Rumble Strips
Wednesday night, September 1, turned out hot and steamy with enough breeze to make it bearable. After so many rain outs this year it was good to see the sun.

Catching up from last week - we finished in mid pack staying well away from the very messy number 5 car. Tempers were flying on August 18th as the 5 car bumped and pushed the 28 car sending the front leader flying backward down the back straight allowing the 5 to take a very dirty win. That situation got straightened out by the track officials and you'll see the results on the Capital City Website.

Tonight, September 1st, the dirty tricks and aggressive driving style were back.

We were placed in mid pack for both Heats 1 and 2, staying out of trouble but not getting quite enough out of the car. Mike hung on, keeping the 59 under control through the corners and powering up the straights. We'd been getting in practice laps on Monday tweeking the car, trying to get another couple of 10ths of a second stripped off our lap time. We made a few fine adjustments in preparation for the Feature.

The Feature lineup inverted the first 5 setting us nicely inside pole. Great!!!! Maybe now we'll have a chance to really get some work done. No sooner had the green dropped and we were into the corner when suddenly the 51 cut down hard pushing us into the rumbles!!! Now for those of you watching from the stands - those huge rumbles are cruel to cars unfortunate enough to drive over them. They made a mess of the 59 set up. What's that all about? Why push the opposite pole car down when there's lots of room on the track to get around the corner. The nasty slam from the 51 destroyed the toe in the front right of the 59 putting us almost to the back of the pack. Nice driving 51, thanks for ruining what was setting up to be a good race.

One a good note - during one of the Heats, the 59 and the 28 had a great time racing door to door for 3 or 4 laps!!! Now that, Race Fans is what racing is all about - get out there, have fun, do your best.

For a hobby sport that's supposed to be fun and competitive, there's some strange driving going on out there on the Capital City Speedway track. Maybe next year will be better - both driving skills and attitude could certainly use improvement.

The last race of the season is Saturday, September 18th, an all day event. Come on out Race Fans. We really appreciate all your support this year!!!

Cheers,
Quick Jack Sandi
 

Set up to Race Wednesday August 18, 2010
For the better part of our short race season, Capital City Speedway was awash in rain and wet conditions. Not last night!!!! Clear conditions and a dry track resulted in a great race night.
A few final checks and adjustments and the #59 car got packed into the trailer Wednesday afternoon. We pulled in to the Track in time to offload,and go for a test run.
It was a beehive of activity in the pit - all good stuff going on. Drivers talking amongst themselves, checking in, The atmosphere was one of eager anticipation of the night ahead - the sun was out, a little cloud cover, no rain.
Last week, the Feature lineup was inverted as we expected, but almost the entire field was inverted - not what we'd expected or wanted. That large an inversion meant a car that won a top 6 position in the Heats found themselves at the back. The resulting mess of Feature Event accidents was horrendous with less experienced drivers being chased and pushed by the faster cars. Not a good situation.
So, this week, we were very pleased to hear our request to invert only a maximum of the top 6 was granted Now that Race Fans is an example of a track working with the Race Car Drivers and Crew.
Heat one started off well with the pace car setting a quick pace then rolling off in Corner 3. Hammer down and away they went. The 59 was sitting in mid-pack. We got around the track, finishing in mid-pack. The car seemed a little loose, so we made a fine adjustment in preparation for Heat two. Heat two we again held our own getting round the track in one piece, running hard and fast. The the sun was setting over corner 3. This time of year the sun shines directly in the Drivers' eyes going down the back straight. You could see a noticeable slight reduction in speed as the Drivers navigated the track almost by feel, Blinded by the Light in real time!!!. Race Fans - racing is never dull. Not even a little. Next week we'll rig up a sun shield.
By the time the Feature was ready to go the temperature had dropped considerably. Crew were pulling on hoodies and jackets against the coming late August night chill. Lineup time for the Legends, and we got tucked into the 59 and away she went. The Feature was one of the fastest lap times we've done. It was tight conditions out there car to car. Everyone remembering last week's fiasco, all drivers were pushing themselves and their cars to the limit. Drivers were a little more aware of where they were on the track. It's a skill that only comes with practice and experience. The 59 pulled well, was steady in the corners and held her position throughout the race.
Mike was grinning from ear to ear when he got out after the Feature. That good feeling was backed up by the Crew Chief showing him the lap times - very good. We think we're finding that sweet spot in the setup on the new chassis. The car is running well, is solid in the corners, pulling well in the straights. A good night all round. We rolled up into the trailer in one piece after a very fun night at the track.
Three more races to go, Race Fans!!!! Wednesday August 25th, Wednesday September 1 and Saturday September 18th
See you at the Track. Stay safe out there.
Cheers,
Quick Jack Sandi 

Demolition Derby
Sun shine and Race Fans on Wednesday made for the possibility of a fun evening of racing - or so we thought. The night started badly for the 59 when during practice we got rearended. We got slammed hard enough to completely crumple the bumper tabs. Practice ended early for the 59 so we could change out the damaged bumper in time to start Heat races.

Heats 1 and 2 were a mess with cars crashing into each other or the wall, or losing control. We managed to escape unscathed, the 59 car running strong, ready for the Feature.

Intermission was a wonderful experience - Race Drivers drove their cars to a precision lineup on the front straight. Fans were invited down to the track to meet their favourite Race Teams, look at all the cars, talk to the drivers, sit in the cars. We autographed many a 59 Car Postcard for our wonderful Fans. What a terrific experience for both the Fans and our Team.Thanks so much for all your enthusiastic support.

With the completion of Fan Appreciation, all cars returned to the pit in preparation for The Feature Event.

The Feature was probably the messiest race this Crew Chief has seen in a long time. The 59 started in the middle of the pack. Partway through the Feature with the racers roaring down the front straight approaching Corner 1 suddenly sparks and parts were flying, cars spinning out of control. With his family and approximately 1,000 fans looking on, Hugh Clark's 53 car was instantaneously catapaulted into the air and sent tumbling end over end down the pit exit lane hurtling half way down the ramp before coming to a sliding stop right in front of his family.

The 59 car came to a definite stop as Mike stood on the brakes of the 59 successfully managing to stay out of the way of the flying car and the mess on the track. The pit stands went strangely quiet as we stood silently holding our collective breath willing Hugh to be OK, waiting for news.

Hugh Clark of the 53 walked away from the terrible crash that literally destroyed his Legends car. That Hugh was able to climb out of his ruined car into the arms of his crying daughter and family, Race Fans, speaks volumes about the structural integrity of the Legends chassis,the value of a race seat, race harness, helmet, head/neck restraint, race suit and overall construction of the Legends car.

The green flag dropped again. Unfortunately for the 59, the hard braking had cracked the lollipop weld which gave way shortly after the race re-start. Mike had to pull off the track, not able to finish the Feature.

All in all, Race Fans, the night was probably one of the worst for Legends driver injury, car damage and destruction. We're not sure what was going on last night, but we look forward to better racing in the remaining 4 races of the 2010 season.

The best part of the whole night was meeting our Fans!!!! Those of you who took us up on our invitation to sit in the 59 car and meet our Team - thanks for your support, we sure appreciate it!!

Cheers til next time,
Quick Jack Sandi  

There's Rain and then there's Rain
The long line of race trailers and trucks stretched from the pit gate down the track entry road out to the gate, all of us waiting patiently at Capital City Speedway under grey threatening skies. The sight of loyal enthusiastic racers would warm the heart of any race track owner. All those eager racers.
The parking lot, pit area and infield were inches deep in rain water from a previous downpour. Thunder and dark clouds rolled in above the track creating shadows over the upturned faces of the hopeful racers as they willed the rain to stop and the track to dry.
We waited.
A hard decision needed to be made - the third in a row of so many weeks - race or not race. That decision made under yet more rain falling, dashing the hopes of the racers - no racing tonight. One more week without the roar of engines, smell of race fuel, whistles and calls of Fans, chatter over the Raceceivers, shouts of encouragement.
All quiet as we turned and headed for home.
Maybe next week will be better. '
Cheers,
Quick Jack Sandi 

Thanks for tuning in, Race Fans. Unfortunately, the news is not good. Again this Season, the Rain Gods crossed the finish line ahead of the Green Flag and stopped the races. Under threat of Severe Thunder Storms, we won't be on the track tonight, Race Fans.
Stay in touch, we'll talk to you again next week.
Cheers,
Quick Jack Sandi 

July 14,2010 Hello Race Fans out there in Race Land
Wednesday night July 14th turned out to have a few surprises in store for the 59 car. We'd managed to get the car back together and race ready after last week's crash. The car's running on a new chassis. She's not as pretty as she was before the crash - the left front fender is unpainted and remains the original white and we're running one chrome rim. The important thing is: we're back on the track.
We needed some practice runs to work out the bugs on the new chassis set up. We arrived at the track in time to install a borrowed muffler and set off for some practice laps. A muffler mount problem brought us back in after 3 laps.
We started Heat one in mid pack. Mike was sitting in an untried car and needed to figure out very quickly how the 59 would handle. We were loose going in and loose coming out, but Mike managed to stay out of trouble and finished the race without getting collected up.
Heat two and it's really hot at the track. The temperature's high and we're excited to get back out. A few adjustments after Heat one will help keep us sticking to the track surface. The announcer called us to staging, Mike got suited up and ready. A friend; Frank, from Mike's work; came to see us in the pit. We got Mike in the car, time to race!!
Mike pushed the ignition. Nothing. Frank quickly noticed both the fan and fuel pump were working. Dennis came over, sensing we were in trouble. Group decision - push start.
Now that's risky because we don't know what caused the non-start and don't know if the 59 will continue to run or stall. By the time we figured out what we could do to get back on the track, we were down a lap and working fast.
Away we went, pushed down pit road by Quick Jack Sandi, Frank and Dennis,the 59 got up on the track after a yellow flag was thrown from an earlier accident. The 59 roared into the race and didn't stop til we shut her down at the end of the Heat. We finished in mid-pack having run a solid race. Back in the pit the loose connection was found, tightened and tested. We're ready for the Feature.

The Feature Event saw us placed in mid-field. The green dropped and we were in the game running as hard as we could. The 59 handled much better in the Feature. The adjustments we made after the second Heat seemed to be the right ones for the car. The 59 was handling much better and Mike was having a good race. The Crew and visitiors were very pleased with the 59's performance.
You know what, Race Fans, having fun working on the car, solving problems, figuring out race strategy - that's what keeps us coming back week after week. That, and knowing all of you are out there in the stands cheering on the 59.
At the end of the night we placed 8th out of a field of 14 cars. A good result for the 59. Not as good as we wanted at this point in the season,but a solid race. We managed to roll the car back onto the trailer in one piece. We'll be tweeking the set up to be ready to race again on Wednesday night.
There's only 8 Race Nights left in the 2010 Capital City Speedway Season. Let's make every race count!! See you at the Races, Race Fans.
Stay safe!!!
Cheers,
Quick Jack Sandi 

Update to Colletor Lanes
It's Tuesday morning and things are looking up for the 59 car. The Team's been working hard at getting the car race-ready for Wedneday night's races. We've had lots of help and encouragement from everyone including Mike's Mum and Dad and the 63 race team of Eric Madore.
Time will tell whether we can succeed rebuilding the car again like we did last year. Sure,in 2009 we got our destroyed 59 car back together and were on the track with 5 minutes to spare, but we were on the track racing.

That's what counts - get back in the race and have some fun.
We'll keep you posted Race Fans.
Cheers,


Quick Jack Sandi 

Hello Race Fans out in Raceland!!!
The title says it all: we got Collected Up, again.
Wednesday night started out well in practice laps for the 59. The setup we'd worked so hard to get right was settling and we felt good. We turned a 20.3 - not too bad. We're getting used to the new setup. Our goal is to better our time by 10ths of a second if that's what it takes.
There's always room to clip a few 10ths off lap times by the way you enter a corner, pour it on in the straight, hold your line, apply or not apply brakes. Then there's the tire condition to consider, track condition and the most important: driver and car preparedness.
The rainouts the last few weeks made it impossible to complete the nightly Feature run. To make it up, the track held 2 Features on Wednesday - one makeup with double payout and one regular nightly Feature with regular payout.
By the time all the lineups were done for the makeup Feature, we ended up 9 back on the inside. Our strategy was to go out, run hard, run fair, have fun. We started hot on the inside, by Lap 2 brakes were smokin' in the corners as the drivers pushed and jockeyed for position. By Lap 3 the race was a mess. Down the front straight into corner 1 cars were drifting up the track, other cars passing on the outside, inside trying to get out of the way. 53 spun.59 right behind the 53 tried in vain to go in between the 53 and 24 wanting very much to avoid damage. The 24 navigated swiftly and avoided a crash.
Well, Race Fans - we didn't make it through the mess. Take a look at the Photos for the night of July 7th and you'll see what we did. It was nasty to see from the pit stands and even more disappointing for Mike.
We got collected up and by the time we stopped the front end was demolished, fender ripped in half, undercarriage destroyed running over the rumbles, rim bent, tire punctured, clip bent, steering column bent, firewall bent - a real mess, that's for sure. Mike, on the other hand, was OK.
We were out for the duration of the Feature and into the pit for repairs. Now here's why we love racing: from various drivers back at the finish of the Feature we heard: do you need anything;what can I do to help;sure, take that tire and rim we'll settle up later; here, let me help with that fender install; do you need tools - just go to my trailer there's lots there. The 59 pit was a beehive of activity as we slaved over our broken warrior. We missed both heats. By the time the Feature was called we were as ready as we could be - not perfect, not pretty, but safe. All bolts tightened, all broken parts replaced.
We tried hard. We drove as hard as we dared and placed in the top 10. The wreck put us back 3 positions, but we're still in the top 10.
Now,we're doing what we did last year - strip the old chassis and put the parts on our new chassis for Wednesday night's races. We'll do our best.
Thanks to each and every one of you who cheer us on, who come to the races every week. We appreciate your support.
Til Wednesday, Race Fans - stay safe out there. We hope to see you at track.
Cheers,
Quick Jack Sandi 

Wet again!!
Hello Race Fans out there in Race Land
June 30th at Capital City Speedway started out cold with a threat of rain promising to fall later in the day. The 59 Team arrived at the track in the afternoon under somewhat clear skies, ready to race and have some fun.
The car was in good shape and shook out well during the practice sessions. We were very happy with the car's performance and excited to get down to the business of racing.
Then the rain started for the first of many times during the night. Drivers with treaded tires were asked to go out and drive the track to dry it out in time to start the evenings events.
By 8:00 o'clock the promise of rain earlier in the evening had changed to periods of rain throughout the evening. We finally got out on the track for heat one under dark low cloud cover.
The 59 started three back on the inside. Up in Corner 1, the 55 and 5 got collected up in a mess that sent the 55 to the pit with a missing front bumper and the 5 to the back. On re-start we were 2 back on the inside behind the 51 car.
Race Fans - did you happen to hear the cheering from the Pit Stands near Corner 2? Yes, that would be the 59 Crew Chief. Mike hung in behind the very fast 51. Coming round Corner 2 the 59 did a funny sideways wiggle then just as quickly got back on the race line, steady and sure footed down the straight. We held our position to place 2nd in Heat One.
Mike said later on he must have got some damp on his race shoes because coming around Corners 1 and 2 his foot slipped off the brake pedal - that explained the funny wobble.
All in all we were very pleased with the car - it handled well, stuck to the track, gave us a good ride.
All the while the dark clouds continue to hover and blow over the track. Rain showers again stopped all racing. The track needed drying out for the second time that night. It's getting late. Clouds are rolling in. We want very much to race and wonder how we're going to get it done.
At a quickly called Driver's meeting,drivers were asked what they wanted - cancel the race or run a shortened program? Well, that's easy - race now in front of the dark clouds, try to beat the rain at it's own game. Rain outs are no fun for the drivers or the Fans - we voted to get in what racing we could, and get it done quickly.
In order to get to the Feature event, only one Heat was run then straight into the Feature. All evening long the 59 Team had the car cover on and off about 5 times as rain drenched the track and the Fans in the stands.
Lineup call for the Feature event - we were well back on the inside. Just as the cars rolled on to the track the rain drizzle started. Decisions needed to be made that took into account what the drivers wanted and what Mother Nature would do. The Pace Car led the Legends around for about 5 laps of 'wait and see' what the rain was doing. A few Legends pulled out, not wanting to take the risk of running under wet conditions. Then, Race Fans, down came the rain - in buckets. Pit Crew scrambled down off the stands, raced ahead to their pits to clear the way into the trailers for the now soaked Legends.
From the time the race was called til the time we rolled into the trailer we were soaked to the skin, the track was again a puddle and everyone had headed for home.
And that, Race Fans was our evening. What racing we did get in was good, competitive, and very exciting for the seasoned drivers and rookies alike.
A big thanks goes out to all those dedicated Race Fans who made it out last night, despite the rain. We sure appreciate your support and enthusiasm - we're here for you!!!
Check the Capital City Website for some very special news about the next race - Wednesday July 7th.
Until next time Race Fans, stay warm,dry and safe.
Cheers,
Quick Jack Sandi 

June 23, 2010 Wednesday at the Track
Last week we reported getting collected up into a little mess June 12th between corners 3 and 4. Turns out the 59 suffered a little more damage than we thought. The front clip got bent and needs some work. The resulting damage to our once pristine car caused some handling problems that needed to be worked on. Time was short and a solution couldn't be found by Wednesday, so we decided to set the car up as best as we could and see how it would run.

We arrived at the track under a bank of dark clouds and a promise of rain, but we were ready to go and get up on the track. Heat One we stayed out of trouble and just made the best of it. Rain started sprinkling. We covered the car in the hope the rain was passing through. Heat two wasn't a whole lot better than heat one. Drivers were asked to wave if they felt the conditions were OK for racing. Well, Race Fans, these race cars have been rained out time after time this year and the cars just wanted to run. All drivers decided it was a go, so off they went. We did our best and drove the car as hard as we could still keeping it under control. The bent clip created handling problems for us, so we decided to just run the car and not get into any messes. OUr heart was in the race but we just couldn't push as hard as we'd have liked. Better to drive smart than cause ourselves or someone else problems.

The Feature lineup was posted under darker and darker clouds with the odd spinkle of the wet stuff. The 59 car was on the inside pole - amazing opportunity for us, one we might not be able to use to the fullest, but we decided to try our best. And then the rain came down in earnest drowning out any hope of a Feature event. All the cars got packed up into their trailers and headed for home.

The bent bits are under repair and we should be back in business for the next race night. We sure appreciate all the Fans who turned up to see us on Wednesday night. It's a great thing to look up and see all of you up there.

See you on Wednesday June 30th - the last day of June. Until then, Race Fans, stay safe and dry.

Quick Jack Sandi  read more ...

Hello All you Race Fans out there in Race World

Saturday June 12th started out a little damp in the morning. Racers determined to get some serious racing done that day had their cars loaded on trailers ready to go to the track.
By mid-afternoon it looked like the Rain Gods who have plagued us all summer were going to give a break to Capital City Speedway. The sun came out, the track dried out and we got down the business of racing.
Quite a few rookie Legends drivers were an welcome addition to the Legends group. Lots of enthusiasm and smiling faces as the first Heats line up was posted.
We’d made a few setup changes to the #59 - the car was loose going in and loose going out, and we had a few left over brake issues from our trip to Orlando. The Orlando track was very, very wet from all the rain that threatened to disrupt the races. The track needed lots and lots of kitty litter to make it driveable. Well, you know what kitty litter is made of - clay and some other stuff. Imagine tearing along at the top of the speedometer, braking for the corners and grinding all that clay into the brake pads - pretty slick surface is what you get under those track conditions.
We thought we had the brakes worked out, but they weren’t where we wanted them, so they got changed up.

Well, Race Fans - we did OK, We weren’t as fast as we’d have liked, but we kept her at a speed we thought we could manage and still stay competitive.

Heat 2 we started 6 back on the outside, did a little better staying in the middle of the pack - not where we wanted to be, but that’s where the car was performing to, so she stayed there. We finished the race without any scars or broken bits.

30 Lap Feature
We started five back on the inside and had a good start. It’s a 30 lap run, so there’s bound to be lots of tactics and jockeying for position. We were running reasonably well at the top of the pack. Round turn 3 we were behind a wall 3 wide with the 75 of Chris Nugteren in front.
During the race, the Race Director would coach the rookies and lapped cars to get down if the Leaders were coming.
Between turns 3 and 4, the rookie slower car of the 75 couldn’t get down, he got caught up in the middle of the three wide with the 17 in front of the 75. The 59 on the 75’s tail. Suddenly, the 17 cut down on the 75, the 75 slammed on the brakes and guess what - there we were, hard on the 75 and rode up on the right side back end.
Up went the 59 over the back right fender and down hard on the track - she kept rolling. Didn’t seem to bother the 59 other than a bent front bumper. We were worried for a minute the left front wheel would be damaged - but luckily, we managed to escape. Not so for the 75 - his right rear fender was flapping in the breeze. He eventually got called over to the side of the track for inspection - off to the pit he went to have the offending fender removed.

We ended up finishing up about 9th after all the excitement. Not where we wanted to be, but where we ended up.

Afterward, Chris of the 75 and our team had a great laugh about the mess!!!! In fact, Chris ended up with a piece of the broken fender and presented it to Mike to sign as a memento of the night!

Now, that’s the true spirit of racing - camaraderie, shared experiences, and just plain fun.

Stay cool and dry Race Fans,
Til next time,
Cheers,
Quick Jack Sandi
 

Hello all you Race Fans out there in Raceland,
We started the season with a bit of weather that drowned out the May 26th Feature Event. With a promise of better weather we set our sights on Wednesday June 2nd.
We worked on the car over the weekend to make some final small adjustments to setup to improve the cross weight.
All spit and polished and rolled into the trailer we looked skyward. The Rain Gods were again smiling down on Capital City Speedway. By 3:30 in the afternoon a spectacular rainfall enveloped the area drowning the track.
Jeremy was forced to call the races, again.
Of course, by now, the 59 car is just champing at the bit wanting to get out there and race. We decided some seat time was warranted and are heading out to the track tonight to do just that - run laps.

In between races, on Sunday June 6th, the 59 Team assisted at the Legends Race School run by Jeremy and Miranda. The Rain Gods were determined to attend the School but were thwarted in early afternoon as the sun shone through the clouds and dried up the track.
The enthusiasm of all the Legends Students reminded our Team how much we loved the sport when we first started. That love of racing has sustained itself through crashes, joy of effort, and just plain fun as we enter our 4th year.
Saturday June 12th is the Legends Regional Qualifier and the 59 car will be ready to run. The weather looks good, our spirits are high as we look forward to another great day of racing.
Take care of yourselves. Stay safe and dry.
Cheers,
Quick Jack Sandi
 

Hello Race Fans out there in Race World!!!!!
Season 2010 began on a fast newly-paved Capital City Speedway track on Wednesday night May 26th, 2010. What a night!!!

Back in February, we ran the 59 car in Florida at Orlando Speedworld during WinterNationals. The car ran hot and fast. We came home well-practiced and ready for the home track race season.

Opening night Wednesday was a night of spins, smoke, front end collisions and general chaos as the racers mixed it up.

A few highlights from the races set our fans on the edge of their seats:
Heat 1 about lap 2, two rookies got tangled up in Corner 1 trying to play follow the leader into the corner. The resulting spin saw the two cars tangled up in a head on mess that sent both cars to their trailers on the tow vehicle with lots of front end damage. Drivers were reportedly OK. Lots of work to be done to get them back for next week.

The 360 Shuffle
Sometimes we see magic on the track. Tonight was one of those nights!!!
Hard into corner 1 the 5 of Windsor bumped the 55 of Foisy sending the 55 into a spin. What a beautiful sight Race Fans and a fantastic demonstration of why Foisy is Track Champ as Foisy; in complete control of his race car; floated his car between corner 1 and 2 and spun a full 360 spin in traffic just as all cars were rounding corner 2. Amazing!!!! That's skill, Race Fans, pure skill and instinct. The 92 of Riopelle took the lead to win the race. Foisy regained momentum and just kept on racing to finish 2nd behind Riopelle.

Smoke and Mirrors
The 59 was running well in third spot behind Kevin Foisy and Chad Windsor with the 28 of Matt Mould trying to pass the 59. Corner 3 - 4 saw some action as the 59 was bumped by the 28 of Matt Mould. Down the back straight, the 28 raced hard trying to pass the 59. Hard into Corner 3, the 28 car lost all power. Partway through the corner with the 59 in front of the 28, the 28 regained power and surged ahead bumping the rear fender of the swift 59. The 59 went into a spin; not enough momentum to carry us through the full 360 spin. We got turned around and rejoined the race. Then, all of a sudden the 28 pulled into the rumble strips of corner 4 smoke billowing out of the car. Out flew the steering wheel, driver's door flew open and out tumbled Matt followed by more billowing smoke. The car continued to smoke - electrical problem that put the pretty little 28 out of the race for the night. We managed to get back in the race finishing 6th. No damage to any other cars.

The 67 of Todd Gow was repainted and worked on over the winter. Todd painted the fenders silver, the body purple, green numbers. Last year, Todd had lots of trouble with his car suddenly spinning. After a winter of working on the car, Todd thought he had the problem licked. Not so - spun in corner 2. Todd reported he maybe had some brake problems - no brakes to be clear!!!! By next week, he hopefully will have resolved that problem.

The Feature races started under threatening rain clouds. We had inside pole - wow, what a great opportunity!!!! Sure enough though, the threat of rain came true as rain started before our Feature event. The race was called to end the night of racing. All Legends were packed up in their trailers, sad not to have an opportunity to run the first Feature event of 2010.

But, you know what Race Fans, Legends don't do well in the rain and there's always next week. Not yet ready to head for home, some of us set for Busters for a bite to eat and talk about the night's race events.

All in all a very successful night for the 59. We need to work on the brakes a little. Mike would have driven her harder into the corners but his brake bias seemed to be a little off. Nothing more disconcerting than not enough brake in a corner with a slower car in front. We'll be ready to race on Wednesday night.

Next race is Wednesday, June 2, 2010 Capital City Speedway.

That's it for now, Race Fans. Thanks for coming out to cheer on the 59. We need you out there and really appreciate your support. See you at the track. Stay safe and dry.

Cheers,
Quick Jack Sandi
Crew Chief
 

To see Sandi's Photos... read more ...

The Madore Brothers Racing team was represented in Florida at the 2010 Winter Nationals. Mike and Sandi Madore drove down to Orlando, Florida bringing the #59 car to a fun event held every year in February.

Jeremy and Miranda Coulter accompanied the Madore team using their Capital City Speedway truck to tow the car down in a trailer borrowed from Todd Gow. Kevin Foisy helped to set the car up before heading down and Jeremy lent a rear end gear for the car.

The Madore's and Coulters were joined by fellow racers Kevin Foisy and Bob Sugrue who brought their own cars down. Kevin made a very good showing in Florida placing second against a field of 23 Masters racers. 

Eric brought the #63 car down to Jeff Jordan in North Carolina for a complete chassis make over. Eric is looking forward to a great season with a fresh motor and a freshly straightened chassis with a new front clip.

Keep looking back here for updates. Eric plans to have a completely new paint scheme for 2010 to go with the attitude.  

Want to see a great race for the #59 car? read more ...

Mike Madore had a great finish on September 25th, 2009. After leading for all but 1 lap, the #59 car was passed at the finish line by the National Champion, Kevin Foisy. What an excellent exciting race to complete the year. 

Hello all you #59 Race Fans out in Race Land
We did you proud on Wednesday night!!!!!!!
The Rain Gods held off this week long enough for hot laps, two heat races and a nice Feature.
Heat Number 1 saw us on the inside on the pole. We ran well and decided to leave the car as it was, no adjustments. Heat number 2 saw us starting at the back. We pulled well, the 59 seemed to want to push a little in the middle of the turn.
After the second Heat we decided to do a small adjustment in the near perfect set up to help us manage the corners a little more smoothly. That little adjustment worked a charm.
The Feature was a sight to see. The 59 set up nicely behind the leaders in 4th position for most of the race. Through 2 cautions (I think it was 2) we stayed in our position. Finally, near the last few laps, the 59 gained a spot to sit in 3rd behind two very fast cars: the 92 of Riopelle and the 55 of Foisy. We held off against an eager field biting at our heels, trying to overtake and gain that much sought after 3rd place.
We drove steady, pulled hard, kept our line in the corners, drove like there was no tomorrow. This Crew Chief was shouting and screaming in the stands. Mike's son, Brian - he's here visiting and so has become Crew in training - plus Mike's parents were there along with all of you shouting encouragement at the little car with a lot of heart - the #59.
We had so much fun on Wednesday night!!! The night's race results reminded us again how much we enjoy racing.
This weekend, Mike and Brian are off to Kawartha and maybe Mosport. Mosport is weather dependant, we're not sure if the track will be wet or dry.
Stay tuned, we'll update you when the boys get back. Thanks for all you support, good mojo, and encouragement - we do it better knowing you're all out there cheering.
Stay safe. Til next time,
Quick Jack Sandi
 

Hello All you #59 Legends Race Fans out there in Race Land!!!

We headed out to Capital City Speedway to have some fun in the sun. The car had been checked over, polished up, chrome shining, and was ready to go.

Mike was on the pole in Heat 1. They had a great start, Mike pulling ahead having the time of his life in the good air at the front. He kept up the pace until well into the race between corner 3 and 4. The car took on a life of it's own for a few precious seconds and fishtailed between corners 3 and 4. The tires let go and in Mike's own words, 'All of a sudden I found myself twice facing the wall, then facing the grass in the center of the track and back'. Mike got her back under control, no one hurt, no one hit. All drivers skillfully slipped around the #59. We finished the race well back, but had a good run nonetheless.
The Feature Race was amazing. Again, we were on the pole position. Away we went pulling well in the laps. Mike ended up in 3rd position with Matt Mould hot on his heels. Matt managed to sneak by and Mike just couldn't catch him, but it was close. A wonderful race!!!
So, for the first time in the Feature event, Mike was in the top 5!!! How much fun is that!!!
We had fun, stayed safe and rolled the car back in the trailer in one piece. We'll be looking at the car this week to try and find a solution to the tire slippage. Come Wednesday July 8th we'll be ready to race again at Capital City.

Fans will be able to see Mike and the #59 in Kawartha on July 11/09.
Thanks to all of you for your encouragement and interest in Legends Racing. See you at the races.

Stay safe out there,

Cheers,
Quick Jack Sandi 

Wednesday night was HOT for the #59!!!

Heat One saw Mike on the pole on the inside – Bonus!!! They took the green with the #59 pulling strong off the start up into the lead.

Three cautions later, Mike is still pulling a very strong now in second behind Kevin Foisy. How do ya get around Foisy? I think a car needs to be invisible!!! He’s fast…. Mike and Kevin kept it up through all remaining laps with Kevin finding his way to 1st over the start/finish with Mike in the #59 hot on his heels!!! Wow, what a great finish.

After the race, Kevin came down to the #59 pitt and Mike and Kevin were laughing like two kids in a playground, they had enjoyed the race that much.

Exciting, fast, steady in the corners. Mike said his car held and stuck to the track. Everything was right about Heat #1.

This placement was wonderful after all the disappointing events over the last few months. We figure the Race Gods have decided to turn their faces favorably on Mike. He earned it – lots of time in the garage replacing bits and bobs, tightening the loosened bolts, replacing weak or broken parts. Time invested in our hobby is certainly proving worthwhile. He’s missed the help of his Crew Chief but is managing to keep the car in good repair.

Mike’s Mom and Dad – Bernie and Stan - said there were quite a number of #59 Fans in the stands on Wednesday shouting encouragement during the race. And after Fans came down to see him and the car.

We’ve heard quite a few remarks about the look of the car – lots of Fans love the 1934 style. The unique colour catches attention – Fans think the #59 is the prettiest car on the track. Gotta love that kind of interest in your hobby.

For us, Wednesday was a great night. This second place finish was fun for Mike and it meant a lot to him after all the problems we’ve had to manage this race season. Hearing the Fans talk well about him and the car is great. I’ve been under the weather the last few weeks and have missed some races. My thanks go to all the Fans out there cheering for the #59. We need you and sure do appreciate your encouragement.

See you on Wednesday July 1, 2009.

Stay safe out there.

Cheers,
Quick Jack Sandi 

We had more fun than we’ve had in a while at the racetrack.

So, there we are, it’s practice time. Mike's car is sputtering and spitting, moaning and groaning and off he comes. Electrical problem.
Peter, Kevin Foise's Dad, walked by and pointed out a possible cause - we looked and sure enough loose connection on the ground. We got that fixed and off Mike went again. Sputter, spit, cough, cough - car's not happy.

Jeremy came over and together they figured out the problem was not Mike's wiring connections, but a connector itself had worked loose. Yards of electrical tape later it's fixed. While all this fixing is going on your beloved Crew Chief learned a ‘Man Secret’. I learned how to rip electrical tape and duct tape in a nice straight tear. Wow, yeah me!!!

Then it's the 2nd heat - Mike's car comes to a complete rolling stop in corner 3. Oops, what's this? The car had a nasty lean back on the right rear tire. Poor thing got dragged off the track back to your pit.

A bolt had snapped that held the right rear together. Away we went again, tools out, people gathering round, help offered, tools found, solutions worked on. Mike diagnosed the problem right away but Holy Cow - the bolt had snapped almost flush, nothing to grip and it's stuck inside the metal tab where it attaches to the car body.

Out came the drill, we drilled it out replaced the bolt. Jeremy came over and noticed a few other bolts loose - the result of the original one letting go. Then, he spotted the pan hard bar was bent - not good. Mike had a spare and quickly replaced it.

It's now time to go out for the Feature. Mike's on the inside pole, Rob Segrue on the outside. Rob took off like a rabbit, man did he pull - 1/2 the distance of the straight ahead. Mike pulling reasonably well in second place having a lovely ride.
They were both driving very well having the ride of the night. Then disaster - not sure who did what to who but Rob and Brandon tangled up in the straight between corner 2 and 3. Mike said he saw the makings of a problem between the two and held back long enough to find an escape route and got around clean. Rob got towed off the track, as did Brandon.

Restart of the Feature and Mike blew his gear, ended up 7th. I say, good for him, he drove well, respected the car since he wasn't sure how it would be after replacing the bolt and pan hard. He had a good race!!!! We finally made it around the track the full length of the Feature. Woo Hoo.

Maybe it was the night, maybe it’s just the group that was there, but the laughter and camaraderie in the pit was wonderful.

It felt good to be there and even better everyone else was there, too. Now that's a good night at the track.

Next race is Wednesday June 24, 2009. See you at the track.
Until then, stay safe race fans.

Cheers,
Quick Jack Sandi