Mason Gray and Steven Gray both took advantage of track time during practice sessions at Fonda on Saturday. Biittig photo. Mason #26, Steven #25
The car show season has concluded, and this weekend was greeted by competitors and fans under spring-like conditions. Friday evening provided ideal weather at Albany-Saratoga Speedway for inspections and practice, resulting in approximately 130 racers registered to race during the 61st season at the Malta oval.
Among the first individuals we met were veterans Mike Perrotte and Kenny Tremont, who have accumulated 97 wins between them at Albany-Saratoga. Both have since retired from driving and are now serving as officials at the track. They appear well-prepared for what the upcoming season holds.
Another highlight was the presence of Danny Creeden, who is still celebrating his recent victory at Bedford Fairgrounds Speedway in Pennsylvania during the Short Track Super Series (STSS) inaugural visit last month. Creeden has recorded a total of 110 career wins. Supported by owners and sponsors, he is well-equipped with Bicknell chassis and Dan Bedell engines. He will return to the Malta oval for the Super DIRTcar Series event this weekend.
This season, the announcer booth at Fonda marks a notable return. Todd Morey, who spent his formative years as a fan at Fonda, has joined the team to bring his expertise to the microphone. Melissa Lazzaro resumes her role as both victory lane announcer and backup tower announcer. On Saturday, with the Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series (MVVDMS) in the infield, Jay Severson, a familiar voice at Fonda, served as a new announcer for the group and contributed to the announcing trio in the tower. Welcome to Todd and Jay, and a continued warm welcome to Melissa.
While competitors were readying their cars for practice, New York State Stock Car Association (NYSSCA) Rep, Bonnie Mortensen was busy signing up members to the organization for the new racing season. We saw her as she was renewing the membership of Chip Constantino.
The $25 NYSSCA membership is available to all interested individuals and includes access to the Members Benefit Fund, which provides cash benefits for members injured during sanctioned racing events at recognized facilities. Additionally, the NYSSCA Membership Appreciation Awards are presented to organization members at participating tracks.
Steven Gray of Fort Plain started racing go-karts as a child. After taking several years off, he returned to compete in Limited Sportsman at Glen Ridge, where he became track champion in his first year. He has accumulated four wins in the Limited division and two wins in Sportsman at the track. Steven also raced in Limited Sportsman at Fonda, achieving four victories before advancing to the Sportsman competition, where he currently holds two wins.
Sponsors on Steven’s No. 25 Sportsman are O’Connor Towing, Oxbow Inn, Ephratah Service Center, Harrison & Burrowes Bridge Construction, Great Rentals, EDJ Tools and Fastline Performance.
This season, he plans to race in Crate Sportsman at Fonda on Saturdays and move up again to compete in 358-Mods, racing at Utica-Rome on Fridays. His 358-Mod is owned by the O’Connor family with sponsors New Image Lawn Care, Firetown Pizza and Interstate Battery.
Steven is currently in college at Utica University where he is a senior in the Health and Physical Education program.
Mason Gray, the younger brother of Steven, is steadily advancing toward a promising career in racing. He began his journey competing in Slingshots at Glen Ridge before transitioning to Limited Sportsman, where he achieved two victories. Mason’s experience in Limited Sportsman extended to Fonda Speedway, allowing him to add four more wins to his record. This season, he will advance to the Crate Sportsman division, where he will compete alongside his brother. Mason’s Sportsman efforts this season are supported by sponsors including O’Connor Towing, Oxbow Inn, Ephratah Service Center, Harrison & Burrowes Bridge Construction, EDJ Tools, and Fastline Performance. Mason is a Junior in high school.
Albany-Saratoga will open the gates for the 61st season this Friday with the Super DIRTcar Series for Big Block Modifieds running 61 laps, $6100 to win. The DIRTcar Sportsman and Pro Stocks are also on the card.
On Saturday, the 12A Opening Day remembering the late Jumpin’ Jack Johnson takes to the track at Fonda. On the racing card are the Modifieds in a 32-lap feature paying $4,012 to the winner, along with the Sportsman, 25 laps, $1,012 to win, Pro Stocks 20 laps, $812 to win, Limited Sportsman and Four Cylinders. Advanced Restoration & Cleaning presents the point season opener.
Until next time please send all news and/or comments to biittig@yahoo
