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ESS EXTRA!!
The Fonda Speedway, Fonda, New York.
It’s simply known as the “Track of Champions”…the Fonda Speedway. It’s one of the Empire State’s most historic tracks which located in Fonda, NY along the Mohawk River. It’s on the Montgomery County Fairgrounds where the annual fair is a main attraction in August.
Fonda hosted the NASCAR Grand National Division back in the 50’s with stars such as Richard Petty, Buck Baker and many other NASCAR legends making appearances. What is the infield pit road was also once a drag strip but now the odd shaped half-mile is for dirt racing only.
The odd shape of the oval is because of the Mohawk River, turns one and two are tighter with the back stretch as a curve which runs along the banks of the river. Three and four are fast but the outside wall coming off of four can bite you.
The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) made its return to Fonda last season after some 13 years and was a big hit. Some drivers of local interest are Jeff VanDusen, Cory Sparks, Jessica Zemken, Warren Alexson and Jami Russell. This year’s event will be on May 31st and will once again be the Earl Halaquist Memorial with $2,000 going to the winner.
Fonda has vast seating with bleachers all the way from turn four through to the mid portion of the front stretch. An old, historic, wooden covered grandstand goes all the way to turn one with one more small set of bleachers after that. The VIP tower overlooks turn one. The pits are located off turns three and four so the fans have an unobstructed view of the big half-mile the drag strip can be used for a pit road during long distance events. A special Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame is also located inside the nearby McDonalds which also supports the track in sponsorships.
ESS Facts – Fonda Speedway:
ESS Events Run: 5
Different Winners: 5
Most Wins: Five Drivers at 1 Each.
Last Event Run: 7/21/07
Most Recent Winner: Justin Barger.
Fonda Facts:
Location: Exit 28 off of New York State Thruway, Fonda, N.Y.
ESS Date: May 31st
Dash Sponsor: Gabriel’s IGA
A-Main Sponsor: Earl Halaquist Memorial
Promoter: Ric Lucia
Track Phone: (518) 853-4235
Website: www.fondaspeedway.com
Sites of Interest:
Mohawk River
National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. about 1 Hour Away.
Albany, N.Y., the State Capital 30 minutes East.
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