Orange County Speedway - 9/13/2008

Funny how things happen - - I go away on vacation and Matt finds his way to Victory Lane!    There’s not a lot more I can say except Way to go Matthew !!!   And thanks to Bo for being there with him as well as helping out the entire group at Orange County. Even though we were trying to relax at the beach, we both had our cell phones clinched awaiting the calls to hear what was going on.   From what I understand, we missed one heck of a race.  I think the pictures told a pretty good story of what we did miss,  the top 3 cars running 3 wide — And they all said that was probably the most fun they’ve ever had racing.   That’s what it’s all about folks and it’s good to see us getting back to that.  Sure, everybody wants to be competitive, but the whole purpose of this Association has been to have a good time while promoting sportsmanship and camaraderie and I’ve always said it’s better to have a few doing just that, than to have a bunch that aren’t.    Enough said about that.

So 12 cars would brave the storms, heat and high gas prices to travel to Orange County.  We had a last minute debate about cancelling the event due to all the above but we felt if the track didn’t cancel, we shouldn’t either.  I can certainly understand why those that weren’t there didn’t come.   Hopefully everything will get back to normal before Shenandoah.  As hot as it was, I understand the track allowed for 3 practice sessions that went pretty smooth  and then according to all the info I have, even the qualifying was tight with the fastest time being 19.002 down to 19.760.    Jason Atkins would get the pole position and lead the race up to the half way point with Jason Moye knocking at his door all the while.   Seems that the two Jason’s were racing each other pretty hard making way for Matt to sneak up on them and fortunately for him, there was enough time to get it done.  So at the checkered it was Matt, followed by Jason Moye and Jason Atkins – who are in a tight battle for the 1^st spot in the points.  4^th was Travis Roach followed by brother Tyler who puts himself in a tie with the #97 for the Rookie title – another good battle going on.    Kevin Berkstresser  took the checkered in 6^th followed by Andy Defillipis, Brian Conklin, Amanda Frye, Justin LaDuke,   Amanda Forney and Darrel Williams.   I’ve been told that all 12 cars finished on the lead lap – way to go guys and gals.

Next race – this coming Saturday at Shenandoah Speedway -  scheduled for 50 laps and the forecast looks good for cooler weather.    Pit gate opens at 2:00 pm and Racing at 7:00.   Hope to see you there.

A couple reminders -  Please fill out and return your nomination / voting forms before end of race 10/4.

Banquet – November 1^st,  Roanoke Moose Lodge,  Social Hour 6:00, Dinner 7:00, awards immediately following dinner.    There will be an open bar with all beer and mixed drinks @ $2.00 each.

Banquet tickets - $20 through 10/4 - $25 after, so get them early.

Menu:  Grilled Chicken,  BBQ Ribs, Baked Beans, Roasted Potatoes, Mac & Cheese, Cole Slaw, Assorted Cobblers for desert,  Tea and Coffee.

See you at the track!

Willie