Local Businessman Takes Over Airborne Park Speedway
South Plattsburgh: Airborne Park Speedway will open for its 63rd season in 2016 after all.
John Walker of Plattsburgh has reached an agreement with property owners Jamie Atkins and Steve Fuller to lease the historic ½ mile speed plant located in Plattsburgh, N.Y.
“It was just a natural fit, “said Walker.” I have been coming to Airborne since I was a baby, in fact, my first job was at Airborne when I was 11 yrs. old picking up trash on Sunday mornings for 75 cents per hour, and I worked for every owner in one capacity or another ever since.”
When asked about his plans for the upcoming season Walker said,” I’m going to concentrate on the local fans and racers, my 1st priority is to make sure that the fans who have supported this place over the years will have a safe and family- oriented fun experience for a good price. As for the racers, there will not be any big changes to the divisions in 2016—- I just want to concentrate and build on what is currently in place. I am thinking of adding another division, something that a person can get into for very little money and still have lots of fun. That’s what Saturday night short track racing should be- FUN! Fun for the fans and fun for the racers.”
Facility co-owner Jamie Atkins said, “I think John will bring a breath of fresh air and local focus that Airborne needs. His Plattsburgh business experience, passion for short track racing and over 25 years working with various motorsports organizations we expect will all be positive for the local fans and racers, this is just what Steve and I were hoping for. Now we can continue to step aside and tend to our other businesses while with his energy John can build momentum to carry Airborne Park Speedway into a bright future. Northline Utilities & Fuller Excavating plan to be among the list of dedicated sponsors supporting Airborne and the community.
Informational meetings with racers will be scheduled in the weeks to come.
Airborne Park Speedway is located on Broderick Road in Plattsburgh, NY, one mile south of Exit 36 on the Interstate 87 Northway. Visit www.airborneparkspeedway.com for more information, or call (518) 647-4444. Airborne Park Speedway is on Facebook at Facebook.com/AirborneParkSpeedway and on Twitter at @AirborneSpeed.
Sources: Jamie Atkins/Airborne Park Speedway PR