All About Racing

By Ed & Betty Biittig

Well, so far, our weather locally has not been favorable for racing on local tracks so it’s good that the local tracks have only had scheduled inspection and practice; Albany-Saratoga had an inspection scheduled for Friday and a practice for Saturday and had to cancel until Tuesday, April 9 which was a beautiful day. It turned out to be a good move because the rescheduled inspection and practice drew 112 cars including a few vintage cars, a sports car, a Late Model all finding a race surface without any issues. Promoter Lyle Devore’s time on the track certainly paid off. The Malta oval didn’t disappoint on the drivers’ side and the fans were eager to see cars on the track.

Friday, April 12 is the track’s 59th season opener, paying $5900 to win for Modifieds. Please take note, there is NO rain date. There was a misprint on the original schedule.

Fonda still has practice scheduled for this Saturday so if you’re planning to go to either of these events, please check the social media and websites for updates. The weather forecast is not favorable.

The racing that did get in this past weekend was the Bruce Rogers Memorial at Grandview Speedway in Pennsylvania and local Modified chauffeur, Mike Mahaney was the winner picking up $7500.

New Egypt Speedway in New Jersey also held an event this past weekend and Ryan Godown of Ringos, New Jersey was the winner. Following Godown at the line was, Stewart Friesen, Jeff Strunk, Anthony Perrego and Duane Howard.

There has been a lot of talk about the new clay at Fonda and last week a special update was released. At the end of the 2023 season, the entire half-mile was resurfaced with massive amounts of new clay. When digging clay, certain veins of clay contain stones. Equipment has been obtained to remove the stones and has been scheduled to be working this week, weather permitting, prior to cars hitting the track.

Fonda management also addressed the rumor that the track would not be sanctioned by NASCAR this season and an update was put out to clear that up. After extensive discussions, the decision was made to run unsanctioned for the 2024 season, therefore, NASCAR licenses will not be required. Fonda licenses will offer a $5.00 discount off weekly pit admission.

Other news from this past week, a new Fonda website has been launched and information is being updated daily. Short Track Super Series rules again apply to Modified, Crate 602 Sportsman, and Limited Sportsman divisions.

Jack Lehner will be behind the wheel of the BDR Speed Modified for the Short Track Super Series. Danny Varin opted to exit the ride after Port Royal in March so that he can concentrate on his new business, DVR Portable Restrooms and his racing scheduled for the 360 and 410 Sprints.

Jeremy Slosek will return for his second season in the BDR No 16s Modified at Utica-Rome.

Announcement from Rich Post of Post-Time Photography. He will be taking over the tracek photography duties at Albany-Saratoga Speedway on Friday nights. This opportunity came about to give current track photographer, Mark Brown, of Kustom Keepsakes, a chance to free up his Friday nights to spend more time with family. Mark is also track photographer at Lebanon Valley on Saturday nights where he has served the racing community for 42 years. Rich Post is currently track photographer at Glen Ridge.

Late Models are coming to Fonda Speedway this season on Saturday, August 3. M2 Metals will sponsor the night for Crate Late Models and the winner of the event will receive $1000. RUSH rules will apply.

For anyone interested in seeing a NASCAR Cup Series car close-up, the No. 20 Dewalt sponsored car driven by Christopher Bell will be at Curtis Lumber, Ballston Spa, Open House on May 16 from 9 am to 2 pm, alongside the Pro Stock No. 14, driven by Kim Duell at Albany-Saratoga on Friday nights.

News from Utica-Rome Speedway this past week. Utica-Rome will be hosting three events on their inner oval for All-Star and Junior Slingshots, Winged Champ Karts, Heavy Tire Predators and Clones will run three Wednesdays, May, 22; June 26, August 21.

At Lebanon Valley, Kyle Sheldon, a 20-year veteran at the track, will be pulling double duty this season. In addition to driving his own No. 42. Sheldon will be taking over driving duties for the Paul Wehnau, No. 35, 358 Modified as L.J. Lombardo will exit the ride in 2024.

Until next week please send all news and/or comments to biittig@yahoo.com