3/28/2019
Fonda Speedway
BD Motorsports Media LLC Signs Three-Year Agreement For Operation Of 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 2019
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.