We loaded up to go to Little Salem last night to watch the first running of the Gloria Shipman memorial race for the POWRi D II Midges. My plan was to entice the first two rows of the main to start from the rear of the pack to liven things up just a little with a cash challenge of $200.00 to the driver that would take the challenge and more if any of the others would also like to race from the back of the patch also. Well circulating through the pits flashing $100.00 bills and smiling wasn't doing much good. It was a prestigious race and everybody wanted that trophy.

The time came for the drivers introduction and I gave it one more shoot. They announced Chett Gehrke the inside pole car. I Offered him $300.00 and he looked willing but was thinking too long so I unfolded another $100.00 and he agreed to go back. Then I offered it to the outside front car of Danial Lucas and he shook his head no. Went back to the second row of Bob Griffiths and Michael Roehling and they both passed on the offer. I felt a little more secure in my bet because Chett would be starting in the back with Andy Bradly a very fast car but Andy had ran out of luck in his heat and flipped. So it should still have been a pretty good race I thought. It turns out Lady Luck had walked out on Andy once more and he finished the race before it started. So now it is Chett by himself back there in the back. The green flag finally came out and all the cars managed to make a lap and the race was on. Without Chett coming from the back like a Rocket ship the race still would have still been an outstanding race. As in any Midget race attrition took it toll and I think only 9 cars were around for the finish of the 27 lap race chose I think to honor Gloria's I think Birthday. Following Chett to the finish was Scott Bradley and Michael Roehling both out of town Hot Shoes.

I heard some discussion after the race about the automotive motors not being fair for the Mini Sprint cars. We race a Mini Sprint Car and I think both cars with equal drivers would have been just as fast. That money sent Chett on a mission. Most of the racers were content to play it safe racing the bottom of the track Chett took it right up to the cushion and that thing was just inches off of the turn 1 and 2 wall and the 3 and 4 turn launching ramp, nobody chose to run up there very long except Chett.

If you like Midget racing but are so disposed to think that the national cars are the only show in town. Invest in a little gasoline I think admission is only like $6.00 a head and venture down to Salem and watch the POWRi DII Midget guys. I have always called that little track "Wonder Valley" because you never know what will happen next there. Well it looks to me with just a little support it is ready to take off again.

I went home just a little lighter but I watched on heck of a race and driving demonstration and the abundant crowd in the stands spent a large part of that race standing and cheering and that is what they are supposed to do at a Midget Race.

AND on top of everything else I learned that the Shipman's and I can trace our friendship all the way to the early 60 and Quarter Midget racing days.

Honest Dad himself