All About Racing

By Ed & Betty Biittig

Last week we ventured to the monthly meeting of NESCOT (Northeast Stock Car Old Timers), an organization strongly dedicated to preserving the historic side of racing in the area. NESCOT is a generous sponsor of the MVVDMS (Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series, another group of veteran racers dedicated to keeping racing’s history alive.

We learned that the group’s annual Steak and Chicken Roast will return to the Nassau Sportsman Club in Nassau, NY this year for the traditional get together. The date is August 18 and will include a lunch/dinner combo so that your ticket will cover a day of feasting. Tickets will be available soon and will be sold by NESCOT members. The nominations were taken for the SAM (Superior Achievement in Motorsports) awards and as soon as the recipients are notified the names will be announced.

Ed made his way to the annual, Mike King car show at the Stewart’s Shops in Nassau, NY on Sunday and was able to talk with a few Lebanon Valley racers and fans that had braved the elements to attend. First, he spoke with two of the Valley’s best recognized veteran racers, show organizer, Mike King, Modified No. 55 and next to him was a Lebanon Valley legend, Tommy Corellis. Corellis spends much of his time in Florida where he would be considered a snowbird like many northern fans. He is in the area after being summoned to work on the track surface for the upcoming Lebanon Valley season and says that it is coming along and should be race ready when the Valley opens on April 27.

When asked if he recalled a memorable moment he had while racing with Corellis on the high banks King said, “One night after an incident on the track, Tommy walked right over the hood of my car.” They were able to laugh and reminisce about it now.

Tremont is a name synonymous with Lebanon Valley racing and now that his father, Ken, Jr., retired at the end of last season, Montgomery Tremont is fixing to take on the high banks in a big block modified. Montgomery says his dad is fully behind him and will be setting up the car for Lebanon Valley. Montgomery has been racing his No. 115 small block the past few years at both Lebanon Valley and Glen Ridge. This season he will still be at the Ridge in his small block. “I really enjoy racing there,” said Montgomery.

Also at the King car show was ten-year-old E.J. Hatch of East Nassau. E. J. drives the No. 50 JR Slingshot and opened his season at Airport Speedway in New Castle, Delaware where he had a problem with his Slingshot but still finished second.

E. J. races weekly at Accord, Lebanon Valley and Glen Ridge and finished the 2023 season with the point title at Lebanon Valley, had two wins at Glen Ridge where he was second in points. He likes Glen Ridge but says he now seems to like Airport Speedway the best.

We are looking at a full schedule of racing in our area this weekend if only Mother Nature cooperates.

We touched base with the Palmer Racing Team and Carole said they are ready to go with JaMike Sowle as the regular driver for the No. 76 Modified.

However, JaMike is about to add to his family once again and if a backup driver is needed, Chip Constantino will step into the No. 76. Other Palmer Race team members, Jay Ingersol and Ricky Quick will switch their racing venue to Fonda rather that Glen Ridge because Sunday is a difficult night to race and be ready for Monday business in the shop.

Palmers also sponsor Kenny Gates Pro Stock, Mark and Brett Mortensens’ Sportsman cars with tires, and Stewart Friesen won at All Tech Speedway in Florida in February with one of the Palmer’s motors.

Friday, April 19, Albany-Saratoga is opening the season with a $5900 to win event for Modifieds plus $1000 to win for Pro Stocks.

Friday at Utica Rome is the “Honoring Alex” to run in memory of the late Alex Friesen paying $6800 to win for Modifieds. Also on the card for Friday are the 602 Sportsman, Pro Stocks, Limited Sportsman and Four Cylinders. Points begin in all divisions. Gates open at 5 pm, racing at 7:30 pm.

Fonda will open their season, Saturday with the Jack Johnson Memorial paying $12,000 to win for Modifieds, plus Crate 602 Sportsman, Pro Stocks, Limited Sportsman and Four Cylinders. Gates open at 2 pm with racing at 6 pm.

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