Tax Deductions, Missing Memorabilia, HOF, & Other Stuff

Sam Ard Donations Can Be Tax Deductible

　
If you’re looking for a tax deduction for next year, you can donate to the Sam Ard Care Fund through Motor Racing Outreach (MRO) at:
　
Samuel J. Ard Care Fund
M.R.O.
Smith Tower Suite 405
555 Concord Parkway South
Concord, NC 28027

　

Ramo Stott Memorabilia Still Missing

 

　
Still no word or any leads on the Ramo Stott memorabilia that was stolen from the Stott household in Iowa. There is still a reward for the arrest and conviction of the dirt bags who stole it.
　
Spinning the Ratings Numbers
　
NA$CAR’s latest “spin” has to do with the ratings numbers. If they moved a race from one weekend to another, but there was still a race on, then the numbers are still valid. For example, if race #5 of this season is measured against race #5 of last season, then the numbers comparison should be valid. However, because the race locations may be a week earlier or later than last season, the numbers are being skewed to show that this season race at Talladega for example is up versus last year’s race even though they’re not on the same weekend. “Flip it on full spin cycle boys, we want those numbers to look good”.
　
Nielsen Media Research estimates there are 115.9 million television households in the U.S.A. "Household Rating" is an expression of the percentage of households tuned in to any show at a given time. Therefore, a 1.0 rating would equal an average of 1.159 million households were watching during the program.
　
　
2012 HOF Nominees


The announcement was made for next years HOF nominees. And once again I’ll say that Raymond Parks Jr and Red Byron should be inducted. They should’ve both been inducted in the first class. Without the financing of Raymond Parks Jr’s moonshine, Bill France Sr would’ve had to fold up his tent and gone home. In the tradition of real sports, Red Byron should’ve been inducted in the 1^st class as he was the first champion. But as this is about family oriented sports entertainment and Faux King Brian doing his best to sever the ties of moonshine and the South to the origins, revising history, and making of what was once a sport, both of them lost out.
　 　
After those two, here’s where it gets tricky. There are a lot of worthy folks on the list. The Wood Brothers who revolutionized the pit stop. Two time Grand National and American Motorcycle Association Champion Joe Weatherly. Two time champion Herb Thomas, who’s career was ended early thanks to Carl Kiekhaefer because Herb changed teams and Kiekhaefer was irate about it and had Herb intentionally taken out during a race in Shelby NC after which Herb was never quite the same. Two time Grand National champion Tim Flock who was blackballed by Bill France Sr along with Curtis Turner for trying to form a badly needed drivers’ union which is still needed today is another worthy candidate. There are some sentimental favorites for me on the list. Fireball Roberts, NASCAR’s first real superstar, who was my hero as a kid. Hometown hero Curtis Turner. NASCAR’s original Golden Boy Fred Lorenzen. Cotton Owens who was a success as both an owner and driver and was selected as one of NASCAR’s Top 50 drivers. But despite the accomplishments and contributions of some of these early legends, they won’t make it in because they don’t have the “name recognition” or “star quality” that Faux King Brian is lusting after. Some still have the heavy taint of “redneck”, “Southerner”, and “moonshine” to their names and legends which the Revisionists, PC crowd, and Faux King Brian despise so much. We have one driver who could be selected because of his ethnic background, and no, I’m not going to mention his name because that would be used by Faux King Brian‘s Diversity Program as yet another sham showpiece and actually dishonor the driver. Pick who you want and vote for them. Drop an e-mail to Dustin Long as he’s one of the voting members and let him know who you think should be in the 2012 class and why.
　
IndyCar Moving Forward
　
While the dinosaur that is NASCAR still continues on with it’s generic race vehicles and will eventually embrace 1980’s engine technology with the TBI (Throttle Body Injection) system, IndyCar is bringing in engine manufacturers who are using current, state-of-the-art engine technology and will be moving away from their generic 1980’s Dallara bodies to a variety of body styles next season. According to Autoextremist owner/writer Peter De Lorenzo, “Because the buzz at Long Beach wasn't about how great the ALMS is, it was about how many quality teams from the ALMS and Grand-Am were seriously considering giving IndyCar a shot in 2012”. This could boost the car count for IndyCar to levels where they could actually have to resort to “go or go home” qualifying procedures and hurt the Grand-Am Series, which is owned by NA$CAR, because of it‘s dwindling car counts under the “leadership“ of Jim France, Faux King Brian‘s uncle, and the real lack on interest by NA$CAR in the Grand-Am Series and the incorporation of NA$CAR‘s “techniques“ to generate artificial excitement. What’s it going to take to get NA$CAR into the 21^st Century, run relevant engine technology, and have race vehicles that actually resemble their street counterparts? A walk-out by the Big 3, which they have threatened to do if NA$CAR doesn’t get off their slower than molasses rear ends and start making the cars readily brand identifiable as either a Mustang, Challenger, or Impala.
　
Another Woman to Drive in the Indy 500
　
Conquest Racing has announced that they will be fielding a car for Pippa Mann. This means that the Indy 500 field will have 3 female racers and one female celebrity in the field. Folks don’t know it because Pippa’s not a celebrity but she was the first woman to sit on the pole at IMS and did it in the Indy Light cars. Pippa will be joined by drivers Simona De Silvestro and Ana Beatriz and female celebrity the Queen of Hype.
　
IndyCar to Bid Bye Bye to the QoH Next Season
　
It’s looking like the Queen of Hype won’t be back in the IndyCar Series next season based on what sources are telling me. She’ll be spending next season promoting her branding and marketing in NA$CAR full-time instead of the current part-time branding and marketing schedule she’s had the last two seasons. If the branding and marketing schedule on BSPN turned your stomach the last 2 seasons, just wait til next season when it‘s all Danican‘t all the time on BSPN.
　
No Problems at Talladega for Robby

Robby had his Fast 5/Speed Energy show car and souvenir hauler at Talladega and didn’t have a single problem with his show car being towed, being banned from the I$C tracks, or being accused of “ambush marketing” which is also used by a home improvement company, a car manufacturer, a certain cell phone provider who is the only one allowed thanks to the exclusivity agreement, and the “fine” folks at Focks who employ ambush marketing every time they shill for one certain auto manufacturer who owns Jabber Jaws, certain drivers who are brand names by themselves, the official fuel provider, the official tire provider, and every time they slip in a logo for the Cup and fuel provider on either the roof cam, in-car, or rear cam views with the driver‘s name and car info.
　
Speaking of which, anyone happen to notice which driver’s fans are being targeted by American Ethernol with the roof cam shots?
　
SCCA Action at Long Beach
　
In the SCCA World Challenge race at Long Beach, female driver Shea Holbrook won the Touring Car division. Joey Hand co-piloted the Team BMW RLL M3 to the ALMS GT win at Long Beach. So far he has won the Rolex 24, Sebring, and Long Beach - 3-for-3. Looks like Joey could have a banner year if this keeps up. Can or will anyone step up to the challenge?
　
US Forces Still Involved With Japanese Relief Efforts
　
About the only thing we’re hearing about now in the media is the occasional reports about the nuclear reactors that were damaged during the earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan but our troops are still there helping with various relief efforts. Now that roads are re-opened, helicopter efforts launched and recovered from the USS Ronald Reagan have been scaled back. Our troops will continue to assist in the relief efforts there until the Japanese government can fully take over for our troops. Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa said the U.S. aid underscored the importance of the two nations’ military alliance. “At no other time have I felt as proud of our alliance with the United States,” Kitazawa was quoted by the Wall Street Journal as saying. So while things may be scaling back some, we’ve still got goodwill ambassadors on the ground lending a helping hand.
　
　
　
　

One Bad Apple, Martinsville, Texas, Ethanol Problems, & Other Stuff

One Bad Apple Ruins It For Everyone
　
I think by now folks have figured out that I stick up for the little guys and have been trying to help out Sam Ard and his wife Jo. There are some people out there who really need to be taken out behind the woodshed and be straightened out. Jan, who is Sam’s nurse and a friend of the Ards, sent this to me:
　
Recently Jo had Sam sign some cards for a man who had mailed them to her stating that he only wanted it for his son's collection. Jo even sent him a patch. This man (E-Bay User ID: pit4nascar - me) paid her absolutely nothing. Now he has shown his appreciation by listing it for $25.00 or best offer on E-bay. Sam is not even in the photo. Because ...of this fraud Jo has requested that no signatures will be given except through me.
　So for you real fans out there who have helped out Sam and have supported him in his fight against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease, my thanks and my apologies on behalf of the Ards for having to take measures like this to protect Sam’s good name and to keep low lifes like this one from exploiting Sam’s medical condition.
　
Stuart Virginia Still Home to Wood Brothers


I had a chance to talk with Eddie Wood of Wood Brothers racing briefly at the autograph session at the old Wood Brother’s shop turned museum Last Friday night and asked him about the shop being in NC. Eddie said that he still lives in Stuart and commutes to the shop in Harrisburg. So even though they may have moved the shop to NC to be closer to the action, Eddie still has his roots firmly attached to Stuart.
　
　
Martinsville…The New Bristol?
　
Back before Bristol was reconfigured, it was THE track you had to go to at least once in your lifetime because of the intensity of the racing there. Since the track was reconfigured and the generic race vehicle was introduced, the 500 “parade laps” conducted there have lowered it’s stature from being a legendary, action-filled, knock-down, drag-out, bare-knuckle brawl to the same hum drum status as that of Fontucky and the cookie cutter 1.5 mile tracks . Martinsville on the other hand has elevated itself to THE Action Track as witnessed this past Sunday. Lots of beating, banging, trading paint, chrome horn use, and chess-like pit strategy. And while it wasn’t a sell-out, it had more fans there than I’ve seen in the last 3 years and folks weren’t falling asleep. They were cheering, booing, and applauding at what was happening on the track. So if you’re not happy with what Bristol has become, I suggest going to Martinsville.
　
No Tire Problems at Martinsville?
　
"Here's what we know: The tire is different than what it was last year. The tire's not failing. The tire has some different drivability characteristics that everybody is dealing with. But it's a combination of a tougher left side and softer ride side, so the cars feel different. It's hard to make a judgment either way right now. We'll see what 500 laps of racing does." - John Darby at Martinsville


I consider Darby’s statement pretty interesting considering a couple of “brave drivers” talked about how the tires were wearing down to the cord during the race in post-race comments. Are we going to have an entire season of tire problems?
　
Martinsville Live Versus Martinsville on TV
　
I got several e-mails and Facebook messages about how horrible the Focks coverage of the Martinsville race was. Here’s a sample. This is from Vince on Facebook:
　
We got the same ole Racertainment from Faux. Plenty of ultra tight shots, in-car cams, roof cams and bumper cams. Couldn't tell who was where on the track half of the time. The incidents on the track were continually missed live and shown in replay instead. DW was his usual obnoxious self. It's all about him after all.
　
This is from Joe on Facebook where we were originally discussing an article by Monte Dutton. As I was at Martinsville, I let Joe know what I saw and this was his response:
　
We don't ever get to see that stuff on TV. They always follow the lead cars. I know there is always good racing in the pack somewhere, but we are at the mercy of FOX. Wish they would put a camera inside Robby's car for a race, now that would be entertaining.
　
This is from an e-mail from Dave in Texas:
　
I just don't see how a new fan could get interested in this entertainment, err, sport. The TV "coverage" is of one car at a time. All the "action" is on replay (if at all). Blabbering, huge graphics and hundreds of commercials (usually the same ones over and over again - this week were even the same one back to back!?!). What a turn off.
　
Well, the end is here. Hope they like what they have done!
　
I sure hope the fine, feathered finks at Focks are reading these comments as well as those at The Daly Planet. I know exactly what the folks at home missed. Lots of good racing going on mid-pack on back. Clean passes in addition to the normal bumping and banging. I watched Busch the Elder, Robby Gordon, Paul Menard, and Trevor Bayne racing each other although some of it wasn’t for position. Bayne probably learned a thing or two following Robby around as long as he did. You didn’t get to see cars start out strong on the beginning of a run and fall back to where they started from at the beginning of the run. Instead, the home audience got the see the usual pre-prescripted “usual suspects” and maybe a couple of others because of blown tires or wrecks but not the rest of the racing going on mid-pack on back. It’s a shame really because to me, the best racing wasn’t what was happening up front.
　
Two Thumbs Up to Mr Happy’s Crew
　
After the Victory Lane celebration at Martinsville , Mr Happy’s crew pushed the car down the front straight and around Turns 1 & 2 to get it back to the garage area. When several fans were cheering about Mr Happy’s win and congratulating them, they stopped pushing the car and thanked the fans and held up one of the bottles of champagne they had with them. This is a lot better than some other crews do pushing the winning car back to the garage with their fans cheering. So to Mr Happy’s crew and their recognition of the cheering fans, two thumbs up.
　
　
Tim Richmond Lawsuit
　
If you have access to the PACER system, Tim Richmond's case # is C-C-88-0204-M, filed in the Western District Court of NC, Charlotte Division. Filed in 4/281988, Timothy L. Richmond versus National Association For Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc (NASCAR), et al .
　
A Real Anomaly
　
Here’s a real anomaly for you. Johnny Sauter, a Truck Series regular, actually won the Truck Series race at Martinsville. He’s the first Truck Series regular to win a race this season. 3 Cup drivers won the first 3 races even though they were said to be an anomaly by the Minster of Propaganda. What was that about anomalies Ramsey?
　
New Street Names Coming
　
At the site of the old Augusta International Raceway in Hephzibah Georgia, two new street names will be added when the next round of street names are approved for the housing area there. My good friend Rex White and Wendell Scott will be having streets named after them. They’ll join Fireball Roberts, Dave MacDonald, Frank Warren, and others in having streets named after them. Hopefully the Scott family can make it down there for the official ceremony when it happens. Rex is a fixture at the annual Augusta International Raceway drivers reunion and car show so you know he’ll be there.
　
Giving Credit Where Credit’s Due
　
Not many folks know this but North Wilkesboro Speedway, particularly Steve Wilson and his wife Ann Marie to be exact, pioneered the idea of using Twitter to provide race updates to fans who were following the races at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Twitter. At one point, North Wilkesboro was burying NA$CAR and their controlled media by providing these updates and passed them in popularity on Twitter as Tony Stewart remarked after the first race that North Wilkesboro used Twitter to update the race fans. Since then, you’ll notice a lot of NA$CAR’s controlled media types provide a constant barrage of Tweets for practice sessions and the races to update fans. But they’re just being copycats of the track that wouldn’t give up the ghost and is still a favorite in the hearts of many a race fan.
　
　
Somebody Finally Noticed Jeb Burton
　
If you’re a fan of Ward Burton, then you know his son has been trying his hand at racing the last few years. Somebody in the media finally discovered it and wrote about it. Day late and a dollar short?
　
New Race Fuel Stinks
　
The old unleaded race fuel use to have a somewhat nasty smell to it but the ethanol that’s being used now makes the old race fuel smell like Chanel #5. I can’t put my finger on it exactly but there’s something about the odor that really doesn’t settle right with the olfactory senses as I found out at Martinsville.
　
Ethanol Plant Files for Bankruptcy
　
And BZF went to ethanol for exactly what reason? Besides the obvious one of filling his bank account.
　
http://www.wxii12.com/r/27426377/detail.html?taf=gws 　

Ethanol Causing Problems with Motorcycles?
　
The Italian manufacturer Ducati is having to replace plastic fuel tanks because they are becoming distorted. Apparently, when the tanks have to be removed for maintenance, they've swollen so much they won't fit back on the bike! Removing the gas tank for some maintenance duties is common on motorcycles. Dealers are replacing the affected tanks as needed. Ducati and the regulatory agencies are investigating but won't divulge their findings yet. BMW motorcycles are also having a similar problem in America. Since the problem only exists in the USA, the thinking is the ethanol in the gas is causing the problem.
　
The AMA (American Motorcycle Association) is vigorously protesting the proposed increase in the amount of ethanol in our gasoline (to E-15).
　
Texas Doomed to Poor Attendance This Weekend
　
It seems that there’s not a heck of a lot being done to advertise this weekend’s race at TMS. Here’s an e-mail from a fan there:
　
The races are this weekend at TMS. Almost nothing in the Dallas paper about it. No one seems to care.

The track did the same thing they did last year. They raised ticket prices $5.00 this week, but put a $10.00 off coupon in Sunday's paper for the qualifying and Nationwide "race" (that Kyle Busch will "win"). So......I'm supposed to be too stoopid, again, to see that it's not a $10 coupon but a $5 coupon. I find that insulting. Boy, that Eddie Gossage is a genius, ain't he?

There will be a pre-race "concert" by 3 Doors Down. It is $79 (not including your ticket). For that you get to stand on the grass in front of the stage to hear them do 4 songs. Wow. At Indy a few years ago, 3 Doors Down sang all during the driver's introductions - no extra charge. Again, how 'bout that Eddie?
　
I’m not sure but I think I got a stomach bug or some bad hot dogs at Martinsville so I have to cut this one short folks. I’m beginning to think my toilet is my new lounge chair I’m spending so much time on it.
　
Keep an eye on the kids and God bless the troops.
　
　
　
　
　
　

Daytona Win, Sam Ard Selling Memories, Fox Commentators, and Miscellaneous Stuff

There’s a lot of stuff going on in the world outside of NA$CAR and it’s tough trying to keep up with all of it as I’m having to share my computer for the next few weeks so I may miss out on some stuff.
　
7 Decades of Winning
　
With the win by Trevor Bayne, the Wood Brothers have managed to get a win in each of the decades since their founding. That’s not an easy task for a one car team that’s running a part time schedule. It’s the typical American underdog/Cinderella story that folks like to see and hear about.
　
Unexpected Side Effects of Bayne’s Win
　
There may be an unexpected side effect to this that Faux King Brian didn’t count on and it may have an impact on some of the marketing. Because of Trevor’s Christian upbringing, he’s picked up a lot of followers who may not be too fond of some of the marketing/branding techniques and advertising (can you say Danica’s sponsor?) that is shown on race weekend programming. Sooo, who will Faux King Brian offend? A sponsor who uses cheap advertising to try to lure in pimple-faced 14 year olds boys hoping for a peek at some uncovered female bodies or a group who has some very powerful and influential pull on politicians and businesses? Tough choice there Bri-Bri. But we know you. You’ll go with the guaranteed money you get from the sponsor and not worry about offending the Christian fans who could really fill those half empty coffers you’ve got right now.
　
Sam Ard Selling Off More Precious Memories to Pay Bills
　

Sam's nurse steadying Sam's hand as he autographs some die-casts

Sam is having to sell off some plaques he got as being the winner of the Sportsman Series, autographed die-cast, and autographed pictures in order to pay his medical bills. While it seems that only the fans are stepping up to help Sam and his wife out, several promises made to me by some TV folks to mention on air Sam’s condition and his need for help were never delivered on during the Daytona broadcasts. I know they’ve got a job to do but how hard is it to take 30 seconds to mention that Sam needs help? As much as these announcers and commentators plug and shill for various products, teams, drivers, and one make of car, you’d think at least one of them could forego one shill or plug to mention Sam.
　
The Return to Wal-mart
　
I don’t know how many folks remember the first time NA$CAR tried marketing stuff through Wally World but it didn’t work out too well for them. The line of NA$CAR Mystery Meats didn’t sell too well, all of the products that had the official NA$CAR logo on them didn’t sell that well, and Faux King Brian is hoping and praying that all the old fans like me have left the building like Elvis so that the previous Wal-Mart debacle isn’t revealed. Oops! Too late. I let the cat out of the bag. Will NA$CAR be selling products made in America through the largest seller of Chinese made products in America or will they sell only Chinese made products just like their “host”? Quite the quandry for a company that bills itself as being an American sport.
　
Fox Commentators & Their Affect on Radio Ratings
　
Because of the way Jabber Jaws, his parrot, and the other Booth Buffoons like to ramble on and talk over each other, they’ve caused more and more race fans to hit the mute buttons on their TV’s and listen to MRN or PRN, depending on which one is carrying the race. This in turn is causing a rise in their ratings. Some fans have even quit watching the Focks broadcasts altogether and rely solely on MRN & PRN for their race coverage. Despite numerous fan complaints, we still find that we the consumers (race fans) aren’t being listened to by David Hill, Jabber Jaws, NA$CAR, or Focks. I guess the half-empty grandstands, lagging ratings, and falling souvenir sales didn’t get their attention last year. And how about Goopher the Gopher? According to Hill, he was supposed to be gone and what did we have spoiling some great shots during the Daytona 500? Besides the sponsored graphics cluttering up the screen? You got it. Goopher the Gopher.
　
What the NA$CAR Media Doesn’t Want You to Know
　
And that’s the numbers for the NFL and the Super Bowl. During the recently concluded 2010 season, the NFL had 207 million unique viewers. They had 111 million viewers for the Super Bowl and a rating/share of 47.9/71 which makes it the most viewed program in US history surpassing the previous record holder of the final episode of MASH, which had a total of 106 million viewers. Now, compare that to the all time high of NA$CAR’s 38 million viewers in 2006 and a rating/share of 11.3/23. Not even 25% of what the NFL pulled in. NA$CAR and Focks can beat their chest all they want to, they’re still a 5 lb spider monkey urinating in the corner compared to the 800 lb gorilla in the room that is the NFL. And while the ratings for the Daytona 500 were up versus last season (30 million viewers), don’t expect them to stay up. They just hit their high point of the season. Just where are those other 45 million fans at Faux King Brian and why weren‘t they watching NA$CAR‘s premiere race of the year?
　
Race Purse Disparity
　
3^rd place David Gilliland won more money by himself that what was the entire race purse for the Friday night Truck Series race at Daytona. The total purse for the Truck Series race was $689,635. Gilliland won $818,171 and 4^th place Bobby Labonte won $654,233, almost as much as what was in the Truck Series race purse. Is it any wonder why the Truck Series struggles year after year and why so many teams have folded up since Faux King Brian took over even though the Truck Series continues to provide the best racing NA$CAR has week after week? Hello? Is there anybody in the Ivory Towers paying attention?
　
Rules Have Unintended Consequences
　
In a somewhat unusual twist, a Busch Series regular won the biggest Cup race of the year and is going to massively affect NA$CAR’s marketing of the Chase for the Chumps. Since the play-off system was first put in place, Faux King Brian and his miscreants have tried to use the marketing of the Daytona 500 winner as a lure to get fans to watch the play-off races. Guess what? It won’t happen this year. The winner of the Daytona 500 is competing for the championship in the Busch Series as a Busch Series regular. It totally blows away one of the cornerstones of the marketing program. Imagine what will happen if Trevor Bayne wins the other highly marketed races used to hype the Chase for the Chumps? NA$CAR’s marketing plan will have its legs cut out from under it. It means they’ll have to market drivers who are 2^nd best. The best of the best will not be competing for the chumpionship. Fans may like underdogs but they don’t like having to settle for 2^nd best.
　
Phoenix Race Tickets Sales and Renewals Off
　
With the change in the race dates this season, ticket sales and renewals for the Phoenix race are off. And just like with the Daytona 500 where radio stations up and down the East Coast were giving away race tickets for the 500, NA$CAR/I$C is doing the same thing with Phoenix tickets. Last season, during the same weekend the Phoenix race is being run this year, there was snow which kept folks at home because they couldn’t get out of their driveways. This season, it’s looking like rain might wash out the weekend. Plus, as some fans had already planned to have the traditional race weekend off, they couldn’t change their vacation time or work schedules to allow them to be off this coming weekend. This is what happens when you have somebody who’s completely clueless in charge of NA$CAR.
　
Complaints About the Race Coverage and Commentators
　
Since complaining to David Hill obviously does little good I’d suggest complaining directly to the owner of Focks, Rupert Murdoch. Here’s the info I found and I can’t guarantee it’s current:

　rmurdoch@newscorp.com

Rupert Murdoch
Chairman and Chief Executive
News Corporation
1211 Avenue of Americas
8th Floor
NY, NY 10036
Ph #: 212-852-7000

Maybe if the head honcho is made aware of the problems and complaints the fans have with the Focks race coverage and the highly biased and unprofessional commentary given every week, something can be done about it.
　
　
Sponsor Recognition
　
When I hear about a company that does good deeds for the troops and their families I like to recognize them. This week I’m recognizing Aarons. You’d expect to hear this out of the Human Shill but obviously as he’s “all about me”, you won’t. Every year Aarons goes to various VA hospitals around the country and donates TV’s, electronics, and furniture in an effort to help out the troops who are stuck in the VA hospitals and make their stays a little more pleasant. Plus they’re also doing a little something our tax dollars can’t be used for. So a hand salute to Aarons for helping out our wounded warriors.