This is an open letter to Open Wheel fans from Mike Clark....

I wanted to take this opportunity to express my feelings and appreciation concerning the Jack Kraemer Memorial "Hard Charger Award" events that took place last Wednesday during ISW at the Terre Haute Action Track. I have many people to thank, and I'll try to do so without missing anyone, but that will be impossible.
My dear friend Jack and I went back a good ways and after his passing, I wanted to do something special in his honor and remembrance. This idea was kicked around with several friends and Jack's family, and it was decided that it needed to be held at Terre Haute, one of Jack's favorite race tracks.
Let me begin my thanks with our very good friend Ken "Wags" Wagner. His assistance and guideance proved invaluable in accomplishing this endeavor. I also had great help and support from my wife Evelyn, Leroy Bedingfield, Brent and Asha Goodnight, Randy Mortland and Deb McGee.
Also, a huge thanks goes to USAC, for their support and cooperation in allowing us to be a part of the program at Terre Haute.
But most of all, I want to thank all of the contributors who made this effort the success that it was. The generosity of racing fans was overwhelming and a tribute to our sport. Donations totaled $4525....

Now to the awards handed out .......

Hard Luck Owner $500...Brandon Mattox (Crash in Quals)
Hard Luck Owner $400...J.J. Hughes (Crash in B-Main)
Hard Luck Owner $325...Hank Byram (Crash in A-Main)
1st Non-Qualifier $400...Andrew Elson (7th in B-Main)
Fast Time $300...Keith Bloom
Hard Charger Award $2500...Shane Cottle (23rd to 5th in A-Main)
Brent Long Memorial Fund $100...Slain Terre Haute Police Officer

Again, I can't thank everyone enough for the help, the contributions and the support in the effort to remember a great racing fan. You should all know that Jacks' family (22 members were at the track) were very appreciative of the event and the honor bestowed to him.

God Bless You All, and I'll see you at the races.

Sincerely,
Mike Clark
Lakewood, CA

[BrentTFunk]

Great job by Mike, and a great job to everyone who made a donation. Good race on top of that.

[Danny Burton]

Back at you guys, Mike, Morty, Brent and everyone else.

Will be impossible to go to THAT now and not think of Jack.