Racing Season Is Officially Underway In NY’s Mohawk Valley

Column By: RAY ROGERS / RPW – FONDA, NY – Fonda Speedway opened it’s gates for the 64th season of racing Saturday with a 50-lap, $4,000-to-win Modified feature and a full card of action for the fans.

As I pulled into the fairgrounds, the line of haulers stretched form Route 30 all the way to the pit entrance, so I knew this was going to be one for the record books.

I made my way the Speedway Museum and Hall of Fame where it was more like a family reunion than a day at the track. The Museum will be open every Saturday and has some great new exhibits. Doors open at 3pm so stop in and check it out.

While catching up with my “family,” my buddy Tommy shared a story with me. When he was a young race fan, his dad took him to the Rotterdam Car Show. Most drivers where too busy chatting with other fans to say hello, but Craig Boehler took extra time with him, letting him sit in the car and took several photos. He said he was hoping to see Craig’s son Justin Boehler pick up his first feature win this season soon. Forshadowing?

After the line to enter the pit area died down, I headed in to make my rounds. My first stop was at the 85 hauler where I met up with one of my oldest friends, Erik Nelson, who was climbing into a fire suit for the first time in a few years. I asked him why he was coming out of retirement now?

“If my dad and I are flipping the bills, I might as well have fun,” he said with a grin. “We are basically just breaking in our new Small Block tonight. We will be back weekly with a fresh Big Block.”

My next stop was at the Jeremy Wilder pit stall who will be flying the Parks Company colors at Fonda this season.

“We are super excited this year with Tadd coming on board,”Wilder said. “We hope to be back in victory lane soon and often.”

Before I knew it, 5:30pm had rolled around and it was almost time for hot laps so I made my way to the grandstand for a better view of the racing surface. I have to say, the track looked to be in great condition.

After a quick warm up session, it was time for the first heat races of the 2017 season. First to roll off was the Pro Stocks. Kenny Gates, Jason Casey and Josh Coonradt collected those wins.

The Modified heat winners were Mike Maresca, Bobby Varin and Billy Decker. CRSA heats were won by Thomas Radivoy and Christian Rumsey, while Chad Edwards, Rocky Warner and Mark Mortensen took home the Sportsman qualifiers.

Now to the features, where Dave Horning Sr. added another win to his career total in the Street Stock division. He was followed to the line by Johnny Young, Joey Wilson, Jim Groncki and Steven Young. The cruiser feature went to PJ Bleau with Chris Andrews, Pat McSpirit, Zach McSpirit and Ken Hollenback rounding out the top five.

The first Rookie Sportsman feature winner of the season was Mike Block. Larry Neimiec was second, Gary Derocher third, Cory White fourth and EJ McAuliffe completed the top five of this one.

Stewart Friesen jumped out to an early lead in the main event of the evening, the Modified feature, setting a blistering pace and leaving the real race to those starting behind him. That was until lap 45 when Friesen boiled the right rear off his car.

Justin Boehler claimed the lead with a handful of laps left and went on to take his first feature win at the Track of Champions. 2016 Super Dirt Week 358-Modified Champion Tim Fuller finished second followed by Jeremy Wilder, Craig Hanson and Friesen, who made his way back up to the top five.

Just as the rest of the field passed the flag stand, I looked over to my friend Tommy who was sitting just a few seats away and saw that young race fan inside him grinning from ear to ear. He was happy he got to see his driver pick up his first career win. I can only imagine the smile on Justin Boehler’s face at that moment. That’s just another example of why I love the Fonda Speedway.

The CRSA A-main was next on the schedule and Brett Jaycox led this one flag-to-flag. Tyler Jashembowski was second with Thomas Radivoy, Dana Wagner and Josh Pieniazek rounding out the top five.

Defending Sportsman track champion Rocky Warner picked up right where he left off last season, taking the lead from Mark Mortensen early in the feature event and and never looking back as he went on to win his first of the season. Brian Pessolano, Dave Constantino, Chad Edwards and Mark Mortensen were your top five finishers in this the final race of the night.

With the race season officially underway, we have to wait only a few more days before it’s time to return to our seats for another exciting night at the races. Next Saturday, Fonda pays tribute to one of the all-time greats, Steve Danish, with a tribute night and a full card of racing. Green flag flies at 7pm.

Hope to see you there!