2020, where do we even begin other than to say can it be over! Never again should we take advantage of waking up on a Saturday morning and heading out for a day of racing. We will one day talk about the year 2020 and the year many race tracks were not able to open, or open at half capacity all the while wearing a mask and social distancing to not being able to race with our Canadian friends. The sport and hobby we have taken for granted all these many years hopefully in 2021 will not be taken for granted. Hopefully will be a year, where all of those race cars sitting in garages collecting dust, those race fans talking about heading to the race track will get out and support their local track, the racing friendships made along the way will be more appreciated, the annual racing events supported even greater and all the while racing will not be taken for granted.
MSS would like to take a moment and reflect. Not the year of racing any of us would have liked, but we made the best of a nearly impossible situation. We still had GREAT supporters such as our Series Sponsors CMC Trucking and Perfection Fabricators along with all of our T-Shirt Sponsors; Raymond J. Schaeffer, Inc. Cowboyz Chrome Big Rig Shop, Edwards Mobile Mower Repair, Smith’s Top Notch, RAM Engineering, Morris Auto Service, Adkins Glass, Level Performance, Collins Custom Countertops, SteelPlate Akron, Frank May Garage, FKN Performance and Precision Welding. All of these sponsors support will go to the Owner’s $10,000 Point Fund. THANK YOU on behalf of all of our car owners.
Longtime Supermodified Supporters Randall, Courtney and Spencer Adkins of Adkins Glass for their bike donations again this year. Many of you may not know this, but due to COVID bikes were very hard to come by. Families are making purchases for items that can be done at home or with the family. Let’s just say trying to buy a bike has not been the easiest task to get accomplished this year but they managed to “get r done!” The Hollifield Family in honor of their Grandpa Buck, Dad Jay and Mom Linda $200 Halfway Feature Bonus for these last two years and Dennis and Randy Nader with Precision Welding (Team #64) have been on board supporting MSS since the beginning with Heat Top 3 Finishers cash bonus and other financial support along the way. Nader brothers saying, we don’t have the time to help run the series so it makes us feel better if we can support in some other way.
Our T-Shirt Program would not have been possible without Rich Reid and Kate Lepley. Tireless efforts with this program from getting sponsors, designing shirts, working with T-Shirt Vendor and getting t-shirts to/from the track! Then we have Larry Morris of Morris Auto Service in Elkhart, IN who graciously donated the MSS T-Shirt Wagon for our star sellers Cindy McVetta and Kate Lepley along with their assistants Macy Paller and Stella McVetta. Just a really cool feeling to walk around a race track and see all the MSS Shirts. Thanks to all of you who purchased one!
The “voice” of MSS, Bob Neubauer. Fifty years promoting and devoting his time to the world of racing. MSS has been lucky enough to have him three of those years and our fans have come to recognize this voice and his promoting and educating the fans on our type of racing. We all leave the track learning just a bit more than when we entered the race track that day. Thank you Bob, you are a true professional and here’s to many more years.
The MSS Officials take charge on race day from beginning to end and race day could not go on without them. Jeff Lickfelt-Race Director, competent and knowledgeable. Dawna Lickfelt-Asst. Race Director, Jeff’s right hand person. Denny Watson, our Technical Inspector who recently underwent knee replacement surgery. We wish Denny well with a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back in 2021. Last but not least David May the Pit Steward. This is David’s first year not fielding a car, but he brought the “car owner” mentality to his new role and we all benefited from his experience.
Next up and the group that keeps the fans and drivers connected our Social Media Team; Jim Davidson-Photographer/Webmaster, Tim Church, Kevin and Zach Sears- Facebook, MSS Live, and Children’s Programs. These are “doing what it takes” kind of guy’s. Kevin Sears stepped up using his own personal radios (and purchasing a few more) to support MSS with official radios when the series radios were stolen. The MSS “Live” equipment is also Kevin’s which he graciously lets us use. Kevin takes full responsibility for Junior Grand Marshall Program from ordering Junior Flag Sets to the plaque given to one lucky child at our races. Jim and Zach stepped up and helped fill the void of Denny Watson during our last race by helping David in the pits. Bob’s son Doug went on to fill another role in racing as a Race Director in another series, Tim took his role on with the front stretch podium finish interviews. This is a roll your sleeves up kind of group and MSS is very lucky to have each and every one of them. Because even with all of that, they ask for nothing, doing it for the love of the sport. True dedicated longtime fans and supporters right there!
Now our owners, if it were not for these people obviously there would be no series. We don’t give this group nearly enough credit for what they do. These individuals spend tireless amount of hours in the shop to bring these winged warriors to the track. They do it for the love of racing. Perhaps they do it, because their Dad’s did it. We were able to witness on August 15th the #36 Henes piloted by a third generation JJ Henes. This #36 has been missed these last few years, so we were thrilled to have them back at the track with us. But whatever the reasons, we are so happy that you dedicate your time and resources to bringing your car to the track. Which makes two car owner teams that much more impressive. Kudos to Steve Stout Acme Racing and Mike McVetta McVetta Racing for fielding two cars. In today’s racing climate, that is no small task.
Which brings me to car count. Would we like to bring a full field of cars to the race track every time we race, absolutely. But is it realistic, no. The days of full fields and consi’s are gone with supermodified racing, for now. These unique cars are a one of a kind race car. The individuals that take on this challenge are also unique and should be appreciated if and when they do bring their car to the track. Our wish for the 2021 season are many; race tracks survive 2020, car owners that own a supermodified either bring your car to the track or find someone that will and lastly that supermodified fans will find it in their heart to accept and appreciate the cars that do make their way to the track on race day.
Congratulations again to our 2020 MSS Champion Trent Stephens with Acme Racing Car Owner Steve Stout. These two are no strangers to the “Champion” status. MSS is very lucky to have so many talented drivers, three seasons and three different champions!
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