2006 Minutes

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August 2006 Minutes

It is hard to believe that the racing season is soon coming to a close. Just seems like we just got started. Many thanks to all those who lent a helping hand at all out fan club days events this season. Special thanks to all you members who came out to support our club and to support our sport that we all love so much. We must remember that without the fans that show up each & every week the tracks in the area would not be able to survive and they would close for good. It is up to us to help the tracks keep open and let them know we support them 100%. To all of our membership track and others across the state of Michigan thank you for all you do for the fans as well as the racers.

Thoughts & Prayers are needed for long time MARFC members Clyde & Hermina Wright. Hermina in very ill and has been in a nursing home for the last few months and Clyde just turned 90 years old and is having a hard time getting around these days. They have been MARFC members since 1975 and have attended many club functions of the years. Clyde & Hermina our Prayers are with you always!

Just a reminder that our fan club day event at the Michigan International Speedway on August 18, 2006 you must go to the ticket office at GATE # 24 and show your membership card to get a hard ticket to get into the speedway for the day. Remember Gate # 24 at MIS ticket office. As always any questions or comments contact me Bill Barnhart at: president@marfc.org.

Bill Barnhart

 

August 10, 2006

The Racing World has lost a great friend this week. Greg Yost track announcer, radio talk show host and racing historian passed away Tuesday evening as a result of a fall. Just less than a year ago Greg had a similar fall and broke his leg very badly. As a result he was side lined from his duties this season, as one of the track announcers at the Auto City Speedway, as well as hosting his radio show on Sunday mornings. Greg was a proud member of our club for many years and supported us when ever and where ever possible. His skills as a track announcer was outstanding from the time I first met him, at the Owosso Speedway right on through his time at both the Spartan & Auto City Speedways.

His knowledge of our sport was so large that I believe no one person knew just how much Greg knew. As a sports writer for various racing papers his stories had whit, humor, and facts as well as a message. Love him or hate him he was one of a kind and he will be missed by all who knew and met him. It was my honor to present him with our MARFC Electronic Media Award at our banquet back in January 2005. It was fantastic to see him return for his first outing to our banquet again in January 2006 after is fall and surgery.

We just don’t know what plans God has for all of us and now Greg is working on the plans God has had for him as he stands as God’s side now. Our thoughts and prayers are with Greg family at this time. “May God Bless & Keep You Always & Forever!”

Sincerely,

Bill Barnhart
President MARFC

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

VISITATION FOR GREG WILL BE FRIDAY FROM NOON TO 8:00 PM
SHELTER’S FUNERAL HOME
250 N. MILL STREET
PINCKNEY, MI 48169

HIS FUNERAL WILL BE HELD AT 10:00 AM ON SATURDAY AT
CHILSON HILLS CHURCH
4440 BRIGHTON ROAD
BRIGHTON, MI 48116

 

July Events

KALAMAZOO SPEEDWAY: Hot & dry weather on hand for an excellent night of racing at the Kalamazoo Speedway. Board members Bill Walters and Sue Ginter were on hand along with Rich Walters to greet all the members who attended the evening events. The MARFC Uniform/Helmet Bag was presented to Limited Late Model # 6 driver Tom Wright who accepted the bag on behalf of his car owner Harry Try. Harry has been a long time supporter of racing and was recently diagnosed with cancer and has just returned home from surgery. Tom was very appreciative and the crowd gave Harry a large ovation. Thanks to Gary & Donna Howe for an outstanding night of racing.

 

MT. PLEASANT SPEEDWAY: What a great night for racing weather was just a little overcast but cooler. With well over 100 cars in the pit area the racing was fantastic. Club members Larry & Kenny Letts along with Scott Fow and I were on hand to greet all the members who spotted by to say Hi. Mini Stock # 25 driver Cindy Malcolm was chosen to receive our MARFC Uniform/ Helmet Bag for her racing commitment. She has been there every week this season and is a big supporter of her division at the speedway. Special thank you to Betty Crook and all the staff at the speedway for a great time.

 

MERRITT SPEEDWAY: With threatening rain & cool temps in the area there were just a few drops at the speedway but the show went on as scheduled. There was great racing in all divisions. Board member Bill Walters along with members Larry Letts were present to help sign up our new members. The “Chief Leo Pego was surprised when he was selected to receive out MARFC Uniform/Helmet bag for his dedication as the track announcer for many years.
To Rod Ancel & the Merritt Speedway staff thanks having us again this year.

2006 MARFC PICNIC:  For those of you who didn’t make it to the 3rd Annual MARFC Family Picnic you all missed out big time. Lots of food & drinks and the weather was just fantastic. Many games were played and prizes were won by almost everyone. All who attended received a MARFC can koozie and soft sided cooler. I wish to thank all those who brought a dish to pass and those who donated prizes and helped out setting up, cleaning up and organizing the games. Many thanks to our VP Larry Iacoboni who was our chief cook for the day. Looking forward the 4th Annual Picnic in 2007.

July 2006 Minutes

We here at MARFC send our thoughts & prayers to long time member Steve Lee and his family for the loss of Steve’s father Wayne. Wayne was the first in the family to get started racing and with his support both Steve and his son Eric have gone on to win Championships over the years. MARFC has also lost one of it long time members from the Erie Pennsylvania area Lewis Butler.
Lew passed away on June 14, 2006 he had always supported our club even though he was living in PA. He had attended the Indy 500 for over 50 years and always attended our Annual Convention as a MARFC member. Both Lew and Wayne will be truly missed by all who know and meet them. “God’s Speed” to you both.

Just a quick message from Vito LoPiccolo. Vito wishes to send his gratitude to all those who called or send cards while he was very sick these passed several weeks. He said that he is doing a 100% better now and will be able to get back to traveling soon. Once again from Vito & Barbara they THANK YOU ALL!

Also hearing that Arlene Stone is doing much better and things are looking up. See what the power of good thoughts and prayers can do. We can still use some more volunteers to help out with the remaining Fan Club Days events. If you can be there to help out please let me know ASAP. I Thank those of you that have helped out already this year and Thank You to those who will be helping soon. Supporting our club is what makes it grow and keeps it the best club in the country. As always any questions or comments, contact me at president@marfc.org.

Bill Barnhart

 

June Events

NAARFC REPORT:  Better late than never…The 54th Annual National Fan Club Convention went off with a great crowed again this year. MARFC was well represented and one of our own long time charter members was awarded the top award from the National. George Adastik was given the Presidents Award for 2006 by NAARFC President Lee Holst for attending his 64th Inday 500. The National Hall of Fame inducted Gary Bettenhausen and Bob Jenkins this year. Eddie Sachs Jr. presented Gary Bettenhausen his award. Once again MARFC was able to best all the other clubs with our patron page. Many thanks to all of you who made it possiable to make this happen again this year. Thank You all for helping support our National Fan Club through your support of our club. Looking forward to the 55th Annual Convention. Thanks Again to all!

 
Eddie Sachs Jr. accepting the award for Gary Bettenhausen with NAARFC President Lee Holst.   NAARFC President Lee Holst presenting the Presidents award to George Adastik!

SPARTAN SPEEDWAY

After a brief rain shower and “Big” Ed saying that we brought it with us (HA HA!) The sun came out and it was a great night of racing. “Poor” Paul made a grand entrance to start the night off in the back of a Hurst and popped out of a coffin to say he was back as lead man at the speedway. Paul sure knows how to make the fans go wild. Jim Barker long time scoring tower worker at Spartan and who never has missed a show was presented our MARFC/Uniform Helmet Bag. Thanks to “Big Ed”, Bill, and all the staff at Spartan for making our evening outstanding. Volunteers at our MARFC table were Doug Jakeway, Larry & Kenny Letts, and our VP Larry Iacoboni as Dennis Trinklein and others stopped by to say Hi!


SPRINGPORT MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Rain tried again to spoil the evening again but the Springport Staff pushed the show along. The MARFC/Uniform Helmet Bag was given to Dan Logan Modified driver who helps support racing along with his sponsor Car Quest Auto Parts for the night. Many Thanks go out to Paul Zimmerman and all the staff of the speedway for everything.

 

 

BUTLER SPEEDWAY

Great weather with no rain in sight. The Pit area was packed with cars and what great racing took place. Late Model #6 driver Derek Didone was awarded our MARFC/Uniform HelmetBag because he commutes each week with a 5 hour plus drive from Canada and has not missed a night of racing. Is that commitment or what? Thanks to Ralph & Carol Warning and the staff for bringing the Speedway back to our club.

 

 
 

GALESBURG SPEEDWAY

Once again fantastic weather on hand and a full field of cars in the pit area. Sportsman driver # 76 Jim Woodin was chosen to receive our MARFC/Uniform Helmet bag for his support of the speedway for racing there since 1990 in many divisions. Many thanks again to Ralph Warning and crew for the great opportunity to visit his facility.

 

 

I-96 SPEEDWAY

Our first trip to this speedway was great with a large field of cars made for some good dirt track racing. Our VP Larry Iacoboni had a grand time at his first dirt racing encounter. Dave DeHem, Larry and I presented the winner of the modified feature Sean Fisk with our MARFC Uniform/Helmet Bag. Many thanks to Mike Mouch and staff for having us and we can’t wait till next years event.

CRYSTAL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Once again nice weather was upon us as we visited Ron Flinn’s fantastic racing facility. Pro Stock # 34 driver Matt Sullivan was chosen to receive our MARFC Uniform/Helmet Bag for the evening because he along with his sponsor Alma Glass & Lock are great supporters of the track and Matt is an outstanding driver in his division. Thanks to “Dirt Talker” Roger Williams for his support of our club and to Ron Flinn for all of his continued support also.

June 2006 Minutes

Mother Nature is once again doing all she can to prevent us from having a great 2006 racing season. Many tracks have had several rain outs or rain shorted events this season. We need to remember to thank all the tracks for all they do to keep local racing alive here in Michigan. There are so many great racing facilities that have closed up do to high insurance rates, pressure from home owners who build right next to a speedway, along with many other concerns that make it hard to keep the doors open. I myself am asking that all of our members take the time to say THANK YOU to all of our membership tracks and those who are not members of our club also. It is up to us to help keep local racing alive not only here in Michigan but across the country. As always and questions of comments are welcome at president@marfc.org.

As Always Keep Racing!

Bill Barnhart

President MARFC

 

May Events

FLAT ROCK SPEEDWAY

Weather was cool be clear & dry at the Flat Rock Speedway. With just over a 100 cars in the pit area our members were treated to a great autograph night as well as racing for all four divisions. The # 51 Street Stock of Gary Majchrzak was presented our MARFC/Uniform Helmet Bag for his continued support of racing each as every week. Gary was very happy to receive the bag. Special Thanks to Scott Schultz, Ron Drager, Greg Riddle and all the Flat Rock staff for making the evening as great event. (Photo by Paul Anton)

 

 

AUTO CITY SPEEDWAY: Mother Nature won this round. Big thank you goes out to Joe DeWitte a crew for rescheduling our event for August 5, 2006.

 

TOLEDO SPEEDWAY

Mother Nature tired again to win but the folks at the speedway pushed forward and racing went on as scheduled. It was again autograph night at Toledo as fans and members were able to go out onto the track and meet all the drivers up close. Factory Stock # 11 driver Dave Golembiewski a.k.a “GUMBIE” was chosen to receive our MARFC/Uniform Helmet Bag for being the current point’s leader and also being in the top five in points for the past five years. To Roy Mott, Ron Drager and all the staff at Toledo we say Thank you for having us and we look forward to being back again later in September.

 

 

BERLIN RACEWAY

This was our first trip to the Berlin Raceway in many years and it was an exciting one at that. With weather a big issue the raceway chose to run only the features but the rains came just after the Late Model 50 lapper. Our MARFC/Uniform Helmet Bag was given to Late Model # 21 Terry Van Haitsma for being the fast qualifier. Many Thanks to Mike Strevel and crew for the opportunity to return to Berlin again after these many years. (PHOTO By Tom DeVette)

May 2006 Minutes

MARFC has lost a member of its family. Long time Board Member and former Secretary Treasurer Adele Spence has passed away this passed Sunday. Adele and her late husband Al were some of the early charter members of our club.

Adele was a big help in years passed during our Annual Children’s Christmas parties and supported our MARFC fund-raiser raffle. After Al’s passing a few years back she moved up to the Houghton Lake area to be with her daughter and her family. She will truly be missed by all who meet and knew her. Our prayers are with her family at this time. “God Bless”

 

From the President

Knowing that gas prices are going to have a great effect on where we all go to attend races this season. Don’t forget the fan club days at all the tracks that we have on our 2006 schedule. By getting into the races free with your current membership card it might help out with the gas tank. Be sure to thank all the promoters and speedway staff for allowing our club this great benefit and let them know you are a club member and enjoy the races.

We are still looking for MARFC members who are drivers to send in a photo and short bio so we can add you to our racing member’s page. I am looking forward to seeing this page grow larger very soon. As of April 1st 2006 we are in the process of making changes to our MARFC Wearable’s so we will be closing out our inventory on all shirts only at this time with a 30% off the listed price while supplies last.

We have learned that long time club member Jill DeBash is fighting cancer and also needs our thoughts and prayers. Jill and her husband Dave have been great supporters of our club with our fund raisers raffles and children’s Christmas raffles. GET WELL SOON to all of you and may God Bless!

 

April Meeting

On Saturday April 8, 2006 at 6:00 pm the MARFC meeting was held at the Best Western Hotel in Birch Run, MI. This was our first general meeting in the Flint area in many years. With nearly standing room only we hand a great time.

Owner-Promoter Joe DeWitte from the Auto City Speedway was on hand to tell everyone what will be going on at the speedway during the 2006 season.  He told us of the new four cylinder division he will be running and what goes into running the day to day operations of the speedway.

 

Next up was Larry Loynes as he informed all that he is ready to get the season started at both Auto City and Dixie Speedways as the track announcer. Larry also let everyone know how he got started as an announcer and all about his weekly radio show “Race Talk” on WFNT 1470 AM on Wend says 7 to 9 pm.

 

After a short break we were treated by having a racing legend and Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Famer on hand. Jay Woolworth told us of how he got started racing in the late 50’s and Jay said he plans on racing for a few more years yet. Jay says he gets a kick working with the youngster’s and teaching them the ropes on how to set up a car and where to get on and off the gas on the track. He also said that he was proud to assist the club in getting new members to sign up and we Thank him very much for all he has done in the past few years with that. Jay also is a co-host on a radio show “Race Day Review” with Greg Yost on WTRX 1330 AM on Sunday mornings.