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Post by jon hynes on Mar 12, 2009 0:38:50 GMT -5
CASTRONOVO said, the younger group seemed more inquisitive throughout the four weeks. One fifth grader asked whether any racing cars use four-wheel drive (only experimentally, said Castronovo). Another fifth grader wanted to know what :wheelie bars" are made of (usually aluminum, explained the instructor), while another asked about regulation car weights in drag racing.
Seventh grader William Williams was most happy with the racing movies and car engine mechanics, while fellow seventh grader Joe LoPiccolo felt he has learned "the basic things involved in driving safety." Both agreed Castronovo was "a nice guy."
Castronovo expressed definite enjoyment in teaching the course. "It was a lot of fun." he explained, "especially answering all those questions."
More important, the nationally prominent driver felt the youngsters received some beneficial knowledge. "I think they will be curious about signs and safety rules when they drive in years to come," he noted.
Sixth grader Rock Femia agreed. "When I'm old enough to drive," he explained, I'll know the right thing to do."
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Post by zarnock on Mar 12, 2009 5:40:17 GMT -5
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Post by frankcor on Mar 12, 2009 10:35:31 GMT -5
Whoa, we never had a drag racing champion teach at Rome Catholic High.
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Post by jon hynes on Mar 12, 2009 17:38:53 GMT -5
Majka Chevy Wins Crown
By TOM LOUGHLIN,Jr.
Vernon - Three Chevrolets, two Dodges, one Pontiac, and a Triumph motorcycle roared to victory Saturday at Utica-Rome Dragway.
Fred Mijka's Chevy powered Henry J C/Altered captured the top eliminator title as his competition, the D/Altered of Sam Spatuzzi, was disqualified. Majka's time for the eighth was 7.11 seconds at 95.45 mph.
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Post by jon hynes on Mar 12, 2009 17:40:02 GMT -5
CHUCK DAPRICE won his second Street eliminator title of the season, defeating favored Doc Sgambellone's "Bits and Pieces" E/Modified 57 Chevy. Dapices "Kong" Camaro lofted to an 8.83 second clocking as Sgambellone's axles justified his car's name.
Cathy Schremmer of Oriskany defeated Utican Mike Jacobs for the Super Stock crown. Cathy's SS/FA Dodge recording a 7.88 second run to Jacobs' SS/EA Dodge's 3.25.
Bill Russell of Endicott downed Al Keyes of Yorkville for the Junior Stock crown, as his 57 Chevy wagon "Magic Bus" torpedoed the red-lighting Keys 8.57-81.81 mph to 8,85 seconds and 79.64 miles per hour for the "Western Union" 57 Chevy.
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Post by jon hynes on Mar 12, 2009 17:41:07 GMT -5
DICK TODD of Cobleskill continued in his winning tradition with a hairs-breath win over the "Candymatic's" 8.34.
Bike Eliminator was won by Jim Russell of Oriskany Cycle Shop on a Triumph 3 cylinder Trident, and runner-up went to teammate Tony Ross on a 650 Bonneville.
Rich Edwards of Canastoda captured the Pure Stock glory, his GTO finishing the last opponent with a fine 9.14 seconds, 83.19 mile per hour run.
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Post by tracman on Mar 12, 2009 21:25:24 GMT -5
Great Stuff!
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Post by tracman on Mar 12, 2009 21:27:53 GMT -5
In the one photo by Dave E M. .......of working on the Engine....I'm pretty sure thats John Guttuso laying on the ground....he traveled with them for awhile if i remember right.
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Post by zarnock on Mar 13, 2009 5:54:23 GMT -5
Yeah, I thought that was John. I can't make out the other guys.... Lance might be able to.
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Post by frankcor on Mar 13, 2009 13:15:17 GMT -5
From the Rome forum on topix.com: I am Craig Pritchard owner of Picture Perfect Pools Rt.5 new hartford ny all former OJ Gulla customers welcome and appreciated here at our store. We have it all pool open, pool closeing, toys,pools, spas, everything. Word on the street is that Craig Pritchard is Crankin Craig from the old Utica Rome Speedway. Does that ring any bells for you race fans?
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Post by zarnock on Mar 13, 2009 16:07:05 GMT -5
Yes, Craig used to run a stock car last I remember....
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Post by stoney on Mar 14, 2009 19:37:24 GMT -5
Bobbiez, I remember Fonda very well! I used to go there every Saturday night with my mother & (asshole) step-father to watch the stockcar races. Lou Lazzaro blew everybody away back then. I can still feel the grit in my teeth from that dirt track...
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Post by stoney on Mar 14, 2009 20:05:01 GMT -5
Hey, ZARNOCK! How the hell are ya'? It's me~~Tauni! Do you still have your car collection? How's Tina doing? I miss Cavenaugh's...
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Post by Clipper on Mar 14, 2009 20:06:39 GMT -5
I used to take Hinkcley and Wurz's ambulance down there about twice a month. We got into the stock car OR the drags for free, and it was fun to sit in the infield during the stock car races. I don't think Jr. got paid for it, but we always took the second rig and went "off the payroll" .
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Post by zarnock on Mar 15, 2009 8:52:41 GMT -5
Bobbiez, I remember Fonda very well! I used to go there every Saturday night with my mother & (asshole) step-father to watch the stockcar races. Lou Lazzaro blew everybody away back then. I can still feel the grit in my teeth from that dirt track... Hey Tauni! How are you? I miss Cavenaugh's too.... It's been a good while. Man, we used to have so much fun there! I haven't been to any of the old places we used to hang at. Tina is doing well, it will be 19 years for us this April 21st! I think the last time I was at Fonda was with your Stepdad and his brother.... I was still in my early teens. I don't remember if you came with us or not.... that was a very long time ago.... and yes, I still have my Hot Wheels collection! Stop by www.MikeZarnock.com and check it out!
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