11/28/2007
PAVEMENT NOTES: 11/28/07
Wall, New Jersey
by Walt Stubbs
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 33 years since the Nicol family
came up with the idea of running an end of the year race on the
weekend after Thanksgiving and naming it the Turkey Derby. More than
a few people scoffed at the idea, thinking who would come to a race
when the weather can best be described as iffy in the Northeast.
Well, Sunday marked the 34th time the event was run, and once again
a good crowd was on hand to take in the action. It also marked the
end of an era, as the #76 Blewett Motorsports modified, which has
been such a prevalent fixture at Wall Township Speedway, was being
put into retirement, never to be again raced. As most of you know
who have been to Wall, that number and team has had a long marriage
with the track, first with John Blewett Jr and then followed by John
Blewett III and Jimmy Blewett. Like most marriages, there have been
a lot of ups and downs between the Blewetts’ and there home track.
All three Blewetts at one time or another had been kicked off the
grounds and suspended for life but after every disagreement, all
would be forgotten as the track would realize that they needed the
Blewetts while the Blewetts needed the track.
Needless to say, Saturday afternoon was an emotional one,
especially for Jimmy Blewett. Blewett was looking for the perfect
send off, in tribute to his family and brother John in particular.
What better way to go off into the sunset then with winning the
Derby? Unfortunately, the ending wasn’t the story book ending most
in attendance had hoped for but it wasn’t for a lack of effort on
Blewett’s part. In the open modified event, Blewett’s hopes appeared
dashed right from the onset, when he and Reggie Ruggiero came in
contact at the start of the race, sending both into the fence in
turn one. Ruggiero’s day ended but Blewett and his crew were
determined to keep the #76 on the track. With caution laps not
counting, it helped in there efforts. Also helping them were the
many cautions that were thrown at the beginning of the 100 lap
event. With adjustments constantly being made, Blewett appeared to
have his car back up to full speed. Driving patiently and precisely,
Blewett made his way back up to the front but didn’t have enough for
James Civali, who wound up the winner of the event. In the small
block main, Blewett’s day ended on lap 74 after Kevin Flockhart got
into the rear of the Blewett mount. Needless to say, the effort was
there, just not the result Blewett was looking for. “It’s racing and
that’s just the way it goes. We did what we could,” said Blewett.
While Blewett will not be running at Wall regularly as things
currently stand, he will be awfully busy with weekly appearances at
Stafford and Riverhead planned along with running the full Tour
schedule.
I guess you could call it surprising that an invader would
win the Derby. In the 33 previous Derby’s only one real outsider,
George Kent, won the event. and that was back in 1979. A lot of
invaders have tried, Richie Evans, Jimmy Spencer, Geoff Bodine to
just name a few. Well, James Civali can add his name next to Kent.
Civali's car owner, Don King, has always liked Wall. Much of that
has to do with the fact that his car has always run fast on the high
banks. Civali confirmed as much on Saturday, explaining is presence
at the Jersey Shore. “Don has always fielded a fast car here, even
going back to when Doug Coby drove for him. We were fast here at the
Tour race in May but we got into three accidents. He just wanted to
race today and so did I, especially with what happened to John. This
was his track,” said Civali.
To be honest, going into the race, if there was one outsider
who would have been considered a contender, Les Hinckley would have
appeared to be that driver. Last year Hinckley made his first ever
appearance at Wall one to remember, as he almost stole the win from
Jimmy Blewett, falling just short in his attempt. Hinckley made the
trek back down from his New England home to Wall but wasn’t as
fortunate on this day, getting involved in a wreck in turn one.
TURKEY LEFTOVERS: Word is that the Tour schedule is
almost completed for 2008. It looks like Chemung and Spencer are
definitely on the slate, with IRP almost a certainty. It’s going to
be interesting to see what happens to New Hampshire and the
modifieds in the 2009 season. While 2008 is set, with new management
headed by Bruton Smith, will he keep the tradition of running
modified tour races at New Hampshire or will he look in a different
direction? If the Tour can make money for Smith, I’d put the odds of
the modifieds staying as a pretty good bet. However, if they lose
money, who knows. Hard to believe, but the banquet is just around
the corner, December 14th. As always, it should be interesting.
All views and news can reach me at 2 Constitution Court, Unit
501 Hoboken, N.J. 07030 where we are wondering, Whatever happened to
Jerry Cranmer?
THE END
Source: Walt
Stubbs/TheChromeHorn.com
Posted:
November 28, 2007 |