Jack Hewitt Challenge
July 29, 2003
All Photos By Stephen J. Hartzell
Todd Tappell interviews Jack Hewitt to kick off the night's activities. Jack was not shy about explaining how much it "sucks" not to be able to race. But at the same time he was quick to say how proud he is to be working with a great group of guys like the All Stars. He said that he realizes that he was not an easy guy to deal with as a driver, and that his experiences this season have caused him to gain a lot of respect for just how hard it is to be an official. He hopes to be able to work with the All Stars for years to come.
Chad Kemenah talks to Jack Hewitt just after giving this lady the ride of her life. "What are ya shakin' for" asked Kemenah when his passenger couldn't stop trembling. If you ever get the chance to ride in a 2 seater, I would highly recommend Kemenah as a driver. Believe me, he really hauls 'er in there!!
An overhead view of Jack Hewitt's 2-seater.
Janet Holbrook & Jack Hewitt watch the racing action during the non-wing feature.
Teammates for a night.
Craig Mintz was in his familiar 8s winged car while Kenny Jacobs drove the non-wing car. It was Kenny's first non-wing race in many years.
All Star legend Kenny Jacobs gets the feel of the Sabo car after firing the engine.
Dave Argabright & Jack Hewitt during a break in the action. Argabright compiled interview data for "Hewitt's Law", one of the most entertaining racing volumes ever written.
All Stars always stick together! Conium, Kemenah, Johnson and Wilson pit together.
When Scott Kraylek learned that Terry McCarl was here without a ride due to 2 blown engines, he immediately sought him out. Here McCarl tries to get comfortable in the cockpit while Kraylek talks to him, as car owner Scott Kirian listens in.
Kenny Jacobs just couldn't resist the opportunity to come over and heckle Kraylek about "bringing in a ringer".
McCarl & Jacobs talk as a Kraylek crew member works on the car.
Both drivers clearly enjoyed working together, and Kraylek felt like he'd gotten some fresh ideas from the veteran driver that will help him in the long run.
A. J. Anderson
Kevin Besecker
Engine Of The Week
Jeremy Campbell's Gaerte engine is shown here. Unfortunately, it refused to cooperate, and Campbell was forced to scratch the night.
Versatile Rob Chaney drove 2 of Stan Cortad's cars. He finished 9th in the non-winged feature and 10th in the winged.
Dickie Gaines brought his wing with him, but unfortunately he didn't use it!
A very hot David Harrison again came from the back of the field to finish 6th. Here Jimmy & Robbie Dayton look his car over.
Jac Haudenschild kicks back on a Hoosier during a break in the action. Haud flipped his car on the frontstretch of the last lap of the non-wing feature while racing for second, his car coming to rest about 30 yards short of the final stripe.
Only seasoned old veteran like Danny Smith could have the cahoona's to run both divisions in the same car!
Ryan Howard
Lee Jacobs had a hard and furious race with his uncle Dean, holding him off for quite a few laps. Unfortunately, Dean jumped the cushion in turn 4 while trying to avoid a crash site, ending his race. Lee went on to claim an impressive 3rd place finish.
Jerry Koons Jr.
The Tony Stewart owned car of Cory Kruseman settled for a 4th place finish.
Phil Gressman again was the pilot of the Miller Rigging car, driving to a 4th place finish. No one knows who will be tried out in the car next. The Millers are in search of the right driver to run the full 2004 All Star schedule with.
Craig Mintz sprays Mud-Off on his car. The "Kid" had another good run in coming home 7th. You know, it is absolutely stunning how well he & Soup get along!
Defending track champion Alvin Roepke settled for a 14th place finish.
When Ryan Conium & Todd Heller got together in front of him, Brock Mayes had no place to go, and he crashed while running a strong 3rd. Just ahead of him Dean Jacobs jumped the cushion and crashed while leading the race.
Brock Mayes & Scott Kraylek. These 2 outstanding rookies are fierce competitors on the track, but when the dust settles they are still great friends.
Matt Westfall does the highwire act after winning the non-wing feature.
Matt Westfall called this his biggest win ever, and he considered it a great honor to win a race at the Jack Hewitt Challenge. Westfall has won nearly everything in site lately.
A jubilant Jason Johnson with Jack Hewitt in victory lane.