FROM THE DESK OF THE
GENERAL MANAGER
THIS IS ANOTHER RIVERSIDE RUMBLINGS
Season’s greetings to all. I hope all is going well in everyone’s lives. It is a very exciting time for me as I just became a grandfather for the second time. Amelia, Madison Foran was born on Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 11:35am. My Daughter Jessica gave birth to this beautiful baby girl the day before Thanksgiving. Jessica, her husband John, and Amelia, reside in Essex Junction, Vermont. Also, my grandson Carter will be one year old next week on December 17th.
I have had a very busy off-season as I ventured out to Irwindale, California for the NASCAR Toyota All Star Showdown. It was a tremendous show at an unbelievable facility, one that I could only dream of providing my race teams, crew members and fans. But, after talking to several vendors that sell their goods every week at the track, I learned that we have as many people if not more in our grandstands on a weekly basis. Imagine being just outside of Los Angeles, and not being able to attract enough fans to fill a six thousand seat complex. Also went down to the 2nd Annual P.A.S.S., Mason Dixon Meltdown at Concord Motorsports Park in Concord, North Carolina. This was a two fold trip as my son Brady lives in Cornelius, about forty-five minutes from the track, and my daughter Dayna visited a couple of colleges in Charlotte. The racing facility was also very nice, plus full of heritage. It was a tri-oval, like Daytona or Sanair, a super fast track to say the least. The event was well publicized with local advertising as P.A.S.S. mentor, Tom Mayberry was hoping to hit a homerun in the Southlands. The race, one of the best I’ve seen in a long time, with lots of passing, critical pit stop timing, bonsai charges to the front, and a wild and controversial finish which was all witnessed by a dismal crowd at best. Where were the fans? Sure it was a little chilly, but hey, the best Super Late Models from the South and the North were on hand, but once again, where were the fans? It goes to show that we have diehard fans here at Riverside Speedway.
FRESH OFF A GREAT BANQUET
I have to deem our awards banquet on November 3, 2007, a resounding success. It was great to see nearly 400 racing enthusiasts pack the house. What a tremendous meal was served to us. I am sorry that it was a little crowded, but there just doesn’t seem to be anywhere around that will comfortably seat this many people. I am already working on resolving this problem. Any ideas, please forward them to me. It was a heartwarming sight to see the standing ovation to a man that I am truly going to miss. CJ Robinson put his heart, soul and pocketbook into this dream, and it was absolutely awesome, the salute that you gave to him. That heartfelt moment was better than any gift that we could have sent him off with. He was very proud, and will remember that moment for many years to come. Another great moment was when Johnny Gammell received the Super Fan award. He is a true ambassador for Riverside Speedway and the sport of auto racing. He was truly surprised, excited and proud to receive this award. If you hadn’t heard, Johnny will be inducted into the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame, early in 2008. Congratulations Johnny Gammell! Another prestigious award was presented to “Honkin’” Don Kenison. Don received the coveted Bobby Shores Memorial award. The shocked Kenison, was visibly shaken with pride, and reportedly slept with the trophy right beside him.
A good time was had by all, as nearly $27,000 worth of point fund money, prizes and awards were passed out. This was another milestone in the rebirth of Riverside Speedway! New owner, Harry Franssen, had some nice words to share about the future of the track, and some special deals for 2008. Harry is a great guy that is really looking to lead Riverside Speedway to the next level.
NEW MAIN CONCESSION STAND PROGRESSING NICELY!
The new main concession stand is progressing nicely. The new stand is in turn four, and will make purchasing food dramatically quicker, plus you can see the entire track while waiting in line. The new concession will be self serve, which should speed up the serving process as well. I am very excited about this improvement, and a big thanks to Harry for realizing this need.
RULES MEETINGS DECEMBER 16TH
The event will happen on Sunday, December 16, 2007 at the American Legion Hall in Groveton, New Hampshire.
The schedule of meetings will go as follows:
DWARF CARS: 12:00 PM – 1PM
STREET STOCKS: 1:00PM – 2:00PM
LATE MODELS: 2:00PM – 2:45PM
SUPER STOCKS: 2:45PM – 3:30PM
OUTLAW SPORTSMAN – 3:30PM – 5:00PM
There will be no meetings for the Cyclones, Angels or Daredevils.
The meetings will be designed to discuss any and all rule changes for the 2008 racing season at Riverside Speedway. Please plan on attending this meeting if you have any interest in running at Riverside Speedway next season. This will be your chance to participate in the rules making process.
For more information on Riverside Speedway, please visit our website at www.riversidespeedway.org, or call the track at 603-636-2005. Riverside Speedway is located on Brown Road, off Route 3 in Groveton, New Hampshire.
ALAN’S HOME IMPROVEMENT PRE-HANGOVER 150
With close to a foot of fresh new snow on the ground, the 2nd Annual, Alan’s Home Improvement, Pre-Hangover 150 is all set to roll on Sunday, December 30th at 2pm. Last year’s event featured cars, trucks, and mini-vans. Entries are pouring in, and don’t be left out. $500 to win, and a special prize for the best themed vehicle. Pits will open at 10am, with inspection beginning at 11am. Grandstands will open at noon. A limited hot food and beverage menu will be available. Plan on the whole family attending this fun event.
LICENSES GO ON SALE JANUARY 7, 2008
2008 Riverside Speedway licenses will go on sale starting Monday, January 7, 2008. All 2007 numbers will be held until February 1, 2008. After February 1st, anyone that has requested a number that someone else had last year, and has not yet been reserved, will be given to the new driver, so get your license in before that date. All divisions will need a license again in 2008. License forms will be posted on the website, and mailed out around Christmas. This will make a great holiday gift for your racer.
CEMENT PADS GO ON SALE FEBRUARY 4, 2008
Great news, we are adding more slabs in 2008. Our goal is to finish up the row on that backside and possibly a few more at the other end of the pits. Slabs will go on sale on February 4th. Teams that had slabs in 2007 will have first dibs again in 2008. You will have until March 1st to reserve and pay for your slab. After that date, all remaining slabs will go on sale on a first come, first serve basis. The rates for slab rental are $225 for the full season, and $160 for either a Late Model or Outlaw Sportsman limited schedule season.
SPONSORS GALORE RETURNING TO RIVERSIDE IN 2008
Coming off a tremendous 2007 race season at Riverside Speedway, many headlining sponsors have already re-signed again for 2008. Central Asphalt Paving Co. will be back as our headlining sponsor in 2008. Jiffy Mart will once again be back as our sponsor for the Cyclones, as will Leo Enos Landscaping for the Angels, Budweiser for the Super Stocks and River Bend RV for the Street Stocks. Negotiations are continuing with our other divisional sponsors and more will be released as information becomes available. If you or your company is interested in becoming a sponsor at the track, contact me at either 603-636-2005, 802-626-9617, or e-mail me at dprdick@charter.net. We can customize a program to meet your companies needs.
That will pretty well do it for this edition, please try and send a representative from your race team to the rules meetings on December 16th. We are not looking for a lot of changes in 2008. As the old saying goes, “If it ain’t broken, don’t try and fix it!” Also don’t forget the big race, The Alan’s Home Improvement, Pre-Hangover 150. This is great family entertainment. Don’t miss it!!!
Dick Therrien
General Manager
Riverside Speedway