Wind, More Wet Weather Delay Land Of Legends Season Opener To April 21st

Story By: TOM SKIBINSKI / LAND OF LEGENDS RACEWAY – CANANDAIGUA, NY – For the second time in two tries, poor weather conditions have forced promoter Paul Cole to drop a scheduled practice day at Land of Legends Raceway. The special warm-up session slated for Thr., April 12 has been moved to Saturday afternoon, pushing back the long-awaited season-opening ‘Saturday Spectacular’ to Apr. 21.

“The little bit of snow we had over the weekend didn’t affect us as much as the high winds, we lost three straight days of electric work that are really significant this time of year,” lamented Cole, pointing to the seven new light poles still awaiting installation. “The grounds are just not yet ready for a full race night. I really feel bad but would much rather be ahead of the game than behind to begin a new season.”

“Its still important to have a day of practice, not only for the racers but our staff, including the safety crew. Get some of our own kinks worked out, too. We want to take advantage of what we can get accomplished, just don’t want to lose an entire weekend for those teams that could use the practice time,” Cole said.

All classes are welcome to participate in hot laps on Sat., Apr. 14. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. with the track going green at 2 o’clock (final checkered flag thrown at 5).

Grandstand general admission is free to the public and the pit fee is $20. Concessions will be available.

“I’m reminding all spectators to park at their own risk,” Cole added. “I know the grounds are not prepared to accommodate 80-some haulers right now with parts of the main parking lot and pit area still too wet and soft. We’re just in need of some clear weather to get everything dried out. Its the right decision to postpone the opener another week, I don’t want to spend more time making new repairs to the facility instead of moving ahead with projects that need to be addressed.”

The lead-off ‘Saturday Spectacular’ on April 21 at the legendary Ontario County Fairgrounds half-miler boasts a full show of Pepsi Big-Block Modified, Donath Motor Worx Sportsman, Mike Emhof Motorsports 305 Sprint Car, Street Stock and New Legends Sportsman qualifying and feature race action. Front grandstand gates open at 5 p.m. and racing begins promptly at 7 p.m.

The adult grandstand ticket price is $15 for all Saturday Spectaculars, $13 for Seniors (65 yrs. plus) while 16 and under are FREE with a paid adult. Reserved Grandstand seating for a weekly show is $17 and $2 for all children 16 and under. Seniors 65+ are $15.

2017 round one winners Steve Paine (Mod), Matt Guererri (Spt), Bob Buono (Sts) and Lee Sanders (305) will be seeking a return visit to victory lane in the landmark 55th lid-lifter at LOLR. Defending Big-Block champion Matt Sheppard (2016), reigning Sportsman titlist Dave Marcuccilli (2015), all-time Canandaigua sprint car winner Darryl Ruggles (2015) and Street Stock veteran Mike Welch (2013) were the last opening-day feature winners to finish off the same season atop the final point standings.

“We’re really looking forward to finally getting the season underway after all the work that’s gone in restoring the facility,” remarked LOLR Race Director Greg Hixson, the 1991 Canandaigua track champion who also went on to capture the overall Mr. DIRT Sportsman crown that same year. “Everybody will love the new LED lighting when its all finished and the racers in particular will be happy when speakers are once again mounted in the pits.”

“Modified and sportsman divisions have regained their DIRTcar sanction and we’re following the rulebook 100%. The 305 sprints are adhering to the CRSA rules package and street stocks have the same rule book as last season. There’s a real neat point fund structure in place now and purses have been bumped up in every class. Now all we need is a little break in the weather and we’ll let the momentum continue to build from there,” Hixson said.