Northeast Crate Nationals Moves For 2019; King Of Dirt Event To Be Held At Fonda Speedway
Story By: JUSTIN ST. LOUIS / KING OF DIRT – FAIR HAVEN, VT – The Northeast Crate Nationals has a new home at Fonda Speedway. The legendary “Track of Champions” in Fonda, N.Y., will be the site of the 10th running of the signature race for the King of Dirt Racing (KOD) Crate Modified Series on Saturday, September 14.
The agreement helps to usher in a new era for both Fonda Speedway and KOD; Deyo – founder of the highly successful Short Track Super Series – has just begun his first season as the new promoter at Fonda, and Devil’s Bowl Speedway promoter Mike Bruno purchased the KOD tour in late March.
In addition to the new venue, the Northeast Crate Nationals will see several big changes. The race distance has been shortened to 50 laps, which will pack more excitement into the race by forcing drivers to run all-out every lap. The race purse will begin at a minimum of $2,000 to win, with the last-place finisher (30th) earning a minimum of $150; however, a robust series of bonuses to be announced is expected to elevate the purse for all drivers in the starting field. Furthermore, no one will go home empty-handed, as all drivers who do not qualify for the 50-lap main event will be guaranteed $75 in tow money.
Drivers will be able to compete on either Hoosier or American Racer tires, which will allow entries to come from virtually every corner of the Northeastern racing scene. In the interest of creating parity between the two brands, tire compound requirements will be announced prior to the event.
“We are really excited to bring the Northeast Crate Nationals to Fonda Speedway,” Bruno said. “When our previous races were cancelled last month, Brett Deyo was the first promoter to reach out to me and offer his support of KOD. Fonda is such an historic track and we’re looking forward to being part of the new era there.”
The Northeast Crate Nationals is one of the country’s top annual events for the GM “602” crate engine Sportsman Modified division. With roots dating back to 2008, the race has grown under KOD sanction to draw fields of 60 or more entries and has become a source for major bragging rights in the region. Tim Hartman Jr. and Rocky Warner have each won the event twice, with other winners including Jack Swinton, Chad Edwards, Ray Zemken, Tim Sears Jr., and defending champion Brian Calabrese.
The King of Dirt Racing Crate Modified Series opens its fifth championship season at Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, Vt., on Sunday, May 26, with the “Memorial Day Kickoff 50” presented by A-Verdi Storage & Office Solutions. Discussions for the possibility of additional KOD events are ongoing, and agreements are expected to be finalized soon.
The King of Dirt Racing Series is online at http://www.KingofDirtRacing.com and can also be found via social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. For more information, call Mike Bruno at (802) 236-9141, Media Director Justin St. Louis at (802) 355-3282, or email kodracingseries@gmail.com.
Previous “Northeast Crate Nationals” Champions
2008 – Jack Swinton
2009 – no event
2010 – Chad Edwards
2011 – Ray Zemken
2012 – no event
2013 – Tim Sears, Jr.
2014 – Tim Hartman, Jr.
2015 – Rocky Warner
2016 – Tim Hartman, Jr.
2017 – Rocky Warner
2018 – Brian Calabrese
