News Director 
Story By: BRETT DEYO / SHORT TRACK SUPER SERIES – FONDA, NY – There are very few ‘firsts’ left for a facility with a storied history such as Fonda Speedway.
On July 3, however, there will be something all-new to the famed Track of Champions.
The Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By Sunoco makes its debut at Fonda on Wednesday, July 3 in one of the most lucrative ‘per-lap’ payouts in New York State dirt Modified racing
The Fuccillo Automotive Group ‘Firecracker 50’ presented by Teo-Pro Car offers a $10,000 winner’s share for the STSS Modifieds on the eve of Independence Day from a total posted purse structure of $32,770.
And there’s more. Every one of the event’s 50 laps has been sold for a minimum of $100, adding an additional $5,005 to the pot for racers thanks to the efforts of John Lakata. This lap money will be spread through the field from the leader to last-place, ensuring bonus money for competitors throughout the field.
A number of other cash awards and contingency awards will further sweeten the pot for competitors.
Short Track Super Series Modifieds will sport sail panels, unique to the speedway at Fonda.
The night’s program will be recorded for broadcast nationally on MAV-TV with a September air date targeted.
The ‘Firecracker 50’ marks the fifth of nine STSS Halmar International North Region events with a $12,500 championship looming at year-end. Following his win at Outlaw Speedway in Dundee, N.Y., on June 19, Stewart Friesen of Sprakers, N.Y., sits atop the standings.
Fonda is set to be the 16th different track to host a Short Track Super Series Modified event in Race No. 72.
Also on the docket are the STSS Crate 602 Sportsman racing 25 laps for $2,000 to win! This is the third of sixth STSS North Region events. Tim Hartman Jr. of Niskayuna, N.Y., is leading the series into its midway point.
Gates will open at 4 p.m. Hot laps hit the track at 6:20 p.m. and racing gets underway at 7 p.m.
Adult admission is $22. Seniors (ages 65 and up) pay $20. Kids 11 and under are FREE. Pit admission is $30 for Fonda members and $35 for non-members.
Series Announces $39,200 CASH Payout For ‘Firecracker’
$39,200 cash payout for 50 laps?
It’s happening next Wednesday, July 3 at New York’s legendary Fonda Speedway. The inaugural Fuccillo Automotive Group ‘Firecracker 50’ presented by Teo-Pro car is an event that works for the racer!
The Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By Sunoco makes its debut at the Track of Champions in the fifth Halmar International North Region event of the 2019 season.
The ‘Firecracker 50’ boasts a robust $32,770 minimum pay structure including $10,000 to win, $1,000 for 10th and $400 to take the green flag. The complete breakdown follows: 1) $10,000; 2) $4,000; 3) $3,000; 4) $2,000; 5) $1,500; 6) $1,150; 7) $1,125; 8) $1,100; 9) $1,050; 10) $1,000; 11) $750; 12) $650; 13) $550; 14) $450; 15) $425; 16) $415; 17) $405; 18-24) $400; Provisionals) $200.
Through the efforts of John Lakata, all 50 laps have been sold at a minimum of $100 each for a total lap money distribution of $5,005. This lap money will be handed out through the field from drivers running first to last, meaning more competitors will benefit.
Superior Remodeling of Slate Hill, N.Y., will present a Halfway Leader Bonus of $200 cash in addition to the lap money.
All STSS Modified heat winners take home $100 cash from Rob Sherlock Roofing located in Wurtsboro, N.Y.
The driver passing the most cars overall in heat-race competition receives $125 from MJK Home Maintenance in Middletown, N.Y.
John Grant Racing Engines has posted a $100 cash Hard Charger Award for the main event.
Fonda Speedway’s top representative in the 50-lap main takes home $100 courtesy of the 178th Fonda Fair and the Fonda Fair Board.
Timco Transportation will reward the two drivers unable to qualify with the longest haul to the speedway with $150 each.
The highest-finishing driver in the first heat race not transferring to the main takes home $200 cash from James Osterhoudt.
The two top finishers from consolations unable to qualify will receive $100 each, also from Timco Transportation.
The cash payout alone for this 50-lap event totals $39,200.
The $39,000-plus total does not include product awards and certificates from the following companies: American Racer/Lias Tire, ATL Fuel Cells, Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, EIBACH Springs, Henry’s Exhaust System, Racing Optics, Sunoco Race Fuels/Insinger Performance, WELD Wheels and Wilwood.
Crate 602 Sportsman have not been forgotten in this open-wheel doubleheader. The 25-lap STSS North Region event is offering an unprecedented $2,000 to win and $1,000 for second!
