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2009 Season Recap
COUPE CLATTER
October 2009
Racing action for 2009 is in the record books. The most competitive year in recent CARC history. Five first-time main event winners. A familiar name as season champion. An expanded tech inspection. A club at the crossroads to continue the recent popularity growth, while maintaining the vintage appearance in an ever changing technical world. Let’s look back at the second half of the season.
July 3rd at CNS opened the second half of the 2009 season. 14 coupes took to the track and rain once again made a big impact. A torrential downpour delayed activities to the point that the Mod Coupe heat races were cancelled. Earlier in the evening, third-place in points driver Scott Rhoades broke a motor and was sidelined for the evening. When the main event was over, Gary Land was again in the winners circle. Gary is now tied with Frank Denning III for the valued Sammy Gallo Memorial Trophy, awarded to the winner of the most main events throughout the year. Cory Gordon had another strong run finishing 2nd with Carl Vair completing the top 3. Gary Land is the points leader over Carl Vair (382-360). In the rookie battle, Matt Burton took the lead over Michael Anderson (224-197).
Race Meet #9 scheduled for CNS 11 July was cancelled by CNS due to a rescheduled running of the 4 July rainout.
On 25 July the CARC traveled to I-25 Speedway (formerly Beacon Hill) for race meet #10. The high-banked ¼ mile proved to be a challenging but fun track for the winged coupes. 11 cars took to the track, but bad luck took Jim Bredeson out of the running early. Bredeson was making his first appearance with the club in 2009 and took a hard hit in turn 4 crippling the #71 Vicky for the evening. When qualifying (I-25 uses traditional qualifying) was completed, Gary Land was at the top of the pack with a 12.374 lap. Continuing a recent CARC tradition, the trophy dash was scrambled to include the 4 slowest cars. After 6 laps, rookie Michael Anderson was in victory lane, capturing his first race & trophy with the CARC.
The slow heat was red-flagged after 2 laps due to rain. Two hours later, Michael Anderson was again in victory lane followed by Chet Graham. David Johnson won the fast heat over Scott Rhoades. The main event was dominated by Michael Anderson who led all 25 laps and was never challenged. Finishing 2nd was the other rookie candidate Matt Burton. Gary Land leads points over Carl Vair (466-439). Matt Burton is the rookie leader over Michael Anderson (301-274).
Michael Anderson is a second generation CARC driver. His dad, Jeff, raced with the club in the 1970s-80s. Michael is Pat Petrie’s (Lakeside 60-70s) nephew and began his racing career in quarter-midgets. He had great success eventually moving to 1200 mini-sprints on the dirt. On May 30, 2008 he made his debut in a CARC modified and promptly totaled the car. His car owners had great faith in him and returned him to the track in Aug 2008 in the beautiful black #77. He finished 2008 with four straight top 10 finishes. In 2009, he missed several races due to family commitments and a church mission trip to Israel. He loves short tracks and on 25 July had a clean sweep at I-25 Speedway in Pueblo. Michael is 25 and married to Jenny a school teacher in Jefferson County. Michael is a landscaper and recently received his college degree Michael will concentrate on racing his 305 sprint car in 2010 with limited appearances with the CARC. Here is Michael and Jeff at I-25(Thanx Jenny) 
August 2009 opened with the club traveling north to Cheyenne. This was the third & last visit to Big Country Speedway for 2009. 8 cars were on-hand with a new ,old face making his 1st 2009 appearance. Bruce Rhoades brought his #30 to the track for the first time in 2 years. Scott Rhoades arrived late but in 5 hot laps claimed fast time at a 12.621. BCS uses the computerized transponder system to time laps. Cory Gordon claimed his first trophy dash victory. Bruce Rhoades won the slow heat and Cory Gordon claimed win #2 of the night capturing the fast heat. The main event turned out to be one of the most exciting and certainly most controversial of the year. Cory Gordon jumped to an early lead with bold inside passes in turn 4. With Cory pulling away from the field, Scott Rhoades and Gary Land battled for 2nd. On lap 20, Scott dropped inside of Gary in turn 3, exiting turn 4 they touched with Land spinning to the infield. Caution flew and then things got exciting. First, Gordon was penalized 4 positions for passing below the yellow line in turn 4. The Rhoades/Land incident was determined a racing accident by track officials and both were returned to there previous track positions but now in 1st/2nd after Gordon’s penalty. On the restart, Gordon again passed below the yellow line and was again penalized. Gary Land took the checkered flag followed by Scott Rhoades and Carl Vair. Needless to say the pits were very tense after the race. After all was said and done, Gary Land maintained his point lead over Carl Vair (553-523). Neither rookie candidate competed at Big Country.
The coupes returned to CNS for the first of 4 straight races on 22 August. 17 cars were presented for competition. Unfortunately, the #71 of Jim Bredeson lost a motor in hot laps. Rookie Matt Burton won the first qualifying heat and Mike Fetters won the 2nd heat race. A grinding crash on the first lap of the 2nd heat eliminated the car of point leader Gary Land for the evening. Frank Denning III won the main followed by a greatly improving Cory Gordon. Land leads points over Carl Vair (575-573). Matt Burton lengthened his rookie point lead over Michael Anderson (358-324). Rookie Matt Devich debuted his new englewood-style car.
Matt Burton “The Pebble” comes to the CARC while still racing Super Stocks at CNS. His grandpa is the legendary Richard Burton “The Rock“. He is 19 years old and originally wanted to just work on Richard’s Pro Truck. But, took a ride in an enduro car that later became his super stock and he was hooked. This year he drove the Mod Coupe owned by Joe St.Peter. Matt was a wrestler in high school, went to the state tournament and continues to coach youngsters. He works for Courtesy Ford and plays baseball in his non-racing time. No serious female relationships at this time but !!! Matt’s racing goals include staying on the asphalt and moving up to ASA racing and maybe beyond. Matt Burton the 2009 CARC rookie of the year. Here’s a pic of Matt at CNS. (Thanx Shell)
Time for intermission!! But don’t go to the concession stand. KEEP READING!!
C.A.R.C. ROCK & RACE TO THE 50’s
GENTLEMEN SLICK BACK YOUR HAIR
LADIES GET YOUR POODLE SKIRTS AND BOBBIE SOCKS OUT
IT’S TIME FOR THE C.A.R.C. AWARDS BANQUET
YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR 50’s SOCK HOP FOR AN EVENING OF FUN
RED & JERRY’S @ 1840 OXFORD AVE. SHERIDAN, CO 80110
ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2009
WE WILL HAVE COCKTAILS FROM 530P-630P. DINNER FROM 630P-730P
THE AWARDS AFTER DINNER
DOOR PRIZES WILL BE GIVEN OUT ALL EVENING LONG
TICKETS ARE $35.00/ADULTS and $10.00/KIDS (under 6 free)
EVERYONE IS WELCOME !!
PLEASE RSVP TO GLENDA BREDESON , 303-975-6394, NLT OCT 31st
MAIL CHECKS TO: C.A.R.C. 6873 OAK WAY ARVADA, CO 80004
Also , we need door prizes/ silent auction items. Contact Glenda if you can help. Thanx
In a previous issue of Coupe Clatter I made a major omission. Chet Graham,driver of the #33, is related to Jack Graham. Jack drove for Al Starr in the #7 and later wheeled the legendary #19 fielded by the Pachello’s. Here is a picture and story from 1968(Lakeside Program)
“That Jewel of a Car”
There's something significant about an English green racing car. I don't know if its because when you look at one it reminds you of emeralds, or what? But when I look at Car 7 I see a Jewel of a car.
If you were to inquire what person best embodies the development of oval track racing in the stock car division you'd probably get as many different answers as people you asked, but my guess one name that should be mentioned would be Jack Graham, the driver of Car 7. At present he is 4th in points, he's pictured above to the right holding on to the car with both hands. My guess is, he really likes that car.
Driving a stock car is Jack's one and only sport so this enables him to put a lot in to it and it shows.
One of these nights soon I'm sure to predict that Jack will capture the main as many time as I've seen him take second this year he'll surely be right there when his break comes.
Jack works as an insulator and has a wife, Jackie and three children, Mark, Bow and Debbie.
Car 7 has to attribute most of its success and preparation to Owner Al Starr. In maintaining this car Al has a great deal of knowledge and know how being the Owner and operator of Al's 66 Service, 9595 Ralston Road in Arvada. Al is married to a fan and Mother Debbie is her and usually can be found here at Lakeside on Sunday nights with children Charles, Susan, Jimmy and Donna. Al has had Jack driving for him for 3 years, and doing a very nice job of it. I also would like to introduce you to Car 7's Pit Crew, Kent Hendershot, he's standing next to Al at the rear of the car. Kent is single but has a steady girl friend, Mary, who is also a loyal fan.
-Hod Brand is the other member of the crew. He is married and has a little boy named Craig, standing next to Jack in the picture.
In case you're not sure what to do with your money that's laying around the house, maybe you'd like to drop it over to Lakeside National Bank over in the Lakeside Shopping Center, the nice people that sponsor Car 7.
So lots of luck tonight — let's see you take the Main Jack.
29 August and the coupes go topless!! This was the annual wingless night run in conjunction with the Colorado Vintage Oval Racers and Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame celebration. Taking the wings off these powerful machines, creates a unique set of problems for crew chiefs. It also makes for close and exciting racing for the fans. 15 coupes took to the track, including a first time appearance of the #6 (39 Ford Coupe) owned by Vern Adler and driven by Ronnie Hults. Motor problems sidelined the car for the remainder of the year. Gary Land won the first heat while Cory Gordon captured the trophy dash/second heat. The main was the most competitive race of the year so far. A three car battle between Gary Land, Cory Gordon and Frank Denning III kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Double file restarts kept the battle close with Land taking the victory over Gordon & Denning. Gary Land leads points over Carl Vair (635-624). Matt Burton widened his rookie battle lead over Michael Anderson (411-374).
The point standings heading into September:
55-Gary Land : 635 12-Jaime Bubak: 221
45-Carl Vair: 624 11-Steven St.Peter: 215
21-Cory Gordon: 612 29-David Johnson: 171
17-Scott Rhoades: 607 51-Joe Sullivan: 163
56-Mike Fetters: 592 15-Rich Bubak: 131
33-Chet Graham: 533 07-Drew Utecht: 113
90-Frank Denning III: 528 8-Andy Hampton: 79
36-Matt Burton®: 411 30-Bruce Rhoades: 73
88-Scott Bremkamp: 390 87-Joe St.Peter: 47
77-Michael Anderson®: 374 80-Matt Devich®: 42
24-Chad Guildord: 369 41-Bill Kolb: 40
6L-Joe Lehman: 254 71-Jim Bredeson: 20
91-Jamie Grieve®: 240 6-Ronnie Hults: 10
Gallo Trophy Standings:
Gary Land 4
Frank Denning III 3
Scott Rhoades 1
Jaime Bubak 1
Mike Anderson 1
Carl Vair 1
Labor Day weekend 2009. In my day ,1960s, this marked the end of the CARC season. But now the club races until late September. Again 15 racers were present at CNS. Carl Vair & Frank Denning III won heat races. Frank Denning III dominated the main event with any easy victory. Gary Land leads points over Carl Vair (688-683). The rookie battle tightened as Matt Burton was involved in a first lap crash that eliminated Matt Devich, Eric Grimm and Burton. Burton now leads Michael Anderson (453-424). Two races left; 19 Sept at CNS and 26 Sept at I-25 Speedway.
19 Sept , a beautiful day for racing at CNS, our final visit to this fast oval for 2009. 16 cars took to the track including Eric Blackard making his first start of the year in Joe Sullivan’s immaculate green machine. Carl Vair and Scott Rhoades won heat races. But in the end, it was Frank Denning III in the main event victory circle for the fifth time this year. He was followed by Rich Bubak (returning after a long absence) and Carl Vair. The point battle is in a virtual tie. Gary Land leads Carl Vair (742-741). Matt Burton strengthened his rookie lead over Michael Anderson (504-470). Colorado National Speedway maintains it’s own point system and crowns a champion and rookie of the year. Frank Denning III is the CNS Mod Coupe champion and Matt Burton is the rookie of the year for CNS Mod Coupes. One race left at I-25 Speedway in Pueblo. The championship is certainly wide-open and there are several battles within the top eleven cars. Matt Burton seems to have the rookie battle all but locked up.
Cory Gordon wins the final main event of 2009. He is the seventh different winner in main events this year!!
11 coupes made the trip down to Pueblo and I-25 Speedway. Rookie Matt Burton set quick time and Carl Vair took home the trophy dash hardware. Mike Fetters and Scott Rhoades got heat race victories. The main event started with a wild melee in turn1 with Michael Anderson making a smoky 360 after contact with Scott Bremkamp. Everyone was able to restart. Cory Gordon who has been knocking on the dooor as of late, finally got his first main event. Gary Land is the 2009 Champion. Matt Burton took rookie honors.
Final Point Standings:
55- Gary Land 828 51- Joe Sullivan 163
45- Carl Vair 821 30- Bruce Rhoades 143
21- Cory Gordon 810 07- Drew Utecht 113
17- Scott Rhoades 791 80- Matt Devich® 86
56- Mike Fetters 762 8- Andy Hampton 80
90- Frank Denning III 647 51b- Eric Blackard 48
33- Chet Graham 619 87- Joe St.Peter 47
36- Matt Burton® 587 41- Bill Kolb 40
88- Scott Bremkamp 542 6- Ronnie Hults 10
77- Michael Anderson® 541
24- Chad Guilford 479
11- Steven St.Peter 314
6L- Joe Lehman 296
15- Rich Bubak 240
91- Jamie Grieve® 240
12- Jaime Bubak 221
71- Jim Bredeson 172
29- David Johnson 171
Final Gallo Cup Standings:
Frank Denning III 5
Gary Land 4
Scott Rhoades 1
Jaime Bubak 1
Mike Anderson 1
Carl Vair 1
Cory Gordon 1
Gary Land with part of this super pit crew!!(Thanx Shell)
A SPECIAL “THANK YOU” TO OUR SERIES SPONSORS, TROPHY SPONSORS
AND POINT FUND CONTRIBUTORS !!
LEARY RACING PRODUCTS
STEVE’S TRANSMISSION
LOUIE BYERS
JIM PAGLIOTTI
BOB LAND
RUSS CUMMINGS
THERON BREDESON
CARL VAIR
ROD GUILFORD
MIKE FETTERS
PETE GRIEVE
DAYTONA 500 POOL
PLUS ALL THE ANONYMOUS FRIENDS OF THE CARC
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