Story By: BRETT DEYO / FONDA SPEEDWAY – FONDA, NY – Five more years. Last Wednesday (Sept. 20), members of the Montgomery County Agricultural Society voted to extend their agreement with Brett Deyo of BD Motorsports Media LLC to promote Fonda Speedway for five more years.
The announcement secures Deyo as the Track of Champions promoter through, at minimum, 2028.
It was an historic moment for the Montgomery County Agricultural Society as the longest extension or lease ever granted to a Fonda promoter. The decision was unanimously approved by members of the board.
Deyo recently completed his fifth season as Fonda promoter, having taken the reins of the historic venue in 2019.
“It’s an honor to hold the keys to Fonda Speedway for five more years,” Deyo said. “Fonda holds a special place in the national short-track racing landscape. People from across the country know Fonda Speedway.”
Since the ’19 season, facility upgrades have been widespread at Fonda in conjunction with the Montgomery County Agricultural Society.
Most notably, new poles and LED lights were installed to significantly brighten the half-mile oval. All VIP booths were remodeled and modernized. New fencing has been put in place both alongside Route 30A and across the infield. All-new concession equipment was purchased and installed. The Agricultural Society conference rooms and offices were remodeled. Additional signage was put in place along the backstretch and a digital sign put into use in front of the speedway. The track has been resurfaced twice with additional clay coming this fall.
“We’ve been very fortunate to build a strong working relationship with the Fairboard,” Deyo said. “The benefits of that relationship are evident with our facility improvements.”
The return of the Fonda 200 – now offering the most lucrative winner’s share in Modified racing at $53,000 – has been an annual schedule highlight during the BD Motorsports Media LLC era.
Other popular events include Dollar Night with $1 grandstand admission, the $12,000-to-win Jack Johnson Memorial, Firecracker 50 paying $10,000 to win, Autism Awareness Night and the Thunder on the Thruway Series in conjunction with neighboring Utica-Rome Speedway in Vernon, N.Y.
The husband-and-wife team of Jamie and Denise Page will return in their roles as general manager and concession manager for the ’24 season and beyond.
Additional news and information for the ’24 season will be released in the near future.