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[Tom Thumb Hobbies]

Another R4. Another great race. It is very hard to believe that 12 years have gone by since the first. As in the past I think everyone had a great time. I know I did. I believe this was the third smallest as far as entries but that sure didn’t affect the level of competition.
 
First in the door on Tuesday was local Steve Davidson. Since it took him over a year to get back here you would think he traveled thousands of miles. Nevertheless it was very nice to have him back. The first true long-distance traveler was Doc Dougherty from sunny Florida. He said to me early on that he was on a mission and had goals he hoped to meet. As I mentioned elsewhere, he did that and more.
 
The usual Ohio crowd was here including perennial favorites Willy Custer, Cap Henry, Bud Bartos, Greg Fox, etc. Of course, local racers Rick Starkey, Jason Dennis, Jeremy Dennis, Jim Leezer, Earl Graybill, Jessica, Kyle, etc., were here and did very well. Jason Dennis crushed all the track records on his way to win GT Coupe. Rick Starkey claimed a hard-fought second in GT Coupe Pro just behind track record-smashing Willy Custer. Jessica was a B Main winner and sixth overall in GT Coupe. Jason Echelbarger, Kyle Snyder, Rick Starkey, Jason Dennis, and Eric Balicki all made it into the Semi Mains. Dennis made it into the Can-Am Final while Starkey made both Can-Am and F1 Finals. Dave Doerschuk qualified into the Can-Am A Main, his best ever result.
 
The “Southern Contingent” was here in force. Jay Guard, Bobbie Robinson, Taylor Davis, Brian Ambrose, Will Brinkley, Andrew Ford, and new track owner Clyde Romero made their presence known and competed hard for every podium position. This year Clyde also took home a concours win as well, which was something he really wanted to do.
 
From the north and east we had tough competitors including the “Flying Bennardos.” Rick Jr set a new track records for F1 in qualifying, fastest race lap, and most laps in a stint while finishing second in the Final and third in the Can-Am final. Defending Can-Am and F1 champion Jimmy Williams left his team manager and chief mechanic at home this trip and still brought home third in the F1 final and fourth in Can-Am, missing the podium by only three laps. Lester Lucas and Jim Verga were here representing NESCR and the “Michigan Mafia,” otherwise known as “The Boogie Men,” and did well with Boogie actually just missing the final 16 in Can-Am and beating son Jeremy in the process. And Jeremy is not easy to beat. For an old fartt the dude is still fast. He paints a pretty nice body, too. The Bruces were “in the house” with Ryan doing really well and Sharon adding a touch of class to the whole joint. Rumor is that Matt may have been pulling the trigger a little too hard on the way home though.
 
From the west we had Rowdy to add a little spice to the weekend. Always a pleasure to have him attend. Several second time R4 racers were here as well as a few first timers. It was great to meet all of you.
 
As I mentioned at the drivers meeting, we are not sure how many more R4s we have in us. As many of you know, races like this were much easier when we were all 12 years younger. When we do stop hosting this event, we will absolutely miss each and every one of you. As much planning and work as this event takes, hanging out with all of you makes it worth it. The plan is to travel to the other races we can’t go to now once we have the free time to do so.
 
No way could we have made it to this point, nor could we continue, without the help of our friends and family. Rick Starkey was a huge help prepping the store this year, as have Earl G. and Jim V. been in the past. Tina and Sharon B. are the best lunch staff of any raceway anywhere. Mike Denney helped watch the sales area while we all focused on the race. Jessica and Kyle do anything, and everything needed and are critical to the effort. And where would we be without Bill Fulmer and his pictures. Not only does he help in tech but he spends countless hours taking and posting the pictures that help mark events such as this in history and brings the race to those who can’t be here. Greg Wells, Mr. Slotblog, works hard at posting his near realtime race updates which are great to read. And I can’t say enough about Eric Balicki. He is a fantastic tech and race director and absolutely irreplaceable.
 
Of course nothing could happen without the support and help of my incredible wife Cindy. Planning, cooking, cleaning... whatever... she’s by my side helping make all this happen.
 
And Avery... she passes out smiles and hugs to everyone. Obviously, she is the boss around here. She is also a very lucky girl. She has all of you as uncles.
 
BTW, Jerry, she still wants you to teach her the “Boogie Man Dance” and Taylor... she’s ready for another round of Lego.
 
Thank you everyone from all of us.
 
More to come...

[Cheater]

Rumor is that Matt may have been pulling the trigger a little too hard on the way home though.

Cited for speeding? Tell us more...

[Clyde Romero]

The R4 is an outstanding event for the novice like myself and the pro alike.
Mike and his outstanding crew run a RED FLAG ( sorry guys I am ex military) event, on time, on target.
The level of professionalism for this hobby we all love surrounds the track and the facility the minute you walk in the door.
Racers helping others racers is what I have experienced at this event every time I have attended.
I know I am going to miss some names here, but Eric and the Fireman( can’t remember his name) Joe Dirt who pitted next to me and helped me all the time, the Safety guy from Ohio State Steve, along with a host of others who were always ready to lend a hand to make it a positive experience.
It’s a long haul for us guys who live down south to travel up into the cold Midwest, but the warmth of the trigger pullers makes it worth it!
See all of you next year, and let’s see if they can get a class for us guys born on or before 1950!
The MEDICARE CLASS!
Yea that’s the ticket!