MichiganCircleTrack.com is the online home of the MARC Times Racing News & Michigan Racing Scene and MARCTimesTV.

The MARC Times Racing News and Michigan Racing Scene has been in production as a single news source for all things short track racing for just a few months now. Like all fledgling enterprises, there have been hurdles to clear en route to delivering a quality, timely product. Patrick McNamara has huge shoes to fill in carrying the combined publications' torch. The late Dick Beebe blazed an incredible trail when he pioneered the MARC Times, and Terry Fitzwater went on to introduce fans near and far to an even more refined publication when he began publishing the Michigan Racing Scene.

Mr. McNamara has combined these two iconic racing publications into a truly unique and comprehensive source for racing news. Michigan Circle Track, the “parent” entity of the MARC Times Racing News and Michigan Racing Scene, is a resource Midwest race fans probably never imagined they would have. I'm sure I am not going out too far on a limb when I say Patrick didn't anticipate the magnitude and impact of this undertaking.

With that in mind, I'm also encouraging all of you, fans, drivers, crew members and promoters, to be “patient” with our progress.

I distinctly recall sitting with Mr. Fitzwater in one of our favorite watering holes one evening about six editions into production and distribution of his new “baby,” the Michigan Racing Scene. Frustrated with the reality of gathering information, laying out the publication, collecting revenue, paying vendors and ultimately distributing a weekly racing newspaper, we were trying to figure out how to more efficiently get edition seven out the door all the while working on an answer to the question of whether there would even be an edition eight?

Several years after that fateful evening, Fitz and his publication were still at the top of their game, and he had established a benchmark by which all future racing publications would be measured.

These things take time.

As it is with Patrick McNamara and the entire Michigan Circle Track staff, racing is my passion. My “9 to 5” job at Frankenmuth Insurance puts food on the table and keeps the roof over my family's head. Having the privilege of writing “Sheaffer's Shorts” and spending time with all you wonderful fans, drivers, crews and promoters at the track on Friday and Saturday night is what helps keep me sane – although I'm sure there are a number of you who think I'm beyond that already!

Not all the “I's” are dotted, nor all the “T's” crossed as yet with the MARC Times Racing News and Michigan Racing Scene, but they certainly will be soon.

We certainly appreciate you giving this endeavor your continued support. We'll continue to make an impact as a “rookie” publication. With the dedication of Patrick and the MCT Staff, the “guidance” of the late Mr. Beebe, as well as a few “two-cents” from Mr. Fitzwater, another racing institution will flourish for all of its readers.

Thanks for giving us the Green flag.