NM Motorsports Report magazine

NEW MEXICO

MAY 2017

VO L # 2 I S S U E # 4

new mexico

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RACING OFF INTO

THE SUNSET DALE EARNHARDT JR.

DYNO DAY WITH A HEART

SPEC MIATA RACING

G OT P L U M B I N G P R O B L E M S ?

Call the Exper ts.

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new mexico

MAY 2017 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4

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Publisher

Racing Off Into the Sunset

RaDine William, LLC

By David Swope NMMotorsportsReport@Gmail.com

Dominic Aragon

Editor Design & Layout David Lansa DL Graphic Design

Photographers

Adam Mollenkopf w/ Dirt Racing Syndicate & Melons Photography Daniel “Matt” Courson David Swope Getty Images Scott Welch, Motor Sports Photojournalist, scottwelchphoto.com Corey Ringo Double Barrel Photography

Spec Miata Racing

By David Swope NMMotorsportsReport@Gmail.com

Editorial Contributors

Adam Mollenkopf David Swope Dominic Aragon Geoff Bodine Jim Costa Scott Welch, Motor Sports Photojournalist, scottwelchphoto.com Isabel Conzalez Stan Creekmore Lyle Greenberg

Steve Rangel

By Dominic Aragon | daragon@theracingexperts.net

Publication Sponsors

ABQ Dragway, Car Crafters NAPA Auto Parts, Unser Racing Museum Yearwood Performance, Amsoil Seductions, Maverick, Auto & Fabrication, CST Solar, Jackson Compaction

Cover Photo

Cover photo provided by Getty Images

Dyno Day with a Heart

By David Swope NMMotorsportsReport@Gmail.com

NM Motorsports Report copyright 2017®. All contents of this magazine are copyrighted by NM Motorsports Report, alls rights reserved. Reproduction of any articles, advertisement or material from this issue is forbidden without permission of the publisher. Publisher assumes no responsibility and is not to be held liable for errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by advertisers.

NMMotorsportsReport.com • 3

RACING OFF INTO THE

SUNSET, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

By David Swope NMMotorsportsReport@Gmail.com Photos by Daniel “Matt” Courson, Daniel Courson Photography & Getty Images

A

nother Racing Legend decides to hang-up his helmet. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the latest driver to retire and will do so at the end of the 2017 season, following in the footsteps for Jeff Gordon (2015) and Tony Stewart (2016). Following the 2017 Spring Bristol Race, Earnhardt Jr has 26 Victories in 603 Starts (ranking 21st overall) in The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Other statistics from NASCAR’s modern era (since 1972) have his ranking in victories at 20th, top 5’s at 19th and laps lead at 19th.

Earnhardt Jr. is one of the most successful drivers never to win a Cup Championship with his best finish coming in 2003. Earnhardt Jr. is a two-time Champion in the NASCAR Xfinity Series winning in 1998 & 1999. He is also a two-time Daytona 500 winner and fourteen-time NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver (second only to Bill Elliott with 16).

4 NMMotorsportsReport.com

Most drivers don’t get a chance to “leave on their own terms.” Earnhardt Jr. almost became one of those drivers, missing the last 18 races of the 2016 season due to concussionlike symptoms. He also missed two races in 2012 after suffering a concussion but had not missed a race since he started in November 1999 as a full-time Cup driver.

2017 has not been generous and might reflect Earnhardt Jr’s state of mind or have contributed to his decision following Bristol.

At that point in the season, Earnhardt Jr. was 24th in points and outside the play-off picture.

He is winless in 26 starts since the start of 2016 with seven DNF’s. In 2014-15, Earnhardt Jr. won seven out of 72 races and had only three DNF’s. Yet from 2009-13 in 178 starts, he won only once.

Carl Edwards is also one of the winningest drivers never to win a Championship but he retired suddenly before the start of the season.

Edwards had no specific answer as to why and much speculation has followed. Nico Rosberg suddenly retired just five days after winning the Formula One World Championship. His reasoning was that “he had accomplished his goal of winning a World Championship and was satisfied.” Both Edwards & Rosberg were truly a surprise whereas Earnhardt Jr. was not a surprise to most that follow the sport.

With retirement comes the conversation of the Hall of Fame. Earnhardt Jr. should make it to the NASCAR Hall of Fame based on two Xfinity titles and 26 Cup series victories. The question of “first-ballot” might come down to who else is on the ballot. That should help those that feel that he should not make it in without a Championship.

Who will take over the #88? Will it be a Sponsorship decision? It will definitely be Rick Hendrick’s decision and he has proven to be very good at these decisions. The off-season, also known as the Silly Season, is going to be exciting. Alex Bowman might be a great choice but sponsorship has not come easy to him.

Other drivers are currently under contract but some contracts are up in 2017. JR Motorsports in the Xfinity series may be that proving ground.

Consider what Dale Earnhardt Jr. has done beyond the sport as an ambassador for NASCAR. There are people who know who Dale Jr. is that don’t follow NASCAR. Leaving as the biggest Star could have a major impact on the Cup series and definitely impact the already slumping ratings and attendance numbers. The saving grace is that Earnhardt Jr. has stated that “I want to stay around the sport and develop young talent whether drivers or crew. To help people make it to the sport I love.”

Who will become NASCAR’s next Most Popular Driver? Young Guns like Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney and Austin Dillon come to mind. Danica Patrick has been close to the top of the list for years. Chase Elliott is on the same team and the son of “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville.” It will be interesting to see if Kyle Busch, Joey Logano or “Bad” Brad Keselowski would bring back a Bad Boy Hero. Only time will tell.

Not to start anything but Jimmie Johnson is only a year younger than Dale Jr. If JJ won an unprecedented 8th Championship at the end of 2017, who would fault him for retiring on the spot? That would be the ultimate “Mic Drop” and an exclamation point on a record that may never be broken. Many are hoping that Jr. could win his Championship this season and answer all the questions about the Hall of Fame, also a great story.

There are 38 other drivers (excluding JJ & Jr) and teams that would like their own storybook ending. Only 16 of them will have a chance with 10 races to go as the new Play-offs start.

It will be down to just 4 with one race to decide it all at Homestead. Remember 2015? Jeff Gordon in his “final” race had a chance for the “walk-off.” Even if Dale Earnhardt Jr. is not in position for a Championship, he will have many fans that would love one final trip to Victory Lane.

NMMotorsportsReport.com • 5

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5/6/2017 - Fairgrounds Speedway Cortez, CO NMMRA Sprints: NMMRA

7/29/2017 - Fairgrounds Speedway Cortez, CO, NMMRA Sprints: NMMRA

5/13/2017 - Sandia Speedway Albuquerque NMMRA Sprints: NMMRA

8/5/2017- Sandia Speedway Albuquerque NMMRA Sprints: NMMRA

6/10/2017 -Sandia Speedway Albuquerque NMMRA Sprints: NMMRA

8/19/2017 - Sandia Speedway Albuquerque NMMRA Sprints: NMMRA

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9/2/2017 - Southern New Mexico Speedway Las Cruces, NM, NMMRA Sprints: NMMRA with USAC Southwest

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2017

29-April - Points 6-May - Points 13-May - Points May 27 - 28 Founders Day/Weekend 3-June - Points 10-June - Points 17-June - Points June 30 - July 1 Witten Warriors 8-July - Points 15-July - Points 22-July - Points 29-July - Points 5-August - Points 12-August USRA Show 26-August - Points 2-September - Points 9-September - Points 16-September - Final Points September 29-30 Last Race Weekend STATE ROAD 605 NORTH MILAN, NM 87021

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2017 NASCAR SCHEDULES

MARCH

MARCH

MARCH

Atlanta - Mar. 5 - FOX - 2:30 PM ET Las Vegas - Mar. 12 - FOX - 3:30 PM ET Phoenix - Mar. 19 - FOX - 3:30 PM ET Auto Club - Mar. 26 - FOX - 3:30 PM

Atlanta - Mar. 4 - FS1 - 1:30 PM ET Las Vegas - Mar. 11 - FS1 - 4 PM ET Phoenix - Mar. 18 - FOX - 4 PM ET Auto Club - Mar. 25 - FS1 - 4 PM ET

Atlanta - Mar. 4 - FS1 - 4:30 PM ET

APRIL Martinsville - Apr. 1 - FS1 - 2:30 PM ET

APRIL

APRIL

MAY

Martinsville - Apr. 2 - FS1 - 2 PM ET Texas - Apr. 9 - FOX - 1:30 PM ET Bristol - Apr. 23 - FOX - 2 PM ET Richmond - Apr. 30 - FOX - 2 PM ET

Texas - Apr. 8 - FOX - 1:30 PM ET Bristol - Apr. 22 - FS1 - 12:30 PM ET Richmond - Apr. 29 - FS1 - 12:30 PM ET

Kansas - May 12 - FS1 - 8:30 PM ET Charlotte - May 19 - FS1 - 8:30 PM ET

MAY

MAY

Talladega - May 7 - FOX - 2 PM ET Kansas - May 13 - FS1 - 7:30 PM ET Showdown - May 19 - FS1 - 6 PM ET All-Star Race - May 20 - FS1 - 6 PM ET Charlotte - May 28 - FOX - 6 PM ET

Talladega - May 6 - FOX - 1 PM ET Charlotte - May 27 - FS1 - 1 PM ET

JUNE Dover - Jun 4 - FS1 - 1 PM ET Pocono - Jun 11 - FS1 - 3 PM ET Michigan - Jun 18 - FS1 - 3 PM ET Sonoma - Jun 25 - FS1 - 3 PM ET

JULY Daytona - Jul. 1 - NBC - 7:30 PM ET Kentucky - Jul. 8 - NBCSN - 7:30 PM ET New Hampshire - Jul. 16 - NBCSN - 3 PM ET Indianapolis - Jul. 23 - NBC - 3 PM ET Pocono - Jul. 30 - NBCSN - 3 PM ET

AUGUST Watkins Glen - Aug. 6 - NBCSN - 3 PM ET Michigan - Aug. 13 - NBCSN - 3 PM ET Bristol - Aug. 19 - NBC - 7:30 PM ET

SEPTEMBER Darlington - Sep. 3 - NBCSN - 6 PM ET Richmond - Sep. 9 - NBCSN - 7:30 PM ET Chicagoland - Sep. 17 - NBCSN - 3 PM ET New Hampshire - Sept. 24 - NBCSN - 2 PM ET

OCTOBER Dover - Oct. 1 - NBCSN - 2 PM ET Charlotte - Oct. 7 - NBCSN - 7 PM ET Talladega - Oct. 15 - NBC - 2 PM ET Kansas - Oct. 22 - NBCSN - 3 PM ET Martinsville - Oct. 29 - NBCSN - 1 PM ET

NOVEMBER Texas - Nov. 5 - NBC - 2 PM ET Phoenix - Nov. 12 - NBC - 2:30 PM ET Homestead-Miami - Nov. 19 - NBC - 2:30 PM ET NMMotorsportsReport.com 88 NMMotorsportsReport.com

JUNE Dover - Jun 2 - FS1 - 5:30 PM ET Texas - Jun. 9 - FS1 - 8 PM ET Gateway - Jun. 17 - FS1 - 8:30 PM ET Iowa - Jun. 23 - FS1 - 8:30 PM ET

JUNE

JULY

Dover - Jun 3 - FS1 - 1 PM ET Pocono - Jun 10 - FOX - 1 PM ET Michigan - Jun 17 - FS1 - 1:30 PM ET Iowa - Jun 24 - FS1 - 8:30 PM ET Daytona - Jun. 30 - NBCSN - 7:30 PM ET

Kentucky - Jul. 6 - FS1 - 7:30 PM ET Eldora - Jul. 19 - FS1 - 9 PM ET Pocono - Jul. 29 - FS1 - 1 PM ET

JULY Kentucky - Jul. 7 - NBCSN - 8 PM ET New Hampshire - Jul. 15 - NBCSN - 4PM ET Indianapolis - Jul. 22 - NBCSN - 3:30 PM ET Iowa - Jul. 29 - NBC - 3:30 PM ET

AUGUST Watkins Glen - Aug. 5 - NBCSN - 2 PM ET Mid-Ohio - Aug. 12 - NBCSN - 3:30 PM ET Bristol - Aug. 18 - NBCSN - 7:30 PM ET Road America - Aug. 27 - NBC - 3 PM ET

SEPTEMBER Darlington - Sep. 2 - NBCSN - 3:30 PM ET Richmond - Sep. 8 - NBCSN - 7:30 PM ET Chicagoland - Sept. 16 - NBCSN - 3:30 PM ET Kentucky - Sep. 23 - NBCSN - 8 PM ET Dover - Sep. 30 - NBCSN - 3 PM ET

OCTOBER Charlotte - Oct. 6 - NBCSN - 8 PM ET Kansas - Oct. 21 - NBC - 3PM ET

NOVEMBER Texas - Nov. 4 - NBCSN - 8:30 PM ET Phoenix - Nov. 11 - NBC - 3:30 PM ET Homestead-Miami - Nov. 18 NBCSN - 3:30 PM ET

AUGUST Michigan - Aug. 12 - FS1 - 1 PM ET Bristol - Aug. 16 - FS1 - 8:30 PM ET

SEPTEMBER Canadian Tire - Sep. 3 - FS1 - 2:30 PM ET Chicagoland - Sep. 15 - FS1 - 8:30 PM ET New Hampshire - Sept. 23 - FS1 - 1 PM ET Las Vegas - Sep. 30 - FS1 - 8:30 PM ET

OCTOBER Talladega - Oct. 14 - FOX - 1 PM ET Martinsville - Oct. 28 - FS1 - 1:30 PM ET

NOVEMBER Texas - Nov. 3 - FS1 - 8:30 PM ET Phoenix - Nov. 10 - FS1 - 8:30 PM ET Homestead-Miami - Nov. 17 - FS1 - 8 PM ET

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2015 Schedule

INDYCAR SCHEDULE March 12

May 28

DATE RACE Firestone Grand Prix of St.

2017

Iowa Speedway

LOCATION 101st Indianapolis 500

Indy Car Schedule April 9

5:30 PM TIME

Petersburg presented Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Streets of St. Petersburg July 1612:30 PM Streets of St. Petersburg Indianapolis Motor Honda Indy Toronto April 9 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Streets of Long Beach 4:30 PM Speedway 12:30 PM Exhibition Place March 12

April 23

Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama

Barber Motorsports Park

12:21 PM

3:30 PM

3:30 PM

Toyota Grand Prix of Long June 3 July 30 Angie's List Grand Prix of Chevrolet Indianapolis Dual in Indianapolis 3:50 PM Beach Detroit Motor Speedway Honda Indy 200 of Long Beach 500 presented The Raceway at Indianapolis Belle IsleMotorMid-Ohio MayStreets 28 101st Indianapolis Speedway Sports Car 12:21 PM Course Park The Raceway at Belle Isle Park 3:30 PM 3:50 PM 4:30Chevrolet PM Dual in Detroit June 3 April 29

Phoenix 250

Phoenix International Raceway

9:30 PM

May 13

June 4

April 23 Dual in Detroit Chevrolet

Honda Indy Grand Prix of Firestone 600 Alabama June 25 Kohler Grand Prix Barber Motorsports Park June 10

3:30Iowa PMCorn 300

July 9 July 16

3:50 PM

Honda April 29Indy Toronto

Phoenix 250 Honda Indy 200 Phoenix International ABC Supply 500 Raceway

July 30

August 20 August 26

Chevrolet Dual in Detroit America The Raceway at Road Belle Isle Park Iowa Speedway

St. Louis 250

1:00 PM 5:30 PM

August 26

September9:303PM

Gateway Motorsports Park

8:30 PM

May 13

June 25

September Angie’s 17 List GoPro GrandGrand PrixPrix of of Sonoma

3:50 PM

2:30 PM

3:30 PM St. Louis 250 June 10 Gateway Motorsports Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 3:30 Park PM Firestone 600 9:30 PM 2:30 PM Pocono Raceway Texas Motor Speedway

Grand Prix at The Glen

Indianapolis Indianapolis Motor Speedway

ABC Supply 500 8:30 PM Pocono Raceway

3:50 PMExhibition Place

9:30 PM

September 3

August 20 3:50 PM

The Raceway at Belle Isle Park

June 4 Texas Motor Speedway

Grand Prix at The Glen 1:30 PM Watkins Glen International

Watkins Glen International

Kohler GrandSonoma Prix Raceway Road America 1:00 PM

7:00 PM

September 17

GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma Sonoma Raceway .com 7:00 PM

July 9 PrintYourBrackets Iowa Corn 300

1:30 PM

2015 Sched

Formula 1 2017 Schedule

RaceRace # #1 Grand Prix

Date Race #11

1 Australian Australian Grand PrixGrand Prix March 26 2 Chinese Grand Prix Race #2 3 Bahrain Grand Prix Chinese Grand Prix 4 April 9Russian Grand Prix

March 26 Hungarian Grand Prix July 30 April 9

5

Race #3Spanish Grand Prix

7

Race #4Canadian Grand Prix

Race #12 April 16

Belgian Grand Prix April 3027 August

Race May #13 14

Bahrain Grand Prix 6 Monaco Grand Prix April 16

Italian Grand Prix May 28 September 3 June #14 11 Race

Russian Grand Prix Grand Prix 8 Azerbaijan April 30 9 Austrian Grand Prix Race #5 10 British Grand Prix Spanish Grand Prix 11 May 14Hungarian Grand Prix

Singapore Grand Prix June 25 September 17 July 9

Race #15

JulyGrand 16 Malaysian Prix October July 30 1

Race #6Belgian Grand Prix

Race #16 August 27

12

Monaco Grand Prix 13 May 28 Italian Grand Prix

Japanese Grand Prix September October 83 Race #17 17 September United States Grand Prix October 1 October 22

Race #7Singapore Grand Prix

14

Canadian Grand Prix 15 Malaysian Grand Prix June 11

Race #8Japanese Grand Prix

October 8 Race #18

16

17 UnitedPrix States Grand Prix Azerbaijan Grand 18June 25 Mexican Grand Prix

Race #9

19

Brazilian Grand Prix

Austrian Grand Prix 20 July 9Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Race #10

22 Prix MexicanOctober Grand October October29 29

Race #19

November 12

Brazilian Grand Prix November12 26 November

Race #20

Abu .com Dhabi Grand Prix PrintYourBrackets

British Grand Prix July 16

November 26

NMMotorsportsReport.com • 9

SPEC MIATA

RACING

By David Swope NMMotorsportsReport@Gmail.com

T

he Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small roadster that is a lightweight, two-seater with a front-engine and rear-wheel drive configuration.

The original concept for the Miata was based on the British sports cars of the 50’s and 60’s yet with more modern technology, safety and reliability in a vehicle that was not overly mechanically complex. The Miata is in its fourth generation since its inception in 1989. Model year changes came in 1999, 2005 and 2016 making the Miata the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car in history. The name “Miata” derives from Old High German for “Reward.”

The experience of driving a Miata is truly “rewarding.”

The experience of driving a Miata is truly “rewarding.” Whether you drive it for work or for pleasure, the responsiveness is quick and the acceleration is noticeable. The Miata is a great platform for a road racing car with near neutral handling and equal front / rear weight balance. The economy in 2008 was so bad that Miata and the birth of Spec Miata Racing are credited with saving amateur road racing.

The concept of Spec racing was not new but what were needed were a relatively inexpensive vehicle and a set of rules for affordable modifications. Today, Spec Miata is the most popular club-racing class in the country and the single largest class within NASA (National Auto Sport Association). Nearly one out of six amateur race entries on any given weekend is a Mazda Miata and more than 3000 Spec Miata conversion kits have been sold to date.

Spec Miata racing can be found locally as well. Whether at an SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) Solo Event or on the road course at Sandia Speedway with the Winter Series or Southwest Motorsports (SWMS). “I found the Miata to be the most cost effect way to get into racing. I bought my first 1990 street car and turned it into a race car and started in the Winter Series,” says local racer Mike Travers. “I now have three Miatas and my family races with me. The Miata community is nice and helpful. We just want more people to race with,” explained Travers.

The early editions of the Miata Racers are even recognized as “Vintage” meaning that they can race at vintage racing events around the country. With plentiful and affordable replacement parts and competitive classes with good car counts, Miata Racing might be in your future. Email NMMotorsportsReport@Gmail.com for more information on local Miata Racing.

10 NMMotorsportsReport.com

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The Man Jim Riedel Makes Things Happen at Albuquerque Dragway

E

verybody who races at Albuquerque Dragway owes a debt of gratitude to the track owner, Robert Costa, not only for his dedicated ownership of the track, but also for hiring Jim Riedel as the Track Manager.

Riedel and his dedicated staff run the races in an organized and consistent fashion that makes racing there a great experience.

Jim Riedel didn’t actually have any involvement in racing until 1993 when he was working at Rich Ford. His boss encouraged him to get involved with Lawren Jones Top Alcohol Dragster as a volunteer crew member. He did that for several years, with Rich Ford allowing him the flexibility needed to travel with Jones.

Then, Lawren decided to switch to Top Alcohol Funny Car in 1999 and hired Riedel as a fulltime, paid crew member.

When Robert Costa, Lawren Jones, Bill Elliott and Mike Labbate took over the Albuquerque Dragway lease in 2007, they hired Riedel as the Assistant Track Manager and Chief Starter.

Later, he was promoted to Track Manager and remains in that position.

Most of us only see Riedel the day of the race, preparing the track surface. The fact is unless you shadow Jim for a month, you can’t imagine the number of diverse tasks he has to take on to make a race event a success. He notes that the equipment maintenance never seems to stop, as well as repairs from wind damage and vandalism, hauling trash, mounting tires on the

on the

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track dragging tractor and a million other small but important details that are necessary to put on a race.

He says the weather is always a huge challenge.

Often the crazy New Mexico winds wreak havoc either before or after he has the track race-ready.

Even under the best of circumstance it takes considerable effort to keep the track consistent.

Jim wanted to specifically acknowledge the help and guidance that he has received from Bandimere Speedway’s Larry Crisp and his sons, the “Traction Twins”. Riedel has developed a great reputation throughout the Southwest for his track prep skills. At various times he has been called on to do track prep at other tracks, including Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix.

Riedel says that the public’s lack of respect for the facility is the most difficult part of his job.

He is also frustrated that there is a mistaken perception that the track makes a considerable profit. He says that it is very expensive to keep the track open and that it is a constant challenge to make events profitable. The best part of his job is the independence. As long as stuff gets done and the races go smoothly, nobody micromanages him. He is also grateful for the many people who pitch in and help at the track.

The next time you see Jim, stop and thank him for his hard work that lets so many of us pursue our passion for racing!

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STEVE RANGEL on what it’s like to work on a NASCAR pit crew

By Dominic Aragon | daragon@theracingexperts.net

D

eacon Steve Rangel has had some neat opportunities over the course of his life. From charitable work to meeting the Pope, Rangel says he is blessed to have had the opportunities God has presented him.

Included in his opportunities was the chance to work with NFL coach turned NASCAR owner and driver Jerry Glanville.

While Rangal was working for UniFirst in the 1990s, a uniform rental and manufacturing company, the corporation was a sponsor of Glanville’s efforts in what is now the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

When Glanville and his team were attempting to qualify for the Truck race at Pikes Peak International Raceway in 1998, Rangel’s primary role was to help with liaison for hospitality, promotions and public relations between the team and company. However, Rangel had no idea how his role was going to evolve with the team.

MEETING THE TEAM

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“I was instructed by my company to host Jerry and his team. I was going to meet up with him at a Denny’s in Colorado Springs.

Not knowing what to expect, I walked into the restaurant, and I saw he and his pit crew.

“I went over to the table to introduce myself, and Jerry says, ‘Come on, sit down, get something to eat.’

“We were going through some of the particulars, but he included me in his family, and invited me to take part in the race weekend. He needed someone to be the catch-can man.

“He said ‘Come on out to the track, get settled in, and we’ll go over that with you and tell you what you need to know.’

“I had never attended any races personally, so I didn’t know what to expect.”

RACE WEEKEND

“As soon as all the teams were able to start working on their trucks at the track, they were there. These guys are waiting for that gate to open.

“What impressed me was the science, skills and everything behind-the-scenes in preparation for the race. They looked at everything from weather, to humidity, to track conditions and the last time they were at the track. Every second, they were working the car.

14 NMMotorsportsReport.com

“It is an amazing feeling when the grand marshall says ‘Drivers, start your engines.’

Nothing compares to being actually there, right next to the trucks, behind the barrier and the sound and speed.

“If you look straight, right across at the track, you can see the trucks are like bullets, they’re blurry as they pass by you.”

PIT STOPS

“The crew chief says the driver is coming to pit, all of a sudden, you go zero-to-60. As the catch-can man, before the race weekend, I had no idea what that was. The crew chief instructed me on what my position was.

“As the gasman puts in the fuel, my job was to make sure fuel did not spill onto the track.

There are officials watching the stop, and we could be penalized for that.

“As the gasman is pouring in the fuel, he’s looking at me. There’s a pipe that goes from where the gas is received into the back, and there’s a pipe that comes out of the back of the truck. I was holding a container, and if I saw any fuel come through that pipe and into my can, I was to raise my hand up, and the gasman would stop fueling the car. That would also make sure no fuel would get on the asphalt.

“I was sure nervous the first time the truck came in. I didn’t want to drop the can or mess up something, or forget to put my hand up in the air.

“You’re behind a barrier, so you can’t jump over prematurely, because of safety and other rules. Each of us were positioned behind the concrete barrier.

“Everything is bam, bam, quick. Everyone’s doing their job and then the truck is gone.

Seconds count.”

WORKING WITH JERRY

“Jerry was just a very easy-to-talk-to individual; it was a pleasure to be around him and his crew. I was also impressed with how he interacted with his fans. He had a great love for the fans.

“He was just so cordial and loved to visit

with them. If they asked him for a picture or an autograph, he was more than willing to do so.”

“One thing I found very interesting was when I asked Jerry if he was doing this as a hobby, he told me I had it backwards.

“He said, ‘My brother and I love racing. In order to get the money we need to do that, I had to get a job in coaching to pay for what I love to do.’”

“You wonder, what are people really like, especially celebrities, I didn’t know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised with him.”

PRESENT DAY

Rangel currently works as the president and CEO of the St. Felix Pantry in Rio Rancho, a nonprofit aimed at helping people and families in need of support in times of crisis.

The Pantry provides food, clothes, household items and referral services. For more information on helping the pantry or requesting help, visit their website at www. stfelixpantry.org or in person at 4020 Barbara Loop SE, Rio Rancho New Mexico.

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CAR SHOWS

Driving Divas All Woman Car Shine & Show – Fastinos (between Menaul and Candelaria), Albuquerque – 5pm to dark – Open to all cars and drivers; woman-driven cars get free meal – Karen Campbell or Melinda Otzenburger. karencampbellwithrt66@hotmail.com

Kars for Kids Show – Young Park, May 20 Kiwanis May 27 Las Cruces – Jim Pudlewski (575)525-9478

Cars for Kids Car Show – Montgomery May 13 ACCH Church of Christ, 7201 Montgomery NE,

and models, Entry $20 – 30 classes – 25 Special Awards, 50/50 drawing and raffle supporting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Music by: Steve’s Cruisan with the Oldies – 505-2690496 or 505-332-9222 for info

May 8

Albuquerque – 10am-4pm, setup 7am-9am – Benefits Albuquerque Christian Children’s Home – Entry $25 before, $30 day of show – Car Club Battle, Live DJ & Live Music, T-shirts, valve cover racing, trophies in 25 classes, activities for kids, free public entry – Hosted by LOE GTO Club – (505)514-4573 to pre-register – http://www.facebook.com/loegtos/

May 13

12th Hurley Pride Festival & Car Show – Hurley Park, Hurley – Show with trophies, food, vendors, music & more – (575)956-3535

Lions’ Club Car Show – Kohl’s Dept. Store May 13 Host Lot, Las Cruces – Phil Van Veen (575)635-5213 Annual Car Show – Roswell Civic Center – May 13 43rd Nancy (575)622-4350

May 17 Montebello Montebello

Senior Living Car Show – Senior Living Community, 10500 Academy NE, Albuquerque – May 14-20 is National Nursing Home Week – A 50’s theme day planned with a soda jerk serving egg cream sodas, Italian sodas, all the old time favorites – Participants in the car show get a burger and fries lunch – 10:30am-12:00pm – Contact Michele Batchelor (505)2949944 Ext. 281 Las Palomas Care Center Show – Las Palomas May 18 Care Center, 8100 Palomas Ave. NE, Albuquerque

– May 14-20 is National Nursing Home Week – Theme of show is “Route 66” – Need 5 to 6 cars to drive around parking lot at 10:30am; stories of Route 66 desired and appreciated – Contact Phyllis Gilmore (505)821-4200 (facility) or (773)6996793 (cell) Spring Swap Meet – San Juan Plaza May 20 NNMSR (next to Dunkin Donuts), Farmington – rfuller16@ gmail.com

Annual Car Show – Russell’s Travel Center, May 20 6th Endee – Volunteer Fire Dept (575)576-8700 or www.russellsttc.com

23rd Annual Summer Car Show Series –

Show & Barbeque to Benefit UNM May 20 Hooters West – Alameda – Setup 7am-10am May 27 Car Children’s Hospital – Smith’s at Golf Course & – Show 10am-4pm, Open to all years makes

May 20-21 (505)898-6457

7th Annual British Car Show – Balloon Fiesta Park, Albuquerque – Open to British Cars – Bon Bagley

Museum 33rd Annual May 21 NMCCC/Albuquerque Car Show – Albuquerque Museum, 2000

Mountain Rd. NW, Albuquerque – Celebrating 50th Anniversary of Albuquerque Museum 1967-2017 – www. nmcarcouncil.com or joyce@nmcarcouncil.com Santa Fe Cruise Night on the Plaza – Historic Fe Plaza – Sponsored by Santa Fe Vintage Car Club & Santa Fe Police Dept – 124pm – Entry $20, proceeds to “Shop with a Cop Program” – 80 car limit – Food, music, T-shirts, Cars – Mustang Ed (505)3100381 or Buddy (505)699-2687

May 21 Santa

Races – May 21 Seco –

Arroyo Seco Raceway, Arroyo Roger (575)494-4794 www. arroyosecoraceway.com

2nd Annual Rally du Soleil Vintage Car Rally – Northern New Mexico – Open to pre-1970’s cars – All proceeds from registration fees will benefit local charities – http:// rallydusoleil.org/ or (505)883-6240 – Registration is now open

May 24-27 May 25-28

NM Porsche Club Show Albuquerque – www.rrrcpa.com

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Flight Northern New Mexico» Car Show May 27 Honor – Veterans’ Park, 1100 Louisiana Blvd SE (by

Gibson), Albuquerque – Gates open 8am, Show 10am-3pm – Free event, but donations requested for Honor Flight in lieu of entry fee – Volunteer DJ is Rockin’ Rob, disabled vet, tips appreciated – Open to all types of vehicles including motorcycles – Entertainment for kids, food vendors – Popular Choice ballots – Joe Mascarenas (505)235-5900 or David 1-850-855-9693

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NSRA Safety Day – Chula Vista Park, 600 S. Hutton Rd, Farmington – rfuller16@gmail.com

Paseo, Albuquerque – Entry $10 includes lunch – Prizes, hot dogs, chips & drinks, fun & games, DJ Ed – Brandon, Bryan or Jennifer (505)897-3411

May 27-28 riograndemustangs.org

MCA Regional Mustang Show – Marriott Pyramid N Hotel, Albuquerque – Open to Fords – Eric Shirley (505)268-2595 www.

May 27-28

“Deck Of Cards” Charity Car Show – Route 66 Casino Hotel, east of Albuquerque – ALL PROCEEDS support the Leukemia Lymphoma Society – Featuring “The Deck Of Cards” 52 Cars picked & photoed. Setup 7am-10am – Show 10am-5pm, both days. All years makes, Pre-Entry $30 – receives Event T-shirt, Dash Plaque, 2 Journey Tribute Concert Tickets, Restaurant Coupons, Over 300 Awards: 50 classes – 50 Specials, Cash Awards, Creeper Races. Steve’s Cruisan with the Oldies – 505-269-0496 or 505-332-9222 for info. Entry forms mailed & at Yearwood Performance.

Annual Rte 66 Festival – May 27 - June 1 1st Old Town, Albuquerque – Fred

Harvey Era, Indigenous Culture, Antiques, Textiles, Vintage Clothing – Music, dancing, storytelling, luminarias, traditional local decorations, live entertainment, food & sales booths – Free – Booths available – press@dejavurefinery. com or (505)373-9123 “Just for Fun” Car Show – Berg Park, May 28 Riverfest Farmington – fourcornersoldcarclub@gmail.com

Flathead V8 Ford Picnic, Show & Shine – Los Village Hall, 6718 Rio Grande NW, Albuquerque – 11am-2pm – All Ford Show – Sandwiches, drinks provided, birthday cake for club’s birthday, but bring a side dish to share – Raffles, 50/50 raffle, donations accepted

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IF YOU ARE INTO IT, WE ARE INTO IT! Whether it has 2 Wheels or 4, asphalt or Dirt track racing, off-roaD or park anD shine. We coVer it all The New Mexico Motorsports Report (NMMR) on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM, The TEAM, is hosted by David Swope every Saturday morning from 8am to 9am. The NMMR radio show focuses on motorsports and related automobile activities around the state and on the national scene each and every week. You are invited to get involved by calling 994-1017 during the show, e-mailing dswope@1017TheTEAM.com, following us on twitter @NMMReport and liking us on Facebook. Join in the fun with your comments on the topics and questions for the guests.

This is New Mexico’s only show devoted to motorsport related eVery saturDay 8am-9am activities with a full hour devoted to our passion. Podcasts of exclusiVely on 101.7 fm shows are available on demand at 1017TheTEAM.com. Check out our new website at NMMotorsportsreport.com.

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Dyno Day with a Heart

By David Swope | NMMotorsportsReport@Gmail.com

S

aturday April 1st was not April Fool’s Day at Motiva Performance. It was the first Dyno Day Fundraiser Motiva has hosted and with a print-out of actual horse power production, there was no fooling people. “Individuals can bring out their cars and put them on the dyno,” explained Ben Gillaspie, General Manager.

“Motiva is donating all their time and the facility. For a $50 donation to the Wallaert Family, we will put your car on the dyno and find out how much horse power it will produce,” Gillaspie said with a smile.

“The Wallaert family was on a motorcycle ride in August of 2016 and was hit by a drunk driver. It was a club ride and the drink driver was estimated doing 100 miles per hour. They both suffered injuries and each lost a leg. They are just having a rough time and we want to do want we can,” explained Gillaspie in regards to the Wallaerts. “We liked helping and are looking forward to doing this type of Dyno Day again.”

A dynamometer or “dyno” for short is a devise for measuring force, torque or power. For example, the power produced by an engine can be calculated by simultaneously measuring torque and rotational speed (RPM). Motiva has dynos for testing both rear and front wheel drive vehicles. An appointment can be made to bring your vehicle in to be tested and tuned. Even if you are not into “high performance,” a proper tune may save your vehicle from undue wear and improve your gas mileage.

Once you are at Motiva, you should also check out the great cars they have in the showroom. The day I was there, there was a MGA, a Range Rover, a GT350 and so much more. It is always worth a look at 6919 Montgomery on the north side of the street, just west of Louisiana or check them out at MotivaPerformance.com.

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“TRICKS of the TRADE”

By Jim Costa – owner Yearwood Performance Center

Torque Converters

science or magic?

T

his month we will dive into the mysterious world of automatic transmission torque converter fluid dynamics. If that sounds a little scientific, that’s because it is, converters are not magic they are a science. An engine’s power gets connected to the automatic transmission by the torque converter, much like a manual transmission uses a clutch to connect or disconnect power. There are three main components inside of a torque converter, an impeller, a stator, and a turbine. The impeller is on the transmission side and rotates at engine speed. When engine rpm increases, the fluid flow increases inside the converter. The power is transferred using vanes and fins that direct the flow towards the turbine, which is bolted to the flexplate, between the impeller and turbine is where you will find the stator. It’s the stator that redirects the fluid and multiplies the torque. When the fluid flow is strong enough, the turbine begins to spin, which turns the input shaft of the transmission making the car move.

All of our performance torque converters have improved strength and durability. We have a good selection of Hughes Performance converters in stock with heavy-duty heat treated internals and high strength bearings. Buying the correct converter and stall speed for your application is important, the right one can make your car perform to its fullest. The stall speed is the amount of rpm the engine can reach with the brakes applied and transmission in gear before the tires start turning. Following a few suggestions can make choosing your converter much easier. Your engine’s power band and torque are the most important factors to consider. You want to try and get the converter stall speed to match with the engine’s peak torque. Engines that produce less torque will stall a converter lower than higher torque engines. Also, you must take into consideration the altitude we live at (I know, I say it every issue, only because it is an issue).

Engines produced less torque at higher altitude, therefore if you buy a 2500 rpm converter, it will most likely stall less. We usually recommend buying a converter about 500 rpm higher than what you want. This will more allow more rpm to launch the vehicle from a dead stop improving your car’s acceleration. And a heavy car with large diameter tires will create more resistance, the more resistance you have, the higher the stall will be. The same apply to your gear ratio. A heavy car with highway gears (low numerical gear) will stall higher than a light car with shorter gears and smaller tires because it will have less resistance.

The RPM listed on converters is just an approximation. There are a lot of variables to that can change how it stalls, vehicle weight; engine size; compression ratio; camshaft; rearend gear; tire diameter; and the type of transmission you are going to use will all have an effect. If needed, we can give all of this information to Hughes Performance and they will custom make a converter for you. This is usually only needed in high-end race applications. Stop by either Yearwood location, let us do our magic and we will determine what converter will work best for your ride.

22 NMMotorsportsReport.com

NMMotorsportsReport.com • 23