|
Click Here And Save
This For Your Desktop Pic!
Designed By Remember When Photography.
|
|
The
TVMRS and Twin State Speedway, Claremont , NH., regret to announce
that tomorrows running of the “Ricky Miller Memorial 100,” presented
by New England Outdoor Furnaces, has been postponed because of
this weekends storm. The entire two day event has been
re-scheduled to Oct 25, 26. |
|
Ricky’s Race Organizers Close To Goal for
Victory Junction Gang:
Claremont, NH (September 24, 2008) - - Organizers of this weekends
“Ricky Miller 100” race at Twin State Speedway, Claremont, NH.,
Sunday September 28, are pleased to announce their lap sponsorship
campaign has been a success with all 100 laps of the True Value
Modified Racing Series race sponsored by area businesses and fans.
All proceeds will benefit the Victory Junction Gang organization.
Kyle and Patty Petty founded the camp to help chronic and
terminally ill children.
“What a foundation for what we are doing said Donnie “Jet” Miller,
speaking on behalf of his family. All money collected goes to
Victory Junction Gang. This starts us off at $10,000 and our goal
is $15,000. We are well on our way and I want to thank everyone
for their support. I just heard today that if driver Mike Parks
wins the pro stock race Saturday, he’s donating all his winnings
to our cause. What a wonderful gesture.” Miller added, “Anyone
that wants to make a contribution, no matter what the amount, we
would be very grateful, everything is going to this great cause to
help these kids. This is Ricky’s race and he’d be proud.”
Raffles and door prizes will be done on Sunday to help organizers
reach their goal.
Race Time is 1:00 PM |
|
Daniels Comes Back To Race For Ricky:
Canaan , NH . (September 21, 2008) - - It is no secret that the
racing game is hard to walk away from when you choose to make that
move. Drivers and even car owners who spend 20 plus years involved
in racing look for other opportunities to occupy time. Most will
focus on family, vacations, kid’s sports, home projects, whatever
it takes to deter them from wanting to get back. For some, they
can’t break away,, always looking for results, news, go to the
races, or in this case just sit back and from a distance watch the
progress, the growth, the weekly happenings of the True Value
Modified Racing Series.
Peter Daniels, an eight-time track champion at Twin State , three
of those titles in the modified division, admits he’s paid
attention since his last race in 2005. “I have kept up with the
series, absolutely, it is amazing to see where the series is,
where it has come from, the names that are competing. Daniels
added, “I have really missed racing, missed the series, I raced
against some greats drivers, but it was time to move on.”
After 23 years it was time for Daniels to change his priorities.
“Home projects, time spent with family, a son that plays hockey,
baseball, football.” all important moments in Daniels life as a
husband and father. Daniels enjoys watching his son participate in
sports but the 2002 NASCAR National Champ is quick to point out,
“My son misses his Dad racing too.” That will come to an end this
weekend when Peter straps himself into a ground pounding modified
as the Twin State Speedway plays host to the True Value Modified
Racing Series for the first time and the running of the 1st annual
“Ricky Miller Memorial 100,” presented by New England Outdoor
Furnaces.
As for his return, “Truthfully it almost happened earlier.” said
Daniels. Jack (Bateman) contacted me early on about Thunder Road
and Claremont ( Twin State ) to see if I had any interest. I could
not commit to Thunder Road but I was definitely interested in this
race at Twin State . Luke Royea was kind enough to give me a ride,
a shot, a chance to drive a modified again at Twin State . A
chance to race in Ricky’s race. I raced against Ricky, a good kid
and a heck of a racer. I am grateful to Luke for the opportunity.
I just hope we can qualify, put on a good show, and get a good
finish for Luke and his team.”
Daniels has already turned some strong laps at Twin State in
scheduled practice sessions.
“It felt good. I just needed to get the cobwebs out, but once I
did, it felt like home.” Pit side observers have said that Daniels
looked like he has not been away. Each lap, he was getting faster
and faster.
When the checkered flag drops Sunday, will the 3-time winner on
the TVMRS give any consideration to a full time return to the
series? Daniels paused, “No, I don’t think so. My brother, my
crew, we’re all doing different things now. It costs a lot of
money to race these things, I sold my cars and parts, cleaned out
everything so I would not go running back, we would have to start
from scratch and I do not see that happening.” Would Daniels give
consideration to maybe a part time schedule driving for someone
else? “I’m not sure, (another pause) well maybe.” If Daniels has a
strong run Sunday, perhaps opportunity will come knocking.
Question is, will he answer the door.
Sunday’s race in honor of Ricky Miller will also benefit the
Victory Junction Gang organization. Race time is 1:00 PM. |
|
Former Claremont Champion Named Honorary
Starter for Ricky’s Race:
 Claremont, NH
(September 18, 2008) - - Former Claremont (Twin State) Speedway
champion Donnie Ayer has been named honorary starter for the 1st
annual, “Ricky Miller Memorial 100” Sunday Sept.28., at the Twin
State Speedway, Claremont, NH. The race, presented by New England
Outdoor Furnaces, will be run in honor of the former New England
modified standout and second generation driver who passed away in
2004.
Ayer began his career in 1968 winning a demolition derby at the
Claremont oval. A year later, he entered weekly stock car racing
events quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. In 1970, Ayer
was recognized with “Sportsman of the Year” honors, and two years
later would become the 1972 champion at Claremont . Ayer grabbed
two more titles at Claremont in 1975 and again in 1980 with nine
victories paving the way to the championship and “Driver of the
Year” honors.
Ayer’s success came against some of the top drivers at both
Claremont and Monadnock Speedways. Weekly battles were staged
against Punky Caron, Kirby Monteith, Jerry Dostie, Donnie Miller,
Jerry Bly, Ollie Silva, Dunk Rudolph, Allen Whipple, Jack Bateman,
Roger Raymond and Dwight Jarvis to name a few. Not an easy task.
Ayer tallied close to 40 feature wins and raced at Stafford
Springs, Thompson , Lebanon Valley, Devils Bowl, Orange County ,
Beech Ridge, Thunder Road , Riverside Speedway in Agawam , MA ,
Star Speedway and Lee USA Speedway. Ayer raced until 1984 and
dabbled again at driving in 1988. He then called it a career after
20 years of competition.
The True Value sanctioned event carries a special purse for the
race honoring Ricky Miller, the NASCAR modified standout and 1999
Riverside Park Speedway champion, who passed away in 2004 at the
age of 34. The winner of the 100 lap race in Millers name will
receive $2,000 to win and all competitors will receive added bonus
money to start the event.
Fans will also have the opportunity to win special prizes from a
race day raffle including a $1,000 cash prize from Donnie and Barb
Miller, the parents of Ricky Miller. Proceeds from the raffle will
benefit The Victory Junction Gang, an organization that benefits
children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.
The Sunday afternoon program will also feature NEMA Midgets, Pro
Four Modifieds, and the Pepsi Modifieds. The True Value Modifieds
will compete in 12 lap heat races to determine the starting
lineup. Race Time is 1:00 PM. Grandstands open at 10 AM.
For more information contact the speedway office at 603-543-3160
or log on to
www.rickysraceforkids.com.
|
|
Miller Family Appreciates Support For
Ricky's Race:
Claremont , NH . (September 15, 2008) - - For years as a race
driver, legendary Donnie “The Golden Jet” Miller had a strong
feeling, something that always gnawed at him. Something he always
wished he could change. He tried but often fell on deaf ears. “It
always bothered me that the guys putting on the show had to pay to
put on the show. We were the only sport that did that, it’s still
that way, and if I had a shot at it, I’d do it.” said the
Claremont multi-champion.
Miller will have his way on Sunday, Sept 28, the day the True
Value Modified Racing Series makes it’s first ever appearance at
the Twin State Speedway, a race track that is near and dear to the
Miller family. The event will be run in honor of Ricky Miller, who
passed away in 2004, an established racer, a former Claremont ,
Riverside Park , and NASCAR modified standout.
The Golden Jet wants to show appreciation to those that are
competing in the first annual, “Ricky Miller Memorial 100”,
presented by New England Outdoor Furnaces. “I’m paying the pit fee
for the modified drivers. I’ve arranged for their own window, all
they have to do is sign in and be on their way. No lines. It’s
just something I’ve always wanted to do. I appreciate these guys
coming out and supporting this race. I want to see modifieds go
around Twin State again.”
Miller, who started racing in 1964, is the holder of a special
record that will never be broken. He won the track championship at
Claremont in 1972 on dirt and then won the track title the year
after on asphalt.
Miller and his family have been hard at work with a cast of
supporters lining up raffle and door prizes to benefit the Victory
Gang Junction organization. Kyle and Patty Petty founded the camp
to help chronic and terminally ill children. Miller, and his wife
Barb, have donated $1,000 cash that will go to some lucky race day
ticket holder.
“I want it to be an event and not just another race.” The support
and assistance he’s getting from the Twin State Speedway staff has
been big. “I want this to be a big success for Dennis, a bright
sunny day, and a big crowd for the return of the modifieds. “This
is hard for me, with my son and all, but I wanted this to happen.
Barb, Jet, and Heidi, we are grateful. |
|
Victory
Junction Gang Camp To Benefit From Ricky's Race:
Claremont, NH (August 5, 2008) - - - With the 1st annual “Ricky
Miller Memorial 100” only eight weeks away, organizers for the
event have announced a major fundraiser to coincide with the first
ever appearance of the True Value Modified Racing Series at the
Twin State Speedway, Claremont, NH.
The September 28 race, presented by New England Outdoor Furnaces,
will honor the memory of one of the regions local heroes who
started his racing career at the Upper Valley speed plant. The
popular second generation driver passed away in 2004.
When previously announced in March, Donnie Miller, father of the
late racer, disclosed his intent to make the event a fundraiser
and chose the Petty family’s Victory Junction Gang organization “I
want this event to mean something special and that is why I have
decided to make it a fund raiser for Kyle and Patty Petty’s
Victory Junction Gang Camp, said the legendary driver.” He added,
“They founded this camp to help chronic and terminally ill
children. I hope we can get support from all of the businesses in
and around the Claremont area and the race fans to make this a
great success. It would be great to be able to make a nice sized
donation to the Victory Junction Gang Camp.”
An effort to reach the goals Miller speaks off is presently
underway. With 100 % of all proceeds going to Victory Junction
Gang Camp.
A special door prize will be given away to a lucky race fan
holding the winning adult ticket on race day. Donnie and Barb
Miller have contributed $1,000 cash prize to be awarded to the
lucky fan.
The racers will also have a chance at the “green stuff.” The
inaugural event for the TVMRS at Twin State Speedway will pay
$2,000 to-win and $475 dollars to start the race.
|
|
Ricky Miller To Be Remembered:
Claremont, NH (Mar 14,2008) --- In a joint announcement, track owner
Dennis Fleury and series president Jack Bateman, the principals
responsible for the inaugural event, advise the 1st annual “Ricky
Miller Memorial 100,” presented by New England Outdoor Furnaces,” will
be held on Sunday afternoon Sept.28th as part of the Twin State
Speedway Fall Challenge, a two day event.
Miller, a Twin State (Claremont Speedway) standout for many years
before moving on to the Whelen Modified Tour and the NASCAR Busch
North Series died at the age of 34. The popular competitor, a one time
Florida racer and crew chief for noted car owner/builder Mario Fiore,
would also win the last Whelen Modified Tour race at the famed
Riverside Park Speedway, Agawam, MA., and claim that tracks final
championship for the modified division prior to it’s 1999 closing.
The addition of the September race to the TVMRS schedule has generated
a tremendous amount of interest from fans and racers. The opportunity
to honor and remember one of the speedways greatest names make’s the
event that more special.
Marketing director John Hoyt opined, “The TVMRS and TSS worked very
hard to get the series back to where many of the original series
drivers called home. We all knew that this event was going to be big,
now with the addition of the Miller family as part of this event, it
is going to be special. For me this event is now very personal, not
only is it being held at my home track but I also get to honor the
person that got me involved in racing. The very first race car I ever
worked on was Ricky’s. He and the Miller family provided me with
opportunities in this sport that few people ever get. In racing there
is no higher honor than to be called a Racer. Ricky Miller was a
Racer.”
TSS race director Mike Parks noted that the late racer was a big part
of the tracks long history. “We wanted to make this event as special
as we can, so with the help of the TVMRS and Donnie and Barbara
Miller, what a way to bring the Mods back. Ricky cut his teeth racing
at the Thrasher Road oval from the start of his racing career, racing
in the street stocks with his AMC Javelin. From that point he made the
jump to the pro stock class again with many feature wins to his
credit. The Miller family has a long history at TSS as Ricky’s dad
Donnie “The Golden Jet “Miller was a multi time track champion at the
speedway. TSS is proud to be able to honor Ricky with this event.”
Series founder Bateman fondly remembered Miller who passed away in
2004. “I am really happy that the TVMRS and Twin State Speedway have
been able to put this together. Donnie Miller is a longtime friend who
I raced with for many years. Donnie was one of Claremont’s modified
hero’s, known as” The Golden Jet”. His son Ricky followed in his
footsteps racing on the local short tracks. He was a strong competitor
and became a good friend to me and many in the local racing
fraternity. I know that we are all going work really hard to make the
series’ inaugural visit to Twin State a huge success. I want to thank
track owner Dennis Fleury and everyone involved for making this
happen.”
The legendary “Golden Jet” Donnie Miller was emotionally overwhelmed
to learn that his late son was going to be remembered in front of many
of the drivers he raced with and is hoping for a big turnout from
modified fans from all over New England. “Ricky’s mother, sister,
brother, and I are so honored to have a racing tribute in Ricky’s
memory. He would be very proud and so humbled to have a modified
racing event to include his name and memory. Ricky was a true racer
and the now Twin State Speedway (formerly Claremont Speedway) was
where he cut his teeth in racing at a very young age. It is also where
he raced his last race. He raced from Maine to Florida in many
different divisions and was moving up racings ladder of success when
he was taken from us in the prime of his life.”
The New England racing great added that this race has an additional
meaning for him and his family. “I want this event to mean something
special and that is why I have decided to make it a fund raiser for
Kyle and Patty Petty’s Victory Junction Gang Camp located in North
Carolina. Kyle and Patty Petty also lost their son Adam Petty at a
very young age. They founded this camp to help chronic and terminally
ill children in Adam’s memory. Out of all tragedy comes some good and
if we can raise some money to help give some chronic and terminally
ill children a little happiness in their lives it will sure help us. I
hope we can get support from all of the businesses in and around the
Claremont area and the race fans to make this a great success. It
would be great to be able to make a nice sized donation to the Victory
Junction Gang Camp.”
Miller closed saying, “I would like to say thank you for all of the
support we have received so far and thank you to all those that plan
to support us in the future to make this a race to remember." |
|
