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Source: RacingWest.com / Janet Peery
Date: 01/29/2008
The votes are in for the 2007 RacingWest Person of the Year and RacingWest is pleased to announce a first time winner.
The voting was intense with many adoring comments for drivers and car builders, sponsors and promoters, radio guys and everyday Joes.
We wish we would have gone beyond the top-ten, as there were so many wonderful, giving people that deserved to be on the list, but they ended up 11th or 25th or 40th. And all they did not make the list, they had one thing in common with those that made the top-ten…and that was passion. From folks like NASCAR employee Becky McBride to NASCAR fan Andy Daddiaro, from race promoter Mike Minegar to supporter of the Las Vegas Bando classes, Stoney Gray.
RacingWest’s Honorable Mention goes to Hope the Guide Dog. Hope was selected by Cliff Cherry, who said when nominating her, “Hope is our black lab, who admittedly has little to do with RW, but is Leanne's faithful companion, so that has to count for something, right?
Now without further ado, on to 2007’s top-ten and select comments from the RW users.
10. Greg Scheidecker
First to make the list, was Greg Scheidecker. You can normally find him at the Lucas Oil I-10 Speedway in Blythe, California. Tim Richter best summed up why he is so popular, “Modified division savior...”
9. Kevin Green
PR people come and go in NASCAR, but Kevin Green came and stayed. This soft-spoken professional has won the respect of the NASCAR West Series regulars such as car owner, Bill McAnally, who said, “Any time I have a need for demographics, media contacts, NASCAR question, etc. he will get right back or gets me going in the right direction. He is always available and willing to help.”
But perhaps it is Burry Dolbeare that best summed up Green, “He's darn good at what he does, and has been doing it for quite a while.”
8. Bill McAnally
Was it the makeover of All American Speedway in Roseville, the support of the NASCAR Driver Development and Driver Diversity programs or was it the continued support of the NASCAR Camping World West Series that kept McAnally on the list? Most likely it was a combination of all these things.
Over the years, McAnally has done a lot for racing; he has been especially good at helping guide the NASCAR West Series over rough times. As Amanda Klingenberg stated, “He is constantly putting cars in the field to keep the West Series going. He also does promotional work at different tracks for the GNW series.”
7.Steve Fensler
Steve Fensler created the SRL several years ago and it quickly became a popular series, but in 2007 forces were out there to bring the series down to its knees…or is that wheels? Fensler went up against all odds not just to save the series (with help from Les Scott), but, along with the help of Marion and Larry Collins has brought it to 2008 as perhaps one of the strongest stock car series in the West.
Dave Reed (2001 NASCAR SW Tour Champion car owner) credits Steve Fensler with, “… keeping Late Model Touring alive and growing!!”
Another user stated, “There are many people that are probably deserving of this award, but my vote is for Steve Fensler. He not only kept the Tour Cars alive for the last six years, he did it when the odds were against it happening, when some spread false rumors to insure that it failed, he did it when certain tracks tried to ban the SRL from competing there, only later to learn that it was a viable series and did make them money, he kept on fighting and did not let any of these misguided people stop him. He did all this because he loves the sport and for the special drivers that stood behind him and believed in his dream and wanted it to continue. He didn't let anyone or anything stop him and for that and the fact that he is honest hard working man I vote for Steve Fensler.”
6. Bob & Kathy Butcher
The Butchers are committed to serving Him, not only on the track, but off the track and in serving Him; they are serving us, all of us. There are a lot of folks out there that have a mission to share the Word, but the Butchers are different. There is nothing better than sharing troubles with a friend that knows the Word and that is the way a lot of people feel when they share time with the Butchers. Who doesn’t love these guys and best of all they genuinely seem to love all of us. They even seem to care about the people that many see as jerks. ;)
They are very approachable and do a fantastic service. Christine Walker nailed it when she said, “They give of themselves to the entire racing community and ask for nothing except the Love of God and for his flock to spread His word.”
5. Les Scott
Les Scott is certainly no stranger to grassroots racing. A longtime supporter of short track racing, he supports all of it. He is the true diplomat that works bringing conflicting situations to a truce. His most notable accomplishments in 2007 was helping Steve Fensler save the SRL and helping Madera get off to a fresh and strong start
Additionally Scott supported Shasta with a similar SRL, Late Model program. He also continued to back the well known Belletto family, Steve, Jeff and their Pop.
One user, who requested anonymity, best summed up why Scott belongs on this list, “For stepping up and giving all the Tour cars a place to race and an all around great guy for the sport. We need more people like Les in local motorsports. Thanks Les!”
4. Dennis Huth
Former Vice President of NASCAR Touring and International development, is now the President of the ASA and has been tagged by Circle Track Magazine as the savior of the short rack. He currently sanctions approximately 20 tracks and 7 series.
From David Anderson, “How can one not think of Dennis Huth when they think of the most important player of 2007? Not only in the Western arena, but nationwide. How many tracks and series does this man back? But the most important thing of all is when NASCAR turned the lights off on the NASCAR Tours; he successfully restored two of them. He took the Midwest Tour to a higher level than it enjoyed under the sanctioning of NASCAR and when the people behind the Northwest Tour were faltering between having a Northwest Tour and not having one, he stepped up to the plate and sanctioned it. He is perhaps the single most powerful man in grassroots racing today.”
3. Kern County’s Newest Home to NASCAR (Collins and Destefani families)
The Collins and Destefani families were admired by numerous RacingWest users for “for the effort and expense they put forth to build a bigger, better, faster new race track in Kern County that will rival Irwindale” and, “For working hard to create that state-of-the-art racing facility soon to be the New Home to NASCAR. When many historic short tracks are closing, when many promoters have said it is too hard to promote, when it seemed like what was out there today was the best that there was, that is when these two families stepped up to give the racing community a hopefully good as Mesa Marin was short track.
The track is rumored to open as possibly as early as late spring.
A sampling of the comments received:
Joe McDonald chose Marion Collins for, “The major undertaking of building what will be the best short track in America
Vance Palm also chose both the Destefani & Collins Families, stating, “These two families have joined forces to bring the west a new racing venue that all of these other nominees will be able to enjoy for years to come. This new track in Kern County will be the standard bearer for all 1/2 mile tracks in the region, and these families have invested immeasurably to ensure that we all have a place to make life-lasting memories with family and friends.
Troy Blanton voted for the Destefani and Collins families as well saying, “Who ever the person(s) is that is building the new Bakersfield track. With all the news of tracks closing it is nice to hear of a new one being built...With the way today’s drivers whine about everything it also takes a lot of love for the sport to build something of this magnitude knowing there is always going to be an up hill battle trying to make everyone at least somewhat happy.”
Bob Coply picked Marion and Larry Collins, said Coply, “Marion taught me almost everything I know about putting a program together and Larry showed me how to work with the younger promoter. I feel that Bill D. and the Collins could have taken the money they have and enjoyed retirement but instead they are building yet another super place to race.”
2. Havasu 95 Speedway (Dennis Rudin and Bill Rozhon)
Dennis Rudin and his partner, Bill Rozhon, undertook the promotion of Havasu 96 Speedway and in just about a years time have not only restored the track, but have turned it into a facility loved by fans and racers alike; they made it “The Place to Be.”
One RacingWest user commented, “They work SO hard to make sure that the track is the best that it can be. They are bringing better things each season and more to come. We are extremely happy with the way that we are treated as fans, racers, and volunteers. Thank you!!”
Dana Moretti stated, “Dennis Rudin along with Bill Rozhon & crew brought the track back to life after several years of going without any racing action here at all. Not only did they bring it back, they made it a family event bringing new events and activities to enjoy whether you’re a seasoned race fan or new to the sport there is always something Dennis has planned to bring the excitement back into our Saturday nights here in Havasu!”
Richard Bullen said regarding Rudin, “In all my years of Marketing and Advertising...sometimes you run into people who "get it!" when it comes to that sort of stuff. Dennis is a member of the ‘Get it club!’ He has made a big difference in a short period of time.”
All the people mentioned so far (and many who were not mentioned) are what kept racing good in 2007 and they likely will be those behind the movement of maintaining and restoring grassroots racing in 2008, but…there was one person that received nearly double the votes this year. And that person voted by the RW users as RacingWest’s Person of the Year.is:
1. Joe Doellefeld
Now, if you are not up in the Northwest you just may not know what Doellefeld has done to gather so much attention, so why not let those that know him do the talking. And interestingly it doesn’t seem to be the big things that meant the most to people; it was the little things, something as simple as giving a fellow man a drink of water on a hot, muggy day.
Richard Mucciaccio said, “Joe stands out in the local community doing everything he can to help and support the needy. He also goes that extra mile for all his fans and drivers and crews.”
Adam Nelson said, “I would like to give each of these guys apart of my vote! I'm assuming that 1/2 points are talliable! Joe is a class act when it comes to his facility and his events; the people that compete at his track always have positive things to say about him. I love that he is not afraid to share his ideas with others in an effort to better racing at other racing facilities striving to build what he has built.
Dan & Annette Garber said, “Joe is a first class guy and a damn good promoter. Joe takes care of his racers. He can be seen passing out FREE bottles of water from pit to pit in the summer when it’s Hot. This is the promoter walking the pits handing out water. I just think that’s a awesome gesture!
Tom Rice said, “When Joe took over the track from Boness it was just starting to get cleaned up, He has not just taken the money that the track makes but has put it back into the grounds to make it a first class place to race. He supports his community that he lives in and is willing to help his fellow racer if he can.”
Bryan Bykerk said, “I have raced at Stateline Speedway several times and always feel Joe truly cares about the racers and always treats us great.”
Chris Johnson said, “I have been racing at Stateline since 1989 and have seen what Joe has done this year. He helped bring back the NW Tour to Stateline and is just an all around good guy.”
Joe Ploegman said, “Joes, help to any and all racers. There was a driver in Yakima who was sick and looking for a sponsor for tires so that another driver could race his car. With Joe not knowing this driver as I recall he raced in Yakima donated the money. This example (and there are many others) demonstrates why Joe should be the RacingWest person of the year.”
Tony Berry said, “I've raced for 15 years at many different levels and types of venues. Joe runs the cleanest, most fan and driver friendly program I've ever been to. The food is good, the bathrooms are clean, the grass is green and oh yeah, the racing is awesome too. Joe is the type of person racing needs the most. He walks that fine line between doing what is popular for his customers and what is right for his business.”
And then were many comments from people that wanted to remain anonymous:
“One of the last great promoters who cares about the fans and the racers his word is golden.”
“He is the one man that can bring some sense to the table as far as getting late model racing series in the northwest back on track “
“For his posts on the message boards, especially the one in the 'Look here all the racers in the NW' thread on the NW section. Joe has frequently spoken his mind publicly, which is rare. All the sanitized BS we get from promoters, sponsors, press agents and drivers is boring and unhelpful. Joe gives us more real information, passion and humanity in one post than we get in 1,000 NASCAR or ASA press releases.”
“Believes in the true spirit of racing. Tries to be fair to everyone at his facility. Helps racers through some tough times.”
And so with overwhelming support, Joe Doellefeld is this year’s RacingWest Person of the Year. Doellefeld was kind enough to take the time to answer some questions. Hopefully those that don't know him will enjoy learning about him and those that do know him will enjoy learning more about him.
RACINGWEST Q&A WITH STATELINE PROMOTER, JOE DOELLEFELD
RacingWest: Congratulations for being voted by the RacingWest users as RacingWest’s Person of the Year.
Joe Doellefeld: Thank you very much. I’m humbled by the response.
RW: I know it can sometimes be uncomfortable to brag about oneself, but care to share what you may have done right in 2007 that led to the overwhelming amount of votes you received? What is making you so dog gone popular with racers and fans?
JD: I got involved in racing while being a manger of a radio station and a racetrack Spanaway Speedway was one of its clients. Had a call late one night from a promoter in panic with a huge demolition derby the next day and he needed an announcer. After trying unsuccessfully to find one, I ventured out to the track and “Sidewalk Slim” was born.
RW: Which was the first track you were responsible for?
JD:I was partially responsible for the day-to-day operations at Spanaway Speedway and became responsible for the complete off season responsibilities and worked for the Boness family for many years.
RW: When you think back to that time, how was “doing your thing” at that track different than what you do at Stateline Speedway today?
JD:Most of what I do is very similar. However having the bottom line financial responsibilities tempers “doing my thing.”
RW: What other tracks and racing related ventures have you been involved with?
JD:At the time of working with the Boness family, the family also owned/leased to others Tenio Speedway, now known as South Sound Speedway, purchased Ephrata Speedway and Stateline Speedway. I have many memories of doing maintenance and repairs at all these venues, working with many people who helped us during off season times to make the tracks better. A lot of these people were racers and fans, some were friends, and others were neighbors. It makes you smile when you think back on how people helped each others in the “old days.”
RW: When did you take the reins at Stateline? What was the first thing you did/changed/improved?
JD:One year after the Boness family purchased Stateline Speedway my brother and I took over the reins from the Boness family and over the next ten years built a new entry way and front gate. Totally revamped the pits added on to and built new buildings, improved parking, and lighting and repaved the track. It took many years of persistent improvements that even at this date still continue. I might add, most of it was done once again with the help of racers, fans and friends as well as people hired.
RW: What have you done as far as managing Stateline that you are most proud of?
JD:Building a relationship with the competitors and the fans. Based on confidence and integrity. Trying to instill on everyone the simple fact that my racer is my customer and together we share our guests, the spectators. Doing all this remembering that consistency, compassion and control help turn the key to success.
RW: If a money tree began to grow on the Stateline Speedway property, what would you do with the first harvest?
JD:Glean as many seeds as possible to start an orchard. Use the harvest to improve the premises.
RW: Is there a division or visiting series (or two or three) that are especially popular at Stateline and what do you think their popularity is attributed to?
JD:We’ve established over the years a schedule that will host anywhere from 18- 20 different racing groups a season. They are all popular in their own right. Naturally the high dollar shows that we sprinkle in during the season draw great crowds and huge numbers.
But not surprisingly that many entry level and grassroots divisions we have are consistent in fan appeal, and spectator counts. This is evidence by our Wednesday Night Fever program, the Legends shows, Pro 4 shows, Pro 4 trucks, Outlaw Street Stocks, and from time to time the demolition derbies.
Add to that the mighty shows of the Inland Northwest Super Stock Association, the ICAR shows, Sprint Cars, Northwest Modifieds; the average spectator at Stateline Speedway has the opportunity to see a myriad of racing at one venue.
RW: Everyone tries something now and then that just doesn’t work. Did you ever have one of those moments at Stateline and how did you fix it?
JD:The the stupidest thing I have ever done was setup booths with a ring toss and pop bottles, darts and balloons so people could win stupid prices while wondering around the grandstands.
Everyone won and nobody loss.
I lost money and I fixed it the next day by tearing it all down.
RW: Promoters at some of the tracks think the NASCAR Cup on TV hurts them; other promoters don’t want anything to do with local TV because they feel that it will keep fans at home. What is your opinion of TV, both nationally and at the local level?
JD:I think that television has helped motorsports in general, whether we attribute that to NASCAR, Indy, or CART, to NHRA. It all plays an important role in the awareness of auto racing.
My own experience on a local level has taken a long time to cultivate. However once we were able to show we are also a sport to our local sports editors and to provide them with a visual example of what was happening at our local facility in both that action on the track and the massive crowd appeal; they have become one of our greatest champions.
To answer in a nutshell. Television coverage does not hurt auto racing.
RW: And while on the topic of TV do you think the decline in popularity of the NASCAR Cup on TV impacts the sport on a local level? Why or why not?
JD:No. Local racing isn’t NASCAR. It is exactly what the regional fans are closest to. They enjoy it, they live it, they cheer for it, and we as short track operators provide the venue for them.
RW: What unique benefits or challenges are faced by promoters in the Northwest if any?
JD:The Northwest promoters have several benefits because we have worked together over many years. Annually we visit with each other at the Western Area Race Promoters Association’s annual meeting, share ideas, and work hard to try to work out conflicts in scheduling and invite and encourage at the same meeting participation from race groups and associations.
RW: If you had a magic wand, what would you use it on to help all of short track/grassroots racing?
JD:I would try to find a way to lessen the largest operation cost, that being liability insurance.
RW: What is the biggest enemy to short track/grassroots racing?
JD:There are several. However I’ll name three that come to mind. The operational costs, and bureaucratic nightmare for the land that is used, (IE insurance, taxes, land use planning.)
Two, the rising value in real estate, and the need by communities for that real estate.
Three, the ever pressing technology changes that can make a car go faster, sleeker, run better coupled with the high cost of variety of aftermarket products available to the average racer who really wants it at a cost they really can’t afford.
RW: What is its biggest friend?
JD:Our biggest friend is the competitor/racer and his circle of family and friends that continue to work long hours putting together their car and enter a local short track anywhere in the country to try to win while their family and friends buy a ticket to cheer them on.
When that stops happening, short track racing will be done.
RW: Which series or track promoter, whether active or retired, have you most admired and why?
JD: There are many that come to mind. But I’ll share with you some of my first experiences sitting in a cocktail lounge in Vancouver, Washington at one of the first WARPA meetings watching Dick Boness, Bob Beadle, Ted Pollock, Reg Midgley, Bill Amick, Ken Clapp, Butch Behn argue with each other, call each other SOB’s, but at the end of the day remain competitive friends. All this while a young Dennis Huth, Micky Beadle, and Joe Doellefeld learned.
RW: Back to Stateline, what can the fans expect in 2008?
JD:A wide variety of regional grassroots racing with no one night the same.
RW: What can the racers, car owners, sponsors expect from Stateline in 2008?
JD:A clean friendly environment in which to enjoy their sport.
RW: How can we all join together to make racing better in 2008 at all tracks?
JD: By honestly communicating with each other respectfully our thoughts, our needs, and our desires. Being mindful of the participant’s needs and the spectator’s expectations.
Thanks, Joe. It was a joy to talk to you. Wishing you continued success in 2008.
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