RPW Exclusive: Take Two: Dare To Be Different Pro Stock Race Friday At Malta Paying Over $10K-To-Win

Column By: BRETT HORLACHER / RPW – MALTA, NY – Even though dark rain clouds caused the postponement of the UPSTATE CHEVY DEALERS (now) $10,500-to-win “Dare to Be Different” Autism Awareness Race until this Friday at Albany-Saratoga Speedway, things are still looking bright for the Pro Stocks.

For those who were there, September 8th was a hot and humid day that started out with rain in the forecast.

With the track prepped to shed water, the rain proved too heavy to run that night, and all events that night were unfortunately cancelled.

However, the race’s promoter and driver of the #4M Pro Stock, Jordan Modiano, is looking to the bright side of the postponement.

“While it was certainly disappointing that the race couldn’t occur, with a lot of race teams making the trip for nothing and all the auction items having to be set-up and then taken back down, I feel like there are a lot more positives coming from the cancellation,” Modiano said.  “We had 46 Pro Stocks signed in.  That would be an incredible number even with a beautiful forecast.  With the threat of rain and hot temperatures, that was incredible.”

Now, Modiano is excited with when the rescheduled event will be run.

“Now the race coincides with Albany-Saratoga’s Malta Massive Weekend so that’s awesome,” he said.  “There should be a large crowd there, for both nights of racing, and that’ll make for two straight days of Pro Stock action at the track.  With that and cooler weather likely, it should make for two days of awesome racing.”

Malta Massive Weekend, the big end-of-the-year blowout at Lyle DeVore’s track, has become a can’t miss weekend for dirt racing fans. With Friday having 358-Modifieds, Sportsmen, Street Stocks and 4-Cylinders already scheduled, the addition of the 53-Lap $10,500-to-win (thanks to Dean’s Electrical who added $500) Pro Stock race makes an already amazing event even better.

Also, for Friday’s events, the fans will be happy to hear that the Chinese auction, driver autograph session and both Autism Charities (Autism Society, Greater Hudson Region and Bring on the Spectrum) will be present to speak with families and provide information.

“The auction items are awesome,” he said.  “I know there are at least three or four things I’d love to win.  With the race happening this coming weekend, at that event, the auction should be huge.  Also, now even more teams might be able to make the trip.  This should be awesome!”

But wait…there’s more!

Saturday night offers the Super DIRTcar Series for Big Block Modifieds.  Those drivers will go 115 lap around the Great Race Place in honor of legendary driver Kenny Tremont who will be retiring after the event.  Also in action will be the DIRTcar Pro Stocks and Limited Sportsman.

Both days will be action packed and can’t-miss.

Autism Fact: Many people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are successfully living, working and contributing to the well-being of others in their local communities. This is most likely to happen when appropriate services are delivered during the child’s educational years.

Employers are recognizing that creating a neurodiverse workforce is fundamental for success.

Companies that recruit, retain, and nurture neurodivergent employees gain a competitive advantage in the areas of productivity, innovation, culture and talent retention to name a few.