June 23, 2010 THE TOWNS COUNTY HERALD Page 11A Towns County Sports Towns County’s Leader In Sports www.townscountyherald.net • E-mail: [email protected] T North Georgia Rapids summer update NASCAR 2010 The North Georgia Rap- By Gerald Hodges/the Racing Reporter ids Swim League started its summer meet schedule with the annual Pentathalon hosted Johnson wins at Infi neon in Winder, Georgia. The area’s has four Top-10 points lead- local team, the North Georgia NASCAR Sprint Cup cham- ers after 15 of 35: 1. Brad Rapids sent six swimmers to pionships, but until Sunday, Keselwoski-2466, 2. Ed- this challenging event, offered he had been winless on road wards-2229, 3. Allgaier-2051, only to the league’s more expe- courses. That’s all history now, 4. -1945, 5. Me- rienced swimmers. as he won the /Savemart nard-1860, 6. Harvick-1852, Gracie Weldon, swim- 350 ahead of . 7. Gaughan-1685, 8. S. Wal- ming in her fi rst Pentathalon, was lace-1674, 9. Leffl er-1597, 10. placed 5th overall in her age leading the race when the cau- Logano-1593 fi elds . group of 8 and under which in- tion came out with eight laps GODFATHER OF RACING “The biggest problem cluded twenty-two swimmers. remaining. Ambrose, trying to PASSES AWAY with us, with me and the whole Gracie had personal best times save fuel, cut off his engine Raymond Parks, the situation is I want to make the in all of her races. under caution and acciden- godfather of right decision for him and our Megan Foster, in the tally stopped on the course. He passed away Saturday night at company,” Hendrick contin- 9-10 age group, had thirty- his home near Atlanta, Geor- two competitors to compete ended up rejoining the fi eld in ued. “I’m not really procrasti- Marshall, women’s 13-14, fi n- and fi nished third out of a fi eld seventh. Johnson inherited the gia. nating as much as I’m trying to against. Megan earned four of thirty-two swimmers. Parks teamed with driver ribbons in her fi ve races fi n- ished tenth out of twenty-nine lead. let everything unfold.” swimmers with her best fi nish The team’s more expe- “I thought Marcos (Am- Red Byron to win the inaugu- HAMLIN STICKS BY DE- ishing 10th overall, swimming rienced swimmers started the ral modifi ed championship personal best times in all of her being a 6th in the 50 yd. Back- brose) was really going to give BRIS STATEMENT stroke. Anna Knight also in summer season in excellent us a hard time,” said Johnson. in 1948 followed by the fi rst stood races. form, with all team members “strictly stock” -- the forerun- Three out of the four Courtney’s age group, fi nished “I don’t know what happened by his previous statement that third overall, earning a beauti- having an outstanding after- to him, I just saw him pulling ner to today’s Cup Series -- a NASCAR offi cials sometimes older swimmers fi nished with- noon. The team will continue year later. in the top ten of their respec- ful rosette ribbon, along with off. use caution fl ags for debris just fi ve ribbons from her individ- to practice hard for the ap- “We had the fastest car In addition he helped to liven up a race or close up tive age groups. Courtney proaching championship meet fi nance many races as well as ual successes. Jennifer Chin- at the end, but it was because the competition. nici, narrowly missed a top ten in mid July. For more infor- Chad (crew chief Chad Knaus) the fl edgling NASCAR organi- Hamlin was leading mation about the swim team, zation in its early years. Blood drive place by fi nishing eleventh. kept on me to save my tires. It last week at Michigan when Tanner Gay, swimming contact Coach Barry Gay 706- really paid off. “The NASCAR commu- NASCAR threw a caution for at Galaxy Bowl in the men’s senior age group, 835-1662. N(JUN23,C6)AC “It really feels good to nity is saddened by the passing debris with 15 laps remain- of Raymond Parks,” NASCAR Look for the LifeSouth swam fi ve personal best times fi nally win on a road course. ing. Hamlin went on to win Community Bloodmobile at I’ve worked hard to be a better chairman Brian France said in the race, but said afterward Towns County a statement. “Raymond was 104 Backyard Lane, Blairs- road course driver and it fi nally that NASCAR threw the cau- ville, GA. We need your help to 2010 Summer Youth Football paid off.” instrumental in the creation tion fl ag because “this is show Towns County Youth of NASCAR as a participant save lives in Georgia hospitals! Day Camp The win was John- business.” A little of your time as a Football registration will be son’s 51st, and it moved him in the historic meeting at the “There is always debris Summer is just around blood donor offers someone in held June 19th and June 26th from sixth to second in Chase Streamline Hotel in Daytona around the track,” Hamlin said the corner and that means hot and July 10th and July 17th points. Beach. He was also our fi rst Friday at Infi neon Raceway. your community a lifetime of weather and Summer Day tomorrows. from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Robby Gordon’s runner- championship owner. Ray- “You can call anything debris. Camp for boys and girls ages 6 Towns County School football up fi nish was his best since mond is a giant in the history … You could say that any- All donors will receive thru 12. This summer The Rec- of NASCAR and will always a LifeSouth recognition item, fi eldhouse. The registration fee 2005 at Watkins Glen. thing is debris and that it is a reation Department will offer is $60. The ages for eligible “We came up about 10- be remembered for his dedica- legitimate safety hazard, but I a complimentary cholesterol day camp for two weeks, run- tion to NASCAR.” screening and blood typing, players are from 5 years of age laps short on tires,” said Gor- just think it’s the timing. ‘OK, ning Monday thru Friday from to 12 years of age. Each player don. “The team did a great job, Funeral arrangements there it is, let’s pick it up and and 12 months coverage in the 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Session III have not yet been announced. LifeSouth Blood Donor Ben- must have the $60 registration and if we could have had a few regroup.’ July 12th thru July 23rd. fee and copy of birth certifi cate more caution laps, it might NO DECISION ON “For the sake of show, efi t Program. Please donate The fee for the two week KAHNE’S 2011 TEAM blood and/or recruit others to when registering. The fi rst day have been a different race for that’s OK, but for the sake of session is $120. The fee is pay- of regular practice is July 19th us. The tires were the differ- When an- donate. competition, it’s not always the able to the Towns County Rec- at 6 p.m. at the Towns County ence in winning the race and nounced he was leaving Rich- right thing. But, if we weren’t Donors must be at least reation Department the fi rst fi nishing second.” ard Petty Motorsports at the talking about that last week, if 17 years of (16 years old with School soccer practice fi eld. Monday of each session. Towns County Youth There were lots of inci- end of 2010 and moving to NASCAR had let it go, people a signed LifeSouth parent Day Camp offers chil- dents between different driv- one of ’s teams, were going to be talking about permission form), weigh 110 Football along with the as- dren sports game activities, sistance of the Towns County ers. One of them involved Jeff fans were told his car and deal a boring race, and that’s some- pounds or more, and show a social game activities, fi eld Gordon and Martin Truex Jr. would be fi nalized within 90 thing we don’t want, either.” photo I.D. at the time of do- varsity coaches will also be trips, nature hikes and much holding a camp July 14th and Gordon got into Truex and days. Hamlin said he expected nation. If you have questions more. Give your child a lot to knocked him off the track. But according to Rick a caution fl ag when he had a about blood donation, call 770- 15th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hendrick, that isn’t going to do this summer and sign them The camp is free and any child Truex was furious. big lead last week. 538-0500 or visit our website up for Day Camp. You may “There he (Gordon) is, happen. NASCAR spokesman at lifesouth.org. NT(Jun23,A4)SH from 5 years of age to 12 years ESPN reported that Hen- send your child to any or all of of age is encouraged to attend. out there still racing and I’m Ramsey Poston refuted Ham- the sessions. Children need to wrecked,” said Truex. drick has a lot more options for lin’s claims, saying NASCAR If anyone has any ques- Kahne in 2011 than he expect- bring a swimsuit, towel, spray- tions, they may contact Jimmy Gordon, who fi nished throws a caution fl ag for debris YHC able sunscreen and sack lunch. fi fth, said afterwards that he ed when he fi rst signed him in Smith at 706-896-2622 or 706- when there is a safety hazard. The Recreation Department did some things on the track April. “When we identify Basketball Camp 835-6176. T(Jun23,F1)SH will furnish the drinks for the that he wasn’t proud of. “A lot of it is just wait- something, or there is some- Coach Pete Herrmann campers. “We had an awesome ing for the right time and the thing on the track that can’t and Coach Brenda Paul will be Registration will be the VFW race car on the long runs,” right deal,” Hendrick said. “I be identifi ed, we are going to holding their fi rst basketball fi rst Monday of the session said Gordon. “But it was wild haven’t been in a hurry. We’ve err on the side of safety and camp together this July. Boys Golf League at the Recreation Department out there. On the restarts there got some good options and throw the caution,” Poston & girls ages - 8-15 years old - located on Hwy. 76 west of The results of league were guys making it three there are new deals coming said. “Cautions exist for the July 19th-July 23rd. Contact Hiawassee. For more informa- play for Thursday, June 17th. wide. I’m as guilty as they are. out every day. I get unbeliev- safety of the competitors and 706-247-5779 for information able calls from people in this tion please call the Recreation The format played this day When they started doing it to our fans and we take that very on camp registration. Cost was the "a" Scramble format me, I started doing it to them. garage. We’re just not ready to seriously. Department at 706-896-2600. $135 for the week. T(Jun23,Z1)SH in very hot weather. “I completely messed up pull the trigger yet.” “At some point, I suspect T(Jun23,F1)SH Hendrick downplayed The winning team was Martin, and I’m going to try drivers would have a different George Darden. Myron Grizio and patch that up with him.” a report that said Kahne would point of view if they were to 14-Under Lady Indians need your help! , Kasey drive the No. 09 car for James hit that piece of debris, par- and Gene Hinson with a score We need your help! The set up at United Community of 66, being -6 under par. Kahne, , Marcos Finch and Phoenix Racing next ticularly leading the race and it 14-Under Lady Indians soft- Bank, also, any donations can Ambrose, Greg Biffl e, Boris year before replacing Mark ruined their day, or worse. Our ball team won the District 7 be dropped off at C & J Outfi t- T(Jun23,F1)SH Said, , and Juan Martin in the No. 5 at HMS job is to maintain as best as we Championship on Saturday. ters. (Nancy Noblet is one of Montoya were the remaining in 2012. That report also said can the safety on the track.” As a result of this win, they the assistant coaches for the GWRRA meetings top-10 fi nishers. Martin could take over part Weekend Racing: The Cup are now advancing to the state team and she and Nathan have Chapter J of the Gold Top-12 Chase contenders ownership of Phoenix Racing and Nationwide teams are at GRPA (Georgia Recreation already pledged $20 per girl Wing Road Riders Association after 16 of 36: 1. Harvick-2334, in 2012. Phoenix Racing offi - the 1.058-mile New Hampshire and Parks Association) tour- for a total of $200 towards our (GWRRA) meets on the fourth 2. Johnson-2194, 3. Kyle cials said no conversations with Speedway in Loudon, NH. The nament, to be held in south goal), which will probably be Saturday of each month (ex- Busch-2193, 4. Hamlin-2183, Hendrick have taken place. Truck teams do not race again Georgia, July 8-10. Since this several thousand dollars. Do- cluding December) at Daniels 5. J. Gordon-2142, 6. Kurt “I don’t know where that until July 11. was a bit unexpected, and not nations may also be dropped Steakhouse, Hiawassee, GA. Busch-2118, 7. Kenseth-2092, rumor came from,” Hendrick Sat., June 26, Nationwide Se- planned for in anyone's bud- off at Michelle’s Hair Design, Fellowship and food at 11 AM 8. Burton-2027, 9. Biffl e-2011, said. ries race, 16 of 35; Starting get, we need help raising the Monday through Saturday with the meeting commencing 10. Stewart-1983, 11. Mar- Kahne said he and Hen- time: 3:30 pm ET; TV: ESPN. money to help these girls go to with Head Coach Penny Led- at noon. We welcome riders of drick spoke on Friday and that tin-1947, 12. Edwards-1932 Sun., June 27, Sprint Cup Le- the state tournament. ford. We don't have solid fi g- all brands of motorcycles and EDWARDS GETS his 2011 situation wasn’t part nox Tools 301, 17 of 36; Start- They will be travelling ures yet, because we have to of the conversation. welcome participants of other NATIONWIDE WIN ing time: 1 pm ET; TV: TNT. to Appling County (Baxley, wait for fi nal information from GWRRA chapters. For further ended “I didn’t even ask any- Racing Trivia Question: How thing about next year and he GA) which is southwest of Sa- the Rec Dept, which we won't information, please contact Ford’s winless streak, as he many career road course wins vannah. have until later in the week. Chapter Director Peg Jones won the Nationwide Series didn’t bring it up, either,” Kah- does Denny Hamlin have? An account has been T(Jun23,H1)SH 678-464-7340. NT(Jun23,SC4) race at for the ne said. “We were just talking Last Week’s Question: How manufacturer’s fi rst victory of about other stuff, so I would many Cup teams does Hen- In another exciting Corn- 2010 in any of NASCAR’s top say there is no new news.” drick Motorsports have? An- well Tools Modifi ed Street fea- three series. Among the speculated swer. Four, the drivers are Local ture, Brasstown’s Greg Sudderth The remaining top-10 possibilities for Kahne next Jimmie Johnson, , survived a post race protest which fi nishers were , year, in addition to Phoenix Jeff Gordon, and Dale Earn- Racing Action found the car to be legal, to take , Brad Ke- Racing, have been Stewart- hardt Jr. By: Carl Vanzura the win over Justin Thomas, Ju- Haas Racing and nior Whitner, Dale Fortner and selowski, , Brad You may contact the Racing Heather Taylor. Coleman, J. R. Fitzpatrick, Ja- Racing. Hendrick did say that Reporter at: hodgesnews@ Hayesville driver Harold son Leffl er, Steve Wallace, and Kahne would be in a Chev- earthlink.net. NT(JUN23,C4)AC Garrett put his Ford, the fi rst Ford . rolet, and Red Bull currently SHOUT 3 on 3 in Victory Lane in years, across Basketball the fi nish line in front of Charles Toomey, Ricky Smith and Josh Type O negative blood levels Tournament Roberts in the Stock Street fea- drop to critically low levels 3 on 3 Basketball Tour- ture. nament Saturday, June 26th, In a small fi eld entered in The supply of type O can make the difference between starting at 9 a.m. at Union Co. the Mini Stock feature, Andrews negative blood at the American an adequate blood supply and a driver Marty Clark beat Shannon Red Cross has dropped to criti- summer shortage.” Rec. Four Divisions of Play: Boys Ages 13-15, Men Ages Jones and Josh Stapler. cally low levels. Type O negative Every two seconds, some- Racing returns to Tri- blood is always in high demand one in the needs 16 and up; Girls Ages 13-15, County Saturday with the Corn- because it can be transfused to blood. The Red Cross Carolinas Women Ages 16 and up. $40 well Tools Modifi ed Street Mid- patients with any blood type, es- Blood Services Region provides Entry fee/Team (3 or 4 person Season Championship, then on pecially in emergency situations. lifesaving blood to 103 hospitals Teams). Prizes awarded for July 3rd, the Southeastern Late Type O negative donors are need- and must have 1,600 people give each player: Boys and Girls The Kenny Garrett prepared Monte Carlo carried the fl ag and then Model Sportsman Series 40-lap ed to help prevent the fragile type blood and platelets each weekday winers receive: $20 gift card to on to victory Saturday night. $1500 to win race along with the O negative blood supply from to meet hospital demand. Acci- Fun World; $10 gift certifi cate famous Tri-County Fireworks reaching a crisis level. dent victims as well as patients Alabama’s Kevin Thomas passed Thomas going into turn Show will be on the schedule. Wednesday, July 14 at with cancer, sickle cell disease, to a Mexican restuarant. Mens blasts around Tri-County at one only to see Thomas go to the and Womens winners receive In other local action, Union General Hospital Blood blood disorders and other illness- over 100 mph for win high groove in turn two and hold Young Harris driver Randy Nich- Drive (214 Hospital Circle, es receive lifesaving transfusions $30 fuel card. First Free Will Cullman, Alabama driv- the lead to the checkered fl ag. Baptist Church of Hayesville, ols won at Toccoa Speedway. Blairsville), from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. There is no substitute er Kevin Thomas blasted around Tom Maushardth, Ron Bishop Derek Ellis was the big winner Please call Amber Pruitt or Mary for blood and volunteer donors 259 Tusquittee Street, Hayes- Tri-County Race Track at speeds and Dank Chapman rounded out at North Georgia Speedway. The Murphy at 745-2111 for more are the only source. ville (828) 389-4777 www. over 100 mph to take the Georgia the top fi ve. Lucas Oil Series did their Ten- information or to schedule an ap- Individuals who are 17 hayesvillefreewill.org Sign up Mini Sprint feature in the 18-car The feature nessee tour and raced at Cleve- pointment. Walk-Ins Welcome! years of age (16 with parental by phone or online. fi eld. Thomas won his heat race was another battle between Mor- Appointments preferred! All pre- permission in some states), meet land Speedway Thursday night and started on the pole and stayed ganton driver Bobby Panter and with Jimmy Owens taking the senting donors have a chance to weight and height requirements in the lead as half a dozen fellow Peachtree’s Jamie Oliver as the win a $1000 gift card! (110 pounds or more, depending Church win. Ray Cook was fourth and racers were glued to him around two battled for 25-laps less than a Jonathan Davenport ran 14th. “While all blood types on their height) and are in gener- car length separating them. Kevin are needed during the critical ally good health may be eligible Softball League the super-fast clay oval. On the The tour moved to Bulls Gap white fl ag lap, three of the sprint Sutton, Preston Crisp and Doug Speedway on Friday and Sat- summer months, we urge those to give blood. Please bring your Church Softball League in Sneed fi lled the top fi ve. eligible donors with O negative Red Cross blood donor card or Hayesville. Coed Softball start- cars tangled in the second turn urday, On Friday, Jimmy Owen with one car fl ipping and coming Copperhill driver Jason once again took the $10,000 pay blood type to make and keep other form of positive ID when ing in August. Come have a great Deal returned to Victory Lane in appointments to give blood this you come to donate. time playing softball, and fellow- to rest on its side. As emergency day. Davenport was third and rescue got to the scene, the driver the GM Performance Late Model Cook fourth. On Saturday, Scott summer,” says Joyce H. Bren- For more information or ship with each other. Men and main event with a strong run over del, chief executive offi cer of the to locate a nearby blood drive, got out and waved to the crowd. Bloomquist won and Davenport women from surrounding area On the restart, McDonough, Hiawassee’s Kevin Bradshaw, and Cook repeated their third and American Red Cross Carolinas please call 1-800-RED CROSS churches. Contact Jamie Mc- Tony Ledford, Kurt English and Blood Services Region. “You or visit redcrossblood.org. Georgia driver Dwight Pilgrim fourth place fi nishes. Clure (828) 361-3015. Trevor Parker.