HOSS Preseason Meeting the Start of Something Big in '04

   By Scott Stine. The Hoosier Outlaw Sprint Series held its preseason meeting Sunday March 14 for the drivers and teams who plan to compete for the 2004 championship.  On hand were many of the veteran HOSS contingent, as well as the new faces coming up to pavement winged sprint car racing. 

     Deb Swanson, with help from Rose Calabrase and Sara Tarlton, once again furnished lunch for the 12:30 p.m. event.  Soup and snacks were well received as the building filled early and bench racing began in earnest.  With people arriving from the Indianapolis area and more coming in from Ohio, lunch was finished and the presentation began with series announcer Scott Stine previewing the advancements the HOSS has made over the winter.

     The first thing on the list was the thanks from everyone on the HOSS staff to the teams who competed in 2003 for their support and interest in continuing to grow the series.  The 2004 is the fourth season for the series and the progression has been tremendous.  Next up was the subject of rules and specs.  There are no rules adjustments for 2004, however tech has come under scrutiny and will be visible at all races.  Also, the mention of exciting new venues added to this season’s schedule. Hoosier tires are also the same with Tony Swanson becoming the tire supplier to the teams.  All teams buying tires for the series should contact him and he will make the connections for getting tires wherever they need to be.  Tires will be available at the track for sale and pickup.  The rookie class was introduced as Michael Tarlton takes over the number 9 of uncle Mark Tarlton's operation.  Michael has raced the modifieds and! has piloted the red and white sprinter once before at Plymouth Speedway in 2002.  Also joining the series and coming out of the 600 mini sprints is Dale Wood.  Dale spent his winter running the Rumble indoor series, most recently making the 100 main in the RCA dome two weeks ago.  Look for more to join the rookie of the year chase.         

     The meeting was a great chance to catch up on the happenings over the winter.  Among the conversations was Joe Rebman relating his teams experiences in Florida -- they had early setup problems before seeing teammate and 2003 HOSS rookie of the year Doug Berryman win a heat race in the final night.  Mike Blake was all smiles after revealing his driver would be none other than Danny Williams jr.  The Dynamite One himself could not make it up from Indy as he was moving his chassis fabrication business over the weekend.  Ed Kenens was still keeping a tight lip on his 2004 paint scheme only saying the frame was blue.  2003 Champ Denny England was at the meeting, although possibly picking his spots to race in 2004.  Rodney Ziemek has taken the plunge even deeper this year by loading up former Hull family equipment.  Look for him to challenge in the 06 with Hogue power.  Mike Bird of South Bend Motor Speedway arrived with Irish Saunders of Hoosier Tire.  Bird is a character among character but never misunderstood.  He offered his speedway for practice Sunday March 21, from noon to 6pm for anyone with the need to shakedown before Baer Field April 24-25.  Irish Saunders presided over a tire tech talk sharing much information about Hoosier racing rubber.  The half hour discussion gave many teams something to think about with regard to bleeder valves, siping, reversing tires, heat cycles, and air pressures.  One of the neatest things over the afternoon was watching people check out a book John Witter had on hand detailing the 'Rim Riders' of the old Central States Racing Association.  Rocky Fischer and Jeff Bloom especially gave the book due time, reminiscing over Hissos and Dreyers and the like.  The book is called "The Rim Riders" and is compiled by Buzz Rose.

     The Hoosier Outlaw Sprint Series racing kicks off April 25 in Fort Wayne at the Baer Field Speedway in a Sunday afternoon show.  Stop by www.hossracing.com or www.baerfieldspeedway.com for details.  Catch the HOSS at a speedway near you!!!!