Sixty years of racing; Southern Tier Microd Club plans fundraiser

The Southern Tier Microd Club (STMC), located on Catatonk Hill Road in Candor, N.Y., has been introducing the exciting world of motorsports to young people and their families since 1955. A youth motorsports facility for ages five through 18, STMC has been a steppingstone for future racing stars for six decades.

A non-profit organization, STMC is holding a pancake breakfast on Sunday, April 17, from 8 a.m. to noon at Tioga Opportunities located at 9 Sheldon Guile Blvd. in Owego, N.Y. A freewill donation will be accepted at the door, and the event includes various raffles. All proceeds benefit STMC.

Jeff Noe, whose nine-year old son Jeffrey races, shared that valuable lessons are learned by youth who participate. Noe commented, “STMC teaches sportsmanship and teamwork.”

Justin Anderson, whose 11-year old son James has been racing since age eight, shared, “It’s a family-oriented activity. Parents get involved with all aspects of preparing for races.”

All in the family, Anderson’s family, for example, includes a six-year old son who will race in the upcoming season, and a nine-year old daughter who tried racing in the past, however now gains the track spotlight by singing the National Anthem.

STMC offers competitive classes in microd and open wheel racing and adheres to rules and regulations as set by the New York State Microd Association (NYSMA). Drivers race locally, as well as other NYSMA clubs within the statewide series, including Cortland, Syracuse and Sodus. Drivers earn points during the May through mid-September season and trophies are awarded at an end of the season banquet.

Anderson pointed out, “It is one of the safest sports for kids. There are a number of regulations, for the safety of the drivers and people at the track.”

Anderson explained that the drivers all wear a full-face helmet and use a five-point harness, along with a wrist restraint and head and neck restraint. With five classes utilizing restrictor plates, the first level of junior novice races a speed of about 25 mph, where the higher level stock and modified classes can run upwards of 55 mph.

Compared to other oval-shaped tracks on the circuit, STMC is the largest with a 1/8 mile triangular shaped track. In the future, STMC will pursue the possibility of adding a “club class,” whereby the track will own some of the cars and participants will pay a fee to use them. Today, participating drivers and families are also the car owners.

Family fun for all, admission to watch the races is free and events include a concession stand. The first race is scheduled for Sunday, April 24 at 1:30 p.m.

Interested youth, including boys and girls, and their families are encouraged to contact one of the following individuals for sign-up information – Joe Sellars at (607) 237-7711, Brad Rygielski at (570) 885-1930, or Justin Anderson at (607) 761-3220.

As a non-profit, funding to maintain and improve the STMC facility comes from fundraisers and donations. STMC is working to raise funds for a 12 x 30 awning, a permanent structure which will provide needed shade on hot summer days for drivers waiting their turn to race. For information visit www.gofundme.com/xwu344xc, or search for Southern Tier Microd Club on gofundme.com.

STMC is also accepting contributions for the pancake breakfast. Individuals able to help are asked to contact Shelly Forrest at (607) 972-5398.

For more information about Southern Tier Microd Club, find them on Facebook or their web site, http://stmcracing.org.