Season Opener Coming up at Chemung 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 19th from 1 PM until dark, or during a regular test and tune for all divisions on Saturday, April 20th 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 4th. 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 17th, 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 24th. 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 31st, June 21st, July 12th, and August 16th. "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).
