Racing Tickets: Taxed?

In 2007, the Governor and Legislature tried to impose a new tax on tickets to sporting events, concerts and movies in Michigan. They backed off after you — the fans — told them Stop the Ticket Tax.

Now the Governor has again proposed a 5.5 percent tax on all tickets to professional, college and minor league sporting events, and all entertainment events, which will raise the cost of tickets by almost $100 million a year.

This includes your local race track.

All four of Detroit's major professional teams, the Tigers, Red Wings, Lions and Pistons, are part of the coalition against the proposal.

"This tax is not on the sports teams – it is on you – the fans," the Red Wings said in a recent email sent out to season ticket holders. "And all of us at the Red Wing's organization believe it is wrong to target the working families."

Michigan ticket broker Joel Schwartz, owner of Big Time Worldwide vehemently opposes the plan because he believes it potentially would have a devastating effect on ticket sales because many fans would stop buying tickets.

"I don't think they're fully aware of the ramifications of this," Schwartz told TicketNews. "I've told the politicians that besides people not buying tickets, this could force ticket brokers out of the state, which would further hurt revenues."

Schwartz said he would consider moving his business to Ohio if the tax is enacted, because out of state brokers would likely not be subject to collecting it. Brokers in the City of Chicago are faced with a similar disadvantage because of the amusement tax levied by the government.

Michigan attorney Randy Smith, who also owns the ticket resale Web site AmericasTopTickets.com, agreed with Schwartz that ticket sales will decrease, especially in this tough economy.

"Like anything that raises a cost on something, we'll see people who won't pay it by not buying tickets," Smith said. "It gives people an excuse not to buy tickets, which defeats the whole purpose."

If you do not want to see ticket prices increased make your voice heard.

Click on the Title or Banner to join: No Ticket Tax.com

Funeral Service: Keith "Spanky" Chrysler

KEITH "SPANKY" CHRYSLER

CHRYSLER, MR. KEITH "SPANKY" (Husband of Karen) WOLF LAKE Mr. Keith A. "Spanky" Chrysler, age 35, passed away unexpectedly Friday evening, February 12, 2010 in Muskegon. Keith was born August 9, 1974 to Kenneth and Tammy (Gillette) Chrysler in Muskegon, and was a life resident of this area. He was the co-owner of Wilkerson and Son excavating company. Spanky enjoyed racing at Winston and Thunderbird Raceways, and watching NASCAR. He also enjoyed bonfires, music, food, and partying with his friends. On June 2, 1995 Keith married Karen Case. He loved his family and is survived by his wife, Karen; 2 children, Rachel and Matthew, both at home; "granny", Ednamae Giangrande of Muskegon; mother and father, Tammy and Ken Chrysler; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Dorothy and Rodney Case of Muskegon; sister, Kristi (Jerry Julian) Chrysler and their children, Kilee and Jay; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Angie Brooks and their children, Steven and Adam; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

SERVICES will be 2:00 PM Tuesday at The Sytsema Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Ave. (231) 726-5210 with Rev. Jerry R. Worrel officiating. Burial will take place at Egelston Township Cemetery.

VISITATION at the funeral home will be 1 hour prior to the service. You may sign the family's on-line guest book at www.sytsemafh.com. In lieu of flowers. Contributions in memory of Keith may be made to the family.

Keith Chrysler "Spanky": RIP

Keith "Spanky" Chrysler (Photo from Jalovec Racing Photos)

It comes with great sadness to inform the West Michigan Racing community the passing of Keith "Spanky" Chrysler on Friday, February 12 after a battle with cancer. Keith was well renowned in the racing community as a gentle giant. While his stature could be very intimidating his demeanor was that of teddy bear. I had the pleasure of watching "Spanky" race and help other racers. This past summer I got to know him a little better as he did some work for me through Wilkerson Excavating. When he was done my wife commented of how kind, and funny "Spanky" was. She was immediately impressed when he pet and held our little dog. The next day he was holding our neighbors 3 week old kittens. He was an easy guy to like. It was the first time my wife had met him. That is the impression he left with ever body who got to know him.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Mark & Julie Jalovec Family

Winston Speedway Drivers Meeting

It's time for our annual pre-season meeting. You will be able to register for the 2010 Race Season and catch up on all the racing gossip. Tom will take a few minutes to go over some new information on rules and be available for any questions.

*Fill out track registration with no registration fees at meeting.
*Fill out UMP license forms.

LATE MODELS- FOR 2010 UMP WILL REQUIRE ALL LATE MODELS TO BE LICENSED.

WARRIORS- MAY PURCHASE UMP LICENSE AND RECEIVE UMP SPORTS COMPACT POINTS.

MINOR WAIVER FORMS

RACECEIVERS- Limited quantity of raceceivers on hand at a special price of $87.00 each

Reserve your pit spots. Dirt- $50.00 Cement slab- $150.00

FREE HOT DOGS, BEER AND POP!

WHERE: VFW-1061 WITHAM RD, NORTH MUSKEGON (SAME PLACE AS LAST YEAR)

WHEN: MONDAY – FEBRUARY 22ND, 7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.

Any information call Tom Sprague at 231-206-1566

Mark Grimmette Chose to Carry American Flag

Although his racing career has been on ice and without wheels, Muskegon native Mark Grimmette is considered a racer. He has just received one of the highest honors an athlete can receive. He will be carrying the American flag for the opening of the Winter Olympics. It will be Grimette's fifth time to the Olympic games as a Luger. Check out the article by clicking on the title or Link.

http://www.mlive.com/sports/muskegon/index.ssf/2010/02/muskegons_mark_grimmette_chose.html

Another story about Grimmete:

http://www.mlive.com/sports/muskegon/index.ssf/2010/02/west_michigan_native_mark_grim.html