MVQMRA - Official Host of the 2007 Eastern Grands!

MVQMRA - John Saunders

 

2006 John Saunders Memorial Race

This is the John Saunders Memorial Race.  To most people here, the name John Saunders doesn’t mean much.  And that’s okay.  But to those who knew him, who had the pleasure of racing with him, it’s a special name.  John Saunders loved quarter midget racing.  In 1956, and at the age of 46, John was one of the founding members of the Miami Valley Club.  John was the only original member to continually race until his death at the age of 82.  That’s almost 40 years of quarter midget racing.

Back in the 60’s and 70’s, the old Dayton track of North Dixie Drive was famous for its high banks and speed.  When that track was lost, John and a few others held the club together and worked with the Lion’s Club of West Liberty, Ohio to re-open the little track up there.  Because of his love and pure enjoyment of the sport, John never gave up hope of having another Dayton track.  And he gave so much to the Miami Valley Club.  He was at every meeting as well as every race.  He was at every car show and special event that promoted the sport and the Miami Valley Club.  It was through one of those organized events at Kil-Kare’s oval track that Dick and Barb Chrysler decided to build this quarter midget track.  So in 1991, John’s dream of another Dayton track came true.  John got to enjoy one full season of racing here before he pasted away in 1992.  So, beginning in 1993, this Club has honored and remembered John by holding this race in his name and honoring others whose lives have made a significant contribution to the sport.

Today, we are here to honor Bob Nock.  Bob Nock is a respected name in Midget Auto Racing in the Miami Valley.  He has owned a Midget Race Car since 1976.  This is about six months before Jonie and Bob started dating.  Mike Streiker remembers the first time he met Bob.  Bob was unconscious, it was 1981 or 1982.  It was a racing accident in McCuthionville, Ohio.  Bob was being taken to the hospital.  Mike helped to put Bob’s car and racing equipment away.  Bob has many Midget Racing achievements.  He won the M.R.A. Championship at least 2 times as well as the W.W.A.R. several times.  Bob and his Dad were a racing team, and a common site at the race track.

In 1996, Andy was eight years old and started racing quarter midgets.  Anna also raced quarter midgets when she was eight.  Jonie and Bob wanted Andy and Anna to have the same bond he and his father had throughout his racing career.  Grandpa also was there for Andy and Anna until his health broke.

When Bob showed up at quarter midget novice training, Bruce Harmon, the novice director, was intimidated.  Instructing Bob Nock’s son on the correct way to negotiate a quarter midget track seemed unreal.  As Bob learned the unique differences between racing midget big cars and small cars, many observers were commenting on the similarities between Andy’s and his father’s smooth driving style.  The many track records and championships Andy and Bob have demonstrate the great combination of a father and son quarter midget racing team.  Bob has always paid great attention to all details of the race car, engine, and tires.  There were times Bob had commitments, but he always made sure Andy could race.  These handlers helped: Brian Riley, Bruce Harmon, John Furrey, and Mike Streicher.  Andy has even set a new track record with some of these handlers.  Of course, they have never let Bob forget they were there when Andy set those records, so they must be responsible!  Bob and Andy’s achievements on the race track are known though out the country.  They raced the Grands many times.  Andy won the Grands in his half.

Bob served as President of the Miami Valley Club for two years.  He went on to serve as Assistant Region 4 Director.  Bob is an engine builder and specializes in Honda engines.  There are many of his engines racing here this weekend.  Andy now assists Bob with the motor repairs.

Bob Nock has devoted many hours to Quarter Midgets.  Whether it was racing or sitting in Quarter Midget meetings, not near as exciting as the race track, Bob will tell you that.  We are all here today to thank you, Bob, for your dedication to the sport of Quarter Midgets racing.
 

Miami Valley Quarter Midget Association Announces 2004 John Saunders Award Winner!
 
Tony and Carla Amburgey have been married twenty three years. They have a son Kyle. Tony has been  employed at Delphi Motors for the last twenty eight years. Carla is a certified personal trainer and has worked for Moore's Fitness for the last twenty years.

Tony and Carla have always had an interest in racing. Carla recalled times when they were first dating when she  hopped on the back of a motorcycle with Tony in pursuit of the nearest race track. The Amburgeys' were introduced to Quarter Midgets by John and Vanessa Furrey. Tony and Carla started helping the Miami Valley Club before Kyle was even old enough to participate. They wanted to get involved and learn as much as the could about the sport.

Kyle started out racing Quarter Midgets at the age of five. The very first time in a Quarter Midget he went out and won the race. Kyle continued racing till he was fourteen years old. For that duration Tony and Carla served several key chair positions within the club. Tony spent three years as Safety Director one of which was during the 1996 Grands, one year as Assistant Race Director, two years as Race Director, and President the last year Kyle was in Quarter Midgets. Carla served as Tower Director for seven years, providing superior tower support and direction. She also was the Tower Director for the 1996 Grands, which is one of the most demanding positions at the Grands.

Tony and Carla are proud they were able to maintain and increase memberships. They put many hours of effort towards making the track a fun and exciting environment for everyone. They felt privileged to be part of the board when the club hosted the Eastern Grands in 1996. They loved meeting new people and developed some great friendships in Quarter Midgets, some of which they will never forget.

Kyle retired after ten years in Quarter Midgets. The family hasn't been involved in any other forms of racing till this year. They wanted to get back in the sport so they purchased a 79 Pontiac Trans AM Dragster for Kyle. Kyle will be racing again at Kil-Kare Speedway. We wish them luck and look forward to seeing the family at the track once again.
 

2003 John Saunders Award Winner
 

Randy and Michelle Davis have been married 23 years. They have two children Charlie and Jackie. They are successful business owners and operators of  (Edmunds J P Garage Doors), a local business existing in our community for over 20 years.

The Davis’ have always had an appreciation for racing but didn’t get started in Quarter Midgets till 1996, or at least involved in any legal racing till then (right Randy)? Their son Charlie then ten years old received a flyer at school advertising the Quarter Midget Racing Event at the Ervin J Nutter Center in Dayton, OH. He expressed his interest to his parents. Once participating as a spectator at the event there was no turning back for the Davis family.  Three months later they were proud owners of a Quarter Midget race car.

Charlie’s four year career in Quarter Midgets earned him two time track championships at Kilkare Speedway. Not only Charlie’s skill and ability made this possible, but his entire family contribution. From his father, Randy, providing the mechanics, or his mother, Michelle, and sister, Jackie, providing moral support, all were contributing factors for him to achieve his goals.

At the duration of the four years in Quarter Midget Racing, Randy and Michelle contributed many hours and held several key chair positions within the club. Randy was Assistant Novice Director in 1996, Race Director in 1997, Tech Director in 1998, and President in 1999. Michelle also contributed when and wherever needed. Whether providing superior tower support and direction to pit steward, line up board or leading and assisting in clean up of the track. Michelle did what ever it took to get the job done with no complaints on her part.

           After Charlie’s retirement from Quarter Midget Racing at sixteen, the racing fever didn’t end there for the Davis’. The family is now involved in racing Modified Cars (E-Mods) at Kilkare and Columbus Speedway. Charlie thus far has had a successful run in the E-Mod class, with yet again his Father, Mother and Sister helping him lead the way to the top. He has had an impressive top ten finish his first year and earned a top five position last year.  I am sure we haven't seen the last of this family. Our hats off to the Davis’ or  I guess we should say our checker flag flies for you….