RPW Exclusive: What Makes The Fonda Speedway So Special?

Column By: RAY ROGERS / RPW – FONDA, NY – For everyone who has seen the movie Happy Gilmore, you’ll understand this statement. We all have our “Happy Place.” For some, it may be a favorite fishing hole, tree stands with a fantastic view or maybe a favorite beach. Maybe it’s the family pool with your favorite drink in hand.

For me, and many others like me, there’s only one place that makes us truly happy…the Fonda Speedway…the true “Track of Champions.”

What makes Fonda so special for so many? The track itself is a pretty good reason. Its unique oval shape makes it a driver’s race track. Many of the greats have said, “if you can win at Fonda, you can win anywhere.” Just walking down in front of the iconic covered grandstands as the cars race by at full song gives you a real sense of the speed the old race track produces.

One of the last true Big Block fairground racing facilities in the country, Fonda has attracted some of the greatest drivers in Dirt Modified history. Hall of Famers like Jumpin’ Jack Johnson, Lou Lazzaro and Dave Lape have all called Fonda home. Even today, great drivers like Bobby Varin and NASCAR Truck Series superstar Stewart Friesen call the Montgomery Fairground home on Saturday nights.

The racing at Fonda is second to none. Its wide racing surface allows for door-to-door action, giving anyone in the field a chance for glory at the historic half mile.

Another thing that makes Fonda stand out is its loyal fan base, some of whom have been attending races there since opening day in 1953. Fonda fans understand the history and are always happy to share it.

Many of those fans gather early on race nights and share stories of the tracks glory days. Just walking through the parking lot behind the grandstands, you’ll be met by happy fans celebrating another night at the races together.

Fonda has a true sense of community…a place where families are always welcome and many life long friendships have been forged on Saturday nights over the years.

This Saturday night, the track welcomes fans and racers back for its 68th year of stock car racing. This year’s season opener pays tribute to those loyal fans and drivers who return to the Speedway week in and week out with “Fonda Speedway Allegiance Night.” Fans are encouraged to wear their Fonda Speedway gear and show support for the Track.

If you looking for some new Fonda apparel, the track has you covered with all new hats, t-shirts, and sweatshirts so stop by the apparel shop under the main grandstands.

A super schedule of racing is planned for Saturday including a 30-lap $8,000-to-win and $4,000 for the second Modified feature. That has drawn the attention of some of the best Drivers in the northeast.

Along with the Mod, the Sportsman will take to the racing surface for the first time in 2019 in a $1,000-to-win event along with the full-fender fury of the Pro Stocks, who will also compete for a $1,000 payout. Street-Stocks and the Four Cylinder Cruisers are also on the card for what is shaping up to be a season opener for the ages.

One more thing that makes Fonda so great. It’s affordable for fans to attend. Regular weekly event tickets are:

• Adults: $11
• Seniors (ages 65 and above): $9
• Kids 11 and under: FREE.

The Fonda Speedway also has a Fantastic concession menu that won’t break the bank, all adding up to an exciting and affordable night of racing at one of the most historic racing facility in the country.

Still wondering what makes Fonda so special to so many? I think you should come and see for yourself. Arrive a bit early and stop into the Fonda Speedway Museum and Hall of Fame. The museum is located right on the Fairgrounds property behind the DKM Fabrication bleachers in the fourth turn.

This piece of history is open every race day from 3:30 until race time and is always free to visitors. This week, the museum will host a meet and greet with defending track champions Bobby Varin, Chad Edwards, and Kenny Gates at 4:00 pm.

Speedway gates open at 3:30 pm. Hot laps for Saturday are set to roll at 5:30 and heat races take the green flag at 6:30 pm.

The weather may be a bit chilly but is looking decent for Saturday so make sure you grab your favorite Fonda Sweatshirt and find your seat. I have this feeling you’ll only need the edge once the racing starts. Hope to see you all at my “Happy Place” this weekend!

Keep checking back with Race Pro Weekly as we will have all the latest news and results from the Fonda Speedway all season long.