Photos By Scott Bender
Thirty-six people showed up at RMS Motorsports fine racing facility on Sunday to pay their respects to Bruce Heller, a long time HO racer who passed in October of 2010 from cancer.
Two racing events were offered to any who wished to compete. Storm Extreme HO’s were donated by Wizzard Racing Products to be used for IROC style competition on both tracks. Racers from many different clubs, representing oval and road course, magnet-car racers and T-Jet racers came together for this special event.
Thirty-three racers tried their hand on the RMS oval with cool looking dirt-mod bodies on the cars painted and donated by Bob Amore. The dirt-bodied Extremes rocketed around the fast RMS Oval with several racers making unexpected trips to the floor. When everyone was finished their 4-lane round-robin run, the scores were totaled and 1989 Oval National Champion and 2008-2009 RMS Oval Champ Slammin’ Sam Heller emerged victorious. He finished only two track sections ahead of current RMS Oval track record holder Brett “the jet” Reitz. T-Jet racer Chuck S. surprised all in attendance with his fine 3rd place showing followed by recently crowned “The Series” Super stock champ Jim Singer (4th) and multi-time National Champ R.C. Lincoln (5th).
An auction was held after the oval race, with many items donated by RMS Motorsports, Wizzard Racing Products, Harvey Goodwin, John Howsare, Jim Singer and Randy Haydt. (If I forgot anybody I apologize.) Following the auction was a free parts giveaway sponsored and donated by Wizzard Racing Products. Lots of good food was on the menu for all, with many thanks going out to Corinne Heller, Janet Light, Kathleen Roth and Moira “Mom” Heller for providing the good eats.
With full bellies and light pockets 29 racers headed over to try their hand on the Zelano Scorpion Wizz Track road course. The Extremes were now donning slick looking Cup bodies painted up and donated by Rich Schmidt of RMS Motorsports. When the scores were tallied, R.C. Lincoln scored the victory to go along with his 5th place oval finish. 2009 UFHORA Super stock National Champion Rich Schmidt finished 2nd followed by oval winner Sam Heller in 3rd, “Mr. IROC” Randy Jay Haydt 4th and Jim Singer 5th.
With a win on the oval and a 3rd on the road course, yours truly, Slammin’ Sam Heller was declared the Grand Champion of the Bruce Heller Memorial and received the Champion’s trophy. I’m sure brother Bruce was smiling down on all of us, but especially me.
The race cars and the bodies were then auctioned off, and after the monies were counted those in attendance raised $1033 which will be donated to the Autism Society of Bethesda, Maryland, and the Pottstown Hospice Society in Pennsylvania. Thanks to the cash donations made by Randy’s Raceway, Tri State Racing, and Mike Sanders and to all of those who made anonymous donations throughout the day.