RPW Exclusive: Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series Is looking For Big Things In 2019 As They Reflect Back.

Column By: LAURIE FALLIS / RPW – GLOVERSVILLE, NY – Get ready racing world! Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series racing is on the rise in the Mohawk and Capital regions with car counts reaching record numbers, along with fantastic racing hitting the tracks. The series is certainly looking to go bigger and better moving forward into the 2019 season.

Racing on the track in 2018 was one of the most exciting in the series four year existence to say the least, Attributed by the standout drivers that participated in each event.
The fun of representing drivers and the different eras of our past is what’s important in keeping our history alive. It’s also important to give the fans a good show to keep them interested in what the cars looked like in our past for the younger generation to see.

Competitive racing throughout the field is also what the series strives for.

That’s exactly what the drivers give! Close racing! Which is a promoters dream.

When the MVVDMS starts it racing season in 2019 it will be under new leadership, as Buck Gasner, Series founder and former promoter, has stepped down and handed the keys over to Laurie Fallis.

Why? You wonder; It’s due to his work obligations and focusing on his Pro Stock operation. And that alone is a full plate.

Gasner will not totally be stepping away, as when time permits he will be running his 78m, Maynard Forrette replica at our vintage events.

Gasner stayed in the shadows for the 2018 season after giving Fallis the race day duties, while also getting her feet wet as a intern promoter; so to speak.

“She really stepped it up, bringing the vintage series to the forefront! I was pleasantly surprised on how well she did” Gasner stated.

You could say there is a new thrill and excitement in the air for vintage racing.

“Our races in 2018 were fantastic
Our “Hall of Fame” race was no slouch! We had a record turn out of twenty-four cars that signed in at the back gate, They were ready to represent our past in racing.”

A Latemodel team from Richmond, Missouri even showed up. He had heard and seen pictures about the history of Fonda Speedway and new this was a track he had to race at. So he took his vacation time, loaded up his truck and race car and proceeded to drive 1200 miles to race on the track that so many racing legends had before him. He was ecstatic to be at the ” Track Of Champions” It was everything that he hoped would be.

Race chaser certainly won the longest haul award… While fulfilling his bucket list.

The last race on the season, at the “Famed” oval, was a battle that came down to the last circuit of the race between Doug Mathewson and Rob Sanford as they had the crowd on their edge of their seats as they made their way up front from mid pack and deep in the field.

With Mathewson having a slight edge going into turns three and four on the last lap, the decision was made that he to go three wide on the outside around lap cars before Sanford was ready to pounce in and take the lead away.

The crafty veteran maneuvered his way around the outside and out dueled Sanford to the checkers, winning the overall race and the sportsman class by a car length. Rob Sanford had to settle in the bridesmaid position. He would also be your vintage modified winner by his second place finish.

Dan Wood was not far out as he was hot on their tail waiting for opportunity to knock. However he would have to settle for the third spot with an exciting run for himself.

The battle for fourth through sixth was also a “barn burner,” with slicing and dicing going on between the trio of Constantino, Houghtaling and Wetmore.

Fans and track staff alike stated it was the best vintage racing they have ever seen! ” It was music to my ears”

Bill Liese’s seventh place finish was good enough to capture the latemodel class.

A total of twenty cars checked in the gate and were ready to voyage around the speedway.

The series would wind down its season at the Winners Circle in Fonda, NY. Champions were crowned and all the drivers in attendance were recognized for their outstanding job and professionalism that they displayed on the track and the excellent show that was put on for the fans.

Laurie, personally got to thank each and everyone of them for the help in making MVVDMS a great success and taking it to another level.

“Plus it was just fun getting together and having a good time with everyone that was able to attend.”

Our 2018 Champions were,
Rob Sanford(Modified),
John Constantino(Sportsman), Malcum Warner(Latemodel)
Drivers being recognized were Charlie Scofeild, Jay Lais, John Roese, Dan Wood, Doug Mathewson, Tex Gordan, Chip Gautheir, Bryon Seyfried and Buck Gasner.

“What’s going on for the 2019 season?”

MVVDMS will be debuting a new class,”Vintage Antique” These Cars will be “pre” 1969. We are excited to have them recognized in our series in 2019.

With new promotion changes at the Fonda Speedway, Brett Deyo has welcomed MVVDMS with open arms. We can not thank him enough for this. We are excited to show him what Vintage racing means to us and the historic racetrack.

Thank You! Ray Sefrin, promoter of the Glen Ridge Motorsports for bringing back the MVVDMS to their birthplace.

“We are certainly excited to be getting back to our grass roots to were it all started.” Our series will be ready to get back on the “Fastest Quarter Mile On Dirt”

Another track the series will be venturing to is Albany-Saratoga Speedway. After a years hiatus from the track we will truly be ready to bring old back. We want to Thank You Lyle DeVore for letting MVVDMS showcase their style at the “Great Race Place.”

Devils Bowl Speedway was one of our races on the 2018 schedule that Mother Nature won. It was a misfortune because the MVVDMS competitors were excited about getting on the big track. We have been in contact, and we are working on something and hopeful on adding a date soon! Thank You! Justin St.Louis and the Bruno Family.

A special shout out to the promoters for letting vintage racing play in their sandbox. And keeping our past alive.

Well as you can see, 2019 is gearing up to be a spectacular year for the Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series.

We hope the racing world will take interest in vintage racing, and not only is it a cheap form of racing but most importantly is keeping the drivers in our past, that paved our way to where racing is today, in our future.

We could have not been successful without our Sponsors: Glove City Taxi, Custom by Bob “Signs and Designs”, Gallup Auto, Mathewson’s Farm, Boyd’s Motorworks, Buanno’s Custom Body Shop, NESCOT, Johns Auto Service Center.
And all the media that helps give the exposure in keeping our history of racing alive and strong!

For information on the Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series you can go to our facebook page or contact Laurie Fallis through messenger on our facebook page.