“Big” Is The Word As Albany-Saratoga Kicks Off 2017 With Practice

Story By: MATT KEITH / ALBANY-SARATOGA SPEEDWAY – MALTA, NY – “Big” is the word for the 2017 Albany-Saratoga season. Promoter Lyle Devore is “hoping for big things this season” and every indication is that Devore will get what he hopes for.

One thing is evident after Friday night’s practice session at the three-eighths mile oval located in Malta, NY — with over 160 cars on hand for practice, there will be big car counts for weekly racing in all divisions. Add to that some of the biggest names in Modified racing and several big shows including the Memorial Weekend Patriot Sprint special on May 26, Brett Hearn’s “The Big Show 9” on June 27, “Summer Showdown” on July 14, and “Stan Da Man’s 32 Night” on July 28, and Devore is certain to get the “big” season he is hoping for.

The track was in great shape Friday night and the spring weather brought a large crowd that came out to watch the cars take to the track. Defending Modified champion Marc Johnson looked fast in practice as he is “hoping for a year like last year.” Last year Johnson proved to be one of the big names in the Modified division. To repeat this year Johnson will have to hold off the likes of multi-time champions Brett Hearn and Kenny Tremont, as well as top shoes Ronnie Johnson, Matt Delorenzo and whole host of other seasoned drivers.

Returning to the speedway this year is local fan favorite Peter Britten. The Aussie had other commitments last year and ran only three events at “The Great Race Place.” This year Britten is driving for former track champion and Hall of Fame driver Andy Romano in a potent Troyer.

“The track was good tonight and the car felt good. I really like it here and I always have fun,” said Britten.

There will be big car counts in the Sportsman division as a large number of drivers will try to dethrone Jeremy Pitts as champion. The same can be said for the Pro Stock division as several drivers will try to prevent Robbie Speed’s quest for a consecutive track championship.

Josh Coonradt, 2016 Street Stock champion, will join the Pro Stocks this year. That leaves the 2017 Street Stock championship wide open with a few names such as Jason Meltz, Jeff Meltz, Paul Braymer and Damon Anderson looking to capture the title.

Mike Parodi and Steve Ryan will try to defend their 4- and 6-Cylinder championships as the division will run in 12 events in 2017. A large contingent of drivers will also be in contention each week in the Limited Sportsman division.

Albany-Saratoga Speedway will open the doors for the 2017 season on Friday night April 21, with a $3,000 to win Modified feature, 4-Cylinders and the Sowle Trailer Repair Series. Racing begins at 7 p.m. with grandstand gates opening at 5 p.m. and the pit gate opening at 3 p.m. For more information on Albany-Saratoga Speedway log on to www.albany-saratogaspeedway.com or check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

About Albany-Saratoga Speedway: Conveniently located at 2671 U.S. Route 9, Malta, NY 12020 the 4/10 mile dirt track is approximately one mile North of Exit 12 off I-87. Racing takes place every Friday night at 7 p.m. from mid-April to mid-September and features DIRTcar Modifieds (Big Block / Small Block combined), DIRTcar Sportsman, Limited Sportsman, DIRTcar Pro Stocks, Street Stocks and 4-Cylinders. “The Great Race Place” grandstand gate opens at 5 p.m.; pit gate opens at 4 p.m. The facility provides the ultimate fan-friendly location for motorsports entertainment including free parking and camping. Up-to-date information can be found on the track web site (www.albany-saratogaspeedway.com) or by calling 518-587-0220.