Some sad news to pass along as we learned this week of the passing of legendary car owner/sponsor Dave Cruickshank, also known as “Dover Dave.” Cruickshank through his business Dover Brake and Clutch of Dover, New Jersey, was involved with Hall of Fame modified driver Buzzie Reutimann for many decades. Together, they won the first two (1972, 1973) Super DIRT Week/Schaefer 100’s at the New York State Fairgrounds 1-mile oval near Syracuse. Together, they also won many other titles and championships up and down the East Coast.
Dave, as he was known by thousands, also was heavily involved with our local racing area, as he has been a long time supporter of the modified and sprint car programs of the father-and-son teams of Bobby and Danny Varin. Cruickshank could be found in the pits at Fonda many nights, as he would drive his RV up from New Jersey to watch the Varins race at Fonda. We send our condolences to the Cruickshank, Reutimann and Varin families.
On a positive note, the Montgomery County Business Development Center and Montgomery County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort selected to honor One Zee Tees in part because of its community impact and important achievement of raising financial support and awareness for autism. Many of you are very familiar that One Zee Tees is owned and operated by Jessica and Stewart Friesen of Sprakers, who are well-known for their driving abilities on the track, were chosen as Montgomery County Small Business of the Month. The press release emphasized how much the Friesens give back to the community with their fundraising efforts to support those with autism. One Zee Tees offers custom design and embroidery, and you may see its products at a local race track, but they also produce wearable merchandise for other businesses and organizations. Congratulations to Jessica, Stewart, their son Parker and everyone else involved that helped to make One Zee Tees the Montgomery County Small Business of the Month.
Fonda Speedway had tentatively scheduled an open practice for last Tuesday. Unfortunately that was canceled on Monday due to the need for added track preparation. Fonda Speedway has its opening night planned for Saturday afternoon, with a full program of weekly divisions. Grandstand admission is $13 for adults, and children 11-and-under are free. Please note the earlier start times due to possible late evening rain. Pit gates will open at 2 p.m., grandstands at 3 p.m., hot laps at 5 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.
Glen Ridge Motorsports Park has an open practice tentatively scheduled for Sunday afternoon. For this practice, gates will open at noon, tech inspection and sign-in will begin at noon and on-track activities are scheduled for 2 p.m. Grandstand admission is free. Pit admission is $25. Concessions will be open. Fuel and parts will be available. All cars should have transponders.
Another annual event to mark on your calendar is the Gas-Up antique engine show in Gallupville. This year’s schedule will be June 8-9 and June 15-16. Show hours each day are 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
JB Photography, which is the track photographer at Utica-Rome and Fonda speedways, is offering a special digital photo package to drivers. Photographers Jeff Karabin and Brittany Nelson offer a weekly subscription for this service. If your team is interested, please get in contact with either Jeff or Brittany.
RESULTS
At Albany-Saratoga Speedway, in the 35-lap NAPA modified division feature, Stewart Friesen, who had an off weekend from the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and also a rainout at Utica-Rome Speedway, claimed the winner's check of $3,000. Marc Johnson, Peter Britten, Jack Speshock and Ronnie Johnson completed the top five. Friesen also won the opener in 2012 and 2017 at the Route 9, Malta oval.
The 25-lap Ideal Excavating crate 602 sportsman division feature was led flag-to-flag by Joey Scarborough, with Mike Coffey Jr. and Chris Jakubiak filling out the podium.
The Saratoga Masonry Supply 25-lap pro-stock feature saw Brandon Emigh earn the victory over Chuck Dumblewski, and Jay Corbin.
In the Haun Welding limited sportsman division, Chase Zimmerman won the 25-lap feature over Nick Auspelmyer and Dakota Green.
P.J. Cram Jr. scored the 20-lap Cornell’s Auto Parts Street stock division feature, with Jimmy Duncan and Chris Stalker completing the podium.
For the Greg’s Towing 4-cylinder feature, Kyle Lanfear won the single cam division, and David Frame was the first dual cam division car across the line.
At Outlaw Speedway near Dundee, Matt Sheppard claimed the 35-lap modified feature over Alex Payne, Mike Maresca, Bobby Varin,and Alan Johnson.
Last Saturday, A.J. Miller of Fultonville towed down to Pittsburgh's Motorsports Speedway to compete in the RUSH Late Model Series. Unfortunately, his night ended with a right rear flat tire on lap 15 in the 30-lap feature. Tim Shaffer won the event, with Brock Pinkerous in second. Miller was credited with a 24th-place finish.
Utica-Rome Speedway moved its program to Sunday, and Sheppard earned his third consecutive Honoring Alex Memorial in the 30-lap modified feature. Mat Williamson, Rocky Warner, Alex Yankowski and Mike Maresca completed the top five.
“Cousin” Luke Horning claimed the win in the Next Generation GraphiX pro-stock 20-lap feature over Brett Belden and A.J. Walters.
Butchie Irwin won the Taylor’s Trailers LLC crate 602 sportsman division 25-lap feature, with Matt Janczuk and Tyler Corcoran the top three.
In the Fastline Performance limited sportsman division 15-lap feature, Josh Coonradt scored the victory over Eric Jensen and Carson Rothwell.
The Fonda Fair 4-cylinder division 12-lap feature was won by Corey Valade (dual cam) and Wayne Russell Jr. (single cam).
Next Friday, Utica-Rome Speedway will have a full program of divisions, plus a meet-and-greet. On May 10th, the Thunder on the Thruway Series will start for the modified, crate 602 sportsman, and pro-stock divisions. All weekly divisions will be in action, plus the slingshot divisions.
Also next Friday, Albany-Saratoga Speedway will host a 358 modified shootout on top of its weekly program. On May 7, the track will hold an open practice from 6-9 pm. On May 10, the modified division will compete for a top prize of $3,000.