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by Carol Houssock
(Chemung, NY) With practice and track rentals behind them, officials at Chemung Speedrome were ready for the 2023 season opener. “We changed our schedule a little this year to start with three Saturday afternoon shows. Nights can get cold,” stated promoter Ray Hodge. The rainy front that moved up the coast washed away any hope of starting the year in April.
Everyone’s focus now shifts to Saturday, May 6th at 2:00 PM to start the ’23 season. Top Tier Sealcoating is the race day sponsor of a program that features the track’s five regular divisions, along with Kids’ rides in the race cars during intermission. A regular five-division show includes Buckley’s Automotive Modifieds (35 laps), Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks (25 laps), Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks (20 laps), Four Cylinders (20 laps), and Serendipity Ice Cream Bandoleros (10 laps).
Many race teams took full advantage of the test and tune sessions offered at the track the past two weeks. They included returning veterans, some new to racing of any kind, and others who are either moving to a different division or changing their plans for this year. “We’re looking forward to seeing competition on the track, especially with so many drivers moving up to a new-to-them division,” Hodge added. “We also have a strong field of Hobby Stocks, a class we introduced three years ago, and they’re a welcome addition to our other classes.”
Lee Sharpsteen, Nick Robinson, and Josh Parker are all returning to defend their Modified, Super Stock and Hobby Stock, respectively, titles. The track will see different champions this year in the Four Cylinder and INEX Bandolero divisions.
Pit gates open this Saturday at 11 AM. The grandstand opens at noon, practice gets underway at 1 PM, and the first green flag drops at 2 PM. Admission for adults is $15, $13 for seniors, $5 for kids ages 6 to 12, and always free for kids ages 5 and under.
Anyone wanting more information can find it on the track’s Facebook page (Chemung Speedrome – Racing at the Drome) or website (www.chemung-speedrome.com). Or, call the track at 607-483-3468
