I want to start off this week with this information first. Mrs. Jackie Lape, wife of the late modified driver David Lape, was scheduled to undergo two surgical procedures this week in Boston for a mass located on her brain. One was scheduled for Wednesday and the second for Friday. Due to press deadlines, I have nothing else to pass along at this time, except to say that we all sent our prayers and get-well wishes.
There are only a few nights left of racing at Fonda Speedway, and the Fonda Speedway Museum and Hall of Fame would love to present some lucky guest with $1,000. There is really no excuse for the museum to still have any spaces left on the 50/50 raffle. There is also a television raffle and new museum merchandise available for purchase. One lucky person received the $1,000 prize earlier this season, and you could be the next recipient if you are interested.
Friday night, Aug. 7, has an added event if you are in the Schenectady area. Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-In of Scotia will have the Mortensen Motorsports team of brothers Mark and Brett Mortensen on-site from 6 to 9 p.m. Mark, who drives the 1M, and Brett, who drives the 1B at Fonda, will have their race cars on display. They will have photos and hero cards to hand out to fans. There should also be merchandise available for purchase. They welcome you to come out and join them for ice cream or dinner along the Mohawk River. Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-In is located at 5 Schonowee Ave., at the intersection with Mohawk Avenue/Route 5.
Dodge City Speedway in Howes Cave will have a new competitor, as pro stock driver Hayleigh Gates is planning to make her debut in the Clone 375 class. Dodge City has a regular program sponsored by Mangino Chevrolet, and Friday, Aug. 14, will be a Thunder in the Valley Night sponsored by Checkers Out Speedway. Racing starts around 7 p.m.
Albany-Saratoga Speedway hosts its annual Native Pride Night with $3,000 to win for the modifieds, plus the SCoNE winged sprint cars. Next Friday is The Flying Farmer 31 Night, with the 358 modified division added to the program.
Albany-Saratoga Speedway made the decision last Friday, due to the recent rain, to postpone the Lyle DeVore tribute to Tuesday, Aug. 4. Then, with continued rain in the forecast, the decision was made to postpone “A Legacy Laid in Clay,” which is now scheduled for Friday, Aug. 28.
Utica-Rome Speedway in Vernon will have its Family Autograph Night with a regular weekly program consisting of the DIRTcar 358 modified division, DIRTcar pro stock division, DIRTcar crate 602 sportsman and limited sportsman. It will also hold its second annual Erie Canal District Community Pinewood Derby 2026, with check-in beginning at 4 p.m. behind the press tower. Next Friday’s program will include the 305 C.R.S.A. winged sprint cars.
On Saturday, Varin Enterprises and Supply Wagon Rentals will host their third annual car show and craft fair at 212 Stoner Trail Road in Johnstown. On display will be classic and custom cars from across the region. Show hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hummingbird Hills Winery is hosting its 16th anniversary celebration and car show on Saturday, Aug. 15, with a rain date of Sunday, Aug. 16. Show hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s guest of honor and co-host is the Rural Grove Fire Department. The show address is 1442 Burtonville Road, Fultonville.
Fonda Speedway will have a regular weekly program with bonus money added to every division by the night’s sponsor, Doug’s Pool and Hot Tub Sales & Service, plus a 50-lap enduro to end the night. Pit gates open at 2 p.m., the grandstand at 4 p.m. and hot laps at 6 p.m., with racing to follow.
On Sunday, Aug. 9, the 5/8-mile hard clay oval at Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown will celebrate 107 years of auto racing. Pit gates will open at 2 p.m., with racing at 6 p.m. On the program are big-block modifieds, sportsman, street stocks and NEWS wingless sprint cars.
The 1/4-mile Glen Ridge Motorsports Park will kick off the DIR