Picture This

09/04/02

Unfortunately on September 1^st, 2002 Bunk Sampson lost his long, hard fought battle with cancer. Bunk was a real friend to the series and to many of us as individuals. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family. Life will go on without Bunk, but it will never be the same.

Due to lack of funds, lack of the desire to travel long distances alone, and rain at Beech Ridge, it’s been a while since I’ve actually witnessed a BNS race. I did get to see qualifying at The Ridge before Mother Nature stepped in and ruined a perfectly good evening, but that was about it. All wasn’t lost though, as I did get the grand tour of the whole facility by Dan Walker who is in charge of something at the track although I never did quite figure out what. I had no idea how well equipped the track was until I saw all of the track cleaning equipment and the ‘fridge with the tap. That’s right, a refrigerator with a big ol’ Bud tap sticking prominently out the center to dispense the coldest, nicest cups of Anheuser Busch’s premium brew known to man. One look at this thing would make the warm-beer mongers of the State of New Hampshire turn green with envy. Oh, and the track cleaning equipment was good, too.

I learned a long time ago that if you are clever you never have to buy another shirt and I proved this again at Beech Ridge. I’ve been known to show up at the track in one driver’s shirt only to be presented with two or three other drivers’ shirts. Seems the PR guys are anxious to get equal time on my back. At Beech Ridge not only did I win a great Irving sweatshirt in their appreciation tent, but I also received a nice embroidered Beech Ridge Motor Speedway T-shirt from the aforementioned chief cook and bottlewasher, Mr. Walker. The bar has been raised, folks. From now on I will be looking mostly for nice embroidered shirts and/or Golf or Polo-type shirts. Thanks.

Picture this… Six school busses racing on a 3/8 mile track. It happened at Oxford Plains Speedway on August 25^th. I had the great pleasure of being "pace truck" for the race. Busch North Scene Publisher/Editor George Campbell was without a doubt the fastest bus and had the best line but as in many forms of sports, politics rules. Even though protests were made and crying was heard, the finish stood. Mike Ryan was the big winner, our esteemed Mr. Campbell managed a third place overall and track owner Bill Ryan and Bobby Walker pounded each other into early retirement for both of their busses. A great time was had by all.

Picture this… George Campbell telling five OPS officials that they are cheating and he should have had the win.

Next stop, NHIS. Say what you want about the racing, the lack of grooves, or the safety, the only thing wrong at NHIS is the fact that it is in New Hampshire and they STILL haven’t figured out the formula to make ice. Never can you get a cold beer in New Hampshire. I love to go to NHIS, the people are the greatest there and we are treated like kings. The fans always get their moneys worth at NHIS, but my beer warms up when I cross the state line.

Picture this… A Busch North Series Banquet without Bunk Sampson. Sad.

As always, send Questions, Comments, Hate Mail, and Indecent Proposals to, Fish c/o Busch North Scene or e-mail them to fishy@cybertours.com