RPW Exclusive: A “Historic” Night Saturday At Fonda; Hall Of Fame & Vintage Racing Add To Great Evening

Column By: LAURIE FALLIS / RPW – FONDA, NY – It’s always great seeing people that have committed their lives to something getting the recognition they deserve. That’s exactly what’s going to happen at Fonda Speedway this coming Saturday night with the speedway’s annual Hall of Fame inductions.

With the weather looking to be a scorcher, what better to do then take a cool walk down memory lane on and off the track at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.

The festivities on tap include the annual Induction Ceremony that will take place at the track’s Museum located behind the main grandstands.

As tradition has it, the Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series (MVVDMS) will be having the series drivers displaying their beautiful cars of the past at one 1pm to let fans get an up-close and personal look at racing’s past.

Also kids can get autographs and meet the drivers that dedicate themselves to keeping the look and memories of our past alive and strong.

Inductions into the Hall will take place at 3pm. There are 12 new members being enshrined in the class of 2019. They include drivers, Dave Camara, Jack Cottrell, Danny Ody and Randy Glenski, car owners Dick Bennett and Bernie Maruski, track contributor John Grady and track personnel Doreen Marcuci. The Bill Fake-Track Pioneer goes to Chet Hames.

There will also be three recipients receiving the fourth annual Bruce Dostal Dedication to Fonda Speedway Museum Awards. They are Pete Corey and Bobco Video (Bob James & Mike Pfau) and myself. I am truly honored.

After the ceremony commences, it will be time to take the action through the back gate and onto the track. MVVDMS will be coming out strong as they will be hitting the famed half-mile with two feature events filled with excitement for the “Hall Of Fame Spectacular.”

The first feature will be the Vintage Antique Class, cars 1969 and below…yes the true deal! The second feature will consist of Modifieds, Sportsman and Late Models. These are the Vintage Replicas.

As one can see, this is certainly going to be a Spectacular day to represen and acknowledge people who have been and continue to be a big part of why Fonda Speedway is a track so rich in history and want to keep it going.

New promoter Brett Deyo has brought a lot of buzz this season, doing several things to help the track while assisting the community with special events. Having someone who is always open to suggestions is good and that gives the track an amazing atmosphere to how it was in the past.

With the Induction Ceremony (which Brett will be present) and MVVDMS Vintage racing, one can see first-hand how truly historical the “Track of Champions” is.

Deyo and his staff can certainly be proud to what they have done to make Fonda elite once again.