RPW Exclusive: The Prestige Of The Autism Acceptance Race At Albany-Saratoga Continues To Grow

Column By: TOBY LAGRANGE / RPW – MALTA, NY – The third annual Upstate Chevy Dealers Autism Acceptance Race took over the Albany-Saratoga Speedway this past Friday night.

The event, which pays $10,000-to-win, has quickly become one of the most prestigious events in the history of the DIRTcar Pro Stock (previously known as Street Stock) division.

Following victory lane ceremonies, I was able to chat with the driver who brought home that unmatched top prize and a bunch of lap money – Rob Yetman.

The first eight words out of the former Super DIRT Week DIRTcar Pro Stock Champion’s mouth echoed what pretty much everyone felt following the 49-lap event.

“You couldn’t have scripted this night any better.”

When you stop and think about it, how could you?

You have the largest payout for the division in its history on the line as well as a big crowd, enormous by division standards 42 car field and some of the most talented drivers to ever strap into the area’s top full fender division in the starting lineup.

For once in 2024 even Mother Nature was on the events side as it turned out to be a picture perfect and cool day and night for racing in Saratoga County.

There were a lot of people to thank for this event and Yetman wasted no time in thanking the person who created the event.

“I really want to thank Jordan (Modiano) for putting this all together,” Yetman said. “I know how much he busts his but on it. I really appreciate it.”

The event raised money and awareness for Autism and the Autism Society Greater Hudson Region, NY.

“It’s a really neat race and benefited a good cause,” Yetman said.

The race itself would see Kim Duell start from the pole position after a fan won the bid and chose him from the twelve drivers who qualified for the redraw via the four heat races. That bid during the auction was worth $7,000.

Duel engaged in a battle that lasted most of the second half of the race. Kim dropped to third in the final finishing order behind his son – Scott.

“That was a lot of fun,” Yetman said of his battle with veteran Duell. “This track has been this slippery all year, so you really got to get yourself pointed right before you mash the gas. These cars are a handful when it gets this slick.”

Despite his success all over DIRTcar Northeast Pro Stock land, he has never won this kind of money in any single event.

“I have never won t his kind of money before,” Yetman said with a big smile. “If you combine all of my Super DIRT Week wins, I still don’t think it’s the same.”

This race meant more to Yetman than being for a good cause and the financial award, it had a deeper meaning.

“It just means a ton,” Yetman said. “I was done (racing) last year. I was done. Joe (Lazzaro) put this deal together at the last minute and I mean the last minute. I think it was March when we put this deal together. I wasn’t even going to race this year. We are really starting to come on and I am looking forward to next year.”

With the level of competition among the 42 entries, nothing was easy for the drivers. Everyone had to earn their positions.

“There was no easy passing out there tonight,” Yetman said. “Every car that I got to took a lot of work to get by. Once I got to the lead I just tried to stick to my rhythm, hug the bottom and get this thing to the end.”

Yetman now joins Rich Crane (2022) and Chad Jeseo (2023) as winners of the Autism Acceptance Race.

Who will win it in 2025?

Well, that question will be answered in a little less than one year’s time.

When that question is answered, the winner will be asking us all another question…How could this night get any better?