RPW Exclusive: “Behind the Mic”- The Breakout Trio of the Capital District
RPW EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY: Toby LaGrange / RACE PRO WEEKLY – MALTA, NY – This past weekend three drivers, racing in two different divisions at two different tracks bookended the weekend with a clear message – the next generation of super stars are starting to break out of their shells.
Representing the DIRTcar 358 Modified and Limited Sportsman divisions, each driver graced victory with a big smile and excitement. Something that many argue has diminished just a bit over the past number of seasons.
Each of those checkered flag holders had never won a feature event in their current division before June 26th, which includes one driver who is well on his way to being the top Capital District DIRTcar 358 Modified rookie this season.
Actually, Dylan Madsen may be the top Capital District Rookie in both the Modified and 358 Modified divisions when the final checkered flag waves in the area, in early fall.
Madsen picked up the win Sunday night at the Glen Ridge Motorsports Park in the nights 35-lap DIRTcar 358 Modified feature event. Madsen made the move up from the DIRTcar Sportsman division in 2026 and competes weekly within the DIRTcar 358 Modified ranks at both The Ridge and the Albany-Saratoga Speedway. He also pilots the Moody Mile Motorsports number 24 on Saturday nights in the Modified division at the Fonda Speedway.
The 26-year-old, second generation driver out of Spencertown, New York was still enjoying his win on Sunday night, 24 hours later when asked of his win.
“It feels amazing to win in the modifieds,” Madsen said. “It feels completely better than winning in the sportsman division.”
Madsen was quick to thank those that get the Madsen Overhead Doors number 89 on the track each week.
“I have to thank Riberty Contracting, Madsen Excavation, New England Race Fuels, Penske Racing Shocks, The Joie of Seating, Four Star Transmissions, Jump and Shout Inflatables, JLR Technologies, Jake’s Hardwood, Powdertech, HICO Fabrication and Checkered Flag Fabrication.”
The Limited Sportsman division is designed to give drivers some seat time before making their way into the very competitive DIRTcar Sportsman ranks. Think of the division as the greenhouse for DIRTcar Sportsman drivers.
Two drivers who call the division home and are destined for a bright future and many more checkered flags are Colten Emigh and Devon Palmer.
Emigh, of Ballston Spa, New York and Palmer of Cairo, New York each brought home the win in the division Friday night at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway. Emigh in the held over event and Palmer in the $1,000 to win nightcap.
For Emigh, who battled his cousin Derrik earlier in the event, the win came after early season struggles and to quote Captain Obvious – it felt good.
“It felt pretty good,” Emigh said in front of the packed stands. “We have been struggling all year. We have been really close bit finally we were able to get it done tonight”.
Palmer meanwhile, gave his dad a belated Father’s Day present.
“I promised my dad Ernie that I would do it and win it for him for Father’s Day,” and excited Palmer said to the masses. “So here you go dad, we did it”.
If you lack confidence then the drive to win is usually not there, thankfully for race fans all over the Capital District confidence is not lacking in either of the above trio.
Palmer gave us all a perfect example with the following.
“I am very excited,” Palmer said. “This is our first win and there are many more to come.”
Speaking of more to come, stay tuned for an upcoming episode of the RPW Podcast as I interview Palmer. Also look for an interview with “The Man With The Truck”, Street Stock competitor Tyler Irwin, over the next week or so.
Be sure to keep an eye on the Race Pro Weekly and LaGrange Media social media pages for new episodes of the RPW Podcast.
