LINCOLN ELECTRIC SIGNS ON FOR 2007
January 2, 2007
Elliott Racing is proud to anounce that LINCOLN ELECTRIC has signed on as an associate sponsor for the 2007 season.
Please visit their website at www.lincolnelectric.ca for the finest welding equipment and supplies.
RAINX ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON!
January 3, 2007
Hot off the rumour mill!
Elliott Racing will be announcing a new and exciting sponsorship program for the 2007 season involving RAINX, Elliott Racing and Flamboro Speedway in the near future.
Stay tuned for this and other exciting news coming soon.
QUAKERSTATE ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON!
January 3, 2007
Hot off the press!
Gary would like to invite all his fans to check back soon for a very exciting announcement regarding QUAKERSTATE and ELLIOTT RACING plans for the 2007 season.
Also visit the Quakerstate website at www.quakerstate.com for a full tour of their products.
AUTOSPA SIGNS ON FOR 2007
January 3, 2007
Elliott Racing is proud to welcome AUTOSPA – JIFFY LUBE to their family of sponsors for the 2007 season.
AUTOSPA is the worlds largest tunnel car wash with many other automotive products/services at their location.
Please visit their website at www.auto-spa.ca
A RACERS CREDO
January 1, 2007
This poem was written by Gary and published in Tex Swiston’s “CAR WEEKLY” racing publication in 1974. Gary wrote a weekly column called “IT’S MY HOBBY” for the paper.
I didn’t know Gary then but I can tell you that this CREDO is still very valid for him today. Gary is already pumped for the 2007 season and has made a commitment to try very hard to win the 2007 Flamboro Speedway Championship for his fans and sponsors.
Reconditioning Work Begins
March 1, 2007
After a two month delay reconditioning work final began on the Quaker State Dodge.
Note the new rims and tires that Gary put on the car just in time to be covered with dust, grease, oil an every other form of dirt in the shop!!!
Completely Stripped Down
March, 2007
The engine, suspension, fuel system and body are all removed so that repairs can be made to the chassis and all items can be cleaned and repaired/replaced as needed. Thatcher and Jr. Hanley expertly repaired the rear end. Jason Big Jim and Dave worked on repairing the chassis and body mounts.
The New Body Takes Shape
March, 2007
Once the body mounts were welded in place the process of fitting the new body began. This is a time consuming process with much care being taken to achieve aerodynamic advantage. If you ever wondered if aerodynamics really mean much on a short track race car just drive your street car down the road at 100 km/h and stick you hand out the window. When you feel the force on your hand it will help you to realize how important a slick smooth body line is.
Body Mounting Is Complete
March, 2007
The body work is completed. Note that the body is being held in place by a series of small pins called clecos. These allow for temporary holding of the body in place and are easily removed with a special tool.
Once the team was satisfied with the body it was completely removed from the car and sent out for painting. Dave and Jason then went back to working on welding the body mount braces in their proper positions.
Midtown CARSTAR Joins Sponsorship Family
March, 2007
Gary is proud to announce that Midtown CARSTAR Collision Centre is joining the Elliott Racing Team family of sponsors for the 2007 season. Midtown CARSTAR Centre boasts the best state of the art collision facility in Hamilton. Please visit the CARSTAR website site at www.carstar.ca
A CARSTAR Beauty!
March, 2007
Midtown CARSTAR has added a new level to the excellence that usually is applied to the appearance of Gary’s cars. The body parts came back from CARSTAR with a deep lusty paint job and once mounted on the chassis it looked even better. Thanks CARSTAR for a truly spectacular job.
Creative Edge Graphics Letters Car
April 1, 2007
Once the new shinny body was mounted to the chassis Gary and Dave took the car to Creative Edge Graphics in Kitchener, Ontario for lettering and graphics.
Unleashed!
April 9, 2007
Gary is currently at Shell Headquarters in Texas for three weeks. Unfortunately Nonie was unable to accompany Gary. This is the first time they have been apart for this length of time. I would bet that by now Gary is referring to Texas as the Lonesome State.
David Elliott and Dave Watson picked the up the Quaker State Dodge from Creative Graphics and they were blown away by the job that Steve Lyons had done. The new Quaker State Logo “Unleash Your Horses” looked spectacular on the hood.
United Way Display for Quaker State
April 21st
On April 20th I returned from Texas to have my car ready for our commitment with Quaker State at Eastgate Mall. It was a great day weather wise, and we had fun letting young fans get in the car and get their picture taken. All revenues from photo’s taken that day were donated to the United Way.
Now That’s A Nice Sign
Eastgate Mall Sign April 21st
Opening Day 2007
A Good Start
Opening Day May 5th Tonight was a much better start than opening day 2006. We managed to finish every race, turn some decent lap times and finish without incident. Our crew worked very efficient throughout the night. The chase for the Championship will need nights like this all year long. There will be many contenders for the title in 2007, but the same faces will be there in the end, it’s our goal to be one of them.
To view how the night went, go to our message board and click on “Diary Of A Season”.
Waiting For Hot Laps
Waiting For Warm Ups
It’s always good to get some hot laps, but too many wear the engine, tires and parts. My idea has been to get the car very close and do minor changes as needed between hot laps and after the heat. The main goal is to be ready for the feature because if you’re not, theres’ no pit stops to get it right. Thanks to Thatcher we usually have the set up right on, and thanks to my crew, Jim Hulzinga, Dave Watson, Jason Chapman, Charlie Howell and Geoff Watson the car is prepared properly.
Houston Texas Late Model Driver Tim Spahr
Texas Friend
While I was in Texas, training for Jiffy Lube, I went to a local Baptist church in Tomball. While I was there I met Tim and we talked about stock car racing. The description of his Late Model class sounded very close to that of southern Ontario. I wanted to visit his track, but they race every other week end and the week end I left they were racing. Tim is a great guy, teaches Sunday School and works with the youth program at their church.
He invited me to come down to their track, bring my car and compete one night when our season is over. I think they race until the end of November. It’s just out side of Houston, and very likely out side of the reality of me going. Can you imagine after Octoberfest…”okay boys, let’s get ready to go to Texas”!! Somehow if this could happen, I may be going alone, no, I would be going alone. However! What if there were more training for me in Texas and I said I was afraid to fly, but I would take my truck (and trailer, and car). Tim, this may work! I will find the name of the track and put a link to it on our message board. Meanwhile to Tim and his family and crew, good luck this summer in all you do. God bless.
Heat Action May 27th Flamboro
2nd Win For David
David started at the front and went on to win his 2nd heat in 2 weeks. He had some good company with Anthony Simone, last weeks feature winner, and Paul Howse close behind.
Scott Wins Heat
Lyons, Shaw and Me
Scott Lyons battled Jason Shaw for the entire race. He would hold on to win but not without Jason putting on a show.
RAIN X Comes On Board
Racing With Rain X
This year we made an agreement with our awesome long time sponsor Quaker State, to provide more coverage for RAIN X, a division of Quaker State. RAIN X has a great line up of products for your car. Click on the RAIN X logo at the top of the page to link directly to their site.
RAIN X is the official sponsor of the Hard Charger Award in the Late Model division for 2007.
Where’s The Gas Station?
Running On Empty
That may be a song from the 80’s, but it was the incredible truth last night. We ran out of gas on about lap 14. The night was a tough one, the report is on the message board under Diary of A Season.
Jason Dinsmore #62 Heading For Victory
Jason went on to win this heat. We would run close together again in the 2nd feature, but with a sad ending.
Waiting For Warm Ups..#62 Jason Dinsmore
This how we ended our heat…only not quite this close.
We Came Here To Race And Have Fun
Dedicated Crew
I was happy that my crew came out for this show. They could have had the night off but supported me with this very important race. Pictured here beside me are, Jason Chapman, Charlie Howell, Geoff Watson, Jim Hulzinga and my wife Nonie.
Grisdale Triple Crown This Saturday…50 Laps
Expect The Best
This Saturday night Flamboro will host the first leg of the Grisdale Triple Crown. The show should attract some of Ontarios best Late Model drivers, including long time runner Steve Laking who has become a regular with us this year. Steve is one driver who just needs some good luck in this division, He was a strong runner in his final years with the CVM and has had some good runs in the Late Model class. What he’s looking for is a strong night to make up for too many tough nights the past few seasons.
This premier show is sponsored by Bill Grisdale of Grisdale Enterprises. Bill has been a tremendous supporter of Flamboro Speedway and there will be a dozen drivers looking to claim the title in this three race series.
The qualifying format hasn’t been announced yet, but hopefully they use one that makes it fair for all the drivers. Draw for position (luck), double heats with the second being an inversion of the first(fair) and top qualifier to the front…no inversion. That should produce some excellent heat races, like we’ve seen already this year, and not to worry, if the boys come from Delaware, they’ll make it exciting because most of them don’t like follow the leader either. Should be a good show…do not miss it.
First Heat Win Of 2007
Heat Win Puts Us On The Pole
We were lucky to draw a low number in the heat putting us 3rd at the start. Here, with five laps to go we lead Tyler Brown #91 and Jay Doer #43 enroute to our first win of 2007. The win put us on the pole for the Grisdale Triple Crown 50 lap feature. It was a thrill for me and our crew, as we celebrated gaining the pole for the first time in Late Models. It’s good we celebrated before the race, the feature joys lasted less than a minute for us and many others. That story is on the message board under Diary Of A Season.
David Slams The Wall…But He’s Okay
Never Give Up
David, his crew and many other Late Model teams helped get the #37 ready for the feature. The boys worked hard and missed the consi by minutes, but were able to start 25th in the 26 car field. It was good to see so many teams pitch in, maybe old time racing is back. Their efforts brought them an amazing 5th place finish in the feature. The hard work they performed, coupled with their top five finish proves you must never give up.
Damage Mostly Body And Pride
Good Time To Start Hoildays
It wasn’t planned this way, but it did come in handy to start our holidays after the remodelling job on our Dodge Charger during the Grisdale Triple 50. The damage was almost entirely body and body braces. We ordered new panels. They are currently being painted by Midtown Car Star in Hamilton. Steve Lyons will make up the left side decals. We’ll also try to salvage some of the broken parts for later on in the season…BUT!!…hopefully we got this one out of the way for 2007.
Jason Shaw In The Winners Circle…Go Figure!!
Jason Misses The Carnage And Takes The Gold
The first year I ran against this classy racer was in 1987. He was a rookie and ran well, but his prowess wouldn’t show up for a few more years. He rolled his #82 Ford coupe in 1987 coming off turn 2. The car landed between the cement wall and the catch fence. By 1990 Jason was so dominate in his Hobby coupe, I gave him the nick name pack-man because that’s what he looked like starting at the back of the feature and passing almost all of the cars and winning an amazing 13 features that season. Jason went to Late Model and eventually to ALSTAR where he again became a champion. He is one of a handfull of Late Model drivers who have won both a Late Model and CVM championship. Others include, Danny Shirtliff, John Fletcher, Rob Maas and David Elliott. Jason is always the guy to beat. His team is the bench mark in excellent looking and well prepared race cars. He can be beaten, but most times, like in this picture, when the final lap is run, he’ll be holding the checker flag.
On Display For Fathers Day Car Show
Church Show A Success
There were 65 hot rods and antique cars and trucks on hand for the June 16th Fathers Day breakfast and car show. Nina DeLeeuw catered the event. Also on display was Jay Hughes a former Flamboro Speedway racer who brought his Corvette drag car.
Heat Win #2
Heat Wins Are Good
We won’t be able to show anymore checker flag shots at Flamboro Speedway in 2007, there are none taken. The plan suggests the time saved in taking pictures will help move the show along. I agree the show is too long and maybe the place to start is finding a quicker way of getting the wrecked cars off the race track. We suggested the winning cars go to the center of the track and have their picture taken while the next race is on the track, or just take a quick shot with the driver in the car on the front chute while the cars are going around for the white. That idea was turned down. It’s too bad for some new drivers who don’t get a picture of their first win. Maybe this is a trend at all tracks, I hope not. Getting a picture in front of the grandstands gets more exposure for the racers sponsors, the fans get to see the car stopped up close, race teams have pictures to use for their race proposals the following year and if for no other reason…it’s part of racing. For more on Saturdays races go to the message board under the topic “Diary Of A Season”.
Richard Holmes #42 Late Model
Holmes Racing
I had the pleasure for two years to work with Richard Holmes at Concept Ford. I have worked with many great mechanics in the past 25 years and he may be the overall best I’ve had the pleasure know in that tough industry. Richard is blessed to have his dad, mom and brother all help him each week. They are due for a win, hopefully it’s very soon.
Grand Son & Great Grand Daughter of Glen Schurr
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36 For Schurr
In 2002 a young man came up to me in the pits and asked if I was the driver who ran “36 For Schurr” on the hood of his car. I confirmed that I was and then showed him the hood of our Chev Coupe. He introduced himself, “I’m Glen’s grandson Steve”. I was honored to meet Steve, the grandson of my childhood hero Glen Schurr, the Flamboro Speedway 1966 Super Modified Champion. A few years later, in 2005, Steve came to the pits wondering if I put the slogan on our Late Model and I gladly showed him. This wasn’t a fad, but if it was it was entering it’s 39th year. Last week end Steve and his daughter Fayth, the great grand daughter of Glen Schurr came to see us. Nonie took this picture, it meant so much to us we wanted to share it with all our fans. Every driver has fans. I cheered for Glen Schurr when I was 14 years old. I use to watch him at the CNE in Toronto on Friday nights, and then at Flamboro on Saturday nights. When Dad and Mom couldn’t go to the races I took the street car to the Ex and watched with my friends. One night I went alone, as if sitting with 10,000 fans is alone. My friends always cheered for Harv Lennox #10 and Jack Greedy #110. That night in 1963 Glen won his heat, semi and then the feature. I went nuts, he won the hat trick. I was so excited I couldn’t wait to tell my friends when I got home. Now, 43 years later his memories are alive thanks to Steve and Fayth. When I was a kid someone asked what number I’d be if I raced a stock car. I answered “36 for sure”, and so was born “36 For Schurr”. I thank God for everything, the good and the bad, but especially for moments like this.
This Is Like Going Home
Favourite Track…But In A Late Model?
First, a special thanks to Joe and Sue Chisholm for designing this picture. We used it as a press release for our sponsors and for this sight to promote the Sauble Speedway 75 lapper July 1st…. Over the years I have had some good runs a Sauble beginning in the mid 90’s. I absolutely love this track from every aspect. The packed grand stands, the green infield, the exciting announcing, the paved pits, the friendly owners and staff who always make you feel welcome. Other tracks fit most of these positive points but none quite like Sauble. Besides the above, Nonie and I stay with our friends Tom and Cathy Miskiewicz on the main drag near the beach. They’ve been friends since 1999 when I met their daughter Mary during an autograph session. That encounter led to a great relationship and an incredible chain of events that included all four children, the three girls and John Ross, racing Go-Carts. The latest and most important event to date was the marriage of their oldest daughter Amy to CVM racer #29 Daryl Henwood. Middle daughter Sarah helps me at times with my race car when she can and will be in the pits this Sunday. I’ve had good luck a Sauble in our CVM and usually had a good race car most every night. We won our first ever Mid Season Championship at the Beach in 2001 after 28 attempts. I relalize Tim Ellis, Jason Shaw, Kirk Hooker and the other 10 very fast cars attending,won’t be bringing Hobby cars, and most all of them have many more laps than I do in a Late Model on this sweet little oval. However this is one race that I have been looking forward to, and don’t feel the slightest ounce of intimidation because I like it so much. We’ll see how much that plays in how we do, but as of now, I can’t wait to get there.
This Was Not Part Of The Plan
Flamboro Wreck Almost Ruins Plans
It’s true we didn’t have to go to Sauble Beach, we could have loaded up and went home and then had all week to fix the car. The desire to head to the Beach was too strong and with all this help we were able to pull it off. David’s crew, led by Eddie, Marty and Dave, as well as my own crew, Jim, Jason and Charlie all helped get us on our way by 1:30 am. The whole story is on our message board under the topic Diary Of A Season.
Sixth At Sauble Beach….And We Will Take It
75 Lapper A Successful Venture
We worked hard to get to Sauble and did very well. The top 5 in time trials were teched and we were stunned to find out our left side weight percent was not even close. We’ve never been over at Flamboro in 3 years and all season we scaled at 55.8% or less. When the judge told us we were 56.4% we couldn’t believe it. The penalty for this infraction was starting scratch in both heats. At the end of the night we finished 6th our best in Late Models for a special feature race. We will be back for the next race in August with less left side weight percent and more sleep.
July 7th Grisdale Triple Crown #2…50 Lapper
Steve Adams A Sleeper
If last weeks feature is an indication of which under dog could pull off the surprise of the night, it would be #41 Steve Adams. He ran flawless and quick in every race last Saturday including a decisive heat win over Paul Howse and Jeff Stewart. During the past two seasons, he had not performed with quite the power and strenght he showed last week in his heat and feature where he placed 6th. Steve said he made some key changes to their chassis. Obviously for Steve and his crew they paid off. Look for the #41 to be a factor tonight, a possibility that might just fool most of his competitors who may not have been paying attention….we were Steve…good luck.
Scott Lyons Wins Grisdale 50 Lapper
First Feature Win of 2007 For Lyons
Scott Lyons #52 won the 50 lap Grisdale Triple Crown feature, the 2nd in a 3 race mini series from the pole on Saturday night. Scott said it was one of his toughest wins. #8 Paul Howse hounded Scott for the final 20 laps. This was one of the most competitive fields of Late Models to run at Flamboro in the past few years. The fans were thrilled with some very tight side by side racing throughout the field. Read our race report on the message board under “Diary of A Season”, and make sure to click on the Flamboro web site in our links section and read the race report by Josh Paxton, an exciting editorial on this tough but very good race.
Close Quarters In The Grisdale 50 Lapper
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Please Don’t Stop Quick
While many fans would have been watching the hard fought battle up front between Scott Lyons and Paul Howse, we had our hands full trying to stay with this bunch and not get hit or run into anyone. Yes in this picture we are very close, it appears #95 Anthony Simones tail may be resting on our hood. To our left is #43 Jay Doer from Delaware. These two hit each other quite often. Soon after this shot he and Anthony will resolve their feud when Simone gets spun around with 6 laps to go. He recovers to finish the race and Jay takes 9th. Close behind is #86 Kenny Forth also from Delaware. He intends on running the rest of the season with us at Flamboro. At some point this year we will have 30 cars.
Busy Schedule On The Horizon
Four Races In 8 Nights
David and I are racing this Saturday at Flamboro and then again next Wednesday July 18th in the 100 lap race. If all goes well on Wednesday we will head to Delaware Friday night to battle, in my case to follow, some of the toughest Late Model drivers in the country. These cars run very fast on the big half mile. When they come to Flamboro they can be tamed a little, but we’ll extend them the utmost respect at their home turf expecially since they are in a points battle of their own. The next day, July 21st, I get to drive my Coupe again with the CVM boys, only this time I will have the newer tires and I am looking forward to that show. It’s the Old Timers Night. The good thing about that is that I’m not invited to run with the old timers, and that dosen’t bother me at all. I love the boys I use to run with, but for now, for as long as I can, I will run and play with all those kids younger than me….that would be everyone in the Late Models and all but one in the Hobby’s….#24 Smilin Ray.
Auto Spa Night A Success
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Auto Spa Crew
The 100 lap race, Wednesday night was a success for us on and off the track. Pictured here are some of the staff who came to Flamboro for the race. For some it was there first time ever to a Stock Car event. They enjoyed an exciting heat win, our 3rd of 2007.
Mike Bentley #99 Comes Close To First Win
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Wednesday Night 100 Lap Heat Qualifier
We had a tough run in the first heat finishing 6th. In our second heat Mike Bentley #99 drove his heart out for the first seven laps trying to win his first Late Model race at Flamboro. He fought a good battle driving perfect until this lap. You can see his front wheels turned toward the wall as he corrects for a loose condition coming off the corner. That slight misque was barely enough for us to get under Mike and beat him into turn one with two laps to go. I would be the only one to get by. Mike dove in behlind me right in front of David who was moving in to take second. It was a good race for the youngster and for this veteran also. It was our 3rd win of the season. The night was good for us in many ways. We finished the feature in 8th, not overly exhausted and in good shape to run Delaware Friday night.
CVM Feature Win July 21st
1933 Chev….1947 Driver
This was one of our most memorable victories with the Hobby club. Starting on the pole made it a little easier but it wasn’t that long ago that we were on the pole for the Grisdale Triple Crown race. I think we led for 34 seconds before all hopes of winning were crushed, along with most of the right side of our Late Model. This race was trouble free and the car was strong. I almost forgot how quick these little rockets get off the corner and how much fun they are to drive. Special thanks to my wife Nonie for allowing me to do this for 39 years. For being there for both kids when they started racing and all that we have been through the past 3 decades (we just ran 3 races in 4 nights)..and all that we went through in the past week. To our crew Jim, Jason, Charlie and Geoff who came out to be part of this great night. Also to Gerry Timm of Star Engines for building a very fast engine. It was good to see so many fans come to watch the Jalopy, Hobby, CVM veterans from the sixties to nineties put on a thrilling 12 lap dash. I am honored to be part of the CVM club, and to enjoy the history it continues to make every year. It feels great to win any night but this one was especially rewarding.
World Of Outlaws #11 Steve Kinser
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Together We have 22 Championships
Okay so he has 20….Nonie and I went to Ohsweken Speedway last night for the very entertaining and exciting World Of Outlaws show. We were not disappointed. We had great seats in turn 4. After the heats I wanted so bad to meet Steve Kinser. I asked Nonie if she wanted to go to the pits with me but she suggested that I go and try to get back before the feature. On my way over I met Pat and Glen Reulens and went over with them. They were two of hundreds of people we knew who were there. In the pits I found my good friend John “OJ” Hajduk and one of my former, memorable and loving pit crew members Paul Cornwall. Paul was on our crew from 1981 until 1994. He later teamed up with OJ (Oswego John) to travel the dirt circuit. Once in the pits I headed for the big “Q” trailer. I saw Ernie Pothier and Derek Smith. Derek was going to get a picture for me but Ernie has been taking pictures the past few seasons and he was able to get this one. It truly was an honor to meet this racing legend. Mr. Kinser finished 4th in the 30 lap feature. The show was an excellent spectacle. Congratutions to the track for doing a spectacular job. I hope the race promoters made a fortune.
Eddie Welds I Hamper…I Mean Hammer
All This And We Didn’t Wreck
Eddie Askin has been an incredible friend and faithful supporter for David and all of us. Pitting with David since 1996, Eddie has enjoyed many CVM and Late Model championships. Here he poses for a shot seconds before asking me to get lost and find something else to do. We love him and appreciate his easy going demeaner and contagious smile. The hammer is redundant…no kidding. You may wonder why my car looks like this after our 3rd place finish in last weeks Late Model feature. The front bumper and right front fender were removed for painting. The support bars needed rewelding. The rad was removed and banged on the floor to get rid of a dust pan full of speedy dry and rubber. The power steering servo was removed to repair a leak. Junior Hanley is fixing the servo and Jim Sweers is painting the body parts. We also replaced every bleeder and bled the brakes. We are looking forward to the races this Saturday at Flamboro and hope to finish in one piece so we can head to Sauble for their 75 lap special. On June 30th we wrecked at Flamboro and worked until 1:30 am so we could head north, so we already know what its like to have plans messed up, and would like to pull off the 1/3 oval and head to the Beach. We are staying with our awesome friends Tom and Cathy and their wonderful girls Sarah and Mary. Looking forward to that special treat, not to mention the races on my favourite track….hey I really love Flamboro alot, the fans the friends but there is something about Sauble that gets me excited….for sure it’s not the 3 hour drive.
Sauble Autograph Session Before The 75 Lapper
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Sauble Was Good To Us
We were exited after the first Sauble race on July 1st and this one was even better. Tim and I started first and second for the Sauble Speedway 75 lap special. We would finish first and third. Tim is a great Late Model runner, wins lots of races, rarely makes mistakes and has the race pretty well figured out before it starts. Me on the other hand find being on the pole amazing and rare. I have no idea how the race will end up and wait for the surprise at the end. In this case it was awesome as we finished third, our best Late Model finish away from Flamboro. I hope Joe has more races in 2008, it looks like the Crate engine may have found a home at Sauble Speedway. I know Quaker State will be just as happy as we are. Hopefully next year Joe gets teamed up with the WWS and we can have specials at Delaware, Flamboro and Sauble. I’m half nuts just thinking about it. Meanwhile congrats to Tim and his crew for winning both races.
Grisdale Triple 50 Finale
Who Will Be Crowned
It’s hard to beleive the final Grisdale race is here already. The first two events, won by Jason Shaw and Scott Lyons with strong finishes in both by Paul Howse and Todd Campbell, make this race exciting in that anyone of the four can win the crown. The race offers show up points towards the Flamboro championship standings and a nice purse pay off. For those out of the top four in the Grisdale mini series, it’s doubtful any will taste the gold that goes to the top three in the Triple Crown standings. Scott, Paul, Jason and Todd will be fighting for more than the purse booty, but who will win the Crown is a mystery. Lyons has the history of not choking, Howse has been hot all year, Shaw knows what it’s like to race with everything on the line. Maybe the sleeper will be Todd Campbell who’s been running very consistent this season. One thing is certain, these four will be in a battle when the green flag drops, but so to will the rest of the fast cars who are too far back to finish in the top 3 in the series, but very capable of finishing first in the race.
Todd Campbell Wins Triple Crown Series
Longshot Comes Through
When evaluating the Grisdale Triple Crown series, and who might win, we picked Todd Campbell as the long shot based on how well he’d run so far in 07′ and the fact he was within striking distance of Jason Shaw, Paul Howse and leader Scott Lyons. Todd made sure of the series victory by finishing a strong second behind Rob MacDonnell #72. He must have breathed a sigh of relief seeing those three contenders end up in mishaps during the race. Scott had things going his way until he hit the back of Todd on lap 22. That alteracation sent Lyons out of control on the front chute and to the back of the feature once the dust settled. It was a wild crazy race. Penalties and disqualifications hurt some top runners including David, Paul Howse and Jeff Stewart. Full details on the race is reported in “Diary of A Season” on our message board. Congratulations to Todd and his crew for winning the Grisdale Triple Crown and to Rob MacDonell and his team for winning the race. A special thanks to Bill Grisdale for sponsoring this event and supporting the Late Model class at Flamboro Speedway.
Heat Win #4 August 11th
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Now It’s Show Time
This week we are making appearances at two shows before the Flamboro race on Saturday. Thursday we are in Oakville at the Post Inn Village Vintage & Classic Car Show. The show starts later in the day, 4:pm until 6:30 pm. Quaker State supports this worthy facility event and we are proud to be there on Quaker States behalf. On Saturday we will be on display from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm at the Royal Coachman restaurant in Waterdown. Watch for the details on the Royal Coachman through the Flamborough Review.
Resident Of The Post Inn Village Home
Quaker State Support Appreciated
Last week we made two appearances to promote our sponsors and racing. On Thursday we were part of the Post Inn Village Classic & Custom car show. It was a fund raising event with all proceeds going to the residents of the Post Inn Village. This was a great event with lots of antique cars and an Elvis impersonator who sang some of Elvis great hits. The gentleman in the picture lives at the Inn and was all over lte parking lot checking out the cars. His shirt has a picture of Dale Earnhardt Sr. on it, his favourite NASCAR driver. The day was a great success. We handed out Quaker State items and kids got to sit in the car and get their picture taken.
A Season Measured On The Richter Scale
Win, Lose It, Win
Looking at the 2007 season so far, it’s intersting to note that the top four cars in the Flamboro points standings have two feature wins between them. Meanwhile Jeff Stewart #56 has three, and could have had more. Jeff has as many black flags as checker flags, enough to discourage most racers, and yet still comes out week after week inspite of the season that on paper looks like the graph on a richter scale of a 6.6 earthquake. What’s amazing about their year is how dominate they’ve been most nights. They’re usually one of the fastest cars and hard to beat. Jeff is a very likeable driver and treats kids and all fans with warm enthusiasm.
Tyler Finishes 8th At Lake Erie Speedway
Good Run For The Lad
Starting 17th in the feature, Tyler Brown made his presence known with an impressive 8th place finish in the 40 lap feture against some very good Late Models that had us both outclassed equipment wise but not necessarily on the race track. Our car was good in the final warm ups getting within 15 hundreds of their top cars. A full competitve field, all offset, coil over strut cars started the feature with no serious accidents. The only thing serious was how fast and smooth the race surface was and what a pleasure it was to race on. We are likely going back on the 8th for their Twin 35’s, I know we can do better but it was a ton of fun and that’s the main reason we’ll consider returning, plus there are no races for us in this part of the country.
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Lake Erie Top Points #9 Will Thomas
Our Car Is Worth More Than Our Trailer
To put things in perspective our car is worth more than double what our trailer is. The Will Thomas unit seen here may cost almost as much as our home. Will is leading the points at Lake Erie and finished 3rd in the feature last week. Junior Hanley has helped him with his car, as he has other racers in both the US and Canada. Considering it was our first time at Lake Erie, started 15th in the feature with all their top cars up front, we did okay. After the final set of warm ups we were less than 2/10ths off Wills times, better than we expected. The track was fantastic and the drivers were clean to race with and very friendly. They have a handfull of quick cars, like any race track, and the rest are close. On the ticker tape we ended up with 56.4% left side, we were allowed 58%. We weighed in at 2830 pounds compared to 2750, we were likely 2790 after the feature. If we use less fuel, maybe 3 or 4 gallons, we can lighten up the car even more, I’m sure we put more fuel in than we needed. At 8 pounds a gallon that’s an easy way to lose weight. As well, we can get the car set up better, it was loose in the feature. Improving these areas may shave a little more off our time. However, the reality is that these cars are fast and we would be do well to finish in the top 7 or 8 in a feature race, and that’s if we had a good starting spot. We are considering going back on September 8th for their Twin 35’s and use up the tires we bought. I can’t stop thinking about the track, it is a beauty.
Delaware Speedway APC 300 September 2nd
The Best Of The Best
Of all the Late Model specials in 2007, the APC 300 in many ways is the biggest and should be the best in the class of 07′. Hopefully there is a good turn out from outsiders especially the drivers from Flamboro who need to support this event and it’s sponsors. Racing the night before makes it tough for most of the Flamboro cars. Meanwhile the boys from Delaware get to rest tonight for the 225 laps Sunday afternoon. This will be the biggest race in my 39 years racing, a 75 lap feature followed by a 150 lap race. It pays $10,000 to win. Second pays $2500 so I imagine there will be no friends in the final laps if a few cars are running close. Special thanks to APC for sponsoring this race.
BEFORE THE APC 300
We Were In Better Shape When We Left
What an up and down day for our team, emotionally and physically. Making this race was one of the most exhausting and incredible efforts I’ve experienced in maybe all of our 39 years racing. The trials never stopped from Saturday night until 10 minutes before the first 75 lap race. After wrecking at Flamboro on Saturday night, exactly what we didn’t want to do,(the same deal happened the night before the first Sauble 75 lap race) we made several attempts to get a Woodward rack for our car. Thatcher did what he could including going to Grisdales to check stock. There were none available, but he tried. Big Jim felt our crew chief was feeling as bad as I was and still did his best to keep things positive. There was a lot of body damage, but it was fixable with time, something we were quickly running out of. The key was the rack, and it had to be a Woodward. Many racers were called, Saturday night and Sunday morning but everyone had other makes that would not work on our car. An early morning effort to get Junior Hanley’s help was made through a hand written letter left on his truck door handle, explaining our need and whether he could fix or replace our rack. Things looked bad for us but Shirley insisted we load the car just in case we got lucky. The car was unloaded the night before so we could remove the rack, inspect the chassis closer and charge the battery. Then late Sunday morning good news came when Mike McColl made an extra effort to get us the proper rack for our car. David called and said there was lots of help for us once we got to Delaware. This was a historic day for us, I had never ran a 150 lap in my life. We did race and we finished 13th from the 38th starting spot. The full story is on our message board under “Diary Of A Season”. Many people were responsible for us making this race. Nonie never gave up, Shirley and David were encouraging, Kelly Hallet took over as crew chief as soon as we arrived and was a fantastic help, Perry a friend from our church and our newest crew member, Peter (Scott Lyons crew), Brett, Marty, Dave and of course Mike McColl all made it possible for us staring this race. There’s more, Delaware didn’t need to worry about one more car, they had 42 before we got there, but the head of Tech helped us get through and let us run the first 75 lap without our hood and front end. Mike McColl had no reason to help us that would benefit him. He sold tons of tires to the cars there and knew I would be running the Flamboro Tires and would not be buying his Hoosier’s. He was very busy gearing the many teams with tires and advice yet he took the time to get us the part we needed. That’s Mike, he is a caring professional person who extended to us incredible grace and help. What a day, thanks so much to all who made it one of our most exciting with a very good run. There’s much more in the Diary Of A Season.
APC 300 Qualifier Almost Blows Out Windshield
There’s A Reason For Having All The Body On The Car
We were so glad just to get to the track, starting like this was no big deal. It became a big deal with a dozen laps to go when the windshield started to lift right out of the car. Massive amounts of air through the sides and under the dash. We were okay in traffic, once we got to open track there was no way to stop the air from coming in. It was necessary to make a pit stop or have body panels all over the track. We installed the rest of the missing panels and the car was okay for the 150 lapper, imagine.
Two Points Nights To Go
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Top Three Would Be Nice
It’s always a goal to do better each year, and for the most part we have improved over our first two seasons. Both Sauble shows were a success as well as the Delaware races. Our home stand hasn’t been terrible sitting fourth in points behind Jason, Scott and David. The goal would be a top three finish, but that’s a long shot. Naturally we started out the season hoping to take a run for the title but a few problems got in the way, some poor finishes combined by some good runs by those in front of our team. It would make sense that a track champion would have a very good year, and Jake has done well in 07′. We can’t assume we’ll stay in fourth, although with the points distribution the way it is, none of the top four will lose a spot unless something serious happens. This week and September 22nd are the final two points shows. Scott is pursuing Jason, David is chasing them both, they will be agressive, David especially as he looks to win a feature after losing last week with a blown clutch. One things for sure, the racing’s not done.
Quaker State Crew At The United Way Kick Off
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Quaker State Supports The United way
On behalf of our sponsor we had the Quaker State Dodge on display right in the middle of Brant Street to support the United Way Kick Off in Burlington. The street was blocked off allowing neighbours to and those in the community to enjoy live bands and various other events throughout the day. Many dropped by our display to get a closer look at the car and meet two of my crew members Jim and Perry. This picture was taken by Norm Cheng the area director for the Bible League. Thanks Norm for the great shot.
Stewart Takes Pole
Jeff Stewart To Lead First Twin 50
Qualifying went well for most drivers on Saturday. Jeff Stewart found himself in a four way tie for pole position after the double heats were run but would get the nod to start pole by virtue of winning the first race he was in. Mark Burbridge 27 will start outside pole with Jason Shaw and 36, me, in the second row. The four of us were tied. Mark had a second and third, Jason a 4th and a win and we had a 4th and a win. Paul Howse would have been on the pole but got black flagged for rough driving after spinning heat race leader Jamie Ramsay. Jamie will start 11th on the grid and Paul will have to qualify through the consi on Sunday. The heat win was our 8th of the season, tying our most wins in a Late Model for a season. We are still looking for a feature win and will have a good starting spot in the first race. Hopefully Mark can keep pace with Jeff on the start of the race. The second 50 lapper will be most interesting with a $1000 bonus being put up for the driver who can win both features, something most of us think is impossible. It was suggested by Scott Lyons to put the $1000 up for the overall winner but that idea, along with having one pay off was turned down by John. I just hope no one sand bags for pole in the second race, but it`s there for the taking because it will pay $1500 to win the second race. The only stipulation to start pole in the second race is to complete 48 laps in the first race. I`m sure that won`t be a problem for the few drivers who will consider finishing poor in the first to start up front in the second race. It pays $400 to finish 5th in the each 50 lap race, finishing 10th is $200, dropping back to 20th to start up front with a shot at $1500 is way to tempting for some racers and for sure a few will consider it, perhaps already have it in their strategy. As for our team we had a great qulifying run and plan to race hard in both features.
Jason Shaw 2007 Flamboro Champion
Jason Wins Everything
In 2007 Jason Shaw and his race team claimed the Flamboro Speedway Championship, the WWS Championship and won one of the Twin 50’s in the Octoberfest week end. They had a great season, congratulations from our team to the #82 team for an incredible season.
Autumn Colors Last Chance For Feature Win
One More Chance
Last week end was amazing for us and we can’t wait to get working on the car for the 2008 season, but there is one more goal to accomplish….a feature win. Trying to pull it off at Peterborough won’t be easy when looking at our Late Model history at the quick oval. The previous two Autumn Color feature runs have been dismal, however we did win a heat last year, our first and only checker away from Flamboro, so it’s not all bad. Things are different now, we have improved, we have confidence in our race program something that’s taken time to develop and we’re hoping to spring board off last week end. The hour glass is almost empty and instead of sand it’s time running out, but we do have one more shot. The fast oval in the east is a tough circuit physically because young drivers spend a lot of time turning. Old drivers know it wears you down and try to find ways to conserve energy, stay strong and go for the feature win when the opportunity arises….that’s the goal, desire, hope, to win the feature The car is ready, camper and trailer hooked up, we’re leaving tomorrow at 2:pm. It’s Thursday night…11:30 pm, all I have to do now is go to sleep, that may be the hardest part of all.
Peterborough Pits Prior To Feature
Jason, Don and Perry
There were no heats last week end at Peterborough due to tons of rain. We did get the feature in and ran strong all race, that is until we ran into bad weather in the final 10 laps. We weathered the storm having our best ever finish at Peterborough in a Late Model. The feature took over an hour to run, but we stood in line for the payoff from 12:am until 2:am, maybe the first time ever that getting our money took longer than earning it. The full race report is on the message board.
Late Model Goes To Church
Father, Son & Daughter Breakfast October 20th 2007
A few months ago we were invited to come to Fordward Baptist church in Cambridge. My crew chief Jim, and our newest crew member Perry, accompanied me for this special occasion. Like many churches, Forward Baptist has a monthly men’s breakfast meeting and bring in a guest speaker. The attraction of a real race car being on hand for all to see and a driver who could share his passion about racing and Jesus Christ was the key to bringing over 150 for this event. After it was over I was fortunate to be introduced to my all time favourite hockey players line mate. Most of you know I’m a Ranger fan. My favourite hockey player was Andy Bathgate #9 of the New York Rangers. It was a thrill to meet his left winger, #17 Dean Prentice. Steve Lyons painted my new helmet this past summer. On the back of it, just below #36 Glen Schurr, is the Ranger logo and #9 Andy Bathgate. Part of the success of being a kid for so long is to love what you’re doing and never forget those who made your sport exciting. In this case we’re talking hockey, my favourite sport next to racing. In the early 60’s, Andy Bathgate was in the process of breaking a record of most consecutive games with a least one goal. One night during that streak our family was in Cookstown at my uncles farm house. Lucky for me they could get Hockey Night In Canada. Foster Hewitt was the announcer and with only 6 teams in the NHL, often updated the out of town scores. Rangers were playing Montreal and all I could think of was how my hero was doing. During a break in the Leaf game, he mentioned that Montreal was leading New York 4-2 in the third period. My heart sunk, but within a second I leaped and began cheering with excitement. Mom and dad were in the kitchen playing euchre with my aunt and uncle. When I yelled, uncle Percy, a Leaf fan, came out quick wondering if the Leafs scored because he didn’t here the famous Foster Hewitt words “Keon shoots”..”He scores”!!! I said “no the Leafs didn’t score”. “Well what was all the comotion”? he asked, I enthusiastically reported “Montreal is beating New York 4-2 and Andy Bathgate got both New York goals”. He went back to the kitchen. Dad, not a hockey fan at all, asked what the big deal was, uncle Percy replied “something happened in Montreal…what’s trump?” For certain, no one in the house that night understood the significance of those goals as much as I did. Andy Bathgate would extend that streak to 11 games, a new NHL record that lasted until a young hockey player(#99)from Brantford made a new one, I think he made many new ones. Remember kids, always have a hero…and racers always be a good hero. You never know the impact you’ll have on big eyed boys and girls.
In 2008 Quaker State and #36 Celebrate 35th Season
Quaker State Back For 35th Year
It all started in 1974. Bill Lyons helped us get this sponsorship. When we received the letter from Quaker State welcoming us to their race program I was very happy. Every week we sent race reports and pictures. Over the years we kept Quaker State informed, and made sure to thank them every year with a speical plaque or picture. We never dreamed this partnership would last 35 seasons. Nonie has been awesome, making it possible for me to continue doing what I love, racing. 35 years is a long time but for Nonie it’s not 35, it’s 40, as we enter our 40th year racing in Ontario and the U.S. I am thankful to Bill for getting us started, to Quaker State for believing in our team, for being gracious and generous. To our children, friends and all our associate sponsors for their support and encouragement but mostly to Nonie for letting me play so long, and for being there with me. Isn’t it crazy to think that one day this could end?….yes it is, so let’s not think about that, but instead the fun we’ll have as we journey with all these amazing people in this great sport, after all it’s really about the people.
Racers and Kids
Parts Source Monster Truck Display Brings Fans
Copps will host Monster Jam tonight and tomorrow featuring 5 of their top performers. Parts Source is one of the sponsors for the event and four locations in the Hamilton, Burlington area had one of the exciting 1200 HP car crushers. Grave Digger was in Hamilton, Avenger and Brutus in Burlington and Blue Thunder at the Stoney Creek store with our Late Model. It was bitterly cold last night, Frank Krmel (driver of Blue Thunder) and I stayed inside to sign autographs. Many families came in to meet Frank and I, mostly the Monster Truck driver. The Gallant family were there and Rhonda,(mother of Ronnie and Jorden) took this picture. Frank drives Blue Thunder about 30 week ends each year. There are only two Blue Thunder trucks, entertaining either in the U.S. or Canada. This week end Frank is determined to beat his rival “Grave Digger” in Hamilton. Should be noisy and fun. If there are any noise levels above 99 decibells, that won’t be Blue Thunder, it will be my grand daughter Lauren.
1982 CVM History
Battling With Two Hard Chargers
This picture, and many more are on, or will soon be on our CVM History section of our web site. In this picture veteran Ron Shaw #81, in his second season with the Hobby’s battles with me and rookie Dave Bentley #29. All three of us would eventually have our sons join us in this racing game. I am trying my best to get our older Hobby history on the site as soon as possible. Hopefully 1983 will be started before Christmas.
Sheridan Hills Missionay Church
Late Model At Church
On Saturday morning Jim and I took our Late Model to the Sherdian Hills Missionary church on Tralfalgar Road in Oakville. This was the second such event in two days with the race car. The first was Thursady at the Mississauga Chaplaincy on North Service Road, an outreach event headed by former Argo Bruce Smith. Brian Warren, another former Argo and Pastor of The Hope Center in Mississauga, was the guest speaker. A full bus load of kids were on hand to meet the football stars and see the race car. On Staurday, close to thiry men and one young boy came for the breakfast to see the race car. I had an opportunity to share stories about our racing and how I came to meet the most important person in my life, Jesus Christ. This was our fourth and final opportunity to have our car on display for a special event since the race season ended. We put the car in the garage and will start our race rebuilding program for 2008 next week.
Family Life Center
The Help From These Men Was Much Appreciated
What a night this was from many aspects. Bruce Smith, former Toronto Argo, runs this outreach church ministry in Mississauga. It’s just a few doors down from the California restaurant, a place many Hobby drivers use to visit after the CNE races in 1990. Pictured here are Richard, David, Michael and Jason in the car. The boys helped me get the car unloaded and loaded back up again later in the evening. You can see the snow falling as Julie-Anne took this picture. This was a great night with over 100 kids on hand to hear Argo greats, Brian Warren and Bruce Smith talk about Jesus and how much they cared for each and every boy and girl present. The kids were from the Jane/Keele Finch area, a part of North York that’s been plagued wtih violence and death. The plight of many young children have caught the hearts of many professonal athletes, and this was one event that showed the kids that these men do more than just talk about how much they care. I was proud to be a part of this special event and plan to take our car back again in the summer.
Sauble Speedway Has New Owners
Sauble Speedway Photo
Jason and Amy Thom are the new owners of Sauble Speedway. We wish them all the best for the coming season. Things will be okay for them, they have a gem of a track and the mastermind behind making it one of the best race tracks in Ontario will stay on helping things run smoothly. This isn’t a hint or anything, but we sure hope we get two more Late Model shows in 2008.
1982 “CVM History” Complete
These Two Made It Fun
Paul Cornwall and Steffon Zoskey were two crew members who stayed with us the longest, Steffon for 18 years. Both excellent friends, they made a very tough 1982 a lot of fun and became very close to Nonie and I. 82′ is completed in our CVM History section.
1981 CVM History Almost Complete……82 Done
The Red Knight #12 Jim Collison
Jim Collison was a very agressive racer in his day, in fact, for quite a few years. If you didn’t want to race, it would be better to stay in the pits because he was going to race hard for every spot he didn’t already have. His charge to the front usually meant those ahead would eventually have their hands full. Racers like Jim made us better. He became very popular with his peers later on in his career, working hard for the Hobby club and having an excellent year in 86′, coming very close to winning the championship. 86′ will be posted after 83, 84 and 85, in fact 81′ needed more pictures to get it finished, and so I’m stuck in 81′ for now. This picture of Jim is from 81′ it will be posted soon. Jim has done alot for the sport of racing. He was inducted into the Hobby Hall of Fame in 1998 with Brian Barton and spends much of his time organizing go cart racing through the Waterloo Kart Club. He operates his own business, Collison Electric in Cambridge.
Jim Atkinson #400
Dirt Racing
Jim Atkinson drove #11 in the mid 70’s in the Hobby club. He only ran a few seasons but was a fun guy. On the visor of his Model A Hobby car was Catharine, after his daughter Cathy. We were on display November 15th to support Monster Jam for Copps and Jim dropped by. He had this picture sent to us and we wanted to share it with you. Jim is 67 and still plays on the oval, only now adays it’s covered with dirt. We wish Jim the best for the coming season.
Start Of A 3rd Generation In Racing
Gehrig and Lauren
It was only matter of time before we introduced our grand children to the racing game. Thanks to Flamboro Speedway building a go-cart track on their premesis made the decision easier. Gehrig and Lauren will share driving this cart for 2008. If they have fun and enjoy it enough to want to continue racing in 09′, we’ll make sure they have a go cart each, unless they are happy to share driving. The cart pictured here was driven by John-Ross Miskiewcz the past few seasons. It was the only go cart we could find with #36 already on it…just kidding, but JR did race #36. This season will be tough, we have no spares, no equipment and pretty well no clue. I understand the Waterloo Kart Club are very good at helping new comers. The kids are 9 and 8, and one or both could be racing a Mini Stock or Thunder Car in the next five years. Racing against either of my grand children could be my final plateau in this great sport, it sure would be a goal for me. I wonder which of us will change more in the next 5 years…yikes!!…Meanwhile we have lots of laps to do before that happens, and I must continue on, not stopping, or looking at my birth certificate.
Merry Christmas
God’s Gift
In the book of Matthew, the Angel tells Joseph that his wife to be, Mary, is with Child, from the Holy Spirit, and that he should give the name of his son, “Jesus, for “He will save His people from their sins”. His name shall be called “Immanuel, which means, God with us”. How great is it to know that God sent His Son Jesus, as a gift to us. God came to earth. Jesus came to bring us the gift of freedom. It’s like we’re in the pawn shop of life and He redeemed us with His life. The birth of Jesus was a gift from God for us. Merry Christmas and may God bless you all in the coming year.
Lauren One Of Two Drivers For Grandpa’s Cart
Minor Set Back
We had our first set back with the expansion of our race team to go-carts. Uncle David bought them go-cart racing suits for Christmas, but, they’re too small. We will return them in the new year and get bigger suits. The kids are growing, unlike us, they grow taller we grow wider. This could be a costly venture over the next few seasons. I wonder if they would mind real baggy suits this year, that way, by the time they’re 12 the suits will fit perfect.
Getting Ready For 2008
Monte Carlo In 2008
This will be our first time running a Monte Carlo in the Late Model class. We ran an Intrepid in 05, a Tuarus to start 06, then we went to the Charger. We ran the Charger in 07 and I decided to go with the Chev for 08′. For the past few weeks many of my crew have spent a few hours on different occasions to get our car to where it is now. Dave Watson has been the catalyst with his extra effort on the body panels. Today Dave, Jim, Jason Perry and I got a lot done. We naturally have a long ways to go. Our goal is to have the car ready for the car show by early February. We should be okay.