April 25th,
2010
Practice
Over, Time to 'Make Perfect' at Chemung
Speedrome's April 30th Opener - by
Carol Houssock
(Chemung,
NY) When Horseheads, NY businessman, Jody
Buckley, tossed aside his helmet and
replaced it with a track promoter hat, he
knew it meant “rookie status” again. But
his efforts to prepare Chemung for the 2010
season have been nothing short of veteran
level. Sprucing up an already first-class
facility is one thing, but gearing up for
the biggest race of the year on opening
night is another. All the hard work, on the
part of Buckley and his staff, will be part
of a special ‘Pack the Track’ season
opener.
Race teams
had two test-and-tune opportunities in the
two weeks leading up to the first race. And
those practice sessions were held under
extremely different weather conditions.
Those on hand April 17th braved temperatures
in the mid-40’s and a stiff wind that sent
the wind chill factor down to the low 30’s.
The weather was considerably better on April
24th, and twice as many teams came out for
practice under sunny skies and warm
temperatures.
“We’re
ready,” Buckley stated. “We want to show
people that Chemung is a great place to race
and a great place to take the family to
watch some exciting racing.”
In addition
to slashing general admission down to $4 for
adults for the opener, Buckley is presenting
a 42-lap Sunoco Modified event honoring the
late Bob Hanbury. “Tony Hanbury and his
whole family have done a tremendous job in
raising better than $6,000 that will go to
drivers competing in this memorial race.”
That race could very well draw a record
number of modifieds. “We’ve heard from
at least 35 teams that said they’re
coming,” Buckley stated. Many of the teams
from outside the area compete at tracks that
either have yet to open or run on another
night. “They’re coming here, and we
expect one heck of a race.”
Friday’s
‘full plate special’ will also include
the Street Stocks (30 Laps), INEX Legends
(20 Laps) and 4 Cylinders (25 Laps). The
latter includes both front-wheel and
rear-wheel drive 4 Cylinder cars for their
races.
The pit gate
will open at 3 PM on the 30th due to the
number of cars expected. Grandstand gates
open at 5, and practice will also get
underway at 5. The first heat race will hit
the track at 7:30 PM.
Anyone
wanting more information can call Buckley at
607-738-1125 or check the track’s website,
www.chemungspeedrome.net. Chemung Speedrome
and the NASCAR Whelen All American Series
– Short Track Racing At Its Best!
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