Santos Tops Oswego’s First Classic Test Session In Graham’s #21

Story By: CAMDEN PROUD / OSWEGO SPEEDWAY – OSWEGO, NY – On Thursday’s early afternoon testing session for Oswego Speedway’s 61st annual Budweiser Classic Week, it was pavement racing star Bobby Santos leading the way in the Graham Racing No. 21 built by John Colloca.

Santos went 16.970 on old tires in his first Supermodified appearance of the year. The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, USAC Silver Crown, and Must See Racing Series regular wasted no time showing that he will again be a threat to compete for victory at the conclusion of the 61st running of the Budweiser International Classic 200 this Sunday, September 3.

“Not too long ago I found out I was coming back here for the Classic after being given this opportunity by Ray Graham,” Santos said. “We’ve had some success together in the 200 and I definitely appreciate the continued opportunity from Graham Racing. I love Oswego Speedway and I love this race, it’s a lot of fun, so I just look forward to racing and hopefully we can have a good weekend.”

The Franklin, MA talent admitted that it’s a bit challenging for him whenever he comes to Oswego as it is usually on a part time basis and going up against drivers who compete each and every Saturday night at the ‘Steel Palace.’

“This is a little bit hard for me going up against guys that run a weekly deal every Saturday night, so you are definitely kind of starting behind everybody,” Santos explained. “Just to get in the seat of a Super again, get comfortable again and get acclimated to everything helps out a lot so hopefully at the end of 200 laps we will be right where I need to be which is up at the front.”

While many had hoped the Tinio Racing No. 44 tour Modified would also be in attendance on Classic Weekend for this Saturday’s ‘Toyota Mod Classic’ 150 presented by McDonald’s, Santos says that will unfortunately not be the case, as his only goal this weekend is to simply be there at the end of 200 laps in the Budweiser International Classic 200.

“Unfortunately we won’t be here with the Mod on Saturday, they aren’t coming this year,” Santos mentioned. “So the big goal this weekend is to just be there at the end of the 200 to contend for the win and like I said, I just love this race and really enjoy coming here.”

Second on the speed charts in the 11:30am to 3:30pm session was the Don Penix owned No. 14 of Joey Payne, which is sporting a new look for Classic Weekend. ‘The Jersey Jet’ got down to a 16.996 second lap. Payne is also scheduled to take part in this afternoon 4pm to 8pm session.

Also taking time Thursday were teammates Jerry Curran and Jeff West. Curran, making his first appearance of the season with his own ‘Nuclear Banana’ No. 24, got down to a solid 17.172 second lap, while West never fully got up to speed.

In the Small Block Supermodifieds, Tyler Thompson lead the way in the Jason Simmons owned, former Kreig Heroth No. 98 machine, which is sporting a very sharp look for Classic Weekend. The dirt Sportsman campaigner ran a 19.285 lap, putting him ahead of the 19.348 second time put in by Ray Sand Jr, who was making his second appearance of the season in his No. 71 formerly driven by Russ Brown.

Michael Barnes, Payne, Brian Sobus, Dan Connors Jr, Anthony Losurdo, Jon Tesoriero, and Scott Shafer are all scheduled to participate in the second session of day, set for 4-8pm, before all attention then shifts to Oswego Speedway’s Central New York Chevy Dealers ‘Pole Day’ qualifying to take place on Friday evening.

Tickets for Classic Weekend remain available, including $5 general admission seating for Friday, September 1. To purchase tickets, please call a box office representative at (315)-342-0646.