LATE MODEL RACING

DIRT

EAST BAY RACEWAY PARK, FLORIDA - In his fourteenth year of racing, he knew it was going to be a 'rough' and 'tough' season in the late model #13. Many thought the 'new kid on the block' would be easy prey, but in his first start of the season he finished in seventh place!

From that first race, it was indeed a rocky road, with ups and downs, that would send anyone into a comma state of mind!

Some of the veterans at East Bay already knew him, while those who did not, and apparently needed to take the time to get to know him, were not happy with him. On one occasion, one driver did confront him at the pay window after a race early in the season, spoke out his thoughtless opinions, to the young man, something to the effect, that the young driver needed to learn some respect, or else (we really can't go so far as to repeat it all on the web, after all, it was that man's personal opinion but did he have to lash it out?).

Now what that man probably didn't expect, was the cool-headed response that the rookie gave back to him. If you feel I owe you an apology, then you have my apology.

On another race night, another racer was having a bad attitude problem, but as the season progressed, it got better, we saw many who improved on their styles, both on and off the track, and that can make or break the attendance at any racetrack if management doesn't keep on top of everything that's happening...

Here's some 'Cheap' Advice, to any race driver out there, remember this, management has their place at every track, they should be on your side, providing your a straight up, good act, not one to cause a ruckus, remember, your a professional at any level so long as your collecting money at the pay window.

But just in case this type of situation does happens to you some day, notify the management immediately when ever you are confronted by a sour-puss, competitor, having a bad moment in their life. Now depending on how your race track is, varies on how responsive they maybe to your dilemma.

Thankfully, the management at East Bay this season stayed atop of such situations, and did what they had to, to make it as an enjoyable season, as possible. Job well done.

As far as learning the ropes on the chassis, to go along with the track, plus keep an eye out for all those hungry drivers in the late model division, like always, when one good thing would happen, two bad things would take it's place. One of the good things? Great racer's always bring the sun-shine smiles out when things go bad.How do they do it?

For example; these guy gets their names in print because they did something positively unselfish, (of course, they were ahead of him in the ranks, but still, an act of kindness goes a long way) when Garcia was smacked during a heat race, the radiator went out, as well as the fan, of course when your a little guppy in a tank of sharks, with no spare parts or money, you know it's time to pack it up, go home, lick your wounds, and worst of all miss the feature race, and pray you can make it back next week. 

Racer's & Race Fans to the rescue (if I leave anyone out forgive me, it's been a long season) Wally, Robby, Colin, David, and who ever else scrambled their eggs, to go out on a mission to find spare parts from the other late model drivers/teams, to come back with what was needed, for Garcia to make the feature event.

Special Thanks goes out to David Schmauss # 105 who came to the rescue on two occasions for Garcia, once an A-arm, and another radiator and/or fan. This is when you wonder, what's wrong with the other guys, you know them, the ones with soooo much attitude, and it ain't positive...

Over-all the season was exciting, Team 13, tried their best to be their best, and even though there were times when we thought we would be forced to quit, Garcia held on to 5th place in the points rankings for as long as he could, then with two races to go, smack down, the engine got a migraine, when the doc took a look at it, said, sorry, but you won't be back on the track till possibly next season...

So back Garcia dropped to finish out in the top ten for the season, 7th in points as a matter of fact. The team still anticipated at it's worse a 'rookie' of the year award, now that was worth the stress in the first full season for any young gun. But when the awards banquet came around, Garcia was let down, the management of the track, proclaimed he was not in fact a rookie candidate, due to the fact, he had five starts in 2002, in the late model division, during a special six-race mini-series that was provided at the end of the season, during the transition of exchanging ownership & managements finalization of the paperwork.

This would be accepted by the team as a political defeat, considering the track office/management had been contacted via phone, prior to Garcia ever starting in the late model # 13 race car, and that very same question was asked of them.

 Would Garcia be ineligible for a rookie of the year status, should he test-drive in the mini-series. The track said, no. That series wasn't supposed to be part of their season. Not only did Garcia loose out, but so did all the racer's from the 2002 season, because do to a change in ownership of the track, there was funding left, no end of the year banquet, awards, nothing, nada!

Now we all know the trophies are cheap, the money earned is barely enough to keep up the cars, much less feed the crew, and the cost of racing continues to rise, but ya' know what?

No Trophies, No Banquet, No Matter, because in my opinion, no matter what happens, we all know who the true Champions are, some of them may not even win a race. But, it's in their hearts, it's in their blood, and more importantly, their dedication to motor sports, their sportsmanship, friendship, far exceeds the need to brag about it. Quietly, like a mountain of stone, they are there over the seasons, they come in all ages, they are the kind of people, who I can guarantee, will bring you those sunshine-smiles, when your around them, when they speak about racing, when they are on or off the track, they my friend, are the true CHAMPIONS OF THE RACING UNIVERSE, and that's my opinion...

Next stop- The opening night of the 2004 Season, Late Model Division, Schedule T.B.A.

Best wishes for the Holidays, from the 'Speed' Editor

EAST BAY RACEWAY, FLORIDA - After dedicating himself to racing, 13 years have passed, the recent amount of support has been tremendous, he has once again been given an opportunity to race at East Bay, the time has come once again to represent motor sports proudly.

His short lived career at East Bay was a setback, but only because he needed support & another opportunity to ever see the inside of that track. He continued to focus on a means by which he could achieve what he never would accept as impossible.

The previous experiences had brought forth a desire to obtain what is of utmost importance in racing, sufficient support to not only start, but to finished what you've started. 

As time passed he patiently worked harder, and the more racing enthusiasts that heard about him, the more that showed their support, even other race driver's have showed they want to see him join the leagues of car racing. 'JRG3' has met thousands of people over the years, and considers all of them as rewarding an experience as the opportunity to race. Which for him, racing is like the equivalence of oxygen, it provides life, and only a racer could relate to such a feeling of emotion & passion. 

His first race back, was to test the #13 Late Model car, for the next season, with only five of the six races left in a special series at East Bay, time was short. On the first Heat race he started on the pole, but didn't expect to go down on the right rear tire, he managed to get to the infield, but it was a disappointing ending to his efforts.

Or was it? As the news passed around the pit, someone spoke up, and said, "oh no, you can't go home without racing in the Feature" and before he knew it they were off to get him a new tire. Those who were in the pits, worked at getting the car ready for the Feature, and with new hope, 'JRG3' went onto the track, starting 24th, dead last, he knew this wouldn't be easy.

As the 25 laps progressed, he managed to get by a few cars, by the time he got to 14th position, he was out of tear offs, struggling to smear what he could off the shield, he managed to stay out of trouble, using his instincts, he listened, to the car behind him, and the blur in front of him.

He finished officially in 14th place, and though the car would need some tweaking, adjusting, and changes, oh and more tear offs, he was thrilled just to be there and finish as well as he did...

The next race is to be held on 09/28/02, so make plans to be there!

You may even get a glimpse at some of the 'VIP' Big-Kids who have already gotten their team shirts, should 'JRG3' win a feature race in this series, those with shirts are placed  on a special list, and will be invited to attend a private celebration... for information on how you can become a 'VIP' Big-Kid & Get Your Shirt click here

EAST BAY RACEWAY, FLORIDA -   for 'JRG3' & Team Ambassador, the first time he drove was on Labor Day weekend of 2000, it was nearing the end of the season, but it was the opportunity of a lifetime, the offer to drive for a limited late model car owner was an offer he couldn't refuse, so he took his turn behind the wheel of the #51... 

Although he showed that he could handle it, when the car had mechanical problems, early in the 2001 season, with out even one sponsor, he sadly had to give up the ride, as great as this opportunity was he faced the reality that so many others had have at one time or another in racing.

He knew he needed to keep his abilities sharp, so he continued to race in Karts, while promoting the Racing School, and the 'Tampa Bay Quarter Midget' Racing for Kids Club.

Maybe it's his enthusiasm, the way his eyes sparkle, or the foolish grin that comes over his face, when anyone mentions racing, maybe, it's his dedication that has impressed them, more than likely it's his sincere desire & passion to perform at his very best, because when 'JRG3'races, he doesn't race for himself, he races for each and everyone who loves racing...

ASPHALT

THIS IS ANOTHER OPTION, & TEAM AMBASSADOR LOOKS FORWARD TO HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE INVOLVED WITH IT...

If you would like to learn more about racing call Ambassador at 813-634-1076

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