The LONG HOT WEEKEND IS OVER

Headed home, showered, blew the dust out of his nose, had some Pizza and got to bed around 4 a.m. got up, had a steak for breakfast and was ready to roll again, back to Senoia Raceway for the Outlaw Sprint car races........nice life....that is Chad Harrington, Georgia's premire FLAGMAN on the stand.

Now this is my kind of fellow, loves Pizza and Steak and what he does for a living, flaging some of the best races in Georgia and Alabama. Folks let me put it this way when Chad is NOT on the flagstand, there is a world of difference and you know he means bussiness.

A all American family man, who loves life and would you believe his wife will not come and watch him flag, because she is afraid that a car will go wildly through the air and hit the flagstand and take her man out.



Friday and Saturday night proved to be some of the best racing at New Senoia Raceway putting on the show was a man that knows his bussiness and his drivers. The Outlaw sprint cars invaded Senoia, Friday night which is what I called the "Dust Bowl" , no rain has not helped anyone here in Georgia, no matter how much water Tim and Tony Moses placed on the track could not help out. The dust was flying as fast as the outlaw sprint cars, as well as the regular shows.

Winning in the Mini Sprint Winged car race was #1 Bobby Zaionz

.

The Winged Outlaw winner was none other that Terry Gray, who is a proven winner every where he races.
Terry was Saturday night main 30 lap feature winner, and when you say drop the green and go these boys were gone, and before I looked up to check my camera settings they were finished and Chad Harrington was waving the double checkerd flag over the cars as they crossed in front of him.

When the Hobby feature rolled on the track, you had Clifton Moran known as "Hog Head" and Rusty Johnson and some extra cars that were trying to steal the win away from Points leader Morant was strange was that at the end of the feature the crowd below where I was filming was yelling TEAR HIM DOWN, TEAR HIM DOWN, it was almost a chant. Moran had just won his 15th straight race in a row and that seems strange, but there was no protest and he walked away with the cash and the points for another night.

Pure Mini driver Dusty Jones showed his car had the power to out motor every other pure mini driver on the track including #16 Stephen Hill who had won just a weekend ago, out motoring Jones in a battle of a race.

When it was time for the B-Cadet cars to roll onto the track, gee whiz compared to Friday nights 3 car show we had a total of 5 cars, and out of the 5 #17 Marcus Caswell would sweep both nights in his famous car, Caswell one of the most respected drivers is gettting older but he drives like the wind and puts them all to shame.

There was a young a talented Cory Payton Jr, in the 24c that was racing but just could not get the grip to stay with Caswell, Payton is a young man that needs to be followed as he is a up and coming star.

Almost every dirt track fan has heard the name "Cat Daddy" or Clint Smith, who is one of the premier drivers of late model cars, well Clint drove the #29 car of Shane Fulchers fathers car on Friday night, but of all things the car broke. No problem Cat daddy took the car to his shop and worked on it and out ran everyone including Jason Williams. Other drivers that were racing were none other than Little Joe Armistead Jr, and so many others.

Jason Williams started up front along side of "Cat Daddy" but it was amazing how much they battled each other, but in the end Clint Smith drove the #29 car to victory and the waving checkered flag win.

The same goes for Racing Jason Williams, you want to see the best drivers in the south New Senoia Raceway is the place to see the action.

BIG NEWS IN THE LATE MODEL DIVISTION, RACING JASON WILLIAMS IN NOW THE POINTS LEADER TAKING IT FROM OF ALL FOLKS LEVON SPARKS....SOME THING LIKE 13 POINTS....

CONGRAGULATIONS JASON!

The fans got their moneys worth, with the Outlaw Sprint Cars plus the 25 lap feature between the big boys in Late Model.

Drivers like Mike Head made the show, Shane Fulcher, Joe Ameristead Jr, and of course, Jason Williams, plus young Matt Dooley, and points leader Lavon Sparks, plus so many extra drivers just trying to earn that $1000 cash prize.

It was a huge payoff by the track as the Outlaws were making $3000 to win for their 30 lap race, and the Late Models a $1000 to win, so every driver was making some cash.


One thing for sure got their moneys worth of racing and alot more, as the food was being eaten like never before, the stands were packed, and people came from everywhere the Outlaw Sprint car drivers came from 7 or more States, Penn. N.C. Alabama, Miss, Tenn. and Georgia and places I never heard of. Ine thing one thing for sure these drivers do this for a living and traveling is part of the deal.

I want to thank the staff and New Senoia Raceway, for helping me each and every night do what I do best and that is film the incredible races, of some of the best young and older drivers in this sport. From Hobby to B-Cadet to Crate to Late model to those fearless pure mini drivers I have found a new passion for racing because of the magnifisant staff. anks to everyone including all those that help get me set up for filming, who I appreciate so much. Also thanks to the VOICE of Senoia Raceway Ted Austed, who I have become freinds with and a HIGH FIVE goes out to the premier flagman that I have ever seen and that is Chad Harrington.

And a pure out thanks to every fan I speak with on a weekend basis.... Thanks again.

Many Thanks again,

Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

With a world wide racing BLOG following!

Again thanks Tim and Tony Moses and Amey Parker and all the amazing staff at New Senoia Raceway, from Security to the cooks and just everyone, your all special.

GET READY TO RUMBLE 25 LAPS AT SENOIA

Its true, this weekend 25 laps will be filled with who knows how many cars all in what is called "Pure Mini Mania" at New Senoia Raceway.

This is the weekend for the best of the best to shine and take home some extra cash, drivers please have your cars ready to rumble.

Fans come early and bring your friends and family this is going to be some wild racing.

The driver that has been on a roll has been none other than #4 of all American, young star driver Dusty Jones, but can he watch wits with drivers like Bo Chambers or Gary Parker or who else decides to make the show.

There is one driver that had his B-Cadet car at Senoia last week only to have it destroyed in a massive wreck on the start of the race. He is young talented Erik Hogsed, who will be driving in the Pure mini mania feature.

All I know is we are about to see some beating and banging, but some driver will make it all 25 laps and be crowned the winner.

The crowds have been huge at Senoia and more and more people are coming out to see the best of the best race.

When you think of Pure Mini Cars you think slow and a headache to watch, but down deep these drivers drive like the late model drivers do, they show their talent on the track and get excited if they win, They may not have the nicest cars as is the case of #13 Gary Parker whose car looks like he takes it to the track races and parks it until next Saturday. Then you have #17J of Joe Spencer who has yet to win a major race but his car looks like it should be the pace car of the race, clean and always looking great. The trouble is Joe runs in the back, next to Rocky Johnson.

With all the talk about the Pure Mini Mania race, hey lets talk about the other great features, like the limited late model race where it was so close between Little Joe Armistead Jr and Jason Williams, who raced for another win, but Little Joe was hanging on so close until his car went south on him and he backed down and Jason Williams took another win.

What caught my eye was the huge battle between Shane Fulcher and Levon Sparks who were having their own personal battle, they went back and forth almost wrecking at one time in the race, but cool driving by Shane brought all the good things out. One thing for sure Shane Fulcher is not a loser and is always looking for ways to make his car faster, I believe that his car this weekend could take the win, if everything stays together.

But again Jason Williams, would win and close in on Levon Sparks who is the points leader. These points are slowly dropping as Williams is catching him.

The B-Cadets will also be racing and Jeff Carter still has the points lead, will he hold on for long, with drivers like Marcus Caswell making the race.

Then you have other drivers that are more or less in the way, but that is why they call it racing.

One fatal mistake of a slide took Jeff Carter from front to 2nd place Saturday night. You have to remember Jeff is running on a worn out motor and he hopes he can make it till the season is over.

The Hobby car race has taken on a new aspect, with the arrival of #16 Austin Horton who is believe it or not driving a bomber car in the hobby race and was giving every one a real run until he cut a tire racing hard against #33 Rusty Johnson.

The man that has a huge points lead is none other than #07 of Cilfton Moran who has dominated the Hobby features, I just think if Austin had not cut the tire he would have given Clifton a run for the money. Lets see what happens this Saturday night in the feature.

Last feature was the Crate race, and again Todd Darda proved he had the car that had to be beaten, even when he had Chase Edge chasing him plus others. Darda is no stranger to the winners circle and again he did what he does best WIN.

The night started somber but everyone all fans stood in silence as the #45 car of a driver that passed away was giving a tribute memorial to his kindness. Michael Cesare in his 40's passed away and I though only the B-Cadet cars would be allowed to show him tribute but my friends there were 40 plus cars all following the number #45 car and every car was from every class, Chad Harrington did what Michael would have dreamed of and that was throw double checkered flags as his car passed the flag stand, and in a moving tribute all cars stopped on the front straight shutting off their motors and every fan standing in silence for the driver that was a class act, maybe they never met Michael but he was a driver and is now gone and who knows he could have won, not this season but he would win and I was going to be the one to capture his win on video.

Tears came out of my eyes as I have lost a friend, but the tribute made me know that Michael would have been smiling from ear to ear, there was no driver that did not like Michael he was a talker and learned his driving on the track. He would trail in his final race on 7-23-11 and with his sister in the stands, which I did not know, he crashed late in the race into a spinning #B7 driven by Tim Bright, no where to go Michael drove head first into Tims car, the next day we talked and he was laughing but he said he had learned and that is what Michael was all about learning that is why he had so many friends.

We hope to see all the pure mini cars at New Senoia Raceway this weekend for Mini Mania, so drivers get ready to rumble and bring your best car to the track.

Many Thanks to everyone, everywhere,

Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

With a world wide racing blog following!

My Friend and YOUR Friend laid to rest in Peace

REST IN PEACE MICHAEL, ALWAYS A VIKING FAN

"A AMERICAN HERO AND SHORT TRACK DRIVER AND FRIEND LAID TO REST"

Michael was always looking UP was this a sign, was this his way of talking with the LORD or was this just Michael and man with the greatest of attitudes. He was always uplifting,

talking to him was like talking to someone that could cheer you up in every way.

MICHAEL C. CESARE 1966-2011 A MAN WITH DIFFERENT FACES AND SMILES

GOD Bless Larry Cesare his brother and everyone of his family members including Jackie Cesare, AND everyone of his friends everywhere.

And may the LORD be with him always, he was a true friend.

Short track drivers are plenty, but there was something special about Michael, he drove his #45 B-Cadet car and raced hard, he drove in the back because he was just learning his new craft, he was making some strides until his last race at New Senoia Raceway on July 23, 2011, where he was racing hard just to finish in the top 10 when of all things another car spun and he had no where to go except into the spun out car.

Michael and myself talked the next day and he laughed and told me that he would be back to the track as soon as his car was ready, he was excited and loved what he was doing. He also said he had just learned something import

ant and that was to try and not mess up the front of the car where the engine was, instead do what all racers do sacrifice the body, the sides, the rear end, just not the front. You see Michael learned from that and said he might have the car back the next weekend but he never showed up.

Michael loved his Minnesota Vikings, and was ready for a great football season, like I said earlier in a BLOG Michael and myself had planned on taking in the Viking Falcon game at the Georgia Dome. Of course I had to make sure he knew I would be wearing my Falcon gear, and he said that would be fine because he would be in his Viking gear. All I knew was that I had never been to a Falcon game at all and going with Michael would be the ultimate trip.

The game would take on more meaning when the Falcons were beating the Vikings and I could rub it in, or so I thought.

This season I plan on dedicating the season to rooting for the Vikings in every game they play, of course I will remain a Falcons fan, but the season will mean more knowing the Viking keep winning and winning just like Michael would want.

Sports have taken on a new meaning for me, and I am sure for other folks, you see I lost my wife in April early in the morning she called my name and then she was gone. My life seems to change when she passed away, I was lost. Then in May I started talking with Michael Cesare, and it was so amazing at all he was doing in his life. He was happy and great to talk with, h

e knew what happened to my wife but we had never met until July 23, 2011 that day that I videoed his race where he was in 2 wrecks. That video is special to me because you see Michael was some one I had been writing about and he was giving me joy. Lots of drivers would read about him and say when they saw me that they wondered who this Michael Cesare was and my answer was "He is the next dirt track superstar" . Of course I never knew that I would not have another chance to speak to him. So maybe that is why when I am at a dirt track filming I have the highest regards for all drivers of every class. Because in truth you never know when GOD will call you home. You could be in a race car , or you could be at home alone. When it is your time to go, GOD is needing you more than we are. It hurts because Michael was young and talented and loved what he was doing. We talked about the day he would win his first race and we laughed and said he would act like he had just won the Daytona 500.

One thing for sure he will be missed and there will be a Memorial race lap for Michael at New Senoia Raceway this weekend of Aug.13, 2011 so please be there.

Now some photos of the person that made me laugh and gave me joy

please enjoy.

Always ready to have fun, and be a joker, Michael was the man!

Never afraid of asking for a autograph, Michael was happy to get this signature from a member of the famous KISS group.

Michael was Italian and as you can see by his mothers cooking he never missed a meal, he loved her food so much that when he went back to visit everyone in Albany New York he had to bring some back with him, my kind of fellow. I mean my wife was a Georgia gal, and cooked Southern foods, but my Mother when she was alive and I was young cooked some of the most outstanding spaghetti and her famous sauce that I could have ever had.

Thank YOU Michael for letting me take these last photo of you on July 23, 2011 at New Senoia Raceway GOD knows I never knew they would be the last I every took of my friend.

Thanks for that SMILE that made so many people happy !

Thanks to everyone that has read my BLOGS on Michael Cesare and I hope some how he has touched your life like he has mine.

Plus I have more respect for every driver that drives a race car at any track no matter where are what class, GOD RIDE WE YOU ALWAYS.

Your Friend always,

Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

With a World Wide racing BLOG following!

REST IN PEACE MICHAEL MY FRIEND AND GOD BLESS YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY

The VOICE "Ted Austed"

Coming to work, is something that Ted Austed does every Saturday night at New Senoia Raceway, he comes to do a job and he does it so well he also works at Atlanta Motor Speedway,

and other places, he has a dream job.

I call Ted "THE VOICE" he does a super job keeping fans and everyone knowing what is happening at Senoia Raceway on Saturday nights where men come and "Play in the

Clay"

MEET THE MASTER

Ted comes to work, in this nice Chevy that he drives to the track and most all fans want a picture of this super looking car but only Ted gets the keys....man he is lucky.

Meet Ted and his precious wife, Teresa as they spend some precious time in California at of all places "Grande Vineyard, yeah go Ted drink that

wine.

While Ted and his wife were taking such a great shot of the Vineyard, their son Adam was

was trying to pour his own, and I am sure he did get some of this outstanding wine before the day was over.

I have always watched a rerun television show called "Coach" and it was a 30 minute sitcom shot in Minnesota about a football coach of the the Minnesota Golden Gophers never did I dream this was a real team or place, now I see the evidence on this proudly displayed shirt.

Whatever the number 2335 is displayed on her shirt and she must have run or walked or something to get this number , whatever she had fun and that is all that counts in life because life is too short.

Now this is my kind of cousin, his name is Bruno, and that is Italian right, and I am sure he loves to eat and drink that great wine. From the looks of it Ted and Bruno have been in the sauce as you say, whatever they are "HAPPY".

Ted and Teresa Austed a WINNING Couple,

so lucky to have each other.

Thanks to everyone,

Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

With a World Wide Racing Blog following!

Michael Cesare's life

Michael C. Cesare

Cesare, Michael C. NEWNAN, Ga Michael Christopher Cesare passed away suddenly Sunday, July 31, 2011 at his home in Newnan, Ga. Born in Albany, he was the son of Violet Borowski (Edward) and the late Lawrence Joseph Cesare. Michael was a graduate of Albany High School and served his country in the U.S. Navy. After an honorable discharge of service in the U.S. Navy, Michael completed the aviation technician program at Colorado Aero Tech. After being recruited by Delta Airlines, Michael began his career as a mechanic. Delta soon realized Michael's enormous mechanical talents, and promoted him to the level of inspector. He fulfilled many of his life's dreams while climbing the career ladder. He was also an active member and past senior warden of the Turin Masonic Lodge #337 for many years. He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings, enjoyed car racing, and recently starting racing cars himself. He had a passion for motorcycles, building and owning classic cars, and travelled extensively throughout the world, making hundreds of friends along the way. He touched the hearts of many people who met him with his witty, funny, generous, and loving personality. Michael left a lasting impression of kindness and an unparalleled zest for life, felt by everyone fortunate enough to meet him. Michael was the beloved brother of Jacqueline Cesare Farrell, Lawrence J. Cesare and Vincent R. Cesare; stepbrother of Brian, Margo and Robert; awesome uncle to Rose, Chelsea, Peter, Samantha and Ashley. He will be remembered by several aunts, uncles and cousins and his dog Mooch and countless friends, many who followed in his footsteps to join the Vikings Nation. SKOL!!! Funeral services Saturday, August 6, 2011 from the Dreis Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206 at 9:15 a.m. thence to The Parish of Mater Christi at 10:00 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Friday, August 5, 2011 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow the Mass in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. Those wishing to remember Michael in a special way may send contributions to the St. Peter's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 315 So. Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208. To leave Michael's family a special message on their guest book, view his Cinematic Life Tribute, obtain a prayer card or directions, or share a photo or E-card with them, please visit www.mcveighfuneralhome.com

Published in Albany Times Union from August 4 to August 5, 2011

GOD BLESS YOU MICHAEL and we have Prayers going out to all your entire family, you will be missed so much.

Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

With a World Wide Racing BLOG Following !

MY FRIEND IS GONE, WHY????

"GOD WANTED MY FRIEND, BUT I DID NOT WANT HIM TO LEAVE"

Michael was always LOOKING UP!

My close friend, who I laughed and talked with every

week many times is now gone, why? I still have no idea he was a blessing always, he was a joy to know and maybe it makes no sense he was helping me get through the loss of my wife. His joyful tone, his enthusiasm for dirt track racing was so apparent.

Michael Cesare was a dreamer and loved everyone he would meet.

He laughed and talked with other drivers, he was always listening and wanted to make friends with everyone, when the car was damaged he and his partner had to work on it, when it needed it.

He was "Ricky Bobby" of dirt track racing, He was special and everyone knew his smile.

He loved to race the high banks of New Senoia Raceway,he loved racing in the back and was looking forward to his first Checkered flag. I laughed and told him I was hoping I was still filming the races because his win would be like he

won the Daytona 500.

Racing hard among some of the best, like Marcus Caswell, the Brights, Jeff Carter and Blake Griffin, Mark Knight and so many other talented drivers.

Many a Saturday night he would walk around talking to each driver smiling and learning from the best. He would pick up tricks from every driver, and every driver was his friend. When he drove he was driving in the back learning every Saturday night. He was taking his time learning what and when to do things, he was just a joy to be around.

When things went wrong, Michael was the kind of person that never jumped on some other drivers for his mistakes, he would smile , repair and go back to the track and race just as hard.

We would laugh because of his heritage, and I would tell him if he kept eating those good Italian meals he would start winning some big races.

The last time I had to privilege of filming Michael was on July 23, 2011 when he

was racing with the best and getting ready to try and finish in the big $600 to win B-Cadet race, and all during the filming I had the camera back and forth between leaders and Michael, I was watching him make some moves that I had never seen him try. It was the last time I would see him race as he T-Boned Tim Bright who had spun in turn 4 and there was no where for Michael to go, he slammed hard into Tim Bright who was driving Billy Bright Sr's, B-Cadet car, that was hard on him but never hurt him. His car was pulled around to the pit area and the side was torn away from the body.

Remember this had nothing to do with his death, this was just racing and something he laughed and said he learned about, meaning he was sup

posed to save the engine and slide backwards or slide into the car with the body of the car taking the brunt of the force. This again was a learning experience.

This was the last Photo I took of Michael smiling his smile at the sign in window, always joking and laughing and making you feel good

even when you were down and out.

I know his family and friends and loved ones will miss him, and I hope and pray that your prayers go out to his family. Michael was not married, he was single and was happy, he was a man on a mission, what it was I never knew all I do know was he was supposed to be at New Senoia Raceway and stand on the top of the tower with me to see my view of the races, plus he was so excited to watch the "water-less boat race".

This was Michael Cesare, caring fuel to his car, sweating but loving every

minute of life.

Something I will share with you regarding Michael, he was a Minnesota Viking fan,

and with every thing happening in my life with the lose of my wife, I was planing on going with him to the Georgia Dome to see the Minnesota Vikings play the Atlanta Falcons, of course I would be pulling for the Falcons and we would laugh and tease each other regarding the game.

And yes it was true he was planing on changing the color of his race car to the colors of his beloved Minnesota Vikings team, leave it to Michael.

To all his family and fellow friends I have dedicated this "LAST BLOG OF THE LIFE OF MICHAEL CESARE"

Please drivers this coming weekend please bring your cars on the track for a silent parade memorial lap for one of my friends and a great driver, who will be missed so much by everyone.

Chad Harrington, is ready to wave the checkered flag as Michael Cesare comes around turn 4, this would have been his his dream.

We all know GOD loves Dirt track drivers and Michael is smiling today in Heaven.

Thank YOU Michael for all your great conversations, your smile and thank you for being in my life for such a short time, we needed more time.

All Dirt track racers are mourning today and I am sure Tim Moses and his fine staff will see that a Memorial Lap will take place this weekend at New Senoia Raceway, please be there to show your support in a silent lap.

Many Thanks,

Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

With a world wide racing BLOG following!