MEI Motorsports is holding a TOP SECRET "Santa Search" from NOW until Friday, 12/16!  We know how many families struggle this time of year, so we want to bring a little holiday cheer to a few of those.  So, we are secretively looking for a few "Santa's" to help us bring a smile to the face of 6 children.  Here's how you "Santa's" can help.

We have 6 MEI Motorsports t-shirts (1 Youth Medium, 2 Small, and 1 Medium).  Send us a PRIVATE message here.  Tell us about a child you think would like to receive one of them from Santa.  Tell us WHY you think that child would like one... not a life story, but a few details such as "Joey's Dad lost his job this summer and his parents are really struggling this year", or "Suzy failed math in the first semester this year, but she has worked really hard and this past semester got a B!".  Whether it's a tough situation, health issues, or just a kid that has done something good and deserves to be rewarded, all entries are welcome!  Include the child's name and requested shirt size from the list above, as well as the name of an adult and their address to send the package to.  We will select the winning submissions this weekend, and Santa will ship 6 packages including a shirt, autograph card, and bracelet out on Monday, 12/19.  We will NOT be notifying the winners... They will get the surprise gift upon arrival.

Merry Christmas to all from Jake Maynard, the MEI Team, and all of the terrific sponsors at MEI Motorsports!

GBB NASCAR TRIVIA CONTEST QUALIFIER 2 ENDS IN DEAD HEAT!

Graphix By Billy had a VERY special guest grand marshall for Trivia Contest Qualifier #2 tonight. In honor of his birthday, "Dale Earnhardt" joined us, and he even made a "special wish" and blew out the candle on his birthday cake! The contest itself finished in a "dead heat", with Towanda's John Maynard and New Albany's Dalton Maynard finishing in a tie. Both qualified for the Championship Round, and they split tonight's $25 cash prize. 3 more qualifiers are to be held, with the next being one week from tonight, Tuesday May 6th. The 10 qualifiers will match wits in the Championship Event on June 29th, where the winner will walk away with a pair of tickets to the fall night race at Richmond International Raceway and a $100 cash prize. But, to win that, you HAVE to finish in the top 2 in one of the qualifiers! Next week, we'll give you another chance. Thanks to those who attended tonight, and to Penn Can Speedway, Graphix By Billy, Yuengling, and Flynn Beverage for donating door prizes for the Trivia Series.

For more information:

http://www.raceny.com/smf2/index.php?topic=38624.0

APRIL 15th WINNERS:  (1) Jake Maynard,  (2) Ken Murphy
APRIL 29th:  ?
MAY 6th:  ?
MAY 27th:  ?
JUNE 10th:  ?
JUNE 24th CHAMPIONSHIP NIGHT QUALIFIERS:  Jake Maynard, Ken Murphy, ?


   The Towanda Elks Lodge 2191 is pleased to announce the Graphix By Billy Signs & Graphics NASCAR Trivia Series!  These trivia contests will consist of questions about NASCAR's top series, currently known as the Sprint Cup Series.  Questions will vary, from the series' beginnings to the modern day.  The series invites individual entrants (not teams) age 16 and older to enter, with an entry fee of $3 per person.  The events will be held on Tuesdays, with the first 5 dates (April 15th, April 29th, May 6th, May 27th, and June 10th) being qualifiers.  The winner on each of these dates will take home $25 cash, and the top 2 finishers will qualify for the Series Championship on June 24th.  The winner of the Championship event will receive a pair of tickets to the Federated Auto Parts 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, September 6th, PLUS $100 cash toward travel expenses!

   The events will begin at 7pm in the banquet room at the Towanda Elks Lodge 2191, located on South Main St. in Towanda, PA.  No reservations are needed, and the entry fee can be paid at the door.  Graphix By Billy owner and former NASCAR Modified driver Billy Maynard will be hosting the events, which promise to be filled with fun, and maybe even some surprises!  Spectators are welcome to join the fun at no charge.  The door will open at 5:30pm.  Tuesday's are Wing Night at the Elk's, so arrive early and try some of their new wing flavors such as Salt & Vinegar, Sour Cream & Onion, White Cheddar, or stick with traditional flavors.  Beverages will be available at the bar.

   Each event will consist of two rounds of 20 questions, split by a 15 to 20 minute intermission to allow anyone wanting to grab a quick bite or something to drink to do so.  Also during intermission, door prizes will be given away by random drawing (everyone in attendance will be given a ticket when they enter).  Immediately following the 2nd round, a “Victory Lane” bonus question worth additional points will be asked.

   Entrants may enter as many of the “qualifier” events as they wish.  If an entrant that has already qualified for the Championship Event should finish in the top 2 again, they will still be awarded any cash prizes earned, but the qualifying spot will bump down to the next finisher.  Entrants do NOT have to enter ALL of the qualifiers... they may enter just one, all 5, or any combination in between.

   Anyone with questions about the event can contact Billy or Darlene Maynard at Graphix By Billy by calling 570-265-8974.  Even if you're not a race fan, these events are sure to entertain, so join us for an affordable night of food and fun!

GRAPHIX BY BILLY NASCAR TRIVIA SERIES
at the ELKS

Official Rules

1.All questions will be connected in some way to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, or any name by which it was previously known (Winston Cup, Grand National, Etc.).

2.Entrants must be at least 16 years old.

3.If anyone from the “grandstands” is observed giving away any hint or answer, the “series director” may at his discretion deem the question “disqualified”.  In such a case, a backup question will be “unloaded”, and the offending spectator will be warned.  They will be asked to leave if there is a 2nd instance.

4.Entrants will be seated side by side in the front row, facing the “race director”.  They will each be given a pad and a marker.  All entrants will attempt to answer each question correctly by writing their answer on their pad and keeping it hidden until the timed answer period ends. When instructed, all will reveal their answers to the “race director”.  Correct answers will be awarded 1 point in round one, 2 points in round two, and 5 points for the “Victory Lane” question.  No points will be deducted for incorrect answers.  Blank pads will be considered incorrect and will receive no points.

5.For questions with multiple answers, the designated points will be given for EACH correct answer (Example, in round 2:  Q – Name the current tracks that require a restrictor plate.  A – Talladega and Daytona.  Those with one one of the answers would get 2 points, those with both answers would get 4 points).

6.Answers spelled incorrectly will still be accepted if, in the opinion of the “race director”, the intended answer is correct, and unmistakeable.  Dates or statistics must be correct.  The “race director's” decision is final and non-negotiable.  Illegible answers, as deemed so by the “race director”, will be considered incorrect.

7.The $25 cash prize will go to the winner regardless of their finishes in previous series events. In the event of a tie, the money will be split among those tied.  Qualifying spots for the Championship Event will go to the top two finishers.  In the event of a tie for 1st place, all tied, and only those tied, will qualify for the Championship Event.  In the event of a tie for 2nd place, the winner and all tied for 2nd place will qualify for the Championship Event.

8.ONLY those that qualified thru the first 5 events are eligible to participate in the June 17th Championship Event.  The winner of this event will receive a pair of tickets to the Federated Auto Parts 400 Sprint Cup Race on Saturday, September 6th at Richmond International Raceway.

9.We encourage entrants to have fun.  Where your favorite race hat or shirt... paste on a mustache, throw on a cowboy hat and wear Petty Blue... whatever you want to do!  Let's get the “spectators” into it and entertain them, too!  If you don't know an answer, and don't even have a close guess, funny answers are welcome!

10.Management reserves the right to disqualify anyone in attendance that is displaying poor sportsmanship or is abusive to another individual.  They also reserve the right to refuse entrance to any participant or spectator at any time, with no recourse and without explanation.

Common out and join us for some fun..... FREE ARK PARKING!  LOL!



   The Towanda Elks Lodge 2191 is pleased to announce the Graphix By Billy Signs & Graphics NASCAR Trivia Series!  These trivia contests will consist of questions about NASCAR's top series, currently known as the Sprint Cup Series.  Questions will vary, from the series' beginnings to the modern day.  The series invites individual entrants (not teams) age 16 and older to enter, with an entry fee of $3 per person.  The events will be held on Tuesdays, with the first 5 dates (April 15th, April 29th, May 6th, May 27th, and June 10th) being qualifiers.  The winner on each of these dates will take home $25 cash, and the top 2 finishers will qualify for the Series Championship on June 24th.  The winner of the Championship event will receive a pair of tickets to the Federated Auto Parts 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, September 6th.

   The events will begin at 7pm in the banquet room at the Towanda Elks Lodge 2191, located on South Main St. in Towanda, PA.  No reservations are needed, and the entry fee can be paid at the door.  Graphix By Billy owner and former NASCAR Modified driver Billy Maynard will be hosting the events, which promise to be filled with fun, and maybe even some surprises!  Spectators are welcome to join the fun at no charge.  The door will open at 5:30pm.  Tuesday's are Wing Night at the Elk's, so arrive early and try some of their new wing flavors such as Salt & Vinegar, Sour Cream & Onion, White Cheddar, or stick with traditional flavors.  Beverages will be available at the bar.

   Each event will consist of two rounds of 20 questions, split by a 15 to 20 minute intermission to allow anyone wanting to grab a quick bite or something to drink to do so.  Also during intermission, door prizes will be given away by random drawing (everyone in attendance will be given a ticket when they enter).  Immediately following the 2nd round, a “Victory Lane” bonus question worth additional points will be asked.

   Entrants may enter as many of the “qualifier” events as they wish.  If an entrant that has already qualified for the Championship Event should finish in the top 2 again, they will still be awarded any cash prizes earned, but the qualifying spot will bump down to the next finisher.  Entrants do NOT have to enter ALL of the qualifiers... they may enter just one, all 5, or any combination in between.

   Anyone with questions about the event can contact Billy or Darlene Maynard at Graphix By Billy by calling 570-265-8974.  Even if you're not a race fan, these events are sure to entertain, so join us for an affordable night of food and fun!

GRAPHIX BY BILLY NASCAR TRIVIA SERIES
at the ELKS

Official Rules

1.All questions will be connected in some way to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, or any name by which it was previously known (Winston Cup, Grand National, Etc.).

2.Entrants must be at least 16 years old.

3.If anyone from the “grandstands” is observed giving away any hint or answer, the “series director” may at his discretion deem the question “disqualified”.  In such a case, a backup question will be “unloaded”, and the offending spectator will be warned.  They will be asked to leave if there is a 2nd instance.

4.Entrants will be seated side by side in the front row, facing the “race director”.  They will each be given a pad and a marker.  All entrants will attempt to answer each question correctly by writing their answer on their pad and keeping it hidden until the timed answer period ends. When instructed, all will reveal their answers to the “race director”.  Correct answers will be awarded 1 point in round one, 2 points in round two, and 5 points for the “Victory Lane” question.  No points will be deducted for incorrect answers.  Blank pads will be considered incorrect and will receive no points.

5.For questions with multiple answers, the designated points will be given for EACH correct answer (Example, in round 2:  Q – Name the current tracks that require a restrictor plate.  A – Talladega and Daytona.  Those with one one of the answers would get 2 points, those with both answers would get 4 points).

6.Answers spelled incorrectly will still be accepted if, in the opinion of the “race director”, the intended answer is correct, and unmistakeable.  Dates or statistics must be correct.  The “race director's” decision is final and non-negotiable.  Illegible answers, as deemed so by the “race director”, will be considered incorrect.

7.The $25 cash prize will go to the winner regardless of their finishes in previous series events. In the event of a tie, the money will be split among those tied.  Qualifying spots for the Championship Event will go to the top two finishers.  In the event of a tie for 1st place, all tied, and only those tied, will qualify for the Championship Event.  In the event of a tie for 2nd place, the winner and all tied for 2nd place will qualify for the Championship Event.

8.ONLY those that qualified thru the first 5 events are eligible to participate in the June 17th Championship Event.  The winner of this event will receive a pair of tickets to the Federated Auto Parts 400 Sprint Cup Race on Saturday, September 6th at Richmond International Raceway.

9.We encourage entrants to have fun.  Where your favorite race hat or shirt... paste on a mustache, throw on a cowboy hat and wear Petty Blue... whatever you want to do!  Let's get the “spectators” into it and entertain them, too!  If you don't know an answer, and don't even have a close guess, funny answers are welcome!

10.Management reserves the right to disqualify anyone in attendance that is displaying poor sportsmanship or is abusive to another individual.  They also reserve the right to refuse entrance to any participant or spectator at any time, with no recourse and without explanation.

For those who have submitted names of service members displayed on the Tribute Car that wish to have a photo of their submission, a special commemorative photo has been designed.  It is available with each "dog tag" displaying a submitted member.

The photos and be viewed at www.dandjfotos.com .  Click on "Gallery" on the upper left, then choose "2014 MEI Tribute Car".  This will take you to an album with all of the photos, listed in alphabetical order.  Prices, size options , ordering information, and contact information are all available there.

Photos are available in several sizes, and special "gifts" such as coin banks, mouse pads, etc. are also available.  For those with multiple submissions, they can resize the dog tag inset ad put multiple tags on one photo.  Contact D & J Fotos or list the tags you would like grouped onto your photo in the "special notes" field when ordering.

Anyone with questions about the photos should contact D & J Fotos.

Thank you once again to all that submitted names, and a BIG thank you to all that served our nation!

I want to thank first and foremost Mike Stolarcyk Chevrolet for sponsoring the show, Dan Harpell/Harpell Promotions for organizing the event, and the Oakdale Mall for hosting it, and also Robin and Casey Oltz for their past efforts that were key in making the show what it is.  I've participated in the show for 10 consecutive years.  It's always a great time, a wonderful way to kick off a new season, and the participants really turn out some awesome machines.

I really need to thank my Father-In-Law Neil Brown for all of his help on the car this year.  He's the only one that even came close to matching the hours I spent in the shop on it.  He even helped me letter it!  Also, thanks to Mitch Maynard for all of his help disassembling it after last season, and to Jake Maynard, Michael J Benjamin II, and Dalton Maynard for stepping up and really helping when it was needed most, and to Ken Murphy for lending a hand from time to time.  A huge thank you to my wife Darlene Maynard for putting up with this craziness, and for her simple comment that really set my creative mind in motion.  They say all artists are just a little on the eccentric side... Yeah, OK, they are probably right, but sometimes it really is the simplest thing that sparks something special, and thus far, this is my lifetime masterpiece.  Also, thank you to social media, particularly RaceNY and Facebook, for giving me the tools to reach out and invite people to submit names for this project.  The ability to reach a large amount of people, with similar interests, and in a short period of time, were key to it's success.

Finally, and quite possibly most importantly, thank you to my brother John.  All the years we raced together and built my cars, he was the one that taught me to pay attention to detail, to take pride in my work.  That it wasn't about turning out something better than the other guy (in the shop or on the track), rather about turning out the best product YOU were able to produce with the resources, knowledge, and tools you had.  He drilled it into my head that giving anything less than a 100% effort was not worth doing.  All or nothing!  I look back on all the times I complained when he made me crawl under the car before a car show and paint the bolt heads with a paint brush to cover the wrench marks, the times he made me mount tires with the letters on the sidewall timed to the valve stem, then jack the car up when parked at the show and turn them all so the valve stems were straight up.... now I find myself in his shoes, asking the same of those that help me, and getting that same "Are you f%*&#$@ SERIOUS??!!" look.  Funny how many things in life end up being about perspective. 

Words can't describe how proud I am of this, of those that work with me and sponsor my team.  I have no words to express how grateful I am for all of the kinds words we've heard, words of encouragement, or how much it means to see the reactions of veterans, enlisted men and women, or the families and close friends of members of our military when they see this car.  I spent a great deal of this weekend stepping back from the display and observing peoples reactions... most everyone is polite and kind when you are next to the car, but when they don't even realize you are there, you know their reactions and body language are genuine.  Thank you to our servicemen and women, their families, and to those that submitted information for the car!

MEI MOTORSPORTS TO PAY TRIBUTE TO SERVICEMEN AND SERVICEWOMEN WITH SPECIAL GRAPHICS SCHEME IN 2014!

On behalf of the MEI Motorsports Team and our sponsors, we would like to express our appreciation to all of the servicemen and servicewomen, past and present, that have committed themselves to protecting the freedoms we all enjoy. As part of this tribute, we would like to include the names of actual servicemen and women on our IMCA Modified.

The name of anyone serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or National Guard are welcome. They may be living or deceased, currently enlisted or retired, and need not have served overseas, in battle, or have been wounded in battle. The only requirement is that they have served our country. We would like the following information on any names submitted: First & Last Name, with middle initial - branch of the military they served in - Years they served (if possible) - Any major war they served in (If Any - WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan).

PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING: A) Just a name only will probably not be put on the car. The graphics we have planned require as much of the information listed above as possible. B) We are under a tight deadline. In order to meet this deadline, names MUST be submitted by February 7th to allow us time to design and produce the graphics for the car. There will be no limit on the number of names, so all are welcome. C) Servicemen and women are welcome to submit themselves. Immediate family (Spouses, siblings, children) are welcome to submit the names of loved ones. Otherwise, if submitting a name, please get the "blessing" of an immediate family member BEFORE submitting, as many names submitted will be strangers to us and we have no way to do so. We are offering free participation to HONOR these people, and in no way want to see anyone upset or caught off guard by seeing the name of a loved one on the car. THE CAR WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE SOUTHERN TIER RACE CAR SHOW AT THE OAKDALE MALL IN JOHNSON CITY, NY.  WORD IS THAT THE SHOW WILL BE THE WEEKEND OF FEB.27th.  WE WELCOME ANYONE THAT WOULD LIKE TO GET A PHOTO WITH THE CAR TO DO SO THERE! WE WILL LIKELY ALSO HAVE DRIVER AUTOGRAPH CARDS ON HAND WITH PHOTOS OF THE CAR AS WELL.

To submit a serviceman or woman, like the MEI Motorsports page on Facebook and send a private message with the requested information, or send it by private message here. If you prefer, you may email the information to bmr69@frontiernet.net, please put TRIBUTE in the subject line. If you wish, you are welcome to submit more than one person. Thank you to all of the men and women that have served our country.... this is a tribute to you all!

MEI Motorsports and IMCA Modified #69 driver Jake Maynard wants to help make Christmas a little nicer for 3 deserving kids this year.

We have one MEI Youth Medium T-shirt and 2 MEI hats that we are going to give away to 3 young children (12 years old or under).  Here's how we are going to do it.

If you are on Facebook, like the MEI Motorsports page, then send us a message.  Tell us the name of the child you feel deserves the gift, and why.  Maybe they've gotten great grades, maybe their family is struggling financially, whatever.  Please include their name, address, and which gift you'd like to see them get (shirt, cap, or either). We will choose 3 winners with the stories that catch our attention best, and will mail their gift along with an MEI Driver Card autographed by MEI driver Jake Maynard.

The return address on the package will be from S. Claus, North Pole.  We will not be announcing the winners, it will be a surprise when the package arrives.

If you know of a child that could use a little extra cheering up this holiday season, shoot us a message.... maybe we can help!