Champion Speedway opens season on May 28

Great news for local racing fans, Champion Speedway in Owego will open its doors for its 36th season on Sunday, May 28, at 6 p.m. with the East Coast Spring Classic / Patrick Ahlund Championship.

This summer marks the 20th year for track promoter Jason Bonsignore, by far the longest term of any of the track’s owners and the 36th year of actual races at the venue – although if you include seasons in which the facility was not used this is the 42nd year, which makes it one of the oldest racing sites in the entire country. 

The action promises to be hot in 2017 with a highly anticipated battle of four or five stars that could win on any given night. The current track Champion, Casey Donholt of Port Crane, who scored an upset victory in the US Open National in 2015; Adam Mittl of Endicott, who has five track Championships; Mikey Buman of Binghamton, who won several features the past couple years; and Jeremy Parsons of Vestal, who has won the Points Title before are the early favorites along with Jesse Diem of Lancaster, Pa.  

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, Mason Higley, Johnny Scheg, Dalton Oakden, 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. 

Start time for Sunday is 6 p.m. Admission prices are $12.00 for adults, $5.00 for children six to 12, and 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 of re-opening the BMX track on site as well. More information can be found at www.eastcoastspeedway.com.