Joey Payne Recaps His 2017 International Classic At Oswego

Story By: RYAN HILL / JOEY PAYNE RACING – FAIR LAWN, NJ – The 61st annual Budweiser Classic Week at Oswego Speedway was held this past weekend. According to Supermodified driver Joey Payne The Budweiser Classic is the race that every Supermodified driver wants to claim a win in.

The Budweiser Classis is the race that Joey has circled on his calendar every year. This year the team hoped to qualify with a top ten, and when the race started they hoped to stay in the top ten not beating up the tires.

“It is almost impossible to pit for a tire and not go a lap down in the Classic” Payne said. “This year we had a ton of extra prep time with our car due to pretty bad wreck three weeks ago. We tore the car down completely and checked everything. We put a new front axle, hubs and bearings along with pulling the rear apart, we didn’t leave anything unchecked.”

Having the raw memory of starting 27th two years ago and rolling across the checkers third, just missing second by a few feet Payne set out of for this year’s Budweiser Classic with the goal of staying clean for the first ¾ of the race, giving himself the opportunity to be there at the end.

“We may have a beat up wheel man, but we have a great car owner with Don Penix and a dedicated team” Payne adds that “ I went into the race really pumped because I knew I had a good car after our full fuel run with 58 gallons on board. The car was tight in and out, that is just what you want in a 200 lap race. “

Joey started out the race by going into pace mode. He was clicking off the laps staying in the top ten without beating up the tires.

“I made a few passes, but kept the tires in mind. I was up to 8th for probably 50 or so laps, saving the tires for a late race charge to the front, but then on lap 126 I went into turn 3 and Tim Snyder pounded the outside wall. The car in front of me checked up, I had to get into the brakes and my rear started to come around.”

Joey was able to save the car, but unfortunately Jeff Abold was on his way by on the outside and the two cars made contact stuffing Payne’s #14 Supermodified into the wall.

“I hate it for my car owner Don Penix and my crew; they all play key roles to my racing efforts. I feel bad we were not able to finish. We were at the top of the speed charts, and we were all happy with the changes made and the results of practice and the time trials. We just didn’t get the big result we all wanted.”

Joey adds that the car will be rebuilt, and the team will be ready for next season, and they will come back to The Budweiser Classic strong.

“I would like to thank all of our sponsors and all of our sponsors for their continued support. Special thanks to the Muldoons for all of their help. We have a great team and a great car, now we just need some luck!”

Joey Payne races next at Star Speedway for the Star Classic. Joey and his son Anthony will race the 350 supers, as well as Joey with the ISMA.

To stay up to date with Joey Payne follow along with his racing on Facebook at the Penix Racing, Payne Racing, and Dirty Jersey Posse pages.