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figure849
07-30-2007, 09:44 PM
I got turned on to the JAM afew years ago.
And I still get up every morning and sign on and go to the JAM.
What I like about the JAM is I can go and get info, I can support my sponsors, I can advertise my sandblasting business, I can find my next project, and let racers know how it is coming along.
But it seems that there is much too much ranting and raving. Yes, freedom of speech.
I did my share last year when I felt all race teams should have had the same opportunity to purchase the Charger tires.
With car counts down in all divisions, we have to stand together, and find ways to get more cars out there. Not try to run teams away.
Yes, Mike is an aggresive driver. When he calms down just a bit, he finishes well.
The 69 car needs to learn to time the x and stay up to speed. All drivers should encourage him to stick to it and give advice.
The figure 8 division is the best paying dollar for dollar division, we can make the figure 8 race a full field if everyone works together. There are a few cars out there ready to go, and top drivers thinking about coming back.
Let's give them a reason to come play.
Be positive, and save the rest for your shrink.

Golf Guy
07-30-2007, 09:52 PM
Artie I agree. Not just in the fig8's but all divisions. The fighting in the pit area this weekend was out of control. I know all spend hard earned money and time on their cars, but this is short track racing. Banging and crashing are inevitable. I am not writing to accept and go home. But how about talking things out or taking the high road and just go about your own business? Either way, what we are doing isn't working as seen by the diminishing car counts.

00 RBDJ
07-30-2007, 11:00 PM
I totally understand the reason that some do get out of control. The fact is that in the pits there are sponsors around and after the race the pits are loaded with children and families.. The fighting and the language do need to stop or at least get toned down, but I don't think it will do to the aggressive driving of some. It is in all divisions not just one. I know people that were outside in the dirt area just east of the track and heard word for word, what was going on in the pits..As a car owner it is does not good look good for us or the track.. People are not going to keep coming back with their families if they see or hear this going on.

Ka$h25
07-31-2007, 02:03 AM
I must have missed the day when racing became personal. When I was younger, I remember no matter what happened on the racetrack, Biondolillo, Brown, Fortin, Hydes, Ryan, Tasso, etc., they were the first ones at every birthday, New Year's Eve, and Daytona 500 party. It's just not the same anymore. :(

racerwife
07-31-2007, 08:25 AM
For all that have posted here... we couldn't agree more with all stated. The SAFER organization especially was like a family. We had our differences of opinion of course but were the first ones there for each other in a time of trouble or joy.
As for sponsors and others hearing what was going on by the fence... just imagine innocently standing there and having this scene go on ... fearing that you and your family members would be caught in the fray and injured. Not a pretty thought now is it? If that sponsor isn't rethinking about his "advertising venue", maybe he should. "I wouldn't spend my money in an establishment that condones that type of language or behavior at a family entertainment venue or anywhere. In fact, we won't be spending our money there anymore."
Things have changed, that's for sure, at this track... and NOT for the better !!!

fig8wife
07-31-2007, 10:30 AM
I believe that the SAFER club is still a family and always will be through thick and thin. I do believe that Mike is a good person because he has always been to me. I do believe that he is aggressive on the track, too. I also believe that Kenny and Dorothea have a right to be out there racing, just as Mike does. When I came to the track, when I first met Timmy, I remember thinking wow, how close they are compared to all the other divisions out there and thinking that they are always there to lend a helping hand, regardless of what happened the week before. From what I understand, everyone knew what to expect from Joe and they got what they got, and that was it. People come out here with their cars that they have paid hard earned money for, and yes, accidents are inevitable (as I say, ACCIDENTS). Not when every other week your car is taken out by the same person every week. Not when every week the same person is deliberately taking someone out, whoever it may be every week. It gets old. Mike has a fast car, there is no reason that he can't get around half of these other cars out there. And I do feel for Dorothea and Kenny, I love them, and no, I do not agree that they lose their tempers as fast as they do. I think they should maybe be a little calmer and talk to the officials. But then when you get nowhere with the officials, what do you do? When you are spending all this money to get your car back together every week, after this person takes you out every week, and every week there is nothing done, what do you do? Granted this week he did not intentionally take Kenny or Dorothea out, instead he took Willy out, and everyone wasn't paying attention to the flags, there was a lot going on. But this has been going on with them for years before I was even there, so over 6 years of the same; thing excuses every week. So my question is, what would the rest of you do? Or what should Kenny and Dorothea do?

00 RBDJ
07-31-2007, 11:25 AM
This is was not just meant for Kenny and Dorothea, who I also adore..This is every week with all the divisions..The screaming, the fighting, men going after the women to fight them. They want you to try and get more people to come down to the track, but for what, to see a bunch of crashes, then the fighting that continues for hours later? I understand people use their hard earned money and spend a lot of time fixing the cars. I do understand that people get to the breaking point. Maybe if everyone together, since you are all like a family, should go to the officials and whoever else is in charge, and let them know how you ALL feel, then maybe something will be done. Go as a group, not one person or the same person over and over. If the same person keeps complaining, you're going to be tagged as a pain. There are new people in charge from what I understand, go to them and give them a chance to help first. The problem is if there are potential sponsors walking around the pits looking to invest in a car, they're not going to. Peoples families are walking around, everyone needs to watch what they say and do. I had someone ask me if a person was drunk or if that is the way they always act. All we are saying is take some time, calm down, then go talk to the person. If you are going to fight with them, then the next week they are going to come back at you even harder.

racerwife
07-31-2007, 11:39 AM
Teresa... when I and others referred to "how it used to be" is before your time of racing. Some of those names are still around, yes... however my description of being close as a family no longer exists the way it used to be. Saturday night at the races followed by Sunday morning breakfast together for many of the racers doesn't happen anymore. That WAS every weekend. This is before Joes' officiating days... in fact, I think he used to join the breakfast crowd. We ourselves only went once or twice. But it was hot, fast, wicked competition on the track... followed by good food and friends in the morning. NEVER , will you see that happen with the parties you write about!
At this time, this matter should be left to be dealt with PRIVATELY. It always was between Kenny and Mike... and especially should be left that way now. It has gone on for so long, I don't believe most people even know what started it, it's just easy to jump on the bandwagon and blame Mike for many of the race problems that happen out there, regardless of him actually being involved or not. I don't have favoritism out there for either one of them. We get along with and like all of our racing competitors. We do also recognize that neither of these drivers is without faults, that goes for everyone .. no one's perfect, including us!
That being said, this is a subject that should be left alone. Let the track officials deal with it. And yes, after this weekend, they will be forced into doing something... or NASCAR or better yet... SCPD !!!!
I, for one, heard and saw enough first-hand to want to throw up over the entire matter. It was a disgusting display of people being out of control!!!
And the comments from "retired" racers just add heat to a heated subject. If you want to say something, get another car and get back on the track and have current issues to complain about. Things that went on years ago are over and done with. And old to be hearing about from you still.

TIME TO MOVE ON.

racerwife
07-31-2007, 12:04 PM
In response to Double Zero Racings' thoughts...

there used to be a policy ENFORCED by the track years ago...

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR FIGHTING IN THE PITS...AT ANYTIME.

No-one was exempt from it. Your pit space was your safe haven. If you entered someone elses pit uninvited to cause harm or damage, you were GONE!! You, your car, truck & trailer and pit crew were "escorted" off the premises immediately. If you gave any resistance to the "get out", you might be met by the cops, sometimes now wearing silver bracelets as exiting. Needless to say.. there was still some fighting, but not like it's been. Then, the track officials would give out the final punishment based on your indescretion.. suspension, points gone, and heavy fines!

It certainly made for a different feeling in the pits both during and after the races. It also had the officials in charge, IN CHARGE, and respected. And the track was packed with cars and spectators. Never a parking spot in the pit area left open (if you arrived late, you parked outside the pits, regardless of what kind of car you raced), and NEVER a seat in the house left to sit in past 4:30 in the afternoon.
And it was fun to be there watching or competing.

00 RBDJ
07-31-2007, 12:18 PM
It should be enforced again. Maybe with the new people in charge, there may still be hope.

W. J.
07-31-2007, 12:53 PM
I'm keeping a close eye on this one, too, so let's watch where we go. It started out okay, but we are in danger of crossing over the line again. :disgusted

Fig8 T.K.
07-31-2007, 01:00 PM
I do not know why people are saying Mike keeps doing things to other drivers and people have taken things into their own hands because the officials do not do anything. I believe Mike has been set down for his actions at least once if not more this year. Obviously, this time the officials did not think it was intentional and I agree. As far as after the race fights, exactly how long do these officials have to stay and babysit a pit full of so called "adults." I am sure they are happy their day of work is over and they can relax and enjoy the rest of the night. There would be less problems if everyone respected each other and the officials. A few years ago Tom and Mike had a horrible crash at the X. Tom was mad because he felt he was going for the lead and Mike should have stopped. Before the night was over, we were at the hospital to check and make sure Mike was ok. Why, because no matter what happened on that track, Mike is a person and Tom was concerned for him. A few people actually told Tom he screwed up because he had the perfect opportunity to "do Mike in" and he blew it. That, my friends, is sick, and if that is how a driver thinks, they have no right strapping into a race car. Hopefully all the crap will be left behind on Sunday for the SAFER picnic. We have not had any problems in many years, so let's keep it like that.

figure849
07-31-2007, 01:04 PM
I didn start this post to continue ranting and raving, it was to talk about what we need to do to make racing fun again.
How about starting off with something that I have not seen all year?
A DRIVER'S MEETING
At this point we need to beg for penalty's. If we can get back to a set of rules for all competiters, we can make for better racing.
As a club top priority should be cleaning up our play ground. It is not just our division, all racers are finding out that they can do what ever it is they want on the track. Jump restarts. All you might get is put back one spot. The second time, you should be put in the back.
Dump two or three $80,000 dollar cars one at a time, then they might start talking about watching you.
ZERO TOLERANCE.
Guess what you will see? Racers that will come back, because now they know they have the same chance as the next guy.
I don't know if I am guilty of ranting and raving, but I am trying to be positive and put ideas out there to fix the sport I love.

racerwife
07-31-2007, 01:09 PM
AMEN ARTIE !!!

Couldn't agree more !!

W. J.
07-31-2007, 01:17 PM
You're doing just fine Artie, Thanks!

Fig8TK, in reference to the officials relaxing I agree, but what time do they get off? I saw a few who had to jump into another altercation just before I left the track around 12:15-12:20 AM. If not for them, the pits would turn into "Dodge City" and I'm not talking about a car manufacturer's home town!

leah28racing
07-31-2007, 01:24 PM
Go Artie! Go Artie!:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

00 RBDJ
07-31-2007, 01:40 PM
If enough people go on Riverheadraceway.com and scroll to the bottom where it says email them. Click on it and make a suggestion. If enough people say what they think, then maybe they will take some of the suggestions and enforce them.

racerwife
07-31-2007, 01:58 PM
This site is WATCHED and READ by the track as it is. Believe me they are well aware of all that has been written here and by WHOM. They will not comment here or make mention of anything read here but have in the past acted upon a big group of complaints from a division...Late Models now have time trials instead of heats, prime example!
And I myself have had phone calls from Bob Finan early on a Monday morning when after a horrible night of racing a few weeks ago I asked where the JAWS OF LIFE (Hurst tool) was on the Jam. It could have been used to cut apart cars nerf bars and saved time, energy and expense of those involved. (Remember the night of the bad track crew incidents) . If the Jam isn't read by the track how would they ever know I posed that question to anyone for an answer, "ON THE JAM ????"

By all means send an email... but don't think that its a must... it just might add a higher sense of urgency to FIX this fighting problem we as a track are experiencing now. It certainly can't hurt to reinforce our concerns.

Karen

fig8wife
07-31-2007, 02:42 PM
Karen, as I wrote, I only met Timmy 6 years ago and that was based on what I have seen, not what happened years ago. But while we are on the subject, you are talking about the past also, yet you say don't rehash. They may not be as close as they were, but I, let me say again I, see that they are still closer than any division out there, for one other divisions don't get together and have meetings or picnics together. Maybe they don't go out to breakfast, but that doesn't mean they aren't close. I think everyone has their problems with one or more persons, but some people can get past it, some cannot. Things that don't bother you from the past may bother others. You are not the only driver's wife out there. No one has to like my opinion, just like I don't have to like yours. And as far as dealing with the issue privately, I am sure that if Kenny and Dorothea wanted it dealt with privately, they would have been a little quieter in the pits. I was not writing to be nasty or rude. I was writing to discuss what has been going on at Riverhead, which is what everyone else, I'm sure, is here for. Nor am I trying to say that I don't like Mike, because as I said, he has never done anything wrong to us. This is just MY opinion.

figure849
07-31-2007, 03:15 PM
I will write a few sugestions to the officials, I am sure if passed on to them, they will be glad to crack down -on the track, to make for better racing for all.
We are off for a week, so in the next few weeks if they get the idea that we want more officiating. Don't be surprised if when you go to the board to check the running order there is a drivers and crew meeting on the schedule.
This will be my first S.A.F.E.R picknic, I am bringing my family, and hope that I am not embarrassed.

00 RBDJ
07-31-2007, 03:22 PM
I agree with you and have also emailed the track. I hope this dies down in the next few days and we can all have a great time at the picnic..

racerwife
07-31-2007, 03:41 PM
Point in question taken and understood Theresa. I'm only saying, that as you and Timmy have been around for approx. 6 years as you stated, this thing between Kenny and Mike precedes that time frame. Soooo, when everyone has a comment to make on it do they really know or remember all the facts and both sides? We, Paul and I have been around for more than 3x that time frame and then add a few years to it. And its been going on along time, thats my time frame reference to it. Regardless,... it is their business, not mine, yours or anyone elses. And I do know much of what transpired but not all. And it isn't my business to tell, but I will tell you the half you won't hear if you can tell me what you have been told. I won't start the rumor mill but will add the information given to me by one of the parties involved so you have a much more well rounded version of the facts if I'm permitted to tell. It is however, best left alone. And I think as was just written by Theresa.. this issue between Mike & Kenny is more than 6 years ongoing. Don't you think its time to talk it out, mediate it or bury it but stop bringing others into something that precedes most of this divisions drivers and using it as weapon of hatred? I'm just sick of the whole thing as are many others at this time !!!
Yes, this division has closeness no other has, we do however have a gaping hole and festering wound that needs to be healed to make us better.
Enough said!!!
And I thonk we went off thread again.... and yes, I purposelly mis-spelled it !!

Karen.

fig8wife
07-31-2007, 04:01 PM
Yes karyn totally agree. It is time to talk it out hope it will happen soon. Yes I know you have been there forever! Yes there is that gaping hole and I also hope it can be patched. Correct it is no ones business but theres. I wont be starting any rumors either I go by what I see and I know what I saw!

Tommyj16
07-31-2007, 04:07 PM
For the officals 2 weeks ago mike and I got into each other and I spun. after the race i was hot went up to mike and asked him what happened he said it was both our faults but mostly mine. after cooling down uncle tom agreed my fault this past week the officals asked me as soon as i pulled into pitts and asked if they should sit mike and i down and i said NO and there reply was fine. Mike and I have had our problems as well as everyone else but its riverhead and for the past i remember uncle tom and fortin who pitted next to each other braulling and next day bbq at krafts house fortin and family first one there .

The Bullfather
07-31-2007, 04:54 PM
I think it's time for Probations till the end of the year for drivers and crew memebers who fight on the track and in the pits. If they are caught again suspensions should be in order. It's the only way to keep order. Nascar has there rules and so should Riverhead Raceway. The track Officials are doing the best they can with what they have and both good people who will listen. I hope they will look into handing out probations to the people who fought this week in the pits. No matter who is right or wrong, there needs to be rules to be enforced. It to protect our sport and to protect the people who are involved in our sport. It's also good for sponsors to see clean actions afterwards in the pits and not have to see or hear such "BS". ooopps Tony Stewart reference!

racerwife
07-31-2007, 05:34 PM
HEY PETE... GREAT SUGGESTION! And maybe a forced vacation till cooler heads prevail.

Hey Tom... you remember those "discussions" between Uncle Tom and John too? And those were the tame ones!!! Now there were some others... we will not discuss, at least not here without your Uncles laughing himself and adding to the stories and details. And I don't mind dating or aging myself. They were good times and fun times we as a racing division all shared in.

Karen

randomrodder
07-31-2007, 06:18 PM
I recall a time back in the early 70s after a night of racing at Islip Speedway.
We were hanging out in the pits with some of the modified drivers of the day. My wife and I saw Charlie J standing out on the track, just outside of the pit gate, so we took a walk out there to say Hi.

As we were jawing I saw past Charlie, who's back was towards the pits, a fight breaking out. My wife said, Oh Charlie, Look, there's a fight in the pits.
Charlie says, We don't fight in the pits here. So I said, Oh yeah?

He turns around and says, Holy ..... and runs off to jump into the fray.

Ah, the good old days.