by Jeff Adams
The cat is finally out of the bag in regards to the UMP situation.
UMP President Bob Memmer sent an open letter to the media explaining that he was diagnosed with a split aorta in 2001. The condition is fatal, and Memmer acknowleged it was "...by the grace of God" that he is still here with us.
Memmer explained that he went to several people he trusted, and agreed to give them UMP when he passes away. Those named were Track Enterprises owner Bob Sargent, NASCAR driver Kenny Schrader, Boone, IA promoter Bob Lawton, and Lebanon Valley, NY promoter Howie Commander.
Memmer also explained that Sargent and Schrader had agreed to put up the $300,000 in additional points money last year in order to get the points fund to a million dollars, a life-long dream of his. It was hoped sponsorships would cover the $300,000, but it never came.
Memmer explains:" I want UMP to continue and grow after I die, so we wrote an agreement that if I should die in 2002, UMP was theirs and the point fund would be paid. If I did not die, the $300,000 would go to my drivers, and hopefully, the sponsor would be happy with our performance and continue their sponsorship in future years. There were no sponsors, and Bob Sargent wrote the UMP Point Fund a check for $300,000."
At the PRI show last weekend, there was Memmer manning the UMP booth, along with new Competition Director Aaron Butcher, who has been hired by Sargent and company to train under Memmer.
So what does all this mean to UMP? As of right now, nothing. "Nothing will change for 2003", said Sargent. "Bob (Memmer) will continue to do what he has done for years."
The group is promising a new website, long a complaint by the media and information-thirsty fans wanting UMP results. Plans are underway for the 2003 version of the "Summernationals", with Eldora Speedway on the schedule for the first time ever.
UMP wants sincerely to make the "Summernationals" THE premiere series in the US, and are looking to beef up the schedule.
As for Memmer, it is time for everyone to stand up and salute this guy for his contribution to the sport of dirt-track racing. Memmer has dedicated his life to this sport, and will go down in history as one of the most influential people of all-time.
To get all of those race tracks on the same set of rules is nothing short of mind-boggling. Given the number of egos in the promoting world, it is nothing short of a miracle what Memmer has accomplished.
As a media member, I have had my battles with Mr. Memmer, but I greatly appreciate his efforts. The sport of dirt-track racing is better because of him.
It speaks volumes when a one-man operation can put up a nearly million dollar points fund to 400 different drivers.
Memmer has always preached fairness, with strict adherence to the rules. Memmer has always been for the working man, and has done his best to keep everyone on a level playing field.
Thanks Bob Memmer. As a fan of the sport of dirt-track racing, I
have a great appreciation for what you have accomplished. Good luck.
See you at the races.
The cat is finally out of the bag in regards to the UMP situation.
UMP President Bob Memmer sent an open letter to the media explaining that he was diagnosed with a split aorta in 2001. The condition is fatal, and Memmer acknowleged it was "...by the grace of God" that he is still here with us.
Memmer explained that he went to several people he trusted, and agreed to give them UMP when he passes away. Those named were Track Enterprises owner Bob Sargent, NASCAR driver Kenny Schrader, Boone, IA promoter Bob Lawton, and Lebanon Valley, NY promoter Howie Commander.
Memmer also explained that Sargent and Schrader had agreed to put up the $300,000 in additional points money last year in order to get the points fund to a million dollars, a life-long dream of his. It was hoped sponsorships would cover the $300,000, but it never came.
Memmer explains:" I want UMP to continue and grow after I die, so we wrote an agreement that if I should die in 2002, UMP was theirs and the point fund would be paid. If I did not die, the $300,000 would go to my drivers, and hopefully, the sponsor would be happy with our performance and continue their sponsorship in future years. There were no sponsors, and Bob Sargent wrote the UMP Point Fund a check for $300,000."
At the PRI show last weekend, there was Memmer manning the UMP booth, along with new Competition Director Aaron Butcher, who has been hired by Sargent and company to train under Memmer.
So what does all this mean to UMP? As of right now, nothing. "Nothing will change for 2003", said Sargent. "Bob (Memmer) will continue to do what he has done for years."
The group is promising a new website, long a complaint by the media and information-thirsty fans wanting UMP results. Plans are underway for the 2003 version of the "Summernationals", with Eldora Speedway on the schedule for the first time ever.
UMP wants sincerely to make the "Summernationals" THE premiere series in the US, and are looking to beef up the schedule.
As for Memmer, it is time for everyone to stand up and salute this guy for his contribution to the sport of dirt-track racing. Memmer has dedicated his life to this sport, and will go down in history as one of the most influential people of all-time.
To get all of those race tracks on the same set of rules is nothing short of mind-boggling. Given the number of egos in the promoting world, it is nothing short of a miracle what Memmer has accomplished.
As a media member, I have had my battles with Mr. Memmer, but I greatly appreciate his efforts. The sport of dirt-track racing is better because of him.
It speaks volumes when a one-man operation can put up a nearly million dollar points fund to 400 different drivers.
Memmer has always preached fairness, with strict adherence to the rules. Memmer has always been for the working man, and has done his best to keep everyone on a level playing field.
Thanks Bob Memmer. As a fan of the sport of dirt-track racing, I
have a great appreciation for what you have accomplished. Good luck.
See you at the races.
