MALTA, N.Y. — Hall of fame motorsports journalist Don Davies had a vision of what he wanted to see in a big block modified race.
That vision takes center stage at Albany-Saratoga Speedway when the Super DIRTcar Series stops on June 25, for the tribute race to be held in Don’s honor.
The Don Davies New York Modifieds 76 will not be a standard Super DIRTcar Series event. Instead, it’ll be a unique experience for fans and drivers highlighted by a “Race Within a Race”—something that’s never happened in Super DIRTcar Series history.
The race includes two segments—the first segment will be 46 laps, followed by an invert of four, six, or eight. Segment two is a 30-lap sprint for the $7,600 prize.
However, the invert is not the only unique thing fans will see at the event. Typically, the redraw is after the heat races at a Super DIRTcar Series race. But at the Don Davies New York Modifieds 76, the redraw will happen just before the feature, meaning the top eight drivers will not know their starting positions until minutes before the green flag.
The “Race within a Race” and a redraw just before the feature are two things Davies thought were perfect for creating an exciting experience for fans and adding additional interest.
Davies’ son Brian said this experience was the best way to honor his dad.
“When Lyle and Marcy met up with my wife and I for dinner during World Finals last year, I never imagined what would be presented to us,” Davies said. “We’re excited for the opportunity to help celebrate my father’s life, his commitment to fair, unbiased journalism, and our family’s incredible relationship with the Albany-Saratoga Speedway.
“Working with Lyle, Marcy, and Albany-Saratoga Speedway to create a unique event that will be great for the fans and competitors is truly an honor and a privilege. We believe this new format will be exciting for everyone and are really looking forward to honoring my father’s legacy.”
Albany-Saratoga Speedway track promoter Lyle DeVore echoed those sentiments as he prepares to put on this special event to preserve Don’s legacy.
“After speaking with Don’s wife Jo Ann, we’re excited to create an event that’s composed of items Don wanted to see in a race,” DeVore said. “This will definitely be different from all of the other [Super DIRTcar Series] races. The “Race within a Race” is a unique change to the standard series format.
“I think this unique experience will be welcomed by the drivers, the officials, and especially the fans!”
While an invert will happen at Lap 46, the leader at that time will not go home empty-handed.
Long-time track supporter of Albany-Saratoga and Super DIRT Week sponsor Bart Contracting is sponsoring $5,000 for the invert portion of the event, with $2,000 going to whoever is leading the race on lap 46. Then, the race’s invert determines how the remaining $3,000 gets dispersed.
The added bonus money is a way for Bart Contracting owner, Bart DeRocha, to pay tribute to a man he sat beside in Albany-Saratoga’s tower weekly.
“Don and Jo Ann are like family to me,” DeRocha said. “They were a big reason why I got involved in the sport after meeting them at Lebanon Valley. To be able to help sponsor this event in honor of a great man means a lot to me.”