The Short Chute
Newsletter #83 - Summer 003
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Club Notes
by Larry Ireland
Hello everyone,
Congratulations to Gil de Ferran on winning the 87th running of the Indianapolis 500. Helio
Castroneves turned in another fine performance finishing just 0.299 seconds (3rd closest
finish in 500 history) behind the winner. He almost made it in his quest for three straight
victories at Indianapolis. This equals Al Unser's second place finish in 1972 after back to
back wins in 70 and 71. Also, congratulations to Al Unser, Jr. on his thrilling victory at
Texas, Scott Dixon on wins at Pikes Peak and Richmond, Bryan Herta on his first win at
Kansas, another win for 500 Champ Gil de Ferran at Nashville, and to Alex Barron on winning
the Michigan Indy 400 by 0.0121 seconds over Sam Hornish, Jr. in a great finish.
I hope everyone had a wonderful month of May. It was great seeing the "gang" at the track
again this year.
Best wishes to all for a happy and safe summer.
Hoosier Auto Show & Swap Meet
The annual swap meet held at the Marion County Fairgrounds in Indianapolis is scheduled this year for September 19-21. The hours on September 19 & 20 are 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. The hours on September 21 are 7:00 A.M. till 4:00 P.M.
Auto Racing Collevtors And Memorabilia Show
Sprint Car legend Jack Hewitt will autograph pictures and copies of his popular
book “Hewitt’s Law” at the collectors show that will take place in Ft. Wayne, Indiana
on Sunday November 30. The show will be at the Clarion Hotel & Suites, 3330 W. Coliseum
Blvd., 3 miles west of the Memorial Coliseum. Hours will be 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Admission is $3.00 for adults, $1.00 for children 6-12, and under 6 free. If you would
like to be a vendor: $50 for the first 8'x30' table, multiple tables are $50 for the
first table, $40 each additional with a limit of 6. Set up is 6:30 A.M. to 8:30 A.M.
November 30. All tables are first come, first served and must be paid in full by Oct. 1,
2003. Make checks payable to: Auto Race Promotions 3224 Shoaff Park River Dr. Fort Wayne,
IN 46835. Make sure to note your complete address and phone number, how many tables you
want and the type or merchandise you have for sale.
For reservations you may call 260-484-7711 and say you are with the show. Special
overnight rate for the show will be $69.00 per night plus tax. For more information
www.clarionhotel.com/hotel/IN175
Clarence Cagle Helped Rebuild The Speedway
Clarence Cagle died July 5 at age 88, in Ormad Beach, Fla. Mr. Cagle worked for the Hulman
family for 41 years. He retired as vice president of the Speedway in 1977.
In November 1945, Mr. Cagle was asked by Tony Hulman to help rebuild the Speedway in preparation
for the 1946 Indianapolis 500-mile Race. The track and complex had sat dormant since 1941.
In 1948 he was named superintendent of the grounds, and in 1952 was promoted to vice
president. He oversaw the rebuilding of all the spectator stands, the replacement of the original
Pagoda observation tower and the building of the Speedway Hall of Fame Museum. He was inducted
into that Auto Racing Hall of Fame Museum in 2000.
Fermin Velez (1959-2003)
We wish to express a heartfelt sympathy to the family of Fermin Velez who passed away on March 31, 2003. Fermin was brave his entire life, especially during his long fight with cancer. He is remembered as a humble, humane and generous person.
Take care,
Larry