Grands Issue 2008

One on One with QMA President - Charlie Cagle USAC Announces .25 Midget Program

photo by PDQ Arial Photo Shows 2008 Dirt Grands at Taylorville, IL

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www.AARgear.com AAR 1-800-699-9493 Racing Gear Grands and that QMA has sick of it!!! Recently QMA THAT SIMPLE! All of this engine builders, specific to members received a letter because someone created from the Editor the sport and they didn't pointedly accusing another Quarter Midgets of America! I must apologize for developed LIVE in 2005. need any kart shops. I just website of publishing a letter Members have worked their this issue being so late. It's Members support it and have to ask... is there any that they had supposedly not tails off to build clubs & tracks important to celebrate the endorse it. This last season, wonder why QMA is the best released regarding USAC. all over the nation. I can’t accomplishments of the driv- there are a couple members kept secret? Why does it In fact, honest Board find another organization ers who had success at the of the National Board that seem that QMA is a con- Members and RD's will tell where local clubs own their 2008 Grands. There should- have done everything in their trolled organization at the you, it was released to them own facilities. Look at the n't be divisions; there should- power to destroy what we top? I personally don’t care to distribute to their mem- new clubs that have recently n't be lines drawn in the provide. The National Board if the Board likes me or not bers. Negative feedback been built - North Carolina, sand, there just shouldn't directed them to contact us anymore, but it is unthinkable over the letter prompted the Lanier Speedway in Georgia, be..... back in March, April, May they would "not listen to their National Board to draft and Orange Show in My family started in 1/4 and June to work together. members & take what we another. QM.com didn't write Southern, California. Look at Midgets in 1989. I've loved A letter, informing us that the offer from their program. “If that letter; QMA wrote that the face lifts that Minnesota, the sport, but personally I Board would be providing the Mike Doe showed up at a letter. QM.com and Coast 2 Albuquerque and Florida have frustrations with the services we have always Grands to write about it, or if Coast Racing News are along with Doylestown and powers in QMA. We have done, came just days before National Speed Sport News, From NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers, to Silver the Speed Channel, ESPN or worked hard to develop the Eastern Grands. At the Crown drivers to USAC Midget drivers to Micro Coast 2 Coast, Quarter Western Grands, the head Sprint & Midget Magazine.... Midgets .com and Quarter RD approached our Region oh wait.... Sprint & Midget did Sprint drivers.... families have said that the best Midgets LIVE.com. Director telling him he had attend the Eastern Grands in years of their lives were when they were racing Recently I contacted Michelle chosen the wrong side in the 2007 and the Club PR had Quarter Midgets. Barzee, QMA/VP and asked C2C deal. He stated that the them work with C2C. Drivers her for an interview with QMA Publicity guy didn't owe were chosen and Quarter NEWS publications. WE Keystone have done. QMA QMA President Charlie Coast 2 Coast even a phone Midget Racing was promoted don't make up this stuff. We Members accomplished this. Cagle. It is included in this call and that QMA didn't owe in a very prestigious publica- print what happens! I'm You are all awesome! Do issue. Charlie and I agreed Debi Supan a thing! Who is tion all over the US. It just sure all of you have your you really realize what you how sad it is that so few peo- running QMA anyway??? It must be the Supan name. own horror stories in dealing have done and accomplished ple run for Club, Regional isn't about owing anyone, Another QM alum, with QMA, but I feel you in the name of your kids! and/or National Positions. anything... it's simply about Stephenee Supan, a paid should know what we go How much did the National Charlie feels that people respect. A few short months QMA Member, was not through to give you the Board do for you to promote can't be bothered and I per- ago, C2C produced an issue allowed to run the score- news. The lack of support your club, publicize it to the sonally think people just that included the QMA board at the Dirt Grands and obstacles the Board puts world, and finance it??? You don’t want to involve them- Quarter Reporter inside. All because National Tower us through, to provide you as QMA members have a selves in the drama any- the drivers who made the A wanted her out of the tower! these services, is ridiculous! stock pile of an abundance of more. I am a member of Main had their photo in a She just has the wrong last What is it that members money in your bank account. QMA, and I’ve developed publication that many will name. QuarterMidgetsLive want, but most importantly, YOU did that. QMA has that! tools that members speak have for years to come. All was not allowed in the tower why won't QMA just listen? YOU own that money; ALL out for and utilize extensive- for the comment..... that or even approach it after QMA has been around for a the members, not just 7 ly. Remember, QMA is a vol- QMA doesn't owe Coast 2 qualifying at the Dirt Grands. long time. They are publiciz- Board Members. QMA as an unteer sport that supposedly Coast a thing! This attitude The local club was put ing 50 years in 2010, when organization has seen many encourages members to vol- is the very reason that anoth- through hell to get the results many QMA clubs have good & giving people pass unteer. QMA wants its mem- er organization CAN now to us so that we could get already celebrated 50 years through this membership. bers to believe they are an compete for drivers. It just them to you. And the of QMA. QMA has been They standardized rules, at organization where every isn't my story. This continues President of QMA says, what so many drivers have every club, so that families member has a voice. I feel to happen at clubs and when he isn't at a Grands, he done for many of their could travel across the US to QMA doesn't care if you are regions across the country. is watching our site! QMA younger years. From race at any track in the sys- talking... they just aren't lis- It's not that people don't want Members are asking for a NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers, tem. There have been hard tening. to be bothered.... they just detailed financial statement. to Silver Crown drivers to times, when members were I asked Charlie what the don't want to be part of "this Charlie says that members USAC Midget drivers to trusted and selfishly stole membership should do when kind of stuff" anymore. should get what they ask Micro Sprint drivers.... fami- money from the treasury. It's a Board Member is directed Recently a guy contacted us for. People realize that lies have said that the best happened at clubs, regions, to do something and they about advertising. He had things like transportation and years of their lives were and national, but still QMA don't.... he said contact the just come across Quarter travel cost money. Members when they were racing has survived. Again, they RD and they should bring it Midgets and is very excited have a RIGHT to be sure that Quarter Midgets. Just how don't own that money, each to the Board and maybe that about it. I encouraged him the privledges aren't abused. awesome is that! How cool and every member owns it. Board Member should be to contact National Tech to They have a RIGHT to that is it that your kids have the That, in itself, is a true removed. As most of you be sure of all the QMA rules. information. When the Board experience of a life-time driv- accomplishment in the name know, C2C has produced a He said what came out of the doesn't willingly give their ing a little race car around a of its members. It's a sad Daily Paper at the Grands for phone call was that no members all they ask for, it little race track and getting to thing people don't run for years. It is also posted to engine coming from a kart implies dishonesty. Charlie, meet other kids & families positions anymore. That is a the .com site so everyone shop had ever passed his it isn't that people don't want across the country? It is that testimony of a membership can see it at home. We tech bench legally at a to bother, they are just plain simple. IT SHOULD BE that doesn't believe in the system any longer. No Charlie, it doesn't make me mad that your PR guy won't work with us or even commu- nicate with us, it makes me sad for your members. It’s frustrating that your present Board decided to change all that Scott Tankersley, Alex Frazin, Charlie Cagle and H.R. Cook worked to make right! Many of us wonder why a few people in QMA are so vindictive that they would stifle the works of one family and in turn hurt the organiza- tion. This seems to happen in every club. That path of destruction has been carved right through the middle of QMA! Can't the National Board understand that it

AJ, Stephenee, and Matt Supan Page 4 Coast 2 Coast Racing News doesn't reaaly matter to the called sponsorship, promo- age club races. They volunteering to make every- allel's with past Quarter members how much work tion, and exposure! USAC encourage local clubs to fig- one in the family be a part of Midget racers & they can you put into making fliers, re- has an office in Indianapolis, ure out what works best for the racing program. USAC host some awesome events writing rule books, organizing IN directly across from their club as long as safety is is all about providing a racing in .25 Midget racing, Ford and working your tails off, Indianapolis Motor the number one priority. program. QMA has survived Focus racing, Midgets, and talking to members if, all Speedway. In fact, QMA QMA and USAC are at oppo- the test of time and so has Sprints and Silver Crown that gets taken for granted - PAID USAC to be their man- site ends when it comes to USAC. Neither organization events. QMA could step up when you don't listen to your agement company a few the local club issue. QMA is perfect. It is in the best to the plate and learn some members. Eventually, mem- years back. USAC did not programs, such as their interest of Quarter Midget of the fundamentals of how bers will stop talking and take do what QMA members Novice Schools, through Racing that all organizations to run a real racing organiza- their race cars somewhere expected. There were standardization, has been an are honest & upfront. tion while still preserving where they can just race. issues on both sides. How integral part of its success. Racers must be able to QMA. It is a fact - QMA is a I again apologize, for the last does a real organization deal QMA is suppose to be about attend an event, put their car different type of organization. 3 months. I just can't keep with volunteers that argue promoting the sport; USAC on the track, & know exactly It is about taking weekends up with all the email coming amongst themselves and seems to be about promoting what is expected of the driv- and spending it with family in. My box has been full con- sometimes seem to have the driver's along with the er, the handler and everyone and friends at a race track. tinusly from those of you that personal agendas. How diffi- sport, to build their future rac- participating. It is in the best USAC is about making an are frustrated, too. You des- cult is it to build a working ing series & hopefully open interest of Quarter Midget event - entertainment and perately want to know what is relationship with a new future racing opportunities for Racing, that events attract fun for all, possibly in con- going on. What is up with bunch of people every time drivers. Their intent is to big car counts to increase junction with other racing this USAC thing? QMA has someone quits or is forced establish rules & programs to the experience, the prestige series. QMA could stop the never had competition for its out of office? Why didn't save racers money & encour- of the win and marketing "good ole boys" stuff or members. Let me tell you USAC promote Quarter age parity for a kids sport. opportunities. USAC could offer Quarter about some of the differences Midget Racing at every one QMA doesn't promote com- A famous author - Jillian Midget racers a different type that I know. In the last few of their Open Wheel events? munication, publicity, spon- wrote - There are 4 things of organization, than they are weeks, I have talked to many Why did QMA have to pay sorship or national exposure. you cannot recover - The use to. USAC's involvement past members that have held for the travel expenses for USAC is all about communi- stone-after the throw. The and promotion, will no doubt, office. Rick Kilborn, held the the USAC President to come cation, publicity, sponsorship word-after it's said. The promote Quarter Midget VP position for 4 years from to the National Meeting every and national exposure. occasion-after the loss, and Racing across the country. 90 - 94, Lee DeFeo, 2003 year to say everything was USAC has experience in all The time-after it's gone. What comes from that, only Race Director and many term fine. Why did QMA have to of those areas and has a full Drivers can race in USAC for time will tell. Maybe the slo- RD, Ray Dodd, President go after USAC because they time dedicated staff. QMA many, many, years. Legends gan “Quarter Midgets are the (2002 - 2004), John Hall, had deducted the manage- depends wholly on volun- have been made, history has best kept secret” can finally (late 90’s). It is interesting to ment fee from QMA without teers; parents of the drivers been written and many have be put to rest. Please hear their thoughts on the doing the work? Those themselves. USAC has the achieved storied lives, & rac- embrace both entities and USAC announcement and why's and what if's are gone perfect arena for promoting ing careers. Quarter Midget grasp what is really important the state of QMA. now. Now it's time to move Quarter Midget Racing. In Kids can't stay in QMA for here. Volunteer to keep your Again, the bottom line is just forward. just the last few months, very long. Their time is real- club healthy for the future. how awesome a sport It's difficult for any organiza- Quarter Midget Racecars ly very short. The QMA Encourage members to Quarter Midget Racing is. tion to be split. This USAC were shown at such events organization doesn't honor speak out in a positive way. We all agreed with that fact. announcement has pitted as the Eldora Speedway 4- storied lives & accomplish- Remember, these are the The clubs, regions & even fami- Crown Nations, Dupont Gold ments. Families have enough best years... What an awe- has been a sanctioning body lies & friends against each Crown at Tri-City Speedway, stress in their everyday lives some deal.... your kid gets to for many types of racing other to choose sides. Many the NHRA event in Las that when they take their kids be a racecar driver - for now since the 1950's. They aren't clubs who already scrimp to Vegas and the NASCAR / to the track, they just want to and/or maybe even into the perfect. They have new make ends meet are trying to USAC event at PIR in have a good time. USAC future! Preserve Quarter management in place with join both organizations. One Phoenix. USAC fees will go wants racing to be entertai- Midget Racing, no matter many positive changes for club that has recently joined toward paying employees to ment. They have been open which series you decide to the first time in years. Some USAC has experienced a promote the sport which and honest with people, but race. Debi Supan, Editor in QMA say, look at their 10% savings on their insur- includes an aggressive ad can they duplicate the tradi- Thanks to Jim Traito, and so many others for helping with the building & - the USAC people ance. USAC has openly campaign. QMA has money tions of QMA or do they even content of this editorial. drive company cars. That's said they won't micro man- in the bank. QMA is all about want to. They can draw par-

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Coast 2 Coast Racing News Page 5 October 29, 2008 in that stuff in the middle of What went through the year. Why QMA - An Interview With Charlie Cagle - QMA President your mind when you heard They can give it to their running, we asked them to What do you think would that there would be another Why does QMA - a Non members. I don't pay that encourage others in their be the best idea of change organization promoting Profit Organization - have much attention to it because Region to run. Only the odd to increase and / or retain Quarter Midget Racing? over $200,000 in their we have done our best to cut number Regions 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, membership in QMA? Oh boy, I guess I was a little account? back. It is categorized. I 11, 13 & 4 are up for elec- That's a tough question. I concerned…. As long as we Why…………I don't think guess it could be more bro- tion. I just don't think people wish I had the answer to (QMA) have been around…. there is over $200,000, last ken out. That could be done. want to be bothered any- that. I would love to see You worry too. I don't think time I checked. But there is If members want that, we more. QMA grow. I wish I knew QMA is going anywhere, but too much money in there. I should give it to them. what we would need to do. will USAC make it… who guess we don't spend Who has turned in We have got to advertise - knows? I am concerned with enough…(chuckle) I guess Why are memberships and resume's so far? we are too big a secret. I the organization splitting up we should spend some of club charges due so early I don't know, well let's see. wish we would have done it clubs and regions. It's not a that money. We need to this year? People for the Odd Regions. along time ago if I knew what win / win situation for either advertise, get the word That was decided at the I re-ran for President and to do. We need to get our of us. out…. Maybe we need to get National meeting last year in Brad Tribble also ran. Dawn name out there. We should- it back to the members in February. The Board talked Tanner re-ran for Secretary n't be a secret. Did you ever think that the some way. We do have too about it and they wanted and Kandice Attridge from United States Auto Club much money. But if we memberships and charters to the Orange Show Club in What do you think is the would form an organization spend it, the members seem be paid by the end of Southern, California ran. biggest difference between that would compete to be upset. We need to October. It doesn't have Rich ran again for Publicity. QMA and USAC? against you for drivers? know what the members anything to do with USAC. Someone ran for Treasurer; I I think USAC is focused on No….. Personally I feel they want. You know, we have heard don't know who, but they ran many areas of racing. They are only doing it for the that. It's just that the first of un-opposed. I think they sanction adult racing events. money. They worked for us How do you explain the the year, tons of things are were from Region 2. Everyone there is on the as a management company increase in expenditures coming in. And clubs, if they payroll. USAC is their job. and they saw all the money for the National events for hadn't gotten memberships How can members govern They all drive USAC vehi- that went through our organi- 2008, especially since the before the first of the year, the National Board cles. There is money there. zation. car counts decreased? when they paid QMA their Members to do what they It's a business. Practically every board mem- fees, they didn't have any are asked to do by the But QMA is a family What are QMA's plans for ber went to the events this monies left at their local club National Board? run sport. We are there for the future? year, so that costs money. levels. And we thought; How That's a good question; we the kids. We want families to Our Board has talked about The hotels were double last can you vote on items if you are elected by the members. spend time together, have a this, even before the USAC year and air fares were more aren't a member? It never I guess they could vote us good time, enjoy racing. We thing. Our main thoughts are expensive. I don't know; is even said you should be a out of office. We are elected want to teach kids about rac- to educate our members. I'd the answer - leave the board current member to vote on to run the day to day busi- ing. We want every kid who say that 80% of our people members at home? I think officers and RCP's. It was ness. We are to answer to wants to drive a race car, to just want to show up and some people at the Grands never even in the Rule Book the membership. We should have that chance. We offer race. They really don't have don't care if they (National anywhere that you had to be be held accountable. I guess those "Try It - You'll Like It a clue what is going on. Board Members) come or a member….. RD's and the members should go to promotion days. We let any Before I became a Region not. I think we did pretty Board Members must have their Region Director and kid who wants to try it, get in Director, I was the same way. good with expenses this memberships complete in the RD's should tell us. a race car. We want the I went to the track to race year. I think we spend too order to make the decisions Members should know that whole experience to be fun and could have cared less much at the Grands and the that govern the organization. they have a voice and they and we want families to cre- about anything else. I knew National Meeting. I just don't That just makes sense. This have a right to speak up. I ate lasting memories of their there were people that know how you spend less. is what the membership wish they would do that time together. We want each worked to get things done, I These things have to get asked for, to have everything more. and every member to volun- just didn't really know what done. due at the same time. This teer and hold a position or they did. Now I see the good Members in QMA know was done to benefit the How does QMA plan to lend a hand to work together and the bad. USAC has that lodging and trans- clubs. market Quarter Midget to build clubs and regions. some good points too. portation and a per deum Racing? We want members to feel QMA members can write is paid to Board Members, What do you think can be I am not positive about this. proud of their accomplish- Rule Change Proposals. the Race Director and Tech done in QMA to increase Rich had a professional ments when they stand back They can talk directly to their Committee in exchange for the amount of people that come in and do a Video at and look at the clubs and Regional Director. Our their hard work at a run for offices at the local, his club. I'm not sure if it is tracks that they have built National Board and Region National event. Does the regional, or national level? completely done. The family together. We have over 50 Directors have worked more National Board use the Oh gosh, educate them had some medical issues clubs across the states that with each other, than any credit card for meal more. You know that this is a come up. I think it will be fin- have been built by people other year, I can remember. expenses? Does the thankless job, you aren't get- ished soon. I think we have volunteering. When we have I think we have gotten a lot of National Board have an ting paid & I don't expect it. I to market it (Quarter Midget National events, we have things done but there is lots open tab for food at the just paid a $160.00 member- Racing) more. We've talked many people who use to more that can be done. concession? ship but I don't have kids rac- about commercially, doing race, come back. They all At Sacramento this year, one ing anymore. Holding a posi- some shirts and hats to sell. say how their Quarter Midget What changes are on the time I used my credit card. It tion is lots of work, and I I would wear a QMA shirt. I years were the best years of Horizon? was to purchase supplies, don't think people want to be think just about everyone their lives. Most of their kids Well, we want to educate the tower supplies. No dinners bothered. People just don't would want QMA stuff to are all grown up now and members. We need to find were purchased and none in have the time to do it now wear. they come back too. This out what the members really 2007 either. Not that I know days. Somehow we must year we had 2 former want. This Spec Tire thing is of anyway. I told the Board, explain how their involvement Do you see QMA working Quarter Midget Drivers that a big thing, but it was voted the per deum was to pay for makes the sport better. with Coast 2 Coast Racing flagged at the Eastern and down. We brought it up that. As far as I know, there People aren't staying as long News, the only independ- the Dirt Grands. We have again this year at the were no open tabs for the as they use to. It's now only ently owned news publica- former handlers that have National Meeting and it was Board at the Grands. The about 3 - 5 years the maxi- tion exclusive to Quarter flagged at our Grands over still voted down. I think a Club gave drinks to the mum, and then they are Midget Racing and the years. They take their Spec tire would work, and it Board and all the workers, gone. We need everyone's QuarterMidgetsLIVE (a vacations to come back and would be cost effective, but but there were no tabs. This help. But we need to have very popular website dur- volunteer at a Quarter Midget we have to have the right tire had been done in the past, people who have been in the ing your National events) event. QMA has tons of fam- or the right procedure. A lot but not by this Board. sport at least 3 - 4 years, in the future? ilies that have history in of our racers will put new before they run and hold Yes. We need to have you QMA. QMA is about history. tires on every race. That By Law, any member of an these positions. We want (Coast 2 Coast Racing Many have grown up in isn't saving anybody any organization has a right to everyone to help too. They News) there at these events. QMA. Kids and families money. People are talking view expenditures. Over don't have to be an officer to (Grands) And especially if have made long time friend- about controlling costs, but the years members have pitch in and help. QMA is the Publicity Director is not ships that would have never then they are spending it on begged for a detailed only as good as its members there. It is dumb not for you happened if it weren't for tires. We have things hap- breakdown of expenses. make it. to be there. We need to get their involvement in QMA. pening with the stockers. Why does QMA not openly this worked out. I told them Many of those friendships Out here on the west coast, and willingly give members When is the deadline for (the Board) that. Heck, have served others when people are putting their the information they are people to turn in their when I can't go to the tragedy has hit families. stockers on the shelves. We asking for? resume to run for an Grands, I'm on your site. I've Kids in QMA have made are going to be in more con- All the years I wasn't office? told you that. I watch it all friends from one corner of trol of things like this and President - members could It was October 15, 2008. We week to see what's going on. the US to the other. Kids in hopefully we aren't going to never even get a financial notified RD's. Michelle and I This would also free our QMA have traveled to many let things like this happen statement. Now we give called all the RD's to ask for National Publicity up to get states and seen historical anymore, especially doing it RD's a financial statement. their help. If they weren't re- more pictures & videos. monuments and picnic'd in

Page 6 Coast 2 Coast Racing News Calendar of Events Top Stories 2008 Silver State WinterNationals - December 3-7 - Primm PRI Show - Largest Gathering of Racing Enthusiasts in the NC Chassis Co Announces the World - Briggs Racing and USAC .25 Display End of Gasoline Alley Nationals Columbus Indoor - December 13, 2008 Little New Smyrna 500 - New Smyrna, FL December 27 - 30 November 17, 2008 Desert Fury - Tucson, AZ Jan 2-4 2009 - New Date! The Nervo Family, today, announced the end of Gasoline Alley Nationals held each July at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "This event was never promoted for profit; first and Columbus Indoor - January 17, 2009 foremost, our family hosted GAN based on our love of the sport and our motivation to grow Quarter Midget Racing", said John Nervo. Columbus Indoor - January 31, 2009 The first GAN was held in 1999 as a cooperative effort between Bob Nervo and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The goal and intention was to host a National Race that was Columbus Indoor - February 14, 2009 more time managed, enjoyable and affordable for Quarter Midget Families. In later years, the event was held in memory of Bob Nervo. QMA Columbus Regional - February 28 - March 1, 2009 It is with heartfelt thanks that we would like to extend to anyone who ever attended Gasoline Alley Nationals. We are developing a webpage on our website at Desert Springs - Phoenix, AZ - Feb 28 - Mar, 2009 (www.ncchassisco.com) to honor the many drivers, families, format, and the people that Cactus Clash - Tucson, AZ - Mar 27 - 29, 2009 worked very hard for many years, to create the memories of Gasoline Alley Nationals. High Desert Classic - Albuquerque, NM - May 22 - 24

The Nervo Family QMA Western Grands - Langley, BC - Canada June 28 - July 4 local parks. Families are Is it true that USAC has looking to race these kids encouraged to travel to dif- recently sent QMA a letter? from the bottom to the top. ferent clubs to meet friends Has QMA responded? We are here for little kids, USAC .25 Nationals - Indianapolis, IN and experience different I had talked to Tommy Hunt, while they are young, to July 8 - 12, 2008 kinds of tracks. QMA has Western States USAC enjoy family time and racing attempted to standardize Representative. Tommy and together as a unit. Bottom QMA Eastern Grands - Huntsville, AL clubs from the local level to I have known each other for line, it is suppose to be fun. July 19 - 25 the region level and up to the some time. He told me that I think that parents and kids national events so that fami- USAC was interested in will be under tremendous lies could feel that they could working with us so I told him pressure to perform in the QMA Dirt Grands - Terre Haute, IN attend a race anywhere in that USAC should send a let- other organization. It will be August 2 - 8 the country and they would ter to the Board. They did a whole different story at the know the rules and regula- send us a letter, here just race tracks. USAC can sell members will never get the nest egg for families for the tions. QMA has set the stan- recently. Basically they said, you a license anytime; now chance to get to a Grands. future. I wish we could have dard for kids racing. The if we wanted to talk to them, when you are a kid and then But if they do, it should be worked with USAC in pro- organization has been to give them a call. being an adult. I think there very memorable and fun for moting our sport since so around for some 50 years. I would talk to them, but I will be lots more pressure on them. To tell you the truth, I many of their racers started QMA has a safety record don't feel we need to go to these kids and parents as love these kids and I love in Quarter Midgets. But it that is highly respected in them for anything. I think USAC members. this sport. My kids left me just didn't happen when we the racing world. QMA has they just kind of threw the QMA is just for kids. I think in this sport. My oldest tried. I hope members and seen young drivers race as ball in our court. QMA offers way more than grandson has now moved on new families will look at all youngsters and move on to You know, when Tommy they do. I would like to see to Sprint Cars and the the history of QMA. That's become well respected driv- talked to me early in the some revamping of our youngest to 250 Outlaw what I hope happens. ers in so many other racing year, he said that USAC National events. The whole Karts. I am all alone here. I series. And these drivers wanted to promote Quarter Board has talked about this. just can't walk away from it. (Debi Supan) Thank you never forget their roots. Midgets more with their other I guess it will be hard to com- Sometimes I do wonder why Charlie, for your time. I Although Quarter Midget racing series. I mentioned it pete with that organization. I am still here doing this, but appreciate you talking with Drivers are very competitive, to the National Board and (USAC) Especially if you are I love cutting up with the kids me. I hope your Board will the emphasis on the events they just weren't hot on it. looking to make your kid a at races. I love meeting the look at 2009 as a new year is the togetherness that it Other Board Members star. I would start off with families. The code of con- and communicate with us to brings. Dad, Mom, Grand thought that USAC wanted to QMA. We have been ducts aren't much fun, but it enable your members the fathers, Grand mothers, return as the National Office around a lot longer for kids. is necessary to build an opportunity to receive the brothers and sisters all help and we had just signed a Our programs have been organization that is fun for news they so desperately in some way during a race contract with KAECO. around a long time. Sure we everyone. The world has ask for. event. QMA is not a sport Every year, when we were have some problems. Every rules, QMA has to have (Charlie) - I know that we where the kids get dropped working with USAC, I would organization has problems. rules. In QMA, those rules are going to work together off and picked up 2 hours talk to Rollie. (Rollie QMA is about teaching kids are made up by their mem- with you. We do want mem- later. QMA fosters participa- Helmling, past USAC about racing. Everyone gets bers. I know it's tough to bers to be happy in QMA. tion and attempts to unite President) He told me he taught the basics, from the have to enforce them against They are only here for such families and friends alike. didn't care what we did, but driver to the families. I think each other, but the whole a short time. We are going QMA does not pressure chil- he just didn't want to be we offer way more than they sport is about volunteers. to work for our members and dren to be professional driv- involved. USAC worked for do. Like I said, I would per- Members should look at keep working hard. We are ers. Less than 20% of QMA and never promoted sonally like to see some QMA and what they have all volunteers and we need Quarter Midget Drivers the sport as they promised. Revamping of the National accomplished over the years. more help. We want to never, ever get to race Two years ago, there was a events. We need enough Instead of questioning why encourage more people to again, after they finish in Quarter Midget in the USAC people to work. We need to QMA has all that money, they step up, because they are QMA. How many QMA fami- display at the PRI show. be prepared if a local club should be proud that over QMA. It is their organization. lies will ever be able to afford They never asked for any can't handle the event. This the years, members have We want it to be around for a $50,000 midget? brochures or talked to us isn't about control or politics. made that kind of money. It another 50 or so years. In short, QMA is a family about it. This is about making a belongs to QMA, each and sport that fosters total partici- National event the best it can every member. The Board pation. It is a sport where Why should someone join be. The Board has talked will do a better job of distrib- Subscribe kids get to drive a racecar, QMA instead of the other about making things happen, uting back for members. make friends and learn about organization? like making things run USAC is a business. They sportsmanship. QMA is for Well if people want to get smoother. We have to con- need your money to pay for Today! kids. It is just run by their their kids in racing, they centrate making it something their buildings and their c2cracenews parents. should check out both organ- where everyone family wants offices and their company izations, I guess. QMA isn't to attend. I know some vehicles. QMA has built a @aol.com

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Coast 2 Coast Racing News Page 7 Silver City QMA Hosts the 2008 Eastern Grands - Connecticut 2008 Eastern Grands! Dear Coast 2 Coast Readers, it's so hard to believe that the 2008 Eastern Grands have already come and gone. It seems as though all we did for the last 16 months is plan for this event and in a blink of an eye, it's done. For those of you, who made the trip, thank you. For those of you who did not have the chance to join us, here's a brief summary of what the 2008 Eastern Grands were all about. Things started out on June 20th with the arrival of the RV's and trailers. Because of the tremendous amount of rain we had experienced right before the event, some of our assigned parking spots needed to be 2008 Eastern Champion - Light Mod- Kris Lederer 2008 Eastern Champion - Junior Honda - Cayden Lapcevich moved and what a great job our parking committee did in accom- modating even the most difficult situations. Saturday we saw the arrival of even more RV's and trailers and to our delight, we all came together and enjoyed a Welcome Dinner and live band. There was face painting for the kids along with a couple of dif- ferent moon bounces and an event favorite, a Chinese Raffle. On Sunday we started the first round of controlled practice. All cars had a chance to take to the track as everyone was eager to get to what they had traveled so far to do, to RACE. With only a couple of interruptions for a shower or two, and with the aid 2008 Eastern Champion - Heavy Mod - Domenic Melair of Golf Carts led by the Golf 2008 Eastern Champion - Senior Honda - Dale Miller Cart King, Mr. Ziggy, the track never got wet. The Mayor of The City of Meriden threw the first green flag for the day's events. Practice continued on Monday, by then everyone was registered, had a chance to practice on the track and was ready to get to qualifying. On Tuesday came our closest con- frontation with Mother Nature. At one point, the sky grew dark, the clouds moved in and the winds picked up so much speed that it forced everyone to run for cover waiting for the worst. After about 3 minutes of rain, the sky cleared and suddenly appeared two beautiful rain- bows, as if someone was apol- 2008 Eastern Champion - Light 160 - Jared Kunkle 2008 Eastern Champion - Heavy Honda - Matthew Hughes ogizing for the "almost mess" that could have happened. In 12 hours and 15 minutes, quali- fying was over for 504 partici- pants of the 2008 Eastern Grands. On Wednesday, every- one felt the excitement of the Opening Ceremonies. Silver City became a media frenzy with TV news stations and news reporters everywhere. Our kids were introduced region by region and then joined together in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance as the American Flag was raised by Veterans of the American Legion. What a beau- tiful and patriotic sight it was to see. Our ceremonies continued on with a flyover from a WW II 2008 Eastern Champion - Heavy 160 - Tommy Kunzman plane that gave a smoke show 2008 Eastern Champion - Junior Stock - Cayden Lapcevich which felt so close that it moved the tree tops all around us. Honda's Dave King presented our club with a $10,000 check and then our ceremonies were peaked with the introduction of four Silver City Quarter Midget Alumni, Erica Santos, James Civali, Ryan Preece and . The kids were excited about the meet and greet ses- sion which followed, for others, it was time to race. For those lucky racers of the Senior Honda O main event, they saw their first green flag waived by Joey Logano. Twenty-eight races went off without a problem on Wednesday; all was good everyone was happy. On 2008 Eastern Champion - Light ‘B - Tyler Reeser 2008 Eastern Champion - Senior Stock - Ty Fiser Thursday the lower mains con- Page 8 Coast 2 Coast Racing News tinued with twenty-six more Matthew Sapere Jack Ely Special Thanks to Jesse and Tammy at PDQ for races. As the races moved on, Ryan Young Andrew Muller Kyle Zervas L Main - Jacob Fisher some great photos! the competition grew stronger. Kristen Longley Kyle Demo Anyone lucky enough to just sit Colin Roger Justin Faford and watch the racing definitely H Main Logan Wenneshiemer Austin Bishop Zach Sobotka Andrew William had the choice seat of the Colin Roger Michael Glazer house. These young kids are Kyle Zervas Ryan Miller spectacular racers and as it was Adam Giovanetti Casey Ouellette getting closer to the A-main Amanda Kunsman Ryan Miller Dylan McCrone Ashton Bianchi event, the racing was just getting Clayton Davey M Main - Jacob Fisher better. On Friday, the Novices I Main - Zach Sobotka Austin Bishop finally had their turn at the track Dylan McCrone Casey Ouellette Amanda Kunsman Ryan Miller and they did a phenomenal job Adam Giovanetti Michael Glazer at proving just how much they Maria Speeney John Kenny have learned in the few months Christopher Hirt Monica Perone they have been racing. It Ashley Kunsman Nathan Bubello Jacob Miller Joshua Zentek reminded us of where we once J Main - Amanda Kunsman Grant St Amand were, where it all began. The Ashley Kunsman N Main - Ryan Miller remaining C-mains and B mains Adam Giovanetti Michael Glazer Jacob Miller Grant St Amand were all accomplished allowing Justin Williams John Kenny for a very special A-main Monica Perone Saturday. On Saturday, the A- Sr Honda - Champion - Dale Miller Rebecca Bazzano main events took place with spe- Colin Thompson Rich Speeney Troy McNeil Ryan Davey 2008 Eastern Champion - Heavy ‘B - DJ Wykes cial music playing as each driver Nicholas Wilt Lane Thompson of each class was introduced Chace Wood Dalton Joiner before their race. The weather Eric Grzesnikowski O Main - Michael Glazer Nicholas Drake Ryan Davey was fantastic and the racing was CJ Heinig Monica Perone even better. On this very spe- Jared Fryar Rebecca Bazzano cial day, racers participated Carley St Amand Lane Thompson amongst the best of the best ulti- B Main - Nicholas Drake Carter Stokes Nicholas Wilt Chad Grieco mately crowning 15 National Jared Fryar Dylan Thompson Champions. The reward, a tro- Eric Grzesnikowski Jason Kokoszka phy, not just any trophy, but a Chace Wood Quinnton Bear Heavy Honda Champion trophy that the Silver City Alesandro Vitelli Matthew Hughes Quarter Midget Club took much Mark Miller Jeffrey Warcholik time and effort in creating and Matt England Matt Galko building for each of our drivers of Coty Hartson Eric Leduc Troy Talman Josh Pepe the 2008 Eastern Grands. Silver C Main - Nicholas Drake Raven Schrantz City went out on a limb for these Eric Grzesnikowski David Mikitarian trophies as they took a lot more Quinnton Bear Jeffrey Cembruch Alesandro Vitelli Matt McAnally time to build and were far more Matt England Austin Jackson expensive than your average tro- Mark Miller B Main - David Mikitarian phy. From the start, Silver City Caterina LaBella Matthew Hughes wanted a trophy that the racers Jeremy Doll Austin Jackson 2008 Eastern Champion - Light ‘AA - Alex Mayer Robby Davis Jeffrey Warcholik and handlers alike would be Louis Keraitis, Jr Matt McAnally proud to share with their friends D Main - Eric Grzesnikowski Nicholas Demeno and family back home. It was Quinnton Bear Brooke Fern Matt England Lauren Longbrake our way of saying Mark Miller Shelby Campbell thanks…thanks to the kids for Robby Davis Zach Weigand making our event so special. Patrick Perone C Main - Matt McAnally After all, isn't that why we're Alec Crossman Brooke Fern Bubba Lofton Nicholas Demeno here….THE KIDS. The last of Zach Donnatti Zach Weigand the A-main trophies were hand- Alex Wilcox Jeffrey Warcholik ed out at around 12:30am on E Main - Mark Miller Wesley Prucker Quinnton Bear Cole Howes Sunday, and within an hour, Bubba Lofton David Garbo, Jr everyone started leaving. It was Zack Donatti Garrett Denton sad to see everyone leaving, but Patrick Perone Tara Galko I must say, Silver City will always Lucas Martini D Main - Wesley Prucker Michael Kline Nicholas Demeno have the memories of hosting Rachel Marks Garrett Denton the 2008 EASTERN GRANDS. Travis Stedman David Garbo, Jr Shannon Membrino Jeffrey Warchlok F Main - Bubba Lofton Paul Graham Dawn M. LaBella Michael Kline Kristen-Marie Bonauto Publicity Director Rachel Marks Carlsten Cole Silver City Quarter Midget Club Shannon Membrino Miranda Carr 2008 Eastern Champion - Heavy ‘AA - Zeke Lewis Travis Stedman Zach Haspel E Main - Carlsten Cole ______Grady Johnston Miranda Carr Jr Honda Champion Tyler Langley David Garbo, Jr - Cayden Lapcevich Bubba Merkel Zach Haspel Danny Allen Monte Gibbs Paul Graham Sydney Prince G Main - Rachel Marks Jeremy Culver Alex Murray Vinnie Miller Dillon Eriksson Bubba Mekel Geoffrey Sutton Zach Sobotko Monte Gibbs Mitch Miller Leah Wilcox Grady Johnston Peter Cirilli Kodie Conner Brody Gerhart F Main - Peter Cirilli B Main - Cayden Lapcevich Robert Silver Zach Haspel Zach Sobotko Luke Harding Jeremy Culver Leah Wilcox Rachel Forte Mitch Miller Katie Connor Chloe Harding David Garbo, Jr Blake Matheny Ryan Morris Connor Cole Mallor Prince H Main - Rachel Marks Corey Wilson Christopher Trelli Monte Gibbs Taylor Martin Parker Smith Ryan Morris Ann Keeler C Main - Parker Smith Chloe Harding Corey Barry Kodie Conner Luke Harding G Main - Corey Barry Zach Sobotka Robert Silver Mitch Miller Christopher Trelli Kenneth Lilley Zach Haspel Mitchell Atwell Cayton Hornberger Anne Keeler Payton Zellers Mikey Drotos Taylor Martin Brandon Grosso Ralphie Mackin Colin Flannery 2008 Eastern Champion - Half - Anthony Flannery Zachary Novak I Main - Joey Bailey Shannon Diegel D Main - Kodie Conner Ryan Morris Marshall Millette Payton Sellers Chloe Harding Anthony Pasquale Michael Atwell Ralphie Mackin Danielle Robbie Zach Sobotka Mikey Drotos H Main - Zach Haspel Nolan Allison Matthew Seymour Taylor Martin Christpher Lomatire Ben Rabenold Anne Keeler Ben Mikitarian Rachel Marks Anthony DePasquale Shawna Winters Hayden Manning Danielle Robbie E Main - Kodie Conner Cole Rogers Daniel Pollitt Nolan Allison J Main - Matthew Seymour Glenn Korner Christopher Lomartire Ralphie Mackin Zach Sobotka Hayden Manning Jr Stock - Champion Cameron Morga Chloe Harding - Cayden Lapcevich Dustin Davis Cole Rogers Christopher Lomatire Joey Jarowicz Justin Faford Sydney Prince Matthew Sapere Joey Parker Danny Allen F Main - Kodie Conner Noah Korner Mallory Prince Zach Sobotka Austin Bishop Payton Zellers Matthew Sapere Jacob Fisher Parker Smith Cameron Morga K Main - Jacob Fisher Alex Murray Logan Wenneshier Cody Rogers B Main - Danny Allen Jacob Castle Justin Fafond Parker Smith Matthew Tobey Austin Bishop Alex Murray David McCrone Joey Parker Mallory Prince G Main - Kodie Conner Andrew Williams Christopher Trelli 2008 Eastern Champion - World Formula - Colin Thompson Logan Wenneshiemr Derek Robbie Harrison Burton Zach Sobotka Kyle Demo Leah Wilcox Coast 2 Coast Racing News Page 9