February 2, 2010

We here at MARFC express our condolences and send our prayers to Webmaster, Rob Michon on the passing of his Mother, Barbara Michon.

Visitation will be at the Rudy Funeral Home, 26560 Van Dyke Ave., Center Line, MI 48015 on Thursday February 4, 2010 from 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.  w/scripture @7 p.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Friday, February 5, 2010 at St. Clement Church, 25320 Van Dyke Ave., Center Line, MI 48015, with the funeral service at 10 a.m.

Please accept my apologies for the very late update for December.  December 2009 and January 2010 updates are included here.

December 2009

As I promised last month, the recipient of the MARFC Presidents Award for 2009 is Legendary Drag Racer, Connie Kalitta. The Board of Directors chose Mr. Kalitta for his long and successful career in drag racing in the highly competitive NHRA as well as his contributions to the sport in nurturing and bringing forward some of the greatest talent in that arena. Connie has represented Michigan through his racing so very well and continues to do so today not only with the teams he campaigns but also through the contributions his company Kalitta Air makes in the world. I am excited to have him with us that night and to be able to present him with that award. As detailed last month, Mike Eddy will be receiving the Eddie Sachs Jr. Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award and George Keen will be receiving the MARFC Electronic Media Award.

Now is the time to renew your membership for 2010. In order to save the club mailing costs we will be removing members who have not renewed as of our February newsletter so make sure you get your renewal in ASAP. Also remember that a MARFC membership or renewal makes a great Christmas gift to the race fan in your family. As always any questions or comments contact me via e-mail at president@marfc.org.

CONDOLENCES

It was found out that club member Kenny handorf lost his Mother Barbara on November 12th. We here at MARFC pass along our prayers and condolences to Kenny and his family during this difficult time.

NOVEMBER MEETING UPDATE

The club held its November meeting at the Best Western in Birch Run on Sunday afternoon, November 8th. First up out of the box was Steve Puvalowski, the new owner of the legendary Tri-City Motor Speedway in Auburn, Michigan. Steve brought us up to date on the conditions of the Speedway as it sits right now and detailed his vision for the future. It will take a lot of work to get the track ready but Steve has what sounds like a good plan and a good amount of support from the racing community. Steve hopes to have a couple of shows in late 2010 and knows that it will take some good hard work to get the Trick Track back in shape. Early indications are that Tri-City will remain as a dirt track but don’t put the idea of the resurrection of the 1/2 mile 5 turner away just yet.

Next up was longtime campaigner and 2003 Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Jay Woolworth. Jay is a wealth of information and stories from his long career and that is what he shared with us. He also shared about the Championship that his grand-son Jake Thompson won at Auto City this season in the Hornets Division. In this sport it is pretty common to see a father and son race at the same track but to see a grandfather and grandson is truly remarkable and just goes to show the family atmosphere in our great sport as it is today.

The trio of Inloes, Prieur, and Darling came out of the box after Jay. Our friend Larry Loynes was slated to be with us but that oinky flu got in the way. Big Ed gave us a rundown of the happenings at both the Auto City Speedway and the Spartan Speedway. Both tracks have an aggressive schedule in the works and are fast at work on the 2010 season as well as the new grandstands and press box being constructed at Spartan Speedway. Matt “Hollywood” Prieur gave us the rundown on what is going on with the Owosso and Dixie Speedways for the coming year as well as a recap of the 2009 seasons at both of these fine speedways.

Finally, the third member of the trio, Chuck “The Flounder” Darling spoke about the Michigan Short Track Racing Club (MSTRC) and how it got started and evolved to where it is today. Chuck spoke of the many opportunities he has had over the years by his association with the MSTRC and spoke of the many friendships he has made with fans, drivers, promoters and many in racing.

This led into the trio speaking about the upcoming MSTRC Bowling tournament held in Owosso in February. This is a fundraiser that benefits people in the racing community that have suffered setbacks and need a hand up. More on this very worthwhile event in later editions of the MARFC Messenger but while you are waiting lets think about getting a few teams together for the tournament. If you are interested please give me a call.

To close things up for the day, Dixie/Owosso Promoter Jeff Parish made a few comments and updates to what Hollywood shared about and Joe DeWitte of the Auto City Speedway spoke about his experiences in race promotion/track ownership and let us know about a couple of special shows coming up in 2010 at Auto City. More on these at Joe release details. Julie DeHem won the 50/50 drawing and donated it to the Kid’s Christmas Party, Thank You Julie and Thank You to Steve Puvalowski, Jay Woolworth, Ed Inloes, Matt Prieur, Chuck Darling, Jeff and Pam Parish, and Joe DeWitte. We will definitely keep this annual tradition of a November meeting in Birch Run.

January 2009

MT. CLEMENS SANTA PARADE

OnOn parade day, the weather was bright and cold but just seeing the smile on the kid’s faces made it warm for all of us. This year we had the Late Models of both Brian Bauman and Terry Bogusz as well as the Legends Cars of Chris Brunet and Scott Menlen. While the Late Models were towed on trailers, Scott and Chris drove their cars down main street. No, they didn’t pull any hole shots but I know they desperately wanted to. Our chairperson for the event Laura Tucker did a great job again and we express our thanks to Scott Menlen, Chris Brunet, Randy Gallagher, Terry Bogusz, and Brian Bauman. Great Job Laura and thanks to all the club members who helped out.

DECEMBER CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY UPDATE

Over 125 children and adults were in attendance at our annual Children’s Christmas Party held on December 6th. “Bubbles” the Clown entertained all young and old with a magic show and custom balloon sculptures. There was an outstanding luncheon for all as well as goodies and gifts for each child who was there to see Santa. Then the big man in the Red Suit arrived to everyone’s delight and presented each child with their gift as well as taking orders for his Christmas Eve bonsai run around the world. Linda Walters won the 50/50 and donated it to next year’s party, Thank You Linda. Many thanks to Lisa Michon for arranging the use of the hall and to Rob Michon for taking the photo’s of the children with Santa. Thanks to those who brought extra food items for the luncheon and also for those who donated items for our needy family I say thank you too. A very big Thank You to Cory Russell and Laura Tucker for another fantastic job co-chairing this great event. Thanks to all the following who helped out at the party: Jeff Moroni, Wild Bill Barnhart, Sue Ginter, Larry Iacoboni, Fran Russo, Laura Tucker, Bill & Linda Walters, Steve & Cory Russell, Chuck Horan, Al Peltier, Rob, Lisa, and Austin Michon. This entire party could not have happened without the help of the following who made donations to help us give the children a fun and enjoyable time with Santa.

Paul & Iris Anton, Gary & Debbie Majchrzak, Bob & Sandy Wheaton, Bob & Diane Shalla, Edgar Brown, Fran Russo, Frank & Peggy Loving, Julie DeHem, Bob & Sandy Wheaton, Eugene & Stella Lidahl, Edgar Brown, Rob & Lisa Michon, Michigan Legends, Laura Tucker, Ma Tucker, Steve & Cory Russell, Steve Stien, AL Peltier, and Vito & Barbara Lopiccolo

LAST CALL ON BANQUET TICKETS

Remember that our 44th Annual Awards Banquet is scheduled for January 16, 2010. Tickets are still available for a donation of $ 39.00 each. With many of our special award winners on hand and all the track champions in attendance also this will be a great night that you will not want to miss. So if you are planning on attending this event get your tickets early as there will be NO TICKETS SOLD AT THE DOOR!

You will need to contact me no later than January 9, 2010 at president@marfc.org

Downloadable Banquet Flyer is available here.

MEMBERSHIP PLAN and RENEWALS FOR 2010

MARFC membership is $10.00 for a single membership or $15.00 for a married couple or a FAMILY PLAN, (two adults all children up through the age of fifteen) and includes our newsletter, decal, membership meeting, and Fan Club Day admissions to various tracks. Memberships are from January 1st of each year to December 31st of that same year. PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION REQUESTED and mail along with a check or money order payable to MARFC, c/o Susan Ginter, 7 Willow Way, Waterford, MI. 48328-2947.

Downloadable version of the membership form available here.

Also remember that the MSTRC fund raiser bowling tournament will be held on Saturday February 13, 2010 at Capitol Bowl in Owosso, Michigan. It was announced that the MSTRC have selected the benefactors for the upcoming tournament. This year's fund raising event will be held for Jeremy “Jake” Dickman and Alan Taft. For information about this event you can contact Chuck Darling through the MSTRC site at www.mstrc.com or call him at 989-906-5006.

There will be a Central Kart Swap Meet for kart racers to buy & sell karts and parts of all kinds will be held on Sunday March 14, 2010 at 10:00 am to 2:00 pm located at Town & Country Recreation at 401 S. St Johns Street, Ithaca, MI 48847 cost is $ 5.00 per person for more information on sales space and set ups contact Ken at 989-642-8240 or Ray at 989-845-4766.

4th annual Mount Clemens Reunion is on Saturday January 23, 2010 at the Kart 2 Kart Indoor karting Center in Sterling Hgts. Mi. The facility is on Van-Dyke just north of 18 Mile Rd. Be there by 5:30 PM to register to race or if not racing, be there any time after 6 PM. Tom Urban says there will be a surprise guest so be there to see who it is and to visit with many of the old time drivers, fans, and officials. There will be no food served but drink service is available.