MAY 2005 NEWS

Happy Memorial Day Weekend
Thank you to the men and women who
have sacrificed their lives for our freedom
and who continue to protect us
 

Charlotte - Pit Report:  Jessica Haines
The JBFC would like to thank 10 year old JB fan Jessica Haines for all her hard work in reporting the action at Charlotte for the Craftsman Truck Race.  She did a great job capturing all the details! 

From Jessica:  I have been a Johnny Benson fan since I was 3 years old, watching him race the Cheerios car. Yellow is my favorite color and I was eating Cheerios. My favorite moment was when he won his first Winston Cup race at Rockingham in his Valvoline car.

Johnny qualified 27^th for the truck race, but had to go to the back of the pack because his truck needed body repair before the race began. Out of 36 trucks in the starting field, he started the race in 34^th place. When the race started, his crew chief told him that he could go at least 39 laps before pitting.

At lap 9, the first caution came out due to a spin on the front stretch. Johnny had already moved up to 27^th place. At lap 17, the second caution came out due to a crash in turn 1. Johnny had moved up to 17^th place by this lap. When he saw some rain drops on his windshield during this caution, a quick radar check by his crew advised him that the rain was passing just north of the Concord area and not to worry.

On lap 28, the third caution came out due to a crash in turn 1. Johnny’s crew decided to have him pit at this time. He was in 17^th place before this pit stop and was in 23^rd place when the green flag came out at lap 34. On lap 35, the fourth caution came out due to a crash in turn 4. Johnny had already moved back up to 18^th place when the green flag came out again at lap 39.

On lap 43, the fifth caution came out due to a spin in turn 2. Johnny had worked his way up to 16^th place by this time. By lap 50, he was in 10^th place. By lap 54, his awesome truck had moved up to 8^th place. On lap 58, the sixth caution came out due to a multi truck crash in turn 2, which was just in front of Johnny. He was able to drive through the crash without getting hit and by the time the green flag came out again on lap 62, Johnny was in 2^nd place. He was told by his crew chief that he needed to stay out another 10 laps to get inside his fuel window.

On lap 69, the seventh caution came out. Johnny, in 8^th place, made his pit stop during this caution, as he was just inside his fuel window. During this pit stop, Johnny had a delay in the pit and he lost several positions on the race track. His crew chief told him that he needed to save fuel during caution laps only. When the green flag came out on lap 75, he was in 19^th place. On lap 77, the eighth caution came out due to a crash in turn 4. Johnny was able to drive through and missed getting hit. By lap 80, he had moved up to 7^th place and was again told to save fuel during caution only. By lap 96, he was able to get

 as high as 2^nd place.

On lap 115, the ninth caution came out when the leader crashed. Johnny’s crew decided not to pit at this time, but again told him to save fuel, as he was in 3^rd place. On lap 130, the tenth and final caution came out due to a crash in turn 4. This late caution caused a 2 lap shootout to the finish. Johnny was able to hold on to a 4^th place finish. This was an exciting race to watch with close racing and lots of cautions.

Congratulations to Johnny and his team in getting their first Top 5 finish this year. This great finish helped Johnny to move up 3 spots, to 7^th place, in the Truck Series standings for the year.   (05-30-05)

Toyota to Sponsor Milwaukee Truck Race:
The Milwaukee Mile and Toyota's Chicago Region announced that the upcoming NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at the tradition-rich speedway on Friday, June 24, will be called the 'Toyota Tundra Milwaukee 200.' The 'Toyota Tundra Milwaukee 200,' which will be broadcast live on SPEED Channel, will begin at 9:00pm/et and will be the culmination of a complete day of NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series action at the track. Race day will also include practice and qualifying sessions -- a format that was initially introduced to the series at The Milwaukee Mile in 2004. There will be a pair of practice sessions in the afternoon, followed by pole position qualifying at 6:30pm/et. In addition to serving as the title sponsor for the Milwaukee event, Toyota will furnish vehicles for on-track activities and have a visible presence at the oldest, continuously-operated speedway in the world. Currently, Jack Safro Toyota in Brookfield, WI is the official vehicle-provider to The Milwaukee Mile, including all of the speedway's Toyota Tundra Quad Cab safety units. This marks the second NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race that will have Toyota as the title sponsor. Toyota is also the primary sponsor of the 'Toyota Tundra 200' at Nashville Superspeedway, a relationship that began in 2004. Ticket information for the 'Toyota Tundra Milwaukee 200' NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race is available by calling 414-453-8277, or visiting www.milwaukeemile.com  (05-31-05)

Berlin Raceway Photos:  By Doug Dubois

By Tom DeVette

    

 By Dirk Redder

Milwaukee Track Review:  By John Medrow
The JBFC thanks fan club member, John Medrow for sharing his comments about the Milwaukee track.  Sounds like it is the place to be!  I know I will be there ....  Barb

The Milwaukee Mile is a very fan friendly track.  Be prepared to drink beer and eat brats!!  I sit in row 18 on the front stretch for the Busch race.  When the cars are on the back stretch, I can see the car from just below the driver's window on up.  I sit in row 22 on turn 1 for the truck race, and that is an awesome seat!!  I see the trucks coming down pit road, and can see them clearly around the whole track. 

The souvenier trailers are right behind the grandstand.  There aren't many, but enough are there for you to spend some money.  Parking is available on the State Fair Park/Milwaukee Mile grounds for a fee.  There is a good amount of parking available on the city streets just south of the track....it only a couple block walk.  There are several hotels by General Mitchell International Airport.  That is only a 10-15 minute drive south on I-894 east.  Hope this helps. 
GO JOHNNY!!  (05-28-05)

Benson to race in Saturday's Spring Championship
NASCAR Truck Series regular and Grand Rapids native Johnny Benson will race in Saturday's Spring Championship, he announced today. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is off this weekend, leaving Benson with time to return to his roots...Coors Light Late Model racing at Berlin Raceway. He will bring his #10 Berger Chevrolet car, one of two Late Models that he personally built to race at Berlin, to Saturday's Spring Championship Night and compete against the tough Coors Light Late Model regulars in the 100-lap feature.

Benson tested his car this afternoon during the weekly Wednesday test session and determined that the car is race-ready (and fast!).

Fans are in for a real hot diggity dog of a deal this weekend. In addition to a double-length Coors Light Late Model feature, Berlin is also offering a holiday special for the first time ever - $1 12 oz beers and $1 hot dogs are on the menu all night long. Add in a cameo appearance by Benson, and the ticket price of $11 in advance or $12 at the gate becomes a true bargain price. Kids 3-12 are half price and 2 and under are free. Pit passes for those 16 and older are $25.   Races begin at 7 p.m.     (05-25-05)

Craftsman re-ups as Title Sponsor of the Truck Series:
NASCAR announced today that Sears, Roebuck and Co., through its proprietary Craftsman tool brand, has renewed its title sponsorship of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is one of America’s fastest growing major sports properties and now the No. 3 motorsports property on cable television. “Sears’ outstanding support during the past decade has helped the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series become one of the hottest motorsports properties in America, which continues to draw new fans and provide tremendous value for sponsors and media partners,” said George Pyne, NASCAR chief operating officer. “Craftsman’s commitment, coupled with additional marketing support and in-store exposure from the Sears-Kmart merger, will help take the series to new heights.”

In 2004, 19 of 25 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events experienced increases in the average number of households tuned in. The 2005 season-opening Florida Dodge Dealers 250 at Daytona International Speedway earned a 2.1 rating on SPEED Channel, up +31% vs. 2004 – the highest rated program in SPEED Channel’s broadcast history. The most recent event, the Quaker Steak and Lube 200 presented by Click It or Ticket at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on May 20, was the most-watched Series event outside of Daytona on SPEED Channel. Thus far this season, an average of 680,000 households (+16%) and 954,000 viewers (+21%) have tuned in to each NASCAR Craftsman Truck series event.  (05-27-05)

Mansfield Speedway For Sale:
Mansfield Motorsports Speedway is for sale. Michael Dzurilla, who once saved the track from sheriff's auction, has owned the half-mile oval on Crall Road for three years. But the Cleveland-area businessman who relocated to Ashland cannot continue in his role. "I lost too much money," he said. Dzurilla, 47, invested more than $17 million in upgrades, while maintaining Bullet Motorsports, a high-profile yet unsponsored NHRA Pro Stock drag racing team. MMS took a financial hit on both UAW-GM Ohio 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races the last two springs. While both races were sold out, they didn't take in enough to offset the cost for NASCAR's sanctioning, the costs to bring in temporary bleachers, and the costs to bring in personnel to run the race. Dzurilla wouldn't divulge figures, saying only each of those expenses were in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. This year, temporary bleachers in Turn 1 were wiped out by the weather, which canceled Friday's concerts and fireworks show. MMS crew and volunteers worked through the night to clear the debris and get the track race ready, but cold weather and on-and-off rain delayed qualifying and made Saturday's attendance less than a typical weekly show.  The May 15 race drew 25,000 fans, but cool temperatures hurt concessions.  (5-25-2005)

Michigan Pulls Out of Hall Race
Michigan officials say they won't submit a bid to land NASCAR's proposed hall of fame and museum, the Daytona Beach (Fla.) News-Journal reports. "We really aren't pursuing it," said Michael Shore, vice president of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. "The governor gave us the green light to explore it. But when we reviewed the financial commitment it would take to make one of these really work - and given the state's economic situation - we were talking a lot of money and a long-term commitment." Daytona Beach, Atlanta, Charlotte, Kansas City and Richmond, Va., are expected to submit bids for the facility to NASCAR by the end of this month, although Daytona Beach has lost its bid to win $30 million in state support for the project.  (05-12-05)

Storm takes out 5000 seats at Mansfield:
That wind came through the Mansfield Motorsports Speedway about 7:15 p.m. Friday and collapsed two sections of 5,000 temporary bleacher seats in turn one. They were unoccupied at the time. "The wind got under them and flipped them onto the catch fencing. They're probably a total loss," said MMS vice president Tim Stephens. Crews were expected to work through the night putting in new bleachers. "We have spare parts and plenty of good people. That's part and parcel of running this kind of race," Stephens said. Stephens was on his way back to the track from downtown when the winds hit. "We saw the storm coming and let people (at the track) know it was on the way," he said. When the wind had passed and it was established there was no danger, all activities were canceled and spectators were asked to leave. Stephens estimated about 2,000 people were at the track at the time. Pole qualifying begins today [Saturday] at 5:30 p.m.  (jayski - 05-14-05)
 

JBFC Bus Trip to MIS Truck Race
The bus trip is now sold out!  We are look forward to the trip to MIS with JB fans.  Now all we need is for the weather to cooperate.   (05-13-05)

Extreme Outdoor Camouflage 
Bill Davis Racing announced Monday Xtreme Outdoor Camouflage, Inc. (XOC), an Arkansas-based outdoor apparel company, is joining its 2005 sponsorship lineup, starting this weekend. Xtreme Outdoor Camouflage will sponsor Johnny Benson and his No. 23 Toyota Tundra truck team at Mansfield (Ohio) Motorsports Park.

“Xtreme Outdoor Camo is a revolutionary product,” said Bill Davis, president and owner of Bill Davis Racing.  “When people see this product they are going to be amazed with its innovative design. It’s going to change how the outdoorsman looks at camouflage products. I am really delighted and honored to have them join the Bill Davis Racing family.” 

With its unique styling and state-of-the-art design, Xtreme Outdoor Camo, out of Jacksonville, Ark., is becoming the leader in outdoor apparel.  It offers a whole new generation of camouflage unmatched by any in the industry. With its PreyBlind Technology, XOC brings realistic photo technologies to hunters, fishermen and many other outdoorsmen. 

"I am really excited about this partnership with Bill Davis Racing,” said James Riley, founder and owner of XOC.  “I think this is going to definitely help increase awareness of the brand.  NASCAR has such an overwhelming fan base.  It is a great way for us to show what Xtreme Outdoor Camo is all about.  BDR is a proven winner, and I’m looking forward to seeing the XOC truck on the track.” 

Riley is also the CEO and host of the nationally televised hunting and fishing show “American Xtreme Outdoor Adventures.”  Riley continually strives to bring great quality programming to every viewer through his show.  (05-09-05)   

JBFC Kids Contest
Don't forget that if you are 17 years and under, you have a chance to win a 1:24 Muppet / Valvoline Car.  Check out the May newsletter for all details.  Deadline is May 17th.   (05-10-05)    
 

A Fan's Perspective - Talladega
By:  Jan Florence
(Note:  Thank you, Jan!  For sharing your experience to Talladega.  I feel like I went one your trip.  Even though JB was racing at Gateway during the Talladega, it is always good to get a JB fan's perspective on their race weekend!  Barb)

How fun is a bus trip with Momentum Sports to 'Dega?  Well, we left Grand Rapids around 2:00 a.m. on Friday.  The bus stopped every 3 hours or so.  We started out with driver Keith.  Just north of Indy, Larry jumped on board as the driver who stayed with us all weekend.

We watched lots of movies and arrived at our hotel early evening.  On Saturday, we headed to the track for Nextel Cup practice and the Busch race.  And of course, shopping!  Practice was cancelled so it gave us a lot of time to shop.   We visited the International Motorsports Hall of Fame museum - very cool.  The jet driers worked all afternoon and about 4:15 the race started.  Well, I guess the drivers thought it might be shortened by rain and they started
racin' [wreckin'] early and often. It was exciting to watch.

We had plans to head to the the dirt track that night, but it was cancelled.  Heard that Ken Schrader won there on Friday.  Sunday, we headed out early and Larry got us to the track as the gates opened.  The mud had dried up some.  Some of us purchased pit passes [our first time].

Had a nice visit with one of JB's crew who came right from Gateway to help
Mike Skinner.  Pit road was open to Elliot Sadler's pit, then the cars
were coming out.  We had the same great seats for both days, row 55!!  I
wasn't as tense watching the race in person as I am when watching it on TV. 

We were excited for Ken Schrader's 8th place finish. Lots of cheers every time
anyone in the 'big one' made it back on the track.  That was neat.  Larry
got us right out of the parking lot in between some haulers. Drat, ran out
of film.  We headed out Monday about 7 and picked up driver Dave about 75 miles north on Indy.  We stopped the same 2 places for meals on the way home and the staff asked us about the races. We were home about 11:30 p.m.

Our next trip will be to watch JB at MIS with Johnny's fans.  We can hardly wait!     (05-07-05)
 

Extreme Sound & Entertainment
Is Grand Rapids preferred mobile DJ service and will be part of the JBFC event on June 14th.  Extreme Sound and Entertainment specializes in all types of parties and receptions.  Their services include: 

• Sound & Lighting Installation
• DJ & Karaoke Services
• Visual Systems (TV's/ Projectors)
• Service & Repair

All Johnny Benson Fan Club Member and their families will receive
$100 off your next fun filled event.  Call them today to book your party at
(616) 735-1666.  (05-07-05)
 

At the "Rock"
There is a huge rock in front of Rockingham Motor Speedway in North Carolina.  The rock has all Cup winner's name engraved on it.  Johnny earned a spot on that rock with his win in 2002.  Fans on the message board requested that I post a picture of it.  This is the best picture I could find.  Johnny's name is just above Joe Nemechek's.     (05-05-05)

School Bus Races / Reading Club Night at Berlin Raceway
As the school year heads toward summer break, a handful of local school buses are heading for retirement this Saturday night, May 7. That is, after five Berlin Raceway drivers treat them to the fastest bus route these buses have ever seen.

School Bus Races highlight Saturday’s Berlin Raceway slate of events. A tie-in with Reading Club Night, school bus races will slam and bang for two four-lap heat races and a six-lap feature race in the middle of the regular racing show (sometime between 8 and 9 p.m., depending on how fast the regular heat races finish). The buses will be painted with “war paint” by participating schools and will be driven by Berlin’s Coors Light Late Model division drivers Tim DeVos, Billy Shotko, Paul Namey; Engine Pro Super Stock driver Zach Dunson and Standale Lumber Pro Stock driver Todd Root.

Twenty-two area schools participated in the Reading Club Program, which celebrates March as Reading Month. Any of the 5,000 students who attend the 22 elementary schools were eligible to participate. Students who read at least 450 minutes during the month of March earned a complimentary ticket to attend one of two Reading Club Nights at Berlin Raceway (May 7 and June 4). Some of the schools even formed groups to attend the races together; the largest school group attending on May 7 will be 170 children and family members from Murray Lake Elementary in Lowell. Reading Club participants attending individually must present their bookmark with minutes read filled in as proof of completion of program. A Reading Club banner will be on display for all participating students to sign.

The Reading Club Program is sponsored by Alticor, Kent Communications Inc., McDonald’s, Gerrit’s Appliance, FedCom Credit Union, Michigan Education Savings Program and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Berlin Raceway Director of Race Operations Mike Strevel said the popularity of School Bus Races during last year’s Night of Destruction during Berlin Fair week prompted officials to bring back the school buses for an encore - this time as part of Berlin Raceway’s weekly racing.

“We got more calls from fans about how much they enjoyed the school bus races than about any other single event last season,” Strevel said. “Fans wanted more. Drivers wanted more. We knew we had a winner with this event, so we brought it back twice for this season. It was a natural to tie it in with Reading Club Nights, so the kids who completed their reading goal could enjoy seeing school buses like they ride every day to school getting driven in a, well, a different way.”

The buses were provided by Neal’s Truck Parts in Grand Rapids. They will be heading to the junk yard to be used as scrap metal after this event, so the school bus race drivers might not be so worried about sheet metal and paint job repairs as they are on their regular race cars. We’ll leave it at that...

Saturday’s race is Standale Interiors Sportsman Night presented by Standale Interiors. Events include weekly points races involving Coors Light Late Model, Engine Pro Super Stock, Standale Interiors Pro Stock and Standale Lumber Sportsman divisions, plus a pre-race on-track Standale Interiors Sportsman division autograph session at 6:10 p.m. Gates open at 11 a.m. and racing gets under way at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $11 in advance and $12 at the gate for general admission; kids 3-12 are half price and 2 and under are free. Pit passes are $25 (16 and older only).   (05-05-05)