Super Dirt Week, 40th Anniversary, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, I am sorry that I didn't get this out sooner, but I couldn't make my computer work at the Syracuse Fairgrounds.   I Have most everything written that I want to say, but I may leave some out to avoid controversy. 

Well, not sure I like the idea of running the BB and 358  qualifiers under the lights, but to their credit, WRG rented three huge lighting systems from Musco Lighting (sp).  If the purpose was to give fans extra time to get there to watch, then it was a huge success as the stands had more fans for those races than I have ever seen.  

For me, there were a multitude of things to worry about.  Me?? Worry?  Hah!   The "Mile" is very fast and things can happen is a split second.  It is hard on equipment, even in 20 lap races and the is attrition even then.  Who knows?  Blow a tire, blow a motor, run out of gas if you are calculating and there are too many cautions, hit the wall.  Those things can and do happen!   Bobby had a good qualifying run in the 358, but for the BB they changed spark plugs right before he went out and though they were supposed to be identical to what he was running, they were  not.  They were just a touch too  long and the pistons touched them and closed up the gaps.  Not good and resulted in a 33rd spot for time.  This put him in the 11th position for the BB heat race.  For the 358 race he was set, starting in the 6th spot.  He finished in 5th.  Good job.  For the BB race he started in the 11th spot  in the 3rd of the Triple Twenties.  Here's the line up:
42p--9s
74f--2rj
21a--99l
115--1jr
90---48too
10V--8r
21m--88
37md-8
1nys-7p
b2---6n
x22
At the end he was in 7th spot so a really good run with the BB.

Well, for the Sat race, the Nationwide Insurance 150, the weather was beautiful and the track was good.  The Original start was to be double file and all others were single file restarts.  The yellow came out as the cars were entering turn one for the first time, but every lap counted so the remaining restarts would be single file.  Bobby had lost radio contact with the crew and came in when the pits were opened.  Without warning, they went from yellow flag to going green so he was behind from the start and the officials did not tell the cars to close up as they did on all the remaining cautions before they went back to the green.  I know because I had a race ceiver and was able to monitor every word to the drivers.  Bobby went down a lap early to Decker and T-Mac.  When they pitted on lap 31 he should have gotten his lap back when he went by the leaders on pit road.  That's the way it works.  BUT they did not allow that.  Instead, they red flagged the race before going green and forced Bobby and Hulzsier to go to the rear eliminating any chance  of their getting their lap back!  There were others who were ripped off in the same manner.  I do know that the guy making the calls got ripped into the next morning by a number of drivers who were NOT happy.  I know the officials are trying to make things better,  you have to give them that.   Bobby eventually came in and parked the car.  No reason other than the fact that he was out of the race when he should not have been.

Sunday, the 200 is on the track and they get the "4 wide" parade lap in at 2:45 PM.  Green is out and on lap 5 Bobby is 21st from his 22nd starting spot.  After the lap 5 caution they go green on lap 8.  By lap 11 he is 20th and on lap 13 he is 19th.  Just before the next caution on lap 40 he is about 15th.  Many of the leaders pitted and Bobby is now 6th.  Green on lap 48 and on lap 53 he is 7th.  Yellow on lap 69 and on lap 72 Bobby is the new leader.  Green on lap 75, yellow on lap 76.  Green out again on lap 81, yellow on lap 83.  Green lap 87 and yellow on lap 93, green lap 97 and yellow back out on lap 98.  Bobby gets the half way bonus at lap 100 and he pits on lap 101.  When they go green on lap 103 bobby is in 26th spot.  Yellow again on lap 107 and red on lap 108.  Bobby was scored in front of the 35 of Perrotte but started two spots behind.  When the green comes back out he starts moving forward and was 19th by lap 110, 16th on lap 114.  Yellow on lap 118, back to green on lap 123.  Bobby is 15th on lap 125 and 13th on lap 127.  Yellow on lap 139 and he is 12th.  Green on lap 142 and yellow again on lap 145 with Bobby 11th.Green again and on lap 150 Bobby is 1`0th.  Yellow on lap 152 and pits are open on lap 153.  Bobby is 11th going in and 11th coming out.  Good Job Guys!  After the restart, Bobby is 10th on lap 159 and gets 9th on lap 166.  His day comes to an end on lap 181 as the Jackshaft in the rear-end breaks.  He gave it all  he had and did an awesome job!  Had he been able to finish right where he had been running he would have finished 6th.  Unfortunately, it was not to be.  Now, I am tired and I have to get ready to take my wife out for dinner as we are celebrating our 47th wedding anniversary today, Oct. 10, 2011.  Until next time.............



    Accord Speedway, Sept 30, 2011
 King of the Catskills 100 Lap ROC Race

Hi Race Fans;

Well, I was unable to make it down to the Accord Speedway tonight so I don't have much to offer.  There were over 40 Mods in the pits tonight and this resulted in 5 heat races with draws for the heats.  Bobby was in the 5th heat race and while I do not have the starting lineup for that heat, I do have the finish.  There would be 4 to qualify from each heat and the top two would go to the redraw.  Here's the finish for heat # 5:  Bobby Varin; Andy Bachetti; J. Quick; Mike Mahanney;  DNQ Shrufer, Tittle, Mitchell, & Duryea.

There were two consis and from those, the qualifiers were Shrufer, Friesen, Decker,& Holland.  So here is the line up, as bext I can make out.
Storms---Hunt
4----42P
97t---97v
66----357
20---19j
Dr.---Wade
Watt---Walker
Quick---Higbie
Creedan---Smith
Colsten---Mahanney
Shrufer---Decker
Friesen---Holland

And green is out!  The first caution is on lap 3.  On the ensuing restart, Decker spins and yellow is out and he returns to his spot???  Green, but wait, another caution as Decker, Watt, Friesen and Mahaney get together.  Mahaney is able to continue.  Green again but the next caution is out on lap 7, Ward has a left front flat.  By the next caution, Bobby has made it into 2nd which is lap 18 and the running order: Bachetti, Varin; Howard; Storms; Hoetzler, Dr.  Green is out now till lap 31 caution; Top runners are Bachetti, Varin, Howard, Storms, Hoetzler; Dr. Hearn; Strunk; Walker; Holland.   On a lap 30 caution the Dr. retires to the pits.  As they make a lap 50 stop at Accord to refuel, the rains begin to come down.  It is just after 11 PM and the track has an 11:30 curfew.  The running order at the stop is Bachetti, Varin;  Howard; Hoetzler; Hearn; Strunk; Walker; Holland; (not sure about the last two).  The race is called and it is finished.  And that's the way they finish.  Bobby Varin gets 2nd for his efforts tonight.  And I am happy for him.  Bobby's next race is set for tomorrow at Fulton Speedway.  I believe he will again be driving the 97V.  Danny will also be there driving the Magarus Sponsored 93 car that he has driven at Fonda Speedway this past season.  Good luck to both Father and Son.  Hope to see you there.  Until tomorrow then....................................



    Fonda Speedway, Day 1, Sept 24, 2011
                MacDonald's Weekend

Hi Race Fans;

Well, Fonda is almost finished for the year 2011.  And we were there.  After the weather forecast all week it didn't look good for this weekend but this is the great Northeast and things change.  Including the weather.  BUT, keep in mind that it was supposed to have only showers last night and it rained all night long.  But the track crew got right on it this morning and by race time we had a track to race on.  It was a bit rough but hey,  what would you expect??  OK, report.  ESS first tonight.  There were 26 sprinters in the pits tonight and they had three heats.  The draw for Bobby was a regular "Bobby Draw" and he would start in the last row in the 2nd heat.  Here's the running order:
69k--10b
80---45
90---33
00---10

At the drop of the green these guys put the pedal down and they were off.  Bobby had a good look at the field, and began to pick them off, one by one.  There was one caution to bring them all back together and it seems like that was a good thing for Bobby as he was able to take advantage of it and at the checkers he was 2nd.  He could pull along side the 45 of the "Cobra" in the corners but he came up short on the straights.  Good job though, good enough for a redraw spot.  top 6 qualified and top 4 went to the redraw.  Pete's wife did the redraw and drew 7th for the feature and 5th for the Dash.  The dash was 4 laps and they decided to try some "stuff" for the dash and well, that didn't work out that well and he finished 6th in the dash.  When they lined up for the feature here's what it looked like:
13---10
7---10b
87---28fm
00---17j
3a---1z
45---33
55---69k
8----25
90---75
X2---80
65---7c
99
On the parade laps the 10b dropped out and was unable to continue so the outside row moved up a spot from the 28fm on back.  At the green flag, Bobby fell victim to the 1z of Jessica Zemken and she was fast.  In the end, she was the only car to pass Bobby although he had to work his tail off to finish where he did.  He was 6th by the time the first caution came out on lap 7.  The next caution was at lap 13 and he was still in 6th.  Passing these guys is no piece of cake.  He got to 5th on the restart and at that point the 45 of Chuck Hebing, the "Cobra" was within striking distance.  On lap 20 the red flag came out for a car that flipped in turn two right as Bobby was underneath him.  But no problem for Bobby.  He was still 5th, and they turned on lap off the counter so the restart came on lap 19.  On lap 22 Bobby was able to make the pass on the 7 of Cory Sparks and move into 4th and that's where he would finish.  Had to cross the scales and then beat feet to his modified for the final race of the night. 

In the Mods, there were about 51 cars ready to give it a go.  This would mean 5 heats.  Bobby was in the 3rd heat first, then got changed to the 2nd heat, still starting in the last row.  Here's the line up for that heat:
20c--711
17---4*
5b---1g
78---c-88
00---114
At the drop of the green Bobby made a great move to the outside and coming off turn 4 he was about 5th, but he stayed out there going into turn 3 only to find out that there was NOTHING for bite out there and he lost all he had gained.  Now he really had to work and while he did get to 5th by lap 10, he needed to get to 4th to qualify.  Now he would have to run the consi.  He was in the 1st consi starting on the outside of the front row and he won that quit handily with the Dr. finishing 2nd.  The top 2 from each heat got to redraw and after the redraw and all the qualifying , the field was set.  During intermission, Bobby got the surprise of his life.  He garnered the MOST POPULAR DRIVER award for 2011.  He was very happy to have been chosen to receive this award as it is based on what the fans think. So to all those who voted for Bobby over the course of the year, many thanks.  He really did appreciate that!  Now, we are ready for the feature of 40 laps.  Here's the line up for that:
98H--21J
93---4*
3D---2rj
9s---17
B16--24
41j--20c
1f---41
22j--84
1g---6h
20---74
00---42p
27j--74fuller
1r---91
711--85
3
Jeff Trombley took off at the drop of the green and never looked back.  And nobody would have anything for him this night.  The 98h was being driven tonight by A J Romano and he was running 2nd when he got a flat right rear.  The first caution came out on lap 15 and by this point Bobby was up to 16th but it appeared to be tough sledding.  The next caution came out on lap 30 with only 10 laps to go and Bobby was now sitting in 12th.  One more caution on lap 31 showed no change and by the end of the race Bobby was passed by one more car to give him a 13th place finish.  Well, the car is still in one piece and he is still struggling with it.  Here's the official finish:  21J; 4*; 2rj; 1f; 9s; 93; 24; 3d; 20; 27j; 41; 42p; 00; 91; 17; 1g; 711; 84; 1r; 41j; 85; 22j; 98h; 74; 6h; 20c; 74f; 3; b16.   You can check Danny's web site for his news.  Both Bobby and Dan will be back tomorrow for the final Thunder on the Thruway Series race.  Hope to see you all there.  Until then......................................




        Glen Ridge Motorsports Park
                       Sept 11, 2011         

Hi Race Fans;

Well, that's two speedways in two days that we have officially closed.  Well, you know what I mean.  Glen Ridge is finished for the 2011 racing season.  And we were there.  Once again, the pits were packed as were the grandstands.  The track was real racy and I had a good time.  The Rookie Sportsmen, Street Stocks and Cruisers each had a feature only.  The track moved thing along nicely and I have to tell ya, the last feature, the Sportsman feature was already started by 8:45.  We were already done and finished with the ceremonies following the race.  Now I guess I better get to the race report.  Bobby did not have to run the heats as he was already a guaranteed starter.  The top 9 in points were all guaranteed and the rest had to qualify through the three heats.  There were three heats with 7 cars in each heat for a total of 31 Mods at the Ridge tonight.  Not a bad turn out.  So, Matt Sheppard, Stewart Freisen, Danny Johnson, Alan Johnson, Andy Bachetti, Dustin Delaney, Matt Delorenzo, the "Jeffer" were all there to try their hand at winning the Big money!  But you know only one guy was gonna win it.  The top 9 drew for the first 9 spots with the rest of the 26 car starting field coming from the three heats and the consi.  Here's the way they lined them up on the track:
711--97v
7----20c
1----17
3j---6x
115--28(Dr)
6h---3d
19j(Jeffer)--9s
22j--66
39d--1F
78---55(AJ, slideways)
4b---21k(Tuskrora Twister??)
22---94
9----21L

The ceremonies are over, it is a little after 8 PM and we are ready.  The green is out!  Whoops!  The 17 goes around in the first turn before we get a lap in and he is done for the night along with the 66, a local car.   So get them all relined up and try again.  This time we are golden and the race is under way.  Two laps are in with Bobby Varin showing the way when the 711 blows up leaving a long trail of oil or water through turn two and down the back stretch.   Once we go back to green Bobby takes off again and leads the way.  We are into lap traffic by lap 10 and get to lap 15 before the next and last caution.  Bobby is still your leader but his cushion of 3 lap cars plus a straight is gone.  Green is out again and we are racing.  Bobby is off and running again, but so is Matt Sheppard who has slowly crept up with each caution and now is running 3rd.  On lap 61, it happens.  Bobby is stuck behind lap traffic and Matt makes a great move and does the slide job on Bobby and we have a new leader.  That's the way they would finish the race as bobby could get close, but not enough to  try and get back by.  Stewart was 3rd, although for tonight, at least, no threat.  And that's the way Varin finishes out the year at the Glen Ridge Motorsports Park.  Still, a great Job.  Here is the finish for the Mod feature:  9s; 97v; 1F; 6x; 3j; 28; 3D; 1; 22; 55; 6h; 7; 39d; 21k; 4b; 20c; 19j; 94; 21L; 115; 22j; 78; 9; 711; 17; 66.  And that's it for here.  Bobby's next race is next Saturday at the New Fonda Speedway.  Hope to see you all there.  If anything changes, I will try and let you all know.  Until then........................................
 



     Utica Rome Speedway, Sept 10, 2011
                       New Yorker 200

Hi Race Fans;

Well, what a nice way to finish off the year at Utica Rome.  There will be no more races at the Utica Rome speedplant in 2011.  And Bobby ended the way he started this year, by winning the Big One.  In my book, Bobby finishes at the top of his game.  So, let me explain what I mean.  Especially after last night's "dismal" 4th place finish. Over the years Bobby has been called a lot of things.  Hah, I guess so.  But names like the Varinator, the Bobcat, and more recently, the Beast.  But let me tell ya, after tonight I think the Dominator is a good a name as any.  Like no other.   When the race was over tonight, all he really knew was "hey, we won the race".  He really  had no clue what he had accomplished!

So, lets back up and start at the beginning of the day.  It was a beautiful day for racing.  Sun was shinning, it was warm out, and I was there.  There were about 47 Mods in the pits tonight.  This would lead to 5 heats with 3 qualifying from each heat and the top to finishers from each heat would go to the redraw.  Bobby was in the 5th and final heat tonight.  Here's the line up:
5h---17
00---34
X----2rj
7g---115
74
They got the green and were off.  Once he was in 2nd, he set out for the leader, but with the 2rj right on his back bumper.  It looked like RJ would grab the 2nd spot from Bobby when the caution came out on lap 7.  This put the leader now, the 5h, right close.  On the restart, Bobby was able to grab the lead and held on for about one lap when the 2rj went sailing by on the outside putting Bobby back to 2nd and that was how they finished.  Bobby would have the last redraw.  Danny Varin was 2nd in his heat, from a 6th place starting spot so he would draw just before his father.  When it came down to the last two draws, the only numbers left to draw were 5 & 6.  They asked Bobby which he wanted and he said, "I don't care, I just want to start beside my son"!  That did get a big laugh from the rest of the guys.  Danny drew 6th and left the 5 pill in there for Bobby.  When he pulled it out he looked at it and tried to make a "one" out of but they weren't buying that!  So After the redraw they had the 20 lap "B" Main which was won by Teddy Lamb and he opted to start the New Yorker 200 and pass on the money.  So, here is the run down for the start of the 100 lap feature:
99---18j
89b--33
00---93
2rj--1b
1F---7X
16---19J(Jeffer)
3b---10J
5h---14r
1xw--42p
b16--74
3----X
1x---55
L85

25 Cars would start the feature.  They lined them up on the front stretch, got them together in front of the flag stand, and  Chaplain Kevin Wescott who prayed, and introduced the singer who sang Amazing Grace in remembrance of "911".  She followed that by singing the Canadian National Anthem and then The Star Spangled Banner, the National Anthem of the United States of America.  The drivers were introduced individually and went to their cars and buckled in to await those most famous words in racing, "GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES" and with that the pace cars started to lead the cars for two parade laps before the green flag dropped.  And as Mike Mallet is fond of saying, Ladies and Gentlemen, whoooooooooooooooosssssssssssssssseeeeeeeee it gonna BE? Bobby tries to use a little patience at the start of the race because you can't win with a wrecked race car.  The first caution came out on lap 8 and it was for Danny Varin.  He was unable to continue as they discovered he had a broken ring and pinion.  Bobby was now scored in 6th which is where Danny had been running.  The next 18 circuits saw the lead change between the 33 of Mike Mahaney and Ryan Phelps kinda back and forth.  Stewart got by Bobby and by lap 15, Varin was in 4th behind the 33, 99, and 1f.  Before the next caution on lap 26 Bobby had just eked out 3rd by getting Stewart coming off four when on the next lap the 33 got into the back of a car his was lapping and broke the frontend.  He was done for the night.  So, now we have and interesting restart.  Ryan has been very comfortable running the top and Bobby has been making  his moves on the bottom.  Ryan opts to take the inside on the restart and two laps later watches as Bobby out maneuvers him and grabs the lead.  In this race there will be no more cautions.  Bobby just slowly begins to drive away from the field.  By lap 50 the only car that can run with him is the 1F of Freisen.  For a while, he was just a tic faster than Bobby, but just can't catch up.  The lap cars don't all move or hold their line like they are told at the drivers meeting.  Some few do, but most don't.  Bobby has to struggle with many of them, sometimes more than once as he put a number of cars two laps down.  ON about lap 76, Varin tries to put the 42p of Ward down a lap but Ward doesn't seem to like this.  But try as he might, he couldn't stop him this time.  Then about lap 80 or so, Bobby is lapping into the top 5 and puts the 2rj car down one lap.  As they are approaching lap 90 or so, He has caught the 4th place car, 89b of the Tornado, Todd Burley.  Once he gets by him there are only a few laps left and he actually was setting up the 99 of Ryan Phelps to put him down a lap when the Checkers flew and he had won the race.  It was not until the post race ceremonies that he knew what he had accomplished.  There were 3 cars left on the lead lap and from the 10th spot on back, they were down 2 laps.  So, yeah, at least for now, he has earned the right to be called the "Dominator!"  That's my opinion and that's my story and I'm stickin to it!   And I have to tell ya that his guys deserve a lot of credit.  John Bakuzonis, Jeff Preston, and tonight Bob Tyler were there to help set the car up and get it ready to race.  Behind every awesome driver are some awesome crew members.  And not to forget Dave Cross who was there last night and spent hours getting the tires ready for today.  So to all the guys and the car owner, Dave Cruickshank, Thank you, Thank You, Thank You!!!

Bobby's next race will be tomorrow(today) at the Glen Ridge Motorsports Park.  Hope to see you guys there.  Until then......................................................




   Utica Rome Speedway, Sept 9, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Just for the record, I have faithfully written race reports for the last three races, but we have been having difficulty with our internet service and with the web site.  Hopefully this has all been solved and you will be able to catch up on the latest happenings with Bobby and the race team.  Tonight we were at Utica Rome for the Thunder on the Thruway series and it was a crackerjack of a race.  All sorts of interesting things going on.  There were 45 cars in the pits tonight and only 24 would qualify.  There were 4 heats with 12 in one and 11 in the rest.  They would be qualifying 4 from each heat with the top 3 going to the redraw.  Bobby drew decent for the heat and wold start in the 6th position.  Here's the line up for the 3rd heat:
73---B16
117--x
55---0
33---111
99j--3m
3d
Early on the track had a lot of bite and so everybody was fast and I was just hoping Bobby would make it to a qualified spot.  At the drop of the green all 11 cars took off as if they were one unit.  Wow, they were quick tonight.  10 laps the distance for the qualifying heats and when the checkers fell, the top qualifiers were: 73; X; 00; 33.  the rest would have to quailfy through one of two consis and they would take only 4 from each consi.  Whew, at least he got qualified and as an added bonus, he went to the redraw.  His girlfriend, Brenda drew for him and there were only 2 numbers left and she got the 6.  So he would start the 50 lap feature from the 6th position.  Unknown to the announcers, the line up was changed and the pole sitter, Chad Phelps in the X car would drop to the rear of the field as he had a broken rocker.  That moved the inside row up one spot and here's the adjusted line up:
2rj--3b(brachman)
74---91(Chad Homan)
42p--00
1f---10j
73---21p
19k--17
33---99
b16--13
18j--89b
99j--1xw
7x---L85
1b---54
X----1X

The green flag was flying at 10:15.  And the 2 grabbed the lead right from the get go and never looked back.  As I watched Bobby I knew we were in a mite of trouble as he didn't just jump forward!  The first caution came out on lap three and Bobby was scored in 6th spot. By the next caution on lap 7 Bobby was 7th.  Oh man, this doesn't look good.  Now we had some green flag laps up until lap 21 and he was now back to 9th having fallen behind the 99j, 33, 10j, 1f; 42p and a host of others and the 7X of Steve Paine was right on his bumper.  But then, on the restart, the car seemed to be working better and by the next caution, on lap 30, he was back up to 6th.  When the green came out this time he was ready to go to work.  and work he did.  The 3b of Brachman and the 33 of Mahaney were side by side and making it tough for anybody to pass.  They seemed equal for the longest time.  Bobby was quicker in the corners but they seemed to get a better run off the turns.  For at least 5 or 6 laps, Varin would split them going into 3, with the 3b on the bottom and the 33 on the top and Varin taking the middle.  They would gain on him coming down the front stretch only to have him go in harder and split them again.  Lap after lap this went on but Varin was gaining a bit each lap.  Finally, going into turn 3 he was able to pass the 33 and move up enough to take his line away!  There was, I believe, one more caution.  On the restart, Bobby got a good run down the front stretch and was able to pull even with Brachman and a lap later he got enough momentum to complete the pass and move to the bottom where he was faster.  He was able to pull up behind Alan Johnson but was not able to pass and finished in the 4th spot.  Sooo, a good finish from what looked early on to be a disaster.  Good Job Bobby and the crew, John, Jeff and Dave.  Now on to tomorrow and the New Yorker 200.  Until then, keep your powder dry and hope to see you all there......................................




    Utica Rome Speedway, Sept 4, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

And so, all points are finished at all the tracks Bobby runs at on a regular basis.  By virtue of his 3rd place finish in tonight's feature he also finished 3rd in the over all points.  With the DNFs he has had at Utica Rome due to getting wrecked, he did an awesome job by finishing 3rd.  That's my opinion. 

Now, for tonight's race report.  There were 24 Mods in the pits tonight, along with 20 ESS Sprints and a regular card of racing.  The night started off with two features left over from the last rain out.  Once they were completed it was on with the nights program. 
And under threat of rain they really had to move things along.  Bobby was in the first heat starting 4th, but I have to tell ya, the track was so slick by the time the heats got up there, I thought he would be lucky to qualify as they were  only taking 5 from each heat.  OK, not that bad thinking, but I wondered.  Here's the line up:
42---18J
44---00
L85--1XW
109--33x(Mitch Gibbs, i think)

At the drop of the green they all took off and Bobby had to slow down to miss the 18J as he went off the edge and the L85 got by.  At the end, it was teddy Lamb, Bobby Varin, the 44, 1xw and 33x.  Now it would be a long wait for the Mod feature as they were running the Sportsman,  and ESS Sprints before the Mod feature.  Bobby's Sprint car owner had a lot of clean up to do after Irene went through and was not able to get the sprinter ready for tonight.  When it was time for the Mod feature, here's the way they came out:
89b--19K
44---1x
1B---00
10J--L85
76a--1wgc
1xw--42p
33---B16
33x--109
51---41
42---6
115--18j
93

There really isn't much to write about the feature itself.  It went green to checkers.  Yes, there was a lot of passing, at least by some.  And at the end, Bobby sure made it interesting as he was able to get up alongside the 89b of Todd Burley, but in the end he was not able to complete the pass.  It took Bobby four laps to get from 6th up to 3rd, and by that time the front two of Willy Decker were already gone and Bobby would spend the rest of the race playing catch up.  The track was unbelievably slippery.  He could go in on the bottom but would just slide up to the top as he would come off the corner.  No room for error!  In the end, that was where he finished.  Following some really awesome fireworks, they opened the track for hot laps with the cars for next week with sail panels.  Bobby seemed to be consistently the fastest car out there.  So, we will have to wait and see.  Bobby's next race is scheduled for tomorrow at the Ridge.  Weather permitting.  If it is good we will see you there.  If, not, then next week at Utica Rome.  Hope to meet up with y'all along the way.  Until next time....................................  OH, snap.  Here's the finish for tonight's feature: 1x; 89b; 00; 1wgc; 10j; 1b; 76a; 42p; 57; 33; 44; 18j; l85; 19K; 1XW; 93; 42; That's all I have.  I'm done now



 Lebanon Valley Speedway,  Sept 1, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, the 2011 Mr. Dirt Track, USA is now history.  Howie managed to get the Modified part of the program in anyway.  I didn't stick around to see if the Sportsman ran or not.  When I got to my car it was covered with muddy dust.  :D  And I had no washer fluid.  But I had a little left over iced tea which was good enough to get me to a gas station so I could clean the windshield better. 

I was thinking a nice title for this particular report could be, The Bad, The Good, and The Ugly, as there was a little of all three in that order. I also want to mention that I must have been following a family of Donkeys on the Thruway as they left a trail of garbage from MacDonalds.  Bags etc.  OK, rant off. Back to the race report. 

The Mods drew when they came through which determined where they would time trial.  Bobby was in the fourth and last group to time.  The heats were then set up according to your time.  Bobby timed 6th so he would start 6th in the 4th heat.  They were qualifying 5 from each heat with the top 3 going to the redraw. I could not find any real posting for the lineups so I tried to write them down when they came out onto the track.  Here's the line up for Bobby's heat.
98h--8
4*---20
98l--10v
43---62s
16
The track, though dusty, had bite and all the cars were fast.  As the cars entered turn one, the 62s got under Bobby and did a  slide job but wasn't quite clear and caught the left front of the 10v and before Bobby could get it straightened out he was 8th.  He drove his butt off for those 8  laps and finished in 6th, one spot out.  This would put him in the 2nd consi and they were taking 2 from each.  He finished 2nd and would start the feature in 24th.  Again, no line up so here's the best I could do:
91---74
2rj--34-Bachetti 
57---77f
4*---98h
9s---??
1f---20
99l--42
8----17
3----34-Hough
98l--18
60---115
10v--27j

There were about 6 or 8 more cars added but I couldn't get the numbers.  Once they got the feature out on the track and lined up it began to sprinkle and then heavy sprinkle so the race was delayed. This was about 9:10.  The track kept the packer trucks running on the track and as we neared 10 the track was ready.  The cars did a 4 wide parade lap and we were ready.  At 9:58 the green was flying.  Bobby showed patience in the early going and by lap 7 was 23rd.  The first caution was at lap 20 and Bobby was inn the 20th spot.  BUT it looks like he has a left front flat and yes, he does, but elects to stay out.  We go back to green and he starts his move toward the front.  By lap 28 he is 17th and on lap 31 he grabs 16th.  He continues to move forward and by the caution on  lap 47 he is up to 13th with a left front flat.  Now, it is getting harder to pass cars  but by lap 52 he is 12th, and 11th on lap 61.  On lap 72 he passes the 98h of Jimmy Phelps and grabs 9th, but this is as far as he would go.  On lap 79 the tire begins to shred and he dropped out shortly after that.  I am not sure where he finished, but about 17th or 18th is my best guess.  So, there you have it, the bad, the good, and the ugly.  Attrition was high, with Decker, Ronnie Johnson, Tremont, and Friesen out early.   JR Heffner was the winner, Brett hearn was 2nd and Bachetti was 3rd.  Then I think Sheppard and Corellis  rounded out the top 5.  Bobby's next race will be tonight at the Ridge.  Hope to see you all there.  Until then......................................
  


       Glen Ridge
Motorsports Park
                     Aug. 26,  2011

Hi Race Fans;

Wow, what a beautiful  night for racing.  Pits seemed very full and the grandstands were definitely full.  And I my opinion, the fans got their monies worth tonight as the racing was super.  Well, my opinion anyway.  There were 25 Mods in the Pits tonight resulting in three Mod heats with 8 in the first two and 9 in the last  heat.  Bobby was in the 2nd heat starting in the 6th position.  Here's the official line up:
5x---71
1----21l
115-97v
44---72
When the checkers flew after the 10 lap heat in which only 4 would qualify for handicapping purposes, they came across like this, 1; 97v; 115; 71.  The rest would be lined up according to the way they finished.  Soo, after all three Mod heats were done, it was get the car ready for the feature and the Mods were the last race of the night.   I have to say there seemed to be a lot of feisty folks in the pits tonight.  Well, we are ready and here we go.  The line up looked like this. 
19k--53
71---17
7----1
115-20c
97v--6x
10%-39d
85---21L
23p--9
44---15
78---5x
711--72
Of the rest, none were able to make the feature.. These are the cars that started.  When the green flew, you better believe that 19k was outta there, lookin like a rabbit with the hounds in close pursuit.  The cars began to stretch out a bit, when the first caution of the night flew.  That came on lap 6.  At this point, some had already made their presence felt, with Tremont in 5th, Bobby in 8th.  Delaware style restart and ya better be on yer toes.  During this green flag period there was an awesome race between a father and his son.  Danny and Bobby swapped spots numerous times during this period.  I mean back and forth with Dan leading on one lap and Bobby back by to lead Danny the next lap.  They were, at this time, fighting for the 7th and 8th spot.  And then another caution and at this point, Bobby was ahead of Danny and it would be a single file restart as the caution came out on lap 19.  But hovering close was the 39 of Delany and the 711 of Jamike Sowle.  And Jamike had come from dead last!  Ok, green is out and we are racing.  Again, back and forth, back and forth until the next caution on lap 27 and here's the top runners: 19k; 115; 17; 20c; 7; 97v; 1; 10%.  Again, green is out and in three laps how the complexion of the race changed!  Two cars wreck and now Bobby is in 5th.  Guess you will have to go to Danny's web site to see what was going on.  This caution was on lap 30.  New leader, 115, 20c; 19k; 7; 97v.  Green is out again and yellowout again on lap 33.  In those 3 laps, Bobby bobbled coming out of 4 and the 39 got by putting Bobby back to 5th as he had gotten into 4th just prior.   Now just two to go and here is the way they finished.  115; 20c; 19k; 39; 97v; 7; 1; 711.  (not positive about the last couple, but I am close) :D  Bobby's next scheduled race is for Sunday at Utica Rome, depending on the weather.  If that gets rained  out he will be at  Lebanon Valley next Thursday.  Hope to see ya somewhere along the way.  Until then..........................................
    



       Fonda Speedway, Aug 20, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, let me say first of all, for me personally, it was not a good night and somebody has themselves a nice clipboard with dual stop watches.  They also ended up with 2 photos, 8 X 10  of Bobby.  My biggest problem, however, is that all the information I would normally use to write up the results of the racing for tonight was also on the clipboard.    I will do the best I can, but it will be from memory and mine is surely slipping these days.  

There were not quite 30 Mods in the pits tonight and that meant 4 heats with 5 qualifying from each heat.  Both Bobby and Danny were in the same heat.  Bobby got up to 2nd,driving his new Saturday night car but when the caution came out about half way through he was forced to take the car to the pits as he had a problem with low oil pressure and overheating.  This of course would mean he would have to go to the consi  as he did not qualify.  It also meant getting out the back up 00 and getting that ready.  BUT low and behold, while they had cars enough to run a consi,  they decided not to.  From what I understand, somebody drew a conversion number and they converted that many cars for the feature line up.  This would put Matty D on the front end along with Dave Lape.  Bobby would start the race from about 28th.  With the back up car!  So, he started DEAD LAST in the feature.  There were no cars starting behind him.  When the green came out he was last although he did not stay there.  By the first caution which came on about lap 7 (I'm guessing) Bobby was really moving and was up to about 12th.  One or two restarts before they get going again and he puts on a driving clinic and when the caution comes out on lap 17 Ole Bobby Varin is up to 7th.  Ahh, but wait.  Can't have that, so we go back to lap 16 and knock one off the lap counter.  Yes, they did!  BV is 12th again.  But hey, that's ok, because now he gets to try again.  Green flies, Bobby flies and when lap 17 if officially scored, Bobby is now in 7th.  They keep racing and he picks up another spot.  On lap 26 he gets by the 711 for 5th but the 711 is smoking and shuts it down on the front stretch so, another caution.  Matty D is still the leader and RJ 2nd, Ryan Odaz 3rd, then the 93 and 00 complete the top five.  On lap 28 Bobby gets by the 93 for 4th and that's where he finishes.  But let me tell ya, Bobby did a great job!  'Bobby's next race is scheduled for tomorrow at Utica Rome speedway.  Hope to see ya all there.  Until then..........



       Utica Rome Speedway, 50th Anniversary 100 lap race, Aug. 17, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

We'll start with the sprints as they were first up for their feature.  Bobby was in the 3rd heat and they had 6 qualifying and top 4 to the redraw.  Here's the line up:
17j--45
00---3a
25---99
87---27j
12
At the drop of the green they were flying.  Bobby quickly moved into the 2nd spot behind the 45 of the Cobra and when the caution came out he was still running 2nd.  The restart was a double file restart and Bobby went into turn 1 ahead of the Cobra and did the slide job and had the lead going down the back stretch. Cobra was just as quick to return the favor and Bobby went a little to high in turn 4 and the next lap he was 4th.  He got back to 3rd before the checkers flew.  After all the qualifying was over they lined up for their feature and Bobby would be starting from the 10th spot.  Here's how they lined up:
33---7c
75---45
13---7
69k--28fm
87---00
17j--87s
10---25h
12---90
84---3a
10b--33
7x---99
25---36
They made a couple parade laps, went into their 4 wide lap and it was time to go racing.  When th egreen came out man did they ever take off.  Bobby was up to 4th by lap two and then after completing lap 6 Bobby went straight off turn 1 down to the fence.  The steering arms broke on the right side of the car and he couldn't steer.  No other damage to the car except the nose wing came up.  Better luck next time Bobby.  He did have a very fast car but so did Chuck Hebing who followed the 28fm car for a lot of laps before finally getting back by him to go on and win the race.  I believe the 87 of Jason Barney finished 3rd.

Well, another day and another race.  Tonight's venue was at Utica Rome speedway.  There were 52 Modifieds in the pits tonight making for 6 heat races and 3 consis.  Bobby was in the 4th heat starting in the 8th position.  Here's the line up for that heat race:
Deuce--38
b16-----18j
16-------115
1x-------00
5(Horton)
He sure had a good look at the field of cars he needed to pass in order to qualify.  There would only be three from each heat to make it in and 2 going to the redraw.  The track was fast early on and while he did get up to the 4th spot, that left him one spot out and he would have to run one of the consis.  Bobby found himself in the 1st consi and they were taking two from each of the 3 consis.  Line up:
91---00
10---18j
1xw--16
74---115
21k--b16
43
The front running pair battled for the lead for a bit then Bobby just took off with Billy Decker following and that's the way they finished.
Now for the 100 lap feature:  Lining up on the front stretch for driver introductions the line up looked like this:
99---93
20---Deuce
3d---33x
3----76a
55---17
14j--42p
44---8r
9s---1x
98h--4*
00---1f
27j--91
33---357
14w--42b
Tonight I did not have the advantage of sitting in the grandstands so it was very tough to wee what was going on at the beginning of the race.  Between the glare of the lights, my old eyes and dust, it was almost impossible.  By the time the first catuion flag came on lap 19 the top 5 were 20; 93; 33x; Deuce; 76a.  At this point it appeared that Bobby was about 14th or 15th.  By the next caution on lap 27 Bobby was clearly up to the 12th spot.  By the time the next caution came out on lap 42 he was clearly in the top 10, but there were some lapped cars mixed in so again, not positive.  The next caution came after some hard racing and Bobby was all over the back bumper of the 76a of Ronnie Johnson.  Here's the top seven cars: 20; 42p; 27j; 1f; 9s; 76a; 00.  The next 5 laps were interesting as Bobby found the fast way around the track and by the caution on lap 79 he had cracked the top five which were: 20; 42p; 27j; 1f; 00.  In the preceding laps Bobby came off turn 4 like a rocket and beat both RJ and Super Matt to turn one and coming off turn 2 he was in the 5th spot.  There were no more cautions, but in the end the 00 of Bobby Varin had himself a podium finish!  Soooo, of the top 3 finishers two came from the consis and only Brett Hearn managed to hang on from the top 12 cars that redrew.  Awesome race. I can tell you I was excited!  Bobby's next race will be this Friday at The Ridge.  Hope to see you all there.  Until then,..............................................




 The New Fonda Speedway, Aug 10, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, I won't say what I started to say.  There were two Mod races at Fonda tonight.  The first one was just an open 30 lap race.  As far as I know, neither race was a points race for the speedway championship.  They were both show up points only.  The second race was a Thunder on the Thruway series race.  Track was hard dry dusty and slicker than snot on a doorknob.  Just sayin....

All the qualifying for the first race was completed on June 8 but the feature was rained out.  So we sarted off with that 30 lap feature first.  Bobby started in the 15th position and slid up into 9th where he finished.  The top 10 for the first race were:20; 76; 3d; 76a; 9s; 42p; 93; 16; 00; 1f.   Once that feature was finished the 602 Sportsmen had their heat races with the top 4 from each heat going to the redraw.  There were 36 Mods in the pits tonight and they ran 4 8 lap heats.  The top 5 would qualify and the top 3 would go to the redraw.  Bobby drew a decent number which put him on the outside pole for the 3rd heat.  here's the line up  for his heat:
41---00
74(fuller)-14j
6h---1f
1g---76a
3d
The heat went flag to checkers with no cautions.  The top qualifiers  in order were: 00; 1f; 74;41; 6h.  The rest would go to the consi to get qualified.  

After the qualifying was completed, the track crew made their normal runs around the track but accomplished little tonight.  It went from slick to slicker.  The top 12 got to go to the redraw and here's the lineup:
74---1f
91---42p
20---77x
99L--76
24L--711
24---00
93---85
41---3d
21j--3j
6h---20c
17---76a
3----39d
33---14j
9s---22

There were two cautions tonight, lap 1 and lap 17.  Bobby got up to 5th but in the end the small blocks had their way tonight and Bobby, with the 1st big block finished 7th.  Brett Hearn won both events and took home the money.  the top 10 in the 2nd race were: 20; 3d; 1f; 91; 42p; 76a; 00; 24; 74; 93; 17



  The Utica Rome Speedway, Aug. 7, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Tonight almost didn't happen.  There were showers and/or rain all around the speedway  and we did get a little, but not enough to keep the guys from racing.  It did delay the start a bit, but even that was not that bad.  BUT the track conditions left a LOT to be desired!  I mean slick!
Well, anyway, here's what went down.  There were 29 Mods in the pits tonight.  Three heats with 6 qualifying from each heat.  The rest would have to qualify through the consi.  Bobby was in the 3rd heat and here's how they lined them up:
6----3(Kislowski)
1x---89b
76a--00
4----3k
111--115
Shane Donath in the 111 and Kenny got there late.

The track was still quite slippery even during the heats.  Bobby got into a qualifying spot and Kenny Tremont got the last spot.  Not qualifying were the 3, 4, 111, and 3k and they would have to try and get in through  the consi.  The CRSA Sprints were there tonight also and they were running before the Mods.  Once their feature was finished the track crew went out for about 5 min to try and fix the holes etc in the track.  Now it's Modified time.  Here's the line up:
6----57
19k--18j
1x---L85
1xw--89b
14j--76a
115--42P
00---1b
1wgc-7g
77x--99L
8r---3(Kislowski)
55---41
111--63

The 57 of Paul Jensen grabbed the lead at the start and put some distance between himself and everybody else.  When the first caution came out on lap 17 all his gains were wiped away in one swipe.  Well, maybe Teddy Lamb had the lead by that point, I don't remember.  Anyway, Bobby started 13th and on lap 17 he was....13th.  No going anywhere and not very fast, but he did have some good company as Stewart Friesen was still behind him.  On lap 23 Bobby was in 9th and that's where he finished.  Bobby's next race will be at Fonda on Wednesday night.  Hope to see ya there.  Until then.....................................................



Glen Ridge
Motorsports Park, Aug. 5, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Ok, now we are coming down to the wire.  We are already into August.  It was hot tonight up at the Ridge.  In addition to the regular classes the Lightening Sprints were in the house as well.  And let me tell ya, they are FAST!.  I clocked them at about 12.5 sec a lap.  Pretty quick.  Mods are usually around 13.5 early on.  Full house again tonight.  And the booers were out in full force again tonight too.  So, it is what it is.  There were 20 Mods tonight and 3 heats.  Bobby was in the 3rd heat starting last.  They would qualify 4 from each heat for handicapping.  Here's the line up for his heat:
53---19k
72---7
115--97V
Bobby got an awesome start from the outside of the last row and by lap two he was running in 2nd behind the 19K of Paul Kinney.  Kinney would go on to win it with Bobby 2nd, Tremont 3rd and Vedder 4th.

With the qualifying done it remained only to finish up the other classes and then the features with the Lightening Sprints up before the Mods.  When the Mods came out on the track here's the scheduled line up with changes. 
5x---85
53---1
19K--23P
20C--17
(711) scheduled here  but used the 97 of Rocky Warner and had to go scratch
6X---115
3J---97V
72---10% (Danny Varin)
28P--3
24---7
97  Also, somehow Lance Willix ended up driving the 20c back up car. A bit confusing ehh??
The 6X of Jackie Brown was scheduled to start beside Bobby but with the 711 out, the inside row moved up and gave Brown the advantage.  And now we are lined up and ready to race.  Wow, they were fast tonight and when the green flew they were gone.  From his 12th starting position Bobby had a good look at all the cars in front of him, cars that he would need to pass if he could.  Well the first caution of the night came on lap 2 and Bobby was in 9th.  With the Delaware start this would again put him on the outside where he was running.  The next caution came just two laps later and wow, he's up to 5th now.  Green is out and they are really racing hard with Eric Nelson showing them the fast way around the track. Then there was green flag racing till lap 11 and now Bobby is up to 3rd.  When the green came out this time he was ready and by the time they hit turn 3 he had the lead.  But don't go away folks.  It ain't over yet.  Another caution on lap 16; no wait; they changed it back to 15.  Ok, Bobby is still the leader but Jackie Brown is hot on his trail.  GREEN is out and Bobby is away, with the 6X almost tied to his bumper.  Finally gets a little breathing room, but not much and the caution comes out on lap 23.  Now we are single file and nobody can pass before the cone.  Bobby gets a good start but so does Jackie Brown.  He dives under Varin but comes up empty.  Whew.  Now Bobby just very slowly begins to draw away from the 6X and once he gets into lap traffic he has a little more room between him and the 6X.  Bobby goes on to score another win at Glen Ridge.  Both Tremont and Hanson broke earlier and finished 17th and 18th respectively.  Driving a sportsman crate motor, Jamike Sowle finished 9th.  Not too shabby.  He blew a head gasket in his car.  That's it for tonight.  We had fun.  Bobby's next race is set for tomorrow at the New Fonda Speedway.  Hope to see everybody there.  Until then........................................



  Utica Rome Speedway, July 31, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, I saw something tonight I didn't think I would see.  Hah.  The races at Utica Rome.  I was doing some stinkin thinkin this afternoon and almost decided nto to go tonight.  It has been a tough week (well, sorta) and I spent a LOT of money this week so I was just gonna stay home and sit in the AC.  But then I got a call and my son wanted to go to the races tonight so I ended up going.  Good races all the way through.  Save the sportsmen, and I just won't go into that.  Hot day in the neighborhood.  There were 26 Mods in the pits tonight and 3heats for them.  They would qualify 6 from each of the 3 heats.  Bobby was in the first heat and here's the lineup:
44---57
L85--14J
89b--00
1wgc-47
109
There were no cautions (that I remember) and the top 6 in order were: 57; 1wgc; L85; 00; 44; 18J.  The rest would line up behind the qualified cars as there was no consi.  All were in the race.  They changed things around tonight and the sportsman were first, followed by the Pure Stocks which put on an awesome race.  Both the winner and 2nd place finisher, Rob Thieme came from deep in the pack to snag the front two spots.  With only 15 laps to get the job done it made for exciting racing.  Following the Pure stocks, they came out with the track crew and took just a few min to tidy up turns 3 &  4 and then out with the MODS.  Here's the starting order:
44---55
6----51
3----18j
L85--1xw
1x---14j
41---76a
00---19k
42p--1wgc
1b---7g
89b--19
115--109
63---156
3k---47
For the guys starting at the back of the handicapped cars it looked to be a tough night.  Bobby, Ward and Freisen had their work cut out for them, for sure.  From his 13th starting spot, Bobby wasted not time going forward and when the caution came out on lap 1, Bobby was scored in 9th.  From that point on, gainig spots was less than easy.  No gimmes.  Next caution on lap 6 and he is now up to 8th.  Green flies and Bobby flies, kinda and by lap 8, under green he is up to 4th.  Now, he's running against the top guns and gaining spots becomes next to impossible.  So, the caution comes out on lap 13 and he's still 4th.  Tries the inside of Alan Johnson/Pat Ward, 2nd & 3rd, but they were able to repel every thing he had.  Next caution on lap 26 still 1wgc, 14j, 42P, 00, L85.  On the last lap Bobby goes high in 3 & 4 and coming off the corner beat Alan to the line! Top 5 were 1wgc, 42p; 00; 14j; 76a. Followed by; L85; 1b; 1xw; 57; 41; 7g; 44; 19k; 19; 115; 3k; 63; 47; 156; 89b; 55; 109; 1x; 6; 18j; 3.  Now today was the end of July and we enter the "dog days" of August.  Bobby will be racing at the Ridge next.  Hope to see ya there.  Until then.........................




 The New Fonda Speedway, July 30,  2011

Hi Race Fans;


Do you know it is not yet midnight?  Close, but my point is I was home before midnight tonight and we stood around talking for quite a while after the races.  Heard all kinds of good stuff tonight.   Rumors and facts and what not.  Hahahaha, no not sayin.  :D  Anyway, time to get down to the race report.  There were about 105 race cars in the pits tonight.  There were 29 Mods at the track tonight.  The heat and difficult track conditions are beginning to take a toll.  There were  3 Mod heats tonight with 4 cars qualifying from each heat.  All cars would start the race so no consis tonight for the Mods.  Bobby was in the 2nd heat and here's the line up:
21p--74
374--24L
3----93
22J--00
3d
Did I say the track was less than awesome??  Qualifiers from the 2nd heat, 10 lap heats at that, were:  74(won); 21p; 24L; & 3 of Kislowski.  That means that the 3D, 93; 00; 22J and 374 did not qualify.  When was the last time you saw that happen??  As I said, no consis so everybody started and here's the lineup:
21P--24L
20c--74
6H---3
39D--8m
76---24
2rj--21J
711--93
17---3J
3d---16
22---00
34---41
22j--14
1g---374
41j--6 
61s(667)

The track crew did work on the track during the intermission, but it didn't help much.  For a little while yes, but then it was gone.  When the green dropped they were off and running.  the 24L grabbed the lead at the start and then the caution came out after one lap completed.  After one lap, Dan was 13th and Bobby was 17th.  The next caution came out on lap 4 and . Dan was 11th and Bobby was 13th.  On lap 11, the caution came out once again, and I think it was for Danny Varin who got spun around in turn two by another driver but he went all the way around and was in the middle of turn 3 & 4 when the caution was thrown for him. Danny chased the 21P around a couple of laps then went to the rear and the race was restarted.  Bobby was now 10th.  By lap 14th he was up to 7th but by now the track had deteriorated and there was nothing left to get ahold of.  RJ got up to 2nd but was unable to get the lead away from Ryan Odaz in the 24 car.  Not for lack of trying.  So, the 24 wins it followed by 2rj; 3d; 20c; 24L; 21J; 00; 3; 41D; 17; 93.  That's the top 11. Bobby is off toUtica Rome tomorrow and we hope to see you there.  Until then........................




 The Utica Rome Speedway, July 28,2011 Thunder on the Thruway Challenge Series

Hi Race Fans;

Well, today was a totally different day than yesterday.  This is, after all, the "great" Northeast.  Mostly cloudy all day, and not as warm as yesterday.  Air quality was different.  Why say all that?  Well, when you are racing, no two days are alike and for those (including me) who thought Bobby would just go out and beat them all again, well it did not happen.  Just sayin.....  There were 36 Mods in the pits tonight and when the cars came in they drew for position.  Bobby's girlfriend, Brenda, drew for him and drew 1.  Can't get any better than that!  I thought I was late till he pulled alongside me and layed on the horn tryin to give me a heart attack.  Nice try Bobby.  Followed him  into the track and when the 1 was drawn, well,  the looks on their faces was indescribable.  Things were a little different than last night, with 4 heats, and 4 qualifying from each and the top 3 from each heat going to the redraw.  Bobby was in the first heat and here's the order they came out in:
00---1x
17---16
b16--117
1xw--9s
14j
Nine cars and only 4 to qualify.  The 1x didn't make the call and that moved the 16 of Mike Bowman to the outside pole.  When the green dropped they were off but Bobby gave him a little head start, much to his chagrin.  the 16 grabbed the lead and was off.  Now,  Bobby has to work harder if he wants to win.  There are points for winning the heat race and every point counts.  Did he?  Yeah, he did and that put him into the draw.  Top 3 were 00; 14j; `16.    During the intermission, before the start of the LM feature, the top three went out onto the front stretch to redraw and Bobby was up first.  12 numbers in the can!   Bobby talked with Mike Mallett and let Brenda draw for him again.  And she came up with a 4!  Way better than Bobby does. :D.  Now we wait.  It actually kinda gave a little sprinkle while we waited but nothing to write home about. T-Mac won the LM show, grabbing the lead from Owens about half way through on a restart and never looked back.  Actually 3 of the top 5 were New York State boys, with Billy Decker 4th and Vic Coffey 5th.  Pretty good showing!  That over, it's time for the Mods to go racing.  Here's the line up:
19k--99(Phelps)
14J--00
3D---42p
16---1b
2rk--89b
1f---20
9s---L85
27j--73(Davis)
17---91
3----115
b16--41
1xw--77f
18J--1x
1J
And the green is out and they are off and by lap 3 BV is 3rd, but the car doesn't look quite as good as last night.  The first caution comes on lap 4 and Bobby is in 3rd.  That was as high as he got.  Once the green was out, Bobby started fading and at one point was as far back as 7th.  The next caution on lap 16 finds Bobby in 6th.  He gets up 5th and  on lap 31 the caution flies one more time.  Sheppard, who was running 4th, was involved in a spin but two other cars, the 1J of Gabriel and the 77f of Flack.  They get them all line up and the green is out again.  Bobby goes to the outside leaving the bottom open as he goes for 3rd around the 99 of Ryan Phelps.  Hey, he made it work and on lap 32 Bobby is scored in 3rd, again.  And that's the way he would finish as he followed on the heels of the 1b of Trexler in 2nd and the winner, Billy Decker in the 91.  Stew Freisen and Pat Ward rounded out the top 5.   So, two podium finishes in two days and two races.  Not really all that bad, although I confess to hoping he was gonna "pull a rabbit" out of the hat.  Nope, no rabbits in there.  Bobby's next race is tomorrow at the Glen Ridge Motorsports Park.  Hope to see ya all there.  Until tomorrow...............................




 The New Fonda Speedway, July 27, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

As many know by now, Bobby was unable to go to Big Diamond last night for the rained out ROC race because he had a commitment to get the new car ready for tonight's race.  I know they worked on it until 2:30 AM to finish it but they were able to get it done.  And it shows.  There were plenty of cars in the pits tonight, Late Models and Modifieds.  There were 32 Mods on hand for the Thunder on the Thruway Series and some would go away empty handed.  There were 4 heats with 5 qualifying from each and 3 with a chance to start up front.  The fastest car of the 4 heats would get the chance to draw the inversion number.  What ever number he drew, they would invert that number and the rest would line up heads up.  Bobby was in the 4th heat and here's the line up:
00---21k
22j--6m
17---16
1g---39d
Bobby snuck off from the pole and danced off to win his heat.  Other qualifyers were 22j; 1g; 39d; 17.  Good car and he felt good in it.  The fastest car of the 4 heats was Danny Varin and he drew a 10.  Figure out the top 10 by heads up then invert them.  10th on the pole, 9th outside pole etc.  The Late Models put on a great show and they were very fast.  I believe Owens won.  Their feature was first and the Mods were 2nd.  When they came out for the feature here's how they line up:
91---73
22j--9s
21j--6h
00---76
42p--93
1F---1g
1x---24
76a(RJ)--39d
20---406(Ricci)
667--17
3d---16
3j---66(tompkins)
1J(guaranteed starter)
Now, let me tell ya something, when that green flag dropped they were OFF.  Awesome fast.  And Bobby was really fast as well, and though he seemed to be held up, it must have been me dreamin cuz by lap 6 he was in 2nd and running down the leader, Billy Decker.  The first caution came out on lap 9 and here's the top 5; 91; 00; 9s; 22j; 6h.  They restart on the back stretch and Billy chose the inside, I think.  Anyway, coming off turn 4 Bobby grabbed the lead away from Decker and that was it.  Not sure (yeah, I was watching the race) but I think the next caution was on lap 29.  At this point Bobby was leader, Pat Ward 2nd and Billy 3rd.  On the restart, Bobby hit the throttle and away he went.  From there I just watched the lap counter and on the last lap, the car he was lapping almost took him out!  WOW, that was close!   Then I saw 50,  and it was time to jump up and down.  Well, I didn't do that but I felt like it.  A well earned Victory.  On to Victory lane ceremonies.  Great job Bobby and the crew.  They worked their butts off getting that car ready.  That's the reward.  Looked for Devan Smida and Bob Gray in victory lane but they were a no show. :D (pickin).  Now, it's off to Utica Rome tomorrow. Hope to see ya there.  Until tomorrow night.....................................




   Utica
Rome Speedway, July 24, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, we have met the enemy and they are still there.  Of course I am talking about the race track.  During the week the track crew took all that clay that was piled up in the infield and where ever else they had it and put it on the race track.  I know there was a lot of concern about what condition the track would be in.  I have to say they did a good job.  At least from the standpoint of holding together.  But, in my opinion, the surface is no different than it was at the beginning of the year.  Super slick.  And a bit dusty, but from the grandstands in turn one it wasn't too bad.  I was able to watch the race and see what was going on.  Sooooooo, now for my report, what there is of it.

There were 24 Mods in the pits tonight.  I did not see any cars there from Weedsport.  There were 3 Mod heats and 6 would qualify from each heat.  Bobby was in the 2nd heat and here's the line up:
19---44
115--18j
89b--00
156--7g
With two cautions in the heat things got kinda messy, but Bobby finished in the 2nd spot, behind the 19 of Steve Hulsizer.  The others who qualified were 89b; 115; 18j;44.  The top  6 from each heat would be handicapped.
Tonight was "Autograph Night" and there was a huge crowd on the front stretch getting pictures, flags, shirts, and what have you signed by their favorite driver.  Bobby started with 100 pics and had one left and a few people still waiting when the order came down to clear the track.  It was time to go racing.  Pro Stocks were up first and Rocky Warner won that race.  Next were the Mods and here's the line up:
19---1wx
55---44
6----41
115--1x
57---18j
L85--89b
14j--00
2rj--42p
b16--1wgc
8m---156
19k--1b
7g---3
Once again, as I look at my clip board I don't see much written there.  At the beginning of the race, the 19 took off and he seemed to be in another time zone.  The first and only caution (that I have written down) came on lap 5 and at this point Bobby had lost one spot from his starting spot.  When the green came out,  the 19 again took off and looked to be way long gone.  The racing was something to watch as the guys had to get to the bottom in 1 & 2 and then middle to outside in 3 & 4.  So if you were stuck in a gaggle of cars it became very difficult to pass and you know where Bobby was.  He managed to make the best of it though and the car just moved slowly but steadily forward.  About half way through Kenny Tremont found a way to get around and got by RJ who was 2nd and shuffled him back to 3rd.  Stew and Bobby played a game of cat and mouse.  First one then the other.  And Pat Ward was in the mix too.  At the end of the race, Tremont got close to the leader but not close enough to pass and neither Stewie nor Bobby were able to get up to RJ so that's the way they finished.  19; 115; 2rj; 1f; 00; 41; 1wx; 42p; L85; 18j; 14j; 89b; 57; 6; 1b; 19k;  the rest can be found on the Utica Rome web site. 
Bobby's next race is scheduled for Tues at Big Diamond driving the Ken Saya owned #10 Commercial Roofing car, then Wed at Fonda, Thurs at Utica Rome, Fri at Glen Ridge, Sat at Fonda, and Sun at Utica Rome again.  Looks like a VERY busy week. Hope to see ya at the races.  Until next time.......................




 T
he  New Fonda Speedway, July 23, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, it was another one of those nights at a dirt race track.  For some it was a horrendous night, for others great and for still others, so so. For those who can't stand dirt, a dirt race track is not the place to be.  For me, if I didn't get some dirt on my hot dogs and in my fries I would think there was something wrong with them. 

There were 32 Mods in the pits tonight, and about 26 sportsmen and Pro Stocks, Street Stocks and 4 cyl cars.  It was just too hot tonight for me to count.  It was good to see Ted Puchyr and his wife in the pits tonight.  They were here visiting from the mid-west where Ted has been transferred to.    With 32 cars on hand in the Mods there were 4 heats with 8 cars in each heat.  Bobby was in the 2nd heat and starting in the 6th spot.  Here's the running order:
41j--667
14a--22j
21j--00
16---21


Man, I gotta tell ya, all the cars looked very fast tonight and I was surprised that Bobby actually won his heat.  They were qualifying 5 and 3 from each heat.  The rest would have to qualify through the consi.  Top 5 were 00; 21j; 16; 22j; 14m.

Tonight was kiddie ride night and Bobby was out on the track for a long time giving kids rides.  The track was also doing work on the track at the same time.  For the first time in a long time the Mods were up first after the intermission.  The last thing they did was grade  the hole in turn one.  Once the grader was finished and they trucks ran over it a couple of times it was feature time!  Here's the line up for the feature:
24L--22
6H---1g
39d--3j
76---21j
24---00
3d---16
711--22j
1f---2rj
20c--14m
17---93
14---41d
21p--41j
M2--3
21---34
They qualified 6 from the consi and added two more to make 28 cars starting the feature.  The flagger wasted no time getting things going and in two laps we were going green.  With two laps in the books the caution was out.  Matty D and RJ got together and Matty D was out, RJ maintained his spot.  Bobby was up to 7th at this point and the car looked better than it has for a while but the motor didn't sound just right to me.  Green means go and they went.  On lap 8, Dave Lape got shuffled out high coming off turn 4 and got into the front stretch wall and the yellow was out immediately.  What happened next was horrendous.  With the yellow out cars jus kept piling into Dave and each other.  When the dust had settled there were 6 fewer cars on the race track.  And the damage to those cars was very extensive.
In the green flag racing Bobby managed to pick up one more spot so now he sets in sixth.  Once the tow trucks were able to clear the carnage we went back to green, with the 24L and the 76 of Palmer making up the front row.  On lap 9, the 24L gets into the outside of turn 1 & 2 and I here that hit.  Ouch!  That's gonna hurt.  Now, the front row is made up of Palmer and Trombley on the outside, with Bobby 4th behind the 21J.  That was the last caution of the night in Mod race and it was a race to the end.  When the checkers flew, it was the 21J leading the way over the 2rj, 24 of Odaz, the 93 of  Danny Varin and the 00 of Bobby.  Yepper, it happened tonight.  And Danny gave his father a good shot before he got around him.  Well, This is just another chapter of racing with Bobby, and tomorrow we will be at the Utica Rome Speedway.  Hope to see you there.  Until then...............................




      Glen Ridge Motorsports Park  
                    July 22, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, you know what they say, "ya can't win 'em all" .  Truer words were never spoken.  And tonight was one of those "bumps" in the road that we all have occasionally.  The track was well, what one would expect when the sun has been beating down on it all week long.  High temps at or near 100 F. cannot be good for a race track surface.  Dry and slick would be an understatement.  Not saying the track crew didn't try because they absolutely did.  But they got beat by the hot weather.

There were probably 90 cars in the pits tonight and of those 20 were Mods.  There were 3 heats with 4 qualifying from each heat.  Bobby was in the 2nd heat and here's the starting order:
22J--53
19k--17
7----115
97v

If ever there was a "stacked heat" this was it.  And the results showed that.  Bobby finished out of a qualifying spot and started the feature in the 17th spot.  Here's the feature line up:
22j--85
1----6x
711-17
73---20c
7----3j
16x--115
3----19k
72---23p
97v--21l
5x---53

At the drop of the green Jackie Brown took control of the lead and was off.  However, the was a caution before one lap was complete to it was a restack and rerack on the track.  Once again, Jackie Brown took control of the feature and got the early lead.  And he really took off.  By the time the next caution came out on lap 9, Bobby had moved up to the 13th spot.  On the restart there was a wreck in turn one and the caution came right back out. This would turn out to be the last caution of the night and in the end Bobby was able to gather in a few more spots, but he destroyed a brand new right rear in the process.  He finished 9th.  The top 10: 6x; 115; 711; 3j; 22j; 17; 1; 7; 97v; 20c.  Bobby's next race is tomorrow at the Track of Champions, the New Fonda Speedway.  Hope to see you there.  Until then......................




  Utica Rome Speedway, July 17, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Another beautiful day.  Another not so good night.  Bobby has really been struggling with this car.  I do not know why and I don't think he does either.  Maybe the engine isn't right for the car.  I really don't know.  He qualified in his heat race without much of a problem.  There were 23 Mods in the pits tonight.  The track was smother than last week but dusty.  The CRSA Sprints were also there tonight. There were three heats for the Mods tonight and six cars qualified from each heat.  That gave Bobby a 14th  place starting spot.  Only Stewart Freisen was able to get by him, and in the end Bobby finished in the 9th spot.  It was an exciting race for the fans as Paul Kinney, Stew and Pat Ward were changing positions like a baby gets his diapers changed.  In the end it was Paul Kinney that won.  Although Stewie got to the front ahead of Pat Ward after they got done swapping back and forth, it was Ward that finished 2nd and Stewie finished 3rd followed by Alan Johnson and Todd Burley.  Again, Bobby finished 9th.  I have another report to do and that is for Danny Varin who raced with the CRSA Sprints and man did that kid ever put on a show for the fans.  But you can read about it on Dannyvarin.com.   Bobby's next race is??? I am not sure.  I will have to let you know.  Until then, take care and see ya at the races.........



 The New Fonda Speedway, July 16, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, as good as it was last night we were looking at the opposite end of things tonight.  That car just wouldn't go.  Makes one just shake their head.  So, I'm just a shakin ma ole head.  There was a great contingent of Modifieds there tonight.  Enough for 4 heats again with 3 getting handicapped and 5 qualifying from each of the four heats.  The remainder of the starting field would come from the consi.  Bobby was in the 2nd heat and here's what that looked like:
51R--711
M2---14
76---24L
00---3d
When the checkers fell after 8 laps it was Alton Palmer, Bobby Varin and Jamike Sowle in the first 3 slots then the 3d and 24L getting the last two qualifying spots.

The track added new clay during the week and tried to get it worked into the racing surface.  And I have to tell ya, it wasn't too bad.  When the cars came out for the feature this was the line up:
711--16(AJ Romano)
22---11a
1g---76
3j---24
41---21j
00---3
39d--3d
93---17
20c--24L
2rj--22j
6h---M2
34---21p
14---14s
667--51r
Well, tonight at the drop of the green AJ leaped out to a good lead which he would never relinquish.  The 711 of Jamike followed him all through lapped traffic and held on for 2nd place tonight.  Great runs for both of them.  It was Jamike's best finish in the Mods(I think) and AJ's first win this year.  Bobby started 11th and they were trying some new things with the set up tonight.  What ever they tried didn't work as Bobby took 30 laps to advance 3 spots and finished in the 8th spot.  Here's the official finish for tonight: 16; 711; 3d; 24; 41; 1g(great run for Darwin); 2rj; 00; 3; 76; 93; 3j; 21j; 22j; 39d; 6h; 14f; 17; 22; 667; M2; 34; 21p; 51r; 11a; 20c; 14; 24L.  And that's my story folks.  Tomorrow is Utica Rome.  Hope to see you there.  Danny will be running the CRSA Sprinter tomorrow too.  Look for us!  Stop by the trailer after the races.  Bobby will have t shirts available as well as hats.  Until then



       Glen Ridge
Motorsports Park,
                   July 15, 2011

Hi Race Fans; 

If I may borrow some terminology from baseball, WHACK!!!  Bobby hits it out of the park.  Now, he's up to bat again and WHACK!!!  He hits another one out of the park.  Yeppers, two home runs in one night.  What an absolutely awesome night of racing.  For me, for Bobby and for all those involved.  There were two teams involved tonight, the sprint car team and the modified team.  I know they are all a bunch of "happy campers"!!

Guess we can start with the 00 sprint car as they ran before the Mods.  The hot laps were good in both cars and it just looked like a great night of racing.  Josh Phillips, tonight's regular show announcer(Jim King had another commitment) stopped by Bobby's trailers and talked with him before racing commenced.  They talked about the fact that Bobby won the last time he got to announce so Bobby says to him, how about two tonight, and they both laughed.  Good times!  In the sprints, there were 19 cars on hand for this night of racing.  Bobby was in the 3rd heat and the line up looked like this:
10---90
00---27
29---28fm
At the start he slipped back to 4th but then got his wheels turning and made some awesome moves and grabbed the lead about lap 3 and he was gone.  Won his heat in the sprints.  While he was strapping into the Mod to go out for his Mod heat, Jeff, one of the guys there helping on the sprinter had to run over and draw for Bobby for both the dash and the feature.  Thanks Jeff!!!  Bobby finished 2nd in the dash which lined up like so:
17J--00
13---45
7----10
Lance Yonge got the drop and took off and won the dash and Bobby finished 2nd.  Did I mention they had to take the top off the motor to see what was wrong?  Well, a small clip had come off and dropped down into the oil pan and whatever it was it allowed fuel to dump into the carb so it HAD to be fixed.  And the guy that built the motor was there and was able to help them get it done!  Now back to feature time.  Oh, during intermission, the had a very nice flag raising, and the National Anthem was sung by Matt Demitraszek's sister.  The flag was brought home from Afghanistan by Matt who is home for a couple of weeks.  It was a very fine ceremony!  Now we are ready for the ESS Sprint feature and here's the way they lined up:
00---13
7----28fm
90---45
84---65
17j--10
33---87
69k--80
27j--6k
29(There were two that were unable to start the feature.)
From his front row starting spot, Bobby was not about to let this slip away without a fight,  Young Kevin Ward fought tooth and nail in the first few laps until Bobby was finally able to get control of the race and set his sights on doing his very best.  There was one caution on the first lap and with the double file restart, Bobby had his hands full maintaining the lead, but he doesn't give up!  I am just setting there like a dummy, with my mouth hanging open watching him fly around Glen Ridge!  The laps are clicking down, and Hebing is in 2nd and I am worried about that.  But Bobby never missed a beat, handled the lap cars(and there were lots) and just kept on chugging.  In the end, he was the first to get the checker flags of the starter.  Awesome race.  Bobby snags his very first Sprint car feature, Chuck Hebing was 2nd and Kevin Ward was 3rd.  The last time Bobby raced the ESS a couple of weeks ago he finished 3rd behind the 45 of the Cobra, Hebing, and Kevin Ward!  Tonight was Bobby's night.!  After victory lane ceremonies, he had to go back and go across the scales with the Sprint Car, then run over to the 97V Modified and get in line.  In fairness, they waited for him before they came out onto the track.

When he went out for the heat race for the Modified, he was in the 3rd heat and here's the line up for that:
23P--1
5x---6x
3J---97V
72
And the green flew and they took off and Bobby  made good use of the track and weent o to win his heat race convincingly!  Now, we are ready for the Modified Feature and here's how they came out onto the track. 
53---23p
85---4
7----20c
71---6x
711--17
3j---97V
73---16
5x---19
21L--72
115--24
1
And the green flag dropped and they were off.  As I am  sitting there, I can't help but go back to last year when the ESS sprints were there and he got wrecked early in the feature after finishing 4th in the Sprint feature, right behind "Smoke".  That was a night to remember.   Anyway, I confess to you that I was watching an awesome display of driving by Bobby Varin and I am not sure at what point he grabbed the lead.  Maybe by lap 13??  Anyway grab it he did and now I am wishing it was over.  Bobby is in the lead so let it be done.  But no, I had to wait so when lap 30 clicked I though whew, it's over and Bobby has won.  NOPE!  I forgot, we now go 35 laps.  Big lump in my throat as I wonder what can go wrong and get flashes of Lots of things, but in the end Bobby never bobbled, never missed a beat and drove on to his 2nd victory of the night.  Now let me tell yah, that was just one of the greatest night I can remember.  That has to be one of the highlights of Bobby entire racing career!  Now, I will give you the Sprint finish first, and then the Mod finish:  00; 45; 13; 7; 87; 28fm; 33; 90; 17j; 10; 65; 84; 27j; 80; 6k; 69k; 29.
Modifieds: 97V; 3J; 7; 23p; 115; 20c; 6x; 711; 53; 19; 16; 71; 1; 17; 85; 72; 5x; 4; 24; 21L; 73M.
Bobby's next race is tomorrow at the New Fonda Speedway and the racing there has been pretty awesome too, as last week the top 4 cars all finished less than 1 second apart.  So, don't miss it.  See ya there.  Until then...................................................




   Utica
Rome Speedway,  July 14, 2011
                                                                      

Hi Race Fans;

Well, the weather was beautiful today.  Actually, it was too nice and while I was fishing with one of my grandsons I got a sun burn on my legs.  And it hurts.  But when it was time to go racing we went racing.  There were 26 Mods in the pits tonight.  Joining the fray tonight were the 21K of Randy Chrysler, the 98H of Jimmy Phelps and the 9s of Matt Sheppard.  The 98H never really got going as he broke in the heat and also broke(I believe) in the feature.  There were 3 heats with 6 cars qualifying from each heat.  Bobby was scheduled to  go in the 3rd heat and here's the line up:
19K--L85
18J--00
1b---1x
45m-21

By the time the 3rd heat rolled out onto the track it had become very rough.  In fact, on lap 4 Bobby hit a rut in turn 3 and spun right around.  This, of course, put him to the back from  a qualifying spot.  He did get back into a qualifying spot finishing in  5th.  Following a lengthy intermission so the track could be made raceable, the Mod feature came out on the track after the Prostocks finished their 20 lap feature, won by Rocky Warner.  Here's the way they lined up for the feature:
8M---19k
L85--57
18j--19(Hulziser)
3-----2rj
00---115
1b---89b
6-----1x
14j--1wgc
55---9s
41---44
21k--1xw
45m--156
42p--98h
 Seems like everybody was pretty antsey tonight but they all got going and FAST!  The work they did on the track gave a better surface than was evident in the heats.  The 1st caution came on lap 8 and by this time Bobby had moved steadily forward ans was in the 6th position.  The next few laps saw him trading spots with the 1wgc and on the next caution, lap 10 he was 7th. Got going on the restart and by lap 17 was in 4th and then lap 18 clicked and he was 5th and the L85 was 4th and the caution flew.  Restart again and now 4th again and the caution comes out on lap 20. Gets a good restart and goes the the outside of the 3 of Kislowski coming off turn  4, beats him into turn 1 and comes off turn 3 in 3rd as lap 22 registers.  He then sets out for the new leader Stew and 2nd place runner RJ.  The last caution of the night comes out on lap 24 and on the restart, RJ goes low and Bobby goes high.  That's the way they went into turn one and Bobby found some bite and beat RJ off the corner and into turn 3.  RJ didn't give up and was near to getting him back a lap later but it wasn't to be.  And Bobby did not catch the high flying Stew.  And that's the way they finished, 1wgc, 00;  2RJ.  Finishing out the top 10 were: L85; 3; 18j; 14j; 89b; 9s; 42p.  That's all for tonight, except that Bobby was running 5th on Tuesday night when he got that flat right rear on lap 58.  I know that's racing, but I don't have to like it.  Bobby will be racing the 97V at Glen Ridge tomorrow night as well as the 00 Sprinter.  Hope to see you all there.  Until tomorrow...............................................



      Lincoln
Speedway, July 12, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, another disappointing night for Bobby, Ken Saya and the crew of the 10V.  Bobby finished 6th in his heat race, won the consi, and started 21.  The top went away early and the surface left for mostly one lane racing.  On lap 45, leader Decker got hooked with 2nd place runner Duane Howard in lapped traffic and spun bringing out the yellow with both going to the rear.  Bobby worked his way up to at least 9th and with two laps to go suffered a RR flat  as did Pauch Jr.  Went from a top 10 finish to 18th just like that.  After all that hard work and the long drive, what a disappointment.  Bobby's next race is scheduled for Utica Rome this Thursday on Fan Appreciation Night.  $5 per person if you bring canned goods donation or $7 without.  Hope to see you there.  Until then......................




   Utica
Rome Speedway, July 10, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

What a beautiful day for the races.  Perfect weather.  I left the house fairly early because I like to take my time getting there.  I no longer go 64 mph in a 55 mph zone.  I go about 55.  Fast enough for me.  I leave early so I don't have to drive like Jehu.  Anyway, when I get to Utica I have been stopping at the Dippin Doughnuts shop.   They have butternut doughnuts which I love!  Tonight they had a deal buy 3 get 3 free.  A great deal and I did it.. Just so's y'all know.  :D  Shortly after arriving at the track, the sun went behind the clouds and made for a perfect afternoon for me.  "Tuna" takes care of me when I get there.  OK, OK, racing.  That's what this is all about. 

There were 25 Mods in the pits this afternoon.  This would result in 3 heats with 8 cars in 2 and 9 cars in one.  Bobby was in the 3rd heat and they were qualifyiing 6 from each heat.   Here's the line up for the 3rd heat:
41---18j
3----00
115-89b
77x-44
Bobby did qualify this week and this put him into a handicapped spot to start the feature.  They did more track prep later, just before the sportsman cars took to the track for their feature.  The track was dug up some this afternoon and then watered heavily and packed in.  The track did have good bite tonight because of this.

When it was feature time, the cars rolled out onto the track and here's how they lined up:
57---41
b16--L85
18j--1xw
19---3
1b---2rj
00---19k
14j--89b
6----1x
77x--1wgc
8m--77f
44---156
115--42p
55

From the  pole, Paul Jenson was off like a rocket, but that was short lived.  The 41 grabbed the point and was off and running.  Before lap 8, Bobby had already moved into the 4th position.  The first caution of the night came on lap 9 and Bobby is 4th.  Car looks pretty good.  By lap 15 he was in 2nd and running well.  The next caution that I have recorded comes out on lap 20.  I think I forgot to write one down but I not sure.  On the restart, going into turn 1 Bobby left a little of the bottom open and Stewie drove in and muscled his way through to grab 2nd and BV was 3rd as the 1B also got by.  Bobby claws his way back into 2nd when the caution flies on lap 24.  On the restart it looks like Bobby is going to get the 1wgc and on lap 25 he goes a little high in turns one and two.  Beats his way back into 2nd again an then overdrives turn 3 and misses his mark.  Disaster.  He loops it and goes from 2nd to last.  Now there are only 4 laps left.  What to do?  Stay out and race.  Bobby never gives. up.  There were 21 cars still on the track and twenty still on the lead lap.  In the next 4 laps Bobby drove his heart out and finished 10th.  Wow.  Yeah, I feel bad for Bobby.  He rarely makes a mistake like that.  And when he pulled into the pits he was only upset with himself.  Got out and said to John, " it was my mistake"!  He still manages a top 10 finish in a difficult situation.  Bobby's next race is Tues., I believe, at Lincoln Speedway in the Ken Saya owned # 10 Commercial Roofing car.  Hope to see ya there.  Until next time........................



The New Fonda Speedway, July 9,  2011

Hi Race Fans;

WOW.  What a race tonight.  If ya weren't there tonight ya probably missed the best race of the year, bar none.  I have to tell ya, I have 8 words written on my clipboard.  It was fast, furious and exciting.  IT had to be a race the Fonda Fans will remember for a very long time.

Ok, now for the beginning.  There were 36 Mods in the pits tonight, 33 Sportsman, 26 Prostocks , and 18 more divided between the S/S and the 4 Cyl cruisers.  There were 4 Mod heats with 9 cars in each heat. Danny Varin was in the 3rd heat and from 8th he came up through and won that heat.  Did a really awesome job with really fast car.  Bobby started in the 7th spot in his heat and here's the line up:
6----1g
11a--17
24---24L
00---20C
14
Elmo jumped out from his 4th place starting spot and quickly grabbed the lead and showed he would be a car to be reckoned with tonight winning easily over the 1G of Darwin Green and the 00 of Bobby Varin.  They were qualifying 5 from each heat and handicapping 3 so Bobby was in the handicapping.  And it does make a big difference!  After all the qualifying was done, including a 14 car consi, the 28 car field was set.  Trombley was forced to get into the 21P of Pep Corradi as his was wrecked in the heat.  There were 8 cars that qualified from the consi.
Here's the starting line up for the Mod feature:
51R---22
1g----14
17----22j
76----41
00---3d
3----93
16---3J
39d--24L
2rj---74
6h----24
20c---M2
11A---711
34----41J
21P---21K(Kory Wilder)

When Denny dropped the green flag tonight it was almost light lighting a bunch of firecrackers.  I mean those guys took off and watchinng from the infield I thought to myself that they couldn't possibly keep up with that pace.  WRONG!  Man they were flying!.   Fast cars on the bottom and fast cars on the top and cars in the middle.  Bobby was up to 6th by lap 10 and the 3D was either 5th or 6th as well.  Those two cars ran side by side with neither giving an inch!  First one was ahead then Bobby then the 3D again then Bobby again.  Bobby was a little quicker on the bottom in 1 & 2 and Matty was quicker on the top in 3 & 4.  By lap 17 they were running 3rd and 4th.  By now the leader was the 17 of Elmo Reckner and 2nd was (I think) the 22J of Jeremy Wilder.  He was another car that was really quick tonight.  He might even have had the lead at one point, I am not sure.  I was watching Bobby, Matty D and Danny, early on as he was coming like a house a-fire until the motor let go.  This race has had no cautions!  It would go caution free.  And believe me, on the last lap as the cars are coming off turn 4, nobody could say who would win out of the top 3 or 4 cars. Really!  Lap cars played a big part in the outcome of the race.  And I wouldn't have wanted to be in a lap car at that point.  At the line it was the 17, 3D, 00, 22J, in that order and even Bobby did not know where he finished.  Until it was posted.  WOW what a race!  The 76 of Alton Palmer rounded out the top 5 and he wasn't very far behind the leaders either.  Here then, is the official finish: 17; 3D; 00; 22J; 76; 41; 3; 2rj; 3J; 24; 1g; 6H; 24L; 39d; 20C; 14; 22; 21P; 11A; 711; M2; 74; 51R; 41J; 34; 21K; 93.  Tomorrow, it's off to Utica Rome.  Hope to see you guys there.  Until then.............................




        ROC race at 5MP, July 5, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

This will be one of my shorter reports.  Bobby qualified the 10V car in his heat and started 19th in the feature.  After all the qualifying was complete there were 6 provisional added to the field.  Here's the feature line up
Wight------Decker
Brady------Ronnie Johnson
?????-------Jimmy Gabriel
Holland-----J. Phelps
M. Colsten-Friesen
Strunk------Planck
Laubach----Mike Nagel Jr
Manmiller--Ward
Rochinski--K. Bates
Varin-------G. Knapp
Hearn------K. Titus
Sheppard--D. Vauter ---==the following were provisionals
27J--------Ryan Watt
D. Tyler---Kevin Albert
T. Votro---Joey Colsten
Finally get the race under green.  On lap 4 they made a parking ot out of turn one & two and the red flag was out.  12 cars involved, including Varin, Ward, Sheppard, Bates, Manmiller and others.
Sheppard, Ward and Varin get back o ut and stay on the lead lap.  Cautions on lap 10, 19, 20, 27, 50, 59, 60.  There was and is some controversy about the last two cautions which you will have to find information on elsewhere.  At the checkers the top 11 were:
91; 1f; 99L; 77x; Laubach; 27J; 42P; 280; Strunk; 9S; 10V.  That's all I have.

To the best of my knowledge, Bobby's next scheduled race is Friday at GRMP.  See ya there.  Until then......................................




       Rolling Wheels Raceway Park,
                       July 4, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Just for the record, I have not been able to travel much this summer of the reports I present are based on information I get from Dirt Track Digest Live.  They seem to have a number of folks willing to give freely of their time to keep race fans everywhere up to date on what is going on in the world of Big Block Modified Dirt Track racing.  While it is not perfect, it sure beats nothing.  So, Thanks, Adam, Mike, Tom and all the others involved in making the information available.

There were 40 Mods in the pits at Rolling Wheels tonight and if my memory serves me well, it is a lot more than what they have had recently.  The track was in great shape, all things considered.  Bobby got a good time trial and startd on the outside pole in his heat with Fuller in the 74 on the pole.  Bobby finished 2nd in his heat which put him into the draw for the feature.  Hey, what's this??? Bobby is starting on the outside pole for the feature along side pole sitter Bill Decker!  Here's the line up for the feature:
91---10v
74---1F
98H--14J
99(Phelps)-9S
27J--8r
4*---3(Haers)
10(Currier)-99L
42P--7X
48too-21a
20---49
673--77x
21---62s
33---99b
8----21k
35---19 (the 35 of Matt Harrell was posted to start in 29th. However when he pulled onto the race track he was informed over the radio(I believe) that he was not in the race.  The 44 of Steve Hulszier was started in 29th.

This was to be a 100 lap race with caution laps counting for the first 75 laps. All restarts would be double file restarts and no laps would be lost in the pits under caution. 
Green is Out!!  Decker is off like a shot.  The right rear shock in Bobby's car gave up the ghost early in the race and from that point on it was a matter of trying to "hang on".  This was a very fast-paced race with Decker absolutely flying.  By lap 24, Brett hearn is lapped and there are only 21 cars still on the lead lap.  When the 1st caution came out on lap 48 for T Mac in the 4* Decker had lapped at least up to the 17th place car.  The restart on lap 54 saw the 9S of Matt Sheppard take the outside line and made it work grabbing the lead from Billy Decker.  Both the 91 and 9S are making a funny popping noise entering the turns.  On a lap 88 caution Brett Hearn gets the free pass to get his lap back and makes good with that, finishing in the 9th spot.  Danny Johnson makes a race out of it coming on at the end and almost getting Sheppard at the line.  Sheppard wins by .074 sec., a nose.  I was never able to get a final rundown on all the cars, but here are the top 10.  Bobby finished in 15th on the lead lap with a broken right rear shock.  The top 10: 9s; 27j; 91; 14j; 4*; 74; 98H; 673; 20; 99.  The next race will be the ROC 61 lap race at 5MP tomorrow night.  Until then.........................
 



    Utica
Rome Speedway, July 3, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Sometimes I wish there was a little smiley face with a hand waving that I could put there when I say "Hi race fans".   At least I would be smiling and waving even if I said nothing more.  Any way, the weather at Utica Rome Speedway was just perfect.  Like I said earlier, No Rain!
We had a torrential downpour most of the way to the track but once I cleared Utica it was very nice.  the track was slick tonight, like grease on a door knob.  Now that right there is SLICK!!!

OK, now I can get to the race report.  Guess I will do the sprints first as they did run before the Mods tonight.  There were 33 sprints on hand tonight and 24 spot available.  There were 3 heats and in the draw for the 3rd heat, Bobby's car owner drew for him, an atypical draw for Bobby as it put him on the outside pole in that 3rd heat.  There was one caution on lap 7 which brought leader Bobby Varin back to the field but on the restart he continued where he loft off and went on to win his heat race.  This would put him in the 4 lap dash, and this time the draw was more typical of Bobby with a 5 out of the 6.  He went on to finish 4th in the dash which was won by Shawn Donath. The top 6 from each heat qualified with the top 4 going to the redraw.  Out of a possible 12, Bobby's draw was 10 which gave him the 10th place starting spot for the 25 lap feature.  Following the Pro Stock feature, won by Rocky Warner, the sprinters were pushed out  onto the track, and then pushed off by the push trucks.  They did the 4 wide for all the folks from far and wide and now we are ready to settle down and get racing.  Here's the starting line up:
6k---13
45---1z
87---61
25---99
33---00
90---17j
28---27j
8b---7
55---11j
65---10
25h--7c
75---84
The last 2 starters did not qualify but took provisionals to get into the race.  Green is out!  But hold on as the caution come out before one lap is in the books.  Back to the original restart.  Green is in the air and they are off!  Good start and by lap 3 Bobby is running 8th.  Caution on lap 6 and Bobby is  up to 6th.  He looked to be the man on the move!  That was the last caution so now it is tough to make any headway, but by lap 18 he had moved into 4th ahead of Shawn Donath and set out tracking down Jessica Zemkin in the 1Z as she was next in line.  With 24 in the books, Bobby finally makes the move to the outside of the 1Z and completes the pass going down the back stretch and comes home in 3rd!  Now folks, that was just awesome!  The track was very slick and I guess you would have to get the video to see how he was making his moves.  Going hard into the turns on the bottom, sliding up to the cushion and then driving off the top.  It worked.  Bobby's first podium finish in the sprinter.  Good job Bobby, and Pete, and Pete's wife, and Jeff Ferguson.  Now, we need a win!
The top 5 finishers were, Chuck Hebing, Kevin Ward, Bobby Varin, Jessica Zemkin and Shawn Donath. 

Now for the Mods.  Not quite as good, but I hafta tell ya I felt better after tonight's race than I have in a couple of weeks.  the car finally is starting to look like it is working right.  Bobby was in the 2nd Mod heat and finished one spot out.  This would give him a 20th starting spot for the feature.  Not a good start for the Mods.  The track was slicker than I have EVER seen it.  Tonight it would separate the men from the boys as passing would be at a premium!  Here's the Mod line up.  26 cars start the feature:
57---41
19---1xw (I believe the 19 was Steve Hulsizer)
3----b16
18j--1b
1x---89b
42p--2rj
19k--L85
115--14j
156--1wgc
3k---00
m16-6
160--47
8m---14r
I missed the first part of the race as the sprinter had to be pushed waaaay out back to a garage for tech.  The race was already under way when I got back. The caution flies on lap 2 and Bobby is up to 15th.  Encouraging.  That was to be the last caution as the rest of the 30 laps were run under green.  And that makes moving up more difficult as the cars get pretty spread out.  By lap 20, Bobby was up to 6th, but way behind the cars in front with lots of lap cars in between.  Over the next 10 laps he was able to gain a lot of ground on them and by race end he was right behind the 1wgc of Stewart Friesen.  And that's where he finished.  The top 6 were Willy Decker, Todd Burley; Mark Kislowski, Pat Ward Stewart Freisen and Bobby Varin.  So, the car seems to be working better and everything is in one piece. A good night.  Bobby will be racing tomorrow at Rolling Wheels in the Ken Saya owned # 10 car.  .  We will try and have something here for ya tomorrow night or Tuesday morning.  Until then...................................




  The New Fonda Speedway, July 2, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Nice out today.  .Good day to go to the races.  So, I loaded up the truck, got my wife in and off we went.  A little warmer than I like, but I hate to complain.  She went into the grand stands and I went into the pits.  We never said a cross word all night.  OK, the race report. There were a LOT of cars in the pits tonight at Fonda.  36 Mods, 38 Sportsman, about 20 Pro Stocks plus Street Stocks and 4 Cyl cars.  With the large number of Mods there were 4 heats with 5 qualifying and 3 getting into the handicapping.  Bobby was in the 2nd heat which looked like this:
22---21P
667--3J
41D--00
2rj---8
When the heat was done, Jimmy Davis won followed by Marc Johnson, RJ, Bobby and the 8 car.  Those were the qualified cars.  Danny Varin was in the 4th heat and man was he ever fast.  He started in the last row and by lap 2 he was in 2nd and that's where he finished.  He did an awesome job in the heat making it 3 wide early on and he made it work!  That left 16 cars not qualified and they set up one consi with 6 coming from the consi.  However once they were out on the track they split the consi down the middle and made 2 consis of 8 cars each  and they took 4 from each consi.  Those that did not make the cut went home.  After all the qualifying was finished the worked a little on the track and then out came the Pro Stocks which put on a good show and Rocky Warner came home the winner with Kenny Gates in 2nd.  Then the mighty Modifieds were on deck.  Following the singing of the National Anthem, a group of kids along the front stretch gave the order;  "Gentleman, start your engines"  and they roared to life.  Here's the line up for the feature:
39d--11a
22j--3j
76---41d
21j--20c
16---3
93---2rj
3d---00
14---24
17---22
3----1g
24---6h
M2---8
711--667
374--6

28 cars roaring to life!  What an awesome sound!  They took 3 parade laps and the white flag is flying with the green in hand.  They took off but caution before one lap was in.  Rerack and restack and ready to go again, and yellow again.  Finally, on the 3rd try we were golden and on the way.  Bobby begins to move forward, but not very fast and when the caution came on lap 17 he was up to 8th with son Danny in tow in 9th.  Again, tough moving forward and the next caution on lap 25 finds Bobby in 6th and Danny 7th.  A couple of times it looked like Danny might get by Bobby but the veteran driver from Sharon Springs wasn't having any of that.  Bobby and Danny both pick up one more spot before the checkers together and then coming out of turn 4 Bobby nips Dustin Delaney  for the 4th spot.  So, Rj wins again, followed by the 3 of Mark Kislowski , 21j Of Jeff Trombley and Bobby.  Here's the complete finish:  2rj; 3; 21j; 00; 39d; 93; 3j; 41d; 24; 6h; 16; 17; 76; 711; 8; 14; 22; M2; 667; 24L; 1g; 6; 374; 11a; 22J; 3d; 3jc; 20cDQ.  That's the story from Fonda speedway.  Tomorrow we travel to Utica Rome to race both the 00 Modified and the 00 Sprint in the ESS series.  Hope to see ya there.  Until Then................................




Glen Ridge
Motorsports Park, July 1, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

What a great night for racing and what tremendous racing tonight at the Ridge.  There were 22 Mods in the pits tonight which made for 3 heat races.   Top 4 would qualify and be handicapped.  All cars would start.  While the track had some really great fireworks following the races they seemed to have started long before dark via heat races.  In the 2nd heat the caution came out on lap 1 as two cars got together and the 19k getting the worst of it with a broken axle tube.  On he restart two more cars get into each other bringing out another caution.  Then single file to get done and they did.  Bobby was in the 3rd heat starting 3rd.  Here's the line up:
23P--1
97v--73
711--20c
24(Wayne Figler)--16x
This was also a hard heat with everybody trying to win on the 1st lap.  Bobby stayed smooth and kept his composure and won on the last lap followed by the 1 car of Ronca, 711, and 23p.

There were a lot of cars in the pits and it looked to be a SRO crowd tonight.  There were about 12 SS tonight, 14 Cruisers, and well over 30 sportsman in addition to the Mods.  Plus a couple of Sprints.  Danny  was there with his sprint and ran one lap, unofficially at 11.9.  I was told the track record stands at 11.7.  Also had 16 Rookies there tonight.  Following the intermission and the SS feature, the Mods rolled out onto the track.  After the National Anthem was song, the Mods were given to order to start their engines and we are now set for the 50 lap, $2500, double points race to begin.  Here's the line up for that race:
53---23p
4----85
1----17
7----97V
9----6X
711--71(Jeremy Wilder)
115--21L
20c--16(Willix)
3J---73
5x---19K
24---16x(Jacobs)
This race just had the makings of an awesome race, and it sure was.  The green is out and they all make their move.  Short, tight bull ring racing at its best!  Bobby Vedder grabs the point with the 23P of Price in tow.  By lap 5 Bobby Varin was up to 4th and the cautioon flew.  Tremont was also on the move, coming in at 5th.  So we now have 53; 17; 23p; 97v; 115.  The green flies for the restart and racers get edgie.  The 17 and 53 get together coming off turn two and suddenly there is a parking lot there with the 17, 6x, 115, 53, and 3J of Marc Johnson.  Now the 23p is the new leader, followed by the 97v (who did end up with a caved in left side although he managed to get through the parking lot and maintain his spot.  top 5 are 23p, 97v, 7(ronca), 20c, 711.  And they were driving like a bunch of demons!  Banging bars seemed to be the in thing tonight.  Delaware restart, so 23P out front and 97V and 7 side by side.  Going into turn one Bobby takes the low side, and gets pinched down a bit and the 7 car drives around the top into the lead.  Bobby grabs 2nd from Price and te 20C follows through to grab 3rd.  Next Caution on lap 11.  Now 7 is the leader, BV still 2rd with the 20C of Hanson outside.  On the restart the 20C tries to muscle his way through, between the 7 car on the outside and the 97V on the bottom.  Doesn't work and the 7 and 97V stay 1 & 2 with the 20C still 3rd.  On lap 14, BV dives low in 3 & 4 under the 7 of Ronca and they touch coming out of turn 4.  Lap 15 caution again on the field with the 97V of Varin the new leader followed by 20C, 17(from the back), 711 & 3J.  The next caution comes on lap 38 and brings the leader Varin back to the field with the lap cars going around and to the back.  On this restart it is the 97V, 17; 115, 20C, and 3J your top 5.  That was the last caution and over the ensuing laps the battle was for 2nd between Tremont and Recknor and Tremont gets 2nd at the checkers.  Now that's the race report from my eyes.  Following the Sportsman Feature they had fireworks.  I left just before they were over, and I turn right coming out of the speedway and the roadway was filled with cars and people watching the fireworks.  Good job by all.  Congratulations Bobby and the 97V team.  Bobby's next race will be tomorrow night at the New Fonda Speedway.  They also are having a Huge Fireworks display following the races so be sure and get there early so you get a seat.  The weather is supposed to be near perfect so come on out and enjoy a night at the races.  See ya there.  Until then................................




        I-88 Speedway at Afton, N.Y. 
                June 28 & 29, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, this race, 1st of the Thunder on The Thruway Series to get run ended up going two days as it got rained out the first night.  For the race on Tuesday there were 39 Mods in the pits.  Each driver drew coming into the pits for a starting spot in one of the 4 heats.  Bobby was scheduled to start in heat 3 but had to start scratch in the 4th heat.  They were 10lap heats with the top 4 qualifying and the top 3 going to the redraw.  It's a short, tight bullring of a track and he did not qualify in his heat.  Shortly after the conclusion of the heats, the rain, which was NOT supposed to be an issue, came in a torrent.  And it rained.  Finally, the race was called and rescheduled for today, Wed. June 29, 2011.  Last night there were 21 cars not yet qualified.  So when the guys got there tonight to finish there were actually only 11 that made the trip back.  So one consi with 8 to qualify.  Bobby was starting at the back and beat out Matt Sheppard for the last qualifying spot.  When it was time for the race, they added all the cars.  In the consi, on lap 5, Sheppard got into the back of Trauschold and spun collecting Bobby and I believe Wilder.  Varin continues on and gets the last qualified spot.

Here's the feature line up after the redraw: Slade-Reckner-Gabriel-Ward-Plack, Hurlburt, Rich Ricci, Wade Decker, T-Mac; RJ; Matty D;
-Friesen-B.Decker-Hamm-DeLaney-Walker-Wight-D.Johnson-Trautschold-M.Johnson-Cook-Hart-Hohenfrost-Tatich-Varin-Sheppard-Wilder..

Green means GO.  And they are off.  The first caution on lap 4, Wight sideways in turn 1 & 2; Gabriel is the leader, BV 23.  Next caution on lap 8, 1J of Gabriel still leads, BV to 21st.  Five laps later on lap 13 another caution and BV is up to 17th.  Running order at the top, 1J, Slade; 406; 17; 42p; 4*; 91; 1F.  Another caution on lap 17 for RJ-to the pits.  At the halfway point  the top 10 are 1J; 406; 4*; 1F; 66; 91; 42p; slade; 77x; 9s. The next caution on lap 31 and Bobby is in the top 15 for the 1st time.  On the restart they make turns 1 & 2 a parking lot and Bobby is in it along with a bunch of others.  He gets it fired back up and stays out-lotsa sheet metal damage, but otherwise runnable. The last caution comes out on lap 48.  Bobby still trying to make some headway.  He just doesn't give up and when the checkers fall he finishes 14th, i think.  The top 10 at the finish follows: 1J(jimmy Gabriel), 406; 4*; 66; 1f; 91; 42p; slade; 9s, 77x.  So, Gabriel comes out of I-88 'Speedway with the points lead for the Thunder Series.  Ric Lucia bought a bunch of 50/50 tickets last night and was handing them out to folks in the grandstands.  The stands were packed last night so a good night for the speedway and for the Thunder Series.  Bobby's next race will be this Friday at Glen Ridge, 50 laps for the mods, $2500 to win, plus fireworks.  See you there.................
.




  Utica Rome Speedway
, June 26, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Great night for racing.  A bit overcast, but still nice.  No rain!  Sun came out just when the Mods were getting ready to start their feature.  And what a feature.  But, I digress.  There were 27 Mods in the pits tonight.  That's a lot for a regular Sunday night show.  And there were also 30 Sportsman in the pits as well.  Plus 20 Pro Stock and a good number of street stocks.  Following hot laps the track did a little track work and we were ready for the heats with the Mods following both the Sportsman and the Pro Stocks.  There were 3 heats for the Mods with 6 qualifying from each heat.  There were really no easy heats tonight with lots of good cars in each heat.  Bobby was set to run in the 3rd heat and it lined up like this:
57---1xw
18j--19k
2rj--7g
00---1wgc
77f(Mark Flach)
So, I watched the heat race and my heart just began to sink.  The 00  didn't look like it could get going.  Bobby somehow managed to snag the last qualifying spot, nipping the 19k of Paul Kinney at the line.  It was so close I had to wait until the feature lineup was posted to see if he actually qualified.  Well, after the heats they announced no consi for the Mods so all cars qualified.  So, I had to see where he was starting to see if he got the spot.  It was just that close from where I was watching!    When the car came in it had some issues that needed attending to.  Lucky for Bobby they spent some time at intermission and then the Sportsman took some more time running the track in.  But by the time the Mod feature was called to line up the work was done and the car was as ready as it was going to be for this night of racing.  We watched Jeff Leslie win his feature by a bumper and Rocky Warner finish 2nd in the Pro stocks and it was our turn.  Here's the feature line up:
41---14j(AJ)
57---78a
44---1xw
115--3
18j--1b
89b--1x
2rj--42p
b16--77x
00---1wgc
93---47
19k--45m
156--7g
L85--77f

As the green flag dropped, I am watching and waiting for the 00 to just jump up and go.  But no, that's not the way it went.  It was nip and tuck, tuck and nip, all the way through that race tonight.  The first caution came out on lap 4 for the 1f of Stew.  He rode off the banking between turns 3 & 4.  You know what they say, some times you get the bear, but some times the bear gets you.  So he had to go to the back and start all over again.  On lap 4 Bobby was being scored in 14th position from his 17th starting spot.  There were a lot of green flag laps once things got going again, and the next caution didn't come out until after the halfway point at lap 19.  By this time Bobby had moved up to 9th spot and I was feeling a little better.  At least he had a top 10 car(that's what I was thinking to myself). He was lined up right behind Pat Ward.  They got one lap in the books and on lap 20 the caution came out again.  Now he is 8th and Pat is 9th.  Then 3 more laps and on lap 23 out comes the caution again.  Now he is in 5th and I feel pretty good.  During the next spat of green flag racing Bobby managed to get into 3rd and stuck his nose under the 115 of Kenny Tremont and on lap 29 the last caution of the night came out.  And folks, that's where Bobby finished.  Alan Johnson won, followed by Tremont and Bobby. It looked like somebody set a fire under Todd Burley as he was coming like a house-a-fire at the end.   A pretty good night of racing after all was said and done.  All that hard work paid off.  I have to tell you, I was amazed that he did so well.  Guess I shouldn't be, but I am getting old.  Anyway, here's the finish: 14J; 115; 00; 89b; 42p;  1f; 1b; 77x; 78a; 44; 2rj; b16; L85; 41; 18j; 1xw; 57; 19k; 7g; 3; 77f; 156; 45m; 47; 1x; 93.  And that's it for tonight.  Bobby's next race is at the I-88 Speedway on Tuesday for a Thunder on the Thruway series.  Hope to see you there.  Until then.............................



   Utica Rome Speedway, June 19, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Hot laps started on time on a dry slick track at 5 PM.  There were 24 Mods in pits tonight, along with 28 Sportsman cars, Prostocks, Mod Lites, and Pure stocks.  We left following the sportsman race tonight.  It was after 9 but not too late.

Bobby was in the first heat.   Here's the line up:
41---6
44---14j
18j--1x
156--00
It took two false starts to finally get things going as the 6 car spun twice.  At lap 7 Bobby got spun, was returned to the 4th spot, and finished in 3rd.  The were taking 5 from each heat  so he was qualified although they started all the mods.  Following a sort of track prep, the Prostocks went out  for their feature followed by the Mod Lites and then the Mods. Here's the line up for the feature:
41---19k
115--1xw
78a---44
1b---3
89b--18j
L85--1x
42p--00
1wgc--156
2rj--77x
b16--78
14j--6
3k---57

 By Lap 8 Bobby was up to 10th and on lap 13 the next caution came out.  At that point Bobby was sitting in 7th position.  Following that restart, Bobby got hit in the right rear and was out of the race.  So ends another night at the races.  Bobby  will be racing the #10 Commercial Roofing car at Orange County Fair Speedway, Big Diamond, and Thursday night as well.  We will try and keep you informed as to what's happening.  Until next time................................




The New Fonda Speedway, June 18, 2011

Hi Race Fans;  

Well, another night in the record books.  And it was quite a night.  The stands were full, the track was racey and there were 31 Mods in the pits tonight, along with 36 of the 602 Sportsman cars, Prostocks, Street stocks and the 4 Cyl.

Racing was set to begin at 7 PM and the track crew had everything ready for racing.  Hot laps were complete and the first heat was being called up at about 6:55.  Good Job by everybody.  But you had to wonder what would be in store for us when everything is in order like that.

There were 4 heats of 8 laps each with the top 5 qualifying and the top 3 being handicapped.  Bobby was in the 3rd heat and they line up like this:
41J---667
37----14
11a---17
00----76
The caution came out before any laps were complete.  There was a wreck in turn 4 and Bobby managed to squeak through somehow.  Thus on the restart he would be in 2nd.  The first restart was called back as the pole sitter jumped the gun.  The next restart didn't look a whole lot better but they did let it go, and going into turn one Bobby blew by the pole setter and grabbed the lead going down the backstretch and went on to win by about a half track.  Danny Varin was in the first heat, spun on lap three, went back to the back (where he started) and came back up through to grab the last qualifying spot.

So once the Mod consi was completed, which was won by Dave Lape, the line up for the feature came down like this:
39d---74
667---3j
22j---41d
21j---20c
00----3d
2rj---16
3-----41j
1g----93
6h----14
24----22
33----37
M2----76
17----11a
21p---6
The National Anthem was sung by Mimi Lazarro and the order was given to start the engines.  There was a bit of a rut in turn one, toward the outside of the track.  The green flag flew and they were off.  Dustin Delaney grabbed the lead and took off.  And he was gone.  By lap 9 there were still no cautions and Bobby had worked his way into 5th place.  The first caution of the night came on lap 10.  There was a lapped car on the inside of Bobby on the first restart and that put the 2rj behind the lapped car.  On the ensuing restart,  a car got turned around in turn 3 causing a massive pile up and a lot of bent up equipment.  Caution right back out, and during this caution Jimmy Davis pitted for a flat andhe rejoined the field a the back.  This moved Bobby up into 4th as Davis had been running 3rd.  On this restart, Bobby is behind  Delaney as Dustin chose the outside for his line.  He  took off with Bobby on his tail but he broke going into turn 3 and Bobby wailed him pretty hard.  Seems the shock slider came off the shock tower on Dustin's car.  There was significant damage to the right rear of Varin's car but he was able to continue without losing a spot.  The damage took its toll, however, and the car was not near as good after that.  Bobby held on to finish 4th 

Here's the finish:  3D; 2rj;  74; 00; 3; 41d; 21j; 3j; 24; 93; 6h; 11a; 667; 14; M2; 1g; 33; 20c; 22j; 21p; 39d; 16; 76; 17; 37; 6; 41j; 22.

Bobby's next race will be tomorrow at Utice Rome.  Hope to see you there.  hope he can get the car fixed in time.  Until then...............



       Glen Ridge
Motorsports Park
                        June 10, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Tonight's report will be about as long as the time Bobby spent racing in the feature.  Green flag to turns 3/4 and he was done.  He almost made it through the mess, but got tagged from behind and it was all over.  Not even one full lap.  Done for the night.  That's all I dare say.  I am not happy. 

Bobby's next race is scheduled for tomorrow at the New Fonda Speedway.  Hope to see you all there.  Until then.........



     New Fonda Speedway, June 8, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Tonight's report will have to be short and sweet tonight.  I don't really have much as the Mods did not race.  The track hit the curfew as the Sprints were coming down for the green to start the race.  There was a red before a lap was completed for JZ who went over the wall and ended up in front of the Cow Palace.  She was shaken but ok.

Just as the Sprint were starting their time trials the sky opened up and dumped a bunch of water all over the racing surface which was in good shape until then.  About a half hour later the same thing happened and then after that the skies cleared and we were good to go.  Well, they had to work the track in again which took a long time, but the crew, along with a bunch of guys with trucks, finally were able to get the track run in again.  There were 32 Mods in the pits tonight.  Originally they were going with 4 heats but because it was now very late they went with three and qualified 5 from each heat.  Then the fastest car from all the heats got to draw the "inversion" number.  Everybody was very fast tonight and there was little to no passing.  Bobby started 10th in the 3rd heat.  Here's the line uP:
42P---1G
8------76
22j----374
39-----20c
16-----00

Bobby was in 8th for the longest time, then on the last lap he got by the 20C, the 8 and the 22j to finish in the 5th spot.  As it turns out, it didn't matter that much as everybody would qualify and the race would be postponed.   Ryan Odaz had the fastest time and got to draw the number for the invert.  He drew a 12 which put the 16 of AJ Romano on the pole.  Here's the line up:
16----9s
6H----76
3D----21J
1g----41
77x---42p
24----2rj
99l---667
00----20(Hearn)
17----22J
91----14
20C---93
3J----8
22----1F
39----14s
85----374
Now, it's late and I am tired and I am going to bed.  I will let you know when they are going to run this race.  At this time, I do not know.  Bobby's next race is Friday at the Ridge.  Hope to see you there.  Until then.............................................




    Clash at the Can; Penn Can Speedway
                      June 7, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Sorry this is late, but I couldn't get all the information until this morning.  There were 66 cars at Penn Can Speedway last night.  Now that's a lot of cars, especially for a short track.  Biggest gathering of cars for one race this year.  The Rising Star of ROC.

With 66 cars it was necessary to have 6 heats with 11 cars per heat.  Top three would qualify, top two go to the redraw.  The draw for the heats was very critical for this race.  Bobby's draw was less than spectacular.  He started in heat 5.  Here is the finish. Nagel, Jr;  Mike Gular; Grammes; DNQ, D Howard, Griesen, Varin, Mills, Von Dohren, Strunk and Galloway.  The non qualified cars made up three consis with @ 15 cars per consi.  Only 2 would qualify in each consi.  Bobby was in consi # 2.  Qualified were D. Howard and D Manmiller;  Notable DNQ= Friesen, Varin, K. Hoffman, B. Van Pelt and C. Von Dohren.  Both Friesen (3rd in ROC points) and Varin (4th in ROC points) got into the race via provisionals.

Here then is the lineup for the Mod 60 lap, $8000 to win ROC RAce.
Horton-------Tonkin
Walker-------Danny Tyler
Gular---------Bresenahan
A. Tonkin-----Laubach
Nagel---------Hendrickson
B. Tonkin-----B. Decker
D. Johnson---A. Rudalavage
R. Watt------j. Phelps
J. Grammes-N. Roehinski
Sheppard----Howard
hartnett------Pat Ward
Manmiller---T Mac
Strunk-------Friesen
Bates--------K. Albert
B. Varin-----D. Creeden
k. Hoffman--M. Colsten

There were a few cautions to slow things down a bit, perhaps 5 or 6.  Sorry, I should have kept better track.  When it was all said and done, Billy Decker was the winner, Taking home the $8000.  Here's the summary of the finish at the Can.  Bobby finished 13th from his 29th starting spot.  Not too bad all things considered.

Clash at the Can Race of Champions Dirt Modified Tour Feature Finish, 60 laps: BILLY DECKER ($8,050), Danny Tyler, Jimmy Phelps, Duane Howard, Matt Sheppard, Tim McCreadie, Mike Gular, Danny Johnson, Jeff Strunk, Wade Hendrickson, Nick Rochinski, Shaun Walker, Bobby Varin, Stewart Friesen, Pat Ward, Rick Laubach, Kevin Albert Jr., Doug Manmiller, Roy Bresnahan, Kevin Bates, Alex Tonkin, Brett Tonkin, Joey Grammes, Mike Colsten, Danny Creeden, Kevin Hartnett, Garth Tonkin Jr., Alan Rudalavage, Keith Hoffman, Mike Nagel Jr., Ryan Watt, Jimmy Horton.

Lap leaders: Garth Tonkin Jr. (1-12), Danny Tyler (13-47), Billy Decker (48-60)

Bobby's next race is tonight, June 8, 2011 at the New Fonda Speedway.  Come on out and support your driver and Fonda.  Also on tap for tonight are the 410 O'Reilly All Star Sprints.  Racing gets under way at 7 PM.  Until then.................................



   Utica Rome Speedway, June 5, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Another decent night of racing.  Really nice weather.  No rain, or threat of rain(that's for those who made the excuse of 'gonna rain') at the Action Track.  I left the track and was home by 10:15 and I drive slow.  Most of the time.  Anyway it was a good night to be at the races.  When you have 4 classes and they are all done before 9:30 it's a great night.

There were 22 Mods in  the pits tonight making for 3 heats.  The heats were 8 laps and they were taking 5 from each heat. 
Bobby was in the 2nd heat starting last.  Here's the line up:
L85---6
44----1B
18J---2rj
00

Again, Bobby had a good look at the cars in his heat.  The heat was slowed down by at least one caution.  When it was all said and done, Bobby managed to eke out a qualifying spot.  But just barely.  Tonight he was again using the new car and they are still working with it and tweaking it.   I am confident they will get it right.

The track was worked over, water laid down, and then on to the races.  The Mods were the 3rd feature on the track tonight and Bobby was starting 13th.  Here's a complete run down of the starting line up:
19k---L85
1xw---57
3-----1B
18j---89b
1x---2rj
1wgc---42p
00----77x
B16---2g
6-----10(Alan J)
41----44
78a---115
The caution came right out with one lap in the record books.  On the restart Bobby was 12th.  I do not believe there were any more cautions.  And it was a very exciting race till towards the end.  And when there are no cautions I don't have much time to write things down as I get too interested in the race.  By lap 19, Bobby was in 7th. Freisen grabbed the lead from Teddy lamb who drove an awesome race tonight on lap 21 and Bobby was up to 6th having finally made his way past one of the slower cars.  On lap 25 he got by Pat Ward for 4th but was too far back with too little time to move up any further and that's where he finished.  Here are the top ten cars: 1wgc; L85; 1x; 00; 42P; 18j; 2rj; 77x; 57; 89b.   Bobby'[s next race is set for Wednesday at the Fonda Speedway.  Look for pistol Pat Ward and Lightening Larry Wight to show up as well.  They will be racing along with the 410 SprintersHope to see you there.  Until next time...............................   OH, BTW, Danny Varin Set another record at Fonda Speedway as the only driver to win in all three "open Wheel" classes, Sportsman, Sprints, and Modifieds.  Awesome job by young Danny.





  New Fonda Speedway, June 4, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, tonight was meet and greet at Fonda Speedway.  The front stretch was packed with cars and people.  Both Bobby and Danny were out there and it seems like everybody had a great time.  Bobby autographed a bunch of pictures for kids and adults alike. Lots of them.  That was over about 7:30 and it was time to go racing.

There were 30 Mods in the pits tonight and they had three heats for qualifying.  Bobby elected to start last in the last heat.  Here's the line up for his heat:
6----41J
37---6H
22J--1g
74f--17
2rj--8(Towns)
00

From Bobby's vantage point he had a good look at the entire field.  They had a caution on lap 3 and he was in 7th.  On the restart he made an awesome move on the bottom and got into 3rd, but the yellow came back out and he went back.  One the next restart, Fuller tried the same move but he must have started too soon as at the final caution of the 10 lap heat he was set back two spots which put him in 5th and Bobby in 3rd.  At the checkers it was: 2rj; 6h; 00; 74f; 22J.  They were qualifying 5 from each heat and handicapping 4.

When it was time to start the feature, the line up looked like this:
74perry--20c
6h----93
3-----21j
74f---16
3d----00
76----2rj
41d---24
22j---8
11a--21p
14d--14
17----37
M2---51r
1g----22
374--667
Tonight's feature went green, white, checkerrs!  No cautions.  The race was really exciting for me, and I really don't have a lot to say.  Danny started 4th and Bobby started 10th.  Hanson in the 20c took off like a rocket.  Danny got the jump on the 6h and moved into 3rd.  Bobby had a lot to contend with from where he started but he steadily marched toward the front.  By lap 11, I think, Bobby was up to about 6th.  Danny had moved quickly to get by a very fast runner up, the 74 of Perry, but finally was able to make the pass and set his sights on the front running Craig Hanson.  On lap 11 he made his move and got by the 20c for the lead.  About the middle of the race it looked like Hanson might get back by him as they were in heavy lapped traffic but in the end it never happened and Danny went on to win his first Big Block Modified victory!  HOW SWEEEET IT IS!!!  Bobby got into 4th and was underneath the 20c at the checkers but it was not enough and 4th is where he finished.  Here's the finish: 93; 3; 20c; 00; 6h; 21j; 3d; 2rj; 24; 74f; 22j; 16; 41d; 78; 17; 8; 74p; 14d; 1g; 11a; 37; 21p; M2; 14; 51r; 374; 667; 22.

Bobby's next scheduled race is tomorrow at Utica Rome.  Hope to see you guys there.  Until then..........



       Glen Ridge Motorsports  Park,
                     June 3, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, it was another good night at the races tonight.  Not quite good enough for me, but good, nonetheless.  It was sun shiny at the beginning of the night, but the wind was blowing pretty good.  And there was a chill in the air.  I had to put on two jackets to keep warm once the sun went down.  The track was in decent shape, and except for the turn 3 & 4 rut it was very fast.  That was fixed quite well during the intermission and made for some exciting feature races!

There were about 90 cars in the pits tonight and of those 20 were Mods.  In the Mods there were 3 heats with 4 cars qualifying from each heat.  Bobby was in the 3rd heat and here's the line up for that:
73----4
53----115
97v---17
There were no problems or incidents in the 3rd 10 lap heat and Bobby got up to 3rd, qualifying him for handicapping for the feature.  With only the Street Stock, Mod, Sportsman and Cruiser features remaining, the track crew went to work on the problem in 3 & 4 and got it fixed up pretty good.  This is the line up for the Mod feature:
19k---23p
4-----16
7----9
115---711
97v---17
1-----71
73----85
53----21L
38----10%

When the green flag came out, Kinney was off like he was shot out of a cannon.  Going into the first turn a couple of the front runners got twisted around a bit slowing everybody behind them but they got it straightened out and the race stayed under green, which gave Kinney a tremendous advantage over the rest of the field.  And he definitely made use of that edge and he was gone.  From his 9th starting spot Bobby just started to work on  the traffic one at a time.  And we needed some cautions, but the race kept going and going and going.  The first caution came on lap 22.  By this time Bobby had worked his way into 5th, with the top 5 running order; 19k;  115; 6x; 711; 97v.   With a couple of lap cars for a cushion, Kinney again took off and quickly put some distance between him self and 2nd runner Tremont.  Caution again on lap 23 brought them together again, but the lap cars were out of the way giving Tremont a good shot at passing Kinney once the green came back out.  That caution also gave Bobby a chance to move up, and he was able to do just that.  When the checkers flew, Paul Kinney came under them 1st, followed by Tremont, Varin, the 6x, and the 117.  So, the top five at the finish were 19K; 115; 97v; 6x; and 711.  Just for the record, Paul Kinney had lapped up to and including the 17 car of Elmo Reckner just before the first caution on lap 22.   That's my story for tonight.  Tomorrow night Bobby will be racing at the New Fonda Speedway.  Hope to see you guys there.  Until tomorrow................................



      BOBBY VARIN AND THE "BOAT     ANCHOR" GET THE DOUBLE HEADER!!!

            Utica Rome Speedway
                   May 30, 2011

Hi Race Fans;
 
How Sweeeet it is!!!.  Don G. asked me Sat. night, "Do ya think Bobby has lost his 'mojo'?"  No Don, that's an emphatic NO!  Bobby Varin opens the 2011 racing season at Utica Rome Speedway with back to back wins.  Sunday, the 30 lap season opener and tonight the illustrious Victoria 200.  Last year inn this same race he was leading when he got a flat on lap 97.  Not tonight, although the ending was still really hairy! Special thanks tonight to Dave Cruickshank, the car owner,  John Bakazonis, crew chief, and crew guys, Jeff Preston, Tyler Preston, Jack Hannah, who worked on the car today to get it into victory lane.  Also Dave Cross who does the tire work getting them prepared for each race, and Bob Gray who helps out at the shop.  Without these guys this wouldn't happen.  There are others, like the Bristols, who make this happen.  Thanks, all of you

Now for the report.  There were 62 Mods checked into the pits tonight.  As I came into the pits I looked at the board to see what number he had drawn.  My heart sank when I saw he was in the last column about halfway down.  # 81.  Not the kind of draw you want on a day like today with the best of the best in the house.  His draw put him in the 5th heat starting 8th.  They were qualifying 3 and only the top 2 cars would go to the draw.  When I saw who was in his heat my heart just sank lower.  Kenny Tremont, Williams, RJ, Brett the Jet, Billy Decker, Jimmy Phelps, Frank Cozze and Ted Lamb.  So, here's the line up:
22---115
1xw--2rj
85---20
91---00
99J--44
I don't know how exactly he did it, but coming through the middle he got to 3rd quickly and set out after RJ and Decker but try as he might, there was no catching them.  Well, at least my heart moved up a little.  He was qualified, but starting way back.  (Yes, by virtue of last night's win, he was a guaranteed starter)  As a guaranteed starter but he wouldn't e added until after all the qualified cars, including the consi qualifiers.  After 6 heats and 3 consis the field was set.  The winner of the "B" main had a choice of money or starting the race.  Mitch Gibbs driving the Parks # 1  won that and elected to start the race.  There were then 8 more added as either provisionals or 'buy-ins".  Here's the Victoria 200 Feature line up:
99L---34
78a---3(Brachman)
2RJ---91
99(Ryan)-42P
357---74
14J---9s
42b---66(Danny Johnson)
3(Kislowski)-4*
00----1wgc
93----1x
41D---17
99J---32c
1g(gibbs)-20
14w---89b
16x---7(Laubach)
44c---280
117

33 cars starting the feature.  The feature started about 9:10 and 55 min. later it was over.  The green flag dropped and Mike says, whooooos it gonna be?  Hah.  I got the answer to that.  :D  Bobby started deep in the field but by lap 10 he had moved into 10th spot.   My heart is now inching up a little bit.  The first caution of the race came on lap 15 and by now Bobby is up to 6th.  My heart is about normal now.  On lap 20 Bobby moves into 4th and on lap 21 there is another caution.  Good restart and by lap 27 he is now in 3rd and my heart starts beating faster.  On lap 31 he gets into 2nd  and it's thumping now.  Caution out again on lap 38 and it is the 91, 00, 2rj, 99, and 1wgc.  Good restart and on lap 41 Bobby goes around the 91 of Billy Decker on the outside and ducks back down to the bottom.  New leader.  Heart is now jumping all over the place.  Still have 59 laps to go.  Whoo Whee.   Cautions count now and the restart come on lap 56.  Slowly but surely Bobby builds a cushion between himself and Decker.  Getting into lap traffic again and bam, another caution on lap 67.  Cautions no longer count.  Again, good restart and the pressure is building.  Bobby is getting through lap traffic pretty good, but with about 6 to go he catches Jimmy Davis who was quick earlier but had to pit for a new sneaker.  And he would not get out of the way.  Bobby tried high, no deal.  Bobby tries low and even draws even with him coming out of turn two but Davis will not let him by.  And Billy Decker is coming fast.  Too fast for my blood pressure.  Laps are ticking down but verrrry slowwwy!  On the final lap Decker is too close for comfort.  .7 sec between Bobby and Billy.  Ahhhhhhhhhhh.  Sigh of relief.  Checkers are flying and Bobby in the winner!  Boy, am I glad that is over.  You just have no idea.  From a 17th starting spot to win the Victoria 200.  WOW, what a race!!  Victory lane celebration!!!
Huge Trophy.  $10,000 to the winner plus lap money.  What an awesome Memorial Day Weekend. 

Bobby's next scheduled race in Friday at Glen Ridge Motorsports park.  Hope to see ya there.  Until then......................




   Utica Rome Speedway
, May 29, 2011   

Hi Race Fans;

Finally!!!  Utica Rome is officially opened for the 2011 racing season.  What a night.  Sprints, Mods, sportsman, Pro Stocks, and pure stocks.  A super night for racing and a good track to race on.  The track crew did an awesome job in getting that track ready.   A wide race track and good racing top or bottom.  Smooth.  Great job!!

Wow, there were 40 Mods in the pits tonight.  Now that's a lotta cars for the season opener.  It required 4 heats and two consis to get the feature cars qualified.  Bobby was in the 2nd heat and got a good draw for a change:
00----6
45m---3b
1xw---41
z14---L82
22J---47
At the drop of the green, Bobby mashed the peddle and grabbed the lead and never looked back.  8 laps later the checkers flew and Bobby got the win for heat two.  It would be a heads up start and that would play a pivotal roll in the feature line up.   After the four heats and two consis needed to set the field we had 24 cars ready to put the peddle down when it came time to go.   So, here's the line up for the season opening 30 lap Modified race:
42p---00
89b---1x
2rj---1xw
18j---3d
34----3
1wg--16
1b----6
57---1g(gibbs)
14J---44(hulsizer)
3-----78a
17----85
22J---280

And now it's time to get the show on the road.  The green flag flew at about 9:45 PM.  Pat Ward, from his pole position grabbed the lead from Bobby and they were off and running.  Pat opened up about a 4 or 5 car length lead over Bobby in the initial going.  He would lose all that on lap 8 when the caution flag  flew.  The top 5 were 42P; 00; 1x; 89b; 18j.  They lined up side by side again and this time Bobby figured out what the needed to do  to beat Pat into the 1st turn.  They looked to be  in a dead heat on that restart and Bobby found the good line on the top of the race track and beat Pat to turn one.  The next caution was on lap 9 and on the restart Bobby was able to hang onto the lead.  It was a nail biter for a while as they ran so close, but eventually Bobby began to pull away, ever so slightly.   The next caution came on lap 13 and all the advantage he had was wiped away with the yellow flag.  The top 5 now were 00; 42p; 1wg; 2rj; 1x.  On the restart, Pat again challenged Bobby for the lead but Varin managed to hang on.  The racing behind them was hot and heavy, with RJ getting by  Freisen for a couple of laps.  In the end, lap traffic did come into play and at the finish Bobby had about a 4 sec lead on Pat, with Stew 3rd, RJ 4th and the 1X in 5th.   Here's the finish:  00; 42p; 1wg; 2rj; 1x; 34; 89b; 16; 18j; 1g; 14j; 17; 16; 3; 57; 3b; 44; 85; 78a; 22j; 1xw; 6; 280; 3D.  It was "win and yer in" which means that no matter what happens, Bobby is guaranteed to start the Victoria 200 tomorrow at Utica Rome.  That will be Bobby's next race.  Many folks have asked when Bobby will be driving the #10 Commercial Roofing car so I asked owner Ken Saya tonight.  His answer=Two weeks from Tuesday at Penn Can, the following Tuesday at OCFS, and the next week at Canadaigua   Speedway.  That it for tonight.  Look for another report tomorrow night or Tuesday.  Until then.........................




 
 New Fonda Speedway, May 28, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, it looked like rain, (thanks Matt) but it didn't rain.  thanks Matt. :D  Another night of racing in the books and, well, what can I say?  Coulda been better, but coulda been worse.  Sometimes I really have to bite my tongue, like last night.  So too, for tonight.  But let me tell ya all about it.  There were 28 Mods in the pits tonight.   Three heat races, and no consis.  Everybody was in.  They were qualifying 5 from each heat and handicapping 4. Bobby started 10th in the first heat and was just flying.  Well sort of.  Here's the line up for the heat:
6-----21p
156---16
22j---20c
11a---21j
2rj---00
He managed a 4th place finish which would give him the 12th starting spot for the feature. Here's the line up for tonight's Mod feature.
74(Perry)-16
3-----93
17----11a
41----6h
3d----2rj
76----00
22j---1g
3j----20c
14s---24
21j---667
22----21p
14m---37
156---41j
6

At the drop of the green they shot out of turn four like a rocket.  I mean they were fast.  Racing was fast and furious for a while as the first caution didn't come out until lap 13 For Danny Varin who ws running 2nd, and got a flat.  Bobby was in 7th by this point, and struggling.  The restart was no good and no laps counted.  The next caution came on lap 16(I think) and Bobby is 6th.  The next caution on lap 22 and he is 7th.   Another good restart and the caution comes out again on lap 25 or 26, (getting hard to read the lap counter from the far end of the track).  Bobby had gained ground and was in 4th.  That was the final caution of the race and at the checkers it was 2rj the winner, then AJ Romano, Bobby, the 17 car and Ryan Odaz rounded out the top 5.  The top ten were: 2RJ; 16; 00; 17; 24; 3d; 1; 3; 76; 22J.  

For the ESS sprints, Bobby was in the 2nd heat;  Here's the line up:
00----22z
12t---7c
10----32
28fm-45

Bobby just flat out left 'em and went on to win his heat.  He started 3rd in the dash and finished 3rd.
When they lined up the feature, Bobby drew 4th and here's the line up:
7c----13
45----00
17J---15c
32----33
28fm-6k
25----90
21f---7
75----22m
10----8b
84----3p
22z---19
Bobby got a good start and grabbed 2nd which was nullified by a red flag.  Back to the original line up.  The first caution came on lap 5 and Bobby was in 3rd.  The next caution came on lap 7 and he had just grabbed 2nd from the 7 of Sparks.  He had to go back to the last lap so started 3rd, behind the 45 of "The Cobra".  On the ensuing restart Going into turn one he was on the bottom and almost past the 7 car whoo turned down into him and jammed the back of the car bringing out yet another red flag.  Looked for a second like the 00 might go over, but he did not but that ended his night prematurely.  And that's the end of the report.  It's almost 1 AM and I gotta get up a 4 to go turkey hunting.  Tomorrow it's on to Utica Rome.  Hope to see you there.  Until tomorrow................



        Glen Ridge
 Motorsports Park,
                    May 27, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

It is not often that I really don't feel like writing anything.  Tonight is one of those nights.  Bobby did qualify in his heat. There were 22 Mods in the pits tonight.  Here's the feature line up.
21L---23p
19K---4
711---3j
1-----7
115---20c
07v---17
9-----53
16----72
5x----85
6x----10%
19b---73

At the drop of the green one guy apparently thought he could win on the first lap.  Drove over the front of the 97in turn 3, ending Bobby's night with no lops in the books.  In the end, Craig Hanson got by Jamike Sowle and went on to win with the 711 finishing in 2nd.  That's all I have that I can say.  Bobby's next race is tomorrow at the New Fonda Speedway.  Hope to see you there.  Until then.................



  New Fonda Speedway, May 21, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, Fonda did get all the races in (I think).  I left the track at 10:10 PM and the last feature had already gotten the green flag.  There were 36 Mods in the pits tonight.  Once again, they were qualifying 5 from each heat and handicapping 3.  There were 4 heats and 2 consis for the Mods.  Bobby was in the 4th heat and started last in that heat.  Here's the line up:
74---22
17---24
3c---916
1F---00
From his last starting spot he struggled tonight and did not qualify, finishing one spot out.  This would put him on the pole in the 2nd consi which he won over  the 21J of Trombley and the 37 of Todd Ryan.

They started 28 cars in tonnight's feature and it was tough sledding from the back.  Here's the starting lineup:
22----11a
17----22j
24----93
16----20c
3d----76
6h----74(Fuller)
73d---39(Delaney)
3j----3
8-----2rj
1g----1f
14----00
667---21j
21p---37
the 19 and 3jc dnq but were added to the feature.

The first caution came on lap 18.  By this point Bobby had advanced to 15th.  Really tough from the back.  He struggled with the car all night.  The next caution came on lap 23.  Bobby was now in 11th.  They tried one restart but it didn't work.  So they tried again and got the race under way again.  At the end it was the 76 of Alton Palmer sitting in Victory Lane and the 3D was the runner up.  Here's the complete finish: 76; 3D; 1F; 11a; 24; 17; 2rj; 73d; 00; 21j; 6h; 22; 37; 20c; 1g; 19; 93; 667; 14; 22j; 3jc; 3; 74; 16; 21p; 8; 3j; 39D.
That's all I better say tonight.  Utica Rome has canceled tomorrow's race so Bobby's next scheduled race will be next Friday and the Glen Ridge Motorsports Park.  We will look for you there.  Until then.........................



         Glen Ridge
 Motorsports Park,
                       May 20, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

SSSMMMOOOOKKKIIINNNNGGGG!!!!!!!!  Well, ok, smoking is not always good, as was the case tonight in the early going.  There were 19 mods set to take the green tonight and they qualified 4 from each heat.  Now, I digress for a moment.  Bobby has been saying all along there was a problem with the car.  It didn't want to go.  So this week a few of the guys got together to buy a new chassis, made a trip up to Bicknell's and picked up a new chassis.  They took the old car with them on Wednesday, transferred all the hardware from the old chassis to the new chassis and brought it home.  There was still a lot of work to do, but Chris and the boys got 'er done!  Now, back to the racin report.  Bobby was in the 2nd heat and starting 4th, right in front of Kenny Tremont. Here's the lineup:
21L---10%
7-----97v
16----115
 When the heat was over, Bobby had won by about half a strait.  BUT there was some tell tale smoke, and smoke is never good.  Well, they went to work, changed the air filter, and the power steering pump as he had no power steering.  They got everything back together in time for the feature.  The weather has been threatening all evening, but things were moving along well. Here's the feature line up as posted:
4-----53
23p---7
3j----1
711--97v
6x----16
17----115
20c---21l
19k---5x
10%--73
72

From here on, there isn't much I can say.  The green flag flew to begin the race and they were off.  From his 8th starting Spot, Bobby began to methodically move forward, one by one.  Some easy, some so-so, and some seemed to have a car wider than the race track!  Seemed is the key word here.  In the end, they could not hold him off!  Bobby went to the front, using the top of the track for the most part and used it to his advantage.  New chassis, great run, awesome drivin, another different winner at the Ridge.  SSSSMMMMOOOOKKKKIIIINNNNGGGG!!!!!!!  This time it means good.  Here are the other finishers behind Bobby, 6x; 53; 17; 7; 4; 115; 3j; 711; 20c; 1; 19; 10%; 21L; 73; 5X; 72; 16.  Bobby's next race is scheduled for the New Fonda Speedway tomorrow night.  Hope to see you all there. BTW, the Ridge got 3/5's of the races in before the rains came.  Still had street stocks and Cruisers to go.  Soooo, until next time..............



       Glen Ridge Motorsports Park,
                       May 13, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, Friday the 13th was not good for Bobby tonight.  It is one of those things that you just don't like but can't do much about.  Everything started off a bit behind tonight and they had the Vintage cars there tonight as well.  The weather was not bad tonight.  It's the first night, in fact, that I didn't have to get all bundled up to watch the races.  There were 22 Mods in the pits tonight so three heats  with 4 from each heat being handicapped.  Bobby was in the 2nd heat tonight and here's how they lined up:
21L---17
72----7
9-----97v
115.
The heat went 10 laps, no cautions and it was the 17; 7; 21L; 97v; 9;  and 115 at the finish.  The 72 did not finish.  Following all the heats and Rookie and Vintage features, the Mods came out on the track for their feature.  After prayer and the National Anthem, the Mods fired up their engines and this is their line up:
73---21L
53---1
17---10%
3j---7
6x---20C
97V--16W
19K--115
4----23P
9----5X
38---72
71---711.  
When the green flag flew the front runners flew.  It didn't take too many laps until the 17 grabbed the lead and he never looked back.  Bobby started 11th and began picking the cars off, one by one.  By lap 11 he was in the 6th spot and still no cautions.  On lap 15 he made the pass on the 10% for the 5th spot but he was smoking badly.  He dropped out on lap 16 with a blown motor.  The first caution came on lap 21.  At the checkers, it was the 17, and then, (I believe), 6x;  20c; 1; 115.  And that's my story for tonight.  Bobby's next race is scheduled for tomorrow at the New Fonda Speedway.  Hope to see you there.  Until tomorrow night...............................


   New Fonda Speedway, May 7, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, another night in the books.  It would be difficult to duplicate last week's thrilling finishes, at best, but it was not a really bad night for the Varins.  Soooo, it was a really nice day today, sun shining and warm.  However, once the sun went down it got cold in a hurry.  The track was in decent shape when we got there and provided a pretty racey surface for the cars.  Tonight was Kiddie Ride night and it was heartening to see lots of kids take advantage of the opportunity to meet their favorite driver, of just any driver.  It was good to see a large number of drivers make themselves and their cars available for the Kiddie Rides, and thanks to the management for allowing them.

OK, now on to the racing.  There were 32 Mods in the pits tonight which meant 4 heats of 8 cars each.  They would qualify 5 from each heat and handicap 3.  I posted that in Bobby's trailer, but also spoke up and misspoke saying they were handicapping 4.  Ordinarily not a big deal, but the driver heard that and it did make a difference, maybe.  Bobby was in the 3rd heat and here's the way they lined them up:
6----24
21p-22
3----3d
00---156
The 24 jumped out front and away he went.  At the finish, it was the 24, 3d, 3, 00, and 22.  Bobby said the car was not real good and since he thought they were handicapping 4  he didn't want to push it.  Whoops, my bad. Now, instead of starting 11 or 12th he will have to work his way forward from the 15th starting spot.  But wait.  Things that make you go hmmmm.  Other years, when they are handicapping the 3rd race of the year, they have used the first two weeks for handicapping even though only one week was a points race.  Tonight, they did not do that.  They handicapped using only last week's race.  Sumting wong here.  Well, it is what it is and here's the line up:
39d---17
73d---24
2rj---22j
16----3
20c---21j
3d----1f(freisen)
74----1g
00----76
19----6h
23----8
11a---93
41j---3
14----667

At the drop of the green Dustin Delaney took off like a scared rabbit.  He was scary fast.  And he just kept it up till they reached lap traffic on lap 8.  Still no cautions at this point.  By the time we got to the first caution on lap 19 Bobby had made it up to 10th.  Then whoops, back to 11th, then back to 12th.  What's up?  Well, seems they were going back to the lap 18 to relign but they did not take lap 19 off the counter, so they counted the lap but went back to the scoring from lap 18.  Well, you'll have those days.  But now, it gets interesting.  They have upset the driver, so he hangs back just in case there is anybody else they want to put in front of him.  So they shake the flag at him on the back stretch.  Now they have gone and done it!   The next caution flies on lap 24 for the 3d of Matty d.  He drops out now Bobby is in 6th spot and taking advantage of every opportunity.  The next caution flies at the completion of lap 27 and Bobby is in 3rd.  The last three laps run under green and Bobby gets by Stewart Freisen  to finish in the 2nd spot.  Man what a drive from 15th to 2nd.  Great job Bobby Varin.  

For the record, Danny Varin had a flat on lap 12, came in and got a new shoe and went back out at the back and came back up through the pack to finish a good 10th place.  Here's the finish as posted : 2rj. 00; 1f; 73d; 21j; 24; 17; 3j; 1g; 93; 16; 76; 22j;  3; 19; 8; 74; 41j; 6h; 20c; 3d; 667; 39; 14; 11a; 22.   Bobby's next race will be Friday nite at the Ridge.  Hope to see you all there.  In the meantime, a very Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there.  Until next time.......................................



        Glen Ridge Motorsports Park
                       May 6, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, another night at the races.  And all is well.  Relatively speaking, of course.   There were 21 Mods in the pits tonight and the racing  was great.   Track was in decent shape and made for some two and three wide racing in all classes.  A total of about 86 cars in the pits again tonight.  Bobby was set to go in the 3rd heat.  They had some troubles tonight with the motor during hot laps and got to work to ready it for the heat race.  They got'r'done!  Here's the line up for th e3rd heat.
21l---7
72----711
97v---115
4
Ronca streaked off to win the heat followed by the 711, 97v and 115.  Only the top 4 qualified for the handicapping.  During the intermission the track crew went to work on the track and got a good racing surface for the features.  All 21 cars were qualified with the to 12  being handicapped.  Here's the feature line up:
73----4
53----17
7-----711
20c---16
97v---6x
19----115
9-----10%
21l---23p
3j----72
1-----5x
4

Green flies and they get one lap complete before the yellow comes out for the 711.  He got slammed pretty good and his front end folded .
He was done for the night.  The next caution came on lap three followed by one on lap 4 for the 17, into the wall between turns 1 & 2.  By the next caution on lap 7 Bobby had made his way into 5th.  He made some good moves on the restart from his 5th spot (by Now) and at the completion of lap 9 he was into 2nd with the 20c of Hanson in the lead.    A couple laps later Bobby made a move down on the bottom to get by Hanson and he chopped down to block Bobby, but doing that may have cost him the win as the 16 of Lance Willex was on the outside and as soon as Hanson left it open he went by both Bobby and Hanson.  Willex went on for the win, followed by the 20c, 97v, 6x and 7.  A great night to be at the races and another winner in the Mods.  No repeats yet.    Here's the official finish for the Modifieds:
16; 20c; 97v; 6x; 7; 115; 17; 3j; 9; 1; 19k; 10%; 23p; 4(Rich Ronca); 53; 21L; 4; 5x; 73; 72; 117.  We will have the points updated soon.  Please be patient with us.  Bobby's next scheduled race will be tomorrow night at the New Fonda Speedway.  Look for an action packed night at the Track of Champions.  Until then.................................... 



   New Fonda Speedway, April 30, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, I guess you could call tonight FATHER AND SON night.  Wowwwssseeerrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  What a night!  If you missed tonight, well, I am at a loss for words.  Well, sorta.  OK I guess we start at the beginning.  Ric Lucia and the crew did a super job getting the track ready for racing today, with all the water we have had lately and the height of the Mohawk River which runs parallel to the back stretch and about 6 feet away.  It wasn't until last night that the water got low enough to pump out the track.  But they did it!  

There were 29 Mods in the pits tonight so there were 3 heats with 6 qualifying from each heat and a heads up start.  Danny was in the first heat and qualified from an 8th place starting spot.  Bobby was in the 3rd heat and here's the line up off the board:
16----6
20c---00
37----74
24----667
41j(Flint)

The 6 car opted to start at the back which moved Bobby to the outside pole.  From there he just plain took off after making sure he didn't jump the start and once he had the lead in hand he was gone!  This would give him a 3rd place starting spot for the feature which lined up by the board this way:
3j----6h
00----3
76----16
21j---3d
20c---1g
2-----24
93----73
667---22
17----41j
8-----11a
74----3jc
21p---37
33----21
6----19
39

At the drop of the green by started Denny Tiltson the 6H of hoenforst was off and running leaving the battle behind.  At one point, before the 1st caution he had about a half track lead on the 2nd place car.  Also, Bobby was struggling to keep up and was scored in 5th in the early going.  When the 1st caution came on lap 13 Bobby had made it back up to be solidly in the 3rd spot.  When they went double file for the restart, the 6h chose the outside leaving the lapped car of todd ryan(19) on  the inside, and the 3j 3rd on the bottom and Bobby 4th on the outside.  They fired and Bobby went immediately into 2nd and a try for the lead, but before the next lap could be scored, the caution came out again.  This same scenario went on for two more double file restarts before they were able to score lap 14.  Again, a caution and a double file restart as we had not reached the half way point.  This would put Bobby on the inside of Hoenforst and Bobby had almost taken the lead on a couple of restarts.  But, as luck would have it, they went to a single file restart for lap 14 which gave the edge to the leader.  On the restart Bobby took the inside line and almost made it work and they went down the front stretch neck and neck.  Into turn one and Bobby looked like he jumped ahead and slid up and took that line away from Hohenforst.  The 6h dropped down to the inside and tried to make the same move on Bobby but wasn't quite able to pull it off so Bobby lead lap 15.  Once he got the lead he stretched it out and when he got into lapped traffic he made some great moves and had a comfortable lead at the end.  What a night!  BUT WAIT, cuz it ain't over till the fat lady sings and she hasn't even started to warm up yet.  

The 305 Sprinters were scheduled for last week but got rained out.  Their schedule allowed them to try again tonight and they had 22 cars on hand tonight.  Danny was running the 07 tonight for owner Dan Cuomo.  He had taken it out on Ice Jam night and looked impressive, but not against other 305 so tonight would be the first race for the newer chassis which they picked up over the winter..  Danny was starting in the 4th spot in the 2nd heat but on the initial start he kinda slipped backwards a bit before getting his stride and got back into the final qualifying spot, 4th.  OK, boys and girls, the fat lady is starting to warm up!  And here's the line up for the Sprinters:
1----07
12---29k
38dd-2
31b--24
61(J. Christian)--12t
07P(Danny Varin)-R1
3a----15
M-1---46
j27---87s
5j----2t
2b----22m 
I noticed Pete Demitraszek was helping make some last minute adjustments on the car as was Jeff Ferguson.  Hopefully it will help.
From his 11th place starting spot,  he was a man on a mission.  There was one caution in the early going and a good restart.  I think the fat lady is getting ready to sing.  Danny went high and passed cars.  Danny went low and passed cars.  It just didn't seem to make any difference where he put that Sprinter it went and it was Fast!!!!!   And she's just a singing her heart out now.  I can hear the arias, or whatever she sings!  Man she is an awesome singer.  And Danny the Kid is awesome in a Sprint car.  And when the checkers flew we had us a winner.  Like I said at the beginning, FATHER AND SON night at the New Fonda Speedway.    Bobby gets a win on the points opener in the Mods and son Danny gets his first ever Sprint car win.  WOW.  Not sure I will be able to sleep tonight.  That's it till next week on Friday night as we head back up to the Ridge.  BTW, Jake will tell ya all he already predicted Bobby would win tonight, and he did.  Soooooooo, until next week..............................................



        Glen Ridge
 Motorsports Park
                     April 29, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, another night at the Ridge is over.  There were about 90 cars in the pits again tonight.  The racing throughout the classes was great.  Close, tight racing.  Grass roots racing as it was meant to be.  With all the rain we have had the last few days, things at the track were way better than one could hope for.  Everybody found a spot to park and I didn't see any tow trucks having to pull haulers out of the mud.  The program was run off tonight without any problems, such as lights.  The last class was finished before 11 PM.  Track was in good shape all night.

The Mods started off the program with three heats.  22 Mods in the pits.  Bobby was in the first of the 3 heats and here's the lineup from the board:
73----4
17----10%
115---97V
9s----49
The heats are 10 laps and about lap 4 Bobby made a good inside move underneath Recknor and drove away from the rest of the field.  With 4 qualifying from each heat, the top 12 would be handicapped and the rest would line up according to points.  Did I mention it was COLD again tonight?  Well, once again, I thought I would freeze.  I didn't but I was still COLD.

When the 22 Mods came out for the first feature of the night, here's how they lined them up:
21l---23p
17----711
3j----115
20c---97v
19k---6x
9s----1wgc
73----16
1-----49
7-----72
4-----53
38----10% 

You know we were in for some good hard racing.  The green dropped and they were off and running.  The first caution came out after the completion of the 1st lap.  Green's out and they're off again.  Hard, clean racing.  The next caution comes on lap 12 and here's the rundown by now: 711; 115; 23p; 21l; 97v; 6x; 1wr; 9s.  The green flag waves but the caution comes out again  on lap 14, this time for Varin as he has a right rear flat.  Gets in the pits and gets a new shoe and joins the rear of the pack on the lead lap.  He is now 18th.  Another caution on lap 16 and things have changed a bit at the front.  Now it's 115; 117; 1wgc; 20c(came from the back with an early flat); and 6x.  Green means go and go they did until lap 19 and the next caution.  Now it's 115, 1wgc; 711; 20c;6x.  Man, things are starting to heat up and for the next 5 laps a torrid battle for 1st and 2nd and for 3rd and 4th, but whoops, the 20c loses it a bit and the 6x hits the outside wall in turn 4.  When it's all settled, Bobby is now in 6th.  From the restart on lap 24 until the checkers fly, just real good racing and Tremont is not denied his first win at Glen Ridge.  Freisen in 2nd, Sheppard 3rd, Jamike Sowle 4th, Paul Kinney 5th and Bobby 6th.  Wow, what racing!  If you were not there tonight, you missed a barn burner as Stew did get under Tremont  more than once but just couldn't get it done tonight.  Congratulations to all the guys and the track crew.  Great Job.   Bobby's next race is se for tomorrow at the New Fonda Speedway and I drove over there tonight after the Ridge was done and it looks like they will have the track ready for racing.  I hope you are excited because I know I am.  Hope to see you all there.  Until tomorrow......................................
 



      Glen Ridge Motorsports Park
                      April 22, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well another great racing night in the books at the Ridge.  There were about 90 cars total in the pits tonight spread fairly evenly through all the classes, with the Sportsman at 29 and the Mods at 22.  Yes, it was cold again tonight, and yes the wind was blowing again tonight.  But the racing was awesome anyway.  For the last two weeks I nearly froze and only by the good graces of my friend, Derak Covey was I able to find shelter from the wind and still watch the races.  He parks his van in the infield and I park myself inside his van except for the actual racing.  

Bobby was set to go off in the first heat along with some of the other heavy hitters at the Ridge.  Here's the line up for that first heat race:
73----19K
53----7
97----115
6x----63C

At the drop of the green they all were running like rabbits being chased by the hounds.  And they ran hard and put on a great show for the fans.  And once again, in spite of the cold weather, the stands were full.  In the end of the 10 lap heat, it was Ronca in the 7 with the win, followed by Varin and Tremont.  Both Varin & Tremont gave the fans their money's worth all night long.

Once again, the wiring demons seemed to be at the track during the week and there were problems with one set of lights on the frontstretch.  Using auxiliary lighting the decision was made to get on with the races.  Once all the heats and consis were done they went right into the features with no intermission in an effort to get folks home at a reasonable hour.  Here's the line up for the Mod Feature of 30 Laps:
73----1r
19k---21l
38----23p
711---7
97----10%
3j----115
20c---16
6x----53
9-----49(Billy Dunn)
63c---17
72----1

The early laps saw a number of cautions, lap 1, 5, 6, & 7.  On  the restart on lap 6, it was the 19K, 711, 97, 1r, & 115.  Bobby got the good run out of turn four and going into turn one he got by the 711 for 2nd but Tremont was not being left behind as he got 3rd before the lap 7 caution.  On that restart, Tremont passes Bobby the same way Bobby got by the 711 of JaMike Sowle.  That was the last caution of the night and Bobby chased Tremont as Tremont chased t Paul Kinney.  Once theygot into lapped traffic, things got really close and really exciting.  With about 3 laps to go Bobby made an awesome move outside Tremont in turns 3 & 4 and made it work putting Bobby back into 2nd with still a chance to rundown the leader.  Suddenly, it's over.  Kinney held on for the win over a fast closing 
Varin and Kenny Tremont right on Bobby's back bumper.  What a night to be at the races.  And I can tell ya, every class tonight put on a tremendous show for the fans.  Now, if the weather holds, we will be at Fonda tomorrow for their show.  Hope to see ya all there.  Until tomorrow.......................
  



        Glen Ridge
 Motorsports Park
                      April 15, 2011


Hi Race Fans;

Well, another COLD night at the races. I was still very cold tonight although I did dress warmer than last week.  And I spent some time in the infield sittin in DC's car , using up his gas and suckin up his heat.  I was still COLD!!!  Maybe I'll have to invest in some mittens with little heaters in them.  I don't know.

I am still cold so this will be a short report tonight.  That plus the fact that there isn't really much to "write home about" for the Mod race tonight for Bobby.  He didn't do all that well in the heat race.  Not sure yet what is up with that, but I am confident they will get things figured out.  Here is the feature line up for the 30 lap Modified feature:
6x----10%
16----19K
20c---17
53----1
7-----78
21L---115
1r----711
97----73
72----38
23P
The first caution came out on lap 3 and Bobby  was in 12th.  The green flew for the restart but the yellow came right back out as two cars got together in turn one.  by lap 8 Bobby had moved into 8th and the car looked pretty decent.  the next caution came on lap 15 and he had advanced to 7th.  Restart and caution and another restart.  Caution again on lap 19 with Bobby still in 7th.  The last caution came on lap 28.  One the last lap, coming out of turn 4, Bobby got into 6th only to watch Tremont go flyin by and nip him at the flag so he still finished 7th.  Jackie Brown wired the field tonight and won this one.  Here's the finish:  6x; 16(Willix); 20c; 10%; 1(ronca); 115; 97; 7; 17; 23; 78; 72; 38; 21L; 53; 711; 19k;  73.  

Bobby's next race is scheduled for tomorrow night at the New Fond Speedway, weather permitting.  Until then....................




 
                      New Fonda Speedway,
           Track of Champions, April 9, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, after the lonng wait and all the "iffyness" about the weather,the day started off well and ended well, weather wise.  It was a beautiful day for the races.  Really awesome, and the track was in good condition.  Held up well considering it is opening day.  Dry, hard and slick.  

There were 39 cars in the pits attempting to qualify for the Ice Jam.  Only 28 would ultimately make it into the show. All competitors assembled at the pit shack for a drivers' meeting and following the meeting they drew for position for the heat races.  Bobby did not draw for himself.  Another guy drew for him and did no worse than Bobby usually does.  He didn't do any better either.  Yes, I saw him draw, and no, I will not mention his name.  By the draw, Bobby would start in heat #2.  Here's the lineup.
3j----19
85(lamb)-4*
1g----21J
9s----17
00----14s
It was not a good heat to be starting in the back.  First, a false start which kinda piled things up.   Bobby went pitside for a tire change and back out at the back again, with the 21j of Trombley.   Bobby finishes in 6th, one spot out of qualifying.  This puts him on the outside pole for the 1st consi which he won.  Danny, driving the 93 Magsarus car started 4th  in the first heat, threaded the needle coming down the front stretch and had the lead going into turn one.  He took off like a rabbit and went on to win by a quarter of a track.  

For the feature, they were lined up on the front stretch, introduced by announcer Mike Mallett and strapped into their cars for the 40 lap feature.  Danny Varin was quickest in the heats and got to draw the pill for the inversion.  He drew 10 which started him in 10th.  The top ten cars were inverted and here's how the feature line up looked:
9s----76
1f----6h
4*----2rj
74----66(The Dr.)
3-----93
20----24
42p---17
22J---3d
20c---85(lamb)
91----16
00----11a
1g----22
99l---97(Alan Johnson)
3J----41(davis)

Following the singing of the National Anthem by Mimi Lazzaro the order was given to "start your engines".  There was one parade lap and the next time around the green flagdropped.  Matt Sheppard took off and had the track to himself.  The first caution of the night came on lap 11 with Danny Varin going  pitside during the caution.  Bobby had moved up to 16th.  The start was called back as Freisen took off ahead of the leader.  On the restart Sheppard hangs onto the lead.  Caution for laps 12, 13, & 14.  By this point Bobby was in 14th.  They finally got a good start and there were no more cautions.  By lap 33, the 2 of ronnie Johnson had moved into 2nd and made his move on the inside of Sheppard in turns 3 & 4 and beat him into turn one and took away his line and went on to win the 2011 Ice Jam at Fonda Speedway.  Bobby finished in the 11th position.

Here is the official finish:  2rj; 9s; 1f; 76; 4*; 42p; 66; 20; 99l; 91; 00; 24; 1g; 3d; 6h; 17; 11a; 20c; 93; 41; 22j; 3j; 97; 74; 3; 85; 22.  That's all for tonight.  Bobby's next race is scheduled for next Friday at Glen Ridge.  Hope to see you folks there.

Following the races there were hot laps for cars that showed up plus any that had raced.  The guys brought Danny Varin's sprinter and I hafta to tell ya I was impressed.  Car looked awesome and also looked excellent on the track. That's all for tonight.  Until next time.........




Glen Ridge
 Motorsports Park April 8, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Season opener at the Ridge.  Whoooooooo BABY it's cold outside to froze ALL my extremities.  I mean froze.  It was COLD.  But the racing was awesome tonight.  Kudos to the track management and crew as they really outdid themselves in preparation.  Everything was very good.  The track was good from the getgo, except maybe a bit too fast.  (No joke).  It held up really well all night long.  I mean, for early in the year, first race, and it was awesome.  JMO, of course.

Now to the races.  There were 27 Mods in the pits tonight and a "loaded" group of cars it was.  Invaders included Stew Freisen, Matt Sheppard, Kenny Tremont,  Alan Johnson, and Lance Willix,  along with a good number of regulars.  There  were 3 heats with 9 cars in each heat.  The program was sightly delayed as they had to extricate Eric Nelson from his car and he was transported out by ambulance.  At the same time, a power line was down and the track had to wait for Jim Senzio from Fulton County Electric to arrive with the bucket truck and make repairs.  The backstretch lights were out.  Bobby was in the first heat and here's how they lined up;
20C-----85
1R-----7
6X-----1
711----97
A1
There was one caution in that heat race, Bobby got pinched and bent the tie rod but still managed a 5th place finish.  All cars were going to be qualified so they went with a heads up start.  Here's the feature line up:
20C----1W
9-------711
17-----115
6x-----53
19K---7
16-----3D(Alan Johnson)
97-----16
66-----1
22-----1X
18-----78
21-----72
3J-----38

By lap 4 Bobby was moving forward and was in the 10th spot.  The first caution came out on lap 10 and Varin was now 9th.  The next caution came on lap 15 and Bobby was in 7th.  The final caution of the night came at the lap 28 mark and Bobby was outside the 115 of Tremont when the yellow flew.  With two laps left, no passing before the cone, there just wasn't enough time for Bobby to move up and he finished a solid 5th place.  Stew looked to have a lock on the win but with 3 to go, Matt Sheppard got underneath him between turns 3 & 4 and oming off the 4th turn motoed away to the win, followed by Stewart, Hanson, Tremont, Varin and Jamike Sowle.  

I am still cold, it is getting late so I will sign off for now.  Tomorrow is the New Fonda Speedway Ice Jam 2011.  Weather looks like it will cooperate so I hope to see you all there.  I am sure that in addition to the invaders tonight at the Ridge, tomorrow will see even more like Hearn, Decker, Pat Ward, and others.  Until tomorrow



    New Egypt Speedway
, 60 Laps
                  March 26, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Well, my arrangements to go to NES fell through so I stayed home in the nice warm house.  Good job to those who did brave the cold and the wind.  Since I was not there, I can only give you what I do have.  Bobby was in the 3rd heat.  They were qualifying three from each heat with the top 2 going to the redraw.  Bobby finished in the 3rd spot thus qualifying for the big show.  He would be starting in the 14th starting position.  After the 3 consis were run with 2 cars making the show from each consi, and after the redraw, here is the line up for the feature of 60 laps:
Bellinger-----R. Pratt
Freisen------Sheetz
the Dr.-------Buffalino
W. Osmun---B. Decker
Howard------Watt
Pauch, Sr----Strunk
McClelland---Varin
Murtz---------M. Iles
Hearn--------Ward
Laubach------G. Butler
Scagliotta----Tompkins
Sheppard----Van Horn
There were 5 buy-in provisionals
Horton-------Cozze, Jr
Gular---------Drayton
Justin Holland--Wade Hendrickson turned down a buy-in

Track was tough today but they kept working on it.  When the green flew, the 8r of Bellinger lead 1st 2 laps and Stew blew by for the ead on lap 3, with the Dr. knocking on 2nd by lap 6.  The 1st caution comes out on lap 10 With Stew in the lead and Dr 2nd, Varin 10th.  Caution comes out again right after the Dr got the lead and it goes back to Stew.  Here's how they were running: Stew, Dr , Osmun, Bellinger, Decker, Pratt, Watt, Strunk, Varin & Hearn.  Another caution on lap 15, Stew, Dr, Osmun, Strunk, Decker,Pratt, Varin,  Hearn, Iles, Cozze, Jr, and Horton.  On lap 29, its Dr, Stew, Osmun, Strunk,Decker, Varin, Watt, Hearn, Cozze, Jr, Horton.   On Lap 40 it's still the Dr, Stew, Osmun, Watt, horton, Varin, Decker, Iles, Cozze, Hearn.  Caution on lap 44 for a spinning Osmun who takes Varin with him.  They are both able to continue.  Ward moves into the top 10 for the first time today.  Another caution on lap 45 and   most everybody is running the top.  On lap 48 it's still the Dr. Strunk, Stew, Horton, Decker, Cozze, Hearn, Varin and Ward.   Big surprise on lap 50 as the Dr gets a left rear flat.  Lots of shakin up but at lap 60, the top 10 are Strunk, Horton, Decker, Stew Freisen, Watt, Varin, Dr. Hearn and Ward finishes out the top 10

Sorry, but that's all I have.  Not a bad finish for Bobby who came back from a spin on lap 44 to finish 6th in the final run down.  Bobby's next race will be th Ice Jam Opener at Fonda Speedway.  Hope to see y'all there.  Actually, hoping we can race on April 9, 2011(I think that's the date).  Until then............................




Selinsgrove Speedway
, March 18-19, 2011

Hi Race Fans,

Well, Friday was a beautiful day for racing.  The temperature was near 70F.  Now that right there is t-shirt weather.  And t-shirts were very much in evidence as you walked around.  I was not there, so I can only tell you what "they" told me.  There were 50 something race cars ready for the small block portion of the weekend.  Bobby was scheduled to start on the outside pole in the 6th heat.  And that's exactly where he started.  However,  that did not last long, as the motor began making a "popping" noise and he had to shut it down.  When they got the car in the pits and took the bonnet off, they discovered that the distributor cap had split in half.  So, on to the consi where Bobby was scheduled to start 4th in the 3rd consi.  And he did, and unfortunately, the same thing happened again.  Once the car was back in the pit area they went to work on it and got it fixed again.  These guys worked hard!.  Sooooooooo, went out for the last chance race.  While running 3rd, he was forced to drop out again with motor problems.  Well, phooey!

OK, now it is Saturday.  March 19,2011.  Wow, what a change in weather.  It got cold!  Well, colder anyway.  My friend, Bob T and I made the trip down and arrived at the track about 1 PM.  We walked around the pits a bit then settled in the Toter home.  It was MUCH warmer in there.  Well, I did.  He is younger than me!  Had to vacate the pits and then sign in for the day.  Then things started to liven up, with the guys getting the car ready to go out for hot laps.  And, under hot lap conditions the car was FAST.  In fact, I am told he had the fastest lap of the afternoon.  For hot laps.  But, if I remember correctly, hot laps don't pay much!    There were issues with the motor.  The carb/plugs were not right.  The guys went to work to try and correct that problem but it would follow him all afternoon.

When the heat race line ups came down, Bobby was starting 3rd in the 6th heat.  I believe there were about 60 big blocks in the pits hence 6 heat races.  The top 3 woud qualify and the top 2 go to the redraw. Here's the line up for Bobby's heat:
88c(Pauch, Jr.)-79
10v-------------99
357-------------44C
0(pratt)---------42B
71----------------4

When the green flag flew, they took off.  With his motor still sluggish, Bobby was in 4th as they completed the 1st lap.  He managed to work his way past the 3rd place runner and finished in 3rd, the last qualifying spot.  this would put him in the 18th starting spot for the feature.  When it was time for the feature, the line up looked like this:
42P-----23
77X-----89b
1C------1F
88C-----14
99H-----41
8R------20
99L-----97T
673-----66(DJ)
91------10V
85------1P(Pauch, SR)
0------- 1X
8--------517  The last 6 cars were qualified from the 3 consis.  There were 6 cars added to the feature: 7(Laubach), 9s, 16x, 15, 42B.

There were about 9 caution laps in this 40 lap race, one of which was a red flag as two cars, 42B and 1X got up-side-down.  I believe the drivers were ok, but their mounts suffered greatly!  On the next to last restart, Stew suffered the loss of his left rear wheel going into turn 2 ending his night.  He had alternately run between 2nd and 3rd and was following the 2nd place car of Pat Ward when his mishap occurred.  On the last restart, the motor didn't pick up quickly enough and Bobby slipped from 8th to 11th.  Still, not bad.  He finished the race.  Planck won, followed by Pat Ward. But both of them were DQed for being light.  My friend and I beat feet out of there and at 8 PM were at the stop light in Selinsgrove.  Took us until 9:30 to go the 31 miles up to I80.  Yes, we stopped for fuel, (truck and me) and then we were on our way.  Arrived home about 1 AM.  OK, folks, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!.  Next weekend it is on to New Egypt Speedway and a 60 lap race.  Hope to see you there.  Until then................................
OH, P.S.--I am only allowed to say that just before the feature got under way there was a problem in the Toter and we were not able to get in for a while.  And I am still laughing.  hahahahahahahahahahaha.  I am ROFLOL.  That's all I can say




 More News From Florida Trip February, 2011

Hi Race Fans;

Just a bit about Bobby and Danny in the # 10 Commercial Roofing Cars.  When they got there on Tuesday, DTD and Outlaw Photos had made arrangements for the two cars to join the annual parade at Daytona Beach, FL.  I was not able to be there for this awesome opportunity, but it sure was nice of the DTD guys to make this happen.  I have talked with George, aka Outlaw Photos and he has some excellent photos for this eye opening event showing the excitement of those who were at the parade.  He has agreed to put a series of photos on Bobby's web site which can be viewed as a slide show.  Sure hope you enjoy the pictures.  You know what they say, "a picture is worth a thousand words". 



    February 19, 2011, Volusia Speedway Park
                   De Leon Springs, Florida


Hi Race Fans;         


Greetings form the state of Florida.  The weather has been nearly perfect. We have enjoyed 4 straight nights of Big Block Modifed racing.  Just awesome!  This last night of racng at Volusia was a 50 lap feature for both the Outlaw LM and the Mods.  We have certainly enjoyed our stay down here. Bobby and Danny have worked hard on their respective cars and I have seen improvements each night.  Tonight 
Was no exception.  Dan was in the first heat and here's the line up:
9S-----8
48Too--1X
4------10V
27J---21K
1G----T21
The top six qualifiers were 9S; 1X; 8' 48Too; 27J; 4.  Danny was solidly in a qualifying spot when the right rear started going flat. He slipped back to finish 7th and then went out and won the consi going away.
Qualifiers from the 2nd heat =1F; 20; 07; 8r; 711; 7
Bobby started on the pole of the 3rd heat by virtue of setting fast time in his group.  Here's the lin up:
10V---34
74----33
10(TC)--5
23----3D
97
Bobby won his heat, followed by the 74; 3D; 23; 34; 5.

Top six drew again tonight but Bobby broke tradition by drawing the pole.  Here's the line up:
10V----1F
20----1X
74----9S
8-----07
3D----48Too
8R----23
27J---711
34----4
7-----5
10V---79
21K---10(TC)
97----42B
1G----T21
33----19H
11
On the Parade Lap, Matt Shepherd was trying to get some heat in his tires and got into the back of the 1X of Decker and got a flat right front tire as well as other damage .  He was consequently unable to start the race.

We are racing!  Bobby grabs the lead off turn four but Stew fights back to lead lap one.  Caution on lap5, Top 5 are 1F, 10V,20, 1X, 74
On the restart Freisen continues to lead and on lap 7 Bobby uses the high side in turn four to grab the lead. He maintains the lead until the caution flies on lap 14.  Top 5 are  10V, 1F, 20, 1X, 74. On this restart  Freisen grabs the lead and holds on for the next few laps and the 8R gets into the mix.  At lap 16 caution the top 5 are: 1F, 10V, 8R, 74, 20.  Same for caution at lap 18.  Shortly after the caution of lap 19, Bobby grabs the lead back from Stew and leads until about lap 40.  At this point, Stew gets by Bobby again and holds on for the win.  Bobby 2nd, Hearn 3rd, Fuller 4th and Laubach 5th.  That's all I have  for tonight.  Will try to keep you all updated now as to where he is racing and when.  Until next time.................................................

   
 


    February 18, 2011, Volusia Speedway Park
                      De Leon Springs, Florida


Hi Race Fans;

Well, race #3  is now in the books and there was another winner again tonight.  Three nights of racing and three winners.  There were 30 cars in the pits for the Mods tonight, and 29 actually raced.  For the first time this week, Bobby andDanny were in different heats.  Danny was scheduled to go off  in the first heat and here is the line up.  Top 6 qualify and the rest to the consi:
7-----48Too
8r----21K
07----10V
1X----5
79----T21
Danny got a good start for this heat race and went from 6th to 4th and that's where he finished.  Awesome job Dan!  Here's the to 6 qualifiers: 7; 48Too; 8r; 10V; 07; 5.  Bobby was scheduled for Heat race #2 and here's how they lined up:
9S----10bv
34----10(currier)
42B---8(Scag.)
1F----97
23----4
Tonight in the heat race Matt Shepherd tried everything to get by Bobby but it didn't happen.
The top 6 qualifiers in finishing order: 10bv; 9s; 34; 8; 1f; 10(currier).
The top 6 for heat #3= 27J; 74; 20; 711; 3D; 33.

The feature rolled out about 8:55 and was given the green flag at 9 PM.  The top 2 from each heat drew for starting position and so Bobby started 6th.  Naturally!  Here's the feature line up:
48Too----27J
74---------7
9S--------10bv
8r---------34
20---------10V
8-----------711
07---------1F
3D---------5
10(currier)33
1X---------21K
97--------11
23-------42B
1G-------19
T21------4
79.
The first caution flag was shown on lap 2.  Laubach had a flat.  Danny had problems and pulled into the pits.  Top 4 at this point was 27J, 74; 9S; & 10bv.  While he continued to run in or near the top 5, nothing was settled until the checkers flew.  The 2nd caution came on lap 8 and Bobby was 5th.  Another caution flew on lap 20 with Brett Hearn the leader and Danny Johnson in 2nd, and Bobby was back to 6th.  On the restart the Dr. left early and that was called back for another restart.  This tiime Brett took off like a jet and did not get snookered like he did on the first restart.  Bobby moved back into 5th.  The final caution of the night came on lap 21.  The top 6 were 20, 9S; 27J; 10bv; and the 74 of Fuller.  When the checkers flew, the top 5 were 20; 9S; 27J; 1F; 10bv and 8r.  That's all I have.

So three nights of racing completed.  One night left.  And today was another of those beautiful days we have been having.   Not really looking forward to heading back north, for sure.  Until tomorrow night then..................................



   February 17, 2011,  Volusia Speedway Park
                 De Leon Springs, Florida


Hi Race Fans;

Well, today we celebrated a couple of birthdays. My oldest turned 45 today.  Guess that makes me older than dirt.  We decided that since the weather was so awesome we would spend the day relaxing on a boat ride.  So we rented a pontoon boat for a few hours and putted up the St. Johns River.  Packed a lunch and took off.  Hoping to see an alligator or two.  Saw a Lot of turtles.  That means I was spending alot of time wondering how to snag a couple and make some soup.  The turtles must have read my mind as they just went off and hid as soon as we got close.  We also had a close encounter with a much larger beast.  Some Florida alligators.  One was huge (9 foot) and when we got too close (about 3 or 4 feet) he just jumped our way off the bank and into the water under the boat.  Wish ou could have seen the looks of the ladies faces when that happened.  :D  They yelped and jumped backwards at the same time.  We actually saw a couple of BIG gators and overall had a great time sightseeing on the river.  But this is about racing, not what we do for fun during the day. 

Once again the track  crew got things done in good time.  Watched Scot Bloomquist win the 50 lap Late Model race and then the Mods. There were 3 heat races again tonight and both Bobby and Danny were in the same heat race.  Tonight, Bobby and Danny were in the 3rd heat race and  here's the lineup for that heat:
9s------1X
1F------10V (Dan)
19------10 Bobby
20-------5 (Horton)
1G, Green.
There was one caution on  lap one and when it was over and the checkered flag flew  here's how they finished:  9S; 1x  10; 1F; 5; 20.  Danny finished 7th, one spot out and had to qualify through the consi which he did by finishing 3rd. 

The 30 lap Mod feature followed the 50 Outlaw LM and was finished by about 10:45. Here's the lineup for the feature:

1X------48T00
8R------74
9S------34
11------8
10V----21K
27J-----1F
02------23
5-------3D
97------20
7-------10
10V----711
33-----07
1G-----42B
 There were about 5 cautions during the race.  In the end, it was Matt Shepherd for the win, followed by Stew Freisen, Decker, Hearn, Bachetti, and Bobby. 

Tomorrow is another new day for some more RR.  Wish u could all be here but I know that's just not feasible.  Not sure what wee will do yet, but we sure are enjoying the fine weather.  Until tomorrow........................................  



           Volusia  Speedway  Park, Florida

Greetings Race Fans,

Well, it has been a while since I have actually written anything about racing.  Bobby was honored at various banquets last fall.  Now, it is time to go racing.  Well, not until I remind a "certain" announcer that Bobby has amassed 6 (read six) championships at the New Fonda Speedway, not 5.  OK, now for the racing. 

Greetings from warm and sunny Volusia, Florida.  This year, so far, has been the exact opposite of our experiences in recent years.  Seems like the high has been in the mid 40s, and maybe touching 50 once.  VERY cold in the evening.  This year, it has been lovely.  Yesterday, in   the 70's.  It was a nice day to take a spin at the beach.  I guess Bobby's foot slipped and he went from 0 to 60 too fast and  the Beach Security were going to give him a ticket for speeding on the beach.  Maximum speed is 15mph.  That kid!  Hahahahahaha.

Ok, as soon as I have something for tonight, I will be putting it up here.  Ok, the first day of racing is complete and .  we were done about 10:30.  Kudos to the track crew and staff at Volusia Speedway Park.  They put on a great show and it took a little less than 3 hours.  71 LM and 31 Mods.  3 heats for the Mods and 5 for the LM(I think).  Anyway, good job.

When the mods pulled into the track they drew a number for which heat they would be in.  Their hot laps were then timed for the heat race lineups.  Bobby and Danny were both in the same heat,  as were Brett Hearn, Danny Johnson, Tim Fuller, Andy Bachetti and other hot shoes.  A stacked heat for the Varins.  Danny timed better than Bobby but still not that well.  He started 7th in the heat and Bobby started last.  On the first lap, Bobby went into turn one on the top and passed enough cars to put himself into a position to qualify and when the checkered flag flew he had grabbed the last qualifying spot relegating Danny and the rest to the consi..  Danny did well in the consi and finished 4th.  They were taking 8.

Here's the feature lineup:
20,  Hearn-    711, Mike Iles(?)
7, Laubach-   8, Rob Bellinger
27J, Dr. J.-    23, Billy Van ?
48too, Raucher-  8, Rich Scagliotta
34, Bachetti-- 11, Dan E.
3D, Matty D-   10, Bobby Varin
10, Tim Currier-33, Ray Swinehardt
1X. Decker-     5, Horton
22C. Mario Claire- 10V, Danny Varin
1G, D. Green-  07, Tim K.
79, ?-             19H, Cris Higgins.

I actually tried to do a video of the race but I'm not sure anybody will ever see it.  If I do show it, y'all are gonna get sick tryin to watch it.  From his 16th starting spot, Bobby worked his way into the top 10 by the halfway point.  On a lap 14 restart I noticed his left rear quarter panel flopping in the breeze!  It stayed on for the rest of the rest of the race but I am quite sure it didn't help having that dragging him down.  When the checkered flag flew, Bobby came across the finish line in the 6th spot.  Not a bad start to the week!  Danny was involved in an early race altercation with another car and was unable to finish the race.  Still, he did get to start.

The top 6 finishers were, 1F(freisen) with a last lap pass on Brett the Jet.  Brett finished 2nd, then I believe it was the 27J of the Dr., the 74 of Fuller, the 9S of Matt S., and the 10 of Bobby Varin. 

That is the way it was tonight.  The weather was still nice.  I only wore a light jacket tonight and it was enough.  More for y'all tomorrow night.  Until then..................................




                       February 13, 2011

    Bobby and his son Danny are enroute to compete down at Volusia Speedway at the Dirt Car Nationals. They will be driving for Ken Saya in the Commercial Roofing #10's Check Back during the week for their results.   Also check out the new 2010 photo album



The following article is taken from a post at DTD.  It is used by permission of the author, Matt Noles, a part time member of Dave Lape's crew, and journalist. It is complete and not modified in any way.

Bobby Varin
Clone, by definition, is one that copies or closely resembles another, as in appearance or function. Normally this word would not come up in everyday conversation when it comes to dirt racing in the Northeast. In all actuality, outside of publications such as Popular Science or 21st Century Science and Technology, this word would never be associated with anything or anyone that goes fast and turns left on a weekly basis. However, every once in a while there are exceptions. Every once in a while someone comes along and bends all the rules of normalcy. Every once in a while someone breaks the mold, breaks the stereotype of their respective generation, and throws all who are watching back into a former time; a former era where coming from nothing meant everything, where working harder meant going faster and being smarter than your competitor. Sometimes a driver comes along at a time when they are needed most, more than you thought you’d ever realize.

Some individuals are destined to be different, destined to be great, and destined to be considered as something that should be a revered stereotype, not a negative. Some racers are simply known as throwbacks, a sudden reminder of the past. A past that makes you smile, a past that you yearn to go back to, a past where you remember things being better, and being more worthwhile. A place and time where the grit on your hands and the sweat on your brow made you a better person, a better driver for that matter, not the size of your checking account or the amount of chrome on your hauler. On August 22, 1970, a person who fits the very definition from the urban dictionary was born; a man with a scarecrow physique and a heavy right foot who has more knowledge of what it takes to make it to the top than most of his generation. This person who seems more mythical than real, this man who appears to be more fiction than fact, this driver who the sport needs more of, would be none other than Bobby Varin.

Back in the summer of 1989 dirt modified racing as we knew it was undergoing rapid and radical changes. Chassis design was becoming more experimental, bodies were changing from the Gremlin-style to the full tin monsters that we now consider normal, and Bobby Varin was going to college. He didn’t enroll in any normal university, certainly not any academic institution like most would consider. He could have gone to Albany, Troy, Hudson Valley, and other establishments of the sort, and yet he did not. Would it have been easier to go to an institution with professors who held office hours? Would it have been better to have been surrounded by your fellow freshman and peers for study sessions? Absolutely. However, that is not the road to greatness that Bobby chose. Instead he went to school at FMCC and a little university in Fonda, New York where class was in session weekly and taught by some of the best. Professors by the name of Lazzaro, Johnson, and Lape held an iron grip on the class room and Bobby had quite literally no choice but to sink or swim.

To understand why someone is a certain way, you have to understand where they came from. Born in upstate New York, it’s no secret that the families who lived there didn’t have much money. In fact, most of them spent their time working on dairy farms and struggling to make ends meet. There weren’t luxuries that we now take for granted. People who grew up working on farms learned these lessons early. One of the most important lessons any individual could learn would be this; making do with what you have, which in all reality is a virtue that many people have forgotten, yet one individual from Sharon Springs had not. Racing equipment that most drivers of the time considered to be worn out tired, and in need of replacement, Bobby was using or repairing to make it his own.

There was a time at the start of his career that Bobby was laughed at. A point in time where people saw this young, 18 year old, lanky kid and figured after a year or two he would be out of the cockpit and back on the farm. There was a time at the start of his career that his racing attire and his car had the same amount of duct tape applied to keep them together. Not having any budget or any ability to buy the necessary safety equipment, Bobby picked up a pair of badly worn down driving shoes, taped them together, and hopped in the car on a Saturday night. 200 mile per hour tape had just been re-invented and became throttle and brake tape. As if that wasn’t enough, Bobby had to work on his hauler truck twice as hard as his car on a Saturday night just so he could make it back home at the end of the evening. Where most people would have given up, where most people would have held their head in shame, Bobby just lowered his and kept on trying. Looking back on it now, we should be thankful that his tenacity outweighed his ego or this story would have ended tragically early.

Fast forward a few years to the summer of 1995, a year which would become an important mark for many fans and competitors alike. The Skoal Super Dirt Series race at Fonda Speedway would mark the arrival of a future superstar. From duct tape to victory lane, in six years mind you, against the best in the business, Bobby Varin had finally reached vindication. The tough times, the struggles, the break downs, and everything else that comes with racing on a negative budget became more valuable than shameful. Like the Motown express, the hits didn’t just stop there, they kept on coming. Bobby would go on to win the pole at Syracuse in 1998, win his first Fonda Speedway title in 2000, and pick up the coveted Eastern States 200 victory in 2003. With 46 wins and 6 Fonda titles, Bobby has also won at Utica-Rome, Syracuse, Fulton, Weedsport, New Egypt, Rolling Wheels, and Malta.

Statistics are merely numbers; collected lists of mathematical data which do nothing more than prove what a person, what a driver has accomplished. As wonderful as the numbers may be when looking at an individual, it isn’t what defines them. When it comes to Bobby, you have to look at the person to understand why the sport needs more drivers like him. There is a simple explanation to why he should be cloned, why for the sake of our sport there is an unyielding and resolute need for another man similar to him. He’s real, period. End of discussion and argument. Like the legends of our sport, he has come from nothing. He has gone about racing the right way, the hard way, the way it ought to be done, not the way most “drivers” arrive in our sport in modern times.

There are two types of racers in this world. There are individuals who know how to operate a racecar, and then there are people who know how to drive it. Bobby Varin is the latter of the two. He isn’t a cookie cutter, he hasn’t just been popped out of a mold, and he certainly isn’t a product of parents with the dreaded “go-kart syndrome” which has afflicted the sport with many boring, clean cut, dry individuals who claim to be racers. With Bobby, what you see is always what you are going to get. He is not going to spare feelings; he’s going to be up front, truthful, and honest to the point of being callous. Some people in our politically correct society find this to be rude, mean, and wrong on so many levels it’s actually quite ludicrous. It’s refreshing to know that there is a driver, a man in the sport who will leave it all on the track, who won’t pretend to be something he’s not, who will drive the wheels off of any equipment he straps into and won’t make any excuses for any lackluster performances. The current generation of future modified stars need to take notice, they need to learn how to succeed the way Bobby has because if they do not, the very foundation in which our sport was founded, the way our sport was conceived will crumble and be lost forever. Bobby Varin truly is the last of the “gray beards” though he is only 40 years of age, he could very well be one of the men on steel horses that saves dirt modified racing from itself, and from extinction. He truly is Lazzaro, Lape, Johnson, and Coville all wrapped into one. Could you honestly think of a better combination?

Is Bobby Varin embarrassed about his past? Is he ashamed about how his career started? Those questions are not mine, nor will they ever be, to answer. From duct tape to track champion, Bobby has done what many never expected him to do. His story, his meager beginnings are the things legends are made of. Am I saying that Bobby Varin is a legend? No I’m not; however, as the inevitable march of time continues, as his accomplishments and exploits continue to grow and are told to younger fans, he may at a later time be counted among the greats. The sport needs him, the sport needs more like him, and there is no way to dispute that fact. Whether you love him or hate him, whether you cheer for him or cheer against him, you appreciate him. You appreciate where Bobby came from. You appreciate his raw unadulterated talent, his honesty, and his ability to draw your attention. Whether you rise from your seats to yell at him or to yell for him, he has you captivated, glued, and wondering what he is going to do next.

I’ve noticed a trend in racing, dirt racing in particular actually, which many fans and competitors will find terrifying. Racers don’t seem to hit their stride; they don’t seem to come into their prime years in the sport until they are in their early forties. If this is the case, if I’m correct in this statement, God only knows what Bobby Varin is yet to accomplish; however I think all fans of the sport can agree on this, it’s going to be one hell of a ride finding out.

Matt Noles