All Systems “Go” For Saturday’s ‘Gobbler’ Special At Accord Speedway; Big Money Up For Grabs; Racers From Far & Wide Plan To Converge On Ulster County Bullring For 2014 Northeast Dirt-Track Finale
ACCORD, NY – All systems are “go” for the dirt Modified world’s new post-Thanksgiving tradition: the ‘Gobbler’ is set for Accord Speedway this Saturday (Nov. 29).
The Ulster County quarter-mile will provide race fans with a full plate of racing action to include the “Mashed Potato” Modifieds in a 50-lap main paying $7,117.11 to win thanks to Sowle Trailer Repair, the Open vs. Crate 602 Sportsman in the $1,500-to-win “Turkey 25” plus the Ron Wright Memorial for the “Pumpkin Pie” Pure Stocks/Street Stocks, a 20-lap main offering $600 to win plus bonuses, and the “Sweet Potato” Slingshots racing a 20-lap feature for more than $350 reserved for the winner.
The event serves as the 2014 dirt-track finale in the Northeast.
Gates will open in the pit area at 10 a.m. Grandstand gates open at 11 a.m. The drivers’ meeting is planned for noon, with hot laps at 12:20 p.m. and racing promptly at 1 p.m.
Adult grandstand admission is $22. Seniors, ages 65 and over, pay $20. Kids, 11 and under, are admitted for $5. Limited indoor seating is available at $35 by contacting the speedway office at 845.626.1142. Pit admission is $35, with no license required.
A year ago, Anthony Perrego of Montgomery, N.Y., annexed the first Modified win of his career at the ‘Gobbler’ driving Gary Mann’s No. 55 to Victory Lane and took home $7,732.11. Rocky Warner of Gloversville, N.Y., drove his Crate 602 mount to Victory Lane in the Open vs. Crate 602 Sportsman event and Charlie Houghtaling of Parksville, N.Y., topped the Ron Wright Memorial for the Pure Stock/Street Stock competitors. More than 100 race cars were present for the 2013 edition of the ‘Gobbler’ co-promotion involving Brett Deyo of BD Motorsports Media LLC and speedway owners Gary and Donna Palmer.
The ’14 edition is lucrative for competitors with a long list of bonuses and special awards for racers in all divisions. Laps have been sold for all four classes with a limited number of lap sponsorships still available at $20/lap in the Modifieds, $15/lap in the Sportsman and $10/lap in the Pure Stock/Street Stock ranks.
A complete list of awards and bonuses is online at: http://bdmotorsportsmedia.com/gobbler-special-awards-bonuses/
A Holiday Toy Drive is again planned for the ‘Gobbler’ event. Unwrapped, new toys will be accepted at the track on race day: last year more than 100 toys were collected. All toys will be donated to the Accord Town of Rochester Youth Commission and will directly benefit underprivileged children in the local area. Toys should be geared toward the 10-year-old age group. All those bringing a toy to the track will receive a coupon for a free hot chocolate from the concession stand.
Diverse and talented fields are expected to contend in all divisions, with Modified racers planning to attend hailing from Western New York to Delaware.
“The Doctor” Danny Johnson of Rochester, N.Y., is planning to attend driving the Chris Gennarelli-owned No. 86 on the heels of a winning first season. Among the other expected invaders include Duane Howard of Oley, Pa., driving the Mike Petruska No. 66; Mike Mahaney of King Ferry, N.Y., aboard the Charlie Davis-owned No. 21; Bobby Varin of Sharon Springs, N.Y., with the Nelson Motorsports No. 85; Milford, Del., driver Matt Jester aboard the Clearview Farms No. 62; Jeff Strunk of Boyertown, Pa., as a hired gun for Dave Zubikowski; I-88 (N.Y.) Speedway Short Track SuperNationals winner Shaun Walker of Masonville, N.Y.; Capital District winner Craig Hanson of Johnstown, N.Y.; Chuck McKee of Middletown, N.Y.; Elmo Reckner of Ballston Spa, N.Y., and more.
Track champion Rich Ricci Jr. of New Paltz, N.Y., leads the Accord contingent that includes his brother, recent ‘King of the Catskills’ winner Mike Ricci of Tillson, N.Y.; Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP champion Andy Bachetti of Sheffield, Mass.; Perrego; Jerry Higbie Jr. of New Paltz, N.Y.; Danny Tyler of Cottekill, N.Y., in a new family owned Troyer mount; Tommy Meier of Waldwick, N.J.; Jeff Heotzler of Wallkill, N.Y.; recently married Jackie Brown Jr. of Hurley, N.Y. and more.
Rules and other general information for the ‘Gobbler’ can be found at the following link: http://bdmotorsportsmedia.com/gobbler-general-information/
A weather date for the ‘Gobbler’ has been set for Saturday, Dec. 6.
To learn more about the ‘Gobbler’ or other BD Motorsports Media LLC events, contact Brett Deyo by phone at 845.728.2781 or via e-mail at bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com. BD Motorsports Media is on the web at www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com. “Like” BD Motorsports Media on Facebook or follow @BrettDeyo on Twitter.
Accord Speedway, a neat-and-tidy quarter-mile clay oval nestled in the hills of Ulster County, is located at 299 Whitfield Road Accord, NY 12404. The speedway is on the web at www.accordspeedway.com.
The Gobbler is presented by Sowle Trailer Repair, Above All Auto Repair, ASI Trophy & Awards, American Racer/Lias Tire, Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, Crane Golf, DMJ Racing Photo’s, Dwy’s Automotive, Hunt’s Machine, Jay’s Pool Service, Par 5 Landscaping, Rock Fantasy Hard Rock, Metal & Classic Rock and Smoke Shop, Shiley Fabrication, Simplicity Design, United Pump & Tank and Zubi’s Racing.
Sources: BD Motorsports Media