By: Ron Szczerba

FONDA, NY – Traditions on Memorial Day vary from family to family but may consist of the following: parades, cook outs, and of course Sprint Car Racing at the “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway!

This Saturday May 25 at Fonda, the A-Verdi Storage Containers Patriot Sprint Tour will be in competition for the Earl Halaquist Memorial event. After a one-season hiatus, the Patriots are back at the Fonda Speedway located in Fonda, NY, which is now under the promotional operation of Brett Deyo. They will head to the Montgomery County fairgrounds for the Earl Halaquist Memorial, an event that pays $3,000 to win and $300 to qualify. Lap money will also awarded.

Also racing at the Fonda Speedway on Saturday, May 25 will be the Sunoco Racing Modifieds, the Swagger Factory Apparel Crate 602 Sportsman, the Montgomery County Office for Aging Inc. Limited Sportsman, the Algonkin Motel Pro Stocks, and the Trackside Body Works Street Stocks with racing starting at 7:00 p.m.

As a special tribute to the Veterans and military, Brendan Gibbons of Gibbons Military Motors will have two of his jeeps on display for the evening. One of the jeeps according to Gibbons will be a 1945 Willys MB, nicknamed “Lil’ Buddy”, which saw service with the US Army in WWII. This jeep was restored by Brendan and Richard Gibbons (WWII veteran) in 2010.

The other jeep that will be on display is a 1942 Willys MB, nicknamed “Dolly.”, which saw service with the United States Marine Corps and US Army during WWII along with postwar service with the US Airforce in Europe. This Jeep was restored in 2011 by Brendan and Richard Gibbons.

Gibbons appears in parades around the local area with his Jeeps, this past week appearing in the Memorial Day parade in Scotia, NY. That evening Gibbons and his friend Brett Mortensen piloted the Jeeps in the parade with Taylor LaPlante also driving the Jeeps during some events.

Sprint car driver Josh Flint, who is a veteran, will also have his #41 Sprint Car at the Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame & Museum at 4:00 p.m. when the museum opens so please stop and see Josh, thank him for his service, and wish him good luck in his racing endeavors in 2019 including Saturday evening at the Fonda Speedway! Sprint cars are cool to look at up close and personal with the huge wing on top of them so here is your chance to get a close up look at the Josh Flint Sprint Car!

Below is a history of the Earl Halaquist Memorial event, which appears on the Patriot Sprint Tour website www.patriotsprinttour.com

With permission from Mike Emhof of the Patriot Sprint tour, here is Earl Halaquist as Remembered by Michael Monnat.

By the first time I saw Earl Halaquist race a sprint car for the United Racing Club (URC) in 1960 at the Five Mile Point Speedway in Kirkwood, New York, he was already half-way through his career. Yet, at that point, he hadn’t even begun to receive national notoriety. That all changed with the dawn of the Sixties and his prodigious and overwhelmingly spectacular use of George Nesler’s sprint car racing equipment.

Halaquist had been around the sprint car game since arriving home after serving in the U.S. Navy in World War II, making his debut in 1946 in Little Valley, N.Y. From that point forward through the Fifties, he raced with sanctions like the Eastern States Racing Association (ESRA), the Big Car Racing Association (BCRA), and URC.

Back to that July night at Five Mile Point, Halaquist didn’t win the feature, but he was impressive getting a second-place finish behind Hal Rettberg. That was only the beginning as the decade that changed the country belonged to the Earl Halaquist/George Nesler duo.

Six URC titles (1962, ’64, ’66, ’67, ’68, ’69) impressed the hell out of me and, during that time; I caught every local show and went to a few regional shows, as well. Halaquist won on dirt and asphalt. He won on the big tracks and the bullrings. In short, he won on everything and everywhere; he won 14 features in 1967 alone. Along the way, he garnered 52 URC main events; most coming at a time when ‘having a roof over your head’ meant living at home.

The quiet, unassuming family man from Sidney, N.Y., had a full-time job with Bendix, in addition to running up and down the East Coast chasing feature wins and point titles. He retired after spending 1970 driving midget cars with the American Race Drivers Club (ARDC). I didn’t meet Earl Halaquist in person until 1992 when he was inducted in the We-Go Racing Fan Club Hall of Fame. In 1996, he was inducted into the Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) Hall of Fame and, in 2000; he was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame (NSCHoF).

In 2010, he was posthumously inducted into the URC Hall of Fame. His many skills spoke for themselves and everything about him read ‘class act.’ Earl Satch Halaquist, who was born on September 7, 1925, in Rock Rift, N.Y., died on January 12, 2001, at the age of seventy-five. Great driver, great man. Nothing else needs to be said!

PREVIOUS WINNERS OF THE EARL HALAQUIST MEMORIAL EVENT
8/14/2004 – Dundee, NY – Blake Breen ESS/PSG
8/15/2005 – Dundee, NY – George Suprick ESS/PSG
8/12/2006 – Dundee, NY – Chuck Hebing ASCS/PSG
7/22/2007 – Fonda, NY – Justin Barger ESS
8/5/2008 – Fonda, NY – Justin Barger ESS
5/23/2009 – Fonda, NY – Doug Emery ESS
5/29/2010 – Fonda, NY – Justin Barger ESS
5/28/2011 – Fonda, NY – Justin Barger ESS
5/26/2012 – Fonda, NY – Jessica Zemken-Friesen ESS
9/21/2013 – Fonda, NY – Jeff Cook ESS
8/26/2014 – Afton, NY – Chuck Hebing ESS
8/25/2015 – Afton, NY – Matt Tanner ESS
8/23/2016 – Afton, NY – Steve Piorier ESS
8/12/2017 – Fonda, NY – Danny Varin ESS
5/26/2018 – Fonda, NY – Danny Varin ESS

Race Day Information for Saturday, May 25 at the Fonda Speedway:

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

Ticket Pricing:
Adults: $15.00
Seniors: (65 & Above) $13.00
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

For up to date Patriot Sprint Tour information, please be sure to visit www.patriotsprinttour.com and to connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and twitter.

By: Ron Szczerba

Fonda, NY – Do you remember back in the 80’s when you used to be able to go to the movie theatre for $1 matinees on weekend afternoons for your entertainment? I used to work part time at a movie theatre that offered that deal but that was for a matinee showing, not for a prime time evening showing!

Well this Saturday, May 18 St. Lawrence Radiology is presenting something a little different at the “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway called “Dollar Night”. Actually, it is unheard of and is truly something special. $1 admission to the races and it is not a matinee, it is a prime time evening racing program, all divisions in action, with racing starting at 7:00 p.m.

With three racing events in the record books so far in 2019, the competition has been fierce at Fonda with three different winners in the Sunoco Racing Modified division (Matt Sheppard, Dave Constantino, and Rocky Warner), three different winners in the Swagger Factory Apparel 602 Crate Sportsman division (Mark Mortensen, Adam McAuliffe, and Tim Hartman Jr.) and three different winners in the Algonkin Motel Pro Stock division (Kenny Gates, Luke Horning, and Ivan Joslin).

The only repeat winners have come so far in the Montgomery County Office for the Aging Limited Sportsman division where EJ McAuliffe has won twice while Brett Mortensen won the first of his career last Saturday in just his third time out in the racecar! Dave Horning Sr. has swept all three of the Trackside Auto Body Street Stock features while Ken Hollenbeck has swept both of the Four Cylinder Cruiser feature events.

Saturday May 18th, is going to be special to say the least! We cannot think of a better night to invite everyone to the “Track of Champions” as St. Lawrence Radiology presents Dollar Night! You get six divisions of racing for ONE DOLLAR! Sunoco Racing Modifieds, Swagger Factory Apparel 602 Crate Sportsman ($1,000 To Win Thanks To Eric Orozco Racing), Algonkin Motel Pro-Stocks, Montgomery County Office for the Aging Limited Sportsman, Trackside Body Works Street Stocks, and Four Cylinder Cruisers, all for an admission price of ONE DOLLAR!

So tell a friend, family member, dog, cat, goldfish, or anyone else you can think of and tell them Fonda Speedway is charging ONE DOLLAR to watch a complete show of racing! Let’s rock the “Track of Champions” for ONE DOLLAR!

FONDA SPEEDWAY DOLLAR NIGHT QUESTIONS ANSWERED….
This Saturday, Fonda Speedway and St. Lawrence Radiology present Dollar Night with $1 Grandstand Admission for a complete show of stock car racing!
We wanted to take a few moments to answer some FAQ:

Grandstand Admission is $1. Kids 11 and under are FREE.
Six-Pack Size coolers are permitted. No glass bottles and no outside alcohol permitted. There is a beer booth on site.

Speedway concessions and the Novelty Stand/Store will be open.

All seating is general admission with the exception of Season Ticket holders who have reserved seats. Please respect the reserved seats.

With the outstanding Drivers’ Point Fund 50/50 numbers during the last three weeks, speedway management will guarantee a minimum of $1,000 to the 50/50 winner. It can only go up from there!

Parking in the main lot behind the grandstand is FREE. Once the main lot is full, parking moves across the street where there is a $5 fee as a fundraiser by the Fultonville Reformed Church to benefit #woodwardstrong and Josh and Chelsea Woodward. There is overflow parking available and parking is permitted on village streets so long as “no parking” signs are not posted.

From Pro Stock driver Alicia Hughes: Racers, fans, family, friends…. I just received confirmation from the family of Woodward Strong! For parking on Saturday at the Fonda Speedway, 25% of the parking fee will go to the family. Well I decided let’s come together for this amazing family! The Pro Stock Car #730 of Alicia Hughes will be the Woodward strong car and I will carry the number 5% on Saturday night at Fonda!

Whoever would like to donate to this beautiful family can see Alicia, as she will be walking around the pits and also out in the grandstands! 100percent of the donations will go right back to the Woodward Family! The money that Alicia gets at the end of the night for her finishing position in the feature will go right to the Woodward Family!

Lew Boyd of Coastal 181 will be on hand at Fonda this Saturday, May 18 selling books from his racing bookstore. He will be at the Fonda Speedway Museum in the afternoon with books, videos, and posters on display and then during the evening he will be set up by the grandstands with the same materials! As something special for the night, Lew will also be doing a free giveaway of a whole bunch of kids’ books written by Susan Kelly Hearn.

The coveted book FONDA! will also be on sale for $25 and as one of its authors Lew Boyd will be there to autograph your copy of the book for you!

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

Ticket Pricing:
Adults: $1.00
Seniors: (65 & Above) $1.00
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

What do last week’s winner’s all have in common? They will all be at the Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame and Museum this Saturday!

Come join us as we recognize Rocky Warner (modified), Tim Hartman Jr. (sportsman), Ivan Joslin (pro-stock) and Brett Mortensen (limited sportsman) for their feature wins last Saturday night. All four drivers and their race-winning cars will be on hand at 4pm.

Don’t forget that the kids coloring corner is back as well as new additions to our exhibits celebrating the history of the storied ‘Track of Champions.’

Please join us at the Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame and Museum, where the past comes back to life!

Fonda Speedway Contacts:
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: Fonda Speedway

By: Ron Szczerba

Fonda, NY – As a racer, what better way to celebrate Mother’s Day then with a win and a celebration in victory lane at Fonda with your Mother? Saturday evening, Rocky Warner was able to do just that as he took his second career win in the Sunoco Modified division at the “Track of Champions” in the Jake Spraker Used Cars #1J.

In the Fuccillo Automotive Group, Mike Cole Memorial victory lane afterwards, Warner celebrated with his car owner, his crew, fans, sponsors, and one very important person in his life his mother Deb.

“You had to go there,” Warner said to Melissa Lazzaro after she asked him about how important his Mother is to him. “She is everything to me” a very emotional Warner said.

Other winners on Tribute to Mom’s Night at Fonda on Saturday were Tim Hartman Jr. (Swagger Factory Apparel Crate 602 Sportsman), Brett Mortensen (Montgomery County Office for the Aging Limited Sportsman), Ivan Joslin (Algonkin Motel Pro Stock), Dave Horning Sr. (Trackside Body Works Street Stock), and Ken Hollenbeck (Four Cylinder Cruisers).

Nate Furman of Amsterdam, NY was the winner of the weekly 50/50 prize which was worth $1656!

Stephanie May did a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem to start off the racing program with another large crowd on hand to watch the evenings racing action.

The handicapping system was used for the first time this season putting Steve Akers and Darwin Greene on the front row of the Sunoco Modified feature with Greene taking the early race lead. Modified rookie David Schilling started the event in the sixth position but was on the move early, getting by Willy Decker for the third position on lap five while Greene was out to a straightaway advantage.

On a lap six restart, Greene continued to lead while Decker moved into the second position and seventh place starter Rocky Warner was the new third place car. Three laps later Warner got by Decker for the second position while 12th place starter Stewart Friesen moved into the top five after getting by Schilling for the spot.

At the halfway point in the event, Warner was pressuring Greene for the lead while Decker, Michael Maresca, and Friesen completed the top five. Lap traffic came into play on lap 18 with Greene trying to protect the bottom while Warner raced hard and clean, respecting the leader while putting on a great race for the fans.

Another caution flag was out on lap 20, and another one on the restart with no laps completed, forcing a single file restart situation on the next try. On each lap coming into turn four, Greene would slide up the track slightly, opening up the bottom groove for Warner, with Warner taking advantage of that coming down to complete lap 21 and taking the race lead. Warner pulled away to a half track lead with four laps to go but one final caution came out on lap 26 bringing the field back to him.

After the restart, Warner pulled away while Friesen made a late race move from the fifth position to second with one lap to go. But there was no time to challenge Warner as he pulled away to his second career win at the “Track of Champions” followed in the top five by Friesen, Greene, Decker, and Maresca.

In post-race inspection Greene was disqualified for being light on the scales and was placed 26th in the final finish results.

“This car is like driving a Cadillac,” Warner said in victory lane. “I was trying to time it right going into turn four because Darwin was on top and I was trying to find moisture on the bottom. He had a good car and was protecting his lead like he should have but I knew that I had a good car I just had to take my time.”

The 25-lap Swagger Factory Apparel Crate 602 Sportsman feature began with Kurtis Hohensheldt and Harry Shaffer on the front row with Shaffer the early race leader. JaMike Sowle started the event in the sixth position and on lap two took the second spot away from Hohensheldt with Brian Borst and 13th place starter Tim Hartman Jr. completing the top five.

The only caution flag in the event came out on lap eight and on the restart Sowle was the new race leader with Hartman Jr. now in the second position. Sowle was in lap traffic with five laps to go and that proved to be his downfall as Hartman Jr. went inside of both Sowle and a lap car in turn four on lap 21 to take the race lead.

Hartman Jr. went on to his fifth win in the division at Fonda in the Parillo Services #22 with Sowle, Borst, eighth place starter Cody Clark, and 11th place starter Tony Farone completing the top five.

“I have to thank Mike (Parillo) for the opportunity he gave me in this car,” Hartman Jr, said in victory lane. “We have been working on this car for a couple of weeks and this is its first time out. We had an electrical problem with the car earlier tonight but we got that fixed and the car was definitely good on the slippery track. Tonight my daughter is here and this will be her first victory lane photo so that is very special. Happy Mother’s Day to my Mom and my wife.”

Spencer Rapp led early in the Montgomery County Office for the Aging Limited Sportsman feature but by the time lap one was completed it was outside front row starter Brett Mortensen who had the race lead after getting by Rapp on the outside of turns three and four. Two time feature winner in the division this year EJ McAuliffe started the event in the 12th position and was the fifth place car by the time the lap counter showed lap eight.

Mortensen stayed smooth and steady and led all laps in the caution free event to take his first career win at the “Track of Champions”. Rapp, Brendan Gibbons, McAuliffe, and Alan Hanson completed the top five in the event. In victory lane, Brett Mortensen’s brother Mark and their Mom Bonnie posed for a photo to celebrate Mother’s Day.

“I took my brothers car out in warm-ups earlier this year and hit the wall with it,” Mortensen said after the win. “So I had to buy a car of my own and redeem myself from that day.”

Ivan Joslin led at the start of the 20-lap Algonkin Motel Pro Stock feature from his outside front row starting spot with Jim Normoyle right behind in second. John Roese and Jason Morrison both got by Normoyle for the second and third positions with a five car battle ensuing on lap six for the third position with the cars racing four wide in turns one and two.

Eighth place starter Chuck Dumblewski was part of that battle and was the new third place car with Roese challenging Joslin for the lead on lap eight. At the halfway point in the event Joslin was the race leader followed by Roese, Dumblewski, 10th place starter Josh Coonradt, and 12th place starter Luke Horning.

The one and only caution flag in the event slowed the field on lap 14 and on the restart Coonradt was the new second place car. Joslin and Coonradt were side by side for the lead with four laps to go with Joslin holding on to the lead while 11th place starter Nick Stone moved into the top five. Joslin pulled away in the closing laps leaving four other cars behind to battle for the second position.

At the drop of the checkered flag it was Joslin in the Parillo Services sponsored #49 winning his 10th career feature event in the division at Fonda over Dumblewski, Horning, Coonradt, and Stone.

Jason Samrov led at the start of the 15-lap Trackside Body Works Street Stock feature event with Stephen Young second at the completion of lap one after starting fourth. Young was in the wall in turns one and two on lap two bringing out the caution with two time winner in 2019 Dave Horning Sr. now the new second place car.

Michael Arnold and Horning Sr. swapped the second position a couple of times but by lap 10 with five laps to go it was a two car battle between Samrov and Horning Sr. On the final lap, just as he has done in the last two events, Horning Sr. closed in on the leader and on the inside of turn four coming to the checkered flag he took the lead away from Samrov and went on to his 61st career win in the division.

Samrov, Young, Arnold, and Cliff Haslun completed the top five.

Ken Hollenbeck led all 12-laps in the Four Cylinder Cruiser feature event for his 44th career win in the division over Cole Lawton, Josh Samrov, John Napoli, and Zach McSpirit.

Next Saturday, May 18 will be Dollar Night with $1 grandstand admission and all divisions in action with a 7:00 p.m. starting time.

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 Feature Finish (30 Laps): ROCKY WARNER, Stewart Friesen, Willy Decker, Michael Maresca, Bobby Varin, David Schilling, Dave Constantino, Brian Gleason, Josh Hohenforst, Cody Bleau, Danny Varin, Demetrious Drellos, Pep Corradi, Steve Akers, Craig Hanson, Jessica Friesen, Scott Huber, Korey Wilder, Ed Harris, Elmo Reckner, Tim Fuller, Vinny Sanganetti, Aaron Jacobs, Ryan Odasz, Jim Introne Jr., Darwin Greene (DQ Weight)

Heat Race Winners: Willy Decker, Rocky Warner, Brian Gleason

Swagger Factory Apparel Crate 602 Sportsman Feature Finish (25 laps): TIM HARTMAN JR., JaMike Sowle, Brian Borst, Cody Clark, Tony Farone, Adam McAuliffe, Harry Shaffer, Chad Edwards, Josh DeMagistris, Brian Pessolano, Aaron Burton, Brian Calabrese, Nick Scavia, Joe Orlando, Ryan McCarthy, Jeremy Tuttle, Jason Greco, Griffen Mansmith, Tim Dwyer, Tighe Sherlock, Mark Mortensen, Andrew Buff, Kale Groff, Thomas VanVorst, Mike Jackson, Kathy Bellen, Jake Mason, Ron Proctor, Kurtis Hohensheldt, Mike Ketchum (DNS)

Heat Race Winners: Cody Clark, JaMike Sowle, Brian Pessolano

Greco’s Napa Hard Charger: TIM HARTMAN JR. started 13th and finished 1st, 12 spots gained

Algonkin Motel Pro Stock Feature Finish (20 laps ‘Best of 8 Series’ presented by American Racer): IVAN JOSLIN, Chuck Dumblewski, Luke Horning, Josh Coonradt, Nick Stone, Bill Knapp, David Emigh, Jason Morrison, John Roese, Kenny Gates, Justin Knight, Randy Cosselman, Steve Cosselman, Andy Graves, Cassidy Wilson, Beau Ballard, Dave Horning Sr., Reuben Kennedy Jr., Adam Warner, Jim Normoyle, Alicia Hughes, Jamie Warner, Buck Gasner (DNS)

Heat Race Winners: Nick Stone, Luke Horning, Josh Coonradt

Montgomery County Office for Aging Limited Sportsman Feature Finish (15 Laps): BRETT MORTENSEN, Spencer Rapp, Brendan Gibbons, EJ McAuliffe, Alan Hanson, Tucker O’Connor, Kyle Hoard, Rich Christman, Michael McCallion, Steve Wagoner, William August, Dylan Eldred, John Young, Bill Port, Jack Hamm, Billy Bridges (DNS)
Heat Race Winners: Alan Hanson, Dylan Eldred

Trackside Body Works Street Stock Feature (15 Laps): DAVE HORNING SR., Jason Samrov, Stephen Young, Michael Arnold, Cliff Haslun, Rich Walters

Four Cylinder Cruisers (12 laps): KEN HOLLENBECK, Cole Lawton, Josh Samrov, John Napoli, Zach McSpirit, Wayne Russell, TJ Marlitt, Tim Billington

By: Ron Szczerba

FONDA, NY – This Saturday, May 11 Fonda Speedway management is proud to present a “Tribute to Moms”. Some of our biggest supporters are our mothers, and on this night, we hope to make the special ladies feel even more special.

The first 175 mothers through the gates will receive a carnation. Other giveaway items include three Vera Bradley purses, two Coach Wallets and three baskets to Pamper Yourself with body wash, facemask, cosmetic bag, thermal tumbler and a body scrub. Please see Melissa “Mimi” Lazzaro to get your complimentary raffle ticket.

On the racing card for Saturday, May 11 at Fonda will be the Sunoco Racing Modifieds, the Swagger Factory Apparel Crate 602 Sportsman, the Montgomery County Office for the Aging Limited Sportsman, the Algonkin Motel Pro Stock “Best of 8 Series Presented by American Racer”, the Trackside Body Works Street Stocks, and the Four Cylinder Cruisers.

Looking back on last weeks (5/4/2019) racing program, a Meet & Greet was held where the entire front straightaway was filled, four wide the entire distance, with racecars from all of the different divisions as children and adults all got to go out on the racetrack to visit with and meet their favorite drivers. Drivers were all on hand giving away autographed pictures and talking racing with their fans.

Before the racing program began, Ed Biittig Sr. greeted the Fonda Speedway fans with a prayer and also saying to the fans “introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you on both sides, it is a great way to meet a new friend”.

Jenna Conley then did a great job singing the National Anthem with Melissa “Mimi” Lazzaro by her side for morale support. The young lady did a fantastic job and was given a huge ovation by the crowd on hand afterwards.

Looking ahead on Saturday, May 18 at the Fonda Speedway it will be $1 Night with a $1 grandstand admission to all fans.

On Memorial Day weekend Saturday, May 25, the Patriot Sprint Tour (PST) will present the Earl Halaquist Memorial event along with all other divisions in action except for the Four Cylinder Cruisers, which will not be in action that evening.

Then next month it will be New York State Stock Car Association (NYSSCA) Safety Awards Night with monetary prizes to be given away to NYSSCA members that compete that night in all divisions. If you have not yet signed up to be a NYSSCA member, please see NYSSCA representative Bonnie Mortensen at the track.

RACE DAY INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2019:
Gates Open: 4:00 p.m.
Hot Laps: 6:00 p.m.
Racing: 7:00 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 gear is available for purchase.

FONDA SPEEDWAY HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM
Opens @ 3:30 pm
Admission to the Hall of Fame & Museum: FREE

What do three DKM Chassis drivers, a young upstart and a full-fendered ageless wonder have in common? Simple; they will all be at the Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame and Museum this Saturday!

Starting at 4:00 p.m. first-time modified feature winner Dave Constantino, sportsman feature winner Adam McAuliffe, pro-stock feature winner Luke Horning, limited sportsman feature winner EJ McAuliffe and street-stock feature winner Dave Horning Sr. will all be on hand at the museum.

Be sure to stop by and congratulate these drivers on their latest accomplishments at the famed fairgrounds oval.

Did you know?
– The kids coloring corner is back! Bring your aspiring little artists by to color before the races!
– We have an entire new table of Fonda Speedway memorabilia on display for this week!
– Did you miss the races last Saturday? No worries as we have the DVD of last week’s racing action courtesy of Bobco Video playing every Saturday!

We look forward to seeing you at the Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame and Museum, where the past comes back to life!

SPEEDWAY CONTACT INFORMATION:
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.

By: Ron Szczerba

Fonda, NY – The “Black Flag Crew” took over victory lane at the “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway on Saturday evening as DKM Cyclone drivers Dave Constantino and Adam McAuliffe were victorious in the Sunoco Modified and Swagger Factory Apparel 602 Crate Sportsman divisions respectively. Bob Hilbert Sportswear sponsored the evenings racing activities at Fonda and there was also a benefit for the Regional Animal Shelter which raised a total of $12,534 for the animals!

Constantino took over the ride in the Laudy Hoyenga Motorsports #34 for the 2019 racing season and on week one last Saturday was fast and captured a top five finish. This Saturday Constantino started in the fourth position and was quick to show that he was fast again, taking an early lead and going on to his first career Modified win at Fonda.

Constantino grew up in a racing family with his father John Constantino, who is a Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame driver, racing for many years and actually still racing in the Vintage car that he owns. Also a big part of Dave Constantino’s life was his “extended family” that being Maynard Forrette who lived around the corner from where Dave grew up and who is a big part of the DKM story of how Constantino, Erik Mack, and Kyle Hoffman got started in the race car fabrication business.

In victory lane on Saturday evening, Dave Constantino proudly stood on top of his racecar with a huge “DKM” flag while people in victory lane, many of them wearing “DKM black”, cheered wildly and celebrated Dave’s first career Modified win at Fonda. Before Mimi Lazzaro was able to interview Constantino, Dave gave car owner Laudy Hoyenga a big hug as they both celebrated the victory.

“I want to thank Laudy for putting me in this car,” Constantino told Mimi Lazzaro in victory lane. “This is a childhood dream come true an emotional Constantino said in victory lane.

Other winners on Saturday at Fonda were Adam McAuliffe (Swagger Factory Apparel/Eric Orozco Racing 602 Crate Sportsman), EJ McAuliffe (Montgomery County Office for the Aging Limited Sportsman), Luke Horning (Algonkin Motel Pro Stock), and Dave Horning Sr. (Trackside Body Works Street Stock).

The weekly 50/50 was won by Alan Colby from Schoharie, NY and was worth $1,536!

The 30-lap Sunoco Modified feature began with Danny and Bobby Varin on the front row with Danny taking the early race lead at the drop of Joe Kriss’ green flag. Dave Constantino started on the outside row in the fourth position and quickly showed his hand as he was quick on the outside and in the second position as lap one was completed.

On the outside of turn four coming down to complete lap three, Constantino got by Danny Varin for the lead and by lap seven he was already out to a straightway advantage. One lap later Constantino was in lap traffic, trying for numerous laps to get by Willy Decker as Danny and Bobby Varin closed in on his back bumper.

At the halfway point the Varin’s were right up to challenge the leader with David Schilling and Ryan Odasz the fourth and fifth place cars behind the battle for the lead. On lap 16 Constantino finally got by Decker and was able to open up his lead again as the Varin’s raced amongst themselves for the second spot with the two swapping the position with 10 laps to go in the event.

Bobby Varin took over the second position from his son Danny on lap 22 while Constantino had three lap cars and a nice lead at that point. Constantino took the victory and is now the 132^nd different driver to win a Modified feature at Fonda in its 68 year history.

Bobby Varin, Danny Varin, David Schilling, and Josh Hohenforst completed the top five in the event.

Adam McAuliffe and Aaron Burton brought the field to the green flag in the 25-lap Swagger Factory Apparel 602 Crate Sportsman feature with McAuliffe leading the way early on. Seventh place starter Tim Hartman Jr. was the new third place car on lap four after getting by defending track champion Chad Edwards for the position but shortly afterwards brought out the caution as he suffered a flat tire. He was able to pit for a new tire and restart at the rear of the field.

As McAuliffe continued to lead, Tony Farone was the new second place car on lap eight with McAuliffe, Farone, Brian Pessolano, Edwards, and Burton the top five at the halfway point in the event. After a restart on lap 14, Edwards got by two cars into the second position but Farone had a strong car and was back in the runner-up spot by lap 18.

After suffering the flat tire on lap six and restarting at the rear of the field, Hartman Jr. had a fast car and moved to the front quickly, sitting in a top five spot with five laps to go in the event. When the final caution flag in the event flew with two laps to go, Hartman Jr. took over the second position on the restart but McAuliffe was able to capture his ninth career win in the division at Fonda in the Ed McAuliffe Trucking #234 DKM “Cyclone” car.

Hartman Jr., Farone, Edwards, and Pessolano completed the top five in the event.

“I’m glad to be back here in victory lane at Fonda,” McAuliffe said in victory lane. “Brett (Deyo) is doing a great job here this year. Lap cars were a tough deal, I didn’t mean too but I got into one during the feature but sometimes you need to move them out of the way.”

John Young started the Montgomery County Office for the Aging Limited Sportsman feature on the pole and led the first three laps of the event after moving up from the street stock division this year. Fourth place starter EJ McAuliffe took over the lead on lap four on the inside of turn four and led the remaining laps for his second win of the 2019 season and the third of his career in the division over Young, Dave Richer, Tucker O’Connor, and Rich Christman.

The 20-lap Algonkin Motel Pro Stock feature was a good one with two cars dominating the event as they raced for the win. It all began with outside front row starter Nick Stone as the early leader with third place starter Luke Horning the new second place car at the completion of lap one. While racing inside of the leader in turn three on lap four, Horning had to back off to keep from making contact with the leader as they raced side by side for the first of many times in the event.

Stone and Horning were a straightaway ahead of the third place car of David Emigh on lap nine with the top five at the halfway point consisting of Stone, Horning, Emigh, defending track champion Kenny Gates, and Jason Morrison. On lap 13 the yellow flag was out for Gates who was in the tire wall in between turns three and four. He was able to drive away and continue on at the rear of the field.

On the restart, Stone and Horning were side by side for the lead with Stone able to hold on to the spot despite heavy pressure from Horning. On lap 15, on the inside of the backstretch, Horning was able to get by Stone for the lead with two consecutive yellow flags flying on laps 16 and 17, the first one for the third place car of Chuck Dumblewski who spun in turn three and the second for Ivan Joslin who was in the wall in turn one. One of the cautions cost Stone the lead as he was able to get by Horning but with no laps completed after the first caution flag the race was scored back to the last completed lap which meant that Horning was still the race leader.

Horning went on to his 15^th career win at Fonda in the Parillo Services #2H and was followed in the top five by Stone, 17^th place starter Josh Coonradt, Emigh, and Morrison.

“That yellow flag was a gift from God,” Horning said of the caution on lap 17. “To beat the #27 (Stone) is great, he builds these cars and he will give you room to race so this win definitely means a lot.”

The Trackside Body Works Street Stock feature began with pole position starter Michael Arnold leading the event with Stephen Young in tow. Arnold remained in the lead but behind him sixth place starter Dave Horning Sr. moved past both Jason Samrov and Young for the second position. On the final lap on the inside of turn two Horning Sr. got by Arnold for the lead and went on to his 60^th career victory in the division over Arnold, Samrov, Young, and Rob VanAernam.

Next Saturday, May 11 Fonda Speedway will present a “Tribute to Mom’s” with free flowers to the first 100 mothers plus other giveaways. All divisions will be in action including the 4-Cylinder/Cruisers with racing action starting at 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.

FONDA SPEEDWAY BOB HILBERT SPORTSWEAR/REGIONAL ANIMAL SHELTER NIGHT RACE SUMMARY – MAY 4, 2019

SUNOCO MODIFIED FEATURE FINISH (30 LAPS): DAVE CONSTANTINO, Bobby Varin, Danny Varin, David Schilling, Josh Hohenforst, Ryan Odasz, Rocky Warner, Craig Hanson, Michael Maresca, Demetrious Drellos, Brian Gleason, Korey Wilder, Pep Corradi, Vinny Sanganetti, Scott Huber, Steve Akers, Darwin Greene, Elmo Reckner, Willy Decker, Roger Henion Jr., Aaron Jacobs, Cody Bleau, Ed Harris

HEAT RACE WINNERS: Josh Hohenforst, Bobby Varin, Craig Hanson

SWAGGER FACTORY APPAREL CRATE 602 SPORTSMAN FEATURE FINISH (25 LAPS, $1,000 TO WIN THANKS TO ERIC OROZCO RACING: ADAM MCAULIFFE, Tim Hartman Jr., Tony Farone, Chad Edwards, Brian Pessolano, Cody Clark, Aaron Burton, Andrew Buff, Brian Calabrese, Jeremy Pitts, JaMike Sowle, Mark Mortensen, Tim Dwyer, Brian Borst, Dan Santabarbara, Josh DeMagistris, Joe Orlando, Joe Williams, Scott McCoy, Jason Greco, Mike Jackson, Nick Scavia, Jeremy Tuttle, Griffen Mansmith, Kurtis Hohensheldt, Kathy Bellen, Harry Shaffer, Ron Proctor, Ray Zemken (DNS), Robert Bublak (DNS)

GRECO’S NAPA AUTO & TRUCK PARTS HARD CHARGER AWARD: BRIAN BORST – started 29^th finished 14^th a total of 15 spots gained

HEAT RACE WINNERS: Brian Calabrese, Adam McAuliffe, Tim Hartman Jr.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING LIMITED SPORTSMAN FEATURE FINISH (15 LAPS): EJ MCAULIFFE, John Young, Dave Richer, Tucker O’Connor, Rich Christman, Michael McCallion, Dylan Eldred, Dana Camenga, Alan Hanson, Brendan Gibbons, Jason Baker, Spencer Rapp, Brett Mortensen, Bill Port, David Boisclair (DNS)

HEAT RACE WINNERS: Rich Christman, EJ McAuliffe

ALGONKIN MOTEL PRO STOCK FEATURE FINISH (20 LAPS): LUKE HORNING, Nick Stone, Josh Coonradt, David Emigh, Jason Morrison, Kim Duell, Justin Knight, Bill Knapp, Reuben Kennedy Jr., Cassidy Wilson, Jim Normoyle, Kenny Gates, Steve Cosselman, Andy Graves, Beau Ballard, Chuck Dumblewski, John Roese, Buck Gasner, Devon Camenga, Alicia Hughes, Ivan Joslin, Randy Cosselman, Adam Warner, Ralph Isabella (DNS)

HEAT RACE WINNERS: Ivan Joslin, Nick Stone, Kenny Gates

TRACKSIDE BODY WORKS STREET STOCK FEATURE FINISH (15 LAPS): DAVE HORNING SR., Michael Arnold, Jason Samrov, Stephen Young, Rob VanAernam, Cliff Haslun, Brittany Celebucki