Today, the N.O.R.L. is making an effort to get some consistency in the front office. The board idea was a very good one, but it just never really worked out. It's too hard to get people to meet up, and there is usually long debates with varying opinions on each side, and agreements were few and far between.
Starting immediately, Timothy McDonnell will be the new N.O.R.L. President. Ken Pettit will serve as his Vice President. All members will be expected to show them the utmost respect.
The N.O.R.L. is going to go back to it's original, and very successful format of a front office that consist of a President & Vice President. They will be in charge of Everything in the league, from rules, to series directors and the website.
As of now, President McDonnell said he has no intention of making changes to anything and said he planeed to hold meetings on a regular basis for people to voice their opinions and concerns.
Harrison Robert James, III, 55, of Kingsport TN. passed away May 5, 2009 at Holston Valley Medical Center.
He was born February 5, 1954 in Abingdon, VA. He worked for BB&T Bank for the last twenty years and most recently served as Financial Center Leader. Harrison was the Assistant Chief at Sullivan County Volunteer Fire Department. He had also volunteered at Piney Flats Volunteer Fire Dept. and Abingdon Fire Department. He also enjoyed playing golf, fishing, hunting and entertaining his friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel James.
Surviving are his wife of fifteen years, Lynn James, daughter, Carla Bidwell and husband Chris, Acworth, GA., Father, Harrison R. James, Jr. and wife Wilma. Grandson, Lucas Bidwell. Sisters, Susan Aleshire and husband John, Luray, VA., and Ellen James, Abingdon, VA., and his Special Pet, Proby.
Harry's personality shined though the speakers each week as many raced side by side with him from the early days of N4Nites to just a couple years ago.
Last year, Harry joined us for a few races. Memories of "the old times" were re-lived and it was fun having him rejoin us.
In 2007, Harry took home his last win at Atlanta in one of our pickup races although he was always a front runner. Harry drove the #40 car and was one of the "good guys" on the track. Clean racing was in his blood but even the best of drivers have a few 'memorable moments" that stand out from the rest.
Sept, 07, Harrison experienced one of those "exciting moments" with us at New Hampshire Motor speedway. We had a 17 car field for this race. Harry placed 6th after leading the most laps, only to be involved in a massive last-lap accident that mirrored a finish reminiscent of Nascar driver Carl Edwards at Talladega a couple weeks ago. Harrison Flipped and skidded across the finish line at Atlanta, finishing 6th.
During an Atlanta race (2006) at N4Nites, he and I got knocked around a bit while front running. Later that night - he took the time to send me a personal e-mail apologizing for the contact even though he apologized over the air. A very considerate and compassionate driver he was, and we were fortunate to have him race with all of us.
Harrison James loved Lowes and was a wizard there - he was a regular pole winner at this track and most didn't even try to challenge him for the pole because he was "just that fast".
In 2004 we (Harrison, myself, Viper8 (Noel), and Matt Domique (Rousch7)) took 1st place for BEST TEAM. This was a total (full year) achievement award and without Harrison leading our team, we would have never accomplished that award. Back then, we practiced both on and off the track.
Harrison also had a passion for hunting and the outdoors, but he thirsted for Sim racing each week without fail.
As a friend of N4Nites, he will be missed by many. As a sim driver, he will be missed by all those in the racing community and, as family man, he will be missed the most.
God Speed HRJ - thanks for all your help - the setups - the fun you gave us - and the camaraderie that you brought to the N4Nites Racing League and our sim racing community.
NASCAR Racing 2003
