Monthly Archives: April 2018

4 posts

MARFC Saddened by the Loss of a Racing Legend!

The Michigan Automobile Racing Fan Club is very saddened by the news of the passing of James Hylton and his son James Jr. We had the pleasure in meeting and talking to James in Daytona this past February and asked if we could place a Tribute Decal on his car in honor of our dear friend Larry Iacoboni and he said without any hesitation yes and was honored to have it on his car that local driver Brad Smith was driving. Larry received the enclosed photo just before he passed in March and was very appreciated of Mr. Hylton for allowing it to happen. We send our deepest sympathies to the Hylton family and racing team for such a great loss. May the Lord Bless and Keep Them Always!

MARFC Former Board of Directors Passes Away!

Sad news to report that we have lost another former MARFC Board member. Bill Palmer longtime member who served on the board many times & was AKA “Willie the Clown” to many of us. He was instrumental in helping me with the Children’s Christmas Parties for many, many years. Bill was 93 years old and a former racer in his own right. He always had his hand out ready to shake your hand when he seen you. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Charlene and the Palmers family. “May God Bless & Keep You Always My Friend”.

Also another Longtime member Wes Boyd passes away after a short illness back in March. Was contacted by his wife Kathy just a few days ago. Our Thoughts & Prayers are with Kathy and the Boyd family at his time. R.I.P Wes! (Photo Left” Bill Palmer helping out at one or our MARFC Banquets.)(Photo Right: “Willie the Clown” ready to entertain  the Children at one of the MARFC Christmas Parties.) 

A memorial gathering for Bill Palmer will be held at Christ Church of Fraser, 34385 Garfield Rd, Fraser, MI 48026 on Thursday, April 19, 2018, from 1pm until the time of funeral at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be addressed to the Christ Church of Fraser. Share memories at www.faulmannwalsh

MARFC PRESENT AT 2018 SPRING MSPA MEETING:

MARFC Board members were on hand once again at the annual spring meeting for the MSPA (Michigan Speedways Promoters Association) back in March. The MSPA is made up of track owners & promoters from across the state who get together to discuss the future of our sport of auto racing and how to help keep racers and fans coming to their facilities though out the year. Working together is the only way that they can hope to keep racing in Michigan and viable part of entertainment so we the fans who come out each week to enjoy the sport we all love. It’s not an easy task to keep folks coming back each week to be able to keep the gates open for the full season and into the future. Trying to find new race fans is hard these days as most young folks main concern in all about social media. So, they are working hard to use social media to increase the attendance at their facilities. We here at MARFC help by trying to let them know what fans want to see when they lay down their money at the gates for an evening out at the races. But, as fans we need to do our part and help get new people who haven’t been for awhile or never been to the races before to come out and give it a try and work to help bring in the next generation for race fans. Because, let me tell you all that without the next set of race fans our future in the sport of auto racing is slowly moving to the way side like the dinosaurs. Young folks will need to google it to see what was auto racing about. So, let’s try to help when and were we can and when you get the chance stop and tell these track promotors thanks for what they do for us as fans.

Bill Barnhart MARFC President