Story By: BRETT DEYO / FONDA SPEEDWAY – FONDA, NY – Opening Day for the 12A. The legendary Jumpin’ Jack Johnson is remembered on Saturday, April 20 as Fonda Speedway opens its 2024 campaign with the Jack Johnson Memorial headlined by the Amsterdam Truck Center Modifieds in a 40-lap, $12,000-to-win program.
‘Jumpin Jack’ owned 428 total career victories, 152 of which took place at Fonda (149 Modified, three Small-Block). Johnson was victorious at 35 different tracks over his career.
At Fonda – where his signature orange No. 12A is iconic – Johnson won the track title 11 times, more than any other driver: 1975, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996.
After a lengthy and courageous battle with ALS, Johnson passed away on April 1, 2021.
Jack’s son – Ronnie Johnson – continues the family legacy by competing weekly at Fonda Speedway in his signature No. 2RJ.
Joining the Amsterdam Truck Center Modifieds on Saturday are the Swagger Factory Apparel Crate 602 Sportsman, Leatherstocking Credit Union Pro Stocks, Montgomery County Office for Aging Limited Sportsman and Fonda Fair Four Cylinders.
Fonda Speedway points begin for all classes. A draw/redraw format will be in place.
Modifieds will compete for $12,000 to win, $1,000 for 10th and $400 to take the green flag. Standard body rules – no sail panels – are in effect.
Tire compounds are as follows for Modifieds, Crate 602 Sportsman and Limited Sportsman – Right-Rear: American Racer 50 or 56; Left-Rear: American Racer 48; Right-Front: American Racer 48; Left-Front: Any American Racer tire.
Pro Stocks will be permitted to utilize any American Racer Pro Stock tire during the burn-off period before migrating to the 50 compound exclusively.
Gates open at 2 p.m., with hot laps at 5 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.
Grandstand admission is $25 (Adults), $23 (Seniors ages 65 and over) and Kids 11 and under are FREE.
Infield Drive-In spots (includes up to four passes) are available for $120.
Pit admission is $45 (Non-Members), $40 (Members), $10 Kids (ages 6-12) and $2 Children (ages 5 and under).
Speedway Set for Wednesday, April 17th Open Practice
Take two. The second attempt at hosting an Open Practice session at Fonda Speedway is set for this Wednesday, April 17.
All divisions are welcome to hit the new clay at the famed Track of Champions, including the weekly classes – Amsterdam Truck Center Modifieds, Swagger Factory Apparel Crate 602 Sportsman, Leatherstocking Credit Union Pro Stocks, Montgomery County Office for Aging Limited Sportsman and Fonda Fair Four Cylinders in addition to any of the touring series and divisions scheduled for 2024.
After resurfacing the entire surface last fall, track crews have worked overtime this spring to provide the best possible conditions. The scheduled April 13 practice fell to wet weather, prompting the Wednesday reschedule date.
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Cars will hit the track from 6-9 p.m.
Pit admission is $35 (Non-Members), $30 (Members), $10 Kids (ages 6-12) and $2 Children ages 5 and under.
Grandstand admission is FREE.
BDR Feed concessions will be open serving both the pit and grandstand areas.
2024 pit licenses will be on sale in the pit area at the lineup board.
Online Performance Parts/Stone Motorsports will be on hand with Sunoco Race Fuels, American Racer tires and parts.