The car shows and Southern racing swings are in the books, now it is time to get ready to hear the sweet sound of high-powered engines on the local tracks.
Even with the hiccup of more than a foot of snow, track crews are prepping the racing surfaces in anticipation of the season-openers.
After a tech inspection on April 5, Albany-Saratoga will host an open practice session on April 6, with free grandstand admission, from 3-7 p.m. Just in case, there is a rain date for the practice session on April 7.
All this is leading up to the 59th season opener on April 12, featuring a $5,900-to-win modified feature.
Lebanon Valley Speedway will have open warmups on April 20 ahead of its 72nd season opener on April 27.
Fonda Speedway has scheduled an open practice session on April 13, with a rain date of April 14. The “Track of Champions” will open for its 73rd season on April 20 with the 40-lap, $12,000-to-win “Jumpin’” Jack Johnson Memorial for modifieds highlighting the full race card.
Utica-Rome Speedway will have an open practice session on April 16 before the season-opener on April 19, featuring the $6,800-to-win “Honoring Alex” for modifieds.
Devils Bowl Speedway has scheduled a pair of open practice sessions on April 20 and 27, with the 58th season-opener slated for May 4.
Glen Ridge Motorsports Park will open its gates for a practice session on April 28 with the weekly show that now includes the RUSH Series Crate Late Models starting on May 5.
Hopefully, Mother Nature has calmed down a bit and there are not as many rainouts this season.
TRIBUTE CARS
Walking through the preseason car shows for Lebanon Valley and Fonda Speedway this year, several teams have opted for throwback paint schemes to salute their heroes.
Especially in the Vintage Row, where cars saluting Andy Romano, Richie Evans, Bill Roese, Maynard Forrette and Doc Blanchard were on display at the Fonda show.
One car in particular, the yellow No. 73, carries a special meaning for its driver, Dan Haslun.
The car respectfully honors his father Cliff and mother Kellie.
In a Facebook post, Dan explained the significance.
“Back in 1995, when my mom and dad were just dating,” Dan said, “Dad changed his racing number to 73 because that was mom’s birth year. Mom said I'll letter it; she was a hell of an artist after all. She hand-painted Dad's car, a 1976 Nova, yellow with blue lettering.”
The former 4-cylinder racer, photographer and track announcer had his vision come to fruition with the help of his father, several sponsors and Jeff Karabin of JK Signworks.
“When Mom passed away, I found her artwork for the car and found the exact number 73 Dad said was on the car,” Dan said. “So Mom, Kellie Sellick Haslun, that is your hand
writing on this car. That is your 73 you drew out.”
Dan will join his father this season on the Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series circuit. Cliff drives the black Corvair-bodies No. 58, which is also a tribute car, honoring the late modified and MVVDMS driver Frank Blanchard.
RISING STARS
I had the opportunity to chat with Bodie Marks and Lucas Cole at the Fonda show.
The young drivers are making their marks on the local tracks in the slingshot division.
Marks, who was crowned the 2023 Junior Slingshot champion at Glen Ridge Motorsports and finished two points behind in the Utica-Rome final standings, had his Slingshot on hand. Marks also debuted his team’s new venture this season, an Xcel 600 modified.
Cole has his No. 4 Slingshot primed and ready to go for the season at Glen Ridge and Utica-Rome as well as special events.
Talking with the drivers, it was obvious that they do spend time in the garage with their teams as they enthusiastically discussed their plans for the season and their rides.