By: Ron Szczerba

Fonda, NY – The Saturday, July 27 at the “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway, MW Roosevelt & Sons AKA Roosevelt’s Towing & Recovery will present the CRSA Sprint cars along with all other regular divisions minus the Four Cylinder Cruisers in a racing program scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.

Competing along with the CRSA Sprint cars will be the Sunoco Modifieds, the Swagger Factory Apparel 602 Crate Sportsman ($1,000 to win thanks to Eric Orozco racing), the Montgomery County Office for Aging Inc. Limited Sportsman, the Algonkin Motel Pro Stocks, and the Trackside Body Works Street Stocks.

The CRSA 305 Sprint Cars have competed in 18 sanctioned events at Fonda from 2009 through 2018 with 11 different drivers winning those events. Leading the way with four CRSA victories at Fonda is Danny Varin followed by Josh Pieniazek with three wins. Cory Sparks and Kyle Smith both have two wins apiece while Dylan Swiernik, John Matrafailo, Tyler Rice, Jordan Thomas, Mike Kiser, Brett Jaycox, and Jeff Trombley all have one CRSA win apiece at Fonda.

Danny Varin is no stranger to the Fuccillo Automotive Group Mike Cole Memorial Victory Lane at Fonda as he has three wins with the Empire Super Sprint (ESS) 360-Sprints at Fonda along with one win in the “Open” Sportsman division and nine wins in the Sunoco Modified division.

Trombley is also a multi time winner at Fonda with 35 wins in the Sunoco Modified division along with one win in the 358-Modified class. He was the 2001 & 2002 Track Champion at Fonda in the Modified division and was the master of opening day victories as well with wins on opening day back in 1997, 1999, 2000, & 2002.

So come out this Saturday to the “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway to help long time track contributors and sponsor to many different drivers at Fonda through the years, MW Roosevelt & Sons, celebrate another special evening of competition at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds facility!

Since 1953, the “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway has hosted the best in stock car racing. Now 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 www.facebook.com/thefondaspdwy or follow on Twitter: @thefondaspdwy.

Race Day Information:
Gates Open: 4:00 p.m.
Hot Laps: 6:00 p.m.
Racing 7:00 p.m.

Ticket Pricing:
Adults: $12.00
Seniors: (65 & above) $10.00
Kids 11 & Under: FREE
Pit Entry W/Fonda Speedway License: $30.00
Pit Entry W/O License: $35.00
Parking in Speedway Lot: FREE

Concession Stands & Beer Booth Open

Fonda Speedway Novelty Stand: Brand new Fonda Speedway available for purchase.

Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame and Museum
Opens @ 3:30 pm
Admission to the Hall of Fame & Museum: FREE
Check out Their Page for Special Happenings!

Speedway Office Phone: 518-915-4395
Speedway Address: 21 South Bridge Street, Fonda, NY 12068
Speedway E-Mail: fondaspdwy@gmail.com
Speedway Website: www.thefondaspeedway.com
Speedway Twitter: @thefondaspdwy
Speedway Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefondaspdwy

By: Ron Szczerba

PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGES ON SATURDAY, JULY 20 DUE TO THE EXTREME HEAT CONDITIONS PREDICTED – ALSO PLEASE NOTE THE CORRECTED NOTES ABOUT HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES DICK BENNETT & BERNIE MYRUSKY

Fonda, NY – An exciting and memorable night is upon us this coming Saturday July 20 at the “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway when the Recovery Sports Grill & BBL Companies presents “Hall of Fame Night”.

The Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will take place at the Fonda Speedway Museum starting at 3:00 p.m. The 2019 inductees into the Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame include drivers Dave Camara, Danny Ody, Randy Glenski, and Jack Cottrell; car owners Dick Bennett and Bernie Myrusky; track personnel Doreen Marcucio; track contributor John Grady; and Chet Hames will be honored as the Bill Fake-Track Pioneer.

The 4th Annual Bruce Dostal Dedication to the Fonda Speedway Museum awards will also be handed out to Laurie Fallis, Peter Lazzaro, and Bobco Videos!

Due to the predicted extreme heat on Saturday, the time schedule has been adjusted for Saturday’s racing program. Gates will now open at 5:00 p.m. with Hot laps at 6:30 p.m. and Racing begins at 7:30 p.m.

The racing card will include the Sunoco Racing Modifieds, the Swagger Factory Apparel 602 Crate Sportsman, the Montgomery County Office for Aging Inc. Limited Sportsman, the Algonkin Motel Pro Stocks in a Best of 8 Series event presented by American Racer, the Trackside Body Works Street Stocks, and the Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modifieds (MVVDMS) are all in action!

Below are excerpts from Fonda Speedway Museum’s own Matt Noles, which appeared on the Fonda Speedway Museum & Hall of Fame Facebook page the past couple of weeks. Noles writing is Hall of Fame worthy in its own right so please enjoy his short stories on each of the 2019 Hall of Fame inductees.

DICK BENNETT & BERNIE MYRUSKY
The Fonda Speedway has been home to many of dirt racing’s most iconic drivers. At the same time, it has also been home to some of the most iconic cars of the day as well. Yet one color combination managed to have more staying power than most; the Bernie’s Liquor No. 71.

The #71 was owned by Bill King, who owned racecars at Fonda from 1955-1984 under the King Family racing name according to Bill’s son, former Fonda Speedway announcer and 2015 Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame inductee Jim King who was and always will be known as “the voice” of Fonda Speedway. Bennett hung around the garage and worked on the racecar according to Jim while according to the Fonda book it was sponsored under the Bernie’s Liquor Store name.

The #71 car became famous in its own rite with drivers like Jim Luke, Ken Jones, Lee Millington, Lou Lazzaro, Don Wayman, Jack Farquhar, Robbie Kotary, Don Wayman, Irv Taylor, Ken Shoemaker, Jack Johnson, Lew Boyd, and others finding themselves behind the wheel of this historic machine. Many of them went on to become Hall of Fame drivers in their own time.

DANNY ODY
When the street-stock division – now known as the pro-stock division – came into existence in 1981, nobody knew how impactful it would be almost 40-years later. Some of the best drivers to race at the Fonda Speedway have come from the full-fendered class that some fans saw as a one-off, one-season wonder. Drivers with names like Towns, Hoffman, Achzet, Arell, Ballard, Hart, Martin, Noviczski, and Gates became household entities.

Yet there was one that came before them all, Danny Ody. Danny Ody – or known simply as Danny O – became a pioneer in his own way during that fateful ’81 season. With three-career victories to his name in the division, the driver of the No. 1 drove to the first-ever street-stock/pro-stock track championship in the history of the “Track of Champions”.

It wasn’t just his racing career that left an important mark – though with his career victory tally surpassing the century mark in countless types of cars and at countless different venues certainly helped – it was also his work through the New York State Stock Car Association and his own love of racing through Old Speedways that solidified his well-known love affair with motorsports.

Sadly, the local racing scene was blindsided with the devastating news in January 2014, when his untimely passing was made known. Little did we comprehend the void, which was to be left behind in the wake of his loss and over five-years on, that void is still there. From street-stocks to mini-sprints, from IMCA modifieds to vintage modifieds, Danny Ody raced them all and he raced them well. Quick with a smile and determined to make you laugh, Danny O was quite simply an ordinary man that managed to do extraordinary things.

RANDY GLENSKI
The Utica, New York region has long been a hotbed for dirt racing talent and for good reason; Lou Lazzaro. The ‘Incomparable One’ did more than win races throughout his storied career; he also influenced many young men to follow in his footsteps. One has to look no further than the list of winners from the region. The names and faces stand out like neon signs on a moonless night. Names like Richie Evans, Tommy Wilson, Ben Novak and last but not least by any means, Randy Glenski.

Though the kid with the All-American looks knocked out two quick modified feature victories in his sophomore season in 1983 and another in 1992 – along with a runner-up finish at the Mile in Syracuse that October – Glenski’s powerhouse 1981 season behind the wheel of his legendary No. 17 late-model solidified his stature as one of Fonda’s greats.

Garnering the late-model title in 1981 – which vaulted him into the realm of the modified division in 1982 – and 16 overall victories in the division – placing him fifth on all the all-time win-list – the name Randy Glenski became synonymous with the “Track of Champions.” To those that call Fonda Speedway their home, his name still – undoubtedly – very much is.

CHET HAMES
The term pioneer is often overused to the point of nausea. Yet few words are apt for his description. Chet Hames was Fonda’s first starter throughout what became known as the “Glory Years” and the colorful Saratoga resident – for all intents and purposes – developed the mantra that all flaggers have emulated since; be a part of the show but don’t be the show.

Starting the races from his perch in the center of the front stretch, Hames fit in as a daredevil amongst the legion of barnstormers that were the early years of dirt racing at the famed Fonda oval. With his silk flags flying, full-bodied coupe missiles that were ill handling at best would pass by within what seemed to be fractions of an inch every Saturday night.

The dust infused ballet that should have resulted in the untimely demise of Hames did nothing short of inspire a young generation of race fans to become flaggers themselves; or at least dream of being so someday. In short, it was awe inspiring, entertaining, pioneering and above all else, legendary.

JOHN GRADY
The history of Fonda Speedway is rich and deep leaving many to comprehend the mystique behind the “old girl”. Yet as important as the stories are, they would be merely words on a page if not for the thousands upon thousands of iconic images that accompany them. Like a venerable story unto themselves, the photos that have been captured since day one up to the present catalog what the “Track of Champions” truly is.

Since the inception of motorsports photography at the Montgomery County oval, many men – and women for that matter – have captured the moments, the emotion, and at times, the agony of competition at the half-mile facility. It’s a work of art that was started by the late Russ Bergh that continues to this day. Among those that have dubbed themselves as photographers, one man stands out seemingly more than most. With the eye of an artist, our next inductee was always in the right place at the right time to capture the history through his viewfinder.

For longer than many of us have even been on this earth let alone in attendance on Saturday nights, John Grady was there capturing the most memorable moments. When the NASCAR Grand National cars returned to Fonda in 1966, Grady was there to capture the action. When there were still snowbanks lining the infield at the opener in 2001, Grady was once again there.

While some will never be more than picture-takers, Grady was a photographer to the very core. He documented decades of history in a way that few before – or since for that matter – were able to accomplish. In short, he has become as iconic as the photos he’s taken though he would have been the last one to admit such a thing. After all, a good photographer places the subject matter in the foreground while he or she remains out of sight in the background. That’s what John Grady attempted to accomplish every single solitary moment at the speedway.

DAVE CAMARA
It’s often amusing – for lack of a better term – how often history seems to repeat itself. When Jack Johnson, a man who really needs no introduction, began his racing career, he was given a helping hand by his friend and mentor Harry Peek. The latter went on to become a four-time track champion at Fonda and – as the founder of the coveted “Peek charge” – he would also go on to become a Hall of Fame member.

Fast forward a few decades. When Dave Camara, a man who really needs no introduction, began his racing career, he was given a helping hand by his friend and mentor Jack Johnson. The latter went on to become an 11-time track champion at Fonda and he would also go on to become a Hall of Fame member. As was stated, history does tend to repeat itself.

Dave Camara didn’t sit behind the wheel of a modified until 1990. What’s more, he never sat behind the wheel of anything else. With an Olsen chassis put together by his teacher, Camara immediately showed what he was capable of. Fans and competitors alike took notice of the Camara Slate No. 26.

By the mid-90s, the Vermont native was calling Fonda Speedway home on Saturday nights and it didn’t take him long to cement his place in the history books – he went to victory lane for the first time in 1995 – and by 1998, he beat out fellow competitor Mike Romano for his first-career title at the “Track of Champions.”

If there were any detractors stating that his triumph was a fluke, he backed up his performance the following year with another title in 1999. His critics were silenced in short order. Though he retired from racing with little to no fanfare at all – which it can be assumed was his preferable way of making his exit – the imprint he left behind is still very much felt by those who watched his rise from obscurity to dirt modified prominence. In fact, on the not so rare occasion, his name is still mentioned with the wonder and hope that his return is imminent. On Saturday, July 20, it is for at least one more time.

JACK COTTRELL
Saratoga County has long been known for producing winning racecar drivers and our next inductee is no exception. Rock City Falls, New York is merely a dot on the map. In fact, if one were to attempt driving a scant two miles-per-hour over the speed limit, one would simply miss it. Aside from a paper plant, there really isn’t much to see aside from trees and the occasional stop sign.

Yet from this venerable speedbump arose one of Fonda’s greatest talents in the late model division and one of the more consistent drivers of his era in the modified division as well. He is none other than the “Rock City Falls Rocket”, Jack Cottrell. From the outset of his career – one that would inevitably land him in the Hall of Fame – Cottrell was a special talent. With a simply adorned No. 8 that would become his trademark until his retirement in 2004, Cottrell battled with some of the best that Fonda’s first full-fendered division had to offer.

What’s more is he bested them all on numerous occasions. With 11-career victories to his name – landing him seventh on the all-time win list – Jack Cottrell brought all of his talents to the forefront in 1979, garnering his first track championship at the hallowed fairgrounds oval. It was only logical that he would move on to the modified division and for the Fonda faithful, it was a move well made. Heading to victory lane in September of 1981, Cottrell proved that he belonged with the stars of the top division. By 1988, he even surpassed a few of them.
Actually, he surpassed all of them.

When D.I.R.T (Drivers Independent Race Tracks) decided to head north of the border and take a swing at putting dirt modifieds back on the asphalt, Jack Cottrell answered the call. Loudly. Emphatically. Victoriously. He bested all of the top names of the day leaving Fonda fans with an immense sense of pride that one of their own went on the road and brought home the trophy. It’s a story that’s still told with pride by those that are in the know. For some, it’s a story that still brings chills and smiles in equal measure.

With his final victory coming at the “Track of Champions” in April of 1999, Cottrell left one more fond memory behind as he claimed the 358 Modified title that season. Retiring a scant five-years later, the memories of his exploits both at Fonda and elsewhere have left a long-lasting imprint in the minds of many. It’s amazing what a man from a dot on a map can accomplish.

DOREEN MARCUCIO
Speedways are full of unsung heroes. Officials, track maintenance personnel, ticket booth workers and so on show up every week – sometimes for decades – and perform their jobs with little or no recognition; no fanfare to speak of. Nearly every job performed at the racetrack goes unnoticed. It seems to be a thankless occupation.

Yet every now and then you run across an individual from the aforementioned list that has not only put in an incredible amount of time and dedication into their work, they’ve done so with such devotion that they can’t help but stand out from blurred background of behind the scenes activity. In this case, her name is Doreen Marcucio.

Since 1969 – that’s quite literally five decades – Doreen has showed up to work the various concession stands around the Fonda Speedway. Week after week and season after season, she’s been there faithfully taking care of both the passionate patrons and the drivers they watch. One can say it’s nothing short of a love affair.

She did take a few years off after the arrival of her sons. Still, for 46 out of 50-years she’s been signing-in weekly. It’s not perfect attendance but it’s damn near close enough. Though she will be the last to admit it – and the last to have expected any recognition at all – Doreen has successfully and thoroughly weaved herself into the colorful tapestry that is the “Track of Champions”. In her own way, she’s as much a part of its storied history as the members already in the Hall of Fame. Now it’s her turn to take her place amongst them.

The 4TH Annual Bruce Dostal Dedication to the Fonda Speedway Museum Awards will also be presented to Laurie Fallis, Peter Lazzaro, and Bobco Videos!

Race Day Information:
Gates Open: 5:00 p.m.
Hot Laps: 6:30 p.m.
Racing 7:30 p.m.
Ticket Pricing:
Adults: $11.00
Seniors: (65 & Above) $9.00
Kids 11 & Under: FREE
Pit Entry W/Fonda Speedway License: $30.00
Pit Entry W/O License: $35.00
Parking in Speedway Lot: FREE
Concession Stands & Beer Booth Open
Fonda Speedway Novelty Stand: Brand new Fonda Speedway available for purchase.
Speedway Office Phone: 518-915-4395
Speedway Address: 21 South Bridge Street, Fonda, NY 12068
Speedway E-Mail: fondaspdwy@gmail.com
Speedway Website: www.thefondaspeedway.com
Speedway Twitter: @thefondaspdwy
Speedway Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefondaspdwy

Since 1953, the “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway has hosted the best in stock car racing. Now 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 www.facebook.com/thefondaspdwy or follow on Twitter: @thefondaspdwy.

By: Ron Szczerba

Fonda, NY – What does a chicken BBQ, a huge raffle with many priceless items up for grabs, Banner Night, and great racing action with a complete racing program completed in just three hours all have in common? They were all events that happened at the “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway on Saturday evening as Corr/Pak Merchandising and One Zee Tees presented a special night at the track called “Autism Awareness”.

Total amount raised for the event to benefit the Crossroads Center for Children in Rotterdam, NY was over $15,500! Fonda Speedway management made a generous donation of half of the 50/50 prize money which totaled $2712 and was part of the final total as well. Great job by all involved in the event including Ivan Joslin and his racing team who had their Autism Awareness paint scheme on their #49 Pro Stock, Stewart and Jessica Friesen who had a big part in the event as well as their son Parker attends the Crossroads Center for Children, and all volunteers who donated their time to the event as well.

Under the weather but still doing an amazing job with the National Anthem during opening ceremonies was Fonda Speedway’s own Mimi Lazzaro with feature winners on Saturday evening at Fonda consisting of Michael Maresca and Danny Varin (Sunoco Modified Twin 20’s $1,500 to win each), defending track champion Chad Edwards (Swagger Factory Apparel 602 Crate Sportsman $1,000 to win thanks to Eric Orozco Racing), Brett Mortensen (Montgomery County Office for Aging Inc. Limited Sportsman), Nick Stone (Algonkin Motel Pro Stock Best of 8 Series presented by American Racer Tire), Jason Samrov (Trackside Body Works Street Stocks), and Ken Hollenbeck (Four Cylinder Cruisers).

The New York State Stock Car Association (NYSSCA) also held their Safety Awards Night for the Four Cylinder Cruisers with Hollenbeck collecting a $75 bonus along with a NYSSCA hat and yearbook while Cole Lawton took home the second place prize from the organization of $25, a NYSSCA hat, and yearbook.

Korey Wilder and Michael Maresca started Sunoco Modified Twin 20 feature #1 on the front row with Maresca taking the lead at the drop of Joe Kriss’ green flag. After starting in the fourth position, Dave Constantino got by Wilder for the second position on lap two with sixth place starter Josh Hohenforst also getting by Wilder for the third position at that point.

Danny Varin started the event in the 10^th position and was making his way to the front on lap four, trying a move down the middle of two cars coming out of turn two. The move backfired however when the car on the bottom slid up slightly rubbing tires with Varin who then got into Wilder with both cars spinning on the backstretch. Point leader Rocky Warner and Stewart Friesen were also involved but all four cars were able to pit and rejoin the race at the rear of the field.

On the restart, Friesen got by six cars within a lap but it was called a no start situation so he had to try it all over again one more time. Maresca chose the outside lane on the restart and powered away at the drop of the green flag with Friesen sitting in the fourth position on lap 14 after getting by Bobby Varin. Hohenforst got a bad restart and lost three positions back to sixth in the process with the yellow out again on lap 15 for Wilder who was in the turn two wall.

The restart was single file this time with Maresca continuing to lead while Stewart Friesen got by his wife Jessica on lap 16 for the third position. The top three of Maresca, Constantino, and Stewart Friesen were nose to tail with only two laps to go but at the checkered flag it was Maresca the winner followed by Stewart Friesen who got by Costantino coming out of turn four on the final lap, Jessica Friesen, and Bobby Varin.

The win for Maresca was his first of the 2019 season and the second of his career at Fonda in the St. Lawrence Radiology #7mm Teo car with his first win coming back on August 19, 2017.

“It’s been awhile but it’s pretty cool to win here at Fonda in front of this crowd,” Maresca said in the Fuccillo Automotive Mike Cole Memorial victory lane. “We were tinkering with little things on the car in the Firecracker 50 race here a week ago Wednesday and we found something that worked.”

An invert of eight positions for the second Sunoco Modified Twin 20 event saw Danny Varin and David Schilling on the front row with Varin the early race leader. Bobby Varin started the event in the fourth position and got by both Schilling and Craig Hanson for the second spot with an early caution flag out on lap three.

Schilling and Hanson were waging a tremendous battle for the third position after the restart with Stewart Friesen moving up to join in on the race for the third position on lap 10 after starting seventh. Danny Varin held a straightaway advantage on lap 13 and was in lap traffic while Schilling’s great run came to an end on the next lap as he slowed and drove to the pits while running in the top five.

Friesen moved into the second position with five laps to go but when Danny Varin put four lap cars between himself and Friesen with only three laps to go it sealed the win for him in the T-Rex Express #93 over Friesen, Bobby Varin, Hanson, and Rocky Warner.

For Danny Varin it was his second win of the 2019 season after also winning Twin 20 #2 back on 6/8 and the ninth of his career in the division at Fonda.

“I think Brett Deyo needs to do these Twin 20’s more often,” Varin said in victory lane. “This season has seen a lot of hits and misses and it has been a rocky road for this team but thanks to Ed Munger and Dave Cruickshank who support me 100%.”

The 25-lap Swagger Factory Apparel 602 Crate Sportsman feature got off to a rocky start when Josh DeMagistris came out of turn four sideways collecting the car of Nick Scavia who was behind him at the time. Scavia was done for the evening while DeMagistris continued on and took the lead at the second try to start the event.

Sixth place starter JaMike Sowle was a man on the move at the start, using the outside line on the track to get by both Andrew Buff and Tim Dwyer for the second position by lap nine. On the outside of the backstretch, Sowle took the lead away from DeMagistris with the yellow flag out on lap 13 for a car that was stopped on the infield.

The single file restart saw Sowle continue to lead the event with a new driver coming into play at that point, eighth place starter and defending track champion Chad Edwards. Edwards got by DeMagistris for the second position on lap 16 and was right on the leaders back bumper with five laps to go. Edwards got by Sowle on the inside of the backstretch on lap 21 and went on to his first win of the 2019 season and the seventh of his career in the division in the Tom Spencer owned #37.

Sowle, DeMagistris, Dwyer, and ninth place starter Brian Calabrese completed the top five in the event.

“It’s good to be back here in victory lane at Fonda,” Edwards told Mimi Lazzaro in victory lane. “I got up to second and then I had to pick and choose to try to find a line to catch the leader. It’s been a tough year, we went back to our old car tonight, the one we won the championship with last year.”

The 20-lap Montgomery County Office for Aging Inc. Limited Sportsman feature started with Bill Port and Brett Mortensen on the front row with Mortensen taking the early race lead. Mortensen built up a straightway advantage by lap five as seventh place starter EJ McAuliffe was making his move to the front, getting by John Young first and then Port for the second position on lap eight.

Mortensen held a straightaway plus lead of 5.535 seconds at the halfway point with McAuliffe, Port, Young, and Steve Wagoner completing the top five. McAuliffe was closing the gap lap after lap but when Mortensen cleared lap traffic safely during the final two laps it sealed the win for him, his second win of the season in the Simmons Machine/Hometown Pub & Grub, Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-In of Scotia #1B Teo car.

McAuliffe finished in the second position followed by 11^th place starter Rich Christman, Wagoner, and sixth place starter Michael McCallion.

“The car felt good tonight,” Mortensen said in victory lane. “It was tough because I didn’t know where anybody was behind me.”

The 20-lap Algonkin Motel Pro Stock feature started with Jim Normoyle leading from his pole position start. Nick Stone started the event in the fourth position and on lap two he got by Andy Graves for the second spot. On the outside of the front stretch at the finish line to complete lap four, Stone took the lead away from Normoyle with 12^th place starter Luke Horning now in the top five.

Horning got by Normoyle for the second position on lap eight but at that point in the race Stone was a full straightaway ahead. By lap 12 the top four had pulled away from the rest of the field with Horning closing in on Stone lap after lap. Horning made one last ditch effort coming out of turn four on the final lap as he ducked inside the leader but he wasn’t close enough as Stone went on to his first win of the season and the 43^rd of his career in the division in the Meltz Lumber #27.

Horning, seventh place starter Kenny Gates, Normoyle, and Justin Knight completed the top five in the event.

“We have been playing with things on the car that we aren’t very familiar with,” Stone said in victory lane. “And I think that we finally have it figured out. I help everyone I can when I can, said the builder of Pro Stock cars that makes it that much better when we win.”

Cliff Haslun led the first five laps in the Trackside Body Works Street Stock feature event until Jason Samrov got by for the lead on a lap six restart. Samrov survived multiple caution flags and a challenge from Dave Horning Sr. to take his third win of the season and the 11^th of his career in the division over Horning Sr., Michael Arnold, Haslun, and Al Relyea.

Ken Hollenbeck led all 12-laps of the Four Cylinder Cruiser feature event for his fourth win of the season and the 46^th of his career in the division over Cole Lawton, PJ Bleau, John Napoli, and TJ Marlitt.

Next Saturday, July 20 the recovery Sports Grill & BBL Companies will present Hall of fame Night with all divisions in action except for the Four Cylinder Cruisers. Starting time will be 7:00 p.m.

Since 1953, the “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway has hosted the best in stock car racing. Now 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 www.facebook.com/thefondaspdwy or follow on Twitter: @thefondaspdwy.

SUNOCO MODIFIED TWIN 20 FEATURE #1 FINISH – $1,500 TO WIN – 20-LAPS – MICHAEL MARESCA, Stewart Friesen, Dave Constantino, Jessica Friesen, Bobby Varin, Craig Hanson, David Schilling, Danny Varin, Rocky Warner, Josh Hohenforst, Pep Corradi, Brian Pessolano, Steve Akers, Vinny Sanganetti, Ed Harris, Korey Wilder, Cody Bleau, Brian Gleason

SUNOCO MODIFIED TWIN 20 FEATURE #2 FINISH – $1,500 TO WIN – 20-LAPS – DANNY VARIN, Stewart Friesen, Bobby Varin, Craig Hanson, Rocky Warner, Michael Maresca, Brian Gleason, Jessica Friesen, Cody Bleau, Dave Constantino, Josh Hohenforst, Pep Corradi, Korey Wilder, Steve Akers, Ed Harris, Brian Pessolano, David Schilling, Vinny Sanganetti, Scott Huber (DNS)

HEAT RACE WINNERS: Josh Hohenforst, Michael Maresca

SWAGGER FACTORY APPAREL CRATE 602 SPORTSMAN FEATURE FINISH – $1,000 TO WIN THANKS TO ERIC OROZCO RACING – 25-LAPS – CHAD EDWARDS, JaMike Sowle, Josh DeMagistris, Tim Dwyer, Brian Calabrese, Tim Hartman Jr., Andrew Buff, Adam McAuliffe, Aaron Burton, Jason Greco, Harry Shaffer, Mark Mortensen, Travis Green, Jeremiah Munson, Joe Orlando, Tony Farone, Michael Wagner-Fitzgerald, Thomas VanVorst, Brendan Gibbons, Kathy Bellen, Jason Reome, Cody Clark, Kurtis Hohensheldt, Griffen Mansmith, Dan Santabarbara, Brian Borst, Nick Scavia, Joe Williams

HEAT RACE WINNERS: Brian Calabrese, Andrew Buff, Chad Edwards

MONTGOMERY COUNTY OFFICE FOR AGING INC. LIMITED SPORTSMAN FEATURE FINISH – 20-LAPS – BRETT MORTENSEN, EJ McAuliffe, Rich Christman, Steve Wagoner, Michael McCallion, John Young, Alan Hanson, Bill Port, Dana Camenga, Taylor LaPlante, Jack Hamm, Dylan Eldred (DNS)

ALGONKIN MOTEL PRO STOCK FEATURE FINISH BEST OF 8 SERIES PRESENTED BY AMERICAN RACER – $800 TO WIN – 20-LAPS – NICK STONE, Luke Horning, Kenny Gates, Jim Normoyle, Justin Knight, Chuck Dumblewski, Josh Coonradt, Andy Graves, Jason Morrison, Ivan Joslin, Devon Camenga, Bill Knapp, John Roese, Cassidy Wilson, Beau Ballard, Jeff McPhail, Randy Cosselman, Jamie Warner, Alicia Hughes, David Emigh, Reuben Kennedy Jr.

HEAT RACE WINNERS: Jim Normoyle, Nick Stone, Luke Horning

TRACKSIDE BODY WORKS STREET STOCK FEATURE FINISH – 15-LAPS – JASON SAMROV, Dave Horning Sr., Michael Arnold, Cliff Haslun, Al Relyea, Josh Samrov, Stephen Young, Zach Sorrentino

FOUR CYLINDER CRUISER FEATURE – 12-LAPS – KEN HOLLENBECK, Cole Lawton, PJ Bleau, John Napoli, TJ Marlitt

By: Ron Szczerba

Fonda, NY – After a huge televised racing event on Wednesday, July 3 called the Firecracker 50 for the Sunoco Modifieds along with a Saturday evening off from racing for speedway management and staff to recover from the event, the historic half mile facility known to all as the “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway will be back in action this Saturday, July 13 for Autism Awareness Night presented by One Zee Tees and Corr/Pak Merchandising.

It all starts with “’Tailgate for a Cause” at the Entertainment Building from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. with a Chicken BBQ. Tickets for the BBQ are available for purchase from either Ivan Joslin or Jessica Friesen for just $10! Joslin’s #49 Pro Stock car will be on display at the Chicken BBQ as well so stop by for some autographs and to check out the Autism Awareness themed racecar.

A Bounce House will be on site for early arriving families so the parents can enjoy their Chicken BBQ while the kids play! A tie-dye station will also be set up for the first 50 kids, 15 years of age and younger!

BUG Country will be live on location from 2-4 p.m. with a remote broadcast during the BBQ!

Once the track gates open, a huge raffle will take place under the grand stands at the Fonda Speedway Kid’s Club underneath the grandstand at Gate 2. There will be a number of prizes available including two Hot Pit passes for the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series event at the Pocono Raceway, a Pellet Smoker, racecar door panels, gift certificates and much, much more!

So who wants a Friesen #1Z or #44-racecar panel? Confirmed by Jessica Friesen there will be three #44 blue panels, one #44 red panel, one #1Z door panel, and one #44 roof available for raffle prizes! Tickets for all of the raffle prizes that will be available will be $1.00 each with all proceeds of the raffle and Chicken BBQ benefitting the Crossroads Center for Children, which is attended by Stewart and Jessica Friesen’s young son Parker!

There are also blankets that were made by Kathleen Wood up for grabs as raffle prizes along with a specially made panel with the #49 Ivan Joslin, the #44 Stewart Friesen, and the #1Z of Jessica Friesen on it which will be signed by all three drivers. The panel was designed and created by Fonda Speedway track photographer Jeff Karabin and JK Motorsports Concepts and Sign Designs.

Fonda Speedway management will also donate the second half of the 50/50 to the Crossroads Center for children!

Also happening at the Fonda Speedway Kid’s Club on Saturday, July 13 will be Banner Night so kid’s design and put your artistic talents to good use to come up with a banner of your favorite driver or drivers!

And all of that is before the racing action even starts!

On the racing card will be the Sunoco Racing Modifieds who will compete in Twin 20 feature events paying $1,500 to win each, the Swagger Factory Apparel Crate 602 Sportsman in a $1,000 to win feature event thanks to Eric Orozco Racing, the Montgomery County Office for Aging Inc. Limited Sportsman, the Algonkin Motel Pro Stocks in a “Best of 8 Series” event presented by American Racer Tires, the Trackside Body Works Street Stocks, and the Four Cylinder Cruisers on a busy and full night of racing.

The New York State Stock Car Association (NYSSCA) will be presenting their Safety Awards to the Four Cylinder Cruiser division drivers on Saturday as well. Any drivers who are not yet members of the NYSSCA Organization can see Fonda Speedway track rep Bonnie Mortensen at the Sportsman car #1M trailer to become a member and be eligible for the monetary awards to be given out.

Race Day Information:
Gates Open: 4:00 p.m.
Hot Laps: 6:00 p.m.
Racing 7:00 p.m.

Ticket Pricing:
Adults: $13.00
Seniors: (65 & above) $11.00
Kids 11 & Under: FREE
Pit Entry W/Fonda Speedway License: $30.00
Pit Entry W/O License: $35.00
Parking in Speedway Lot: FREE

Concession Stands & Beer Booth Open

Fonda Speedway Novelty Stand: Brand new Fonda Speedway available for purchase.

Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame and Museum
Opens @ 3:30 pm
Admission to the Hall of Fame & Museum: FREE

Mark Mortensen, driver of the #1M Swagger factory Apparel 602 Crate Sportsman who was the feature winner back on Saturday, June 29, will be at the museum to sign autographs and meet with fans so please come over to see Mark and check out the wonderful Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame & Museum!

Please also check out the Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame & Museum for other happenings this Saturday evening July 13.

Speedway Office Phone: 518-915-4395
Speedway Address: 21 South Bridge Street, Fonda, NY 12068
Speedway E-Mail: fondaspdwy@gmail.com
Speedway Website: www.thefondaspeedway.com
Speedway Twitter: @thefondaspdwy
Speedway Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefondaspdwy