RPW Column: From The Grandstands: Friesen Shines During Another Great Night Of Action At Fonda

RPW Column By: RAY ROGERS / RPW – FONDA, NY – The Fonda Speedway is once again the home for Family, Great Food, and fantastic Racing on Saturday nights. Saturday’s and summer mean only one thing for me…stock car racing at the Fonda Speedway.

After enjoying some catch-up time with my racing family, it was time for some dinner some great dirt track action. Upon entering, everyone was asked to wear a mask, something I have become accustomed to so it was no big deal.

I headed for Denise’s concession. My buddy Red Chair swears by the hot meatball sub as the best at any race track around. However, I chose some chicken tenders, a frank and a cold beverage to start the night.

Before I knew it, the heat races were rolling off and I had to find a seat in the grandstands.

Pro Stocks rolled away for the first heats of the evening. Nick Stone and Jim Normoyle took top spots in each of those eight-lap qualifiers. Modified heat race winners were Danny Varin, Michael Maresca, and Jessica Friesen.

Saturday’s Sportsman heats went to Brian Borst, Brian Calabrese and Chad Edwards.

The racing action rolled right along as the Street Stocks took to the historic half-mile for the first feature of the night. Al Relyea claimed his second win of the short season.

The Limited Sportsman took to the racing surface next for a 15-lap event and Brett Mortensen also claimed back-to-back victories. Ken Hollenbeck added another victory to his resume in the 4-Cylinder Single Cam division. David Frame crossed the line second and scored the victory in the Dual Cam.

After a brief intermission, I quickly returned to my seat as the Pro Stocks entered the speedway for 20 laps of full fender action. Defending Super DIRT Week Pro Stock Champion, Josh Coonradt, scored his first win of the season at Fonda with Nick Stone, Luke Horning, Kenny Gates and Devon Camenga rounding out the top five spots.

Stewart Friesen continued doing what he does best, win at Fonda. Saturday, it only took him 17 laps to charge to the front from the tenth starting position to claim another Modified victory.

Michael Maresca had a strong finish in the 247, finishing runner-up to Friesen. Invader Mat Williamson crossed the line third with former track champion Matt DeLorenzo and defending champ Rocky Warner rounding out the top 5.

Saturdays Sportsman feature may just have been the race of the year in the division as former Mr. DIRT Sportsman Champ Joe Williams went flag-to-flag for the victory. However, it was not without a challenge.

Chad Edwards came from the seventh starting to give Williams a run for his money but in the end, Williams would score the victory. Edwards would have to settle for another runner up finish…his second of the season. Brian Calabrese crossed the line third with Mark Mortensen and Brian Borst coming to the checkers fourth and fifth.

Well, folks…Saturday is just around the corner and the Fonda speedway will once again open the gates for dining along the Mohawk. Enjoy dinner from Denise’s delicious concession menu and take in the view from the historic old grandstand as some of the best stock car drivers in the state turn laps on the historic half-mile.

Masks and social distancing are required anywhere on the Fairgrounds so please follow the precautions recommended by speedway staff.

Infield Parking will also be available for this weekend’s action $60 – Includes 4 Passes – Call 518.915.4395 or e-mail fondaspeedwayangela@gmail.com to reserve a spot. If you plan to park, be sure to tune into 88.1 on the FM dial to hear Paul and Jay call night’s racing action.

Front Gate admission for Saturday is only $11 for, Adults, Seniors (ages 65 and up): $9 and Kids 11 and under FREE. Full Pit Access is $30 for speedway members and $35 for Non-members for this weekend’s event.

Keep the racing on the track and I hope to see you all at the races.