(Press Release from Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series)
Race of Champions and Oswego Speedway officials are proud to announce that the 2016 Race of Champions Weekend will take place at the Oswego (NY) Speedway, Thursday, September 15 through Saturday, September 17. The culmination of the traditional weekend will see the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series compete for 250 laps around the “Steel Palace” on Saturday, September 17.
“Oswego Speedway is tremendous facility, rich with history, steep in tradition,” stated Joe Skotnicki, Race of Champions steward. “Racers from all over North America set their sights on racing at Oswego and only a select few have been able to visit victory lane. While Chemung did a great job with the race this past season, we feel that Oswego is the right place for an event of this magnitude and it is our goal to enhance and carry on the great tradition that is the Race of Champions.”
Matt Hirschman won the 2015 edition of the Race of Champions at Chemung, the third of his career. Chuck Hossfeld was victorious the last time the Race of Champions visited Oswego in 2014.
John Blewett III won the race the last time it was 250 laps at Flemington Fair Speedway in 1995. After that the event moved to the famed Lake Ontario oval and became 200 laps in distance.
“Teams will be faced with a new challenge with the additional fifty laps,” explained Skotnicki. “However, we will still maintain the rules that have been in place in regard to the tire change. It will be in their hands to manage their equipment and put forth an effort worthy of winning the race. It should add a great deal of thinking to the strategy of the event. We think race fans will enjoy this aspect and it goes back to recognizing the history involved with the event. It’s going to be exciting.”
After a one year absence, the Race of Champions, returns to Oswego Speedway. The Race of Champions is the second longest continuous running motorsports event in North America, second only to the Indianapolis 500.
“We were sad to see it go (move to Chemung in 2015), but we made a commitment to the Race of Champions when Joe (Skotnicki) began speaking with us in regard the race returning to Oswego,” explained Oswego Speedway owner John Torrese. “We look forward to a long term relationship with the Race of Champions and we’re looking forward to a thrilling event in September that enhances our schedule.”
Thursday, September 15, will allot teams an open practice day, while Friday, September 16, will see a Race of Champions Sportsman Modified special along with highlighted weekly divisions. Saturday, September 17 will see the running of the 66th Annual Race of Champions. More information will be forthcoming and details will be made available in the coming months on the Race of Champions website.
Glad to see the long distance (250 laps) return to the ROC schedule. I wish Thompson would reintroduce the Thompson 300 event. I remember way back when I think they started 50 modifieds in the 1980’s or so. God, those were the good old days.
Not only did 50 cars start the 300, but there were also and 30 or 40 cars in the non qualifier’s race. The whole weekend back then was nothing but modifieds.
250 laps at the worn out Steel Palace might be more fun than an all night dentist. Yawn…….