Update for 9-23-12:

Sportsman Car Race report for Sept 9^th at Thompson Speedway.

As we had planned, we chose to attend the UNOH event, which meant that we skipped the vMRS race at Waterford. Up to the last minute, I toyed with the idea of trying to do both races, glad I did not, as my head may have exploded!

Car preps dragged a bit longer than I hoped, and I brought my camper to the track Saturday AM, then came home to load the sportsman car to bring it to the track. Imagine if I had to drop off that car, then head home to pack up the modified?

Car was the best it had been all year in practice. Ran it once, and waited for the heat. Meanwhile I spotted for Bobby Santos for the tour mod stuff. In the heat we ran second to Sundeen. We ran away from the rest of the cars. My car was really good, his was just as good, if not better?

In the feature, my car transformed itself into a demon, or most likely the track conditions were way different. It slowly got better as the race went along. I finished 3^rd. Sadly,  many of the guys were into demo derby mode. Fenders rolled out to cut other guys tires etc. If I ran the place, they would be sent home for doing so. Race was pretty ugly. Surprisingly, many guys got flat tires. I am not a fan of guys running guys up into the marbles before the restart, and some turning even higher before the flagman. Scott did it to his best buddy the 7 car a couple of times. I just think that if you are the inside row on a restart, and you are 15 feet to the right of the groove before the green flys, then turn more to the right, something is wrong. Basically I did not have much fun running this race. The other 5 races I did this season were lots of fun.

Bobby Santos finished 2^nd in the North race. He did not do quite as well in the showdown race (9^th). Todd Ceravolo opted to go down to the Speedbowl and win the SK 150 lapper, driving Keith Rocco’s car.

vMRS race at Stafford Sept 14^th

As planned, we skipped this race also. This year has been pretty expensive getting the modified team started. Jonny, Bob, and Alan could not attend to help as crew members. It was best for me to stay home.

Loudon NH Race report:

I headed north early Friday the 21^st to play spotter for Bobby Santos (whelen Mod #44) and Dale Quarterley in his K&N #32 car. 

I love the red wheels on Dale Quarterley's #32 K&N Series car.  Wish my crew would let me do that again with my car. 

Both cars struggled a bit in practice. I had to drive back home Friday eve, then head back up in the early morning. I was hopeful both cars would be better. Bobby Santos was working his way towards the front during the mod race. Just after the silly half time / pit stop (Maybe the idea will grow on me eventually), something broke in the right front suspension and he was forced to park it. Rats.

Dale started 27^th. He was slowly working his way forward, but had his hands full with a quirky car. He did a masterful job working his way through some late race carnage, and brought home a 9^th place finish. Funny division this NASCAR version of boarding school for rich teams and rich kids. Funny listening to other spotters before practice started.  Some teams basically rent the car out so young drivers can audition their talents.  Many of the drivers are fresh out of high school.  Many spotters are paid babysitters for their drivers. “No Juan, you don’t need to turn on your helmet blower on the first lap of practice”. For Dale, my job is much easier and probably more entertaining. “Caution for a spin in turn 4. 73 laps completed” or “Square beside, on your quarter, clear, clear by one, clear by 3” etc. Dale would finish 9^th.

Kudos to Ray Parent who would win his first race on the ACT tour on its biggest stage Saturday at Loudon. Ray has built and supplied the body parts for my sportsman car for many years. 

Ray cruising out front, mid-race. 

Coming up:

I may travel to Dover Speedway to spot for Dale if work time off is possible. I would leave Wednesday night and return Friday night. (quals are Thursday the 27^th, race is Friday the 28^th) Car pool/ ride share would be great if possible. Anyone else going from CT area?

Larry Mac, Dale & Aiden at Dover last year.  

Saturday and Sunday ( 29^th and 30^th) the Whelen Mods will race at Stafford Speedway. I plan to go Spot for Bobby Santos in the 44 Tinio Mod.

October 6^th the vMRS series will be at Seekonk. This will be the next race for the 73 car. I will be working night shift which makes this event tricky. I am seeking some extra crew members to help coordinate things and fill in for missing crew members who will be at work. (close to the begging point!)

World Series at Thompson

Night shift schedule, and crew members possibly missing will make this event tough too. I will be spotting for Bobby Santos and Todd Ceravolo. I hope to race the vMRS car on Saturday, and if another trailer and enough help could be found, I may even race the sportsman car also. The sportsman car will have a heat race on Friday afternoon, and then have a 20 lap feature after the 75 lap vMRS feature on Saturday eve. Piece of cake. Right?

Lee Speedway vMRS race

I hope to arrange to be able to attend this race. Current work schedule has me working Friday night shift and Sunday night shift. Can we get the car to Lee? I had my best run of the season going at Lee earlier this year. I tangled with another car while trying to make the pass for the win on the last lap. I would love to have another shot at that one. Kim had promised to do a back flip from the stands if I won (as I was picking off cars late in the race). I will blame her for my aggressive attempt for the win. Never my fault, right!?

Cheers,

Larry