Monthly Archives: June 2008

June 22, 2008

We here at the Michigan Automobile Racing Fan Club heard the news of the terrible tragedy of the lost of Scott Kalitta who died at the young age of 46 when his Funny Car burst into flames and crashed at the end of track during the final round of qualifying for the NHRA Super Nationals in New Jersey. The Kalitta Family has special local ties to many here in Michigan. Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire Kalitta family and team as well as fans at this sad time.

Bill Barnhart

President MARFC

Sad new today! Last night at our Fan Club Day event at the Toledo Speedway we learned the long time member and club supporter Neil Perlick passed away just hours before the race night started. Neil owned Action Video Productions and was the video man at both Flat Rock & Toledo Speedways for many years. Our thought and prayers go out to his wife Margret and his family at this time. “God’s Speed our Friend”

Sincerely,

Bill Barnhart

President MARFC

From the President

What a way to get the season started with rain outs all over and cold weather to keep fans away and gas prices still rising. Truly a rough start to the season and now we have heard about Late Model driver Donnie Nelson from the Galesburg Speedway who was very badly injured and will be out of action for a very long time with a severe neck injury. We send out best thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.

I would like to thank all of those who helped sponsor our patron name page in the National Conventions 2008 program. Once again you did us proud and beat the other clubs by a very big margin. MARFC was once again well represented at the Convention and we saw both columnist Dave Argabright and Indy 500 winner Troy Ruttman inducted into the Hall of Fame. Our own MARFC member Eddie Sachs Jr. was on hand to induct Troy Ruttman into the Hall of Fame and Troy’s daughter was on hand to accept for her late father and thanked all the MARFC members for remembering her Dad and nominated him for this honor.

We can still use more volunteers to help out at our fan club day events.

Please check the schedule and if you can assist at any of them please contact me and let me know as soon as you can.

As Always, Keep Racing!

Bill Barnhart

President MARFC

May Fan Club Days

KALAMAZOO SPEEDWAY: Mother Nature won the first round of fan club day events at Kalamazoo Speedway. We will try to reschedule this event later in the season if at all possible. 

SPARTAN SPEEDWAY

Cloudy & cool weather on hand along with a nice field of cars for our annual trip to Spartan Speedway. Modified driver Ron “One R”
Parish the leader of the Parish clan and long time supporter of Spartan Speedway was presented our MARFC/Uniform Helmet Bag. Many thanks to “Poor”
Paul Zimmerman and Jim Leasure and staff for having us.

I-96 SPEEDWAY: Some great dirt track racing was seen by all members who attended our night at the speedway. The MARFC members raffle was won by Debra Blasdell. Thank you to Mike Mouch and his entire staff for a great time.

AUTO CITY SPEEDWAY

One again cool weather in the area but racing went on.
Our MARFC/Uniform Helmet Bag was awarded to Late Model # 71 Terry Bogusz Jr. for his support of the division at the speedway. The MARFC membership prize was won by Randy Kinne. Club members Jay & Sue Woolworth donated part of their 50/50 winnings from the track to the club. Thanks so much Jay & Sue.

To Joe DeWitte and crew we say Thanks for having us.