All About Racing

Marc Johnson of Guilderland celebrates his Modified win at Albany-Saratoga on Friday. Biittig photo

Weather played a big part in racing locally this past weekend.  Fonda cancelled early Saturday with the forecast of rain and Lebanon Valley was cancelled due to rain during qualifying. 

Albany-Saratoga got their show in on Friday night and winners there were Marc Johnson, Guilderland (Modifieds), Mike Mahaney, Elizabethtown (358-Mods), Brandon Emigh, Ballston Spa (Pro Stock) Chris Crane, Jr., Canaan, Ct (Sportsman), Tyler Irwin, Plattsburgh (Street Stock), Alex Smith, South Glens Falls (Limited Sportsman), and Ben Ladd, Wilton (Four Cylinders). 

Thanks to FloRacing streaming, Betty was able to view the season opener at Utica-Rome while Ed attended the event at Albany-Saratoga. The winners at Utica-Rome included Mat Williamson from St. Catherine's, Ontario in the 358 Modified division, Matt Guererri of Waterloo in Sportsman, Devon Camenga of Troy in Pro Stock, and Preston Trautschold of Roscoe in Limited Sportsman.

Utica-Rome returned to action on Sunday with the Jim Normoyle Memorial, marking the start of the 2026 DIRTcar Pro Stock Series. The event honored Jim Normoyle’s memory, drawing 48 Pro Stock drivers to compete in a 47-lap race. When the checkered flag dropped, A.J. Walters of Newport claimed victory for the second consecutive year at the memorial event. In Limited Sportsman action on Sunday, young Mason Rogers from Lafargeville celebrated the win. In the big block Modifieds 30-lap feature, Alex Yankowski from Covington Township, Pennsylvania took home the win. 

On a sunny Sunday, Ed attended our regular Sunday night track at Glen Ridge Motorsports Park for inspections and practice. During the visit, we spoke with veteran racer Tony Farone of Rotterdam, who drives the No. 18 358 Modified. The inscription on his race car, “The Last Time is Now” 1996-2026, reflects Tony's decision to retire, at the end of this season, after thirty years in the sport to focus more on his family. Tony shared that he appreciates the peacefulness of Glen Ridge and values the opportunity it provides to spend time with friends. Having followed Tony’s career since his early days at the Dodge City go-kart track in Howes Cave, we noted the continued support of his father, present in the stands as always. We extend our best wishes to Tony in his future endeavors. 

Racing Tidbits:

Young Preston Tractschold from Roscoe, NY celebrated his first career victory in the Limited Sportsman feature at Utica-Rome on Friday. Previously, Preston raced Slingshots both at Utica-Rome and Glen Ridge. Friday’s event marked his debut driving a Limited Sportsman car.  

Demetrios Drellos, Fonda 2023 Track Champion, of Queensbury won the fourth heat in the RUSH Late Models event at Georgetown, Delaware on Friday and finished eighth in the main event.  

Friday at Can-Am Speedway, Hall of Fame racers, Tim Fuller of Watertown collected the 285th checkered flag of his career.  His first win came on May 14, 1988, at Fulton Speedway. 

We traditionally end our columns by inviting news and comments from readers. This week, we were pleased to receive some local news from Alyssa that was greatly appreciated.  We all know winning is always crucial for racers in their early years, whether it’s a heat race or a feature. For Toby Cooper from Schoharie, Friday at Utica-Rome marked his first heat race win. Toby has spent the last three years racing in the Pro Stock division consistently improving each season. He continues to chase his first overall win.

Looking Ahead:

Friday, May 1, Albany-Saratoga racing features all weekly divisions.

Saturday, May 2, Fonda’s racing features all divisions plus the special memorial Bill Ag Match race for Modifieds. 

Lebanon Valley Saturday’s card features regular race program plus Cannonball Run #1.

Sunday, May 3, Glen Ridge opens the 23rd season with racing for all divisions.  

In conclusion, we express our heartfelt condolences to the family of Robert “Bob” Ogren, a committed racer and esteemed member of the racing community, as well as to the family of Dick Hicks of HICO Fabrication. Both individuals passed away during the past week.  

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