Bobby Gunther Walsh to keep chasing elusive win in 2020
Close but no cigar just may describe Bobby Gunther Walsh’s stock car racing career. Though he has won a number of qualifying events he has not grabbed a win in a main event.
The popular racer will be giving it another try in 2020 when he goes racing with the NASCAR T.P. Trailers Modifieds at Grandview Speedway. This will be his 26th year of racing and he is looking forward to it.
The WAEB-790 AM radio personality continues to be the number one on air personality at the Allentown in the Lehigh Valley area. He has been behind the microphone for close to 40 years and his show can also be seen on Service Electric Cable TV and Blue Ridge Cable.
And he continues to be one of the most popular racing talents seen in action on the one-third-mile, banked clay track each Saturday night throughout the season. When the events are over it is not difficult to find Walsh in the pit area as there is always a long line of fans visiting with him and collecting some of the free stuff provided by his many sponsors that he gives away.
The veteran racer would love to earn that first feature win this season at the NASCAR sanctioned racing facility. “I get a great deal of personal satisfaction out of racing, driving the race car, the challenges there are and just being out there racing against so many great talents,” said the Allentown resident.
When asked his age, Gunther responded with,” I graduated with Fred Flintstone so that should give you an idea of how old I am.” In other words he did not want to share that secret information with us.
His charity work continues to be very important to Bobby. He is actively involved with Allentown Rescue Mission (Helping homeless Men and their families) $155,000 raised in 2019 serving Gunther’s homemade meatballs. I have known Bobby for years and I am still waiting for him to ship me a few meatballs.
Animals In Distress (No Kill Shelter) $160,000 raised in 2019 with the Radiothon
Children’s Home of Easton (Helping abused/ abandoned children) $170,000 raised plus Christmas presents with the WAEB Children’s Home Christmas Party
The Center For Animal Health and Welfare (No Kill Shelter) $115,000 raised with the annual bowl-a-thon held at one of my sponsors (Jordan Lanes) locations.
The Blue Star Mothers was their veterans charity in 2019 (They switch every couple of years). Their efforts average around $50,000 each year
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Student of the Year MC/PR and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Man and Woman of the Year MC/PR
And there are a host of other smaller events.
ResQ Natural Supplements, Dr. Eric Lebby & Dr. Thomas Dibenedetto, Orthopedic Specialists, Agentis Kitchen and Bath, Eden East, Paul Wright Roofing Zongora Comfort Solutions, Just Born/Mike and Ike and Hot Tamales top of the list of almost three dozen sponsors.
This season Bobby will be driving a 2019 Bicknell powered by Outlaw Engines. The always sharp looking racer will be prepared and housed by Rick Fenstermaker and his crew.
At the track, the crew is headed by Greg “Speedy” Saeger supported by Paul Rupert, Randy Miller, Joe Walsh and newcomer Travis Boyer. As Bobby is quick to point out none of the racing is possible without great efforts by the crews.
Bobby Gunther will be kicking off his 26th season of racing with the Third Annual VP Racing Fuels Bruce Rogers Money Marker Memorial at Grandview which rewards the winner with $7,500 and the prestige of winning a race named after the late popular track owner.
*** Pocono Raceway is reporting a major increase in ticket sales ahead of the first-ever NASCAR Doubleheader Week, taking place at ‘The Tricky Triangle’ from June 25-28, 2020. The Raceway will host five NASCAR and ARCA races in four days, including two NASCAR Cup Series races taking place on back-toback days – a first in NASCAR history.
Many of the Raceway’s 2019 initiatives remain in place for this summer’s epic motorsports event. Kids, ages 12 and under, will continue to receive free admission to the 100 and 200 Levels of the Grandstand, as well as Fan Fair, for all days during the NASCAR Doubleheader Week. A Saturday and/or Sunday adult Grandstand ticket holder can select up to four complimentary kids tickets with their purchase. Kids can camp for free, as well. The Raceway also recently announced the return of the Tricky Track Pack, available for either Saturday or Sunday, which includes four 100-Level Grandstand tickets, four Coca-Cola soft drinks and four hot dogs for only $125.
“Everyone seems to be embracing the doubleheader concept and fans are sharing their excitement about our event this June,” said Pocono Raceway President, Ben May. “We made a conscious effort to not increase ticket prices this year, to still allow for kids to attend all events free of charge and to continue initiatives Raceway guests have enjoyed over the last few summers.”
The Raceway’s carnival, Fan Stage and Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital Kids Zone will return in Fan Fair and are free for all gate admission ticket holders, as well as children. Coolers are always welcome and daily Grandstand parking will remain free for all NASCAR Doubleheader Week events.
Also returning this year is Pocono Raceway’s WorryFree Weather Guarantee. Fans can buy with confidence ahead of our events as the ticket guarantee is included with the purchase of Saturday and/or Sunday NASCAR Cup Series race tickets at Pocono.
To purchase tickets, visit www.poconoraceway.com/ tickets or call 1-800 RACEWAY (1-800-722-3929.)
***
Big Diamond Speedway have teamed up with Bum’s Rush Restaurant & Pub to present an outdoor car show.
Date: Sunday, March 22nd
Where: Bum’s Rush Restaurant & Pub
Time: 11:00am – 4:00pm Address: 655 Route 61, Orwigsburg, PA 17961 (on the south side of Route 61)
Come out and see some of the racers that will be competing at Big Diamond Speedway in 2020!!
We will also have season passes and pit licenses for sale as well as merchandise, schedules and all the information about the upcoming season!
To register your car free of charge, please email bigdiamondscoring@gmail. com to reserve your spot. Spots are limited.
**Please note there is no rain date scheduled for this event**
Please visit the Big Diamond website: www. bigdspeedway.net for all of the 2020 rules and forms.