Monthly Archives: October 2017

On October 26th MARFC attended the annual fall meeting of the MSPA (Michigan Speedways Promoters Association). This origination works hard to ensure we as fans & racers have a facility to enjoy our sport of auto racing across our state. We are glad to be able to add to the input of information what fans would like to see at the tracks and we also learn what it takes to keep these track open with their overall cost of doing business like: local government & non-racing neighbors, Insurance, finding sponsorships, upgrades to the facility, how to get the racers and fans to increase attendance and how to get the next generation of racers and fans to drop the phones and come to see the races in person. All this and hoping the Mother Nature doesn’t come a calling on race day. So, my suggestion is to take the time when you see them and tell all these promoters Thank You for keeping their gates open and assure them you will support them anyway we can as fans & racers! (Photo Top: MSPA Board)(Photo Bottom: MARFC Members with other MSPA Members)(Photo’s by Rand Thompson)

OCTOBER MEETING REPORT: On the 14th of October was our first fall general meeting and our cheer raffle drawing held at Papio’s Food & Spirits, Reese, Mi. Very lousy weather on hand for this afternoon event. Our first guest speaker was Big Ed Inloes and Ed gave us a little bit of his history on how he became a track announcer and what his season was like at both the Spartan & Owosso Speedways. Our next speaker was a young rookie go-kart racer Calvin Fitzpatrick he informed us of how is first year went as a rookie in the go kart and plans on returning again next season. Then his cousin Kamille Fitzpatrick talked about all the different kinds of racing she has done over the past few years and she also plans to keep racing in 2018 also. Then Chuck Darling gave us an update on our February Bowling Tournament Event and how he got his start at announcing for the MCR Dwarf Car series. Chuck is also the founder of the Michigan Short Track Racing Club which just returned to active duty last week at mstrc.net. Our in-house winner for our fundraiser raffle was won by Susan Fitzpatrick mother of both Chris & Eric Fitzpatrick who by the way celebrated their birthday that afternoon with us providing cake for all who attended! Susan Kretschmer won our 50/50 raffle.Many thanks to Calvin & Kamille for drawing all of the winning tickets for the afternoon and to the Fitzpatrick’s for extra door prizes too! (Photos by: Barb Gullett)

We hear at the Michigan Automobile Racing Fan Club were sadden by the loss of the legendary car owner and engine builder Robert Yates! He was a driving force back in the day that lead NASCAR to where it is today! We send our thoughts & prayers to the Yates Family & Friends at this time! “God’s Speed to your Mr. Yates”! We also learned that Roy Mott longtime MARFC supporter and the man who was the force that kept the Toledo Speedway open and turned into the great racing facility that it is today along with his partner Ron Drager. Roy always had his hand out to shake your hand anytime I was around him. A true racer, as well as race fan his love of the sport lead him to work for NASCAR and ARCA as an official for many years. We send our deepest sympathies to the Mott family at this sad time. Knowing that both these great men are now standing at the side of the Lord now will help with our sadness! Sincerely, Bill Barnhart MARFC President (Photo Left: Robert Yates, Photo Right: Roy Mott)