By Dean Reynolds
The “Track of Champions” continues to thrive in Upstate, NY under the promotions of Ric and Laura Lucia and the race directing of Marty Beberwyck. While many tracks are pulling back the reins with the state of today’s economy, Fonda Speedway goes on the offensive by adding bigger events with a very aggressive schedule for 2010.
Fonda’s history dates back to 1927 since the AAA days. NASCAR Grand National division toured Fonda in the 50’s with Petty, Baker, Johnson and others visiting the small hamlet. The ¼ mile dragstrip opened in 1958 (Closed in 1969) with the legendary Shirley Muldowney starting her career in Fonda.
For the better part of four decades now, big block modifieds have called this half-mile, odd shaped oval home. Lazzaro, Corey, Johnson, Lape, Coville, Romano are names of Fonda lure with names such as Varin, Delorenzo, a second generation Johnson, Trombley, Camara and others play host to big crowds weekly.
In 2010, Fonda will once again kick off and close the full point season for the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints with the 7th annual Earl Halaquist Memorial on May 29th and the crowning of the 27th Anniversary champion on Sept. 25th as a part of the historical McDonald’s Weekend. Also, Fonda will play host to the All-Star Circuit of Champions sprint cars, where many ESS teams will be on hand to support, for the first time ever the Lucas Oil Late Model Tour, the Thunder Series for mods with Utica-Rome Speedway and tribute nights for the late Lou Lazzaro and Dave Lape.
ESS drivers of local interest will be Cory Sparks, Jami Russell, Jessica Zemken, Warren Alexson, Jared Fink, Mark Zemcik, Tyler Rice and many-time Fonda Speedway champion Bobby Varin who will make another appearance in a winged sprint car on each night. Fonda is also the closest to several New England racers such as Anthony Cain, Russ Bennett and Billy White.
For more information on the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints please visit www.empiresupersprints.com
ESS Facts – Fonda Speedway:
ESS Events Run: 8
Different Winners: 7
Most Wins: Justin Barger (2)
Last Event Run: Sept. 26, 2010
Most Recent Winner: Lance Yonge
Fonda Facts:
Location: Exit 28 off of I-90, Montgomery County Fairgrounds
ESS Date(s): May 29th and Sept. 25th
Track Promoter: Ric Lucia
Track Phone: (518) 853-4235
Website: www.fondaspeedway.net
Sites of Interest:
Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY (45 min. away).
The famous Howes Caverns in Howes Cave, NY (30 min. away)
Historical Fonda Speedway display at the local McDonald’s right in Fonda
City of Albany just 30 min. away.
The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints are brought to you by: Lucas Oil, Northwood 2 Construction/LaSalle Motorsports, SUNY Canton, 730 Truck Stop, Hoosier Racing Tires, Les Constructions Ultra, Cooks Contracting Services, Fondations 4 Saisons, Car Mate Trailers, The National Parts Peddler Newspaper, WestFront Construction, Cobra Coaches, The Ohsweken Speedway, Mohawk Racing Parts, Engine Research, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Total Race Supply, Riverside Bar and Grill, Coffrage Daniel Lampron, FX Chevy and many, many associate sponsors.