Every once in a while issues come up concerning local race tracks that are not focused on the racing action itself.
Earlier this week, Albany-Saratoga Speedway was the subject of discussion at a town board meeting after complaints were filed about the noise from the speedway.
There was a large turnout by supporters of the speedway in response to what was reported to be four registered complaints.
After discussions the town board ruled in favor of the speedway because they were in business before they put town noise codes on the book for zoning purposes.
I will say that anytime I have been in attendance at Malta the program ran right along and it was known that there is a curfew that will be upheld no matter what feature was waiting to go out.
It seems every speedway goes through this process once in a while, Fonda Speedway has. Lebanon Valley has. Glen Ridge has and the problems were resolved after the people on both sides talked.
Yes, dirt track racing is a noisy, dirty sport that has been around for a long time. But, many, not all, residents near the speedways realize that it is for a few hours and that the local businesses benefit from the fans and race teams coming and going from the area.
A perfect example of compromise were the fireworks at Fonda Speedway last Saturday. Last year they went off really late and understandably people were upset. This year a time was set for the display, and the event was co-sponsored by the village.
Not everybody is a race fan and lets face it there are plenty of avid race fans who have said “yes, but not in my backyard.”
Anyways, congratulations to the promoters at Albany-Saratoga and the race fans who turned out in force to support an icon of racing.
Special event coming
Many drivers can trace the start of their careers to battling on the small go-kart tracks.
On Aug. 3 some of the top names in racing will return to the karts in a special 20-lap feature event at Caroga Creek Raceway in Ephratah.
The has announced that Andy Bachetti, Justin Boehler, Pep Corradi, Matt DeLorenzo, Keith Flach, Jessica Friesen, Stewart Friesen, Craig Hanson, Josh Hohenforst, Marc Johnson, Jeff Trombley, Mike Perrotte, Bobby Varin, Danny Varin, Rocky Warner and Jeremy Wilder all have agreed to slip into Wing Champ Karts for the event that will benefit the Melody Center for Children with Cancer and Blood Disorder at the Albany Medical Center.
Two of the tracks regular classes, the Junior 2 Turquoise and Stock Heavy division will also run that night.
Admission for the event will be $20 for adults 13 and older and $10 for students ages 5-12 .
Pit Notes
After taking a few years off from Ryan Odasz returned the compete in the modified ranks Saturday night in his familiar orange No. 88.
Weather permitting, Albany-Saratoga Speedway will host it’s Summer Showdown Friday with 50-lap features on tap for the modified, sportsman and pro stock divisions. The modified winner will pick up $4,000, the sportsman winner get $3,000 and pro stock winner will take home $2,000. thanks to Sowle Trailer Repair.
