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Indy veteran Gosek Enters Classic at Lee

By Carol Haynes

9/2/10 Lee, N.H. – Indianapolis 500 veteran and multi-time supermodified champ Joe Gosek is the latest entry for the 45th Annual “Classic” Championship 100, Saturday night, Sept. 11, here at Lee USA Speedway.

Gosek joins a long list of drivers who will be competing in New England’s longest running traditional oval-track racing event.

Making his only appearance in New England this season, Gosek is driving a sleek low-slung supermod which he recently wheeled to victory in a feature event at Oswego, N.Y.

A two-time “Classic” champion (1995, 2001) Gosek also is a two-time season point champion of the International Supermodified Association (ISMA), which is sanctioning the 100-lap main event at Lee, spilt into two 50-lap feature races. Gosek’s 30-season career also includes three “Oswego’s International Classic 200” wins, two Sandusky Hy-Miler Nationals wins, two starts as an Indy 500 qualifier, wins from Florida to Canada and two season track championships at Oswego (N.Y.) Speedway. He is one of only four drivers to win all three of supermodified’s prestigious extra distance races (Oswego, Star and Sandusky) over the many years those events have been run

Gosek, 51, brings with him a reputation as a clever competitor who is always among the top challengers wherever he races, particularly on short ovals like Lee’s 3/8th - mile track.

This “Classic” marks the first time since 1967 that the race has been run in Lee, N.H.

Other top drivers in the field include four-time “Classic” champion Chris Perley, five-time winner Russ Wood, current NASCAR national modified point leader Bobby Santos III, Canadian stars Mike Lichty (current ISMA point leader) and Mark Sammut.

The pit area will be open at noon while practice starts at 4 p.m. on Classic Saturday. Qualifying heats begin at 6 p.m. and the “Classic” gets the green flag at 7:30 p.m.

In the case of a rainout, the “Classic” will be held Sunday, Sept. 12, at 1 p.m.
 

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JOHNNY BENSON AT SEEKONK FOR RACING AGAINST BREAST CANCER

8/30/10 Seekonk,MA.- Kraze Korlacki Speed Equipment, Inc. and Seekonk Speedway, jointly announce an early entry for” Racing Against Breast Cancer” on October 2nd, at the famous  1/3 mile Bay State oval. 2008 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion, Johnny Benson Jr, will join the cars and stars of ISMA in a 100 lap Super Modified Race. Johnny will be piloting the # 74 Brad Lichty of Ayr Ontario, Canada owned, Patco Transportation, sponsored Super Modified. “I have never seen Seekonk Speedway, but I am aware of its rich racing history. Many of the ISMA teams tell me it is one of their favorite tracks. I am exited about competing at the famed “Cement Palace”, which should be a lot of fun while supporting a great cause in the fight against Breast Cancer”, said Benson from his race shop in Charlotte, North Carolina. Labor Day weekend brings ISMA to the Oswego Speedway in Oswego, New York to compete in the 17th Budlight ISMA Super National 50, as part of the 2010 International Classic Weekend. This event is the 3rd of three pre-qualifier races for the “Racing Against Breast Cancer” Race, with the winner receiving a guaranteed starting position. Chris Perley #11, and Joey Scanlon #88, are guaranteed starters as a result of the races at Lee USA Speedway, and the Waterford Speedbowl.

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2010 CLASSIC RACE ROLLS AT LEE ON SEPT. 11

* 8/29/10 - PLEASE NOTE THESE CHANGES THAT APPLY TO THE FOLLOWING RELEASE:

A change has been made to the recent press release regarding the upcoming ISMA Lee USA Classic 100 Sept. 11;

- There will be two 50-lap events as was originally announced on August 13 at Lee. EACH feature will have a separate purse with the winner of EACH paid $3,000.

- The first 50-lap race will be handicapped using the usual ISMA money won system for the top four runners from each qualifying  heat. But, the second feature 50 will see a redraw of the top 8 finishers from the first race using marked Pepsi cans. Again $3,000 will go to the winner of the second 50 lapper with a completely separate purse being paid out as in the first race.

- There will be point system in place for both races and the overall best finisher in points in the twin races for the 100-lap distance will win the 2010 “Classic” championship. Bonus prize money will be  paid first, second and third finishers. In case of a tie in points, the tie-breaker will be determined by the best finish in 12-lap qualifying heats, giving each heat race extra incentive for drivers.

 


August 27, 2010 Lee, N.H. – New England’s longest running traditional oval-track racing event, the “Classic” for Supermodifieds, is now officially sanctioned and scheduled for the green flag on Saturday night, Sept. 11th, here at Lee USA Speedway.

The 45th annual “Classic” already has drawn a long entry list as the grand-daddy event of New England motorsports returns to Lee for the first time since 1967, sanctioned by International Supermodified Association (ISMA).

This year’s championship program has a new site and a special new format making up the 100-lap “Classic” with two 50-lap segments events.  At the end of the first 50 laps, the race will stop. A tire change and fueling will be allowed while the small block supers run their 40-lapper. During this time, the top 8 drivers in position from the first 50 will redraw from marked Pepsi cans to e for the second 50.  The first driver to finish the 100 lap total will be the ISMA Classic winner.

Then to add to the excitement, there will be an overall point champion. Points will be awarded in each 50-lap portion. The overall best finisher in the twin races for the 100-lap distance will win the 2010 “Classic” overall point championship which features bonus prize money for the first three point getters. In case of a tie in points, the tie-breaker will be determined by the best finish in 12-lap qualifying heats, giving each heat race extra incentive for drivers.

Fans will be treated to green-flag racing only, meaning caution-flag laps will not count in this special all-out “Classic” championship clash.

Six-time ISMA Champion Chris Perley, of Rowley, MA, is among the top entries. Perley is a four-time Classic champion (1996, 2005, 2008, 2009) and is attempting to become only the third driver ever to win three consecutive Classics. Legendary Ollie Silva won three straight between 1969 and 1971 and Russ Wood scored a Classic hat trick (2002-2004).

Wood, of Pelham, N.H., is a five-time Classic champion and will be driving the sleek Brian Allegresso-prepared winged No. 29 equipped with a 900-horsepower motor. Bobby Santos III, the current 2010 NASCAR Modified Division National Championship point leader, will be making a rare supermodified start in this “Classic” race. Santos is a late entry driving Clyde Booth’s low-slung special design No. 61 from Mooresville, N.C.

Santos is no stranger to the Lee Oval, having the 2006 Ollie Silva Memorial Championship. In 2007, Santos finished second after starting 22nd in the Silva 75-lap Supermodified event at Lee.

The winner of numerous United States Auto Club (USAC) events from California to the Mid-west and Northeast, Santos is looking to add the “Classic” championship to his list of career achievements.
Justin Belfiore, the 2007 “Classic” champ from Ipswich, MA, has a beautiful winged supermod ready to roll which he has driven to top finishes in California, Nevada and Vermont.

Canada also is represented with some top cars headed to the Classic from north of the border.

Mark Sammut, of London, Ontario, won this July’s 100-Lap “Hy-Miler Championship” at Sandusky, Ohio. Sammut is no stranger to the Lee 3/8-mile banked oval. Sammut won the 2009 Ollie Silva Memorial  75-lap supermod event with a spectacular late race charge.

Mike Lichty, of Innerkip, Ontario, finished fourth after leading some of the 2009 Classic and will return for another try. Craig Rayvals, of Brockville, Ontario, took a nasty flip at Lee in 2009, but will return for a bid at the 2010 Classic title.
Ray Graham, of Ankeny, Iowa, won this year’s “Mr. Supermodified” Championship at Oswego, N.Y., and is entered for the Classic at Lee.

So is the four-time Northeast Midget Racing Association Champion Ben Seitz, driving a new highly sophisticated winged supermodified.

Also scheduled on the Classic night program is a special 40-lap small block supermod feature event plus a full card of stock car racing.

The pit area on Classic Saturday will open at noon with the grandstand box office opening at 4:00, for practice warm-up sessions. Stock car heats start at 6:00.  Supermodified Classic qualifying heats begin
at 6:30, the 100-lap “Classic” starts at 7:30, with the first 50-lap main event.

Back in 1966, the old Lee Raceway tri-oval hosted the first Classic which was the only other time the championship was decided by points earned in race segments. Racing Hall-of-Famers, Eddie West, Don MacLaren and Bob Cloutier shared the inaugural Classic title. Bud Crotty won the 1967 Classic at Lee before the race venue shifted
to Star Speedway, in Epping, N.H.
 

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HERE IS THE DIRECT LINK TO THE NEMA MIDGETS AND ISMA SUPERMODIFIEDS ARCHIVE SHOW FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL WINGS & WHEELS THAT WAS HELD ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 14TH

ENJOY!!!

 http://wnneboston.homestead.com/SHOW-ARCHIVES-PAGE-NEMA-ISMA-WATERFORD--RACE_8-14-2010.html 
 


 

 

 

Saturday ISMA race going live radio from Waterford Boston, MASS.

8/13/10: BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: The action picks up on Saturday, August 14, 2010 when the winged wonders, the ISMA Supermodifieds and NEMA Midgets, when they hosts the 3rd annual Wings ‘n Wheels event at the Waterford Speedbowl.

Peter Falconi will be calling the NEMA Midgets and ISMA Supermodified announcer Bobby G will be calling the racing action from flag to flag, as well as, providing post race victory lane celebrations.  KC & Brian Hanaford will be producing the LIVE broadcasting and commentary of this event from their Boston studios.

Catch all the LIVE action on WNNE-BOSTON at: >>> www.wnne-bos.com <<< POST TIME: 7:30PM EST.

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Aug. 11, 2010 - ISMA ANNOUNCES 3 PRE-QUALIFIER RACES FOR SEEKONK SPEEDWAY’S RACING AGAINST BREAST CANCER              

Essex, MA.- Howie Lane, President of the International Super Modified Association, (ISMA), and Gary Sagar, President of Kraze Korlacki Speed Equipment, Inc.,race promoter, jointly announce 3 pre-qualifier races for Seekonk Speedway’s Racing Against Breast Cancer on Saturday October 2nd. Winners of these events will be awarded a guaranteed starting position. The Ollie Silva Memorial Super Modified Summer Classic on Friday, August 13th at Lee USA Speedway in Lee, New Hampshire, The Wings And Wheels on Saturday, August 14th, at the Waterford Speedbowl in Waterford, Connecticut,

and the Bud Light Super National 50, on September 4th, as part of the 2010 International Classic Weekend at Oswego Speedway, Oswego, New York, will guarantee 3 positions in what is expected to be a large field of Super Modifieds attempting to qualify for the Seekonk event. In addition to a guaranteed starting position, the three race winners will be awarded a $50 Gift Certificate from Kraze Korlacki Speed Equipment Inc. of Seekonk, Ma.”Guarenteeing 3 starting positions to our return to Seekonk Speedway after a five year absence, adds to the excitement of this much anticipated event”, says Isma’s Lane. “Being a great fan of Super Modified Racing, these 3 venues provide an excellent complement to the race at Seekonk Speedway”, adds Kraze’s Sagar. For additional information please contact Kraze Korlacki Speed Equipment, Inc. at www.krazespeedequipment.com, 800-252-6830, or Seekonk Speedway at www.seekonkspeedway.com.     

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DAVE SHULLICK JR. TAKES FRIDAY FAST FORTY AT SANDUSKY RUN ON SATURDAY MORNING
July 25

Sandusky, OH – Despite the fact that it was 10:30 Saturday morning at Sandusky Speedway,  Dave Shullick Jr. proved he was was wide-awake and ready to go racing. Shullick, starting fourth on the grid, moved by race leader Rob Summers on a lap 5 restart and proverbially never looked back. The 40-lap Hy-Miler ISMA preliminary had been rained out on Friday night and was begun at 10:30 am. It was the fifth different winner and team at the fifth different racetrack to date this ISMA season. Shullick, who exited the last race with mechanical ills, was more than pleased with Booth-61 ride.

“It was a good run, said Shullick Jr. “I wasn’t holding too much back just because I didn’t know where the guys were behind me. I got some hand signals up there in turn one on the cautions and they indicted I had a good distance on them. But, I didn’t really want to let up too much. I feel good about the run. There are a few things we have to work on. The car was tight and I dialed some brake around. I was able to take some push out. I got a good restart on Robbie there and after that I think I found it and the car was real good to the finish. I think if we were clear of traffic, Robbie would have been tough.

“Tonight is a different race. Obviously it’s a long race and it’s at night.  We didn’t really get loose in the 40-lapper so I think we have a pretty good setup for tonight. The track is typically looser during the day. We’ve raced a few Cavalcades during the day here. I think we’ll be good tonight. I like the Hy-Miler. You don’t have to go all out but you go at a pretty good clip. We only have to make a few minor adjustments for tonight.”

Rob Summers took the Holbrook 35 to a second although traffic had prevented him from getting too close at the end. He directed his appreciation to his team, first and foremost, “I’d like to thank Jeff Holbrook and the whole JWJ team – Brian Allegresso, Doc, Mike – everybody just did a heck of a job. I think we’ll be all right in the 100-lapper. If I keep it in one piece I should be okay. We’ll just have to make a few changes for the night race.  I’d like to thank the fans for coming out this morning after last night’s monsoons!”

Ohio hotshoe Charlie Schultz was on Summers’ bumper to the end and indicated he was pleased with his car as he looked toward the night’s Hy-Miler.

“I think the car was pretty good.  I think we had more of a long race setup under it for today just to try it. The car came in about half way through the race and the fuel load started coming off the car. It was just a little on the too tight side.  The guys who started up front have a little advantage but coming from back farther back, I think we did pretty good. Tim ended up fifth and me third. I’m pretty happy. The track wasn’t too bad. It actually picked up a lot of grip, especially during the feature. The more we ran, the more rubber was laid down. Should be pretty good show tonight if the rain holds out.”

It took a couple extra laps to get the feature started as Danny Lane flew the yellow for a little spin off turn four and then Lou Cicconi drove the Stout 49 off and on the track to bring out the flag quickly after lap 1.

Summers continued his lead until Kyle Edwards slowed and caused a flag on lap 5. Several cars pitted here including Mike Ordway, Randy Burch, Bob Magner and Ryan Klingelhofer. Edwards and Burch remained pitside when the green fell.

Shullick Jr. wasted no time in making his move around Summers which started in turn one and finished up in turn 4. Shullick was the leader as the 6th lap was complete.

A long green spell ensued and Shoe II cruised out front a formidable pack of Summers, Justin Belfiore, Mike Lichty, Charlie Schultz, Mark Sammut, Gene Gibson, Bob Dawson and Tim Ice. Dropping by the wayside during the racing interval were Cicconi, Jack Smith, Brandon Bellinger, Mike Ordway (with an errant plug wire) and Johnny Benson Jr.

As Shullick was acquiring a lap-car cushion, things behind were fast and furious between Summers, Belfiore, Lichty, Schultz, Sammut, Ice, Gibson, Dawson and Wood.

Yellow for the 8 of Dave Shullick Sr., flew on lap 23 when the car slid into the inner guardrail out back landing in a massive puddle dampening Shoe’s chance at restarting.

After his dad was towed from the watery mess, Shullick Jr. continued on out front with at least one lap car in between a very racy bunch.

With ten laps to go, Shullick and Summers had separated themselves from that pack of Belfiore, Schultz, Lichty, Ice, Dawson, Sammut and Wood.

On lap 33, third place runner Belfiore was apparently fading as Schultz and Lichty and then Ice came by the slowing 98. Justin, coming off a great race at Airborne Speedway, said after the Fast 40, I had a good car. I figured we’d finish in the top 3. Then I developed a fuel problem…started running out around lap 30. We were lucky to make it to the finish.”

The racing continued with no flags, as Justin drifted backwards but was able to maintain speed. As the checkered flew, Shullick Jr. had a healthy lead over Summers, Schultz, Lichty and Ice.

Lichty, the current ISMA point leader, remarked afterwards on his fourth place, “We’ll take it I guess. We never have speed here during the day at Sandusky. That’s one of our biggest flaws when we come to this racetrack especially when we have 100 degrees during the day. We are usually four or five tenths off. We started 6th and finished 4th. We probably had a fifth place car but Ordway and Belfiore dropped out. We’ll take it. The big race – the Hy-Miler is tonight and this car seems to shine at night.”

Ice indicated that he had a time figuring out the track. “The race track is so different on the ends and I got really loose there in the groove. Finally Dawson got by me. I moved up and got to the outside and I got a better grip. I got by Gene too and I kind of run them down a little bit but you had to search around. The track was not very good. I think the weather and the time of day played a role. There was a little bit of water coming out. It’s sure to get better now if we don’t get any more rain. We’re satisfied with fifth for now. We just have to make sure we don’t do that in the next feature.

Dawson, Sammut, Wood, Stephens and Seitz finished a competitive top ten.

The racing at Sandusky continues later Saturday afternoon with the qualifying for the 33rd annual Sandusky ISMA Hy-Miler 100 starting around 4 pm.

 

Summary Friday, July 23 Qualifying

Fast Time Trialer: Dave Shullick Jr. (14.628) Top 20 time trialers locked into 4 heats

Heat 1: Jack Smith, Justin Belfiore, Mark Sammut, Russ Wood, Johnny Benson Jr., Brandon Bellinger, Michael Barnes, Dave Duggan.

Heat 2: Mike Lichty, Tim Ice, Gene Lee Gibson, Kyle Edwards, Ben Seitz, Randy Burch, Danny Lane, Bobby Haynes Jr.

Heat 3: Rob Summers, Lou Cicconi, Charlie Schultz, Dave Shullick Sr., Trent Stephens, Jim Paller, Bob Magner

Heat 4: Bob Dawson, Dave Shullick Jr., Mike Ordway, Jeff Locke, Craig Rayvals, Ryan Klingelhofer, Jon Henes

Consi: Randy Burch, Brandon Bellinger, Ryan Klingelhofer, Danny Lane, Jim Paller, Bob Magner, Dave Duggan, Michael Barnes, Bobby Haynes Jr.

Larry Lehnert and Rich Reed (dns due to mechanical difficulties)

Hy-Miler Fast Forty (run Saturday morning, July 24)

1. Dave Shullick Jr. (61), 2. Rob Summers (35), 3. Charlie Schultz (7), 4. Mike Lichty (84), 5. Tim Ice (77), 6. Bobby Dawson (28), 7. Mark Sammut (78), 8. Russ Wood (29), 9. Trent Stephens (19), 10. Ben Seitz (17), 11. Justin Belfiore (98), 12. Gene Lee Gibson (0), 13. Jeff Locke (37), 14. Bob Magner (41), 15. Craig Rayvals (04), 16. Danny Lane (97), 17. Ryan Klingelhofer 08), 18. Dave Shullick Sr. (8), 19. Johnny Benson (74), 20. Mike Ordway (1), 21. Brandon Bellinger (02), 22. Jack Smith (09), 23. Lou Cicconi Jr. (49), 24. Kyle Edwards (11), 25. Randy Burch (52), 26. Jon Henes (36).

 

 

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 FRIDAY NIGHT ISMA HY-MILER PRELIM RAINED OUT, TO BE RUN SATURDAY MORNING
July 23, 2010

Sandusky, OH – It was not a big surprise that after a day of hot, humid weather, dark rain clouds appeared over Lake Erie and put a stop to the ISMA racing at Sandusky Speedway Friday night. ISMA time trials, four heats and the consi were run off in almost record time only to have the rain-filled clouds let loose in a torrent.

In heat action, Sandusky’s Jack Smith beat out Justin Belfiore in a spirited battle while Mike Lichty ran away with heat number ahead of Tim Ice. Heat three went to Jeff Holbrook, followed a car length away by Lou Cicconi in the Stout 49. The final heat was won by South Amherst’s Bob Dawson. The nine-car consi was taken by Randy Burch with the final qualifying spots going to Brandon Bellinger, Ryan Klingerhofer and Danny Lane.  Bob Magner and Jon Henes were added to the tail of the line-up as ISMA and MSA options.

But as the checkered fell on the consolation event, rain drops began to fall and soon a deluge began. The rain stopped only long enough to make a futile attempt at drying the track when another storm hit, this one ending the night. The 26-car starting field will begin with Mark Sammut and Jeff Holbrook on the front row. Row two consists of Justin Belfiore and Dave Shullick Jr.  Row three: Mike Ordway Sr. and Mike Lichty. Row 4: Jack Smith and Gene Lee Gibson. Row 5: Bob Dawson and Lou Cicconi. Row 6: Tim Ice and Charlie Schultz. Row 7: Russ Wood, Kyle Edwards, Row 8: Dave Shullick Sr. and Jeff Locke. Row 9: Johnny Benson Jr. and Ben Seitz. Row 10: Trent Stephens and Craig Rayvals. Row 11: Randy Burch and Brandon Bellinger. Row 12: Ryan Klingerhofer and Danny Lane. Row 13: Bob Magner and Jon Henes.

It was determined by officials that the 40-lap ISMA Hy-Miler event will take place on Saturday morning. Pit gates will open at 7:00 am. Engines will be fired at 8:00 am with hot laps to follow at 9:00 am. The 40-lapper will get underway at 10:00 am. Following the completion of the Friday remaining program, the pits and grandstands will be cleared and everyone will re-enter to start the regularly scheduled program for Saturday. The first event of that day will be at 4:00 when the Hy-Miler time trials begin.

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ISMA Stars to Compete at Seekonk Speedway's "Showdown of Champions"  on July 21st

Seekonk, MA – Seekonk Speedway, many claim, is “the ultimate momentum track.” Five-time ISMA champion Chris Perley couldn’t agree more.

“When you are in a good car,” says Perley, “it is the place you want to be. It is one of my favorite tracks.”

Perley joins a host of open-cockpit experts competing in the 25-lap Northeastern Midget Association Showdown of Champions event at Seekonk Open Wheel Wednesday, July 21.

The “Rowley Rocket” is no stranger to the Midgets. He was a winner at the prestigious Oswego Classic back in 2005.

A stellar field that also includes six-time ISMA king Russ Wood Sr. will be in NEMA Lite cars. Jon Heydenreich is ready  to race along with Lou Cicconi and Joey Payne Jr. who are recent additions.

NASCAR Modified kings Mike Stefanik and Ted Christopher and Seekonk regulars Vinnie Annarummo, Fred Astle, Jr. and Rick Martin have rides as well.

“Everybody is interested in seeing what they can do,” says Perley, a two-time Seekonk ISMA winner. “Looking at the field, there’s some bragging rights up for grabs.”

It is an accomplished field. Payne and Cicconi have won in TQs, Midgets and Supers. Christopher’s’ resume includes TQ, Midget and Super wins. Stefanik added a TQ success to his list last winter. Heydenreich, the 1990 Chili Bowl winner, is also accomplished in Sprints and Silver Crown cars.

When Perley calls Seekonk “a superspeedway for the midgets,” he knows of what he speaks. Back in 2005 he had a third at Seekonk, part of a limited NEMA schedule driving for Don Berrio.

Wood is no stranger to the Midgets either. His son Russ Jr. is a regular competitor in the Lites division.

A 25-lap NEMA feature and a 100-lap Modified event are also on the Open Wheel Wednesday agenda. For more, visit www.seekonkspeedway.com

 

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ISMA BACK ON THE ROAD TO STAFFORD’S 7th ANNUAL XTREME TUESDAY SHOW JULY 6
June 21

Oswego, NY – With only two races in the books in 2010 so far and over a month off, the ISMA contingent is itching to get back in action on July 6. Stafford Motor Speedway is just the place to do that when the 7th annual Carquest Xtreme Tuesday event takes place. Joining ISMA will be the ever-popular NEMA midgets and the Pro Four mods, to make a full evening of weeknight racing. Rowley, Mass. driver Chris Perley will be trying to put the Vic Miller 11 into victory lane for the third straight year, with a lot of competitors looking to stop that string where it stands.

Last year rain challenged both ISMA and Stafford officials and competitors, but the feature race prevailed albeit being shortened up by four laps when the rain came back to haunt. Perley exhibited his usual exciting demeanor in winning his second straight and fourth overall in the weekday show. Perley took the lead from Dave McKnight who continued as a challenger as did Mike Lichty, McKnight’s teammate. That duo both dropped by the wayside due to engine woes with the ageless legend Bentley Warren moving in to take up the runner-up spot and to give Perley a run for his money.

Perley commented in victory lane in 2009, “I just love this track. It’s a lot of fun out there. It was awesome to see Bentley there but honestly I was giving it all I had at the end because I’m not going to leave anything on the table when the old man is behind me. You never know when he’s going to take it from me. I would have liked to take the race to the end. It’s a little disappointing to the fans and to the driver when it ends like that. You want to finish what you started. The guys in second and third want to run to the end because anything can happen to the leader. I was also thinking about how many caution laps we had run. I knew we were getting close on fuel and I was hoping the crew had fueled it up good. That’s why you want to finish 50 laps. You never know what’s going to happen.”

Bentley, who won Stafford events in 1968, ‘69 and ‘80, was obviously having fun. Starting in 11th, he diced in and out of heavy traffic, making some daring moves to get within sight of Perley when the final yellow brought out the checkered. That last restart might have made for one heck of a shootout between the teammates, but fuel was definitely at a minimum at this point and the pending rain, overrode the possibility.

Said Warren with a chuckle after the checkered fell, “I was having a great time. As usual the guys did just a heck of a job with this race car. It’s fun to drive. It was fun to finish one- two, but I would have rather passed him. If he were nice he would have waited for an old man. But, he never waits around and that’s why he wins all the time.”

Russ Wood, Mark Sammut and Mike Ordway Jr., driving the Holbrook 41, finished up the top five of the 28-car starting field.

Recently Perley took a minute from his hectic marina business to comment on the upcoming 2010 Xtreme event as he goes for his third straight win. “I guess I have to try and beat Mike Lichty now,” Perley laughed. “It’s just awesome that he’s finally won and now he’s going to be tougher with a month off. We’ll be heading to Stafford to try and get both cars in the one –two spots again this year. Hopefully we can get the Vic Miller team right back to where we left off at Stafford last season.”

A third consecutive win for Perley would make him the dominant ISMA winner with a total of five wins out of seven appearances since 2004.

This year’s Carquest Xtreme Tuesday event gets under way when the gates swing open on July 6th with practice starting at 3:30pm. At 4:15 the ticket booths and main grandstands open with practice ending at 5:30. The heats and consolation races begin at 5:45 with features to follow. Tickets may be ordered online at www.staffordmotorspeedway.com. Paddock passes are $45; adult general admission $30; reserved seating $32; kids 6-14 $5 and Kids under 5 (general admission) are admitted free.
Stafford Motor Speedway is located on Rt. 140, 55 West Street in Stafford Springs, CT 06076. Phone 860-684-2763 for ticket information.

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For immediate release:

May 21, 2010
Contact: Carol D Haynes, ISMA PR
 Ossupers@gmail.com
 cdhaynes@twcny.rr.com
 carol@speedwaypress.com


ISMA WINGED SUPERS SET TO HIT WATERFORD SPEEDBOWL MAY 29

Oswego, NY – For the sixth straight year the International SuperModified Association will spend part of Memorial Day weekend at Waterford Speedbowl in Connecticut. This annual event has been the ISMA season opener for four of the six years and it’s always been exciting. 

During ISMA’s tenure at Waterford, the feature wins have been divided between four different drivers. Liquid Lou Cicconi took home the inaugural event in 2005 in his basically new 75 super. Cicconi had to evade a six-car pileup and a challenge by Pat Abold in the 26. Randy Ritskes, driving the Budnick 88, Joe Petro and Justin Belfiore rounded out the top five.

In 2006 Justin Belfiore became a patient winner when he made the decision to sit back and wait for things to unfold in front of him. He watched as Rob Summers and Chris Perley drove by early on but three laps later, the three cars ahead of him were victims of lap car-initiated melee that brought out the red. Belfiore held the lead after that and survived a few more incidents before winning the 50-lapper ahead of Dave McKnight, Nokie Fornoro in the Soule 32, Scott Martel and Mike Lichty.

Chris Perley, who had not finished the first two May events at Waterford, finally broke the jinx in 2007 after only completing 18 of the 100 laps run in 2005 and 2006. Perley and Dave McKnight became the men to watch in this one and it was a white flag lap event that left one in victory lane and one out of the race. Coming into turn three, there was little room left for Perley to make a move as McKnight was trying to hold back the 11. The two cars brushed with Perley never skipping a beat while McKnight careened into the wall. Perley took the checkers ahead of Nokie Fornoro, Joe Petro, Rob Summers and Mike Ordway Jr. in the Wentworth 10.

Perley repeated his ’07 win in 2008, recording the fastest lap turned on the Waterford 5/8th’s mile (12.489) since the track opened in 1951. The fast lap came on the 44th circuit to boot!   Jeff Holbrook led the way at the midway mark, but could not hold off the flying 11 who took the lead from the 35 on lap 27, never looking back. A bunch-up came on lap 37, but Perley sailed away to victory ahead of Holbrook, Robbie Summers, Ray Graham Jr. and Bobby Bond.

A new winner notched his name in the Waterford record books in 2009 when Ohio’s Dave Shullick Jr. took the victory. After several spectacular incidents in the first half of the 50-lapper, Shullick began his quest for the win ahead of Lou Cicconi, Perley, Jeff Holbrook and Mike Ordway Jr. A flag flew just before lap 30 for NASCAR truck star Johnny Benson who was just making a bid for fifth, sending Benson out of the race and setting up a shootout for the lead, which Shullick kept. While DJ sped away, Perley moved into second ahead of Cicconi with Holbrook and Ordway Jr. finishing up the top five at the checkered.

A great field of cars should be on hand for ISMA’s second event of the 2010 season with more action guaranteed. While 2009 ISMA champ Chris Perley has announced he will not run a full schedule this year, he most certainly will be back at Waterford to look for victory number 3. After a successful Albany-Saratoga outing, Lou Cicconi will definitely be there to challenge for his second win at the Speedbowl and Shullick will be there to defend his 2009 win. Many others are expected to be on hand, so don’t miss this exciting event.

Pit gates open on Saturday at 11 am for the ISMA cars only with a solo practice for the winged warriors slated for 1-2 pm. Pit gates for the rest of the divisions in competition will open at 2:15; grandstands open at 3 pm, with practice beginning then. Qualifying races start at 5 pm for the SK Mods, Mini Stocks, ISMA, Street Stocks and Late Models. A special Autograph Session will take place near the grandstands at 6:30 pm for the visiting supermodified drivers. General admission is $32 adult, $10 Youth and 6 years and under are admitted free. Pit pass with license is $40 and without license $50.

For more information log onto www.speedbowl.com

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ISMA HEADS FOR NEW VENUE ALBANY/SARATOGA SPEEDWAY FOR SEASON’S OPENER SUNDAY MAY 2

Oswego, NY – On May 2nd ISMA will break new ground so to speak when it hits the famed Albany-Saratoga 4/10th’s mile in Malta, NY, which has experienced an asphalt rebirth.  Albany-Saratoga Speedway has a long history in the Capital District area of New York. The track is known as “The Great Race Place” and features some of the most competitive short track racing in the Northeast. Albany-Saratoga Speedway was built by Joe Lesik in 1965, and ran as an asphalt track from 1965 until 1976, when it was purchased by CVRA founder C.J. Richards, who switched to a clay surface for the 1977 season.

During its asphalt heyday, Albany-Saratoga Speedway drew the top NASCAR modified and sportsman competitors from throughout the Northeast, including Richie Evans, Jerry Cook, Freddy DeSarro, Eddie Flemke and Geoff Bodine. Bill Greco won the first race ever held at the speedway, on July 16, 1965, and Cook won the last asphalt race on Sept. 5, 1975.

This latest transformation actually began as an experiment, when Albany-Saratoga Speedway promoter Bruce Richards decided to remove the clay in September 2009 and run some shows on the original asphalt surface, which has remained under the clay for more than 30 years. At that time, he also booked dates with three asphalt touring groups (American Canadian Tour late models, ISMA supermodifieds and Modified Racing Series/ROC asphalt modifieds) for races in the spring, and the plan was to put the clay back down in May 2010.

But after discussions with his business partners, sponsors and race teams, the decision was made to make a complete change to asphalt. “2009 was really tough,” Richards said. “I can't tell you the time and effort that was put into track preparation, just to have it rain at 5 or 6 p.m. on a Friday night. We're opening up a new world of opportunities in regard to fans, race teams and sponsorship. By going asphalt, we're also going to be unique. There are a lot of dirt tracks in this area, but we will have the only show on asphalt, and we're going to be able to do some things the other tracks can't do.”

ISMA competitors are anxious to get their season started and even more excited about having it start at a brand new venue – to them at least.  One ISMA competitor, Lou Cicconi, will be jumping the gun so to speak as he intends to compete in the April ATQMRA event at the new-old famed asphalt oval.

Six-time ISMA champion Chris Perley, who has announced he would not be running a full ISMA schedule this season in the Vic Miller 11, will definitely be on hand for the Albany-Saratoga inaugural season opener as will his new teammate Mike Ordway Sr. Said Perley recently,  “I’m excited about going to Albany-Saratoga. I’ve been told that it’s ‘my kind of track’. I’ve never seen it but I’m always looking forward to competing at a new track. You never know what to expect. That’s what’s fun. You just go out and play and learn.”

Many other ISMA drivers and owners expect to make the trek to the Malta oval, including Vern Romanoski, the Lane Racing team of Eddie Witkum Jr. and Danny Lane, Brandon Bellinger, Ben Seitz, Bobby Bond, multi-time ISMA champ Russ Wood and his car owner Jeff Holbrook, Bob Magner, in another Holbrook mount, Bobby Haynes Jr., Dave Shullick Jr., Mark Sammut, Mike Lichty, Jeff Locke, Justin Belfiore, Oswego champ Otto Sitterly and many more.  With the track located close to New England and not that far from Canada and Ohio, fans can expect a full pit of competitive cars.

Sunday, May 2nd is the date of the opener with a 1 pm start to the racing.  The pit gates open at 10 a.m. and the grandstand at 11 a.m. Practice starts at 11 a.m. For more information go to www.cvra.com.

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FOR ALL THOSE ISMA COMPETITORS, CREWS ETC. PLANNING ON ATTENDING ALBANY-SARATOGA FOR THE ISMA OPENER MAY 2:

The management of Albany-Saratoga (CVRA tracks) has asked that the following message be passed on to everyone in advance of the race so that this policy is absolutely clear.

MINORS IN THE PITS AT CVRA TRACKS
1. No one under the age of 14 is admitted in the pits, ever.
2. If you have a minor age 14-17 coming into the pits, they must have a completed (and signed by a parent/guardian) Minors Release with them. No one under 18 is admitted into the pits without one.
3. A copy of the birth certificate is required to accompany the Minors Release. Please be sure to bring one with you if you have a minor coming into the pits. Must show I.D. if asked for proof of age (this is enforced).
4. Minors releases may be obtained from our web site on the Forms/Rules page. It saves time if they are done beforehand, but they are available at the pit gate window also.
Here is a direct link: http://www.cvra.com/downloads/minorsrel10.pdf
THIS POLICY ON MINORS IN THE PITS IS STRICTLY ENFORCED. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Thank you

####

Key sponsors continue to make ISMA Drivers’ Point Fund a success
By Keith Shampine

OSWEGO, N.Y. – The International Supermodified Association will continue to feature a Drivers’ Point Fund in 2010, a program established in 2006 and since supported by a number of gracious sponsors. 

Entering its fifth year, the ISMA Drivers’ Point Fund has grown to a very respectable program with increased payouts to the drivers of the winged supermodified series each year.  The goal for the point fund in 2010 is a total payout of $10,000. 

Introduced by ISMA secretary Kathy Harrington, the point fund’s purpose is to give back to the racers who risk their lives wheeling the ultra-fast winged supers, many who receive little or no compensation for their efforts. 

While many ISMA racers do not own the cars they race thus don’t incur the expenses of a car owner, the talented “helmet carriers” still make great time and financial sacrifices to put on a show for the fans.  Many racers work during the week to maintain the racecar and some contribute money to the team as part of a deal with their car owner.  Coupled with time off from work to travel to races and other expenses, the drivers make a substantial sacrifice on many different levels.

Harrington, who credits former super driver Nokie Fornoro and Helping Hands of America owner Mike Jarret for motivating her to establish the program, believes the racers deserve more and the Drivers’ Point Fund is a way to help offset their costs and show appreciation for the job they do.  

The sponsors are what have made the point fund a success, and in 2009 the fund had seven fine outfits’ support, comprising the following.

SUPRS, which can be found on the Web at www.suprs.net, is an online supermodified racing game that has supported the Drivers’ Point Fund since its inception.  The online series, which is as real as it comes in the online racing world with an organized schedule, point standings and tremendous graphics, has been growing in popularity for the last five years and thanks to its support, the Drivers’ Point Fund has grown along with it. ISMA announcer Bobby Gangwer has been instrumental in SUPRS’s support of the Drivers’ Point Fund. 

Champ Enterprises, owned by New England racing legend Russ Conway, continued to be a focal supporter of the Drivers’ Point Fund in 2009.  A key backer of supermodified racing since the 1960s, Conway continues to give to the sport not only with his sponsorship of the Drivers’ Point Fund, but with his involvement in keeping the All-Star Classic alive at New Hampshire’s All-Star Speedway. 

Conway’s recent endeavors only tip the iceberg of what he’s done for supermodified racing, which includes track ownership, race promotion and the founding of the former sanction New England Supermodified Racing Ass’n (NESMRA). The Drivers’ Point Fund is very thankful for Conway’s involvement.

Perley’s Marina in Rowley, Mass., was a third-year sponsor of the Drivers’ Point Fund in 2009.  Six-time ISMA champion Chris Perley, who owns and operates Perley’s Marina, has been a vital supporter of the point fund since coming on board in 2007, demonstrating that Perley’s contributions to ISMA stem further than being one of the best racers in the series.

KDP Townhouses is a growing outfit in the Oswego area. Owned and operated by the Drivers’ Point Fund’s founder and Chairperson Harrington, there is an obvious connection with the business’s support and contributions to the racers and teams of ISMA.

Lane Tire Sales provides teams with Hoosier tires at each ISMA event and also sponsors the Drivers’ Point Fund.  Owned by ISMA president Howie Lane and his wife, Debbie, the Lanes not only back the fund, but also spend numerous hours every week handling ISMA operations and field two supers full time on the ISMA tour.   

Luther’s Way Out Grafix is an Oswego-based operation that letters a number of supermodifieds.  Luther’s specializes in vinyl and printed graphics for vehicles, windows, signs, banners and more, and is a staunch supporter of supermodified racing and the ISMA Drivers’ Point Fund.  Owner John “Luther” Gray is widely known and respected for his Make-A-Wish benefit for the Central New York Make-A-Wish Foundation, which he’s been organizing for the past 10 years.

Inkspot, owned and operated by Oswego small block super racer Chip Wood, showed its support of the fund by supplying shirts for fundraising.  Wood has since sold the business but nonetheless was an important asset in 2009.

The new ISMA season, which kicks off May 2 at New York’s Albany-Saratoga Speedway, will mark the fifth annual ISMA Drivers’ Point Fund and the program is always interested in new sponsors. Sponsors’ support goes straight back to the racers of ISMA.   

If you’re interested in sponsoring the Drivers’ Point Fund, don’t hesitate to contact ISMA Drivers’ Point Fund chairperson Kathy Harrington at 315-529-2031 or e-mail Harrington51@hotmail.com.

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ISMA 2009-10 YEARBOOK BEING PREPARED; DEADLINE IS EARLIER THIS YEAR (April 21st)

 Oswego, NY – As has been the norm for the past 25+ years, the ISMA organization is preparing their annual yearbook which will include all the previous season’s results and stats, and stories and profiles of the teams – new and old. The proceeds of the sales of the yearbooks goes toward the point fund.

Two things are needed to make this year’s edition bigger and better than ever. First we need the drivers and car owners to fill out their profile sheets. We have attached a pdf of that form here. Please download it and send it back immediately to Carol Haynes. The instructions are all on the top of the sheet. Also, please fill it out as completely as possible. The fans enjoy perusing the comments.

Next, we need advertisers to help defray the costs of the printing and preparation of the book. Also attached is a pdf of the very reasonable ad rates, and a graphic of the ad sizes. Fans are invited to take an ad to congratulate their favorite teams. Drivers can list their sponsors and businesses can show their support by taking an ad and perhaps finding some new clients. It’s an easy way to support the whole ISMA organization!

If you need help or can’t download the pdfs, Delores Murphy or Carol will be glad to answer any questions. Delores is also in the process of mailing out forms to drivers and car owners.

Time is of the essence this year as the opening race, where will plan on selling the yearbook, is Sunday, May 2 at Albany-Saratoga Speedway.

Download Advertising Form (pdf)

Download Team/Driver Profile Form (pdf)

####

 

SEEKONK ADDED TO OCTOBER SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Oswego, NY (3-11-10)– ISMA president Howie Lane has been working with Seekonk Speedway(Mass.) to finalize adding an event to the 2010 ISMA schedule. Just prior to the March Motorsports Expo in Syracuse, Lane announced that Seekonk would be the site of an October 2nd ISMA event. The 75-lapper at the Cement Palace will be all the more important as it will be part of a Breast Cancer fundraising affair that will see ISMA – along with the other divisions in competition, helping to raise money and awareness for this worthy cause.

More information will be forthcoming, but mark your calendars for this important event on the ISMA schedule.

####

 

K&K INSURANCE ANNOUNCES INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM FOR ISMA DRIVERS, CAR OWNERS, CREW MEMBERS AND OFFICIALS

 

Oswego, NY (3-11-10) – K&K Insurance, nationally renowned for its motorsports coverage among others, has announced that it will offer ISMA members an Individual Membership Accident Program for 2010.  According to K&K, “It will be an excellent and affordable way to provide the coverage participants need in today’s health care climate.”

These policies will be for participants considered as “members” of ISMA. A participant can be a driver, car owner, crewmember, or an official.  Coverage will apply to occurrences at ISMA-sanctioned races only.

 Individual application forms to enroll in the insurance coverage have been sent to members who are eligible in a recent newsletter mailing or will be available from ISMA as new memberships are purchased.  This additional coverage will be required for ISMA drivers and optional for ISMA officials and crewmembers.

 

Any questions or for more information contact Delores Murphy or Kathy Harrington

####

ISMA 2010 IS STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS WITH CHANGES MADE FOR TOLEDO
AND SANDUSKY JUNE DATES
 

Oswego, NY – (1-27-10) -Many race fans have already noticed and are discussing the deletion of the June 11 and 12 dates at the Toledo and Sandusky Speedways respectively from the 2010 ISMA schedule. Due to several unforeseen circumstances neither event will be be held this season. The original premise of booking the back-to-back races was to give the traveling ISMA group two race venues in a weekend. Unfortunately, the Sandusky event had to be scraped thus leaving the Toledo race a stand-alone. The three parties involved agreed that this was not a wise business decision.

ISMA president Howie Lane said that after speaking with Kevin Jaycox, owner-manager of Sandusky, he realized the quandary. Jaycox, after tentatively committing to the June 12 date, found out that a huge motorcycle event close to his Ohio speedway was already scheduled for that weekend. With fans predicted at numbers of upwards of 100,000 anticipated at the site very near the Sandusky racetrack, it was deemed that the logistics of holding both events were impossible. Jaycox agreed with the motorcycle promoters that it was not good timing and he called off the slated supermodified racing at his track so as not to interfere.

Toledo officials contacted Lane and together they discussed the probability of running the Friday show alone. It was decided by all that holding the one show alone was not economically feasible. “They said they would call in the fall to discuss 2011 dates,” said Lane. “They really wanted the ISMA race to happen but with the economy in that area not very strong, they felt they had to back out. “It was a friendly decision. This left the door open for them to revise the schedule and bring in MSA, a more regional group.”

A recent Toledo press release confirmed the fact: “Due to economic, travel and scheduling issues, Toledo Speedway’s annual “Fastest Short Track Show in the World” featuring an open-wheel doubleheader of supermodified and winged sprint competition will see a change in the lineup of tours participating in the June 11, 2010 event. The International Super Modified Association (ISMA) Series will not return but the Midwest Supermodified Association (MSA) will join the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Winged Super Sprints for the popular event.

“ISMA has been a great partner, and we have a lot of respect for Howie Lane, his staff and all the ISMA teams that have supported the event at Toledo over the past several years,” said Ron Drager, Toledo Speedway promoter. “Being able to schedule a second race along with Toledo was crucial for ISMA based on cost and travel, and we couldn’t move off our traditional weekend date. At the end of the day we just couldn’t get matched up for 2010. The June 11 doubleheader now featuring the MSA and the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints also presents the opportunity for Toledo Speedway to offer a $5 reduction in grandstand admission ticket price to fans who purchase their tickets in advance.”

Howie Lane went on to say that this was the only change in the posted 2010 schedule so far and hopefully the last one anticipated.

“We’re really excited about going to a new track - Albany-Saratoga for the opener and May is full with Lee USA and Waterford shows,” said Lane. “While there are no ISMA shows in June, that month has always been a difficult one to schedule as graduations and school functions usually conflict. July is definitely full starting on July 6th at Stafford, then to Airborne, another new track and finally closing out the month at the big Hy-Miler weekend at Sandusky.

“We also have a good August slate with a double-header at Delaware and another twinbill at Lee and Waterford. September has three big shows with Oswego, All-Star and Berlin and we conclude as always at Thompson in October.”

Lane also noted that there could be another October event. “We are talking about a possible Seekonk event to be held early in October to promote breast cancer awareness. A donation from the ISMA purse, should the details be worked out, would go to support breast cancer research,” said Howie. “It’s still in the planning stages, but it’s a great idea and we would look forward to racing at Seekonk again. We’ve had some great races there in the past.”

Updates on this possible addition will be forthcoming.

####
 

 

FAMILIAR FACES FROM ISMA TO RUN FOR GAMBLER’S CLASSIC GOLD AT ATLANTIC CITY
 

(1-26-10)- Leading the way into this weekend’s famed Atlantic City Gambler’s Classic will be none other than ISMA supermodified young lion Mike Lichty. Lichty, after a win at Providence, RI  in the Leonard J. Sammon’s Jr. Indoor Winter Series, now leads the points coming into Atlantic City’s TQ event. A point system was set up in honor of the late founder and publisher of Area Auto Racing News who passed away in 1991.


Lichty is about to embark on a new career  challenge  running in the NASCAR Camping World Truck series.

 “I tested at Chicagoland two years ago and put in 350 laps at Motor Mile with Dennis Setzer’s help,” said Lichty about his budding plans. Loudon, Martinsville Iowa and O’Reilly Motorsports Park are definitely on Lichty’s schedule at present with more events, perhaps totaling as many as a dozen, hopefully to follow. The Truck he will compete with is part of Setzer’s organization. 

Short term, Mike is ready for another run at the Gamblers Classic this weekend. He was third in both races indoors here last year and might have won the Classic were it not for a penalty during the race. And he won one of the December Providence, RI indoor races, his first in a TQ.

The yellow number 1 Lichty will race again this weekend is a ten year old car with races under its wheel dating back to the Niagara Falls, NY Series. It’s owned by Larry Turnbull of upstate New York and Larry’s brother Colin is a past winner in the car at Niagara Falls. 

As for the TQ Midget experience, Mike likes running the cars. “This will be my fifth race at Atlantic City and I have qualified for all of the A-Mains,” he says.

 Technique is everything with indoor TQ racing, Mike says. “There is a certain amount of luck in it of course, but getting to the inside is important. It’s hard to get a run off the corner on the outside unless the inside guy has made a mistake.”

 Supermodified veterans Lou Cicconi and Joey Payne, both from the area,  are indeed no strangers to the Atlantic City event with both being past winners at the New Jersey indoor event.  Cicconi is fourth in the Winter Indoor Racing series points.

Cicconi  has a couple big reasons to be excited about the Alantic City Indoor Race coming up on Jan. 21-22 at Boardwalk Hall. For starters, Cicconi will chase the checkered flag in the 40-lap "Gambler's Classic" finale for TQ Midgets/600cc Micro-Sprints on Sat., Jan. 22, behind the wheel of a car that he knows like the back of his hand.

In addition, Cicconi also plans to field a TQ Midget for Chris Perley, a resident of Rowley, Mass., who won the 2004 International Supermodified Association points championship.

"I'm excited about the Atlantic City show," said Cicconi, who races against Perley on the ISMA winged Supermodified circuit. "I think Chris and I should make a pretty good team."

Cicconi, 40, of Aston, Pa., was arguably the star of the last two installments of the A.C. Indoor Race. In 2003 his thrilling charge from the rear of the field in the feature was ended by an unfortunate tangle, and in Œ04 he set a track record and won a preliminary feature before engine problems sidelined him for Saturday's finale.

 New Jersey’s Joey Payne won the Boardwalk Hall TQ event in 2004 and 2007 with Cicconi sharing the weekend in 2004, winning again in 2006 and 2008. Joining the fray is also Indy 500 and supermodified great Davey Hamilton. Hamilton is a late AC entrant as he thought previous commitments would keep him away.

Hamilton, hailing from Idaho, has run the gamut in racing but the nine-time Indy 50 starter was a novice at his first indoor race. He was quoted as saying, “I didn’t know what to expect when I first got in a TQ midget. I couldn’t believe what it was like out there on the track. Everything happens so fast.”

 Log onto www.aarn for information for the Jan. 29-30 Friday and Saturday Indoor Racing events.  A keepsake Atlantic City program compiled by PDI and Flemington, NJ’s Steve Barrick, is on sale at the venue with many stories, photos and statistics.

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27th Annual ISMA Awards Banquet
Sat. Nov 14th, 2009 -  Turning Stone Casino

For the fourth year in a row and sixth time overall, the 2009 ISMA
Owner and Driver of the year,  Vic Miller and Chris Perley.

Jim Feeney Photo

11/14/09

ISMA CLOSES OUT 35TH YEAR WITH AWARDS BANQUET
 

By Carol D Haynes, ISMA PR

Verona, NY – The resplendent setting of the Turning Stone Casino served as the perfect backdrop for the International Supermodified Association to close out its 35th anniversary season. Founded in 1974 by Jim Shampine, Nolan Swift and Tom Heveron, ISMA ran its first two seasons establishing itself and then began issuing points and naming champions in 1976. Steve Gioia Sr. was crowned the first owner-driver champion. Vic Miller and Chris Perley took home the owner-driver honors this year for their fourth straight title and sixth overall. Perley, with this year’s crown, tied Russ Wood as a six-time ISMA driver champion, while Miller, as a car owner now has two titles less than the late record-holding Paul Dunigan. Dunigan acquired eight owner championships with four different drivers over his career.

 2009 ISMA Banquet Photo Page HERE

ISMA began the evening by honoring its top-20 car owners and drivers with plaques and point fund checks. Then it was on to handing out the top honors to Vic Miller and Chris Perley. Championship jackets, plaques and the winning point fund checks went to the popular winners.

Perley, who added five markers to his All-Time ISMA feature win total, commented at the podium, “It’s an honor to be in this position. I don’t want to sound repetitious but I have such an awesome group of guys that allow me to drive an awesome race car. And, we have a blast doing it. It’s just unbelievable - all the guys and all the families behind us. We couldn’t do this without that support and the support of Ed Shea and all our sponsors and great motors from R&R. I’ve been doing this for a long time now. And, believe me, it doesn’t get old. Every year seems to be better and we seem to have more fun. Winning the championship at the end of the year is such a great honor. I love to receive this old trophy, even though my wife isn’t too happy with me bringing it home again because it does need some work. I’d love it if I brought it home another twenty times! Thank you all.”

The runner-up in points, Canadian Mark Sammut, and his team continued on to sweep up many of the next awards. Mark’s dad and co-car builder, Tony Sammut won the Slice n Go Deli Mechanic of the Year award, which includes a check and a jacket. Mark was also voted Most Improved Driver as he cracked the coveted ISMA win circle for the first time in 2009 after 11 years of trying and then went on to a second feature win. Mark continued his streak by winning the ISMA Achievement Award and by luck of the draw, won the Seymour Enterprises new helmet. To cap off their honors, the Sammut crew was voted the ISMA Crew of the Year, sponsored by Race Threads of Ohio.

The Randy Witkum Memorial Rookie of the Year, sponsored by E.F. Shea Concrete Products, title went to former 4-time NEMA champion Ben Seitz. In his first full ISMA season, Ben reached fifth place in the driver points and his car owner, veteran Bruce Budnick achieved a sixth place in the owner standings. Ben thanked everyone in ISMA and indicated that it was the most professional group he’d ever run with. He also announced that he would be building his own supermodified to campaign in 2010, thanking Budnick for the opportunity to get started. Sheri Witkum Battle presented the jacket and the $500 check.

The ISMA Support award went to driver Larry Lehnert who, along with brother- and car owner Gary, has traveled the entire circuit from their Ohio base to participate with the organization for several years now.

The Gater Racing News Most Popular Driver, as voted on by the fans, once again went to the “Maineiac” Vern Romanoski who collected the plaque, check and subscriptions for the third straight year.

A special ISMA appreciation award was given to Bill Dyer, who hauled around the restored Shea 27 show car to many of the events all season giving fans a close-up look of that famed supermodified which gained Russ Wood his first ISMA title. New England -based Fast Trac Safety also presented a Safety Award to ISMA tech man Mark Burns. Lane Racing, also by luck of the draw among the car owners in attendance, took home the BS&B of London, Ontario, radiator prize.

A new award in 2009, the Lois Matczak Memorial Award, was instituted to honor the woman in ISMA racing who best emulates the dedication and contributions to supermodified racing that the Lois provided throughout many years of involvement. The award, sponsored by her husband Skip Matczak, was given to a most deserving Delores Murphy, who has been with ISMA since its inception; many years serving as treasurer and head of membership.

The coveted Jim Soule Dedication award went to veteran car owner Bruce Budnick, who certainly fits the award as a low buck, do-it-yourself type competitor. It was Budnick’s first ISMA award in his long association with the group and he was overwhelmed and almost speechless, at the presentation by Dan Soule.

The prestigious Jim Shampine award went to out-going race director Jerry Kritzman who earlier in the evening received a special appreciation gift from president Howie Lane for all the years of hard work and professionalism. Kritzman, after many years as Vice President and Race Director, announced at the beginning of the season that this would be his last.

The officers for the 2010-11 were announced with Howie Lane, Kathy Harrington and Delores Murphy re-elected to their posts and Brad Booth, replacing Jerry Kritzman as Vice President. The Board of Directors remained unchanged.

MC and ISMA announcer Bob Gangwer wrapped up the night’s ceremonies with a plea for everyone to go out and look for new fans, new people, new drivers and new sponsors to bring new life and vitality to the sport in the upcoming season.

A big round of applause went to the ISMA Women’s Auxiliary, chaired by Anne Schaefer, Mary Lou Kritzman, Kathy Harrington, Angela Cullen, Sue Heppell and Delores Murphy for their efforts in putting together another successful banquet.

 
 

MORE 2009 Banquet Coverage - Click Here!

Complete ISMA Race Results & Photo Archive By Year: 2009-2002 > CLICK HERE

 

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