Column By: MIKE TRAVERSE / RPW – ACCORD, NY – After surface problems hampered racing in the season opening Short Track Super Series, Battle of the Bullring on May 9th, it has been a tremendous struggle for Accord Speedway.
In an attempt to get the surface issues fixed, racing at the 1/4 mile oval was cancelled on May 12th.
Racing resumed on May 19th, but the surface issues were again evident. Especially troublesome was the roughness in the restart zone. The racing events were completed with the exception of the Modified feature.
An attempt to conduct another event on May 26th was not successful as racing was cancelled after warmups.
It was then that a large project was put into place to get the reconfigured track a good racing surface. Much of what was put down has been removed and many truckloads of new clay has been added to the surface.
But it has been a monumental task for those involved. Racing programs scheduled for June 2nd, 9th and 16th were cancelled while the work proceeded.
It was announced Wednesday that the track will be resuming activity with a practice session this Friday, June 23rd and racing is planned for Friday, June 30th. It will be the track’s annual 4th of July Extravaganza. It will be a great show to celebrate the return of racing to Accord Speedway.
Speedway officials are aware that there is a threat of rain on Friday. However, they are planning to press on and are hopeful that any of the possible showers will bypass the speedway.
It’s been a long haul this Spring for Gary Palmer and family. Here’s hoping for a good change of fortune for the Summer months and the Accord Speedway successfully gets back on track.