I opened up my Jan. 6 Bangor Daily in anticipation of a nice article about Ricky Craven’s new ride with PPI Motorsports and what did I see? Another ignorant, jeering article making condescending references to Ricky’s racing misfortunes the last couple of years.

Why, I ask, do the Maine media and unfortunately many Mainers themselves not support a hometown boy who has made it to the ultimate level of his sport as a professional? Oh, sure, Holyoke makes a few half-hearted comments that keep him on the fence – “… Not that I’m badmouthing Ricky, mind you…” Give me a break!

I read nothing but positive, supportive things about Ricky in the national media (yes Mainers, Ricky is a NATIONAL sports figure). In fact, a few national journalists such as Jeff Owens and Mark Ashenfelter of “The Winston Cup Scene” arguably helped Ricky shake the “damaged goods” perception that has him relegated to second-rate equipment the last few years by publishing widely circulated editorials on his talent, accomplishments and positive attitude.

What do Craven fans get in the local media? Sparse, incomplete, incorrect and idiotic coverage.

When Ricky takes the first of many Winston Cup victories in the near future (This year? Don’t be surprised, you negative boo-birds!), I expect a full Bangor Daily front-page salute to arguably the most successful professional athletes to come from these parts!

Alan L. Orcutt

Old Town

I have always thought that Mr. John Holyoke was an intelligent and fair sportswriter until today’s (BDN, Jan. 6) article on Ricky Craven and the new Tide ride. I think it is totally unfair of John to ridicule Ricky the way he did, and I think that he should stick to reporting the sporting news based on fact. His questionable attempt at humor was not only insulting to Ricky, NASCAR and us fans, but degrading, and shows no understanding or insight into the sport. Why would he write in such an asinine way about auto racing and one of Maine’s own, when he would absolutely not dare to do the same regarding local so-called “round-ball” sports.

John should stay away from attempts at humor (if that was the intent of his article), although I’m under the impression that his story was simply to show his contempt of Ricky and auto racing. Ricky is one of the nicest people in professional sports, is extremely capable in what he does, and spends much time and effort working with charities. He is very well thought of by his peers and sportswriters other than the BDN. I would suggest that John get on the Net and check the multiple other stories by HIS peers regarding Ricky and his recent move to the No. 32 car, none had a bad word to say about Ricky, his past rides or the Tide team.

Is this some form of retaliation for an imagined slight as perceived by John? Please, Mr. Holyoke, I would love to have you visit the rickycravenfans.com Internet message board and inform everyone why you wrote this disgusting article – we would all love to debate the issue with you! It takes a lot of guts to drive a Winston Cup car. Do you have the guts to talk with us?

Dale A. O’Donal

East Millinocket

My name is Mel Alboum and I am one of the group of owners of Camp Searsmont in “our” wonderful home away from home, Searsmont, Maine. I began vacationing in Camp Searsmont about 1962, and then, some 10 years later, several families, including mine, were able to buy the camp from John Robson, the former owner and Searsmont selectman. Since 1962, our hearts have stayed in Searsmont even though we were forced to go back to work at the end of each summer.

Those committed to Searsmont (and we now number in the hundreds) love the town, its quiet woods, lakes, and ponds, Route 173 and Moody Mountain Road. For us, the exquisite beauty of the entire area has become part of our lifestyle; a place we cannot do without; a place we daydream about during our time away.

Now, alas, we have gotten some ominous news. We have heard there is a proposal to build a stock car racetrack on Moody Mountain Road. This depressing news has upset our group tremendously as we contemplate the potential consequences. Camp Searsmont (and perhaps other sites like it) will more than likely go out of business. Our people will not vacation where there is loud noise, increased traffic and air/water pollution, loss of scenic beauty and of the natural environment. There will be an increase in crowds and thus in the cost of town services; there will be a loss of the rural quality of life in the homes, neighborhoods and towns affected, and very important to us all, property devaluation.

Although we, the owners of Camp Searsmont, do not have a legal vote on this matter, we nevertheless have an extraordinary interest in the outcome of your vote in January, 2001. For us, there will be terrible consequences if this racetrack is approved. It means the end of an era and the possible end of Camp Searsmont. I know you will consider our plea. Let’s remain the town we’ve loved for 40 years.

Mel Alboum

New York, N.Y.

Note to readers: The NEWS asks that letters be kept brief and reserves the right to edit submissions for libel, taste, clarity, and to fit available space. Letters should include a signature, full name, address, and daytime phone number. Letters may be mailed to: P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402, or e-mailed: bdnsports@bangordailynews.net