I always look forward to reading John Holyoke’s column. I thought his article in this weekend’s (Jan. 6) edition of the Bangor Daily News was hilarious. Keep up the good work, John.

Jane Basley

Ellsworth

Thanks a-plenty to Alan Orcutt and Dale O’Donal for writing in to defend Ricky Craven, our own hometown boy.

First and foremost, a huge congratulations to Ricky for having been selected as the new wheel man for the No. 32 Tide car. Clearly, John Holyoke has a problem covering the Winston Cup. The readers of the BDN deserve better. John’s cheap shots at our national sports figure indicate to me that he suffers from jealousy.

Eat your heart out, Holyoke. Craven now sits behind the wheel of a well-sponsored multi-million dollar venture, and you in the news pits sit behind a clock. Ha! It’s a shame we can’t strap you into a safety seat on the passenger’s side of the No. 32 car during qualifying. My guess is your eyes would be a lot bigger than your mouth.

Mark Miller

Castle Hill

I am writing to complain about the article I just read from John Holyoke on Ricky Craven’s signing with team PPI (Tide ride). How can a Bangor-based newspaper write such negative remarks about a hardworking hometown hero like Craven?

After being told by thousands of people to throw in the towel after his serious concussions, Craven persisted and proved that hard work and perseverance do pay off. If he had listened to the “nay-sayers” like John Holyoke, he would be driving a local milk truck or the like, always wondering what could have been.

If Mr. Holyoke doesn’t know a head gasket from a head mechanic, why is he writing about such a popular sport followed by hundreds of millions of people?

This article and the decision made by yourself to print it is a disgrace and disappoints me as a loyal reader of your publication.

Research would tell you also that Craven’s on-track performance does not result in a crash the majority of time. On the contrary, he rates highly when real statistical research is done.

Your paper speaks for the million-plus Mainers, so maybe you should research how many have really made jokes about Craven’s misfortunes.

Lastly, your coverage of NASCAR is poor at best, so either step up to the plate and start being professional about NASCAR, or just don’t bother with it at all. Please get this straightened out!

Roger J. Marden

Parkman

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