Elmwood Village Board approves 2013 Budget
Submitted by Rick A. Talford
Citizen Journalist
ELMWOOD, WI - The Village Board met early this month, to have their annual Budget Hearing. Everyone sat around talking about miscellaneous items, as no citizens attended to ask questions about the upcoming budget that was being approved. There were fairly large increases noticed in different areas, from the 2012 actual costs, to the money being requested for the 2013 budget. The Bowling Alley increased over twenty-three hundred dollars, and the Bowling Alley Benefits raised from three-hundred and ninety-seven dollars to four-thousand one-hundred and thirty-six dollars. The Village Board wages raised from one-thousand thirty dollars, to three-thousand four-hundred dollars. The Police Dept. outlay went from no actual costs in 2012, to eight-thousand dollars being budgeted. The Auditorium benefits rose from twelve-hundred forty dollars, to six-thousand twelve dollars. Publications went from six-hundred twenty-one dollars in actual costs, to three-thousand for the 2013 budget. The Misc. Revenue, under the InterGov. Chgs for Services, rose from fifteen dollars in 2012 actual costs, to over seven-thousand dollars. Street Lighting went from four-hundred fifty-five dollars, to over seventeen-hundred. There were a few major costs that had no actual costs in 2012, but will have significant costs in 2013. Sidewalks budget was set at thirteen-thousand three-hundred forty-two dollars. The Local Trans. Hwy budget also went from zero costs, to over thirty-three thousand dollars. The reimbursement figures came out to over seventy-thousand dollars. The biggest cut made by the budget this year, was to the Public Library. They will lose over ten-thousand dollars from last year. Trustee Brian Buck made statements to the board in regards to the budget numbers. “We have cut two employee’s hours down, Vicki is down to 65% and Butch is down to 70% of their hours. We will only repair half of the roof this year. The squad car paperwork has been filed, and we should have enough in the outlay to make the purchase of a new vehicle. The Library cut was approx. twenty-six percent, as the huge reason was our insurance costs raised the same amount.” Trustee Susan Dzubay said, “There is no extra income, we’ve lost three-thousand in finances. This is not just us, other small communities are having trouble too.” Trustee Buck then spoke again, “We might have to go to the community to figure out our ability to run with the current village costs. The community is gonna have to step up and help out. We are looking at cutting the village office hours down. The office workers will still be working, but the doors will be locked. Answering calls and citizens questions, takes away from them being able to get their work done.” Dzubay added, “A lot of communities are doing that.” Trustee Neil Boltic brought up the trailer park property that can be sold, asking if that has been listed. The Budget Hearing was then closed at 6:55 PM.
The Regular Board meeting then began, without any public input. The full board was present for the meeting, with Officer Matt Broehm also in attendance. There was no attendance by any community citizens. The approval of the 2013 Budget was unanimously approved through a roll-call vote. The next area on the agenda, was the Miller Property Acquisition for the new sewer plant. There were conference calls between Trustee Neil Boltic and Joe Miller in regards to the village purchasing additional property for the new sewer plant. In those calls, Miller requested payment of eleven-thousand nine-hundred dollars. He also commented on a “hand-shake agreement” that he had with past board members. “If he sold the property to the village, he would still have use of the building and yard.” Trustee Buck commented quickly about the agreement. “If we are the owners of the property, then technically the building is ours. There would be liability issues. We need the property, and the agreement can be resolved in regards to the hand-shake.” Trustee Dzubay then added, “The building and logs are a liability to us.” It was then stated that the owner has liability Insurance, currently on the property. The purchase was approved, after a statement was made that the village will save money on the sewer plant, by purchasing this land.
Next on the agenda was the position open for the Library Board Appointment. Sandra Weix agreed to continue her position, and the village board approved it. One operator’s license was approved for Rebecca Stewart, at Tiffany’s Tavern. Resolution 2012-05, Water and Waste System Grant Agreement was then approved. The timeline and numbers for this plan will be coming forward in the spring. Another Resolution 2012-06 Borrowing from the Trust Funds of the State of Wisconsin $35,000.00 for Financing Elmwood Area Fire Dept. Brush Truck, was approved unanimously by the board members.
In Committee and Board Reports, Trustee Buck explained they had the budget talks in the Personnel and Finance Committee, as well as the paperwork had been filed in regards to the new squad they are wanting to get through the Police Committee. Trustee Trisha Knops gave some information for the Nursing Home Committee, saying “We have a change upcoming with the MCO services. New service providers will take over January 2013.” She then provided information from the Library Committee. “A meeting was held earlier in the evening at the Library. The financial report showed a surplus of two-thousand dollars, and a deficit of three-thousand dollars in expenses. A motion was made to pay the two previous aides the monies they should have been paid. The “Christmas at the Library” brought in sixty people, fifteen of those were adults.” Trustee Mike Sand then provided information from the Public Works Committee. He spoke about the phone calls with Joe Miller in regards to the property purchase for the upcoming sewer plant project. The committee also looked over the plans they currently had, which can be changed with the agreed purchase of the property. The were no other reports to provide.
Payment of the bills and adjourning concluded the meeting at 7:20 PM.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Deer Hunting is a Right
“Deer Hunting is a Right”
Written by Rick A. Talford
Wildlife Advocate
I am writing this article, with some frustration over the events that I watched this past Deer Hunting (gun) Season. I am not a deer hunter myself, but I know plenty of people that do hunt. I believe most hunters go out to the woods, with the intent on getting meat for their freezers. There are probably many that only hunt for the thrill of the kill, and the trophy rack. Everyone that gets a license, does so because it is a right. Now if they are going to go out and violate the rules of the hunt, then they should not be allowed that right.
I live close to Nugget Lake in Pierce County. There are plenty of corn fields that have been recently cut down, for people to see the many deer that roam the area. My wife and I enjoy seeing the deer, that come right into our yard to graze. Some even take extra time, and lay in the yard for hours at a time. We both like taking photographs of these creatures when they come so close to us. The amount of wildlife that we see on an average day, many never get the chance to see.
It happens every year, when hunting season opens up. The many gun shots usually wake us in the morning, and go throughout the daylight hours. We watch the many trucks and cars drive around after dark, shining their lights into the fields to see if the deer are near. We even get the occasional lights shining into our windows. This can be unpleasant, and is uncalled for. Remembering that it is a right to be shining, hunters need to keep in mind that there are no deer standing on peoples front porches for them to see.
I know that this does not cover all the hunters out there, but this can give one a bad feeling towards those that don’t follow the rules. I watched several different groups of hunters enter the fields around our home this year. There were those groups that left their vehicles on the roadside, and others that chose to drive into the fields. I found it curious on why they would drive into the fields with their trucks, and I found out why.
They used their vehicles to scare the deer out into the open fields, where the hunters were ready and waiting with their guns. This is by far, ILLEGAL to practice. I called and spoke with the local DNR agents, and had this confirmed. I find it absolutely sickening that these hunters used a vehicle to scare the deer, instead of walking and pushing the deer like you are suppose to. Now I did not see them actually get any deer, but I did see many deer run from the trucks driving around the edge of the woods. These hunters could not hit the running animals, Thankfully.
Now, just because I am not a current hunter, does not mean I have no clue on what I am talking about. I have hunted in the past, and I understand the rules for hunting. There are no acceptable excuses for violating the rules of hunting. There are many rules that are created for safety, as well as many to protect the animals from being hunted illegally.
I would like to remind everyone that hunts, “Be Responsible and Follow the Rules”. Those of us that are not hunting, do watch your actions. If you see any violations during the hunting season, you can call the DNR Violation Hotline at 1-800-847-9367.
Written by Rick A. Talford
Wildlife Advocate
I am writing this article, with some frustration over the events that I watched this past Deer Hunting (gun) Season. I am not a deer hunter myself, but I know plenty of people that do hunt. I believe most hunters go out to the woods, with the intent on getting meat for their freezers. There are probably many that only hunt for the thrill of the kill, and the trophy rack. Everyone that gets a license, does so because it is a right. Now if they are going to go out and violate the rules of the hunt, then they should not be allowed that right.
I live close to Nugget Lake in Pierce County. There are plenty of corn fields that have been recently cut down, for people to see the many deer that roam the area. My wife and I enjoy seeing the deer, that come right into our yard to graze. Some even take extra time, and lay in the yard for hours at a time. We both like taking photographs of these creatures when they come so close to us. The amount of wildlife that we see on an average day, many never get the chance to see.
It happens every year, when hunting season opens up. The many gun shots usually wake us in the morning, and go throughout the daylight hours. We watch the many trucks and cars drive around after dark, shining their lights into the fields to see if the deer are near. We even get the occasional lights shining into our windows. This can be unpleasant, and is uncalled for. Remembering that it is a right to be shining, hunters need to keep in mind that there are no deer standing on peoples front porches for them to see.
I know that this does not cover all the hunters out there, but this can give one a bad feeling towards those that don’t follow the rules. I watched several different groups of hunters enter the fields around our home this year. There were those groups that left their vehicles on the roadside, and others that chose to drive into the fields. I found it curious on why they would drive into the fields with their trucks, and I found out why.
They used their vehicles to scare the deer out into the open fields, where the hunters were ready and waiting with their guns. This is by far, ILLEGAL to practice. I called and spoke with the local DNR agents, and had this confirmed. I find it absolutely sickening that these hunters used a vehicle to scare the deer, instead of walking and pushing the deer like you are suppose to. Now I did not see them actually get any deer, but I did see many deer run from the trucks driving around the edge of the woods. These hunters could not hit the running animals, Thankfully.
Now, just because I am not a current hunter, does not mean I have no clue on what I am talking about. I have hunted in the past, and I understand the rules for hunting. There are no acceptable excuses for violating the rules of hunting. There are many rules that are created for safety, as well as many to protect the animals from being hunted illegally.
I would like to remind everyone that hunts, “Be Responsible and Follow the Rules”. Those of us that are not hunting, do watch your actions. If you see any violations during the hunting season, you can call the DNR Violation Hotline at 1-800-847-9367.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Nascar 2012 - race 36
“Ford EcoBoost 300”
Written By Rick A. Talford
NASCAR Enthusiast
HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA - The Nationwide Series ran their final race of the season at the Homestead track. 200 laps on the 1.5 mile track. There are a couple different stories that will end with this race. Kyle Busch is trying to get a victory, to extend his winning seasons to nine consecutive years with at least one win. The record is nine, and it is held by Mark Martin. Busch has been winless this season, in the Nationwide Series. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will try to win his second consecutive series championship. Elliott Sadler is trying to win the championship, and not finish second in as many seasons again. Austin Dillon, a Rookie is trying to win his first title, and finish every lap of the race. He would finish the season, with only one lap not finished all year. This has only been done twice before. The Pole sitter was Kyle Busch (54), with Elliott Sadler (2) starting second. Austin Dillon is starting third, with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. starting fourth. In the Pre-race ceremonies, The Redondo Elementary School provided the Pledge of Allegiance. Scott Clauncher provided the Invocation. Chelsea Bain sang the National Anthem, while two F-5’s flew over the race track. The Grand Marshal was Amy Marentic.
The first caution came out on lap 66, when Ryan Truex (20) spun out and hit the wall. The second caution came on lap 73, when Robert Richardson Jr. ran into the wall. The third caution was also Richardson Jr. on lap 94. During the pit stops, Elliott Sadler (2) was penalized for having a lug nut loose when he left his pit box. The fourth caution came out on lap 172, when debris was seen on track. The fifth and final caution flew on lap 180, when Joey Lagono (18) spun and crashed Joanna Long (70).
Kyle Busch led the most laps early, and Austin Dillon led many near the end. He looked like he was going to win the race with ease, until the late cautions changed everything for him. He did not run well during the re-start, and lost many positions. Regan Smith (5) was able to take the lead on the late re-start, and pull away from Kyle Busch (54) for the first win of his Nationwide career. He was debuting for JR Motorsports. He will drive full time next season for the team.
The rest of the top ten were: Brendan Gaughn (33), Sam Hornish Jr. (12), Austin Dillon (3), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6), Brian Scott (11), Ryan Blaney (22), Elliott Sadler (2) and Cole Whitt (88). Danica Patrick finished in thirteenth position, on the lead lap.
The final points standings were: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. - Leader, Elliott Sadler (-23), Austin Dillon (-24), Sam Hornish Jr. (-105), Michael Annett (-169), Justin Allgaier (-175), Cole Whitt (- 257), Mike Bliss (- 349), Brian Scott (- 398) and Danica Patrick (- 403). Note- Johanna Long finished the season in twentieth.
The car owners championship went to the 18 team. The Nationwide Champion was Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Rookie of the Year will most likely be Austin Dillon. The most popular Driver will most likely be Danica Patrick. The next race will be Daytona in February.
“Ford EcoBoost 400”
HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA - The Sprint Cup Series schedule for 2012, ends at the 1.5 mile track near Miami, Florida. On related news this week, Brad Keselowski made some comments after last weekends poor ending to the Phoenix race. This apparently did not sit well with NASCAR, being they fined him $ 25,000 for using his cell phone while in the race car, under caution. He has used his phone in a number of races this season, without any actions by NASCAR. They claim they told all drivers after the Daytona 500 that they were not allowed to use their electronic devices in their cars. This was never documented by any reporters throughout the year though. After the issues between Jeff Gordon and Clint Bowyer, NASCAR fined Gordon $ 100,000 and docked him 25 points. He was also placed on probation until the end of December. Gordon’s Crew Chief was also placed under probation for the same period. Bowyer’s Crew Chief was fined $ 25,000 and placed under probation until the end of December also. Bowyer received no form of penalty for his part in the incident, nor was any of the crew members that went after Gordon on pit road.
The Pole sitter for the final race, was Joey Lagono (20). He unfortunately crashed in final practice, and had to start at the rear of the field. Started second. The race was scheduled for 267 laps on the 1.5 mile track. In pre-race ceremonies, Scott Clauncher provided the Invocation. Chris Mann sang the National Anthem, while four F-15’s flew over the speedway. The Grand Marshal for the race was Jonathan Hillstrand, of TV Show World’s Most Dangerous Catch. The in-race reporter was Tony Stewart (14).
The race began with Brad Keselowski (2) starting in the top spot, due to Joey Lagono crashing in final practice. Keselowski would have began the race in third, but will be allowed to move forward on spot when Lagono goes to the rear of the field. The start of the race, had Kyle Busch taking the lead by lap 15. For the first half of the race, he was at the front most of the time. Martin Truex Jr. (56) was a strong contender, swapping the lead back and forth with Busch. The first caution came on lap 79 for Debris. The second caution on lap 143, was also for Debris. During this stop, Jimmie Johnson (48) only took two tires in order to get the lead off pit road. Six to eight cars copied him, while the majority of the field took four tires, including the points leader Keselowski. A third caution flew on lap 154, when Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6) had a tire failure before hitting the wall.
With one-hundred laps remaining, Kyle Busch (18) earned the point for leading the most laps. This kept Johnson from earning max. points in the race. He would need to lead the most laps, and win the race to get max. points. During a green flag stop, Kasey Kahne (5) was caught speeding on pit road. His chance at victory went out the window with the penalty. Jimmie Johnson’s team tried to stretch their fuel mileage, to get a victory and only have to make one final stop in the race. The rest of the field was going to make two stops to get to the end. He left pit road with a lug nut missing. He was penalized with a stop and go penalty, dropping him from the lead, back to twenty-fifth. Just a few laps later, Johnson’s chances went up in smoke. His race for his sixth championship had come to an end. In the garage, the mechanics found that the rear gear had gone bad.
Kathy Penske sat on top of Keselowski’s pit box for the last few races, as a good luck charm for the team. Kathy is Roger Penske’s wife. This will be Roger’s first championship in the Sprint Cup Series. Keselowski won Penske’s first Nationwide Championship as well. If Keselowski can win the championship, it will put him with Jeff Gordon as to the fastest to a championship after starting his career. Dale Earnhardt Sr. did it in only two seasons. Jeff and Brad would be the only two drivers that did it in their third season.
Brad Keselowski made his final stop on pit road, with nineteen laps remaining. When Keselowski returned to the track, he passed Denny Hamlin (11) who went down a cylinder. The race went down to fuel mileage once again, keeping Kyle Busch (18) out of victory lane. He needed to make a final stop for fuel, and ended the race in fourth. Jeff Gordon (24) was able to win the race, ahead of Clint Bowyer (15). The rest of the top ten were: Ryan Newman (39), Kyle Busch (18), Greg Biffle (16), Martin Truex Jr. (56), Aric Almirola (43), Kevin Harvick (29), Kurt Busch (78) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88).
The final standings in points were: Brad Keselowski -Leader, Clint Bowyer (-39), Jimmie Johnson (-40), Kasey Kahne (-55), Greg Biffle (-68), Denny Hamlin (-71), Matt Kenseth (-76), Kevin Harvick (-79), Tony Stewart (-89), Jeff Gordon (-97), Martin Truex Jr. (-101) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (-155).
Paul Wolfe is Keselowski’s crew chief, and Roger Penske is his car owner. Both can now say, “We are the 2012 Nascar Sprint Cup Champions”, thanks to a great season that driver Brad Keselowski was able to put together for his team. This was also Dodge’s final race, as they are leaving Nascar after this race. Penske thanked Dodge for a great year, without any failures by the car or engines.
The next race will be at Daytona in February, in 98 days. A new car design will also be brought out next season.
The Camping World Truck Series came to an end with a race at Homestead on Friday Night. Cale Gale (33) won his first Series race over Kyle Busch, who was unable to win a race this year, as an owner. James Buescher (31) won his first Series Championship. The rest of the top ten were: Joey Coultier, Ty Dillon, Peter Kligerman, Matt Crafton, Nelson Piquet Jr., Juston Lofton, Johnny Sauter and Miquel Paludo.
Note- Ty Dillon is the younger brother of Austin. He was a strong title contender all season, as a rookie. He will likely be named Rookie of the Year. He drove the famous 3 Truck, that his brother Austin took to a Championship one year ago.
NASCAR crowned three “Champions” this weekend. James Buescher in the Camping World Truck Series, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in the Nationwide Series and Brad Keselowski in the Sprint Cup Series.
Congratulations to each of these drivers and their respective teams. As a Nascar Enthusiast, I look forward to the new season beginning in February.
Written By Rick A. Talford
NASCAR Enthusiast
HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA - The Nationwide Series ran their final race of the season at the Homestead track. 200 laps on the 1.5 mile track. There are a couple different stories that will end with this race. Kyle Busch is trying to get a victory, to extend his winning seasons to nine consecutive years with at least one win. The record is nine, and it is held by Mark Martin. Busch has been winless this season, in the Nationwide Series. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will try to win his second consecutive series championship. Elliott Sadler is trying to win the championship, and not finish second in as many seasons again. Austin Dillon, a Rookie is trying to win his first title, and finish every lap of the race. He would finish the season, with only one lap not finished all year. This has only been done twice before. The Pole sitter was Kyle Busch (54), with Elliott Sadler (2) starting second. Austin Dillon is starting third, with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. starting fourth. In the Pre-race ceremonies, The Redondo Elementary School provided the Pledge of Allegiance. Scott Clauncher provided the Invocation. Chelsea Bain sang the National Anthem, while two F-5’s flew over the race track. The Grand Marshal was Amy Marentic.
The first caution came out on lap 66, when Ryan Truex (20) spun out and hit the wall. The second caution came on lap 73, when Robert Richardson Jr. ran into the wall. The third caution was also Richardson Jr. on lap 94. During the pit stops, Elliott Sadler (2) was penalized for having a lug nut loose when he left his pit box. The fourth caution came out on lap 172, when debris was seen on track. The fifth and final caution flew on lap 180, when Joey Lagono (18) spun and crashed Joanna Long (70).
Kyle Busch led the most laps early, and Austin Dillon led many near the end. He looked like he was going to win the race with ease, until the late cautions changed everything for him. He did not run well during the re-start, and lost many positions. Regan Smith (5) was able to take the lead on the late re-start, and pull away from Kyle Busch (54) for the first win of his Nationwide career. He was debuting for JR Motorsports. He will drive full time next season for the team.
The rest of the top ten were: Brendan Gaughn (33), Sam Hornish Jr. (12), Austin Dillon (3), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6), Brian Scott (11), Ryan Blaney (22), Elliott Sadler (2) and Cole Whitt (88). Danica Patrick finished in thirteenth position, on the lead lap.
The final points standings were: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. - Leader, Elliott Sadler (-23), Austin Dillon (-24), Sam Hornish Jr. (-105), Michael Annett (-169), Justin Allgaier (-175), Cole Whitt (- 257), Mike Bliss (- 349), Brian Scott (- 398) and Danica Patrick (- 403). Note- Johanna Long finished the season in twentieth.
The car owners championship went to the 18 team. The Nationwide Champion was Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Rookie of the Year will most likely be Austin Dillon. The most popular Driver will most likely be Danica Patrick. The next race will be Daytona in February.
“Ford EcoBoost 400”
HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA - The Sprint Cup Series schedule for 2012, ends at the 1.5 mile track near Miami, Florida. On related news this week, Brad Keselowski made some comments after last weekends poor ending to the Phoenix race. This apparently did not sit well with NASCAR, being they fined him $ 25,000 for using his cell phone while in the race car, under caution. He has used his phone in a number of races this season, without any actions by NASCAR. They claim they told all drivers after the Daytona 500 that they were not allowed to use their electronic devices in their cars. This was never documented by any reporters throughout the year though. After the issues between Jeff Gordon and Clint Bowyer, NASCAR fined Gordon $ 100,000 and docked him 25 points. He was also placed on probation until the end of December. Gordon’s Crew Chief was also placed under probation for the same period. Bowyer’s Crew Chief was fined $ 25,000 and placed under probation until the end of December also. Bowyer received no form of penalty for his part in the incident, nor was any of the crew members that went after Gordon on pit road.
The Pole sitter for the final race, was Joey Lagono (20). He unfortunately crashed in final practice, and had to start at the rear of the field. Started second. The race was scheduled for 267 laps on the 1.5 mile track. In pre-race ceremonies, Scott Clauncher provided the Invocation. Chris Mann sang the National Anthem, while four F-15’s flew over the speedway. The Grand Marshal for the race was Jonathan Hillstrand, of TV Show World’s Most Dangerous Catch. The in-race reporter was Tony Stewart (14).
The race began with Brad Keselowski (2) starting in the top spot, due to Joey Lagono crashing in final practice. Keselowski would have began the race in third, but will be allowed to move forward on spot when Lagono goes to the rear of the field. The start of the race, had Kyle Busch taking the lead by lap 15. For the first half of the race, he was at the front most of the time. Martin Truex Jr. (56) was a strong contender, swapping the lead back and forth with Busch. The first caution came on lap 79 for Debris. The second caution on lap 143, was also for Debris. During this stop, Jimmie Johnson (48) only took two tires in order to get the lead off pit road. Six to eight cars copied him, while the majority of the field took four tires, including the points leader Keselowski. A third caution flew on lap 154, when Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6) had a tire failure before hitting the wall.
With one-hundred laps remaining, Kyle Busch (18) earned the point for leading the most laps. This kept Johnson from earning max. points in the race. He would need to lead the most laps, and win the race to get max. points. During a green flag stop, Kasey Kahne (5) was caught speeding on pit road. His chance at victory went out the window with the penalty. Jimmie Johnson’s team tried to stretch their fuel mileage, to get a victory and only have to make one final stop in the race. The rest of the field was going to make two stops to get to the end. He left pit road with a lug nut missing. He was penalized with a stop and go penalty, dropping him from the lead, back to twenty-fifth. Just a few laps later, Johnson’s chances went up in smoke. His race for his sixth championship had come to an end. In the garage, the mechanics found that the rear gear had gone bad.
Kathy Penske sat on top of Keselowski’s pit box for the last few races, as a good luck charm for the team. Kathy is Roger Penske’s wife. This will be Roger’s first championship in the Sprint Cup Series. Keselowski won Penske’s first Nationwide Championship as well. If Keselowski can win the championship, it will put him with Jeff Gordon as to the fastest to a championship after starting his career. Dale Earnhardt Sr. did it in only two seasons. Jeff and Brad would be the only two drivers that did it in their third season.
Brad Keselowski made his final stop on pit road, with nineteen laps remaining. When Keselowski returned to the track, he passed Denny Hamlin (11) who went down a cylinder. The race went down to fuel mileage once again, keeping Kyle Busch (18) out of victory lane. He needed to make a final stop for fuel, and ended the race in fourth. Jeff Gordon (24) was able to win the race, ahead of Clint Bowyer (15). The rest of the top ten were: Ryan Newman (39), Kyle Busch (18), Greg Biffle (16), Martin Truex Jr. (56), Aric Almirola (43), Kevin Harvick (29), Kurt Busch (78) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88).
The final standings in points were: Brad Keselowski -Leader, Clint Bowyer (-39), Jimmie Johnson (-40), Kasey Kahne (-55), Greg Biffle (-68), Denny Hamlin (-71), Matt Kenseth (-76), Kevin Harvick (-79), Tony Stewart (-89), Jeff Gordon (-97), Martin Truex Jr. (-101) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (-155).
Paul Wolfe is Keselowski’s crew chief, and Roger Penske is his car owner. Both can now say, “We are the 2012 Nascar Sprint Cup Champions”, thanks to a great season that driver Brad Keselowski was able to put together for his team. This was also Dodge’s final race, as they are leaving Nascar after this race. Penske thanked Dodge for a great year, without any failures by the car or engines.
The next race will be at Daytona in February, in 98 days. A new car design will also be brought out next season.
The Camping World Truck Series came to an end with a race at Homestead on Friday Night. Cale Gale (33) won his first Series race over Kyle Busch, who was unable to win a race this year, as an owner. James Buescher (31) won his first Series Championship. The rest of the top ten were: Joey Coultier, Ty Dillon, Peter Kligerman, Matt Crafton, Nelson Piquet Jr., Juston Lofton, Johnny Sauter and Miquel Paludo.
Note- Ty Dillon is the younger brother of Austin. He was a strong title contender all season, as a rookie. He will likely be named Rookie of the Year. He drove the famous 3 Truck, that his brother Austin took to a Championship one year ago.
NASCAR crowned three “Champions” this weekend. James Buescher in the Camping World Truck Series, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in the Nationwide Series and Brad Keselowski in the Sprint Cup Series.
Congratulations to each of these drivers and their respective teams. As a Nascar Enthusiast, I look forward to the new season beginning in February.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
EVB Report for November 2012
Elmwood Village Board Approves
Water and Sewer Rate Increases
Submitted by Rick A. Talford
Citizen Journalist
ELMWOOD, WI - The Village Board meeting was held on Monday evening, at the Village Auditorium. All the board members were present for the meeting. A Public Hearing started the evenings agenda. Ordinance 7-1 “Licensing Dogs-Regulation of Animals” had a change that was being approved. There have been complaints about the feral cats within the village, and the needs to have all cats registered. The board reviewed past information in regards to cats, and found that they had changed the Ordinance verbally, but not in writing. Cats will no longer need to be registered within village limits. There are still regulations that cat owners need to know, but registering their pet will not be required. Trustee Neil Boltic brought the information forward to the board. “The enforcement against cats is hard to do, and officers have better use of their time.” He added, “Owners should still be responsible, with getting their animals vaccinated properly.” There was no public input received.
The regular board meeting then began after the hearing was closed. In Public Input, Trustee Trisha Knops spoke to the board about the Library President position that was open. A public release for “Letters of Interest” will be published in upcoming weeks. One “Operator’s License” for Rebecca Baumgartner, at the Longbranch was approved. A five dollar increase on the sewer rate was also approved. The current thirteen dollar charge will increase to eighteen dollars. It was stated, “We have been in the red for twenty years.” The amount in red, is thirty-seven thousand dollars. Trustee Mike Sand provided the figures. “In order to get future grants that will be needed for the upcoming sewer plant updates, we need to be in the black.” This increase will begin February 2013. Trustee Brian Buck told the members, “We have had no big increases for years and years, only slight increases.” Village Clerk/Treasurer Amy Wayne explained an increase, that was approved a year ago. The board then moved ahead to the water rate increase. Trustee Mike Sand asked the board to approve a 3.2 percent increase, and that was approved.
The Financing for the Elmwood Fire Dept. Truck Purchase was next on the agenda. Mike Baker came to the meeting as a representative of the Fire Dept. He explained that the current Chevy Truck was gotten from the DNR back in 2000. The truck has many issues, including bad rear seals, ring gears and poor exhaust system. Two men in gear, take up the cab of the current truck. The DNR discontinued the program, were they would get a used military truck for use. When the new truck is received, the current truck will be returned to the DNR. Village President Bill Stewart then spoke to the members. He explained that the village would do well, by taking it’s turn with a loan for the Fire Dept. There are seven municipalities that make up the Corporation that the Elmwood Fire Dept. works under. The Fire Dept. will also use “Benefit Funds” to get the new truck set up. A 2.5 percent interest rate, through the WI State Trust Fund would be used for this loan. “This is a guaranteed pay back, with no high risk for the village,” he added. A “Roll Call” vote was required for this approval, and a unanimous “yes” was received. A thirty-five thousand dollar loan will be granted by the village board.
In Committee and Board Reports, Trustee Knops spoke on behalf of the Nursing Home and Library. A meeting was held on October 9, 2012 at the Nursing Home. The driveway was completed, and some updates inside have been getting done. The Library Committee met on November 12, 2012. “Strategic planning has been in process recently, with approximately two-thousand books being removed from the library. 160 new products have been brought in at the same time. A new book club is beginning this week, as well as teen advisory meetings.”
Trustee Brian Buck then provided information from the Personnel and Finance Committee. “We are working on the budget, and trying to figure out what projects to get done. We are dealing with Insurance issues, and everything is still on the table. There is grant research being done in regards to the police squad, and we could receive up to thirty percent towards replacing our current vehicle. I am pretty sure we will get the grant. We also have twenty-two thousand still in the outlay budget. It should not cost any additional funds to update our vehicle. The car is at the stage, where it is starting to go.” The members then started discussing the possibility of getting a F-150 Truck, or an Explorer. Both these options would have all-wheel or four wheel drive capability. The F-150 is a one ton, V-6, four door. The discussion made it sound like they had no interest in getting the newest squad car available. The new Taurus was considered to be too small. Buck then added, “We still need nineteen thousand for the auditorium roof repairs as well.”
Trustee Knops then asked about the budget, and what funds the Library may receive. Buck then explained there is a possible cut of five to seven-thousand dollars, to the funds the library will receive. Buck stated, “The library has a fund with one-hundred and thirteen thousand dollars in it, that can be used for materials by the library. They need to use some of these funds.” This began a bit of a discussion by itself, with Knops explaining the many requirements for using those funds. “We need more money to run the library correctly.” She then told the other members that she felt they needed to look at things more seriously. “We’re playing catch-up after being in the red for many years.” It was noted that the village may be required to have a referendum, so the community could evaluate the greatest needs. “The previous boards did not save properly, and a referendum may be in our near future,” stated Trustee Neil Boltic. There will be more need and shortfall coming in the near future, when the county starts replacing HWY 72 through the village. The costs for sewer, water, lights, signs and sidewalks will all be at village costs. This is all due to state mandates.
Trustee Mike Sand then spoke about the Public Works Committee. A group from Elmwood went to Spring Valley to look at their sewer plant system. The village’s needs would match closely to Spring Valley. “It is an efficient running plant, that handles up to 157,000 gallons per day. It has a twenty-year life span, and an alarm system that contacts the village immediately with any failures. This would exceed all mandates.” Sand then added, “This is in the planning stage, so we are looking over our options.”
Payment of the bills was approved, then the board adjourned at 7:35 PM.
Water and Sewer Rate Increases
Submitted by Rick A. Talford
Citizen Journalist
ELMWOOD, WI - The Village Board meeting was held on Monday evening, at the Village Auditorium. All the board members were present for the meeting. A Public Hearing started the evenings agenda. Ordinance 7-1 “Licensing Dogs-Regulation of Animals” had a change that was being approved. There have been complaints about the feral cats within the village, and the needs to have all cats registered. The board reviewed past information in regards to cats, and found that they had changed the Ordinance verbally, but not in writing. Cats will no longer need to be registered within village limits. There are still regulations that cat owners need to know, but registering their pet will not be required. Trustee Neil Boltic brought the information forward to the board. “The enforcement against cats is hard to do, and officers have better use of their time.” He added, “Owners should still be responsible, with getting their animals vaccinated properly.” There was no public input received.
The regular board meeting then began after the hearing was closed. In Public Input, Trustee Trisha Knops spoke to the board about the Library President position that was open. A public release for “Letters of Interest” will be published in upcoming weeks. One “Operator’s License” for Rebecca Baumgartner, at the Longbranch was approved. A five dollar increase on the sewer rate was also approved. The current thirteen dollar charge will increase to eighteen dollars. It was stated, “We have been in the red for twenty years.” The amount in red, is thirty-seven thousand dollars. Trustee Mike Sand provided the figures. “In order to get future grants that will be needed for the upcoming sewer plant updates, we need to be in the black.” This increase will begin February 2013. Trustee Brian Buck told the members, “We have had no big increases for years and years, only slight increases.” Village Clerk/Treasurer Amy Wayne explained an increase, that was approved a year ago. The board then moved ahead to the water rate increase. Trustee Mike Sand asked the board to approve a 3.2 percent increase, and that was approved.
The Financing for the Elmwood Fire Dept. Truck Purchase was next on the agenda. Mike Baker came to the meeting as a representative of the Fire Dept. He explained that the current Chevy Truck was gotten from the DNR back in 2000. The truck has many issues, including bad rear seals, ring gears and poor exhaust system. Two men in gear, take up the cab of the current truck. The DNR discontinued the program, were they would get a used military truck for use. When the new truck is received, the current truck will be returned to the DNR. Village President Bill Stewart then spoke to the members. He explained that the village would do well, by taking it’s turn with a loan for the Fire Dept. There are seven municipalities that make up the Corporation that the Elmwood Fire Dept. works under. The Fire Dept. will also use “Benefit Funds” to get the new truck set up. A 2.5 percent interest rate, through the WI State Trust Fund would be used for this loan. “This is a guaranteed pay back, with no high risk for the village,” he added. A “Roll Call” vote was required for this approval, and a unanimous “yes” was received. A thirty-five thousand dollar loan will be granted by the village board.
In Committee and Board Reports, Trustee Knops spoke on behalf of the Nursing Home and Library. A meeting was held on October 9, 2012 at the Nursing Home. The driveway was completed, and some updates inside have been getting done. The Library Committee met on November 12, 2012. “Strategic planning has been in process recently, with approximately two-thousand books being removed from the library. 160 new products have been brought in at the same time. A new book club is beginning this week, as well as teen advisory meetings.”
Trustee Brian Buck then provided information from the Personnel and Finance Committee. “We are working on the budget, and trying to figure out what projects to get done. We are dealing with Insurance issues, and everything is still on the table. There is grant research being done in regards to the police squad, and we could receive up to thirty percent towards replacing our current vehicle. I am pretty sure we will get the grant. We also have twenty-two thousand still in the outlay budget. It should not cost any additional funds to update our vehicle. The car is at the stage, where it is starting to go.” The members then started discussing the possibility of getting a F-150 Truck, or an Explorer. Both these options would have all-wheel or four wheel drive capability. The F-150 is a one ton, V-6, four door. The discussion made it sound like they had no interest in getting the newest squad car available. The new Taurus was considered to be too small. Buck then added, “We still need nineteen thousand for the auditorium roof repairs as well.”
Trustee Knops then asked about the budget, and what funds the Library may receive. Buck then explained there is a possible cut of five to seven-thousand dollars, to the funds the library will receive. Buck stated, “The library has a fund with one-hundred and thirteen thousand dollars in it, that can be used for materials by the library. They need to use some of these funds.” This began a bit of a discussion by itself, with Knops explaining the many requirements for using those funds. “We need more money to run the library correctly.” She then told the other members that she felt they needed to look at things more seriously. “We’re playing catch-up after being in the red for many years.” It was noted that the village may be required to have a referendum, so the community could evaluate the greatest needs. “The previous boards did not save properly, and a referendum may be in our near future,” stated Trustee Neil Boltic. There will be more need and shortfall coming in the near future, when the county starts replacing HWY 72 through the village. The costs for sewer, water, lights, signs and sidewalks will all be at village costs. This is all due to state mandates.
Trustee Mike Sand then spoke about the Public Works Committee. A group from Elmwood went to Spring Valley to look at their sewer plant system. The village’s needs would match closely to Spring Valley. “It is an efficient running plant, that handles up to 157,000 gallons per day. It has a twenty-year life span, and an alarm system that contacts the village immediately with any failures. This would exceed all mandates.” Sand then added, “This is in the planning stage, so we are looking over our options.”
Payment of the bills was approved, then the board adjourned at 7:35 PM.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Nascar 2012 - race 35
NATIONWIDE @ PHOENIX
Written by Rick A. Talford
Nascar Enthusiast
AVONDALE, ARIZONA - The Nationwide Series ran their second to last race of the season at the Phoenix track. In the Pre-race ceremonies, Ken Bowers provided the invocation. Chelsea Bain sang the National Anthem, while two T-45’s flew over the race track. Rhonda Olson was the Grand Marshal. The Pole-sitter was Joey Lagono (18), with Kyle Busch (54) starting second. A one mile track, that they would run 200 laps. In other related news, Brian Vickers was signed to drive the Joe Gibbs # 20 car full-time next season.
The first caution came out on lap one, when Noel Dowler (41) spun out. The second caution flew on lap 31, when John Blankenship (44) spun out. The third caution on lap 70, was also Blankenship spinning out. This time he had a bit of help from Brad Keselowski (22). Caution came out on lap 120, when Dowler spun out a second time. On lap 148, Mike Wallace (01) spun out Timmy Hill (70). Caution seven came out on lap 155, when Kyle Busch (54) intentionally spun out Sam Hornish Jr. (12). Another caution flew for Blankenship a second time on lap 177, for another spin out.
Elliott Sadler (2) ran up into Cole Whitt (88), and spun the two cars sideways with two laps remaining. The caution came out, as the car of Brendan Gaughn (33) also ran into the front end of Sadler. A “Red Flag” then came out on lap 199, to clean up the track for a Green-White-Checkered finish. Joey Lagono (18) was able to hold onto the lead, for his ninth win of the season. He also led the most laps in the race.
The rest of the top ten were: Brian Vickers (20), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6), Kyle Busch (54), Kasey Kahne (38), Austin Dillon (3), Michael Annett (43), Brian Scott (11), Brad Keselowski (22) and Danica Patrick (7).
The points standings now have Stenhouse Jr. ahead of Sadler by 20 points, with Dillon back 25 points. (Stenhouse Jr. only needs to finish 16th or better next week at Homestead, to win his second consecutive championship) Hornish Jr. -107, Annett -162, Allgaier -169, Whitt -252, Bliss -335, Scott -396 and Patrick -406.
ADVOCARE 500
AVONDALE, ARIZONA - The Sprint Cup Series also ran their second to last race of the season at Phoenix International Raceway. 312 Laps were scheduled to be run. The Pole-sitter was Kyle Busch (18), with Martin Truex Jr. (56) starting second. A new track record was set by Busch in qualifying (138.766). During the Opening Ceremonies, Ken Bowers provided the Invocation. Jason Wyatt sang “America the Beautiful”, and the National Anthem was sang by JoJo , while four F-16’s flew over the race track. The Grand Marshal was Richard and Sherry Wright. The In-race Reporter was Clint Bowyer (15). Other related news this week was, Kevin Harvick (29) will race one more year with RCR, then he will go to Stewart-Hass Racing in 2014. Ryan Newman (39) had 250 black and white pictures of American Veterans on his race car.
The race ran seven laps, before one of the “Chase” drivers began having troubles. Martin Truex Jr. (56), who started in second position began having electrical issues. He would take his car to the garage, where they found out the engine was starting to fail. On lap 18, the first caution came out for Mike Bliss (19) hitting the wall. Another caution came out on lap 52, when David Gilliland (38) had a tire blow out. He would hit the wall hard after the tire failure. Denny Hamlin (11) would take the lead from teammate Busch on lap 120. Busch would get the lead back after the third caution, on lap 168 for debris. Newman would have the lead at the re-start, but Busch would get it back shortly after.
On lap 232, Brad Keselowski (2) would take the lead away from Busch. The fourth caution came out just a couple laps later, when Jimmie Johnson (48) would have a tire fail. He ran up the track, and into the wall. The damage was sever enough, that he had to go to the garage for repairs. The fifth caution came out for David Ragan (34) hitting the wall on lap 274, after he had a tire failure in turn four. Johnson returned to the track after repairs to his car on lap 277. He was 38 laps down when he came back to the track. The sixth caution came out on lap 280, when Tony Stewart (14) was spun out by Aric Almirola(43). Stewart had to check up, when teammate Newman slowed in front of him. On lap 288, Sam Hornish Jr. (22) brought out the seventh caution, when he hit the wall after contact with Danica Patrick (7). Both drivers were racing for nineteenth position on the lead lap.
On the re-start, Kevin Harvick (29) was able to get past Busch to take the lead. Before he could get to the white flag, Jeff Gordon (24) and Clint Bowyer (15) got together on track. Gordon waited for Bowyer to come back around, and intentionally wrecked him. Joey Lagono (20) and Aric Almirola (43) both got collected in the incident. A fight then broke out on pit road between the crews, after Bowyers crew went after Jeff. The “Red Flag” was then waved, so clean-up could be completed. The race would go into the Green-White-Checkered conclusion. The wreck happened right in front of the points leader, Brad Keselowski.
The end of this race was complete wreck fest. Right after the re-start, Jeff Burton (31) got into Danica Patrick and spun her out. Both were inside the top fifteen at the time. No caution was thrown, and cars drove through oil getting back to the checkered flag.
Another major pile-up happened at the start/finish line due to the oil. Ryan Newman (39), Kurt Busch (78), Mark Martin (55), Paul Menard (27), Greg Biffle (16), Danica Patrick (7) and Brad Keselowski (2) received damages from the last lap incident.
Kevin Harvick was able to re-start the final time, and get away. He would beat Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch for the victory. Harvick broke a 44 race winless streak. The rest of the top ten were: Kasey Kahne (5), Ryan Newman (39), Brad Keselowski (2), Greg Biffle (16), Kurt Busch (78), Paul Menard (27) and Mark Martin (55).
Other “Chase” notable finishes were: Matt Kenseth -17th, Tony Stewart - 20th, Dale Earnhardt Jr. -21st, Clint Bowyer - 27th, Jeff Gordon - 30th, Jimmie Johnson - 32nd and Martin Truex Jr. - 42nd. Danica Patrick finished 17th, one lap down as the leader passed her just before the start/finish line, after she was spun out by Burton.
The points leader is now Brad Keselowski by 20 points over Jimmie Johnson. With only one race remaining, Keselowski needs to finish 15th or better to win the title outright, no matter what Johnson does.
The next race is at Homestead next Sunday on ESPN.
Written by Rick A. Talford
Nascar Enthusiast
AVONDALE, ARIZONA - The Nationwide Series ran their second to last race of the season at the Phoenix track. In the Pre-race ceremonies, Ken Bowers provided the invocation. Chelsea Bain sang the National Anthem, while two T-45’s flew over the race track. Rhonda Olson was the Grand Marshal. The Pole-sitter was Joey Lagono (18), with Kyle Busch (54) starting second. A one mile track, that they would run 200 laps. In other related news, Brian Vickers was signed to drive the Joe Gibbs # 20 car full-time next season.
The first caution came out on lap one, when Noel Dowler (41) spun out. The second caution flew on lap 31, when John Blankenship (44) spun out. The third caution on lap 70, was also Blankenship spinning out. This time he had a bit of help from Brad Keselowski (22). Caution came out on lap 120, when Dowler spun out a second time. On lap 148, Mike Wallace (01) spun out Timmy Hill (70). Caution seven came out on lap 155, when Kyle Busch (54) intentionally spun out Sam Hornish Jr. (12). Another caution flew for Blankenship a second time on lap 177, for another spin out.
Elliott Sadler (2) ran up into Cole Whitt (88), and spun the two cars sideways with two laps remaining. The caution came out, as the car of Brendan Gaughn (33) also ran into the front end of Sadler. A “Red Flag” then came out on lap 199, to clean up the track for a Green-White-Checkered finish. Joey Lagono (18) was able to hold onto the lead, for his ninth win of the season. He also led the most laps in the race.
The rest of the top ten were: Brian Vickers (20), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6), Kyle Busch (54), Kasey Kahne (38), Austin Dillon (3), Michael Annett (43), Brian Scott (11), Brad Keselowski (22) and Danica Patrick (7).
The points standings now have Stenhouse Jr. ahead of Sadler by 20 points, with Dillon back 25 points. (Stenhouse Jr. only needs to finish 16th or better next week at Homestead, to win his second consecutive championship) Hornish Jr. -107, Annett -162, Allgaier -169, Whitt -252, Bliss -335, Scott -396 and Patrick -406.
ADVOCARE 500
AVONDALE, ARIZONA - The Sprint Cup Series also ran their second to last race of the season at Phoenix International Raceway. 312 Laps were scheduled to be run. The Pole-sitter was Kyle Busch (18), with Martin Truex Jr. (56) starting second. A new track record was set by Busch in qualifying (138.766). During the Opening Ceremonies, Ken Bowers provided the Invocation. Jason Wyatt sang “America the Beautiful”, and the National Anthem was sang by JoJo , while four F-16’s flew over the race track. The Grand Marshal was Richard and Sherry Wright. The In-race Reporter was Clint Bowyer (15). Other related news this week was, Kevin Harvick (29) will race one more year with RCR, then he will go to Stewart-Hass Racing in 2014. Ryan Newman (39) had 250 black and white pictures of American Veterans on his race car.
The race ran seven laps, before one of the “Chase” drivers began having troubles. Martin Truex Jr. (56), who started in second position began having electrical issues. He would take his car to the garage, where they found out the engine was starting to fail. On lap 18, the first caution came out for Mike Bliss (19) hitting the wall. Another caution came out on lap 52, when David Gilliland (38) had a tire blow out. He would hit the wall hard after the tire failure. Denny Hamlin (11) would take the lead from teammate Busch on lap 120. Busch would get the lead back after the third caution, on lap 168 for debris. Newman would have the lead at the re-start, but Busch would get it back shortly after.
On lap 232, Brad Keselowski (2) would take the lead away from Busch. The fourth caution came out just a couple laps later, when Jimmie Johnson (48) would have a tire fail. He ran up the track, and into the wall. The damage was sever enough, that he had to go to the garage for repairs. The fifth caution came out for David Ragan (34) hitting the wall on lap 274, after he had a tire failure in turn four. Johnson returned to the track after repairs to his car on lap 277. He was 38 laps down when he came back to the track. The sixth caution came out on lap 280, when Tony Stewart (14) was spun out by Aric Almirola(43). Stewart had to check up, when teammate Newman slowed in front of him. On lap 288, Sam Hornish Jr. (22) brought out the seventh caution, when he hit the wall after contact with Danica Patrick (7). Both drivers were racing for nineteenth position on the lead lap.
On the re-start, Kevin Harvick (29) was able to get past Busch to take the lead. Before he could get to the white flag, Jeff Gordon (24) and Clint Bowyer (15) got together on track. Gordon waited for Bowyer to come back around, and intentionally wrecked him. Joey Lagono (20) and Aric Almirola (43) both got collected in the incident. A fight then broke out on pit road between the crews, after Bowyers crew went after Jeff. The “Red Flag” was then waved, so clean-up could be completed. The race would go into the Green-White-Checkered conclusion. The wreck happened right in front of the points leader, Brad Keselowski.
The end of this race was complete wreck fest. Right after the re-start, Jeff Burton (31) got into Danica Patrick and spun her out. Both were inside the top fifteen at the time. No caution was thrown, and cars drove through oil getting back to the checkered flag.
Another major pile-up happened at the start/finish line due to the oil. Ryan Newman (39), Kurt Busch (78), Mark Martin (55), Paul Menard (27), Greg Biffle (16), Danica Patrick (7) and Brad Keselowski (2) received damages from the last lap incident.
Kevin Harvick was able to re-start the final time, and get away. He would beat Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch for the victory. Harvick broke a 44 race winless streak. The rest of the top ten were: Kasey Kahne (5), Ryan Newman (39), Brad Keselowski (2), Greg Biffle (16), Kurt Busch (78), Paul Menard (27) and Mark Martin (55).
Other “Chase” notable finishes were: Matt Kenseth -17th, Tony Stewart - 20th, Dale Earnhardt Jr. -21st, Clint Bowyer - 27th, Jeff Gordon - 30th, Jimmie Johnson - 32nd and Martin Truex Jr. - 42nd. Danica Patrick finished 17th, one lap down as the leader passed her just before the start/finish line, after she was spun out by Burton.
The points leader is now Brad Keselowski by 20 points over Jimmie Johnson. With only one race remaining, Keselowski needs to finish 15th or better to win the title outright, no matter what Johnson does.
The next race is at Homestead next Sunday on ESPN.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Nascar 2012 - race 34
TEXAS “TWO-STEP”
O’Reilly Challenge
Written by Rick A. Talford
NASCAR Enthusiast
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - The Nationwide Series ran their race at the mile and a half speedway. 200 laps would be scheduled to run at the high speed track. The Pole sitter was Kyle Busch (54), a five time winner at Texas in the series. Points leader, Elliott Sadler (2) started second. Danica Patrick (7) had a great qualifying, and started in the eighth spot. After this race, there would only be two more left to the Championship. Phoenix and Homestead will complete the 2012 Season, in the next two weeks. During the In-Race Ceremonies, Jay Atwood provided the Invocation. The 77th Army Band from Oklahoma played the National Anthem, while 15 show planes flew over head. The group was called the Falcon Team. The Grand Marshal was Ian Nelson. The In-Race Reporter was Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6)
Kyle Busch (54) led the first 64 laps, before Kevin Harvick (33) took over the front spot. A tire failure brought out the first caution. A second caution came on lap 45, just after Austin Dillon (3) went to the pits for a tire going down. The caution was for debris on the track. After running well, on lap 57 Johanna Long (70) went to the garage after her transmission became a problem and her shifter fell off. On lap 65, Harvick would take control of the lead. On lap 84, the third caution came out for Jason Bowles (81) tagging the wall. On lap 154, Joey Gase (52) would spin out and bring out caution four of the race. During the pit stops, four cars would stay on track. Austin Dillon (3), Denny Hamlin (18),Ryan Blaney (22) and Justin Allgaier (31) tried to stay out to gain advantage on track, and save a set of tires for a late caution. On lap 175, the fifth and final caution came out for Joe Nemechek (87) hitting the wall.
Kevin Harvick led the most laps, while dominating the majority of the race. He went on to victory for the second time this season, in the series. This was his fifth win at the track. He has led the most laps seven times this season, with only the two wins. Paul Menard has drove the same 33 car, with three of those races leading the most laps. Harvick led a total of 127 laps.
The rest of the top ten were: Ryan Blaney (22), Kyle Busch (54), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6), Denny Hamlin (18), Austin Dillon (3), Sam Hornish Jr. (12), Justin Allgaier (31), Kevin Swindell (98) and Cole Whitt (88). Danica Patrick ran a great race, and was in the top fifteen the entire race. She ran as high as fourth for a good part of it. She ended the night in fourteenth, after some late race shuffling on the final restart.
The points standing have really tightened up, with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. taking the lead over Elliott Sadler. The two drivers are tied in points, with Stenhouse having the tie breaker. Austin Dillon is still in third, only 21 points behind the leaders.
The next race is at Phoenix on Saturday on ESPN at 3 EST.
“AAA TEXAS 500”
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - The Cup Series also ran their third to last race in Texas. Race 34 of 36, and “Chase” race number 8 of 10 would see the points leader Jimmie Johnson take the Pole. Greg Biffle (16) would start second. The race was scheduled for 334 laps on the 1.5 mile track. The race will start in the heat of the day, and end in the cooler evening temps. During the opening ceremonies, Dr. Roger Marsh provided the Invocation. The TCU Marching Band played the National Anthem, while a B-52 Bomber flew over the Speedway. The Grand Marshal was the cast of the TV show “Dallas”. With everyone thinking about the North-East and Superstorm Sandy damage, Martin Truex Jr. (56) has told fans that if he wins this race, he will donate all his winnings to the recovery efforts.
The first caution came out for debris on lap 100. This was never seen by the viewers. A second caution came out just nine laps later, when AJ Almandinger (51) spun through the infield. He was unable to get back to pit road, due to severe damage to the radiator and front clip. During the restart on lap 119, Bobby Labonte (47) got into the back of Trevor Bayne (21). Juan Montoya (42) tried to get around the incident, but got torn up badly on the infield grass. Labonte and Montoya both went straight to the garage. To this point, Jimmie Johnson has led 99 laps. Brad Keselowski (2) and Ryan Newman (39) have also led laps. Near lap 145, many drivers began to complain that the glare was a major issue. At the midway point of the race (lap 167), the top three in points were running the top three spots on track. On lap 186, the fourth caution for debris in turn one came out.
On lap 192. Kyle Busch (18) and Brad Keselowski both got past Johnson on the restart. The fifth caution came on lap 224, when debris in turn three was seen by Nascar. Jimmie Johnson received another bonus point for leading the most laps of the race. Up to this point of the race, he has led 164 laps. Danica Patrick ran well, as she ran in the eighteenth spot, on the lead lap with 100 laps left. On lap 254, the fastest car on track was Jeff Gordon (24). He was running in second position, and gaining quickly on the leader. Most of the field was attempting to make it to lap 280, before making their final stop for the race. If the race were to go green to the end, the cars would need to run 55 laps for both the final two runs. While running in the second position and coming fast, Gordon had a tire start to fail. He made a pit stop to get fresh tires, right before a caution flew. He fell from second to twenty-fifth. A sixth caution fell when debris was seen by an official on the backstretch, on lap 275. During the pit stops, Keselowski went from the lead to ninth place, due to sliding into his pits too far.
On lap 300, Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Clint Bowyer, Matt Kenseth and Dale Earnhardt Jr. were the top five cars. Keselowski, Biffle, Truex Jr., Kahne and Stewart topped out the top ten. Caution number seven fell for Marcus Ambrose hitting the wall on lap 311. The eighth caution fell with fourteen laps left, when Biffle and Gordon got together. Gordon then got together with Kahne, and Kahne ended up into the wall. Another caution flew with five laps left, as Mark Martin (55) spun out. Keselowski and Johnson ran each other very hard for the final laps. Under the Green-White-Checkered Rules, Johnson was able to get past Keselowski on the final restart for the victory. Keselowski did a great job staying in front, when he only put two tires on his car at the last pit stop. Everyone else put on four.
The rest of the top ten were: Kyle Busch (18), Matt Kenseth (17), Tony Stewart (14), Clint Bowyer (15), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88), Kurt Busch (78), Kevin Harvick (29) and Greg Biffle (16). Other notables in the “Chase” were: Martin Truex Jr. was thirteenth, Jeff Gordon was in fourteenth, Denny Hamlin was in twentieth, and Kasey Kahne was in twenty-fifth. Danica Patrick finished on the lead lap, in twenty-fourth.
The points for the Championship have stayed very close to the same as last week. Johnson holds the lead over Keselowski by seven points. Clint Bowyer is still third, now by 36 points. With two races left, it is really a two man race, unless something drastic were to happen to the two points leaders.
The next race will be at Phoenix on Sunday at 2 EST on ESPN.
O’Reilly Challenge
Written by Rick A. Talford
NASCAR Enthusiast
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - The Nationwide Series ran their race at the mile and a half speedway. 200 laps would be scheduled to run at the high speed track. The Pole sitter was Kyle Busch (54), a five time winner at Texas in the series. Points leader, Elliott Sadler (2) started second. Danica Patrick (7) had a great qualifying, and started in the eighth spot. After this race, there would only be two more left to the Championship. Phoenix and Homestead will complete the 2012 Season, in the next two weeks. During the In-Race Ceremonies, Jay Atwood provided the Invocation. The 77th Army Band from Oklahoma played the National Anthem, while 15 show planes flew over head. The group was called the Falcon Team. The Grand Marshal was Ian Nelson. The In-Race Reporter was Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6)
Kyle Busch (54) led the first 64 laps, before Kevin Harvick (33) took over the front spot. A tire failure brought out the first caution. A second caution came on lap 45, just after Austin Dillon (3) went to the pits for a tire going down. The caution was for debris on the track. After running well, on lap 57 Johanna Long (70) went to the garage after her transmission became a problem and her shifter fell off. On lap 65, Harvick would take control of the lead. On lap 84, the third caution came out for Jason Bowles (81) tagging the wall. On lap 154, Joey Gase (52) would spin out and bring out caution four of the race. During the pit stops, four cars would stay on track. Austin Dillon (3), Denny Hamlin (18),Ryan Blaney (22) and Justin Allgaier (31) tried to stay out to gain advantage on track, and save a set of tires for a late caution. On lap 175, the fifth and final caution came out for Joe Nemechek (87) hitting the wall.
Kevin Harvick led the most laps, while dominating the majority of the race. He went on to victory for the second time this season, in the series. This was his fifth win at the track. He has led the most laps seven times this season, with only the two wins. Paul Menard has drove the same 33 car, with three of those races leading the most laps. Harvick led a total of 127 laps.
The rest of the top ten were: Ryan Blaney (22), Kyle Busch (54), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6), Denny Hamlin (18), Austin Dillon (3), Sam Hornish Jr. (12), Justin Allgaier (31), Kevin Swindell (98) and Cole Whitt (88). Danica Patrick ran a great race, and was in the top fifteen the entire race. She ran as high as fourth for a good part of it. She ended the night in fourteenth, after some late race shuffling on the final restart.
The points standing have really tightened up, with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. taking the lead over Elliott Sadler. The two drivers are tied in points, with Stenhouse having the tie breaker. Austin Dillon is still in third, only 21 points behind the leaders.
The next race is at Phoenix on Saturday on ESPN at 3 EST.
“AAA TEXAS 500”
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - The Cup Series also ran their third to last race in Texas. Race 34 of 36, and “Chase” race number 8 of 10 would see the points leader Jimmie Johnson take the Pole. Greg Biffle (16) would start second. The race was scheduled for 334 laps on the 1.5 mile track. The race will start in the heat of the day, and end in the cooler evening temps. During the opening ceremonies, Dr. Roger Marsh provided the Invocation. The TCU Marching Band played the National Anthem, while a B-52 Bomber flew over the Speedway. The Grand Marshal was the cast of the TV show “Dallas”. With everyone thinking about the North-East and Superstorm Sandy damage, Martin Truex Jr. (56) has told fans that if he wins this race, he will donate all his winnings to the recovery efforts.
The first caution came out for debris on lap 100. This was never seen by the viewers. A second caution came out just nine laps later, when AJ Almandinger (51) spun through the infield. He was unable to get back to pit road, due to severe damage to the radiator and front clip. During the restart on lap 119, Bobby Labonte (47) got into the back of Trevor Bayne (21). Juan Montoya (42) tried to get around the incident, but got torn up badly on the infield grass. Labonte and Montoya both went straight to the garage. To this point, Jimmie Johnson has led 99 laps. Brad Keselowski (2) and Ryan Newman (39) have also led laps. Near lap 145, many drivers began to complain that the glare was a major issue. At the midway point of the race (lap 167), the top three in points were running the top three spots on track. On lap 186, the fourth caution for debris in turn one came out.
On lap 192. Kyle Busch (18) and Brad Keselowski both got past Johnson on the restart. The fifth caution came on lap 224, when debris in turn three was seen by Nascar. Jimmie Johnson received another bonus point for leading the most laps of the race. Up to this point of the race, he has led 164 laps. Danica Patrick ran well, as she ran in the eighteenth spot, on the lead lap with 100 laps left. On lap 254, the fastest car on track was Jeff Gordon (24). He was running in second position, and gaining quickly on the leader. Most of the field was attempting to make it to lap 280, before making their final stop for the race. If the race were to go green to the end, the cars would need to run 55 laps for both the final two runs. While running in the second position and coming fast, Gordon had a tire start to fail. He made a pit stop to get fresh tires, right before a caution flew. He fell from second to twenty-fifth. A sixth caution fell when debris was seen by an official on the backstretch, on lap 275. During the pit stops, Keselowski went from the lead to ninth place, due to sliding into his pits too far.
On lap 300, Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Clint Bowyer, Matt Kenseth and Dale Earnhardt Jr. were the top five cars. Keselowski, Biffle, Truex Jr., Kahne and Stewart topped out the top ten. Caution number seven fell for Marcus Ambrose hitting the wall on lap 311. The eighth caution fell with fourteen laps left, when Biffle and Gordon got together. Gordon then got together with Kahne, and Kahne ended up into the wall. Another caution flew with five laps left, as Mark Martin (55) spun out. Keselowski and Johnson ran each other very hard for the final laps. Under the Green-White-Checkered Rules, Johnson was able to get past Keselowski on the final restart for the victory. Keselowski did a great job staying in front, when he only put two tires on his car at the last pit stop. Everyone else put on four.
The rest of the top ten were: Kyle Busch (18), Matt Kenseth (17), Tony Stewart (14), Clint Bowyer (15), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88), Kurt Busch (78), Kevin Harvick (29) and Greg Biffle (16). Other notables in the “Chase” were: Martin Truex Jr. was thirteenth, Jeff Gordon was in fourteenth, Denny Hamlin was in twentieth, and Kasey Kahne was in twenty-fifth. Danica Patrick finished on the lead lap, in twenty-fourth.
The points for the Championship have stayed very close to the same as last week. Johnson holds the lead over Keselowski by seven points. Clint Bowyer is still third, now by 36 points. With two races left, it is really a two man race, unless something drastic were to happen to the two points leaders.
The next race will be at Phoenix on Sunday at 2 EST on ESPN.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Nascar 2012 - race 33
Tums Salute to our US Military Heroes
Tums Fast Relief 500
Written by Rick A. Talford
NASCAR Enthusiast
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA - The Sprint Cup Series ran race 33 of 36, at the short track in Virginia. The Pole-sitter was Jimmie Johnson (48), with Brian Vickers (55) starting second. In news this week, Vickers, Mark Martin and Michael Waltrip all re-signed to drive the 55 car next season. Also, Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) will return to the race track this week. For the Martinsville race, Tums brought 500 members of the US Military to the track. Members from Fort Bragg, Fort Lee and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base all came for the race. There will be five soldiers taking the position of Grand Marshal in the pre-race ceremonies. SPC Matthew McClintock, SGT. Chase Noble, SGT. Chad Willis and PFC Albert Boston gave the command to start engines. SGT. 1st Class Matthew Solomon waved the green flag to start the race. The winner of the race, gets a large Grandfather Clock as their trophy. In the pre-race ceremonies, Eddie Barton provided the invocation. The Winston-Salem Marching Band played the National Anthem, as Two T-45’s flew over the track. The In-race reporter was Denny Hamlin (11).
Jimmie Johnson led the first lap, to get another bonus point towards the championship. Brad Keselowski (2) started the race in 32nd spot, as the championship points leader by seven points. By lap 30, Johnson had already caught the rear of the field, and started putting cars a lap down. Up to this point, Jeff Gordon (24) was the fastest car on the track. Keselowski had only moved forward by five spots from the start, to twenty-seventh. The biggest loser so far was, Matt Kenseth (17) who started sixth, but fell back nearly twenty positions by lap thirty-five. Dale Earnhardt Jr. moved from twentieth to eleventh in the first 40 laps.
The first caution flew on lap 46, when David Stremme (30) had a tire failure and hit the wall. During the caution, Denny Hamlin fell from third to thirty-fifth due to a speeding penalty on pit road. On lap 67, Jeff Gordon took the lead. Hendrick cars ran first, second, fourth and eighth at this point. Jr. had moved himself into the top five early in the race. On lap 98, David Gilliland (38) had a tire blow, then he hit the wall. The third caution came out on lap 127, when Travis Kvapil (93) spun out on track. Three cars did not pit during this caution. Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch (18) and Martin Truex Jr.(56) stayed on track. The fourth caution flew for Kyle Busch spinning out on track, at lap 150. He restarted in twenty-ninth. During the next green run, Hamlin, Johnson and Clint Bowyer (15) all led laps. The fifth caution on lap 199, was for Marcus Ambrose (9) spinning out on track. The sixth caution was on lap 211, for Ambrose and Kvapil both spinning out. AJ Almandinger (51) got into the side of Ambrose, and cut his rear tire down. That was the start of the caution.
By lap 228, all four Hendrick cars were running in the top five spots. The team seemed to be the strongest in the first half of the race. Points leader Keselowski, had now worked his way up to eleventh spot. The seventh caution flew on lap 230, when Kurt Busch (78) was spun out by Kevin Harvick (29). Busch started to move down, when Harvick was already inside of him. On the restart, Martin Truex Jr. was penalized for changing lanes before the start/finish line. At lap 250, the top ten running were: Bowyer, Gordon, Johnson, Earnhardt Jr., Kahne, Vickers, Harvick, Hamlin, Busch and Keselowski.
Denny Hamlin’s day went from poor (two pit road speeding penalties) to horrible, when his car began having electrical problems on lap 371. He was reporting that the car gauges were flashing on and off continuously. The car started to shut off on the straight away, but would run in the corners. On lap 392, the eighth caution flew for Hamlin’s car being dead on track. His car would be taken to the garage. Hamlin started the day only 20 points out of the Championship lead, but this would do plenty of damage to those hopes. Hamlin did return to the track (-30+ laps) after they found the master switch had a short. He would finish the race in thirty-third position, 49 points out of the lead.
The ninth caution came out on lap 440, when leader Johnson got into Juan Montoya (42). Montoya began to move down the track, but Johnson was already there. Montoya’s car spun out and stopped on track in front of a couple lap cars. All the leaders would make another stop. Caution number ten flew on lap 475, when Kevin Harvick’s engine finally failed. On lap 490, the eleventh caution flew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) and Carl Edwards (99) spinning out. Sam Hornish Jr. (22) ran into the back of Edwards, and then Edwards ran into Earnhardt Jr.
The race re-started with five laps remaining. Jimmie Johnson was able to get a good re-start, and beat Kyle Busch to the checkered flag. This is Johnson’s fifth win at Martinsville, during the “Chase Series”. It was Johnson’s seventh win at the paperclip shaped track, and his 59th career win.
The rest of the top ten were: Kasey Kahne (5), Aric Almirola (43), Clint Bowyer (15), Brad Keselowski (2), Jeff Gordon (24), Brian Vickers (55), Bobby Labonte (47) and Greg Biffle (16). Other “Chase” notables were: Matt Kenseth was 15th, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was 21st, Martin Truex Jr. was 23rd, Tony Stewart was 27th, Kevin Harvick was 32nd and Denny Hamlin was 33rd.
The Points are now led by Jimmie Johnson by two points over Brad Keselowski. Third place is Clint Bowyer (-26), Fourth is Kasey Kahne (-29) and Fifth is Denny Hamlin (-49).
The next race is at Texas on Sunday, on ESPN at 2 EST.
The Nationwide race is scheduled to race on Saturday night at 7 EST on ESPN.
Tums Fast Relief 500
Written by Rick A. Talford
NASCAR Enthusiast
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA - The Sprint Cup Series ran race 33 of 36, at the short track in Virginia. The Pole-sitter was Jimmie Johnson (48), with Brian Vickers (55) starting second. In news this week, Vickers, Mark Martin and Michael Waltrip all re-signed to drive the 55 car next season. Also, Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) will return to the race track this week. For the Martinsville race, Tums brought 500 members of the US Military to the track. Members from Fort Bragg, Fort Lee and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base all came for the race. There will be five soldiers taking the position of Grand Marshal in the pre-race ceremonies. SPC Matthew McClintock, SGT. Chase Noble, SGT. Chad Willis and PFC Albert Boston gave the command to start engines. SGT. 1st Class Matthew Solomon waved the green flag to start the race. The winner of the race, gets a large Grandfather Clock as their trophy. In the pre-race ceremonies, Eddie Barton provided the invocation. The Winston-Salem Marching Band played the National Anthem, as Two T-45’s flew over the track. The In-race reporter was Denny Hamlin (11).
Jimmie Johnson led the first lap, to get another bonus point towards the championship. Brad Keselowski (2) started the race in 32nd spot, as the championship points leader by seven points. By lap 30, Johnson had already caught the rear of the field, and started putting cars a lap down. Up to this point, Jeff Gordon (24) was the fastest car on the track. Keselowski had only moved forward by five spots from the start, to twenty-seventh. The biggest loser so far was, Matt Kenseth (17) who started sixth, but fell back nearly twenty positions by lap thirty-five. Dale Earnhardt Jr. moved from twentieth to eleventh in the first 40 laps.
The first caution flew on lap 46, when David Stremme (30) had a tire failure and hit the wall. During the caution, Denny Hamlin fell from third to thirty-fifth due to a speeding penalty on pit road. On lap 67, Jeff Gordon took the lead. Hendrick cars ran first, second, fourth and eighth at this point. Jr. had moved himself into the top five early in the race. On lap 98, David Gilliland (38) had a tire blow, then he hit the wall. The third caution came out on lap 127, when Travis Kvapil (93) spun out on track. Three cars did not pit during this caution. Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch (18) and Martin Truex Jr.(56) stayed on track. The fourth caution flew for Kyle Busch spinning out on track, at lap 150. He restarted in twenty-ninth. During the next green run, Hamlin, Johnson and Clint Bowyer (15) all led laps. The fifth caution on lap 199, was for Marcus Ambrose (9) spinning out on track. The sixth caution was on lap 211, for Ambrose and Kvapil both spinning out. AJ Almandinger (51) got into the side of Ambrose, and cut his rear tire down. That was the start of the caution.
By lap 228, all four Hendrick cars were running in the top five spots. The team seemed to be the strongest in the first half of the race. Points leader Keselowski, had now worked his way up to eleventh spot. The seventh caution flew on lap 230, when Kurt Busch (78) was spun out by Kevin Harvick (29). Busch started to move down, when Harvick was already inside of him. On the restart, Martin Truex Jr. was penalized for changing lanes before the start/finish line. At lap 250, the top ten running were: Bowyer, Gordon, Johnson, Earnhardt Jr., Kahne, Vickers, Harvick, Hamlin, Busch and Keselowski.
Denny Hamlin’s day went from poor (two pit road speeding penalties) to horrible, when his car began having electrical problems on lap 371. He was reporting that the car gauges were flashing on and off continuously. The car started to shut off on the straight away, but would run in the corners. On lap 392, the eighth caution flew for Hamlin’s car being dead on track. His car would be taken to the garage. Hamlin started the day only 20 points out of the Championship lead, but this would do plenty of damage to those hopes. Hamlin did return to the track (-30+ laps) after they found the master switch had a short. He would finish the race in thirty-third position, 49 points out of the lead.
The ninth caution came out on lap 440, when leader Johnson got into Juan Montoya (42). Montoya began to move down the track, but Johnson was already there. Montoya’s car spun out and stopped on track in front of a couple lap cars. All the leaders would make another stop. Caution number ten flew on lap 475, when Kevin Harvick’s engine finally failed. On lap 490, the eleventh caution flew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) and Carl Edwards (99) spinning out. Sam Hornish Jr. (22) ran into the back of Edwards, and then Edwards ran into Earnhardt Jr.
The race re-started with five laps remaining. Jimmie Johnson was able to get a good re-start, and beat Kyle Busch to the checkered flag. This is Johnson’s fifth win at Martinsville, during the “Chase Series”. It was Johnson’s seventh win at the paperclip shaped track, and his 59th career win.
The rest of the top ten were: Kasey Kahne (5), Aric Almirola (43), Clint Bowyer (15), Brad Keselowski (2), Jeff Gordon (24), Brian Vickers (55), Bobby Labonte (47) and Greg Biffle (16). Other “Chase” notables were: Matt Kenseth was 15th, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was 21st, Martin Truex Jr. was 23rd, Tony Stewart was 27th, Kevin Harvick was 32nd and Denny Hamlin was 33rd.
The Points are now led by Jimmie Johnson by two points over Brad Keselowski. Third place is Clint Bowyer (-26), Fourth is Kasey Kahne (-29) and Fifth is Denny Hamlin (-49).
The next race is at Texas on Sunday, on ESPN at 2 EST.
The Nationwide race is scheduled to race on Saturday night at 7 EST on ESPN.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Nascar 2012 - race 32
KANSAS LOTTERY 300
Written by Rick A. Talford
NASCAR Enthusiast
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS - The Nationwide Series ran their 30th of 33 races in Kansas this weekend. The Speedway was re-surfaces after their race in the spring. This makes the track much smoother and faster. During qualifying, the top fourteen cars broke the track record. The drivers only found one issue with the track, being the entrance to pit road. The change between track and pit road is severe enough, that the cars hit their splitters hard. A Pakistan driver enters this weekend for his very first race in the series. Nur Ali will be driving the 41 car. The race was scheduled to run 200 laps for 300 miles. The Pole-sitter is Joey Lagono (18), with Austin Dillon (3) starting second. In the Pre-Race, R.D. Fowler provided the invocation. Amber Manley sang the National Anthem, while two T-45’s flew over the Speedway. The Grand Marshal was NFL great, Len Dawson.
The race ran only thirteen green laps, before the first caution flew on lap fourteen. Brian Scott (11) spun out on track. The second caution was on lap 31, for Scott Saunders (108) spinning out, and backing into the wall. The third caution was for Brian Scott again spinning out on lap 40. Dexter Stacey (39) then spun out on lap 48 for a caution. The fifth caution flew for Brian Scott once again, spinning out and hitting the wall on lap 57. On lap 69, Nur Ali (41) had a spin on track. On lap 109, Johanna Long (70) spun out and crashed, after a tire failed.
The race then had a caution on lap 129 for debris. On lap 138, Derek White (124) hit the wall, and pan-caked the entire right side of his race car. Another debris came out on lap 161. The eleventh caution came out on lap 171 for Mike Bliss (19), when he slid through the infield. The twelfth and final caution came out on lap 197, when Hal Martin (44) and Scott Lagasse Jr. (8) crashed together. A record twelve cautions flew during the race, for fifty laps. The race would have to be concluded under the Green-White-Checkered rules.
On lap 205, the final restart came, with a few cars running out of fuel right away. On the final lap, Leader Kyle Busch (54) would also run out of fuel, handing the win over to Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6). This was his sixth win of the year. The loss for Busch, makes his victory-less season continue. He is trying to get a win before the end of the season, to keep his streak of a win every year going. Austin Dillon (3) finished the race in second, giving Chevrolet the Manufacturers Championship for the fifteenth straight year.
The rest of the top ten were: Joey Lagono (18), Elliott Sadler (2), Cole Whitt (88), Kyle Busch (54), Justin Allgaier (31), Michael Annett (43), Sam Hornish Jr. (12) and Danica Patrick (7). This was Patrick’s third top ten this season. Paul Menard (33) led the most laps with 110, but ran out of fuel on the final restart.
The points standing tightened up more, with Elliott Sadler leading over Ricky Stenhouse Jr. by six points.. Austin Dillon is twenty-six points back, with three races left of the season. The next race is November 3 at Texas.
HOLLYWOOD CASINO 400
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS - The Cup Series came to Kansas to run their sixth race of the Chase. The new pavement provided a fast pace in qualifying. Every car in the race, broke the record that was set back in 2005. Kasey Kahne (55) took the Pole at 192 mph, with Mark Martin (55) starting second. Speeds into turn one hit 207 mph during qualifying. The top forty cars were all within one second as well. Dale Earnhardt Jr. would not be in this race, again due to the concussion he received during testing at this very track a month ago. During the Pre-race ceremonies, Cole Cochran provided the Invocation. The 1 ID Band from Fort Riley played the National Anthem, while two A-10’s flew over the Speedway. The Grand Marshal was Rob Riggle. The race was scheduled to run 267 laps. Danica Patrick is also running in this race, starting at the rear of the field.
The first caution came out on lap 32, for Casey Mears (13). A tire failure sent his car into the outside wall hard. He would have to take his car to the garage for repairs. During the caution, only seven teams took four tires, while the rest of the field took only two. The second caution flew, when Kyle Busch (18) broke loose in turn four and slid through the infield. Only nine laps were run since the last yellow flag. Busch was running in the second position. The third caution came on lap 71, when AJ Almandinger (51) had a tire blow, and he hit the wall. His day was ended with the crash. During the pit stops, Tony Stewart (14) received a penalty for taking equipment out of the box, as his team left the wrench connected to his car. Greg Biffle (16) was penalized for speeding on exit of pit road. Another caution flew on lap 83, when Stewart ran into Jeff Burton (31) in the rear corner. This sent Burton into the wall.
As the leader, Jimmie Johnson (48) began the green flag stops on lap 119. On lap 122, the leader Aric Almirola (43) lost grip and ran up and into the wall. Almirola was the fastest car on track, and led the most laps to this point. Jimmie Johnson went from leading the race, back to twenty-first spot. On lap 136, Johnson spun out, and backed it into the wall. He would stay on the lead lap, after stopping multiple times under the yellow. On lap 143, Bobby Labonte (47) was spun out by the (38), for the seventh caution of the day. Lap 155, Danica Patrick (10) and Landon Cassill (83) wrecked. It appeared that Patrick was just passed, and Cassill checked up a little more than Patrick realized, as she got into him and spun out. She hit the outside wall with plenty of force. In the interview in the garage, Patrick stated “Cassill ran into her on the front-stretch for no reason other than to say she was in the way.” She added “I have to stand up for herself.”
Caution number nine fell on lap 165, when Tony Stewart spun out on track. On lap 169, Marcus Ambrose (9) ran up on Joey Lagono (20) too fast. After making contact with his car, Ambrose broke loose and slid up into Trevor Bayne (21). Ambrose would end up in the wall. During thee restart, Almirola would spin out going for the lead. No caution was thrown for his spin. Matt Kenseth (17) also hit the wall, as he was watching the spinout in front of his car. Caution eleven came out on lap 174, after Greg Biffle (16) slid into the wall after losing grip. Biffle was running in the third spot. The twelfth caution came out on lap 181, when Ryan Newman (39) got into the back of Kyle Busch. This started a chain reaction, as Busch backed up into the wall and wrecked. Kurt Busch (78) got into the back of Sam Hornish Jr. (22), and both received damage. Every car in this incident, went to the garage or trailer. Seven of the cautions to this point, have included the top ten cars.
In the interview by his hauler, Kyle Busch told the reporter “Newman can expect another wreck yet this year!” The thirteenth caution came on lap 213, when Almirola had a throttle stick as he entered turn four. He crashed very hard, while up in flames. Denny Hamlin (11) and Mark Martin (55) had just finished making green flag stops, so they will fall to the rear of the field. Caution fourteen came when Sam Hornish Jr. ran up and into the wall, after a tire failure occurred on lap 234. The fourteen cautions was a record for the track, and the season to this point. There were thirteen cautions at Bristol earlier in the season.
Matt Kenseth (17) would take the lead, and not look back. Martin Truex Jr. (56) would finish in second. The rest of the top ten were: Paul Menard (27), Kasey Kahne (5), Tony Stewart (14), Clint Bowyer (15), Regan Smith (88), Brad Keselowski (2), Jimmie Johnson (48) and Jeff Gordon (24). Other notables in the “Chase”: Kevin Harvick (29) in eleventh, Denny Hamlin (11) in thirteenth and Greg Biffle (16) finished in twenty-seventh.
The points standings are now: Keselowski - leader, Johnson (-7), Hamlin (-20), Bowyer (-25), Kahne (-30), Truex Jr. (-43), Stewart (-47), Gordon (-51), Kenseth (-55), Harvick (-59), Biffle (-62) and Earnhardt Jr. (-122) (note- Earnhardt has missed the past two races, but is expected back next weekend at Martinsville)
The next race will be next Sunday at Martinsville on ESPN at 2 EST.
Written by Rick A. Talford
NASCAR Enthusiast
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS - The Nationwide Series ran their 30th of 33 races in Kansas this weekend. The Speedway was re-surfaces after their race in the spring. This makes the track much smoother and faster. During qualifying, the top fourteen cars broke the track record. The drivers only found one issue with the track, being the entrance to pit road. The change between track and pit road is severe enough, that the cars hit their splitters hard. A Pakistan driver enters this weekend for his very first race in the series. Nur Ali will be driving the 41 car. The race was scheduled to run 200 laps for 300 miles. The Pole-sitter is Joey Lagono (18), with Austin Dillon (3) starting second. In the Pre-Race, R.D. Fowler provided the invocation. Amber Manley sang the National Anthem, while two T-45’s flew over the Speedway. The Grand Marshal was NFL great, Len Dawson.
The race ran only thirteen green laps, before the first caution flew on lap fourteen. Brian Scott (11) spun out on track. The second caution was on lap 31, for Scott Saunders (108) spinning out, and backing into the wall. The third caution was for Brian Scott again spinning out on lap 40. Dexter Stacey (39) then spun out on lap 48 for a caution. The fifth caution flew for Brian Scott once again, spinning out and hitting the wall on lap 57. On lap 69, Nur Ali (41) had a spin on track. On lap 109, Johanna Long (70) spun out and crashed, after a tire failed.
The race then had a caution on lap 129 for debris. On lap 138, Derek White (124) hit the wall, and pan-caked the entire right side of his race car. Another debris came out on lap 161. The eleventh caution came out on lap 171 for Mike Bliss (19), when he slid through the infield. The twelfth and final caution came out on lap 197, when Hal Martin (44) and Scott Lagasse Jr. (8) crashed together. A record twelve cautions flew during the race, for fifty laps. The race would have to be concluded under the Green-White-Checkered rules.
On lap 205, the final restart came, with a few cars running out of fuel right away. On the final lap, Leader Kyle Busch (54) would also run out of fuel, handing the win over to Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6). This was his sixth win of the year. The loss for Busch, makes his victory-less season continue. He is trying to get a win before the end of the season, to keep his streak of a win every year going. Austin Dillon (3) finished the race in second, giving Chevrolet the Manufacturers Championship for the fifteenth straight year.
The rest of the top ten were: Joey Lagono (18), Elliott Sadler (2), Cole Whitt (88), Kyle Busch (54), Justin Allgaier (31), Michael Annett (43), Sam Hornish Jr. (12) and Danica Patrick (7). This was Patrick’s third top ten this season. Paul Menard (33) led the most laps with 110, but ran out of fuel on the final restart.
The points standing tightened up more, with Elliott Sadler leading over Ricky Stenhouse Jr. by six points.. Austin Dillon is twenty-six points back, with three races left of the season. The next race is November 3 at Texas.
HOLLYWOOD CASINO 400
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS - The Cup Series came to Kansas to run their sixth race of the Chase. The new pavement provided a fast pace in qualifying. Every car in the race, broke the record that was set back in 2005. Kasey Kahne (55) took the Pole at 192 mph, with Mark Martin (55) starting second. Speeds into turn one hit 207 mph during qualifying. The top forty cars were all within one second as well. Dale Earnhardt Jr. would not be in this race, again due to the concussion he received during testing at this very track a month ago. During the Pre-race ceremonies, Cole Cochran provided the Invocation. The 1 ID Band from Fort Riley played the National Anthem, while two A-10’s flew over the Speedway. The Grand Marshal was Rob Riggle. The race was scheduled to run 267 laps. Danica Patrick is also running in this race, starting at the rear of the field.
The first caution came out on lap 32, for Casey Mears (13). A tire failure sent his car into the outside wall hard. He would have to take his car to the garage for repairs. During the caution, only seven teams took four tires, while the rest of the field took only two. The second caution flew, when Kyle Busch (18) broke loose in turn four and slid through the infield. Only nine laps were run since the last yellow flag. Busch was running in the second position. The third caution came on lap 71, when AJ Almandinger (51) had a tire blow, and he hit the wall. His day was ended with the crash. During the pit stops, Tony Stewart (14) received a penalty for taking equipment out of the box, as his team left the wrench connected to his car. Greg Biffle (16) was penalized for speeding on exit of pit road. Another caution flew on lap 83, when Stewart ran into Jeff Burton (31) in the rear corner. This sent Burton into the wall.
As the leader, Jimmie Johnson (48) began the green flag stops on lap 119. On lap 122, the leader Aric Almirola (43) lost grip and ran up and into the wall. Almirola was the fastest car on track, and led the most laps to this point. Jimmie Johnson went from leading the race, back to twenty-first spot. On lap 136, Johnson spun out, and backed it into the wall. He would stay on the lead lap, after stopping multiple times under the yellow. On lap 143, Bobby Labonte (47) was spun out by the (38), for the seventh caution of the day. Lap 155, Danica Patrick (10) and Landon Cassill (83) wrecked. It appeared that Patrick was just passed, and Cassill checked up a little more than Patrick realized, as she got into him and spun out. She hit the outside wall with plenty of force. In the interview in the garage, Patrick stated “Cassill ran into her on the front-stretch for no reason other than to say she was in the way.” She added “I have to stand up for herself.”
Caution number nine fell on lap 165, when Tony Stewart spun out on track. On lap 169, Marcus Ambrose (9) ran up on Joey Lagono (20) too fast. After making contact with his car, Ambrose broke loose and slid up into Trevor Bayne (21). Ambrose would end up in the wall. During thee restart, Almirola would spin out going for the lead. No caution was thrown for his spin. Matt Kenseth (17) also hit the wall, as he was watching the spinout in front of his car. Caution eleven came out on lap 174, after Greg Biffle (16) slid into the wall after losing grip. Biffle was running in the third spot. The twelfth caution came out on lap 181, when Ryan Newman (39) got into the back of Kyle Busch. This started a chain reaction, as Busch backed up into the wall and wrecked. Kurt Busch (78) got into the back of Sam Hornish Jr. (22), and both received damage. Every car in this incident, went to the garage or trailer. Seven of the cautions to this point, have included the top ten cars.
In the interview by his hauler, Kyle Busch told the reporter “Newman can expect another wreck yet this year!” The thirteenth caution came on lap 213, when Almirola had a throttle stick as he entered turn four. He crashed very hard, while up in flames. Denny Hamlin (11) and Mark Martin (55) had just finished making green flag stops, so they will fall to the rear of the field. Caution fourteen came when Sam Hornish Jr. ran up and into the wall, after a tire failure occurred on lap 234. The fourteen cautions was a record for the track, and the season to this point. There were thirteen cautions at Bristol earlier in the season.
Matt Kenseth (17) would take the lead, and not look back. Martin Truex Jr. (56) would finish in second. The rest of the top ten were: Paul Menard (27), Kasey Kahne (5), Tony Stewart (14), Clint Bowyer (15), Regan Smith (88), Brad Keselowski (2), Jimmie Johnson (48) and Jeff Gordon (24). Other notables in the “Chase”: Kevin Harvick (29) in eleventh, Denny Hamlin (11) in thirteenth and Greg Biffle (16) finished in twenty-seventh.
The points standings are now: Keselowski - leader, Johnson (-7), Hamlin (-20), Bowyer (-25), Kahne (-30), Truex Jr. (-43), Stewart (-47), Gordon (-51), Kenseth (-55), Harvick (-59), Biffle (-62) and Earnhardt Jr. (-122) (note- Earnhardt has missed the past two races, but is expected back next weekend at Martinsville)
The next race will be next Sunday at Martinsville on ESPN at 2 EST.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Nascar 2012 - race 31
DOLLAR GENERAL 300
Written by Rick A. Talford
Nascar Enthusiast
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA - The Nationwide Series ran race number 29 of 33. The Charlotte race ran 200 laps on the 1.5 mile track. This race was promoted by, and for National Breasts Cancer Awareness. “Pink” was seen everywhere around the track, even the trophy was pink. Every car had a pink nationwide banner across their windows, and 300 survivors stood with pink flags around the starting line in pre-race ceremonies. The Pole Sitter was Elliott Sadler (2) , with Austin Dillon (3) starting second. The In-Race Reporter was Elliott Sadler. Joe Andersen provided the invocation. Shannon Magraine sang the National Anthem, and Mike Calbert was the Grand Marshal.
The race started with a caution on lap 1, when Angela Cope (00) had damaged her radiator on the start of the race. Before she was able to get back to pit road, she dropped plenty of fluid on the track. The second caution came out on lap 13, when Justin Allgaier (31) and Sam Hornish Jr. (12) got together on track. The race had many drivers taking the lead for a few laps here and there. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6), Kevin Harvick (33), and Brad Keselowski (22) all took turns out front early. Lap 84 brought out the third caution for Mike Bliss (19) crashing, after a tire blew out. During the caution, Austin Dillon (3) was penalized for a tire violation on pit road. A member of the pit crew (tire carrier) was not back to the wall enough before the car left the box, causing the penalty. On lap 92, Brad Sweet (38) had bounced off Michael Annett (43) and then he spun out for a fourth caution. The fifth caution came on lap 131 for debris. A soda can ripped in half was the cause.
The race ran green to the end. Joey Lagono (20) was able to take the victory over Kevin Harvick (33). Lagono won his eighth win of the season, in the Nationwide Series. This leads all drivers in the series. He has raced in eighteen races, winning eight. That is a 44.4% winning percentage. The rest of the top ten were: Elliott Sadler (2), Kyle Busch (54), Denny Hamlin (18), Austin Dillon (3), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6), Brian Scott (11), James Buescher (30) and Michael Annett (43). Danica Patrick (7) started in eleventh, and finished in the same position, one lap down. Only the top ten cars finished the race on the lead lap, with Patrick getting passed on the final corner.
The points leader is Elliott Sadler (2), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6)(-13), Austin Dillon (3) (-29), Sam Hornish Jr. (12) (-93) and Michael Annett (43) (-146). Dillon may not win the title this season, but he is definitely looking at being the Rookie-of-the-Year for sure.
The next race is Saturday 3 EST at Kansas on ESPN.
BANK OF AMERICA 500
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA - The Cup Series ran their 31st of 36 races. The race was scheduled for 334 laps, making a five hundred mile race on the one and a half mile track. In the only night time race of the “Chase”, the Most Popular Driver in the series would not be in the race, due to a second concussion in six weeks. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was diagnosed with a concussion by Dr. Jerry Petty. Jr. had a crash at Kansas in practice on Aug. 29, when he had the first concussion in a hard crash. He has ran 461 consecutive races to this point, dating back to 1999. He will have to sit out this race, as well as next weeks race in Kansas. Regan Smith drove the 88 Car for the race. The Pole Sitter was Greg Biffle (16), with Mark Martin (55) starting second in his 850th career start. Martin’s first race was in 1981. Kurt Busch (78) started the race with a new team. AJ Almandine (51) was re-instated to race, and was hired to race again. During Opening Ceremonies, Mike Novak provided the invocation. The Group “NewSong” sang the National Anthem. The Grand Marshal was a Wounded Warrior Veteran, Dan Nevins. The In-Race Reporter was Denny Hamlin (11). Nick Walenda also walked a high-wire from atop the grandstand to a crane, 100 feet above the ground, in Victory Lane.
The first caution came out on lap 12, when Matt Kenseth (17) blew a tire and spun out by himself. On the restart, another caution flew for cars that ran into one another getting up to speed. Involved in the mess were: Jeff Burton (31), David Ragan (34), Sam Hornish Jr. (22), Tony Stewart (14) and Marcus Ambrose (9). The third caution came out on lap 36, when Paul Menard (27) hit the wall hard. On lap 61, Regan Smith (88) had to pull off track when the engine failed on his AMP ride. He was the second fastest in the final practice, after starting this weekend for Dale Earnhardt Jr. On lap 167, a fourth caution came out for a pop can that was sitting at the end of pit road. The fifth caution came out for debris on lap 224. The debris was never shown to the viewers. With the race running long green runs, on lap 260 Martin Truex Jr. (56) was the first to make a green flag stop. Most the drivers are trying to get to lap 280, making it their last stop to the end. Johnson, Hamlin, Bowyer were all very close to doing what they were attempting. The rest of the field had to make at least one more stop to get to the end of the race. Clint Bowyer made it to the checkered flag ahead of Hamlin and Johnson, who all saved fuel to get to the end.
The rest of the top ten were: Greg Biffle (16), Kyle Busch (18), Mark Martin (55) on the lead lap. One lap down were: Carl Edwards (99), Kasey Kahne (5), Joey Lagono (20), Martin Truex Jr. (56). Other “Chase” drivers were: Keselowski (2) in eleventh (led 140 laps), Stewart (14) in thirteenth, Kenseth (17) in fourteenth, Harvick (29) in sixteenth and Gordon (24) in eighteenth.
The point standings are: Leader - Brad Keselowski, Jimmie Johnson (-7), Denny Hamlin (-15), Clint Bowyer (28), Kasey Kahne (-35), Greg Biffle (-43), Martin Truex Jr. (-49), Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon (-50), Kevin Harvick (-56), Matt Kenseth (-67) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (-86).
The next race will be held at Kansas on Sunday on ESPN.
Written by Rick A. Talford
Nascar Enthusiast
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA - The Nationwide Series ran race number 29 of 33. The Charlotte race ran 200 laps on the 1.5 mile track. This race was promoted by, and for National Breasts Cancer Awareness. “Pink” was seen everywhere around the track, even the trophy was pink. Every car had a pink nationwide banner across their windows, and 300 survivors stood with pink flags around the starting line in pre-race ceremonies. The Pole Sitter was Elliott Sadler (2) , with Austin Dillon (3) starting second. The In-Race Reporter was Elliott Sadler. Joe Andersen provided the invocation. Shannon Magraine sang the National Anthem, and Mike Calbert was the Grand Marshal.
The race started with a caution on lap 1, when Angela Cope (00) had damaged her radiator on the start of the race. Before she was able to get back to pit road, she dropped plenty of fluid on the track. The second caution came out on lap 13, when Justin Allgaier (31) and Sam Hornish Jr. (12) got together on track. The race had many drivers taking the lead for a few laps here and there. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6), Kevin Harvick (33), and Brad Keselowski (22) all took turns out front early. Lap 84 brought out the third caution for Mike Bliss (19) crashing, after a tire blew out. During the caution, Austin Dillon (3) was penalized for a tire violation on pit road. A member of the pit crew (tire carrier) was not back to the wall enough before the car left the box, causing the penalty. On lap 92, Brad Sweet (38) had bounced off Michael Annett (43) and then he spun out for a fourth caution. The fifth caution came on lap 131 for debris. A soda can ripped in half was the cause.
The race ran green to the end. Joey Lagono (20) was able to take the victory over Kevin Harvick (33). Lagono won his eighth win of the season, in the Nationwide Series. This leads all drivers in the series. He has raced in eighteen races, winning eight. That is a 44.4% winning percentage. The rest of the top ten were: Elliott Sadler (2), Kyle Busch (54), Denny Hamlin (18), Austin Dillon (3), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6), Brian Scott (11), James Buescher (30) and Michael Annett (43). Danica Patrick (7) started in eleventh, and finished in the same position, one lap down. Only the top ten cars finished the race on the lead lap, with Patrick getting passed on the final corner.
The points leader is Elliott Sadler (2), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6)(-13), Austin Dillon (3) (-29), Sam Hornish Jr. (12) (-93) and Michael Annett (43) (-146). Dillon may not win the title this season, but he is definitely looking at being the Rookie-of-the-Year for sure.
The next race is Saturday 3 EST at Kansas on ESPN.
BANK OF AMERICA 500
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA - The Cup Series ran their 31st of 36 races. The race was scheduled for 334 laps, making a five hundred mile race on the one and a half mile track. In the only night time race of the “Chase”, the Most Popular Driver in the series would not be in the race, due to a second concussion in six weeks. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was diagnosed with a concussion by Dr. Jerry Petty. Jr. had a crash at Kansas in practice on Aug. 29, when he had the first concussion in a hard crash. He has ran 461 consecutive races to this point, dating back to 1999. He will have to sit out this race, as well as next weeks race in Kansas. Regan Smith drove the 88 Car for the race. The Pole Sitter was Greg Biffle (16), with Mark Martin (55) starting second in his 850th career start. Martin’s first race was in 1981. Kurt Busch (78) started the race with a new team. AJ Almandine (51) was re-instated to race, and was hired to race again. During Opening Ceremonies, Mike Novak provided the invocation. The Group “NewSong” sang the National Anthem. The Grand Marshal was a Wounded Warrior Veteran, Dan Nevins. The In-Race Reporter was Denny Hamlin (11). Nick Walenda also walked a high-wire from atop the grandstand to a crane, 100 feet above the ground, in Victory Lane.
The first caution came out on lap 12, when Matt Kenseth (17) blew a tire and spun out by himself. On the restart, another caution flew for cars that ran into one another getting up to speed. Involved in the mess were: Jeff Burton (31), David Ragan (34), Sam Hornish Jr. (22), Tony Stewart (14) and Marcus Ambrose (9). The third caution came out on lap 36, when Paul Menard (27) hit the wall hard. On lap 61, Regan Smith (88) had to pull off track when the engine failed on his AMP ride. He was the second fastest in the final practice, after starting this weekend for Dale Earnhardt Jr. On lap 167, a fourth caution came out for a pop can that was sitting at the end of pit road. The fifth caution came out for debris on lap 224. The debris was never shown to the viewers. With the race running long green runs, on lap 260 Martin Truex Jr. (56) was the first to make a green flag stop. Most the drivers are trying to get to lap 280, making it their last stop to the end. Johnson, Hamlin, Bowyer were all very close to doing what they were attempting. The rest of the field had to make at least one more stop to get to the end of the race. Clint Bowyer made it to the checkered flag ahead of Hamlin and Johnson, who all saved fuel to get to the end.
The rest of the top ten were: Greg Biffle (16), Kyle Busch (18), Mark Martin (55) on the lead lap. One lap down were: Carl Edwards (99), Kasey Kahne (5), Joey Lagono (20), Martin Truex Jr. (56). Other “Chase” drivers were: Keselowski (2) in eleventh (led 140 laps), Stewart (14) in thirteenth, Kenseth (17) in fourteenth, Harvick (29) in sixteenth and Gordon (24) in eighteenth.
The point standings are: Leader - Brad Keselowski, Jimmie Johnson (-7), Denny Hamlin (-15), Clint Bowyer (28), Kasey Kahne (-35), Greg Biffle (-43), Martin Truex Jr. (-49), Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon (-50), Kevin Harvick (-56), Matt Kenseth (-67) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (-86).
The next race will be held at Kansas on Sunday on ESPN.
Space Jump
SPACE JUMP “LIVE”
Written by Rick A. Talford
NASA Enthusiast
ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO - The “Red Bull Stratos” capsule and balloon were put together and ready to take flight for a World Record attempt. A Sky-Dive from near 120K feet above the Earth. European Sky Diver Felix Baumgartner used a capsule and helium balloon, to go 23 miles above the Earth. The attempt was scheduled for October 8, 2012, but weather knocked down the helium balloon during the filling process. The damage was enough that they needed to replace the balloon. With the balloon replaced, the attempt began the morning of October 13, 2012. Baumgartner’s parents came from Austria to America to watch the event. “Mission to the Edge of Space”, was written on the side of the capsule.
The previous record holder, Joe Kittinger was among the many people assisting with this attempt. He was in direct communications with Felix throughout everything. Kittinger set the record back in 1960, when he traveled 18 miles (102,800 ft) above the Earth, and free-fell for four minutes and thirty-eight seconds. He reached the speed of 614 mph.
Baumgartner is expected to break the sound barrier when he makes his jump. Within the first thirty seconds of the jump, he will be at his fastest decent. Another aspect of the event, is the fact that the temperature at 52K feet was -91.8 degrees below zero Fahrenheit.
The balloon is the largest ever used for a human, to take them aloft. One hour into the event, the balloon reached a height of 62K feet. The Temperature was -86 degrees Fahrenheit. At this height, it is called the Armstrong Line. A line at which the bodies fluids would boil, if not protected by the capsule or suit worn by the jumper. The pressure inside the capsule is 7.95 psi, while the pressure outside is 0.51 psi. To compare this, would be that the pressure at sea level on Earth is 14.7 psi.
Baumgartner made two earlier jumps from 71K feet in March, where he hit speeds of 365 miles per hour in his free-fall. He made a second jump in July from 97K feet. This is 18.5 miles above the Earth.
At one hour and thirty-two minutes, he was at 86K feet. The temperature inside the capsule is 51 degrees, and outside is -48 degrees Fahrenheit. The capsule slowed to only 14 mph. Some concerns were beginning at this time, due to the helmet heater was not working properly. Baumgartner stated that he was seeing his breath inside the helmet, on the faceplate.
At one hour and forty minutes, the balloon was only rising at 6 mph. Once the balloon reached near 70K feet, you could see the curvature of the planet more clearly. They are targeting 120K feet for the jump.
As the balloon reached 110K feet, the shape changed from a teardrop, to more a perfect ball shape. At the two hour point, the balloon had reached 111, 903 feet.
The highest man-balloon flight was in 1960, when two men rose to 21.5 miles above Earth, and then came back to Earth inside the unit. They did not jump, as Baumgartner was going to do. Unfortunately, one man died when they were being picked up by helicopter rescue. His equipment failed, sending him back into the waters, where he drowned. The Record for the highest man-balloon flight was accomplished by the US Navy in 1961. Victor Prather and Malcolm Ross were the pilots of the flight.
This Record was broke shortly after the two hour mark. Preparation for the jump was beginning for Baumgartner at this point. At 120K feet, the temperature was one degree above zero Fahrenheit. The pressure inside was 8.01 psi, and outside was .01 psi. Two hours and sixteen minutes, the balloon had reached 127K. The problem with the heat in Baumgartner’s faceplate was corrected.
The height reached 127,250 feet when it started to slow considerably. This was at the two hour and twenty minute mark. The maximum height reached 128,100 feet. The Temperature was 11.9 degrees, with the air pressure outside at .07 psi., and inside 7.35 psi. The balloon appeared to be at maximum containment also. It was expanded to a full circle.
The final checks were ran through at near the two hour and thirty minute mark. (2:33.40) the door opened and Felix began the jump set-up. He jumped at approx. two hours and forty minutes. Baumgartner landed safely on the ground after reaching 128K feet. His free fall was four minute and twenty-two seconds. He reached a speed of 729 mph. The records that he was attempting to break, will all need time for confirmation. He did clearly break the highest jump by man at over twenty-four miles above Earth. He fell just 17 seconds short of the free-fall record that Kittinger set. Breaking Mach1 will need to be calculated, but he is very close.
You can get more information by going to www.redbullrecords.com.
Note- In the time it takes to watch a football game, a man and his ship went more than 24 miles above the Earth, and he then parachuted back to Earth safely. Very Cool in this viewers eyes.
Written by Rick A. Talford
NASA Enthusiast
ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO - The “Red Bull Stratos” capsule and balloon were put together and ready to take flight for a World Record attempt. A Sky-Dive from near 120K feet above the Earth. European Sky Diver Felix Baumgartner used a capsule and helium balloon, to go 23 miles above the Earth. The attempt was scheduled for October 8, 2012, but weather knocked down the helium balloon during the filling process. The damage was enough that they needed to replace the balloon. With the balloon replaced, the attempt began the morning of October 13, 2012. Baumgartner’s parents came from Austria to America to watch the event. “Mission to the Edge of Space”, was written on the side of the capsule.
The previous record holder, Joe Kittinger was among the many people assisting with this attempt. He was in direct communications with Felix throughout everything. Kittinger set the record back in 1960, when he traveled 18 miles (102,800 ft) above the Earth, and free-fell for four minutes and thirty-eight seconds. He reached the speed of 614 mph.
Baumgartner is expected to break the sound barrier when he makes his jump. Within the first thirty seconds of the jump, he will be at his fastest decent. Another aspect of the event, is the fact that the temperature at 52K feet was -91.8 degrees below zero Fahrenheit.
The balloon is the largest ever used for a human, to take them aloft. One hour into the event, the balloon reached a height of 62K feet. The Temperature was -86 degrees Fahrenheit. At this height, it is called the Armstrong Line. A line at which the bodies fluids would boil, if not protected by the capsule or suit worn by the jumper. The pressure inside the capsule is 7.95 psi, while the pressure outside is 0.51 psi. To compare this, would be that the pressure at sea level on Earth is 14.7 psi.
Baumgartner made two earlier jumps from 71K feet in March, where he hit speeds of 365 miles per hour in his free-fall. He made a second jump in July from 97K feet. This is 18.5 miles above the Earth.
At one hour and thirty-two minutes, he was at 86K feet. The temperature inside the capsule is 51 degrees, and outside is -48 degrees Fahrenheit. The capsule slowed to only 14 mph. Some concerns were beginning at this time, due to the helmet heater was not working properly. Baumgartner stated that he was seeing his breath inside the helmet, on the faceplate.
At one hour and forty minutes, the balloon was only rising at 6 mph. Once the balloon reached near 70K feet, you could see the curvature of the planet more clearly. They are targeting 120K feet for the jump.
As the balloon reached 110K feet, the shape changed from a teardrop, to more a perfect ball shape. At the two hour point, the balloon had reached 111, 903 feet.
The highest man-balloon flight was in 1960, when two men rose to 21.5 miles above Earth, and then came back to Earth inside the unit. They did not jump, as Baumgartner was going to do. Unfortunately, one man died when they were being picked up by helicopter rescue. His equipment failed, sending him back into the waters, where he drowned. The Record for the highest man-balloon flight was accomplished by the US Navy in 1961. Victor Prather and Malcolm Ross were the pilots of the flight.
This Record was broke shortly after the two hour mark. Preparation for the jump was beginning for Baumgartner at this point. At 120K feet, the temperature was one degree above zero Fahrenheit. The pressure inside was 8.01 psi, and outside was .01 psi. Two hours and sixteen minutes, the balloon had reached 127K. The problem with the heat in Baumgartner’s faceplate was corrected.
The height reached 127,250 feet when it started to slow considerably. This was at the two hour and twenty minute mark. The maximum height reached 128,100 feet. The Temperature was 11.9 degrees, with the air pressure outside at .07 psi., and inside 7.35 psi. The balloon appeared to be at maximum containment also. It was expanded to a full circle.
The final checks were ran through at near the two hour and thirty minute mark. (2:33.40) the door opened and Felix began the jump set-up. He jumped at approx. two hours and forty minutes. Baumgartner landed safely on the ground after reaching 128K feet. His free fall was four minute and twenty-two seconds. He reached a speed of 729 mph. The records that he was attempting to break, will all need time for confirmation. He did clearly break the highest jump by man at over twenty-four miles above Earth. He fell just 17 seconds short of the free-fall record that Kittinger set. Breaking Mach1 will need to be calculated, but he is very close.
You can get more information by going to www.redbullrecords.com.
Note- In the time it takes to watch a football game, a man and his ship went more than 24 miles above the Earth, and he then parachuted back to Earth safely. Very Cool in this viewers eyes.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
EVB Report for Oct. 2012
Village Board makes a change to Beer Garden Ordinance
Submitted by Rick A. Talford
Citizen Journalist
ELMWOOD - The Village met for the monthly meeting at the village hall on Monday evening. A Public Hearing was held before the regular board meeting. The hearing was for discussion on Ordinance 7-2-19. In the recent past, tavern owner Bob Rupakus was questioning the wording of the Ordinance as it was written. A permit was requested for the Longbranch to hold a bean bag activity outside the tavern. He told the village office that it was only going to be a few times, but then made it a regular activity. The original request for a permit was denied, but he was given a verbal okay to have the activity a couple times. Once it became often, a few complaints were received from residents. The activity was being held, without any fencing around the area that was being used. Alcohol from the tavern was taken outside of the bar, into an open lot. The village has an ordinance in place, enforcing the use of a barricade or fence of some form around this type of activity. A change in the height was made, allowing a four foot fence to be used instead of a six foot that was required. Another change was made, allowing a “Day use fence”, which the taverns can erect before the activity, and take it back down within twenty-four hours of the events conclusion. This would be for re-occurring events that may be held weekly. This could be used, instead of a permanent fence being erected. Rupakus did not fence the area, stating the ordinance was not clear. The words may/shall were being used to get around the ordinance as written. The village decided that this needed to be corrected, as they felt Rupakus was exploiting this. Both the Sandbar and Dick’s Bar have similar activities, and both have been required to have fencing. During the hearing, Rupakus accused the board of targeting his bar. He added, “This is just another hoop we have to jump through. This is a burden to my business. Nobody leaves my bar DUI, driving into buildings or getting killed”. This of course is a belief, not a fact. Trustee Neil Boltic spoke on behalf of the board. He explained to Rupakus “We don’t take changing an ordinance lightly, but when there are grey areas being exploited, the board needs to make changes to ensure compliance”. Boltic tried to make it clear that the board, in no way was targeting the Longbranch, and was sorry if Rupakus was taking it that way. This did very little, as Rupakus disagreed. Rupakus then stated “What if I simply drop the license, and have the event on private property ?” You could sense that this was another way of getting around the ordinance, and the board members were cautious with their response. This would create more legal issues for the bar owner, if he decides to go that direction. Trustee Mike Sand spoke in regards to the subject, stating “You only need to fence in the area that is being used, and it is not that hard to do”. Rupakus responded by saying the board members could volunteer to put the fence up each week then, if they didn’t believe it was too hard. The hearing was then adjourned.
The regular board meeting was then started, with Trustee’s Brian Buck and Susan Dzubay being absent. Citizens in attendance were: Elizabeth Delong, Marian Yauch and Bob Rupakus, with his daughter. Officer Matt Broehm was also in attendance. Public Input was the first area covered by the board. Rupakus insisted again, that he felt the ordinance change was unnecessary, and was only making another hoop for him to jump through. There was no response by the board. The meeting then went onto the next item on the agenda. The Elmwood Rod and Gun had requested a Picnic License and Temporary Operator’s Licenses for October 20. This was unanimously approved. Three Operator’s Licenses for the Longbranch were also approved for Jared Seeger, Mandy Pfingsten and Renae Stohr. The approval of Ordinance 7-2-19 Changes was completed, with Trustee Mike Sand abstaining from the vote.
The next area for discussion was then spoke over and tabled, due to Fire Chief Mike Shields not being in attendance. The Fire Dept. is requesting the village financing a purchase of a new “Brush Truck”. This is a pickup that is used in brush fires. The old one in becoming unreliable. Village President Bill Stewart spoke to the board with what information he knew. “The Dept. would like to get a one ton truck, that has an extended cab with four doors. The Dept. feels they can get this off the ground for 35K.” The area being covered through the Elmwood Fire Dept. includes, Rock Elm, Lucas, El Paso, Eau Galle, Weston and Spring Lake. These areas are all under a corporation, and everyone pays in by population and/or square miles covered. Stewart then said “It’s out turn to support a loan, and this is the perfect set-up for us. This is a low amount for a purchase”. Trustee Mike Sand then thought it would be best for the entire board to be present for this, as well as the Fire Dept. representative needs to be present with all the final numbers to be considered. This was agreed upon by all members present.
In Committee and Board Reports: Trustee Trisha Knops provided information from the Nursing Home Committee. There was information from August and September that needed to be brought up to date with the board. The Nursing Home approved a new roof on the gazebo and storage building. The cost being approximately 18K. There was also approval for the exterior areas of the building to be painted and stained. This cost being $9,725. “The Finance Report was completed, and we are in excellent shape”, she added. There was a inspection done, with a five star rating received. She then explained to the members, the Nursing Home is accepting bids for asphalt repair to be done in the parking lot. She completed her report by adding “We are always continuing updates to keep up with local competition”.
Trustee Knops then provided a report for the Library Committee. Circulation was down a little for August and September. There is plenty of weeding out that is getting done at this point. The fiction, VHS, juvenile and young readers sections are all being gone through, to bring things up to date on what is being read. There is also help from the school librarian, to update the teen section. The Committee also approved the hiring of Mandy Pfingsten as an assistant. She will be working approximately eight hours a week, and will be part of the “Story Time” on Wed. mornings. The Personnel Policy was tabled, due to the lack of a few members attending the meeting, concluded her report.
Trustee Neil Boltic told the board members “We covered the Licensing Committee issue pretty well already”. There were no other committee reports to be provided this month. The meeting then adjourned at 7:25 PM.
As a reminder, Please be very careful this Halloween for all those little spooks running the streets. Drive extra slow in town, you never know when a youngster may decide to run into the street.
Submitted by Rick A. Talford
Citizen Journalist
ELMWOOD - The Village met for the monthly meeting at the village hall on Monday evening. A Public Hearing was held before the regular board meeting. The hearing was for discussion on Ordinance 7-2-19. In the recent past, tavern owner Bob Rupakus was questioning the wording of the Ordinance as it was written. A permit was requested for the Longbranch to hold a bean bag activity outside the tavern. He told the village office that it was only going to be a few times, but then made it a regular activity. The original request for a permit was denied, but he was given a verbal okay to have the activity a couple times. Once it became often, a few complaints were received from residents. The activity was being held, without any fencing around the area that was being used. Alcohol from the tavern was taken outside of the bar, into an open lot. The village has an ordinance in place, enforcing the use of a barricade or fence of some form around this type of activity. A change in the height was made, allowing a four foot fence to be used instead of a six foot that was required. Another change was made, allowing a “Day use fence”, which the taverns can erect before the activity, and take it back down within twenty-four hours of the events conclusion. This would be for re-occurring events that may be held weekly. This could be used, instead of a permanent fence being erected. Rupakus did not fence the area, stating the ordinance was not clear. The words may/shall were being used to get around the ordinance as written. The village decided that this needed to be corrected, as they felt Rupakus was exploiting this. Both the Sandbar and Dick’s Bar have similar activities, and both have been required to have fencing. During the hearing, Rupakus accused the board of targeting his bar. He added, “This is just another hoop we have to jump through. This is a burden to my business. Nobody leaves my bar DUI, driving into buildings or getting killed”. This of course is a belief, not a fact. Trustee Neil Boltic spoke on behalf of the board. He explained to Rupakus “We don’t take changing an ordinance lightly, but when there are grey areas being exploited, the board needs to make changes to ensure compliance”. Boltic tried to make it clear that the board, in no way was targeting the Longbranch, and was sorry if Rupakus was taking it that way. This did very little, as Rupakus disagreed. Rupakus then stated “What if I simply drop the license, and have the event on private property ?” You could sense that this was another way of getting around the ordinance, and the board members were cautious with their response. This would create more legal issues for the bar owner, if he decides to go that direction. Trustee Mike Sand spoke in regards to the subject, stating “You only need to fence in the area that is being used, and it is not that hard to do”. Rupakus responded by saying the board members could volunteer to put the fence up each week then, if they didn’t believe it was too hard. The hearing was then adjourned.
The regular board meeting was then started, with Trustee’s Brian Buck and Susan Dzubay being absent. Citizens in attendance were: Elizabeth Delong, Marian Yauch and Bob Rupakus, with his daughter. Officer Matt Broehm was also in attendance. Public Input was the first area covered by the board. Rupakus insisted again, that he felt the ordinance change was unnecessary, and was only making another hoop for him to jump through. There was no response by the board. The meeting then went onto the next item on the agenda. The Elmwood Rod and Gun had requested a Picnic License and Temporary Operator’s Licenses for October 20. This was unanimously approved. Three Operator’s Licenses for the Longbranch were also approved for Jared Seeger, Mandy Pfingsten and Renae Stohr. The approval of Ordinance 7-2-19 Changes was completed, with Trustee Mike Sand abstaining from the vote.
The next area for discussion was then spoke over and tabled, due to Fire Chief Mike Shields not being in attendance. The Fire Dept. is requesting the village financing a purchase of a new “Brush Truck”. This is a pickup that is used in brush fires. The old one in becoming unreliable. Village President Bill Stewart spoke to the board with what information he knew. “The Dept. would like to get a one ton truck, that has an extended cab with four doors. The Dept. feels they can get this off the ground for 35K.” The area being covered through the Elmwood Fire Dept. includes, Rock Elm, Lucas, El Paso, Eau Galle, Weston and Spring Lake. These areas are all under a corporation, and everyone pays in by population and/or square miles covered. Stewart then said “It’s out turn to support a loan, and this is the perfect set-up for us. This is a low amount for a purchase”. Trustee Mike Sand then thought it would be best for the entire board to be present for this, as well as the Fire Dept. representative needs to be present with all the final numbers to be considered. This was agreed upon by all members present.
In Committee and Board Reports: Trustee Trisha Knops provided information from the Nursing Home Committee. There was information from August and September that needed to be brought up to date with the board. The Nursing Home approved a new roof on the gazebo and storage building. The cost being approximately 18K. There was also approval for the exterior areas of the building to be painted and stained. This cost being $9,725. “The Finance Report was completed, and we are in excellent shape”, she added. There was a inspection done, with a five star rating received. She then explained to the members, the Nursing Home is accepting bids for asphalt repair to be done in the parking lot. She completed her report by adding “We are always continuing updates to keep up with local competition”.
Trustee Knops then provided a report for the Library Committee. Circulation was down a little for August and September. There is plenty of weeding out that is getting done at this point. The fiction, VHS, juvenile and young readers sections are all being gone through, to bring things up to date on what is being read. There is also help from the school librarian, to update the teen section. The Committee also approved the hiring of Mandy Pfingsten as an assistant. She will be working approximately eight hours a week, and will be part of the “Story Time” on Wed. mornings. The Personnel Policy was tabled, due to the lack of a few members attending the meeting, concluded her report.
Trustee Neil Boltic told the board members “We covered the Licensing Committee issue pretty well already”. There were no other committee reports to be provided this month. The meeting then adjourned at 7:25 PM.
As a reminder, Please be very careful this Halloween for all those little spooks running the streets. Drive extra slow in town, you never know when a youngster may decide to run into the street.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Nascar 2012 - race 30
GOOD SAM 500
Written by Rick A. Talford
Nascar Enthusiast
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - The Cup Series ran the last restrictor plate race of the year at the high speed track in Alabama. This was race number 30 of 36 races in the “Chase for the Championship” The fastest car in final practice was Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88). The Pole sitter for the race is Kasey Kahne (5), with Ryan Newman (39) starting second. In the Pre-race ceremonies, Billy Irvin provided the invocation. RaeLynn sang the National Anthem, while four T-38’s flew over the Superspeedway. The Grand Marshal was Kevin James. The In-race reporter was Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88). Race conditions had the temperatures in the 60’s, with heavy cloud cover. In other related news, Parker Kligerman (7) won the Truck Series race at the track on Friday. It was noted that Kurt Busch (51) and Regan Smith (78) are racing their last race in the cars they have been driving. Busch will be driving the Furniture Row car next season. He will drive the remainder of this seasons races for the team.
The race began with Kasey Kahne (5) on point. He stayed there for the first ten laps or so, before Clint Bowyer (15) and dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) would swap the lead. As many races at the track, the leader changes often on this track. The first caution came out on lap 18, when Casey Mears (13) tagged Cole Whitt (33) while driving through a corner. Whitt slid sideways, and into the side of Carl Edwards (99). Before all was said and done, Joey Lagono (20) was also roughed up. Denny Hamlin (11) and Jimmie Johnson (48) went to the rear of the field to stay out of trouble. Kevin Harvick (29) stayed out long enough to get a bonus point for leading a lap. At the restart, Kyle Busch (18) was leading. Around lap 40, Greg Biffle (16) was pushing Matt Kenseth (17) through turn three, and hit him in the left rear corner. Kenseth turned sideways and slid down and off the racing lane, almost wrecking. He fell back to thirty-first from the lead, due to the contact by Biffle.
During green flag pit stops around lap 60, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Trevor Bayne (21) were all caught speeding on pit road. They all had to make a drive thru on pit road as their penalty. On lap 100, The leader Kurt Busch (51) ran out of fuel and was ran into. He spun down off the track and into the wall. Kahne also ran out of fuel, but was able to get down and out of the way of the other cars. During the caution, Busch got his car re-fired and pulled away from the officials that were there to attend to him. A paramedics bag was on his roof, and that fell off as he sped away. Nascar parked the 51 for the remainder of the race, due to this actions. This was his final race in the car, and Busch stated “I wanted to get back to the garage for repairs, and now I am in trouble with Nascar again”.
The third caution came out on lap 140 for debris on the backstretch. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was ahead of the leader, so he got back on the lead lap after losing a lap for speeding on pit road. Kyle Busch was the first car a lap down, and also returned to the lead lap after receiving a speeding penalty on lap 62. The fourth caution came out with five laps remaining, on lap 183. Jamie McMurray (1) was spun out by Kevin Harvick (29), who was pushing him towards the lead. A bunch of cars stayed out on track, while the majority stopped on pit road for fuel. The race would finish under the Green-White-Checkered Rules. During the final lap, a twenty car pile up was started by Tony Stewart attempting to block Michael Waltrip (55). That took out everyone from second place on back. A really sick way to end a race. The final standing for the race, were simply by luck, getting through the largest wreck of the day. Watching a race all day, just to have a bone headed move wreck the entire field, really makes this viewer sick. Plenty of good cars, especially those in the Chase that were destroyed and lost many points towards the championship. Stewart spoke to media after he was released from the infield care center. He admitted that he was trying to block Waltrip, and caused the entire field to be wrecked.
Matt Kenseth (17) won the race, with Jeff Gordon (24) coming in second. The rest of the top ten were: Kyle Busch (18), David Ragan (34), Greg Biffle (16), Regan Smith (78), Brad Keselowski (2), Travis Kvapil (93), Ryan Newman (39) and Jeff Burton (31).
The Points standing currently are: Keselowski (leader), Johnson (-14), Hamlin (-20), Kahne (-37), Bowyer (-37), Gordon (-42), Stewart (-43), Truex Jr. (-47), Biffle(-48), Kevin Harvick (-52), Earnhardt Jr. (-58) and Kenseth (-62).
The next race will be at Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday night at 7 EST on ABC.
Written by Rick A. Talford
Nascar Enthusiast
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - The Cup Series ran the last restrictor plate race of the year at the high speed track in Alabama. This was race number 30 of 36 races in the “Chase for the Championship” The fastest car in final practice was Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88). The Pole sitter for the race is Kasey Kahne (5), with Ryan Newman (39) starting second. In the Pre-race ceremonies, Billy Irvin provided the invocation. RaeLynn sang the National Anthem, while four T-38’s flew over the Superspeedway. The Grand Marshal was Kevin James. The In-race reporter was Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88). Race conditions had the temperatures in the 60’s, with heavy cloud cover. In other related news, Parker Kligerman (7) won the Truck Series race at the track on Friday. It was noted that Kurt Busch (51) and Regan Smith (78) are racing their last race in the cars they have been driving. Busch will be driving the Furniture Row car next season. He will drive the remainder of this seasons races for the team.
The race began with Kasey Kahne (5) on point. He stayed there for the first ten laps or so, before Clint Bowyer (15) and dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) would swap the lead. As many races at the track, the leader changes often on this track. The first caution came out on lap 18, when Casey Mears (13) tagged Cole Whitt (33) while driving through a corner. Whitt slid sideways, and into the side of Carl Edwards (99). Before all was said and done, Joey Lagono (20) was also roughed up. Denny Hamlin (11) and Jimmie Johnson (48) went to the rear of the field to stay out of trouble. Kevin Harvick (29) stayed out long enough to get a bonus point for leading a lap. At the restart, Kyle Busch (18) was leading. Around lap 40, Greg Biffle (16) was pushing Matt Kenseth (17) through turn three, and hit him in the left rear corner. Kenseth turned sideways and slid down and off the racing lane, almost wrecking. He fell back to thirty-first from the lead, due to the contact by Biffle.
During green flag pit stops around lap 60, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Trevor Bayne (21) were all caught speeding on pit road. They all had to make a drive thru on pit road as their penalty. On lap 100, The leader Kurt Busch (51) ran out of fuel and was ran into. He spun down off the track and into the wall. Kahne also ran out of fuel, but was able to get down and out of the way of the other cars. During the caution, Busch got his car re-fired and pulled away from the officials that were there to attend to him. A paramedics bag was on his roof, and that fell off as he sped away. Nascar parked the 51 for the remainder of the race, due to this actions. This was his final race in the car, and Busch stated “I wanted to get back to the garage for repairs, and now I am in trouble with Nascar again”.
The third caution came out on lap 140 for debris on the backstretch. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was ahead of the leader, so he got back on the lead lap after losing a lap for speeding on pit road. Kyle Busch was the first car a lap down, and also returned to the lead lap after receiving a speeding penalty on lap 62. The fourth caution came out with five laps remaining, on lap 183. Jamie McMurray (1) was spun out by Kevin Harvick (29), who was pushing him towards the lead. A bunch of cars stayed out on track, while the majority stopped on pit road for fuel. The race would finish under the Green-White-Checkered Rules. During the final lap, a twenty car pile up was started by Tony Stewart attempting to block Michael Waltrip (55). That took out everyone from second place on back. A really sick way to end a race. The final standing for the race, were simply by luck, getting through the largest wreck of the day. Watching a race all day, just to have a bone headed move wreck the entire field, really makes this viewer sick. Plenty of good cars, especially those in the Chase that were destroyed and lost many points towards the championship. Stewart spoke to media after he was released from the infield care center. He admitted that he was trying to block Waltrip, and caused the entire field to be wrecked.
Matt Kenseth (17) won the race, with Jeff Gordon (24) coming in second. The rest of the top ten were: Kyle Busch (18), David Ragan (34), Greg Biffle (16), Regan Smith (78), Brad Keselowski (2), Travis Kvapil (93), Ryan Newman (39) and Jeff Burton (31).
The Points standing currently are: Keselowski (leader), Johnson (-14), Hamlin (-20), Kahne (-37), Bowyer (-37), Gordon (-42), Stewart (-43), Truex Jr. (-47), Biffle(-48), Kevin Harvick (-52), Earnhardt Jr. (-58) and Kenseth (-62).
The next race will be at Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday night at 7 EST on ABC.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Nascar 2012 - race 29
ONE MAIN FINANCIAL 200
Written by Rick A. Talford
NASCAR Enthusiast
DOVER, DELEWARE - The Nationwide Series ran their 28th race of the season at the “Monster Mile”. 200 laps would be run for the scheduled race. Youngster Darrell Wallace Jr. (20) got the Pole position for the race, in only his fourth start at age eighteen. Justin Allgaier (31) would start second. A group of thirteen drivers were scheduled to do “Double Duty” this weekend. In the Opening Ceremonies, Major Barry Ingram provided the invocation. Gina Zavalis sang the National Anthem, while a Boeing C-17 flew over the track. At nearly the perfect time, A Bald Eagle also flew over the raceway. The Grand Marshal was Mary McDowell, and the In-Race reporter was another eighteen year old, Ryan Truex (99). In other racing news this week, on Friday, The “Dean of Motorsports,” Chris Economaki passed away, after many years in commentating and reporting all forms of Motorsports. A “Competition Caution” was also scheduled for lap 45, due to overnight rain.
The race began with Justin Allgaier (31) taking the lead on the first lap. Pole Sitter Darrell Wallace Jr. never led a lap, and finished thirteenth. Joey Lagono (18) would then take an early lead in the race. The first caution, was the scheduled “competition caution” on lap 46. Kasey Kahne (38) led a few laps during the caution. On the restart, Lagono re-took the lead. On lap 116, the second caution came out for Jeremy Clements (51) hitting the wall.
During the next section of green flag racing, second place became a bad spot to be racing in. Justin Allgaier was in second, when a broken track bar would send him to the pits under green. Sam Hornish Jr. (12) would be the next racer in second place with issues. He had a tire failure send him to the pits. The third caution came out for Tim Andrews (39) on lap 176, when his engine failed on track. The race would then run to the end, with Lagono dominating the day and taking the checkered flag.
The rest of the top ten were: Paul Menard (33), Michael Annett (43), Elliott Sadler (2), Kyle Busch (54), Cole Whitt (88), Brian Scott (11), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6), Kasey Kahne (38) and Austin Dillon (3). Danica Patrick would finish on the lead lap in sixteenth.
The points leader is Elliott Sadler, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (-9), Austin Dillon (-25), Sam Hornish Jr. (-60)
The next race is at Charlotte in two weeks (Oct. 12), on a Friday night at 7 PM EST on ESPN.
In other sporting news: Reds pitcher Homer Bailey pitched a No-Hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates, in Pittsburgh. Nelson Piquet Jr. won the Truck Series race this weekend in Vegas also.
MONSTER MILE
DOVER, DELEWARE - The Cup Series ran their third “Chase” race of the Championship run. Drivers would have to race 400 laps around the one mile, high banked monster. Denny Hamlin (11) won the Pole Sitter position, with Clint Bowyer (15) starting beside him on the front row. Dan Schafer provided the invocation. LoneStar sang the National Anthem, while four F-16’s flew over the raceway. Brian Dawkins was the Grand Marshal. Danica Patrick (10) would start this race in thirty-eighth spot.
Denny Hamlin started the race on the pole, and took off right from the start. His teammate Kyle Busch (18) would take over the lead on lap 35. Busch was easily the fastest car on the track for most of the race, before needing to stop for fuel near the end. He would finish one lap down, in seventh spot. Busch would then leave the raceway without speaking to the media, once again. He led 302 of the 400 laps.
The first caution came out on lap 70 for debris off the car of JJ Yeley (36). His tire blew out, and tore the right fender off the race car. When this caution flew, green flag pit stops had already been happening. This caught a majority of the field one lap down. Only seven cars were left on the lead lap. The second and third cautions were also for debris. (laps 179 & 246). After the third caution, there were eight cars on the lead lap.
The fourth caution flew, when Matt Kenseth (17) had a track bar break on lap 308. Kenseth was running in the fourteenth spot at the time. The re-start had Jimmie Johnson (48) out in front of Kyle Busch. Before one lap could be completed, Kenseth spun out and hit the inner wall. That brought out the fifth and final caution of the race. There would only be ten cars on the lead lap at this point. On lap 354, Busch would re-take the lead, but with eleven laps left, he had to stop for fuel. His teammate Hamlin would also have to stop. This dropped both drivers off the lead lap. A handful of drivers did not have to stop for fuel, as they went to the end. Brad Keselowski (2) saved fuel early enough in the run, to go to the finish. Keselowski won his second race in three. This was his fifth win of the season, tying Hamlin for the most. He beat Jeff Gordon (24) and Mark Martin (55) to the checkered flag.
The rest of the top ten were: Jimmie Johnson (48), Carl Edwards (99), Martin Truex Jr. (56), Kyle Busch (18) (-1 lap), Denny Hamlin (11), Clint Bowyer (15) and Joey Lagono (20). Other notables were: Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) in eleventh, Kevin Harvick (29) in thirteenth, Kasey Kahne (5) in fifteenth, Greg Biffle (16) in sixteenth, Tony Stewart (14) in twentieth and Matt Kenseth (17) in thirty-fifth. Danica Patrick (10_ would start in thirty-eighth and finished seven laps down, in twenty-eighth.
The points now are: Leader - Keselowski, Johnson (-5), Hamlin (-16), Bowyer (-25), Stewart & Kahne (-32), Earnhardt Jr. (-39), Truex Jr. (-42), Harvick (-46), Gordon (-48), Biffle (-51) and Kenseth (-72)
The next race is Sunday at 1 PM EST at Talladega Superspeedway on ESPN.
Written by Rick A. Talford
NASCAR Enthusiast
DOVER, DELEWARE - The Nationwide Series ran their 28th race of the season at the “Monster Mile”. 200 laps would be run for the scheduled race. Youngster Darrell Wallace Jr. (20) got the Pole position for the race, in only his fourth start at age eighteen. Justin Allgaier (31) would start second. A group of thirteen drivers were scheduled to do “Double Duty” this weekend. In the Opening Ceremonies, Major Barry Ingram provided the invocation. Gina Zavalis sang the National Anthem, while a Boeing C-17 flew over the track. At nearly the perfect time, A Bald Eagle also flew over the raceway. The Grand Marshal was Mary McDowell, and the In-Race reporter was another eighteen year old, Ryan Truex (99). In other racing news this week, on Friday, The “Dean of Motorsports,” Chris Economaki passed away, after many years in commentating and reporting all forms of Motorsports. A “Competition Caution” was also scheduled for lap 45, due to overnight rain.
The race began with Justin Allgaier (31) taking the lead on the first lap. Pole Sitter Darrell Wallace Jr. never led a lap, and finished thirteenth. Joey Lagono (18) would then take an early lead in the race. The first caution, was the scheduled “competition caution” on lap 46. Kasey Kahne (38) led a few laps during the caution. On the restart, Lagono re-took the lead. On lap 116, the second caution came out for Jeremy Clements (51) hitting the wall.
During the next section of green flag racing, second place became a bad spot to be racing in. Justin Allgaier was in second, when a broken track bar would send him to the pits under green. Sam Hornish Jr. (12) would be the next racer in second place with issues. He had a tire failure send him to the pits. The third caution came out for Tim Andrews (39) on lap 176, when his engine failed on track. The race would then run to the end, with Lagono dominating the day and taking the checkered flag.
The rest of the top ten were: Paul Menard (33), Michael Annett (43), Elliott Sadler (2), Kyle Busch (54), Cole Whitt (88), Brian Scott (11), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6), Kasey Kahne (38) and Austin Dillon (3). Danica Patrick would finish on the lead lap in sixteenth.
The points leader is Elliott Sadler, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (-9), Austin Dillon (-25), Sam Hornish Jr. (-60)
The next race is at Charlotte in two weeks (Oct. 12), on a Friday night at 7 PM EST on ESPN.
In other sporting news: Reds pitcher Homer Bailey pitched a No-Hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates, in Pittsburgh. Nelson Piquet Jr. won the Truck Series race this weekend in Vegas also.
MONSTER MILE
DOVER, DELEWARE - The Cup Series ran their third “Chase” race of the Championship run. Drivers would have to race 400 laps around the one mile, high banked monster. Denny Hamlin (11) won the Pole Sitter position, with Clint Bowyer (15) starting beside him on the front row. Dan Schafer provided the invocation. LoneStar sang the National Anthem, while four F-16’s flew over the raceway. Brian Dawkins was the Grand Marshal. Danica Patrick (10) would start this race in thirty-eighth spot.
Denny Hamlin started the race on the pole, and took off right from the start. His teammate Kyle Busch (18) would take over the lead on lap 35. Busch was easily the fastest car on the track for most of the race, before needing to stop for fuel near the end. He would finish one lap down, in seventh spot. Busch would then leave the raceway without speaking to the media, once again. He led 302 of the 400 laps.
The first caution came out on lap 70 for debris off the car of JJ Yeley (36). His tire blew out, and tore the right fender off the race car. When this caution flew, green flag pit stops had already been happening. This caught a majority of the field one lap down. Only seven cars were left on the lead lap. The second and third cautions were also for debris. (laps 179 & 246). After the third caution, there were eight cars on the lead lap.
The fourth caution flew, when Matt Kenseth (17) had a track bar break on lap 308. Kenseth was running in the fourteenth spot at the time. The re-start had Jimmie Johnson (48) out in front of Kyle Busch. Before one lap could be completed, Kenseth spun out and hit the inner wall. That brought out the fifth and final caution of the race. There would only be ten cars on the lead lap at this point. On lap 354, Busch would re-take the lead, but with eleven laps left, he had to stop for fuel. His teammate Hamlin would also have to stop. This dropped both drivers off the lead lap. A handful of drivers did not have to stop for fuel, as they went to the end. Brad Keselowski (2) saved fuel early enough in the run, to go to the finish. Keselowski won his second race in three. This was his fifth win of the season, tying Hamlin for the most. He beat Jeff Gordon (24) and Mark Martin (55) to the checkered flag.
The rest of the top ten were: Jimmie Johnson (48), Carl Edwards (99), Martin Truex Jr. (56), Kyle Busch (18) (-1 lap), Denny Hamlin (11), Clint Bowyer (15) and Joey Lagono (20). Other notables were: Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) in eleventh, Kevin Harvick (29) in thirteenth, Kasey Kahne (5) in fifteenth, Greg Biffle (16) in sixteenth, Tony Stewart (14) in twentieth and Matt Kenseth (17) in thirty-fifth. Danica Patrick (10_ would start in thirty-eighth and finished seven laps down, in twenty-eighth.
The points now are: Leader - Keselowski, Johnson (-5), Hamlin (-16), Bowyer (-25), Stewart & Kahne (-32), Earnhardt Jr. (-39), Truex Jr. (-42), Harvick (-46), Gordon (-48), Biffle (-51) and Kenseth (-72)
The next race is Sunday at 1 PM EST at Talladega Superspeedway on ESPN.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Nascar 2012 - race 28
KENTUCKY 300
Written by Rick A. Talford
Nascar Enthusiast
SPARTA, KENTUCKY - The Nationwide Series ran their race at the “Miracle Mile” this weekend. They ran 200 laps. Starting this race, Ricky Stenhouse Jr.(6) was the points leader over Elliott Sadler (2) by nine points, and Austin Dillon (3) by 34 pts. The Pole sitter was Austin Dillon, with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. starting second. A “Competition Caution” was scheduled for lap 30, due to overnight rain showers at the track. In Friday nights race, James Buescher won the Truck Event. Ty Dillon is currently the points leader in the series. In other related news, Tony Eury Jr. was released by Junior Motorsports. Ryan Pemberton will be his successor for the race team (7). A couple young drivers would be in the race also. 19 year old Alex Bowman (99) and 18 year old Ryan Blaney (22). Blaney won his very first career truck series race last weekend at Iowa. He would become the youngest winner of that series. He raced truck number 29. The “Opening Ceremonies” had Pastor John Roberts providing the invocation. Mackenzie Morgan singing the “National Anthem,” while four T-38’s flew over the race track. The Grand Marshal was a Vietnam Veteran Joe Sturm, with his Military Dog (Sgt).
The race only ran one green flag lap, before the first caution came out for Joe Nemechek (87) spinning out. A second car spinning out on lap eight would bring out the second caution. Brad Sweet (38) also spun in turn three. During the caution, Nascar warned Ricky Stenhouse Jr.(6) about his starts being “too slow,” causing problems for cars behind him. The third caution flew at lap 30, for the scheduled “Competition Caution”. During this pit stop, the leader would have troubles. Stenhouse Jr. pulled out of his pit box, and ran right into the side of Eric McClure’s car. He damaged the nose of his own race car, and had to return to his pit box for repairs. This dropped him from the lead, back to 28th spot. Austin Dillon (3) would take the lead after the restart.
On lap 40, Drew Herring (18) would spin out of seventh place, after being tagged by Michael Annett (43). On lap 50, Stenhouse Jr. would have more troubles, as he hit the wall hard with both front and rear of his car. This would cause him to head to the pits for repairs, and dropped him two laps down in the race. Mike Wallace (01) would tag Taylor Malsham (19) on lap 88 for the fifth caution. As with many races in the past this season, the Kyle Busch entry (54) would have issues on track. Kurt Busch was driving this weekend, and the engine began smoking on lap 129. They would find that it was the transmission sticking, that caused the smoke.
Teammates Dillon and Elliott Sadler (2) would then begin battling back and forth for the lead around lap 145. Sadler then began having troubles with his steering, sticking and releasing on and off. During the sixth and final caution, when Eric McClure (14) spun out, they attempted to look at the problem. Austin Dillon would win the race to the finish over Sam Hornish Jr. (12). This became the perfect gift for his Owner/Grandfather Richard Childress, whom had a birthday the day before the race.
The rest of the top ten were: Brandon Gaughn (33), Drew Herring (18), Elliott Sadler (2), Cole Whitt (88), Michael Annett (43), Justin Allgaier (31), Ryan Blaney (22) and Brad Sweet (38). Other notables were: Johanna Long (70) one lap down in twelfth, and Danica Patrick (7) two laps down in fourteenth. Only the top ten cars were on the lead lap at the end of the race. Elliott Sadler would become the points leader again, with a four point lead over Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Austin Dillon is now only 19 points back in third place.
The next race is at Dover, next Saturday at 3 PM EST on ESPN2
SILVANIA 300
LOUDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE - The Sprint Cup Series ran their twenty-eighth race of the season on the 1.5 mile motor speedway. The flat track was stop number two, of ten for the “Chase for the Championship”. A “Competition Caution” was scheduled for lap 40, due to rain overnight at the speedway. The Pole Sitter was Jeff Gordon (24), with Kyle Busch (18) starting second. During the “Opening Ceremonies”, Kevin Forrester provided the invocation. The Vermont 40th Infantry Band played the National Anthem. The Grand Marshal was Graham Wurk, and the In-Race reporter was Kevin Harvick (29). In other related news, A.J. Allmindinger was re-instated after completing “Road to Recovery” rehab. Regan Smith (78) also stated “I don’t believe I will be back with Furniture Row next season”
The first few laps were led by Jeff Gordon (24). Tony Stewart (14) would take the lead until the competition caution fell. Then Kyle Busch (18) would lead the next forty-eight laps, before his teammate Denny Hamlin (11) took over the lead.
There were three cautions (laps 132, 178, 275) for debris, that was never shown to the viewers. It did seem however, that when the leader got up a five second lead, the caution would come out. Around lap 174, Kyle Busch would start having engine troubles, and became very upset with his crew chief asking questions to him. He would continue and finish the race, but he did fall laps down.
Hamlin would dominate the race after running out of gas on the last lap, a week earlier. After the race last weekend, Hamlin told reporters “All was good, I’ll win next weekend,” and he did. Jimmie Johnson (48) did all he could, but Hamlin was just simply “Fast”.
The rest of the top ten were: Jeff Gordon (24), Clint Bowyer (15), Kasey Kahne (5), Brad Keselowski (2), Tony Stewart (14), Joey Lagono (20), Brian Vickers (55) and Ryan Newman (39). Other notables from the chase were: Kevin Harvick (29) in eleventh, Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) in thirteenth, Matt Kenseth (17) in fourteenth, Martin Truex Jr. (56) in seventeenth and Greg Biffle (16) in Eighteenth. Nineteen cars would finish on the lead lap. This was also Owner Joe Gibbs 100th Win in the series.
The points standing now are : Jimmie Johnson (leader), Brad Keselowski (-1), Denny Hamlin (-7), Tony Stewart (-10), Kasey Kahne and Clint Bowyer (-15), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (-26), Kevin Harvick (-31), Greg Biffle (-33), Ryan Truex Jr. (-34), Matt Kenseth (-35) and Jeff Gordon (-45).
The next race is at Dover on Sunday at 1 PM EST on ESPN.
Written by Rick A. Talford
Nascar Enthusiast
SPARTA, KENTUCKY - The Nationwide Series ran their race at the “Miracle Mile” this weekend. They ran 200 laps. Starting this race, Ricky Stenhouse Jr.(6) was the points leader over Elliott Sadler (2) by nine points, and Austin Dillon (3) by 34 pts. The Pole sitter was Austin Dillon, with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. starting second. A “Competition Caution” was scheduled for lap 30, due to overnight rain showers at the track. In Friday nights race, James Buescher won the Truck Event. Ty Dillon is currently the points leader in the series. In other related news, Tony Eury Jr. was released by Junior Motorsports. Ryan Pemberton will be his successor for the race team (7). A couple young drivers would be in the race also. 19 year old Alex Bowman (99) and 18 year old Ryan Blaney (22). Blaney won his very first career truck series race last weekend at Iowa. He would become the youngest winner of that series. He raced truck number 29. The “Opening Ceremonies” had Pastor John Roberts providing the invocation. Mackenzie Morgan singing the “National Anthem,” while four T-38’s flew over the race track. The Grand Marshal was a Vietnam Veteran Joe Sturm, with his Military Dog (Sgt).
The race only ran one green flag lap, before the first caution came out for Joe Nemechek (87) spinning out. A second car spinning out on lap eight would bring out the second caution. Brad Sweet (38) also spun in turn three. During the caution, Nascar warned Ricky Stenhouse Jr.(6) about his starts being “too slow,” causing problems for cars behind him. The third caution flew at lap 30, for the scheduled “Competition Caution”. During this pit stop, the leader would have troubles. Stenhouse Jr. pulled out of his pit box, and ran right into the side of Eric McClure’s car. He damaged the nose of his own race car, and had to return to his pit box for repairs. This dropped him from the lead, back to 28th spot. Austin Dillon (3) would take the lead after the restart.
On lap 40, Drew Herring (18) would spin out of seventh place, after being tagged by Michael Annett (43). On lap 50, Stenhouse Jr. would have more troubles, as he hit the wall hard with both front and rear of his car. This would cause him to head to the pits for repairs, and dropped him two laps down in the race. Mike Wallace (01) would tag Taylor Malsham (19) on lap 88 for the fifth caution. As with many races in the past this season, the Kyle Busch entry (54) would have issues on track. Kurt Busch was driving this weekend, and the engine began smoking on lap 129. They would find that it was the transmission sticking, that caused the smoke.
Teammates Dillon and Elliott Sadler (2) would then begin battling back and forth for the lead around lap 145. Sadler then began having troubles with his steering, sticking and releasing on and off. During the sixth and final caution, when Eric McClure (14) spun out, they attempted to look at the problem. Austin Dillon would win the race to the finish over Sam Hornish Jr. (12). This became the perfect gift for his Owner/Grandfather Richard Childress, whom had a birthday the day before the race.
The rest of the top ten were: Brandon Gaughn (33), Drew Herring (18), Elliott Sadler (2), Cole Whitt (88), Michael Annett (43), Justin Allgaier (31), Ryan Blaney (22) and Brad Sweet (38). Other notables were: Johanna Long (70) one lap down in twelfth, and Danica Patrick (7) two laps down in fourteenth. Only the top ten cars were on the lead lap at the end of the race. Elliott Sadler would become the points leader again, with a four point lead over Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Austin Dillon is now only 19 points back in third place.
The next race is at Dover, next Saturday at 3 PM EST on ESPN2
SILVANIA 300
LOUDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE - The Sprint Cup Series ran their twenty-eighth race of the season on the 1.5 mile motor speedway. The flat track was stop number two, of ten for the “Chase for the Championship”. A “Competition Caution” was scheduled for lap 40, due to rain overnight at the speedway. The Pole Sitter was Jeff Gordon (24), with Kyle Busch (18) starting second. During the “Opening Ceremonies”, Kevin Forrester provided the invocation. The Vermont 40th Infantry Band played the National Anthem. The Grand Marshal was Graham Wurk, and the In-Race reporter was Kevin Harvick (29). In other related news, A.J. Allmindinger was re-instated after completing “Road to Recovery” rehab. Regan Smith (78) also stated “I don’t believe I will be back with Furniture Row next season”
The first few laps were led by Jeff Gordon (24). Tony Stewart (14) would take the lead until the competition caution fell. Then Kyle Busch (18) would lead the next forty-eight laps, before his teammate Denny Hamlin (11) took over the lead.
There were three cautions (laps 132, 178, 275) for debris, that was never shown to the viewers. It did seem however, that when the leader got up a five second lead, the caution would come out. Around lap 174, Kyle Busch would start having engine troubles, and became very upset with his crew chief asking questions to him. He would continue and finish the race, but he did fall laps down.
Hamlin would dominate the race after running out of gas on the last lap, a week earlier. After the race last weekend, Hamlin told reporters “All was good, I’ll win next weekend,” and he did. Jimmie Johnson (48) did all he could, but Hamlin was just simply “Fast”.
The rest of the top ten were: Jeff Gordon (24), Clint Bowyer (15), Kasey Kahne (5), Brad Keselowski (2), Tony Stewart (14), Joey Lagono (20), Brian Vickers (55) and Ryan Newman (39). Other notables from the chase were: Kevin Harvick (29) in eleventh, Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) in thirteenth, Matt Kenseth (17) in fourteenth, Martin Truex Jr. (56) in seventeenth and Greg Biffle (16) in Eighteenth. Nineteen cars would finish on the lead lap. This was also Owner Joe Gibbs 100th Win in the series.
The points standing now are : Jimmie Johnson (leader), Brad Keselowski (-1), Denny Hamlin (-7), Tony Stewart (-10), Kasey Kahne and Clint Bowyer (-15), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (-26), Kevin Harvick (-31), Greg Biffle (-33), Ryan Truex Jr. (-34), Matt Kenseth (-35) and Jeff Gordon (-45).
The next race is at Dover on Sunday at 1 PM EST on ESPN.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Nascar 2012 - race 27
Dollar General 300
Chicagoland Speedway
Written by Rick A. Talford
Nascar Enthusiast
JOLIET, ILLINOIS - Nationwide racers came to Chicago for their 26th of 33 races. Joey Lagono (18) would take the pole for the fifth time this season. Austin Dillon (3) would start second. They came to the track to run 200 laps on the one and a half miler speedway. During the opening ceremonies, Michael White gave the invocation, as the Million Dollar Quartet would sing the National Anthem. A MH-65c Helicopter flew over the speedway also. Corynn McMurray was the Grand Marshal. There were two handfuls of “Double Duty” drivers in the race. Lagono (18), Keselowski (22), Busch (54), Patrick (7), Bliss (44), Hornish Jr. (12), Menard (33), Nemecheck (87) and Whitt (88). The In-Race Reporter was Johanna Long (70).
It did not take long before the caution flag would fly in this race. On lap 4, Dexter Stacey (39) would spin out on track. Brad Sweet (38) would bring out the second caution, for the same reason. The third caution on lap 47, was for Cole Whitt (88) after he was ran into by Justin Allgaier (31). Allgaier’s exhaust cut down Whitt’s rear tire. Out of the first 60 laps, Joey Lagono led 59 of them.
Austin Dillon (3) and Kyle Busch (54) then took their chances at leading the race. For nine laps, the two racers went back and forth with the lead, then Dillon took off as the leader. By lap 100, Dillon had created a 5.4 second distance between himself and second place. The fourth caution came out on lap 124 for Benny Gordon (24). Gordon had slid up and into the wall. On lap 166, the fifth and final caution would fly for Jason Bowles (81). His engine gave out while on the race track. The race would run green from that point, to the end.
Kyle Busch was leading the late laps, when Ricky Stenhouse Jr.(6) started charging hard. He ran down and passed Busch easily. This kept Busch from getting his first win, in his own equipment. He has went zero for sixteen races so far this season. He would finish second in this race.
The rest of the top ten were: Austin Dillon (3), Brad Keselowski (22), Paul Menard (33), Sam Hornish Jr. (12), Michael Annett (43), Elliott Sadler (2), Joey Lagono (18) and Brian Scott (11). Danica Patrick would finish in twelfth position, never falling off the lead lap all day.
The next race is at Kentucky on Saturday on ESPN at 3:30 PM EST
GEICO 400
JOLIET, ILLINOIS - The Cup Series ran their 267 laps on the same speedway this weekend. The Pole Sitter was Jimmie Johnson (48), with Aric Almirola (43) starting second. The Grand Marshal was Scott Markel, and the In-Race Reporter was Tony Stewart (14). Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) had qualified fourth, but had to start at the rear of the field, for changing an engine. He would start the race in 42nd spot.
Aric Almirola (43) and Jimmie Johnson (48) led the opening laps. Johnson would eventually take off in the lead. By lap 34, Danica Patrick (10) fell a lap down to the leaders. She would complete the race, two laps down in twenty-fifth position. During green flag stops around lap 45, Sam Hornish Jr. (22) would get penalized for speeding on pit road. Aric Almirola (43) would also be penalized for a tire violation. (later, Nascar gave his lap back, as there was no violation) Travis Kvapil also was penalized for taking equipment out of the pit box. His jack was caught under the race car as he left the pits. He drug the jack all the way around the track at normal speeds, before returning to pit road.
The first caution came out on lap 67 for debris (never shown to viewers). On lap 102, another debris caution came out. It was not shown to viewers again. The race went green for awhile, as Keselowski took the lead near the halfway mark. Casey Mears (13) brought out the third caution, when he hit the wall. Before the race went back to green, they extended the caution for another piece of debris on the track, near the start/finish line. The front shock absorber, from the 17 car of Matt Kenseth had fallen off. He would continue on racing without it, not knowing that it was off his car. He would get into the pits for a repair on lap 188, when the next caution came out. The fourth and final caution was for Jeff Gordon (24) who had an accelerator stick, sending him into the wall hard. He would go to the garage for repairs. He did return for just a couple more laps, after falling 69 laps down.
The race would go back green on lap 195. Johnson took over the lead once again. The final round of pit stops were made around lap 227. As everyone got back up to speed, Keselowski would retake the lead over Johnson by a second. Keselowski would win by over three seconds in the first round of the Chase. Johnson would finish in second place.
The rest of the top ten were: Kasey Kahne (5), Kyle Busch (18), Ryan Newman (39), Tony Stewart (14), Joey Lagono (20), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88), Martin Truex Jr. (56) and Clint Bowyer (15).
Other notables in the Chase were: Kevin Harvick (29) in twelfth, Greg Biffle (16) in thirteenth, Denny Hamlin (11) in sixteenth (ran out of fuel on the final lap), Matt Kenseth (17) in Eighteenth and Jeff Gordon (24) in thirty-fifth.
The Chase Contenders are: Leader- Brad Keselowski, Jimmie Johnson (-3), Tony Stewart (-8), Denny Hamlin (-15), Kasey Kahne (-15), Clint Bowyer (-15), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (-17), Greg Biffle (-19), Martin Truex Jr. (-21), Kevin Harvick (-24), Matt Kenseth (-26) and Jeff Gordon (-47).
The next race is at Kentucky on Sunday on ESPN at 2 PM EST
Chicagoland Speedway
Written by Rick A. Talford
Nascar Enthusiast
JOLIET, ILLINOIS - Nationwide racers came to Chicago for their 26th of 33 races. Joey Lagono (18) would take the pole for the fifth time this season. Austin Dillon (3) would start second. They came to the track to run 200 laps on the one and a half miler speedway. During the opening ceremonies, Michael White gave the invocation, as the Million Dollar Quartet would sing the National Anthem. A MH-65c Helicopter flew over the speedway also. Corynn McMurray was the Grand Marshal. There were two handfuls of “Double Duty” drivers in the race. Lagono (18), Keselowski (22), Busch (54), Patrick (7), Bliss (44), Hornish Jr. (12), Menard (33), Nemecheck (87) and Whitt (88). The In-Race Reporter was Johanna Long (70).
It did not take long before the caution flag would fly in this race. On lap 4, Dexter Stacey (39) would spin out on track. Brad Sweet (38) would bring out the second caution, for the same reason. The third caution on lap 47, was for Cole Whitt (88) after he was ran into by Justin Allgaier (31). Allgaier’s exhaust cut down Whitt’s rear tire. Out of the first 60 laps, Joey Lagono led 59 of them.
Austin Dillon (3) and Kyle Busch (54) then took their chances at leading the race. For nine laps, the two racers went back and forth with the lead, then Dillon took off as the leader. By lap 100, Dillon had created a 5.4 second distance between himself and second place. The fourth caution came out on lap 124 for Benny Gordon (24). Gordon had slid up and into the wall. On lap 166, the fifth and final caution would fly for Jason Bowles (81). His engine gave out while on the race track. The race would run green from that point, to the end.
Kyle Busch was leading the late laps, when Ricky Stenhouse Jr.(6) started charging hard. He ran down and passed Busch easily. This kept Busch from getting his first win, in his own equipment. He has went zero for sixteen races so far this season. He would finish second in this race.
The rest of the top ten were: Austin Dillon (3), Brad Keselowski (22), Paul Menard (33), Sam Hornish Jr. (12), Michael Annett (43), Elliott Sadler (2), Joey Lagono (18) and Brian Scott (11). Danica Patrick would finish in twelfth position, never falling off the lead lap all day.
The next race is at Kentucky on Saturday on ESPN at 3:30 PM EST
GEICO 400
JOLIET, ILLINOIS - The Cup Series ran their 267 laps on the same speedway this weekend. The Pole Sitter was Jimmie Johnson (48), with Aric Almirola (43) starting second. The Grand Marshal was Scott Markel, and the In-Race Reporter was Tony Stewart (14). Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) had qualified fourth, but had to start at the rear of the field, for changing an engine. He would start the race in 42nd spot.
Aric Almirola (43) and Jimmie Johnson (48) led the opening laps. Johnson would eventually take off in the lead. By lap 34, Danica Patrick (10) fell a lap down to the leaders. She would complete the race, two laps down in twenty-fifth position. During green flag stops around lap 45, Sam Hornish Jr. (22) would get penalized for speeding on pit road. Aric Almirola (43) would also be penalized for a tire violation. (later, Nascar gave his lap back, as there was no violation) Travis Kvapil also was penalized for taking equipment out of the pit box. His jack was caught under the race car as he left the pits. He drug the jack all the way around the track at normal speeds, before returning to pit road.
The first caution came out on lap 67 for debris (never shown to viewers). On lap 102, another debris caution came out. It was not shown to viewers again. The race went green for awhile, as Keselowski took the lead near the halfway mark. Casey Mears (13) brought out the third caution, when he hit the wall. Before the race went back to green, they extended the caution for another piece of debris on the track, near the start/finish line. The front shock absorber, from the 17 car of Matt Kenseth had fallen off. He would continue on racing without it, not knowing that it was off his car. He would get into the pits for a repair on lap 188, when the next caution came out. The fourth and final caution was for Jeff Gordon (24) who had an accelerator stick, sending him into the wall hard. He would go to the garage for repairs. He did return for just a couple more laps, after falling 69 laps down.
The race would go back green on lap 195. Johnson took over the lead once again. The final round of pit stops were made around lap 227. As everyone got back up to speed, Keselowski would retake the lead over Johnson by a second. Keselowski would win by over three seconds in the first round of the Chase. Johnson would finish in second place.
The rest of the top ten were: Kasey Kahne (5), Kyle Busch (18), Ryan Newman (39), Tony Stewart (14), Joey Lagono (20), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88), Martin Truex Jr. (56) and Clint Bowyer (15).
Other notables in the Chase were: Kevin Harvick (29) in twelfth, Greg Biffle (16) in thirteenth, Denny Hamlin (11) in sixteenth (ran out of fuel on the final lap), Matt Kenseth (17) in Eighteenth and Jeff Gordon (24) in thirty-fifth.
The Chase Contenders are: Leader- Brad Keselowski, Jimmie Johnson (-3), Tony Stewart (-8), Denny Hamlin (-15), Kasey Kahne (-15), Clint Bowyer (-15), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (-17), Greg Biffle (-19), Martin Truex Jr. (-21), Kevin Harvick (-24), Matt Kenseth (-26) and Jeff Gordon (-47).
The next race is at Kentucky on Sunday on ESPN at 2 PM EST
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
EVB report for September 2012
Roof Repair Costs Village an Extra $18,000
Submitted by Rick A. Talford
Citizen Journalist
ELMWOOD, WI - The Elmwood Village Board held their monthly meeting at the Village Hall on Monday, September 9, 2012. Absent from the meeting were, Trustee’s Brian Buck, Trisha Knops and Rick Stohr. The meeting was still allowed to proceed, with the minimum required in attendance. Officer Matt Broehm, along with citizens Elizabeth Delong, Marion Yauch and Dick Tiffany also attended the meeting.
There was no Public Input brought to the attention of the board members, so the meeting went forward. The next item on the agenda, was the approval of two Operator’s Licenses. One was approved for Evelyn Jensen of Cenex. But the other was put on hold, due to Cassie Lemke no longer working for the Longbranch. The Board then discussed the Plan Commission’s Recommendation on a CSM for property located at 126 East Springer Avenue. Trustee Neil Boltic spoke over the information brought to them on this property. The old Fredrickson property has been sold to a new owner, that wants to change the lot layout. The owner would like to separate the house, from the shed. The Committee discussed all the aspects, and could not find any negative reasons to deny this request. The request was approved by the Board.
Approving a change in the Parks and Buildings Committee was up next. Trustee and Chair of the Committee Brian Buck, has requested to be replaced as the Chairperson. He has recently taken over some coaching responsibilities in Hudson, and may not be able to attend meetings. The Board approved Trustee Susan Dzubay to take over the committee chair. Another change in the Licensing Committee was also approved. Trustee and Chairperson Susan Dzubay did not want to be the Chairperson any longer. Trustee Neil Boltic was named to the position.
The Village had intentions on getting the roof on the Village Hall repaired, but when a commercial roofing company looked over the roof, it was decided it needed a more serious fix. Fisher Co., out of Ellsworth, WI. Was contracted to do the work. President Bill Stewart spoke to the members of the board about what was found, and done to the roof. He explained to everyone present, that the roof had started leaking, soon after the last repairs were done. After speaking to Fisher, the cost increased by $18,000. The roof is not completely done at this point, as a estimate is still being put together for a couple more items. Stewart added, “You may notice the roof is white, instead of black now. It is better because the black roofing contracts and moves more. The white does not shrink and expand, which causes the leaks.” He then went on to add, “Instead of a five year guarantee, we now have a fifteen year guarantee. I felt it was worth the extra money, as they say that statistically, the roof can go thirty years without any issues.” The cost for the current repairs that were done came to $27,427. The extra cost will come out of the sidewalk funds. The transfer of funds for the roof was then approved.
In Committee and Board Reports, Trustee Neil Boltic spoke on behalf or the Licensing Committee. “We are still going over the verbiage for outdoor activities with the taverns, and we should have something ready for next months meeting.” Trustee Susan Dzubay then spoke on behalf of the Personnel and Finance Committee. A meeting with Genesis was held to talk over the problems with the TIFF 3. The taxes being collected have not covered what the village had advanced for them. She added, “This is getting looked into, being we are not sure why this is happening.” It was noted that Steel Services and Genesis have not been paying what they should, and a shortfall has occurred from that. They still have ten to fifteen years to pay this off, so there is time to get everything straightened out. President Bill Stewart then said, “They need to pay more to keep up. There have been questions by them on back accounting, and if we don’t nudge them, their gonna procrastinate it.” Village Clerk/Treasurer Amy Wayne told the board that she would make contact with them, to keep everything moving forward.
The board concluded the meeting by approving payment of the bills and adjourning. The meeting closed at 7:12 PM.
Submitted by Rick A. Talford
Citizen Journalist
ELMWOOD, WI - The Elmwood Village Board held their monthly meeting at the Village Hall on Monday, September 9, 2012. Absent from the meeting were, Trustee’s Brian Buck, Trisha Knops and Rick Stohr. The meeting was still allowed to proceed, with the minimum required in attendance. Officer Matt Broehm, along with citizens Elizabeth Delong, Marion Yauch and Dick Tiffany also attended the meeting.
There was no Public Input brought to the attention of the board members, so the meeting went forward. The next item on the agenda, was the approval of two Operator’s Licenses. One was approved for Evelyn Jensen of Cenex. But the other was put on hold, due to Cassie Lemke no longer working for the Longbranch. The Board then discussed the Plan Commission’s Recommendation on a CSM for property located at 126 East Springer Avenue. Trustee Neil Boltic spoke over the information brought to them on this property. The old Fredrickson property has been sold to a new owner, that wants to change the lot layout. The owner would like to separate the house, from the shed. The Committee discussed all the aspects, and could not find any negative reasons to deny this request. The request was approved by the Board.
Approving a change in the Parks and Buildings Committee was up next. Trustee and Chair of the Committee Brian Buck, has requested to be replaced as the Chairperson. He has recently taken over some coaching responsibilities in Hudson, and may not be able to attend meetings. The Board approved Trustee Susan Dzubay to take over the committee chair. Another change in the Licensing Committee was also approved. Trustee and Chairperson Susan Dzubay did not want to be the Chairperson any longer. Trustee Neil Boltic was named to the position.
The Village had intentions on getting the roof on the Village Hall repaired, but when a commercial roofing company looked over the roof, it was decided it needed a more serious fix. Fisher Co., out of Ellsworth, WI. Was contracted to do the work. President Bill Stewart spoke to the members of the board about what was found, and done to the roof. He explained to everyone present, that the roof had started leaking, soon after the last repairs were done. After speaking to Fisher, the cost increased by $18,000. The roof is not completely done at this point, as a estimate is still being put together for a couple more items. Stewart added, “You may notice the roof is white, instead of black now. It is better because the black roofing contracts and moves more. The white does not shrink and expand, which causes the leaks.” He then went on to add, “Instead of a five year guarantee, we now have a fifteen year guarantee. I felt it was worth the extra money, as they say that statistically, the roof can go thirty years without any issues.” The cost for the current repairs that were done came to $27,427. The extra cost will come out of the sidewalk funds. The transfer of funds for the roof was then approved.
In Committee and Board Reports, Trustee Neil Boltic spoke on behalf or the Licensing Committee. “We are still going over the verbiage for outdoor activities with the taverns, and we should have something ready for next months meeting.” Trustee Susan Dzubay then spoke on behalf of the Personnel and Finance Committee. A meeting with Genesis was held to talk over the problems with the TIFF 3. The taxes being collected have not covered what the village had advanced for them. She added, “This is getting looked into, being we are not sure why this is happening.” It was noted that Steel Services and Genesis have not been paying what they should, and a shortfall has occurred from that. They still have ten to fifteen years to pay this off, so there is time to get everything straightened out. President Bill Stewart then said, “They need to pay more to keep up. There have been questions by them on back accounting, and if we don’t nudge them, their gonna procrastinate it.” Village Clerk/Treasurer Amy Wayne told the board that she would make contact with them, to keep everything moving forward.
The board concluded the meeting by approving payment of the bills and adjourning. The meeting closed at 7:12 PM.
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