News Director 
Story By: STEVE PETTY / HOLLAND INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY – HOLLAND, NY – The 58th season of racing at the historic Holland International Speedway officially kicked off with the annual Registration Party at the Holland Willows. A great turnout was on hand as drivers, crew members and officials were all together to kick off the 2017 campaign.
During the Registration Party, Holland management gave away over $2,000 worth of giveaways and promotions to the drivers. Pro Charger driver Jim Mallaber won a three (3) hour track rental. Charger campaigner Nik Welshans won a free VIP Suite rental for Opening Night. Hornet rookie campaigner Josh Schosek won a Pit Pad Rental. Hornet driver Bob Palmer received 100 free tickets for his sponsors and family for Opening Night. Returning Hornet driver Joe Mastrocicco received a trophy presentation for his sponsors for three nights throughout the season.
A major headline heading into this season was the announcement of the return of the Getzoni Nationwide Insurance Agency Pro Modifieds to weekly competition and be the track’s headlining division. It was announced earlier this off-season that Graff Trucking will be adding an additional $150 to the winner and $100 to the second place finishers on all regular Saturday night feature events. In addition to the increased purse, that is now $1,150 to win for the open-wheeled division, Graff Trucking will be giving away one (1) Pro Modified tire to a lucky driver on each regular Saturday night event. Drivers Dean Kroll and George Skora III were among the Pro Modified drivers to sign up for the season. An official announcement regarding what brand of tire will be run weekly at Holland will be announced in the coming days.
The Pro Charger division will see its core drivers back including defending divisional titlist Zach Myers. Myers with his “Fastest Grocery Getter in WNY” wagon powered him to the track title. The Welshans Brothers (Tim, Ted and Nik) are all registered to return as are past track champions Jerry Kosmowski and Jim Loffredo. Moving up to the Charger class from the TQ Midgets is Scott Gleed. Also returning is veteran racer Jim Mallaber alongside Rich Carnes, Dave Vona and Matt Fleming.
The NYPA TQ Midgets will be back on Saturday nights on the Holland highbanks. The Hornets are also back and a strong contingent of drivers are all looking for that elusive checkered flag and track championship. A major event on the calendar for the Hornets is the running of the Butch Palmer Memorial 32 on Saturday September 2nd. New this year will be the start of the Talking Phone Book Super Sixes. This Six Cylinder division is an economical way to get started in racing.
Two car shows will treat fans and future fans to see the cars and stars of Holland up close and personal. The first show will be held April 21-27 at Eastern Hills Mall in Williamsville. The second show will take place the following week April 28-May 5 at McKinley Mall in Hamburg.
Practice session alongside qualifying heats to set the starting lineup for Opening Day will take place on Saturday May 13 from 12:00pm-4:00pm. The 58th Opening Day presented by McKinley Mall will take place on Saturday May 20. The month of May will come to a close with a Huge Fireworks Display on Military Appreciation Night alongside the first Hometown Heroes night of the season.
June 17th will see the popular night of motorized mayhem return as it is Crash-A-Rama. The second Crash-A-Rama event will take place on Saturday September 9.
Saturday July 22nd will see the yearly visit by the Race of Champions Modified Series. Saturday August 5 will be the 18th running of the most prestigious Sportsman Modified event in the Northeast, the George Decker Memorial 75. Saturday September 2nd will be Season Championships featuring a 75 lap feature for the Pro Modifieds plus the 32 lap Butch Palmer Memorial for the Hornets. Butch was a long-time supporter, competitor, and fan favorite who passed away suddenly during the off-season. A lap sponsorship program has already begun for both the George Decker Memorial and the Butch Palmer Memorial.
New this year will be the running of the Summer Sizzler Enduro 200 on Saturday July 29th. 100 lap Enduro race for 4 Cylinders and 100 laps for 6 Cylinders. This event will follow Crash-A-Rama rules, which are posted at www.hollandspeedway.com The Summer Sizzler will be a qualifier for the September Crash-A-Rama show plus a Thrill Show will also take place. This event will also feature the Canadian Outlaw Midget Series.
Fans and drivers alike will find fantastic ways in which they can become more involved with the action on the historic Holland highbanks. A complete schedule can be found immediately on both the track’s website and official Facebook page.
