TERRE HAUTE — If there were any lingering questions among Wabash Valley motorsports fans regarding the future of racing at the Terre Haute Action Track following an unsettling season a year ago, those doubts were laid to rest in impressive fashion over the weekend.
Thanks to the yeoman efforts of DHK Promotions, the famed oval not only sported a vibrant new look but served up racing that sent a sizable fan turnout home buzzing.
Yes, racing has returned to the Action Track and it couldn’t have been better. The closing laps of the Don Smith Classic provided a brand of racing that the five remaining events on the track schedule will be hard pressed to match. Just bring it on.
A big tip of the hat to Chris Novotney and Tim Wolfe for their countless hours of track prep. The pair were brought in on an advisory bases to get the track back in shape. They went far beyond that and the old place never looked better in or out.
Wolfe noted that they dumped close to 100,00 gallons of water on the half-mile oval between Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. Ripped the surface Saturday morning, added more water, then sheepfooted the track before closing it up. Then ripped it a second time raceday morning.
Among those in attendance Sunday was Tri-State Speedway track owner-operator Tom Helfrich, who also owns the Midwest Sprint Car Series that sanctioned the event.
Few people in racing can claim to have as much experience (51 years and counting) and expertise of preparing a dirt surface as Tom. Local officials didn’t pass on the opportunity to seek his input in the prepping of the track Sunday.
Helfrich was not only impressed with the way the facility looked but the eagerness on the part of the DHK group to make the track raceable under less-than-ideal circumstances.
“Like most other people here today, I would have preferred to have run at night, but this is the cards that were dealt us,” Helfrich said prior to the feature event.
“I think everybody came together and salvaged this show in a remarkable way compared to the way the track has been treated in the past.
“I think they did the right thing, doing what they did but it is more nerve-wracking doing a day show. [DHK promoters] were willing to work with [MSCS]. You know the worst thing that can happen when you’re in this kind of situation is for egos to lock horns. Nobody wins when that happens. These guys are very willing to ask for our input. They are willing to learn.”
One would have been hard-pressed to find anyone with a bigger smile on his face Sunday night than Sam Stockon. And for good reason.
Not only did his grandson Chase Stockon put on a stellar driving performance, but Sam also had to sense a measure of pride with what the MSCS series had to offer.
He founded the MSCS but had to relinquish controls of the series two years ago due to his declining health .
It was his grandson’s drive that Sam wanted to talk about at day’s end, however. He recalled when Chase made his sprint-car debut at the Action Track six years ago at the tender young age of 14.
“I really didn’t want him running this big half mile, but it’s something he and his dad wanted to give a try. I took him aside and said, ‘This it the way it is. At your age and your experience, you’re going to start at the back of each race,’” Sam Stockon said.
“’You’re going to be smooth. If you’re not smooth, I’m going to make you go up and sit it the grandstand.’ He passed several cars in his heat, worked his way half up through the field in the C-main and just seemed to gain confidence from there.”
It’s pretty evident that Chase, a student at Ivy Tech, has always taking a liking to the Action Track. Charging from 21st to ninth Sunday certainly revealed what a quick learner he is.
One his fellow racers and good friends, Dusty Wright of Seelyville, was battling Chase for a top-10 spot late in the main event but was caught up in a nasty four-car mishap.
Dusty emerged from the incident surprisingly only bruised and shaken, but his ride did not fare as well. His car received extensive front-end damage. Running a family operation, the Wrights now face an uphill battle of getting the personable young racer back on the track.
A visit to the Action Track wouldn’t be the same if it didn’t culminate in a day of rubbing shoulders and sharing stories with long time-supporters of racing at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds.
Among the name grabbers here Sunday were NASCAR driver Jason Leffler and World of Outlaws competitor Kraig Kinser. Both enjoying a rare Sunday off from their respective series.
Leffler kept a close eye on his fellow California driver, Damion Gardner, while confessing he misses his days of racing on the dirt. Kinser is back in the sprint cars after a brief stint on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck circuit. He spent the afternoon helping out fellow Hoosier racer Danny Holtsclaw.
Kinser confided that he harbors no ill feelings about his failed attempt to make it the stocks and looks forward to getting back on the Outlaws tour once Mother Nature gives them the green light.
It was nice renewing acquaintances with former Terre Haute Star sports editor Kent Harris on a day set aside to revive much of the history of racing at the half-mile oval. An avid race fan over the years, Kent shared some of his more memorable visits to the track, which started back in the track’s early beginnings in the 1950s.
Also seen strolling the pits Sunday were Bob Durr, Bill Kauffman and Bill Hopton, whose THAT Racing group helped revive racing at the track back in the mid-1990s.
He might not have been racing Sunday, but local racing buff Don Bradbury was still sporting a big smile resulting from his recent exhilarating experience at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Along with brother Jon, Don participated in the Richard Petty’s Driving Experience program at IMS. An avid race fan, Don proudly confided he got his stocker in the 130-mph range under the watchful eyes of program officials.
He’s not ready for the Brickyard, but his time behind the wheel of the stocker gave Don an even greater appreciation of what the NASCAR good ‘ole boys do each weekend at race tracks across the country.
Chuck Boehler up at Terre Haute North High School passes along word that the school’s Career and Technology Department will present its 14th annual “Thunder at North Day” today on the school’s west parking lot.
The program runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. If Mother Nature fails to cooperate, they will try again Thursday.
Joe Buckles can be reached at jbuckles4@verizon.net.
Sports Columns
Trackside: Action Track is back and it couldn’t be better
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TILL IT'S OVER: Terre Haute Triathlon's new race director seeks more events for his hometown
Today is the day for the Thunder in the Valley, and the Terre Haute Triathlon is under new leadership in 2013, the 28th year for the event at Hawthorn Park.
A former Terre Haute North track and cross country standout, Ethan Page is the race director as the race falls under the reign of Page’s new company, Crossroads Events. -
TODD GOLDEN: Don't give up on ISU baseball just yet
If you had to pick one word that would describe the 2013 Indiana State baseball season, it would have to be frustration.
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TRACKSIDE: Terre Haute's Carmichael enjoying strong spring in modifieds, stocks
It might have been cold and blustery at Charleston Speedway on Saturday night, but for Terre Haute driver Kenny Carmichael the evening couldn’t have been more pleasant.
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From Terre Haute to the major leagues: Phegley's play could earn him promotion to Chicago
Josh Phegley's debut in the Major Leagues could be coming to a ballpark near you.
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There's an expert at Parker's Archery
As I was driving the winding roadways of southern Indiana, a rustic building caught my attention and the sign on the front revealed it to be an archery shop called Parkers Archery.
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TRACKSIDE: Rain still a pain for Wabash Valley racing organizers
Soggy weather conditions, which have rightfully drawn the ire of Wabash Valley race fans and crews in recent days, continue to plague promoters where it hurts the most — their pocketbooks.
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RAMBLIN’ RECK: Pacers having a ‘Garden Party’
The Indiana Pacers are back in form and looking good.
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KENNY BAYLESS: Sponsors sought for 'Ladies Only' event at Terre Haute Sporting Clays
Sponsors are being sought at the Ladies Only event at Terre Haute Sporting Clays on Saturday at 10 a.m. Sponsors should be willing to donate $1 or more for every broken bird. Each lady is allowed 25 shots. Flat donations are gladly accepted. Also, organizers are looking for more ladies to participate. Ammo, clay birds, and guns (if needed) will be furnished.
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College Report: Lively earned collegiate upgrade with strong play
Hillary Lively signed to play Division II basketball at Maryville (Mo.) during her senior year at North Vermillion, but those plans changed and she would up at nearby Danville Area Community College — where she recently concluded an outstanding two-year career.
Lively was impressive enough to earn a Division I scholarship to Southeast Missouri State of the Ohio Valley Conference, and both her future and past college coaches think she will continue to succeed there.
“She fits what we need,” SEMO coach Ty Margenthaler said. “She has college experience, she is strong and physical and plays well around the basket and moves well.
“Her strength, rebounding and touch around the basket will be a big help. On the defensive end, she’ll be able to guard a true center.” -
RAMBLIN' RECK: It’s May … a time for horses and horsepower
It’s the first day of May, a great month for sports.
It begins with the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. My Old Kentucky Home is played before the start of the race on which hundreds of bets will be placed by folks who ordinarily don’t bet on thoroughbred horse racing.
A week later, practice begins for the Indianapolis 500.
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Terre Haute runner sets up race to help Boston
Having competed in the Boston Marathon once before in 2003, 35-year-old Majel Wells of Terre Haute thought she should give it another try in 2013.
“My goal was just to finish and enjoy Boston,” she reflected this week. “I had an injury [runner’s knee] beforehand, so I wasn’t too worried about beating my time from 2003 [4 hours, 10.20 seconds].
“But nobody cares about what your time is at Boston anyway.”
From what I’ve heard over the years, she’s right. Unless you’re a super-serious runner, the Boston Marathon has been more about taking in the atmosphere and having fun than placing in the top 50, although Wells was pleased that she beat her previous time by finishing in 3:55.19 on April 15.
Obviously, her race time wasn’t the most vivid memory that Wells took away from her 2013 Boston experience. -
Amey Takes Aim: NHL playoffs to put TVs to good use
If Jenny had known, she probably wouldn’t have bought that TV.
But four or five years ago, my Fathers Day present — for those unfamiliar with Amey family traditions, the Fathers Day one is “let’s get something we all really want and pretend it’s a gift for Dad” — was a 42-inch Vizio. It’s been used even more than the cell phone I never would have bought for myself, or the TomTom that disappeared since Jenny’s smartphone arrived.
And it came with high-def.
I’m not going to insult you by telling you how great high-def is, because to do so would be to imply that you are even farther behind the technological curve than I am. I’m guessing, however, that not all of you have yet discovered what it does for hockey. -
Foot Notes: ISU track athletes looking to keep improving at Drake Relays
Indiana State’s track schedule has helped its men’s and women’s teams escape the glacial Wabash Valley weather and enjoy warm days in Auburn, Ala., and Knoxville, Tenn.
With the Sycamores’ track facility basically laid to rest for competition and construction on a new one planned near the Wabash River to begin in 2014, major kudos go to everyone involved for continuing to produce athletes that are NCAA contenders who race with some of the world’s best.
Some of ISU’s current athletes are hoping for season-best performances this weekend against strong competition in the Drake Relays.
Former Sycamore NCAA pole-vault champion Kylie Hutson, who competes professionally for Nike and trains in her hometown of Terre Haute, also has been in Des Moines, Iowa, to compete in the Pole Vault in the Mall on Wednesday night. -
REDNECK QUAKER: Variety of birds to search for in turkey hunting
My father-in-law, Donnell Dunn of Jacksonville, Fla., is a retired engineer from J.I. Case and an avid reader and loves information on anything he takes interest in. He has five patents under his belt during his career.
Donnell took great interest in the Turkey World Slam display at Gander Mountain and thought each bird needed some info to help people understand more about them. -
TRACKSIDE: USAC racing picking up, including Sunday's stop in Terre Haute
With a break in the weather, U.S. Auto Club-sanctioned racing will kick into high gear on the area motorsports scene this weekend with events scheduled at three Indiana ovals.
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Ramblin’ Reck: Sato first Foyt winner since 2002
Takuma Sato made Izod IndyCar Series history Sunday when he won the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
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Former South players to play in Saylor benefit game
I had my first phone conversation with Mike Saylor since mid-February on Thursday and he sounded good.
The former Terre Haute South High School boys basketball coach, who’s been battling cancer this year, has been traveling back and forth to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for chemotherapy treatments. -
COLLEGE REPORT: Valley prep athletes getting ready for next level
The NCAA “regular” signing period begins Wednesday for all sports except football, field hockey, soccer, track and field, cross country and men’s water polo.
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RAMBLIN’ RECK: Pacers closing out a nice season
In case you hadn’t noticed, the final games of the regular season will be played this week in the National Basketball Association.
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Amey Takes Aim: Can’t bottle the joy of Amey vacations
The first bad sign was the Gatorade bottle.
In the Bataan-Death-March drive to Orlando that got the Amey family spring break vacation off to a bad start, seeing it between lanes of I-24 — as we zipped along at a 100-miles-in-five-hours clip — filled with an ominous yellow liquid was a little bit scary. And although we didn't stop to check for sure, I'm fairly certain I knew about its contents.
And the person stuck in the same traffic jam with us, the one with the existential license plate YMIHR4, couldn’t have asked a more pertinent question.
But, after seeing a lot more of Oak Grove, Ky., than we’d planned, and after enduring more traffic slowdowns in Nashville, we were on our way. Even some rain in the dark in the Smokies didn’t slow us down much, so you would think our first-day troubles were over.
You would be wrong. -
Redneck Quaker: Mascari gets thrills from turkey hunting
Annie Mascari is a beautiful, vibrant, 26-year-old lady that loves the outdoors.
She comes from a large family of four brothers and a sister and lives the teachings of good family values.
Olivia Rightly let me know that I “should talk to my teacher at St. Pats School, Ms. Mascari, because she’s taken a turkey.”
As I shook Annie’s hand, I could feel the energy she has for life. As proof, the first time she went up in an airplane, she jumped out of it!
She’s also quite the hunter. Mascari picked up a used PSE bow for $30, one for a left-hander because her left eye is dominate for shooting. The Page Arrows are her choice for broadheads. -
RAMBLIN’ RECK: Louisville gets two shots at NCAA title
Louisville met Michigan in the championship game of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on Monday. Louisville faces Connecticut in the title tilt of the women’s tournament tonight.
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REDNECK QUAKER: Learning to shoot clays a great experience
Tom Mitchell from Burnett is an all-around outdoor enthusiast. His passions are motorcycles, cars, and most of all, shooting sports. When he sights in on metal target shooting with a hand gun or rifle you will hear a lot of “clang” noises, he can shoot very quiet also, because he is licensed to own suppressers.
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TRACKSIDE: Racing season picking up speed
With several tracks already open and others scheduled to get underway this weekend it’s a sure sign the area motorsports campaign has taken the green flag for the 2013 season.
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RAMBLIN’ RECK: Out with the hoops, in with the bats
It’s a super week for sports fans — college basketball comes to a close and the first baseball games are played in the major leagues.
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COLLEGE REPORT: Conferences honor Valley softball players
Several Wabash Valley area college softball players have been honored by their respective conferences for outstanding play this spring.
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FROM THE PRESSBOX: Content McKenna has enjoyed seeing ISU's progress
It all happened so fast in June 2010.
One minute, Kevin McKenna was head coach of the Indiana State men’s basketball program. Then — poof! — he was gone.
McKenna resigned from his head coaching position at ISU on June 13, 2010 to take an assistant coach position on Dana Altman’s then-burgeoning University of Oregon staff. -
FROM THE PRESSBOX: NCAA got it right with Louisville in Indianapolis
The worst decision and the best decisions made by the NCAA Tournament selection committee shared space on Lucas Oil Stadium’s hardwood Friday night.
The Midwest Regional’s opener pitted Louisville and Oregon, two teams that were on the opposite sides of the NCAA’s coin on Selection Sunday.
Oregon, winner of the Pac-12 Tournament and Pac-12 runner-up in the regular season, was shockingly seeded 12th in the Midwest Region. -
ANDY AMEY: Farewell to basketball
I believe you’ve heard me say before — just about a year ago, perhaps — that a boys high school basketball season that ends with the Tribune-Star in Bankers Life Fieldhouse can’t be considered a bad one, which is why we have a little celebrating to do thanks to the Linton Miners.
Lover of irony that I am, I’ve also got to point out that this season was another branch sprouting from the Wabash Valley’s most legendary coaching tree, that of Joe Hart.
Joe never got much credit for his work at Dugger, but he took Brody Boyd, Clark Golish and the Bulldogs to a state championship game in 2000, and since then three of his former players — Joe Pigg, Clint Swan and now Joey Hart, his son — also have coached teams in the final game of the season.
Joe probably wishes he could take credit for Doc Nash, another down-home type who gave a banjo lesson earlier Saturday in leading Borden past a bigger, more athletic Triton team (banjo lesson is a Howard Sharpism, for you younger readers), but his lineage is still the best I can think of around here. -
RAMBLIN’ RECK: Field down to 16 — but one No. 1 is out
The field is down to 16 in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship with most of the top teams still in the field.
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