Yes the kids are back in school, and yes the leaves are changing colors, and there will be a chill in the air this weekend. So does that mean the race season is over in New Jersey? NO! Especially not at New Egypt Speedway, which will present one of it's biggest events of the year on Saturday.
The John Romano Memorial 84-lap Sportsman Event, this Saturday, could very well be one of the best races of the year in not only Jersey, but the Northeast. It will certainly be among the highest paying events to be run featuring Sportsman division cars.
The winner's purse, for this extra, extra long distance event for the Sportsman is $4,000, but it doesn't stop there. There is also a minimum of $15 a lap going to the leader of each lap, and 1-on-1 match races with a prize of $500 provided by Blewett Motorsports. Second place even pays $2,000, more than most of these teams race for weekly. Just taking the green guarantees you $200.
New Egypt has done it's best to not only attract Sportsman teams from other tracks, but to assure that the cars are evenly matched when they take the track. This is certain to be like an all-star event for Sportsman drivers, as the track will not allow Big-Block, or other more experienced drivers to compete.
Joining the Sportsman will be the 600cc Micro Sprints, Tobias SpeedSTRs, and a 100-lap enduro. Adult admission is $20, with children 12-15 $10, and children 11 and under admitted free. Spectator gates open at 3pm, with racing scheduled to begin at 5pm.
So just because the championships have been decided, and the temperatures have dipped, it doesn't mean the racing is over in New Jersey. In fact, if you ask the Sportsman drivers they may say it is just heating up.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Top Ten Reasons to go to Dover This Weekend, Letterman-Style
The post I did several weeks ago of "The Top Ten Reasons to Attend the JBIII Memorial Race at Wall" got such a great response I decided to try it again, this time, however, with Dover. So here are my top ten reasons to go to Dover this weekend. Letterman-style.
10) I will be there on Saturday, roaming the pits, in the media center, in the grandstands, and even getting a tour of the ESPN production facilities. So if you see me wearing my NJ.com/RacingAroundJersey shirt or jacket, come up and say hello.
9) Wall Stadium isn't running again until October 22nd, so many of your friends and drivers will be making the trip to Delaware at some point during the weekend. Come join them, the track is kinda a bigger version of Wall, anyway. Just a whole lot FASTER!
8) The Friday schedule gives you a great excuse to skip work. Not only do you get to see the Camping World Truck Series race, but you also get Sprint Cup practice and qualifying.
7) Dover is so close to home you don't need a hotel. Most of us Jerseyans can make it to the track in less than 3 hours. This means you can even go multiple days, without staying overnight.
6) The tickets are actually pretty affordable, especially to bring the kids. Friday adult tickets range from $28 to $33, while children's tickets are $6 to$8. Saturday, adult tickets range from $47 to $52, with children at $8. The Sunday tickets vary greatly based on location, however there are sections where you can purchase an adult ticket for $55, and bring as many children as you would like for only $10 each.
5) Saturday you not only get the Nationwide race, but you also get to see Sprint Cup practice. This is a great day to bring your kid to his or her first NASCAR race. The Nationwide race is usually run pretty quick, and they still get to see their favorite Cup driver on the track for practice.
4) The souvenoir trailers. Get there early to walk around, and check out all they have to offer. You will not only find the newest shirts, hats, or collectibles for your favorite driver, but if you are willing to venture just off the speedway grounds you will find a number of merchants selling items from years past at very reasonable prices.
3) There is so much more to see than just the race. Many of the drivers have autograph sessions, along with meet and greets with members of the media. You can see the Speed Stage, and maybe even manage to get yourself on television. Many of the sponsors have interactive displays, along with contests for great prizes.
2) Miles the Monster. If you haven't seen him in person, you need to get to Dover some time this weekend. He can only truly be appreciated in person, your kids will love him, and he makes for a great photo opp.
1) And finally the number one reason to go to Dover this weekend. The chance to see not only one, but possibly two NJ drivers take home wins at the "Monster Mile." That's right I'm talking about the Truex brothers, afterall this is a NJ racing blog. Ryan in the Joe Gibbs Racing number 20 on Saturday, and older brother, Martin Truex Jr., in the Sprint Cup race on Sunday. Both have great chances. Ryan will be in a car that is expected to contend for the win everywhere it races, and Martin picked up the only win of his Sprint Cup career here.
So whatever the reason may be, whether it's one of the ones I listed above, or if you have your own reasons, try to find a way to get yourself to Dover this weekend. You won't be disappointed.
10) I will be there on Saturday, roaming the pits, in the media center, in the grandstands, and even getting a tour of the ESPN production facilities. So if you see me wearing my NJ.com/RacingAroundJersey shirt or jacket, come up and say hello.
9) Wall Stadium isn't running again until October 22nd, so many of your friends and drivers will be making the trip to Delaware at some point during the weekend. Come join them, the track is kinda a bigger version of Wall, anyway. Just a whole lot FASTER!
8) The Friday schedule gives you a great excuse to skip work. Not only do you get to see the Camping World Truck Series race, but you also get Sprint Cup practice and qualifying.
7) Dover is so close to home you don't need a hotel. Most of us Jerseyans can make it to the track in less than 3 hours. This means you can even go multiple days, without staying overnight.
6) The tickets are actually pretty affordable, especially to bring the kids. Friday adult tickets range from $28 to $33, while children's tickets are $6 to$8. Saturday, adult tickets range from $47 to $52, with children at $8. The Sunday tickets vary greatly based on location, however there are sections where you can purchase an adult ticket for $55, and bring as many children as you would like for only $10 each.
5) Saturday you not only get the Nationwide race, but you also get to see Sprint Cup practice. This is a great day to bring your kid to his or her first NASCAR race. The Nationwide race is usually run pretty quick, and they still get to see their favorite Cup driver on the track for practice.
4) The souvenoir trailers. Get there early to walk around, and check out all they have to offer. You will not only find the newest shirts, hats, or collectibles for your favorite driver, but if you are willing to venture just off the speedway grounds you will find a number of merchants selling items from years past at very reasonable prices.
3) There is so much more to see than just the race. Many of the drivers have autograph sessions, along with meet and greets with members of the media. You can see the Speed Stage, and maybe even manage to get yourself on television. Many of the sponsors have interactive displays, along with contests for great prizes.
2) Miles the Monster. If you haven't seen him in person, you need to get to Dover some time this weekend. He can only truly be appreciated in person, your kids will love him, and he makes for a great photo opp.
1) And finally the number one reason to go to Dover this weekend. The chance to see not only one, but possibly two NJ drivers take home wins at the "Monster Mile." That's right I'm talking about the Truex brothers, afterall this is a NJ racing blog. Ryan in the Joe Gibbs Racing number 20 on Saturday, and older brother, Martin Truex Jr., in the Sprint Cup race on Sunday. Both have great chances. Ryan will be in a car that is expected to contend for the win everywhere it races, and Martin picked up the only win of his Sprint Cup career here.
So whatever the reason may be, whether it's one of the ones I listed above, or if you have your own reasons, try to find a way to get yourself to Dover this weekend. You won't be disappointed.
Monday, September 26, 2011
My Two Favorite Photos from New Hampshire
Check out my two favorite photos, released by NASCAR, from this weekend at New Hampshire. Of course they are both Modified related.
How cool is that painted on nerf bar on the #36?
Speed Channel Missing Great Opportunity with NASCAR Whelen Modifieds
If you are a fan of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, or just saw their most recent race on Saturday at New Hampshire, then you already know just how good the racing is in this division. Judging from the excitement of the announcing team, a collection of NASCAR Media members, and a former National Modified champion, Jimmy Spencer, you would come to the conclusion that most of the people involved in the sport are well aware of how competitive the races are, from start to finish, as well. Seems the only ones clueless to all this, in fact, may be the people in charge at the Speed Channel.
Yes, they do throw us Modified fans a few bones during the season. The Bristol, and New Hampshire races. They even sometimes mention them on The Speed Report, but beyond that, it is pretty much up to all of us to check out the action on YouTube, or read about it on blogs like this, or in Area Auto Racing News.
They just don't realize the opportunity they are missing with the two Modified series. A weekly show, much like ESPN's Thursday Night Thunder, featuring the Modifieds would, seemingly, bring the network a bigger audience than some of it's current programming. I'm not even suggesting live broadcasts. How about a one hour show every Tuesday night, during the summer, with an edited version of a race on either the North or Southern Tours. They could just not show the laps run under caution, and still have time to interview the winner.
While I know it takes alot of people and equipment to get one of these races taped for television, the NASCAR Modifieds actually offer the best solution of all the series out there to this problem. With many of the North races run at Thompson, Stafford, and even Riverhead, equipment wouldn't have to be transported long distances. The same is true of the Southern Tour.
Speed Channel could then come up with a schedule of taped events from both tours, to make a weekly television program, even if it was only ten weeks of programming it would still be eight more than Modified fans get now.
You can't tell me a weekly broadcast of Modified racing on the same night, and at the same time each week wouldn't outperform some of Speed Channel's current programiing. Afterall, do we really need a whole week of pre-race shows for the upcoming Sprint Cup race? I am a big racing fan, and I know I don't.
NASCAR drivers rush away from what they are doing to take in the action when the Modifieds are at the same track they are on a particular weekend. Ryan Newman thinks they are the most exciting race cars he has ever driven. NASCAR Media members brag on the racing the division has to offer.
Yet Speed Channel seems to remain, for the most part, clueless. Let's hope they too have finally caught the Modified bug, after this past Saturday's race at New Hampshire. Ask yourself this Speed, wouldn't you like to broadcast the most exciting race of the week, rather than another boring show filled with media members who themselves would much rather be watching the Mods?
Yes, they do throw us Modified fans a few bones during the season. The Bristol, and New Hampshire races. They even sometimes mention them on The Speed Report, but beyond that, it is pretty much up to all of us to check out the action on YouTube, or read about it on blogs like this, or in Area Auto Racing News.
They just don't realize the opportunity they are missing with the two Modified series. A weekly show, much like ESPN's Thursday Night Thunder, featuring the Modifieds would, seemingly, bring the network a bigger audience than some of it's current programming. I'm not even suggesting live broadcasts. How about a one hour show every Tuesday night, during the summer, with an edited version of a race on either the North or Southern Tours. They could just not show the laps run under caution, and still have time to interview the winner.
While I know it takes alot of people and equipment to get one of these races taped for television, the NASCAR Modifieds actually offer the best solution of all the series out there to this problem. With many of the North races run at Thompson, Stafford, and even Riverhead, equipment wouldn't have to be transported long distances. The same is true of the Southern Tour.
Speed Channel could then come up with a schedule of taped events from both tours, to make a weekly television program, even if it was only ten weeks of programming it would still be eight more than Modified fans get now.
You can't tell me a weekly broadcast of Modified racing on the same night, and at the same time each week wouldn't outperform some of Speed Channel's current programiing. Afterall, do we really need a whole week of pre-race shows for the upcoming Sprint Cup race? I am a big racing fan, and I know I don't.
NASCAR drivers rush away from what they are doing to take in the action when the Modifieds are at the same track they are on a particular weekend. Ryan Newman thinks they are the most exciting race cars he has ever driven. NASCAR Media members brag on the racing the division has to offer.
Yet Speed Channel seems to remain, for the most part, clueless. Let's hope they too have finally caught the Modified bug, after this past Saturday's race at New Hampshire. Ask yourself this Speed, wouldn't you like to broadcast the most exciting race of the week, rather than another boring show filled with media members who themselves would much rather be watching the Mods?
Sunday, September 25, 2011
The Wall Stadium Champions Are...
Wall Stadium managed to beat the weather on Saturday, get in a full night of racing, and crown champions in all of it's divisions. Congratulations from Racing Around Jersey to the following drivers:
Wall Modified: Anthony Sesely
Blewett Sportsman: Kevin Eyres
Street Stocks: Howie Conk
Factory Stock: Shannon Mongeau
Inex Legends: Derek Hopkinson
Again congratulations to not only the champions, but to all the drivers, crews, and fans, who continued the tradition of Wall Stadium. Also, thank you to the Krause family for stepping up and doing what no one else was willing to do, have Wall open every weekend. There were definitely some bumps in the road, but they were learning on the job, and I'm sure 2012 will be an even better year.
Don't forget, Wall returns to action on October 22nd, with a 75-lapper for the Wall Modifieds, mark it down.
Wall Modified: Anthony Sesely
Blewett Sportsman: Kevin Eyres
Street Stocks: Howie Conk
Factory Stock: Shannon Mongeau
Inex Legends: Derek Hopkinson
Again congratulations to not only the champions, but to all the drivers, crews, and fans, who continued the tradition of Wall Stadium. Also, thank you to the Krause family for stepping up and doing what no one else was willing to do, have Wall open every weekend. There were definitely some bumps in the road, but they were learning on the job, and I'm sure 2012 will be an even better year.
Don't forget, Wall returns to action on October 22nd, with a 75-lapper for the Wall Modifieds, mark it down.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Ron Silk Wins the NASCAR Whelen Modified Race at New Hampshire
In what can only be described as one of the best races run in any series this year, Ron Silk, brought home the win in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at New Hampshire. He was followed by Todd Szegedy, Justin Bonsignore,Ted Christopher, who drove from the back twice, and Eric Beers. Ryan Newman blew up.
Richie Evans Fans Need to Check Out this Picture
Richie Evans, the legendary NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver from Rome, New York, is being honored not once, but twice at New Hampshire. Tommy Baldwin Racing will have the #36 Golden Corral car in the Sprint Cup event, not only sporting Evan's traditional orange paint scheme, but the car will also have nerf bars, and exposed exhaust headers painted on as well.
The "Mystic Missile", driven in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Series by Bobby Santos, will also carry the Evans colors.
Tommy Baldwin actually brought another tribute car to New Hampshire, the Len Boehler "Ole Blue", driven by Steve Park, however they were unable to qualify for the Sprint Cup race.
Check out this picture, so cool!
The "Mystic Missile", driven in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Series by Bobby Santos, will also carry the Evans colors.
Tommy Baldwin actually brought another tribute car to New Hampshire, the Len Boehler "Ole Blue", driven by Steve Park, however they were unable to qualify for the Sprint Cup race.
Check out this picture, so cool!
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