WHEN THE TEMPERS FLARE .........

Last Saturday night, June 19th,  seemed like a normal Saturday night at the races. Good, hard, side by side, clean racing prevailed throughout the evening. But then came the Late Model feature. And as a result of some "questionable driving tactics" and some decisions made by a certain individual, it turned into the Winston Racing Series version of the World Wrestling Federation. Except the difference was the tempers, attitudes, and foreign objects were very real. Let's recap the scenario. Twenty four Late Models showed up at the track for racing, which in this case was 75 lap feature. Among the participants was Nick Woodward, a former rookie of the year here at ODS. Word through the pits was he was here for a reason. What that reason was, only Nick knows for sure. But regardless, Nick would play a big part in what was to follow. The green waved, and after a few laps were completed, the battle for the lead was between Woodward and 6 time feature winner Mark McFarland, another young driver trying to make his mark in racing. After some side by side racing, McFarland wound up hard into the third turn fence, heavily damaging his car. Word from several drivers who followed that side by side battle was that he was crowded into the fence, causing the tire to blow and slam into the fence. Payback for last season's incident between McFarland and Woodward in turn one ? Maybe, maybe not. Only Nick knows. Then at the end of the event, with Danny Fair leading going into turn three to take the white flag, Woodward slams Fair in the left rear, sending Fair spinning in front of all the leaders, taking with him several other cars. Fair proceeds to get out of his car and charge the Woodward pit area. A definite no-no at ODS, which is discussed at just about every driver's meeting. Tempers flare, a woman throws a drink at Fair, and one person even emerges with a jack handle. Just about the entire population of the pit area is now located in the Woodward pit stall. It takes several minutes to clear the area. Words are exchanged, even after the incident. Woodward blames Fair. Fair blames Woodward. Accusations are now that someone was heard over the Woodward airwaves that he intentionally put Fair in the fence. Only the Woodward team and a few fans with that frequency know for sure.
My point is simple. We don't need this kind of behavior at ODS. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with Nick Woodward. He is a good kid with a bright future ahead of him. I'm not bashing him. And I'm not bashing Danny Fair either. I am bashing the whole situation. The fact that was it just coincidental that a driver comes up for just one race and happens to be involved in just about every major situation that went on ? Who knows. Racing is a sport that changes in milli-seconds. Things happen fast. I feel that a lot of pre-race hype and talk among the pits probably caused a lot of the problems on this night. Maybe that is what got everyone a little on edge before the race started. Danny Fair should have NEVER got out of his car and charged the Woodward pit area. Whoever the woman was that threw the drink at Fair should have just sat back and drank the damn thing and stayed away from the situation. And the guy with the jack handle, well, there is no telling what could have happened had he started swinging that thing. One thing is for sure. Danny will be back, and Nick will not be back, at least in 1999. Hopefully a situation like this will not rear it's ugly head again. Someone could have been seriously hurt. And that's not what this thing we call stock car racing is all about.

HOLIDAY INN OF MANASSAS OFFERS DISCOUNTS TO RACERS .....

Holiday Inn of Manassas, located at the intersection of route 66 and route 234 in Manassas has offered a reduced rate for racers at the Old Dominion Speedway. Those racers who wish to stay in the area overnight during the weekend will be given a special $60.00 rate on rooms if they mention they are from ODS. The normal rate for rooms on the weekend is $85.00. For more information or to reserve a room, call (703) 335-0000.

SCANNERS - AND WHO IS LISTENING ...... MY OPINION

Scanners are a part of racing these days. Those devices it seems that everyone in the grandstands have now. And when I say everyone, I mean EVERYONE. Including kids. A season or so ago, there were some problems with some of the conversations that go on between drivers and crew members here at ODS. And Dick Gore was quick to respond at the drivers meeting that the content of the some of the "conversations" were not to be tolerated. He also mentioned some of the legal ramifications that could result. That pretty much ended the problem at that point. Keep in mind, that just because you have a frequency, the FCC still has owns the airwaves. And the FCC can jerk your radio faster than a lap at ODS. But above and beyond all of the legal mumbo jumbo, it's the fact that the people in the stands are listening. Listening and clinging to every word that is spoken by the teams. And don't forget that the people in the stands include children. Children that really don't need to hear all the four letter words that Webster's Dictionary cannot print. And they don't need to hear threats either. Apparently, the situation has reared it's ugly head again. Hey guys, let's keep it clean. Racing is a FAMILY sport. Let's keep it that way.

TO BE A SHOW, OR NOT TO BE A SHOW …… MY OPINION

Let’s face it, NASCAR is the biggest thing going right now. The attendance grows by leaps and bounds every minute it seems. Every time you turn around, someone is introducing some sort of catchy little item they are selling to try and jump on the coat tail of NASCAR in an effort to make a buck. Sponsors are standing in line it seems to sponsor a car, team, or some sort of program. Yes, NASCAR is HUGE, and growing. Who knows where it will stop. One thing that has bothered me in the past several years is this thing about the word "show". Races are now being referred to as "shows" as NASCAR gets bigger. It seems that everyone, from the drivers, sponsors, promoters, and everyone in between have been referring to the races as "shows" more and more. I don’t remember this reference as a "show" back in the early days. "Qualifying was real close today, but the crew made some adjustments on the car and we picked up 2 tenths and we were able to make the show" is a phrase that is used over and over again. "Just to make the show here at Daytona is an accomplishment" is another one. "I raced real hard those last twenty laps, and was lucky to come home with a second place finish and the car in one piece. I hope we put on a good show for the fans".  And NASCAR is not the only sport with the same vocabulary. Many other sports are following suit with this word "show". My definition of a "show" is a pre-determined event, something that has the ending already scripted. Pre-race festivities are "shows". Concerts are shows. Think about it. We flock to the movie theaters each and every day, spending millions to see a movie. Is the ending already set ? Does the outcome ever change ? That's a show. A race is an EVENT as far as I am concerned. No pre-determined winner, in most cases. Too many variables. If you want to go to a sporting event to see a "show", go watch the WWF or the WCW.
See ya at the races –
Dave Menefee

THE PAVING IS COMPLETE  !!!!!

It's been a long time coming. Many trips to the track for estimates. Many promises that were not kept. But this week at the Old Dominion Speedway, the appearance of Branscome Paving has brought smiles to every sprint kart racer who has ever raced on the infield track at the historic speedway in the past 3 years. The bumps are no more. The bruises on the ribs and knees will be kept to a minimum. And that dog leg is a thing of the past. Thank you Dick Gore !!!! Thank you !!! From the entrance of turn one to the exit of turn four, a new coat of fresh, black, SMOOTH asphalt has been layed, paving the way for the newly configured Old Dominion Speedway infield kart track. Similar to the egg - shaped Darlington Raceway, turns one and two will be tight, with turns three and four a wider, sweeping affair. With NO dog - legged right hander in between.

NASCAR RE-ALIGNS REGIONS ; ODS BACK IN THE NORTHEAST REGION …….

For the second time in three years, NASCAR has been forced to re-align their prestigious Winston Racing Series Regional lineup. Due to the fact that some tracks have gone out of business or just dropped the sanctioning body, NASCAR has moved the Old Dominion Speedway back "up" to the Northeast Region. This means that there stands a possibility that a driver from another track in the Richmond area could quite possibly compete for Regional titles in two separate Regions. The possibility is slim, however, because a driver would have to compete on Friday and Saturday nights, competing in a minimum of 36 events just to become eligible for the Regional title. Tracks also included in the Northeast Region are Big Diamond Raceway, Five Mile Point Speedway, Flemington Speedway, Holland International Speedway, Jennerstown Speedway, Motordrome Speedway, Tioga Speedway, and Williamson International Speedway.

THE SPONSOR LIST CONTINUES TO GROW AT ODS ......

The 1999 season at the Old Dominion Speedway has not yet begun, but sponsors from the area have began to show their support for the 1999 Winston Racing Series season. Hooters Of Manassas has returned in 1999 after a brief absence to sponsor a portion of the Late Model division. Along with cash at the end of the season, the ever popular "Hooters Driver Of The Night" promotion returns, with all fans in attendence having a chance at free chicken wings  each and every Saturday night. Show your support for Hooters by stopping by and thanking Josh, the new manager of Hooters Of Manassas. Burger King has climbed on board for the 1999 Late Model season, putting up over $3500.00 during the course of the season. Thanks to Ron Devine and all he has done for racing at ODS.  Lustine Chevrolet has returned to put up cash for the Lustine Chevrolet Quick Qualifier Award for the Late Models. Snap-On Tools has once again become the sponsor of the Grand Stock division, sponsoring 4 race nights, and adding an additional $2000.00 towards the final points standings, with the Grand Stock champion receiving an additional $1000.00. Also putting up cash for the Grand Stocks this season is Woodbridge Dyno Tech, as is ABC Truck Repair, both of which have put up $2000.00 for the season. Each sponsor has it's own package, for which details will be announced soon. Show your support for each of these businesses, and thank them for sponsoring our favorite sport.

THANKS TO ALL CAR SHOW PARTICIPANTS IN 1999 .....

Once again the annual Car Show at the Manassas Mall was a huge success. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every driver, crew member, family member, and everyone else involved in the various race teams for taking time out of a hectic time of the year to participate in the show. We had  29 race cars, 2 junior dragsters, 2 motorcycles, 1 American Race Truck, and over 17 go-karts show their stuff over the weekend, which made this the largest show to date. And thanks to Jack Tweeden of P & J Race Car Communications for putting up a $50.00 cash prize for the show, which was incidentally won by Mike Southard from Nokesville Va., driver of the Bell Atlantic Mobil Late Model Stock Car. Each year the show keeps getting bigger and better. Once again thanks for making the show a success, and I wish everyone the best of luck in the upcoming 1999 racing season !!!!
See ya at the track !!!!        Dave

LOOKING TO GET INVOLVED ????   GIVE US A CALL !!!!

The 1999 Winston Racing season is almost upon us, and if you would like to get involved and get closer to the action, give us a call. The Old Dominion Speedway is looking for scorers for the upcoming season and beyond, so if you are interested in the position, give the Speedway a call at (703) 361-RACE or (703) 361-7753, or E-Mail us.

 

A LOOK BACK / A LOOK FORWARD . . . .

THE OLD DOMINION SPEEDWAY IN MANASSAS CELEBRATED IT’S 48TH SEASON IN 1998, AND ONCE AGAIN, THE RACING ACTION WAS HOT AND HEAVY. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE SPEEDWAY SPORTSMAN DIVISION, EVERY CLASS CAME DOWN TO THAT ONE FINAL NIGHT OF RACING ACTION TO DETERMINE YET ANOTHER WINSTON RACING SERIES CHAMPION AT THE FAMED 3/8-MILE OVAL. AND AS HARD AS THE TRACK PERSONNEL TRIED TO KEEP THE TRACK DRY ON THAT FINAL NIGHT IN OCTOBER, MOTHER NATURE PUT THE BRAKES ON YET ANOTHER SEASON, WASHING OUT WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN FOR SOME DRIVERS. HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE SEASON, AND YES, THERE WERE MANY, INCLUDED FIRST TIME FEATURE WINS FOR RICKY EXLINE, DUSTIN STORM, ERIC CORBETT AND NICK WOODWARD IN THE WINSTON SERIES LATE MODEL STOCK CAR DIVISION, ROLAND MANN AND MARK PLOWS IN THE SNAP ON TOOLS GRAND STOCK DIVISION, ROOKIE SENSATION WILLARD LAWRENCE IN THE REDMAN FLEET SERVICE SPEEDWAY SPORTSMAN DIVISION, AND JUNIOR AMBURGEY AND DOUG FREEMAN IN THE MINI STOCK DIVISION. TEN DIFFERENT DRIVERS IN THE FOUR DIVISIONS EXPERIENCED THE FEELING OF BEING ON TOP OF THE POINTS CHASES THROUGHOUT THE SEASON, WITH ONE DRIVER, DAVE GIBBS IN THE SPEEDWAY SPORTSMAN DIVISION, HOLDING ON TO THE TOP SPOT THROUGHOUT THE SEASON, SHARING THE LEAD ONLY ONCE, WAY BACK IN APRIL. THE THRILL OF VICTORY WAS SHARED BY 25 DRIVERS IN THE 4 DIVISIONS THAT COMPETE WEEKLY ALONG WITH 4 DIFFERENT WINNERS IN THE LEGENDS CARS AND THE MODIFIEDS. AND 1998 WILL BE REMEMBERED AS THE YEAR OF THE INVERSION, AS THE GODFATHER, DICK GORE, MADE IT CLEAR THAT INVERSIONS ARE HERE TO STAY.
1999 BRINGS MORE EXCITING WINSTON RACING SERIES ACTION UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL, AS THE SEASON BEGINS ON APRIL 10TH. ALSO SCHEDULED TO MAKE AN APPEARANCE ON THE OVAL TRACK ARE THE LEGENDS CARS AND THE MODIFIEDS. SOUTHERN BRACKET RACING ASSOCIATION DRAG RACING ON THE 1/8 MILE DRAGSTRIP BEGINS IN MARCH, WITH PRO-KART MOTORSPORTS GO KART RACING TAKING TO THE TRACK ON FOR IT’S THIRD SEASON ON MARCH 20TH AND 21ST. AND OF COURSE THE ANNUAL BUGOUTS WILL BE HOSTED AT ODS ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND AND LABOR DAY WEEKEND.
THE OLD DOMINION SPEEDWAY WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF THE DRIVERS, CREWS, WIVES, SPONSORS, AND FANS FOR MAKING THE 1998 SEASON A SUCCESSFUL ONE, AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING EACH AND EVERYONE AGAIN IN 1999.

AMERICAN RACE TRUCKS AT ODS  . . . .

THE AMERICAN RACE TRUCK SERIES IS ALIVE AND WELL IN OUR AREA.   THANKS TO THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE, RACE TRACKS, PROMOTERS, AND LOCAL FANS WHO HAVE MADE THIS POSSIBLE. OUR FIRST RACE WILL BE ON APRIL 10TH AND WE WILL CONCLUDE OUR SEASON ON NOVEMBER 14TH. THE TRUCKS ARE RUNNING A MIXTURE OF TRACKS INCLUDING TWO ROAD COURSES. WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT OUR TENTATIVE DATE AT OLD DOMINION SPEEDWAY ON MAY 29TH. MANY THANKS GO OUT TO DICK GORE FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO RACE A SUCH A FAMOUS TRACK. THE AMERICAN RACE TRUCKS NOT ONLY COMPETE AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL, BUT A 12 RACE NATIONAL SCHEDULE IS AVAILABLE TO UP THE COMPETITION ANTE. AS YOU CAN SEE, THERE IS TOP NOTCH RACING AT WHATEVER LEVEL YOU CHOOSE. YET ANOTHER FABULOUS PRESS RELEASE IS THE SIGNING OF ACTION PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC. AS OUR 1999 SERIES TITLE SPONSOR WITH JASPER ENGINES AS OUR ASSOCIATE SPONSOR. ANY QUESTIONS THAT YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT THE TRUCKS, RACE DATES, OR JUST GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SERIES, YOU CAN CONTACT STAN BEALL AT (304) 728-2878 OR E-MAIL ADDRESS [email protected] . THE AMERICAN RACE TRUCK WEB ADDRESS IS WWW.AMERICANRACETRUCKS.COM.


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