The 2004 ISMA Champions: Car Owner Vic Miller & Driver Chris Perley

ISMA CONCLUDES 30TH SEASON OF RACING
AT AWARDS BANQUET

Oswego, NY - In 1974, the late Jim Shampine and most recently, the late Nolan Swift, began to formulate a concept they felt would insure the future of supermodified racing. They wanted to form an organization that could eventually guarantee fair purses for the new group's owner-members. A standard rulebook would govern the trips to various racetracks throughout the northeast and Canada and the exposure to many new fans would help insure the future of this exciting racing. Eventually, businessman Tom Heveron was approached to assist in those early formative days and The International SuperModified Association was born.

The only surviving member of that early trio, Tom Heveron, spoke of those early days from his Florida home. "I'm proud to be a part of the formation of ISMA. There was a need for the organization, to make the purses better and to get outside of Oswego to show supermodifieds. ISMA has helped keep the sport alive. It was necessary then and it's necessary now."

Heveron and his son, Doug, won the ISMA owner-driver titles four straight years from 1979- 1982. More of Tom Heveron's recollections will be in the ISMA Yearbook 2003-2004, which will go on sale the weekend of May 1-2 at Star and Seekonk's first two Lucas Oil - Helping Hands of America ISMA shows.

ISMA's first title-holder was Steve Gioia Jr., who recently became co-owner of the famed Oswego Speedway. Steve remembers that 1976 achievement proudly. "My first ISMA championship is something I'll always honor and treasure," said Gioia who acquired three more titles through 1986. "Someone mentioned then that if ISMA ever turned into anything that I would always be remembered as the first champion."  Well, it did and Steve is fondly remembered as the first! He will continue to insure the future of supermodified racing today at what he calls the "hub of supermodified racing", Oswego Speedway.

Those early ideals espoused by Shampine, Swift and others continue into 2004 as the now internationally-known ISMA traveling group begins its 30th anniversary season. Over the 4-decade span of ISMA racing, many car owners and drivers have competed  and all have contributed to the organization's success.

In commemoration of the 30th anniversary, an all-time feature win list has been compiled. Leading the all-time feature list is Pelham, NH's Russ Wood with 45 wins. Non-point feature wins were kept separately. Wood, who drives for Paul Dunigan racing, has five ISMA driver titles to his credit.  Following Wood are 2. Bentley Warren (40), 3. Mike Ordway (27), 4. Joe Gosek (26), 5. Chris Perley, 6. Dave McKnight, 7. Pat Abold (13), Doug Heveron (13), 9. Warren Coniam (12) and three drivers tied for 10th - Jim Shampine, Eddie Bellinger Jr. and Dave Shullick Sr. with 10 wins each. All of the top seven feature winners are still active within the organization.

The entire Adobe Acrobat PDF list of 59 drivers is posted HERE. A year-by-year, race by race list from 1976-2003 will also be in the 30th anniversary ISMA Yearbook.

Nineteen shows are slated for the 2004 ISMA season with two major sponsors, Lucas Oil Products and Helping Hands of America signed onboard. For more information and a color schedule, write ISMA at PO Box 2753, Liverpool, NY 13089.

Kirkville, NY - It has been decided that with the success of the "Fans of Jim Shampine" campaign last year, Shirley Letcher will continue her efforts in 2004. Monies raised in the name of the legendary Jim Shampine were awarded to both Oswego Supermodified and ISMA supermodified drivers finishing in eighth place positions (Jim's number was 8) at the International Classic, ISMA Super Nationals and in the Classic Qualifier.  FULL STORY

Oswego, NY - Chris Perley and the Vic Miller supermodified 11 team had what they considered a very good year in 2003. They finished every one of the ISMA-Lucas Oil-Helping Hands America races they competed in and they ended up in victory lane in four of those fourteen events. They capped the season with a victory at Thompson International Speedway's World Series in October, which gave them the 2003 ISMA Owner-Driver championship title to boot. They certainly would like to continue doing the same thing in 2004.

"I'm just looking forward to racing again," said Perley from Perley's Marina in Rowley, Mass. "It's been a long, cold winter and I hope we haven't lost anything along the way. I'm hoping to be able to run as good as I did last year. Of course, defending the title will be exciting and having back-to-back championships would be fun. But, there is a lot of good competition out there and that's not an easy task."

The last repeat driver champion was Russ Wood who captured the 1996-1997 titles. But, when it comes to owner champions, ISMA's Paul Dunigan has had a lock on the prestigious owner trophy. From 1995 through 2000, Dunigan claimed the top prize with Mike Ordway, Wood and Joe Gosek as drivers. Dave McKnight broke the string in 2001 capturing the title for car owner Brad Lichty, but Dunigan and Wood were back in full force to reclaim the 2002 championship. And, 2003 saw Perley and Vic Miller battling Wood and Dunigan down to the wire to break up another potential repeat. It won't be any easier this season.

"I'm sure there will be people stepping up this season to make the competition even tougher than it was last year," Perley continued. "Last season you didn't know until the last lap many times who was going to win. No one was a shoe-in. We won a few last year and we'd like to win more, but you can't count on anything. Paul Dunigan has another new car and Woody is always tough. And there are other guys too. Actually I'd really be ecstatic just to continue doing what we did last year."

The Miller-Perley team, which pretty much stayed intact over the winter, has produced a new car for 2004, but they do not plan on bringing it out until later in the season. "We probably won't run that car until Classic time at Oswego," said Chris, "Unless we have to. We ran as a one-car team all last year and got lucky. Hopefully we won't need to use this other car for a while."

The Vic Miller - Chris Perley 11 was backed by the following supporters in 2003: E.F. Shea N.E. Concrete, R&R Engines, NE Motor Racing Supply, Perley's Marina, Barrett Transportation, Hardy Transportation, and Jack Cook Enterprises. That list should stay the same in 2004 according to Perley.

"Everything is pretty much the same," said Perley, "And, that's not a bad thing because I'd be happy with continuing in the 'same-old-same-old' way. That would be just fine with me."

Perley, who also may take a few P.A.S.S. rides during the season, enters his 19th year of racing and his 15th year in the winged supermodifieds. His ISMA feature win total now stands at 17 and he will be looking forward to adding to that total for sure in the same way as last year. And for the fans that sit in the stands that translates into heart stopping, flat-out excitement every time the 36-year old driver sits down, straps in and takes off racing! With some new venues such as Stafford Springs Motor Speedway (CT), Mansfield Speedway (OH), Wall Stadium (NJ) and a return to Jennerstown (PA) where Perley won in September 1995, it should be quite a season for the champions and for the fans.

Perley is owner-operator of Perley's Marine Repair and he and his wife Kerry reside in Rowley, Mass. with their two sons Connor and Allen.

Carquest Motorsports Expo at the
New York State Fairgrounds

RACEARAMA 2004

	Best Winged Open Wheel Cat at the Show (Howie Hodge Photo)

It's Showtime! Randy Wimert's #60 Super at the Portland, ME
DNK Select Racin' Preview Show in February

Oswego, NY - Soule Racing has fielded a supermodified with the International SuperModified Association (ISMA) since that organization began running sanctioned shows in 1976. It is not a surprise, therefore, that they head the All-Time ISMA-Lucas Oil Point list. Soule Racing began as a backyard, low-buck team, doing much of its own fabricating and building of their supermodifieds, but never hesitating to help out a fellow competitor. While the team has continued their independence and dedication, they have also welcomed any help along the way.  It is therefore appropriate that a new sponsor joins the team reflecting that philosophy of helping others, while working hard toward their own goals. Joining Soule Racing's list of sponsors this season will be Helping Hands of America, a private foundation that solicits tangible goods for donation with portions of all proceeds directly helping associated charities. That portion, incidentally, amounted to one million dollars in 2003!

Mike Jarrett, vice president and treasurer of Helping Hands of America, has past ties with northeast open wheel auto racing. He was manager of Mike's Truck Stop, owned by Mike Scrivani Sr. and Jr. who coincidentally fielded a NEMA midget, which Nick (Nokie) Fornoro, who now drives the Soule Racing number 32, just happened to drive to a championship title. "I've known Nokie for years," said Jarrett from his Wrentham, Mass. office recently, "I've renewed my old friendship with him and new NEMA president Mike Scrivani Jr. Resurrecting my past relationship with racing, I've decided to help out Nokie and the Soule Racing team in the ISMA-Lucas Oil super series and, on a limited basis, the number 2 midget of Don Berio this year. We're also going to back the NEMA point and trophy fund."

Fornoro, of Reeders, Penn., took over the ride in the Soule 32 last season and will drive full time on the ISMA-Lucas Oil circuit this season. He garnered one win at Lee USA Speedway for the team in 2003. The talented former midget pilot indicated that he was amazed at what he had heard about what his former racing friend, Jarrett, has done through his Helping Hands of America corporation. Fornoro, whose son has battled Hodgkin's disease, knows what these kind of charitable donations mean. "I was amazed at what Mike has given away, just amazed," said Fornoro on his way to help the team prepare the 32 for the approaching race shows. "His company will be a great sponsor for our team."

Jarrett, who ironically lived about five miles from the Soule family home and garage in Clay, NY some years ago, has actually yet to meet car owner Dan Soule in person, but he looks forward to seeing the whole team at the upcoming Racearama show in West Springfield, MA and the following weekend at the Motorsports Expo in Syracuse. "I've become familiar with supermodified racing by attending some New England area shows. He says that there are a lot of race fans in the Northeast and he's "one of them." He'll be assuredly following the progress of the Soule team throughout the season.

Soule also was anxious to meet his new sponsor. "I am  excited, said Danny, whose father Jim started the family race team many years ago, "more so than ever to be able to have such a great sponsor joining us. I am really looking forward to this year."

While Helping Hands of America is a small for-profit corporation, it is growing. And, as Mike states, "As the company grows, so will the share that is donated to charity. Right now we are associated with three regional groups - the Lupus Foundation., Sacred Heart Community Missions and the Association of Blind Citizens, all based locally in Mass. "We are able to solicit all types of items such as cars, trucks, boats, RV's, art objects, estate property, real estate - any objects of value - on a nationwide basis," said Mike, "But right now we operate basically in the Northeast region. We can take a donated classic car from California or any valuable items from anywhere, for instance, but the cost of bringing those things here to sell is a little prohibitive right now. We are planning, building, expanding and growing at Helping Hands and we'll be able to donate more as that happens. It really gives you a great feeling to be able to help."

For more about Helping Hands of America - and how you might possibly donate
items - check their website at www.helpinghandsofamerica.org or call
1-888-881-9090 (toll free).

Helping Hands of America joins Ken's Collision of Baldwinsville, NY, Nufast Fastening Systems, Dave's Body Shop, and Parker Sanitation Services as major sponsors on the Soule 32. Associates include F.K. Rod Ends, Fragola Performance Systems, Swain Technology and Jimmy D's Speed and Machine, who will take care of the team's motor program.

Oswego, NY - It has been recently announced that Lucas Oil Products will once again be the title sponsor of the International SuperModified Association (ISMA). The partnership that began in 2003 proved to be a successful one for all involved. According to Lucas Oil's Don Baker, the inaugural year sponsorship of ISMA was the first of many to come. Everyone associated with ISMA cannot agree more!

Baker, a Director of Lucas Oil who is in charge of operations in Canada and in the Northern United States, commented from his office in Toronto, "We are extremely pleased with our association with ISMA on a professional and personal level. We were able to attend many of the exciting ISMA races in 2003 and the season-ending awards banquet. We had a very, very good time in our first year. We thought we were treated very well by everyone, everywhere we went. We hope to make more shows in 2004 and sincerely hope we will be able to continue our Lucas Oil Products involvement with ISMA for years and years to come."

Lucas, has long been directly involved in the American racing industry through multiple vehicle sponsorships and racing event promotions, at all levels. Seeing a need for better lubricants in this industry, the Lucas people went to work again. The end result being a line of high performance engine oils and gear oils that is second-to-none in the racing industry. Lucas racing products have proven themselves on NASCAR, NHRA, IHRA, USHRA and ATPA tracks across the country, adding the winged speed demons of ISMA to the fold in 2003.

Lucas Oil Products are made for the fans as well as the racers. Their product line is also one of the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer additive industry. A premium line of oils, greases and problem solving additives has helped to firmly establish Lucas as a prominent figure in this marketplace.

Lucas also produces a heavy-duty line of products for the industrial and agricultural markets. From the Corona, California headquarters, Lucas Oil President Forrest Lucas sums it up, "Our forte is to make better products for industries and specialty situations that are not having their needs completely satisfied by other oil products and, believe me, the major oil companies have left a lot of weak spots. We have an excellent staff and a world of technology, which we have gained through years of research. Together we have done a great deal in a short period of time and we intend to do a lot more."

The Lucas success story has been built upon hard work, an unparalleled line of premium products and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. This single formula for success will continue to guide Lucas Oil Products as it grows in the years to come. This success formula is not unlike the growth and ultimate success of the almost 30-year old ISMA organization!

Lucas Products are available in all the areas where ISMA races are held at nationally known stores such as Auto Zone, Advance Auto Parts, and Napa to many local auto parts dealers. Information about Lucas Oil Products and a nearby dealer is available at their website: LucasOil.com or LucasOil.ca in Canada. The motor sports portion of the site contains additional current information on racing organizations, racing schedules, and Lucas-sponsored racers.

The Lucas Oil-ISMA Super Series, which gratefully welcomes Lucas Oil and the Bakers back this season, begins its 18-race slate at Star Speedway in NH on May 1.

RULEBOOK
The ISMA Rulebook should be in the mail by the end of the week of January 19, 2004. If you are a car owner or driver and do not get one in a reasonable amount of time, please call or email Carol D Haynes at Speedway Press, PO Box 2006, 1 Burkle St., Oswego, NY 13126; 315-342-1363, email cdhaynes@twcny.rr.com or Ismajim@aol.com. Membership chairperson Delores Murphy has addressed all the envelopes for Rulebook insertion and left them at the Press before heading for Florida.

PROFILE SHEET
As to the 2003-04 ISMA Yearbook, all owners and drivers should also have received a profile sheet in the last newsletter to be filled out and returned to Carol, who is beginning to prepare the material for the new book which should be out prior to the May 1 Star Speedway ISMA race. It is important to get these profile sheets in early, however, as we will use some of the updated information to assemble a new roster for the website - the earlier the better on this. Changes in sponsorship or crew information can be updated along the way if necessary. CLICK HERE to find a pdf of the sheet which you can print out and mail or fax back. You may also email the answers to the questions and we will add the rest. The information as to where it should go is all at the top of that page - ISMA car owners and drivers only please.

The 2003 Champions : From left, Don Baker (Lucas Oil), Owner of the Year Vic Miller,
Driver of the Year Chris Perley and Roberta Baker (Lucas Oil).

Driver Chris Perley was crowned 2003 ISMA Driver of the Year and he too, garnered a few other accolades during the evening. Perley was honored, by the vote of his peers and compatriots, with the ISMA Achievement Award, and with the AJ Michaels Award for the third time. This year, however, Perley shared the award with longtime car owner and builder Steve Miller, in a rare voting tie. The Gater Racing News Fan's choice award also went to Perley for the third straight year.

The ISMA-Lucas Oil Super Series Rookie of the Year award was shared. The accolades went to young Bobby Santos III and Rick Wentworth. Santos drove the Howie Lane 97 to a top ten point finish. The Franklin, Mass. rookie stole a feature away from the vets at Oxford Plains, ME in the 100-lap event
held there in August. Wentworth owns and drives his own car 10. He has had some good finishes throughout the season, just finishing out of the top ten in points. This award is sponsored by EF Shea Concrete and includes a jacket and a $500 check.

The 2003 ISMA Most Improved driver award went to Canadian Mark Sammut. Sammut was among the front runners during more than one feature go this season and finished 10th in points.

The ISMA organization has developed into a well-oiled machine over the years with the help of many dedicated workers. Receiving the 2003 ISMA Support Award was two of the hardest working of the ISMA team - Ed and Kathy Clark who together man the ISMA Safety Truck, a very important entity for the drivers especially.

Steve Miller, as aforementioned shared the AJ Michaels award with Chris Perley for his longtime efforts as a dedicated car owner. Miller - no relation to the champion car owner Vic - has built and maintained a supermodified team from his Mexico, NY garage for many years. The past several years has seen a two-car team brought in by Miller. This season, the 16, driven by Jim Shirey, had a horrendous flip at Oswego Speedway in late August. The Miller team pieced together parts from the 16 and the 76, which had been piloted by Canadian Rod Sauder to make the final three ISMA shows.
And, although Shirey could not finish out the season due to his injuries, Sauder filled in and kept the car in the top ten in points.

Howie Lane was quite deservedly honored with the Jim Soule Dedication award. Lane, who went through a kidney transplant with his daughter earlier in the season, still managed to maintain a two-car competitive race team with Randy Ritskes, in the 9 and Bobby Santos III in the 97. Both cars finished well in the top ten in ISMA points.

And, in another rarity, Lane also shared the Jim Shampine Memorial Award with pit steward Butch Kisselstein as another tie vote ensued. Kisselstein, who has been an integral part of the ISMA organization for many years, has managed to do his ISMA work admirably despite having to travel extensively in his job. It wasn't unusual for the Kisselsteins (wife Lorraine is head scorer) to leave a race in Canada, travel to Florida where Butch did his "real" job and then be back at the next race. It's that kind of dedication, as is Lane's, that exemplifies the late Jim Shampine's demeanor in racing.

By luck of the draw, Greg Furlong won the helmet given each year by Seymour Enterprises and Bob Seymour. Also via the draw, Steve Miller won the Wade Litt-owned BS&B donated radiator.

After the top 20 in car owner and driver points were honored and the awards were given out, last but not least, ISMA said goodbye to president and race director Chuck Handley. Chuck was presented an inscribed gold watch for his years of hard work for ISMA. Handley has spent the last 11 years at the helm of the ISMA organization, steering it into a respected and professional group. Handley, who will now become race director for the new owners of the Oswego Speedway, will be sorely missed, but expects that the new officers will carry on quite well without him. He has already stated that his door in Oswego will always be open if help is needed. Handley, in his last official duty for ISMA, served as Master of Ceremonies.

Entertainment was provided once again by Brian Oddo. A big round of applause went to Kathy Clark, who served as banquet chair. Delores Murphy, Kathy Harrington and Sue Heppel assisted Clark at the very successful affair.

Dennis passed away at his residence surrounded by his loving family, on Monday evening, September 29, 2003 at the age of 56 years. Dennis is the son of Floyd and the late Helen Lichty. Beloved husband and best friend of Bernadette (nee Wey); loving father of Evan and Lauren. He will be missed by
his brothers, Brad and his wife Patti, Michael and his wife Yvonne and nieces and nephews; brother-in-law to Carol Kessig and her husband Wayne and Jane Russell and her husband Dave.

Dennis started racing go karts in 1959. Racing has been a part of his life for many years. He began racing supermodified cars at the age of 25 and raced supers until 1995.

Dennis was also a dedicated hockey coach for KMHA and was convenor for Novice HL, 2002-2003. He enjoyed collecting LP's and had a keen interest in vintage guitars.

Friends are invited to share memories of Dennis with his family at the Edward R. Good Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. and Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A morning prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, October 4, 2003 at 9:15 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Johns RC Church, 85 Strange Street, Kitchener, at 10 a.m. with Rev. James Boudreau as Celebrant. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens, Breslau.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre or St. Mary's Hospital would be appreciated by the family. Donations may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or www.edwardrgood.com