Pictured, is current US Open Champion Casey Donholt.
Great News for local racing fans! Champion Speedway in Owego will open its doors for its 35th season on Sunday, May 29, at 6 p.m. with the East Coast Spring Classic / Patrick Ahlund Championship.
This summer marks the 19th year for track promoter Jason Bonsignore, by far the longest term of any of the track’s owners and the 35th year of actual races at the venue; although if you include season’s in which the facility was not used this is the 42nd year, which makes it one of the oldest racing sites in the whole Country.
The action promises to be hot in 2016 with a highly anticipated battle of four or five stars that could win on any given night. Current track Champion Adam Mittl, of Endicott, who set a record last year with his 5th track Points Championship; Casey Donholt of Port Crane, who scored an upset victory in the US Open National in September; Mikey Buman of Binghamton, who won several features; and Jeremy Parsons of Vestal, who only rode a couple events in 2015 but is expected to make a full-time return and has won the Points Title before, are the early favorites.
Brian Hollenbeck of Owego, another fast rider, can’t make opening night but has signed up for the June event. Smooth riding veterans David Meldrum, Jerry Harman, Keith Hawkins, Gene Bonsignore, Jeff Garlinghouse, Josh Carr, Ron Walker, Russ Cornell, Dave Oakden, Alex Heath and more are all expected to be riding over the first two events.
Promising speedy youngsters like Spencer Portararo, Brandon Bruzek, Brandon Sturzenegger, Andrew Clark, and Roger Roberts will be looking to make an impact at the famous local track this season while a few veteran shockers may be in store.
Former Track Champion Frank Watson may also do several events along with John Lewis, Mike Robinson and Jesse Diem; and there is talk of four-time track Champion Lenny McBride making a return.
Start time for Sunday is 6 p.m. Admission prices are $12.00 for adults, $4.00 for children six to 12, and $10.00 for seniors and military. Parking is free. There is also great food and a go-kart fun track on site. Rick and Margaret Decker of Windsor have done a great job re-opening the BMX track on site as well.
More information can be found at www.eastcoastspeedway.com.
