Dedicated to the Betterment and Benefit of Auto Racing and Those Engaged Therein

March 2007 Minutes

March 2007

From the President

Cold nasty weather is not what I am caring much about this month. Bring on the sun and heat and racing. I know that with the rising cost of gas and money tight this upcoming season. Traveling to different race tracks this summer might be out for some but, remember to stop and say thanks to all of our track promoters who are working to keep racing alive here in Michigan and across the county. Local short track racing is the best in the country bar none. Without these racing facilities our sport has no future at all. As much as NASCAR and IRL and F-1 are great racing they too would be no where with out local tracks because, your favorite driver started somewhere at a local rack track to be able to move on to where they are competing today. Go when you can and support our sport the best that you can and we will see local racing continue for many years to come.

See you at the races!

Bill Barnhart

President MARFC

 

Memories as a Club Member

by: Past President Bill Walters

I’ve been a member of this club for about 35 years and I have many fond memories of different events. One of those events was in 1974. In September of that year I had gone to the Hoosier Hundred a USAC championship dirt car event on the mile dirt at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. In the closing laps of that race Jackie Howerton, Al Unser and Mario Andretti raced nose to tail and side by side lap after lap. It was a blanket finish with Jackie Howerton taking the checker flag. In October or November of that year at our monthly meeting Bill Hill was the scheduled guest speaker. Bill was a PR guy from the Indianapolis area. Bill brought along Jackie Howerton. What a surprise.  After watching him win that great race and now he would be our surprise guest speaker to talk racing with us.

Then there was 1993. Our club helped out at the Michigan State midget championship races and this 15 year old driver named Ryan Newman emerges as the state champ. I could go on and on. I think the best memory I have about this club is the PEOPLE. From the officers to all the guest speakers that have taken the time to address our club and all of the members that are race fans, just like me.

 

February Meeting

For those of you who didn’t attend this great opportunity you missed out on a great deal. Our tour of the RM Motor Sports facility was outstanding. They had vintage race cars from many different series as well as a verity of old classic cars that they are currently restoring for customers. They are working on 10 classic restoration cars for the Prince of Thailand at this time. They are the only shop who is currently building the Dodge Tomahawk motorcycles. They were preparing 3 race cars for the Sebring race in Florida while we were there. Unfortunately Buddy Bennett was already in Florida at the time but both sons Kirt & Craig were there and answered many questions asked by members present. Many thanks to Board Member Susan Ginter who set up this tour for our club. Thank You to RM Motor Sports for allowing us the great treat.