RPW Exclusive: Capital District Racecar Show Hosts Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series At Viaport Mall

Column By: LAURIE FALLIS / RPW – ROTTERDAM, NY – It’s that time of year again…”March Madness.”

That two-word statement could mean many of things, but to the racing world, it’s almost race season…and before that, teams have the chance to show off their pride and joy…their racecars!

It’s car show time and the Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series (MVVDMS) will be in full swing as the drivers get to unveil their cars of racing’s past at the at the Viaport Mall in Rotterdam, NY this weekend

The ever-popular St. Patrick’s Day weekend car show will be filled with the luck of the Irish. Over seventy cars should be on display and it’s looking like this could be a spectacular show. This is one you don’t want to miss.

Representing the MVVDMS at the show will be Vintage Antiques, Sportsman, Modifieds and Late Models. A total of eight cars should be on display, representing several different eras of racing. It’s a chance for the fans, young and old alike, to get an up-close and personal look at what the cars were like from years gone by.

One driver that will be returning for the show will be the “Flying Horseman,” Doug Mathewson. This year, Doug will be bringing the Super CD Coville #61 replica owned by Bruce and Clara Gray. This is a car that Mathewson drives for the Gray’s and is a 1985 Show Car.

The “Dancing Bear,” John Constantino, has seen many car shows over his 40+ years of racing. He will once again be bringing his familiar 1988 Champ Car.

“Dixie Twister,” Tony Kamburelis, from Fort Ann, NY will be once again displaying his 1937 authentic Ford Sedan, Flatback. This will be one of the cars representing the new “Vintage Antique” class the series is running. Tony also is President of the Champlain Valley Vintage Dirt Modified group.

John Roese will be representing the Late Model Division. His beautiful replica, a 1956 Ford Victoria is a tribute to his father, Bill Roese. Bill had a feature win in 1974 at the Fonda Speedway in the Late Model Division.

New to the show this year will be Bryon Seyfried. Seyfried will be showing off his hero’s car, a replica of the Jumpin’ Jack Johnson’s infamous #12A. The machine is a 1975 Profile chassis sporting a Gremlin body.

The “Miss Fit,” Dan Wood, will be representing a driver and family that has been inspirational to him in racing…Northeast Dirt Modified Hall of Famer Kenny Tremont. Wood’s car is a 1986 Olsen replica #115 that honors the Tremont family and is a thing of beauty.

Mike Francisco is a newcomer to vintage racing in 2019, making his first appearance behind the wheel. He’s got a replica of Maynard Forrette’s #78m. The tribute to the “Cyclone” is owned by Buck Gasner and is a 1984 Kneisel chassis.

Last, but certainly not least, is Don Wells who will be traveling up from Hyde Park NY. Don will also be representing the Vintage Antique class with an authentic Billy Greco #43. This is the originally-restored 1936 Pontiac that “Wild” Bill drove. For those of you who don’t know, Bill is a historic driver as he won the very first race at Albany-Saratoga Speedway.

Besides having a great group of vintage cars at the show, the Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series will also have their 2019 racing schedules, New York State Stock Car Association memberships, NESCOT calenders and Memberships.

There will also be a very special raffle that will be on display at their series table that was donated by Kugler’s Red Barn and artwork done by Custom by Bob” Signs and Designs. This is also something you don’t want to miss out on!

Make sure you make your way down to “vintage alley” and take a stroll through memory lane. Keep your eye out for the lucky leprechaun as he will be telling us that racing season should be great!