Michigan Automobile Racing Fan Club

I-96 Speedway & Auto City Speedway Rescheduled!

vice-president — Fri, 18 May 2012 01:11:24 +0000

Special thanks to both the I96 Speedway and the Auto City Speedway for rescheduling our MARFC Fan Club day events for 2012! The new make up dates are as follows:

Auto City Speedway Saturday July 21, 2012
I-96 Speedway Saturday August 25, 2012

So mark these dates on your calanders and be sure the thank the folks at both speedways for the make up dates.
See you at the races!

From the President for May 2012!

vice-president — Sat, 05 May 2012 13:43:35 +0000

It is finally here, RACING SEASON is upon us and none too soon. We saw many of our tracks opened up in mid to late April and now that it is May the season is in full swing. The paint has been smudged a bit, the bumpers have been pushed a bit and the lettering has had to be touched up already but that is just part of short track racing in the great state of Michigan. As this is sent out we have had one fan club day already 3 on tap this month and 6 more set to go in June. We have a busy season again this year and I hope you are able to take advantage of it all. As I said in my thoughts last month I would share a few more tid-bits with you and here goes nothing. Whittemore has done some great things with youth pit pass pricing as has the Spartan Speedway all in an effort to keep the families together down in the pits and near the race car. Winston Speedway over on Michigan’s West Coast has some great specials lined up again with appearances by the Michigan Dirt Cup, Michigan Traditional Sprints, and the World of Outlaw Late Models. Cherry Raceway has come back on board as a MARFC Member and will be hosting the SOD Sprints as well as the Michigan Traditional Sprints along with the Michigan Dirt Cup. Owosso Speedway is geared up and ready to go for 2012 with their regular weekly divisions along with visits by the Legends Cars, Jegs/CRA, Dwarfs, and some very special invites and theme nights. Kalamazoo will play host to the Auto Value Super Sprints, Extreme Sprints, The annual “Klash” in August as well as the season ending Super Shoe Nationals. Ron Flinn once again will be dressed for the occasion at all times as the Crystal Motor Speedway will play host to the SOD Sprints, MTS Sprints, Michigan Dirt Cup, MORA Mini-Outlaws and the ever popular Great Lakes Nationals.

MARFC Members, there is a ton of racing going on all over at all of our tracks here in Michigan this year. Be sure to check on all of the tracks schedules on their websites so you can plan your travels for the year. You’ll have to make some choices as some shows run the same time as others so you have to pick which one suits you the best. I plan on getting around a bit this year but I have to say that gas prices may influence what shows I see and which shows I will have to pass on, but I’ll guarantee you one thing, I will be getting to the races this year and I hope you get out a bunch and support our tracks and take advantage of the benefits of being a MARFC Member. Be sure to support those who support us by buying a hot dog or a soda when you visit in MARFC Nights. Until next month, when I’ll have more tid-bits, “We’ll see you at the Races”.
Dave DeHem MARFC President

Last Monthly Meeting for Spring Update!

vice-president — Sat, 05 May 2012 13:40:44 +0000

Our last monthly meeting of the winter season was held on April 14th at Papio’s Food & Spirits in Reese. Denny Trinklien did a great job lining up speakers and venue. If you are in the Reese area you definitely owe it to yourself to stop in at Papio’s for some great food or a round of golf if you are a golfer. Papio’s is located on Reese Rd, just South of M-81. Our first speaker was Chas Howe of Howe Racing Enterprises (HRE). Chas gave us a very informative talk on not just how Howe Racing got its start under the guidance and diligence of his father Ed Howe but also shared with us where it has been, where it is going , and what it is doing these days. Many of us may not know that HRE has delivered many cars to Scandinavia, where they have a road racing series called the “Scandinavian Cup” that uses cars and chassis that are built in the Beaverton race shops and imported overseas. Many of us are used to associating HRE with turning left but we found out that they do turn left and right. Chas spoke a bit about his son Charlie and his early racing in the go-carts and how they worked on that program together having success and winning a championship in the Super Dirt Kart Series but that after a few years, Charlie wanted to play hockey so Chas, like every good and supportive Father got involved with that and it has been fun for the two of them. Chas gave us a very informative take on where he sees racing at today and compared it to the glory days of yesteryear that so many of us long time fans always remember and talk about. I truly wish we could have had a whole day to talk with Chas as He has so much insight and knowledge of our sport.
Curt Tucker of Teamtech Motorsports Equipment was second out of the chute for the meeting. I knew we were going to be informed about Teamtech and all that it is involved in when Curt brought in a mannequin dressed in full safety gear and strapped to a seat. Curt got his start as a tester and spec writer for SFI. As it turns out, the window nets He had been testing were not living up to the specs. That He had written and were the standard. So based on an idea that He had, He took some material to his Mother to sew it up. As it turned out, his design and his Mother’s sewing resulted in a window net that passed the testing and lived to the standards of the specification. Before long, racers were calling and wanting to order window nets. That quite honestly is how Teamtech got started. Along the way and early on Curt came up with a better way of developing seat belt hardware and that was snapped up by an automotive supplier and they haven’t looked back since. Curt shared with us that all of the Dodge Vipers have Teamtech harnesses in them and that the “Drifting” aspect of Motor Sports in Japan has been a major consumer of Teamtech product. Curt has worked with NASA on safety harnesses for the astronauts to use upon launch and re-entry as well as working with the military on developing quick release straps to allow for quick ingress/egress on back packs used in detecting and dis-arming or remote detonating of the IED Devices that have hurt or killed so many of our service people. Teamtech provides any type of safety equipment used in a race car including fire-suits, gloves, shoes, underwear, harnesses, window nets, and the most important of all the Head and Neck Restraint. One of the things that Curt is most proud of is the work that they have done for wheelchair bound children. All too often the harnesses that are available for these individuals are uncomfortable and hard to use. Teamtech has developed special “Racing Harnesses” that work well with the wheel chairs and the kids like as they feel like a “racer”. Just like Chas Howe, another person in Motor Sports that has their priorities right and someone that I wish we could have spent all day talking with.
Steve Puvalowski of the Tri-City Motor Speedway took us up on our offer to our Promoters to attend the meeting. Steve gave us some information on what is in store at Tri-City for the 2012 racing season as well as a comprehensive look at all the trials and tribulations they went through in getting the Speedway re-built into what it is now. It looks to be a very exciting year at the historic Auburn facility. This was truly a great meeting and informative meeting and if you missed this one you missed a good one. We will be back at Papio’s in November so don’t miss out on the next one and come hungry as the food is excellent. Many thanks to Papio’s for hosting us and providing gift cards for our raffle prize drawing. Thanks also to Deanna Couper of Coupar Creations, Curt and Korina Tucker of Teamtech, and Steve Puvalowski as well for donations to our raffle prizes. Last but not least, Thank You to our guest speakers for sharing with us, what they do in Auto Racing.

Prayers & Get Well Soon for Club Founder Vito LoPiccolo!

vice-president — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 22:35:46 +0000

To All MARFC Members: I received a note from Vito LoPiccolo’s Daughter Janice to let Me know that Vito was in the hospital battling an infection and pneumonia. And with the most recent update I received on club Founder Vito LoPiccolo. He is doing better and has been transferred to a rehab center. She wanted me to pass this important information on to you so if you wish to send a card or lift Vito and the family in prayer you could do so. Cards can be sent to Vito LoPiccolo C/o MARFC at P.O.Box 8160, Roseville, MI 48066 and we will see Vito gets them.
Vito and his late Wife Barbara along with Bob and Norma Lewis and the Flokstra’s , Willis and Marion founded our club way back in 1965 at the kitchen table of the Lewis’s. Willis, Marion, and Vito are the remaining three that are still with us today. Please keep Vito and his family in your prayers and I’ll keep you updated.
Dave DeHem
MARFC President

Longtime MARFC Member Pass Away!

vice-president — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 22:27:08 +0000

From the ARCA Website, word has been recieved that Frances(Fran)Duff has passed away.
“Frances (Fran) Duff, who with her husband Dick Duff served for 3 decades as chief scorers at weekly ARCA sanctioned races at Flat Rock Speedway, Toledo Speedway and on the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards tour, died Monday April 16 at her residence in Toledo Ohio at the age of 88. In their duties as ARCA Officials, Fran and Dick Duff traveled to races throughout the Midwest with ARCA founders John and Mildred Marcum.

Fran Duff also scored hundreds of races at other nearby weekly tracks such as Jackson Speedway and Mt. Clemens Race Track in Michigan, and Oakshade and Eldora Speedways in Ohio. She was in the scoring tower for the inaugural race at Michigan Int’l Speedway in 1969, scored the inaugural World 100 at Eldora in 1971, and was a founding member and for many years served as Vice President of the Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club (MARFC). In addition, Fran and Dick Duff trained many ARCA officials to become chief scorers, including Sherry Miller and Terry Lake, and her grandson Charlie Krall works in the motorsports communications field. Semi-retiring in 1985, Fran and Dick moved to Charlotte, NC, where they worked for son-in-law Bill Gardner’s DiGard Racing Team. Fran served as team scorer for drivers Bobby Allison, Greg Sacks and Willy T. Ribbs. Fran Duff is survived by her husband Dick Duff; children Laraine (Rick) Meidt, Alan Adams, Patrick Adams, Christine (Bill) Gardner, Mary Geronimo and Amy Norwood; 16 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband Paul Adams and daughter Paula Krall.
Richard & Frances joined the Michigan Automobile Racing Fan Club on March 31, 1966 which made them members for 46 years. All of us at MARFC express our condolences to the Duff Family.
Dave DeHem
MARFC President

March Meeting Updates!

vice-president — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 11:49:01 +0000

Our annual trek to the Toledo Speedway Bar & Grille for our March general meeting was once again well attended. ARCA President Ron Drager was on hand and told the crowd about the way ARCA and We also watched the year in review video from the 2011 ARCA season that is shown at the ARCA banquet. Then next we had General Manager Scott Schultz who informed all of us about the changes at both the Toledo & Flat Rock Speedways. Gary Lindahl was on hand to give us a report on his recent health challenge and the word is that He is doing great as He was also surprised with a 60th Birthday Party, Happy Birthday my long time friend and many more. To start off the meeting, Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Fame driver and mid-west standout, Danny Byrd came forward and he and I were able to chat a bit about his driving career. Danny Shared with us where and how He got his start in racing as well as where he ended it. Going off of my memory, Danny said He got his first start right at the Flat Rock Speedway and finished it off in 1979 with a big win down in Nashville.

April Thoughts from the President!

vice-president — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 11:46:57 +0000

It is time to go racing again. The cars are finished up and the paint is dry. The wraps are wrapped and the lettering is getting done. I will keep this short as there is a lot of information in this regular mailed newsletter. If your name is highlighted in GREEN it means that this is your last newsletter as you have not renewed for 2012 and we will be taking you off of our mailing list and you will miss out on the great racing action provided to us by our member tracks on the 20 different fan club events this summer. Enclosed in this newsletter are your 2012 pocket schedules and once again, we are asking those who have an e-mail address to contact us and let us know if you would like to be put on the e-mail list only. If you can send me a quick note by e-mail at president@marfc.org so I will be sure and have your e-mail address and name just in case it has changed. While you are at it please include “Wild Bill” at vicepresident@marfc.org as well. At the April MSPA Meeting, I extended an invitation to all Promoters who were in attendance to come to our April meeting and we would provide at least five minutes for each promoter in attendance to come and share a little bit about what they have on tap for 2012.

Yours in Racing,
Dave DeHem President MARFC

Condolences!

vice-president — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 11:40:01 +0000

We were saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Jeremy “Jake” Dickman. Jeremy was a key figure at the Mount Pleasant Speedway along with his wife Debbie. He was also a driving force in the “Cans From Race Fans” organization along with Alvie Haynes. Jeremy did much for not only the Mount Pleasant Speedway but for all of Motor Sports in Michigan and his presence will be deeply missed by all of us who knew him. It just won’t be the same on my visit to Mount Pleasant this season and not being able to sit and talk with Jeremy. Jeremy leaves behind his wife Debbie and Daughter Maggie as well as many friends. There will be a Memorial Race for Jeremy at Mount Pleasant Speedway on July 13, 2012. It was also learned that longtime Car Owner Jim LaMay passed away in March. Jim fielded cars at Mount Clemens and Toledo and was the uncle of long time MARFC Member and Late Model standout Larry LaMay. We here at MARFC express our condolences to the Dickman and LaMay families.

2012 Tentative MARFC Fan Club Day Schedule!

vice-president — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 17:51:09 +0000

2012 FAN CLUB DAY EVENTS AS OF April 1, 2012 Note: this list is incomplete and will updated as soon as possible. At this point it looks like we will have at least 18 events this season with a couple of other special events being worked on for later in the year. The full schedule along with the “Pocket Schedules” and directions will go out in the April Newsletter.

I-96 SPEEDWAY SATURDAY APRIL 29, 2012

AUTO CITY SPEEDWAY SATURDAY MAY 12, 2012

SPARTAN SPEEDWAY FRIDAY MAY 18, 2012

KALAMAZOO SPEEDWAY SATURDAY MAY 19, 2012

FLATROCK SPEEDWAY SATURDAY JUNE 2, 2012

CHERRY SPEEDWAY FRIDAY JUNE 8, 2012

CRYSTAL MOTOR SPEEDWAY SATURDAY JUNE 9, 2012

TOLEDO SPEEDWAY FRIDAY JUNE 22, 2012

SPRINGPORT MOTOR SPEEDWAY SATURDAY JUNE 23, 2012

OWOSSO SPEEDWAY SATURDAY JUNE 30, 2012

TRI-CITY MOTOR SPEEDWAY FRIDAY JULY 13, 2012

WHITTEMORE SPEEDWAY SATURDAY JULY 14, 2012

MT. PLEASANT SPEEDWAY FRIDAY JULY 27, 2012

MERRITT RACEWAY SATURDAY JULY 28, 2012

WATERFORD HILLS RACEWAY SUNDAY JULY 29, 2012

WINSTON SPEEDWAY FRIDAY AUGUST 3. 2012

ONAWAY SPEEDWAY SATURDAY AUGUST 11, 2012

AUTO CITY SPEEDWAY WEDNESDAY AUGUST 15, 2012 (SPECIAL EVENT $ 10.00 TICKET FOR MARFC MEMBERS)

TOLEDO SPEEDWAY SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2012 ($ 5.00 OFF TICKET PRICE FOR MARFC MEMBERS FOR GLASS CITY 200)

MARFC March Updates!

vice-president — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 17:19:38 +0000

FEBRUARYMEETING UPDATE!

We had two guest speakers on hand as well and first up was our very own Public Relations Director, Rand Thompson. Rand shared with us how he got his start in racing, who his heroes have been over the years, and gave us a detailed look at how He performs his tasks as a pit tour coordinator at the Michigan International Speedway. Rand has been doing race reports from the Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways and now adds the Spartan Speedway to his resume as he will be doing the race report write ups for Spartan this coming 2012 racing season. Rand also shared his passion for vintage road racing and the events that are held annually at the Waterford Hills Raceway. Rand was able to make a connection with the folks at Waterford and we have been invited to have our first ever MARFC Day at Waterford Hills this coming July 29th which is the weekend of the vintage racing at Waterford.

Our second speaker of the night was Scott Menlen. Scott shared about his racing roots in a go-kart with the Thunderbird Go-Kart club down at Flat Rock and how in his first ever race, He snared the checkers with a win. Later on Scott raced with the Michigan Legends Series in the Bandalero division before moving into the Legends Cars where they raced in Michigan as well as in the KOIL Series which took them to Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and points beyond before moving into the Crate Engine, Template Bodied Late Models at Auto City Speedway. After a couple of years in the full size cars, Scott, like many other racers these days, was forced to park the race cars for a while. Scott being a racer to the core decided that if He wasn’t going to be able to drive then he would do something at the track so he worked for Speedway Safety before moving into the flag stand. In 2012, Scott finds himself as the flag man at the historic Dixie Motor Speedway as well as with the traveling Jegs/CRA Series. Scott hopes to get behind the wheel at a later time but for now will remain active in whatever way he can. Thanks Rand and Scott for sharing your passion with us. It was especially nice to see how many of our members in attendance have been members over 20 years and two members in attendance have logged over 40 years as members, thanks for your dedication Bill Walters and Joe Hiestand.