http://www.johnnyvandoorn.com/ Click on the photos to enlarge.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Mark Anderson 5th at Farmer City Raceway
West Michigan Modified driver Mark Anderson finished a strong fifth place on the opening night of the "Famer City Raceway 100" opening weekend. Click on the link below to read about it.
http://truspeedinc.com/forum/index.php?topic=32.0
http://truspeedinc.com/forum/index.php?topic=32.0
Jeep Van Wormer 7th at Screven Speedway
Jeep Van Wormer made the trip to Georgia for a double header Lucas Dirt Series races. Friday night saw him place 7th. For Complete details click on the link below.
http://www.lucasdirt.com/newsfull.php?subaction=showfull&id=1238824497&archive=&start_from=&ucat=3&
http://www.lucasdirt.com/newsfull.php?subaction=showfull&id=1238824497&archive=&start_from=&ucat=3&
Friday, April 3, 2009
Extra $25 Tow Money For Drivers
The competition for drivers at West Michigan area tracks has already started. With the economy the way it is track owners are getting creative to help their car counts and attendance.
I am sure they will not be the last but Thunderbird Raceway and their new owners Arroway Farms have stepped forward with an interesting marketing ploy. They are offering an extra $25 of payoff money at the end of the night to any team that has traveled over 75 miles to get to Thunderbird. This is one of their many new ideas for 2009.
I feel these kind of promotions are a step in the right direction, but ultimately what every driver wants and every fans wants to see is great racing. If a track provides that you will see drivers and fans at the racetrack. I wish Thunderbird and all area tracks success this summer. It could be quite the challenge with today's economy.
You can check them out at http://www.thunderbirdraceway.net/
I am sure they will not be the last but Thunderbird Raceway and their new owners Arroway Farms have stepped forward with an interesting marketing ploy. They are offering an extra $25 of payoff money at the end of the night to any team that has traveled over 75 miles to get to Thunderbird. This is one of their many new ideas for 2009.
I feel these kind of promotions are a step in the right direction, but ultimately what every driver wants and every fans wants to see is great racing. If a track provides that you will see drivers and fans at the racetrack. I wish Thunderbird and all area tracks success this summer. It could be quite the challenge with today's economy.
You can check them out at http://www.thunderbirdraceway.net/
Mother Nature Wins
Winston Speedway has canceled its practice for Saturday April 4th. They hope to have a practice on Wednesday April 8th. Drivers and fans please call ahead for verification.
Thunderbird will still hold a drivers meeting at 2:00 PM on Sunday April 5th but have canceled the clean-up portion of the day because of the predicted poor weather.
Thunderbird will still hold a drivers meeting at 2:00 PM on Sunday April 5th but have canceled the clean-up portion of the day because of the predicted poor weather.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Jeep Van Wormer News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 2, 2009
Jeep Van Wormer Scores Top Ten in Colossal 100; Georgia Doubleheader Up Next!
http://www.jeepvanwormer.com/news2.html
April 2, 2009
Jeep Van Wormer Scores Top Ten in Colossal 100; Georgia Doubleheader Up Next!
http://www.jeepvanwormer.com/news2.html
Johnny Benson News
Johnny Benson faces sponsor dilemma in Trucks
by Steve Kaminski The Grand Rapids Press
Wednesday April 01, 2009, 4:00 PM
http://www.mlive.com/autoracing/index.ssf/2009/04/johnny_benson_faces_sponsor_di.html
by Steve Kaminski The Grand Rapids Press
Wednesday April 01, 2009, 4:00 PM
http://www.mlive.com/autoracing/index.ssf/2009/04/johnny_benson_faces_sponsor_di.html
Owners and Drivers: Can they get along?
I have had the fortune of being a driver and a have worked at Area race tracks over the last 15 years as an Announcer, Scorer, Driver Pay Off, Wrote Press Releases and created a track website. I have created a list of the top five things I think drivers need to understand and the top five things owners need to understand to coexist successfully
Drivers:
1.) Do not come to the scoring tower during the races to complain about a call on the track. The workers in the tower are already scoring another race and can do nothing for you. Every track that I have worked at has a chain of command starting with the Flagman. They have the final say. The first person they ask for help from is the corner worker and than the scorers in the tower. *This also applies to crewmembers and spouses,etc.*
2.) Don’t hold up the show. If you want to see a track owner get upset, refuse to allow the races to continue because you think an injustice has been done. Stopping on the track without being asked to should be an immediate Black flag in my eyes.
3.) Do not enter anyone else’s Pit stall without being asked. Tempers lead to mistakes the next day that you will say to yourself “I wish I wouldn’t have done that”. Don’t let your emotions rule your actions. If something needs to be taken care of express it to a track official and let them take care of it. Chances are they are talking about it before you even pull in your pit.
4.) Don’t kill the messenger when it comes to the Payoff Booth. They are there to do one thing that is to make sure all the drivers get the money they deserve as dictated by the scorers in the tower and the Payoff manager. Arguing with them is a mute point. You need to see the Payoff Manager if you feel there is a mistake.
5.) Your actions on the track fans see as a signal of your character as a person. You can be most likable person in the world off the track but if you drive like an idiot on the track that is what the fans are going to perceive you as.
Owners
1.) Hire people that will reflect the image of your track that you want to instill. No driver wants to deal with someone who does not appreciate his or her efforts on the track. If they do not know how to treat people they should not be working at a racetrack. Workers they cannot trust or disrespect drivers, crews or fans can destroy a track owner’s reputation very quickly. Also have them dress in a uniform that separates them as an employee and not just a fan that you pulled out of the stands to do a job.
2.) Don’t make the drivers wait for payoff. Many of them have driven long distances and would like to leave after their feature events. Respect their time. And whatever you do not rely on your gate earnings to make the payoff for the night. That money should be available before the first driver enters the pit gate.
3.) Let your employees do their jobs. Being a micromanager will do nothing but cause problems. From fans declaring nepotism or saying the owner has his track favorites to the disgruntled employee it is not worth it. Owners should over see all operations but ultimately on race day should be mingling with their fans and drivers, let them know you appreciate their business.
4.) Have the facility prepared. Drivers want a racing surface ready to go. From the grass being cut to the bleachers being painted, it does not go unnoticed by the fan. You want to hear women complain and not come back to the track, don’t have your restrooms clean.
5.) Don’t run out of food. For many tracks this can be the difference between making and losing money on the night. It also does not go over well with the fans that have been supporting your racetrack the entire evening.
These are just a few of the things that I believe that are needed to have a successful race day at any track. Some of them are assumed while others are ignored. If Racetracks are going to thrive it is going to be a joint venture between the driver and track owner. They both have to realize they cannot exist with out each other.
If you would like to comment please do so below in the comment section.
Drivers:
1.) Do not come to the scoring tower during the races to complain about a call on the track. The workers in the tower are already scoring another race and can do nothing for you. Every track that I have worked at has a chain of command starting with the Flagman. They have the final say. The first person they ask for help from is the corner worker and than the scorers in the tower. *This also applies to crewmembers and spouses,etc.*
2.) Don’t hold up the show. If you want to see a track owner get upset, refuse to allow the races to continue because you think an injustice has been done. Stopping on the track without being asked to should be an immediate Black flag in my eyes.
3.) Do not enter anyone else’s Pit stall without being asked. Tempers lead to mistakes the next day that you will say to yourself “I wish I wouldn’t have done that”. Don’t let your emotions rule your actions. If something needs to be taken care of express it to a track official and let them take care of it. Chances are they are talking about it before you even pull in your pit.
4.) Don’t kill the messenger when it comes to the Payoff Booth. They are there to do one thing that is to make sure all the drivers get the money they deserve as dictated by the scorers in the tower and the Payoff manager. Arguing with them is a mute point. You need to see the Payoff Manager if you feel there is a mistake.
5.) Your actions on the track fans see as a signal of your character as a person. You can be most likable person in the world off the track but if you drive like an idiot on the track that is what the fans are going to perceive you as.
Owners
1.) Hire people that will reflect the image of your track that you want to instill. No driver wants to deal with someone who does not appreciate his or her efforts on the track. If they do not know how to treat people they should not be working at a racetrack. Workers they cannot trust or disrespect drivers, crews or fans can destroy a track owner’s reputation very quickly. Also have them dress in a uniform that separates them as an employee and not just a fan that you pulled out of the stands to do a job.
2.) Don’t make the drivers wait for payoff. Many of them have driven long distances and would like to leave after their feature events. Respect their time. And whatever you do not rely on your gate earnings to make the payoff for the night. That money should be available before the first driver enters the pit gate.
3.) Let your employees do their jobs. Being a micromanager will do nothing but cause problems. From fans declaring nepotism or saying the owner has his track favorites to the disgruntled employee it is not worth it. Owners should over see all operations but ultimately on race day should be mingling with their fans and drivers, let them know you appreciate their business.
4.) Have the facility prepared. Drivers want a racing surface ready to go. From the grass being cut to the bleachers being painted, it does not go unnoticed by the fan. You want to hear women complain and not come back to the track, don’t have your restrooms clean.
5.) Don’t run out of food. For many tracks this can be the difference between making and losing money on the night. It also does not go over well with the fans that have been supporting your racetrack the entire evening.
These are just a few of the things that I believe that are needed to have a successful race day at any track. Some of them are assumed while others are ignored. If Racetracks are going to thrive it is going to be a joint venture between the driver and track owner. They both have to realize they cannot exist with out each other.
If you would like to comment please do so below in the comment section.
ALS Fundraisng Update: Bean Falbe
Todd Wilfong and I went over and presented a check for $1250.00 to the ALS foundation yesterday. After hearing of some more stories of people who get/have this disease it touched me again.
Thanks again for your support and helping out a great cause.........
Bean Falbe
Jesse McCartney Concert Coming to Berlin
Press ReleaseFor Immediate Release
April 1, 2009
Jesse McCartney concert coming to Berlin
Friday Night, July 17 :: Presented by 104.5 WSNX
http://www.berlinraceway.com/html/mccartney.html
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
I96 Speedway POSTPONES April 4th Test and Tune
We are sorry to inform all of you that due to the inclement weather we have had recently, our test and tune that was scheduled for April 4th, will be cancelled. We are simply not ready to open yet, due to the fact that we have not been able to turn the water on due to the freezing temps at night. Therefore we would not have any bathrooms or concessions available. We are working steadily everyday to complete all of the new additions to I-96 Speedway, and we want to open up under better circumstances and welcome you all to I-96 as a completely ready facility. We are confidant that we will be ready in time for the April 11th date. However, we will all be at the racetrack on the 4th, finishing up details and putting the finishing touches on everything to kick off the season. If any of you are curious or even willing to help us complete some of these projects such as painting, playground work, construction, and ground maintainace we would greatly appreciate your help. To anyone that comes out and offers a hand in getting us prepared we will be grilling burgers and brats and hotdogs for free. Thank you all, and we hope to see many of you on the 4th anyway. If you are unable to come out on the 4th, then we can't wait to see you on the 11th or the 18th! Have a great Day!
Thank you
I-96 Speedway management
Thank you
I-96 Speedway management
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Johnny VanDoorn News
UPDATE FOR JOHNNY V FANS....
Johnny and the team are getting ready for the 2009-which will start at the Anderson Speedway on April 11!!! We still have some work to do, but we have the team to get everything done.
Here's some more info:
Johnny and the team are getting ready for the 2009-which will start at the Anderson Speedway on April 11!!! We still have some work to do, but we have the team to get everything done.
Here's some more info:
WHAT WILL THE CAR LOOK LIKE? We should have photos of the CRA car early next week-Speed Media is once again doing that and the drawing he made for us looks great!!!
WHAT IS JOHNNY'S SCHEDULE? Our #1 priority is the CRA schedule-that can be found on the results page on Johnny's site. We hope to run the outlaw car (the same car Johnny won his first race in) as well, but those races will only happen with additional sponsorship. Intesterested in being apart of the KAOS MOTORSPORTS TEAM? Call Jimmy TenBrink @ 231-730-0919. We will announce any outlaw races on this site so fans can plan on attending.
WILL THE WEBSITE BE REDONE? Yes-we need to wait until we get the CRA car all decaled up, then we will have a photo shoot for new header photos. We also will have new photos of the team working with Johnny V for 2009.
For Complete information on Johnny visit: http://www.johnnyvandoorn.com/
Monday, March 30, 2009
Just My Opinion
With the advent of the racing season fast approaching the question always arises for the entry divisions. What should be allowed and what should not allowed. I have seen so called Bomber/Factory Stock cars that drivers would not part with their car for less than $10,000. Is this really what this class is all about? The "Cubic Dollar" will always be a part of racing. I'm afraid without clear and enforced rules in any division problems arise. It just seems to me it is more of a problem in the entry level classes of racing.
I can remember going to the local salvage yards looking for 1000 pound Dodge Truck springs to put on our Bomber car and then have to heat them to get correct ride heights. Stock shocks and springs were mandatory as well as drum brakes. I always felt these kind of rules were kind of defeating the purpose of an entry level class. You are putting the least experienced drivers in cars that will not handle because of these limitations. I am all for the building of a car that will handle.
On the other hand seeing a Bomber car with aftermarket racing heads, a duel fuel Holley carb with brake bias and a direct drive automatic just makes me shake my head.
Let drivers build a car that they can drive and control. The happy medium for me is the motor. Compression checks should be a must . If your motor is greater than 10:1 you are not a Factory Stock. Limiting an Exhaust exit to a maximum of 2 1/2" and have a two barrel carb rule would also be two of my requirements.
I have never been a fan of motor claiming but if you continue to see the same drivers take the checkered flag I don't know how it can help your track as a owner/promoter. Please feel free to express your opinions below.
I can remember going to the local salvage yards looking for 1000 pound Dodge Truck springs to put on our Bomber car and then have to heat them to get correct ride heights. Stock shocks and springs were mandatory as well as drum brakes. I always felt these kind of rules were kind of defeating the purpose of an entry level class. You are putting the least experienced drivers in cars that will not handle because of these limitations. I am all for the building of a car that will handle.
On the other hand seeing a Bomber car with aftermarket racing heads, a duel fuel Holley carb with brake bias and a direct drive automatic just makes me shake my head.
Let drivers build a car that they can drive and control. The happy medium for me is the motor. Compression checks should be a must . If your motor is greater than 10:1 you are not a Factory Stock. Limiting an Exhaust exit to a maximum of 2 1/2" and have a two barrel carb rule would also be two of my requirements.
I have never been a fan of motor claiming but if you continue to see the same drivers take the checkered flag I don't know how it can help your track as a owner/promoter. Please feel free to express your opinions below.
Bean Falbe Race Report: March 29th
First of all I wanted to start off by saying 'THANK YOU' to all of you who came out and supported us and the ALS. It was very touching when we met the Page Family and I am glad I had an opportunity to work with them and the ALS Foundation. There was a near sell out crowd at the Dela Plex Saturday night. We were 2nd in the C main and finished 6 or 7 in the Top Dog. We just were a tick off the past couple of weeks. I believe we ended up 5th in the season points standings. I need to thank Rick Huiskins, Mike Passenier, and my parents Diane and Ed. Without those four, I wouldn't have made it to the track each weekend. We also had some great sponsors which include Kerkstra Services, A&M Dental Lab, Winston Motor Speedway, ASI Manufacturing, JFK Machine, Drive Force Graphics, and Randy Ellen Photos. If you have a chance to support these business, please do so. There are also those 'silent helpers' who do not wish to be indentified but you know who you are, thank you. I am very fortunate to have had the chance to be affiliated and drive for Arena Racing. As for racing next year, I am not sure what the future holds. If the right situation presents itself, I would be proud to drive in the Arena Racing. Stay in touch..........Bean #08
1st Season Comes to an End for Arena Racing
Arena Racing caps first season at DeltaPlex
by Steve Kaminski The Grand Rapds Press
Click on link below:
http://www.mlive.com/autoracing/index.ssf/2009/03/arena_racing_caps_first_season.html
by Steve Kaminski The Grand Rapds Press
Click on link below:
http://www.mlive.com/autoracing/index.ssf/2009/03/arena_racing_caps_first_season.html
Arena Racing Photos: DeVette & Ellen
The Final night of Arena Racing season saw some great photos taken by Photographers Tom Devette and Randy Ellen. To take a look Click on their respective links.
Tom Devette:
http://www.tomdevettephotography.smugmug.com/ARENA%20RACING,%20GRAND%20RAPIDS%20MICHIGAN%20-%202009
Randy Ellen:
http://www.randyellen.smugmug.com/Arena%20Racing%202008
Tom Devette:
http://www.tomdevettephotography.smugmug.com/ARENA%20RACING,%20GRAND%20RAPIDS%20MICHIGAN%20-%202009
Randy Ellen:
http://www.randyellen.smugmug.com/Arena%20Racing%202008
Quickie News: Jeep Van Wormer
Pinconning Michigan driver Jeep VanWormer finished in the 10th spot at the $50,000 to win Colossal 100 at Lowes Motor Speedway Sunday afternoon. Earl Pearson Jr was the big winner of the 50 Grand top prize taking top Honors in this prestigious event.
Complete Article and Run Down:
http://www.dirtondirt.com/National_1680.html
Complete Article and Run Down:
http://www.dirtondirt.com/National_1680.html
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Tim Phillips Crowned Champion
Arena Racing Chmpion Tim Phillips (Tom Devette Photo)Arena Racing Grand Rapids
Crowns It’s First Champion In Front of Packed House
Grand Rapids, MI. – A crowd of over 3,000 came out to see who was going to be the Inaugural Pennzoil Platinum Cup Champion. “There was a great atmosphere tonight at the track and it sure felt like a Championship Night” says Peter Jackson General Manager of Arena Racing Grand Rapids.” With such a small point’s margin between the top 6 drivers, I knew the night would be electrifying”.
Tim Phillips will remember this night as the one he won the Inaugural Arena Racing Grand Rapids Pennzoil Platinum Cup Series. Phillips who drives the # 34 needed only to qualify to take home the Platinum Cup and $10,000. “All I wanted to do was have a good day at the track” says Phillips. “The most important thing was to qualify for the A Main so then I would not have to worry about anyone catching me” But as it turns out that when it was all said and done, not only did Phillips qualify for the A Main but he had the fastest qualifying time of the day. “My racing energy came out when I got on the track and then I was on another mission breaking the track record. Phillips currently holds the track record at the DeltaPlex Arena with an impressive time of 7.955. “I would have liked to break the track record today but it was just not meant to be “.
Taking second in the Pennzoil Platinum Cup Series was former Berlin Super Stock Champion Mike Bursley. “It was a tough season, a lot tougher than I expected”. Mike Bursley first became involved in Arena Racing in March of 2008 when Arena Racing Grand Rapids held its Arena Racing with the Stars event. “Yea I had fun last year and that is what got me hooked on Arena Racing.” Bursley had to fight off Clayton Marvel to take second place. “I knew he was not going to give it to me, I was going to have to earn it”. Clayton Marvel of Lowell Michigan had an impressive 3rd place finish.
Qualifying: 1 34 Tim Phillips 7.987; 2 23 Mike Bursley 8.029 3 51 Dave Sensiba 8.097 4 18 Mitch Meppelink 5 1 Clayton Marvel 8.140 6 3 Scott Swem 8.167 7 16 Kelsey Steele 8 6 Brandon Hermiller 8.184 9 35 David Price 8.186 10 19 Katie Nieymeyer 8.192 11 24 Jeff Troyer 8.194 12 71 Kyle Ballard 8.208 13 101 Lauren Bush 8.216 14 29 Aaron Langlois 8.228 15 08 Ed Falbe 8.237 16 61 Curtis Edney 8.250 17 88 Nick Barnhart 8.425 18 4 Colton Sensiba 8.426 19 00 Andy Bozell Jr. 8.602 20 30 Tyler Hansen 8.905
C MAIN (50 laps): 1 61 Curtis Edney 2 08 Ed Falbe 3 29 Aaron Langlois 4 4 Colton Sensiba 1 5 88 Nick Barnhart 6 30 Tyler Hansen 7 24 Jeff Troyer 8 00 Andy Bozell Jr.
A MAIN (50 laps 1 23 Mike Bursley 2 1 Clayton Marvel 3 71 Kyle Ballard 4 35 David Price 5 34 Tim Phillips 6 18 Mitch Meppelink 7 19 Katie Nieymeyer 8 3 Scott Swem 9 16 Kelsey Steele 10 51 Dave Sensiba 11 6 Brandon Hermiller
LAST CHANCE MAIN (50 laps): 1 51 Dave Sensiba 2 16 Kelsey Steele 3 6 4 24 Jeff Troyer 5 88 Nick Barnhart 6 30 Tyler Hansen 7 00 Andy Bozell Jr.
TOP DOG (50 laps): 1 23 Mike Bursley 2 3 Scott Swem 3 18 Mitch Meppelink 4 51 Dave Sensiba 5 1 Clayton Marvel 6 71 Kyle Ballard 7 08 8 29 Aaron Langlois 9 16 Kelsey Steele 10 35 David Price 11 19 Katie Nieymeyer 12 61 Curtis Edney 13 4 Colton Sensiba 14 34 Tim Phillips
Planning for next season has already begun. VIP season tickets and box suites have gone on sale today. For more information about our VIP program, call 616-559-7979. Prospective VIP can enjoy a 10% discount for all VIP seats secured before April 28, 2009.
For more information about Arena Racing Grand Rapids please visit their Web site –http://www.arenaracinggr.com/.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)