Saugus Speedway program book, July 12, 1980.

Mike Barnett of Newhall (Hart High 1971) and his No. 84 Camaro, sponsored by Apollo Tire, grace the cover. Barnett had defeated point leader Roman Calczynski in a grueling 25-lap stock car race the week before.

Driver Profile: Mike DiMarzo

Tonight we have a real competitor with some exciting experiences to talk about ... Not that all drivers aren't real competitors, but Mike DiMarzo's been around quite a while. His first race was in 1967 in his own car, a '55 Chevy in what was then called the Cadet class during the old P.R.A. (Pacific Racing Association) days. That was prior to O.R.A., the Olympic Racing Association formed in '73.

Mike says he's managed to crash in every part of the "Super Track" at one time or another, His most unfortunate experience happened in '69 during his first lap of the main event. Jim Insolo's throttle stuck, causing his car to ram Mike's. Mike then flipped upside-down and burst into flames. Now that's what I call some experience and one I hope we never see duplicated again. Mike came out unscathed, though, another testimonial for safety equipment and an excellent track crew.

Mr. DiMarzo comes from a part of the country I'm a little familiar with ... Born on January 15, 1948, in the town of Norwood, Massachusetts. His folks packed up and came to California in '55. Mike now works for Electro Film, manufacturers of Electro helmets. He and his wife of four years, Tara, have one daughter, three-year-old Andrea.

Mike likes to remember the '75 season when Don Noel drove for him part of the season. Don finished third in driver point standings, but it gave Mike second in owner points. No matter what, I'm sure Mike's going to be around a lot more years. In his words, "We'll just keep on doing what we're doing." As we shook hands and I thanked him for his time with me, Mike DiMarzo had one final statement, "Modified's are too much money ... send me some dough, anybody, send me some money!" If it works, Mike, let me know, maybe I'll try it.

Mike's a fun guy to talk to and if you get the chance some night after the races, stop by the #55's pit area and say hello.

"Irish"

Super Track Scene

By Lyn Pherigo

Covan, Barnett & Calczynski Win at Saugus

[Previous week's results:]

Simi's John Covan, current Sportsman champion, got by fellow townsman Ron Hornaday Jr. on the 34th circuit and went on to win the 40-lap Sportsman main event Saturday night at the Saugus Speedway. Covan gave early notice that he was "out to win" when he set a new one-lap qualifying record of 17:42 on the "Super Track's" flat one-third mile pave oval then drove the Mickey Bell Buick Regal to victory in the 8-lap fast heat race.

Hornaday, current point leader, held on for second, Joe Astone of Encino finished in third and Mike Barnett, Newhall, came in fourth.

Gary Johnson, Valencia, won the 4-lap trophy dash and Carl Rowse of North Hollywood won the other heat race at the wheel of "Doc" Sibson's Oldsmobile.

Barnett, slipping behind the wheel of a street stocker, was victorious in the 25-lap stocker main winning a race-long duel with Roman Calczynski, Van Nuys, who started the race on the outside front-row position behind him.

Jim McAlister of Chatsworth was third, Duane Fleming, Newhall, fourth and Luke Koback, Valencia, finished in fifth. Twelve of the 24 starters were running on the lead lap when the checkered fell.

Barnett and Jerry Hoefleman, Sylmar, won the heat races and L.A. Woodside, Saugus, took the trophy dash.

Calczynski, current stocker champion and point leader, finished second in the Figure Eight 15-lap main but was awarded the victory when the apparent winner Bryan Hayden of Saugus was disqualified after post-race inspections revealed an illegal engine. Barnett, finishing behind Calczynski, was placed second and Larry Adams of Encino was given third.

Bill Sedgwick, Van Nuys, won the criss-cross trophy dash and Bill McKnight of Northridge, former street stock champion, won the heat race.

Photos

• Cover: Mike Barnett, Newhall, and his #84 Camaro.

• Tom Reilly (91), John Covan (79) & Jim Ayers (4) in Sportsman main action. Covan was the winner, Ayers 5th and Reilly 10th.

• Steve Colbert (82) & Mark Christopher (45) in turns one & two.

• Dan Challegren (24) inside of Bill McKnight (97) in turns one & two.

• Calczynski (27), Thompson (17) & McKnight (97) approaching the "X."

• Bill Sedgwick, Figure 8 dash winner with Jeannie Miller, trophy girl.

• Jon Christensen, Canyon Country, and his #82 Chevelle.

• Jim McAlister, Chatworth, and the #48 Sherril McAlister Chevelle.

• Chris Campanella (104) leads Jim Ayers (4) in turns.

• Larry Adams (53) and Scott Klassen (77) in Super Track action.

• Dave Harrison (81) and John Cran (58) duel in turns.

• M.K. Kanke (33) pursued by Jerry Hoefelman (98).

• Ken "Bozo" Bosse makes a water stop.