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By SCOTT FERTAL; Times Leader Sports Correspondent
Monday, August 03, 1998 Page: 3A
KINGSTON- Racing took a back seat to safety in Sunday’s fifth annual
Arthritis Foundation Mini Grand Prix.
Following two crashes in the opening heat that resulted in two separate
injuries (a shoulder dislocation and broken arm), the well-being of the
drivers became a top priority.
“There were a lot of rookie drivers out there,” said Carey Guidosh, the
event’s co-chairperson. “They got a little anxious out there and unfortunately
we had two crashes.”
After the early mishaps, Guidosh, along with representatives from the
Sports Car Club of America, made the turns on the oval course less tight to
prevent any more pileups.
“It was a combined effort,” Guidosh said. “We felt we had to do something,
so we changed the course a little bit.”
The alterations to the course, which was outlined by tires on Market Street
in Kingston in front of the 109th Field Artillery Armory, apparently worked as
just one other minor incident occurred during the final four races.
The A & A Auto team- comprised of crew chief Mark Cawley, Tom Sabetta, Joe
Rutledge, Mike Duffy, Dave Neely and Frank Hartman won- Sunday’s event. M.C.
Collision (crew chief Mike Chulick, Bill Mulhern, Michael Nixon, Larry Koulik
and Rick Martin) finished second, and Quality Metal (crew chief John Houssock,
Quentan Reese, Mike Paduck, Ron Daniels, Bob Odgers and Alan Reese) took
third.
“Safety can’t be stressed enough,” said Guidosh, who races professionally
in the SCCA series. “The safety issue is never laxed.
“But this is racing, and things like that happen.”
Before a driver was permitted to get behind the wheel of the miniature Indy
style race cars, which can reach a maximum speed of 25 mph, a mandatory
three-hour school session was necessary. In that session, drivers were
instructed on such subjects as car mechanics, safety rules, flag procedures
and sportsmanship on the track.
Before each race Sunday, all drivers- required to wear long sleeves, a
helmet, gloves and eye protection- attended meetings that reiterated the rules
of racing.
“They’re briefed before every race,” Guidosh said. “So everything they need
to know is fresh in their minds.”
Still, following the injuries, drivers took a precautionary approach the
rest of the way.
“It definitely makes you a bit more careful,” said Paul Johnson, one of
Sunday’s drivers. “We received a good education on what to do and what not to
do, but once you get behind the wheel, the competitive juices get flowing and
you want to win.
“But you have to remember that this is an event to benefit a charity and
it’s supposed to be for fun- not to get yourself hurt.”
Along with the race, there was an Antique & Classic Car Show, a Mini Grand
Prix Craft Show and live music from “Just Us.”
“Aside from the two drivers that were injured, it was a successful day,”
said Ruth Kemmerer, of the Eastern Pennsylvania Arthritis Foundation. “We’re
very happy with the outcome.”
All proceeds from Sunday’s event will go toward research in finding a cure
for arthritis and to improve the quali