Defending Pro Stock champion, Beau Ballard of Stamford celebrates his first win this season at Fonda. 

Peter Britten sat in victory lane at Albany-Saratoga for the third time this season, besting Ronnie Johnson and Matt DeLorenzo who finished second and third, respectively. Other winners at the Malta oval were Peter Britten, Brisbane, QLD, Modified; Marc Johnson, Guilderland, 358 Modified; Rich Crane, Canaan, Ct., Pro Stock; Connor Crane, Canaan, Ct., Sportsman; Devon Palmer, Cairo, Limited Sportsman; Chris Murray, Fair Haven, Vt., Street Stock; Glen Engstrom, Peru, Four Cylinder.

Payton Talbot recorded his third 358-Modified win of the season at Utica-Rome on Friday and Matt Richardson of Morrisville celebrated his first win in the Sportsman division at the track.  Other winners were Luke Horning, Gloversville, Pro Stock; Preston Trautschold, Roscoe, Limited Sportsman.

Saturday was Palmer Service Night at Fonda, and the Modifieds ran Twin 20 lap events with defending track champion, Alex Yankowski of Covington Twp. Pa taking the first checker and Ronnie Johnson of Duanesburg picking up the win in the second.  Other winners at Fonda were Jonny Feagles of St. Johnsville, Sportsman; Lance Hill, Cobleskill, Limited Sportsman; Beau Ballard, Stamford, Pro Stock and Jay Ingersoll, Hagaman, Four Cylinder (dual), Bruce Liddle, (single).

Lebanon Valley celebrated owner/promoter Howard Commander’s birthday with Twin 20 lap Modified features and winners were Eddie Marshall, Pound Ridge and Marc Johnson, Guilderland. Johnson also won the 358-Mod event.  Other winners were Dustin Bowen, Salem, Ct., Limited Sportsman; Chris Stalker, Hillsdale, Pro Stock; Josh Bussino, Cuttingsville, Vt., Street Stock; Jason Peck, Chatham, Four Cylinder.

Glen Ridge on Sunday the winners were Jordan McCreadie, Watertown, 358-Modifieds; William August, Ballston Spa, Sportsman; Connor Hearn, Fonda, Limited Sportsman; Steve Cosselman, Bleecker, Pro Stock; Justin Pope, Rome, Mini Stock (dual cam), Rebecca Hillman, Perth, Mini Stock, (single); Brett Putnam, Johnstown, All Star Slingshot and Harlan Heroth, Ft. Plain, Junior Slingshot. 

We’ve seen many changes in our sport. It’s hard to believer now but, in early years racetracks would not let women in the pits let alone drive a race car. In the 50’s and 60’s tracks had Powder Puff events that women could race in, but they still could not enter the pits.  They sat in the stands, and the cars were brought to the front stretch where they would get in the cars, run their race, stop on the track, and return to their seats.

The late Mike Colsten shared with us that he went to Rolling Wheels to race and at the pit gate he was told his wife could not enter the pit area. He explained that she was his only crew member and that if she wasn’t allowed to enter, he would not be able to race and would leave.  She was allowed to enter.  

A few years later at Lebanon Valley, Mitzi Hart attempted to race but was denied and went to court and later was allowed to enter the pit area and race.   

With the changes in the 1970’s the sport has progressed, and women became more and more involved.   Just a couple weeks ago at Glen Ridge the DIRT car Sportsman Series was on the schedule, and 38 racers came, five who were women, which entered the pits, and showed their talent behind the wheel of a race car.  They were Belle Hogan, Savannah LaFlair, Katrina LaClaire, Raelin Durham and Jordan Hill. They all agreed they want to be known equally as racers.

Looking Ahead:

Thursday, July 16 is the rescheduled Fonda Firecracker 50 from July 1, complete with fireworks. 

Friday at Albany-Saratoga ESS Sprints plus all weekly divisions.

Saturday at Fonda ESS Sprints plus all weekly divisions.  Kid’s club event, Christmas in July.  Saturday at Lebanon Valley all weekly divisions in action including the Andrew Sherman Memorial on First Responder Night.

In closing we send our condolences to the family of Dave Holt who passed away suddenly this past week.  Dave was a dedicated race fan and could be seen at Fonda every Saturday night with his wife Kelly. 

Until next week please send all news and/or comments to biittig@yahoo.com