Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Mods Enjoy Time At Rotterdam Show
Story By: BUCK GASNER / MOHAWK VALLEY VINTAGE DIRT MODIFIED SERIES – ROTTERDAM, NY – On Tuesday of last week the grounds of the ViaPort Mall in Rotterdam NY were blanketed with a couple feet of snow. By the time the weekend rolled around though, the temperatures had certainly risen inside the former Rotterdam Square, at least with regards to the Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series.
During the Northeast Racing Expo a handful of MVVDMS competitors had their machines of history on display, including “The Dancing Bear” John Constantino’s iconic #124, Dougie “The Snake” Mathewson’s #33m, and the Queens Machine/Maynard Forrette tribute car of MVVDMS organizer Buck Gasner.
In addition to these three drivers and their machines being present, Gasner introduced his new right hand man with the series, Jay Severson. “Jay is first and foremost a huge fan of our sport, and loves the history of our local speedways and heroes. He has a lot of experience in the organizing and administration side of racing events and series, having previously served as Commissioner for the New York State BMX Commission. He reached out and volunteered his time and help, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. In the short time I’ve known Jay, it’s very apparent that he puts his everything into whatever he does, and he’s constantly against the rev chip! Let’s forget about growing the series for just a second…. With Jay involved, everyone else involved in our series (fans, drivers, crew…) is going to have more FUN! And 99% of the people involved in vintage racing do it for fun, so its gonna be a great summer!” Gasner went on to say that Severson will be handling the race day admin for the series, as well as stepping into the announcers booth for the MVVDMS feature events. “Jay will join the track announcers in the booth during our features to add a little extra class specific flavor to the events, and handling the race day operations for me will allow me to concentrate a little more on the racing side.”
If the addition of Severson to the series team was a great appetizer to the MVVDMS season, Saturday evening at the Expo Gasner was able to announce the topper of the weekend for the local vintage racers. “I am really excited to welcome Something Fishy Aquarium Sales on board as a title sponsor to the Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series” said Gasner. “Keith Tooker of SFAS had already committed to supporting my personal racing efforts in the 78m, and as the weekend went by we talked more and more and he decided he wanted to expand on his involvement and help the entire series out. So at all 10 events on the MVVDMS schedule, Something Fishy Aquarium Sales will be presenting the victory lane awards for the highest finishing Vintage Modified and the highest finishing Vintage Sportsman at each event. And I’m sure that theres going to be some other really cool things to come out of this partnership before the year is out” finished Gasner.
Gasner is quick to point out the return of many of the people and sponsors that have helped the MVVDMS continue to enjoy growth. Long time supporters that continue on include:
- North East Stock Car Old Timers (NESCOT)
- Custom By Bob Signs & Designs
- Mathewson Farm
- DEKRA Auto Lift Safety
- Smith & Sons Fuel
- Bob Lansing Photography
- Ray Halgas Construction Equipment
- Wheel People Radio Show
- Tom Coughlin
Anyone with any questions on the series or wishing to become involved is urged to contact Buck Gasner at buck.gasner@gmail.com or visit the series facebook page.
