Fonda’s 12A Opening Day Set To Open 74th Season At Track Of Champions Wednesday
Story By: RON SZCZERBA / FONDA SPEEDWAY – FONDA, NY – “12A Opening Day”, the day that we honor the winningest driver in Fonda Speedway history, is set to open the 74th season of racing at the “Track of Champions” on Wednesday, April 23.
It will be a very special day, honoring a very special person, Jumpin’ Jack Johnson.
Johnson owned 152 total career victories at the Fonda Speedway (149 Modified, two 320-Modified, and one 358-Modified). He also holds the current record for the most wins in opening day events held over the last 73 years at the “Track of Champions” with a total of eight in 1972, 1976, 1982, 1983, 1988, 1991, 1992, and 1994.
Following close behind with seven opening day wins is Lou Lazzaro who won events in 1963, 1964, 1966, 1969, 1971, 1977, and 1978. Stewart Friesen is a six-time winner in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Two drivers have taken home five opening day wins as Dave Lape (1981, 1984, 1989, 1993, and 1995), and Pete Corey (1955, 1956, 1959, 1962, and 1967) both accomplished the feat. Jeff Trombley has four opening day victories (1997, 1999, 2000, and 2002) while Bobby Varin (2001, 2005, and 2010) has three. Jim Luke (1954, 1957), C.D. Coville (1979, 1980), Danny Johnson (1990, 2007), Matt DeLorenzo (2008, 2013), Pat Ward (1996, 2009), and Matt Sheppard (2014, 2019) all have two wins apiece.
Drivers who have one victory in opening day events at Fonda are Buddy Shuman (1948), Chuck Kotwica (1953), Irv Taylor (1958), Bill Wimble (1960), Tom Kotary (1961), Ken Shoemaker (1965), Don Wayman (1968), Rene Charland (1970), Maynard Forrette (1973), Dave Pelczar (1974), Pep Pepicelli (1975), Jimmy Horton (1985), Bob McCreadie (1986), Mike Romano (1987), Dave Camara (1998), Brett Hearn (2003), Tim McCreadie (2004), Mitch Gibbs (2006), Ronnie Johnson (2011), Mike Mahaney (2012), Justin Boehler (2017), Tim Fuller (2023), and Michael Maresca (2024).
There have been some changes to the program to fit the midweek time frame.
Three divisions will now take part in the 74th Season Opener.
- Amsterdam Truck Center Modifieds – 32 laps, $4,012 to win
- Swagger Factory Apparel Sportsman – 25 laps, $1,212 to win
- Leatherstocking Credit Union Pro Stocks – 20 laps, $812 to win
Track points will not be paid for this event. American Racer Cup points will be awarded for registered Modified and Sportsman teams.
All divisions will draw for heat-race starting positions with a redraw of top qualifiers for the features.
Event notes:
- Montgomery County Office for Aging Inc. Limited Sportsman teams may compete with Sportsman at this event without penalty
- Modified and Sportsman teams will compete under Fonda Speedway rules including the American Racer tire rule as follows: Right-Rear – American Racer 56 compound; Left-Rear – American Racer 48 compound; Right-Front – American Racer 48 compound; Any American Racer left front
- Pro Stock competitors may utilize American Racer or Hoosier tires (no mixing and matching – must run the same brand on all four corners)
Gates open at 4 p.m. Hot laps begin at 6:30 p.m., with racing at 7:15 p.m.
Advance ticket sales and reserved infield parking for April 19 will be refunded through MyRacePass.
Grandstand admission is $22 (Adults), $20 (Seniors ages 65 and over) and Kids 11 and under FREE.
A $2 discount toward grandstand admission will be granted to those wearing orange in honor of Jumpin’ Jack Johnson.
Pit admission is $40 (Non-Members), $35 (Members) and $10 (Kids 11 and under FREE).
Fonda Speedway 2025 Season Passes will be honored.
