Auto Racing News - 16 November 2025

SARATOGA SPRINGS — November may mark the end of the 2025 outdoor racing season, but it also brings the annual Racing Memories program at the Saratoga Automobile Museum. The event is set for its traditional “Saturday after Thanksgiving” date on Nov. 29.

The six-segment program will begin with memorabilia displays and pre-show movies during “Hot Laps” when the museum opens at 10 a.m. The formal program kicks off at 11:45 a.m.

A highlight segment will be the interview by event organizer Ron Hedger of Dodge City Speedway promoter Paul Montenaro, who will recount over 50 years of his family’s experiences operating the popular Schoharie County attraction.

Other segment topics include driver Henry Gritzbach at the Altamont Fairgrounds, followed by Hedger's presentation of “The Good Old Days, Weren’t All That Good.” Area Auto Racing News columnist John Snyder will recall highlights of the iconic Eastern States 200 at the Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown. SCCA official and Hall of Fame racer Tom Campbell will recall the highlights of his unique career.

The final segment, "Gremlins and Drag Rubber," will include drivers Dave Leckonby, Donnie Ackner, Don Scarborough, and Kenny Tremont Jr. looking back at the early dirt era at Albany-Saratoga Speedway.

Attendees will also be among the first to enjoy the new Golub Gallery exhibit, "Pontiac: The Dawn of Muscle." The exhibit features the cars that started the muscle car era.

Museum members will be admitted free of charge; the non-member fee is $25. Lunch will be available for purchase. Pre-registration, tickets, and memberships may be purchased beforehand at www.saratogaautomuseum.org. The museum is located on the Avenue of the Pines in the Saratoga Spa State Park.

Other Racing Announcements

Fonda Speedway is offering a "Five for Four" special for 2026. Patrons who purchase four pit passes for the season will receive a fifth for free, a savings of $650. This can be found on the Fonda website at www.thefondaspeedway.com. Also available on the website is registration for the 50-lap, $500-to-win "Chill Factor" Enduro on Jan. 1, 2026.

The North East Racing Products Trade Show/Auction/Swap Meet will take place Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-22, in the Exposition Center at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.

The 32nd annual Indoor Karting Championship will take place on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7, in the Center of Progress building at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.

World Finals Results

CHARLOTTE — Last week, 47 drivers in the Super DIRTcar Series modified division ran time trials at The Dirt Track at Charlotte to set the lineups for Thursday and Friday night heat races.

On Thursday, modified heat race winners were Matt Sheppard, Alex Payne, Mat Williamson, and Alex Yankowski. Last chance qualifier winners were Larry Wight and Logan Watt. Sheppard won the 30-lap Super DIRTcar Series big block modified feature, with Payne and Williamson completing the podium. Other area drivers finished as follows: Alex Yankowski sixth, Felix Roy eighth, Jack Lehner 10th, Mike Mahaney 11th, Peter Britten 17th, Justin Stone 18th, Chris Curtis 25th, Anthony Perrego 26th, and Max McLaughlin 29th.

In the 35-lap World of Outlaws late model feature, Hudson O'Neal, Brandon Sheppard, and Drake Troutman were the top three, with Tim McCreadie finishing ninth. In the 25-lap World of Outlaws sprint car feature, Rico Abreu, David Gravel, and Corey Day were the top three.

On Friday night, Alex Payne led from green to checker to earn the victory in the 30-lap Super DIRTcar Series feature. Mat Williamson, Tim Fuller, Erick Rudolph, and Felix Roy rounded out the top five. Jack Lehner finished 12th, Alex Yankowski 15th, Max McLaughlin 16th, Mike Mahaney 17th, Justin Stone 19th, Peter Britten 20th, Robert Bublak 23rd, and Anthony Perrego 25th. A red flag was thrown on lap one, as Tyler Siri had a hard hit with the outside wall. With his second-place finish, Mat Williamson earned his third Super DIRTcar Series Championship.

In the World of Outlaws late model division, Jonathan Davenport claimed the win ahead of Drake Troutman and Brandon Sheppard, with Tim McCreadie eighth. In the World of Outlaws sprint car feature, David Gravel scored the win over Rico Abreu and Donny Schatz.

Saturday night saw a brief delay for a lightning storm. The Super DIRTcar Series big block modifieds competed in a $15,000-to-win, 40-lap feature. Mat Williamson passed Alex Yankowski on lap 28 to take the lead and the win. Yankowski and Jack Lehner filled the podium. Peter Britten finished 11th, Mike Mahaney 13th, Max McLaughlin 14th, Justin Stone 17th, Felix Roy 19th, Jason Reome 20th, and Anthony Perrego 30th.

The final 2025 Super DIRTcar Series modified point standings are as follows: Mat Williamson, Alex Yankowski, Alex Payne, Matt Sheppard, Erick Rudolph, Mike Mahaney, Jimmy Phelps, Peter Britten, Tim Sears Jr., Jack Lehner, Felix Roy, and Anthony Perrego.

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink sprint cars competed in a 25-lap feature, with Michael "Buddy" Kofoid earning the win. Rico Abreu and Brent Marks filled the podium. For the second consecutive season, David Gravel was crowned champion. Rico Abreu will be leaving his own team to join Tony Stewart Racing for 2026.

The World of Outlaws Real American Beer late model division competed in a 50-lap feature. Jonathan Davenport scored the victory, followed by Hudson O’Neal and Drake Troutman. Tim McCreadie finished ninth.

On Sunday night, the World of Outlaws held its championship awards banquet. David Gravel collected a check for $200,000 for the sprint car division, and Bobby Pierce collected a check for $225,000 for the late model division.