IN PLAY! MAGAZINE TAKES TO THE TRACK AT THE DETROIT BELLE ISLE GRAND PRIX...LITERALLY!

IN PLAY! MAGAZINE TAKES TO THE TRACK AT THE DBIGP...LITERALLY!
The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix

The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix is here and In Play! magazine was along for the ride...literally!In Play! Publisher Jack Rosenberg, Editor - In - Chief Deborah Jones and Writer Tim Fairhurst spent most of Thursday (Aug 28) afternoon on Pit Row.

In Play! magazine was given special behind the scenes access to test drive almost a dozen brand new high end diesel powered vehicles courtesy of Bosch Clean Diesel Power.In Play!

Publisher Rosenberg and Fairhurst took to the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix track and gave it they had. Rosenberg says “I got up to 120 MPH on the back straight away but that’s where I left it, I’m not sure what I signed when I signed that waiver.”

Rosenberg goes on to say “We were only asked to bring the cars back in one piece so Tim and I drove em like we stole em.”Rosenberg continues “Tim had that Mercedes rockin! I thought for sure we were going to roll it (the vehicle) going through turn seven!”

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RED WINGS WELCOME BACK FANS WITH TWO DAYS OF CELEBRATION AT JOE LOUIS ARENA

RED WINGS WELCOME BACK FANS WITH TWO DAYS OF CELEBRATION AT JOE LOUIS ARENA
… Private Season Ticket Holder Party Followed by Public Fan Fest …

The Detroit Red Wings will welcome back their fans the weekend of Sept. 6 and 7 2008 with two fun-filled days that celebrate the Wings’ 2008 Stanley Cup Championship and drop the puck on Detroit’s defense of the Cup in 2008-09.

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DANTONIO STAMP FIRMLY IN PLACE AT MSU by Fred Heumann

DANTONIO STAMP FIRMLY IN PLACE AT MSU
In Play! Magazine
by Fred Heumann

(East Lansing) – Just ask Dino Folino.

Folino is the Director of Player Development on Michigan State’s Football Staff. He was on the staff of George Perles on MSU’s last Rose Bowl Team. You remember MSU’s last Rose Bowl team, don’ you? If not, all I can tell you is that gas at the time was under a buck-twenty-five per gallon. Folino later worked for three more MSU Coaches after Perles.

“I’ve been around here a long time,” Folino told me recently.” “This place really nailed it with this guy (Dantonio). He’s the best hire they’ve made around here since Perles. He and this place (MSU) is a perfect marriage.”

Folino also worked for Dantonio’s predecessor, John L. Smith. He wouldn’t say it exactly, but the difference between working for Dantonio and Smith is like the difference between dating Julia Roberts and Ruth Buzzi..

Dantonio begins his second season at MSU with no bold promises. “I don’t make predictions,” Dantonio said. “But I can tell you this program is a work in progress and we are building to a championship level. I don’t know when that’s gonna be, but it’s gonna happen.”

Perles echoes those sentiments, only with a bit more flare.

“Mark Dantonio is going to get MSU to a Rose Bowl, “the last man to lead the Spartans to Pasadena insists. “It’s only a matter of time.”

In elaborating, Perles also says the University of Michigan better beware of the Dantonio influence.

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http://www.bluetoad.com/publisher/jackrosenberg/Michigan_In_Play_magazine/issue28/magazine.php?page=39

U of M...Swimming all the way to Beijing by Colt Rosensweig

U of M...Swimming all the way to Beijing
In Play! Magazine
by Colt Rosensweig

When Michael Phelps is seen as “just another person who trains at (the Olympic) level,” you know you’ve got an exceptional collection of swimmers. Men from Michigan’s varsity swim team as well as Club Wolverine made up one of the largest contingents at July’s Olympic Trials in Omaha and three swimmers with Michigan ties represent the United States in Beijing.

It was all part of Michigan coach Bob Bowman’s plan. While other varsity teams place a heavy emphasis on NCAA titles, anyone walking into Canham Natatorium realizes immediately that the Olympics are foremost in Wolverine swimmers’ minds.

The entryway is lined with small flags bearing the names of Michigan swimmers who have become Olympians. Above the doors to the pool are the words: “It’s not every four years. It’s every day.” Hanging above the divers’ warmup trampoline is an electric timer counting down the days until the Opening Ceremonies in Beijing.

A contingent of about 40 swimmers from Ann Arbor—roughly half from the varsity team and half from Club Wolverine, including Phelps—traveled to Omaha for the trials, the culmination of years of hard work.

Some results weren’t too surprising. Phelps qualified for the team in eight events—right on track for his attempt to earn an unprecedented eight gold medals. Peter Vanderkaay, a former captain of Michigan’s swim team, made the team. Both competed in Athens four years ago.

But Scott Spann’s performance was a shock to many—but not to the teammates who have been training with him for the past two years. Though Spann will compete for the University of Texas next year, for the past two he has been a Wolverine, and his University of Michigan teammates were thrilled when he pulled off a victory in the 200-meter breast stroke.

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http://www.bluetoad.com/publisher/jackrosenberg/Michigan_In_Play_magazine/issue28/magazine.php?page=39

Red Wings RELOAD in July by Michael Niziolek

Red Wings RELOAD in July
In Play! Magazine
by Michael Niziolek

The Red Wings were happy to stick with their Championship roster this off-season, but an unexpected call from the league's top free agent changed their plans.

After surveying the competition this off-season, Marian Hossa felt he would have the best chance of fulfilling his dream of winning a Stanley Cup with one team – Detroit. The forward had his agent call Red Wing's General Manager Ken Holland and let him know he wanted to be a Wing, the one-year, $7.45 million contract that followed came together quickly.

Hossa turned down big money to re-sign with the Pittsburgh Penguins before becoming an unrestricted free agent, and then reportedly turned down a long-term deal with the Edmonton Oilers at $9 million a year.
In 10 seasons Hossa has played in 701 career games, scored 299 goals, with 349 assists and a plus-85 rating. Detroit fans still have his Stanley Cup performance fresh in their mind; Hossa had four assists and three goals in six games against the Red Wings. He finished the playoffs with 12 goals (team leader) and 14 assists (second on team) for the Penguins.

Pittsburgh traded for Hossa right before the trade deadline from Atlanta for three young players and a draft pick. Detroit hopes that Hossa will have the kind of impact he gave the Penguins for them next year.

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http://www.bluetoad.com/publisher/jackrosenberg/Michigan_In_Play_magazine/issue28/magazine.php?page=37

"Monster" performance, Harrington slays competition at Oakland Hills

"Monster" performance, Harrington slays competition at Oakland Hills
In Play! magazine
Story and Photos by Michael Niziolek

August brought the 90th PGA Championship to Michigan for the sixth time in its celebrated history.

The beautiful Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township hosted an amazing field of 156 players, including 97 out of the top 100 ranked golfers in the world.

With a four-under final round Padraig Harrington surged up the leader board to beat Sergio Garcia and Ben Curtis by two strokes to become the first European since 1930 to win the PGA Championship.

By winning the British Open in July, Harrington has the distinction of being the first European to win consecutive majors and win both the British and PGA Championships in the same year. Only three other golfers have ever won both majors in the same year - Tiger Woods (2000 and 2006), Nick Price (1994) and Walter Hagen (1924).

Harrington started the tournament by hitting 145 (+5) in the first two rounds (71,74) and was six strokes off the lead going into the weekend. His back-to-back rounds of 66 gave him a final score of minus three and he was one of only three golfers to finish with a final score under par.

But that wasn't unexpected.

Going into the tournament the feeling was that under-par scores would be at a premium considering the changes made to lengthen the course (as well as narrowing the fairways) and Oakland Hills reputation as "the Monster."

"Oakland Hills has traditionally been a tough venue," Jim Furyk, a former U.S. Open Champions, says. "It's tough, it's long, difficult. The greens have a lot of movement and lot of slope in them. I wouldn't say the rough is overly long, but it's very, very thick and tough to play out of."

Before the tournament he foreshadowed his own performance when he told In Play! magazine about the biggest challenge that Oakland Hills presented.

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http://www.bluetoad.com/publisher/jackrosenberg/Michigan_In_Play_magazine/issue28/magazine.php?page=33

Injuries and Roster Changes Ongoing For Shock by Steve St. Pierre

Detroit Shock
In Play! Magazine
Injuries and Roster Changes Ongoing For Shock
Story by Steve St. Pierre

Photos by Brian St. Pierre


To say it’s been a hectic month for the Shock wouldn’t begin to describe it.

After leading the WNBA’s Eastern Conference for most of the season despite numerous injuries to several key players, Detroit has dropped four straight games heading into the season’s break for the World Olympics. To make matters worse, the team was involved in a nationally-televised brawl with the L.A. Sparks during their game July 22 at The Palace.

Several players from both teams received multiple-game suspensions along with Rick Mahorn, Shock Assistant Coach.

“I think the game was getting of hand, physical-wise…” says Bill Laimbeer, Shock Head Coach and General Manager. “…Players are going to get emotional, and it happens sometimes. It’s unfortunate, but it happens.”

Mahorn had appeared to be attempting to break up a fight between Sparks and Shock players before pushing L.A. center Lisa Leslie to the ground. He received and served a two-game suspension from the league.

“Coaches are always peacemakers,” Laimbeer says. “That’s their goal. We went out there to throw people out of the pile and to make sure that our players saw us so they didn’t get in the middle of something else.

He did not agree with the WNBA’s decision to suspend his top assistant.

“Rick Mahorn is known as a peacemaker…he went out there to get people off of the pile and to get people to stop a confrontation,” Laimbeer says. “That’s who he is. That’s what he does.”

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http://www.bluetoad.com/publisher/jackrosenberg/Michigan_In_Play_magazine/issue28/magazine.php?page=31

Minor Roster Moves For Pistons…So Far. by Brian St. Pierre

Detroit Pistons
In Play! Magazine
Minor Roster Moves For Pistons…So Far
By Brian St. Pierre

When Joe Dumars, Pistons President, hired Michael Curry as Pistons Head Coach last June, he said he was open to shopping anybody on his roster if it meant improving the team. As of now, he has only made minor changes to the team.

The Pistons’ first off-season transactions came on June 26 during the 2008 NBA Draft, when the team selected forward D.J. White with the 29th overall draft pick before trading him to Oklahoma City for the rights to forwards Walter Sharpe and Trent Plaisted. Sharpe was selected at number 32 while Plaisted was taken with the 46th selection. Detroit maintained their rights to the 59th pick, selecting forward Deron Washington.

Following the completion of the team’s summer league play in mid-July, the Pistons signed free agent point guard Will Bynum, who has previous NBA experience with the Golden State Warriors. Bynum performed well during the summer league tournament, and Curry has familiarity with him from his previous experience in the NBDL.

In early August the Pistons signed Kwame Brown, a free agent forward/center who has played seven years in the NBA with the Washington Wizards, L.A. Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies, respectively. Since being selected by the Wizards with the number one overall draft pick in 2001, Brown has struggled both on and off the court, developing a reputation as a bust. Like many Pistons acquired from past teams, Brown hopes to rejuvenate his career and prove that he can be a force in the middle and on both ends of the court.

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Spitfires “On A Mission” for the 2008-2009 Season! by Rob Gagnon

Windsor Spitfires
In Play! Magazine
Spitfires “On A Mission” for the 2008-2009 Season!
By Rob Gagnon

Entering the 2007-2008 season, the Windsor Spitfires were rebounding from a tough 18-43-2-5 ’06-’07 campaign, as the team missed the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) playoffs. The ’07-’08 Windsor Spits exceeded all expectations right from the start, winning seven of their first eight games including an impressive 10-3 rout of the Erie Otters in the team’s season opener at Windsor Arena on September 21st, 2007. The Spits continued to ride the momentum built from early season success as they entered the Christmas break with a 21-6-4-3 record.

However, the Spits and the City of Windsor were not ready for the tragic circumstances which were to follow in the new year. On February 18th Mickey Renaud, the 19 year-old captain of the Windsor Spits suddenly passed away due to an underlying heart condition (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) while eating breakfast at his home in Tecumseh. The shockwaves from the unexpected loss of one of the greatest leaders in Spits history reverberated throughout the entire organization and community, prompting the OHL to re-schedule the team’s next two home games.

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http://www.bluetoad.com/publisher/jackrosenberg/Michigan_In_Play_magazine/issue28/magazine.php?page=29

Changing directions? Lions look to improve secondary, running game by Michael Niziolek

Lions Update
In Play! Magazine
Changing directions? Lions look to improve secondary, running game
Story and photos by Michael Niziolek

No excuses.

That's the theme in training camp for the Detroit Lions as they try to make the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

"We've been together three years now, there won't be any excuses coming from this group," says wide-receiver Mike Furrey.

Even though Detroit improved four wins (from their 2006 finish), the overriding sentiment about the 2007 season is disappointment over their horrible 1-7 finish.

"We put ourselves in a position to do big things last year and we ended up failing and I think that was the lowest point (of last season)," second-year Safety Gerald Alexander tells In Play! magazine. "That's something everybody has thought about this whole off-season."

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http://www.bluetoad.com/publisher/jackrosenberg/Michigan_In_Play_magazine/issue28/magazine.php?page=27

Skydiving – The Ultimate Thrill Ride by Tim Fairhurst

Skydiving – The Ultimate Thrill Ride
In Play! Magazine
by Tim Fairhurst

Speeding down the runway in the Cessna 208 Caravan I looked out the window as the ground dropped away and we took to the air. The patchwork quilt of fields, roads, lakes and houses grew larger as we climbed into the sky and for a moment I imagined that I was on a scenic airplane tour over southern Michigan.

However, one look around the cabin quickly brought me back to reality. Ten skydivers in full gear sat packed tightly in two rows like so many sardines in a can. As we climbed higher and higher into the sky I realized that this was the first airplane that I would be taking off in but not landing in. It would be a one way ride with an adrenaline fuelled blast back to earth.

There was a playful casual banter amongst the other passengers but I was going over everything I had been taught the previous day and trying to keep feelings of impending stress at bay. As the airport became smaller and smaller the knot in my stomach grew larger and I wondered what it would be like.

I watched the needle on my altimeter slowly sweep past 10,000 feet. The aircraft levelled out and the engine was throttled back. The side door of the airplane was suddenly rolled open and someone made the announcement that it was time to go.

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http://www.bluetoad.com/publisher/jackrosenberg/Michigan_In_Play_magazine/issue28/magazine.php?page=21

The Unsung Heroes: Three Tigers' players stealing the spotlight By: Michael Niziolek

Detroit Tiger
In Play! magazine
The Unsung Heroes: Three Tigers' players stealing the spotlight
Story by: Michael Niziolek

Photo by Jack Rosenberg

Three one-run losses to the Minnesota Twins the weekend before the All-Star break zapped most of the momentum the Detroit Tigers built up with their great play in June. Coming back from the three-day break the Tigers struggled to recapture it, going 7-7 to end July.

When the offense seemed to heat up the pitching took a dive, when a starter had a great game the bullpen collapsed and so on. Inconsistency continued to be the team's Achilles heel going into the season's final two months.

Detroit did just enough after the All-Star break to keep from falling completely out of the playoff picture.

With no starters coming at the trade deadline (see sidebar) the Tigers are going to have to make a run with what they have – for better or worse.

While it's been easy to point out the negatives this season, not all the surprises have been bad. This month In Play! magazine takes a look at three players that have come out of nowhere and made an impact, for the better, this season…

Article link
http://www.bluetoad.com/publisher/jackrosenberg/Michigan_In_Play_magazine/issue28/magazine.php?page=19

Milan in the Motor City by Deneen Baxter

Milan in the Motor City
In Play! Magazine
by Deneen Baxter
VP, Milan Dragway


Summer has been in full swing and is starting to wind down. But one of Michigan’s favorite summer past times is still going strong - - drag racing. If you haven’t been to Milan Dragway, the quarter mile drag strip located in Milan, you don’t know what you are missing!

The smell of rubber burning from the tires of muscle cars, pro cars and plain old street cars are something that everyone needs to mark on their summer to do list. Before starting my career at the Dragway I had never even been to a drag strip. Now I can’t imagine a summer going by without it!

The first Friday of every month thru October is the Aeroquip Heads Up race series. This event is by far a fan favorite. These cars are amazing most of them going over 160 miles per hour and reaching upward speeds of 230 miles per hour. But what makes it even cooler is that most of these cars are street legal.

People that come to these events once...are hooked. It’s a total adrenaline rush and the pits are just a huge party. Guys love it because ladies get in for free that night. So for $12 a guy can get in with his date to watch the whole evening of fast paced, action packed drag racing.

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http://www.bluetoad.com/publisher/jackrosenberg/Michigan_In_Play_magazine/issue28/magazine.php?page=17

Gearing up for Motorsports Month in Michigan by Mike Niziolek

Gearing up for Motorsports Month in Michigan
Story by: Michael Niziolek

Photo by Tim Fairhurst

The world's top drivers will descend on Michigan throughout August as the area will hold exciting racing events for three consecutive weekends.

Fans will get a chance to see Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Danica Patrick, Helio Castroneves, Marco Andretti and Tony Kannon topping out the speedometer when NASCAR hits the Michigan International Speedway with the 3M Performance 400 and the Indy Car series comes to Belle Isle.

Not to mention the exciting events at Milan Dragway!

This issue of In Play! magazine takes a look at the up-coming events and gives fans a look at what they can expect.

Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix; The Raceway at Belle Isle Park (August 29th-31st )

After a six year absence the Grand Prix successfully returned to Detroit last year at The Raceway at Belle Isle Park with a great weekend of racing. The event features three races with cars from the American Le Mans Series, the IndyCar Series and the SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT Championship.

This Labor Day weekend fans can expect more of the same.

The focus will be on the IndyCar Series and the Detroit Indy Grand Prix as Tony Kanaan looks to defend his championship and move up the IndyCar Series standings. Scott Dixon has built up a solid 78 point lead in the standings over Helio Castroneves, with Kanaan in fourth place with 411.

In late July Castroneves joked about what it would take to catch Dixon's lead.

"I think I'm going to hire someone in Indianapolis to break his leg, that's probably what, (Laughter)."...

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http://www.bluetoad.com/publisher/jackrosenberg/Michigan_In_Play_magazine/issue28/magazine.php?page=9

‘08 TIGERS DERAILMENT...A GROUP EFFORT by Drew Lane

‘08 TIGERS DERAILMENT...A GROUP EFFORT
In Play! Magazine
By Drew Lane

It is mid-August and we still are talking about the Detroit Tigers. After the stretch from 1992 until 2005, that is the silver lining in the cloud hovering over the 2008 Tigers.
However, the bar has been dramatically raised since the 2006 World Series appearance along with a payroll of 138 million bones. Other than the payroll, why were so many prognosticators, local and national, fooled by this year’s model? Much of it stems from the relatively free pass afforded the current Detroit management.
Dave Dombrowski has a well earned reputation as a contender builder and when he spends with the biggest, the assumption is that it is money well spent. Jim Leyland, who is getting “crotchetier” every day, is an astute manager with an equally winning record.
While we endlessly analyze the lineup and roster for answers, it can also be suggested that Tigers management is in a bit of a slump. Dombrowski’s most recent off season moves were given generally high marks when they were made but, to be blunt, they have not panned out well. ...


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http://www.bluetoad.com/publisher/jackrosenberg/Michigan_In_Play_magazine/issue28/magazine.php?page=7

“IF” Red Bull Returns To Windsor/Detroit in 09 Thank The Windsor Mayor! By Jack Rosenberg

“IF” Red Bull Returns To Windsor/Detroit in 09 Thank The Windsor Mayor!
By Jack Rosenberg


By all accounts the recent Red Bull Air Race World Series in late May was a huge success. Everyone I have talked to who attended this awesome spectacle absolutely loved it.

Gordon Orr, Managing Director, Windsor Convention & Visitors Bureau says “Having witnessed first-hand the significance of Red Bull Air Race, and the impact it has on a community, I without question, appreciate its importance as a catalyst to build our tourism sector by way of an economic impact and the media exposure derived - which is priceless. Bringing this world series event back to Windsor-Detroit was and continues to be our primary objective.”

That being said Red Bull was not 100% convinced of a return in 2009.

In early August the Mayor of Windsor Eddie Francis and Orr hopped on a plane to London, England to meet with the powers that be face to face in order to bring this one of a kind event back to Windsor-Detroit.

At time of writing Red Bull was in the middle of making its decision on the ‘09 race schedule and it wasn’t looking good says Stefan Lehrmayer of Red Bull Air Race GmbH, “Prior to our meetings in London and despite our 2008 event in Detroit, the probability of our return to Detroit for 2009 was unlikely, however, Mayor Francis and his team have made a very compelling and passionate appeal that has proven to be a turning point in our considerations.”...


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