Column By: MIKE TRAVERSE / RPW – ACCORD, NY – Sometimes, the beginning of the formation of a group can take place where you would not expect something like that to happen.
And according to Larry Ricci, that’s how the new Accord Speedway Vintage Modifieds got started.
“It was late October and I ran into Accord owner Gary Palmer at a local breakfast place and he asked me what I was up to,” Larry said. “I told him that Adam Douglas and I were rebuilding my vintage car after being in storage for 19 years. I mentioned that we were going to race it with the Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series.”
Gary quickly floated an idea to Larry.
“Gary said ‘how about a class at Accord. I have a lot on my plate, but you can organize it’. I told Gary to give me a few weeks to see what I can work out.”
After discussing some rules with Gary, Larry went home and took an inventory of local cars and reached out to those drivers.
“I was at the Mohawk Valley race at Afton and I was amazed with the turnout of cars and the overall fun the people were having.”
After thinking it over, Larry decided to go ahead with the idea of a new division, called the Accord Speedway Vintage Modifieds. The division has 7 races scheduled for the 2023 season, including opening night.
In order to have a stable rules package with the Mohawk series, The Accord Vintage will be having the same rules package.
“We reviewed the rules for the Mohawk Valley club and the Mystic class of cars fit the ticket and we copied that rules package.”
One thing that Larry wants people to know that they are not in competition with the Mohawk Valley club.
“I want to make one thing clear: we are not a club or traveling series and have no plans on being such. We are a biweekly division at Accord Speedway. We support the racing of the Mohawk Valley club and our cars are legal at both accord and their series. We recognize and applaud the series that the Mohawk Valley club has achieved. We schedule our season to not conflict with their races, even to the point of not having a Friday race when they race on Saturday. We want to encourage racing with both.”
One thing that Larry thinks will be appealing is the affordability compared to other types of divisions.
“This class is designed to be the most affordable of any Modified races. We’re focused on bringing back both old and young racers. It’s affordable with a regular job and owning your own equipment.”
Larry has lined up a great group of people to help out with the series and to make it as successful as possible.
“The first contact I made was to Denise Markle to help with all the administrative duties. Denise is very much involved with racing history as part of the Racers Reunion group. She is passionate about vintage racing and like myself grew up in a racing family . Also on board is Pam Horton, once again from a historic racing family. Jen Burgess, our life long friend and life long racing enthusiast, is on board for all race day activities.”
With an eye on the rules, Larry is lining up people to ensure the rules are adhered to and that all safety precautions are in place.
“We have a group of seasoned drivers for tech with the rules, safety and car eligibility. I did not want it to be one person’s decision . We have a basic rules package that will be strictly adhered to. If you car is not legal by the rules you will not race”
And Gary Palmer is excited about the vintage division’s addition to Accord in 2023.
“The vintage events are becoming very popular. Larry is doing a phenomenal job getting that organized,” Gary said. “That’s part of the history of this place and I want to keep that alive.”
And Larry encourages anyone with a question to feel free to contact him.
“Any questions about rule or pre race day inspection please reach out to me Larry Ricci 845-542-1973 or email modracer32@gmail.com The last thing we want is a car at the track on race day that is not legal to race. Plans for the future may include a second division to be announced later this year. The future is vintage at Accord Speedway. Thanks to the Palmer family for unlimited support.”
Further information and updates can be found on the Accord Speedway Vintage Modifieds Facebook page.
The Accord Speedway Vintage Modified schedule for 2023 is as follows:
- 5/05/23 JT Krol Memorial sponsored by Judy Krol
- 5/19/21 Joe Winne Memorial sponsored by Lem Atkins
- 6/02/23 Al Stortini Memorial sponsored by Ryan Stortini
- 6/16/23 Van Evans Memorial sponsored by the Lapp Family
- 7/14/23 Rene Downes Memorial sponsored by the Downes/Poland Family
- 7/28/23 Don Goodrich Memorial sponsored by Mike Baden & Carol Goodrich
- 9/01/23 Harold Montanye Memorial sponsored by the Montanye Family
As someone who grew up watching these types of racecars, I love seeing vintage appearances at any tracks. I am really looking forward to seeing the Accord Speedway Vintage Modifieds in 2023. Good luck Larry Ricci as it looks like you are off to a great start!!