The April 9th meeting at the Toledo Speedway Bar & Grill was held in conjunction with the ARCA/Flat Rock/Toledo Racers” Reunion. After a two year pause due to Cov-id, there was a very nice turnout of former racers and fans Brian Norton, Scott Schultz and Ron Drager did an outstanding job of hosting the event. MARFC held the April general membership meeting following the Reunion. The Bi-annual election of the Board of Directors told place at the meeting. The results of the election are:
President – John Jackson
Vice President Dave DeHem
Secretary/Treasurer Nancy May
New Board of Directors: Rusty Daggett, Eric Fitzpatrick, Rich Frantz, Kelly Hollister, David Howe, Rob Michon, Rand Thompson, Karl Zarbo
Following the election of the Board of Directors, we had four great speakers. Ron Drager and Scott Schultz gave attendees updates on Flat Rock Speedway, Toledo Speedway and ARCA. Scott talked about plans for Flat Rock’s 70th Anniversary night of racing and celebration on July 9th. Outgoing MARFC President Bill Barnhart shared some historical perspectives about MARFC and his observations from his long tenure on the Board and as President. Those in attendance at the meeting also enjoyed hearing from longtime ARCA Menards Series driver Brad Smith, a lifetime Michigan resident who teamed for several years with the legendary James Hylton. He shared he will run a total of 24 races this season in the ARCA Menards and ARCA East Series. Smith had already driven in races at New Smyrna, Daytona and Five Flags Speedway in Florida, as well as Phoenix. (Photo Top Left: President John Jackson & Brad Smith) (Photo Center: Ron Drager) (Photo Right: Scott Schultz)
There was another great turn-out for the March General Meeting at the Royal Scot Bowling and Golf Center in Lansing which also included the Annual Bowling Tournament. 46 Bowlers and over 80 people attended. Details about the winning individuals, teams and special award winners can be found on our Facebook page and soon on our website. A huge thank you to Chuck Darling and family for organizing this again and to Jeff Finley and Northside Towing for being the title sponsor. Thanks also to Speedway for the gas cards, Chad Finley, Drive Train Specialists, Reflections Boutique and the many other donors for the raffle. (Photo Left: Jeff Finley) ( Photo: Right: Zach Hiser & Rich Frantz)
We here at MARFC are deeply saddened by the new of one of its Lifetime Charter members since 1965. Ray Angelelli has passed away in his sleep this pasted Wednesday March 23, 2022, at the age of 84. Ray was a force behind Mancini Racing. We send our thoughts & prayers to his family and friends at this time. “Gods Speed” friend Ray until next time! The following was posted on Facebook and listed is the visitation times for Ray.
We here at MARFC are very saddened by hearing the news that longtime member Doug Spodeck passed aways on Sunday morning February 20, 2022. Doug’s wife Karen said that he fought as hard as he could, but his kidneys and the infection were just too much for him. She believes he was overhead watching the Daytona 500 with his smiling face that he always had when he was at the racetrack. Per Doug’s wishes no services are planned but, if you wish to send the family a card, please contact me and I will get it to you.