modified race was now on the track at 4:23 waiting for driver introductions of the 32 cars for the 125-lap race.. Between laps 25 and 100, the cars must make a mandatory pit stop. Even if they decide not to change tires, they still must jack up the car, making certain that two tires must be raised off the ground.

Corey Lajoie spun at the green, not making contact, having to go to the rear.

On the restart, it was Chuck Hossfeld in the lead, followed by Justin Bonsignore, Matt Hirschman, Ryan Preece, and Eric Beers. By the end of lap 3, the cars had settled in to single file. T.J. Zacharias spun at the entrance of the front stretch on lap 6, which will bring out a double-file restart. After stopping in the pits, T.J. pulled it behind the wall, done for the day.

At the restart, Hossfeld muscled to the lead, as five got together in turn four. So much for that restart…

Earl Paules was towed to the pits, as Burt Myers went to the pits. When Myers comes out, he’ll be running close to Junior Miller. That could be interesting…

This time, Bonsignore got the advantage, taking the lead, followed by Ryan Preece, Chuck Hossfeld, Matt Hirschman, and Eric Beers. On lap 10, several cars got together spinning, including Junior Miller. Watching closely, “Mr. Madhouse” Burt Myers wasn’t anywhere near him.

At the green, Bonsignore edged Preece for the lead, , with both exchanging the lead with crossovers in turns one, and then the tri-oval. Hirschman was sitting in the catbird seat in third, waiting for one or the other to make a mistake. Erick Rudolph had now moved up to fourth, with Hossfeld back in fifth.

Preece took the lead on lap 20, going under Bonsignore. Now that he has the lead, it appears that Justin can’t stay close to Ryan’s rear bumper. Hirschman is 3^rd, Rudolph 4^th, and Hossfeld 5^th, as the field has gone 30 laps, and is now in the window for mandatory pit stops.

Ron Silk, started 13^th, and is now running 7^th. Ted Christopher, who started 21^st, is now up to 9^th, and closing fast. Now on lap 30, Preece has just caught slower cars, and is running through lapped traffic. Jimmy Zacharias spun by himself in turn one on lap41. Now the cat and mouse game begins on who will or won’t use this opportunity to make their pit stops. Many cars are now making stops, including Eric Beers.

Justin Bonsignore came to a stop in the pit area, obviously having a problem. The car has shut off twice; once on the track, and once in the pits. The crew is looking at the battery, and in fact is doing a battery change. Fortunately, the laps under caution do not count. Justin will go from 2^nd all the way to the rear of the field. That is if he can get out of the pits quick enough--- which didn’t happen. When the field went green, Bonsignore got caught in the pits, losing laps.

Ryan Preece took the lead under green, followed by Hirschman, Hossfeld, Christopher, and Rudolph. Burt Myers lost power coming through the backstretch, and looped it in turn four, bringing out another yellow on lap 46. Myers was pushed to the pits, and came out a number of laps later.

Hirschman took the lead on the restart, followed by Preece, RC, Hossfeld, and George Brunnhoelzl III. GB III took the spot from Hossfeld on lap 48, moving up to fourth.

With 1/3 of the race complete, the top five is Hirschman, Preece, TC, GB III, and Hossfeld. Jimmy Zacharias spun and slammed into the water barrels protecting the pit entrance, resulting in an spectacular explosion of water, after contact with Justin Bonsignore on lap 62. Jimmy gingerly walked away from the scene.

At this point, all cars have pitted with the exception of Rudolph, who is currently leading. The field was still under red, having to replace the water stanchion.

As the field went back to green, Rudolph had the lead, followed by James Civali. That lasted only one lap, until Civali took the lead, with Rudolph 2^nd, Jimmy Blewett 3^rd, Shawn Carrig 4^th, and Josh Nichols 5^th. By lap 69, Rudolph started drifting back. Lap 72 now has Civali, Blewett, Preece, Hirschman, and Carrig the top five. Carrig tapped the outside wall, falling back several positions, with Nichols taking over the 5^th spot.

Lap 80 has Patrick Emerling get into Rudolph, who in turn went head first into the inside front stretch wall. With water left on the track, Erick went to the pits, where the crew looked toward the front of the car, and sent Rudolph behind the wall. At this point, 25 cars are still in the race.

On the green, the lead is taken by Civali, Hirschman, Preece, TC, and Blewett the top five. Hirschman is right on Civali’s back bumper, looking for a way around to the lead. Meanwhile, Rowan Pennink found his way into the top five, as GB III sits in 6^th.

On lap 89, Hirschman tapped Civali, as both of them, and Preece and TC got together. Under the yellow, TC lined up first, but appears to have some front-end damage--- possibly cosmetic. Preece was sitting on pit road with water coming out the front. Lined up for the restart is TC, Pennink, GB III, Silk, and Eric Goodale the top five.

At the green, Pennink and TC made contact, with Christopher slammed into the turn one wall, gathering a handful of others… Did an SK race that I expected earlier break out? Anyway, Pennink was put to the of the field for rough-riding. While under red to clear the track, Junior Miller was leaking, and sent to the pits.

Lining the cars back up, the leader was now George “GB III” Brunnhoelzl, followed by Silk, Goodale, Hossfeld, and Blewett. The cars are now single file for all restarts.

On the green, it’s GB III, Silk, Tommy Farrell, Hirschman, and Carrig. Beers passed Carrig for fifth on lap 94. Lap 101 had Hirschman go around the outside of Farrell in turn one for 3^rd.

With 20 laps to go, GB III has a 20 car lead over Hirschman, now in 2^nd. With 108 laps complete, there is now no lapped cars between Hirschman and Brunnhoelzl. By lap 111, Matt has closed up on George, and passed, while both ended up in lapped traffic. When it cleared, Hirschman was in front, with George 2^nd, Blewett 3^rd, Silk 4^th, and Hossfeld 5^th.

Shawn Carrig brought out the yellow with 4 to go. What will be interesting is that George doesn’t appear to have anything for Matt. However, Chuck Hossfeld, now in third, has been charging forward. Can Chuck pass George quick and catch & pass Matt with 4 to go?

On the green Matt kept the lead, with George 2^nd, and Chuck couldn’t get past George for 2^nd, with one to go. However, Chuck made the pass for 2^nd on the final lap. Great race run by the winner Matt Hirschman. Hossfeld was 2^nd, Brunnhoelzl 3^rd, Blewett 4^th and Silk 5^th. For Matt Hirschman, he became the Shootout’s first 3-time winner.

“Sometimes, I’m not aggressive enough,” Hirschman said. On the big wreck, “I just went down low, down real low. I didn’t get down.

“At one point, I thought we were done,” Matt concluded.

Final finishes were Matt Hirschman, Chuck Hossfeld, George Brunnhoelzl III, Eric Beers, Ron Silk, Tommy Farrell, Rowan Pennink, Les Hinckley, Jason Myers, Eric Goodale, Patrick Emerling, Shawn Carrig, Zach Brewer, Justin Bonsignore, Jimmy Blewett, Josh Nichols, Daren Scherer, John Sarppraicone, Burt Myers, James Civali, Ryan Preece, Ted Christopher, Jamie Tomaino, Junior Miller, Erick Rudolph, Frank Fleming, Jimmy Zacharias, Gene Pack, Earl Paules, T.J. Zacharias, Corey Lajoie, and Doug Coby (DNS).

The final race of the Shootout weekend was now up as 28 cars of the CRA Super Series (Super Late Models) came out for their 125-lap feature. It would appear that this year would have just about the earliest finish in its 8-year history, as it’s now 6:45, and the sun just went down.

When the field went green, Jimmy Weller took the lead, followed by Ryan Blaney, Bobby Measmer Jr., Colt James, and Jeff Fultz the top five. A spin in turn three brought out the yellow on lap 2.

Weller kept the lead, followed by James,

Blaney and Matt Brooks got together, with Brooks riding and climbing the front stretch wall, as his car turned over. Naturally, the red came out. Brooks was able to get out and checked out. We noted that in the process, the gate by the starters stand that people use to cross over to the infield, was basically destroyed. If rumors going around are true, then Jack Roush or Tony Stewart, or whoever’s rumor you listen to won’t have much of a race track left if he takes over on January 1^st.

Personally, I can’t think of a time over my 56 years when so much of a race track was destroyed in only one day/night.

Believe it or not, we’re finally getting ready to go back to green at 7:37pm. This was a long red flag period…

When the green flew once again, Weller took the lead, followed by Fultz, Measmer, Ross Kenseth, and Joey Coulter. Of course, cars started spinning on lap 5, bringing out another yellow.

As they go back to green, Fultz took the lead, Kenseth 2^nd, Weller 3^rd, Corey Williams 4^th and Measmer 5^th. Measmer went under Williams on lap 9 fore fourth, while Michael Pilla took over 5^th. The top runners are single file as they hit lap 15. With 17 laps down, Ross Kenseth has caught Jeff Fultz, as they joined the battle for the lead.

On lap 45, James moved passed up to 3^rd, followed by Weller and Measmer. Fultz, of course is still in the lead, with Kenseth right on his bumper. A spinner brought out a yellow on lap 49, starting wholesale pit stops, as many teams fulfilled their obligations for the races’ mandatory pit stops.

When the field went back to green, Fultz kept the lead, Roger Lee Newton 2^nd, Kenseth 3^rd, Mark Reedy 4^th, and James 5^th. That was it until lap 56, when a car tapped the wall. The cars that didn’t make pit stops during the last yellow, are making them now, which will shake up the field a bit.

The cars were now lined up with Weller, Mark Reedy, Dennis Schoenfield, Grant Davidson, and Bobby Measmer Jr. At the green, Reedy had the lead, with Weller behind. Schoenfeld was all over the back of reedy, and finally made a pass for the lead on lap 59. It was now Schoenfeld, Measmer, and Weller. Of course, another spinner brought out a caution at lap 64, just after the half-way point.

At the green, it was Schoenfeld, Pilla, Weller, Newton, and Kenseth. Newton and Kenseth fought side by side for a number of laps before Kenseth took over the fourth spot. That started a battle between Newton and James that lasted for a number of laps.

Meanwhile Kenseth moved under Weller for 3^rd on lap 85. With 35 laps to go, it was now Schoenfeld, Pilla, Kenseth, Weller, and James the top five. A spinner brought out the next yellow on lap 102.

Pilla took the lead on the green. On lap 104, Weller and Measmer both wrecked in different parts of turn one, bringing out another red flag. We haven’t seen so much red since the last Halloween movie.

Getting set to go back to green with 20 laps remaining, Kenseth and Pilla were the top two, as another wreck came in the tri-oval.

With the green, Kenseth was at the point. Then a car spun in turn four. Nobody on the track or in the stands could see through the smoke. Suddenly a car came through rolling over out of the smoke. It was Ryan Blaney, who got involved in the flip at the start of the race.

While the track was under the protracted red flag, many of the car haulers in the infield took advantage of it to cross the track, and ‘get out of Dodge’ so to speak. That kept the red out because one of those tractor-trailers dropped a ton of water across the track. What next? The biggest surprise is that there are still some people sitting in the stands.

Finally at 9:27, they withdrew the red flag. The top five were now Kenseth, Pilla, Schoenfeld, James, and Davidson. Only 13 cars of the original 28 were on the track.

Kenseth took the lead, with Pilla 2^nd, James 3^rd, Davidson 4^th, and Schoenfeld 5^th. Jared Marks brought out another yellow on lap 111.

After several minutes of silence, an announcer broke in saying, “The latest from the pits--- It’s COLD!” Currently it’s 42 degrees with a wind chill of 38. Yup, he’s right; it’s cold! Only 14 laps to go. Unbelievably, when they were coming around for the green, Ross Kenseth apparently ran out of gas on the backstretch! Not a big surprise as these cars have been out on the track for 2 ½ hours! Incredible…

On the restart, it was Pilla, James, Schoenfeld, and Kenseth made it back to fourth in only four laps. On lap 118, a car spun in the front stretch. Only 6 more to go, as the field was tightened up for the restart. As the yellow came out, Kenseth had just made the pass for 3^rd. 10 cars were left on the track.

James takes the lead, with Pilla 2^nd, and Kenseth 3^rd. With 2 to go, Kenseth did a bump and run to take 2^nd. Me3anwhile Colt James took the win.

Finally, after a very long day, the 2010 version of the Annual John Blewett III North-South Shootout is finally over!

Many thanks to C&C Racing Promotions for hosting the annual event. Many thanks for some of the competitors for screwing up the event. After all, the Pace Car is the only part of the facility that seemed to safe from some of these drivers!

Starting Lineups For Annual JBIII North-South Shootout

info@LongIslandMotorsports.com (Mike Fields) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 16:51:00 GMT

November 6, Concord, NC--- After the time trials were run, some heats run, and then the remainder washed out by rain last night, the starting orders of some of the divisions were determined by time trials only.

While the World Famous (race announcer Derek Pernesiglio’s words, not mine) Pit Party is going on, we thought we’d take the time to put those lineups below:

Vintage Modifieds

Daryl Gwynn                                                                                                              Johnny Sutton
Keith Maready                                                                                                           Jim Lambert
Bill Moffett                                                                                                                  Burt Myers

Vintage Sportsman

Willie Wall                                                                                                                  Jeff Melton
Marty Sprittle                                                                                                             Steve Davis
Ben Helms                                                                                                                  Steve Irvin
Jerry White                                                                                                                John Gregory
Steve Helms                                                                                                               Brian Crump
Todd Bradburry                                                                                                         Dick Volante

SK Modifieds

Ronnie Silk                                                                                                                  Ryan Preece
Ron Yuhas Jr.                                                                                                             Matt Hirschman
Tommy Barrett                                                                                                          Keith Rocco
Steven Reed                                                                                                             Ted Christopher
Woody Pitkat                                                                                                              Earl Paules
Jerry Gradl Jr.                                                                                                            Matt Kurzejewski
Doug Coby                                                                                                                 Tommy Farrell
Patrick Emerling                                                                                                      Adam LaCicero
Burt Myers

USA Modifieds

Brad Springer                                                                                                             Chad Poole
Mike Stacy                                                                                                                  Brian Nester
Ross Klinghofer                                                                                                         Scott Tomasik
Nick Carr                                                                                                                      Travis McIntire
Don Skaggs                                                                                                                 Greg Fullerton
Kyle Jones                                                                                                                  Ali Kern
Danny Partello                                                                                                           John Karl
Damon Breddlove                                                                                                     Brandon Oakley
Chris Tomasik                                                                                                           Rob Yelton
Kenny Phillips                                                                                                            Dave Christensen
Brad Yelton                                                                                                                Jim Blagg
Ryan Morgan                                                                                                             Brian Brewer
Mickey Wright

Tour Modifieds

Chuck Hossfeld                                                                                                       Justin Bonsignore
Matt Hirschman                                                                                                       Ryan Preece
Burt Myers                                                                                                                 Eric Beers
Erick Rudolph                                                                                                           Josh Nichols
Eric Goodale                                                                                                             Jason Myers
James Civali                                                                                                              Frank Fleming
Ronnie Silk                                                                                                                Tom Farrell
Jimmy Zacharias                                                                                                    Corey Lajoie
Daren Scherer                                                                                                         Patrick Emerling
George Brunnhoelzl III                                                                                            Earl Paules
Ted Christopher                                                                                                       Rowan Pennink
Zach Brewer                                                                                                             Doug Coby
Jimmy Blewett                                                                                                         Shawn Carrig
Les Hinckley                                                                                                             Junior Miller
Jamie Tomaino                                                                                                         Gene Pack
T.J. Zacharias                                                                                                          John Sappraicone

CRA Super Series (Super Late Models)

Bobby Measmer Jr.                                                                                                Jimmy Weller
Colt James                                                                                                               Ryan Blaney
Jeff Fultz                                                                                                                    Matt Brooks
Ross Kenseth                                                                                                           Corey Williams
Joey Coulter                                                                                                              Preston Peltier
Roger Lee Newton                                                                                                   Dennis Schoenfeld
Michael Pilla                                                                                                              Mark Ready
Grant Davidson                                                                                                        Daniel Webster
Terry Horak                                                                                                               Cody Humphreys
Daniel Johnson                                                                                                        Scott Hantz
Chris Lawson                                                                                                           Kevin Love
Tim Allensworth                                                                                                      Jared Marks
Randy Gentry                                                                                                            Jason Dietsch
John Coffman                                                                                                          Maryeve Dufauilt

If there are any changes in the lineup (drop outs, driver changes, additions, etc.), we’ll be back later.

FACES IN THE CROWD--- Coming into the track late this morning, we spotted Steve Park walking through the crowd. More later…

Annual JBIII North-South Shootout Qualifying

info@LongIslandMotorsports.com (Mike Fields) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 01:23:00 GMT

November 5, Concord, NC--- It’s 6:10, the rain is over (for now), the track is dry, and the green is being flown over the 8 cars of the Vintage Sportsman division. We’ll just give the results until the Modified and SK Modified divisions come out, as we are here to basically cover those two divisions.

The heat race for the Vintage Modifieds had Willie Wall, Jeff Melton, and Marty Sprittle the top three across the line.

Vintage Modifieds were next scheduled to take to the track; unfortunately, a light drizzle took to the track instead. Finally at about 6:45, the rain ended, the track was dried, and all four of the Vintage Mods hit the track.

Included in the four is a driver pulling triple duty this weekend. “Mr. Madhouse” Burt Myers is running the Vintage Modifieds, the SK-Type Modifieds, and the Tour-Type Modifieds. Funny, but before the 2^nd lap was completed, Myers lapped the 4^rd place car, and then the 3^rd place car before lap 3 ended. It was Myers and Johnny Sutton for the first 5 laps.

However, going into turn four, the left rear wheel broke off, spinning Myers into the wall. After a minute, Myers slowly climbed out of the car, and walked to the pit area.

“That’s one of the hardest hits I’ve ever taken,” Myers said afterwards.

When they went back to green, Sutton, in the John Betts’-owned car took off for the final two laps, and easily won the heat.

It was announced that due to time constraints brought about by the rain, all heat races in all divisions would be shortened to 10 laps.

Next up is USA Modifieds, where the top five in time trials will lock up a starting spot. The rest will have to come through heats. Those top five are Brad Springer, Chad Poole, Mike Stacy, Brian Nester, and Ross Klingelhofer.

Next up are the SK Modifieds. 17 of the 18 entries took time, with the top five being Ron Silk, Ryan Preece, Ron Yuhas Jr., Matt Hirschman, and Tommy Barrett. Todd Baer never came out to take time, as we heard that his motor let go earlier in the weekend.

27 Super Late Models hit the track for time trials. The top five were Bobby Measmer Jr., Jimmy Weller, Colt James, Ryan Blaney, and Jeff Fultz.

The top five in time trials for the Tour-type Modifieds were Chuck Hossfeld, Justin Bonsignore, Matt Hirschman, Ryan Preece, and Burt Myers. A last minute ride was picked up by Doug Coby in a Bonsignore backup car.

Six cars came out for the first of two SK heats, which was won by Keith Rocco, followed by Ted Christopher.

The 2^nd SK heat has 5 cars. Steven Reed was first across the line, followed by Woody Pitkat.

Now at 9:12pm, it has started to rain again. Should it keep raining, all the rest that had scheduled for heat races (including the tour-type Modifieds) will go with the time trials only to set the field for tomorrow’s race.

It’s now 9:21, and the races have been called for tonight.

Friday Afternoon’s This and That

info@LongIslandMotorsports.com (Mike Fields) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 20:08:00 GMT

November 5, Concord, NC--- FRIDAY AFTERNOON’S THIS AND THAT--- Unless more cars sign in today before qualifying (very unlikely at this time – 3:40pm), there are 31 Modifieds and 18 SK-type Modifieds in the pits… Burt Myers is running in the No. 1 Sport Modified… People are looking at the skies, as there is a big dark cloud beyond the tri-oval. Weather Bug shows a 20% chance of showers this evening… We really enjoy Pizza Hut pizza, which is what they serve at Concord Speedway. But please don’t tell me that I’m the only one that prefers NOT to have pepperoni on it… Wondering what happened to Shawn Courchesne. Did he not show up this year because he thought that the heralded Fat Boy Challenge was called off? We just couldn’t spot his Hartford Courant sponsored Toyota Camry no matter how hard we looked,,, One thing what Lori & I always look forward to is stopping at local Sagebrush Steakhouse in Sherrill’s Ford. After last night’s sojourn, we have decided to stop stopping there… As long as we’re at it, every year, Long Island transplants John & Cindy Manno open there home to us, allowing us to camp out in their spare bedroom. As usual, we can’t thank them enough, even though, commitments don’t allow them to spend any time at this year’s Shootout… Oh yeah, Happy 6^th Birthday to Mark Manno (we forget that, then we become persona non gratis really quick)…

Have we mentioned that the big dark cloud behind the tri-oval is getting darker and bigger? No rain yet. Well, there is a couple of drops on the pressbox window. Meanwhile, crews are scrambling a little bit quicker, as cars are getting covered up… Well, it’s about an hour until qualifying. Well be keeping an eye on that cloud… More later…

The North-South Shootout Schedule

info@LongIslandMotorsports.com (Mike Fields) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 19:15:00 GMT

November 5, Concord, NC--- This afternoon, alternating practice sessions are occurring until 4:00pm, with the mandatory Drivers Meeting at 4:45. Qualifying commences at 5:00 with SK Modified time trials, Super Late Model time trials, Modified time trials, TBARA time trials, SK heat races (15-laps), Vintage heat races (8-lap), Modified heat races (20-laps), Super Late Model heat races (20-laps), and USA Modifieds heat races (10-lapsZ) which completes Friday’s racing action.

Tomorrow morning, the pits open at 8, and the grandstands at 10. Registration and inspections run from 8-9. There is alternating practice for all divisions from 9-10:30.

Of course, the long-awaited Long Island Motorsports News Meet & Greet will be held from 11-12:30 behind the main concession stand. The Pit Party will be held from 11:30-1:00.

The Little Shootout Peddle Car Races will happen toward the end of the Pit Party. Rumor has it that Eric Beer’s son Austin has entered again this year. He seems to always win the Peddle Car race. Austin’s been winning so long that people are wondering if there is an age limit to this race. Isn’t Austin about ready to collect Social Security?

The Modified consi is scheduled at 1:15 with 2 25-lap consi’s scheduled. Features immediately follow.

The tentative schedule for features is:

Vintage Modifieds

Vintage Sportsman

Modified Non-Qualifiers (25-laps)

SK-Type Modifieds (50-laps)

USA Modifieds (50-Laps)

Modifieds (125-laps)

Super Late Modifieds (125-laps)

Of course, the above is all subject to change. More later…

We’re At Concord WITH a Working Computer

info@LongIslandMotorsports.com (Mike Fields) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 18:21:00 GMT

November 5, Concord, NC--- When we packed up our computer Wednesday night preparing for our Thursday morning flight down to Charlotte, everything was working pretty well. Yup, that was Wednesday night.

Thursday, after landing in Charlotte, we attempted to fire up our laptop, and connect to that tricky internet. That’s when we had problems up the ‘ol wazzoo. We normally use our Blackberry as a Modem when we’re on the road. That was pretty useless. The Blackberry wouldn’t (or couldn’t) connect with our computer (or vise versa).

There followed some invective that came out of my mouth that even impressed myself! I didn’t know I had it in me. Of course, my wife Lori didn’t know I had it in me either--- and she let me know about it too. I don’t care what Lori said, I really do think that I impressed her too.

So leaving for the track early Friday morning, I made a stop at Radio Shack, and finally obtained an “Air Card”. The card was free (that made me happy); however, the service for it runs $60 per month or $720 per year (now I’m not so happy).

Still, it gets me up and running on the ‘net.

As we’re sitting here writing this column, we noted that Earl Paules went up in a puff of smoke, tagging the backstretch wall in the afternoon warm-up session. Naturally, the red flew stopping the action. Hopefully, Earl will be able make it back on the track after needing the dreaded (and very expensive) double wrecker to get to the pits.

After using this space to vent a bit, we’ll be back later with more to write about. Hopefully, it will be on a more positive note.

Old Timers Reunion – Parts I and II

info@LongIslandMotorsports.com (Mike Fields) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 22:55:00 GMT

October 7, Long Beach, NY--- The 2010 Long Island Old-Timers Reunion was, as usual, a two-part affair.

Part I was at the usual last Sunday in August, which was a blistering hot day, although very well attended; in fact, it was probably the best-attended event in many years. It’s been estimated that attendance was well over 350 people.

Part II had a low attendance, due to the fact that Marty Himes was given a late date for the event, approximately two to three weeks before. For the hour or so that I was at Changing Times Pub, there were about 25 to 40 people there, with some leaving, and others showing up. Frank Costantino informed me that it was that way most of the day.

In a phone conversation with Costantino yesterday, Frank came up with a good idea for the Changing Times event, which was to have it at a specified time each year, such as is the event at the Himes Museum. Since Marty hosts the event every year at the same time (the last Sunday in August), the event at Changing Times should also be held on the same Saturday or Sunday every October. It’s just a thought to be floated that we hope Marty and the folks at Changing Times can come to an agreement on.

As mentioned above, the big surprise was the outstanding attendance at Marty’s in August. It was great to see and meet many people that we’ve known over the years, and some that we’ve only met for the first time--- unless you count Facebook.

It’s always a treat when certain people walk in and watch people’s reaction. One such is whenever Daytona NASCAR Hall of Fame member “Queen Yolanda” Sheridan pulls up. When she gets out of her car, she is always mobbed by old friends and admirers as she is always treated as royalty. As it is every year, it is such a delight to sit and talk with her.

This year she told me that she had spent some time at the Richard Petty Driving Experience. I told her that I could only wonder how successful Richard could have been if she had taught him years ago! She just gave me one of her patented looks. Oh well…

It’s amazing to watch as people come up to her with a big hello. Whether or not she remembers the person or not, she always gives them a big ‘hi’ and spends time with them.

However, one of the missing kings of the reunion is Bruno Brackey, who suffered a massive stroke last November. Bruno turned 90 last month, and we wish him the best.

We also had a good time with one half of the Dodge Boys, as we spent quite a bit of pleasurable time with Paul and his brother Jamie Mauceri. It was a blast listening to so many of Paul’s on-track stories. It you ever want to hear them, he’s a good guy to tell them.

The other half of the Dodge Boys, Cookie Visconti, wasn’t able to make it, although we understand that he was at the Changing Times Pub after we left. Too bad we missed seeing him.

It was amusing that although I wasn’t wearing one of those “My Name Is …” stickers on my shirt, there were many who came up saying, “Hey Mike, how are you?” Someone clued me in later that it wasn’t because of my handsome face; it was the fact that I’m almost always wearing sandals. Sometimes, I guess it just a reputation that catches up to you…

THIS AND THAT--- Marty Himes had a wonderful time celebrating his birthday in September, as no one could separate him from the box of Wheaties showing his face on the cover… Gary London is celebrating his 50^th year being a Motorsports Writer for National Speed Sport News… We don’t know if it is for public distribution; however, but we are glad that Roger down in Florida is in remission. We wish you the best…

George Cousin Dead From Cancer

info@LongIslandMotorsports.com (Mike Fields) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 10:55:00 GMT

June 19, Long Beach, NY--- Former driver George Cousin of Huntington, NY passed away on June 17th after a long battle with cancer. He was in his early 80's.

A standout at Freeport Stadium, he was non-Ford champion in 1957 and was Modified kingpin in1958-59. His 1959 title in Sal Franzese's #226 was the most dominant in Freeport's long history as he won fourteen features.

Like many of his stock car rival, he turned to TQ racing with the ATQMRA in 1962. Driving Pete Petraitus' #41, Cousin was a regular top five runner in a very tough series.

After suffering burns in a 1966 accident, George retired. He was very active in vintage racing activities. He is survived by his daughter, Jackie.

George was always a fan-favorite at Freeport, and remained very popular at our old-timers reunions, where he never missed one. He will be sorely missed.

Further Update On Riverhead's Mike Capiello

info@LongIslandMotorsports.com (Mike Fields) — Sun, 23 May 2010 01:55:00 GMT

May 22, New London, CT--- It was announced that Riverhead Raceway Co-Chief Steward Mike Capiello suffered two broken legs and a dislocated shoulder tonight. One broken leg said to be of the "minor" variety, while the other was a compound fracture.

This was a result of the Modified of Steve Booker being spun from behind during hot laps, and spinning out of control to the infield, where his car struck Capiello.

Capiello was transported first to Peconic Bay Medical Center, then later transferred to Stony Brook University Medical Center, where he is awaiting surgery on his leg. It was reported that during the ambulance trip, Mike was awake, aware, and joking with the ambulance crew.

Josh Galvin Ends Evening With Street Stock Win

info@LongIslandMotorsports.com (Mike Fields) — Sun, 23 May 2010 01:55:00 GMT

May 22, Waterford, CT--- Ed Puleo Jr. took the lead at the green for the 25-lap Street Stock feature, as the fog started moving in on the Connecticut shore speedway. Ron Oldham Jr., Josh Galvin, and Steve Barrett the top four.

The action stopped on lap 25, as a car went up in smoke. The field lined up as Puleo, Oldham, Galvin, Al Stone III, and Brandon Plemons the top five. Oldham took the lead, with Stone moving to 2^nd, Barrett 3^rd. Puleo slowed and was pushed back in the field.

With five to go, it was Oldham, Galvin, Barrett, Walt Hovey Jr., and Puleo rounding out the top five, as a spinner brought out a caution. When the green came out, two cautions immediately came back out before another lap could be run.

Oldham and Galvin were side by side for two laps, before Galvin took the lead with one lap to go. Oldham, Barrett, Hovey, and Plemons rounded out the top five. For Galvin, it was his 2^nd win of the season.

Mike Capiello Update

info@LongIslandMotorsports.com (Mike Fields) — Sun, 23 May 2010 01:31:00 GMT

May 22, Waterford, CT--- Word from Riverhead Raceway is that Co-Chief Steward suffered an open fracture of one of his legs, and has been transported to Stony Brook University Medical Center. There, he is expected to undergo surgery on the leg.

Jeff Paul Wins Exciting SK Modified Race

info@LongIslandMotorsports.com (Mike Fields) — Sun, 23 May 2010 01:30:00 GMT

May 22, Waterford, CT--- 22 cars came out to start the 35-lap SK Modified feature.

Todd Ceravolo took the early lead, with Joe Perry 2^nd, Diego Monahan 3^rd, and Rob Janovic Jr. 4^th. Janovic moved to 3^rd on lap 7, with Monahan 4^th, and Jeff Pearl 5^th. A spin on lap 9 brought out the first caution. Keith Rocco, the national leader in the Whelen All-American Series was now up to 7^th.

Ceravolo kept the lead, followed by Janovic, Pearl, Rocco, and Perry the top five as the field came to green. On lap 14, Rocco and Pearl were side by side for 3^rd, with neither giving any ground. At the half mark, both got together coming through turn four, with both spinning through the infield. They ended their spin on the turn one asphalt, where several cars were collected.

Jeff Paul made a great move for the lead on the green, with Tom Abele Jr., Kyle James, Ceravolo, and Todd Yuhas the top five. On lap 26, Yuhas moved to fourth. Meanwhile Rocco had moved up to eighth. With four to go, Rocco was up to 6^th. Ron Yuhas moved to 2^nd with two laps to go. There just wasn’t enough time for Yuhas to catch Jeff Paul.

This was one of the more exciting SK Modified races that we’ve seen in a number of years; it’s what the SK’s were designed to be, and often don’t live up to their billing.

The top three were Jeff Pearl, Ron Yuhas, and Tom Abele Jr.

“It’s pretty sweet. Ron used to drive for us. We figured he was going to try something…” said Jeff Pearl about his exciting pass off the final restart.”