RPW Exclusive: Mohawk Valley Vintage Returning To It’s Birth Place; What Else Is On Tap In 2019?

Column By: LAURIE FALLIS / RPW – FULTONVILLE, NY – It has been a fantastic year so far in 2019 for the Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series (MVVDMS).

Things have been going strong for the series and it’s still in high gear filled with fun and excitement for the fans and competitors alike.

Next stop will be at the Glen Ridge Motorsports Park this coming Saturday for the “Thrill On The Hill.”

The Ridge is the place where it all started. The Series first laid down roots at this facility in it’s quest to preserve the history and memories of great drivers that made our sport to where it is today alive. The MVVDMS is looking forward to getting back to the “Fastest 1/4 mile on Dirt.”

Speedway promoters Ray Sefrin and Butch Hazzard along with the entire staff have been working tirelessly to improve the Ridge. Sefrin along with Slinghot standout and racing veteran Dan Ballard have given the racers a phenomenal racing surface these past few weeks.

As promoter of the MVVDMS, I personally am excited to be going back to a track that has brought me a lot of joy and success. This is the track I called home when I raced years ago. I captured multiple wins there and even the 4-cylinder championship in 2007. I’m certainly looking forward to bringing the series there. I can’t wait to see our guys get their chance to experience the fun. It’s truly a special place.

As with all MVVDMS point shows, the series will be having two feature events with four winners. The ever-growing Vintage Antique class will be running a 12-lap feature with only true authentic cars, 1969 and older. These are the grass root cars of Vintage racing.

Our Vintage Replica’s will be running a 20-lap feature which consist of three classes…Modified (cars that chassis si 1990 and newer), Sportsman (1989 and older) and the Late Models.

The series’ point shows are winding down with just two events to go. They go to the Ridge next, and how fitting that the champions will be crowned at the “Track Of Champions,” the Fonda Speedway, on September 14th for the “Mohawk Valley Fall Finale.”

Not only will the Champions be crowned, but thanks to Tommy and Sharon Spencer, this will also be a historic event for the series making it a “Grand” finale. The Spencer’s are distributing $1,000 to the Vintage racers.

Depending on how many drivers enter the event is how the cash will be divided. Each driver will get equal an amount. It’s amazing to see someone like the Spencer’s, who have been a part of our racing history and have helped so many drivers in their careers, be part of something special in the growth of this Vintage series. It’s also great to see the drivers get something back for their participation.

Also on the big night at Fonda will be something a lot of people have been waiting for…the “Legends” Rocking Chair drawing. Some lucky winner will go home with a beautiful piece featuring the four Horseman (Jack Johnson, Lou Lazzaro, CD Coville and Dave Lape) on it, hand-painted by “Custom” Bob Niemietz. The drawing will be done in victory lane with “Super” CD pulling the ticket.

Even though that is when the points chase ends, Vintage racing will continue. The series will be heading back to the track where their season started back in May, the Albany-Saratoga Speedway, to be a part of the first ever “Malta Massive Weekend.”

The “Malta Massive Vintage Frenzy” will take place on the second night of racing, Friday, September 20th. This will be an open show that will allow the 4-barrel carbs to be classified as Modified. Sportsman, Antiques and Late Models will also be in action.

This will be the night also when the “Legends of Lebanon” Cabinet winner will be drawn. This excellent piece, along with the rocking chair, are donated by Al at “Kugler’s Red Barn.” The Cabinet has every Modified feature winner ever from the Valley on it which, pinstriped and lettered by Dave Davies.

The last race of the year for the series will take place at the Afton Motorsports Park on Saturday, October 12th, as part of Brett Deyo’s Short Track Super Series SuperNationals 12. The “Vintage Attraction” will be an open show with more details to follow.

With the season rounding into the fourth turn, heading for the checkers, we must remember what Vintage racing is really supposed to be about…having a good, fun time, putting on a great show while keeping the memories alive of drivers and preserving history. This group is making the Vintage family something special.

MVVDMS is honored to have drivers racing who represent themselves, some of which have raced some 50 years ago. These are the drivers that helped paved the way of our sport.

How special is that? Get ready racing world. Sit back and enjoy the racing and the looks of the past. Get ready to see what the buzz is all about…VINTAGE STYLE!