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By MIKE MALLETT
AFTON, N.Y. – The Afton Speedway will undergo some major changes in
2007
thanks in part to new operators A.R.M. LLC and Promoter Chuck Knowlton.
First on Knowlton’s agenda was adding to the purse structure. Weekly
Sportsman campaigners are now racing for a weekly winner’s share of
$500 as
well as more money spread throughout the field.
“I’m a racer and I know how hard it is to race a full season,” stated
Knowlton. “Any little bit of extra money can go a long way.”
Along with adding to the weekly Sportsman purse, Knowlton is also
increasing
the pay out for the Roll Cage Components 4-Cylinder Pups. In year’s
past,
only the top three in the division were paid. This season, the top ten
finishers in the division are going to be paid.
“We want to grow this class in 2007,” commented Knowlton. “This class
is
for the average racer and raising the purse should help this division
grow.”
The purses have been raised in these two divisions but the speedway has
decided to drop the Pro Stock division. Last season the speedway
averaged
fewer than ten cars per week in the division.
Although there is a weekly program that now consists of four divisions,
there are several divisions that will fill the void left by the Pro
Stock
division.
The speedway has worked hard to gain IMCA sanctioning for the 2007
season.
The track has a five race series scheduled for the IMCA Modified
division.
The first race is opening night, May fourth, with the final show being
held
as part of Spooktacular Championship weekend at the end of October.
Another addition to the monthly schedule is the creation of an Enduro
Series. This Series is similar to the five race series for the IMCA
Modifieds. It begins on April 14 and concludes during the Spooktacular
with
races scattered throughout the 2007 season.
Besides the improvements being made for the drivers, fans can expect to
see
some changes as well.
First the speedway has secured moveable bleachers that are to be placed
on
the horse track giving fans a much closer view of the speedway.
“One of the biggest complaints I’ve heard is that the stands are too
far
away,” commented Knowlton. “Hopefully these bleachers are going to get
fans
closer to the action.”
Joining the new stands is the creation of a Kids Club. The club will
hold
special events throughout the season as well as having weekly
activities for
kids at the speedway. Some events already planned include kiddy rides,
poster contests, and a Halloween Costume Contest.
“We need to get the next generation of race fan involved,” said
Knowlton.
“Having a weekly kids club should be a great way for us to keep kids
coming
to the track for years to come.”
The speedway currently has several other ideas on the planning board
and
information will be available in the coming weeks.
The Afton Speedway hosts racing every Friday night at 7:30pm from April
through September with a weekly four division show that is highlighted
by
the mighty Big/Small Block Modifieds featuring sail panels. The
Speedway is
located just off Interstate 88 at exit 7. For more information about
the
upcoming events at the Afton Speedway, call the speedway office at
(607) 343
– 4104 or checkout our website at http://www.thenewaftonspeedway.net.
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