There’s Something Special About The Motorsports Expo Show

Column By: JOHN ZACHARY / RPW – SYRACUSE, NY – With the racing season just around the corner here in upstate NY, fans are making the tour of motorsports shows around the area. These types of shows are happening all over the northeast. They are in malls, armories, civic centers, etc. Well the big one for folks here in NY is the Motorsports Expo held at the Syracuse, NY fairgrounds.

For the past 31 years fans and drivers have visited the Expo to see the newest machines and equipment before the start of the race season. This year was no different. The 31st annual show displayed race cars from all kinds of divisions. Fans and competitors could purchase safety equipment from the vendors on hand. They could get a custom hat or tee shirt embroidered with their favorite drivers number on it as well. You could even get a autograph from some of the greats at the Dirt Hall Of Fame Booth during the show.

Dave Lape’s #44 car was on hand at the Hall Of Fame Booth. This was the 1977 Tobias Chassis that helped Dave beat out Will Cagle for the 1977 Mr. Dirt Title. Lape put this car in victory lane 23 times that season at various tracks in the north east.

Along with Lape’s car gathering a crowd at the show, there was a Geoff Bodine asphalt Modified on display as well. The famous #99 was very well done.These cars always bring me back to my child hood for sure. I am glad that people are restoring these cars to keep the good ole days alive.

PA is know for sprint cars, but let me tell you. New York has some great sprint car organizations putting on awesome shows at race tracks all over the north east. One thing I did notice this year with the sprint cars was the 4, or 5 wingless cars on hand. I am excited for the wingless show this year at Weedsport Speedway. June 25th is the date for the Ultimate Wingless Showdown, this should be a big deal.

My son’s and myself walked around the show for a couple hours taking pictures, and shooting video of beautiful cars, and talking to old friends about the up coming season. The future of motorsports looks strong for sure, with the microd, and quarter midget room packed full of racing machines, and young pilots running around having a great time.

Go-Karts in the area look like they are on the rise again with Frozen Ocean on hand giving out their race schedule for the 2017 season. The ocean is under new ownership, and offering a six race season, with big purses for all of the events.

Vendors are also a big part of this show. Fans can get some awesome shots of their favorite drivers from local photographers, as well as some old magazines, and racing papers from the past.

All in all this is a great show for all kinds of race fans. Oval dirt, oval asphalt, drag racing, it’s all there to enjoy, and help get through the final days of winter.

Get out and support your local tracks this season, and keep this wonderful sport alive.

Thank you for stopping by. I will see you at the track,
John