NEXT BAD REGIONAL PLANNING MEETING

Invitation to volunteers...
Planning meeting for the upcoming BAD Regional

Location: Cilantro's Restaurant (patio), 1934 Main St, Watsonville (Watsonville Square Shopping Center, cnr Main St & Green Valley Rd)

Date/Time: Monday, September 8; 7:15 PM

Many thanks to everyone who attended the first meeting - great support for our club.

- posted Sep 3, 2008

- posted Sep 3, 2008

ENTRY FORM FOR NATIONAL #4, MARYSVILLE

http://www.dwarfworld.com/natentry08.htm

- posted Aug 21, 2008

BAD REGIONAL PLANNING MEETING

Invitation to volunteers...
Planning meeting for the upcoming BAD Regional

Location: Cilantro's Restaurant (patio), 1934 Main St, Watsonville (Watsonville Square Shopping Center, cnr Main St & Green Valley Rd)

Date/Time: Tuesday, August 26; 7:15 PM

- posted Aug 21, 2008

- posted Aug 20, 2008

QUALIFYING TIMES AND QUALIFYING TIMES

On August 8 at Ocean Speedway, dwarf cars were given the rare chance to qualify. The qualifying times I posted here a few days ago were the times displayed on the track scoreboard. Mylaps has been down for a while but, yesterday, I was given access to data though a special link. Qualifying times listed there are different from those displayed on the scoreboard (not the average of two times recorded). Confusing. What do you think?



[ click on image for larger version ]

- posted Aug 14, 2008

GREG PENNY AND CAMRON DIATTE MAKE THE NEWSPAPER
NAME CHANGE FOR DWARF CARS?



It was a total surprise that our local newspaper, the Santa Cruz Sentinel, ran a article about Ocean Speedway on the cover of Sports section, Saturday edition (8/9/08). There was only a single sentence about dwarf cars but, of all classes mentioned, there were pictures of only dwarf cars - Greg Penny in his #11B and Camron Diatte in his #75B (with girlfriend). I do not know the staff writer; referred to dwarf cars as 'micro minis' so we're likely to get acquainted. I do know the staff photographer; saw him at the track but thought he might be shooting birthday baby and Sponge Bob. Sentinel editors have always been very careful about free publicity (vs paid advertising) but I'll be trying to get an article about our upcoming Regional.

- posted Aug 14, 2008

QUALIFYING TIMES AT OCEAN ON AUGUST 8

Note: Gilbert Toste set best qualifying time on his second lap - last lap of qualifying session. So far this season, he also has overall fast time = 15.356 seconds (Race #10, July 4, Ocean Speedway).

- posted Aug 10, 2008

UPDATE ON MAXEY

By now, many of our members probably know that Wayne Maxey underwent major surgery a few days ago. It was fortunate that his doctor detected colon cancer in early stages and that, after removal of a segment of his colon, he is cancer-free and has an excellent prognosis. He's home recuperating and sounded great when I spoke with him on the phone this afternoon. Eight years ago, I had the same procedure (hemicolectomy) so I know exactly what he's going through. The only difference is that his surgeon made a long vertical incision so, for a while, he'll look more like a football. With a few weeks of rest, Maxey will be back to his normal routine. He misses the 'little cars' and will re-join us as soon as he's comfortable enough to make the drive from Stockton to Watsonville. Meanwhile, please send him your warmest thoughts.

- posted Aug 6, 2008

WRAP ON YREKA

It was a long drive to Yreka but, powered by several cups of strong coffee and 95.5 FM at 95.5 dBs, I made it for WSDCA National #3.

Route 99 has no roadside attractions like the old Route 66 but there were plenty of amusing signs that got my head going - e.g., Live Nude Girls, Juicy Peaches, Beef 500 Feet. Route 5 is not so entertaining, so speed is the order of the day. When a USDOT Safety Team van passed me doing 80+, I decided to follow but, then, three CHP cars pulled up tight behind me - Oh shit! I just pulled over to the slow lane, held my AARP and BAD cards up to the window and got the OK sign from the officers, as they crossed and exited for a Starbucks in Redding.

This was my first real visit to the 'Golden City'. About 12 years ago, going south from Washington in heavy snow, I stopped there for a 10 minute rest; wondered why anybody would stay any longer and remembered only the miner sculpture near the exit from I-5. Well, now I know there is a town behind the sculpture- which makes my old boondock hometown seem like a resort. A room was booked for me at the Klamath Motor Lodge but, when I tried to check in, I was told that there was nothing available for me. However, the doddery old manager said she would take care of me; took me to Room #10 (her apartment which looked like a Turkish bazaar) and said I could stay there. It was tempting (hold me back) but I decided to make my most polite retreat and find a room farther 'downtown' - at the Yreka EconoLodge (with 'meaningful amenities'???). My room there was OK but carpet stains and broken walls made it seem like a crime scene.

The track at the Siskiyou County Fairgrounds is controlled by an association of volunteers so maintenance/preparation is minimal. On Thursday, the track was dry as a bone and littered with rocks. Gene Pires gathered up a load of half pounders in the cargo box of his golf cart. Imagine the impact of one of those coming through your screen going 80 miles an hour. By Saturday, conditions were so bad that a group of drivers took charge. After hours of smoothing with an on-site grader and watering with a borrowed tanker, the track had a good racing surface - thanks especially to Gilbert Toste, Vuki Wilson and Kevin Bender.

Since there was no track photographer, I got permission from Billy Jasmer, promoter, to shoot from the infield. First, I tried to program my digital SLR camera for action shots, with fair to awful results. Then, I dug out my film SLR camera; loaded with 800 ASA Kodak, adjusted for widest aperture and fastest shutter, panned every shot, and hoped for the best. I thought I would get something useable out of almost 150 shots; as insurance, took the film to a custom photo lab. The tech did not 'push' the film as requested and, after all that, I got none of those great shots. Now, I have to decide whether to buy a kit car or a semi-pro camera; depends on what I do next season.


CONGRATULATIONS TO GREG PENNY AND MIKE WEAVER, SPORTSMAN FEATURE WINNERS (FRIDAY, GREG; SATURDAY, MIKE)


MORE YREKA PHOTOS HERE

- posted Aug 6, 2008

CORRECTION: SANTA MARIA RACE DATE

I haven't seen it but the message which Joe sent to drivers about the upcoming race at Santa Maria is incorrect. The race date is August 9th, not August 19th. Thanks to Greg Penny for the heads-up.

- posted Aug 4, 2008

OOPS!

Sorry, I misspelled Marysville in the last title - a senior moment in the wee hours. Actually, I once lived near a town called Murraysville - confusing (excuse #2).

- posted July 22, 2008

YREKA NATIONAL
THE BAD, THE GOOD AND, MARYSVILLE, HERE WE COME!!!

This is just a thumbnail report on the Yreka National, based only on my notes (official results not yet available). Please correct me, if there are errors or omissions.

Last week, thirteen drivers representing BAD made the long haul to Yreka for WSDCA National #3: Bill Martinez, Greg Penny, Mike Weaver, Ryan Diatte, Gilbert Toste, John Wear, Robert Mesloh, Punky Pires, Martin Whittingham, Danny Zuger, Mark Biscardi, Camron Diatte and Dan Youngblood. They didn't bring it all home this time but they did themselves proud.

On Thursday, Ryan Diatte was one of four drivers to share Big Dog honors (and cash). There were 24 Pro entries. The best time for this quarter mile, high-banked track was 16.4 seconds. Statistically, a two-way tie would nave been highly improbable and a four-way tie would have been nearly impossible with a modern timing device (i.e., 3 decimal points).

On Friday, BAD drivers had three wins in six Pro heats (Ryan DIATTE, Mark BISCARDI and Robert MESLOH); and, three seconds (Punky Pires, John Wear and Gilbert Toste). Six B cars were in the A Main; five started in the first four rows and four finished in the top 10 (Ryan Diatte 2nd, Punky Pires 3rd, Robert Mesloh 5th and Gilbert Toste 7th) which seeded into the Saturday feature. The Pro A Main was won by Patrick Weger, the Vet A Main was won by Kelly Gutches and the Sportsman A Main was won by GREG PENNY.

On Saturday, six BAD drivers ran heat and semi; of those, two transferred on to the Pro A Main (John Wear and Mark Biscardi). A total of six B cars were in the lineup for the finale with Ryan DIATTE, winner of the 10-car fast dash, on the pole. At one point in the race, five of the B cars were among the front 10 (2, 3, 5, 6 and 9) but only two finished in the top 10 (Gilbert Toste 6th and John Wear 7th). All of the B cars ran great but, sadly (stronger language in my notes), there were problems which changed the promising outcome. Ryan Diatte was running a solid 2nd for a possible win when he spun and went to the rear; came back to finish 13th. Punky Pires was running 4th and gaining when he broke and left the race. Robert Mesloh was running 7th and charging when he slid over the edge and went to the rear; I don't know yet where he finished. Gilbert Toste was challenging for the lead when he was pushed high and over the edge by another car on the rampage; he lost his line and his momentum but recovered, with dashed hopes for a win. The Pro A Main was won by Monte Morris, the Vet A Main was won by Fred Hay and the Sportsman A Main was won by MIKE WEAVER.

HIGH FIVES to all these drivers and CONGRATULATIONS to GREG PENNY and MIKE WEAVER who brought home tall trophies and wide smiles.

More to come...

- posted July 22, 2008

- posted June 16, 2008

HUNGRY RACECARS

- posted June 16, 2008

HIGH COUNTRY DWARF CAR REGIONAL, VERNAL UTAH, JUNE 19 - 21

Last year, this Regional got great reviews. Hope some B cars will be able to make the trip to support it this year. Maybe Monte will bring some H cars down to join us for our Regional.

click here to download the flyer

- posted June 11, 2008

FAST TIMES, DWARF CARS, OCEAN SPEEDWAY

Some while ago, I posted some dwarf cars track records published by mid-west clubs. Some of the 1/4 mile times were impressive (14.04 to 14.63 sec); some on the high banks were unbelievable (e.g., 12.30, 13.43 sec). I asked for info about West Coast track records but nobody replied. All I knew was that Howie Ross held the dwarf car record at Placerville Speedway (1/4 mile, semi-banked) - 14.67 sec.

Prior to the use of transponders at Ocean Speedway, I manually clocked a few cars in the mid to high 16s. In 2007, lap times were recorded for all cars and appeared to most often range in the mid 16s and low 17s (some higher); fast times averaged about 16.5 until John Wear broke into the 15s on August 10 - 15.908 sec! This season more cars are posting laps in the 15s; twelve in Race #6, seven in Race #7. The best lap so far (track record?) belongs to Punky Pires - 15.446 sec!

Joe is now giving $50 to the driver with the best lap time in each points race. The first driver to post a lap under 15 will receive $100.

Two weeks ago, I seemed to have set a record myself on the A338 in Wiltshire UK. Yesterday, I got notice of a traffic offense from authorities; caught on one of their notorious speed cameras. Thanks to Carroll Shelby, testing his prototype Cobra in the mid-60s, there are speed limits on English highways. Actually, driving in England is good training for race car drivers; develop skills on back roads and roundabouts, attitude on ring roads and motorways. I even learned how to drive with both hands but may need physical therapy to get my fingers relaxed and straight again.

The following table summarizes best times to date in 2008 races at Ocean Speedway:

- posted June 04, 2008

VACATION OVER - NEED THERAPY

After almost five weeks and eight time zones away, I'm ready to get back to being BAD again. I just need to get adjusted to normal time and space parameters; and, ASAP, have a good dose of dirt, noise, racing action and American hamburger.

Ireland was mostly disappointing but, from a town of 20,000 people and 50 pubs, I did come away with this Irish saying...

Here's to you as good as you are
and here's to me as bad as I am
As good as you are and as bad as I am
I'm as GOOD as you are - as BAD as I am

England was totally enjoyable and my final visit will be long memorable. For me, the stirring history and its many remnants more than offset the awful food, unstable weather, tainted culture and inflated prices. Speaking of prices, gasoline (petrol) there is almost $10 per gallon!

Forty five years ago, I went to an auto race at Wembley Stadium near London and I wanted to go to another race this time. While visiting a sister-in-law in Cheddar, I found a nearby raceway and watched some bizarre clockwise racing (will share that later).

Over the next few days, I'll try to catch up with important postings on the website. First, let me apologize for the recent inactivity. Kathy Brechel organized data for the last three races and forwarded everything to my son, Chris. He had promised to post Results and Points but, unfortunately, couldn't find time in his hectic schedule to do the necessary re-formatting. I can't complain to Chris because he has always been so generous in donating his time. I do want to thank Kathy for all her effort, making it much easier for me to get things up to date.

Earlier today, Joe told me about the great racing and good fun I've been missing. I hope to see the entire roster of drivers at the next race for more of the same.

- posted May 25, 2008

GONE FISH & CHIPPING

Bg will be on vacation until late May, touring Ireland and England, visiting relatives, eating seafood, imbibing history, and suffering the awful exchange rate; might even find an auto race. The website will be in the care of my son, Chris. With the help of Kathy Brechel, race info will continue to be posted - at least, Results and Points, possibly Reports and Photos. Wherever I am, I'll be connecting. All the best...

- posted Apr 17, 2008

TROPHY PRESENTATIONS AT OCEAN SPEEDWAY

- posted Apr 15, 2008

COMING UP - WSDCA NATIONAL #1- APRIL 17-19

Host club = Southern Nevada Dwarf Car Association; www.sndca.com

New track = Death Valley Raceway; www.deathvalleyraceway.homestead.com

Reminder: At the last WSDCA Board of Directors meeting, it was agreed that each member club will have its own Western States champion (e.g., BAD-WSDCA Champion). This will be based on highest total points accumulated at the four WSDCA Nationals. Each club winner will receive an embroidered jacket.

- posted Apr 13, 2008

Gilbert tried some new performance enhancing equipment at Kings Speedway but, before anybody else tries it out, we need to check with Western States to know which, if any, of the following specs would be legal...

(o)(o) works for me - I say legal

(@)(@) big

(.)(.) tiny

(^)(^) cold

\o/\o/ old

(^)(^) Madonna

Track & trophy photos courtesy of Brian Ratzlaff, RacingImagery

CONGRATULATIONS GILBERT! - WINNER, BAD POINTS RACE #3
Q: Did you wear matching panties?

- posted Apr 08, 2008

MANY THANKS TO MY BAD FRIENDS

Several weeks ago, as I was packing my ditty bag, there were a number of phone calls, emails, DB posts and tete-a-tetes which changed my mind about leaving BAD. I was very touched by the expression of friendship and I am very grateful for your encouragement to stay. Many thanks.

See you at Kings on Saturday.

- posted Apr 03, 2008

BADgene IS BACK
!NEW MULTI-YEAR, SIX-FIGURE CONTRACT!

Hello All,
After three seasons and for various reasons, my enthusiasm sputtered and crashed. I made the decision to leave the BAD organization and spend time on other activities. But, my deep addiction to racing coupled with encouragement from old friends and new members brought second thoughts. I will continue to represent the club and volunteer time, effort, skills and resources to support its growth and success. Many thanks for supporting what I do and sharing what you do. Most of us are spectators, having neither the talent nor the courage to do what you do. All the best for the new season. See you on Friday at Ocean.

According to science, a bad gene in the gene pool is hard to eliminate, hard to silence. According to folklore, a genie out of the bottle will do bad things. Be careful what you wish for.
BADgene

We apologize for the long silence of this website. My son, Chris, and I are in the process of firing it up again. There is now a Racing page for 2008 with entries for Points Race #1 (except photos not yet posted). The Discussion Board is now active, with trial measures to block offensive users and spam invasions (fingers crossed). Thank you for your patience.

- posted Mar 28, 2008

ENTRY FORM: SNDCA NATIONAL, APRIL 17-19, DEATH VALLEY RACEWAY

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

- posted Mar 07, 2008

NOTICE: BAD DRIVER'S MEETING, FEB 27, 7pm

February 22, 2008

Re: BAD Racing Driver's Meeting
Date: February 27, 2008, 7pm
Place: Dutchman's Pizza - Gilroy

Purpose: Final pre-season sign-up. For those who have already signed
up you can pick up your membership cards, BAD stickers and patches. I
have also ordered transponders for those who have requested them. The
price is $308.66 ea (savings of $71.50) - I hope to have them by meeting
time. Also any new issues can be addressed at this time.

Thanks, Joe

- posted Feb 22, 2008

- posted Feb 21, 2008

CLAM CHOWDER COOK OFF - BAD ENTRY?

The 25th annual Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook Off Festival is coming up soon and I wondered if there might be enough members interested to have a BAD entry. As an immigrant from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, I have some authentic seafood recipes. Clam chowder is one of my favorites and I sample it wherever I travel around the country (do not recommend clam chowder in New Hampshire - yuk). My recipe is a variant of New England (Boston) style clam chowder - with a few special ingredients. It's very close to the recipe used by the Los Gatos Brewery (excellent - highly recommended) and, in my opinion, better than most of the 'award winning' clam chowders offered in restaurants around Santa Cruz. I've thought about entering the Cook Off as an individual but think it might be more fun to do it as a group. Some of you probably have favorite recipes also. We could do some testing before the event.

So, any of you other amateur cooks interested in slopping some soup, having some fun and promoting our club? If so, let me know ASAP. The deadline for entries is January 25 (next Friday). We could enter as a club, hang our banner, wear our Ts, and create some really BAD clam chowder. Maybe we could find a sponsor for entry fee ($50) and necessary ingredients (hint, hint, Joe); if not. I'll provide what we need. Other than that, all we need is a Coleman stove and a fire extinguisher.

We would have to produce at least 3 gallons of chowder; but, as much as we like. Some tasty chowder and some lively chatter and I think we could get some votes. Based on several criteria, a judging panel will award prizes - best professional, best individual, etc; plaques, trips and cash. Also, each team is eligible for a cash drawing; the 'most original' team wins $200 and the 'most tasted' team can win $100 to $250 (1st).

If anyone is interested, please call me soon at 831/423-8789. The registration deadline is January 25th; the event date is February 23rd at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

- posted Jan 19, 2008

ATTENTION KING CITY VICTIMS

This generous offer was just received from Tom Cotrell, Pres SNDCA. Whether or not this applies to you, please support this National at the new Death Valley Raceway - 'in the middle of nowhere USA'.

Hats off to Tom and pants down for Roy.

TO THOSE DRIVERS THAT PRE ENTERED THE KING CITY INDOOR RACE (FROM ROYBOY'S POST THAT WAS 5 DRIVERS) SNDCA WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO OUR NATIONAL IN APRIL.
SNDCA WILL CREDIT THE AMOUNT OF THAT ENTRY TOWARDS YOUR PRE ENTRY FOR OUR NATIONAL.

YOU WILL NEED TO BRING WITH YOU PROOF OF ENTRY FOR THE KING CITY RACE. THINGS LIKE YOUR CANCELED CHECK, MONEY ORDER OR CASHIERS CHECK RECEIPT.

YOU CAN SEND A COPY OF THAT PROOF WITH YOUR PRE ENTRY FOR OUR RACE WHEN OUR ENTRY FORMS BECOME AVAILABLE.

OUR ENTRY IS $175.00 KING CITY WAS $125.00 SO YOU PAY $50.00 TO SNDCA.

THE ONLY BAD PART OF THIS (IF THERE IS A BAD PART) IS IT IS OUTDOORS AND IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE USA.

SOMETHING YOU CAN COUNT ON IS WE WILL HAVE A RACE YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT TIME AND WHAT HAPPENS IN AMARGOSA VALLEY DOESN'T ALWAYS STAY IN AMARGOSA VALLEY!!!!

THIS OFFER IS ONLY GOOD IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE YOUR MONEY BACK FROM THE KING CITY PROMOTER.

ANY QUESTIONS CALL 702-649-2001 OR E-MAIL THEM TO cotrell@mfjtp.com


- posted Jan 18, 2008

Since the Wine Country National was cancelled, a number of people have been trying to determine the whereabouts of the promoter, Roy Sandusky (aka Roy Sandy). There was a mailing address on the registration form (see below) but, as far as I can tell, he never gave a physical address in any of his jumbled messages; only an email address = www.cushinracin@yahoo.com. I did find a phone number which might still be in service = 831/621-4629. Early this afternoon, I called the Salinas Valley Fair Board office in a last ditch effort to locate this guy who duped numerous racers. I had suspicions about him from the very beginning and was not surprised to find out that the fair board had also been cheated. When he made the arrangement to hold dates, he never actually signed an agreement; then asked the fair board to hold his deposit check. When he cancelled the 'event', he called and asked to have his deposit refunded when, in fact, he had given the fair board a rubber check! - insufficient funds. Surprise! As I spoke with the fair board rep on the phone, someone else in the office was talking to the Paso Robles police. The Paso police are looking for this guy and I've been promised an update when he's found.

Latest news: This AM, BAD member (and victim), Ernie Davila, filed a complaint against Roy Sandusky with the Paso Robles Police Department. The PD located the man and he agreed to appear tomorrow morning at 9 AM. Ernie will be in contact with the police and let us know what happens. He encourages other victims to join him in the complaint; can be reached at 831/970-5496 (cell).

FYI
courtesy of Rick Albarran, Race Director, Ocean Speedway
Thanks, Rick

Administrative Contact:
Sandusky, Roy cushinracin@yahoo.com
20twelve motorsports promotions
936 Osos Way
Paso Robles, California 93446
United States
(805) 621-4629

Technical Contact:
Sandusky, Roy cushinracin@yahoo.com
20twelve motorsports promotions
936 Osos Way
Paso Robles, California 93446
United States
(805) 621-4629

- posted Jan 14, 2008

SURPRISE
WINE COUNTRY NATIONALS CANCELLED

Today, the promoter of Wine Country Nationals posted the cancel notice on his website (www.20twelvemortorsportspromotions.com). In my opinion, this event was dubious from the start. Details were unclear, unreliable or lacking altogether and the promoter was unwilling to meet with our representatives to discuss anything. I put a question about the track and received a very testy reply which did nothing to increase my confidence in the promoter. He offered a reference to something he was involved in 20 years ago but I could find no evidence of his history as a promoter of anything. I have promoted many non-racing events and was amazed at how this thing was cobbled together. Although there has been plenty of scam and fraud in motorsports, no doubt this was just a case of good intentions with poor planning. I hear now that the promoter is not reachable. Most of the 'XTC' website has been shut down and some parting shots appear with the cancel notice. But, why accuse M&M Chassis of having anything to do with the failure of this event? - ridiculous.

'SORRY NO REFUNDS!'

Caveat emptor!

PS What was that menacing X Files thing in the upper right corner of the XTC website?

Considerable interest was expressed here in the possibility of indoor racing for dwarf cars as well as other classes of scale racecars. I think we should hang on to that enthusiasm, get some of the many good heads in WSDCA together, and discuss the possibility of promoting our own west coast indoor national, Maybe we could even attract a few cars from the east coast and midwest. Last year, the suggestion for a dwarf car national tied in with the Chili Bowl drew interest from everywhere. One possibility might be to piggyback with a flat track or motocross event at the Cow Palace when the dirt is already down. Midgets used to race in the Cow palace arena. I think the track is 1/5 mile and the rental is about $1000 per day (non-agricultural).



- posted Jan 09, 2008

Important message from SNDCA...

Hello Everyone! I hope you had a Happy New Year!

FYI -

-We are having a National not a Regional
-Date is April 17th 18th 19th
-Location is Death Valley Raceway
-Their web site is www.deathvalleyraceway.homestead.com
-Host hotel is Longstreet Inn/Casino web site www.longstreetcasino.com whole hotel is blocked for SNDCA but they only have 59 rooms so CALL NOW!
-Reservations call 775-372-1777 tell them you are with Southern Nevada Dwarf cars
-Reservation # 62205 for handicap room #62206 for road side room 2 queen beds #62207 for water side 2 queen beds #62208 for room w/1 King
-Reservation # 62311-0 for RV spot full hook ups, 30 spaces blocked so CALL NOW!!
-Room rates $65.00 per night for queen rooms $75.00 for king and $18.00 for RV
-camping at track NO hook ups

Thanks and hope to see you there!
Renee Cotrell

- posted Jan 06, 2008

MORE DRIVERS ARE PRACTICING FOR CHILI BOWL


Recognize any BAD drivers? Recognize the driving coach?

Gas powered cars, indoor race track. We could do this.

My auto racing roots: As an 8 year old kid, I watched my first auto race, side show attraction at a traveling carnival in the backwaters of eastern Maryland - 'Royal American Monkey Speedway; World's Funniest Auto Racers'. A few years later, I had two pet macaque monkeys but had no racecars, no sponsors.

- posted Dec 28, 2007

DISCUSSION BOARD PROBLEMS; SUGGESTIONS?

The BAD Discussion Board, created and maintained for information exchange among members and friends, has been temporarily closed. For some while, we've had to deal with spam invasions and undesirable users. Recently, 20 to 50 bogus users have been able to register every day, not posting messages but linking websites. Links of bogus users are mostly porn-related/drug-related and have become a plague to the many club websites (including ours) which strive to protect a standard of decency for their members. Last week, over 150 bogus users had accumulated in a few days and it took me over an hour to remove them. Then, for the first time, several disgusting messages appeared as posts. Things were clearly out of control and we made the decision to close our website until we can figure out how to continue with some kind of trash barrier. We'll be looking at measures taken by other webmasters and welcome any suggestions from our members. Thank you for your patience. We'll do our best to reactivate the BAD Discussion Board ASAP.


- posted Dec 27, 2007

INDOOR RACES AT KING CITY; SOME CONCERN ABOUT THE TRACK

There has been a lot of hype and chatter about the proposed indoor races at the fairgrounds in King City. Promotional material has been widely circulated and is now posted on our BAD Discussion Board. A number of drivers have expressed interest in the prospect of off-season, mid-state, indoor dwarf car races but, apparently, few have actually registered for the late January event. Maybe some of you share one of my concerns - THE TRACK. First, I heard that there were only about eight inches of dirt on base rock and no plan to bring in more. How can a 'specially prepared oval track' with even minimal corner banking be created with no additional dirt? This track has been compared to the Chili Bowl, a 1/6 mile slightly banked oval which requires the import of about 8000 cubic yards of dirt. Then, I heard various guesses about the length of the track (inside a 60,000 square foot building); possibly the size of the Chili Bowl. When I looked at the enlarged photos of the track on the promoter's website, I was amazed at how small it seemed. One photo showed a grader on the track. Using that as a size reference, I figured the track to be only about 350 feet. Later, I heard the track was about 400 feet or 1/12 mile! Question = Is a track that size suitable (and safe) for dwarf car racing - especially with no banking? It is now used for indoor flat track motorcycle racing but may be even smaller than many others including the 1/10 mile indoor flat track dirt oval at Silver Dollar Speedway.

There have been other thoughts about indoor racing in this area but a suitable venue has not yet been located. I think it is a great idea but the details have to make sense. What do you think?

If there is a race in King City, I'll be there with bells on.

- posted Dec 14, 2007

BAD DRIVERS' MEETING

This is our annual drivers' meeting.

Date/Time: Tuesday, November 20th, 7:00 PM

Place: Dutchman's Pizza, 6940 Chestnut St, Gilroy

Agenda:
...Renewal of membership & new memberships
...The 2008 schedule
...Other items & new business from the floor

Majority concerns of our club will be presented at the annual WSDCA Board of Directors' meeting at the end of this month.

- posted Nov 11, 2007

ATTENTION DRIVERS: SPECIAL DEAL ON HANS DEVICE - LIMITED TIME

Jeremy Blackshere, '07 NorCal RoY, has arranged for an excellent discount on the Hans device - Model 20, standard tether. The regular price is $865 plus tax but, on a bulk order of 10 or more, the dealer has offered them for $778 plus tax. The dealer also offered free shipping and free installation (at dealer location). Jeremy would like to make an order before December 1 because the list price will be increasing. Anyone interested, please call Jeremy at 530/300-2592.

- posted Nov 08, 2007

BAD REGIONAL: PART 4

PHOTOS

Only two for now. Many more to add - just need time to edit.
Please let me know if you have something to contribute. When I have everything, I'll organize a gallery for our 2007 BAD Regional.


JOHN WEAR, PRO DIVISION WINNER, 2007 BAD REGIONAL
his dad takes credit for teaching John to drive - yeah right!



CONGRATULATIONS, JOHN!!!
hope Ron Wood has a better photo



- posted Oct 27, 2007

BAD REGIONAL: PART 3

FOOTNOTES

1) The car count for this Regional set a new record - 62 total; visitors from NCDCA (13), CDCRA (3), SODCA (3), Reno-Fernley (7) and, Antioch (7), in addition to 25 BAD regulars (doesn't quite add up but close). The count might have been even higher if the weather had been better. Because of an unfortunate but unavoidable scheduling conflict, there were no VRA cars; they raced at Santa Maria on Saturday night.

2) Many thanks to the visiting drivers for their support, patience, good competition and fine sportsmanship. We hope to see you all again at Ocean Speedway in the future.

3) Thanks again to BAD members and friends, generous sponsors and donors who made this event possible; a great success in spite of the partial rainout. Special thanks to Gilbert Toste who not only gave us all some solid ground to work with but also oversaw the race format and dealt with numerous issues in Joe's absence. Special thanks to Mike Chappel who worked his butt off the whole time - gruntwork, lineups, tech and troubleshooting, as well as calling the huge raffle; no time for mischief. Special thanks to Becky and Danielle Mesloh, two beautiful young ladies who charmed the guys and collected a small fortune from raffle ticket sales; must come next time.

4) Thanks to Randy Pooler (dwarfsecy) for attending our Regional and helping with pill draws, lineups, scoring and compiling results. And, thanks to Danny Zuger and Bill Adams for making Randy's visit possible - great idea.

5) The racing surface was about as rough as it gets; claimed not only Tim O'Neill (caught a backstretch rut, crashed hard into the wall and seriously injured his foot) but also NORCAL RoY, Jeremy Blackshere, (broken axle) and BAD RoY, Ryan Diatte, (shock bolt backed out), Ernie Davila (wheel lugs sheared off), who won his heat and was running 4th late in the Pro A Main, and others. Punky Pires was still vibrating when he got out of his car and started re-attaching his arms. Several visiting drivers asked me if the track was always that bad. Although, on this occasion, a miracle was in order and Tony O was on crutches, I think week-to-week track prep is an issue that should be addressed before next season.

6) Feedback - what they said....

Congratulations and thank you to BAD for putting on a really fun Regional. What could have been a dismal weekend, with the effort of the BAD club, turned into a fun, racing, national environment. This club really rocks and you can tell that they all enjoy one anothers company. We got rained out on Friday, but BAD started up the BBQ and got the sound system going and everyone ate and played and had a good time. Mike Van Acker

Just wanted to let all the bad guys that you put on a great regional. Even though the track was rough it was bad a$$. My family and I had a blast! Reece Wilson

Thanks to everyone who helped put on the show! Spanky Grenert

Thank you to the BAD club; you guys all pulled off a great night of racing! Without Joe and Mother Nature not helping out much; you all did a great job!! Brett Barstow

Have to second what Spanky and Brett have said. What a great weekend of racing considering the circumstances. Have to say the BAD club really made the absolute best of the situation. Neil Stinson

Thank you BAD for a good time, thanks to Gilbert for keeping the peace, Danny for the music, and Gene P. for cooking. Thanks to all that worked their butts off to make sure everyone was well fed and taken care of. Thanks to Ocean Speedway who could of gave up and not raced, but stuck to it and made the racing surface as good as could be expected. Thanks to everyone who worked the pits so we could get trailers moved and lanes created for staging. Everyone owes Gilbert a big thanks, the guy was nonstop all day and worked his butt off on that tractor. Chewey thanks for all you do also. Kevin (Hollywood) Bender

ALL BAD members deserve a pat on the back for putting on a truly great regional. Thanks!!!! Tim O'Neill

Everyone was great and the food after the racing topped off a fun night of racing. On behalf of my son David Teves the 00 car and D & K Racing I want to thank everyone for the help and hospitably this past weekend. Dana Craig

Good job, BAD! Sounds like you guys did a great job... Jan Munroe (mamadwarf)

I hope BAD can get a National next year. I think the club is ready to handle it. Thanks for everything. Have a great off-season. Randy Pooler (dwarfsecy)

I heard many more compliments from our visitors and friends; makes me proud to be BAD.

- posted Oct 25, 2007

BAD REGIONAL REPORT: PART 2

RACE NOTES

Pro Heat 1
Best lap time - John Wear, 16.064 (overall best)
4 'B' cars
Winner = John Wear; started 4th; leading on lap 4 by wide margin, leading by
straightaway by lap 7
Mike Weaver started 6th, finished 5th
Walter Harper started 7th, finished 6th
Gilbert Toste DNF; crash victim on lap 1; scored 9th

Pro Heat 2
Best lap time - Kevin Bender, 16.626
1 'B' car
Winner = Joey Shreffler; started 2nd; leading from start
Ryan Ameln started 5th, finished 3rd

Pro Heat 3
Best lap time - Robert Mesloh, 16.441
5 'B' cars
Winner = Billy Wilson; started 4th; leading from lap 4
Troy Wagner started 7th, finished 3rd
Robert Mesloh started 8th, finished 4th
Rich Wilson started 3rd, finished 5th
Danny Zuger started 5th, finished 6th
Jose Guevara DNF; blown engine; scored 8th

Pro Heat 4
Best lap time - Spanky Grenert, 16.525
3 'B' cars
Winner = Spanky Grenert; started 3rd; leading from lap 2
Tyler Schmidt started 5th, came back fast from early spin, finished 2nd
Mark Tillinger started 2nd, finished 3rd
Chris Dorto started 4th, late race crash victim, scored 6th

Pro Heat 5
Best lap time - Daniel Weger, 16.513
5 'B' cars
Winner = Ernie Davila; started pole; leading entire race
Martin Whittingham started 2nd, finished 2nd
Punky Pires started 5th, finished 6th
Doug Penny started 8th, finished 7th
Greg Penny started 4th, finished 8th

Pro Heat 6
Best lap time - Patrick Weger, 16.300
3 'B' cars
Winner = Patrick Weger; started 4th; leading from lap 4
Ryan Diatte started pole, finished 2nd
Dave Mosier started 3rd, finished 3rd
Chris Weaver started 5th, finished 5th

Pro C Main
Best lap time - Kevin Bender, 16.860
11 'B' cars (Toste DNS)
Winner = Ed Johnson; started 5th; leading from lap 3
Chris Weaver (3rd), Pires (5th), Dorto (7th) & Doug Penny (8th) transfer

Pro B Main
Best lap time - Daniel Weger, 16.198
9 'B' cars
Winner = Daniel Weger; started 11th; leading on lap 19
Mosier (5th), Chris Weaver (11th) & Pires (12th) transfer

Pro A Main
Best lap time - Nick Davis, 16.340
8 'B' cars
Winner = John Wear; started 3rd; leading from lap 6 (waving to Spanky)
Rest of Top 5 = Grenert, David Teves, Jon Davis & Shreffler
Whittingham (6th), Pires (8th), Weaver (13th) Davila (14th, DNF), Mosier (16th, DNF),
Diatte (20th, DNF) & Schmidt (21st, DNF)

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOHN WEAR AND TOP FINISHERS!

Snr Heat 1
Best lap time - NA
1 'B' car
Winner = Mike Van Acker
Mike Bejovich started 7th, finished 7th

Snr Heat 2
Best lap time - NA
2 'B' cars
Winner = Tim O'Neill
Joel Osias started 4th, finished 3rd
Bill Martinez started 6th, finished 6th

Snr A Main
Best lap time - NA
3 'B' cars (Martinez DNS)
Winner = Mike Van Acker; started 2nd; leading from start
Rest of Top 5 = Kelly Gutches, Dave Quigley, Bejovich, Paul Jett
Osias (11th)

CONGRATULATIONS MIKE VAN ACKER AND TOP FINISHERS!

- posted Oct 20, 2007

BAD REGIONAL REPORT; PART 1

More comments, photos, etc to follow

I've never been a member of any club in which more than a few people were willing to do much of anything for the club. When volunteers were invited to the first BAD Regional planning meeting, less than 10 people were expected. However, the meeting room overflowed with people who were rich in ideas, enthusiasm and commitment; the Regional was 'in the works'. Over the next few weeks, those people and others were on a mission. It was interesting to see how all their separate efforts came together so smoothly to create this event.

I was at the track when work began on Thursday. Showing up to help that afternoon were, Mike Chappel, Ty Schmidt, Chris & Kate Dorto, Dave Penny, Martin & Ronnie Whittingham, Gilbert Toste, Ernie Davila, Jerry Mesloh, Troy Diatte, Punky Pires and Danny Zuger. Setting up the hospitality tent was the first order of business. That would normally take 2 people about 30 minutes but, thanks to the expert guidance of Dave (reading instruction sheet), it took 8 people about 11/2 hours. Meanwhile, Martin installed a power hookup to the work area. Jerry brought in a toy box cargo hauler to be used for food storage and preparation and refrigerators were loaned by the Whittinghams and the Dortos. Picnic tables brought in from the fairgrounds were set up in the tent and tarps were hung as protection against rain. A few coaches and trailers were parked nearby and we had a camp in the pits. At that point, the greatest concern was the weather. Predictions went from 'partly cloudy' to 'periodic showers' to 'steady rain, 60%' to 'steady rain, 80%'.

In spite of unsettled weather and worsening forecast, there was optimism Friday morning that racing was still possible. Everyone was either frantically preparing or patiently waiting, when I delivered some things to the track midday. On the way back to Santa Cruz, feeling crappy but intending to return if there was racing, I could see rain approaching. A cancel notice was already posted on the speedway website. Friday night, a delicious BBQ chicken dinner was prepared by Kate Dorto, Wilma Pires, Gene Pires, Dave Hall and many helpers and was served up in the cow barn. There was music and some hearty souls partied into the night. I'm sorry I missed the great food and all the fun.

Ronnie Whittingham and Kate Dorto were excellent coordinators in all aspects of this event. They and all the volunteers who went the extra mile can be very proud of their achievement and deserve kudos grande from the rest of us. I had promised to manage the raffle but got sick and dropped out. I'm especially grateful to everyone who took over and filled in for me.

The rain had cleared out by Saturday morning but, when I arrived at the track and saw the result of an inch or so of precip, I wondered why anyone was still there. The scene was somewhere between a muddy slough at low tide and a Missouri cow pasture after intense rain. I could see islands of dwarf cars and tractors in the slop. While numerous pickup trucks worked the track, Gilbert Toste expertly worked the pits with a front loader brought in by Pires Trucking. Amazingly, by late afternoon, the pit area was in good shape. Sixty-two dwarf cars (25 BAD) were ready to take the track for the Saturday program (no Friday make-up); 6 Pro heats, C (combined D & C), B and A mains, no trophy dash; 2 Snr heats and A main. Results provided by track scorers (transponder and manual) were not totally correct. Fortunately, Randy Pooler, longtime WSDCA scorer, was there to assist. Results provided by Randy are official; see below. There is nothing yet posted on mylaps.

download complete and official BAD Regional results courtesy of Randy Pooler

- posted Oct 20, 2007

BAD REGIONAL: LOCATION & DIRECTIONS

Ocean Speedway is on the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds at 2601 East Lake Dr, Watsonville CA; about 2 miles from town center and visible from the road. Click here for the location in GOOGLE MAPS

From Route 1

Take Airport Bl exit; go east on Airport Bl which becomes Holohan Rd; turn left on East Lake Av
or
Take Riverside Dr exit; go east on Riverside Dr; turn left on Blackburn St, then right on East Lake Av

From Route 101

Take Rte 152 toward Watsonville (winding road); Hecker Pass Rd becomes East Lake Av
or
Take Rte 129 into Watsonville (straighter road); turn right on Blackburn St, then right on East Lake Av




- posted Oct 02, 2007

ATTENTION ALL BAD MEMBERS

Some members have already made generous donations of raffle prizes, money and supplies for our upcoming Regional. Whether you made pledges or not, Joe would like EVERYONE to please BRING SOMETHING to the races on FRIDAY. We need more raffle prizes ($20+ items) and beverages (water, soda & beer). The support of all members will ensure a successful event. Let's be great hosts and show our visitors we're proud to be BAD.

- posted Oct 02, 2007

WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE KARIS FAMILY

Our heartfelt condolences are with the Karis family during this difficult time. We are very sorry for their loss.

RACHEL KARIS
Rachel Karis, daughter of Tony and Gail Karis, died September 11 by tragic motorcycle accident in Boston. She was only 19 years old; a gifted student at Olin College of Engineering. Memorial services will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, September 23, at Santa Cruz Bible Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Memorial Trust for Rachel Karis, US Bank in Aptos.

- posted Sep 22, 2007

POINTS RACE #15: HEATS, DASH COMPLETED, FEATURE CALLED - RAIN

Scattered showers in the area produced just enough precip to be annoying on this race night. Prelims were run in light rain but the feature race was called because track conditions were too dangerous. It was still early (about 7:30) and the showers soon subsided but it was a sensible call. The promoter will schedule a make-up feature and honor wrist bands from this night (i.e., no pit fee). Stay tuned.

The car count was the lowest in some while - only 14. Maybe the drivers who stayed home were laughing out loud. Heat winners were Ryan Diatte, in a close one over 2nd place Tyler Schmidt, and Dave Mosier, by a straightaway over 2nd place Martin Whittingham. The four car dash (69B, 56B, 57B and 23B) was won by Ryan Diatte. To be continued...

By my calculation, Dave Mosier could have clinched the 2007 BAD championship on this night. Even if Ryan Diatte, currently 2nd in series points, had perfect 100 scores in the final two races, Dave needed only a score of 75 and could have sat out the last race (but not likely).

- posted Sep 22, 2007