BD Motorsports Media LLC Signs Three-Year Agreement For Operation Of Fonda Speedway
Story By: BRETT DEYO / FONDA SPEEDWAY – FONDA, NY – Fonda Speedway is in new hands for 2019 and beyond.
BD Motorsports Media LLC announced today a three-year lease agreement with the Fonda Fair Board to operate the ‘Track of Champions’ half-mile oval from 2019-2021. BD Motorsports Media LLC operator Brett Deyo now assumes the role of promoter at the fairgrounds facility.
“For a lifelong fan of Modified racing, taking the helm at Fonda Speedway is an honor and responsibility,” Deyo said. “Fonda is an iconic facility rich in history and supported by passionate fans and competitors. I’m hoping to make the most of this opportunity from the Fair Board and continue the ‘Track of Champions’ auto racing legacy.”
Weekly auto racing is planned for Fonda Speedway next season on Saturday nights. A tentative open practice date is set for Saturday, April 13. Opening Night takes place one week later: Saturday, April 20. Racing continues through mid-August before breaking for the 178th annual Fonda Fair.
The season will conclude in September with the return of the Fonda 200 for Modifieds paying a massive $20,000 to win plus a full weekend of racing. The 200-lap year-end classic at Fonda has not been contested since 2002.
The divisional lineup will include Modifieds, Sportsman, Limited Sportsman, Pro Stocks and Street Stocks. Special attractions will be added to select nights with at least one high-paying midweek event on the schedule.
Jamie and Denise Page, who successfully operated I-88 Speedway in Afton, N.Y., from 2010-2016, will return to the auto racing promotion as part of the speedway’s management team. Jamie Page assumes the Operations Manager role, with Denise Page serving as Concession Manager.
Speedway staff positions will be filled and announced in the coming weeks.
Via an agreement with Lias Tire Company of Indiana, Pa., American Racer will serve as the official tire of Fonda Speedway for the next three seasons. Sunoco Race Fuels will be sold at the speedway.
The arrangement allows Fonda Speedway Modified and Sportsman competitors to participate in the benefits of the American Racer Cup presented by Sunoco home-track program.
Drivers will be eligible for pre-season tire giveaways, 12 ‘in-season’ giveaways for both divisions, post-season cash awards and tire certificates. This season, the American Racer Cup will distribute $51,000-plus in cash plus hundreds of tire certificates. A breakdown of the American Racer Cup program can be found at www.theamericanracercup.com.
Modifieds at Fonda will compete weekly for $2,400 to win. An increased ‘through-the-field’ payout will see $500 for 10th each Saturday night and $250 to take the green flag.
The 2018 Modified champion will receive a minimum of $5,000.
Modifieds will be classified into two main weight categories: 2,400 lbs. for engines 363 cubic inches and less (max. tolerance: 370 cubic inches) and 2,500 lbs. for engines larger than 363 cubic inches (max. cubic inch 477). No small-block engines larger than 450 cubic inches permitted. Steel-block only with the exception of ‘spec’ combinations to be detailed at a later date.
Sportsman will compete for $700 to win each Saturday night and $100 to take the green flag.
The 2018 Sportsman champion will race for a $1,500 minimum point title.
Both Modifieds and Sportsman will be limited on American Racer compound choices to the following: 48 (right-front); 48 (left-rear); 50 (right-rear) and any American Racer tire (left-front).
The Pro Stock division sees an increased $500 to win and $75 to take the green weekly with a $1,000 championship awaiting at year-end.
Special incentives for Limited Sportsman and Street Stocks will be in place throughout the season.
Neighboring Glen Ridge Motorsports Park in Fultonville, N.Y., has joined Fonda Speedway in signing an agreement with American Racer tires allowing local race teams to compete on back-to-back nights each weekend on the same tires. The compounds at Glen Ridge will mirror those utilized at Fonda.
Teams will be permitted an early-season three-week ‘grace period’ to liquidate existing tire inventory.
Grandstand admission at the speedway will be reduced to $11 for Adults and $9 for Seniors (ages 65 and above). Kids 11 and under will be admitted FREE.
Pit admission will remain at $30 for Fonda Speedway members and $35 for non-members.
Emphasis will be put on a ‘family night out’ entertainment with complete programs run in three hours. Efficiency of programs, youth involvement and interaction with competitors will be at the forefront of the promotional team’s goals.
Deyo promoted his first event – the Short Track SuperNationals – in October 2006 at age 23. He is currently the manager of the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series Fueled By Sunoco and operates Georgetown Speedway in Georgetown, Del., while serving as administrator of The American Racer Cup presented by Sunoco.
Fonda Speedway is located on the Fonda Fairgrounds at 21 South Bridge Street Fonda, NY 12068 (conveniently off New York State Thruway Exit 28). Look for updated social media information and an all-new speedway website to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
