Auto Racing News - 12 April 2025

This is the weekend we have all been waiting for: the opening nights of the local racing season.

Tonight, Utica-Rome Speedway on Route 5 in Vernon is scheduled to hold its Open Practice for all divisions. Pits will open at 4:00 p.m., gates at 5:00 p.m., with on-track practice planned from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Pit admission is $35 for non-members and $30 for members. Grandstand admission is free. The weather is seasonal, so be sure to bring extra clothing, check out the new menu, and enjoy yourself.

Also tonight, Albany-Saratoga Speedway on Route 9 in Malta has an open practice scheduled. Times are listed as 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Pit admission is $25, and grandstands are free. Tuesday is listed as a rain date.

Tomorrow, Fonda Speedway is scheduled to hold its open practice for all divisions. Gates open at 1:00 p.m., and on-track practice is scheduled from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Pit admission is $35 for non-members, $30 for members, and $10 for children 11 and under. Grandstand admission is free. Tuesday will be used as a rain date if necessary.

On Saturday, Outdoor Motorsports and Trailer Sales will host its second annual spring open house and Vintage ATC/ATV Show at its store, located at 3953 State Highway 30 north of Amsterdam. An assortment of classic ATVs and 3-wheelers will be on display. This event is free and open to the public. Also on hand will be various manufacturer representatives with special promotions, raffles, food trucks, vendor booths, and special guests, including Porter the Bull.

Utica-Rome Speedway will race on Sunday to open the 2025 racing season. Highlighting the program will be the Alex Friesen Remembered Memorial 68-lap feature for the modified division, with all weekly divisions in competition. Matt Sheppard has won the last three Alex Friesen Remembered features, but rest assured, a full field of top pilots, such as Alex Yankowski and Stewart Friesen, will be on hand to challenge for the $6,800 winner's check. Pits open at 12:00 p.m., grandstands at 1:00 p.m., hot laps at 3:00 p.m., and racing starts at 4:00 p.m.

Sunday also features the annual Terry Morris Automotive Swap Meet at their Terry's Route 50 Super Lot facility, located at 873 Saratoga Road in Burnt Hills. Hours are 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., with admission costing $5.

Looking back at last week's results, Mike Gular scored the win in the 25-lap Thaw Brawl 358 modified feature Friday night as the 3/8-mile dirt oval Big Diamond Speedway in Minersville, Pennsylvania, opened for its 53rd season. Alex Yankowski finished 12th, Anthony Perrego 13th, and Mike Mahaney 20th.

Albany-Saratoga will open for its 60th season next Friday, when the Super DIRTcar Series holds a 60-lap, $7,500-to-win feature for the modifieds. Crate 602 Sportsman and Pro Stocks are also on the program.

Also next Friday, Utica-Rome will host a 358 Modified special as the big blocks take the night off. All other weekly divisions will be competing.