The John Blewett III Memorial Race at Wall Stadium had been circled on my calendar for a long time. JBIII was a great race car driver, and if possible an even better person. I was at Wall several days after John's tragic death, for that memorial, and I certainly didn't want to miss this one, especially with Jimmy Blewett competing.
While I headed to the track both out of respect for the Blewett family, and looking forward to a good extra-distance race, I left amazed by all that took place on this Saturday night. The race, if you only read about it would seem to have been a boring event. It was far from it.
Although Jimmy Blewett started on the outside pole, and led the entire race, the outcome was still in doubt in turns 3 & 4 on the last lap. Anthony Sesely roared into second on lap 8, and hounded Blewett for the remainder of the race. Sesely actually looked to have the better car, but the fact that it was Jimmy Blewett in front of him in the JBIII Memorial Race may have caused him to not try anything to extreme to get by. The race was also red flagged for a car that almost left the track, adding to the excitement.
Beyond the racing, there was plenty going on before one ever made it to their seat. There was a free raffle for all children entering the track, where one boy and one girl would each win a free bicycle. A band of three talented young people called "The Micro Machines", also entertained fans prior to the race. There were also several race cars on display, including the red, white, and blue, number 76 modified that was formerly driven by John Blewett III. The cars made for great photo opportunities, with many fans putting their children inside the cars for pictures.
Almost immediately upon entering the track, at one end of the gazebo where the Wall Stadium shirts are sold each week, members of the Blewett family including Janice Blewett, and Danielle Neff were selling JBIII Memorial Race shirts, bumper stickers, and bracelets. All the proceeds from the sales went to St.Judes Hospital for Children, just showing how special this family is. On a night honoring their late brother they took the opportunity to help others.
Wall Stadium management, the Krause family, also had a tribute for a very special man to many NJ racers, Don Ling. He has been a sponsor of both drivers, and tracks in NJ for many years. In fact, if it weren't for Don Ling there may have not been a Turkey Derby in 2010, and there may have not been the full season of racing at Wall we saw in 2011.
Ling was presented a card, larger than he is tall, signed by many fans, and competitors. This was done in a ceremony on the infield, where his grandaughter, Shawna Ingraham, who competes in the Sportsman division, read a statement from Ling. He was then presented a cake which was an exact reproduction of Shawna's car made by Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken. This is the bakery seen on television on the show "Cake Boss."
I headed to Wall Stadium to show my respect to the Blewett family, and enjoy some good racing action. While I would of been satisfied with just that, I left glad I had not missed a night I will remember for some time. Thank you Wall Stadium. Thank you Blewett family, and thank you Don Ling.
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