Five More Years: Historic, Unanimous Vote Keeps BD Motorsports Media at Fonda Through 2028

FONDA, NY – Five more years.

Last Wednesday (Sept. 20), members of the Montgomery County Agricultural Society voted to extend their agreement with Brett Deyo of BD Motorsports Media LLC to promote Fonda Speedway for five more years.

The announcement secures Deyo as the Track of Champions promoter through, at minimum, 2028.

It was an historic moment for the Montgomery County Agricultural Society as the longest extension or lease ever granted to a Fonda promoter. The decision was unanimously approved by members of the board.

Deyo recently completed his fifth season as Fonda promoter, having taken the reins of the historic venue in 2019.

“It’s an honor to hold the keys to Fonda Speedway for five more years,” Deyo said. “Fonda holds a special place in the national short-track racing landscape. People from across the country know Fonda Speedway.”

Since the ’19 season, facility upgrades have been widespread at Fonda in conjunction with the Montgomery County Agricultural Society.

Most notably, new poles and LED lights were installed to significantly brighten the half-mile oval. All VIP booths were remodeled and modernized. New fencing has been put in place both alongside Route 30A and across the infield. All-new concession equipment was purchased and installed. The Agricultural Society conference rooms and offices were remodeled. Additional signage was put in place along the backstretch and a digital sign put into use in front of the speedway. The track has been resurfaced twice with additional clay coming this fall.

“We’ve been very fortunate to build a strong working relationship with the Fairboard,” Deyo said. “The benefits of that relationship are evident with our facility improvements.”

The return of the Fonda 200 – now offering the most lucrative winner’s share in Modified racing at $53,000 – has been an annual schedule highlight during the BD Motorsports Media LLC era.

Other popular events include Dollar Night with $1 grandstand admission, the $12,000-to-win Jack Johnson Memorial, Firecracker 50 paying $10,000 to win, Autism Awareness Night and the Thunder on the Thruway Series in conjunction with neighboring Utica-Rome Speedway in Vernon, N.Y.

The husband-and-wife team of Jamie and Denise Page will return in their roles as general manager and concession manager for the ’24 season and beyond.

Additional news and information for the ’24 season will be released in the near future.

Since 1953, the “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway has hosted the best in stock car racing. Under the management of BD Motorsports Media LLC, the speedway will operate weekly on Saturday nights from April through August plus several special events. Fonda Speedway is located on the Montgomery County Fairgrounds off New York State Thruway Exit No. 28 at 21 S. Bridge Street Fonda, NY 12068.

Fonda Speedway is on the web at www.thefondaspeedway.com. To learn more, call the office at 518.915.4395, like Fonda Speedway on Facebook or follow the speedway on Twitter and Instagram: @thefondaspdwy.

2023 FONDA SPEEDWAY TRACK CHAMPIONS HONORED BEFORE THE FONDA 200

By: Ron Szczerba

Fonda, NY – On Saturday September 16 before the running of the Fonda 200, the 2023 Fonda Speedway Track Champions were honored for their achievement on victory lane. This was the first time that the champions could be honored due to a rain out on championship night back on Augst 12 before the track was closed for the annual Fonda Fair.

2023 Fonda Speedway Track Champions were as follows: Demetrios Drellos (Amsterdam Truck Center Modifieds), Payton Talbot (Swagger Factory Apparel Crate 602 Sportsman), Ivan Joslin (Below Zero Ice Cream Pro Stocks), Kyle Dingman (Montgomery County Office for Aging Inc. Limited Sportsman), Ken and Kerrie Hollenback (SOHC & DOHC respectively) in the Fonda Fair Four Cylinders.

Not only were the drivers mentioned named as the 2023 Fonda Speedway Track Champions but with Fonda being sanctioned by NASCAR they were also named as “NASCAR Advanced Auto Parts Weekly Series Track Champions”. For the Drellos team it was their first ever title at Fonda despite having different drivers drive the family owned #111 throughout the history of the Fonda Speedway.

For those of you who may have not been present for the championship ceremony here is a recap of what the champions had to say to Mimi Lazzaro during the ceremony at Fonda in their own words. Please note that the Hollenback brothers were not present for the ceremony.

DEMETRIOS DRELLOS

“It’s everything, its everything that we worked for, it was the goal at the beginning of the season,” Drellos said. “I’ve never been in this position before, so it means a whole lot. We have a lot of history here and its cool to etch yourself on a short list of champions at this place, not only is it so important getting a Track Championship here, but I got my first Modified Championship at the Track of Champions and everyone in racing knows how hard it is to get that at this place.”

“It means a whole lot to me, it means a whole lot to my family, its everything. The old timers know about our family history at Fonda, the younger generation doesn’t, but if you look back at the whole Fonda 200 lineup you can see the #111 & #111A back in the 60’s. It means a lot to bring the #111 to the championship level here and to be able to etch my name into it it’s just huge.”

“We set our goal at the beginning of the year to do this, and we were able to execute and do a good job doing it. Week three or four we definitely had our goal set on what we had to do; the mentality of our racing changed about a month in, and we said okay lets hunker down and start playing it not safe, keep doing what we’re doing, but don’t be ridiculous about it.”

“I think we finished out of the top five just one time, that’s huge. Look how close it came between me and Matty (DeLorenzo), its awesome to do it with him, he’s a fierce competitor, we’re good friends and now we park next to each other. Its just crazy how that worked out and we had a great time doing it.”

PAYTON TALBOT

“Yeah our car was real good,” Talbot said. “We had those six wins and that really helped us out a lot. We fell off a little bit the last two or three weeks and had a couple of unfortunate races, we blew up the one night other than that we tried to be consistent. The car has been good this year. I can’t thank everybody that has been behind us this year enough and we’ll see how tonight goes.”

“Consistency is key at both tracks (Utica Rome & Fonda), it is really important. We struggled at Utica Rome this year and ran second to Matt (Janczuk) for the championship but we’re slowly figuring that place out, its just time. I can’t wait to get back here next year and hope that we can finish out tonight real good we’ll see what happens.”

“I figured it would be two or three maybe even four years before we even got close to a championship. We got lucky with the championship here last year, picked up the Thunder on the Thruway Series title again this year and last year so we’ve made some huge strides with the #14T team.”

IVAN JOSLIN

“It’s been a long time, putting the time and effort into this,” Joslin said. “Twenty-one years of racing and we finally got one (championship). To get a win here at Fonda is something but to get a championship is even better. We started off the year with a win and that set everything into place. Momentum kept us going with only two finishes outside the top five.”

“That is what you need is consistency. We had fast guys we had to compete against, Kenny Gates and all of the others, the All-Time winningest driver who had six wins this year. To be able to beat him and the other guys too it’s something you can’t imagine. Kenny (Gates) told me consistency is key, that’s what we had to do, and that is what I was focused on this year, focusing on one track weekly, and doing what we had to do. Fonda is a great place to race, I love Fonda.”

KYLE DINGMAN

“It’s just a lot better competition really,” Dingman said to Mimi Lazzaro about the move up from Limited Sportsman to regular Sportsman competition which he will do next year. “All these guys show up and they are on their “A” Game every week, so it makes us have to step our game up a little bit better and we’re excited to switch over to coils over the winter, that’s gonna be a big learning curve in its own but we’re excited.”

“We were gonna move up this year, but we were like lets go for a Limited Sportsman Championship one more time. We were so close last year, and our main goal was to be consistent as we possibly could this year. Our worst finish this year was seventh, we kept our heads clean, worked together, everything pretty much worked out, and we were lucky enough to get the job done. It’s a huge family team effort.”

FRIESEN BECOMES A THREE TIME FONDA 200 WINNER

By: Ron Szczerba

Fonda, NY – “HELL YEAH”

Saturday evening at the “Track of Campions” Fonda Speedway, Stewart Friesen became a three time winner of the prestigious Fonda 200 joining Doug Hoffman as a three time winner of the grueling 200 lap event.

In victory lane, Friesen said “Hell yeah” as he celebrated his $53,000 win thanking the best boss in the world Chris Larsen, his race team at Fonda with him to celebrate the win, and his Halmar team down south as well. “It feels damn good to keep this one at home,” Friesen said. “We’re gonna celebrate keeping this one at home this year.”

“The trophy is pretty damn cool,” Friesen continued. “To look at the guys that have their pictures on that trophy and to know that mine is going on there as well it is, I don’t know what to say, just super special. In 2001 I put a four barrel on the sportsman motor, ran all 200 laps with Hoffman, and kicked everybody’s butt so it’s just super special.”

The pageantry type scene that the Fonda 200 brings to the historic Montgomery County Fairgrounds facility is truly special and this year was no different. From the Canadian Anthem, which was sung by Mimi Lazzaro to the National Anthem, which was sung by American Idol star Madison Vandenburg, to the drivers being introduced while walking in front of the huge grandstand crowd, to the special victory lane celebration by Stewart Friesen and his team, it was an unforgettable event.

And on top of all of that the $10,066 50/50 prize that was taken home by Greg from Gloversville. Thanks, in no particular order to Heather, Julie, Rose, Sienna, Ashley, and Chesnee for all their hard work!

Steve Bernier led at the drop of Joe Kriss’ green flag with an early caution flag out on lap two for Mat Williamson who suffered a flat right rear tire. Williamson pitted and returned to the tail of the 41 car field. By lap 15 Bernier was racing four wide for the lead with Matt Sheppard, Stewart Friesen, and Alex Yankowski with Friesen able to take over the race lead.

Yankowski and Demetrios Drellos were the new second and third place cars on lap 30 with the caution out six laps later for Drellos who suffered a left front flat tire. He restarted at the rear of the field with Friesen maintaining the lead on the restart with Billy Decker now second. Sheppard fell back as far as fourth before starting to race to the front again, sitting in the second position after getting by Decker on lap 68.

Friesen had a four lap car cushion between himself and Sheppard at that point with the caution out three laps later after Michael Trautschold suffered a flat tire and spun in turn four with Decker, Yankowski also involved. Decker never stopped on the track and continued on in the fourth position while Yankowski went to the hot pit and restarted at the rear.

Thirteenth place starter Marc Johnson was running in the top five since the lap 50 point in the event, but he was the next driver to suffer a flat left rear tire while running third on lap 75 bringing out yet another caution. Friesen and Sheppard were the top two on the restart with 18th place starter Bobby Hackel the new third place car on lap 80 after getting by Decker for the spot.

Lap traffic came into play just before the halfway point allowing Sheppard to get by Friesen briefly for the lead on lap 91 on the front stretch to complete the lap. That lead didn’t last too long however as Friesen was able to get back by Sheppard for the lead on the backstretch of the following lap. When Friesen decided to pit under a caution on lap 96, it handed the lead over to Sheppard who led to the halfway point with Hackel, 23rd place starter Max McLaughlin, Decker, and Jessica Friesen in the top five at the halfway mark.

Eight cars decided to go to the infield for minor adjustments to their cars while the rest of the field decided to go to the hot pit for major adjustments. The second half started with Marc Johnson, who was the first car to drive to the infield pit, in the race lead followed in the top five by Chris Curtis, Stewart Friesen, Bobby Varin, and Brian Calabrese who all pitted on the infield as well. Sheppard, who was the leader at lap 100, restarted the second half of the event in the ninth position.

A wreck on lap 103 after a restart brought out the red flag for a multi car pileup on the frontstretch involving Decker, Drellos, Tucker O’Connor, Anthony Perrego, Dave Constantino, Darren Smith, Rocky Warner, Ronnie Johnson, JaMike Sowle, Ryan Odasz, Dave Camara, and JR Hurlburt. Constantino and Perrego were the only two cars able to continue, while Warner was transferred to Albany Med for observation. No other drivers were reported injured.

An update on Rocky posted on his media page Sunday morning by his wife Tami who has been by his side since the accident, stated that thankfully nothing is broken but he did have a small laceration on his face that needed five stitches. There are no heart or spinal injuries! His helmet was crushed, and his neck and shoulder are still very sore. He is still at Albany Med waiting for his blood pressure to get under control before he can be released.

Eight laps into the second half of the event, Stewart Friesen made his way by Curtis for the second position with Johnson out to a straightaway advantage. Fifteenth place starter Tyler Dippel, who pitted on the infield at the halfway point and restarted the second half in the eighth position after originally starting in the 15th position, was the new third place car on lap 112 after he also got by Curtis for the spot with Hackel’s great run coming to an end on lap 123 when he got into the backstretch wall.

Johnson continued to lead on the single file restart and stretched his advantage out to a full straightaway before lap traffic slowed his progress allowing Stewart Friesen to close in and take the lead on the backstretch when Johnson was slowed by a lap car who was running in his lane trying to get off the track into the pit area on lap 129.

Sheppard found some speed at this point in the event, taking the third position away from Dippel on lap 135 and four laps later the second position from Johnson. When Curtis slowed on lap 146 with left rear suspension damage while running in the top five, it brought out the caution with Sheppard taking over the race lead on the restart.

“The tires were so weird,” Friesen said. “I fired, got the lead and got rolling then on that restart when Sheppard got by me it felt like I almost had a flat and then it got going again. Then on another restart I tried to keep some heat in the tires. There was some brown on the top, but it really wasn’t usable, but we were able to make it stick there one time.”

Sheppard stretched out his advantage to a full straightaway four laps after taking the lead, but when slowed by lap traffic on lap 158 it allowed Friesen to close in by lap 164. On the outside of the backstretch on lap 176, Stewart Friesen got a run on Sheppard and took the lead with another yellow coming out one lap later for Johnson who suffered a left rear flat while running third.

One more yellow flag flew with just under 20 laps to go in the event with Stewart Friesen choosing the inside for the restart. He maintained the lead on the restart and pulled away slightly but when he approached lap traffic with seven laps to go it allowed Sheppard to close in. Sheppard put heavy pressure on Stewart Friesen over the final two laps with a lap car in front of the leader to close out the event.

“I caught Cody (Clark) there at the end and I was saying man just keep it rolling dude keep it rolling,” Friesen said in victory lane. “I wasn’t getting off the bottom one more time.”

Stewart Friesen was the winner by 0.349 secs over Sheppard with Dippel, Williamson, and 36th place starter Tim Fuller completing the top five.

“I was scared that he was gonna make something work because I was skating pretty good in one and two,” Friesen told Chris Moore. “But it don’t matter it was enough. Thank Dan Fiedler of DTM Motorsports and the Benson’s down south for the smoke. I think we got it all, the gauges were pegged coming across the finish line at the checkered flag. We got some bullets in the gun now for the big money season, this is what we prepared for all year and the first one paid off.

“The tires were real finicky after restarts,” second place finisher Matt Sheppard said. “I think that when I was able to get by him (Friesen) my tires fired real good and his didn’t but on the next restart his fired real good and mine didn’t and I think that was probably the difference in the race. He got a heck of a run on the outside, I spun a little bit down the backstretch, and he was able to clear me. We made the car better at the break but probably needed just a little bit more. All in all, it was another real good run for us.”

“This feels real good especially after not racing all year,” third place finisher Tyler Dippel said. “My guys behind the wall really kept me in this race. We got into a jingle in four with a lap car and it sheared both the radius rods off. But I’ve got some of the best guys behind the wall and they kept me in it and kept me on the lead lap the whole time, so this third place finish is really because of them.”

Joe Toth and Brian Calabrese started the 25-lap STSS Crate 602 Sportsman feature on the front row and after contact by the two on lap one in turn three, Calabrese was the lap one leader. Calabrese was in lap traffic by lap five with 2023 Fonda Speedway Crate 602 Sportsman Track Champion Payton Talbot the new second place car on a lap eight restart.

The halfway point saw Calabrese, Talbot, Toth, Michael Ballestero, and 13th place starter Tyler Peet completing the top five. At the completion of lap 14, Talbot took over the lead from Calabrese with lap traffic coming into play four laps later. While Talbot pulled away to his seventh win of the season, the story of the race was the comeback by Chad Edwards after starting the event in the 19th position after winning consolation event number one.

Edwards was running in the top ten when he was run up high in turn two on lap nine and dropped back to the 17th position. The never quit attitude was definitely in play for Edwards as by lap 21 when the caution came out he was already in the top five. Lap after lap Edwards continued his march to the front, taking the second position away from Toth on the final lap.

Talbot was the winner of the event followed by Edwards, Toth, Peet, and 14th place starter Tim Hartman Jr.

“Yeah this car was awesome,” Talbot said after the win in the Ted’s Body Shop #14T Bicknell car. “I think that we struggled there for the first five or six laps and then once we found the top it was good. I’ve always loved the top here, I’m more comfortable on the top than I am on the bottom. What a way to top off the year, I want to thank everyone that’s behind me. What a way to cap off the year.”

“I started 19th, got up to sixth and I got a little impatient and tried to go down the middle on a restart,” Edwards said after his second place finish. “I almost went into the wall and fell back to where I started and then just worked my way back up. Thanks to Mikey Jackson for getting us going on a new shock package with Andrew Buff and Jams Performance and this car really came to life tonight.”

“Definitely a good run,” third place finisher Joe Toth said after the race. “I started on the pole and went backwards so to finish third behind those two after all they have done here dominating on a weekly basis. I had help from Bob Henry Sr. to get the car dialed in here and I want to thank Andy Belmont for letting me travel all over the place with his race cars.”

Fonda Speedway Weekly Report

Miss any action from last week’s racing? The Fonda Speedway weekly report can take care of that. A 90 second summary of the previous Saturday racing action will air throughout the week across seven local radio stations including:

WCSS 1490 & 106.9 in Amsterdam/Schenectady

WIZR 930 & 102.9 in Johnstown/Fonda/Gloversville

WKAJ 1120 & 97.9 in St. Johnsville/Canajoharie

WYVS 96.5 in Speculator and the North Country

If you are a race fan that gets to the track early, be sure to check out the Fonda Speedway Museum & Hall of Fame which is located on the Fonda Fairgrounds at the rear of the parking area going down towards turn four. The museum is open from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on race days and admission is free!

All races at Fonda Speedway – will be broadcast live on FloRacing (www.floracing.tv) as part of the $150 annual subscription.

Since 1953, the “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway has hosted the best in stock car racing. Under the management of BD Motorsports Media LLC, the speedway will operate weekly on Saturday nights from April through August plus several special events. Fonda Speedway is located on the Montgomery County Fairgrounds off New York State Thruway Exit No. 28 at 21 S. Bridge Street Fonda, NY 12068.

Fonda Speedway is on the web at www.thefondaspeedway.com. To learn more, call the office at 518.915.4395, like Fonda Speedway on Facebook or follow the speedway on Twitter and Instagram: @thefondaspdwy.

STSS MODIFIED FONDA 200 FEATURE – 200-LAPS – $53,000 TO WIN – STEWART FRIESEN, Matt Sheppard, Tyler Dippel, Mat Williamson, Tim Fuller, Anthony Perrego, Jessica Friesen, Matt DeLorenzo, Brian Calabrese, Danny Bouc, Max McLaughlin, Bobby Varin, Marc Johnson, Dillon Steuer, Steve Bernier, Cody Clark, Ancel Collins, Chris Curtis, Michael Parent, Alex Yankowski, Andy Bachetti, Mike Mahaney, Dave Constantino, Bobby Hackel IV, Billy Decker, Demetrios Drellos, Ronnie Johnson, Rocky Warner, Tucker O’Connor, Pep Corradi, David Schilling, JaMike Sowle, Darren Smith, Dave Camara, Ryan Odasz, JR Hurlburt, Danny Varin, Cory Costa, Brian Pessolano, Michael Trautschold, Neil Stratton

3rd win of 2023 and the 88th of his career in the division for Stewart Friesen

LAP LEADERS – 1-14 Bernier, 15-90 Stewart Friesen, 91 Sheppard, 92-95 Stewart Friesen, 96-100 Sheppard, 101-128 Marc Johnson, 129-149 Stewart Friesen, 150-175 Sheppard, 176-200 Stewart Friesen

CONSOLATION RACE WINNERS – Perrego, Clark

DID NOT QUALIFY – Dan Santabarbara, Stephen Gray, George Foley, Derek Bornt, Ajay Potrzebowski Sr., Jason Reome, Matt Sobiech

STSS CRATE 602 SPORTSMAN FEATURE – 25-LAPS – $2,000 TO WIN – PAYTON TALBOT, Chad Edwards, Joe Toth, Tyler Peet, Tim Hartman Jr., Brian Calabrese, Chip Constantino, Troy Zilles, Michael McCallion, Brendan Gibbons, Jeremy Tyrrell, Tanner Warner, Michael Ballestero, Stephen Gray, Clayton DuMond, Dylan Madsen, Mike Kalkbrenner, Donovan Lussier, James Friesen, Blaine Klinger, David Hackett Jr., Chris Crane Jr., Kaydon Hohensheldt, Greg Crooker, John DuMond, Josh Kane, Tavien Blowers, Jeff Higham, David Manchester, Brett Mortensen

7th win of 2023 and the 11th of his career in the division for Talbot

LAP LEADERS – 1-13 Calabrese, 14-25 Talbot

HEAT RACE WINNERS – Zilles, Higham, John DuMond, Toth, Constantino, Ballestero

CONSOLATION RACE WINNERS – Edwards, Tyrrell, Kane

DID NOT QUALIFY – Roger Hummer, Mike Hill, Kyle Dingman, Zack Welch, Connor Prokop, Brandon Tyler, Mark Mortensen, Dylan Eldred, Josh Coonradt, Mike Arnold, John Santolin, Tim Deffer, Cody Clark, Tyler Bobar, Dave DiPietro, Jean-Francois Tessier, Wesley Sutliff, Chris Kugler, Keith Buckhart, Walter Cook, Zach Dufel, Connor Crane, Seth Martin, John Feagles, Clyde Peek, Karl Barnes, John Anderson, Dale Van Allen, Collin Williams, Harry Shaffer, Dan Santabarbara, Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald, Donnie Campbell, Robert Perry

GRECO’S NAPA HARD CHARGER AWARD – Edwards +17

QUICK RESULTS 9/16/2023

9/19/2023 DAY 3 OF FONDA 200 WEEKEND

STSS MODIFIED FONDA 200 FEATURE – 200-LAPS – $53,000 TO WIN – STEWART FRIESEN, Matt Sheppard, Tyler Dippel, Mat Williamson, Tim Fuller, Anthony Perrego, Jessica Friesen, Matt DeLorenzo, Brian Calabrese, Danny Bouc, Max McLaughlin, Bobby Varin, Marc Johnson, Dillon Steuer, Steve Bernier, Cody Clark, Ancel Collins, Chris Curtis, Michael Parent, Alex Yankowski, Andy Bachetti, Mike Mahaney, Dave Constantino, Bobby Hackel IV, Billy Decker, Demetrios Drellos, Ronnie Johnson, Rocky Warner, Tucker O’Connor, Pep Corradi, David Schilling, JaMike Sowle, Darren Smith, Dave Camara, Ryan Odasz, JR Hurlburt, Danny Varin, Cory Costa, Brian Pessolano, Michael Trautschold, Neil Stratton

3rd win of 2023 and the 88th of his career in the division for Stewart Friesen

LAP LEADERS – 1-14 Bernier, 15-90 Stewart Friesen, 91 Sheppard, 92-95 Stewart Friesen, 96-100 Sheppard, 101-128 Marc Johnson, 129-149 Stewart Friesen, 150-175 Sheppard, 176-200 Stewart Friesen

CONSOLATION RACE WINNERS – Perrego, Clark

DID NOT QUALIFY – Dan Santabarbara, Stephen Gray, George Foley, Derek Bornt, Ajay Potrzebowski Sr., Jason Reome, Matt Sobiech

STSS CRATE 602 SPORTSMAN FEATURE – 25-LAPS – $2,000 TO WIN – PAYTON TALBOT, Chad Edwards, Joe Toth, Tyler Peet, Tim Hartman Jr., Brian Calabrese, Chip Constantino, Troy Zilles, Michael McCallion, Brendan Gibbons, Jeremy Tyrrell, Tanner Warner, Michael Ballestero, Stephen Gray, Clayton DuMond, Dylan Madsen, Mike Kalkbrenner, Donovan Lussier, James Friesen, Blaine Klinger, David Hackett Jr., Chris Crane Jr., Kaydon Hohensheldt, Greg Crooker, John DuMond, Josh Kane, Tavien Blowers, Jeff Higham, David Manchester, Brett Mortensen

7th win of 2023 and the 11th of his career in the division for Talbot

LAP LEADERS – 1-13 Calabrese, 14-25 Talbot

HEAT RACE WINNERS – Zilles, Higham, John DuMond, Toth, Constantino, Ballestero

CONSOLATION RACE WINNERS – Edwards, Tyrrell, Kane

DID NOT QUALIFY – Roger Hummer, Mike Hill, Kyle Dingman, Zack Welch, Connor Prokop, Brandon Tyler, Mark Mortensen, Dylan Eldred, Josh Coonradt, Mike Arnold, John Santolin, Tim Deffer, Cody Clark, Tyler Bobar, Dave DiPietro, Jean-Francois Tessier, Wesley Sutliff, Chris Kugler, Keith Buckhart, Walter Cook, Zach Dufel, Connor Crane, Seth Martin, John Feagles, Clyde Peek, Karl Barnes, John Anderson, Dale Van Allen, Collin Williams, Harry Shaffer, Dan Santabarbara, Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald, Donnie Campbell, Robert Perry

GRECO’S NAPA HARD CHARGER AWARD – Edwards +17

YANKOWSKI, SOWLE, FRIESEN, & BERNIER WIN FONDA 200 QUALIFIERS WHILE GATES WINS PRO STOCK MAIN EVENT

By: Ron Szczerba

Fonda, NY – Day two of the 2023 edition of the Fonda 200 weekend took place on Friday evening at the “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway. Four heat races were on the schedule to qualify for the $53,000 Fonda 200 on Saturday with Alex Yankowski, JaMike Sowle, Stewart Friesen, and Steve Bernier taking the wins in the four 15-lap events. Each of the winners received $500 thanks to sponsorship from Fastline Performance, DKM Fabrications, Upstate Auto, and SHR Scott Hamlin Racing.

Other winners on Friday evening included Kenny Gates (Below Zero Ice Cream Pro Stocks), Ken Hollenback (SOHC) and Jay Ingersoll (DOHC) Fonda Fair Four Cylinders, Jordan Hutton (CRSA Sprints), and Jason Meltz (Street Stocks).

Greg Nitz started opening ceremonies with a prayer followed by the singing of the Canadian Anthem by Stephanie May and then the National Anthem by Mimi Lazzaro. Congratulations to Cathy from Conklin who won the $3,029 50/50 and special thanks to the 50/50 sellers for all their hard work to benefit the drivers point fund.

STSS Modified Fonda 200 Qualifier #1 presented by Fastline Performance saw Alex Yankowski lead every lap to go on for the win and the $500 bonus from Fastline Performance.

“Really we’ve just busted our butts all year long,” Yankowski said after the win. “Murray is doing a heck of a job with the engine program, he saw something he didn’t like when doing motor maintenance, so we did what we thought was best, took it out of the car on Monday, stripped it down to the block, and rebuilt it on Tuesday and Wednesday and put it back in the car.”

“I’ve had years where I’ve won a race but wasn’t really that great and I feel like we are a lot more deserving of it now,” Yankowski continued to say. “But we’re just gonna keep plugging away at it and if its meant to be its meant to be. All we can do is to keep putting ourselves in position, bringing fast race cars to the track, and that’s what we’re gonna do.”

“I have to thank the people that are able to make this possible for me, Cory Wilcox with Wilcox Construction, Ryan Wilcox with Wilcox Sealing & Paving, Jason Broedel with Broedel Fuel Group, Training Tails, Murray, Joe, my dad, Kevin Bates, they are all awesome and they all know who they are. I’m super grateful to have them all,” Yankowski concluded.

STSS Modified Fonda 200 Qualifier #2 presented by DKM Fabrications was won by JaMike Sowle who led every lap on his way to the $500 bonus from DKM Fabrication.

“It’s a great bunch of guys and girls on our team that Carole and Alton set us up with for success,” Sowle said. “I guess that we had a valve cover gasket leaking thank God, that caused the smoke on the last few laps.”

Stewart Friesen led every lap in STSS Modified Fonda 200 Qualifier #3 and won the $500 bonus presented by Upstate Auto.

“This is our home, we love racing here at Fonda,” Friesen said after the win. “Feels good to get a good draw obviously to start off the night and finish it off with a heat race win. Thanks to Upstate Auto for sponsoring the heat race, thanks to the whole Halmar Team, Ferris, Bart Contracting, all of our sponsors and product sponsors, and everyone watching on Flo we appreciate the support.”

“We’ll go tune on this thing and hopefully get it a little better for tomorrow,” Friesen continued. “This is our first time out with this car, we had this car put together for Jess with some different motor situations as the season progressed it was ready to go, and we had a fresh motor to go in it for this race so everything kind of went together.”

“Alex (Yankowski) shook it down for us last night (Thursday) and its pretty good,” Friesen concluded. I think we’ve got a couple of tweaks to work on it for tomorrow. This is one of our favorite weekends of the year and we’re proud to be here.”

Steve Bernier led every lap in STSS Modified Fonda 200 Qualifier #4 and won the $500 bonus presented by SHR Scott Hamlin racing.

“I think I have a good car for this weekend,” Bernier said. “Thanks to Brandon Plank and Randy Williamson, he helped me this week to have a good setup for Fonda and I’m very happy.”

The 20-lap Below Zero Ice Cream feature began with Johnny Rivers Jr. leading at the drop of Joe Kriss’ green flag from his pole position start. 2023 Fonda Speedway Pro Stock Track Champion Ivan Joslin started the event in row two in the fourth position and moved to the front quickly, taking the lead from Rivers on lap two with a pass on the outside of turns three and four.

Also moving up quickly was Fonda Speedway All-Time Pro Stock wins leader Kenny Gates who started in the sixth position and by lap three Gates was already in the second position after getting by both Beau Ballard and Rivers. The top two of Joslin and Gates pulled away from the rest of the field on lap six with the yellow flag coming out at that point closing up the field.

Joslin chose the outside groove on the restart with Gates and Ballard making it a three wide race for the lead on lap 11. Joslin was able to hold on to the lead at that point but two laps later Gates was able to get underneath both Joslin and Ballard in turns three and four and took over the lead. Gates led the remaining laps for his sixth win of the season and the 92nd of his career in the division at Fonda followed in the top five by Joslin, Ballard, Jim Normoyle, and Steve Cosselman.

“Well, I thought when there was a little pressure on the outside where Beau (Ballard) kind of came up there I could hear someone was out there and I thought well Ivan would move up to protect the high groove and it would open the door for me,” Gates said after the $1,000 race win. “It did and we were able to hold him off. The car was on a rail all night and luckily we held together, there were a couple of tricky spots off of turn two and we were able to bring it home.”

A big field of 20 Fonda Fair Four Cylinders were on hand for a 15-lap feature event starting off with Rudy King Jr. taking the lead at the drop of the green flag. 2023 Fonda Fair Four Cylinder SOHC Track Champion Ken Hollenback started the event in the 15th position and by lap four he was already up to the third position.

On lap five, Hollenback went from third to first with a pass in turns three and four and led the remaining laps for his 11th win of the season and the 95th of his career in the SOHC class. Jay Ingersoll was the winner in the DOHC class with a second place overall finish for his first career win in the division at Fonda. Damien Ward, Kyle Coley, and Shawn Hemstreet completed the top five finishers in the event.

“I like racing here, its my favorite track of any I’ve ever raced,” Hollenback said in victory lane. “Fonda Speedway means a lot to me, next year I probably won’t be here the whole year but probably pretty close.”

“This is awesome,” Ingersoll said after his first career win in the division at Fonda. “Twenty-five years ago, I raced here with a Hobby Stock (he has one career win in the Hobby Stock division) and now I started out all over again. We’ve got a championship to win on Sunday, so we brought the backup car out to see what it would do, and it got us here.”

The Street Stocks made their one and only appearance of the season at Fonda on Friday with Stone Motorsports/Online Performance sponsoring the $500 to win event. Adam Tranka led at the start of the 20-lap event and was never seriously challenged despite many caution flags slowing the event.

Tranka led through lap 18 when he slowed in turn three to bring out the 10th caution of the event handing the lead over to Jason Meltz. One more lap was run with another caution coming out and the race was checker flagged at that point with Meltz taking the victory followed by Chris Murray, PJ Cram, Andrew Fitzgerald, and Lou Gancarz.

“That was a quick race, I mean we took the green and it felt like we took the checkered flag right away,” Meltz joked in victory lane. “Too bad it was a wreck fest; I would have liked to put on a better show here at Fonda for the Street Stocks. I fell bad for Adam (Tranka), he had that one covered, I couldn’t get him, but he broke on the last lap.”

Mike Kiser led at the start of the 20-lap CRSA Sprint main event after starting on the outside pole and was already in lap traffic on lap six when the red flag came out for Tyler Chartrand who flipped his car in turn two while running fifth. Chartrand was not injured in the wreck with Kiser continuing to lead on the single file restart.

The yellow flag was out again on the restart for Cory Sparks who slowed in turn three with Kiser again leading after another single file restart with Blake Warner, Jordan Hutton, Billy VanInwegen, and Tomy Moreau completing the top five at the halfway point. On lap 11, Kiser slowed to a stop on the frontstretch bringing out the caution and handing the lead over to Warner with Hutton now the second place car.

Warner and Hutton raced side by side for two laps until Hutton took over the point on lap 13 and went on to the win followed by Warner, VanInwegen, Dalton Herrick, and Moreau.

“I love this place inside and out,” Hutton said after his CRSA Sprint win. “When you get here to Fonda its always racy, always fun. He (Blake Warner) gave me a heck of a run, he was better than me towards the end, and he is gonna make a hell of a driver out here someday. I’m very confident here at Fonda and know the track after racing here before. This is a dream come true, win number eight on the year.”

“It was very fast,” second place finisher Blake Warner said. “I was very happy with my crew, Ricky, my dad, Jeff, Grandma, and everybody that comes and helps us and helped us have a really good car. Me and Jordan are good friends so its always fun doing that we just fell one spot short tonight.”

“We had everything going our way all night,” VanInwegen said after his third place finish. “Drew the pole, I just hate stuff like this getting away. We’ll take tomorrow off, go camping, and shake this off. Gotta work harder I guess, I’m definitely frustrated but congrats to those guys (Hutton and Warner) they did a great job. On to the next one.”

The 2023 Fonda 200 weekend concludes today (Saturday) with the running of the Fonda 200 along with the Swagger factory Apparel Crate 602 Sportsman.

Fonda Speedway Weekly Report

Miss any action from last week’s racing? The Fonda Speedway weekly report can take care of that. A 90 second summary of the previous Saturday racing action will air throughout the week across seven local radio stations including:

WCSS 1490 & 106.9 in Amsterdam/Schenectady

WIZR 930 & 102.9 in Johnstown/Fonda/Gloversville

WKAJ 1120 & 97.9 in St. Johnsville/Canajoharie

WYVS 96.5 in Speculator and the North Country

If you are a race fan that gets to the track early, be sure to check out the Fonda Speedway Museum & Hall of Fame which is located on the Fonda Fairgrounds at the rear of the parking area going down towards turn four. The museum is open from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on race days and admission is free!

All races at Fonda Speedway – will be broadcast live on FloRacing (www.floracing.tv) as part of the $150 annual subscription.

Since 1953, the “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway has hosted the best in stock car racing. Under the management of BD Motorsports Media LLC, the speedway will operate weekly on Saturday nights from April through August plus several special events. Fonda Speedway is located on the Montgomery County Fairgrounds off New York State Thruway Exit No. 28 at 21 S. Bridge Street Fonda, NY 12068.

Fonda Speedway is on the web at www.thefondaspeedway.com. To learn more, call the office at 518.915.4395, like Fonda Speedway on Facebook or follow the speedway on Twitter and Instagram: @thefondaspdwy.

FONDA 200 STSS QUALIFYING HEAT 1 $500 TO WIN FROM FASTLINE PERFORMANCE 15-LAPS 7 QUALIFY 3 REDRAW – ALEX YANKOWSKI, Demetrios Drellos, Mat Willaimson, Marc Johnson, Rocky Warner, Pep Corradi, Tucker O’Connor, Michael Trautschold, Brian Calabrese, Neil Stratton, Dave Camara, Ancel Collins

FONDA 200 STSS QUALIFYING HEAT 2 $500 TO WIN FROM DKM FABRICATION 15-LAPS 7 QUALIFY 3 REDRAW – JAMIKE SOWLE, Jessica Friesen, Matt Sheppard, Bobby Varin, Bobby Hackel IV, Michael Parent, Cory Costa, Dillon Steuer, Darren Smith, George Foley, Derek Bornt, Ajay Potrzebowski Jr.

FONDA 200 STSS QUALIFYING HEAT 3 $500 TO WIN FROM UPSTATE AUTO 15-LAPS 7 QUALIFY 3 REDRAW – STEWART FRIESEN, Andy Bachetti, Danny Bouc, Tyler Dippel, David Schilling, Max McLaughlin, Mike Mahaney, Anthony Perrego, Ryan Odasz, JR Hurlburt, Dan Santabarbara, Stephen Gray

FONDA 200 STSS QUALIFYING HEAT 4 $500 TO WIN FROM SCOTT HAMLIN RACING 15-LAPS 7 QUALIFY 3 REDRAW – STEVE BERNIER, Billy Decker, Matt DeLorenzo, Dave Constantino, Ronnie Johnson, Brian Pessolano, Chris Curtis, Cody Clark, Tim Fuller, Danny Varin, Jason Reome, Matt Sobiech

BELOW ZERO ICE CREAM PRO STOCK FEATURE – 20-LAPS – KENNY GATES, Ivan Joslin, Beau Ballard, Jim Normoyle, Steve Cosselman, Randy Cosselman, Shawn Perez Jr., Johnny Rivers Jr., Michael Achzet, Dennis Joslin, Nick Santuccione, Slater Baker, Mike Dianda, Dan Krajewski, Jordan Modiano

6th win of 2023 and the 92nd win of his career in the division at Fonda for Gates

LAP LEADERS – 1 Rivers, 2-12 Joslin, 13-20 Gates

HEAT RACE WINNERS – Ballard, Gates

FONDA FAIR FOUR CYLINDER FEATURE – 12-LAPS – KEN HOLLENBACK (SOHC), JAY INGERSOLL (DOHC), Damian Ward, Kyle Coley, Shawn Hemstreet, Pat McSpirit, Tom Hill, Todd Morey, Brittany Ladd, Robert Burch, TJ Marlitt, Rudy King Jr., John Napoli, Kerrie Hollenback, Kamrin Krause, Luke Sheldon, Len St. Andrews, Keith Tesiero Jr. (DNS), Jordan Ryder (DNS), Wayne Russell Jr. (DNS)

11th win of 2023 and the 95th win of his career in the division at Fonda for Ken Hollenback

1st career win in the division at Fonda for Ingersoll

LAP LEADERS – 1-4 King Jr., 5-15 Ken Hollenback

STREET STOCK FEATURE $500 TO WIN SPONSORED BY STONE MOTORSPORTS/ONLINE PERFORMANCE – SHORTENED TO 19-LAPS – JASON MELTZ, Chris Murray, PJ Cram, Andrew Fitzgerald, Lou Gancarz, Wayne Russell Jr., Adam Tranka, Matt Moshier, Josh Samrov, Rob VanAernam, Keri Vandenburg, Chris Stalker, Bob Gibson, Jason Barrett, James Dellea, Rowdy Burch, Ray Pierre Jr., Jason Samrov, Matt Wells, Donald Kennedy, Michael Martindale (DNS)

1st career win in the division at Fonda for Meltz

LAP LEADERS – 1-18 Tranka, 19 Meltz

HEAT RACE WINNERS – Murray, Stalker

CRSA SPRINT CAR FEATURE – 20-LAPS – JORDAN HUTTON, Blake Warner, Billy VanInwegen, Dalton Herrick, Tomy Moreau, Bobby Parrow, John Cunningham, Ray Preston, Timmy Lotz, Tyler Graves, Mark Taylor, Aaron Shelton, Ronnie Greek, Dustin Sehn, Jeremiah Munson, Trevor Years, James Layton, Steve Glover, Kirsten Dombrowski, Jerry Sehn Jr., Fred Proctor, Mike Kiser, Tyler Chartrand, Cory Sparks

3rd career CRSA Sprint car win at Fonda for Hutton

LAP LEADERS – 1-11 Kiser, 12 Warner, 13-20 Hutton

HEAT RACE WINNERS – VanInwegen, Preston, Taylor

CONSOLATION RACE WINNER – Glover

QUICK RESULTS 9/15/2023

DAY 2 OF FONDA 200 WEEKEND

FONDA 200 STSS QUALIFYING HEAT 1 $500 TO WIN FROM FASTLINE PERFORMANCE 15-LAPS 7 QUALIFY 3 REDRAW – ALEX YANKOWSKI, Demetrios Drellos, Mat Willaimson, Marc Johnson, Rocky Warner, Pep Corradi, Tucker O’Connor, Michael Trautschold, Brian Calabrese, Neil Stratton, Dave Camara, Ancel Collins

FONDA 200 STSS QUALIFYING HEAT 2 $500 TO WIN FROM DKM FABRICATION 15-LAPS 7 QUALIFY 3 REDRAW – JAMIKE SOWLE, Jessica Friesen, Matt Sheppard, Bobby Varin, Bobby Hackel IV, Michael Parent, Cory Costa, Dillon Steuer, Darren Smith, George Foley, Derek Bornt, Ajay Potrzebowski Jr.

FONDA 200 STSS QUALIFYING HEAT 3 $500 TO WIN FROM UPSTATE AUTO 15-LAPS 7 QUALIFY 3 REDRAW – STEWART FRIESEN, Andy Bachetti, Danny Bouc, Tyler Dippel, David Schilling, Max McLaughlin, Mike Mahaney, Anthony Perrego, Ryan Odasz, JR Hurlburt, Dan Santabarbara, Stephen Gray

FONDA 200 STSS QUALIFYING HEAT 4 $500 TO WIN FROM SCOTT HAMLIN RACING 15-LAPS 7 QUALIFY 3 REDRAW – STEVE BERNIER, Billy Decker, Matt DeLorenzo, Dave Constantino, Ronnie Johnson, Brian Pessolano, Chris Curtis, Cody Clark, Tim Fuller, Danny Varin, Jason Reome, Matt Sobiech

BELOW ZERO ICE CREAM PRO STOCK FEATURE – 20-LAPS – KENNY GATES, Ivan Joslin, Beau Ballard, Jim Normoyle, Steve Cosselman, Randy Cosselman, Shawn Perez Jr., Johnny Rivers Jr., Michael Achzet, Dennis Joslin, Nick Santuccione, Slater Baker, Mike Dianda, Dan Krajewski, Jordan Modiano

6th win of 2023 and the 92nd win of his career in the division at Fonda for Gates

LAP LEADERS – 1 Rivers, 2-12 Joslin, 13-20 Gates

HEAT RACE WINNERS – Ballard, Gates

FONDA FAIR FOUR CYLINDER FEATURE – 12-LAPS – KEN HOLLENBACK (SOHC), JAY INGERSOLL (DOHC), Damian Ward, Kyle Coley, Shawn Hemstreet, Pat McSpirit, Tom Hill, Todd Morey, Brittany Ladd, Robert Burch, TJ Marlitt, Rudy King Jr., John Napoli, Kerrie Hollenback, Kamrin Krause, Luke Sheldon, Len St. Andrews, Keith Tesiero Jr. (DNS), Jordan Ryder (DNS), Wayne Russell Jr. (DNS)

11th win of 2023 and the 95th win of his career in the division at Fonda for Ken Hollenback

1st career win in the division at Fonda for Ingersoll

LAP LEADERS – 1-4 King Jr., 5-15 Ken Hollenback

STREET STOCK FEATURE $500 TO WIN SPONSORED BY STONE MOTORSPORTS/ONLINE PERFORMANCE – SHORTENED TO 19-LAPS – JASON MELTZ, Chris Murray, PJ Cram, Andrew Fitzgerald, Lou Gancarz, Wayne Russell Jr., Adam Tranka, Matt Moshier, Josh Samrov, Rob VanAernam, Keri Vandenburg, Chris Stalker, Bob Gibson, Jason Barrett, James Dellea, Rowdy Burch, Ray Pierre Jr., Jason Samrov, Matt Wells, Donald Kennedy, Michael Martindale (DNS)

1st career win in the division at Fonda for Meltz

LAP LEADERS – 1-18 Tranka, 19 Meltz

HEAT RACE WINNERS – Murray, Stalker

CRSA SPRINT CAR FEATURE – 20-LAPS – JORDAN HUTTON, Blake Warner, Billy VanInwegen, Dalton Herrick, Tomy Moreau, Bobby Parrow, John Cunningham, Ray Preston, Timmy Lotz, Tyler Graves, Mark Taylor, Aaron Shelton, Ronnie Greek, Dustin Sehn, Jeremiah Munson, Trevor Years, James Layton, Steve Glover, Kirsten Dombrowski, Jerry Sehn Jr., Fred Proctor, Mike Kiser, Tyler Chartrand, Cory Sparks

3rd career CRSA Sprint car win at Fonda for Hutton

LAP LEADERS – 1-11 Kiser, 12 Warner, 13-20 Hutton

HEAT RACE WINNERS – VanInwegen, Preston, Taylor

CONSOLATION RACE WINNER – Glover

DANNY VARIN TAKES THE BDR SPEED #16S TO VICTORY LANE AT FONDA IN THE “UNDERDOG 33” EVENT

By: Ron Szczerba

Fonda, NY – the Amsterdam Truck Center Modified “Ultimate Underdog 33” took place on Thursday evening on day one of the 2023 edition of the Fonda 200. The race was open to any driver unable to pick up a Modified victory at any speedway this season. When the checkered flag flew it was Danny Varin taking his first Modified victory of the season in the BDR Speed #16S for a $2,000 victory.

“Yeah I kind of like that stuff,” Danny Varin said in victory lane referencing all of the cautions and attrition during the race. “I’ll tell you it’s all bout hitting your marks, it’s all about missing little spots, it’s all bout technique. I think that I thrive on that stuff, so I didn’t mind it at all tonight.”

The Montgomery County Office for Aging Inc. Limited Sportsman were also in action with Mike Arnold taking the first win of his carer in the division at Fonda. Arnold had four wins prior to this one in the Street Stock division at Fonda.

Opening ceremonies began with an invocation from Pastor Greg Nitz followed by the Canadian Anthem sung by Mimi Lazzaro and then the National Anthem which was sung by Fonda Speedway starter Joe Kriss. The 50/50 was won by Eric from Johnstown and was worth $1,011!

The green flag flew for the start of the 33-lap “Underdog 33” Amsterdam Truck Center Modified event with outside pole position starter Alex Yankowski taking the lead followed by the inside front row starter Ryan Odasz in the Magsarus #93. By lap five Yankowski was out to a straightaway advantage and two laps later he was in lap traffic.

The field got bunched up on a lap eight restart resulting in severe damage to the #1X of Willy Decker who was running in the eighth position at the time bringing out the caution flag. Yankowski continued to lead on the single file restart with 21st place starter Dave Camara in the 10th position at the time as Yankowski again pulled away to a big lead over Odasz.

Despite the big lead Yankowski had built up it definitely wasn’t a Sunday afternoon drive as he encountered two cars in front of him on the backstretch just before the halfway point that came in contact with each other forcing Yankowski to take quick action to avoid them. At the halfway point in the event Yankowski led with Odasz, Danny Varin, Tyler Dippel, and Bobby Varin in the top five.

Danny Varin took over the second position from Odasz on lap 23 and looking at the average lap times in the event on My Race Pass at this point in the race, Yankowski was turning 0.50 sec faster laps than Danny Varin and again pulled away from the field. Another scare for the leader occurred with five laps remaining in the event when a lap car went to drive off the track on the backstretch forcing Yankowski to put his car sideways in order to avoid.

The yellow came out again at this point for Jason Reome who suffered a collapsed front end and while the field was under caution the leader Yankowski was forced to the pit area with left rear suspension damage handing the lead over to Danny Varin with only a few laps remaining. Dippel took the second position away from Odasz just before the final caution of the event flew with three laps remaining, but his great run came to an end shortly afterwards when he hit the frontstretch wall and suffered a flat tire.

“He (Yankowski) has had some bad luck, more times than not we’ve been following him around the speedway this year when something has gone wrong,” Danny Varin said. “It really sucked for him, he had everybody covered tonight.”

Danny Varin led the final laps for his 12th career win in the division at Fonda followed by his father Bobby Varin who took the second position from Odasz late in the event, Odasz, seventh place starter Dave Constantino, and 12th place starter Brian Calabrese.

“We’re building with this team,” Danny Varin said. “Thanks to everyone involved on this car, a lot of them I haven’t even met yet. It is really a huge group effort. I try to praise all the guys that have been with me a long time, without them I wouldn’t even be racing. This win is a good boost for the team and hopefully we can build off of this.”

Tim Deffer led at the start of the Montgomery County Office for Aging Inc. Limited Sportsman feature with Jeff Bobilin in tow. Deffer’s straightaway advantage was taken away on lap four when the caution came out with sixth place starter AJ Greco taking the second position away from Bobilin on the restart. Mike Arnold started the event in the eighth position and was the new third place car on lap ten after also getting by Bobilin.

Deffer restarted on the outside after a caution on the next lap and lost the lead to Greco at that point with Arnold also getting by Deffer for the second position on lap 12. Two consecutive yellow flags slowed the field on laps 13 & 14 with Greco still leading followed by Arnold and 15th place starter Tyler Bobar. Greco chose the outside for the restart and that proved to be the wrong choice with Arnold taking the lead away when the race restarted.

“Once he (Greco) grabbed the top and left me the bottom, I knew if we could drive it into one and two harder than him that it would definitely stick to the bottom and tonight seemed like the night to definitely be on the bottom.”

Bobar’s night came to an end with four laps to go when he drove to the pit area making it a two car race to the win between Arnold and Greco. Arnold crossed the finish line first to score his first career win in the division in the New Day Motors #76 followed by Greco, Connor Crane, Deffer, and Mike Hill.

“We had some damage with our car at Albany Saratoga and Lebanon Valley recently,” Arnold said. “So, I reached out to Mitch Poole that we wanted to finish out the season could we use your car, and he said come down and get it. If he didn’t let us use it we weren’t going to be here tonight.”

The second day of the 2023 Fonda 200 weekend continues today, Friday with Amsterdam Truck Center Modified qualifying for the Fonda 200 along with the Below Zero Ice Cream Pro Stocks, the Fonda Fair Four Cylinders, the CRSA Sprint cars, and the Street Stocks. The 15-lap Amsterdam Truck Center Modified qualifiers will all be worth $500 to the winner thanks to sponsorship from Fastline Performance, DKM Fabrication, Upstate Auto, and Scott Hamlin Racing.

Fonda Speedway Weekly Report

Miss any action from last week’s racing? The Fonda Speedway weekly report can take care of that. A 90 second summary of the previous Saturday racing action will air throughout the week across seven local radio stations including:

WCSS 1490 & 106.9 in Amsterdam/Schenectady

WIZR 930 & 102.9 in Johnstown/Fonda/Gloversville

WKAJ 1120 & 97.9 in St. Johnsville/Canajoharie

WYVS 96.5 in Speculator and the North Country

If you are a race fan that gets to the track early, be sure to check out the Fonda Speedway Museum & Hall of Fame which is located on the Fonda Fairgrounds at the rear of the parking area going down towards turn four. The museum is open from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on race days and admission is free!

All races at Fonda Speedway – will be broadcast live on FloRacing (www.floracing.tv) as part of the $150 annual subscription.

Since 1953, the “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway has hosted the best in stock car racing. Under the management of BD Motorsports Media LLC, the speedway will operate weekly on Saturday nights from April through August plus several special events. Fonda Speedway is located on the Montgomery County Fairgrounds off New York State Thruway Exit No. 28 at 21 S. Bridge Street Fonda, NY 12068.

Fonda Speedway is on the web at www.thefondaspeedway.com. To learn more, call the office at 518.915.4395, like Fonda Speedway on Facebook or follow the speedway on Twitter and Instagram: @thefondaspdwy.

DATE – 9/14/2023 DAY 1 OF THE 2023 FONDA 200 WEEKEND

AMSTERDAM TRUCK CENTER MODIFIED “UNDERDOG 33” FEATURE – 33-LAPS – DANNY VARIN, Bobby Varin, Ryan Odasz, Dave Constantino, Brian Calabrese, Stephen Gray, Tyler Dippel, Bill August, Alex Yankowski, Chris Curtis, Derel Bornt, Jason Reome, Pep Corradi, Dave Camara, Jessica Friesen, Willy Decker, Ronnie Holmes, George Foley, Matt Sobiech, Clayton DuMond, David Manchester, Ancel Collins, Dan Santabarbara, Michael Trautschold

1st win of 2023 and the 12th of his career in the division for Danny Varin

LAP LEADERS – 1-28 Yankowski, 29-33 Danny Varin

HEAT RACE WINNERS – Yankowski, Calabrese, Bobby Varin

CONSOLATION RACE WINNER – August

DID NOT QUALIFY – Garrett Poland, Mark Pullen, Chip Constantino, Carter Gibbons, Tanner Warner, Jim Mahaney, Brett Mortensen, Harry Shaffer, Andy Graves

MONTGOMERY COUNTY OFFICE FOR AGING INC. LIMITED SPORTSMAN FEATURE – 20-LAPS – MIKE ARNOLD, AJ Greco, Connor Crane, Tim Deffer, Mike Hill, Lance Hill, Jonathan Feagles, Phil Arnold, Corky Warner, Nick Arnold, Josh Coonradt, Kirsten Swartz, Chris Kugler, Jim Mallia, John Anderson, Lucas Duncan, Maddy Broedel, Bob Rhinehardt, Walter Cook, Michael Kalkbrenner, Jeff Bobilin, Kyle Dingman, Tyler Bobar, Steve Wagoner, Brandon Tyler, Dale Van Allen, Kolton Weiler, Bob Rowback, Bill Port, Keith Burkart, Collin Williams (DNS), Joel Knudsen Jr. (DNS)

1st career win in the division at Fonda for Mike Arnold

LAP LEADERS – 1-10 Deffer, 11-14 Greco, 15-20 Mike Arnold

HEAT RACE WINNERS – Mike Arnold, Crane, Bobilin

QUICK RESULTS 9/14/2023

DATE – 9/14/2023 DAY 1 OF THE 2023 FONDA 200 WEEKEND

AMSTERDAM TRUCK CENTER MODIFIED “UNDERDOG 33” FEATURE – 33-LAPS – DANNY VARIN, Bobby Varin, Ryan Odasz, Dave Constantino, Brian Calabrese, Stephen Gray, Tyler Dippel, Bill August, Alex Yankowski, Chris Curtis, Derel Bornt, Jason Reome, Pep Corradi, Dave Camara, Jessica Friesen, Willy Decker, Ronnie Holmes, George Foley, Matt Sobiech, Clayton DuMond, David Manchester, Ancel Collins, Dan Santabarbara, Michael Trautschold

1st win of 2023 and the 12th of his career in the division for Danny Varin

LAP LEADERS – 1-28 Yankowski, 29-33 Danny Varin

HEAT RACE WINNERS – Yankowski, Calabrese, Bobby Varin

CONSOLATION RACE WINNER – August

DID NOT QUALIFY – Garrett Poland, Mark Pullen, Chip Constantino, Carter Gibbons, Tanner Warner, Jim Mahaney, Brett Mortensen, Harry Shaffer, Andy Graves

MONTGOMERY COUNTY OFFICE FOR AGING INC. LIMITED SPORTSMAN FEATURE – 20-LAPS – MIKE ARNOLD, AJ Greco, Connor Crane, Tim Deffer, Mike Hill, Lance Hill, Jonathan Feagles, Phil Arnold, Corky Warner, Nick Arnold, Josh Coonradt, Kirsten Swartz, Chris Kugler, Jim Mallia, John Anderson, Lucas Duncan, Maddy Broedel, Bob Rhinehardt, Walter Cook, Michael Kalkbrenner, Jeff Bobilin, Kyle Dingman, Tyler Bobar, Steve Wagoner, Brandon Tyler, Dale Van Allen, Kolton Weiler, Bob Rowback, Bill Port, Keith Burkart, Collin Williams (DNS), Joel Knudsen Jr. (DNS)

1st career win in the division at Fonda for Mike Arnold

LAP LEADERS – 1-10 Deffer, 11-14 Greco, 15-20 Mike Arnold

HEAT RACE WINNERS – Mike Arnold, Crane, Bobilin

Frequently Asked Questions: Fonda 200 Weekend

Fonda Speedway/Fonda, N.Y.
Thursday-Saturday September 14-16, 2023

Q: Where can I find a weekend schedule and pricing?
A: The complete weekend schedule and pricing can be found at the following link: https://www.thefondaspeedway.com/fonda-200/

Q: What seating is reserved and what seating is general admission?
A: All seats in the covered grandstand are reserved. All seats in the open-air bleachers are general admission, in addition to any standing room.

Q: How can I purchase an advance reserved ticket for Fonda 200 weekend?
A: Advance reserved tickets are available online through the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/advanced-weekend-ticket-sales-covered-grandstand-2023-fonda-200-tickets-700738175747 or visit Gate 2 starting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15.

Q: Are children admitted free into the grandstand this weekend?
A: In general admission seating, Kids 11 and under are free all weekend. All reserved seats in the covered grandstand are full price.

Q: I have a reserved three-day ticket for Fonda 200 weekend. What should I do upon arrival?
A: You can check in at any of the grandstand gates to retrieve your three-day wristband.

Q: I have an advance three-day pit wristband for Fonda 200 weekend. Where do I go?
A: You can check in at the pit gate for your three-day wristband.

Q: Can I purchase a three-day pit pass in advance?
A: Yes, you can purchase three-day pit passes in advance at the following link: https://fonda-speedway.ticketleap.com/advanced-weekend-pit-pass—fonda-200—2023/details

Q: Is there a minimum age for the pit area?
A: No, there is not. Anyone 17 and under must have a minor release form on file completed by a parent or legal guardian.

Q: I am bringing a Golf Cart/ATV to the Fonda 200 weekend. What do I need to do?
A: Golf Cart/ATV permits are available online at the following link: https://fonda-speedway.ticketleap.com/2023-fonda-200-golf-cartatv-permit/ or can be purchased at the speedway

Q: Is there camping available for the weekend?
A: Yes, a limited amount of camping remains for the weekend and can be purchased online: https://fonda-speedway.ticketleap.com/advanced-weekend-camping-fonda-200/ or at the speedway

Q: Are campfires permitted?
A: Per New York State regulations, only propane fires are permitted.

Q: Is there a charge for parking?
A: There is no charge for parking on-site. There is a charge collected by the Village of Fonda on behalf of charitable organizations across Bridge Street.

Q: Can I park a personal vehicle in the pits?
A: Permits for pit parking can be purchased for $30. This pass encompasses Thursday, Friday and Saturday and the price remains the same all weekend.

Q: Where can I find rules for the weekend?
A: Event rules for all divisions have been posted at the following link: https://shorttracksuperseries.com/event-info/

Q: What are tire rules for the weekend?
A: Tire rules for the weekend are as follows:

STSS Modified (Fonda 200 & Ultimate Underdog 33)
Right-Rear: American Racer 50, 56 or D3B (any track or series stamp)
Left-Rear: American Racer 48 or D1B (any track or series stamp)
Right-Front: American Racer 48 or D1B (any track or series stamp)
Left-Front: Any American Racer Modified tire
*Standard dirt Modified tires ONLY permitted.
*Tires are subject to durometer readings after each event. Outliers will be sent out for laboratory testing.

STSS Crate 602 Sportsman
Right-Rear: American Racer 50 or 56 ONLY (any track/series stamp)
Left-Rear: American Racer 48 compound ONLY (any track/series stamp)
Right-Front: American Racer 48 compound ONLY (any track/series stamp)
Left-Front: Any American Racer tire
*Standard dirt Modified tires ONLY permitted.
*Tires are subject to durometer readings after each event. Outliers will be sent out for laboratory testing.

Limited Sportsman
Right-Rear: American Racer 50 or 56 compound or Hoosier D300 or harder (any track/series stamp)
Left-Rear: American Racer 48 compound or harder or Hoosier D300 or harder (any track/series stamp)
Right-Front: American Racer 48 compound or harder or Hoosier D300 or harder (any track/series stamp)
Left-Front: American Racer 33 compound or harder or Hoosier D300 or harder (any track/series stamp)
*Standard chain-link Modified tires only; no block-tread tires.
*For Hoosier tires: must run two on the front, two on the back, or all four

Pro Stock
Fonda Speedway American Racer 44 or harder or Hoosiers are permitted for this event.

Q: Will tires be available at the track?
A: Yes, American Racer tires will be available for purchase. Lias Tire will be arriving on Thursday with a box truck. Tires will be sold through BDR Speed at the track.

Q: Will fuel be available at the track?
A: Yes, Sunoco Race Fuels 98 ($11 per gallon), 110 ($14 per gallon), 112 ($15 per gallon) and 114 ($16 per gallon) will be on sale at the track through BDR Speed.

Q: Can I use a credit card for tires and fuel?
A: Yes, credit cards are accepted. There is a $7 credit card fee on Modified tires and $5 credit card fee on Pro Stock tires.

Q: Can I register my car online?
A: Only Short Track Super Series Modifieds and Crate 602 Sportsman need to register this weekend. Online registration remains open at the following link: https://www.myracepass.com/series/1996/registrations/8295

If you do not register online, you can register at the track at the Short Track Super Series trailer.

Q: Is there any live music/entertainment?
A: Yes, the Rockwood Band will be performing in the Entertainment Building on Friday night after the completion of racing. Snacks and beer/seltzers are available.

Q: Can I purchase tickets at the gate or concessions with a credit card?
A: All gates and concessions are cash-only.

Q: Are there ATMs on site?
A: Yes, there are ATMs on the Fonda Fairgrounds.

Q: Can we bring food or beer into the grandstands?
A: Coolers are permitted; however, they may not contain glass bottles or alcohol. Coolers may not take up a seat and must fit at your feet. There is a beer booth serving beer, seltzer and other drinks and three full-service concession stands on the fairgrounds.

Q: Can I put a blanket down in the general admission grandstands?
A: Blankets can be placed in the general admission grandstands at the following times: up to 3:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; up to 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Blankets may be left overnight.

Q: Will there be Fonda 200 apparel available?
A: Yes, Fonda 200 tee-shirts, hoodies, and hats will be on sale in the Novelty Stand in addition to other items such as headphones, earplugs, blankets and more. The Short Track Super Series apparel trailer will be on-site, as well.

Q: Can I sponsor a lap in the Fonda 200?
A: Yes, lap sponsorships are available at $25 per lap via the following link: https://shopstss.com/store-1/fonda-200-lap-sponsorship

Q: Can I listen to the announcer via FM radio?
A: Yes, racing events are streamed at 88.7 FM.

Q: Will the event be streamed live?
A: Yes, this event will be streamed live on FloRacing (www.floracing.tv).

Prestige, History & Tradition: Since 1955, Fonda Speedway’s ‘200’ A Motorsports Staple

FONDA, NY – Prestige. History. Tradition.  

And now a HUGE payout.

Fonda Speedway – one of the most revered dirt tracks in the country – hosts its marquee event Thursday-Saturday Sept. 15-17 with the annual ‘Fonda 200’ weekend.

The ‘200’ dates back to 1955 and has evolved from its origin with the NASCAR Grand National Series to the current Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By Sunoco sanction.

One aspect remains the same: drivers and fans flocking to Montgomery County, New York for the ‘200’ weekend.

Many of the sport’s most iconic names have etched their names in the ‘Fonda 200’ record books.

Brett Hearn leads all drivers with four ‘Fonda 200’ victories. The late Doug Hoffman boasts three wins in the 100-mile grind.

Six drivers have earned a pair of ‘200’ victories: Richard Petty, Jimmy Horton, Jack Johnson, Charlie Rudolph, Bob McCreadie and Stewart Friesen.

Single event winners include David Pearson, Bill Wimble, Harry Peek, Junior Johnson, Kenny Brightbill, Kenny Tremont, Lou Lazzaro, Mike Romano, Steve Danish and most recently Matt Sheppard, last year’s winner.

The largest winner’s share in Northeast Modified racing – with $53,000 going to the STSS Modified winner – is on the line in addition to valuable points toward both the Ollie’s ‘Elite Series’ and River Valley Builders North Region title fights.

Three days of racing are set for the famed Track of Champions leading up to the ‘200’ on Saturday night.

A complete information center is set up on the speedway website at: https://www.thefondaspeedway.com/fonda-200/

Since 1953, the “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway has hosted the best in stock car racing. Under the management of BD Motorsports Media LLC, the speedway will operate weekly on Saturday nights from April through August plus several special events. Fonda Speedway is located on the Montgomery County Fairgrounds off New York State Thruway Exit No. 28 at 21 S. Bridge Street Fonda, NY 12068.

Fonda Speedway is on the web at www.thefondaspeedway.com. To learn more, call the office at 518.915.4395, like Fonda Speedway on Facebook  or follow the speedway on Twitter: @thefondaspdwy or Instagram: @fondaspeedway.

To learn more about the Short Track Super Series Fueled By Sunoco, visit www.shorttracksuperseries.com, e-mail bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com, check out ‘Short Track Super Series’ on Facebook or @ShortTrackSS on Twitter or Instagram.

The Short Track Super Series is presented by American Racer/Lias Tire, Sunoco Race Fuel, Insinger Performance, FloSports, Bob Hilbert Sportswear, BDR Speed, Halmar International, Ollie’s, River Valley Builders, Hurlock Auto & Speed, Velocita-USA, St. Lawrence Radiology, Franklin Products, Design for Vision & Sunglass Central, Belmont’s Garage, Precision Hydraulic & Oil, Prime MAC Tools, F.X. Caprara Car Companies, Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, Beyea Custom Headers, Bicknell Racing Products, Dirt Track Digest, EIBACH, Elite Welder Testing & Training, Flach Performance Products, Henry’s Exhaust, Hig Fab, Penske Racing Shocks, Schultz Racing Fuel Cells, Spyder Filters, Superior Remodeling, Teo-Pro Car, VAHLCO, Wegner Automotive & Wilwood.

 

Fonda 200 Event History

Fonda 200 Event Wins

4 – Brett Hearn

3 – Doug Hoffman

2 – Bob McCreadie, Charlie Rudolph, Jack Johnson, Jimmy Horton, Richard Petty & Stewart Friesen

1 – Bill Wimble, David Pearson, Harry Peek, Junior Johnson, Kenny Brightbill, Kenny Tremont, Lou Lazzaro, Mike Romano, Steve Danish & Matt Sheppard

 

Fonda 200 Event Winners

1955: Junior Johnson (NASCAR Grand National)

1963: Steve Danish

1964: Bill Wimble

1966: David Pearson (NASCAR Grand National)

1967: Richard Petty (NASCAR Grand National)

1968: Richard Petty (NASCAR Grand National)

1969: Lou Lazzaro

1970: Harry Peek

1983: Charlie Rudolph

1984: Jimmy Horton

1985: Charlie Rudolph

1986: Jack Johnson

1987: Kenny Brightbill

1988: Jack Johnson

1989: Mike Romano

1990: Doug Hoffman

1991: Doug Hoffman

1992: Bob McCreadie

1993: Bob McCreadie

1994: Jimmy Horton

1995: Brett Hearn

1997: Brett Hearn

1998: Brett Hearn

1999: Steve Paine

2000: Kenny Tremont

2001: Doug Hoffman

2002: Brett Hearn

2019: Stewart Friesen

2021: Stewart Friesen

2022: Matt Sheppard

 

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