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By Carol Houssock
The track management team has been busy preparing for the 2024 season since the last checkered flag
flew back in September. Ray and Ellen Hodge, promoters of the 3/8-mile paved oval, have made some
exciting changes for the upcoming season. “First and foremost, we’ve had a solid relationship with Jim
Bronson and his nearby business. He’s stepped up in a big way, so we’re now Chemung Speedrome
Presented by Jim Bronson and Ferrario Auto Team of Sayre, PA,” Ray stated.
Hodge is pleased with the level of support from area businesses. Three businesses are returning to
sponsor divisions (Buckley’s Automotive Modifieds, Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stocks, and Marion
Decker Agency Hobby Stocks). This year they’ll be joined by a new sponsor for the Bandolero division,
JRC Cleaning from Athens, PA. Many other businesses provide support in the form of billboard signage
and/or sponsorship of race nights or products throughout the year.
Race teams can get ready for the season with single car open practice on Friday, April 19 th from 1 PM
until dark, or during a regular test and tune for all divisions on Saturday, April 20 th from 3 PM until 7 PM.
Pit passes for each day are $10, with a $25 per car fee each day. Grandstand viewing is free to the public
during those practice times.
That all sets the stage for the season opener on Saturday, May 4 th . The opener, sponsored by Buckley’s
Automotive, includes Modifieds, Super Stocks, Hobby Stocks, 4 Cylinders and Bandoleros. The
grandstand opens at 1 PM, with racing beginning at 2 PM. Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors
ages 65 and older, $5 for kids ages 6 to 12, and free for kids ages 5 and under. A year ago, TJ
Potrzebowski won his second consecutive season opener over eventual 2-time track champion, Lee
Sharpsteen in the Buckley’s Automotive Modifieds.
The following weekend Chemung will also run on Saturday afternoon, with the first of four appearances
by various divisions operating under the Race of Champions banner. This one, the first of two for the
Modifieds, has the same 2 PM start and is $25 for adults, $22 for seniors 65+, $10 for ages 6-12 and free
for 5 and under. Austin Beers won the 75-lap event last year, in a race that became the first half of his
ROC sweep at Chemung. Zane Zeiner finished second to Beers a year ago in this one.
Racing switches back to Chemung’s regular Friday night schedule on May 17 th , with a regular show
presented by returning sponsor Firehouse Subs. Another longtime supporter, Sam’s Bar & Grill presents
Fan Appreciation Night with a Meet & Greet and regular show on Friday, May 24 th . Regular Friday shows
will begin at 7 PM.
“We’re looking forward to kicking off the season, and this year we reverted back to building in an off
week each month for the racers,” Hodge explained. Those off nights are May 31 st , June 21 st , July 12 th , and August 16 th . “But the weeks we’re racing will be great for the fans and our race night sponsors. We’re also looking forward to 2 ROC Modified shows and 2 for their Sportsman division this year.”
Once again, the track expects newcomers in each class. The Bandolero division continues to serve as a
launching point for many drivers. Over the winter the Sinsabaugh and Gullo families were busy
preparing a Modified for former champ Chase, and a Hobby Stock for last year’s champ Devin. Several
others are moving on up, something the fans appreciate seeing as well.
Anyone seeking more information on operations or track sponsorship can contact Ray Hodge (607-483-
3468). or Jerry Sinsabaugh (607-738-8829. Current information is always on the track’s official Facebook
page (Chemung Speedrome – Racing at the Drome) or website (www.chemung-speedrome.com).
