Episode 103
April 24, 2016
Pay It Forward Seminar at Wiscasset Speedway
Alexander agreed to teach interested racers how to set up their race cars utilizing knowledge he gleaned over the years. The effort was funded in part by track owners Richard and Vanessa Jordan knowing that such information will increase the competence and confidence of their racers, which will in turn lead to a better show for their fans.
Approximately 30 racers and crew members attended the educational event held at the speedway.
The Wiscasset season opened before one of their best opening day crowds in years Saturday. As mentioned earlier I plan to follow Wyatt Alexander Racing (WAR) in 2016 since they have a County connection.
WAR did not have great season opener at W iscasset. After losing a power steering hose in his heat race Wyatt started 12th in the ProStock feature. He moved from 12th to 4th by lap 15 and experienced some set backs but was holding his own until lap 33 when he could not stop in time to avoid an on-track incident involving six cars.
Frenchville Native Wins Best Looking ProStock at Oxford Plains Speedway
After finishing 11th in last weeks PASS race at Oxford Plains Speedway (OPS), the Shawn Martin crew had the #94 ProStock polished and ready to go in the OPS season opener. Martin’s car was named “Best of Show” and received a trophy as a reward for their efforts.
Martin said, “Decent day at the track. Got a terrible draw for qualifying and then the left front control arm almost fell off during the heat. Started 14th in the feature and finished 5th in a caution free race. Also won “Best Appearing Car”. Thanks to my crew and awesome sponsors. Back at it next Sunday.”
Swanson Wins At Waynesfield Raceway Park
I will be following the races of Kody Swanson, last year’s USAC Silver Crown Champion, as he attempts to win three titles in a row. I met Swanson some time ago when he was an FFA member at his hometown chapter in Kingsburg, California.
I have followed his career since that time. He was very accommodating to my FFA members when we were at the National FFA Conventions in Indianapolis. He invited us to private use of a friend’s kart track both years he was at the Convention. Those students talk about those times even today.
Swanson lives in Zionsville, Indiana, just outside Indianapolis, with his wife Jordan and their newborn son Trevor.
Sad to Report
My dear friend from childhood, Fred Fletcher, died unexpectedly this past Wednesday. He was the photographer in the above photo. It was from his apartment that the “helmet heads” watched this year’s Daytona 500 and the NASCAR Camping World Truck race featuring Austin Theriault. I am very sad to lose such a close friend and Brother in Christ who I shared many racing moments as well as much, much more. I miss you Fred. You cannot be replaced.
Next week results from JRT and Carl Theriault exploits at the Ohio Mile as well as Austin Theriault’s first road course race and a schedule of some motorsports events in the County this summer.
Let’s go racing,
Tom Hale
Soli Deo Gloria