Our April meeting saw Nick Hoonhout, one of the new owners of Silver Bullet Speedway come and talk about the changes that are underway at the former Owendale Speedway located in the heart of Michigan’s Thumb. Nick and his brother Matt along with their father Case are the new owners of the speedway and have begun extensive renovations to the facility which at this time includes new drainage, removal of the old wooden grandstands and hill along with a relocation of the first turn grandstands to a new place in front of the announcer’s tower. Picnic tables will be placed over where the first turn grandstands were and the concessions are being re-built along with a newly renovated front entrance. Pit slabs will be poured along with a transponder scoring system being installed. Plans are to enlarge the track to being a 3/8 mile instead of the present ¼ mile configuration. They will be running UMP rules and will stay on Saturday nights as they have been for many years. The track will allow free camping with paid admission and projected grandstand admission is going to be $12.00 with $25.00 for the pits. They have some great specials on tap along with the Fall Shootout in the latter part of September. The Hoonhout family along with Mike Spencer has some big plans for Silver Bullett Speedway and look forward to seeing as many fans as possible every week at this hidden gem. One other exciting thing is that Nick let us know that they will be offering not just your usual fare of food at the track but have some special additions to the menu that have something to do with smoke and slow cooking.
NOMINATIONS/ELECTIONS Nominations for Executive Board and 8 Board members were held at the April meeting. “Wild Bill” Barnhart was nominated for the office of President, Dave DeHem was nominated for the office of Vice-President, and Sue Ginter was nominated for the office of Secretary/Treasurer. Since there were no other nominations this will be the Executive Board for the term of office beginning June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2015. Board Members Cory Russell, Dennis Trinklien, Chuck Horan, and Dennis Schalm had indicated that they would not be seeking re-election to the office of Board Member so the following seven individuals were nominated and will begin their term of office on June 1, 2013. Continuing are Fran Russo, Jeff Horan, Bill Walters, and Larry Iacoboni. Jack Lecot, and Al Peltier return to the Board after having served on previous occasions while Barbara Gullett and Rand Thompson will serve as Board members for the first time. Thompson will retain his position as P.R. Director. Since there were eight positions available and only seven nominations were made, the elections were voted by all in attendance to be final. Barbara is the spouse of Jimmy Gullett and they have been sponsoring our Fan of the Year and Promoter of the Year Awards at our annual banquet for a number of years as well as providing food and drink at the Kid’s Christmas Party. Both Barbara and Rand will make fine additions to the Board of Directors. Just a note of clarity for those that attended the meeting. Fran Russo was not able to be in attendance as she was hospitalized and after having conversation with her a few days later she stated that she had intended to run for the Board and wished to retain her seat. Based upon that and the direction given to Me by those present at the meeting to fill the remaining eighth spot, I have appointed and continued Fran Russo’s term as MARFC Board Member as most certainly, Fran would have been nominated had she not been hospitalized. Incidentally, Fran says she is feeling well and will do whatever she can to continue her work with the club and looks forward to seeing members at the tracks she attends.