Track Champions To Be Crowned Friday Night At Albany-Saratoga

Column By: LAURIE FALLIS / RPW – MALTA, NY – After a long season of hard work and dedication at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway, it comes down to one race to either win the exclusive “track championship” or advance their positions in the standings.

One thing for sure…we will know that all race teams will head to the Malta, NY oval with their guns fully loaded and ready for the final shootout when they show up Friday night.

Who will come out like a blaze of glory? In the Modified division, it’s been the guy who’s been on a hot streak as of late, Australian native Peter Britten, driving for Andy Romano. After getting his first win of the year last week, Britten padded his points lead from one to 15 points over runner-up point man Keith Flach. He knows that he needs to stay in front of Flach or keep him in his sights. Flach understands what he needs to do…finish qas far ahead of Britten as possible to bring home the championship. Keep your eyes on what should be a great battle with the two different strategies going into the nights feature event.

Ronnie Johnson, who had a disappointing finish last week, lost a lot of ground in the championship battle, falling 48 points behind the leader. Malta’s all-time winningest Modified driver, Brett Hearn, has the most wins of the year with three and is riding in fourth in points but only a single marker ahead of defending champion Marc Johnson in the 3j. These two hot shoes already have track champions under there belts and this to will be something to watch.

The Flying Squirrel, Rocky Warrner, piloting the Jake Spraker-owned 1j has a commanding lead by 54 points over Connor Cleveland on the strength of four wins. This pretty much means Warner just has to take the green with Cleveland having a slim chance.

Tim Hartman won last week, moving him into third in points, battling with Chris Johnson and Jeremy Pitts. Third through fifth is only separated by 20 points. This will be what to watch for in the Sportsman feature.

Also on tap for the Sportsman is the Sowle’s Trailer Repair Sportsman Event paying $1,000-to-win.

‘Krazy’ Kenny Martin is high point man in the ever exciting Pro Stock division with three wins under his belt. Sitting in second is last week’s feature winner, Chuck Dumblewski, who has had a strong season and probably the best of his career rides. He is 38 points behind Martin.

Kim Duell, who has run into some bad luck as of late, in in third place in points, just seven behind Dumblewski. Of course, it has come at the wrong time of year for the veteran. Dave DePaulo and Brandon Emigh rounds out the top 5. Friday night will also be a Featherfoot Series race for the full-fender racers.

In the Street Stocks, Al Relyea is in good position with a 40 point lead over Jim Duncan. Randy Miller, with six victories, is third followed by Damon Anderson and Joey Wilson

At the end of the night, we will see many happy race teams and many disappointed ones. One thing for sure is that everyone will have done their best and gave 110% into their dedication and love for the sport. We will all have to commended them for their efforts on putting on one of the best shows in sports…”DIRT TRACK RACING.”

Good Luck to all the competitors. Drive fast, smooth and be safe. Hope to see you all at the track and see for yourself who will be crowned ‘track champion’

PEACE!