It's OFFICIAL The FASTRUCK's and FAST Kids are bacK!!!!!

[Bobby Diehl]

Making it Bigger that life!!!! Putting butts in the seats!!!

Trying to get the fans in the stands is the true challenge we all have. Working to get a Touring Series out and about going to many tracks hoping to draw Fans to the stands fall directly on the shoulders of the Series. If you can't bring a benefit to the track why would they need you. Gorilla Marketing works and has always been of the traveling circus (a touring racing is a show). It's not as important what you say it's how you say it. A Fans prospective is reality to them. You need to get the word out, but more important you must build EXCITMENT into your advertising. Live display work well to reach out and talk to the Fans (Teams on display and doing Meet and Greets works well). We are talking to businesses that have outlets around all the Tracks that we will travel too. Trying to add support the Tracks and have the businesses see the TOMA (Top Of the Mind Awareness) value for their customers. "The GREATEST SHOW on EARTH" is a slogan to bring EXCITMENT around the EVENT. You must give the Fans a good show to build a bigger and better show the next time your there. Contacting the businesses that believed in the program before is the first job, but more important is to reach out to new ones (thinking out side the box helps). Remember the slogan "The most EXPENCEIVE seat in the house is the EMPTY ONE" and that is the target the "Empty Seat". It's not just one thing that you do it's the package that will make it come together. So sit back and watch the way we work (and work hard for you), because if it works it works for everyone. Hope to see you at Citrus.

[Bobby Diehl]

Making it Bigger that life!!!! Putting butts in the seats!!!

Trying to get the fans in the stands is the true challenge we all have. Working to get a Touring Series out and about going to many tracks hoping to draw Fans to the stands fall directly on the shoulders of the Series. If you can't bring a benefit to the track why would they need you. Gorilla Marketing works and has always been of the traveling circus (a touring racing is a show). It's not as important what you say it's how you say it. A Fans prospective is reality to them. You need to get the word out, but more important you must build EXCITMENT into your advertising. Live display work well to reach out and talk to the Fans (Teams on display and doing Meet and Greets works well). We are talking to businesses that have outlets around all the Tracks that we will travel too. Trying to add support the Tracks and have the businesses see the TOMA (Top Of the Mind Awareness) value for their customers. "The GREATEST SHOW on EARTH" is a slogan to bring EXCITMENT around the EVENT. You must give the Fans a good show to build a bigger and better show the next time your there. Contacting the businesses that believed in the program before is the first job, but more important is to reach out to new ones (thinking out side the box helps). Remember the slogan "The most EXPENCEIVE seat in the house is the EMPTY ONE" and that is the target the "Empty Seat". It's not just one thing that you do it's the package that will make it come together. So sit back and watch the way we work (and work hard for you), because if it works it works for everyone. Hope to see you at Citrus.

[Bobby Diehl]

Our first SPONSOR!!! And it fits!!!!

Just got a call from Merv Meeks who asked if he could sponsor an award that would help a racer. I said the best one to do would be the Hard Luck Driver Award(if we have a crash GOD forbid they will need it the most to make their next race). So Thanks to Merv!!! If no one has a crash the $200.00 will go to the one with the worst luck (flat, blown motor, broken trans,etc...). My hats off the Merv for
"The Meeks Trucking LLC FASTRUCK Hard Luck Driver Award".
It's starting to come together!!!

[Bobby Diehl]

This is to answer Matt's question from the SPATS post....

Matt I know you love the speed of the Late Models and I do as well (naming CCMP the Late Model Capital of the South). But people go and bring their kids to enjoy Elephants, Bears, and Clowns when the Circus comes to town. We had a pretty big following. We bust are butt on pre-show exposure. Granted it's not for everyone, but excitement builds excitement. Give us a chance to show you door to door rubbins racing action. If your not busy this weekend come to Citrus and see me. I would love to bend your ear about the marketing we are about to launch. Hope this helps. Again thanks for your view.

[Bobby Diehl]

As the wheels turn left!!!

Positive makes positives. Just got off the phone with Dean Butrum. We have a second Sponsorship Award!!! "Deans Tree Service Hard Charger Award". He has put up a $100.00 for the Driver that passes the most Trucks in the race. Also tell all your Buds that it looks like the old BUDWEISER supported FASTRUCK NEXT GENERATION Series will be coming to a Track near you. "Man it's doesn't get any better than this"!!!!! This Bud for you!!!!! Thanks Dean!!!!

[Bobby Diehl]

I am excited about a focus point for the NEXT GENERATION!!!!

Something that I have loved is to watch the Kids get a start in a full size race car and get a step up onto the latter to NASCAR (see kids like, Joey, Ross, Ray, Blake, Patrick, Jessica, Cory, Aric, Dalton, Josh on and on) and other National Series like ARCA. Now that we are rekindling the FASTRUCK FAST Kids and Pro's. We are getting close to making an announcement about the Sponsorship for the New Division within the Pro Division. The NEXT GENERATION Young Gun will be the possible next generation of young Drivers working up the latter to success. The ages form 12 to 21 years olds that will race within the Pro Division. They will get their own exposure within the recap articles about the Series races. They could go after the Rookie title as well as the Pro Championship title. Always remember that people love to follow this group as they progress to the Top of their career. EXPOSURE, EXPOSURE, EXPOSURE, when a Young Gun making their Portfolio and Sponsorship packages the hits mean a lot. And how cool for a youngster to get attention among their Peers. Hope to see you tomorrow at CITRUS!!!!

[Bobby Diehl]

Gates open at 12:00 Meeting at 2:00.

Gates open at 12:00 a Meeting at 2:00 to see everyone there.

[Bobby Diehl]

It's RACE DAY!!!!!

With 0% chance of rain and 100% chance of having FUN!!!! If your looking for something to do come out and have fun watching the 1st round of the NEXT GENERATION. In talking with many of the Truck Teams that are not ready, but will be there tonight to watch and talk to the others about the Series. I am still trying to reach a few Drivers and looking for their numbers. If you know their number please call me or tell them to call me at 813-817-7223. I feel bad not being able to talk to them and fill them in on what's happening (and maybe get them in the Series).
Rodney Hoddock
David Paterson
Robert St. Johns
Brian Lynch
Vance Hall
Robert Stader
Jeff Guilbault
Nick Hernandez
Sam Scott
Jay Zolicaik
Richard Griffis
Kenny Futch
Chad Chastain
Cody McDuffie
Jason Kuykendall
Jeremy Daring
Donatello Speed
Jason Miller
Ronnie Brock Jr.
Marina Petty
Broson Lawson
Brent Tyler
Phil Ellis
Cody Martell
Bobby Mobley
With over 150 plus trucks built in Florida I sure I haven't got to all of them.

[victory10]

Well, you can add me to the list of entries for your series BUT, unfortunately, we will not make this weekends race. Just too much to do and not enough time to get it all done 100% right. Bobby, I am hoping that the #10 is not taken or maybe it doesnt matter with using transponders. I will be shooting for the next event wherever that may be and we intend to run the remaining series events. This series will be our only focus and the only racing we will be doing looking ahead to the 2016 season.

I truly only have one major concern and that is my hopes for a much more controlled strict running of race procedures and penalties set in place and used across the board for anyone driving out of control or wreckless abandon. Not trying in any way to bang on any other past series but I will say that the OVER aggressive styles that were absolutely out of control killed the survival of the several past series attempts. wreck after wreck and nobody getting penalized or parked in the 3 shows we run a series as well as several I have watched from a fans standpoint. I love and support the youth movement in the sport as the survival of short track racing depends heavily on getting young kids off of the cell phones, computer and social media and instead at the racetrack learning how to become future stars. The only issue is when some have the win or wreck mentality driven in thier heads and go overboard and out of control. Now, in all fairness to the young learners, by no means am I saying it is just them because i seen it happening from seasoned veterans as well.

Bottom line for me is it sounds like your working hard to establish guidelines, rules and penalties for violations which is the reason I bring it up now. wreckless abandon should fit right into purposely wrecking someone and because it is important to teach the proper ways and the wrong ways to race I am praying that it is something that takes notice with officials and there is a clear and definitive guideline that does NOT allow or tolerate such driving from ANYONE.

I can see that this truck series could turn into something very solid and something stronger than any other class has going and would just hate to see it get damaged or hurt simply because the shows are dominated by wreck after wreck rather than the buzz being about how awesome the race was and how incredible the final few laps were.

Best of luck to everyone racing today and I cannot wait to throw our own entry into the mix in the future events that are scheduled. Good luck to you Bobby as well and I am pulling for an excellent event both entry and race wise.

[Bobby Diehl]

A work in progress.

In answering Todd's post I will try to put yesterdays first race in perspective. When I got the call letting me know about the press release about the Joey Coulter Pro Truck Series. Some of the Teams wanted to rekindle the FASTRUCK Series and get it back to where it was. After 15 years of building the Series and having to buy a track to further it's survival the economy gave us all a deadly blow.
The saying going "As one door closes another opens" is profound, but insightful. After a 5 year layoff of closing the Series and the track I have found that things have change a lot. The trucks through no one persons fault have evolved into a different animal than the FASTRUCK Series left back in 2009.

The title of this tread is "A work in progress". Now, somehow we have ok'ed the 602 GM Crate motor with a 650 4barrel carb, allow standard transmissions, rebuilt GM 603 ZZ4'S (with GM parts to keep the integrity of the sealed crate motor) and last but far the least stealth of some engine rebuilders (they figure how to rebuild and seal the GM Crates for $5500.00 rebuilt fee and add 40 hp) have taken a Series that focus on a level playing field an made it a challenge for the Series to get back on track.

Well, you can add me to the list of entries for your series BUT, unfortunately, we will not make this weekends race. Just too much to do and not enough time to get it all done 100% right. Bobby, I am hoping that the #10 is not taken or maybe it doesnt matter with using transponders. I will be shooting for the next event wherever that may be and we intend to run the remaining series events. This series will be our only focus and the only racing we will be doing looking ahead to the 2016 season. Totally understand the reason people had the miss the first race.

I truly only have one major concern and that is my hopes for a much more controlled strict running of race procedures and penalties set in place and used across the board for anyone driving out of control or wreckless abandon. Not trying in any way to bang on any other past series but I will say that the OVER aggressive styles that were absolutely out of control killed the survival of the several past series attempts. wreck after wreck and nobody getting penalized or parked in the 3 shows we run a series as well as several I have watched from a fans standpoint. Todd knowing that the cost of repairing the trucks is not cheap. Allowing over aggressive driving time after time will only lesson the truck count which effects the Series survival. We must maintain a level performance playing field, but control over aggressive driving to survive.I love and support the youth movement in the sport as the survival of short track racing depends heavily on getting young kids off of the cell phones, computer and social media and instead at the racetrack learning how to become future stars. The only issue is when some have the win or wreck mentality driven in thier heads and go overboard and out of control. Todd in the beginning of the FAST Kids (radios were mandatory) several of the Dad's (became 3rd base coaches and got the driver over aggressive) had to have their radios taken out of theirs hands and giving them to more responsible spotters.Now, in all fairness to the young learners, by no means am I saying it is just them because i seen it happening from seasoned veterans as well.Yes, yes it is not exclusive to just the Kids (some of the worst aggression was in the adult division).

Bottom line for me is it sounds like your working hard to establish guidelines, rules and penalties for violations which is the reason I bring it up now. wreckless abandon should fit right into purposely wrecking someone and because it is important to teach the proper ways and the wrong ways to race I am praying that it is something that takes notice with officials and there is a clear and definitive guideline that does NOT allow or tolerate such driving from ANYONE. Todd my idea is to do want Teams did in creating CART with the problem the Indy Car Series had. And that is the Teams run the rules and policy's. NOT a Advisory Committee, but rather the Governing force. Each Team will have a voice and vote on issues and concerns.

I can see that this truck series could turn into something very solid and something stronger than any other class has going and would just hate to see it get damaged or hurt simply because the shows are dominated by wreck after wreck rather than the buzz being about how awesome the race was and how incredible the final few laps were.

Best of luck to everyone racing today and I cannot wait to throw our own entry into the mix in the future events that are scheduled. Good luck to you Bobby as well and I am pulling for an excellent event both entry and race wise.

Todd please call me at 813-817-7223 with your contact information. We will be a Show Time May 9th. Come become part of the future.
With the next race on May 9th we will have the first Team Committee meeting to address the leveling of the playing. This weekend show just the scope of the challenge. We will announce the time and place for the meeting. The meets names will be released shortly. In closing I will revert back to the statement the rebirth of the Series will be "A work in progress". Again thanks for the comments and support!!!!!

[Bobby Diehl]

Thanks for those that could make it!!!

We had only nine Teams, but it was one of the best races I seen in a long time ( I never could enjoy watching the trucks after closing FASTRUCK). I saw some of the old series friends and the made new one as well. Friends and mentors, Danny, Jeff, Jeremy, Don Hogan, and hell I haven't seem Ralph in a 100 years (DAMN if felt GREAT) and to also meet the Next Generation Young Guns and their Families. I saw Matt Vaughn (Matt Martins marketing agent)an seeing Ronnie back in the saddle. Buddy and Coach Ed got to see me in action and be part of the rebirth. A special thanks to Ann and Butch from helping kick started the Series. We knew that we were up against starting the uphill battle to reclaim the level playing field. And we got the word. The Answer stared at us in Tech. Dean and Tony both said they were told that for $5500.00 they could have a REAL HOT ("undetectable legal looking motor"). Now it's up to the NEXT GENERATION Committee address the issues at hand and decide the way to put the playing field in order. You Can call Danny or myself if you are coming on the board (again 813-817-7223). I am impressed that so many are ready to fix the problems. Also great to hang out with Dan Redkey (New GM at Desoto) and his lovely wife and talking how to filling the seat at both Speedways (yeah I know Tracks working together). Gary and he really hit it off. And thanks to Gary for having us. I must of had four or five people (other racers) thank me when I am just blown away to get a second SHOT!!! Thanks. And don't forget Meek's Trucking $200.00 Hard Charger (to Jeff Firestine battery taking a dump) and Dean Tree Service going to Becca. My hats off to you !!!So get ready for SHOW TIME on May 9th. Per-Show to put asses in the SEATS!!!

[Bobby Diehl]

The Finish results for Citrus 4/25/15.

Finish results 4/25/15
Citrus County Speedway:
FASTRUCK Pro's
1. #50 Danny Anderson
2. #37 Michael Goddard YG
3. #59x Becca Monopoli $100.00
4. #14 Sam Scott YG
5. #9 Cole Partelo YG
6. #9x Cody Jett YG
7. #13 Taylor Hosford YG
8. #44 Chase Lovelady YG
9. #93 Jeff Firestine $$200.00
Bonus Sponsored Awards
$ Deans Tree Service Hard Charger Award $200.00
$$ Meeks Trucking LLC Hard Luck Award $100.00

The NEXT GENERATION 2015 Young Gun Challenge
1. #37 Michael Goddard
2. #14 Sam Scott
3. # 9 Cole Partelo
4. #9x Cody Jett
5. #13 Taylor Hosford
6. #44 Chase Lovelady

Young Guns division is Drivers between the ages of 12 to 21 years of age. This division focus is on the Future Stars that are following their DREAMS!!!!
There will be Awards announces as the year go on.
The FASTRUCK NEXT GENERATION Official points will be posted after a short signup time for membership to be collected. Information will be released shortly.

All the Young Guns were very excited about the Challenge.
#37 Michael Goddard set FAST Time and show his talents of driving two a GREAT runner up finish to #50 Danny Anderson.
#14 Did a masterful job of door to door racing with the 2014 JC Series Champion #59x Becca Monopoli.
#9 Cole Partelo held off the challenges of several hard charging drivers to finish a fine 5th place finish.
#9x Cody Jett should of gotten a mileage award. He drove from Jacksonville to 5 Flags Speedway were he finished 5th of 16 in their Pro Truck division. Than back to Jax's to shower and change the rear end. And then drove to Citrus. Now that's a RACER!
#13 Taylor Hodford spent the whole race racing hard with many of the drivers showing her first year in the trucks will show case her ability's.
#44 Chase never gave up on a ill handling truck fighting for every inch on the track. His finish doesn't show how hard he drove. You ever know after the green drops how your truck will change during a race (looked like a tire grew and created a heck of a push).
In closing the FUTURE looks BRIGHT for the ladder to NASCAR. I have been old that their will be a lot more on these Young Gun start joining he Challenge at SHOW TIME on May 9th.

As for the OLD Pro's:
#50 Danny Anderson was 2nd fastest and led for lap one. And the red start to the Finish!
#59x Becca Monopoli 3rd fast and had to fight from the rear to two the "Dean Tree Services Hard Charger Award".
#93 Jeff Firetine missed qualifying because the new chip rule he miss on the gear and borrow one from Danny. Staring in the back, Diving his ass of and than his battery shorted. He end up last, but Winning the Meek's Trucking LLC Hard Luck Award!!!!
I know that the list of pre call in of entry's will be impressive. More Announcements COMING!!!! Keep your eye and tell always keep KARNAC for the lastest and greatest FASTRUCK NEXT GENERATION!!!!!
#

[Bobby Diehl]

Talked to Randy LaJoie ......

Randy has always love the FASTRUCK's. Cory LaJoie is one of the 20 + Drivers in the NASCAR top 4 levels that came from FASTRUCK.... Randy was one of our Series Sponsor before. And loves to be part of it again. If you are looking for the best quality in racing seating The Joy of Seating is your best bet or "Bang of your Butt". He has a Special that if you start with a kids seat up you will get two up grades for FREE for resizing. Call 704-795-7474. Wished you could get that when you buy their shoes. I will be making Series Sponsors announcements as they join. This is going to be BIG!!!!! See you at SHOW TIME on May 9th!!!!!

[victory10]

i was at citrus and was very impressed with how the racing went and the respect level i seen. I dont know if we will be ready for the 9th but if not i will certainly be there to watch. and yes we are definitely going to be entering a truck into the series and have 100% full intentions of running every race we can depending on when the truck has been gone through, new body and lettering and the way we want it to be.

now, so i get this clear ahead of time....manuals are legal and if so what is the current rule regarding clutch, Tran, etc.?

secondly, only the 602 can run a 4 barrel and if so, please explain how this is all come about?

me personally, i am certainly hoping that both of these rules are changed and neither being allowed. If so, im not sure if we will be running any shows this season because i dont wanna invest in something that i assume and hope is going to be eliminated HOWEVER, I also dont wanna come to a gun fight with a plastic butter knife...lol. just not that way for me as I am the type that if it's allowed and I know it is an advantage then Im gonna have it but it is a waste of money if it will only be allowed for your remaining events for 2015.

BTW, I was SUPER impressed with the young lady in the #59 truck who was the only one to really pass and started dead last, never touched a single truck and finished 3rd. I can see some really great shows in the future for sure and we are excited to become a part of the series. Thanks and when is a good time to call you to talk and give you info you need?

[victory10]

Not sure on how the committee was selected but I wish I had been able to attend and possibly become a part of the committee. Been around race tracks, race cars, teching, flagging, running some special shows and lots of other involvement since I opened my eyes 45 years ago. Heck, I remember even parking cars and walking around all night selling Marc Times Racing Newspapers for $5.00 a night...LOL. Of all the things I have done however, owning and driving is where I like to be the best for sure but all of the neat little tricks and ideas I have seen from those (including myself as a owner/driver..LOL) who always find grey areas to exploit for thier benefits would be a definate positives for the overall betterment of the series. Either way, no big deal as I am sure things that are needing attention or simply removed or added will all work out just fine and we can just focus on just making our stuff as fast and consistent as it can be and within the rules I might add....LOL.