Short track racing hit with rash of serious accidents

Track officials and fans of short-track, open-wheel racing are concerned by the increase in serious accidents and driver injuries over the past few months.

The World of Outlaws, High Limit and the USAC sprint tours have all had serious wrecks and driver injuries.

Many feel improvement of racing tires and motors has increased speeds in many areas and many short-tracks don’t have all the safety features found on major NASCAR and Indy car facilities.

Of particular concern for Central New York fans is Stewart Friesen crash. This veteran Sprakers driver was injured Monday night in a violent crash in a Super DIRT Series race at the Autodrome Drummond in Quebec.

Friesen is currently listed in serious but stable condition. He has been transferred back to New York and is set for surgeries to repair a shattered pelvis and a broken right leg.

Both 75-lap Super DIRT Series programs at Autodrome Drummond were won by Matt Sheppard and he was involved in a major modified crash back in June.

“I’ve been racing for 35 years and that wreck at the Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, Speedway in June was the worst I’ve ever been in. It was a 100 mph crash on a restart involving thirteen modifieds and five were destroyed, including mine. But it was a Bicknell-built chassis and the cage around the driver held and I was able to walk away.”

“Another thing that helped me escape uninjured was my personal safety equipment i wear. Full face helmet, two-layer fire suit, Hans device (Head and neck safety), fireproof gloves and shoes and a full containment seat. I always tell all the young drivers I run with not to skimp on safety equipment. When a young driver gets hurt in a race car, it puts a financial strain on the driver’s family and job.”

Friday night

BREWERTON. The DIRT big-block modified class will be looking for it’s tenth different feature winner in ten shows this season. Wingless 600 micro-sprints are also on Friday’s card.

UTICA-ROME. It’s First Responder Night and police and nurses will be admitted free. The Mohawk Valley Vintage Modified Club is also on the program.

CAN-AM. The ESS Sprint Tour is set to join the DIRT 358 modifieds for a Summer Sizzler show at this LaFargeville oval. The Empire Super Sprints have a Saturday night date at the Brockville, Ontario Speedway.

RANSOMVILLE. There is no racing Friday night, but a two-day monster truck show is set for Saturday and Sunday.

ALBANY-SARATOGA. The DIRT 358 mods join the big-blocks this Friday night.

Saturday night

OSWEGO. Racing returns at 6 p.m. with a five feature program. The Supermodifieds have a pair of 40-lap feature races and the super stocks will run two 20-lap main events. The 350 supers have a 25-lap main event.

FULTON. This Route 57 oval runs their annual mechanics race, along with their usual weekly classes.

FONDA. This half-mile, fairgrounds oval has double features for the STSS modifieds.

EVANS MILLS. Monster Truck shows are set to roll this Saturday and Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.

LAND OF LEGENDS. Kids power wheel races are added to the program this week and their DIRT big-block modified feature is worth $2,000 to win.

THUNDER MOUNTAIN. It’s Fan Appreciation Night at this Southern Tier oval and 358 DIRT modifieds are added to the show.

CHEMUNG. The Race of Champions Modified Tour has a Night Before the Glen racing program set for Saturday nigh.

AUTODROME DRUMMOND. Tuesday’s second SDS race in Quebec saw Matt Sheppard pick up his second $10,000 check. Mat Williamson ended up second, followed by Alex Yankowski, Tim Sears Jr. and Alex Payne.

BROCKVILLE. The Super DIRT Series for big-block modifieds ended their three race swing through Canada Wednesday night at the Brockville, Ontario Speedway.

Their 75-lap, Canadian Classic saw Canandaigua racer, Alex Payne, start on the pole and record a $10,000 wire to wire victory. Mat Williamson was second, with Matt Sheppard, Alex Yankowski, Felix Roy, Mike Mahaney, Erick rudolph, Jimmy Phelps, Peter Britten and Jack Lehner completing the top ten finishers.