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MARFC Lifetime/Charter Member Passes Away!

We here at MARFC are deeply saddened by the new of one of its Lifetime Charter members since 1965. Ray Angelelli has passed away in his sleep this pasted Wednesday March 23, 2022, at the age of 84. Ray was a force behind Mancini Racing. We send our thoughts & prayers to his family and friends at this time. “Gods Speed” friend Ray until next time! The following was posted on Facebook and listed is the visitation times for Ray.

Ray Angelelli, Roseville – ANGELELLI, Ray. March 23, 2022. Age 84. Beloved husband of Pat. Loving father of Cheryl (Shawn Kornoelje) Angelelli and Daniel (Jennifer) Angelelli. Proud and adored grandfather of Cooper. Dearest brother of the late Danny. Cherished uncle of Donna Craner and Tina Angelelli. Visitation Sunday from 2-9pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc. 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). Instate Monday from 10:30am until the time of 11am Mass at St. Pio of Pietrelcina Catholic church, 18720 13 E Thirteen Mile Rd, Roseville. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery. Please share memories with the family at their “On-Line Guestbook” at WujekCalcaterra.com

It is with sadness that we announce the death of our founder and patriarch, Ray Angelelli, who passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday morning with his family by his side. Known as “Jaws” among friends and fellow racers, Ray along with his brother Danny, and Super Stock racer Ron Mancini, founded our company back in 1972. Through Ray’s hard work, business acumen, and guidance, Mancini Racing would grow to become one of the largest Direct Connection and Mopar Performance Parts warehouse’s in the world. Even at the age of 84, Ray came into the work every day to package orders, work with Mopar on supplying parts, or just to make sure we did our job taking care of our loyal customers. Ray’s presence will be missed, but his spirit will always be a part of Mancini Racing.

 

The Final Checkered Flag waved for Longtime MARFC Member!

We here at MARFC are very saddened by hearing the news that longtime member Doug Spodeck passed aways on Sunday morning February 20, 2022. Doug’s wife Karen said that he fought as hard as he could, but his kidneys and the infection were just too much for him. She believes he was overhead watching the Daytona 500 with his smiling face that he always had when he was at the racetrack. Per Doug’s wishes no services are planned but, if you wish to send the family a card, please contact me and I will get it to you.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Doug wife Karen and the Spodeck family.” God Bless Always”! Rest Well my friend until we meet again!!

(Photo of Doug & Karen at a MARFC meeting a few years back)

2022 MARFC BANQUET in the History Books!

2022 ANNUAL BANQUET REPORT: What a night for all who came out the enjoy & honor all the champions from across our state. We honored 130 champions from all different divisions of auto racing. We opened to evening with the national anthem followed by a moment of silence for those who we lost in the last couple of years. Then after a fantastic dinner provided by the good folks of Zuccaro’s it won on to the awards. “Shut Up” Roger Williams did an outstanding job with all the champions and entertained the crowd with his quick whit and humor. Our top awards were then next on tap! Jamie Little could not be with us but, sent us a great acceptance video thanking MARFC for her Special Achievement Award. Our MARFC Media Award was then presented to Zack Heiser & Rich Frantz from “HorsePower Happenings” for all their magnificent work on their pod casts keeping race fans up to date with all the happenings during the racing season. We had two presentations of our MARFC/Vito LoPiccolo Memorial Contribution to Motorsports Award. Claude Plante was on hand to accept it on behalf of Drive Train Specialists for all they have done in sponsorship at many various racing venues across the state. Then Ron Flinn promoter of the Crystal Motor Speedway was honored for his 40 plus years of promoting racing not only at Crystal but other racing facilities before he purchased Crystal. He is a fan favorite with his entertaining ways on and off the track. Eddie Sachs Jr. presented Dr. Jerry Punch with the MARFC/Eddie Sachs Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication of our sport as a broadcast journalist over a span of 30 plus years. Dr. Punch was honored with the award and had much to say about the local grass roots racing here in Michigan and across the country. Then Ron Drager President of the Michigan Speedways Promoters Association was grateful to accept our MARFC President’s Award. He then had all the promoters in attendance come together for a group photo and said this award is for all the promotors that are part of the organization. Our Surprise & Special awards are listed below and all the recipients we very thankful for receiving them. Just wanted to give a Special Thanks to George & Mark Rangel for sponsoring our program printing & door prizes. Blue Water Compressor Service & Blue Wate Pipe & Supply. Also, a big Thanks to Rand Thompson for all the great photo’s taken during the banquet! The banquet could not have been put together without all the Banquet Helpers who came in early to set up and those who helped pack up afterwards and they were: Bill & Linda Walers, Chuck & Jeff Horan, Nancy May, Rand Thompson, Rob & Lisa Michon, Kelly & Mistelle Hollister, John & Darlene Kryta, Eric & Staci & Kamille Fitzpatrick, Dave DeHem, John Jackso, Spencer Nelson & Karl Zarbo. (Photo Top Left: MSPA President Ron Drager & MARFC President Bill Barnhart) (Photo Top Right: Eddie Sachs Jr. Dr. Jerry Punch & Bill Barnhart) other photos will be posted on our web site soon!

MARFC Wishes Happy New Year Blessings!

“Happy New Year” to all our MARFC members! Here’s to hoping that Santa did bring all the racing items needed for the race car. As we start this new year, please take a moment to remember those who are serving our county here and home and abroad as without them we could not enjoy this holiday. Pray that they all get home safely soon. May the new year bring us all safe & healthy!

Again, you all have a Blessed New Year!

Bill Barnhart

MARFC President