Chuck Kear Memorial
August 2, 2003
All Photos & Captions By Stephen J. Hartzell
Shirley Kear stands next to a display that features a collage of pictures of her late husband, Chuck Kear as well as past Chuck Kear Memorial winners and the manufacturers of some of the products to be given away to the racing teams who make the feature. Shirley has carried on the work started by her and her husband all those years ago, and she is now a true legend in her own right.
Danny Smith opens the envelope containing the description of his prize, as Shirley Kear continues to distribute to the drivers.
Drivers wait to cash in their certificates to claim their free parts. Somewhere in the neighborhood of $13,000 worth of sprint car parts were distributed.
Daryl Becker made his first appearance of the season at Fremont.
Stuart Brubaker also made his initial appearance.
In the absence of head flagman Monty Colins, Scott Barman became the assistant flagman for the night. Here Barman gives the green during time trials.
Mike Burkin, 15 year old son of Andy Shammo's car owner Joe Burkin, made his debut in a 305 sprint car. The debut was a rocky one, as the engine malfunctioned all night.
Mike Burkin prepares to push off to fire the engine for the first time.
Shawn Chaney returned to action after a long absence, and responded by making the feature.
Jimmy Dayton made an appearance with his car earlier in the day at the Baumgardner Company in Tiffin, a sponsor.
Caleb Griffith was fresh off of his first career win at K-C Raceway, the 305's being a support division for a World of Outlaws show at Jim Nier's Chillicothe track.
Mark Whaley recently turned 34, and brother Kieth Whaley has just turned 40.
Who says that young fans don't root for middle aged drivers?
305 Sprint feature drivers wait on the frontstretch to take their turn in drawing for prizes just prior to their feature event. Fostoria's Jamie Miller once again proved to be the master of the dry-slick track in taking his 5th feature win of the season.
Chad Laux & Bob Dawson push off as workers continue to untangle Scott Miller & Mark Lang.
Daryn Pittman has been the hottest driver on the World of Oulaws circuit lately. In the cockpit of the 55 car, normally driven by Billy Pauch, he came to a tough Fremont Speedway and managed only the 20th quick time and a 15th place finish. This is the same car in which he passed Lance DeWease for the win in New York recently.
Alvin Roepke is mobbed after his emotional win in the Chuck Kear Memorial race.
Brock Mayes is interviewed on the frontstretch after his impressive 2nd place run.
For the first time in 20 years, Alvin Roepke raced with his mother sitting in the grandstands.
A proud mom now has the chance to hug her son in victory lane.