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What a week. Scorching hot weather the first weekend of Laconia and damp 48 degrees for the hillclimb. Thanks to local rider Jody Lary who lent Nicole, Jared and Kenny winter gloves, hats and 2 blankets. The response at the hillclimb was great for the autograph signing. Jared sold out of sweatshirts! Thursday St. Charles went well. No other National riders but some locals also. The kids and nuns were thrilled. Local rider and VW dealer Scott Beranger came down with free ballons. I will be posting some pictures next week thanks to Ray Ninness. Friday 7:00 am the track had standing water on it, not good for any track especially a cushion! After a lot of work the amateurs got on the track at 11:30, 2 1/2 hrs late. Some great amateur racing was over at 3:30. We got the race track ready for the Pro's at 5. It was smooth but still very wet as the sun only peeked out once during the day. The weather forecast was for scattered showers from Wednesday to Saturday. I'm sure that affected the rider turnout, 13 Pro's, 4 883's, 6 Pro-Sorts and 12 85's. The program was readjusted to have scratch heats and an added dash for cash to make sure the fans saw enough racing. With past winners Schnabel and Smith there plus Coolbeth, Mees, Beaulac, Smith, Cheza and others, I know the main event would have been exciting! 3 laps into a 4 lap scratch heat the rain started. We had the equipment if it was a quick shower but it rained for almost 2 hours. I want to thank the diehard fans that showed up. I found out later the weather forecast changed at 5 for rain over most of new england. I also want to thank the riders and their pit crew for working together to attempt to put a show on for the fans. My crew who worked their butts off Fiday from 7am to 10 that night in the rain refunding grandstand money. It's a lose-lose situation for everyone involved. The most disturbing thing was people that had gotten FREE armbands from sponsors that tried to get refunds! We are allready looking to next year and the 14TH Annual New England Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Dealers Association Ben Campanale Laconia 1/2 Mile. We headed to Syracuse Saturday at 10 am still damp but spirits high. We found out about Syracuse being postponed about 11:30. With motels rooms paid for allready we dropped the trailer off at EC riders and headed west. We got checked in, had a drink with Motoryclist's post Mark Bremmer and 15 other New Englandites. We then headed to the Dinosuar Bar-B-Que. What a hopping place AND great food! The smell of food and the occasional burnout in the street was a great mix. Some how a mini bike appeared and street racing at it's best! The only glitch was a couple of laps in the Dino's parking lot. The bouncer came out and said, " We don't give a sh** what you do in the street, but stay off our property with that thing." 4 hours at the Dino and I never saw 1 cop go buy. Try that in Mass! Sunday head to the track early, many great memories fom the 70's and 80's. My first National ever as a specctator, then riding as a Junior 2 years. No success but a LOT of fun! Everyone was anticipating a quick program since most people had a long ways to get home. Great racing in both the 750 and 883 classes but it seemed like a lot of down time. The 750 feature got done about 6 which meant most new englanders got home at midnight or later. I can say the tribute to Aaron was wonderfull. Steve and family put some time into the whole deal. Aaron's mom Donna looked very nervous as she presented the checkered flag to Chris Carr! All in all it was a crazy exhausting week spent with friends and motorcycles. The front gate tickets for Rochester will be honored next year. Thanks for everyone's support. MAY 17, 2005 LACONIA 1/2 MILE 13th Annual New England Harley-Davidson
Motorcycle Dealers Association Ben Campanale Laconia 1/2 Mile 7 p.m.
Friday June 17 Rochester Fairgrounds, Rochester N.H. $13,000 awaits
the stars of the AMA Dirt Track Series as they make their annual trek
to the famed Rochester Cushion 1/2 Mile. Bryan Smith, a 2 time winner
from Flint Michigan should be back along with the fastest female dirt
tracker in the country, 18 year old Nicole Cheza. The 2 riders have
signed a deal with Moroney's H-D out of NY to contest the entire AMA
series. The well prepared Moroney's equipment and the popularity of
Bryan and Nicole will see them up front. 4 exciting classes will be
on tap for 2005. The 505cc AMA Experts like Smith and Cheza will be
joined by New Englander Ken Coolbeth. Ken riding his factory backed
KTM finished 3rd at Rochester last year and was 3rd overall in the
2004 AMA Dirt Track Series. With The Aaron Creamer Syracuse Miracle
Mile Running Saturday June 18 we'll have riders from across the country
in the northeast. A $4000 883 Harley-Davidson purse guarantees a good
crowd of thundering v-twins. The Pro-Sports are riders age 16 and
up gathering the necessary experience on their 505cc equipment to
make it to the Expert ranks. The young stars of tomorow. Kids age
7-15 on 85cc bikes. Don't let the age or size of bikes fool you. Some
of these kids have many years under their helmet and will impress
you with their skills. PJ Jacobsen from Montgomery NY and James Poole
from nearby Berwick Maine put on a show last year. APRIL 6, 2005 505 Expert Purse $2250, $1750, $1250, $800, $500, $400, $300, $200, $150, $125, $100, $100, $100, $100 883 H-D Purse $1200, $700, $500, $350, $250, $225, $200, $150, $125, $100, $100, $100 Pro-Am Purse $250, $175, $125, $100, $80, $60, $50, $25, $25, $25, $25, $25 MAY 17, 2005 Get Paid For Your Autograph! That’s right, Be at the St. Charles Childrens Home in Rochester
Thursday June 16 at 5:30 and get 1 free signup and a pit pass for
your mechanic. *A $50 Value! The festivities are from 5:30 to 7:00
and include entertainment. Sideways Promotions collected parking donations
last year for the orphanage and donated a little over $1200. The children
also got staff shirts and passes for the races. Sideways Promotions
President Pete Giammalvo said, “I saw a story on New England
Cable News about St. Charles situation and wanted to do our part.
We live in a great country with many freedoms but we need to remember
these kids from broken families. Giving something back to the community
is the least we can do.” For more info contact Sideways Promotions 978-874-1732 *Applies to Friday night riders only. MUST be setup by 5:30 with Bike. Please contact me if you plan to come. Thanks and looking forward to seeing you May 18, 2005 Top National Dirt Trackers To Attend Laconia Gunstock Hillclimb 3 AMA Experts have agreed to join the Gunstock Hillclimb signing autographs at the Sideways Promotions booth. Wednesday June 15th. Jared Mees 2004 AMA Expert Rookie of the Year, Ken Coolbeth 2004 3rd overall in the AMA Grand National Dirt Track Series and Rookie Sensation Nicole Cheza will be on hand between 10:00 am & 3:00 pm. The Hillclimb is always a favorite attraction during Laconia attracting over 10,000 people each year. The trio are in town in preparation for the WHEB presents the New England Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Dealers 13th Annual Ben Campanale Laconia ½ Mile. The excitement will be building all week long as riders from all over the country prepare to do battle on the famed Rochester ½ Mile Friday night June 17th. Four exciting classes and a $13,000 purse will have the fans on the edge of their seats! The Rochester Fairgrounds are located about 30 miles south of Weirs Beach. The track is located just off Exit 13 on Route 16 then follow the signs. The gates open at 5:00 pm with racing starting promptly at 7:00 pm. Adults are $15 and kids 8-14 are $5 and under 8 are free. For more information go to www.sidewayspromo.com or call Sideways Promotions 978-874-1732. Professional Motorcycle Racers signing autographs at St. Charles Children's Home Thursday night June 16th the fastest Dirt Track Motorcycle Racers in the country will be at St. Charles Children's Home in Rochester N.H. from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. These men and yes women will be signing autographs and greeting the fans in preparation for the WHEB presents the New England Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Dealers 13th Annual Ben Campanale Laconia ½ Mile to be held Friday night June 17th at the Rochester Fairgrounds. Last year Sideways Promotions President Pete Giammalvo worked with St. Charles donating parking receipts from the race. "I saw a story on St. Charles on New England Cable News about their financial situation. I met with the nuns and was touched by the job they do with these kids from broken homes. Last year a group of nuns and kids came to the races and had a ball. The party at St. Charles hopefully will create more awareness of the good they do. I also hope it will increase the amount of money we collect for parking donations. I would like to double last years' amount of $1,200. St. Charles Children's Home is located at 19 Grant St. Rochester, N.H. For more information go to www.sidewayspromo.com or call Sideways Promotions 978-874-1732. MARCH 31, 2005 Check weekly for updates of confirmed riders and Pre Race Autograph Party Confirmed Riders: Bryan Smith, Nicole Cheza, Ken Coolbeth, Jared Mees, Mike Hacker RESULTS 6/18/04 505 PRO-SPORT 883 SPORTSTER 85cc YOUTH Laconia Motorcycle Rally & Race Week observations: Don't call it Laconia Bike Week cause it aint called that! The first weekend was way busier than ever. Saturday had traffic backups around the Weirs. The New England Dirt Track Series was at Jolly Rogers. Boo to Gunstock ski area for canceling the Vintage Reunion Races June 12/13 after 6 years. In a mad scramble the USCRA got together with the downtown Laconia merchants to have a Vintage Exhibition thru the streets that was a success. Instead of working with Gunstock to build a dirt track maybe the downtown merchants will! Sundays AMA National MX in Southwick MA, Awesome. Monday after a 15 minute radio station interview, Myself and The Motorcyclist's Post race team did a pavement short track exhibition at Seacoast Harley-Davidson and their Open House. Tuesday come back to MA to finish details for races Friday/Saturday. Wednesday head to Gunstock and setup Sideways booth at AMA semi-pro hillclimb. This year Gunstock went up $5 to $15 to thin the crowd out.(wish dirt track had that problem) By 11 pm over 10,000 partying people for an event that started at 9am and got done at 5! Hot, Hot! Ice and cold beverages were at a premium. Watched a guy sell over $300 worth of beer out of his cooler before State police hauled him away! Bet the fine was more than he made! Bought a oversize foam cowboy hat from a spectator then got heat stroke. I lost the rest of Wednesday and half of Thursday before I felt better. Thursday afternoon work at the track and listen to weatherman about rain forecast for Thursday night then nice Friday. Visit St. Charles Children's Home in Rochester to check on free passes and collecting parking donations. Swing by V Twin Cycles to see if they can fix a problem with my Buell Blast, still working on it. Big Italian dinner, wine and off to bed. Friday, the big day. Up at 7 to find out it didn't rain AT ALL! The weather idiots are now calling for off and on showers all day and night! Off to the track on a warm sunny day to start watering. While we are frantically watering people are calling 30 miles south saying it's foggy and misty. We're all putting suntan lotion on and telling them we're racing tonight. It's showtime! At the riders meeting we discuss about putting on a good show with 10 505 Experts, 6 Pro-Sports, 9 85's and 2 883's. Bryan Smith mentions about a dash for cash with the top 3 out of the Expert and Pro-Sport heats in place of any semis. Since I put up an extra $500 to past winners and Bryan was the only one to show up the riders went for it. Bryan Smith, Aaron Creamer and Nicole Cheza won their heats. The very enthusiastic crowd was on their feet for the dash. The board went sideways and a fraction of a second later the light was green! Nicole and Ken Coolbeth were the only ones on their toes. Nicole was in the lead with Ken on her tail and the rest of the pack including Bryan playing catchup. After 5 laps it was Cheza, Coolbeth and I don't know. Right before the start of the dash, longtime friend and dirt track supporter David Bettencourt, says, "I just got here whats going on?" I told him about the $500 winner take all and he says, "That sucks, 2nd should get something. I'll put up $250 for second." I radioed up to the announcer and he told the crowd just as the light turned green. While Nicole and a surprised Ken Coolbeth did their interviews Bryan was in discussion with the starter. Bryan showing how much of a professional he is explained how if he couldn't win it then Nicole was ok. Kenny was estatic about Bettencourts money. I want to thank Bryan and the riders for their cooperation in making a good show. Everyone can read the details about the races in the next issue of FTI or the Motorcyclist's Post. After the races, a lobstah roll washed down with a couple of Miller Lites and asleep at 1:00 am. The alarm goes off at 6:30 (double groan) my goal to be out of the motel and at the track for semi-pro race for 8 is on. Look outside, YES, it rained! Watch the weather channel, the forecast for clouds, fog and maybe a shower, great. Arrive at the track 7:55, put another sweatshirt on and roust the track boys. Spike tooth harrow and water to start. Coffee and happy faces as sign up opens. First ½ mile for some of these kids and they are all ready dressed. More coffee and smiling faces as everyone recounts the night before. 10:30 riders meeting done, ambulance here, lets practice! Practice done, track prepped, heats start at 11:45 as the sun starts to peak out. Only a couple of false starts, track is holding together great and everybody's still smiling. A few things stick out in my mind. Newly turned local expert Shane Narbone beating Roger Durkee in the 250 Pro heat race. Matt Weidman beating both of them in the feature. Rogers gotten a lot of my purse money over the past years and he'll get more. I like seeing Roger making the kids work for it. Roger didn't have to work hard to beat the other 14 Open Pro's. He's still the master as he wheelied out of 4 all the way into turn 1 for the win. Watching New Englands 85cc class kids chase PJ Jacobsen for 2 days was a treat. James Poole, Kolby Foley, Travis Reidy and the rest of the kids did their best and I'm sure got faster. The Adult 100 and Quick Chix classes always put on a show wherever they go. Theses 100 to 150 4 strokes may not be going as fast as Durkee but the action is hot! In the Adult 100 class after much dicing Brenda Poole took the lead from Tara Gagner and her 150CRF. Brenda had her own cheering section of family and a group from The St. Charles Children's Home. Picture 2 nuns in uniform and 10 young (5-8) girls in event staff shirts jumping up and down yelling Brenda!, Brenda!. I love a day like this!The 125 and 250 Amateur class are filled with talent. Corey Hildebrand, Troy Estabrook, Brent Lyskawa, Alex Guilbeaut are all kids that started with me years ago. The only down note on the week was that Alex Guilbeaut fell in the 250 Amateur feature breaking his leg. You can send cards to 23 Cutler Rd. Litchfield N.H. 03052 All in all it was a great Laconia. I've been going to Laconia for the last 34 years and who knew back then I would be a part of it. I'm proud of my association and all ready working on events for next year. SCROLL DOWN FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION & TIMES MAY 29, 2005 $10,000 PURSE BREAKKDOWN 505 EXPERT: $2000, 1500, 1000, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 150, 125, 100, 100, 100, 100 $500 BONUS IF 1 ONE OF THE PAST 3 FUSA ROCHESTER WINNERS CAN WIN AGAIN! MIKE HACKER, J.R. SCHANBEL AND BRYAN SMITH HAVE A SHOT AT IT. CAN THEY REPEAT?! IF NOT WHAT CAN WE DO WITH THE EXTRA 500?
Friday June 18 Schedule Clear Channel announced Friday February 13, The FUSA Dirt Track Series is no more. While rumors abound about someone trying to buy the series nothing is set in stone. The Rochester N.H. round was not owned by CCE, just part of the series. The 12th Annual Ben Campanale Laconia 1/2 Mile Sponsored by The New England Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Dealers Association will continue it's Friday night tradition. June 18 will see not only AMA Experts and Pro-Sports competing on single cylinder bikes but the return of the Harley-Davidson 883's to the famed cushion half mile! A $10,000 purse guarantees top riders. As always Sideways wants to show off the stars of tommorow, Young guns on 85cc equipment. There will also be an exhibition of Iron Men on their machines including Former Indian racer Whitey Anderson on his Indian race job. This adds up to another fun filled Friday night during Laconia. The Fairgrounds is a ½ an hour south of the Weirs. Take RT 11 south to RT 16 south. The track is right off RT 16 at exit 13. Gates open at 5:30 and the races start 7:30. Adults $15, Kids 8-14 $5, Under 8 free. Thursday night autograph session, ticket deals to be announced. For more info go to sidewayspromo.com or call 978-874-1732 June 19 AMA Pro-Am ½ Mile at the famed Rochester Fairgrounds. A New England Dirt Track Series event, 50cc to Open Expert. All this excitement for only $5 for adults, kids under 12 free! Races at 11:30, features start 3:00 Rochester Fairgrounds, Rochester N.H. SATURDAY TIMES Michigan invades New Hampshire. It took 2 days to do it but The "Michigan Mafia" made it a clean sweep taking all 3 podium spots. The "King Pin" Bryan Smith put his previous Rochester experience to test as a couple of young guns tried to bump him off. Fast qualifier Nick "The Hit Man" Cummings was chasing Smith and Logan "Machine Gun" Myers keeping an eye on him waiting for a mistake. At the checkered flag it was Smith by 1.62 second over Cummings with Myers on his rear wheel. Smith not only had the trophy girl and $5000 but, had the last laugh as he showed the kids how to open the Champagne! So, 2003 was the year of the kids, who's it going to be in 04? Factory Harley-Davidson rider Rich King has shown that him and his Buell Blast know how to do it with his 2002 fast qualifier award. The Factory KTM's of Kopp and Coolbeth are a force to be reckoned with anywhere they go. 2002 winner, J.R. Schnabel certainly knows his way around a cushion and his Yamaha is capable of putting him on top. Local Hero and crowd favorite Aaron Creamer has 2 top five finishes on his Bettencourt's Honda. Dirt track has traditionally been a sport for seasoned veterans but the 03 podium may suggest a changing of the guard. Bryan Smith and his Honda went on to win the Formula USA Pro Singles Championship. Nick Cummings won the 2003 Formula USA Grand National Championship. The GNC was a combination of both dirttrack and roadraces to crown an overall Champion. You know these young hot shoes will be back to defend their Rochester podiums against the veterans. 11TH ANNUAL BEN CAMPANALE LACONIA HALF-MILE -- ROCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE ALL HONDA MAIN EVENT AT RAIN DELAYED NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
"I would like to blame Friday the 13th for the bad weather," said event promoter Pete Giammalvo of Sideways Promotions. "Although all our events this year have been cancelled due to bad weather. We will just come back tomorrow and give it another shot." Every dirt track enthusiasts from the 70’s remembers the "Michigan Mafia" consisting of Jay Springsteen, Rex Beauchamp, Ted Boody, Randy Goss and Corky Keener. The next generation of the "Michigan Mafia" swept the podium in the rain-shortened National Championship Main Event. American Honda/1st Racing-backed, Bryan Smith of Flint, Michigan had predicted on Friday this was his race. "These pea-gravel tracks are what we grew-up racing on back in Michigan. My experience should pay off," said 19-year old Bryan Smith. Without a rider introduction, the rider’s were called to the starting line to insure the main could be completed. For the first time in dirt track history, all 18-riders in the National Championship were riding Honda motorcycles. As the light went green Smith jumped into the lead going into turn one. As riders behind him swapped position he continued to try and pull away from the field. Competing in only his second professional race, fast qualifier Nick Cummins from Mt. Morris, Michigan riding the Pro Honda Oils, Earls Racing Team, Joe Rocket backed Honda had worked his way into second and was closing in on Smith. On the eighth lap Cummins dove to the inside of Smith in turn one, but could not make the pass. Formula USA officials made the decision to give the riders the two-lap notice on lap 14, as vision was becoming a problem for the riders. Cummings backed off his charge to settle for second ahead of Logan Myers from Wheeler, Michigan riding the Ultimate Edge Racing Honda. It was obvious as Smith, Cummings and Myers celebrated in the winner’s circle we were seeing the new "Michigan Mafia." Bryan Smith is the new K&N Filters Pro Series point leader with 66 points going into round 3 at the Foremost Insurance Houston Half-Mile on August 2nd in Houston, Texas. Moving up to third is Dan Stanley with 42 points, only 2 points behind Kenny Coolbeth. Thomas McGrane of Gap, PA took the 12-lap Silver Cup Main over runner-up Michael Lounsbury with Roger Durkee rounding out the top-3. OFFICIAL RESULTS - ROCHESTER FAIRGROUNDS - ROCHESTER, NY - 6/14/03 1. 42 Bryan Smith Flint, MI HON Clear Channel Entertainment - Motor Sports 2501 Parkview Drive Suite 105 Fort Worth, Texas 76102 817/332-482 |
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2008 Copyright © Sideways Promotions Inc. Site Maintained by SevenFour Web Development |
Fort
Worth, TX (June 16, 2003) It may have taken two days to get the 11th
Annual Ben Campanale Laconia Half-Mile National in the books, but
it was worth the wait. The second round of the K&N Filters Pro
Series sanctioned by Formula USA was originallyscheduled for Friday,
June 13th, however rain forced the event to be postponed until Saturday
evening.