All Nighter

With several Cup drivers competing in this years marathon race I am following it closer than I normally would. A.J. Allmendinger was leading late last night when he developed engine trouble... too bad for the kid. He has tons of potential but cannot get a break. Latest news is the Ganassi Team with Dixon, Pruett and Montoya is running up front. That's no surprise.

Tune in to the Speed Channel at 7:00 am for live coverage.

Future

Photo courtesy of
NASCAR Media.com

Thursday was NASCAR's (poor) state of the sport address.
It seems Mr. France took full charge as the reining head honcho and made it clear as Mike Helton sat on the bench.

I don't envy Brian's position right now as it just seems to be the repetitive barrage of questions by the hungry Media folk. He'll do the right things and make solid choices... at least we better hope and pray he does. Perhaps he and Barrack should have lunch.

Yes Mr. Esquire... I am a member of NASCAR Media and have written permission to use their photos.

A cold day in hell....

Nice photo heh... yeah well with the economy continuing to falter many of us may find ourselves using these again. I personally like this relic.



Daytona is so close!! Nice and warm there.

A Long Winter

My Golden Retriever "Chase"


The last post was three months ago. Like the rest of the world, I too have been going through many changes. I watch and read as NASCAR also rolls with the economic downturn with massive team layoffs and mergers. It's hitting nearly every market.

The construction industry is as slow as I've seen it in my 30 year career. As a self employed contractor with an established client base it's rare for me to be out of work, but this is proving to be a very long winter.

I fight and never give up and my constant perseverance pays off with finding small jobs. These are not paying the bills, but it keeps things going in a forward motion.

We will get through this.

Cocobean

Our beloved Coco had to be put down last night. The poor little guy had developed a brain tumor. He was mainly my wife's. Those two were practically inseparable. Patty's heart is broken.

It was one of the hardest decisions but we had no choice.

Chase will miss him too and he was my "Little Buddy".

So sad we are... he was not even two years old and money is tight so I cannot buy Patty another pup. Miniature Pinn's are pricey little canines.

It's so unfair to my wife. She does nothing but help every one else. She spends most of her own life taking care of her sick mother and when she's not doing that she is taking care of the rest of us. Coco was her pride and joy and it's killing me to see her go through this pain.

So long Little Buddy. We love you!!
Cocobean
Originally uploaded by Chase Images

Champlain Valley Racing Association

Mother Nature ruled last night. We have only a very limited amount of time left to get some more racing in this season but the weather shut it down. This leaves only the weekend of Oct. 18th and 19th.

CVRA owns and operates two oval dirt tracks. Devil's Bowl Speedway in West Haven Vt. and Albany/Saratoga Speedway in Malta, NY. They are family owned with the 2nd generation now running the operations.

I have picked up the Photog's position and I couldn't be happier about it. No... it won't bring me fame and fortune but it has opened a door into another world. The world of Dirt. In just a short time I have met and made friends with some of the coolest folks. They are tight!! Among each other that is.

My Photo taking style is slightly different from other track Photog's... not to say it's better... just different. I think this is mostly due to my bouncing all over the place, hanging over the walls, laying down on the infield and placing my camera in some unlikely places. The driver/owners have commented on my photos {and have purchased many} saying they've not seen such great shots before from any track Photog. Flattering statements for sure, but I remain humble because there is always room for growth and change. My true success in this remains to be seen, but my success will be measured by the satisfaction of the racer's, the fans and the track owners. Next season!!

Dega!! Having been there, I can honestly say the the NASCAR Nation is in it's glory this weekend. What a wild and fun place to be. Think of Mardi Gras tailgate style!! It's unlike any other track... including Daytona where I have also been. My Dega experience will forever be deeply inbedded in my heart and soul.

Happy 85th birthday dad!!!!