WE SALUTE U.S.M.C PFC MICHAEL J. NEIDLINGER

WHO IS PROUDLY SERVING OUR COUNTRY BY HELPING

 TO MAKE SURE WE ALL HAVE A SAFE PLACE TO CALL HOME.

 

 

Marine Corps PFC Michael J. Neidlinger, son of  Carl & Debra Neidlinger, Tremont and a 2009 Graduate of Pine Grove Area High School were he graduated Battalion Commander in the JROTC program, completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Depot, Parris Island ,S.C. designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally. In addition to physical conditioning program. Michael has spent numerous hours in the classroom and filed assiments which included first aid, uniform regulator ,combat water survival, marksmanship, hand to hand combat and assorted weapons training.

 

The hood on Jeremy Beckers Roadrunner says it all,

"Proud Of Our Son U.S.M.C. P.F.C. Michael Neidlinger"

 

Michael also received instructions on Marine Corps core values- honor, courage and commitment, and what the core value means in greeting personal and professional conduct. Michael ended the training phase with the Crucible, a 54 -hour, team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which the recruits are presented the Marine Corps Emblem, and addressed as "MARINES" for the very first time in their careers. Michael received the expert badge for the highest shooter in his platoon. Michael recently graduated from SOI (School of Infantry) in Camp Geiger N.C. Where his family was present for both graduations.

 

 

WEB-MASTER BLAKE TOBIAS SURVIVES

A 25 MPH CRASH DOWN A STEEP HILLSIDE

INTO A 55 ' PINE TREE. CHECK OUT WHAT

IS LEFT OF HIS KUBOTA DIESEL ZERO-TURN..

 

Blake's New Kubota ZD-331 Before the Crash!

	Lower Frame Rails	Lower Frame Assembly	Lower Frame Rails	Hydro-Static Trans
	Upper Frame Assembly	31 HP Diesel	2 of 4 Engine Mounts	A lot of Junk Parts

 

Frank's News 06.24.10:  Many of you might not realize, but my webmaster, Blake Tobias has worked the last 20 years as a Head Groundkeeper, where he oversees a huge 250 acre property in Wernersville, PA. This is a full time position which has him working 45 hours a week, and sometimes more in the summer. In addition to this full time job, Blake puts in another 40 hours during the week working on his customers websites. Earlier this month while mowing with his new Kubota Diesel Zero Turn Mower he suffered what could have been at minimum a career ending accident.

 

While on a steep grade, one which he has mowed hundreds of times over the past 20 years, all hell broke loose. "I was just making a pass, and coming towards the pitch of the hill, when all of a sudden the back wheels locked up on me, and I knew that there was nothing I could do but hold on for the ride", Tobias recalled. I started picking up speed very quickly, and before I knew it I was up to almost 25 MPH, which might not sound like much, but when your on a mower, and the next thing you see coming at you is a 55' mature pine tree, well you can imagine the impact, "Tobias continued saying".

 

I remember saying "OH FUDGE", but the second word was not Fudge just before impact. The next thing I knew I was coming out of the seat and my back was thrown against the trunk of the tree. I hit the tree with my back so hard that it bounced me back into my seat, and then I had the two steering bars come down into my stomach and lower rib cage which took any breath I had right out of me. The mower came to a stop about 30 yards further down the grade, the engine was still running, but the first thing I recalled was shutting it down because I was getting sprayed with hot anti-freeze. The radiator had the engines fan go right through it, making a complete circle.

 

Needless to say, Blake was out action for a few weeks, and amazingly he didn't break a bone. Maybe having that extra body weight helped out? The Kubota, which only had 65 hours on the gauge is in a pile of pieces. The photo's above show you some of the damage to the frame rails. They were twisted/bent in the impact. The yellow lines on some of the shots detail just how much the frame twisted. While the "X" shot is from when they measured the frame for being square, just like you do in a race car. Though you can't tell in the photo, the upper frame is about 1 1/2" out of square. One photo shows 2 out of the 4 engine mounts. Remember the fan going through the radiator, well, the engine mounts all moved forward over 1".

 

Blake wanted to share this with all of you, and one thing he said was this, if you have a mower, and it has a seat belt, WEAR IT, because if he didn't have his on, he is sure it would have been his last ride, because chances are he would have been thrown head first into the trunk. Plans of racing going modified racing have not been squashed because of the accident, so look for further updates on Frank's News Page.

 

 

ED GUISTWITE GETS PUT TO WORK BY

THE SQUEEGEE MASTER...

 

Look Ed, if you don't have all the money you owe me for the extra lettering,

then you can work it off by washing my car! You missed a spot, remember

Ed, "it's wash on, wash off, hose on, hose off". Must I teach you everything?

 

 

K & R MOTORSPORTS / TEAM 56B AND IT'S DRIVER,

BEN RABENOLD ARE READY FOR KUTZTOWN IN 2010..

 

Ben Rabenold stands proudly with his awesome looking #56B Junior Slingshot.

 

Frank's News 03.28.10:  Team owners Pete Knappenberger and Mark Rabenold would like to announce that they have joined forces to create K&R Motorsports, Team 56B. Both of them are former drivers, Mark in the 358 Modified division at Nazareth Speedway and also at Grandview Speedway, not to mention father of Ben, Pete Knappenberger is a former Micro Sprint and Slingshot driver.

 

Team 56B will compete in the JR Slingshot division at Kutztown Fair Speedway, with youngster Ben Rabenold behind the wheel. Ben has been racing Quarter Midgets for 5 years and has proven to be a fierce competitor. Ben was a "Dream Come True Kid", and he stated that all he has ever wanted to do was race a car. In 1999 Ben was granted a wish from Dream Come True to met his idol Jeff Gordon at Daytona Speedway in Florida. Since that day Ben knew all he ever wanted to be was a racecar driver. He has also had the opportunity to meet Adam Petty, Jeremy Mayfield, Greg Biffle, Robert Pressley, and Michael Andretti.

 

In a statement from Pete Knappenberger, Team co-owner and public relations director for the team, said "together along with a lot of great sponsor support we have formed this team, our goal is to show kids that they can do anything if they put their mind to it". Ben is stable, but still faces daily challenges with his health, and is trying to live a normal life as a teenager. He has a great outlook on life and is a joy to talk to. He will make a great spokesperson and driver for the team, "said Knappenberger". The car will make several appearances at local businesses and will be on display at local race tracks so that Ben can meet as many local kids as possible and share his story.

 

We would like to thank all of our sponsors: Llandco, Inc., Safelite Auto Glass, Racers Roundtable Radio Show, Super Clear Tearoffs, W.H. Gerhart & Son, Kuhnsman Paving, Saucon Valley Acres, The Beef House, Frank's Truck Lettering, Upper Saucon Fire Dept., A&D Fashions, Gruber's Lawn Care, Camelot House is the Official Team 56 Charity.

 

 

SKETCH OF MODIFIED TO COME IN 2011

 

Plans are being put into place for the F.O.F / Frank's Truck Lettering / BTM Modified to be ready for mall shows in 2011. We figured out we couldn't get the car ready in time for anything that would take place in 2010, so our goal is to be ready for the 2011 season. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor, you can contact Blake or Frank. This car will be "Show Car" Quality, and putting your sponsorship on it would really pick up business. Limited spacing is available, so don't delay, get in contact with us today.

 

 

HP MOTORSPORTS / LLANDCO, INC. #6 TAKE HOME

BEST APPEARING MODIFIED AWARD AT SELINSGROVE..

 

HP Motorsports Team 6 Driver Troy Wink shown above at Selinsgrove.

Photo By Mike Feltenberger  © 2010

 

 

FRANK ATTENDS THE WOODEN KEG TAVERN FUNDRAISER

FOR MARC BERZOWSKI & HIS #66K ROAD-RUNNER

 

WIDE LOAD? HUM, 5 GUYS, FULL OF BREW, MAYBE OVER LOAD!

Photo's above from left, Car and Tow Rig Ready to get to Big D. Solo photo of the 66K Tow Rig.

 Next, Denise and "Electrifying" Elvin Brennan of the 555 Road Runner fame,

 and sitting next to them is "Red" Kevin Beach of the Sportsman 17x fame.

Let's not forget the last photo of Chuck "I'm to sexy for my Truck".

 

 

JEROMY GUISTWITE WINS THE XCEL CHASSIS 600

MODIFIED "BEST APPEARING CAR" AWARD FOR 2009

This award made Frank's Truck Lettering a 2 Time Winner

in 2009. Frank also won the Best Appearing Modified at

The Reading Racing Reunion for Troy Wink's 44 Magnum.

 

Frank's News:  Frank would like to thank Jeromy Guistwite for sending him a photo of his "Best Appearing Car", which was recently given to him at the xcel chassis 600 Modified Awards Banquet. Hat's off to Jeromy, and we are all looking forward to seeing what Frank comes up with this season for Jeromy.

 

 

KYLE FOLLWEILER RECORDS MODIFIED WIN #1

AT BIG DIAMOND RACEWAY

Kyle Follweiler kneels next to his B&F General Machine Sponsored

#42. Another Quality "Frank's Lettering" Job!

 

Frank's News Story by Blake Tobias:  It wouldn't be a far stretch to say many racing fans, drivers, and owners wondered why such a prominent name like Bob & Michelle Faust who are the owners of "B&F General Machine" would want to back a rookie who really was an unknown in the sport of dirt track racing. Many will remember his Father, Jack Follweiler, who showcased his talents at many speedways over the years, and with that talent put his cars into Victory Lane on many occasions. But, who is Kyle Follweiler, that's what many fans asked, and did Bob and Michelle know something that know body else did?

 

Well, almost from the start, in fact yes it was from the start Kyle took to the Big Diamond oval and really looked pretty darn good, almost like he was a seasoned veteran and had raced for years. Kyle did suffer a few incidents early in the season, but then again what driver, new or old doesn't? By no later then June the question of who was Kyle Follweiler changed to I bet this kid will be in Victory Lane before the end of the 2009 season. It had the message board on South Jersey littered with comments, some said yes he would, some said yeah it could just happen, but none of them said no way it wouldn't happen!

 

On August 14th, 2009 at Big Diamond Raceway in Forestville, PA, young and talented driver Kyle Follweiler added his name to an elite book by posting his first Modified win of his career. Some drivers will never get that chance, some race for years until they pick up a win, and some continue to search for that elusive first win year after year. The short wait was over, the fans all agree, there is a new hot shoe in town, and if you missed his first win, don't worry, everyone agrees Kyle will be back in Victory lane very soon. Congratulations go out to Kyle and his Crew from Frank's Truck Lettering!

 

 

KEVIN BEACH TAKES HOME THE 2009 SPORTSMAN MODIFIED

POINT CHAMPIONSHIP AT BIG DIAMOND RACEWAY

Kevin Beach's #17 provided him with all that he needed to secure

the 2009 Sportsman Modified Point Championship at Big Diamond.

 

Frank's News Story by Blake Tobias:  Kevin Beach had the kind of season that dreams are made of, he has recorded and put his name into the record books at Big Diamond Raceway for being a Champion in the Sportsman Modified Division. Make no mistake about it, the Sportsman division at Big D is one of the toughest to compete in on a weekly basis, many drivers from New Jersey and even some from New York made the trip to Big Diamond to see if the story of the competition at the track is really true, or just made up racing hype. Well, ask any of those drivers, and also the regulars that travel to the track each week and you will have get this answer to that question, yes, these guys are good, and if you can win a race in the Sportsman division you are really proving you are a talented driver.

 

Now, the only other key to the proving that someone is more then just a talented driver is the person who can compete week in and week out and make it until the end of the season and claim the top prize, the big one, yes you guessed it, the POINT CHAMPION. Kevin Beach had that kind of 2009 season at Big Diamond, he came, saw and conquered, and by the time the last points race was concluded one thing was certain, Kevin is not just a talented driver, he is the kind of race driver any car owner who be proud to put in their car, because this guy can produce results, and anyone who wins a Point Championship is in a class that only few will ever visit.

 

Frank's Truck Lettering would like to congratulate Kevin, and his Car Owner "Red" Beach, and their Crew on winning the 2009 Point Championship at Big Diamond. We can't wait to see Kevin back in action in 2010 at Big Diamond.

 

 

KEVIN OLENICK COLLECTED THE 2009 ROAD RUNNER

 POINT CHAMPIONSHIP AT BIG DIAMOND RACEWAY

Kevin Olenick's #450 Road Runner was gone over after each race

during the week, which you can see above from the garage photo.

 

 Frank's News Story by Blake Tobias:  Just one season after Kevin Olenick shared the season ending points title with fellow competitor Joe Hendricks, one thing was "probably" on his mind during the entire off season, I'm not going to share that title again, I'm going to win it again in 2009, but this time only my name will show up in the record books at Big Diamond. Maybe that's not exactly what Kevin was thinking but then again, ask any race driver if they would like to be co-champions, and the answer will be NO. Kevin and his Crew spent many hours during the Winter making sure they once again had all the tools they needed to go after another points title in 2009.

 

2009 is now in the books, the season is over, the Big Diamond Raceway is closed for another few months until next Spring, but one thing that will be make those months go by fast is knowing that Kevin once again did what he has become known for, and that is recording another Point Championship, and yes, in 2009 you will only see the name Kevin Olenick in the Big Diamond Record Book. Make sure you all make your Friday night plans ahead of time for 2010, because I have a feeling, a strong feeling that Kevin will once again be right in the mix of things when it comes down to the points title.

 

Frank's Truck Lettering would like to congratulate Kevin, and his Crew on winning the 2009 Road Runner Point Championship at Big Diamond Raceway.

 

 

ELVIN "ELMO" BRENNAN III TOOK HOME THE "COAL CRACKER"

ROAD RUNNER VICTORY, PLUS 4 OTHER WINS, AND

POSTED 3RD PLACE IN THE POINT CHAMPIONSHIP.

Elvin Brennan III had an awesome season in the Road Runner Division

at Big Diamond Raceway. Above is his #555, or triple Nickel.

 

Frank's News Story by Blake Tobias:  Elvin Brennan III is another well known, well liked driver who competes on a regular basis at Big Diamond Raceway, and to give not only himself, and his crew, but also all his family and friends something to cheer about in 2009 he produced 4 regular season wins, followed by taking the "Coal Cracker" Feature Win for the Road Runner Division and still had time to finish 3rd in the highly contested point championship. Any fan who attends racing at Big Diamond knows that the "support" division Road Runners are one of the nights best shows, this isn't just another division that makes you want to get up and visit a concession stand, these drivers really go at it, and put it all on the line, which has many fans on their feet during the course of any night at Big Diamond.

 

Frank's Truck Lettering would like to congratulate Elvin, his Crew for having an outstanding 2009 season in the Road Runner Division at Big Diamond.

 

 

JOEY BIASI & CREW ATTENDED THE GRAND PRIX

IN ALLENTOWN AND WERE ABLE TO SHOWCASE THEIR

 SLICK & FAST "RAACE" SPRINT CAR FOR FANS TO SEE.

Joey Biasi and his Family (left photo), followed by Joey and his Crew (right photo) had a great

time at the Grand Prix in Allentown which was held back in August.

 

Frank's News:  The Biasi Family and Crew were on hand at the Grand Prix which was held in Allentown back in August, in fact they had their "RAACE" Sponsored B1 Sprint Car on Display at the Entrance to the show, along with other RAACE sponsored cars.

 

 

MEMORIAL DAY 2009

 FRANK'S ANNUAL FAMILY & FRIENDS PICNIC

 

CLICK ON ANY PHOTO BELOW TO VIEW IN FULL SIZE

 

 

 

"LAPS FOR LITERACY TAKES THE GREEN FLAG"

Story by Mike Feltenberger

 

 

PLEASE MAKE YOUR CONTRIBUTION CHECK PAYABLE TO:

 

  Laps for Literacy

 

PLEASE MAIL YOUR CONTRIBUTION CHECK TO:

 

Laps for Literacy

PO Box 735

Honey Brook PA  19344
 

 

 

Congratulations to Frank on having the Winning Modified

at the 30th Annual Reading Fairgrounds Racing Reunion!