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Jim Shank Memorial Set to be Special Night for Former MACS Champion Lynn Geisler and MACS ROY Keith Barbara |
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posted by Admin on 08/22/08 |
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Indiana, PA (August 21, 2008) The August 29 Cleveland Brothers CAT ‘Jim Shank Memorial’ presented by Potoka Trucking & Repair may very well be a first in dirt late model racing. If not, it’s definitely the first time that there has been a tribute or memorial race for a fan in the Western Pennsylvania region.
“I think this is the first time I have ever seen a memorial race for a fan,” said National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame inductee and two-time MACS series champion Lynn Geisler. Jim Shank was a loyal patron to dirt tracks not only in the Western PA area but all over the country. Jim was also a die hard Geisler fan. Anywhere the Geisler Race Team was on a particular weekend, it was a given you could find Jim there as well.
“Jim wasn’t only a fan of mine, he was a fan of racing,” continued Geisler. “That’s how I remember Jim, as a race fan. He truly loved the sport and that’s what is going to make this race special. Jim had an airbrushed mural of my car and name on the rear tire cover of his conversion van that he used to travel to the races in. Jim’s van became a popular attraction at the different facilities he visited. There were always fans stopping by to look at the mural which sparked many conversations, often times with total strangers. To win this race would be very special, it would really be the icing on the cake and a great tribute to my friend,” concluded Geisler.
The $7,000 to-win event at Lernerville Speedway is also special for the 2003 MACS Rookie of the Year, Keith Barbara. “Jim was a good friend of ours here at Forbes Field Motorsports,” mentioned Barbara. “My dad (Rich) used to build Jason’s (Jim’s son) go-kart motors way back when and had been a friend of the family ever since. And of course Jason is a big supporter and sponsor of ours. It would be great to be on top of our game that night and bring home a win in honor of our friend.”
You can be sure that both Geisler and Barbara will be as ready as they can be for the August 29th showdown.
“I’m extremely touched that Lernerville’s General Manager Gary Risch, Jr. and Jeff (Geesey) would have this event honoring my dad,” commented Jim’s son, Jason Shank. “This August show at Lernerville with MACS as well as the All-Star Circuit of Champions Sprints was one of my dad’s favorite events and my family and I are just tickled for all of this to work out. I need to thank Cleveland Brothers CATERPILLAR, Potoka Trucking & Repair, Don Gamble and Rappin’ on Racin’, Edge Racing Engines, Trafford Corporation, JNJ Motorsports Media, and #1 Cochran Automotive ($500 Fast Time Award) for stepping up by adding the cream on the top of this show. Without the collective support of these individuals and their associated businesses we couldn’t have elevated this show to a $7,000 to-win event; and for that I am greatly appreciative,” concluded Shank
The Cleveland Brothers CAT ‘Jim Shank Memorial’ presented by Potoka Trucking and Repair will pay $7,000 to the winner and will have a total purse of $32,000. Lynn Geisler’s long time sponsor #1 Cochran Automotive also put up $500 for the AlturnaMATS® Shock the Clock Time Trials presented by JNJ Motorsports Media quick time.
The event will be a full MACS program including AlturnaMATS® Time Trails presented by JNJ Motorsports Media, Heats, the Sunoco Race Fuels B Main presented by Bazell Oil, the Keizer Wheels 2nd B Main presented by Big Shot Performance, and a 50 lap A-Main.
Lernerville’s pit gates will open at 4:00 p.m. with grandstand gates opening at 5:00 p.m. Driver’s meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. with hot laps beginning around 6:45 p.m. and Time Trials at 7:15 p.m. Racing will follow time trials at approximately 8:00 p.m.. For more information please visit www.lernerville.com or the Series at www.macsracing.com.
The purse for the Cleveland Brothers CAT ‘Jim Shank Memorial’ presented by Potoka Trucking and Repair is as follows: 1. $7,000; 2. $3,000; 3. $2,000; 4. $1,500; 5. $1,250; 6. $1,100; 7 $1,050; 8. $1,000 9. $850; 10. $700 11.$600; 12. $575; 13. $550; 14. $525; 15. $500; 16. $475; 17. $450; 18. $425; 19-24. $400. All drivers who do not transfer to the A Main will receive $100.00.
Thanks for your continued support of the Series, host facilities, drivers and sponsors.
As a postscript to the above story, Jason Shank’s sister Louise, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 20, from unknown causes. The Series, all the officials and sponsor would like to extend to heartfelt sympathies to the entire Shank family during this difficult time. May God hold and comfort you during this time of your loss.
Additional information on the Mid-Atlantic Championship Series can be found on www.macsracing.com.
Andy Geesey – President – (724) 549-1480
Matt Geesey - Vice President – (724) 349-4282
Jeff Geesey - Secretary/Treasurer – (724) 465-2222
Email - macs1@verizon.net
Written and Distributed by:
Jason Shank – JNJ Motorsports Media / Mid-Atlantic Championship Series
www.jnjmotorsportsmedia.com, www.macsracing.com |
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