Team Simply at the World Championship
Simply Hydroponics and simplyhydro.com were proud sponsors of 4 cars that recently competed at the prestigious 3 Hour World Figure 8 Championship. It was the 32nd running of the Fall classic that draws short track racers from all corners of the country. This year it attracted television personality Jesse James. Along with Jesse were film crews from Spike TV to cover the event for the TV series Jesse James is a Dead Man.
"Team Simply" consisted of cars driven by #14 driven by Wayne Calkins. #55 driven by Ron Schreifels. #57 driven by Seth Nistok. #87 driven by John LaValle the world's most hated figure 8 driver.
Wayne Calkins of St.Pete, Florida has been a fixture around the Florida Figure-8 scene for many years He is a former Sunshine Speedway "bleacher brat" and grew up watching and helping older brother Art before climbing behind the wheel himself. This was Wayne's third attempt at the Championship trophy. Calkins finished the race a strong 10th.
Ronnie Schreifels of Inverness is a long time veteran of Citrus County Speedway and Bronson Speedway. Schreifels is a two time track champion at Citrus County Speedway in Inverness, Florida. Ronnie came out of semi-retirement to compete in the past two World Championship races. Schreifels car was sidelined early in the event by a fluke carburetor fire. Ronnie finished the race substituting for an injured John LaValle. John LaValle suffered several broken ribs when he was slammed in the intersection by another car about an hour into the event. LaValle's crew managed to piece the severely damaged car back together and returned it to the race, but lost a huge amount time.
Seth Nistok of Holiday, Fl finally broke his "Rookie Jinx" this year. This was Nistok's third attempt at competing in the World Championship. The first two attempts were sidelined by extreme mechanical failure and he was unable to race. This year Nistok made the starting field and despite some serious problems and parking on top of another car, was able to finish with a respectable 11th.
John LaValle of Palm Harbor, Florida rounded out Team Simply. LaValle is one of the drivers featured on the Spike TV broadcast. Billed as "The Most Hated Figure-8 Driver of All Time". LaValle has raced all over the state of Florida, Indiana and New York for the past 30 years. Although he is basically retired from competition, when he heard the news that Jesse James was coming to the 3 hour race he just had to be there. "Jesse doesn't belong at the 3 hour." LaValle said. "He's an idiot, he doesn't have enough experience. He's gonna get hurt, or he's goint to hurt someone else. I bet he can't even beat my fat a--."
"You're the director - direct me damn it." LaValle yelled during filming of the shows introduction. "It's hot out here. Let's get this sh-- over with"
Seth Nistok's (#57) problems started early when he was spun out and ended up using R.J. Norton Jr's car as a parking lot.
Jesse James famous #666. Sponsored by West Coast Choppers.