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by Carol Houssock
(Chemung, NY) Chemung Speedrome’s 2024 banquet at the Best Western Grand Victorian in Sayre, PA put last season to rest. Track promoter Ray Hodge dedicated the banquet to the late Gary Sinsabaugh, Evan Canfield, and Robin Potrzebowski. All three had been faithful supporters of racing at the Speedrome, and all three left us way too soon during the past racing season.
TJ Potrzebowski overcame many challenges thrown his way to capture another championship in the Buckley’s Automotive Modified division. In 9 races, he picked up 5 feature wins, and only once finished outside the top 5. On July 26th he won both halves of a double-header, held just six days after he barrel-rolled down the backstretch and landed on his roof in an ROC race. Weeks later, with the title on the line, he suffered the unexpected loss of his longtime wife, Robin. He did what champions do, won everything that was thrown at him in the season finale, saying he knew he wasn’t alone in the car., and locked up the title. “I’ve got such a dedicated crew who work non-stop. We don’t sleep a lot. But, I’ll be back to go for another championship,” he told the crowd.
Tim Gullo also took his Blauvelt Funeral Home Super Stock championship battle down to the final race. Winner of 4 of the 9 races, he also had just one finish outside the top 5 in an incredibly tough class. Mid-season, Gullo earned a streak of three in a row, and kept his eye on the prize. Saturday night he spoke of running for the championship, once he realized it could be possible, and balancing that with helping his son, Devin, with his budding career. He plans to run a schedule similar to the ’24 season this year.
Anthony Gullo, Tim’s son, became just the second champion in the Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stock division. Leading the fast-growing division in feature wins with 5, he locked up the title before the final point race had a streak of 5 wins in a row. Gullo locked up the title prior to the final race, where he posted his only finish outside the top 5. “I’ll be back to go for another one. I knew I could do it and I want to repeat,” he stated.
Greg Moldt answered the lingering question of what would happen if he made every race in the Gene’s Automotive 4 Cylinder division. His 4 feature wins and 5 runner-up finishes to answer that question. Greg thanked his supporters and looks forward to winning another championship in 2025.
Leevi Sharpsteen, the leading Bandit racer in the JRC Cleaning Bandolero division, set a couple records in 2024. He’s now the youngest feature winner at the Speedrome and the youngest track champion. His performance earned him the overall championship in the closest title-deciding final event.
Special awards:
Rookie of the Year Chase Sinsabaugh (Modified); Devin Gullo (Hobby Stock)
Best Appearing Car TJ Potrzebowski (Modified)
Mechanic of the Year Ray Marshall (TJ Potrzebowski Modified)
Sportsmanship: Mike Kintner (Hobby Stock)
Hard Luck: Gene Purvis (Hobby Stock)
Media Awards: Matt Lewis, Choice 102 and WEBO; Kenny Shupp, “Life in the Fast Lane”, WVIN
Dedication to Chemung Speedrome: Gary Sinsabaugh; Beth Bailey
Employee Award: Izzy Kellogg
Dedication to Motorsports for 30 years of announcing; Carol Houssock
Ray Hodge thanked the track’s sponsors and employees. He and Operations Manager Jerry Sinsabaugh provided some comic relief with random pictures and unique captions, along with some light-hearted digs. Hodge mentioned the 2025 season will start in late April and run through the end of August. A basic schedule has been out so race teams know dates, but a more detailed schedule will be out soon. Hodge also plans to have a meeting prior to the April practice dates so that everyone starts the season on the same page.
Emcee and track announcer Carol Houssock highlighted some memorable moments that defined the 2024 season, including an increased total car count. She then spoke of the many race teams and thanked them for providing great, competitive racing for the fans. Houssock thanked Ray and Ellen Hodge for their ongoing support.
Race teams and fans are encouraged to watch for the detailed 2025 schedule and other news on the track’s website www.chemung-speedrome.com and on the official Facebook page ‘Chemung Speedrome – Racing at the Drome’. Any questions regarding the schedule, rules, track rental, or track operations can call Ray Hodge at 607-483-3468.
Photo (Matt Lewis):
