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Photo by Doug Koontz
Rick Fritz, chief of the New Windsor Volunteer Fire Department, watches the race at the New Windsor Fire Hall. |
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NEW WINDSOR -- Sunday was a busy day for Larry Stambaugh. Not only was it the occasion of the Daytona 500 -- the race that kicks off NASCAR's season -- but it was also an afternoon where he expected about 150 people to fill the recreation room at the New Windsor Fire Company's building to watch the track action.Stambaugh, of Keymar, is founder and coordinator of the Terra Rubra Lions Club's Daytona 500 Party. He is also vice president of the club, which benefits from the money raised during the event. This is the second year the club has held the party. Last year about 200 people came and sales totaled about $7,000. This year money will go to the club's girls softball program and its maintenance and building fund. "I see Super Bowl functions like this, so why wouldn't NASCAR work?" he said between assisting ticket buyers at the door. "This is the superbowl of NASCAR after all." Charles Sauble of Libertytown was among those who sat at tables to watch the races on one of three nearly 60-inch-screen television sets placed around the room. It was Sauble's first time at the Terra Rubra fundraiser. He was with a group of friends, all wearing dark blue New Windsor Fire Company T-shirts. Sauble, 38, said his interest in NASCAR started at age 16. Watching cars travel at such high speeds triggered his interest in the race, he said. That and a good wreck. Sauble's favorite driver, Rusty Wallace, retired from NASCAR in 2005. Sunday he rooted for Kasey Kahne's victory. Coming out for the party beat staying at home to watch the race, Sauble said. "Being here with friends definitely (is the best part)." Dale Lowman, who sat beside Sauble, summed it up in the same way. "You get away with spending an afternoon with your friends, drinking beer and having a good time," he said. Some, like Barbara Eyler of Rocky Ridge, came for the fundraiser. Not a fan of NASCAR, Eyler is a member of the Terra Rubra Lions Club. The party was a great idea for raising money, she said. Eyler donated a cake and fudge to the array of desserts that included rice krispie treats and chocolate cupcakes. She also brought about eight friends to enjoy the afternoon. For Stambaugh, NASCAR is unique. Even if they don't root for the same driver, fans still get along, he said. "Everyone's like family here," said Stambaugh, who wore a red Dale Earnhardt sweatshirt to the party. His wife, Shelbe Stambaugh, was clad in a Jimmie Johnson T-shirt. There's no hostility when one's favored driver loses, he said. "'Next week, my guy will win,' That's what they'll say."
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