Dayton Chatter
by: Jerry Wahl

Dayton, OH (August 11, 2011) - What a race the Robbie Dean 94 was at Kil-Kare Friday night that resulted in one of the best and closest finishes in the history of the four years running of the event. Ricky Bates was the first leader but it turned out to be a bad night for him as later in the event he was involved in a crash that left him with a badly injured race car.

Don Mahaffey led for a little while but a battle with Travis Braden saw them tangle on the backstretch with both sent to the tail. Mahaffey didn't like the call and departed to the pits but did get back out before the green flag came back out.

Bob Sibila Jr. inherited the lead and looked like he just might pull off the win but a young seventeen year old rookie by the name of Brandon Oakley, already a one time feature winner had other ideas. Oakley had been riding second lap after lap looking at the rear of Sibila's car trying to figure how to get the leader and that chance came on the last lap when Sibila slipped a little wide on turn four and Oakly quickly pounced on the situation. Oakley just barely, by .07 second beat Sibila at the line to join John Vallo, Don Mahaffey Jr., and Sloan Henderson as a winner of the tribute to the late Robbie Dean.

It seemed like pick on Dick Dunlevy night. Dick was running strong with the front runners in Eddie Simpson's car but turn one and two just didn't seem to be to Dick's liking as he found himself spinning twice. Non the less he came fighting back to claim sixth place.

I am sure fans will be talking for a long time about the finish of the event. Many times I have seen such a move Oakley did result in a crash of the two front cars but this time he was lady luck was on his side.

The modified feature was a hum-dinger also as at one time four cars were running side by side and bumper to bumper for the front spot. It was Jerry Stapleton, Ryan Fleming, Greg Stapleton and Mike Carroll in the parade but Fleming broke it up when he took the front marker from Jerry Stapleton. Fleming was looking at his second win of the year but it wasn't to be as veteran Mike Carroll passed him on the on the outside with three laps to go giving Carroll his third win of the season. Greg Stapleton is usually hard to beat but Carroll had enough horses to hold off the three time winner and fast timer of the night. Fleming, a former quarter-midget driver brought the family owned machine home third right behind the veterans.
It' still who can beat Bo Hoelscher this year in the compacts as Friday night he bolted out front and claimed his seventh feature this year. He even picked up an extra $100 bonus that was offered to any previous winner on Robbie Dean night. Hoelscher was the winner last season.

Jamie Sites got a late start in the sport stock division this year but showed he still has the majic touch as he set fast time on his debut July 29 and then picked up the feature win Friday night to become the seventh different winner so far this year.

Kil-Kare has a big night planned this week with the make-up modified and compact feature from July 29 starting the program, followed by a full regular program but that is not all. Each year Kil-Kare invites area EMT/Firefighters to compete in what is called cot racing on a specially laid out course on the frontstretch. Object is four people foot push a cot with a person on it and the winning team receives $500.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and racing at 8 p.m.
And the popcorn Friday night, well Ricky had it popped to perfection like corn should be, nice and crispy and crunchy. Very good but only had one box this time.

GET WELL - Columbus Motor Speedway's Jeff Nuckles had surgery Tuesday and I am sure a little note or card would make his recovery much easier. Mail will reach him, Jeff Nuckles, %Columbus Motor Speedway, Columbus, Ohio 43207.

GREAT DEAL - The innovative Eldora Speedway will have their second Family Fun Night this Saturday, August 13, and the admission is a bargain for the family. Just $5 for mom and dad (adults) and 12-15 is $3 and free to 11 and under kids. Pit passes will only be $20 but that is not all.
For the kids there will be inflatable bouncies, an autograph session and with adults included the pits will be open 5 to 6 p.m. so all can meet the drivers and get a close up look at the race cars. And the race cars, will this is a time Eldora features the under class cars and makes them stars for the night. UMP DirtCar Modifieds and Eldora Stocks will take to the high-banked dirt oval plus for the first time the Vores Welding FWD Compact Invitational will be held with over 20 compacts expected.
Not all yet. After the final checker the pit and track lights will be dimmed and one of the largest fireworks display you have ever seen will light up the sky.
Get that caramel popcorn ready, I can taste it now, we'll be there. Lets see, will it be for the racing or the popcorn.

ANOTHER GREAT DEAL - This Sunday afternoon Shady Bowl owner Linda Young is doing a very worthwhile project for the Ronald McDonald house in Dayton. ALL proceeds from the front gate will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House plus Ronald will be there to greet the fans and especially the little ones. Of course Mike Carroll and his McDonalds sponsored modified will be a part of the deal. Racing will consist of the Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks, and Compacts. Grandstands open at noon and racing at 3 p.m. so with the cooler weather it should be much more comfortable than the 90 plus temperatures we have had.

MAKE-UP EVENT - It would have been a good show with the Main Event Racing Series super lates at Shady Bowl last Sunday as 23 of the hi-powered machines had time trialed but unfortunately Ma Nature, the nasty one, had other ideas. The fast car dash for the compacts went off without a hitch but when the street stocks hit the track so did Ma Nature. It rained and then let up as the track crew began drying the track but her she came again and boy did she ever let loose and simply did not want to give up. She won the battle forcing the event to be postponed until August 21st. Even when the rain first let up owner Linda did not as she was out in the grandstand with a blower trying to dry off the seats for the fans but she lost when the super downpour returned.
At least the popcorn was pretty good as we chowed down on it while we watched the rain drops fall.

GOOD SINGER - Not only was Holli Eaton the fast qualifier in the compacts, out shining the guys but she sure can sing the National Anthem. Good job Holli.

CRAZY RACING - Most tracks around have dropped the School Bus events but Columbus Motor Speedway has not as they will feature them in Figure-8 racing this Saturday night. Also on the card will be the regular NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Models, Modifieds, Sport Stocks, and those Crazy Compacts. Gates open at 5 and racing at 7 p.m.

DICK SPENCER MEMORIAL - Waynesfield Motorsports Park will pay tribute to the memory of sprint car driver Dick Spencer this Saturday night as they feature the non-wing sprint cars in a $1500 to win, $200 to start feature. 1000cc Mini Sprints, Tough Trucks, and Compacts also will see action on the third-mile dirt track. No increase in admission as it will be regular show pricing with gates opening at 5 and racing at 7 p.m.

MOLER CLOSED - Don't panic, Moler Raceway Park will be closed this Friday only so the competitors and fans can take in the North/South event at Florence Speedway. Action will resume on August 19 with the richest late model event of the year, the annual Ike Moler Memorial paying $5,000 to win. Modifieds and Street Stocks will also compete that night.

K-C & 35 Raceway Park- No racing this week at K-C due to Ross County Fair but will return on August 20 with the Winged Sprints, Modifieds, and Hobby Stocks.
35 Raceway will also be closed due to the fair and will return on August 20 for their usual program plus it will be Fan Appreciation Night and bonus night for DARF members as they will be admitted free.

LIMALAND MOTORSPORTS PARK - Friday they feature the NRA 305 Challenge that pays $1500 for a 25 lap feature with last (22nd) receiving $225. Modifieds and Thunderstocks round out the program. Grandstands open at 5 Friday with racing at 7:30 on the quarter-mile banked dirt.

Support weekly short track racing, we need them to stay open as we are loosing tracks throughout the country too often.

Outta space, gotta go, catch ya at a track.

Until next time your comments welcome at fire75ball@hotmail.com.