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Vacations are Under-Rated
The Infield by Paul Pittman
Stevens Point, WI (Feb 26, 2005): Last weekend was exactly what the doctor
ordered, so to speak. As promised, we were off to do anything except sit in
front of a computer. Stop #1 came at Scott Cowman’s “Pit Stop Pizza” in
Sheboygan. With the BLT craving now fulfilled (and it was worth the drive), it
was off to Howards Grove to make a stop at the Snapper Motorsports
fund-raiser.
To say that the team is well received in this small town is another
under-statement. While we did get directions to JB’s Entertainment Center
from Scott, we sure didn’t need them as there were plenty of signs up to
guide one to the BRAT-FRY, not to mention the huge “BRAT FRY HERE!” sign
that greeted those driving by. Leave it to my three-year old though to see the
race car parked out front on display though as we drove up. (Later that
evening she disclosed her wish to become a race car driver when she grows up,
an exclamation I felt sure would get me a firm fist planted somewhere on my
body).
The atmosphere was as jovial and relaxed as the team itself and to be honest,
it was refreshing to see just how much fun could be had in a “business
related” environment. I say that because the bottom line is that racing at
this level is still a business and being creative is a necessary evil. Snapper
Motortsports have that covered. Ed and Theresa Gifford were present and as I
later learned, for good reason. Ed’s dedication to his own team often leads
to other teams reaping various benefits and this year, Tim and Ty were able to
take advantage of two new chassis from the wandering printer.
“We try to help out as many as we can, especially in these type of
situations,” stated Gifford candidly. “Our program saw us upgrading our
chassis and as it happened, we had these two available, one of which had not
even turned a lap yet. We offered them to the Bartz’s and now, here they
sit.”
Ty was extremely happy with the arrangements made to procure the new rides for
05. “We are sitting in probably the best situation as we’ve been in a long
time. I can’t say enough about Ed and Theresa and their help. They are
really great people to be with and work with.” Tim Bartz, who was busy
serving up brats to the throng, echoed Ty’s sentiments and commented that
this allowed them to now concentrate on their motor program, which was also
moving forward with Wesmar. Bidding an all too soon farewell, it was off to
find the motel.
Aside from someone forgetting to turn on the heat in the pool, (the spa
however definitely made up for it), it was relaxation time! One final trip for
the evening found us at Scott Cowman’s shop where his new 53 foot hauler
(under construction) was examined along with a look at Mike Reinke’s new
car, as well as the “veteran” car responsible for his 3 IRA wins in
2004.
One of the topics of discussion centered on Cowman’s decision to get back
into promoting races, as he is promoting the July 3rd IRA date at Luxemburg
(WI). “I like it and I missed not doing it for the past few years,” then
shrugging his shoulders with a characteristic smile, you knew it was just
something else that involved racing that he was able to contribute in an
effort to help. That’s Scott! “The date was open and it’s right after
the Plymouth IRA date (July 2nd), so it was a natural decision. I approached a
couple tracks and Luxemburg stepped up. They had an IRA show a while back, so
they are familiar with the whole thing. Besides, I just like it.” Another
smile and it was time to turn the conversation in a different direction.
The snow that greeted us on Sunday morning for our return trip home had at
least “The Pizza Man” smiling as his final comments on Saturday night was
that he hoped it snowed, pointing to three “snow ready” snowmobiles
parked, anxiously awaiting the white stuff. For my part, snow is still a
four-letter word, so we trudged through the slush back to the house, just in
time to see the green flag fall at Daytona. Now. How relaxing is that?
News and Notes from the Infield:
2005 looks to be every bit as competitive as any season on record, and
that’s just within the core of the organization. Teams are busy preparing
for the 2005 season, and many have stepped up their programs in anticipation
of what should be a banner year for the IRA. A record point fund has been
promised by IRA President Steve Sinclair as bumper to bumper Auto Parts and
Service Centers continues its long association with the club, along with
United Trailers and Gleason Equipment. (It’s still Howie. Just using the
actual racing end now makes more sense.)
A recent trip to MAXIM Chassis by Steve and Howie summed up the plans of many
teams who have already purchased new Maxims for 05. Three more new chassis to
Osborn Trucking for their efforts (a 3-car effort at times). 2004 Champ Scotty
Neitzel, 2002 Champ John Haeni, Steve Meyer, Dave Uttech, Billy Warren, Scott
Uttech and “Do-Rag Racing” (Bob Dwork and Mike Stefka). Picture that one.
Mike Stefka in a new Maxim! Those are just the new ones that we know of. Add
to this the number of teams upgrading to newer equipment such as Rusty Egan,
Bill Wirth and Billy Balog (who with Brian Coleman have now bought 2 of Scotty
Neitzel’s chassis), it should be a year of high expectations. Add to this
mixture Scott Cowman and Snapper Motorsports upgrades (which I covered
earlier), new equipment for Ed Gifford who, in addition to selling chassis to
the Bartz’s, also sold one to Brian Kristan, and Jason Johnson. Johnson,
Kristan, Bartz will be a strong representation of the recent J&J Chassis
re-surgence in the IRA, ushering in a new sponsorship agreement between the
IRA and J&J Auto Racing. Now, add a couple new Avengers to Scott
Biertzer’s stable as well as Jim Melis and others and what you have is a
recipe for excitement involving many different chassis manufacturers, a lot of
pride and just for the heck of it, let’s throw some fun in there too.
Wow, all this and we’re still a good month and a half away from the season
opener. Keep in mind, it’s a non-points show in Oskaloosa on April 16th, and
for teams wishing to get a few laps in prior to that, the Knoxville Raceway
will be holding a practice day the day before. The first “Points” show of
the season will be the Rick Schmidt Memorial at the Dodge County Fairgrounds
on April 30th.
As we keep building momentum towards 2005, TEAMS, don’t forget to keep me
updated as well as I am also gearing up for the season. With all of the
changes, I want to make sure that as much of the information the fans get is
correct right out of the box. Please send it to me at arppix@arppix.com.
Besides, it does make for good reading as the body starts to get ready for
things to come.
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