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Bill Ag Memorial Elimination Races May 2; Format & Gambler’s Challenge Set

FONDA, NY – Damp, cold weather nixed last Saturday’s (April 25) Adirondack Mechanical Night at Fonda Speedway, ending back-to-back sunny Saturdays for on-track activity at the Track of Champions.

Attention now turns to May 2 and the annual Bill Ag Memorial Modified Elimination Races, a fan- and racer-favorite contested at the speedway each year in memory of Bill Agnagnostopulos, the late owner of the Winner’s Circle restaurant in Fonda and a man who lived and breathed racing.

‘Bill Ag’ passed away in June 2013. His memory is kept alive through the event’s dedicated group of organizers.

Thousands of dollars are distributed each year to the track’s Amsterdam Truck Center Modified competitors via the one-on-one match races and bonuses in the feature event contested that night.

The format has been released for the 2026 ‘Bill Ag’ event.

· Random draw done by each Amsterdam Truck Center Modified heat race. winner to determine who will participate in the Elimination Races.

· Elimination Race drivers will each pick a hat donated by Driven Design and Embroidery. The two hats numbered (1 and 2) will compete in the first Elimination Race. The two drivers will stop on the frontstretch, and driver No. 1 will draw to determine lane choice.

· Each Elimination Race is 2 laps in distance.

· Each driver will go over the scales prior to starting the Elimination Race.

· Drivers will be lined up on the drag strip in front of the grandstand.

· The winning driver of each round will stop on the track at the start/finish line and choose their next challenger and what lane they are going to start from. Challenger will enter the track and stop at the start/finish line alongside his competitor.

· Starts will take place at a random spot on the track called over the one-way radio.

· If a driver jumps the start twice during an Elimination Race, they will be disqualified.

· The winning driver of an Elimination Race keeps money won from each Elimination Race.

· This is not a winner-take-all event.

· Drivers are asked to return to the drag strip after being eliminated for Victory Lane photos.

New for the ’26 event: all Modified teams will have the opportunity to enter a $20 “Gambler’s Challenge” for the Modified main event. Two positions will share the benefits of this program. The total money raised by the “Gambler’s Challenge” will be split in addition to a pair of certificates for a free American Racer tire. A drawing will determine the two recipients of the “Gambler’s Challenge” bonuses.

A breakdown of bonuses and awards will be released in the days leading up to the event.

MR Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating presents the May 2 program, which includes Amsterdam Truck Center Modifieds, Swagger Factory Apparel Sportsman, Leatherstocking Credit Union Pro Stocks, Montgomery County Office for Aging Inc. Limited Sportsman and Fonda Fair Four Cylinders.

All divisions will draw for starting positions. Handicapping begins in the third week of points-paying racing.

Gates open at 4 p.m., with hot laps at 6 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

Grandstand admission is $15 (Adults), $13 (Seniors ages 65 and over) and Kids 11 and under are FREE. Infield Drive-In admission is $65 includes four passes.

Pit admission is $40 (Non-Members), $35 (Members) and Kids 11 and under are FREE.

For advance tickets or infield reservations, utilize the following link: https://www.myracepass.com/tracks/1549/tickets/1493076

A complete 2026 Fonda Speedway schedule is available on the web: https://www.thefondaspeedway.com/schedules/

The Track of Champions Fonda Speedway has hosted the best in stock car racing for 75 seasons. 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 (X): @thefondaspdwy or Instagram: @fondaspeedway.

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