Weedsport’s Sportsman Classic: A New Summer Tradition

Story By: DAN KAPUSCINSKI / WEEDSPORT SPEEDWAY – WEEDSPORT, NY – The 4th annual Sportsman Classic, presented by Industrial Tire of CNY, takes place this Monday, July 3 at 7 p.m. and with $2,500 on the line for the winner in a 75-lap feature format, the annual Classic is becoming a summer tradition for fans and racers.

The best in Sportsman racing have been coming to Weedsport on Fourth of July weekend in search of a Classic victory since 2014, when James Michael Friesen became the first driver to win the 75-lap crown jewel.

Friesen topped Sportsman superstars Rocky Warner and Dave Marcuccilli for the win that year, with the Classic becoming an instant hit.

One year after falling just short in his bid for victory, Marcuccilli came back strong in 2015, out racing Steve Gray, Adam Hilton, Todd Town, and Mike Maresca for the $2,500 Classic win.

Just last year it was Ronnie Davis III etching his name into Classic history, becoming the third driver in three years to take the $2,500 top prize over Cody McPherson, Kyle Inman, Marcuccilli, and Kevin Root.

Marcuccilli has laid claim as the most successful driver in Classic history having finished in the top five in all three Classics, with one victory – the only driver to do so.

Friesen, Gray, Hilton, and Robert Bublak Jr. are the only other drivers to have finished in the top ten of the 75-lap Classic on more than one occasion.

Initially slated for a 6 p.m. start, officials have decided to bump the program back one hour to allow more time for fans to make their way to the speedway.

Pit gates will now open at 4 p.m. on July 3 with grandstand gates opening at 5 p.m. Hot laps will begin at 6 p.m. with opening ceremonies set for 6:45 p.m.

The 75-lap, $2,500 to win crown jewel will mark the second event of the Beyea Custom Headers Sportsman Shootout Series for 2017.

This year all the heavy hitters are once again expected including Davis, Marcuccilli, Kevin and Todd Root, Warner, Jeremy Pitcher, Kevin Ridley, and more.

Included in the night’s schedule will be the TUSA Mod Lites and the NY6A 600cc Micro Sprints.

A huge fireworks display will cap off the Independence Day Weekend for fans in attendance.

Best of all admission for the evening is just $20 a car load, so be sure to bring the entire family.

Single adult general admission is $15, kids 11-17 is $5, with kids 10 and under FREE.

Industrial Tire of CNY is a family-owned and operated company funded by Dennis Beaudette over a decade ago, and will continue to be in the family name for another generation with Dennis’ two sons, DJ and Marty following in their father’s footsteps.

With 24/7 road service, Industrial Tire of CNY can help with many of your tire needs including rim reconditioning, mounting/dismounting, foam filling, bead repairs, agricultural tire repairs, and more.

Call Industrial Tire of CNY today to schedule an appointment or to learn more at (315) 399-5335.

Be sure to also visit online at www.industrialtirecny.com.

For a full 2017 schedule, Sportsman Classic details, and more Weedsport Speedway information be sure to visit online at www.weedsportspeedway.com. Fans can also FOLLOW on Twitter @WeedsportSpdwy and LIKE on Facebook at www.facebook.com/weedsportspeedway.

Sportsman Classic Champions:
2014 – James Michael Friesen
2015 – Dave Marcuccilli
2016 – Ronnie Davis III
2017 –

Sportsman Classic Top Five Finishers:
Dave Marcuccilli: 3
Steve Gray: 2
James Michael Friesen
Rocky Warner
Eric Giguere
Todd Town
Mike Maresca
Ronnie Davis III
Cody McPherson
Kyle Inman
Kevin Root

4th annual Sportsman Classic 75 presented by Industrial Tire of CNY
Schedule of Events
Monday, July 3

4pm – Pit Gates Open/Sportsman Classic Draw and Registration/Tech Opens
5pm – Grandstands Open
5:45pm – Sportsman Driver’s Meeting/Draw Closes
6:05pm – Sportsman Classic Timed Group Hot Laps (Driver must time in group)
6:20pm – 600CC Micro Sprint Hot Laps
6:30pm – TUSA Mod Lite Hot Laps
6:45pm – Opening Ceremonies
7pm – Sportsman Classic Heats 1-3 (8-laps)
7:20pm – 600CC Micro Sprint Heats
7:30pm – Sportsman Classic Heats 4-6 (8-laps)
7:50pm – TUSA Mod Lite Heats
8:00pm – Sportsman Classic B-Mains (10-laps)
8:20pm – 600CC Micro Sprint A-Main (20-laps)
8:35pm – TUSA Mod Lite A-Main (20-laps)
8:55pm – Sportsman Non-Qualifiers Race (15-laps, $300 to win or 31st starting spot)
9:10pm – Intermission/Redraw
9:20pm – Fireworks
9:35pm – Sportsman Classic 75 presented by Industrial Tire of CNY