Stewart Friesen Turned Up The Wick At Fonda Saturday Night

Column By: RAY ROGERS / RPW – FONDA, NY – Saturday started out a bit on the gloomy side in the Mohawk Valley. However, as I arrived at the Fonda Fairgrounds, the sun was shining and all systems were go for a great night of racing.

As I made my way through the pit area on my usual rounds, I stopped to see how Josh Coonrandt was feeling. The rookie Pro Stock pilot has been in the hunt all season.

“We had some issues early this season, but I think we have it figured out,” he told me. “I really like the way the Pro Stock drives. It seems to have a lot more bite and I can get better drive off the corner…much better than the Street Stock. I’m really enjoying it.”

His confidence was high and I knew he would have a good show.

My next stop was at the 18 pit stall of sportsman driver Tony Farone. Tony has been hit and miss at the “Track of Champions” this season, having to take some weekends off due to work.

“I had Eric Nelson sit in for me last week and he did a great job,” Farone said. “I’m gonna be missing a few races in the coming weeks due to work commitments, so I’m gonna just go out and do the best I can when ever I strap in for my crew. They’re the ones who keep me going.”

As hot laps rolled out, the track seemed to be in great shape and, with the URC Sprints in town, I had a feeling we were in for a great show.

The first heats to roll away Saturday were the Pro Stocks and Ivan Joslin, Cassidy Wilson and Coonrandt all took the top spots.

Next up was the Mighty Modifieds and Pep Corradi, Bobby Varin, and Jeremy Wilder all claimed the top spots.

Sportsman heats went to Farone and Mark Mortensen while the URC Sprint heat winners were Curt Michael and Cory Sparks.

William August took the checkers in the first feature of the night in the Limited Sportsman feature and Joey Wilson took the Street Stock feature. The Cruiser feature went to Ken Hollenback.

Coonrandt led most of the Pro Stock feature until Kenny Gates managed to get past him in the closing laps to take the checkers. Those two were followed by Nick Stone, Jason Casey and Luke Horning.

Stewart Friesen dropped the hammer in the Modified feature event, jumping out to an early lead never looking back. He drove away from the field in his #44 Halmar International Cyclone Chassis, leaving the race to those behind him.

Bobby Varin, Tim Fuller, Josh Hohenforst and Jeremy Wilder all raced to top 5 finishes.

Cory Sparks quickly took command of the URC Sprint Car feature showing the series regulars the fast way around the famed 1/2-mile oval. He was able to park his #1HD in victory lane and was followed by Curt Michael, Danny Varin, Matt Tanner and Danny’s dad, Bobby.

My old friend “The Flying Onion” Tony Farone took the checkers in the Sportsman feature with Cody Clark in hot pursuit. Tim Hartman Jr., Aaron Burton, Kurtis Hohensheldt completed the top 5 spots Saturday night.

If you missed Saturday’s show, don’t worry. There’s still lots of great things happening at the “Track of Champions.” This weekend is a tribute to the legend Irv Taylor and the Fonda Speedway Museum and Hall of Fame will have special guests Jimmy Davis and Mark Mortensen on hand for a meet and greet.

On Saturday, July 29th the Fonda Speedway Museum and Hall of Fame will honor this year’s inductees:

• Drivers
  • NASCAR Hall of Fame member Jerry Cook
  • Earl Mewhorter
  • Jim Luke
  • John Constantino
  • John Koller
  • Kieth Tesiero Sr.
• Car Owners
  • Jake Spraker
  • RC Putman
  • Jim Magielda
• Fonda Speedway Photographer Clancy Miller
• Track Contributor Warren Roosevelt Sr.
• Pioneer Award Winner Frank Trinkaus.

The 2nd annual Bruce Dostal Dedication to the Fonda Speedway awards to Frank Blanchard and Corey White.

The Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modifieds will also be in the house for the annual nostalgia night. Induction ceremonies begin at 4:30 at the Museum and racing kicks off at 7 pm.