Stewart Friesen is interviewed by Mimi Lazzaro after his 100th win at Fonda on Saturday as Friesen’s son, Parker looks on. Biittig photo
Mat Williamson (center) is flanked by Matt DeLorenzo and Stewart Friesen in victory lane on Friday at Albany-Saratoga. Internet photo
Albany-Saratoga Speedway welcomed one of its largest gatherings of fans and competitors on Friday. The event featured 130 participants across four racing divisions. The Super DIRTcar Modified Series began its championship season, with defending champion Mat Williamson of St. Catherine’s, Ontario, showing his competitive drive by winning the 61-lap event. Matt DeLorenzo, the 2022 Track Champion, finished in second place, while Stewart Friesen completed the podium in third position. The win was Williamson’s 39th DIRTcar Series victory.
Other winners on Friday at Malta were Joey Scarborough (DIRTcar Sportsman) and Kim Duell (DIRTcar Pro Stocks). For Duell, the win was his 33rd at the track which ties him with Rob Yetman at the top of the all-time win list.
Saturday was a landmark day at Fonda. During “12A Opening Day,” which celebrated Jack Johnson’s legacy as the track’s most winning driver, Stewart Friesen of Sprakers achieved a significant personal milestone by recording his 100th feature win. The win placed him third on the all-time win list, surpassing the legendary Dave Lape. Jack Johnson leads the way on the win list with 149 followed by Lou Lazzaro with 113, Friesen now with 100, and Lape with 99.
Friesen recorded his first win at Fonda on July 27, 2010.
“This is just as much for the Lape Family as it is for ours,” Friesen said in Victory Lane. “My dad, the wrench, and all these guys that came from Canada, they have been coming to the last couple of races to try to get 100, they were all buddies with Lapey, grew up with Lapey, this is just as much about them as crossing the milestone. Just a special day, Jumpin’ Jack, Lapey, a lot of great supporters’ family and friends here. Just really, really cool.”
Other winners on Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Night were Tyler Bobar (Sportsman), Nick Stone (Pro Stocks), Chayton Young (Limited Sportsman), Josh Reome (DOHC) and Dave Reedy (SOHC) in the Four Cylinder. For Young, Reome, and Reedy it was the first wins of their career at Fonda.
The Super DIRTcar 358-Modified Series took their show to Lebanon Valley on Saturday night and 11-time 358-Mod track champion, Andy Bachetti of Cheshire, MS drove a back-up car to the win over Chris Raabe of Alexandria, Ontario and Mike Mahaney of Elizabethtown.
Other winners at The Valley were: Tim Hartman (Sportsman); Jason Casey (Pro Stock) Kyle Burl (Limited Sportsman), Anthony King (Street Stock) and Dawson Thompson (Four Cylinder).
Local noteables: Lance Hill of Cobleskill won the Limited Sportsman feature race at Utica-Rome on Friday.
Weekend tidbits:
Veteran racer Danny Johnson of Rochester, NY, continues to build upon his distinguished career win record. On Friday evening at Outlaw Speedway in Dundee, N.Y., Johnson, known as "The Doctor"—secured his 615th career victory. His inaugural win was recorded on July 14, 1979. Looking Ahead
This Friday at Albany-Saratoga, $3000 to Modifieds, 358 Mod Shootout, Sportsman and ProStocks.
Saturday, at Fonda, All divisions plus Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modifieds Series (MVVDMS)
Saturday at Lebanon Valley, Big Block Modified season opener.
Until next week please send all news and/or comments to biittig@yahoo.com
