Extreme Racing Report By: Ron Verash

By: Ron Verash

Got a few, well, several things for the writeup. Was waiting on a couple issues to resolve, so here goes. First, I was hoping to have good news coming out of Angola Motor Speedway, and a new buyer. Not good, as the buyer was too far away from what the asking price was, so the track is still for sale. And unless somebody comes out of the blue, the track may be closed this year, and perhaps for good. Such a nice facility... Sign of the times. And for the cars in the area, go to New Paris, Baer Field, or Springport. All are 40 plus miles, and with the fuel cost, gonna be alot more expensive to race, or rather, just to get there. Still a couple schedules to get, from New Paris and HOSS Sprints. Once I see them, the remaining races will be added to the Racing Calender on SCE, and then the shows Carl and I will hit will be on there as well. The Vintage Schedule is for the most part complete. Might add another show or two. Plus the month of August is a bit bare, but are available for raindates. Rain was a big time problem last year. The Michiana Racing Hall of Fame will be at Plymouth on June 15th, a Friday, the day before Tony Stewart takes on the SOD Dirt Sprint stars. Expect a few Ohio boys to slide down U.S. 30 to the show.

Been at all the area Banquets this year, including South Bend, Plymouth, New Paris, Michiana Speedzone, and M-40. All were well attended, and some great food. One more to go, with that being the Mottville Banquet on Feb 25th...Speaking of Speedzone, we did the first show last Thursday at Redbird in Bristol. A really fun and informational show. Tony was his usual silly self, and really picked on a few of the guests. Tony was smart and parked by the door, plus I informed if anybody had issues, to go to Scott's Computer World and talk with Scott. Nothing in Sunday's paper about any incidents, so all must be ok. Again, well attended, and a big thanks to Scott, Tony, Teresa, and Jim, for getting it all set up. Taping is Thursday, but the viewing will be Friday, as the facilities had problems with Internet sending last year, and signals were lost, as well as some shows. To see it Thursday, you gotta be there. This week we will be at DD's in Goshen. Guest list may have some openings, so contact Tony to be added, but beware you may be picked on a bit. M-40 is stepping up the plate with an offer... Be a guest on the show, and also plan on running the A B C Series, and get in free for the driver opening night. Some incentive to get on the show, and take up on the offer. And speaking of 40, the weekly racing will be at the track in 2012 with Michiana Speedzone.

Car show is coming up March 30, 31, and April 1. At Concord Mall. Interest is very high, and the Mall filling up like in the past is looking real good. I believe Easter Bunny will be there, and an Easter party on Saturday. Last year face painters were there, and that was well received. Entry is $20, with $5 going to Ride A Long program. Free admission, and places to sit, shop, and eat, all inside. Michiana Speedzone, M-40, New Paris, and Plymouth Speedways will all have booths there. And for Plymouth, the Tony Stewart show in June is offering a giveaway for 2 tickets. Sign up will be at their booth all weekend.

And for Michigan City; I will pass on doing that one this year. Last year we had 18 entries. Not bad, but from verbals, coulda, shoulda, been 28 plus. I have a hard time getting race cars there, only 3 different ones the last 2 years. For me to get 15 plus Dragsters and Show Cars is great, but no racers. I spend more time on those last 6-8 cars than I do on the Concord show for 40 plus. And there are cars in the area, some a couple miles away. But they just can't seem to follow up and make it out there. Sorry if anybody is upset by not having it, but I do not know how else to get them to come out.

Calvacade is March 16 &17, at the Century Center. Over 150 entries for that one. I believe South Bend, Plymouth, and Michiana Speedzone will be at this venue. Plymouth will have a signup for 2 more tickets for the Tony Stewart night in June.

On March 24, the North East Indiana Racing Museum will have their show, a Saturday only deal. Lots of cars, and the Museum is opened up for free admission as well. A neat deal and food is available inside. Outside will be the Todd Sherman swapmeet. Kevin Alguire puts this deal on, and is highly successful.

And the last car show is April 14 and 15 for the Kankakee Speedway. At the Northfield Mall, all inside. Free Admission too, and the Mall has a ton of stores in it. A long day, but well worth it.

All these shows are on the Calendar, and we look to be at everyone. All these shows are to promote area racing, so do your best to make to as many as you can. Bout it for now...