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| North South Winners |
ECFFRA Boys Return to the Big 1/2 Mile at Concord
The East Coast boys got up early to get to Concord Motorsports Park for the 9:30
practice. Ten cars showed up to put on a great show for the largest crowd ever at the 5th annual North South Shootout.
The old fords lined up to race in early afternoon, second
on the race roster. The green flag fell with #19 Jerry Tuttle and #9 Thomas Needham racing off to turn one. Needham
edged ahead down the backstreach leading the laps one and 2. Close on the heels of #9 was the gray 1940 Deluxe Coupe
of John Barrow, who took the lead on lap 3. On lap 5 the #53 of Rik Newsome slammed into the #28 while trying to improve
his position. The wreck sidelined both the #28 and the #53. All other cars missed the wreck and continued after
a few laps of caution.
The restart had #55 in the lead with #7 of Chris Malcom
hot on his bumper. The two raced hard for 10 laps, with Barrow maintaining the point. All the while the #99 of
Johnny Johnson was moving up through the pack. The #99 moved around the #7 of Malcom and 2 laps later moved under the
#55 down the dogleg to the point.
The #99 , #55 and #7 ran a fast pace dicing for the lead
for the remaining laps ducking in and out of the lapped traffic as the laps wound down. The race result still up in
the air as Barrow moved to the outside and passed #99 Johnson going into turn one on the last lap. Johnson regrouped
and moved under Barrow on the last turn of the last lap to edge ahead for the win.
Race was 25 laps
#99 Johnnie Johnson - Modified winner
#55 John Barrow - Sportsman winner
#6 James Rogers
#31 Clayton Smith
#7 Chris Malcom
#9 Thomas Needham
#19 Jerry Tuttle
#Wayne Tuttle
#David Atkins
#Rik Newsom
This our last race of the season. . . . .See Ya in Daytona in February!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FRANKLIN COUNTY A ROMP FOR CHAMPS!
The ECFFRA showed up at Frankin County with a full field of cars ready to put on a show. I think that anyone present
would agree that the racing is great at FCS!
The Inverted field took the green with Jerry Tuttle in the now famous "Punkin" leading the way. Lap one was led
by newcomer Chris Malcom in the newly painted #7 Modified from the Clegg stable of cars.
#99 Johnnie Johnson and #6 James Rogers made a clean getaway from the race traffic and pulled away from the field in
a 3 car race at the front that included newcomer Chris Malcom, Johnson and Rogers.
Racing deeper in the pack was wild as #9 Thomas Needam led the second group in the second Clegg entry for most of the
race. Slicing and dicing behind Needham was #28 Kenneth Tuttle, last weeks winner, #31 Clayton Smith, #6A and
#55 John Barrow.
Racing was close throughout the pack as the strength of the original Ford Flathead with a 2 barrel Holley went through
the race pace.
Winners were #99 Johnnie Johnson in the Modified and #6 James Rogers. Chris Malcom has a fine showing finishing
3rd.
The ECFFRA welcomed several new members to our laid back friendly "club" racing event and enjoyed the fans, racecars,
"mater" sandwiches and fellowship.
After all, its all about the friends and the fun.
Come see the ECFFRA at the high banks of Concord Motorsports Park at the North South Shootout November 3.
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| JJ holds "court" at Bowman Gray Stadium |
Second Visit to Friendship Better for KT
The second visit to Friendship Motor Speedway was better for ECFFRA Pres Kenneth Tuttle as he out paces 2007 Sportsman
Champ James Rogers for his first win of the Season.
Johnnie Johnson took the Modified win along with the 2007 Modified Championship. Chris Malcom finished 2nd in the
Mod with the "Punkin" piloted by Walkertowns' Jerry Tuttle taking 3rd in the mod standings.
See ya next weekend at Franklin County Speedway for 20 laps of historic racing you will not see anywhere else.
. . . . . from the first and original East Coast Flathead Ford Racing Association!
SECOND VISIT TO FRANKLIN COUNTY EXCITING
The ECFFRA boys (and girls too!) showed up at the newly managed Franklin County Speedway for 20 laps of flattie fun!
The boys unloaded and got in one practice under the 90-+ degree sun. These old farts really wanna race! Who
else would be out in the sun on such a hot day. Anyway, the crews got the cars dialed in for the fast banked 1/2 mile
track.
A inverted start had #6 James Rogers on the pole after a bad crash in the last race at Tri County Speedway.
Jerry Tuttle in the #19 Punkin' was on the outside with John Barrow in the #55 and #99 Johnnie Johnson winners at Tri County
last race making up row two.
James Rogers #6 brought the boys to the green rather slowly, mabe remembering last race. Jerry Tuttle paced James
on the outside thru turn one. #55 tucked right under the #6 with #99 right behind as the fellows finished lap one.
Tight racing throught the field was exciting for the crowd as #7 Chris Malcom and #19 duked it out for several
laps. #45 Donovan Freeman slipped into 4th comfortably after several laps and the #28 was close in persuit.
The racing up front was wild for the first 10 laps with James Rogers running the Casey Kahne high line and John Barrow
trying to get around on the bottom with #99 just onserving for several laps. The #99 and #55 exchanged the low line
several times trying to get to the lead and the crowd was loving it.
Lap 10 spelled the end for the #55's bid for 2 consecutive wins as he retired the 1940 Deluxe Coupe with a power failure
later discovered to be faulty wiring to the fuel pump.
Back up front, #6 and #99 were still fighting over the same piece of race track as the high line seemed to be the medicine
for the evening. With the laps winding down, Johnnie Johnson burried the 1937 Flat Back deep into the 2nd corner and
emerged in the lead and thats how they finished.
Unofficial Finishing order:
#99 Modified Winner
#6 Sportsman Winner
#45
#28
#7
#19
#55
It was a great evening and a great race. #45 Donovan Freeman advised the crowd that David Prilliman, Godfather
to the ECFFRA, had sold the #45 to a fellow up north. He advised that he would be back next season in another car.
The ECFFRA really enjoys the conpetition and fellowship with a Champion like Donovan Freeman and his father and look forward
to seeing him next season.
And enough cannnot be said for the contribution made by David Prilliman and son Curtis.
See ya next race at Friendship Speedway in lovely Elkin, NC on September 14.
JH
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| TCS Track Crew rights Todd Saintsing's #83 |
CrashFest at Tri-County Speedway
The dog days of summer must have caught up with the flathead boys Friday night. The temperatures soared and the
flatheads roared! The old fellows mounted their 60 + year old rides for two practice sessions and a race.
The inverted field put the twitchy #83 beside the #19 Punkin of Jerry Tuttle for the start. It didnt take long
for the fireworks to start as the #83, piloted by Todd Saintsing, spun off of turn 2 collecting 3 cars.
The restart has #55 John Barrow at the point as he drove past the spinning Saintsing to take the lead.
The restart was delayed as the track crew cleaned up the mess caused by the first #83 spin.
The green fell on the flatties, and #53 raced to the lead, with #99 close in tow. Two laps later the #83 spun again
coming off turn 4, this time collecting #28 further reducing the field. And yea, the #83 rolled this time as the
pilot tried to right the spinning coupe down the front streach.
The ensueing red flag lasted more than a few minutes as the track crew again cleaned up the now crashed #83. The
driver was OK, save a little embarrased with two spins taking out 4 cars.
The race restarted and ran the final 11 laps with #99 Johnnie Johnson leading the modified and #55 John Barrow leading
the Sportsman to the checkered flag.
Finishing order:
99
53
55
28
19
83
6
Don't miss our next race at Franklin County Speedway on August 25, 2007 Saturday Night.
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| OUCH, THAT GOTTA SMART !!!!! |
RAIN RELENTS - RACING GREAT AT NEW FRANKLIN COUNTY SPEEDWAY
Wow, what a big change in the track at legendary Franklin County Speedway. The new promoter has cleaned up the
place! All the officials were nice and helpful and no one "LOST" anything while we were racing.
The night was hot and so was the racing.
Finishing order was as follows:
53 Mod Winner
99
6 Sportsman Winner
55
45
83
19
28
It was a good race enjoyed by all, and the cleaned up facilities really make this one of my favorite tracks.
See ya at Tri-County Speedway in Hudson, NC on August 10, 2007!
KT's BIG TUMBLE AT FRIENDSHIP SPEEDWAY
Here are the pics of the tumble that Kenneth Tuttle took at FMS on Friday,
May 11, 2007. A little tire to tire contact and the #28 car goes for the wildest ride of recent history.
Thanks to Juan Pino, track photographer for catching all of the action
from the front streach. As you can see the car goes over several times in a matter of seconds.
Who sez that this is "Old Man Racing"?
Racing is Racing, and all the ECFFRA fans know it.
KT is all right, just nursing a sore shoulder. That is one safe car.
MAY 19
Orange County Speedway
ORANGE COUNTY PROVIDES CLOSE FINISH
The Boys of the ECFFRA showed up at OCS Saturday night to put on a show for the
locals. Notably missing in action was the leader of the group, KT. The racers soldiered on wishing well to thier
injured comrad.
Rosie George started on the pole and brought the old cars to the green with Donovan
Freeman on the outside pole. Beginning laps were orderly, espically in light of the "tumble" KT took last week at Friendship
Speedway.
Donovan Freeman jumped into the lead and lead the boys around for several laps.
Donovan, an old dirt ace, was very complimentary of the #45 car and said it ran the best it has in recent years. Donovan
finished the race in 4th position.
James Rogers assumed the lead next, taking the #45 on the high side. Side
by side racing is great at OCS and this nights race was no exception as the #6 of Rogers and the #45 of Donovan raced
for the lead.
Rogers cleared the #45 and was followed by the #53 of Rik Newsom, who eventually
took the lead for good around lap 9. Rik finished 1st.
In his first start of the season, #55 John Barrow, was stalking the leaders and
testing his 1940 Deluxe Coupe for roadworthyness, as a late arrival didnt allow for any really Hot laps.
Once the #55 got up to speed, He picked off the #45 and set sail for the #6 Sportsman
leader James Rogers. As the race wound down, the #55 of Barrow closed ever so close to the #6 or Rogers with the cars
racing side by side, OCS style, for 7 or 8 laps.
On the white flag lap, Barrow burried the #55 deep into the first turn and
drew almost even with Rogers down the backstreach. Barrow buried the car again in turn 3 and the two cars raced side
by side to the checkers in the closest Sportsman race in years. It was #55 by what was later described as inches.
Top 5
1-#53 Rik Newsom
2-#55 John Barrow
3-#6 James Rogers
4-#45 Donovan Freeman
5-#19 Rosie George
Come Join us at Friendship Speedway on June 15
May 11
Friendship Speedway
BIG CRASH FOR KT AT FRIENDSHIP
Kenneth Tuttle went for a wild ride Friday night in the #28. Reports are sketchy, but from what this reporter has
learned, the heart and soul of the ECFFRA took a tumble down the front streach of the track ending up on his top!
First reports are the KT is OK.
More Later!
April 21, 2007
ORANCE COUNTY SPEEDWAY
ECFFRA CARS PUT ON A SHOW
The Boys in the old cars showed up at the Legendary Orange County
Speedway in force for the second race of the season. The fast and bumpy 3/8 mile makes for a very fast venue for the
old flaties!
The reverse lineup for the Flatheads makes for some exciting starts
and this night was no exception as the cars blasted off into the first turn 3 wide. Newcomer Todd Saintsing, was the
pilot of the familiar red 53 with the regular driver MIA.
The first fast track would yield a exciting race with the gear rule
evidently having little effect on the quality of the race.
Lap 4 brought a caution for the spin of the 53. The
rookie did what is hard to do, that is spin out a flathead.
The race resumed with #99 Johnnie Johnson out front paced by #6
James Rogers, with #28 kenneth "KT" Tuttle in Third. Jerry "Punkin" Tuttle retired the now famous, # 19 Punkin,
compalining of a miss in the MSD box and was heard in the pits growling about getting his money back!
Laps Later, the caution flew again as old timer and substitute driver
Rosie George Hit the wall on the front streach. Luckly, Rosie was not injured and complained of a mechanical problem
causing the crash.
Later restart was uneventful and the same two cars, #99 and # 6
paced the field to the checkers.
#99 Johnnie Johnson won the Modified and #6 James Rogers won the
Sportsman.
1-#99 Johnnie Johnson
2-#6 James Rogers
3-#28 Kenneth Tuttle
4-#83 ben Brown
5-#45 Donovan Freeman
6-#53 Todd Saintsing R
7-#19 Jerry Tuttle
8-#18 Pat Martin
9-#7 Danny Clegg
10# 9 Rosey George
See ya next race...................................be safe!
ECFFRA PIT REPORTER GONE MIA
The normally on top of things pit reporter for the ECFFRA, John "Speedy" Henry has been missing in action this season.
The club has had races and no post to the web site.
The management here a ECFFRA Motor Sports would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Henry and ask him to please
come home. Many thousands of loyal race fans depend on this site to stay abreast of the Vintage Racing scene in the
South.
So wherever you are, PLEASE COME HOME!!!
Annual Rules Meeting Held
The ECFFRA met at the Fire Mountain Grill for their annual rules meeting.
All present had a nice meal, a nice prayer by Mr Clegg. Coffee was served up and the members and car owners went about
their business.
Discussions were held on all topics of interest prior to a vote.
Changes were made in areas that will increase competition, reduce cost to enter
club and increase the FUN!
After all, its all about the fun.
Discussions were had on the annual Daytona Trip. Plans have not been finalized
as of this writing.
See ya at the next meeting.
ANNUAL BANQUET HELD IN EDEN
The old guys ( and gals....sorry) showed up at the Whistle Stop in Eden
NC for the annual East Coast Flathead Ford Racing Association banquet and Awards ceremony.
All in attendance had a nice time remembering the last season and pondering
the next.
Champions for the Modified was Ric Newson and Champion for the Sportsman
was James Rogers. Awards and checks were distributed and all enjoyed the bench racing.
Our first race will be in Daytona again, and all that plan to attend should
contact Kenneth so we can arrange the motel accomadations.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
JJB
FRIENDSHIP - FAST - FUN - AND EXCITING
The East Coast guys showed up at Randy Meyers Friendship Motor Speedway on September 9, 2006 ready to race.
A full field of flatheads took the green for 20 laps of racing. James Rogers jumped into an early lead
with Rik Newsom giving chase. They finished with Rik in first and James in second, taking the sportsman and modified
win.
The real racing was back in 3rd, 4th and 5th. Donavan Freeman ran in 3rd, with John Barrow running side
by side for I know 5 laps, with Kenneth Tuttle in the #28 in 5th trying to figure out who to follow. The #55 cleared
the Freeman car and set sail for the leaders. Several laps later the #55 and the #18 of Rosie George got a little to
close in turn 2 and spun.
The race ended with many cars on the lead lap and the late caution left the finishing order in question until
the checkered flag waived.
1-Rik Newsom
2-James Rogers
3-Kenneth Tuttle
4-Donovan Freeman
5-Mike Norman
6-John Barrow
7-Jerry Tuttle
8-Rosey George
9-Dennis Overby
10-Johnnie Johnson
RAINOUT at Friendship Rescheduled for September 9, 2006
ORANGE COUNTY A BLAST FOR THE OLD CARS!
OCS proved to be a fast and smooth track for the ECFFRA drivers. A field of cars took the green for 20 laps
of flathead racing. When the night was done, Rik Newsom won the Modified and James Rogers won the Sportsman. Rosie
George posted a season high finish of 4th overall, second in the Sportsman.
Our next race is at Friendship Speedway in Elkin, NC on August 31, 2006. See ya there!
CAUTION
FREE RACE AT TRI-COUNTY
The Summer Storms that
drenched the Triad just missed Hudson, NC track to allow for a shortened ECFFRA race. The promoter, under threat of
a rainout, shortened our race to just 15 laps.
The ECFFRA cars lined up for a start on the high banks of Tri-County Speedway in rural
Hudson, North Carolina under threatening skys. A few raindrops fell, but not enough to cancel the racing!
Jerry Tuttle in the #19 "Punkin" drew the outside pole with #53 on the pole for
the second race in a row. #6 was third and #55 fourth at the start. First lap was like the last with #53 leading
and #6 in second. #99 returned to finish third, #83 forth.
Come see the ECFFRA in action at Orange County Speedway on August 19.
CALLAWAY USA FUN AND FAST ! ! !
The ECFFRA Boys (and girls.) showed up at
the finest facility on the ECFFRA Virginia Tour July 1 as the top draw on the Card! Whitey sure knows how to celebrate
the 4th with a night full of audience participation racing.
Whitey had his annual "$1000.00 to win" buzz bomber race which drew cars from all
over the south. We saw a few famaliar faces amont those that showed up to claim what has been billed as the biggest
prize in buzz bomber racing. I reckon Whitey has created a kinda "Kings Royal" of buzz bomber racing, which is a testiment
to his promotional genius!
The excitement started early with a miscue in practice that resulted a crashed #55.
That narrowed the field to 9 cars. The draw put the #53 and #83 on the pole for the race. The #28 car returned
to action with the ECFFRA with Johnny Johnson at the wheel.
The #83 lead the whole race with # 6 giving chase for most of the 25 laps.
The surprise was the strong run of the #28 in third overall.
It was a caution free race with #83 Ric Newsom taking the Modified win and #6 James
Rogers takeing the Sportsman win. Come see us in two weeks at Tri-County Raceway in Hudson, NC
RACE AT FRIENDSHIP
MOTOR SPEEDWAY CAUTION FREE
Clear skies and warm weather greeted the ECFFRAs' visit to the senic 4/10th mile track in lovely
Elkin, NC. Colorful flathead race cars filled the backstretch of what has to be one of the nicest infields we race at.
The Track officials were cordial and the practice proceeded without incident as the flathead
guys prepared to race for 20 laps at the low banked oval.
After practice, Edith Tuttle, the Director of Sports Marketing and Hospitality handled the task
of the draw for the start of the race. Benji Brown drew the pole with Jimmy Clegg on the outside. Favorites Johnny
Johnson and Ric Newsom were deeper in the field.
Ben Brown brought the old fords down the the green flag in good fashion, which
lasted to the first turn, where #7 Jimmy Clegg, from the outside pole, was moving to the inside and spun out on cold tires.
The #7 hit the inside wall and the car incurred enough damage that it did not continue. The #55 pitted during the caution
for an open door (you don't hear that every day) and was relagated from 3rd to the rear of the pack for the second
restart.
The second restart was smooth as the #6 lead until being overtaken by the #53. There
was much racing in the field as the #99 Johnny Johnson raced from a back of the field starting position to challenge the #53
in the modified division.
The #6 James Rogers assumed the Sportsman lead and never relinquished it during the caution
free race. The #29 "racin' milk man" Jack Hale held the 2nd Sportsman position for several laps until the #55, which
started at the rear, caught and carefully passed him in turn 1.
The race proceeded smoothly as the field spread out during the 20 caution free laps. #53
Ric Newson won the Modified and #6 James Rogers won the Sportsman. Next race will be at Franklin County July 1,
see ya there!
(the club may race a rain makeup before, so check back for an update)
THEN . . . . The Rains Came ! ! ! !
Yea, the rain out makeup race at Friendship Motor Speedway was rained out. You know we needed
the rain, just not on Friday Night! This race has not been rescheduled.
 WOW, What GREAT RACE at FRANKLIN COUNTY!!!!
What a great day to race in Virginia. Virginia
may be for lovers, antique ford race car lovers that is....... The ECFFRA had 9 cars make the trip to Whitey's fabled
facility for 25 exciting laps of racing, and the fans will tell your that they were not disappointed. (on
a personal note, Whitey painted the bathrooms, smell and all. It was an improvement, however, there were no signs so
there was still some excitement caused by some confused newcomers in the wrong restroom)
On the start the milk man and the #7 of Jimmy Clegg had a close call. The #53 took the
lead from the #6 Pole sitter, James Rogers. The cars ran a few laps in a tight pack, a result of the new carb rule.
Eb Clifton subbed in the #83 Blue Coupe, his first time behind the wheel in about 40 years.
Eb ran some good laps until about 1/2 way through the race when the Milkman and he collided exiting turn 2. Them
old farts race hard! No great damage, and both cars finished the race no worse for the wear.
The #53 Ric Newsome assumed the lead with the #99, piloted by Sportsman Champ, Kenneth Tuttle,
giving chase. #6 James Rogers held third , John Barrow in the #55 ran fourth and Jack "the milkman" Hale recovered
from the spin to run fifth. This was the first race the Barrow has finished this year, with bugs plaguing the #55 Coupe
all season.
#53 Ric Newsom wins the Modified and #6 James Rogers wins the Sportsman.
Look for the ECFFRA cars next weekend at Friendship Motor Speedway on Friday Night for a rain
out makeup. See ya there!
MAY 12th FRIENDSHIP RACE RAINED OUT
The May 12 race at Friendship Motor Speedway was rained out.
A storm shower wet the track part way through the evenings show and the track crews were unable to dry the track in time to
finish the show. At this time the race has not been rescheduled. Check in here
for a rain date.
TRI COUNTY RACE A GOOD ONE ! ! !
The ECFFRA visited the very nice Tri-County Speedway last Friday Night April 28th
after a April 21st rain out. This was the first visit to this track for the Flatheads in recent history and one now
soon forgotten.
The track is nestled in the foothills of North Carolina and the drive to the track is long, but
well worth it. The rural North Carolina scenery along the way in April was refreshing to this writer .
No pig farms or chicken coops, just North Carolina country!
The gang of old Fords arrived early at the track via the tunnel at the track.
This feature was nice. The old guys like to vamoose when the race is over, no hanging around.
The practice was allowed about 10 minutes before the race, which was a problem for those that
hadn't run this track before (duh, everybody), as a gear change or repair was not allowed because of the shortness of the
timing. The promoter said he would do better when we return later in the summer.
The cars lined up by draw and roared off into the 1st turn. Ric Newsome lead early in the
Modifieds with Johnny Johnson in persuit. The new driver, Jack Hale, roared off to the sportsman lead and never relinquished
it. Several cars had trouble including John Barrow and James Rogers. Rosey George ran a good race and paced the
sportsman field in 2nd place for most of the race.
The racing at the front was familiar with Johnny Johnson and Ric Newsom battling at the front.
The Modified was won by Johnny Johnson.
The Sportsman was won by Hack Hale. This was Jack's first race with the club in five years.
Jack is surely the oldest winner in ECFFRA history at 81 years. Jack race a good race and everyone in the crowd went
wild when the announcer told them that Jack was 81.
See ya at Friendship Speedway on May 12.
APRIL 21 TriCounty Rainout
The first local race of the year has been canceled because of rain. The great staff at TriCounty Speedway let us
know before anyone had to haul up there. Some tracks should take a lesson from these guys. Anyway, We will race
at TriCounty next Friday night, April 28th.
See ya there!
NOT SAVED YET ! ! !
The group that is trying to reopen North Wilkesboro Speedway advised that the speedway will not reopen this season.
We thank the group for their efforts and hope that it will all work out next year.
ORLANDO SPEEDWORLD HOST ECFFRA WINTER NATIONALS
The ECFFRA took 9 teams to Daytona Florida for the
2006 Winter Nationals at Orlando Speedworld. The trip down was long and uneventful (thanks) and it took the
guys a while to find the motel and the track. Both were about 30 minutes south of Daytona. The track, Orlando
Speedworld, is a super fast 3/8 high banked track. The ECFFRA just loved it.
The teams stayed at the Holiday Inn on the Indian River
with a view of the Space Center. The parking lot was spacious with plenty of room for the cars and race preparations.
(the hardtop was VIP as we pitted in the sand at the track.....very iffy on a jackstand!)
Upon arrival at the Speedway, we were warmly greeted
by the track officials. We all pitted together and were given 2 practices, a 10 lap heat race and a 20 lap feature.
As Rusty, the track operator said, "you didnt drive 500 miles just to race 20 laps did you?" . Damn, what a nice
thoughtful promoter. We need to give him a trophy! He told us it was our show and we could run it the way
we wanted!
The Thursday night racing went off without a hitch,
2 practices, a 10 lap heat and a 20 lap feature. Johnny Johnson won the modified and Kenneth Tuttle won the Sportsman.
We were out by 9:30 pm.
The Friday night was a different story with the ECFFRA
set last instead of first. Johnny Johnson won the Modified and James Rogers won the Sportsman race. . . . . . .and we
finished at 1:30am. I reckon you can race all night in Florida. . . . . I reckon the allegators don't complain
too much about the noise.
Being the first race of the season, there was plenty
of work to do on the cars after each race and the parking lot at the Holliday Inn looked like the pit at the Daytona 500!
The folks at the Holiday Inn were great and accomadated us at every turn.
Sadly, Saturday brought the rain. It blew up
clouds and started raining in the afternoon. All practice and heats were cancelled at the track and we finally called
the race after 6 pm.
All in all, our first visit to the Orlando Speedworld was
a great success. The track personel was great and the facility was great! One racer said the he would like to
take the track back up the road to NC. It's true, the flatheads loved the track and the racing was fast and competative.
We look forward to visiting Orlando Speedworld next year.
ITS DONE..................... The 2006 Schedule that is!
The long awaited schedule for the 2006 season is done. After many months of hard work by our members, we have a
good schedule for the 2006 season.
Especially nice will be two visits to the Historic North Wilkesboro Speedway this season. I would like to thank
Kirk Wilson for including our organization in their new season, first since 1996. I will be so much fun to see the old
coupes and coachs on the track at NWS.
The Save the Speedway folks agreed that the old cars were a natural for this historic speedway and we agree.
Kenneth Tuttle has set up a great season for us at Friendship Motor Speedway, Callaway USA, Hickory Motor Speedway, Tri-County
Speedway, Orange County, Concord Motorsport Park and of course North Wilkesboro Speedway!
CLUB PRESIDENT WORKING HARD IN OFF SEASON
Club Pres Kenneth Tuttle has been working hard at lining up races for the ECFFRA 2006 season.
We will be racing at all the tracks we raced at last season plus we will add Hickory and Tri-County to the line up this season.
Of course multiple visits to Friendship Motor Speedway and Franklin County Callaway USA are slated.
It is shaping up like a very well planned out season for all our racers and we want to welcome the new racers
to our fold.........Friends, Fellowship and Racin' !!!!!!!!!! What else could one ask for.
See ya at the track.
NOVEMBER MEETING AT FIRE MOUNTAIN IN W-S
A very nice November meetng was had at the new Fire Mountain on Hanes Mill Road in WInston-Salem, NC.
Many memebers were in attendance and the group discussed the success of the 2005 season, and plans for the 2006 season.
Members confirmed their choice to skip the North-South Shootout because our lack of control over the cars to compete.
As all members know our rules reflect safety ,parity and affordability in racing. Our lack of ability to sponsor the
event precipitated our withdrawal. One race engines and light unsafe cars is not where the club chooses to go.
ECFFRA rules makes racing old fords safe, affordable and fun. After all, that is what it's all about...... the fellowship.
The group discussed the rules package for the 2006 season with an eye towards economy and parity. All agreed that
some testing may be neccessary before any changes are made.
All have a nice Thanksgiving!
CLUB VOTES NOT TO ATTEND N-S SHOOTOUT
The club at its regular Monday night meeting voted not to attend the North South Shootout. A nice dinner was had.
LAST REGULAR RACE AT FRIENDSHIP A NICE ONE!!!
The last regular race of the season was an exciting one. There was racing from front to the rear of
the pack. Early on Rik Newsom and James Rogers pulled away from
the nearly full field of ECFFRA cars. The #99 was piloted by NASCAR regular Johnnie
Johnson this night and he was mired in the field from the start.
The #16 of Kenneth Tuttle paced the Sportsman cars during most of the race, followed by the
#6 of Danny Clegg.
Rosey George in the familar #18 Blue Coupe announced that this was his last race,
however, that remains to be seen. Check back in '06!
As the race wound down, The #99 of Johnnie Johnson caught the #53 of Rik
Newsom in a spritited battle for the Modified lead. Johnson later passed and eventually pulled away from Newsom.
The #16 of Ken Tuttle had engine problems and he pulled to the pits on the last lap leaving
the door open for #9 Danny Clegg to get his first win in the Sportsman Class. But a loose
1940 Sedan in turns 4 spelled an end to that bid for a win when Clegg hit the wall short of the fininh line.
Johnson won the Modified and Ken Tuttle won the Sportsman from the pits.
NORTH - SOUTH SHOOTOUT INFO
The North-South Shoouout in coming up November 4-5 at Concord Motor Speedway. The
flatheads will be running a 10 lap heat race on the 4th and a 25 lap feature on the 5th. Most exciting.
As you know, The North-South Shootout is a non-points event, but it is probably one of our better
races of the year. We encourage all members to sign up for this event. The East Coast Flatheads have been invited
to this event every year since its inception and the fans really look forward to the show the "old cars" put on.
I have added a link to the entry form page of the NSS website. Be sure to link to
the North-South site to print an entry form and mail it in. The page link is below.
You can link to the North-South Shootout site above or on our LINKS page. Check it
out! A good time will be had by all at this 2 day event.
CLICK HERE FOR NORTH-SOUTH ENTRY FORM
FRIENDSHIP HOT FOR THE ECFFRA AUGUST VISIT
The ECFFRA flatheads showed up at FMS August 13, 2005 for a night of tomato sandwiches,
fried chicken and racing. Eleven cars showed up to compete in the nights race with mostly regular faces.
Absent last race but ready to compete on the 4/10 bullring was Jerry Tuttle in the #19 "punkin". Also was
a guest driver for the #7, as Jimmy Clegg was unavailable to pilot the #7.
Practice was hot, and FMS gave the flatheads 2 nice practices to straignten out any handling
problems on the cars.
A draw had the Modified #6 James Rogers and the Sportsman #16 Ken Tuttle on the front row.
Tranny troubles in the #16 sidelined the Ken Tuttle entry before the start of the race. A smooth start had all cars
off to a good start and the Modified # 6 of James Rogers takes the lead early. The #55 of John Barrow assumed
the Sportsman lead from the 6th place starting position and led the whole race. Sportsman #9 Danny Clegg gave
chase and made it a race.
Modified #53 Rik Newsom took the lead and early leader #6 James Rogers chased each other
for several laps finishing nose to tail, 1st and 2nd with Modified #99 David Atkins in 3rd and Donovan Freeman in
the Modified #45 finishing fourth with Sportsman #55 John Barrow rounding out the top 5.
It was an exciting race run with no cautions. It was Barrow's first win with the ECFFRA
after a several year string of 2nd place finishes. Post race interviews were spirited with Rik Newsom climbing the fence
to celebrate his fifth win of the season.
Our next race will be at Friendship Motor Speedway on October 15, 2005.
Don't miss it as the Championship Battle in both divisions will be decided.
Friendship Hosts The ECFFRA Cars
The flatheads showed up at FMS along with the Virginia
Old Timers to put on a great show. ECFFRA has 10 Cars in attendance and ran a 20 a feature. It was an exciting
night with Modified #6 starting on the Pole. The big guy from Virginia led for a number of laps.
The Modified #53 piloted by Rik Newsom worked his way through the field and was leading
at the end of the caution free race. The Sportsman #16 Kenneth Tuttle in his 1940 Ford coach found a familar place on
lap 3 as he eased by Sportsman #55 John Barrow to assume the Sportsman lead which he held to the end of the race.
All in all it was a good evening of racing with FMS being the always gratious host.
See ya back at FMS on August 13.
A BIT SOGGY, BUT A GOOD RACE IN VIRGINIA
Whitey again welcomed the ECFFRA to his unique facility on the fourth of July. This visit
was the scene of the annual Club picnic with over 30 members and friends in attendance. The fair was hot dogs and tons
of homemade potato salad and slaw and beets and cake and brownies and cake . . . . well you get the idea. A great
time was had by all and the picnic was finished before the rains came.
Rain. . . a bad thing at Franklin County. Bad because the red mud that gets everywhere and on everything.
Not bad because the track drys in no time flat.
The Flatheads took to the track for 25 laps of racing. John Barrow and James Rogers started
from the pole as a result of the draw. Past winners Kenneth Tuttle and Rik Newsom drew the rear of the 10 car field.
The first attempt at a start was yellow flagged as #53 Rik Newsom and #16 Kenneth Tuttle tangled
in turn 2. Kenneth Tuttle was left crashed head first into the inside wall. The cars again lined up double
file for a restart which on the second try went well.
Racing was heated all around the track with #99 with Johnnie Johnson pacing the field
at a furious pace . Johnson lead in the 1937 flatback until a spin to avoid another car on lap 20. Rik Newson
took the lead and never looked back. In the Sportsman Class, #16 Ken Tuttle, recovered from the early crash and took
the lead from #55 John Barrow on lap 8 and held it till the finish. Donavan Freeman made a second appearance this season
and piloted the #45 to a nice finish.
A good time was had by all. Friends, Fellowship and Racecars . . . . .
. . .what else does one need!
Pics to follow later in the week. ed.
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