Things Are Beginning To Heat Up In The Mohawk Valley As Summer Approaches

Column By: RAY ROGERS / RPW – FONDA, NY – Saturday afternoon, I strolled through the parking lot at the Fonda Speedway, headed for the pit entrance. I stopped at the truck and trailer of the beautiful 32 special vintage sportsman owned by long time family friend Bruce and Clara Gray. Bruce was pretty upbeat for the night.

“I don’t know much about this racing stuff so I brought a hired gun tonight,” he said pointing to Doug Mathewson sitting next to him leaning on his helmet with a look like a gunslinger in his eye. Doug just smiled to me and away they went.

As I made my way in, I met up with my RPW “teammate” Jeremy McGaffin and convinced him to stop over to the speedway museum. He captured some splendid images of the Museum and lots of great shots of the night’s action. Be sure to check out his photo gallery by clicking here.

When I finally made my way to the pit area, I checked in with Cody Clark, who had won the previous night at Afton and scored a win a Fonda a few weeks ago.

“I’m looking forward to tonight,” he said. “Had a great run last night and hope to carry it over tonight.”

His dad who works tirelessly on the car and was proud of his son’s achievements, but knew his son was about to do battle again and refocused the young man. I am always impressed with young talent and Cody not only has talent but has a super family behind him. I believe the sky may be the limit for this up-and-coming hot shoe.

Shortly after 7pm, the evening’s heat races rolled away and Chuck Dumblewski, Josh Coonradt, and Dennis Joslin taking the Pro Stock qualifiers. Modifieds took control of things next for three heat races and Stewart Friesen, Justin Boehler, and Mike Maresca all claimed victory. Sportsman heat winners were Aaron Burton, Chad Edwards, and Harry Shafer.

The first feature of the night went to Street Stock driver Cliff Haslun. Novice Sportsman winner was William August.

The Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified series gave the fans a great show on Earl Mewhorter tribute night. Darral Hulbert took the top spot in the Modifieds and the “Gunslinger” himself, Doug Mathewson, scored the Sportsman top spot.

Ater getting a cold drink and making sure I had enough 50/50 tickets, I headed for a seat in the grandstands. My neighbors were a nice bunch of folks from Tennessee on vacation and making their first trip to the ‘Track of Champions.’ They were quite impressed and really enjoyed the show.

The Pro Stocks put on a fantastic full-fender battle, as always, and Kenny Gates found himself back in victory lane once again. Josh Coonradt had another great run finishing second followed by AJ Walters, Randy Cosselman, and Chuck Dumblewski.

The Big Block Modifieds took over the smooth, racy half mile for their 30-lap feature. Stewart Friesen charged his way to the front of the field, cutting a left front tire three-quarters of the way thru and still taking the checkers first. However, there seemed to be an issue at the scales with Friesen and Tim Fuller, who finished fourth. Both appeared to be light. Second place finisher Josh Hohenforst was declared the winner. Danny Varin was second Mike Maresca third. Ronnie Johnson and Jeremy Wilder completed the top five unofficially.

The Sportsman feature was one for the record books as ‘Happy Harry’ Shaffer picked up his first career Sportsman win at the track. I have been watching Harry for a number of years and must say it been a long time coming. He definitely deserved this one.

Chad Edwards was second, Brian Pessolano third, Tim Hartman Jr. fourth, and “Racing Ray Zemken” fifth.

After the races, a bunch of us were gathered in the pit area when Stewart Friesen was backing out his hauler. As he rolled passed, we noticed he was not looking too happy, Just then someone in the crowd yelled out, “Hey Stew…we love ya man!” A smile quickly came over his face. The scales may have stolen the win from Stew on this night, but in the eyes of his fans, there’s no doubt who the winner was.

On Tuesday, Fonda Speedway promoter Pete Demitraszek released a statement about the situation.

“We have come to learn the scale was run over and vandalized on Friday night by people attending another function on the Fair Grounds,” the statement read. “We feel it in the best interest of everyone to award both Stewart and Tim the full point value of their respected finishing positions. Stewart will also be credited with a win along with Josh Hohenforst.”