RPW Exclusive: It’s Finally Time To Run A Historic Pro Stock Race, For Big Money & A Great Cause
News Director 
Column By: BRETT HORLACHER / RPW – MALTA, NY – This is the week!
Drivers and crews are making their final preparations and going over their DIRTcar Pro Stocks to get ready to battle it out at the famed Albany-Saratoga Speedway in Malta, NY.
Their getting set to race for big money, an incredible trophy, and to help raise money for an awesome cause.
The UPSTATE CHEVY DEALERS $10,000-to-win “Dare To Be Different” Autism Awareness Race is locked, loaded, and set to fire off on Friday (rain date is September 22nd).
The event for the full-fender machines will be accompanied by 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Limited Sportsman, Street Stocks and 4-Cylinders.
Additionally, a Chinese auction, sponsor booths and driver autograph session will be set up for the fans behind the grandstands.
Race details:
- 53-laps
- 28 cars will start
- Heat races and a Last Chance Qualifier
- Top 12 qualifiers will take part in a redraw for starting position
With the 358-Modifieds, Sportsman and others being part of the evening, it will be a full show for the full crowd that is expected. Albany-Saratoga’s promoter, Lyle DeVore, is excited as Friday nears.
“We are extremely enthused that we are able to showcase one of our weekly divisions in such a special race,” DeVore said. “This is the largest race in the history of the Pro Stocks and there is a tremendous amount of excitement among racers and fans. This is for a great cause too which makes it even more special.”
Rich Crane, Albany-Saratoga’s 2023 Pro Stock Track Champion, and the 2022 winner of the Autism Awareness race is looking to defend his title and can’t wait to support the event.
“With a stacked field that’s expected, the goal is to just make the race,” Crane said. “We normally run older tires for heat races, but I’ll be running brand new for the qualifier on that night. We’ll have a set ready for the LCQ if we need them.”
Crane understands the importance of this evening. For his team, the 2023 season hasn’t always been about what’s on the track and Friday will be no different.
“Throughout the year, our team has been donating our winnings to a family friend who was diagnosed with leukemia,” he said. “So, any winnings we receive Friday will be donated to that family and the Autism charity. We’re hoping to get as much as we can and put it back into the hands of those who need it.”
Crane has had a great racing year at the Malta oval, and wants to finish strong in this event and the Malta Massive Weekend.
“I’d like to thank the guys who help me, my family, fellow racers, fans and sponsors for a great season,” he said. “They’ve all worked hard, especially this past week, to get ready for this great event.”
Lisa Audi, founder of the Autism organization, Bring on the Spectrum, had a few moments to sit down and share her thoughts on the Awareness Race.
“Bring on the Spectrum is appreciative of Jordan’s efforts to create and elevate this race and awareness / acceptance of Autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Audi said. “We look forward to the opportunity to meet families and share what we do, which is offering social and recreational activities for neurodiverse individuals of all ages, all abilities, kids through adults.”
If you’re interested in getting in touch with the organization, you can call or text us at (518) 641-1971 or visit their website at www.BringOnTheSpectrum.org. You can also find them on social media.
Janine Kruiswijk, Executive Director at the Autism Society Greater Hudson Region is also excited for the race.
“We serve 21 counties in New York State, from Westchester County, up the Hudson river,” Kruiswijk said. “We make every effort to improve the lives and make connections for individuals impacted by Autism. We’re primarily representing the families and adults with Autism, and have programs that used to support those individuals by providing information, training, referrals and advocacy. For instance, we are out in the communities in which those people live with programs such as “SensAble” where staff meet with people with ASD in a public place and provide the support needed to give comfort and access to those families.”
Kruiswijk is so honored for the help from Jordan Modiano and this event.
“We are so very grateful for Jordan, his family and the fellow racers for supporting this great cause,” she said. “It’s not just the money raised. It’s also the awareness of those with Autism and by getting info out for our organization. We are completely dependent on donations and grants to get the help into the hands of those who need it and this will certainly aid in that.”
Speaking of Modiano, a Pro Stock racer in his own right and the race’s promoter, he wanted to share a few things about the race as the week draws to a close.
“Some people have asked why the race is 53 laps,” Modiano said. “The answer is that 53 is a unique number. Just like no two people with Autism are the same. They are all different and unique.”
Also, he wanted to emphasize that while he is the promoter of the race, and has enjoyed raising money and awareness for Autism, but he is also an entrant. His involvement stops when the helmet goes on.
“I have nothing to do with the actual rules, tech, or execution of the event,” he said. “I’m a racer just like everybody else. Once 5:30pm hits at Malta on Friday, all the race procedures are in the hands of the skilled officials at Albany-Saratoga Speedway.”
Autism Facts: About 50,000 individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) will exit high school each year in the United States. Many services required by law end abruptly after High School, leaving young adults under-supported. Thirty-Five percent (35%) of adults with ASD have not had a job or received postgraduate education after leaving high school.
