“The Great Race Place” Lives Up To Its Nickname

Column By: RAY ROGERS / RPW – MALTA, NY – It’s always good to get out and support all your local tracks, so Friday night, I wandered outside the Mohawk Valley and headed to what’s become a showplace for stock car racing in Upstate NY…the Albany-Saratoga Speedway.

I have to admit. It’s been a few years since I’ve been there, but it was just as I remembered, with a few fan-friendly add-ons.

Once I found a seat, I had a chat with my neighbor…5-year-old Zacharie…who gave me the low down on who to watch during the night.

As the hot lap sessions went on, the surface started to build a nice cushion. When the Modifieds took their turn, Keith Flach took his #43 into “no man’s land” and put on a great show for the fans.

Once things got rolling, the heat races moved along nicely. Winners were Al Relyea and Curt Condon in Street Stocks, Walt Brownell, Robbie Speed and Jay Fitzgerald in Pro Stocks, Scott Bennett, Derek Bornt, and Rob Lanfear in Limited Sportsman, Robert Bublak, Joe Orlando and Brian Pessolano in Sportsman, and Demetrios Drellos, Bobby Hackel, and Kenny Tremont in Modifieds.

During the intermission, I happened to come upon the whole Canajoharie, NY crew, including Greg Pessolano, former pilot of the 44p who was there enjoying a night of racing. He was there rooting for his brother, Brian, who won his heat earlier in the night. We all shot the breeze and it felt as if we were at our home track.

I then made my way back to find my seat, and I have to say, seats were at a premium now. Luckily, my new little buddy saved my seat and we both were excited to see some feature racing.

In the Pro Stocks, Robbie Speed picked up his first win of the season followed by Walt Brownell, Kenny Martin, Jason Meltz, and Jeff Washburn.

The Sowle Trailer Repair Sportsman feature was won by the Flyin’ Squirrel, Rocky Warner, with Robert Bublak, Joey Scarborough, Chris Johnson and Joe Orlando rounding out the top five.

The “Hoosier Mama” Modified feature winner was Brett “the Jet” Hearn. Matt Depew was second followed by Keith Flach, Bodie Bellinger, and Don Ronca.

I made my way to victory lane where Brett Hearn “parked it” for the 895 time in his career. His son, Tyler, was there to greet him with a big smile. I asked Tyler what he thought of his Dad’s win.

“We’re just getting started,” he said.

I don’t think it’ll be long before Mr. Hearn collects #896.

Al Relyea was first at the line in the Street Stock feature followed by Curt Condon, Paul Mulrain, David Cook, John Filarecki.

The Limited Sportsman top five at the finish saw Rob Lanfear taking the win with Scott Bennett Jr, Derek Bornt, Colin Clow and Michael Wagner in positions 2-5 respectively.

I made my way through the pit area after the racing had wrapped up and stopped at the #8 Pro Stock hauler of Todd Hoffman to see how he was feeling. Todd suffered injuries late last season which sidelined him for the remainder of 2016.

“I am feeling good,” he said. “We’re going run here at Albany Saratoga on Friday’s and Lebanon Valley on Saturday’s.”

I asked him why did he choose to run the Valley weekly.

“It was just time for a change of pace,” he said. “I like the speed there it’s a lot of fun.”

Todd finished just outside the top five on this night. I’m sure he will be a contender weekly at both racing facilities.

My last stop was to see my home track hot shoe, Jeremy Wilder, who led much of the 35-lap modified feature. Jeremy was involved in a late-race jingle during a spirited battle for second with Kenny Tremont. Jeremy would end the evening 19th, and was a bit frustrated but vowed to be back next week.

When my friend “Poolhall Jimmy” and I pointed his truck down Route 67 headed for home, we both repeated, ‘what a great night of racing’ to each other. Maybe that’s how Albany-Saratoga got it’s nick name. But then again, isn’t every night at the races great?