All About Racing

Fonda Speedway 2025 champions pose with Promoter Brett Deyo. L to R: Wayne Russell, Jr., Beau Ballard, Chad Edwards, Alex Yankowski, Deyo, Jay Ingersoll and Corky Warner. Biittig photo

By Ed & Betty Biittig

The 2025 Fonda Speedway track champions have been crowned. Racing at Montgomery County Fairgrounds will pause for the annual Fonda Fair from August 27 to September 1, and resume in September.

Alex Yankowski of Covington Township, Pennsylvania, was crowned the 2025 Modified track champion, marking his second consecutive title. “It was a long journey with lots of effort from everyone,” Alex Yankowski said about winning the 2025 championship. He thanked Corey Wilcox for supporting the program and helping the team improve.

Chad Edwards from Gloversville earned his fourth Sportsman championship; he previously held the title in 2018, 2020, and 2021. “It’s been a tough but rewarding year,” Chad Edwards said at Saturday’s championship celebration. He mentioned that John Kollar, the car owner, is recovering and will return soon\

Beau Ballard of Stamford won his first Pro Stock division championship, following in the footsteps of his father, Danny Ballard, who won in 1994. In victory lane he said, “Racing at Fonda sharpens your skills elsewhere. I owe everything to Kenn and Deb VanWert—they make all of this possible.

Sixteen-year-old Corky Warner of Gloversville won his first Limited Sportsman championship at Fonda. Warner expressed excitement about making history, moving up to regular Sportsman, and aiming to eventually win a Modified championship like his father.

Jay Ingersoll of Hagaman secured his second straight Four Cylinder Dual Cam title. "Last year was great, but this year was even better," Ingersoll said. "Standing in victory lane with so many racing legends is a special feeling and truly living the dream."

Wayne Russell, Jr. from Amsterdam won his first Four Cylinder Single Cam championship.

Russell Jr. noted the track's rich history and thanked his sponsor Pat Reilly for encouraging him to stay focused.

Winners of feature events on Saturday were Danny Varin (Modifieds), Stephen Gray (Sportsman), Mason Gray (Limited Sportsman), Jason Morrison (Pro Stocks), Jay Ingersoll (Four Cylinder, dual cam) and Wayne Russell, Jr., (Four Cylinder, single cam).

The Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series (MVVDMS) saw victories from Jimmy Fugel (Antiques), Will Reed (Late Models), Scot Straight (Mystiques), Jack Miller (Modified), and Brian Gray (Sportsman). The 2025 MVVDMS Track Champions crowned Saturday were Will Reed (Late Model), Scot Straight (Mystiques), Don Briggs (Sportsman), Jack Miller (Modified), and Jimmy Fugel (Antiques).

Mike Mahaney earned $4000 by winning his second Modified feature of the season at Albany-Saratoga on Friday. He celebrated in victory lane, still proud after the recent birth of his son with wife Mandy. Other winners at Albany-Saratoga on Friday were Taylor Wason (Sportsman), Kim Duell (Pro Stocks), Jordon Hill (Limited Sportsman), PJ Cram (Street Stocks). The CRSA Sprints were in action also and winner of the A-Main was Dillon Paddock of Savannah, NY

Glen Ridge Motorsports Park began its Sunday program but cancelled due to heavy rain. Before the washout, Preston Trautschold won the Junior Slingshots, Justin House took the All-star Slingshots, and qualifying heats were held for Limited Sportsman and 358-Mods.

The first two nights of SummerFast racing in the SDS for Modifieds are complete with Peter Britten winning at Weedsport on Sunday and Tim Sears, Jr. recorded the win at Brewerton on Monday. Tuesday night’s racing was interrupted by rain and postponed with the hope of rescheduling.

As we conclude, we note the passing of Jim Normoyle last week and send our condolences to his family and friends. The Pro Stock division presented a tribute to Jim on Saturday at Fonda.

Racing also mourns the passing of Ernie Saxton, co-founder of the Eastern Motorsports Press Association, the voice of Grandview Speedway where he served as PR Director, AARN columnist, and leader in motorsports media.

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