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(4/27/18)
Today @ Wall
Stadium Speedway (https://www.wallspeedwayracing.com/): ALL
BOY & GIRL SCOUTS ENJOY FREE ADMISSION IF THEY WEAR PART OF THEIR UNIFORM! It's DOLLAR DOG NIGHT at the races! Gates Open at 5:00 pm / Qualifying at 5:45 / Features Start at 7:00 Adults $18 / Discount (62+) $15 / Student (7-17) $8 / 6 and under FREE / Active Military $15 (w/ID) Modifieds - Sportsman - Factory Stocks - 4-Cylinders - INEX Legends
(4/25/18)
Weekend plans !
(Thanks Jeff Gravatt !) : AUTO RACING SET FOR WALL STADIUM THIS
SATURDAY (4-28) WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ Wall Stadium Speedway's All American
Auto Group Racing Series rolls into event number three this Saturday night with five stock car divisions scheduled for racing
action. On Saturday the pit area will open at 1:00 p.m. with practice running from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. Grandstand seating
will open at 5:00 p.m. while qualifying will then start at 5:45 p.m. before the six five main events begin at 7:05 p.m. The Pete and Elda's Bar/Carmen's Pizzeria Modifieds are set for a 40-lap main event and the Center State Engineering
Sportsman cars will battle in a 25-lapper. The O’Shea’s Auto Repair Factory Stocks, the Green Flag Driving Experience
Legend Cars and the Surfside Collision 4 Cylinder Stocks are all scheduled for 25-lap feature races on the third mile high
banked paved oval. The Mike's Performance Center Limited Late Models will have the night off. Early
season winners Jimmy Blewett of Howell in the Modifieds, Eric Lane of Howell in the Sportsman, Brian Osborn of Howell in the
4 Cylinder Stocks, Bob Haberstick of Wall and Mike Montano of Freeport, N.Y. in the Factory Stocks and Vinny Troia of Browns
Mills in the Legend Cars are all expected to participate the evening's racing events. The complete regular
season schedule, which runs on Saturday nights through early October, is available at wallspeedwayracing.com as are the rules
and regulations for all divisions. Post-season events, the “Spooky Spectacular” in October and the Thanksgiving
weekend “Turkey Derby,” are also being planned. More information on Wall Stadium and the 2018 Saturday night
schedule can be obtained by visiting the website at wallspeedwayracing.com. Wall Stadium is located on Route 34 in Wall
Township, N.J., just one mile north of Garden State Parkway exit 98 and Interstate 195 exit 35B. The speedway hotline number
is 732-681-6400 and email address is ckmotorsports@aol.com.
(4/22/18)
(Thanks Jeff Gravatt ):
BLEWETT REPEATS IN WILD WALL STADIUM MODIFIED RACE WALL
TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ Defending Pete and Elda's Bar/Carmen's Pizzeria Modified champion Jimmy Blewett has proven to be
tough again this season as he won his second straight 40-lap race in the All American Auto Group Racing Series at Wall Stadium
Speedway. Saturday night's program was the second of the young season. Starting from the third row Blewett began his
charge towards the front immediately as Jason Hearne of New Egypt jumped to the lead. By lap five Blewett had entered the
top four and advanced to the top three by lap ten. By lap 12 Blewett was up to second and locked in a struggle for the lead
with Hearne, Holmdel's Andrew Krause and Chas Okerson of Freehold. Hearne continued to lead the way while the trio wrestled
behind him with plenty of contact between the cars and occasional smoke coming from a rubbing tire on Blewett's racer. The
action continued hot and heavy until three laps to go when Hearne and Blewett touched on the backstretch and Hearne spun from
the lead. Blewett then raced on to the win with Howell's Eric Mauriello grabbing second. Jackson's Steven Reed, Tyler Truex
of Mayetta and Manasquan's Kenny Van Wickle wrapped up the top five. After being involved in tangles on the final lap Krause
was eighth and Okerson was 11th. “There was a lot of contact out there tonight,”
Blewett said as he looked at the damage to his racer in the winner's circle. “I see the rear in the car is off by about
six inches. No wonder it went from so good to being a handful. Hey, if four wheels are still on it I'll drive it.” Howell's
Eric Lane crossed the finish line first in a non-stop 25-lapper for the Center State Engineering Sportsman cars, but when
post race tech inspection found an unapproved carburetor on his race car Howell's Kevin Davison was awarded the trophies.
Brick's Robert Sutphin, Robby Walton of Tuckerton, Joe King of Toms River and Howell's Rob Silver completed the top five. Bayville'
Elliott Wohl was also found to have unapproved parts on his car after crossing the finish line first in the 25-lapper for
the O'Shea's Auto Repair Factory Stocks and that handed Mike Montano of Freeport, N.Y. his first win of the young season.
Howell's Richie Byrne crossed the line third but also had trouble in tech. That made Kenny Green of Farmingdale, John Bowers
of Pt. Pleasant, Wall's Rob Haberstick and Matt Badessa of Cranford the remainder of the top five. Defending Surfside
Collision 4 Cylinder Stock Champion Bryan Osborn of Howell won his second straight 25-lapper impressively. Darianne McLaren
of Edison, Jackson's Darren Burdge, Sal Liguori and Nicole Razzano wrapped up the top five. Browns Mills' Vinny Troia
won his second straight Green Flag Driving Experience 20-lapper after battling with runner-up Nick Van Wickle of Edgewater
Park much of the way. Shannon Mongeau of Manchester was tops in the 15-lapper for the Mike's Performance Center Limited
Late Models. The 2018 Saturday night regular season continues this Saturday evening with the Modifieds, Sportsman cars,
Factory Stocks, 4 Cylinder Stocks and Legend Cars in action The pit area will open at 1:00 p.m. Grandstands will open at 5:00
p.m. Qualifying starts at 5:45 p.m. and main event action starts at 7:05 p.m. Saturday night racing action continues
through early October with schedule details at wallspeedwayracing.com. Wall Stadium is located on Route 34 in Wall Township,
N.J., just one mile north of Garden State Parkway exit 98 and Interstate 195 exit 35B. The speedway hotline number is 732-681-6400
and email address is ckmotorsports@aol.com. RACE RESULTS MODIFIED FEATURE – 40 Laps – 1. JIMMY BLEWETT,
HOWELL, 2. Eric Mauriello, 3. Steven Reed, 4. Tyler Truex, 5. Kenny Van Wickle, 6. Shaun Carrig, 7. Zack Alspach, 8. Andrew
Krause, 9. Joey Merlino, 10. Blake Barney, 11. Chas Okerson, 12. Derek Hopkinson, 13. Jason Hearne, 14. Trevor Alspach, 15.
Tom Catanzaro SPORTSMAN FEATURE – 25 Laps – 1. KEVIN DAVISON, HOWELL, 2. Robert Sutphin, 3. Robby Walton,
4. Joe King, 5. Rob Silver, 6. Carsten DiGiantomasso, 7. Eddie McCarthy, 8. Louie Keraitis, 9. Michael Rising, 10. Todd Dige,
11. Dom Fattarusso, 12. Roland DeMartino, 13. John McCormick, 14. Kyle Scisco, 15. Jarret DiGiantomasso, 16. Joe Cooley, 17.
Jonathan Laureigh, 18. Howie Conk, DQ Eric Lane FACTORY STOCK FEATURE – 25 Laps – 1. MIKE MONTANO, FREEPORT,
N.Y., 2. Kenny Green, 3. John Bowers, 4. Rob Haberstick, 5. Matt Badessa, 6. Tom Rajkowski, 7. Tony Bartone, 8. Steve West,
9. Whitey Miller, 10. Robert Ptaszynski, 11. Nancy Riggleman, 12. Tim Majek, 13. Waylon Speer, 14. Gerry Koenig, 15. Matt
Malachatka, 16. Robert DePonte, 17. Theresa Collins, 18. Scott Riggleman, 19. Bryan O'Shea, DQ Elliot Wohl, Richie Byrne,
Bill Stockert 4 CYLINDER STOCKS – 25 Laps – 1. BRAIN OSBORN, HOWELL, 2. Darianne McLaren, 3. Darren Burdge,
4. Sal Liguori, 5. Nicole Razzano, 6. Jennifer Schultz, 7. Chris Silvestri, 8. Neil Rutt, 9. Jeff Loesch, 10. JC Duvall, 11.
Randy Hart, 12. Jay Conrad, 13. Mike Lavery, 14. Ian Ashford, 15. Roy Pickell, 16. Doug Ashford, 17. Richard Smith, 18. Mike
Mee LEGEND CARS FEATURE – 20 Laps – 1. VINNY TROIA, BROWNS MILLS, 2. Nick Van Wickle, 3. Peter Bruno, 4.
Tony Hodgson, 5. Eugene Drew, 6. James Van Wickle, 7. Joe Przybylinski, 8. Roger Nickerson, 9. Bill Petrolino LIMITED
LATE MODEL FEATURE – 15 Laps – 1. SHANNON MONGEAU, MANCHESTER, Joe Mongeau, 3. Harry Schaeffer, 4. Mike Tillett
( Eric Lane- Sportsman Car update )
After concerns were raised about the carburetor on the Eric Lane No. 24, it has been determined that he retains
the Sportsman feature win.
(4/18/18)
(Thanks Jeff Gravatt !):
AUTO RACING AND ON-TRACK PARTY SET FOR WALL STADIUM THIS
SATURDAY (4-21) WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ Wall Stadium Speedway auto racing fans
will not only have the opportunity to witness six feature races this Saturday (4-21) evening but will also be able to meet
the drivers, get a close up look at the cars and walk the famous third mile high banked paved oval as the shore speedway presents
“Fan Fest.” On Saturday the pit area will open at noon with practice running from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Grandstand
seating will open at 4:00 p.m. with the “On-Track Party” set from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. Qualifying will then start
at 5:45 p.m. before the six All American Auto Group Racing Series main events begin at 7:00 p.m. Opening
night winners Jimmy Blewett of Howell (Modifieds), Eric Lane of Howell (Sportsman), Shannon Mongeau of Manchester (Limited
Late Models), Brian Osborn of Howell (4 Cylinder Stock), Bob Haberstick of Wall (Factory Stock) and Vinny Troia of Browns
Mills (Legend Car) are all expected to participate in both the “Fan Fest” and the evening's racing events. The Pete and Elda's Bar/Carmen's Pizzeria Modifieds are set for a 40-lap main event and the Center State Engineering
Sportsman cars will battle in a 25-lapper. The Mike's Performance Center Limited Late Models, the O’Shea’s Auto
Repair Factory Stocks, the Green Flag Driving Experience Legend Cars and the Surfside Collision 4 Cylinder Stocks are all
scheduled for 25-lap feature races on the third mile high banked paved oval. The complete regular season
schedule, which runs on Saturday nights through early October, is available at wallspeedwayracing.com as are the rules and
regulations for all divisions. Post-season events, the “Spooky Spectacular” in October and the Thanksgiving weekend
“Turkey Derby,” are also being planned. More information on Wall Stadium and the 2018 Saturday night schedule
can be obtained by visiting the website at wallspeedwayracing.com. Wall Stadium is located on Route 34 in Wall Township,
N.J., just one mile north of Garden State Parkway exit 98 and Interstate 195 exit 35B. The speedway hotline number is 732-681-6400
and email address is CKMotorsports@aol.com.
(4/15/18)
(Thanks Jeff Gravatt !)
BLEWETT WINS WALL STADIUM MODIFIED OPENER WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~
His race car may have had a new paint scheme, sponsor and number, but the final results were the same as Jimmy Blewett raced
to the opening night win in the Pete and Elda's Bar/Carmen's Pizzeria Modified 40-lap feature at Wall Stadium Speedway Saturday
night. The All American Auto Group Racing Series victory moved the Howell speedster to second spot on the all-time Modified
win list. With opening night qualifying determined by time trials, Blewett started at the front and never looked back.
The race for second was frantic, however, as Jackson's Steven Reed and Holmdel's Andrew Krause wrestled for the spot most
of the way before Krause nailed down the finish. Howell's Eric Mauriello was also impressive as he slipped into third in the
closing laps after pitting in the first half of the race when his window net became unlatched. Reed was fourth and Freehold's
Chas Okerson was fifth. “Up until a few days ago we had no sponsors,” Blewett said in regards to the number
and color change of his car. “Then North American Construction stepped up. “The way the weather went from
hot to cold in a matter of minutes worked out for us in a way. We used our Turkey Derby set up and the car was near perfect.” Before
the race new division sponsor Pete and Elda's Bar/Carmen's Pizzeria distributed decals to the race teams. When it was announced
during the race that the first car across the finish line displaying a decal would earn a bonus, Krause's team was rewarded
$500 for being the first across the line with the new decal on his car. Howell's Eric Lane raced to victory in the companion
25-lapper for the Center State Engineering Sportsman cars. Jarret DiGiantomasso of Jackson led early but left the race with
mechanical trouble with just five laps remaining. Lane, who was running second, was able to avoid the trouble and grab the
checker flag. Howell's Rob Silver, Jonathan Laureigh of Lanoka Harbor, Kevin Davison of Howell and Jackson's Kyle Scisco wrapped
up the top five. Wall's Bob Haberstick was the opening night winner in O'Shea's Auto Repair Factory Stock action leading
defending champ Scott Riggleman of Manchester most of the way. Mike Montano of Freeport, N.Y., Bayville's Elliott Wohl an
Bryan O'Shea of Wall were third through fifth. Defending Surfside Collision 4 Cylinder Stock champion Brian Osborn of
Howell started his title defense off with a win in the 25-lapper. Nicole Razzano of Cookstown crossed the line second but
her car failed a post race inspection. That moved Chris Silvestri of Hazlet, Darianne McLaren of Edison, Jennifer Schultz
of Jackson and Bill Schwartz of Howell into second through fifth spots. Shannon Mongeau of of Manchester took the win
in the Mike's Performance Center Limited Late Model 20-lapper followed by Joe Mongeau of Brick, Harry Schaeffer of Carteret
and Greg Gastelu of Jackson. Mike Alcaro of West Milford crossed the line first in the 20-lapper for the Green Flag
Driving Experience Legend Cars, but when his car failed post race inspection Vinny Troia of Browns Mills got the win. Nick
Van Wickle of Edgewater Park, Peter Bruno of Little Silver, Tony Hodgson of Southampton and Brick's Roger Nickerson were second
through fifth. The 2018 Saturday night regular season continues this Saturday evening with the Modifieds, Sportsman
cars, Factory Stocks, 4 Cylinder Stocks, Legend Cars and the Limited Late Models in action The pit area will open at 1:00
p.m. Grandstands will open at 4:00 p.m. and a special “Fan Fest” on track party is set for 4:30 p.m. Qualifying
starts at 5:45 p.m. and main event action starts at 7:00 p.m. Saturday night racing action continues through early October
with schedule details at wallspeedwayracing.com. Wall Stadium is located on Route 34 in Wall Township, N.J., just one
mile north of Garden State Parkway exit 98 and Interstate 195 exit 35B. The speedway hotline number is 732-681-6400 and email
address is ckmotorsports@aol.com. RACE RESULTS MODIFIED FEATURE – 40 Laps – 1. JIMMY BLEWETT, HOWELL,
2. Andrew Krause, 3. Eric Mauriello, 4. Steven Reed, 5. Chas Okerson, 6. Tyler Truex, 7. Jonathan Mandato, 8. Derek Hopkinson,
9. Anthony Sesely, 10. Kenny Van Wickle, 11. Tom Catanzaro, 12. Jason Hearne, 13. Joey Merlino, 14. Zack Alspach, 15. Ricky
Collins, 16. Blake Barney, DNS Shaun Carrig SPORTSMAN FEATURE – 25 Laps – 1. ERIC LANE, HOWELL, 2. Rob Silver,
3. Jonathan Laureigh, 4. Kevin Davison, 5. Kyle Scisco, 6. Robby Walton, 7. Michael Rising, 8. Jake Nelke, 9. Joey King, 10.
Dom Fattarusso, 11. Roland DeMartino, 12. Jarret DiGiantomasso, 13. Robert Sutphin, 14. Joe Cocca, 15. Mike Brennan, 16. Louie
Keraitis, 17. Carsten DiGiantomasso, 18. Eddie McCarthy, 19. Dave Bailey, 20. Howie Conk FACTORY STOCK FEATURE –
25 Laps – 1. BOB HABERSTICK, WALL, 2. Scott Riggleman, 3. Mike Montano, 4. Elliott Wohl, 5. Bryan O'Shea, 6. Tony Bartone,
7. John Bowers, 8. Jerry Koenig, 9. Robert Ptaszynski, 10. Matt Badessa, 11. Nancy Riggleman, 12. Whitey Miller, 13. Theresa
Collins, 14. Robert DePonte, 15. John Carpenter, 16. Kenny Green, 17. Matt Malachatka, 18. Tom Rajkowski 4 CYLINDER
STOCKS – 25 Laps – 1. BRAIN OSBORN, HOWELL, 2. Chris Silvestri, 3. Darianne McLaren, 4. Jennifer Schultz, 5. Bill
Schwarz, 6. Jay Conrad, 7. Randy Hart, 8. Ian Ashford, 9. Chuck McDonald, 10. Richard Smith, 11. Mike Carr, 12. Sal Liguori,
13. Cody Burbank, 14. Darren Burdge, 15. JC Duvall, 16. Jeff Loesch, 17. Tom Stavola, 18. Doug Ashford, 19. Neil Rutt, DQ
Nicole Razzano LIMITED LATE MODEL FEATURE – 20 Laps – 1. SHANNON MONGEAU, MANCHESTER, Joe Mongeau, 3. Harry
Schaeffer, 4. Greg Gastelu LEGEND CARS FEATURE – 25 Laps – 1. VINNY TROIA, BROWNS MILLS, 2. Nick Van Wickle,
3. Peter Bruno, 4. Tony Hodgson, 5. Roger Nickerson, 6. Joe Fresco, DQ Mike Alcaro
(4/12/18)
(Thanks Jeff Gravatt !):
JIMMY
BLEWETT GETS NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION BACKING FOR 2018 WALL STADIUM MODIFIED ASSAULT HOWELL,
N.J. ~ Three-time and defending Wall Stadium Speedway Modified stock car driving champion Jimmy Blewett has announced
that North American Construction of Brick, N.J. has joined his race team as a primary sponsor for the 2018 racing season.
Blewett will rely on the same car with which he won the 2017 title although it will now sport gleaming white paint, North
American Construction logos and the No. 51. Rob Ormsbee will continue as crew chief and Martino Race Engines will continue
to prepare the power. “Scott Brannick from North American Construction has been a good friend,
over the years,” Blewett, a 72 time Wall Stadium Modified winner including 20 victories in the prestigious Turkey Derby,
said. “We have worked on a lot of projects together off the track and he has both raced and been a good friend to local
racing. It will be exciting to drive the North American Construction No. 51!” Brannick is also
excited about the team. “I have been friends with Jimmy for a long time and the timing of this
deal was perfect,” Brannick said. “Jimmy has proven that he is a winner and that will reflect well on my company.
This season should be a lot of fun.” North American Constructionoffers a wide variety of options
for roofing, siding, windows and doors to meet every style and budget. The company has offered installation, repair and replacement
services to both commercial property owners and homeowners in New Jersey since 1982. To learn more about
North American Construction visit northamericanconstructionnj.com. Follow Jimmy Blewett on Facebook at Jimmy Showtime Blewett
and on Instagram at showtime6676. Additional associate sponsorships with the race team are still available. Wall Stadium presents professional auto racing on Saturday nights through early October. Post-season events,
the “Spooky Spectacular” in late October and the Thanksgiving weekend “Turkey Derby,” are also presented.
(4/8/18)
(Thanks
Jeff Gravatt !):WALL STADIUM AUTO RACERS READY FOR SATURDAY’S (APRIL 14) 2018
SEASON OPENER WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ All six Wall Stadium Speedway stock car
racing divisions will be in action when the third mile high banked paved oval opens the 2018 “All-American Auto Group
Racing Series” this Saturday night (April 14). Grandstand seating will open at 5:00 p.m. with qualifying slated for
5:45 p.m. and the first main event planned for 7:00 p.m. The Pete and Elda's Bar/Carmen's Pizzeria Modifieds
are set for a 40-lap main event with defending champ Jimmy Blewett of Howell, Jackson's Steven Reed, Holmdel’s Andrew
Krause, Eric Mauriello of Howell, Shaun Carrig of Little Falls, Jackson's Blake Barney and Derek Hopkinson of toms River all
planning to compete in the series on a regular basis. Last season's Sportsman champ will also be among those competing in
the Modified series. Howell’s Kevin Davison is looking for another crown in the Center State Engineering
Sportsman ranks, but top runners Kyle Scisco and brothers Jarret and Carsten DiGiantomasso, all from Jackson, and Howell's
Eric Lane are all expected to see Sportsman action. Last year’s O'Shea's Auto Repair Factory Stock
champion Scott Riggleman of Manchester will lead the full-fendered cars into opening night competition while Howell's Brain
Osborn will try for his second straight Surfside Collision 4 Cylinder Stock crown. Both divisions will battle in 20-lappers
on opening night. Competition will be high in both the Mike's Performance Center Limited Late Models
and the Green Flag Driving Experience Legend Cars as the 2017 champs will not be going for repeat titles. Both divisions will
battle in 20-lappers on opening night. In preparation for the April 14 opener, speedway officials have
announced that a special paid practice session will be offered on Friday afternoon, April 13, from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. For Saturday’s season opener the speedway office will open at 9:00 a.m. so that competitors and crew
members can obtain their licenses for the season and avoid afternoon lines. The pit area will open at noon for race car technical
inspections while practice sessions will begin at 4:00 P.M. The complete regular season schedule, which
runs on Saturday nights through early October, is available at wallspeedwayracing.com as are the rules and regulations for
all divisions. Post-season events, the “Spooky Spectacular” in late October and the Thanksgiving weekend “Turkey
Derby,” are also being planned. More information on Wall Stadium and the 2018 Saturday night schedule can be obtained
by visiting the website at wallspeedwayracing.com. Wall Stadium is located on Route 34 in Wall Township, N.J., just
one mile north of Garden State Parkway exit 98 and Interstate 195 exit 35B. The speedway hotline number is 732-681-6400 and
email address is CKMotorsports@aol.com.
(3/9/18)
Courtesy Speed Sport.com
(2/28/18)
Courtesy Speed 51.com
(2/27/18) Courtesy
Speed Sport News (https://speedsport.com/): Go Fund Me Launched To Help Mike Tidaback’s Family (2/14/18)
Link to the 2018 Schedule :
*RAIN DATES: SAT JUNE 9 >> MAKEUP SAT JUNE 16 SAT JULY 14 >> MAKEUP SUN JULY 15 SAT AUG 18 >>
MAKEUP SUN AUG 19 SAT OCT 6 >> SUN OCT 7
TURKEY DERBY XLV
2018 Official Race Schedule
(1/30/18)
Memorial Service for Cliff Krause (Thanks Jeff
Gravatt ): FROM THE KRAUSE FAMILY A Memorial service for Cliff Krause will be held on Thursday (2-1-2018) at
5 pm at the Holmdel Community United Church of Christ at 40 Main Street in Holmdel, N.J. A buffet dinner of Cliff’s
favorite foods to follow. All are invited. Donations can be made to an animal rescue. Homefreeanimalrescue.com or mailed to
Home Free Animals 64 White Street Red Bank N.J. 07701.
(1/28/18)
Cliff Krause family update (Thanks
Jeff Gravatt ): FROM THE KRAUSE FAMILY The Krause family announced that Cliff Krause,
the cornerstone of Wall Stadium Speedway, passed away Saturday evening. He suffered a heart attack on Friday night (1/19)
as he got home from work. He spent 8 days in a coma trying to recover. The doctors and nurses provided extensive 24 hour care.
Unfortunately, too much damage had been done to his heart and lungs and brain. His family was advised that he would never
wake up or have a basic quality of life. To avoid his suffering, his family decided to take him off the machines and medication
and let him go with God. He took his last breath at 7:13 pm Saturday night.
The Krause family said that
they were very thankful for the outpouring of prayers and thoughts from competitors, officials, staff and fans over the last
several days.
A life long auto racing enthusiast, Mr. Krause and his family leased the facility seven
years ago and are accredited by many for saving the 60+ year old speedway and returning it to prominence. Many of his favorite
memories were made there. He enjoyed spending time and laughing with his racing family. He will always be at the track watching
over us.
He is survived by his wife Diane, daughter Emily and son Andrew. Along with Mr. Krause, all three
play an important role in the operation of the speedway.
His family will be continuing Cliff’s legacy
and the 2018 race schedule will be released soon.
Very
Sad news
Cliff Krause Wall Stadium Promoter, Hero, Friend When I heard Cliff Krause, the Wall Stadium Speedway promoter, had passed away following a heart attack I knew I
had to write something. Not just because it is my duty as the owner of a website that covered all the happenings at the
historic Jersey Shore Speedway. It is much more than that because Cliff was more than just a promoter to me. Cliff was a hero
for saving my home track, a place where I grew up, met amazing people, and had some of the most memorable times of my life
at. He was a friend who I felt as if I had known for my entire life, despite it only being a few years. The first
time I heard the name Cliff Krause was when it was announced he had signed a lease to reopen Wall Stadium. I remember thinking
to myself who is this guy, and why does he want to run our track? Before the announcement names like Evernham and Truex were
rumored to be interested in keeping the track open. That made sense, they were one of us, having grown up at the track as
well. But who was Cliff? As I began to learn more I found out Cliff had been involved in dirt racing for a number
of years. This calmed me in the sense that someone who knew what racing was about would be at the helm, while also making
me wonder if he had plans to turn the only, remaining, asphalt oval track in New Jersey into a dirt racetrack. That may,
or may not, have been his original intent, but once Cliff saw how much this small, high-banked oval meant to everyone he was
sucked in like we all have been. He soon was no longer the promoter, but a member of the Wall Stadium family. He cheered for
his son Andrew as he raced, he cursed when things didn’t go his way, he had disagreements with some, and he joked with
his unique sense of humor. The same as all of us. Being in the pits at Wall Stadium Speedway it didn’t
feel like Cliff was the promoter. He was just Cliff. But truth be told he was the best kind of promoter. While he may have
grumbled initialily about the purchase price of something the track needed, if it was truly needed it was there. He also
knew that his wife Diane could handle the day to day business of the track despite having no previous experience, while he
ran his successful business. He knew she was tough enough to make the difficult decisions, and to deal with the negativity
that so often comes to track management. There were struggles in the beginning, but as the years went by both a Cliff and
Diane settled into their roles, and it worked. In fact it worked so well Wall Stadium Speedway was drawing crowds on Saturday
nights that doubled many tracks in the area. Cliff didn’t have to put his money into Wall Stadium. I remember
having a conversation with him a few years ago about the future of his son Andrew. As someone who is very familiar with the
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour I suggested perhaps Andrew should give that a try. Andrew was obviously a talented driver, and
I knew Cliff had the funds necessary to run the Tour. When I heard Andrew would be making his first Tour start
I was happy for both Cliff and his son. I thought it would be great to see Andrew on some tracks where there is a little more
room for passing than Wall. Then I thought what have I done? Would Cliff and Andrew fall in love with the Tour and leave Wall
Stadium behind? Thankfully, Andrew had the same allegiance as his father to Wall, and the decision was made to make Wall the
priority, and the Tour an addition to his schedule. Cliff had already been a hero to me for saving my home track,
and now he had only grown that status by supporting another of my loves the Modified Tour. Cliff also became
a friend to me. We seemed to have a connection, which is something I think many of us felt. I have always had an interest
in people who are successful in their business, particularly those who literally started with nothing. I asked him one day
about how he got started in the syrup business, and he told me the entire story. Cliff’s father had been
a salesman in the bar business, and as a child he would sometimes accompany him to the bars he was visiting. On one of these
occasions a man told him, “Son if you ever want to really make money in this business syrup, or flavoring for the drinks,
is what you need to do.” As just a kid this didn’t mean much to Cliff. But the summer before his
final year of college his father passed away. Without his dad’s income there was no way just him and his mom could
pay for his final year. He knew he would have to find a way to make money, and what that man said to him years ago had stuck
in his head. He decided to figure out how to make drink flavorings. He asked around and was told there was a guy at IFF that
would gladly tell you everything you needed to know. So Cliff made a call, and was told to come down to the company.
When he arrived and told the receptionist who he was there to see she sort of rolled her eyes and pointed him down a a long
hallway. He walked to what seemed to be the farthest point of the building and found this old man sitting in a tiny office.
The guy should have retired long ago, but he loved the business, and the company had just kept him on as a sort of favor.
He explained to Cliff just what he needed to do, what ingredients he would need, and where to get everything.
Soon Cliff was making batches in his garage. He couldn’t believe how well they turned out. Soon businesses from all
over were knocking on his door for his product, and it made him a wealthy man. I don’t think Cliff ever
forgot what that old man did for him. In fact I think it helped shape Cliff into the man he had become. One that was willing
to help just about anyone in need, almost to a fault. Cliff told me one time he had a book of all the people he had loaned
money to, but who had never been able to repay him. A book he eventually just threw away. That’s what also
made Cliff a good friend. If you looked at him you would never know how well off he was financially. He never acted above
anyone, or threw his money in their face. He was just Cliff. A guy that would have been uncomfortable with all the attention
his death will bring. For Cliff life wasn’t about him it was about others. Making sure his wife Diane, and children
Andrew and Emily had all they needed. Making sure Wall Stadium Speedway stayed open so he could spend Saturday nights with
his second family, and even those he helped behind the scenes. Cliff I know I am not alone in saying I will miss
you greatly. It won’t be the same walking through the pit gate and seeing you by your van, or on your golf cart. I only
hope we can continue the example you have set, and I pray for your family who will feel your loss the most. Thank
you Cliff, and may you Rest In Peace.
By Ellsworth Boyce
Cliff Krause hospitalized (Thanks Jeff Gravatt
!) : WALL STADIUM PROMOTER CLIFF KRAUSE RESTING AFTER ILLNESS WALL
TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ The Krause family announced today that Wall Stadium Speedway promoter Cliff Krause has suffered
a heart attack and is in a medically induced coma since Friday night. “Some people have asked about Cliff, so
we wanted to let everyone know,” Diane Krause, Cliff's wife and speedway general manger, said. “We wanted to keep
our racing family informed and wanted to ask everyone for their prayers.” Despite Mr. Krause's illness, Diane
Krause wanted competitors and fans to know that details are moving ahead for the 2018 racing season. “We are putting
the final touches on the 2018 schedule right now,” Diane Krause said. “We will be ready to release it very soon.”
(12/29/17) Courtesy Speed
Sport News.com (https://speedsport.com/): Krause Inks New Contract To Promote Wall Stadium (12/28/17)
" We are excited to announce that we will be operating
in the 2018 & 2019 seasons. We are already
working on the race schedule . 2018 Pit Licenses will be available in the Spring" Update
from Jeff Gravatt (Thanks Jeff !): WALL STADIUM SET
FOR 2018 AND 2019 AUTO RACING SEASONS WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. ~ With the lease
contract set and signed Wall Stadium Speedway management and staff are ready to
prepare for the 2018 season at the third mile high banked paved oval speedway. “This
is a very happy day for me and my family,” said promoter Cliff Krause.
“My family is thrilled that we will be at Wall Stadium in 2018 and 2019! We want to thank everyone who supports this
speedway and has helped us to really bring the track to life! We have a great
group of race teams, a great staff and a great group of fans. “We
are very excited about 2018 and beyond. Thank you to everyone who supports the track!” Now
that the contract is in place management, officials and staff have set to work on the 2018 schedule,
speedway maintenance and other items needed to prepare for the fast approaching
season. Schedules and pit licenses will be available soon. Wall Stadium
presents professional motorsports events on Saturdays and Sundays through September with special post-season races
in October and November. The speedway is located on Route 34 in Wall Township, N.J.,
just one mile north of Garden State Parkway exit 98 and Interstate 195 exit 35B.
The speedway hotline number is 732-681-6400, while ckmotorsports@aol.com is the track’s email address. More information is also available at www.wallspeedwayracing.com. in the Spring!
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