News & Columns

My computer is repaired and I am back. It has been out of service for about two months. 227 emails later and it is working again. This may be my last article for awhile until another source for publishing is found. I am sorry to say that Floyd has decided to retire after this last newsletter.
The annual Vintage meeting is scheduled for February 24th a Saturday at 10:00 A.M. at Ron Dunn’s shop in San Jose. The same location we have used for the last several years. In fact this is the only place we have had the Annual Vintage Meeting. The address is 1309 Laurelwood at the Hellwig Mechanical & Plumbing shop in San Jose. The 2007 Vintage schedule should be complete by then and it will be a topic for discussion. This meeting is the time to offer suggestions and bring your questions for discussion.
Frank and Kay and I made the drive to Irwindale for the 66th running of the Turkey night Grand Prix on Thanksgiving Day. 65+ midgets and 35+ sprints and 20+ Ford Focus midgets put on one hell of a show. Practice on Wednesday and racing on Thursday. It was a long drive but well worth the effort. Then on Friday morning we headed for Willow Springs for the Walt James Vintage weekend. The car count was big and the weather was terrific. I took along my new portable Fire Pit and a truckload of firewood and everyone enjoyed the warm fire after the sun went down. The following list of who’s who all had a great time and played and bench raced for two days and nights. Frank and Kay Goularte, Paul Farajian, Norm Rapp, Geri and Erick Lieder, Ron Dunn, Tim Butterick, Dean Nelson, Dick Nelson, Mike Luddon and Alison, Paul and June Ferreira, Harold Dickerson, Perry and Paula Ashworth and Lenora McMurty and me. Ron brought his #1 Benson and offered me several rides. I also had the chance to have a ride in Harold’s Falcon six. Kay discovered that the pulley for the fuel pump was loose on Harold’s car and Frank made a quick repair and that cured the problem.
I just received the new 2007 Vintage Calendar. Floyd Busby and Tommy Belfiore have done a fantastic job putting together a great collection of on track action shots that will blow you away. Email me (petebcra1@sbcglobal.net) or call (209) 586-4838 to order your copy. This year we went high tec. with a twelve page flip up calendar. They are $15.00 plus $2.00 S. & H. Make the check to Pete Bray and I will get them in the mail ASAP. I only have 54 calendars to start and I have mailed six out already so do not delay. The proceeds from the sale pay for the printing of the calendar and our Annual Vintage picnic.
I would like to thank Floyd Busby and say that he has been a big plus to and for BCRA. I know that without his help over all these years BCRA would not be what it is today. Floyd put many hours and in many cases his own money into the job he has done for his pure love for BCRA and midget racing in general. It will be a tough job to find someone to fill his shoes. We all hope that he will continue to support BCRA from a close distance. Good Luck Floyd and thanks for all that you have done for me and for the Vintage members and BCRA members over the years.
Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year and safe racing season for 2007
See you at Ron’s shop on February 24th 10:00 a.m. sharp.
Pete