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Sitterly, Hamilton One, Two in Oswego Speedway Opener

May 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment
News from the Eastern Seaboard and New York

OSWEGO, NY (May 6) – Otto Sitterly proved yet again that he is the man to beat in the Novelis Supermodified division at Oswego Speedway on Saturday May 5, by claiming his 21st career victory and 4th overall opening night (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012) win at the Steel Palace.  The Canajoharie native, and defending Budweiser International Classic 200 champion, started from the 12th position and sliced his way through the field to the lead on the 46th circuit, propelling himself to Chris Nelson Insurance Victory Lane as a part of the 62nd Annual Opening Night presented by Gater Racing News and the Palladium-Times.

Otto Sitterly enjoys the spoils of victory at Oswego Speedway 5.5.12. Photo by RG Design

Otto Sitterly enjoys the spoils of victory at Oswego Speedway 5.5.12. Photo by RG Design

Sitterly’s Nicotra Racing teammate, Davey Hamilton of Boise, ID, would finish in the runner-up spot putting the No. 7 and No. 6 cars at the top of the podium, beginning 2012 where they ended 2011.  Canadian Mike Lichty drove the Nicotra No. 6 machine to a second place finish in the 2011 International Classic behind Sitterly.

Brian Sobus, with a brilliant run, Dave Gruel, and Jeff Abold would complete the Top 5 order ahead of Ray Graham, Shaun Gosselin, Tim Snyder, Randy Ritskes, and Pat Lavery.

“Dave had a left front tire going flat,” said Sitterly, in Chris Nelson Insurance Victory Lane.  “I’m sure that dampened the performance of his car.  I got him once and then that yellow came out, and the second time I wasn’t going to mess around because I figured if the caution came out again he could hold me off for a couple laps with only two tires, so I sort of made a bonsai pass there but it was open.  He couldn’t make the car turn out of turn 2 so I did my best to beat him into turn three.”

Sobus and Gruel would bring the 25 car Novelis Supermodified field to the Cam’s New York Pizzeria green flag, with Gruel gaining the early advantage in the No. 50.  As Gruel sped to the front, it was Indianapolis 500 veterans Hamilton and Joe Gosek making quick work of the first three rows to move into second and third respectively by lap 3.

The races first caution flag waved on lap 7 as Michael Muldoon slowed in turn three.  During the caution period third place running Gosek, the defending Speedway champion, would head pit side with the No. 00.  After looking under the hood of the Burke’s Home Center machine, Gosek would return to the Speedway for a couple circuits, but would ultimately call it a night with a 23rd place finish although he did turn the races fastest lap with a time of 16.866 seconds at 133.404mph.

After the restart Hamilton immediately began working Gruel for the race lead.  As the two leaders began to distance themselves from the pack, a great race was also being wagered for 3rd between Ritskes, Mike Barnes, Joey Payne, and Dave Danzer.  The four cars would run two-by-two at times as Barnes and Payne became comfortable in their new full-time rides for 2012.

Deeper in the field Sitterly was already beginning to make his presence known, as he moved around the outside of Sobus for the 7th position on lap 13.

Just three laps later however, the complexion of the race would change entirely, as in a pit of irony the present and former drivers of the Strong Racing No. 99 would come together.

On lap 16, Barnes lost the handle going into turn one and washed up the race track leaving Payne’s Muldoon Racing No. 20 nowhere to go.  The two cars made contact resulting in each being hooked off the Speedway.  Barnes would be credited with 20th position, while Payne would end the night 21st.

The restart order would be Gruel leading Hamilton, Ritskes, Danzer, Sitterly, Sobus, Abold, Pat Lavery, Jerry Curran, and Tim Snyder.

Curran’s night would end however just one lap after the restart as his No. 24 would power slide into the third turn foam removing the tail section of the Nuclear Banana.

As the 50-lap feature go again gained momentum, Gruel began to truly show his might as he gained a comfortable margin on Hamilton out in front.

As the cross flags for halfway waved in the air the Top 10 pilon read Gruel, Hamilton, Ritskes, Danzer, Sitterly, Lavery, Sobus, Abold, Snyder, and Gosselin.

With just under 20 laps to go the Speedway crowd began to see the full deck of cards in the hands of Sitterly, who had ridden outside the Top 5 for the majority of the event.  On lap 31 Sitterly turned up the wick, pulling a slide job underneath Danzer in turn one for position number four.  The two cars would make contact as a result of the low side move, shoving Danzer way out of the groove, slipping him back to the 6th spot on the track.

Sitterly would then make quick work of Ritskes, in the Darratt Farms No. 88, to move to 3rd behind teammate Hamilton and leader Gruel.

Just after Sitterly made the move on Ritskes for 3rd, Danzer would slow to a stop in turn two ending his evening.  The defending Cleaning for a Reason Oswego Speedway Novelis Supermodified Rookie of the Year was none too

David Danzer(52) slides up the track as eventual winner Otto Sitterly(7) goes by at Oswego Speedway 5.5.12. . Photo by RG Design

David Danzer(52) slides up the track as eventual winner Otto Sitterly(7) goes by at Oswego Speedway 5.5.12. . Photo by RG Design

happy with Sitterly’s low side move and showed his displeasure under caution.

“I waited and waited on Danzer,” said Sitterly.  “He slipped up out of turn four and I got a late run on him down here in one and I tried to stay off him for all it was worth and I hit that drain and we just barely touched.  He sort of threw his arms up at me, but the cars are so even you can’t wait.  If you wait you are going to finish 10th.”

When the field came back to green the Top 5 would now show Gruel, Hamilton, Sitterly, Ritskes, and Lavery.

With 10 laps to go Sitterly surprised teammate Hamilton with another low side move into turn one to snag the runner-up spot.  Within seconds, the Sitterly No. 7 would draw right onto the back bumper of Gruel for the top spot.

After working Gruel for just three circuits, Sitterly found the low lane again, this time in turn three to take the lead on lap 44, but at the same time the caution would wave for debris in turn two.  As a result, Gruel would return to the point.

The lap 44 restart would prove to be another pivotal point in the event.

As the green flag waved it was clear Sitterly was the fastest car on the Speedway.  Just one lap after the race got back underway, Sitterly would slip under Gruel for the lead into turn three as he had done before the caution.  Another lap later a tangle would occur in turn one involving Shawn Muldoon, Bobby Haynes, Graham, and Stephen Gioia.

After the incident the red flag would be displayed for re-fueling.

Under the red flag Lavery’s No. 22 was informed he would have to move to the tail side of the lead lap for jumping the lap 44 restart, shuffling the top of the running order.

With just a handful of laps remaining Sitterly would now officially be displayed as the race leader ahead of Hamilton, Gruel and Ritskes.  Sobus would now move into the Top 5 trailed by Abold, Snyder, Gosselin, and Tim Devendorf.

As the green flag hit the air Sitterly steamed ahead in the race lead, leaving a comfortable margin between himself and Hamilton.  However, with the Super Moon looming large over turn three the race’s final caution would wave on lap 48 for the No. 44 machine of Haynes.

Once again under caution a driver was informed he was going to be penalized for jumping a restart, and this time it was 4th running Ritskes in No. 88.  Ritskes would too have to fall to the tail side of the lead lap in the restart order.

Dave Gruel(50) valiantly attempts to hold off Otto Sitterly(7) for the win at Oswego Speedway 5.12.12. Photo by RG Design

Dave Gruel(50) valiantly attempts to hold off Otto Sitterly(7) for the win at Oswego Speedway 5.12.12. Photo by RG Design

With a two lap dash for cash on the line for the win Sitterly led Hamilton, Gruel, Sobus, Abold, Snyder, Graham, Gosselin, Lavery, and Devendorf.

With the green flag flying it was evident that Gruel was clearly having issues with his left front tire, which opened the door for Sobus on the high side of the Speedway on the race’s final circuit.  Sobus would mount a tremendous charge on the outside of the Speedway, breezing passed Gruel for the 3rd position as the two drivers hit the line.
Meanwhile out front it was all Sitterly as he led teammate Hamilton across the line for his 21st career Novelis Supermodified victory.

“You know these cars are great and Otto does such a good job of putting these things together,” said Hamilton, on the front straight after his runner-up finish.  “Finishing one and two is great and it gives us a great head start on what I want to do when I come back.  Week in and week out you see these cars out front and they are there for a reason that’s for sure.”

After arriving to the Speedway late and getting limited practice, Brian Sobus wowed the crowd with a tremendous podium finish, his best career result in the Novelis Supermodified division.  Saturday night’s late hot laps were the only laps Sobus had in his new ride, the former Kody Graham No. 21, now No. 60.

Brian Sobus had very little time to shake down his new machine but was able to pull off a fine third place finish at Oswego Speedway 5.12.12. Photo by RG Design.

Brian Sobus had very little time to shake down his new machine but was able to pull off a fine third place finish at Oswego Speedway 5.12.12. Photo by RG Design.

“You wouldn’t believe from where this car was this morning, that we even came to the racetrack today,” said Sobus.  “We got to Hawksby’s shop at 10:30am and he changed everything on this car you could imagine.  We missed half the warm ups and got here and the car was awesome right out of the box turning 16.9’s, faster than I have ever gone.  I’m not even comfortable in the car yet, we still have a lot to do.”

Next on the schedule is a Memorial Day Weekend triple header on Saturday, May 26 featuring the Jim Shampine Memorial 75 for Novelis Supermodifieds, the Tony White Memorial 35 for the Pathfinder Bank SBS Series, and the Richie Evans Memorial 75 for the Race of Champions Modifieds.

Grandstand gates will open at 1pm, with racing getting underway at 4pm.  General admission tickets will be set at $25, with reserved seating priced at $30.

Kids 16 & under are admitted free, with paid adult, to all Speedway events excluding Race of Champions Weekend and Budweiser International Classic Weekend.

Oswego Speedway events run May through September on most Saturday nights, culminating with the Fall Championship 75 on September 15th.

For more information on Oswego Speedway be sure to visit www.oswegospeedway.com.  You can also LIKE the (Official) Oswego Speedway page at facebook.com/OswegoSpeedway, or FOLLOW on Twitter @OswegoSpeedway.  To purchase tickets or order merchandise please call the Speedway box office at (315) 342-0646.

QUICK RESULTS

Saturday, May 5, 2012
OSWEGO SPEEDWAY
Oswego, NY
Gater Racing News/The Palladium-Times Opening Night

Upcoming Shows:
Sat, May 26th (4pm) Jimmy Shampine Memorial Supermodified 75, Tony White Memorial SBS 35, Richie Evans Memorial Modified 75

NOVELIS SUPERMODIFIEDS
Feature (50laps) – 1. 7 – Otto Sitterly, 2. 6 – Davey Hamilton, 3. 60 – Brian Sobus, 4. 50 – Dave Gruel, 5. 05 – Jeff Abold, 6. 90 – Ray Graham, 7. 26 – Shaun Gosselin, 8. 0 – Tim Snyder, 9. 88 – Randy Ritskes, 10. 22 – Pat Lavery, 11. 5 – Tim Devendorf, 12. 1 – Shawn Muldoon, 13. 44 – Bobby Haynes Jr., 14. 33 – Rod Sauder, 15. 9 – Stephen Gioia III, 16. 52 – Dave Danzer, 17. 02 – Brandon Bellinger, 18. 56 – Hal LaTulip, 19. 24 – Jerry Curran, 20. 99 – Mike Barnes, 21. 20 – Joey Payne, 22. 12 – Jessica Zemken, 23. 00 – Joe Gosek, 24. 25 – Bob Bond, 25. 50 – Michael Muldoon

Lap Leaders – Dave Gruel (1-45), Otto Sitterly (46-50)

1st Heat (12 laps/6 qualify) – 1. 24 – Jerry Curran, 2. 20 – Joey Payne, 3. 88 – Randy Ritskes, 4. 05 – Jeff Abold, 5. 0 – Tim Snyder, 6. 02 – Brandon Bellinger, 7. 33 – Rod Sauder, 8. 9 – Stephen Gioia III, 9. 23 – Jason Spaulding, 10. 90 – Ray Graham

2nd Heat (12 laps/6 qualify) – 1. 50 – Dave Gruel, 2. 6 – Davey Hamilton, 3. 99 – Mike Barnes, 4. 52 – Dave Danzer, 5. 26 – Shaun Gosselin, 6. 44 – Bobby Haynes Jr., 7. 1 – Shawn Muldoon, 8. 66 – Lou LeVea, 9. 01 – Dan Connors Jr., 10. 12 – Jessica Zemken

3rd Heat (12 laps/6 qualify) – 1. 00 – Joe Gosek, 2. 22 – Pat Lavery, 3. 7 – Otto Sitterly, 4. 60 – Brian Sobus, 5. 25 – Bob Bond, 6. 50 – Michael Muldoon, 7. 5 – Tim Devendorf, 8. 21 – Kody Graham, 9. 56 – Hal LaTulip

Consi (10 laps/6 qualify) – 1. 1 – Shawn Muldoon, 2. 9 – Stephen Gioia III, 3. 5 – Tim Devendorf, 4. 90 – Ray Graham, 5. 33 – Rod Sauder, 6. 56 – Hal LaTulip, 7. 12 – Jessica Zemken, 8. 66 – Lou LeVea, 9. 23 – Jason Spaulding

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Journeyman Jerry Curran Relishes Underdog Status

May 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment
News from the Eastern Seaboard and New York

Nuclear Banana Back and Better than Ever

OSWEGO, NY (May 1) – For nearly 20 years Oswego native Jerry Curran has been the people’s champion of Oswego Speedway.  From his early days behind the wheel of the Pat and Terry Strong owned No. 99 Novelis Supermodified, right up until today in the Nuclear Banana No. 24, Curran has captivated fans with his story of struggle and triumph at ‘The Steel Palace.’

Through a number of wrecked race cars, broken ribs, and a lack of finances, Curran has always found his way back to the Speedway he grew up at.  While sitting on a stool in his race shop, which is built as the foundation to his living space above, he explained what brings him back time and again.

“It’s definitely an addiction,” said Curran.  “I like to go fast and I am just not ready to give up yet.  We’d like to hit a big sponsor because it has really taken its toll on us with the money aspect of it.  I’ve got guys out there though that have really stepped up to the plate when I have needed it.  Without them, we wouldn’t be able to come back every time.”

curran_0042

Jerry Curran rounds turn one at Oswego Speedway in the "Nuclear Banana"

In the day and age of big money short track racing, Curran, among many others in the Oswego field, stands as the foundation of the hometown operator in the Novelis Supermodified division.  While the results have not always been stellar, fans flock to Curran.  His hometown, underdog role and willingness to chat and have a good time, no doubt have made him a favorite over the years.

“We’re definitely a low buck operator,” said Curran.  “I just try to bring the car to the track every week looking its best, and if that means spending $15 on a new body panel to make it look nice, than that’s what it takes.  I think people like the car, it is always flashy and nice, and I’m a pretty easy person to talk to, you can come in the pits after and we’ll talk and have a beer.”

While Curran has seen his share of ups and downs in nearly 20 years behind the wheel, this underdog has managed a feat that only 91 drivers in the 61 year history of Oswego Speedway have accomplished.  That is to win a Novelis Supermodified feature event, and he has done it twice.
SEE PHOTOS OF JERRY CURRAN AND HIS NUCLEAR BANANA HERE
“We had a fast car, won our heat race and started up front,” Curran said, recalling his first feature win in 2008.  “We got around Bob Reis and checked out.  That was a 35-lapper.  A win is a win; you’ll take it however you can get it.  After that we said we wanted a 45 (lap race), we ended up with a 60.”

In 2010 Curran would return to victory lane, this time in the Oswego Speedway 60-lap 60th anniversary special.

“When we got to lap 45 I said, we could have won,” Curran laughed.  “Then we got to lap 50 and I said ‘Oh Boy’.  When you see that No. 7 up on the board you know he (Otto Sitterly) is coming, but I just held my line and ran it smooth.  He definitely wasn’t going to catch us.”

With a lot of hard work in the off-season and the support of a number of sponsors and well-wishers, Curran is primed and ready for 2012.

“I definitely want to win more features and who doesn’t want to win the Classic?  To be able to put that ring on and have it for a lifetime would be something special,” said Curran.  “I just want to have a stable car, something we can come to the track with every week and not have to chase it.  We’d like to run for the track championship.  I’d like to think we can run with those guys to do it.”

Curran will join a host of other Novelis Supermodified competitors in pursuit of the coveted Oswego Speedway track championship this Saturday night, May 5 at 6:30pm.  The 62nd annual Gater Racing News and Palladium-Times Opening Night will kick-off the season long chase for the title this weekend.

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Danzer Demands More in Sophomore Season at Oswego Speedway

April 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment
News from the Eastern Seaboard and New York

Dave Danzer Looks to Capitalize on Success of 2011

 

OSWEGO, NY (April 27) – If there was one driver that didn’t want to see the 2011 Novelis Supermodified season end at Oswego Speedway, it had to be Dave Danzer, driver of the family owned No. 52.  The week before Classic, Dave gained entrance into the most exclusive club at Oswego Speedway, the $1000 Club, as he won the Supermodified feature that night.  The week after, he wheeled the Hawk Chassis to a fine 4th place finish in his first Internationa lClassic 200.  The team definitely ended their rookie season on a high note.

Dave took a second to look back at 2011, before it’s all systems ahead for 2012.

082711_oswego_vict_danzer_0323

David Danzer is one of the few rookies in Oswego Speedway history to have joined the "$1,000 Club"

“We’re happy with last year, it really was a good year for us,” the 2011 Novelis Supermodified Rookie of the Year said.  “Last year we had a really good car, and never really changed anything after we made the change we needed.  We rented the track Thursday before the Mr. Supermodified race.  After that, we changed the sway bar in the car, and that change turned it into a night car.  It became more consistent at night, which is what we needed.”

August 27, 2011 is a night the Danzer family will never forget, as the family owned No. 52 took the checkered flag in the 50 lapper, ahead of hotshots Joe Gosek, Randy Ritskes, Pat Lavery and Stephen Gioia.

“That was a crazy week,” Dave recollected.  “We really didn’t get to enjoy it that much, as we started to go through every detail of the car right away, as Classic was just a few days away. It was a dream to win at Oswego, and to give my dad a feature win is something I will never forget.”

In the process, DaveDanzer became one of only twelve drivers to win features in both the Novelis Supermodified and Pathfinder bank SBS divisions at Oswego Speedway.

SEE PHOTOS OF DAVE DANZER in VICTORY LANE at OSWEGO SPEEDWAY>> HERE

“Classic, we didn’t know what the tires were going to do, and we were way too tight,” Dave remembered about the 200 lap Classic.  “It was a pretty boring race, but we rode it around until the end.  The stagger went away, and we hoped we had enough fuel, as we went extra laps.  We rode around and finished fourth, and it was a great finish for us.  We were happy, for sure.”

Now, 2011 is in the rear view mirror, and 2012 Opening Day gets here closer by the hour.  You’re going to have to show up Opening day and have your stuff together right off the bat, Dave said looking ahead.

“Joe (Gosek) had a great year last year winning the championship, but with the field in the supers, you’re going to have to run top five consistently and win to win the championship this year.  With guys like, Otto, Joe, Ray, Randy, the Double Deuce guys, Joey Payne, Timmy Snyder, Michael Barnes, and Bobby Bond just to name a few, that’s a pretty tough field.”

“Heat races are going to be big as well,” Dave added.  “If you don’t finish in the top four in your heat to get your handicapped spot, you’ll have a tough time getting up front in the feature.”

The team will return with the same set of wheels they had their success in 2011 with.

“It’s out at Hawk’s now,” Dave added.  “It’s getting a good going over, and we’re about to drop the motor in it.  Hopefully we’ll be all ready to go when the gates open.  It will be quite a year,” he continued.  “Otto has a new car coming out, it’s sitting right next to mine at Hawks.  Ray has a new one coming too.  Everyone is stepping their game up, it’s going to be quite a competitive year, that’s for sure.”

The team has checked the feature win off it’s to do list, but there’s always more on that checklist. Next up for Dave is to win from starting in the back.

“I would like to win from the back,that would be something special.  To race guys like Ray, Otto and Joe, and do it from the back, is something I’ve dreamed of. “

The team remains intact from last year, with a few additions from the potent Furlong team joining the 52 team.

Bridge Street Jewelers, Doug’s Barber Shop, Marsden Engines, Hawk Jr Chassis, Mark Van Luven Graphics, and Premier Landscaping are sponsors of the Danzer 52. Special thanks go out to parents Craig, and Cherie Danzer, sisters Casey and Jayne, and Brandon Carr.

2011 was a special season for Dave and Danzer Racing.  With hard work, dedication, and a little smile from Lady Luck, the team looks to pick up in 2012, right where it left off 2011.

“Hopefully it is as good as it was,” Dave philosophized.

For more information on Oswego Speedway be sure to visit www.oswegospeedway.com.  You can also LIKE the (Official) Oswego Speedway page at facebook.com/OswegoSpeedway, or FOLLOW on Twitter @OswegoSpeedway.  To purchase tickets or order merchandise please call the Speedway box office at (315) 342-0646.

 

About Oswego Speedway: Oswego Speedway, a sports entertainment company, is a 5/8 mile semi-banked pavement racing oval located off the shores of Lake Ontario in scenic Oswego, NY. Oswego Speedway has been a continuously run weekly racing venue since August, 1951. The premier open-wheel pavement short track cars in the world, Supermodifieds, run weekly at Oswego Speedway making Oswego the only weekly Supermodified racing venue in the world. The Small Block Supermodifieds accompany the full blown Supers on a weekly Saturday night schedule which runs from May through September. Oswego Speedway is mentioned in racing circles as the “Indy of the East,” as no fewer than a dozen past and present competitors have competed at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway including Mario Andretti, arguably the greatest driver of all time, two-time Indy 500 champion Gordon Johncock, along with former International Classic Champions Bentley Warren, Joe Gosek, and Davey Hamilton.

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Jessica Zemken Added to All-Star Opening Night Field at Oswego

April 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
News from the Eastern Seaboard and New York

Zemken Will Make Supermodified Debut with Graham Racing

 

OSWEGO, NY (April 24) –  The 2012 season opener at Oswego Speedway Saturday, May 5 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated dates on the northeast racing calendar, and it is only getting bigger.  Oswego Speedway announced today that dirt Sprint Car ace Jessica Zemken will join Indy Car veteran Davey Hamilton as guest stars in the opening day Novelis Supermodified line-up presented by Gater Racing News and The Palladium-Times.

Zemken, who will turn 26 the day she attempts to qualify for her first Oswego feature, will be behind the wheel of the Graham Racing No. 12 machine fielded by 2-time Mr. Novelis Supermodified Champion Ray Graham.  The Sprakers, NY native will become only the third woman to turn competitive laps in a Supermodified at Oswego joining Sheila Hayes and Jennifer Chesbro.  If Zemken qualifies for the opening night main event she will join only Chesbro as women to take a feature event green flag in a Supermodified at ‘The Steel Palace.’

Jessica Zemken sits in the Brian Sobus supermodified at Oswego Speedway

Jessica Zemken was part of an American Racer Tire test at Oswego Speedway last fall and took her first laps in a supermodified. Photo by Mike Johnson

Hayes attempted to qualify for the International Classic in 1970 and 1971, but did not make the cut.

“I’m really excited to get some laps behind the wheel again,” said Zemken, who tested with a wing in October at Oswego but does not have any laps in a Supermodified without a wing.  “I have a lot to learn.  It is going to be a totally different experience than what I am used to, but I am really looking forward to it.  This is something that I have been interested in doing and my Corr-Pak sponsors, John and Wendy Brush, are really into Supermodifieds so we came to see my first race at Oswego last season.”

Even though Zemken has never run a Supermodified without a wing, she will still be in familiar territory, as the No. 12 Graham Racing car she will climb into on Saturday, May 5 is the same car she tested at Oswego back in October.  However, Zemken anticipates quite a difference in feel from behind the wheel.

“I’m expecting the car to be a lot looser without the wing and without the down force which is a little more like what I am used to,” said Zemken.  “It’ll be a little more out of control and not so stable, which I am expecting, so I think I’ll be prepared for it and be able to adjust to it.  I’ve got some good teachers in Ray Graham and I live about five miles from Otto (Sitterly), so I’ve got some good mentors and really good people supporting me in this.”

Zemken is no doubt a tenacious competitor and has racked up quite the resume in dirt Sprint Car racing, both on the 360 and 410 levels.  In 2010 Zemken won seven 360 Sprint Car A-mains in less than 12 starts and in 2011 qualified 4th fastest at the prestigious Knoxville Nationals in Knoxville, IA while taking 8th in the national All-Star Circuit of Champions standings.

The young driver looks at her pending Supermodified career in the same fashion as her dirt racing exploits.

“Obviously I don’t plan on going out there and riding around,” Zemken said, while being fitted in her Oswego opening day Supermodified ride.  “I have a lot of goals set for myself, maybe a little bit too high, but that is part of being competitive and being a racer.  I’m there to be competitive and I hope I learn quick, that’s for sure.”

Other than the May 5 opener at Oswego, Zemken plans on attempting another four events during the season, potentially even the Budweiser International Classic on Labor Day Weekend.  If Zemken were to qualify for the most prestigious Supermodified race in the world, she would become the first female to do so.

“We’re going to take things slow and see how it all goes,” said Zemken, who will not be at Oswego for the April 28 test session but instead will run her 410 sprint car at Port Royal Speedway in Pennsylvania.  “If I’m prepared and capable and everything goes good than I hope to (run Classic).”

While Zemken is eager to leave her mark on Oswego Speedway, don’t expect to see a full-time shift to asphalt racing in the near future.

“I have hardly any asphalt experience,” said Zemken.  “A go-kart maybe twice and a Late Model that was older than me for maybe 20-laps.  It’s going to be a totally different experience and I have no plans right now to completely leave the dirt or do anything other than this, but you never know, we’ll see where things go.”

Oswego Speedway events run May through September on most Saturday nights, culminating with the Fall Championship 75 on September 15th.

The annual Speedway open practice is scheduled for April 28th.

Advertising opportunities with the Speedway are still readily available.  If you or your business would be interested in marketing with the Speedway please e-mail dbond@oswegospeedway.com.

For more information on Oswego Speedway be sure to visit www.oswegospeedway.com.  You can also LIKE the (Official) Oswego Speedway page at facebook.com/OswegoSpeedway, or FOLLOW on Twitter @OswegoSpeedway.  To purchase tickets or order merchandise please call the Speedway box office at (315) 342-0646.

About Oswego Speedway: Oswego Speedway, a sports entertainment company, is a 5/8 mile semi-banked pavement racing oval located off the shores of Lake Ontario in scenic Oswego, NY. Oswego Speedway has been a continuously run weekly racing venue since August, 1951. The premier open-wheel pavement short track cars in the world, Supermodifieds, run weekly at Oswego Speedway making Oswego the only weekly Supermodified racing venue in the world. The Small Block Supermodifieds accompany the full blown Supers on a weekly Saturday night schedule which runs from May through September. Oswego Speedway is mentioned in racing circles as the “Indy of the East,” as no fewer than a dozen past and present competitors have competed at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway including Mario Andretti, arguably the greatest driver of all time, two-time Indy 500 champion Gordon Johncock, along with former International Classic Champions Bentley Warren, Joe Gosek, and Davey Hamilton.

Oswego Speedway is honored to recognize several sponsors and corporate partners that help to bring the racing action to you each Saturday night (listed alphabetically): All Seasons Inn, Alliance Bank, Best Western/Quality Inn, Blue Bowl Sanitation, Bonded Motor Sales, Bosco & Geers, Bracy’s Transmission Services, Bridge Street Jewelers, Brioschi Pharmaceuticals International LLC, Burke’s Home Centers, Burritt Motors, Butler Disposal, Canales Restaurant, Canales Insurance, Century 21 Galloway Realty, Chris Nelson Insurance, City Electric, CNY CPR, Coca-Cola, Compass Federal Credit Union, Constellation Energy, Corr-Pak, CPS Electric, C’s Beverage Center, Davis Bros. Meats, Days Inn/Travelodge, Dufore’s Jewelers, Dunkin Donuts, Eagle Beverage, Ellsworth Heating and Cooling, Entergy Northeast, Ferris Industries, Gater Racing News, Green & Seifter CPA, G&I Homes, H. Lee White Marine Museum, Hawk Performance, Hofmann’s, GMAC Insurance, Gioia Signs, Hoosier Racing Tire, Hudson Dairy, Jerome Fire Equipment, Johnston’s Propane, John Costello & Associates, K&G Lodge, Lighthouse Lanes, Longley Dodge, Marollo Racing Engines, May’s Country Store, McCaffrey Chiropractic, Mickey’s Magical Vacation, Munski’s Auto and Marine, Novelis, Ontario Orchards, Oswego County Federal Credit Union, Oswego Health, Oswego Inn, OTB/Western Region, The Palladium-Times, Par-K Enterprises, Pathfinder Bank, Outdoor Power West, Performance Harley Davidson, Pizza Villa, The Post-Standard, Precision Balancing, Press Box, Price Chopper, Pullen’s Plumbing, RE Davis and Son, RJ Caruso Tax & Accounting, Rudy’s Lakeside, S&S Tractor, Scriba Electric, Scriba Meats, Shapiro Motor Sales, Sharon’s Hair Gallery, Speedway Press, Steve Abt Auto, Stop DWI – Oswego County, Sunset RV Park, Supercuts, Terrell’s Potato Chips, Thunder Road Bar and Grill, Universal Metal Works, Vashaw’s Collision Service, Yogi Bear’s Jelly Stone Park

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Dave Cliff Ready to Make Full Time Climb into Novelis Supermodified Division

April 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment
News from the Eastern Seaboard and New York

Former SBS Champ Leads Family Team

OSWEGO, NY (April 20) – One of the goals the Caruso brothers had when starting the Limited Supermodified class in 1992 was to eventually have some Limited Supermodified drivers graduate to their big brother, the Novelis Supermodified class.  Throughout the twenty years of the Limited Supers/SBS division, there have been many drivers that have made the successful jump to Supers, including Greg Furlong, Otto Sitterly, Bob Bond, Ray Graham, and Bob Goutermout.  Add Dave Cliff to that group.
Dave comes to the Novelis Supermodified division after a highly decorated career in the Pathfinder Bank SBS division that saw the driver of the No. 06 collect the SBS Championship in 2010, two Bud Light Classic Weekend wins (2007, 08), 7 feature wins (tied for 8th all time), and Cliff sits in the top 15 in all-time SBS points.
This year, he makes the jump to the Supermodified class with his own team.  “We should be ready for Opening Day,” Cliff said.  “We may be close for the practice day, but we’ll see how it plays out”
There were some thought that Gnomey Racing would run in 2011, but they decided instead of rushing to get on the track, they used patience and did things the right way instead of rushing. Dave picks up the story from there, “We thought that maybe we could have gotten on the track last year, but it just didn’t work out.  The supers cost more to get race ready, and takes a lot more time in the garage as well.  Once we got into the car, it needed more work on it than we originally thought.  The car needed a motor, more than anything.  We just figured that if we were going to do this, we were going to do it right.  We made the decision to sit out last year, and be ready to go this season.”


The car the team will use may be an ’02 Hawk, but it doesn’t have a lot of race miles on.  “It’s an old Johnny Payne Hawk car,” Dave said of his new wheels. “It’s one of the first Hawks, but has only been raced a few times.  Johnny said it’s maybe been raced 12 or 13 times, and has been at Oswego once or twice.  He won a winged race, I think at Wall with it.  It sat for a while, as he didn’t have the time to dedicate to the car. We saw it out there, and now it’s ours.”

Dave and his team realize they are rookies to the Supermodified class, and are coming into 2012 with their eyes wide open.
”We’re ready to give supers a shot,” he said.  “It’s something every kid in Oswego wants to do, once you sit in the stands as a kid, and watch, we all want to drive a Super.  We know what we’re in for.  We know we’re going to struggle for a while, but hopefully we get that all out of the way in the first half of the year.  We’ll take it as it goes, and hopefully, by the time the second half comes around, we’ll be in the hunt for some pretty good finishes.”
Dave got a chance to drive a super a couple of years ago, when he wheeled one of the Strong Racing Supermodifieds.
“Pat came over to me when I was getting out of my car one night and asked me if I wanted to run one of his cars.  I knew they were good cars, and thought sure.  It was a little nerve wracking the time in the car.  I just had to get in, get it going, and not do anything stupid.  I didn’t want to get in and pit it in the foam, that’s for sure. It was something special though. Once you get the taste of a super, you just want to keep going.  That was a lot of fun.”
It’s not just Dave that’s making the jump to supers, it’s the entire Gnomey Racing operation.
“It’s the same team, the same everything, “ Dave continued.  “We’re doing this as a group, as we all are looking forward to doing it all and learning together.
Soon it will be on to the May 5th opener and the 2012 season for Gnomey Racing.  “We’ll be ready, and we can’t wait to get going and hit the track,” Dave added.

For more information on Oswego Speedway be sure to visit www.oswegospeedway.com.  You can also LIKE the (Official) Oswego Speedway page at facebook.com/OswegoSpeedway, or FOLLOW on Twitter @OswegoSpeedway.  To purchase tickets or order merchandise please call the Speedway box office at (315) 342-0646.

About Oswego Speedway: Oswego Speedway, a sports entertainment company, is a 5/8 mile semi-banked pavement racing oval located off the shores of Lake Ontario in scenic Oswego, NY. Oswego Speedway has been a continuously run weekly racing venue since August, 1951. The premier open-wheel pavement short track cars in the world, Supermodifieds, run weekly at Oswego Speedway making Oswego the only weekly Supermodified racing venue in the world. The Small Block Supermodifieds accompany the full blown Supers on a weekly Saturday night schedule which runs from May through September. Oswego Speedway is mentioned in racing circles as the “Indy of the East,” as no fewer than a dozen past and present competitors have competed at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway including Mario Andretti, arguably the greatest driver of all time, two-time Indy 500 champion Gordon Johncock, along with former International Classic Champions Bentley Warren, Joe Gosek, and Davey Hamilton.

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Jarett Andretti Set for Supermodified Test at Oswego Speedway

April 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment
News from the Eastern Seaboard and New York

Andretti Name Returns for First Time Since 1967

OSWEGO, NY (April 13) – For the first time since Mario Andretti won in a USAC Sprint Car event in 1967, an Andretti will again circle the hallowed grounds of Oswego Speedway.  Jarett Andretti, son of Indy 500 veteran and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winner John Andretti, is scheduled to test a Novelis Supermodified at Oswego Speedway during the month of May.
Andretti, 19, is the 2011 Eastern Pavement Ford Focus Midget Champion and is coming off a stint behind the wheel of a sports car in the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway.  The Supermodified test is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 8th and it will be behind the wheel of the Pat and Terry Strong owned Burke’s Do-It Best Home Center No. 98 Novelis Supermodified, which was driven last season by Joey Payne.
“Being in a Supermodified at Oswego Speedway is a large accomplishment for my career,” said Andretti.  “Oswego is a historic race track that many great drivers have raced at and when you can be on a race track that another family member has won a race on it is always very special.  Obviously, testing and racing are very different experiences and taking the green flag at such a famed Speedway will be a story I will tell for a long time.  If I am lucky enough to take a checkered flag at one point it will only make the story better.”
The Strong Racing team has been fielding Supermodifieds at Oswego Speedway since 1992, most recently for northeast open-wheel ace Payne.
“I think it will be good to have the Andretti family back at Oswego Speedway,” said Strong Racing team owner, Pat Strong.  “It is really pretty neat to be able to give him a chance.  We are going to put him in the older car, which has actually been the best car sort of old faithful, and we think that will give him a great chance at getting some seat time in a Supermodified.”
Payne, who won two feature events for Strong Racing at Oswego Speedway, has even extended his hand to help young Andretti get his feet wet.
“I gave Joey (Payne) a call, being that he had raced this car last year,” said Andretti.  “He offered to take me around the track for some advice and to show me some of the particulars of the race track”
Andretti, a freshman at North Carolina State University, is coming off a banner season in the USAC Ford Focus Midget ranks which saw him earn the Eastern Pavement Ford Focus Midget Championship.  In his Ford Focus career Andretti has graced victory lane (5) times, including wins at a familiar Supermodified venue, Ace Speedway in North Carolina.
While open-wheel racing is clearly in an Andretti’s blood, Supermodifieds in particular especially intrigued young Jarett.
“Brad Noffsinger really gave me an education on Supermodifieds and the high rates of speed which they attain,” said Andretti.  “I had never really heard of one, so I did some research and found them to be one of the most exotic yet exciting racecars I had ever seen.  The more I looked into it I found that Oswego was the premier venue to race a Supermodified.  The competition is always high and the racing is always exciting and from there I began watching videos of Classic Weekend events and I was hooked from that moment forward.”
While driving arguably the fastest open-wheel pavement short track machine in the world, at arguably the most famous open-wheel pavement short track in the country would excite any race driver, the opportunity to do something another Andretti has never done makes the opportunity extra special.
“To my knowledge an Andretti has never driven a Supermodified,” said Jarett.  “The only Andretti’s to have raced at Oswego are Aldo and Mario in pavement Sprint Cars.  It will be a unique experience for me to drive something nobody else in my family has driven, and who knows it may be the only car left an Andretti hasn’t driven.”
Besides testing and potentially racing a Novelis Supermodified in 2012, Andretti has a full slate of other racing opportunities in the works, helping to craft him into the diverse shoe that all Andretti racers have become.
“We have plans to run around 30 wingless 410 dirt Sprint Car races,” said Andretti.  “We are also working toward an opportunity to do some USAC Pavement Midget Racing as well as doing some more road racing with the Rolex GT series and F2000 in SCCA.”
Each of these experiences behind the wheel are continued steps to helping propel Jarett to a full-time career in driving.
“I would just like to make a living driving racecars,” Andretti said.  “My ultimate goal is to win the Indianapolis 500, but I am willing to drive anything.  Racing in all major forms of motorsports from NASCAR to IndyCar and Grand-Am all excite me, and I think that would be most fun.”
They call Oswego Speedway the ‘Indy of the East’ and having an Andretti on the famed Oswego pavement further exemplifies that.  Andretti is eager and ready to make his mark on the Oswego oval and realizes it could not come without the help of some key individuals.
“I want to truly thank Pat and Terry Strong from Strong Racing, as well as their entire crew for extending this opportunity,” Andretti said.  “I also want to say thank you to Mr. Chuck Handley from Burke’s Do-It Best Home Center in Oswego for coming on board for the test, plus the Torrese family and all the folks at Oswego Speedway for making the effort to put this deal together.  It is due to the help from these great people that I am going to have this chance at Oswego.”
Burke’s Do-It Best Home Center is the official home center of Oswego Speedway.  Located at 38 East 2nd St in Oswego, Burke’s is a one stop shop for homeowners and professional contractors.
The 2012 racing season at Oswego Speedway begins May 5th.  Events run May through September on most Saturday nights, culminating with the Fall Championship 75 on September 15th.

For more information on Oswego Speedway be sure to visit www.oswegospeedway.com.  You can also LIKE the (Official) Oswego Speedway page at facebook.com/OswegoSpeedway, or FOLLOW on Twitter @OswegoSpeedway.  To purchase tickets or order merchandise please call the Speedway box office at (315) 342-0646.

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Nicotra Racing: Something old, something new

April 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment
News from the Eastern Seaboard and New York

A look at Nicotra Racing’s first five years, and a peak forward to 2012

By Keith Shampine; NewConceptRaceMedia.com

April 12, 2012….This spring marks six years since the blue G&I Homes Nicotra Racing supermodifieds first graced the west end of Oswego Speedway’s pit area.

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Otto Sitterly has been a force to be reckoned with in the Nicotra Racing #7. Photo by RG Design

Led by top driver / crew chief Otto Sitterly and team owner John Nicotra, the newly formed team entered Oswego’s 2007 season on a one-race deal. If things went well, they’d be back next week. If things didn’t go well, they might not.

Over a half-decade later, Nicotra and Sitterly continue to approach their supermodified racing effort as a similar race-by-race deal they made when joining forces back in the winter months of 2006 and ’07. But now, if and when they decide they’ve had enough, they’ll leave as one of the most successful owner-driver combinations in the rich history of supermodified racing at the “Steel Palace.”

Something old… a look back at the last five years

Nicotra Racing’s statistics speak for themselves. After Sitterly finished fifth in Oswego’s 2007 point standings and did not win a main event, the Canajoharie, N.Y., wheelman has put together one of the more successful four-year runs in the history of the famed lakeside oval.

One feature win and unparalleled consistency led the team to its first track championship in 2008, and gave fans a glimpse of what was yet to come.

The 2009 campaign saw two more regular season feature wins, another track championship and the team’s first Budweiser International Classic 200 triumph – the richest, most prestigious award in all of supermodified racing.

Sitterly kicked off 2010 with four straight feature wins, which propelled Nicotra Racing to its third straight Oswego track title.

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Otto Sitterly made a dramatic last corner pass to win the 55th Annual International Classic 200 over teammate Mike Lichty. Photo by RG Design

The 2011 season saw Sitterly notch three regular season wins before the team accomplished an unprecedented one-two finish in the Classic with Sitterly taking the victory over teammate Mike Lichty.

In all, Sitterly’s last four years boast 10 regular season feature wins, three track championships and two International Classic triumphs.

Not bad for a team on a race-by-race deal.

“I never would have dreamed we could have accomplished all this in the few short years Otto and I have been together,” Nicotra said from his Homestead, Fla., home. “Otto and his crew, all of our great sponsors – we couldn’t have done it without every supporter and team member we have. To go up to Oswego, the place I grew up and love, and be able to compete at the front of the pack has been remarkable. Now, like it always goes, we want more and more. And we’re going to try to keep it going.”

Nicotra also speaks with much pride when recapping the talent he’s had in his supermodifieds since the team’s debut. While Sitterly leads the charge on a weekly basis, he’s been joined, on a regular basis, by 11-time Indianapolis 500 starter Davey Hamilton, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion and United States Auto Club (USAC) standout Bobby Santos III, multi-time International Super Modified Association (ISMA) champion Chris Perley and Lichty, an ISMA feature winner and decorated top supermodified pilot.

“I’m so honored to have had some of biggest names in supermodified racing behind the wheel of Nicotra Racing cars,” Nicotra added. “I’ve been very fortunate to have some really good drivers. Otto puts together great cars, and I think Hamilton, Santos, Perley and Lichty all would agree with that. It’s been an honor to have those guys come on board.”

Speaking as a close friend of Nicotra’s who’s had a consistent hand in the team’s success, Davey Hamilton offered his thoughts on Nicotra Racing’s achievements.

“Johnny has wanted to do this – own a supermodified team – since I’ve known him,” Hamilton said. “For him to be able to find a guy like Otto and go on to all this success, it’s obviously a great accomplishment for Johnny, Otto and all the guys involved. To help Johnny succeed has been very cool for me and fun to watch.”

Before looking ahead to the upcoming 2012 season, Sitterly spoke about Nicotra Racing’s accomplishments over the last five years.

“I think it’s been a really good deal for both of us,” Sitterly said, speaking of himself and his team owner. “Johnny (Nicotra) had no idea of what we were going to accomplish or how long we’d be together, but neither did I. It’s been quite a ride. In some respects, it seems like our years together have lasted a long time. Then, in other respects, you get in a rhythm of working so hard day in and day out, and it feels like time has flown by.”

And does any one moment or accomplishment stand out from the rest?

“There’s no one moment that I can pinpoint,” Sitterly responded. “Thinking about our years together, obviously it’s a nice feeling. But I truly try to stay grounded. I’d say the nicest, most satisfying thing is to be able to go (to Oswego) every week and be one of the guys to beat. To know the simple fact that teams go there and know that they’re going to have to run hard with us, that’s probably the most gratifying thing for me about this entire experience.”

Something new… looking ahead to 2012

After last season Nicotra sold one of his three potent Hawk Jr chassis to New Englander Jeff Locke, which left the team with a pair of Classic and track championship winning racecars.

Nicotra says he was leaning toward putting a new winged supermodified together with tentative plans to run select Oswego non-wing and ISMA winged events. But when Oswego management made changes to their supermodified rules that allowed more leniency with bodywork, Nicotra changed his mind.

“When Oswego decided to play with the rules, I felt obligated to continue to concentrate on the non-wing stuff. I felt like the opened-up rules may have other guys coming out with new stuff, and I didn’t want our team to fall behind. So I talked to Joey (Hawksby), and we got the ball rolling on a new car,” Nicotra said.

Production of a brand-new non-winged supermodified began at the Oswego-area Hawk Jr shop, and now, with Oswego’s opening day on the horizon, Nicotra, Sitterly and Hawksby are aiming toward an early June debut.

SEE PHOTOS OF NICOTRA RACING HERE

“The new car won’t be ready for opening day,” Nicotra offered. “I told Joey to take his time and work to the best of his ability. We have two proven race-winning cars ready to go. We’ll go testing with the new car once it’s ready, and when Otto says we’re running it, that’s when we’ll see it in a race.”

“The new car is definitely a one-off deal,” Sitterly added, pointing out that the design is unlike any other supermodified at Oswego. “Joey and I kind of put our heads together and came up with some new ideas to try. I think it’s going to be really good once we get it out and tested.”

One of the current Nicotra Hawk Jr supers will be wheeled by Hamilton for at least opening day and Classic weekend, says Hamilton.

“We’re going to do opening day and Classic, for sure,” Hamilton said. “We’re going to try for three or four shows total, but we’re not sure which ones we’ll run between the opener and Classic.”

Sitterly and Nicotra Racing will begin their quest for a potential fourth track championship in six years when Oswego swings its gates open on the 2012 season Saturday, May 5.

————-

For more information on Oswego Speedway be sure to visit www.oswegospeedway.com. You can also LIKE the (Official) Oswego Speedway page at facebook.com/OswegoSpeedway, or FOLLOW on Twitter @OswegoSpeedway. To purchase tickets or order merchandise please call the Speedway box office at (315) 342-0646.

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Oswego Speedway Old Timers Update

April 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment
News from the Eastern Seaboard and New York

“More Than Just Memories”

 

Raliegh, NC-April 9, 2012…7th Annual Oswego Speedway Old Timers Reunion

Saturday, July 7th – 10:30 am

Lighthouse Lanes, Oswego, NY

Once again we have been in contact with several Old Timers many of which will attend the reunion for the first time this year!! We will pass along the list in the next nesletter.

Tickets will go on sale May 15th . We will update you with all the details in our next newsletter.

We will have activities on the Friday evening as well.

Those details will follow soon. We do have an agreement with Days Inn (315-343-3136) & Travelodge (315-343-4900)for discounts for those attending.

***********************************************

In Memory – Lee Bliss

We just received the sad news of the death of stock car legend Lee Bliss of Rochester, New York. Without a doubt one of the most professional racers of his time, Bliss won endless features and championships in his stellar career. His record at Oswego was impressive with the 1959 Oswego Classic victory, and numerous top five finishes in the point races.

We last saw Lee at the reunion in 2009 and it was obvious to all his health was failing. But the racing legend not only attended the reunion, but enjoyed the racing program that evening. He still had plenty of energy in his elder days. He so much enjoyed visiting with his racing friends and fans at all our reunions, and was always so humble in his accomplishments!!!

The 86 year old passed away in his sleep Saturday night. No details had been released yet, please check the Oswego Speedway Old Timers website for updates.

***********************************************************

Oswego Speedway will begin the 2012 season on May 5th with the Supers and Small Block Supers on the card.

ISMA’s 2012 opener will be at Waterford Speedbowl in Connecticut on May 26th.

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Michael Barnes “Plum Ready” for Full Schedule at Oswego Speedway

February 22, 2012 By
News from the Eastern Seaboard and New York

“The Hustler” Takes Over Seat of Plum Crazy No. 99 Supermodified

 By Danny Johnson Oswego Speedway Reporter

OSWEGO, NY (February 22) – “We want to finish races, have fun, and roll it on the trailer at the end of the night,” is how veteran Novelis Supermodified driver Michael Barnes described what he is looking for out of his 2012 Novelis Supermodified season at Oswego Speedway.  “That’s how we’re looking at it.  Of course we want to run well and win races, but we all get along and have fun.  The way I’m looking at it is, this is my sophomore year of Supermodified racing at Oswego Speedway.“

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Pat Strong has picked Michael Barnes as Joey Payne's replacement in the "Plum Crazy" 99 for the 2012 Oswego Speedway season. Photo by RG Design

Michael was tabbed by Pat and Terry Strong midway through the 2011 season to be the wheelman for the newer car out of the Plum Crazy stable.  “I can’t thank Pat and Terry enough,” Michael said with gratitude.  “They gave me a chance to drive their second car, the newer car last year. They put the car together in ’09, but it didn’t see much track time.”

“Joey (Payne) was happy with the older car, and was confident in what the older car could do.  Pat and Terry were looking for someone to get in the newer car, and get the bugs worked out of it.”

Michael looked back at the journey for himself and the newer 99 in 2011.  “It was a pretty good run at the end of the year,” he reminisced. “The first few weeks it was decent.  It was ok, but there was something that wasn’t quite right with it.  I wasn’t totally comfortable in it, and that was my fault. I wanted to get in it, and was more worried about diagnosing the car, as opposed to being comfortable.  I was more worried about getting the car to work better.”

“I was sliding around in the seat, not taking the time to make the adjustments needed,” he added.  “Once I took the time to fix the seat, and be comfortable, it was like slipping a switch.  Then at the same time, Pat found an issue with the car too. Instantly, we picked up a half second.”

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Michael Barnes races ahead of his former Double Deuce Racing ride driven by Pat Lavery in the 25th Annual Mr. Supermodified event at Oswego Speedway in 2011. Photo by RG Design

Michael continued.  “The $10,000 to win show, we started 9th, and Joey was up near the front.  He led, and we got up to third.  The team cars were running really well, and I remember it well. It was lap 22; there was a red flag.  The team cars were first and third, but Pat wasn’t happy.  That was when Joey had the flat tire costing him a possible win.  Then Otto got by me, and the stagger on the car went away, I couldn’t turn the car.  Tires that night cost us two podium finishes.”

Despite that night, the Strong Team was happy with their newer creation.  “We were pretty happy”, Michael looked back.  “Other than typical Michael Barnes bad luck, we did ok.  We had fuel pick up problems one night, drove over Otto on a restart another, but all in all, we were happy with the car.”

“This year, we’re going as a one car team,” Michael said looking a few months ahead.  “That’s the game plan so far.  We’ll work on it tune it, and see what we can get out of it.  It’s a really good car, and they are a really great bunch to work with.”
The backbone of any race team is the crew, and that fact isn’t lost on the 3-time Novelis Supermodified feature winner.  “Pat has a great crew with him,” Michael said. “They all do a great job. They are a great bunch of guys, very dedicated, and have a very good car to work with.”

SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THE STRONG RACING “PLUM CRAZY” 99 HERE

“It’s really cool, we enjoy going to the shop. We go over on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, we golf on Thursday, and usually we have Friday off,” Michael said of their maintenance schedule.  “We don’t mind maintaining them, but don’t like to fix them.  Maintaining the cars, you can look for a tenth here or there, fixing them you have to work just to get it back together, that’s not fun.”

Michael Barnes at speed in the Strong Racing 99. Photo by Pinner

Michael Barnes at speed in the Strong Racing 99. Photo by Mike "Pinner" Johnson

“We had a fun year last year.” Michael mentioned.  “I can’t thank Pat, Terry and the guys on the crew enough.  They took a chance on me when a lot of people wouldn’t.  They did.  That means so much to me.  This is my second season of racing at Oswego Speedway, and we’re really excited about it.  We’re looking for a really good year, and we can’t wait to get started.

The 2012 racing season at Oswego Speedway begins May 5th.  Events run May through September on most Saturday nights, culminating with the Fall Championship 75 on September 15th.

 

The annual Speedway open practice is scheduled for April 28th.

 

Advertising opportunities with the Speedway are still readily available.  If you or your business would be interested in marketing with the Speedway please e-mail dbond@oswegospeedway.com.

 

For more information on Oswego Speedway be sure to visit www.oswegospeedway.com.  You can also LIKE the (Official) Oswego Speedway page on Facebook, or FOLLOW on Twitter @OswegoSpeedway.  To purchase tickets or order merchandise please call the Speedway box office at (315) 342-0646.

 

Michael Barnes – Oswego Statistics

Career Supermodified Wins

(3), Tied 43rd All-Time (First: August 5, 2006 – Last: June 30, 2007)

Top5 Supermodified Finishes

(9), Tied 92nd All-Time (First: July 8, 2006 – Last: August 18, 2007)

Career SBS Wins

(3), Tied for 24th All-Time (First: June 18, 2005 – Last: June 17, 2006)

About Oswego Speedway: Oswego Speedway, a sports entertainment company, is a 5/8 mile semi-banked pavement racing oval located off the shores of Lake Ontario in scenic Oswego, NY. Oswego Speedway has been a continuously run weekly racing venue since August, 1951. The premier open-wheel pavement short track cars in the world, Supermodifieds, run weekly at Oswego Speedway making Oswego the only weekly Supermodified racing venue in the world. The Small Block Supermodifieds accompany the full blown Supers on a weekly Saturday night schedule which runs from May through September. Oswego Speedway is mentioned in racing circles as the “Indy of the East,” as no fewer than a dozen past and present competitors have competed at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway including Mario Andretti, arguably the greatest driver of all time, two-time Indy 500 champion Gordon Johncock, along with former International Classic Champions Bentley Warren, Joe Gosek, and Davey Hamilton. 

 

 

 

 

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Oswego Speedway Old Timers Update

January 31, 2012 By
News from the Eastern Seaboard and New York

“More Than Just Memories”

January 30, 2012….Unfortunately we have some very sad news to pass along to you.

Jimmy Warren, son of supermodified ace Bentley Warren, passed away on Saturday, January 28th. We have very few details to tell you other than services for Jimmy are tentatively set for February 11th. For updated information please check the following websites:

www.gosupers.com

www.oswegospeedwayoldtimers.com

We also received the sad news yesterday that former supermodified car owner Lester “Hot Rod” Baird passed away in November. Oswego fans may best remember him competing at the Big O with Eldon Schrader in his red number 20 super back in the sixties. He had one of the most colorful personalities the sport had ever seen!!! Hot Rod, as he was so affectionately called, was 92.

On behalf of all our Oswego Speedway Old Timers family we send our most sincere condolences to both families.

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