CHEMUNG, N.Y – Chemung Speedrome officials are cautiously optimistic about being able to reopen the facility for a full racing season this year.
“We have no idea right now if the State will allow us to open. We’re waiting for direction from state and local health departments as well as the Governor, but we’re planning to open on schedule if allowed,” said Speedrome Promoter Ray Hodge.
Chemung saw just one event last year before the COVID-19 shutdown wiped out the rest of the season.
Hodge and race director Jerry Sinsabaugh have worked to bring an energetic and intriguing schedule to race teams and fans for the upcoming season. Like bookends, the Speedrome is scheduled to begin and end the year with two-day programs.
“One of the big changes this year we’re really excited about is we’re holding a four-race series using track rules for both the Sunoco Modifieds and the Super Stocks,” Hodge added. “These are non-Chemung points races (Cup Series) and we’ll have a champion for each.”
Buckley’s Automotive has come on board to sponsor the Modified series, with each of their races paying $1,000 to win.
While the pandemic had a dreadful impact on racing in New York’s southern tier, the business community is being supportive of racing’s return in a big way.
“We’re thrilled that so many businesses have come on board to be the title sponsor for a division, to sponsor race nights, and to purchase signage at the track,” Sinsabaugh said.
Division sponsors now include the Marion Decker Agency Hobby Stocks and the Insinger Super Stocks.
The Race of Champions Modified Series will roll into Chemung twice again this year. Their first visit will be on May 8, with the annual Watkins Glen weekend event on Aug. 7. Both of those shows will take place on Saturday evenings.
The popular New York Super Stock series also returns for a pair of events, on June 18 and July 23.
Chemung is also planning to honor several racing greats and special groups this year.
“We’ll have $5 admission nights for Law Enforcement, Firefighters/EMT’s/First Responders, and Town of Chemung residents. And we’re continuing to honor Veterans on one special night, with free admission for them,” said Sinsabaugh.
Other honorees include Buck Sharpsteen (Grand Marshal) and memorials for Ed Bidlack, Gary Marshall, Ed McGuire, and Russ Tubbs.
Fans can cheer on the Sunoco Modifieds, Insinger Super Stocks, 4 Cylinders, Marion Decker Hobby Stocks, INEX Legends and INEX Bandoleros at Chemung this season.
Cars return to the Speedrome for testing on April 17 and April 24, with a double-header the following weekend, April 30 and May 1 to get the season going.
Day two of the opening weekend will include the TQ Midgets.
The schedule and the track’s new website are still being tweaked. When construction is complete, the new website will have details on race nights, sponsors, and more.
“Fans in general, and kids in particular, have their own Appreciation nights this year, but everyone at the Speedrome greatly appreciates the support we’ve all received. We’re hopeful that we can move forward with our plans to bring the sights, sounds, and smells of racing back to this legendary facility,” said Hodge.