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The racing was as scorching as the heat last Saturday at New Paris Speedway as we celebrated the memory of our beloved Joe Hamsher.

The action started at the beginning of Late Model Qualifications as the Kenny Whitman No. 9 machine made contact with the turn 3 wall and ended up on his lid between turns 3 and 4.  As we were able to catch a few words with the understandably distraught Whitman, he thought his throttle had stuck open and that’s what caused this brand new Late Model to end up totaled before it even had a chance to contend in a race.

Another recipient of this years rollover award will be John Maynard No. 38 as he lost control over his street stock and found himself upside down in the pit exit of the track during his heat.  Thankfully, both drivers were checked out and released from the in field care center.  Good Luck to both drivers and hope to see them both at the races soon!

The Late Model A feature started off with Zack Taylor No. 11 on the inside pole and Harvey Taylor No. 21X on the outside pole.  It seemed that everyone wanted to win that Joe Hamsher Memorial Plague, as there was a dozen minor cautions in the 40-lap feature.  Taking the lead in lap 31, Bobby Stremme No. 35 continued to lead the rest of the race and then found his way to the checkered flag first for the 3rd week in a row.  During an interview Bobby made it known that this was the first time in his racing career that he has won three in a row.  Once again, Congratulations to

Bobby Stremme No. 35 on another win and being well on his way to that championship!

In between the Late Model A feature and the Street Stock A feature, the lights we out and we looked to the sky as an amazing display of fireworks reminded us to be thankful for all of the men and women who have given their lives for our freedom.

After a breath taking firework finale, the lights came back on and we went right into the Street Stock A feature.  The 2nd lap saw a 7 car crash but thankfully, no serious damage was done and all 7 cars were able to continue the race.  Thirty laps and a few cautions later, Lenny Davis No. 5, who had started on the pole and led the entire race took the checkered flag for his first A win of the season. 
While at the South Bend Dick Beebe Memorial race on Sunday I was able to have a few words with “Hurricane” Charlie Cotton who had his No. 50 late model there.

Even though I have been watching Charlie race for the last 7 years, this is the first time I have talked to him and I have to say, this is one nice man and I really enjoyed interviewing him.  Charlie is a past Champion in the Street Stock Division and has moved up into a Late Model this year.

This is a learning year for Charlie and his Late Model but I have no doubt that in the years to come, this man will be quite the competitor.  A few of Charlie’s sponsors are Holle’s Auto Salvage, Promotor, Napa, Woody’s Electric, CnC Racecars, Blackford Law Office and CBG.  Charlie would like to send out a very special thanks to his wife.  “I would not be doing any of this without my wife.  Even though she has had some issues, she would still get out of bed to push me out the door to go racing because she knew that is what I wanted to do” Charlie wishes to dedicate this article and this whole season to Tommy Davis who was a very dear friend and a valued crew member.  Tommy passed away from Leukemia this past December.  Charlie, I am sure somewhere beyond the stars, Tommy is still rooting for you!

The last race of the night found the Mini Stock A feature drivers raring to go!  It seemed everyone was in a big hurry to get this race over with as about every 3 laps another caution came out.  Finally this race concluded with JR Ryman No. 17 once again, claiming victory.  Jim Anglemyer No. 6 found himself in the 2nd spot for the 3rd week in a row, Mark Hughes No. 34 finished 3rd and George Flowers No. G3 ended up in 4th place.

This coming Saturday, May 30th is $20.00 a carload night.  Fit as many as you can and come on down to New Paris Speedway where the action never stops!  I would like to take this opportunity to thank my good friend Kristi Zimmerman for helping me with the interviews and especially keeping track of the races!  Happy and Safe Racing!