When we decided to go Legends racing earlier this year, I took a long look at how I wanted to approach racing. Once piece that has been missing in our earlier attempts is a connection with the community, which is something I feel really strongly about. I've had many great times in this sport, and I want to return these great times back to the community, particularly focusing on young people.

My wife, Rebecca, is a the elementary school Counselor in the Mayfield City School District, and she arranged my visit to the fourth-grade classes at Lander Elementary School on May 5th. The fourth-graders are beginning a NASCAR unit this week, and I made two presentation to them. I spoke about Stock Car Racing and NASCAR and how it relates to their various courses, such as Math, Science, Computer Studies and English. Particular emphasis was made on safety and the measures we take to be as safe as possible. The students were quite excited and asked many questions after the presentations.

I would like to say "Thank You" to Rebecca and the Fourth-Grade Teachers at Lander Elementary School.

Saturday May 7 marks the 34th anniversary of the first stock car race I ever attended. It was on my 12th birthday, May 7, 1971.

My Uncle, the late Fred Elbel, was racing that night, and ended up winning the Super Stock Feature. I was instantly hooked! It proved to be his last feature win in his 30+ year racing career.

I told everyone shortly after that race that I was going to race someday, but I don't think anyone took me seriously. That same group was quite surprised when I announced I was going racing in 1996. Once we get back on track the season will be dedicated to my uncle's memory.

And, this Saturday, our oldest daughter Hannah will attend her first race ever, watching the Northern Ohio Legends at Barberton Speedway.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Arkkelin family and friends.

ASHTABULA, OH - Harold J. Arkkelin, 54, died Wednesday, April 6, 2005 at Cleveland Metro Health Hospital.

Born in Geneva on Jan. 13, 1951, he was the son of Wallace G. and Cora L. (Rink) Arkkelin. He married Patricia A. (O'Brien) in Geneva on June 16, 1972. Harold worked as a conductor at Norfolk & Southern R.R. (formerly ConRail) in Ashtabula for 34 years.

In his younger years, he was a stock car driver, and co-owned a car with his twin brother, Gerald. More recently, Harold was the #1 fan of his racing son, Harold "Joe" and his mom, “Hurricane Cora”, whom he encouraged and supported in the family racing tradition.

Mr. Arkkelin was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Geneva and a member and champion of the Geneva Vikings Gymnastics Team. He placed first in the state of Ohio, first in the region and Fifth in the Nation in the late 1960s. Harold was a member of NASCAR and ARCA as well as the Ashtabula Moose Lodge, Geneva Eagles Club and the VFW.

Survivors include his wife, Pat; two sons, Harold "Joe" and Scott, both of Ashtabula; his mother, Cora Arkkelin of Geneva; one sister, Linda (Gary) Porcello of Ashtabula; his twin brother, Gerald (Mary) Arkkelin of Ashtabula and his brother, Daniel (Jan) Arkkelin of Valparaiso, IN.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Stephanie; his father, Wallace and one brother, Wally, Jr.

Funeral Services [were held at] 11 a.m. Saturday at WALKER FUNERAL HOME, 828 Sherman Street, Geneva with Rev. Charles Althoff officiating. Burial [was]in Evergreen Cemetery in Geneva. Calling hours [were] 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Be on the lookout for changes to this site, as well as some cool changes to our racing plans for 2005.

We need to finalize some things, but I can give you a hint - the car is small but it flies! Stay tuned for more info.