(Press Release from Lancaster Motorplex)
Lancaster Speedway 150 Lapper Set for July 31
The addition of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour to New York International Raceway Park’s (NYIRP) Lancaster Speedway schedule may have been a surprise to many but for longtime track official, Mike Myers, it was the next logical step as track management seeks to bring the Speedway to the next level. For a track with a long and storied modified history, the show is bound to be among one of the best in 2021.
“We have a long history with Modified racing and the Tour racing belongs here in Western NY,” said Myers. “To be able to do this with the current crop of drivers with the support of our track owners and NASCAR is a dream come true for me.”
Racing since 1959, New York International Raceway Park is home to the half-mile asphalt oval as well as a 1/8-mile drag strip featuring IHRA sanctioned drag racing.
The Speedway will run four (4) tour-type modified events in 2021 including the Whelen Modified Tour at New York International event on Saturday, July 31 and the popular US Open on September 10-12. Weekly divisions at Lancaster include Sportsman, 602 Sportsman, Late Models, Super Stocks, Street Stocks, 4 cylinders and TQ Midgets.
The list of past Modified winners at Lancaster looks like a who’s who of open wheel racing, the likes of Richie Evans, Roger & Merv Treichler, Maynard & Kenny Troyer, Dutch Hoag, Jim Shampine, George Kent, Jerry Cook, Geoff Bodine, Jan Leaty, Tony Hirschman, Rick Fuller, Junior Hanley, Mike McLaughlin and Reggie Ruggiero. The all-time winningest driver at Lancaster is the legendary Sege Fidanza.
The team at Lancaster Speedway is working hard to attract top-notch competitors to continue the prestigious tradition. Current Modified Tour competitors to have wins at Lancaster include Chuck Hossfeld, Matt Hirschman, current point leader Patrick Emerling and Tyler Rypkema.
Efforts are well underway to make this event special for competitors and fans alike. Not only is a star-studded field of competitors expected but of broadcasters, too. Alex Hayden and Dave Moody of the Motor Racing Network (MRN) will serve as the announcers for the event.
The event is expected to go off with a bang as Skylighters of New York will be lighting up the sky with a fireworks display. Contingency sponsors and marketing partners are being added daily. A new website -to make pre-sale and contactless payment easy- is scheduled to go live in the coming weeks.
“We are working with local hotels,” said Myers, “to be able to offer teams and fans discounted room rates.”
Located just 30 miles from Niagara Falls, Lancaster, NY, is also the perfect family summer vacation destination. Bookended by the 150 lapper for the Modified Tour and the Cup Series event at Watkins Glen on August 4 – 8, there is an excellent opportunity for a family adventure.
With everything from its unique setting and rich history, to the expected lineup of diverse drivers, expert broadcast talent, right down to the unique trophies – custom painted gas cans-the Whelen Modified Tour at New York International 150 is shaping up to be one truly special racing event.
Remember making the long trek up there a few year’s ago to follow the Late ,Great Ted Christopher run in the (OLE BOY CUP ) with the ROC Mod’s . Think he finished 6 or 7th and picked up a couple of descent contingency award’s for it Very nice racing facility ,Should be a good show if the real racers show up !.
Sweet
Calling up Alex Hayden and Dave Moody to announce is awesome! Great to see a track working so hard to make this work for everyone in the area from hotels to local landmarks, even making connections to the Watkins Glen Cup event. Bravo!
Dave Moody… Wow a Promoter who understands the VALUE of a top notch Person on the Microphone….Great Voice … EASY listening… Great Knowledge… Great Backstory’s .. Does His homework….I do miss the Great Pipes of RUSS DOWD from Thompson…Another Guy in the same category … I wonder how Russ is doing in retirement ??? Always made you feel important when you called during the week with a question or weather report… LOL …True Professional in every way … Should be in the Hall of Fame in New England if He’s not already…Seemed like Russ was there 40 years or more ???
I grew up listening to Dave at Thunder Road. In my opinion one of the best short track announcers of all time. The book he wrote with Dave Dion is top notch too.
Been waitin for 50 years for this event! Should be EPIC!