VALLEY STREAM, N.Y
The once race-rich state of New Jersey has been taking it on the chin lately. When this season started only five race tracks were active in the Garden State, with two of those being the dirt ovals — New Egypt Speedway and Bridgeport Speedway — and the other three being drag strips — Atco Raceway, Island Dragway and Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
The opening of New Jersey Motorsports Park is a big boom for Jerseyites. Chris Economaki told us all about the place in his column last week. I hear it is the most creature-comfort facility in racing. I am happy to hear a three-quarter-mile oval is on the way. NJMP hosts the ARCA RE/MAX Series Sept. 28.
I understand two of the owners are vintage racers. This region sorely needs a huge vintage event, drawing every type of race car. NJMP is centrally located. The August event there that featured the Sports Car Vintage Racing Ass’n was a good start in that direction, and a vintage auto show is coming up Sept. 20-21.
n It is great to hear that Wall Stadium is being leased and the Turkey Derby will be run as usual on Thanksgiving weekend. I urge fans and competitors to support this show. Hopefully, someone might open the gates every week. Wall was built in 1950 and hosted racing every Saturday until this year when the owners went broke.
n I have never seen two poorer excuses for racing at one track than what was run Labor Day weekend at Fontana, Calif. ESPN did its best to hide all the empty seats. Last year track management said the place looked deserted because “the fans were shopping.” Well, with the uninspiring racing, maybe shopping is the way to go.
n Marty Himes’ open house was a success. It was fun rerunning old races with boyhood heroes George Peters and George Cousin. Eddie Brunnhoelzl was not on hand but Bill Stellwagen did a great job “portraying” him. Then I got caught up on all the gossip with Dottie Mann and Jeannie Reimuller. It was great to see Dottie (Mrs. Bob) Lee, too.
n One of short-track racing’s classics, the Freedom 76, is set for Grandview Speedway Saturday (Sept. 13). It pays $20,000 to win a 25-mile race. Doug Hoffman will be back behind the wheel for the very formidable Chad Sinon team.
n Lew Boyd, who writes the best books on racing for his Coastal 181.com firm, is working on Riverside Park Speedway in Agawam, Mass., as his latest project. That track has more than 50 years of history.
n Jack Roush is not famous for his patience, but he is being rewarded for hanging in there with David Ragan, who is easily the most improved Cup driver. I think next year David Stremme will be a pleasant surprise in the Penske No. 12.
n My sympathy to my friends at Area Auto Racing News on the passing of their long-time staffer Joe Pratt. Joe was only 48. It was sad to lose Greg Weld. Greg was a neat guy and a tremendous sprint-car driver.
n The Ladies Pro Golf Ass’n has mandated a rule that all members must speak English. Imagine if the IRL did that. Also, the PGA men’s tour has started a “Chase-like” format, which almost everyone dislikes.
n No instant replay here, at 25 Emerson Place Valley Stream, N.Y. 11580. E-mail to racewri771@AOL.com.