By Dean Reynolds
Can-Am has been the staple of Northern, NY. dirt track racing since it was built in 1974 by Leslie Brown. In 2010, Rochester businessman Tiger Chapman took over the reins as track owner with Chip Burdick still at the helm as promoter in keeping the Can-Am tradition alive.
It was indeed a learning curve for the first year duo which included partial destruction of the VIP tower by a severe storm. But, both Tiger and Chip kept the racing going and is back looking to build on their inaugural season.
A switch to what built Can-Am in the past, the small block modifieds are back as the headline class. The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) will be back for two appearances in 2011. Along with the traditional kick off of Friday night for the Fourth of July Weekend, the fast 4/10ths mile track will also start up the 28th Anniversary Season for the winged warriors.
Drivers of local interest include top veteran Jeff Cook, 2010 Lane’s Yamaha Rookie of the Year Kevin Ward Jr., Dylan Swiernik on the US side with Rick and April Wilson, Chris Jones, Tyler Rand and Paul Pekkonen from Canada.
Can-Am’s wide, multi-grooved surface makes for a racer friendly sprint car track. The infield is kept clear so spectators can see all the action. The pits are located right behind turn four so the fans can easily see the teams in their preparation. Modern buildings grace the grounds along with a very successful go-cart track right behind the main bleacher section.
For more information on the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints please visit www.empiresupersprints.com
ESS Facts – Can-Am:
ESS Events Run: 29
Different Winners: 16
Most Wins: Dan Kaszubinski (5)
Last Event Run: 9/3/10
Most Recent Winner: Steve Poirier
Can-Am Facts:
Location: Rte. 411, Just 4 miles west of Exit 49 on I-81
ESS Date(s): Apr. 30th and July 1st
Track Owner: Tiger Chapman
Track Promoter: Chip Burdick
Track Phone: (315) 658-4431
Website: www.canammotorsports.com
Sites of Interest:
The 1000 Islands and St. Lawrence Seaway just 10 min. away
The beautiful town of Alexandria Bay also 10 min. away
City of Watertown just 15 min. away
Canada is also 15 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.