[Dluvsrusty]

I was very disappointed in the singing of the National Anthem! What was sung was nice but the National Anthem should have been sung as well. In my opinion is was VERY un-American!!! I am trying to understand how someone can just replace the words of a song that is about our wonder country??? Also, I can't believe how little car count Spartan had for such a big event as the Charging Charlie Ryan memorial. I am very disappointed in some of the Super drivers that didn't show up! I was also upset to the fact that the ladies room ran out of paper towels and when I brought it to the attention to Jim Leasure he seems peeved that I told him.

This evening was a big disappointment all around!!! Maybe I will try out some other tracks on Fridays and see if they are getting better car counts and treat a very loyal customer with courtesy!

Sincerely,
Denise Thomas

[schinde]

Denise,

If I recall, she said up front that she meant no disrespect to this country, or to the men and women overseas fighting for our freedoms. I regret that you feel it was very un-American, as I saw it differently.

The car count in the supers is something that Jeff Finley is working hard on to improve. In truth, I can't fathom why Jeff Hackworth didn't show, I understand he is upset with the track/management of the track for some reason, but that should be something that can be swallowed for one night at least, to demonstrate respect for not only one of Saprtan's best, Chargin' Charlie, but also for Stan Perry and as Big Ed noted, Lee Anderson.

A memorial race is just that, done in memory of a fallen competitor, and yes, it is regrettable that the super count was low, but they put on a good show, nonetheless. Some drivers that haven't been able to run in some time made it to the track, including Carl Sodman, and there were travelers that haven't been at the track in a while either, including Harry Foote, and of course, Tim "The Hit Man" Ryan, who hasn't been racing this year, but got things together to make this one. Many things are contributing the the low car counts in all classes this year, not the least of which is the money issues that many are facing, so, I for one want to say, good show supers that were there, and a good race.

Regarding Jim, he likely was "peeved" at the fact that the bathroom wasn't stocked enough to take care of the needs for that night, not "peeved" at you for telling him about it. There are a lot of things on a promoter's mind on race night, and he relies on others to make sure things like paper towel, etc., are covered so he doesn't have to deal with that either. Just a note, I can remember seeing Jim working a plunger in the men's bathroom in the pits more than once, and that is something a promoter definitely shouldn't have to do on race night.

But, he does it when needed.

Spartan Speedway is still the best local track in Mid-Michigan, and will continue to be the best.

have a good day,

schinde
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Short track racing is more fun than a human being ought to be allowed to have!

[Dluvsrusty]

I did like the words she sung, I am disappointed that the actual National Anthem wasn't sung as well... I did hear her say that she didn't mean any disrespect to our country and ect. But as an American I feel VERY strong for our flag and our National Anthem! If you want to do something special that is great, but the National Anthem SHOULD NOT be changed for any reason!!! (my opinion)

After I found out that the ladies restroom didn't have paper towels I went to find someone to let them know, the 1st person I found was Jim. I do realize he is VERY busy and shouldn't be bothered with such stuff, but I wanted to get back to my seat and watch the races.

As for the car count, I believe it is probably like this everywhere!!! Not just Spartan!! I love Spartan, but when I left last night I was very frustrated!!! You are so correct, if I were a driver I would put aside my feelings for the track and raced for my friend!!!

I have been going to Spartan since I was a year old (trust me that is a long time) and I look forward to the races everyweek!!!!

Just so everyone knows I was the one that started the thread "Thank you Spartan Speedway" so I am not the type to just complain!!!!

[Kaycorbgm]

Unless I'm just missing it somewhere.
WHO WON??? the supers??

[markmantyla]

Dave Stehauer
Jim Gallager
Doug Finley
Chad Finley
Harry Foote

thats all i can remember off the top of my head

[Shirley Ryan]

I am very sorry that you were offended by the song. That was my sister and she is a very patriotic person and so am I. And in all honesty I did think she was going to sing the original version too. She said she was going to but was just too nervous and emotional too, again I am sorry she did not mean at all too offend anyone. We would like to thank everyone, Paul, Jim, Bill, and Ed and especially to our sponsor Bob and Betty Leadbitter. Ed your very kind words throughtout the night, we will always remember. They meant a lot to all of us. And to all the supers that showed up, I`m sure that Charlie was looking down on all of you with a big smile. To all the family, friends, racers and people you made the night exactly what we all hoped for " VERY SPECIAL". We enjoyed very much visiting with all our friends and Charlies special friends that remember their special times with him. You will never know how very much it means to all of us. And thank-you Jim for being so patient with our group. I enjoyed our talk. Mom Ryan and the whole Ryan family
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RACING PEOPLE ARE THE BEST.

[Dluvsrusty]

Shirley,
Thank you so much for the info!! I totally understand your sister being nervous and emotional. I would never be able to do what she did!!!

Thanks again,
Denise

[Big Ed]

I thought Jet's "racing" rendition of our National Anthem was creative, and fitting for this night's situation. She sang it in the same spirit and tone as the regular National Anthem, and anyone could of easily told that was what she was doing. I was not offended, nor do I feel anyone should have been. If your were, then your NOT seeing the big picture here. Now, I will also admit that I had NO idea she was going to do this. If I would have known, I would of asked if she planned on singing the regular one, and if not, I would of played our regular National Anthem. I was caught by surprise here, but, I certainly don't feel that this is any reason to jump off the ship.

Spartan Speedway, and the Ryan Family was NOT trying to be unpatriotic, and do a disservice to our Country, the people who defend us, or any citizen. This was a gesture made to OUR fallen soldiers (drivers) as to how much we love them, and miss them. Please don't read too much into that. This came from the heart, and should be appreciated as such, and not damned for being politically incorrect.

I applaude Jet's song. Next time sweetie, let me know what your going to do, and I'll have the other one ready so no one will think that we are against the United States of America. And Mom Ryan, thank you for the kind words. I will always try and convey the feeling we all have for those of our family that are no longer with us. If there is ever anything more I can do, or that you'd like me to say, all you ever have to do is ask me!!! I'm very proud to be able to do the little bit I can when this time of year rolls around. We all miss him too!!!!

Big Ed

[Dluvsrusty]

Big Ed,
Thank you for your OPINION. I understand what she was trying to do!!! But I have never been to a sporting event that the Nantional Anthem wasn't sung or played. I have said in previous posts that I did like the words she sung, I just take offense to people trying to change our National Anthem, and that the National Anthem wasn't sung or played. It is a tradition that should NEVER (IN MY OPINION) change. I know that I wasn't the only one there that felt this way, I am the only one expressing my feelings.

But that wasn't the only thing upsetting to me that night!!! I don't understand how some late model drivers (this is NOT against Spartan Speedway at all) couldn't put aside hard feelings and show up for a memoral for a friend?

And the final straw was no paper towel in the ladies room. I understand that it was towards the end of the night, but when I told Jim (which was the 1st person I saw) he could have gotten on a radio and had someone get paper towel to the ladies restrooms... I didn't think I was asking for that much!!!!

I have been coming to this track since I was a child. I have even helped out in the tower for a couple years and never asked for one cent to help. I tell all of my friends how wonderful the track is and I work my butt off trying to get more people to the track!!! I have even made a post a couple weeks ago thanking everyone at the track. (Never got this kind of response to that post, wonder why????) But as soon as I express my displeasure boy oh boy look at the response I get... and not one of them saying thank you for being a fan. Now that is sad!!!!

[Dennis ONeil]

Thank You for caring enough to voice your opinion.
_________________
Thanks
Dennis ONeil
www.oneilsauto.com

"A MIND IS LIKE A PARACHUTE.............WORKS BETTER WHEN OPEN"

[circle8track]

does anybody have a video or a list of words?? We heard it in the pits and couldn't understand the words, we were not sure if it was the speaker we were near or if it was karaoke national anthem.
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Aaron Spearling
Pure Stock #8
2007 Spartan Speedway Track Champion
2006 Racin' and Rockin' Winner