HoseHeads.com | HoseHeads Classifieds | Racer's Auction
Home | Register | Contact | Verify Email | FAQ |
Blogs | Photo Gallery | Press Release | Results | HoseheadsClassifieds.com


Welcome Guest. Already registered? Please Login

 

Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead


Records per page
 
Topic: Thank You SAMMY..... Email this topic to a friend | Subscribe to this TopicReport this Topic to Moderator
Page 1 of 2   of  23 replies
MSPN
August 26, 2014 at 02:31:23 PM
Joined: 11/23/2004
Posts: 3943
Reply


For winning the Ground Round Nationals in Syracuse NY in 1991, my first ever Outlaw show.  Then winning a few hours later on the same night at Rolling Wheels a feat that had never happened before or since with the Outlaws!

For winning both the make-up and the actual feature at Bloomington IN about 15 years ago right in Steve's backyard, another night never to forget.

For winning the first ever Kings Royal I attended in 1992.  I think Steve brake checked Sammy (running 2nd) and the whole field about stopped which allowed Steve to catch a lapped car (Keith Kauffman) who accidentally took him out, allowing Sammy the win.

For winning the Night Before the last Kings Royal you will ever race, best PPV I have ever watched.

For winning Friday Nights portion at this years 360 Nationals of which I was in attendance for.  Proud to have seen your last Sprint Car Victory as I was excited when you won that Syracuse race 20+ years earlier.

For running my MSPN Photos Decal for many years as well as becoming a friend who actually got to see who the real Sammy was/is.  A man who had a race shop that looked like a showroom floor.  A man who always tried to find a way to make something better, faster or more efficient.  A man with a wicked sense of humor as dry as you'll ever find, what a shame more people weren't aware of this trait.  A man who gave honest answers, even after a win when asked about the car he could tell you what was wrong which of course had his detractors think of it as whining/complaining.  Don't ask the question if you don't want the real answer.  I heard dozens and dozens of these in my travels and often laughed knowing how it bothered the anti fan soooo much, heck he may have done it on purpose in some of those interviews, honestly.

To those that didn't think Sammy was going to leave on his terms or in this manner, shame on you.  Few have had the burning desire to win like this man had and the opportunity to leave now with things the way they were, what a perfect time.  Hopefully, he can have more influence on Kevin who is also gifted more than most and see him achieve some semblance of success as well.  Heck, most of his fans would be happy in knowing he has simply put his feet up and is  content to watch the grass grow.  He has supplied us all with a lifetime of thrills, wins and memories that will never fade.

Amy, you have pushed and stood by your man and worked tireless hours helping the fans get a little chunk of their favorite driver for decades as well.  I wouldn't be surprised if you're more relieved than Sam is at this point, job well done.  An Aussie expression comes to mind Amy, "good on ya'".  Thanks for all your efforts and please thank Mr. Swindell one last time for me, we will all miss him.  An old favorite expression comes to mind, Take It Easy.....




BigRightRear
August 26, 2014 at 03:04:15 PM
Joined: 11/27/2004
Posts: 3751
Reply


For lapping the field up to Mark Kinser (running 4th or 5th?) in the Channellock Car at the 1999 Kings Royal!


Lincoln 1845 ft/.35 mile T1=118MPH 
Eldora 2287 ft/.43mile T3=135MPH
Port 2716 ft/.51 mile T3=TBD
Grove 2792 ft/.53 mile T3=135MPH
Selinsgrove 2847 ft/.54 mile T1=136MPH
"I didn't move to PA from El Paso in search of better 
weather." Van May

MSPN
August 26, 2014 at 03:25:13 PM
Joined: 11/23/2004
Posts: 3943
Reply


I think it was 4th, I remember Steve dropped out a lap after Sammy lapped him coz' I was standing with 'offie' a buddy from Florida and one of Steve's biggest fans, lol....




BigRightRear
August 26, 2014 at 03:29:33 PM
Joined: 11/27/2004
Posts: 3751
Reply


I remember it going cuation free as he manhandled the field...full speed ahead...high / low...whatever!

We finally agree on something...go figure!


Lincoln 1845 ft/.35 mile T1=118MPH 
Eldora 2287 ft/.43mile T3=135MPH
Port 2716 ft/.51 mile T3=TBD
Grove 2792 ft/.53 mile T3=135MPH
Selinsgrove 2847 ft/.54 mile T1=136MPH
"I didn't move to PA from El Paso in search of better 
weather." Van May

racrfan
August 26, 2014 at 05:01:37 PM
Joined: 03/24/2009
Posts: 64
Reply

I have been a fan since 1982, I believe, when I was walking the pits at Butler Motor Speedway in Michigan before a WOO race and you had one of the few enclosed trailers. You were driving the 1N car, and if my memory is correct, it was just you and your dog. I have cheered for you ever since.

It struck me that you were much more that just a hired driver. Your operation was always the gem of the pit area.

I have many memories of most of the races I have witnessed over the years during your career. I have felt some of the heartaches of the misfortunes at some of them, as well.

I want to thank you for the friendly treatment of my grandson in the pits of the Knoxville Nationals a few years back.

I was fortunate enough to have witnessed your last feature win at Knoxville this year during the 360 preliminary night.

I want to express my and my wife's thanks to Amy for the friendly demeaner when we talked to her at Knoxville a few years ago.

I wish you all the best in your retirement, and again THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!!



MissouriSprintFan
August 27, 2014 at 11:55:13 PM
Joined: 09/13/2008
Posts: 419
Reply

As a 12 or 13 year old kid, I remember reading my dad's National Speed Sport News papers about this "kid" from Memphis, just three or four years older than me. I thought it was cooler than hell that he was winning a lot of races against the strong Riverside competition. I became a fan. I've now been an avid Sammy Swindell fan for 40 plus years. The outside of my left calf adorns a tattoo of the Channellock 1. Above it is a real Sammy Swindell autograph, which was tattooed over.

 

Monday, when the texts from my son and others started coming in, was a sad day. Maybe a bit because of thinking about my own mortality. Not too many racers of my generation are still racing. But mostly the thought, "Who am I going to cheer for now?" Sprint car racing is my one true passion. Sprint car racing will go on, and I'll still be there watching, but it will never be the same. There are a lot of drivers I like and cheer for if Sammy isn't in the race, but none will ever replace the intense fan inside of me for Sammy Swindell.   

 

I am a diehard dirt sprint car fan. I remember, as a kid, spending my summer Sunday nights at Sportsman Speedway (later becoming Saline County Speedway,) in Marshall, MO. While most kids were playing behind the stands, I always had my butt planted in the stands watching the races. I've always loved racing. I'm not sure if drivers realize how much a lot of diehard fans of the sport and of a particular driver share in the joys and disappointments of that driver. One example, the night that damned Goodyear left rear popped at Knoxville on lap 47. I was sitting there totally dejected. Then the standing ovation and chanting of "Sammy, Sammy, Sammy" started. No one could have been happier or prouder than myself, realizing the majority of the fans had finally come to appreciate and respect Sammy Swindell.

 

Sammy, congratulations on an amazing, outstanding, and legendary career. I wish you the best in your retirement and at the Chili Bowl.

 

Thanks for the memories.




MSPN
August 28, 2014 at 08:56:48 AM
Joined: 11/23/2004
Posts: 3943
Reply


More class from a Posse fan and they wonder why they are despised from coast to coast, a lot more than Sammy I might add, lol.....

Reality is he lapped and made most Posse drivers look foolish for 40 years and that includes Williams Grove where he has almost twice as many wins there as any Posse racer has....



shernernum
August 28, 2014 at 09:08:59 AM
Joined: 08/28/2014
Posts: 397
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: MSPN on August 28 2014 at 08:56:48 AM


More class from a Posse fan and they wonder why they are despised from coast to coast, a lot more than Sammy I might add, lol.....

Reality is he lapped and made most Posse drivers look foolish for 40 years and that includes Williams Grove where he has almost twice as many wins there as any Posse racer has....




There are idiot fans everywhere, and PA is no exception.  However, just like anywhere else on the interwebs, its the loudest and most ignorant that make everybody look bad.

Posse fans are provincial yes, they want PA guys (or guys that run regularly in PA) to win.  However, if you think that most people who are real sprint fans in PA don't respect guys like Kinser and Swindell, you really are drinking the trolls Kool-Aid.  They know what they have been able to witness for the last, almost 40 years.  They know that its the end of an era.  Sure they would like to see Hodnett, Dietrich, Marks, Montieth...insert name here, win when the circus comes to town, but these same people who booed Rahmer for years nearly tore the house down when we won the National Open last year.

I can guarantee if Kinser runs well at the Grove in October, he will get a sendoff from the PA fans that he deserves (even if he doesn't run well, they will always respect him.)  And most of the people, outside of the few irrational idiots, sitting in the stands that weekend will wish they had one last chance to see Sammy wheel a Sprint Car in PA, if for no other reason, but to say that they were there for one of  the last races of a legend.



MSPN
August 28, 2014 at 09:37:50 AM
Joined: 11/23/2004
Posts: 3943
Reply


Yo' shem, I am well aware of this fact and have attended dozens upon dozens of races at almost all the PA tracks and know about the fan base and their passion.  I have often said in this forum that the PA fan is the most passionate in the country and I will always believe that.  Sadly, they are also the most ignorant (a few and they show up in here).  I guess one could use a lot of adjectives instead of ignorant, jealous being the first one that comes to mind but I will remember the many friends (and enemies) I had in that area as being big-time racefans and that's what counts the most.....




BigRightRear
August 28, 2014 at 01:59:45 PM
Joined: 11/27/2004
Posts: 3751
Reply

still revisiting the foggy memories of grandeur?

I wonder which hard drive has that infamous BRR report...


Lincoln 1845 ft/.35 mile T1=118MPH 
Eldora 2287 ft/.43mile T3=135MPH
Port 2716 ft/.51 mile T3=TBD
Grove 2792 ft/.53 mile T3=135MPH
Selinsgrove 2847 ft/.54 mile T1=136MPH
"I didn't move to PA from El Paso in search of better 
weather." Van May

KCBILL
August 28, 2014 at 06:09:48 PM
Joined: 12/13/2005
Posts: 15
Reply


First saw Sammy at the '78 Knoxville Nationals.  He had the field absolutely covered - blew past Steve and Wolfie to win the trophy dash and looked like a lock for the A-Main until his rear end let go at the end of lap one (typical, I guess at that place).   Anyway, you always knew it was going to be a show if he was in the race - NEVER get food or hit the head when Sammy's coming up.  The end of the 2010 Nationals was the all-time bummer.....ended an all-time classic duel with Donny(really can't remember a better one).   Thanks for the memories, Sammy - I'm happy for you that you got out on your own terms.



steelcityguy
August 28, 2014 at 08:05:53 PM
Joined: 04/13/2014
Posts: 512
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: on at


Typical uneducated dipshit comment. Surpirse, it's from a Posse member. Didn't see that one coming.




egras
August 28, 2014 at 09:05:37 PM
Joined: 08/16/2009
Posts: 3914
Reply

KCBILL-my fondest memory by far is the 2010 Knoxville Nationals.  Not just that he had the field covered.  Not just that he had one of the greatest duels with Donny one will ever witness.  But because he was dead and buried a few years earlier and was not really heard from much anymore.  Then, McCarl gets hurt and Sammy resurrects his career.  He not only had the car to beat that week--he was toying with everybody that tried to pass him. Only car close that night was Schatz and he couldn't stay in front of him for half of a lap.  One of the best cars to hit the track for the Nationals ever. 



MissouriSprintFan
August 28, 2014 at 10:27:55 PM
Joined: 09/13/2008
Posts: 419
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: KCBILL on August 28 2014 at 06:09:48 PM


First saw Sammy at the '78 Knoxville Nationals.  He had the field absolutely covered - blew past Steve and Wolfie to win the trophy dash and looked like a lock for the A-Main until his rear end let go at the end of lap one (typical, I guess at that place).   Anyway, you always knew it was going to be a show if he was in the race - NEVER get food or hit the head when Sammy's coming up.  The end of the 2010 Nationals was the all-time bummer.....ended an all-time classic duel with Donny(really can't remember a better one).   Thanks for the memories, Sammy - I'm happy for you that you got out on your own terms.



Wasn't he in the Bruce Cogle Ford 44 that year?



Thunderbug
August 29, 2014 at 06:54:33 AM
Joined: 12/05/2004
Posts: 266
Reply

During our short tenure as co-promoters at Old Lakeside in Kansas City Ks,the WOO was our opening day presentation and the parking became a joke on that humongous place.That was in 1981 and we had to close the gates as we tried to cope with such a huge crowd.Sammy and every other WOO driver put on their usual great show and no-one went home disappointed.The Swindell family became our own personal favorites and I told our friends "I don't care about his politics OR his religion........I just like to see him drive a racecar ! " It still holds true but I must confess that I am now a fan of one KYLE LARSON and cannot help myself.

 

Sammy Swindell taught me what to look for in greatness and I thank him for that.

 

See you at the Chili Bowl,Sincerely,Keet Hunnicutt 

AKA........Bud's Bride




harddrive
August 29, 2014 at 08:08:33 AM
Joined: 11/30/2004
Posts: 278
Reply

thinking ........................................................................

 

 

 

I started this tired worn out debate about 8 years ago in a Chat Room on TJ Slideways site.
I was teasing some newcomer with a computer nicknamed Hosehead, he was actually Allan Holland
 from PA, sound familiar?
I baited or tried to rile everybody about something, in his case it was about the PA drivers
 and their reluctance to travel much.
I acknowledged their history and significance in the development of our sport but the
 needlin' was done in fun.
I carried it on in here starting in '97 and when a few got a little too testy things got
 ugly, myself included.
What had become a fun thing got a little out of hand and here's where were at.
Ironically, I spent much of four nights last week with a former PA Posse driver with whom
 I have great admiration and is likely one of the originals under the name 'Posse'.
He gets the debate, he laughs at it and he knows the intended fun and harbors no ill will
 to yours truly.
The many Hosers in this forum who I spend time with also know that I likely enjoy PA more
 than any other stop on my much too long tour and it's the truth.
I would like to see the argument end but I think I've created a monster that's unstoppable
 (like the green 11).
At any time if you actually get angry you should disqualify yourself from the debate and
 in all likelihood it would be over soon, dreamin' a wee bit aren't I?
Enjoy, it's all good, Take It Easy....

Michael Stephen Nelligan (mspn)   June 03, 2004 @ 10:36:13
Topic: PA BOYS VS OUTLAWS
Hoseheads 


dttfowtm ...  
Proud Member of Sprntlover's Babysitting Service
Pa Posse Says Race or Shut Your Pie Hole!
Work hard & become a leader. Be lazy & end up a slave.
I Challenge anyone to give an example of a program that
the government has managed efficiently and/or cheaper
than the private sector. Please no enactments, laws or
statutes.

SpcJay
August 29, 2014 at 08:21:11 AM
Joined: 01/29/2014
Posts: 430
Reply

As a Pa Posse loyalist, I' obviously love our guys and cheer for them to win week in week out. However, my favorites on the tour were always Stevie Smith, Kevin Gobrecht for the short time and Sammy Swindell. Something about that TMC Car struck me as a kid and I was hooked on the Slammer. I remember in the early 2000's, can't remember the exact date and race, but an Outlaw show at the Grove. Sammy was in the Channellock car and the series carried the Channellock banner. I vividly remember the speakers playing a song by Sammy Hagar, Get a Grip on It, and thinking how cool it was. I wanted Sammy to win..but I was a Posse fan all out. Sammy and Chris Eash put on one heck of a battle and I remember them making contact via tire and Eash getting taken out on the backstretch just by the bridge. I remember the fans being upset. But deep inside, I was rooting for Sammy. I don;t remember if he won that race, wrecked later. But I remember going to the pits afterwards and him giving me a free Channellock hat as a kid and signing it. Many drivers, I'd just walk up their trailor for an autograph, but I was timid going into such a shiny, spotless trailer. I didn't want to get a finger print on things, let alone stand in it. But he saw me standing there and motioned me inside and was kind as ever. My favorite shirt was a shirt of his Bush Series ride, the Bull and Hannah's 26. He was impressed I had the shirt and was happy to sign it and send me on my way. One of the best ever and I was a fan even more after that night. It's funny the impression you get for a driver after a little interaction. He was and still is the man of little words..but his actions spoke volumes that his words never could that night for a little kid looking for an autograph



MSPN
August 29, 2014 at 08:42:14 AM
Joined: 11/23/2004
Posts: 3943
Reply


Spcjay, many many times I heard similiar stories in my travels but there will always be a few haters who of course go nameless and post crap in this forum in the negative about Sammy.  Jealousy some times runs rampant, thanks for sharing......




Shoes
August 29, 2014 at 09:32:48 AM
Joined: 12/06/2004
Posts: 198
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: MSPN on August 26 2014 at 02:31:23 PM


For winning the Ground Round Nationals in Syracuse NY in 1991, my first ever Outlaw show.  Then winning a few hours later on the same night at Rolling Wheels a feat that had never happened before or since with the Outlaws!

For winning both the make-up and the actual feature at Bloomington IN about 15 years ago right in Steve's backyard, another night never to forget.

For winning the first ever Kings Royal I attended in 1992.  I think Steve brake checked Sammy (running 2nd) and the whole field about stopped which allowed Steve to catch a lapped car (Keith Kauffman) who accidentally took him out, allowing Sammy the win.

For winning the Night Before the last Kings Royal you will ever race, best PPV I have ever watched.

For winning Friday Nights portion at this years 360 Nationals of which I was in attendance for.  Proud to have seen your last Sprint Car Victory as I was excited when you won that Syracuse race 20+ years earlier.

For running my MSPN Photos Decal for many years as well as becoming a friend who actually got to see who the real Sammy was/is.  A man who had a race shop that looked like a showroom floor.  A man who always tried to find a way to make something better, faster or more efficient.  A man with a wicked sense of humor as dry as you'll ever find, what a shame more people weren't aware of this trait.  A man who gave honest answers, even after a win when asked about the car he could tell you what was wrong which of course had his detractors think of it as whining/complaining.  Don't ask the question if you don't want the real answer.  I heard dozens and dozens of these in my travels and often laughed knowing how it bothered the anti fan soooo much, heck he may have done it on purpose in some of those interviews, honestly.

To those that didn't think Sammy was going to leave on his terms or in this manner, shame on you.  Few have had the burning desire to win like this man had and the opportunity to leave now with things the way they were, what a perfect time.  Hopefully, he can have more influence on Kevin who is also gifted more than most and see him achieve some semblance of success as well.  Heck, most of his fans would be happy in knowing he has simply put his feet up and is  content to watch the grass grow.  He has supplied us all with a lifetime of thrills, wins and memories that will never fade.

Amy, you have pushed and stood by your man and worked tireless hours helping the fans get a little chunk of their favorite driver for decades as well.  I wouldn't be surprised if you're more relieved than Sam is at this point, job well done.  An Aussie expression comes to mind Amy, "good on ya'".  Thanks for all your efforts and please thank Mr. Swindell one last time for me, we will all miss him.  An old favorite expression comes to mind, Take It Easy.....



Very well written tribute Mike. Thanks for the memories Sammy!



Wendal123
August 29, 2014 at 11:15:37 AM
Joined: 11/10/2013
Posts: 86
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: shernernum on August 28 2014 at 09:08:59 AM


There are idiot fans everywhere, and PA is no exception.  However, just like anywhere else on the interwebs, its the loudest and most ignorant that make everybody look bad.

Posse fans are provincial yes, they want PA guys (or guys that run regularly in PA) to win.  However, if you think that most people who are real sprint fans in PA don't respect guys like Kinser and Swindell, you really are drinking the trolls Kool-Aid.  They know what they have been able to witness for the last, almost 40 years.  They know that its the end of an era.  Sure they would like to see Hodnett, Dietrich, Marks, Montieth...insert name here, win when the circus comes to town, but these same people who booed Rahmer for years nearly tore the house down when we won the National Open last year.

I can guarantee if Kinser runs well at the Grove in October, he will get a sendoff from the PA fans that he deserves (even if he doesn't run well, they will always respect him.)  And most of the people, outside of the few irrational idiots, sitting in the stands that weekend will wish they had one last chance to see Sammy wheel a Sprint Car in PA, if for no other reason, but to say that they were there for one of  the last races of a legend.



shernernum.....You make some very valid points about PA and the fans in general. Unfortunatly when you are replying to one of Mike Nelligan's posts your talking to a Gutless coward know-nothing decrepit old peice of garbage hypocrite.  He critisises fans for bashing drivers/teams yet he constantly does the exact same thing, probably more so than anybody else. Remember this whole thread was supposed to be a Thank You to Sammy, yet Mike comes on here and starts talking about Pennsylvanian's being classless......Can anyone explain how this is relevent to the topic? Mike, can you explain that? No.....you can't because there is no explanation. You couldn't just be a classy guy and offer your thanks to Sammy Swindell, nope you just had to go and show us what the exact definition of classlessness is. That you clearing that up Mike Nelligan. Sorry to break this unfortunate news to you shernernum. Mr. Nelligan is just too jealous of Sammy Swindell and all these other great racers to  be respetful and offer his congrats on a great career. Remember Nelligan's career consisted of nothing more than running around the world playing with his little toy. Anyway, I digress, I personally would like to thank Sammy Swindell for all the great memories and wish him a blissful retirement. It's been good and hopfully Kevin can carry on the family tradiion. Ohhhhh........I almost forgot. Hey Mike......Take it easy.





Post Reply
You must be logged in to Post a Message.
Not a member register Here.
Already registered? Please Login





If you have a website and would like to set up a forum here at HoseHeadForums.com
please contact us by using the contact link at the top of the page.

© 2024 HoseHeadForums.com Privacy Policy