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FONDA SPEEDWAY TO HOLD ITS EARLIEST OPENING DAY EVER THIS THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2026

By: Ron Szczerba

Fonda, NY – In the history of the “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway, the earliest opening day activity at the track occurred on April 1, 2000. Over a ten year period between 1953-1963, opening day occurred in early May but in 1964 it moved earlier yet into late April, leading up to the April 1, 2000 date.

On 4/14/2001, opening day for that year, there was still snow on the infield with a photo of promoter Ric Lucia appearing in the Fonda Flyer racing program. Lucia was standing in a pile of snow on the infield in turn three with a snow ball in his hand while race cars were on the backstretch ready to start a racing event.

In 2026, Fonda Speedway management will open the season with the earliest opening day ever on January 1 with the running of the “Chill Factor”. The milestone 75th anniversary Fonda Speedway season gets underway with a 50-lap Enduro, providing wild and crazy New Year’s Day action on the half-mile clay oval along the Mohawk River.

“We can’t wait to kick off the 75th anniversary season with the earliest opening day in Fonda Speedway history,” promoter Brett Deyo said. “It’s going to be an enjoyable start to 2026.”

The speedway held one Enduro event in 2025 with Josh Kane picking up a September triumph.

OPENING DAY HISTORY OVER THE LAST 74 YEARS

While the racing season at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds has never before featured an Enduro event on opening day, past history shows Jack Johnson leading the way with eight opening day victories in 1972, 1976, 1982, 1983, 1988, 1991, 1992, and 1994. Following close behind with seven opening day wins are Lou Lazzaro who won events in 1963, 1964, 1966, 1969, 1971, 1977, and 1978 and Stewart Friesen 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2025.

Two drivers have taken home five opening day wins at Fonda as Dave Lape (1981, 1984, 1989, 1993, and 1995), and Pete Corey (1955, 1956, 1959, 1962, and 1967) both accomplished the feat. Jeff Trombley has four opening day victories (1997, 1999, 2000, and 2002) while Bobby Varin has three (2001, 2005, and 2010). Jim Luke (1954, 1957), C.D. Coville (1979, 1980), Danny Johnson (1990, 2007), Matt DeLorenzo (2008, 2013), Pat Ward (1996, 2009), and Matt Sheppard (2014, 2019) all have two wins apiece.

Drivers who have one victory in opening day events at Fonda are Buddy Shuman (1948), Chuck Kotwica (1953), Irv Taylor (1958), Bill Wimble (1960), Tom Kotary (1961), Ken Shoemaker (1965), Don Wayman (1968), Rene Charland (1970), Maynard Forrette (1973), Dave Pelczar (1974), Pep Pepicelli (1975), Jimmy Horton (1985), Bob McCreadie (1986), Mike Romano (1987), Dave Camara (1998), Brett Hearn (2003), Tim McCreadie (2004), Mitch Gibbs (2006), Ronnie Johnson (2011), Mike Mahaney (2012), Justin Boehler (2017), Tim Fuller (2023), and Michael Maresca (2024).

“CHILL FACTOR” INFORMATION

Pit gates will open for the “Chill Factor” at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 1 with grandstand gates opening at 11 a.m. and racing beginning at 1 p.m.

Grandstand admission is $10. Kids 11 and under are FREE.

Limited, heated, indoor seating is available in the fourth turn tower. These tickets are $40 each while supplies last and can only be purchased online: https://www.myracepass.com/tracks/1549/tickets/1486107

Pit admission is $30. Kids (ages 11 and under) pay $10.

Concessions will be open at Gate 2 (main concession) and in the pit area.

The Beer Booth will be open, as well.

DVR Portable Restrooms will be on site.

Car registration is open online through New Year’s Eve via the My Race Pass app (pre-registration is not required) via the following link: https://www.myracepass.com/tracks/1549/registrations/

Rules have been posted on the speedway website: https://www.thefondaspeedway.com/rules/

The current forecast calls for clear and cool conditions on Race Day, not requiring the listed extreme weather date of Jan. 3.

The “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway has hosted the best in stock car racing for 75 years. The speedway operates 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.

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