Behind the Scenes at Oakland Valley

The season finale brought out the true meaning of "Brothers in the Pits". A field of 12 cars showed up, including Jeannie Hiddeman, Walt and Teri Morrison, Harry Ladlee, and Richie Price. Walt and Harry both had new Modified motors and it looked like a swarm of bees as everyone ran back and forth helping each other. Parts and tires were passing from crew to crew, as working out the bugs was the order of the day.

Three quarters of the K&K Team were on vacation, so, Tom Ervin loaded the 99 car into his newly painted El Camino and showed up with no help. As luck would have it, the motor on the 99 car had a problem and Tommy missed two practices and the first heat. Fortunately, he had a spare motor and made it out for the second heat. Tom's bad luck wasn't over, as there was a wreck which he couldn't avoid and the 99 limped off the track with a busted right rear wheel and a bent axle. In the true spirit of M.O.M., Andy Hiddeman and Carl Scheier ran to Tommy to offer help, but it was Uncle Nick's big hammer that saved the day for the 99. Tommy beat on that axle til we thought the hammer would break and he made it out for the feature. The big hammer also straightened out the 8 car of Jeannie Hiddeman.

Uncle Nick started on the pole by virtue of winning both heats, but it was Andy Hiddeman, passing the 5 car on the outside going into turn 1, who led the first lap. Nick made an inside pass to take over the lead for a few laps before turning it sideways to avoid a lapped car. The hole on the bottom was there and who should fill it, but Tom Ervin in the 99. Nick pressed him hard knowing that the 99 was bent up and the pressure forced Tommy into the marbles. Nick regained the lead again, followed by Brian Braddock in Carl Scheier's 82 car. Top three across the line were Uncle Nick, Brian and Tommy who came from the rear.

The night's theme was "never give up" as Andy Hiddeman had a great run in spite of losing his neck brace which left him in great pain by the last lap. Harry Ladlee worked his tail off changing tires and a broken carb to put on a solid run against the M.O.M. regulars.

There would have been no "show" at all if not for Jim Van Dine's gal, Lisa and Judy Cottone who helped Carl start 12 cars.

All in all, a great night for the Modified Outlaw Microstocks, Brothers and Sisters All !

By Nick Cottone