2009 PRESS RELEASES

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Nolan Swamp Wins Slick Track IronMan Enduro 100!

Slick Track Enduro 100 Rescheduled for Sat, Oct 3, 2 PM. $1,500 to Win

Slick Track Enduro 100 Added! Sun Sept 27, 2 PM. $1,500 to Win!

Pat O'Brien Wins SuperDIRT 100

Fetterly and Foster Share Wins on Final Night

Friday's 100-Lap Modified Feature to Close Out Season

Tarbell Wins Labor Day Shoot-Out and Championship!

Labor-Day Shootout to Crown Mohawk Raceway Champions

Morin Wins Modifieds; Jackson Get Fifth Pro Stock Win

Rain Wins Aug 21st; Just Three HUGE Nights of Racing Remain for 2009 Season

Pro Stock 40-Lap Feature Highlights Frid Aug 21 Racing Card

Poirier Scores Empire Super Sprints, Terrance Gets Third Mod Win

Empire Super Sprints Set for Friday Shoot-Out

Terrance Gets Second Win of Season

Village Engraver Presents Full Show Fri Aug 7, Pinks for Pro Stocks

David Hebert Wins Lucas Oil 100-lapper

New Pit Grandstands, 7:30 Time Trials for Thursday, July 30th 100-Lapper

Rain Wins Fri, Lucas Oil 100-Lapper set for Thurs July 30th

$20 Carload Night This Friday

Stefanski Wins Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock Tour Event

Full Fender Frenzy Set for Friday July 17th

McDonald Wins Independence 35!

Independence 35 Set for Friday July 10th

Mother Nature Rains Out Independence 35

Fireworks & Independence 35 Set for Friday July 3rd

Rain Washes Out ESS Sprint Show at Mohawk Raceway

Empire Super Sprints Make Only 2009 Appearance This Friday

Tarbell & Gilbert 2-in-a-row, Jackson 3-in-a-row, White in Street Stocks

Swamp's Performance Presents Student Night This Friday

Tarbell wins on Jacobs Tobacco & Jacobs Excavation Night

Jacobs Tobacco Company & Jacobs Excavation Present Friday's Racing Program

Terrance Wins Opening Night 358 Mods, Jackson, Allen, Mere score wins.

 

2009 PRE-SEASON PRESS RELEASES

Opening night moved back one week to Friday, May 29th

VIP Booths available for 2009 season

2009 season passes available.

2009 Mohawk Int. Raceway schedule released.

Mohawk Raceway 2009 rules release.

Mohawk Raceway lowers 2009 admission prices.

Pro Stocks get big purse bump at Mohawk Raceway, $400 to win!

CKON 97.3 FM official radio station of Mohawk Int. Raceway.

2009 Drivers' Meeting & 2008 Race Party set for Sun. Mar 8th.

Friday night racing at Mohawk Int. Raceway in 2009

Mohawk Raceway "All-New" for 2009 season.

 

NOLAN SWAMP WINS IRONMAN SLICK TRACK ENDURO 100!

October 3, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Bandit star Nolan Swamp of Akwesasne held off late race charges from several drivers while battling a flat tire in the closing laps to score the win in the Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) IronMan Slick Track Enduro 100 on Saturday afternoon. The victory was worth $1,500 for Swamp.

 

Scott Kocher of Waddington, also one of the top drivers in the Bandit division, finished second and earned $1,000, while Junior Delarmie of Cornwal Island, ONT used patience and a late race charge to move into third spot and grab the $500 paycheck.

 

Forty-five cars took to the grid for the Slick Track IronMan Enduro and the mayhem began as soon as the green flag waved. Cars slid, spun and bounced off each other, with the racers fighting to get traction on the water-drenched racing surface. Nolan Swamp started deep in the field but surged to the lead within the twenty laps and was to lead the rest of the event.

 

After fifty grueling laps of racing, the checkered waved to signal half-time and give teams an opportunity to make repairs for the final fifty laps. At the half-way break, Nolan Swamp and Adam Delormie were the only cars on the lead lap, with Owen Swamp one lap down, Scott Kocher two laps down, and Barry Griffith and Junior Delormie three laps down.

 

As the race restarted, Swamp resumed the top spot, with Adam Delormie still in the runner-up position. Delormie's shot at the win ended as he ducked into the pit area and lost several laps, as did Owen Swamp's. Scott Kocher moved into the runner-up spot, while Barry Griffith rallied to try to break into the top three, but his great run ended when flames erupted from his engine compartment while racing at full throttle--he stopped his car on the front stretch and made a quick exit without injury as safety crews doused the flames.

 

Swamp looked like he was going to cruise on for an easy win but he developed a flat tire with less than ten laps to go, surrendering most of his multi-lap lead. Both Kocher and new third-place runner Junior Delormie were able to make up lost laps as they passed the slowing Swamp, but Swamp's car was able to hold on and limp across the finish line first to complete the 100 lap grind. Kocher finished second, Junior Delormie finished third, while Modified star Billy Cook and Ernie Cree both posted strong runs to finish among the leaders in the final laps.

 

Enduro racing is unique in that caution flags are not used. Despite a multitude of spins and multi-car collisions, drivers must nagivate the slick racing surface and drive around spun and stalled cars throughout the event. The race is red-flagged only when there is a safety concern--this event had half a dozen red flags for various incidents, including a pair of fires, multi-car pile-ups, a driver making hard contact with the frontstretch wall and a couple of incidents where a car stopped on the track in an exposed position and officials stopped the race to get the driver out of the car. There were no injuries during any of the red flag incidents.

 

Mohawk International Raceway would like to thank all of the drivers, race teams, sponsors and fans who helped make 2009 such a successful season. MIR officials are already making plans for the 2010 season, including a list of ongoing rennovations to further improve the speedway, which received a complete makeover prior to the 2009 season. Fans and racers are encouraged to visit the MIR website, MohawkIntRaceway.com, through the winter months to get the latest news and information about next season's racing events.

 

SLICK TRACK ENDURO 100 RESCHEDULED FOR SAT OCT 3!

September 27, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Rainy and wet conditions forced Mohawk International Raceway officials to reschedule the 100-lap Iron Man Slick Track Enduro for Saturday, October 3rd, starting at 2PM.

 

An enhanced purse paying $1,500 to the winner, with second paying $1,000 and third paying $500 has drawn much interest from area racers. With an extra week to prepare, still more entries are expected to join the 100-lap grind when the green flag waves on Saturday afternoon.

 

The 100-lap Slick Track Enduro is open to any 6- or 8-cylinder car that meets the safety rules. Racers can prepare a stock street-type car for the Enduro at a minimal cost and with just a few hours of work. Interested drivers may download the Enduro rules at the MIR website, MohawkIntRaceway.com.

 

Enduro racing is very different from normal stock car racing. Every car starts the race--sometimes there are so many entries that the entire track is filled with cars. The dirt track is watered to make it slick, so cars spin and bounce off each other as they fight to keep going in the right direction. Enduro racing has no caution flags--instead, drivers must race around spun and stalled racecars that litter the track. The event is red-flagged only if the track is completely blocked or if there is a safety concern. The winner is the first driver to survive the grueling run and complete 100 laps.

 

Enduro racing is one of the most affordable forms of racing because it features true stock cars with a minimum of modifications--many drivers get cars from local junkyards and with just a few hours of preparation are ready to go racing. For this reason, Enduros draw many amateur drivers taking to the track for the first time, giving them the chance to challenge veteran race drivers.

 

Drivers may register in advance at Chief's Tobacco Outlet, State Route 37 in Akwesasne. They may also register at the Mohawk International Raceway office, located behind Chief's Tobacco Outlet on State Route 37 in Akwesasne, or at Swamp's Performance, Frogtown Road in Akwesasne. Advance registration is $40. On the day of the race, registration is $50. Grandstand admission for this special event is just $8, while pit admission is $15.

 

The Slick Track Iron Man Enduro 100 is ready to roll. Gentlemen, get your cars and get ready to rumble! Race day is next weekend: Saturday, October 3rd, the green flag drops at 2PM!

 

SLICK TRACK ENDURO 100 SET FOR SUNDAY SEPT 27!

September 16, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Mohawk International Raceway has just announced that the annual 100-lap Iron Man Slick Track Enduro will be run on Sunday, September 27th. This year, the Enduro will pay a whopping $1,500 to the winner, with second paying $1,000 and third paying $500. This is the largest purse ever offered for the Slick Track Enduro division at Mohawk Raceway. The 100-lap Slick Track Enduro will start at 2PM.

 

The Slick Track Enduro is the original "Cash for Clunkers": Take an older street car, make a few modifications for safety and challenge a huge field of other drivers to see if you can get to victory lane and score a big payday! Just finishing the entire 100 laps is a challenge for even veteran drivers.

 

The Iron Man Slick Track Enduro has been a mainstay of the Mohawk Raceway schedule for nearly two decades, always coming as the last event of the season. When the 2009 season was originally announced, many racers and fans noticed that no Enduro had been scheduled.

 

The reason was simple: MIR management team wanted to focus on creating a successful first season with the "all new Mohawk Raceway" facility. But the regular season has concluded and by all accounts it was a tremendous success. Now it's time to relax and have a little fun with the wild and thrilling Slick Track Enduro 100! (Besides, the drivers and fans asked--no, insisted--on having an Enduro!)

 

Enduro racing is very different from normal stock car racing. Every car starts the race--sometimes there are so many entries that the entire track is filled with cars before the race even starts. The dirt track is watered to make it slick, so cars spin and bounce off each other as they fight to keep going in the right direction. Enduro racing has no caution flags--rather, drivers must race around spun and stalled racecars that litter the track. The event is red-flagged only if the track is completely blocked or if there is a safety concern. The winner is the first driver to survive the grueling run and complete 100 laps.

 

Enduro racing is one of the most affordable forms of racing because it features true stock cars with a minimum of modifications--many drivers get cars from local junkyards and with just a few hours of preparation are ready to go racing. For this reason, Enduros draw many amateur drivers taking to the track for the first time, giving them the chance to challenge veteran race drivers.

 

Interested drivers may download the Enduro rules at the MIR website, MohawkIntRaceway.com.

 

Drivers may register in advance at the Mohawk International Raceway office, located behind Chief's Tobacco Outlet on State Route 37 in Akwesasne. They may also register at Swamp's Performance, Frogtown Road in Akwesasne. Advance registration is $40. On the day of the race, registration is $50. Grandstand admission for this special event is just $8, while pit admission is $15.

 

The Slick Track Iron Man Enduro 100 is ready to roll--gentlemen, get your cars and get ready to rumble! Race day is less than two weeks away. Sunday, September 27th, the green flag drops at 2PM!

 

PAT O'BRIEN WINS SUPERDIRT 358 SERIES 100-LAPPER

September 11, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Pat O'Brien made his triumphant return to Mohawk International Raceway (MIR), charging to the lead on lap 88 and holding off the late race charges of Dale Planck to win the A&M Beverage & Tarbell Management Group (Bear's Den, Eastern Door, Western Door, Jen Tobacco) 100. This was O'Brien's first win of the 2009 DIRTcar 358 SuperDIRT series tour and his first win at MIR in several seasons. Planck, after starting in the last row for the second straight series race, was again forced to settle for the runner-up spot, while Mohawk Raceway star Carey Terrance, after leading much of the race, finished third.

 

Pat O'Brien standing in victory lane on a Friday night at Mohawk International Raceway--it's a story straight from the late 1980s, as MIR (then Frogtown Speedway) was originally a Friday night trackand O'Brien was one of the dominant drivers at the fast dirt oval located on the St. Regis Mohawk Akwesasne reservation. As the 1990s began, Frogtown switched to Saturday night racing and O'Brien went off to other tracks to continue his tremendous success. 2009 found Mohawk Raceway returning to its Friday night origins and Pat O'Brien, making his first start in several seasons at MIR, patiently waited until the race's final laps to charge to the front in the Gypsum Logistics #6.

 

O'Brien, scoring his third win of the season and his first tour win, was pleased to find his way back to victory lane. "It feels great. I haven't been here in so long. I think the last time I came back was mid-90s: I came for a series race and I was hoping for the success we used to have and it was terrible (then) so I wasn't sure what we were going to get tonight...I've got to thank all my guys tonight, we've had a rotten year and we've haven't been going very good. I'm making them do a lot of work and this is, I think, our third chassis so far this year. Thanks to John and Laura Wight at Gypsum, and all the great people at Mohawk, what a great place to race."

 

O'Brien has had a difficult season, losing nearly two months due to injuries after a hard flip at Big Diamond Raceway. "It's tough, I mean I'm still not 100%. I work hard for everything we get. When you start out the season, everybody's rusty. We start the season and then we're off for two months pretty much, so I come back and everyone's on top of their game, so it's been tough."

 

Dale Planck had a tremendous run. He was forced to start in the last row after breaking an axle in the heat and charged to his second straight 358 SuperDIRT series runner-up finish. The finish also helped him extend his point lead in the SuperDIRT 358 series standings. "It seems like I can't start up towards the front here anymore. I can't thank Carey (Terrance) enough for this whole deal. To have our cars two and three, we would have liked to have won it, too, but two and three is good. Especially from the back, he started ninth, we're both on the podium, so it doesn't get much better than that."

 

The race found two of MIR's youngest stars, Mitch Jock and Gage Morin, bringing the field around for green, with Jock jumping into the early lead and Morin right on his back bumper. The first yellow flag waved on lap 5 as Brian McDonald slid over the turn two banking.

 

The restart gave 2009 MIR champion Roy Tarbell an opportunity as he roared to the high lane to take the runnerup spot, but a lap later Morin returned the favor, sweeping low and back into the runnerup spot. Morin and Tarbell both applied the pressure to Jock, with Morin moving to the lead on lap 8, while Todd Stewart darted low a lap later to move past Jock for the runner-up spot.

 

The second caution flag waved on lap 12 as Billy Cook could not clear the speedway. The restart found Morin still up front but Tarbell and Stewart staged a great battle for second, with Carey Terrance moving into the battle and moving to the second spot on lap 15.

 

Terrance roared past Morin to grab the lead on lap 17 and began pulling away, while Stewart swung past Morin while the two fought heavy lapped traffic. Terrance and Stewart began to string out the field in an extended green flag run until the caution waved again on lap 37 as a car clipped a uke tire coming out of turn four, sending the tire out onto the speedway.

 

The race's major incident occurred on the restart as Mat Williamson clipped the frontstretch wall, crippling his racer. A wild scramble ensued behind him, with cars spinning and bouncing off each other to try to get clear. Casey Swamp took evasive action, diving into the turn one infield but got sideways and rolled twice, bringing out the red flag. No one was injured in the multi-car incident.

 

Terrance and Stewart showed the way for the next twenty laps, but Stewart grabbed the top spot on lap 67 as he dived low going into turn three, while Terrance was pinned behind lapped trafic. Terrance and Stewart continued their back and forth battle, weaving around lapped cars, Stewart running low and Terrance high until the caution waved again on lap 73.

 

Terrance used the restart to retake the top spot, with Stewart right behind, but now the fans were paying attention to the #6 of Pat O'Brien, coming from 13th starting spot to challenge Tarbell for third, while Dale Planck, after starting 30th on the field, had tenaciously fought his way to break into the top five with twenty laps to go.

 

O'Brien got past Stewart for the runner-up spot on lap 81 and set his sights on Terrance, while Planck picked off Gino Clair, Roy Tarbell and Stewart to move into third by lap 86.

 

O'Brien made the pass to grab the lead on lap 88 and began to open up a lead, but Planck was not about to let him get away. Planck got past Terance on lap 92 and closed in on O'Brien, at times running right up to his back bumper as the two worked through heavy lapped traffic in the closing laps. The fans were expecting a showdown, but Planck seemed to lose a little bit of momentum coming out of turn two on the final lap and O'Brien sped on to grab the win by two car lengths. Planck finished second, Planck's teammate and car owner Carey Terrance came home third, while Mario Clair and Larry Lampman Jr. rounded out the top five.

 

The SuperDIRT 358 series returns to action on Saturday, September 12th with the Jack May Pontiac 100 at the Brockville Ontario Speedway. The series rounds out the weekend on Sunday, September 13th at Autodrome Granby.

 

This was the final race of the 2009 season at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR). MIR management would like to thank everyone--drivers, teams, fans and sponsors--who helped make this year a fantastic success. MIR management is already making plans for the 2010 season and race teams and fans are encouraged to keep up with all the news at MohawkIntRaceway.com.

 

A&M BEVERAGE & TARBELL MANAGEMENT GROUP (BEAR'S DEN, EASTERN DOOR, WESTERN DOOR, JEN TOBACCO) 100, SUPERDIRT 358 SERIES RACE: Pat O'Brien, Dale Planck, Carey Terrance, Mario Clair, Larry Lampman Jr., Jeremy Wilder, Roy Tarbell, Clayton Benedict, Pete Bicknell, Chad Brachmann, Mark D'Ilario, Eric Gauvreau, Danny O'Brien, Bobby Harrington, Brian McDonald, Tommy Flannigan, Perry Francis, Laurent Ladouceur, Mark Smoke, Tom Jock Jr., Roy Delormier, Casey Swamp, Billy Cook, Todd Stewart, Dave Heaslip, Gage Morin, Lance Willix, Mitch Jock, Mat Williamson, Ryan Helm, Brad Shova. DNS: Mike Mahaney, Matt Woodruff.

 

EVENT SUMMARY
Super DIRTcar 358 Series Race#4 -- Mohawk International Raceway (Akwesasne, NY), September 11, 2009. A&M Beverage & Tarbell Management Group (Bears Den, Eastern Door, Western Door, Jen Tobacco) 100 Event Summary.

FIN STR CAR# DRIVER
1 13 6 Pat O'Brien/Kingston, ONT
2 30 77x Dale Planck/Cortland, NY
3 9 66x Carey Terrance/Akwesasne, NY
4 21 22c Mario Clair/St-Edmond, QUE
5 14 22r Larry Lampman, Jr./Port Colborne, ONT
6 18 22j Jeremy Wilder/Fort Plain, NY
7 7 007 Roy Tarbell/Akwesasne, NY
8 5 FX1 Clayton Benedict/Akwesasne, NY
9 11 42 Pete Bicknell/St. Catherines, ONT
10 15 3 Chad Brachmann/Sanborn, NY
11 19 08 Mark D'Ilario/Smithville, ONT
12 20 22 Eric Gauvreau/Chelsea, QUE
13 17 7* Dan O'Brien/Kingston, ONT
14 29 25 Bobby Harrington/Elginburg, ONT
15 8 M96 Brian McDonald/Cornwall, ONT
16 26 72 Tommy Flannigan/St. Catherines, ONT
17 12 55 Perry Francis/Akwesasne, NY
18 4 23 Laurent Ladouceur/Alexandria, ONT
19 25 9 Mark Smoke/Akwesasne, NY
20 24 31 Tom Jock, Jr./Snye, QUE
21 16 22d Roy Delormier/Cornwall Island, ONT
22 28 79 Casey Swamp/Akwesasne, NY
23 27 55x Billy Cook/Akwesasne, NY
24 6 72s Todd Stewart/Kingston, ONT
25 10 84 Dave Heaslip/Smith Falls, ONT
26 1 16 Gage Morin/St. Andrews West, ONT
27 22 16w Lance Willix/Theresa, NY
28 2 14 Mitch Jock/Akwesasne, NY
29 3 6m Mat Williamson/St. Catherines, ONT
30 31 x70 Ryan Helm/Chateaugay, NY
31 23 4 Brad Shova/North Bangor, NY

DID NOT START:
33 Mike Mahaney/King Ferry, NY
55 Matt Woodruff/Bloomingdale, NY

LAP LEADERS: Jock (1-7), Morin (8-16), Terrance (17-66), Stewart (67-78), Terrance (79-87), Pat O'Brien (88-100).

CAUTIONS: 5; 1 RED FLAG (lap 42)

HEAT WINNERS: Heaslip, Terrance, Bicknell, McDonald

HALFWAY LEADER: Carey Terrance.

HARD CHARGER AWARD: Dale Planck

CARS ENTERED: 33.

NEXT EVENT: Brockville Ontario Speedway, Jack May Pontiac 100--Saturday, September 12

 

FETTERLY AND FOSTER SHARE MOHAWK RACEWAY WINS

September 11, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Kevin Fetterly Jr. of Massena won the SUNY Canton Street Stock 30-lap shoot-out while 2009 Bandit champion Joey Foster of West Stockholm rounded out his fantastic season to win the 20-lap Battle of the Bandits Friday night at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) on A&M Beverage and Tarbell Management Group (Bear's Den, Eastern Door, Western Door, Jen Tobacco) night. Pat O'Brien won the SuperDIRT 358 Modified series 100 feature as part of Friday night's racing program (see separate story).

 

The SUNY Canton Street Stock 30-lap open event brought out some of the top invaders in Street Stock racing, but standing in victory lane was a local driver: Massena's Kevin Fetterly Jr., coming off a breakout season, scored his sixth win of the season overall but just his first of the year at Mohawk Raceway. Fetterly has had a phenomenal season at both Brockville Ontario Speedway and Cornwall Motor Speedway and he will be in the battle for the Cornwall championship in their final race on Sunday, September 20th. Fetterly has made scattered starts at MIR this year and while he has been fast, he was unable to break into the win column until Friday night.

 

Fetterly's car was not the first across the finish line: Three-time winner Preston Forbes of Potsdam was the first to get the checkered flag, with Fetterly second and Justin White of Brushton crossed the line third, but both Forbes and White did not make minimum weight and were disqualified.

 

Eli Gilbert was the early race leader, with Preston Forbes and Dave Pope both pressuring him at the drop of the green flag, but Gilbert's great run came to a stop on a lap four restart. Coming out of turn two, Gilbert spun sideways--with nowhere to go, several other cars piled in, heavily damaging Gilbert's car and ending his night.

 

Preston Forbes took the lead on the restart, but soon Central New York Street Stock star Dave Mannise was on the prowl, moving low in lapped traffic to grab the top spot on lap 13. Forbes tried to battle back but spun on lap 15 and had to fall to the rear of the field.

 

It looked like Mannise was going to cruise to an easy win in his first career MIR start, but his #8 broke on lap 20 and he headed to the pits. This handed the lead back to Forbes, who had raced back through the entire field. Forbes charged on and was first across the finish line, followed by Fetterly, Justin White and Del LeGrow, but when Forbes' car failed to make minimum weight, Fetterly was declared the winner.

 

Mike Gaucher grabbed the lead as the drop of the green flag in the 20-lap Battle of the Bandits, while Joey Foster was forced to start last after breaking in his heat race. Gaucher spun on lap seven, handing the lead to John Green, but Foster zoomed by Green on the restart and was not to be challenged for the rest of the event. Foster captured his fourth checkered flag of the season, while Gaucher recovered from his early spin to finish second. Jason McGlatchie posted his best finish of the season in third, while Gary Sharlow and Scott Kocher rounded out the top five.

 

Friday night's racing program was the final show of the 2009 season. Mohawk International Raceway management woul d like to thank everyone--drivers, race teams, fans and sponsors--who helped make this year such a tremendous success. MIR management is already busy making plans for the 2010 season and drivers and fans are encouraged to keep up with all the news at MohawkIntRaceway.com.

 

SUNY CANTON STREET STOCKS: Kevin Fetterly Jr., Del LeGrow, Dave Pope, Chris Sawatis, Dave Mannise, Brandon Snyder, Mike Benedict, Eli Gilbert, Wade Mason, Preston Mussow. DQ: Preston Forbes, Justin White.

 

BANDITS: Joey Foster, Steve Gaucher, Jason McClatchie, Gary Sharlow, Scott Kocher, Brad Fish, Rick Finch, Henry Lamica, Larry Goodspeed, John Green, Randy Martin, Cody Meyers, C.J. LaVair, Andrew Fish, Josh Jock, Tammy Rogers. DNS: Richard Tiernan.

 

FRIDAY'S 100-LAP MODIFIED FEATURE TO CLOSE OUT SEASON

September 8, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Mohawk International Raceway's (MIR) season roars to a close this Friday, September 11th, as the SuperDIRT 358 Modified series will be on the card with a 100-lap feature event, presented by A&M Beverage of Malone and Tarbell Management Group, Bear's Den, Eastern Door, Western Door and Jen Tobacco. Racing action starts at 7:45 PM. The SUNY Canton Street Stocks will also be on the racing card, with a 30-lap open competition feature paying $1,000 to win, while the Bandits will have a 20-lap open competition feature paying $200 to win.

 

The SuperDIRT 358 tour is one of the Northeast's major touring series and Friday night's event at Mohawk International Raceway is expected to draw a stellar field of Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds. Last Sunday's SuperDIRT 358 series race at Cornwall Motor Speedway drew 48 Modifieds and Friday night's event will draw the best teams from throughout Ontario, Quebec and Northern New York to challenge the DIRT invaders. Friday night's race at Mohawk International Raceway will kick off a three-night swing through the North Country, as on Saturday night, September 12th the SuperDIRT 358 tour moves to the Brockville Ontario Speeway (the BOS) and the weekend swing concludes on Sunday, September 13th at Autodrome Granby.

 

Going into Friday's race, 2009 358 Modified track champion Roy Tarbell and the team of Carey Terrance and Dale Planck will be looking to etch their names on the winner's trophy. Tarbell and Terrance have each won three features at MIR this season and Terrance is coming off a huge win at the Jiffy 100 SuperDIRT series event at Cornwall. Planck leads the SuperDIRT 358 points coming into the event, with an outstanding second-place finish on Sunday at Cornwall after starting 34th on the field, and Planck knows Mohawk Raceway quite well: in his first start of the season, he dominated the later stages of the Lucas Oil 358 series 100-lap event before a mechanical failure sidelined him and he scored a second-place finish to teammate Terrance in his second start of the season.

 

Besides Planck, some of the DIRT invaders expected to appear include "Mr. Small Block" Pete Bicknell, Danny O'Brien, Larry Lapman Jr. and Chad Brachman, who are all following the SuperDIRT 358 tour. A strong contingent of Quebec Modified stars is also expected to challenge the DIRT invaders as the Quebec drivers have shown through their strong Lucas Oil series runs that they are up to the challenge. The defending champion of this race is Mario Clair, while David Hebert has won back-to-back Lucas Oil 100-lappers at Mohawk Raceway.

 

The SUNY Canton Street Stock series event will be a wide-open affair with several outsiders expected to challenge the Mohawk Raceway regulars. Three drivers have dominated the Street Stocks at Mohawk Raceway this year, with Mike Allen, Preston Forbes and Mike White each scoring three feature wins, but new addition Eli Gilbert is coming off two straight second-place finishes.

 

The Battle of the Bandits is expected to draw cars from throughout the Seaway Valley but the invaders will likely find the Mohawk Raceway regulars tough to beat. Newly crowned Bandit champion Joey Foster and second-place point man Scott Mere will be looking to complete their seasons with a big win, but the list of possible winners is long: Nolan Swamp has two wins, Derek Hulbert is coming off a win last Friday in his first start of the season, while Henry Lamica, Justin White and Brad Fish are just a few of the Bandit regulars still looking to break into the win column.

 

TARBELL WINS LABOR DAY SHOOT-OUT AND CHAMPIONSHIP

September 4, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Roy Tarbell won the Frenchie's Chevrolet Labor Day Shoot-out 35 for the 358 Modifieds Friday night at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR), and in doing so earned his first career Modified track championship. It was Tarbell's third win of the season. Joey Ladouceur bested 2009 MIR track champion Louie Jackson to win the 40-lap Mohawk Race Parts Pro Stock Tour feature event for the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks. Mike Allen won his third SUNY Canton Street Stock feature win of the season and claimed the Street Stock championship. Derek Hulbert grabbed his first career feature win in the Bandits and Joey Foster won the Bandit championship.

 

Roy Tarbell has been one of the top 358 Modified stars at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) since it opened over two decades ago, but the one accomplishment missing from his resume was a Modified track championship. Friday night, Tarbell entered the Frenchie's Chevrolet Labor Day Shoot-out third in points, seventeen markers behind point leader Carey Terrance, with what appeared to be only an outside chance to win the track title. When the checkered flag fell, Tarbell stood in victory lane, not only the race winner, but also the 2009 Mohawk International Raceway 358 Modified track champion and winner of the three-race Frenchie's Chevrolet American Revolution mini-series.

 

By virtue of his third-place finish in the heat and the redraw before the feature, Tarbell started on the front row alongside Perry Francis, while point leader Carey Terrance and second-place point man Todd Stewart started 14th and 15th in the feature after finishing fifth and sixth in their qualifying heat races. Francis grabbed the early race lead, with Tarbell second and last week's winner Gage Morin right behind in third. Tarbell moved past Francis for the top spot on lap 11, but by then lapped traffic was already becoming a major factor. Francis, Morin and Mitch Jock all caught Tarbell in a frantic battle for the lead as they worked through lapped cars, with a close call on lap 14 as Francis clipped Tarbell coming out of turn four. Francis immediately took evasive action in a show of good sportsmanship, but the move cost him two spots as he slid back to fourth. While the leaders battled, Carey Terrance charged towards the front, breaking into sixth spot on lap 18. Terrance looked like he was going to be coming on strong in his bid to win the championship, but he blew a tire on lap 25, bringing out the caution.

 

Terrance returned to the rear of the field and faced the propsect of again battling through the field with only ten laps remaining. On the restart, Gage Morin blasted alongside Tarbell in a great battle for the lead, but Morin drifted high off turn four on lap 27 and Tarbell pulled ahead. The caution waved on lap 32 as Mitch Jock's heavily smoking motor finally expired and Danny Johnson spun high in turn four. Under caution, Terrance was forced to pit with another flat tire.

 

As the green flag waved, Tarbell stood on the throttle and roared on to grab his third win of the season and capture his first Modified track championship, beating Terrance, his son-in-law, by just a handful of points. Gage Morin backed up last week's win with a strong second-place finish, 50-year racing veteran Dave Heaslip posted his best finish of the season in third, while Clayton Benedict and Joel Doiron rounded out the top five.

 

The Mohawk Race Parts Pro Stock Tour 40-lap feature was a classic battle between two of the top Action Race Parts Pro Stock drivers on the DIRT circuit: Newly crowned MIR track champion Louie Jackson and Joey Ladouceur battled for the lead for the last half of the event, running several laps side-by-side, but Ladouceur grabbed the top spot for good on a lap 36 restart and charged on to capture his second checkered flag of the season at Mohawk International Raceway. Bruno Cyr was the early leader, but the caution waved for him on lap four, with Roch Aubin inheriting the lead. Aubin held the top spot, with PJ Peters just a few feet behind, while Dion Oakes moved up to third on lap six, and Jackson and Mr. DIRT Pro Stock champion Pete Stefanski battled for fourth. Aubin's hopes for a win were dashed as he rolled to a stop on the high side of the speedway on lap 10 with a flat tire.

 

PJ Peters inherited the lead, but it would not last long as Jackson blasted past him to grab the lead on lap twelve. Peters and Oakes battled for the second spot, but Stefanski, Allen Peters and Joey Ladouceur were close behind. A lap 19 restart allowed Ladouceur to move to the runner-up spot, and from there on to the checkers, Ladouceur and Jackson staged another classic battle for the win. After twenty laps of hard but clean racing, often side-by-side and just inches apart, Ladouceur crossed the finish line first, with Jackson right behind in second. Dion Oakes finished third, Stefanski fourth, and Allen Peters beat his brother PJ to the line to finish fifth.

 

2009 SUNY Canton Street Stock track champion Mike Allen emerged victorious in what was the most competitive Street Stock feature of the season, with at least six cars in contention for the win until the final couple of laps. Robert Delormier grabbed the earily lead, but Mike Allen moved into the top spot on lap eleven. Allen was up front but the rest of the field was not going to let him get away, with Delormier, Del LeGrow, Eli Gilbert and last week's winner Preston Forbes all battling for the top spot. Justin White recovered from his early spin to move into the runner-up spot as the laps wound down, but coming out of turn four on lap 13, Forbes tagged White and both young drivers spun, sending them to the rear of the field. On the restart, Eli Gilbert stepped up his game, hounding Allen for the final two circuits, but he ultimately had to settle for his second straight runner-up finish. Allen sped on to get his third win of the season and earn the championship trophy.

 

The Bandit division featured a new face in victory lane, as Derek Hulbert, crew chief for Pro Stock driver Billy Woodward Jr., grabbed his first career feature win. Gary Sharlow led the early laps, but Joey Foster moved into the top spot on lap four. Foster, looking for his fourth win of the season, found himself challenged by Hulbert by lap nine, with Hulbert going to the high side to make the pass. Hulbert, making his first start of the season, raced on to score the win. Joey Foster finished second and captured his first career track championship, while Scott Mere finished third, locking him into second spot in the final point standings.

 

Mohawk International Raceway congratulates its 2009 Track Champions:

Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds -- Roy Tarbell of Akwesasne.

Action Race Parts DIRTcar Pro Stocks -- Louie Jackson of Akwesasne.

SUNY Canton Street Stocks -- Mike Allen of Norwood.

Bandits -- Joey Foster of West Stockholm.

 

Next Friday night, September 11th, is the final night of racing at Mohawk International Raceway and what a way to wrap up the season: The SuperDIRT 358 Modified tour will be featured with a 100-lap main event, presented by A&M Beverage of Malone and Tarbell Management Group (Bear's Den, Eastern Door, Western Door, Jen Tobacco). Race time is 7:45 PM.

 

An outstanding field of Frenchie's Chevrolet 358 Modifieds is expected as this race will be the first of three straight SuperDIRT 358 races. The SuperDIRT 358 tour is headed to nearby Brockville Ontario Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 12th and Autodrome Granby on Sunday, Sept 13th.

 

Joining the 100-lap SuperDIRT 358 Modified program on Friday, Sept. 11th will be the SUNY Canton Street Stocks, with an open competition 30-lap feature event paying $1,000 to win. The Battle of the Bandits will be a 20-lap open competition event paying $200 to win. The Street Stock and Bandit races are open to cars from other area speedways--if there are any questions about rules, please contact the MIR office at 518-358-3325 during normal business hours.

 

SEPTEMBER 4, 2009: FRENCHIE'S CHEVROLET LABOR DAY SHOOT-OUT

 

FRENCHIE'S CHEVROLET DIRTcar 358 MODIFIEDS (AMERICAN REVOLUTION SERIES, ROUND 3--FINAL ROUND): Roy Tarbell, Gage Morin, Dave Heaslip, Clayton Benedict, Joel Doiron, Mark Smoke, Todd Stewart, Danny Johnson, Roy Delormier, Carey Terrance, Billy Cook, Tom Jock Jr., Perry Francis, Mitch Jock, Brad Shova, Ron Valade, Casey Swamp. DNS: John Lazore, Ryan Helm.

 

ACTION RACE PARTS PRO STOCKS (MOHAWK RACE PARTS TOUR): Joey Ladouceur, Louie Jackson, Dion Oakes, Pete Stefanski, PJ Peters, Dave Papineau, Corey Wheeler, Ricky Thompson, Dave Bissonnette, Stephan LeBrun, Bruno Cyr, Harvey Arquette Jr., Gene Tarbell, Gilles Goddard, Bill Woodward Jr., Mike Pecore, Mike Arquiett, Steve Johnston, Roch Aubin, Jody Swamp, Junior Barnes, Ghislain Valade, Travis Back, al DePoalo. DNS: Curtis McPhee.

 

SUNY CANTON STREET STOCKS: Mike Allen, Eli Gilbert, Justin White, Preston Forbes, Mike Benedict, Del LeGrow, Robert Delormier, Kevin Fetterly Jr., Preston Mossow, Thunder Anderson. DNS: Dustin Bradley, Chris Sawatis.

 

BANDITS: Derek Hulbert, Joey Foster, Scott Mere, John Green, Brad Fish, Scott Kocher, Henry Lamica, Rick Finch, Mike Gaucher, Josh Jock, Harold LaVair, Cory Helm, Larry Goodspeed, Gary Sharlow.

 

LABOR-DAY SHOOTOUT TO CROWN MOHAWK RACEWAY CHAMPIONS

September 1, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- The racing season is almost done as Friday night's Frenchie's Chevrolet Labor Day Shoot-out at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) will determine the 2009 track champions in all four weekly divisions. The Labor-Day Shootout will feature the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds in a 35-lap feature event, the third and final round in the Frenchie's Chevrolet American Revolution Series. The Action Race Parts Pro Stocks have a 40-lap feature event as part of the Mohawk Race Parts tour. The SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits will also be on Friday night's racing program, with the first green flag set to fly at 7:45 PM.

 

With extra distance races for both the Modified and Pro Stock divisions, outstanding fields of cars are expected as the drivers are vying for bonus money in addition to points towards the track and tour titles. Going into Friday night's racing program, the 358 Modified and Bandit titles are still in close contention.

 

Carey Terrance of Akwesasne leads the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modified point standings with 423 and three feature wins on the season. Todd Stewart of Kingston, ONT sits in second spot, just 15 points behind at 408. Stewart has not yet scored a feature win, although he has three second-place finishes and an incredibly consistent string of top fives. Roy Tarbell is third in the Modified points, just two behind Stewart with 406, while Perry Francis is just nine points behind Tarbell with 397 and Mitch Jock rounds out the top five in points with 378.

 

Louie Jackson of Akwesasne clinched the Action Race Parts Pro Stock title last week by virtue of his fifth feature win, with a total of 551 points. Jody Swamp is second in points with 493, Roch Aubin is third and within striking distance at 487, Dion Oakes has 464, and Dave Papineau rounds out the top five with 437 points. Friday night's Pro Stock race will award an equal number of "show up" points to all competitors since this is a Mohawk Race Parts Tour race.

 

In the SUNY Canton Street Stocks, Mike Allen of Norwood has clinched the title as he leads the point standings with 410 points. Mike White is second in the point standings with 358, rookie Preston Mossow has 334, Mike Benedict sits fourth with 282, while Preston Forbes is fifth in the point standings with 262. Friday night's race, however, is a final tune-up for the $1,000 to win 30-lap feature event scheduled for Friday, September 11th.

 

The Bandit division title is still up for grabs as Joey Foster of West Stockholm leads the way with 428 points, while Scott Mere is just ten points back at 418. Henry Lamica is third in the point standings with 382, while there is a tie for fourth spot with Nolan Swamp and Brad Fish both at 362.

 

A feature win is worth 60 points, 2nd 56, 3rd 52, 4th 50, 5th 48, with each position dropping two points until 16th spot which is worth 27 points. Each spot after 16th drops 1 point, with a minimum of 20 points for starting the feature event.

 

After Friday night's event, just one more race remains on the Mohawk Raceway schedule: Friday, September 11th A&M Beverage and Bear's Den, Eastern Door, Western Door and Jen Tobacco present the SuperDIRT 358 championship tour, with the Modifieds set to race 100 laps. An outstanding field of cars is expected to enter this event--last year's race drew nearly 40 Modifieds. This event is the first of a three-day swing (the tour heads to Brockville Ontario Speedway on Saturday, September 12th and Autodrome Granby on Sunday, September 13th), so teams from throughout the DIRTcar circuit will be on hand. Also on Sept 12's racing program is a 30-lap open competition Street Stock race paying $1,000 to win, while the Bandits have an open competition 20-lap event paying $200 to win.

 

MORIN GETS MODIFIED WIN AT MOHAWK RACEWAY

August 28, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- 17-year-old Gage Morin of St. Andrews West, ONT has raced at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) only a handful of times but the young driver backed up his recent string of strong finishes by winning Friday night's Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modified feature win. Familiar faces graced victory lane on Aaron's Sales and Leasing and Parkway Country Polaris Superstore night as Louie Jackson scored his fifth Action Race Parts Pro Stock win of the year, Preston Forbes won his third SUNY Canton Street Stock feature and Joey Foster claimed his third Bandit feature win of the season.

 

Gage Morin is in just his second season in the Modified division but he has already made his mark in Seaway Valley racing action, with two features wins (both at Autodrome Edelweiss, one last season and one earlier this year). Friday night he proved a worthy addition to the weekly field at Mohawk Raceway as he held off Modified stars Carey Terrance and Todd Stewart to grab his first feature win at MIR.

 

The Frenchie's Chevrolet 358 Modified feature got off to a wild start as Casey Swamp spun in front of the field coming out of turn two on the first lap, setting off a wild scramble that saw cars darting high and dodging low to avoid trouble. Ryan Helm simply had nowhere to go and slammed into Swamp's racer, flipping over for the second straight race. A disappointed Helm walked away from the wreck.

 

Despite a series of early caution flags, the early laps of the Modified feature had several outstanding battles as point leader Carey Terrance and Gage Morin exchanged the top spot several times, while Todd Stewart advanced from deep in the field to move into third by lap six. A lap seven restart gave Stwart a chance to vault into the lead but it was short-lived as Morin charged to the top spot within half a lap and cruised on to open up a significant lead. Morin looked like he had things sewn up but he had to maneuver through lapped traffic with just two laps to go, allowing Stewart to reel him in and challenge for the top spot as the white flag waived. Morin chose to dive low to avoid a lapped car going through the final turn and it was the right call, as Stewart could not get past him in the drag race to the finish line. Morin scored his first win at Mohawk Raceway, Stewart finished just inches behind his back bumper for second, while John Lazore bested Roy Tarbell in a fierce duel to grab the third spot, his best finish of the season.

 

Louie Jackson led every lap en route to his fifth Action Race Parts Pro Stock feature win of the season, but he missed some great racing behind him as the field ran two- and sometimes three-wide for much of the event. Dave Papineau scored another impressive second-place finish while Ricky Thompson held off five challengers to emerge in third spot. Corey Wheeler and Roch Aubin rounded out the top five. Jackson's win clinched the track title for him--he only needs to start next week's Mohawk Tour 40-lap feature to guarantee him the championship trophy.

 

Gage Morin set fast time in the time trials segment of the Modified Duels, but John Lazore bested all challengers to win the final round of one-on-one match races. Lazore earned over $1,000 in bonus money for his efforts. Roch Aubin outran Louie Jackson to win the final round in the Pinks for Pro Stocks match races presented by Mohakw Bingo Palace. This was the first time match racing had been presented at MIR and the fans were very enthusiastic, with several loud bursts of cheering and applause after some very dramatic, hard-fought battles in the one-on-one elimination races.

 

In the SUNY Canton Street Stocks, Preston Forbes inherited the lead after a lap eight tangle between leader Mike Allen and second-place Preston Mossow sent both of them to the rear. Forbes charged on ahead to grab his third win of the season, while former Bandit star Eli Gilbert made a statement with his first Street Stock start by finishing a close second after spinning early in the event and having to charge from the rear of the field.

 

Joey Foster led every lap to win his third Bandit feature of the season and increase his point lead going into the final night of points. Scott Mere was within striking distance the entire race but could never complete the pass and had to settle for second. The race was red-flagged on lap nine after Josh Jock clipped a uke tire and flipped hard while trying to avoid a tangle on the speedway. Jock was shaken but walked away from the wreck.

 

Just two weeks of racing remain at Mohawk Raceway. Next Friday, September 4th, Frenchie's Chevrolet presents the Labor Day Shoot-Out, with the Modifieds set to go 35 laps in the final round of the Frenchie's Chevrolet American Revolution series. The Action Race Parts Pro Stocks will also be featured with a 40-lap feature event as part of the Mohawk Race Parts Tour. The SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits will also be in action, with racing set to start at 7:45 PM.

 

Friday, September 11th, A&M Beverage and Bear's Den, Eastern Door, Western Door and Jen Tobacco present the SuperDIRT 358 Modified tour, with the Frenchie's Chevrolet Modifieds to compete in a 100-lap main event. As this is part of the SuperDIRT 358 series and a tour race is set for the very next night at Brockville Ontario Speedway ("The BOS"), a large field of cars from throughout the DIRTcar circuit is expected. The SUNY Canton Street Stocks will have a 30-lap open competition event paying $1,000 to win, while the Bandits will have a 20-lap open competition event paying $200 to win. Race time is 7:45 PM.

 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28th: AARON'S SALES AND LEASING, PARKWAY COUNTRY POLARIS SUPERSTORE

 

FRENCHIE'S CHEVROLET DIRTcar 358 MODIFIEDS: Gage Morin, Todd Stewart, John Lazore, Roy Tarbell, Clayton Benedict, Jeremy Wilder, Mitch Jock, Carey Terrance, Perry Francis, Tom Jock Jr., Mark Smoke, Del LeGrow, Brad Shova, Casey Swamp, Ryan Helm. DNS: Dave Heaslip.

 

ACTION RACE PARTS DIRTcar PRO STOCKS: Louie Jackson, Dave Papineau, Ricky Thompson, Corey Wheeler, Roch Aubin, Allen Peters, Jody Swamp, Billy Woodward Jr., Dion Oakes, Curtis McPhee, John Yandoh Jr., Mike Arquiett, Gene Tarbell. DNS: Travis Back, Harvey Arquette Jr.

 

SUNY CANTON STREET STOCKS: Preston Forbes, Eli Gilbert, Preston Mossow, Mike Allen, Mike White, Kevin Mayville, Thunder Anderson, Mike Benedict.

 

BANDITS: Joey Foster, Scott Mere, Mike Gaucher, Jason McClatchie, Henry Lamica, Scott Kocher, Brad Fish, Tammy Rogers, Harold LaVair, Cory Helm, Richard Tiernan, Larry Goodspeed, Gary Sharlow, Josh Jock, Justin White.

 

RAIN WINS AGAIN AT MOHAWK RACEWAY; LAST THREE WEEKS PROMISE TO BE ACTION PACKED

August 22, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Rain grabbed the checkered flag again as showers and wet conditions forced Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) officials to cancel Friday night, August 21st's racing program. However, the rainout sets up a busy final three weeks of the racing season.

 

Racing resumes on Friday night, August 28th with $20 a carload night presented by Aaron's Sales and Leasing and Parkway Country Polaris Superstore. Fans arriving at the raceway before 7:30 PM will be admitted for just $20 a carload; fans arriving after 7:30 PM will still be admitted at a bargain price, just $7 for adults. Friday night's card will feature the Frenchie's Chevrolet 358 Modifieds with a 25-lap feature event, but instead of traditional heat races the Modifieds will have the "Modifieds Duels," a three-round match race series. Round one will be time trials, which will set the line-up for three-car match race duels in round two. The final round will feature one-on-one match races to see who has the fastest 358 Modified in the North Country.

 

Also on Friday night's program will be a full show of racing for the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks, the SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits. The Pro Stocks will also participate in the final round of the Pinks for Pro Stocks match race series presented by the Mohawk Bingo Palace. Racing begins at 7:45 PM, with the $20 a carload admission special running until 7:30.

 

Friday, September 4th will be the Labor Day Shootout presented by Frenchie's Chevrolet, and both the Modifieds and the Pro Stocks have extra-distance events. The Labor Day Shoot-Out 35 for the Modifieds will be the third and final round of the Frenchie's Chevrolet American Revolution series, with a special bonus for the top finisher in the series--Carey Terrance leads the current American Revolution point standings after winning the opening round back in June and finishing second in the Independence 35 in July. The Action Race Parts Pro Stocks will be featured in the Mohawk Race Parts Pro Stock tour 40-lap event, which will draw the top Pro Stock drivers from Quebec and Ontario to challenge the Mohawk Raceway regulars. The SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits will also be on the racing card. September 4th's event will also be the final night of points and the 2009 track champions will be declared in each division.

 

The season wraps up on Friday, September 11th with the SuperDIRT 358 Modified series with a 100-lap feature event presented by A&M Beverage of Malone. The SuperDIRT tour will draw the top 358 Modified drivers from throughout the DIRTcar circuit and a stellar field of teams is expected to challenge for the win in the 100-lap main event. The SUNY Canton Street Stocks will have their biggest event of the season, going 30 laps with $1,000 going to the winner, while the Bandits will have an open competition 20-lap duel paying $200 to the winner.

 

PRO STOCK 40-LAP FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS FRIDAY, AUG 21 RACING CARD

August 18, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- The Action Race Parts Pro Stocks will take center stage this Friday evening, August 21st at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR), as Bear's Den, Eastern Door, Western Door and Jen Tobacco present a full card of racing featuring the Mohawk Race Parts Pro Stock tour, with a 40-lap main event to highlight the racing card. Also joining the racing program on Friday night will be the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, the SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits, with racing set to start at 7:45 PM.

 

The Pro Stock division is known for its tough competition and thrilling two- and three-wide racing action--with additional prize money and Mohawk Series points on the line, a large field of invaders from Canada and even a few downstate Pro Stock veterans are expected to enter the event. Louie Jackson has set the pace for most of the season with four wins at MIR, while Jody Swamp, Harvey Arquette Jr., and Joey Ladouceur each have a single win and Pete Stefanski won the Mr. DIRT Pro Stock tour event in July.

 

While only five different drivers have entered victory lane so far this season, the list of local drivers who have come close is quite long: Dave Bissonnette, Corey Wheeler, Dion Oakes, Dave Papineau, Rod Tarbell, Roch Aubin, Ricky Thompson, Billy Woodward Jr. and Travis Back have all been near the front on several occasions and are expected to be in the hunt when the green flag drops on Friday night.

 

Friday night's race will be the fourth race in the series: Pete Stefanski won the opening round on June 13th at Autodrome Drummond, while Joey Ladouceur has swept the last two races at Autodrome Edelweiss and Cornwall Motor Speedway (he was also runner-up at Drummond). Friday night's Mohawk International Raceway race is the only American stop for the regional series, while the series finale is set for Sunday, September 6th at Cornwall Motor Speedway.

 

In addition to the Pro Stock special event, the Frenchie's Chevrolet 358 Modifieds are expected to put on another thrilling show. Carey Terrance is coming off back-to-back wins in the Modifieds, but the recent addition of Modified stars Joel Doiron, Gage Morin and Laurent Ladouceur has enhanced an already strong field of cars. In addition to Terrance, Roy Tarbell has scored two wins, while Brian McDonald has scored a single win. Perry Francis is coming off another great run with a third-place finish last Friday night, while Todd Stewart scored another impressive top-five finish. John Lazore, Mitch Jock, Mark Smoke, Dave Heaslip, and Brad Shova are just a few of the MIR regulars who have been fast but still find themselves searching for the first win of the season.

 

The SUNY Canton Street Stocks have had a few familiar names dominating the victory list, with Mike White (three wins), Preston Forbes and Mike Allen (two wins each) keeping out all other challengers, but Preston Mossow has been coming on strong the past couple of weeks, while Mike Benedict's return to the division after an early season rollover means that there will be no shortage of competition in Friday night's feature.

 

The Bandits continue an outstanding season that has seen a large number of racers score wins--Scott Mere, Joey Foster, Nolan Swamp and Eli Gilbert have each entered victory lane twice, while Justin White, Henry Lamica, Gary Sharlow, Scott Kocher and Tammy Rogers have all proven that they are fast enough to win and yet the checkered flag still eludes them as the season is rushing to a close.

 

Bear's Den is a landmark business in the Akwesasne territory, with full service gasoline and diesel, its famed restaurant and gift shop, and much more, all located right on State Route 37, only a couple of miles east of the International Bridge to Cornwall, Ontario. Bear's Den has been a long-time supporter of racing at both Mohawk International Raceway and throughout the Seaway Valley and MIR management is pleased to have them back to present Friday night's racing program. Bear's Den's sister stations, Eastern Door and Western Door, are conveniently located right on State Route 37 at either border of the Akwesasne territory, with both stations featuring full-service gasoline and diesel and a fully stocked convenience store with snacks and freshly-made food to go. Jen Tobacco is a manufacturer and distributor of fine tobacco products.

 

POIRIER SCORES EMPIRE SUPER SPRINTS; TERRANCE GETS THIRD MOD WIN

August 14, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Steve Poirier of St-Matieu de Beloeil, QUE grabbed the lead on a lap 13 restart from early race leader Alain Bergeron and charged on to win the 25-lap Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint win Friday night at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR), presented by Keegan's Tobacco shop. In other action on Jreck Subs, GrowIt HydroSeeding and Tomahawk Tobacco night, Carey Terrance of Akwesasne grabbed his second straight Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modified win, while Louie Jackson notched his fourth Action Race Parts Pro Stock feature win of the season. Mike White scored his third SUNY Canton Street Stock win of the season, while Nolan Swamp grabbed his second win of the season in the Bandits.

 

Alain Bergeron grabbed the lead at the start of the Empire Super Sprint main event, with former MIR Modified star Chris Jones running a strong second. A lap nine restart allowed Steve Poirier to dash by Jones for the runner-up spot. A lap thirteen caution for Paul Pekkonen, who spun off the turn three banking, set the stage for the restart that would determine the fate of the race. As the green waved, Poirier swung to the high side of Bergeron and as the two Quebec stars roared through turns one and two, Poirier gained the advantage going down the backstretch. Poirier pulled away, while Justin Barger passed Bergeron for the second spot on lap 18. Barger's car was very quick in the closing laps, but he simply ran out of time while trying to negotiate heavy lapped traffic. Poirier grabbed the win, a repeat of his 2008 trip to victory lane at MIR, while Barger settled for second, with Bergeron coming home in third spot.

 

In the Frenchie's Chevrolet 358 Modifieds, teammates Dale Planck and Carey Terrance battled in the early stages of the event, but Terrance pulled ahead on a lap eight restart, he would never surrender the lead, despite several challenges from Planck. Terrance cruised on for his second straight Modified win (third of the season overall), while Planck came home with a solid runner-up finish in just his second start of the season. Todd Stewart, Gage Morin and Perry Francis battled side-by-side for third spot throughout the event, with Francis powering ahead for third, with Stewart and Morin rounding out the top five. The Modified feature was red-flagged on lap eight when Ryan Helm tangled with another car and barrel-rolled twice coming out of turn four, but Helm quickly emerged from the car uninjured.

 

Louie Jackson was the man to beat in the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks when the season began, scoring three straight wins, but the month of July was a little more difficult for the Akwesasne driver with mechanical issues on several evenings. Friday night, Jackson returned to his winning ways, holding off Jody Swamp after a lap 17 restart and scoring his fourth win of the season. Swamp was forced to play defense with a three-wide battle for the runner-up spot coming down to the checkered flag--he drifted high and held on for second, with Travis Back scoring another top-five finish in third. Corey Wheeler and Roch Aubin, who was pinched high in the final turn and lost a couple of spots at the line, rounded out the top five.

 

Harvey Arquette Jr. of Akwesasne bested Corey Wheeler in a one-lap shoot-out to win the second round of the Pinks for Pro Stock series presented by Mohawk Bingo Palace. Mike White of Winthrop charged to his third SUNY Canton Street Stock series win of the season with steadily improving rookie driver Preston Mossow scoring his second straight second place finish. Nolan Swamp of Akwesasne battled right down to the wire with last week's winner Joey Foster, with Swamp getting his second win of the season in the Bandit division.

 

Racing resumes at Mohawk International Raceway next Friday night, August 21st, with the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks featured in a 40-lap main event, part of the Mohawk Race Parts Pro Stock tour. Also in action on Bear's Den, Eastern Door, Western Door and Jen Tobacco Night will be a full show of racing for the Frenchie's Chevrolet 358 Modifieds, the SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits. Race time is 7:45 PM.

 

Upcoming Friday, August 28th is $20 a carload night, presented by Aaron's Rent a Center. The Frenchie's Chevrolet 358 Modifieds will be featured with their regular 25-lap feature event and the "Modified Duels" a match race series. The Action Race Parts Pro Stocks will also be doing double duty with the third and final round of the Pinks for Pro Stocks series presented by Mohawk Bingo Palace in addition to a full show of racing. The SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits will also be on the racing card that evening.

 

LUCAS OIL EMPIRE SUPER SPRINTS, SUNY CANTON SERIES EVENT: Steve Poirier, Justin Barger, Alain Bergeron, Jason Barney, Chuck Hebing, Tommy Wickham, Michael Parent, Brian McDonald, Tim Kelly, Doug Emery, Cory Sparks, Chris Jones, Lee Ladouceur, Lance Yonge, Jeff Cook, James Hanson, Tim Smythe, Paul Pekkonen, Donald Lemire. DNS - Anthony Cain.

 

FRENCHIE'S CHEVROLET DIRTcar 358 MODIFIEDS: Carey Terrance, Dale Planck, Perry Francis, Todd Stewart, Gage Morin, Brian McDonald, Laurent Ladouceur, Clayton Benedict, Mark Smoke, Dave Heaslip, Tom Jock Jr., Brad Shova, Del LeGrow, Simon Perrault, Casey Swamp, John Lazore, Mitch Jock, Roy Delormier, Roy Tarbell, Ryan Helm, Chris Sawatis.

 

ACTION RACE PARTS PRO STOCKS: Louie Jackson, Jody Swamp, Travis Back, Corey Wheeler, Roch Aubin, Harvey Arquette Jr., Dion Oakes, Curtis McPhee, Ricky Thompson, Billy Woodward Jr., Stephane LeBrun, John Yandoh Jr., William Adams, Claudia Tarbell, Mike Arquiett, Junior Barnes, Rod Tarbell. DNS: Dave Papineau.

 

SUNY CANTON STREET STOCKS: Mike White, Preston Mossow, Mike Benedict, Mike Allen, Robert Delormier, Preston Forbes.

 

BANDITS: Nolan Swamp, Joey Foster, Scott Kocher, Justin White, Henry Lamica, Harold LaVair, Gary Sharlow, Josh Jock, Brad Fish, Larry Goodspeed, Scott Mere, Dudes Thompson.

 

EMPIRE SUPER SPRINTS SET FOR FRIDAY SHOOT-OUT

August 11, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints will kick off one of their biggest weekends of the season this Friday night, August 14th, as Keegan's Tobacco Shop presents their only 2009 appearance at Mohawk International Raceway. The winged wonders of dirt track racing always thrill the MIR fans with speeds exceeding 100 mph and a large field of sprint cars is expected Friday night as the ESS teams will be headed up to Autodrome Drummond (QUE) for the Quebec Sprint Car Nationals on Saturday night.

 

Joining the racing card on Friday night, Grow-It HydroSeeding and Jreck Subs presents a full card of racing for the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks, the SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits. Also on the card for Friday night is Round Two of "Pinks for Pro Stocks," with this special match race series presented by Mohawk Bingo Palace.

 

Racing starts at 7:45 PM on Friday night. Adult admission is $20 (US), students and seniors are $15, while children 12 and under are free.

 

Coming into Friday night's event, Seaway Valley drivers will be well represented: Brian "Slim" McDonald of Cornwall won one of the two ESS events last year at Mohawk and with a Modified feature win already under his belt at the track for this season, he is expecting a strong run in front of the local fans. Jeff Cook of nearby Antwerp also should be a top challenger as he swept both 2007 ESS stops at Mohawk International Raceway. The other 2008 winner, Steve Poirier, has become one of Sprint car racing's rising stars, coming off two Canadian Sprint Car Nationals wins and he would love to go into the Quebec Sprint Car Nationals with a strong run. Last year's two ESS stops both pulled fields of over 25 sprint cars and another large, competitive field is expected this Friday night.

 

Fans are encouraged to arrive at Mohawk Raceway early as a large crowd is expected for the ESS show. Grandstands open at 6 PM, with the first heat race scheduled to take the green at 7:45 PM.

 

TERRANCE GETS SECOND WIN OF SEASON; ARQUETTE, FORBES & FOSTER ALSO SCORE WINS

August 7, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Carey Terrance of Akwesasne continued his outstanding season by grabbing his second feature win of the year at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) on Friday night. Also scoring wins on Village Engraver Night were Harvey Arquette, Jr., his first career win in the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks, along with Preston Forbes in the SUNY Canton Street Stocks and Joey Foster in the Bandits, each scoring their second wins of the season.

 

Brian McDonald set the early pace in the Frenchie's Chevrolet 358 Modified feature, but Perry Francis moved under McDonald to grab the lead on a lap six restart. Carey Terrance showed some muscle early on, powering past McDonald for the runner-up spot on lap six, with Francis and Terrance waging a familiar battle for the lead. Terrance found his opening as Francis drifted a little high on lap ten and Terrance darted into the top spot, a position he would not relinquish. While Terrance opened up a large lead, he missed a great battle behind him, with McDonald and John Lazore both sweeping by Francis on a lap 13 restart.

 

Terrance looked like he was going to cruise on to an easy win, but the caution waved on lap 24 for the broken racers of Tom Jock Jr. and Ryan Jacobs, who could not clear the speedway. This set the stage for a green-white-checkers finish, with Terrance holding off a last lap challenge by McDonald to power on for his second win of the season. McDonald was forced to settle for second, with John Lazore posting his best finish of the season to come home third. Terrance's car was first across the finish line but an issue discovered during post-race technical inspection is now under review.

 

In the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks, Harvey Arquette Jr. showed the veterans the fast way around MIR, with the rookie driver leading every lap en route to his first career win in the Pro Stock division. Arquette, the 2008 Semi-Pro champ, grabbed the lead at the drop of the green flag and held off the challenges of Dion Oakes, Dave Papineau (driving Claudia Tarbell's car) and Dion Oakes. The entire top ten ran side-by-side and nose-to-tail for much of the race, with multiple passes every lap that kept the finish in doubt until the final turn. Papineau, Oakes and Aubin were in a heated battle for the runner-up spot in the final few laps, with Papineau making a strong run to get to second after starting deep in the field, but everyone ran out of real estate coming out of turn four on the final lap. Oakes and Papineau tangled in the final turn, with Aubin slipping low to grab the second spot. Oakes recovered for third spot, while Papineau's car spun into the infield, ending his great run in an unfamiliar car.

 

Corey Wheeler set fast time for a $150 prize in round one of the "Pinks for Pro Stocks" series presented by Mohawk Bingo Palace. The time trials set the field for Round Two, to be presented next week, with the two slowest cars dueling it out in a one-on-one match race. The winner advances to challenge the next car up the list, with the survivor of the match races challenging Wheeler for the Round Two first prize in the final match race of the evening. Wheeler will also get to set the field for Round Three, on Friday Aug. 28th, as he will start Round Three against the competitor of his choosing, with the winner of each round advancing to the next car selected by Wheeler until every racer has been challenged to see who has the fastest Pro Stock in the North Country.

 

The SUNY Canton Street Stock division was a war of attrition, with Preston Forbes of Potsdam grabbing his second win of the season after having to restart in the rear after an early race tangle. Preston Mossow was awarded second spot after Kevin Fetterly Jr.'s car failed technical inspection and Jay Montour refused tech.

 

In the Bandits, Joey Foster and Nolan Swamp tangled on a lap four restart, sending Foster to the rear of the field, but that just seemed to light the fire on Foster. Restarting in last position, Foster powered through the field and passed Swamp on a lap seven restart to go on grab his second win of the season, with last week's winner Swamp and Justin White rounding out the top three.

 

Upcoming next Friday, August 14th, it's Grow-It HydroSeeding and Jreck Subs night, featuring the only appearance of the season for the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) presented by Keegan's Tobacco Shop. An outstanding field of the winged, alcohol-burning sprint cars is expected, as the ESS teams will be headed up to Autodrome Drummond (QUE) the very night night for the Quebec Sprint Car Nationals event. Local star Brian "Slim" McDonald of Cornwall and former Canadian Sprint Car Nationals winner Steve Poirier split the victories in last year's two Empire Super Sprint appearances. Joining the Empire Super Sprints on August 14th will be a full show of racing for the Frenchie's Chevrolet 358 Modifieds, the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks, the SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits, along with Round Two of the Pinks for Pro Stocks series presented by the Mohawk Bingo Palace. Adult admission is $20 (US), students and seniors $15, with children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult.

 

FRENCHIE'S CHEVROLET DIRTcar 358 MODIFIEDS: Carey Terrance, Brian McDonald, John Lazore, Roy Tarbell, Mitch Jock, Perry Francis, Todd Stewart, Clayton Benedict, Joel Doiron, Brad Shova, Mark Smoke, Gage Morin, Tom Jock Jr., Ryan Helm, Dan Jalbert, Ryan Jacobs, Dave Heaslip, Billy Cook. DNS: Ron Valade.

 

ACTION RACE PARTS PRO STOCKS: Harvey Arquette Jr., Roch Aubin, Dion Oakes, Travis Back, Billy Woodward Jr., Junior Barnes, John Yandoh Jr., Curtis McPhee, Louie Jackson, Mike Arquiett, Dave Papineau, Corey Wheeler, Rod Tarbell, Steve Johnston, Ricky Thompson, Jody Swamp. DNS: Claudia Tarbell.

 

SUNY CANTON STREET STOCKS: Preston Forbes, Preston Mossow, Thunder Anderson, Jerry Jock, Mike White, Mike Allen. DQ: Kevin Fetterly Jr., Jay Montour.

 

BANDITS: Joey Foster, Nolan Swamp, Justin White, Henry Lamica, Richard Tiernan, Scott Kocher, Bobby LaVair, Brad Fish, Josh Jock, C.J. LaVair, Tammy Rogers, Larry Goodspeed, Harold LaVair, Scott Mere, Gary Sharlow, Andrew Fish. DNS: Gage Bigtree.

 

VILLAGE ENGRAVER PRESENTS FULL SHOW FRI AUG 7th PLUS PINKS FOR PRO STOCKS, ROUND ONE

August 4, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Mohawk Int. Raceway returns to action this coming Friday night, August 7th, as the Village Engraver presents a full program of racing featuring the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, the Action Race Parts DIRTcar Pro Stocks, the SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits. Friday nights racing program will also feature Round One of the specal "Pinks for Pro Stocks" match race series for the Pro Stock division. Racing starts at 7:45 PM, with adult grandstand admission set at $10 US, students and seniors $7 US, and kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

 

Friday night's racing program sets up a busy month of racing at Mohawk Int. Raceway, with the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints set to appear in just one week, on Friday, August 14th.

 

In the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, Todd Stewart and Carey Terrance are coming off strong runs in last week's Chief's Tobacco Outlet 100, with Stewart finishing second in a thrilling finish, while Terrance finished fifth after starting near the tail of the field. Look for them to resume their battle for the championship, while Roy Tarbell, John Lazore, Perry Francis and many other drivers are looking to gain ground in the hunt for the 2009 Mohawk Int. Raceway title.

 

In the Pro Stocks, the rivalries are heating up. After three straight wins going back to opening night, Louie Jackson now finds himself being challenged by Jody Swamp (one win and several top five finishes) and Joey Ladoucer (one win in two starts). In recent weeks, Akwesasne drivers Travis Back, Dion Oakes and David Papineau have continued to impress with solid runs and there are a number of contenders still looking to break into the win column.

 

The SUNY Canton Street Stocks are becoming ever more competitive as young Preston Forbes of Postdam and Modified veteran Del LeGrow have proven to be very fast in just the past couple of weeks and are challenging Mike White and Mike Allen, who dominated the division in the early weeks of the season.

 

The Bandit division has gotten even more interesting, with Nolan Swamp finally capturing that elusive first win last Thursday, besting Justin White who looks sure to cature his first win soon. Previous winners Joey Foster, Eli Gilbert and Scott Mere are always drivers to beat in the Bandits, while a number of challengers have come on strong in the past couple of races, including Harold LaVair, Scott Kocher, and Tammy Rogers.

 

The Village Engraver has been a supporter of Mohawk International Raceway for nearly two decades and returns to MIR to present this weekend's show. Village Engraver, located on Parker Avenue in Massena, offers a full line of trophies, plaques and other custom-engraved items and is a major supporter of all forms local sports, clubs and community organizations.

 

Also upcoming next weekend, on Friday, August 14th, Grow-It HydroSeeding and Jreck Subs presents the only appearance of the season for the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS). An outstanding field of the winged, alcohol-burning sprint cars is expected, as the ESS teams will be headed up to Autodrome Drummond (QUE) the very night night for the Quebec Sprint Car Nationals event. Local star Brian "Slim" McDonald of Cornwall and former Canadian Sprint Car Nationals winner Steve Poirier split the victories in last year's two Empire Super Sprints appearances. Joining the Empire Super Sprints on August 14th will be a full show of racing for the Frenchie's Chevrolet 358 Modifieds, the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks, the SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits, along with Round Two of the Pinks for Pro Stocks series.

 

DAVID HEBERT WINS LUCAS OIL 100-LAPPER AT MOHAWK RACEWAY; LADOUCEUR & SWAMP ALSO SCORE WINS

July 31, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- On paper, Thursday night's Chief's Tobacco Outlet 100 at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR), was an ordinary affair: Defending race winner and Lucas Oil Canadian series champion David Hebert started third and finished in victory lane in this race, Round Four of the Lucas Oil Canadian 358 series. On the track, however, Hebert staged one of the most thrilling comebacks in the track's history as a lap three tangle with Todd Stewart (Kingston, ONT) sent him to the pit area and last position in the 32-car field. Hebert, of St-Damase, QUE, steadily worked his way through the field and on a "green-white-checker" restart battled side-by-side with Stewart to score a dramatic win in front of the packed grandstand.

 

In other divisions on Thursday night, Joey Ladouceur of Alexandria, ONT scored his first win of the season in the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks, using the low groove to advance to the front in a race that went all 20 laps without a caution flag. Nolan Swamp of Akwesasne won his first Bandit feature of the season, holding off Brushton's Justin White in a race that saw the two leaders trading paint and leaning on each other in the final lap and tangling as they came down for the checkered flag. Swamp spun backwards across the finish line and into the frontstretch wall to grab the win.

 

The Lucas Oil Canadian 358 series drew a stellar field of Frenchie's Chevrolet 358 Modifieds, with Martin Roy grabbing the early lead as the green flag waved for the Chief's Tobacco Outlet 100. The first caution flag waved with three laps complete, as David Hebert and Todd Stewart tangled on the backstretch while battling for fourth, with Hebert spinning off the track and Stewart recovering after losing several positions. This early caution ended up being one of two key turning points in the event, with Hebert in 31st position as the race restarted.

 

On the restart, pole-sitter Steve Bernard took the lead, with DIRT star Danny Johnson working his way up to the runner-up spot. By lap eight, Dale Planck moved into the third position and moved past Johnson for second on lap 14 as the leaders headed into lapped traffic. Bernard maintained the lead through several cautions, but "The Doctor," Danny Johnson used a lap 37 restart to grab the top spot. On lap 40, Stewart, after falling back to eighth in the lap three tangle, moved to the low side to grab the runner-up spot, and a lap later he worked past Johnson to move into the top position. Stewart held the lead until Dale Planck started his march, moving past Johnson for second on lap 54 and pulling ahead of Stewart on lap 58 after a spirited side-by-side battle.

 

Despite a couple of cautions, Planck opened up a large lead and looked like he was headed for a big win, but his hopes were dashed when his car lost a left rear tire coming out of turn four on lap 83. Planck was done for the night.

 

The lap 87 restart saw Bernard and Stewart battle side-by-side for the lead, with Stewart retaking the top spot on lap 94, Bernard in second and Hebert emerging as a contender in the race's final laps. Stewart looked like he was headed to victory lane, but Hebert reeled him in to challenge for the lead as the race's final caution flag waved on lap 98, setting up a two-lap dash to the checkered flag. As the green flag waved, Stewart and Hebert race side-by-side around the speedway. As the white flag waved, Hebert inched ahead, leading into turn one by just a bumper. The two leaders raced hard but clean, and coming out of turn four for the checkered flag, Hebert crossed the finish line just a couple of feet ahead of Stewart. Bernard posted an outstanding run in a rare Mohawk Raceway appearance to finish third, with Clement Therrien finished fourth and Carey Terrance came from 23rd starting spot to round out the top five.

 

In the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks, David Papineau and Billy Woodward Jr. set the early race pace, with both drivers looking for their first win of the 2009 season. Travis Back made a low-side pass to the lead with nine laps complete. Back maintained the front position, but Joey Ladouceur, making only his second start of the season, had his car set to run the low line and was able to steadily pick his way to the front. He hustled to the front position with a low-side pass on lap 12 and headed on to grab his first win of the season at Mohawk Raceway. Travis Back scored another outstanding run with a second-place finish, while Dion Oakes, Papineau and Louie Jackson rounded out the top five.

 

The Bandit feature was a classic, with a "Rubbing's Racing" finish that saw two talented young stars leaning on each and trading paint in the final lap. Nolan Swamp took the lead at the start of the race, with Joey Foster and Justin White hounding him the entire time. Foster's night ended when he careened off the turn two banking into the run-off area, setting up a two-car duel that saw Swamp and White running nose to tail the rest of the race.

 

After following Swamp the entire race, Justin White made his move going into turn one on the final lap, diving down low and banging doors with Swamp as he muscled his way into the lead. Going into turns three and four, Swamp returned the favor, diving low and leaning hard on White's car as they slid through the turns. It was a drag race to the finish line, with Swamp low and White high, both of them grinding on each other as they raced for the checkered flag. Swamp's car got turned around just a few feet from the finish line, spinning across the track and in front of White, crossing the finish line backwards but ahead of White to grab the win. White settled for second, with Scott Mere finishing third. Swamp was thrilled to reach victory lane for the first time this season and despite the contact on the final lap, his car appeared to only have minor damage.

 

Racing returns to Mohawk Raceway on Friday, August 7th, as the Village Engraver presents a full program of racing for the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks, the SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits, along with round one of the "Pinks for Pro Stocks" match race series. Racing is set to start at 7:45 PM.

 

In two weeks, Friday, August 14th, Grow-It Hydro Seeding and Jreck Subs present one of the biggest races of the season as the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints will make their only stop of the season. The August 14th program will also include a full show of racing for the 358 Modifieds, Pro Stocks, Street Stocks and Bandits.

 

CHIEF'S TOBACCO OUTLET 100 (LUCAS OIL CANADIAN 358 SERIES, ROUND 4): David Hebert, Todd Stewart, Steve Bernard, Clement Therrien, Carey Terrance, Martin Roy, Danny Johnson, Mario Clair, Alex Fortier, Michel Chicoine, Dominic Dufault, John Lazore, Pierre Dagenais, Gino Claire, Denis Gauvreau, David Langlois, Jessica Zemken, Perry Francis, Steve Planck, Brad Shova, Jean Boissoneault, Laurent Ladouceur, Dale Planck, Mitchell Jock, Roy Tarbell, Alan Johnson, Joel Doiron, Claude Brouillard, Gage Morin, Kayle Robidoux, Brian McDonald, Alan Therrien. DID NOT START: Pierre Berthiaume, Mark Smoke, Josh Brockway, Jasmin Leveille, Billy Cook, Casey Swamp, Roy Delormier, Marc Therrien, Ryan Helm, Ryan Jacobs, Dave Heaslip.

 

ACTION RACE PARTS PRO STOCKS: Joey Ladouceur, Travis Back, Dion Oakes, David Papineau, Louie Jackson, Harvey Arquette Jr., Roch Aubin, Corey Wheeler, Bill Woodward Jr., Bruno Cyr, Jody Swamp, Mike Arquiett, Rod Tarbell, Richard Bertrand, John Yandoh Jr., Claudia Tarbell, Roland Hebert.

 

BANDITS: Nolan Swamp, Justin White, Scott Mere, Harold LaVair, Scott Kocher, Tammy Rogers, Brad Fish, Henry Lamica, Larry Goodspeed, Cory Helm, Josh Jock, Joey Foster.

 

NEW PIT GRANDSTANDS IN PLACE FOR LUCAS OIL 100-LAPPER THURS JULY 30th

July 27, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- New pit area grandstands are in place at Mohawk Int. Raceway (MIR) for this Thursday's (July 30th) Lucas Oil Canadian 358 series 100-lap event presented by Chief's Tobacco Outlet.

 

The new pit area grandstands will help accommodate what is expected to be an overflow crowd, with racers and fans expected to come from throughout Northern New York, Eastern Ontario and Quebec for one of the biggest showdowns of the season at the all-new Mohawk Int. Raceway.

 

MIR officials have announced that Thursday night's racing program will begin at 7:30 PM, with time trials for the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds. Qualifying heat races will follow immediately after time trials are completed.

 

Grandstand admission prices for Thursday's event are $18 U.S. for adults ($20 Canadian), students and seniors are $12 U.S. ($14 Canadian), while children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Pit area admission is $25 U.S. ($30 Canadian) for DIRTcar license holders, while pit admission for non-license holders is $30 U.S. or $35 Canadian.

 

With over forty Modifieds in the pits for last year's event and a comparable field at the Lucas Oil series opener at the Cornwall Motor Speedway this Spring, MIR officials expect to see a large and extremely competitive turnout of Modifieds for this event. Current Lucas Oil series point leader David Hebert is the defending champion of both this event and the Lucas Oil Canadian series.

 

Thursday night's Lucas Oil series race kicks off one of the biggest weekend's of racing in the Seaway Valley, with the Lucas Oil series headed to Autodrome Edelweiss on Friday, July 31st (Mohawk Raceway will be closed July 31st so local teams can attend the Autodrome Edelweiss event). The Lucas Oil series will be at Brockville Ontario Speedway on Saturday, August 1st, while the series will wrap up and a new Lucas Oil Canadian 358 series will be crowned on Sunday, August 2nd with the final event at Cornwall Motor Speedway in Cornwall, ONT.

 

In addition to the 358 Modified 100-lapper, Thursday night's racing program will have a full show for the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks and the Bandits.

 

RAIN WINS FRI--LUCAS OIL 100-LAPPER THURS JULY 30th

July 24, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Mother Nature won another one as steady rain showers and wet conditions forced Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) officials to cancel Friday, July 24th's racing program. However, MIR officials are ready for one of the biggest shows of the season as this Thursday, July 30th, Chief's Tobacco Outlet presents the Lucas Oil Canadian 358 Series with a 100-lap feature event for the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds.

 

Thursday night's racing program is the only mid-week show of the season at MIR and a large turnout of 358 Modifieds is expected. The Lucas Oil Canadian 358 series pits the best drivers from Eastern Ontario against the stars of the Quebec Modified tracks and Mohawk Int. Raceway, the only American stop on the tour, provides a challenging "neutral ground" site for the series. Last year's Lucas Oil 358 Canadian Series event drew over 40 Modified entries representing Lucas Oil Series member tracks Mohawk International Raceway, Cornwall Motor Speedway, Brockville Ontario Speedway, Autodrome Edelwiess, Autodrome Granby and Autodrome Drummond.

 

Going into Thursday's race, David Hebert leads the Lucas Oil 358 Canadian series point standings and is looking for his second straight Lucas Oil series title. He has already won one of the series events (at Autodrome Drummond) and is the defending winner of the Lucas Oil series event at MIR.

 

Mario Clair, currently second in Lucas Oil series points, won the race at Autodrome Granby. Rounding out the top five in current Lucas Oil series points are Kayle Robidoux, Clement Therrien, and Steve Bernard, making it a clean top-five sweep for Quebec drivers going into Thursday night's event. Danny O'Brien won the Lucas Oil series opening event at Cornwall Motor Speedway in the spring.

 

Mohawk Raceway regulars always represent themselves well whenever the touring series cars invade and look for current point leader Carey Terrance to be leading the charge. Terrance has one win on the season, while Roy Tarbell sits second in points and has two feature wins so far. Todd Stewart is third in points while Perry Francis and Mitchell Jock are tied for fourth in the point standings going into Thursday night's event.

 

Thursday night's 100-lap Lucas Oil Race kicks off a four-night marathon of Lucas Oil series events, with the series swinging into action at Autodrome Edelweiss (Gatineau, QUE) on Friday, July 31st, followed by Brockville Ontario Speedway on Saturday, August 1. The new Lucas Oil series champ will be crowned at the final event of the series on Sunday, August 2nd at the Cornwall Motor Speedway in Cornwall, ONT.

 

Joining the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds will be a full program of racing for the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks and the Bandits. The SUNY Canton Street Stocks will have the evening off. Because of this special Thursday night race, there will be no racing on Friday, August 1st at Mohawk Raceway so the MIR teams can compete at Autodrome Edelweiss.

 

Chief's Tobacco Outlet will present Thursday night's racing program. Chief's Tobacco is a manufacturer of fine cigarette and tobacco products. The Chief's Tobacco Outlet store, open seven days a week, is a full gas and convenience store in addition to offering Chief's brand tobacco products. The store is located on State Route 37, approximately two miles east of the bridge to Cornwall, ONT.

 

$20 A CARLOAD NIGHT ON TAP THS FRIDAY AT MOHAWK

July 21, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Fans are going to get one of the biggest bargains of the year on Friday night as Parkway Country Polaris of Ogdensburg presents "$20 a Carload Night" at Mohawk International Raceway in Akwesasne. Friday night's racing program will feature a full show of racing for all four regular divisions--the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks, the SUNY Canton Street Stocks, and the Bandits. Racing action set is to begin at 7:45PM.

 

Fans arriving at the speedway before 7:30 PM will be admitted to the grandstands for just $20 a carload. After 7:30, adult grandstand admission is just $7, with children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult.

 

Going into Friday night's racing program, the rivalries are heating up in all four of MIR's weekly divisions. In the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, Roy Tarbell and Carey Terrance have led the early season, with Tarbell getting back-to-back wins, while Terrance won on opening night and scored second in the Independence 35 two weeks ago. Brian "Slim" McDonald was in victory lane in his only start at MIR two weeks ago, and there are a several drivers that have been consistently fast but are still looking to score their first win of the season at MIR, including defending Modified champ John Lazore, Mitch Jock, Todd Stewart, Perry Francis, Casey Swamp, Ryan Jacobs, Clayton Benedict and DIRT Hall of Fame inductee Dave Heaslip.

 

The Action Race Parts Pro Stock division has found two familiar veterans in victory lane, with Louie Jackson scoring three straight wins beginning on opening night, while Jody Swamp scored a win two weeks ago and finished second on last Friday night's Mr. DIRTcar tour race to make him the top finishing MIR regular competitor. The Pro Stock division is so evenly matched that virtually every car on the track could be a potential winner, making the Pro Stocks one of the most competitive divisions at the track.

 

In the SUNY Canton Street Stocks, two veterans dominated the early weeks of the season, with Mike White and Mike Allen keeping other challengers out of the winner's circle, but the past two weeks have found young Preston Forbes of Potsdam moving into the spotlight. Forbes scored a win two weeks ago in his very first MIR start, while he finished second to White last Friday in the 25-lap Street Stock Shootout.

 

The Bandit division remains one of the most unpredictable at the track, as three drivers have entered victory lane and half a dozen more look ready to move into the top spot on any given night. Eli Gilbert and Scott Mere each have two wins, but Joey Foster finally grabbed his first win of the season last Friday after being very fast throughout the early weeks of the season. Justin White of Brushton scored another fine second-place finish, while several other cars are in the hunt for a win going into Friday night's racing.

 

With the bridge to Cornwall now open, MIR officials expect to see a number of new competitors in the pit area--Modified star Joel Doiron has already announced his intention to compete at MIR for the balance of the season. Last week's racing saw Pro Stock drivers Corey Wheeler, Curtis McPhee, and Gilles Godard make their first starts of the season, as did Bandit drivers Mark Radburne and Ron Tyo, Jr.

 

Parkway Country Polaris, located on State Route 37 in Ogdensburg, is the North Country's largest Polaris dealer, with over 300 new and pre-owned Polaris ATVs, snowmobiles and watercraft on the lot. In addition, the Parkway Superstore features a large selection of new and pre-owned boats, campers and RVs, with a full sales staff, one of the most experienced service departments in the North Country, and a variety of financing options to suit your needs. Parkway Country Polaris is pleased to present $20 a carload night at Mohawk International Raceway.

 

STEFANSKI WINS MR DIRTcar PRO STOCK TOUR 50-LAPPER

July 17, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Pete Stefanski made good on his car number, #2, as he scored his second-straight win in the DIRTcar Pro Stock series by grabbing the win Friday night at Mohawk Int. Raceway (MIR), beating home track star Jody Swamp, who led the first 47 laps of the 50-lap SUNY Canton/CKON 97.3 FM "Full Fender Frenzy" event. Mike White of Winthrop won the 25-lap Street Stock Shootout, his second win of the season, while Joey Foster of West Stockholm scored his first win of the season in the 15-lap Battle of the Bandits.

 

Stefanski, of Wheatfield, NY, is the defending three-time DIRTcar Pro Stock champion and he opened the series with a dramatic last lap pass for the win at his home track of Genesee Speedway in Batavia, NY on July 4th. Friday night's win was no less dramatic as Stefanski spent much of the first half of the race diving into the pit area during caution periods to fight overheating issues before he began his march to the front in the race's closing laps.

 

"I couldn't keep the dang thing under 220 degrees...the guys pulled the air dam out from underneath the car...kept cooling it down, kept freeing up the car," said Stefanski in victory lane. "No one could run the bottom, we were running the bottom and it just worked awesome."

 

Stefanski also gave the completely rebuilt Mohawk Int. Raceway high marks. "What a facility! I mean, to come here two years ago and see what it is now--if you ain't impressed, don't come back because this is just absolutely unbelievable. Fantasic job by the owners, can't say enough."

 

Jody Swamp used his front row starting spot to grab the lead at the drop of the green flag, but cautions plagued the early stages of the event as many teams found themselves battling tire or overheating conditions. Dion Oakes powered to the runner-up spot on a lap six restart. While Swamp tried to hold off Oakes, Roch Aubin found an opening on lap 19 and bypassed Oakes for the runner-up spot.

 

A lap 22 restart made for a three-wide battle for the runner-up spot as Oakes and Ricky Thompson got good runs to bypass Don Calrson and challenge Aubin. Oakes prevailed, moving to second, Thompson settled into third and Aubin was shuffled back to fourth spot.

 

As the lap counter showed 40 laps completed, Stefanski, who had so far not been a factor in the race, began his march to the front. Using a low line that no other car could match, Stefanski methodically picked off cars, moving into third spot by lap 45. As Swamp led the field out of turn four on lap 46, he found himself shuffled to the high-side as Dion Oakes moved low and Stefanski found an even lower groove to make for a three-wide charge down the front-stretch. As the leaders roared into turn one, something had to give--unfortunately for Oakes, he was the one who came up short. As Stefanski and Swamp continued their battle for the lead, Oakes and Aubin tangled, sending Oakes spinning over the turn one banking, causing a caution and setting up a three-lap dash to the checkered flag.

 

On the restart, Stefanski made his move, diving low underneath Swamp and move his San-Ter Sewing, EMS Racecars, PJ NEB Trailer Sales #2 into the top spot. He charged on for the $1,500 win, followed by Swamp, P.J. Peters, Travis Back and Don Carlson at the line.

 

Mike White of Winthrop moved to the inside of early race leader Mike Allen on lap three to grab the lead and went on to win his second feature of the season in the SUNY Canton Street Stocks. Preston Forbes of Potsdam showed his win last week was no fluke as he finished close behind White for second. Invader Todd Raabe finished third, while Kevin Fetterly Jr. and Mike Allen rounded out the top five.

 

Joey Foster scored a well-deserved win in the 15-lap Battle of the Bandits, leading the entire event, which went caution free. Foster has been fast all season, but early season mechanical problems and a post-race penalty last week have kept him from victory lane--the 91J team was hungry for a win and they roared into victory lane on Friday. Justin White of Brushton hounded Foster throughout the event, including a couple of spectacular side-by-side challenges in heavy lapped traffic, but Foster was able to maintain his speed and momentum throughout the race to get the victory.

 

Next Friday night, July 24th, Parkway Country Polaris presents $20 a carload night! Fans will be admitted into the grandstands for just $20 a carload before 7:30 PM, with a full show of racing for the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, Action Race Parts Pro Stocks, SUNY Canton Street Stocks and Bandits. Fans arriving after 7:30 PM will still get a bargain, as admission will be just $7. Race time is 7:45 PM.

 

ACTION RACE PARTS PRO STOCKS -- 50 LAP MR DIRTCAR PRO STOCK TOUR: Pete Sefanski, Jody Swamp, PJ Peters, Travis Back, Don Carlson, Ricky Thompson, Roch Aubin, Billy Woodward Jr., Richard Bertrand, Rob Yetman, Mike Martin, William Chubb, Rod Tarbell, John Yandoh Jr., Mike Arquiett, Dion Oakes, Stephane LeBrun, Sean Corr, Dave Papineau, Louie Jackson, Joey Ladouceur, Harvey Arquette Jr., Corey Wheeler, Buddy Hencke, Andrew Northrup, Williams Adams. DNS: Gene Tarbell, Gilles Godard, Curtis McPhee.

 

SUNY CANTON STREET STOCK 25-LAP SHOOTOUT: Mike White, Preston Forbes, Todd Raabe, Kevin Fetterly Jr., Mike Allen, Preston Mossow, Jay Montour, Dave Pope, Kevin Clement, Del LeGrow, Keith Helm. DNS: Ryan Phillips.

 

BATTLE OF THE BANDITS: Joey Foster, Justin White, Ron Tyo Jr., Nolan Swamp, Scott Mere, Scott Kocher, Mark Radburne, Eli Gilbert, Andrew Fish, Tammy Rogers, Henry Lamica, Brad Fish, Josh Jock, Kevin Thompson, Cory Helm, Harold LaVair, Gary Sharlow. DNS: Gage Bigtree.

 

FULL FENDER FRENZY SET FOR FRIDAY, JULY 17th

July 13, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- The full-fendered stock cars will take center stage this Friday, July 17th, as SUNY Canton presents Full Fender Frenzy at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) in Akwesasne. The featured event will be the Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock tour series, with the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks going 50 laps and a $1,500 prize to the winner. The SUNY Canton Street Stocks will have an open competition 25-lap feature paying $700 to win, while the Bandits will also have an open competition 15-lap feature paying $200 to win. Race time is 7:45 PM.

 

The DIRTcar Pro Stock division has long been known as one of the toughest divisions in the Northeast and their sharp, full-fendered bodies make them look just like the cars racing fans are used to watching on television every weekend. The prestigious Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock series regularly attracts drivers from throughout the DIRTcar circuit and Friday night's race will be the biggest race ever hosted for this division at Mohawk International Raceway. Friday's Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock race will be just the second race on the tour--the July 4th opening event at Genesee Speedway in Batavia was won by defending Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock tour champion Pete Stefanski.

 

The Mohawk Raceway regulars have a lot of pride on the line and they want to grab the win against the field of invaders. Going into this event, Louie Jackson won the first three Action Race Parts Pro Stock features of the season, while Jody Swamp grabbed the win last Friday night. There are several other top MIR stars who will certainly be in contention, including defending MIR champion Stephane LeBrun, Dave "Bulldog" Bissonnette, David Papineau, Dion Oakes, Ricky Thompson, Rod Tarbell, Billy Woodward Jr., and many more.

 

The SUNY Canton Street Stocks will also have their best-paying race in the history of the division, with a 25-lap feature that pays $700 to win. This will be an "open competition" event open to drivers from other speedways--drivers from other tracks may use their home track rules but MUST run 8-inch wheels. Outside race teams must present a copy of their home track rulebook to the tech inspector when they enter the speedway. Mohawk Raceway regulars Mike Allen and Mike White have dominated the division so far this year, but young Preston Forbes of Potsdam surprised everyone by winning the SUNY Canton Street Stock feature last Friday in his first appearance at the Mohawk Raceway.

 

The 4-cyl Bandit division's 15-lap feature will pay $200 to win. This will also be an "open competition" event; drivers from outside tracks must present their rulebook to the tech inspector when they enter the speedway. While a strong field of outsiders is expected, look for the Mohawk Raceway regulars to be tough to beat. Scott Mere and Eli Gilbert are the only two drivers who have entered victory lane so far this year, with two wins each. Other top MIR regulars in the Bandits include Nolan Swamp, Justin White, Joey Foster, Tammy Rogers and Scott Kocher, while Saranac Lake's Harold LaVair grabbed a runner-up finish last Friday in his first start of the season.

 

The 358 Modified division will have the evening off so that the MIR teams can compete in the Lucas Oil Canadian 358 Series event at Autodrome Granby.

 

With the bridge from Cornwall, ONT now open, MIR officials expect a large turnout of cars from both sides of the border. Race teams from nearly a dozen speedways are expected to be in attendance; some of the area tracks to be represented include Airborne, Adirondack, Thunder Alley, Can-Am, Cornwall, Drummondville, Edelwiess, Brockville, Capital City and Brighton, as well as downstate tracks such as Fulton, Utica-Rome, Canandaigua, Genesee, Cayuga County, Lebanon Valley, and Rolling Wheels.

 

Grandstand admission for this event is $10 for adults, with seniors and students with ID $7. Children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

 

McDONALD WINS INDEPENDENCE 35

July 10, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Brian McDonald made a triumphant return to Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) as he held off Carey Terrance to win the Independence 35 on Friday night in the Frenchie's Chevrolet 358 Modifieds presented by Burke Excavating and Demolition. Jody Swamp scored his first Action Race Parts Pro Stock win of the season, Scott Mere scored his second Bandit win of the season and Preston Forbes won the SUNY Canton Street Stocks in his first ever appearance at the track.

 

Brian McDonald made his first appearance of the 2009 season at Mohawk Raceway a memorable one as he held off several challenges from opening night winner Carey Terrance to win the Independence 35 for the 358 Modifieds. McDonald, a former MIR 358 Modified champion as well as a winner in the Empire Super Sprints last season at MIR, grabbed the lead on a restart midway through the event. This race was the second event in the Frenchie's Chervolet American Revolution series--Terrance, by virtue of his win in the first race in the series and his runner-up finish in the Independece 35, retains the point lead in the mini-series, with the third and final round of the series set for Friday, September 4th.

 

Perry Francis grabbed the lead at the drop of the green flag in the Modifieds and opened a solid lead, but a caution on lap five for the stopped car of Ryan Helm tightened up the field. The restart was decisive as Terrance, McDonald and Mitch Jock all freight-trained past Francis and set off a three-wide battle for the top spot. Terrance pulled ahead, with McDonald tight on his back bumper. Terrance set a quick pace until a lap 14 caution for Simon Perrault, who'd stopped on the speedway after clipping an infield uke tire and shearing off his left front tire.

 

McDonald and Terrance battled side-by-side on the restart, with McDonald pulling ahead and opening up a four-car length lead over Terrance, while Roy Tarbell shot past Mitch Jock for third. As McDonald put laps up on the scoreboard, Terrance steadily closed the gap. By lap 25, Terrance pulled alongside McDonald to challenge for the lead, with the drivers leaning on each other's side rails as they battled on the frontstretch, with McDonald again pulling ahead. The caution waved on lap 28 for the stopped racers of Brad Shova and Ryan Helm. As the green flag flew, McDonald maintained the lead, despite Terrance making runs both high and low to try to get the top spot. Terrance made a daring charge to the inside going into turn four on the final lap, pulling alongside McDonald and almost completing the pass, but McDonald maintained his momentum and sped on to cross the finish line first. Terrance hounded McDonald to the finish line, with Tarbell, Jock and Francis completing the top five.

 

In the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks, everyone was watching to see if Louie Jackson could score his fourth straight feature win, but his #18 broke a ball joint on the opening lap, sending him to the pits and ending his night. With victory lane certain to see a new face, the battle was fierce as Dion Oakes took the early race lead, with Jody Swamp quickly moving to the runner-up spot. A couple of early cautions kept the field bunched up. Swamp powered to the lead on a lap seven restart, while Dave "Bulldog" Bissonnette moved into the runner-up spot.

 

A final caution on lap 15 gave Bissonnette a chance to challenge for the top spot, but Swamp stayed on the throttle and held off the Bulldog to grab his first win of the season. Bissonnette scored another top five finish, followed by Dave Papineau, Roch Aubin (coming from the rear of the field after being involved in an early caution) and Dion Oakes.

 

Preston Forbes won the SUNY Canton Street Stocks in his first ever appearance at Mohawk Raceway, rolling to victory lane and holding off Modified veteran Del LeGrow. The race was a rough and tumble affair that was plagued by numerous caution flags and a lap one red flag after Mike Benedict barrell-rolled his car on the front stretch. Benedict walked away from the incident but was transported by ambulance crews for observation.

 

Scott Mere was declared the winner in the Bandits, his second feature win of the season. Joey Foster was the first car across the finish line but he was penalized several positions for passing before the green on the final restart. Harold LaVair finished second in his first appearance of the season, with Brad Fish scoring a season-best third place finish.

 

Next Friday night, July 17th, SUNY Canton presents "Full Fender Frenzy." The Action Race Parts Pro Stocks will be featured with a 50 lap DIRTcar Mr. DIRT Pro Stock tour feature event paying $1,500 to win. This will be the biggest race for the Pro Stocks in the history of Mohawk International Raceway. The SUNY Canton Street Stocks will have a 25-lap shoot-out paying $700 to win, while the Bandit division will have an extra-distance 15-lap feature paying $200 to win. Racing begins at 7:45 PM. The Modified division will have the evening off so the MIR regulars can attend the Lucas Oil Canadian 358 Series race at Audodrome Granby.

 

FRENCHIE'S CHEVROLET DIRTcar 358 MODIFIEDS: Brian McDonald, Carey Terrance, Roy Tarbell, Mitch Jock, Perry Francis, Roy Delormier, Casey Swamp, Dave Heaslip, Todd Stewart, Mark Smoke, Ryan Jacobs, Billy Cook, Brad Shova, Ryan Helm, Simon Perrault, Clayton Benedict. DNS: John Lazore.

 

ACTION RACE PARTS DIRTcar PRO STOCKS: Jody Swamp, Dave Bissonnette, Dave Papineau, Roch Aubin, Dion Oakes, Rod Tarbelle, Gene Tarbell, Billy Woodward Jr., Travis Back, Ricky Thompson, Harvey Arquette Jr., #22, Mike Arquiett, Louie Jackson.

 

SUNY CANTON STREET STOCKS: Preston Forbes, Del LeGrow, Mike Allen, Mike White, Jay Montour, Jerry Jock, Mike Benedict, Preston Mossow.

 

BANDITS: Scott Mere, Harold LaVair, Brad Fish, Scott Kocher, Tammy Rogers, Justin White, Cory Helm, Joey Foster, Josh Jock, Rick Tiernan, Larry Goodspeed, Nolan Swamp, Henry Lamica, Rick Finch, Andrew Fish. DNS: Gary Sharlow.

 

INDEPENDENCE 35 SET FOR FRIDAY JULY 10th

July 7, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- With rain showers halting the racing action for the past two weekends, Mohawk International Raceway is ready to roll this coming Friday night, July 10th, as Burke's Excavation and Demolition presents the Independence 35 by Frenchie's Chevrolet and CKON 97.3-FM. In addition to the Independence 35 for the DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, Friday's racing program will have a full show for the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks, the SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits, with racing set to start at 7:45 PM.

 

The Independence 35 for the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds was originally set to run last Friday, but with the rainout, this special event will be run this week. The Independence 35 is round two of the Frenchie's Chevrolet American Revolution Series for the DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, with special bonus money on the line for the high point driver. The first round of the American Revolution series was won by Carey Terrance on June 5th, while the third and final round of the series will be run on Friday, September 4th.

 

Long-time supporters and fans of local racing, Burke's Excavation and Demolition is a full service excavation, demolition and site work company serving businesses and home owners throughout Akwesasne and the Seaway Valley. If you are planning on any excavation or site work for your home or business, be sure to talk to the representatives from Burke's Excavation who will be on hand Friday night at Mohawk Raceway.

 

MOTHER NATURE RAINS OUT INDEPENDENCE 35

July 3, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Severe thunderstorms late Friday afternoon coupled with wet conditions due to several days of continuous rain forced officials at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) to cancel Friday, July 3rd's racing card, the Independence 35 to be presented by Frenchie's Chevrolet and CKON 97.3-FM.

 

Racing resumes at Mohawk International Raceway on Friday, July 10th as Burke's Excavation and Demolition presents a full card of racing featuring the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, the Action Race Parts DIRTcar Pro Stocks, the SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits. Racing begins at 7:45 PM. There will also be a special Kids' Club bicycle giveaway courtesy of SUNY Canton--any children 12 years old and younger can sign up for the giveaway to be held during intermission.

 

FIREWORKS & INDEPENDENCE 35 FRIDAY, JULY 3rd

June 30, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- The holiday weekend kicks off in a big way this Friday, July 3rd, with fireworks both on the speedway and in the skies at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) in Akwesasne. The Independence 35 for the DIRTcar 358 Modifieds presented by Frenchie's Chevrolet and CKON 97.3-FM will be Friday's main event, along with a full card of racing for the Action Race Parts DIRTcar Pro Stocks, SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits. A spectacular fireworks show is planned following the races on Friday night, with the first green flag scheduled to fly at 7:45 PM.

 

The Independence 35 is the second race in the Frenchie's Chevrolet American Revolution series for the 358 Modifieds. Carey Terrance leads this mini-series as he captured the win in the first series race, the Memorial Cup 35. However, Roy Tarbell is looking to unseat Terrance as the American Revolution point leader as he has captured two Modified feature wins in a row. Look for a strong field of challengers to fill the pits Friday night, including Kingston, ONT's Todd Stewart and Akwesasne's Perry Francis, who both have multiple top five finishes this year at MIR but have not yet scored a win. Also coming into Friday's event with at least one top-five finish are defending track champion John Lazore, 2008 MIR points runner-up Mitch Jock, Ryan Jacobs and Clayton Benedict.

 

In the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks, the question is, "Who is going to stop Action Jackson?" Louie Jackson has won all three Pro Stock features, but each time he has been challenged right until the final turn. There are at least a dozen other Pro Stocks capable of pulling off the win--will anyone be able to power past the #18 Pro Stock to roll into victory lane?

 

In the SUNY Canton Street Stocks, Mike Allen and Mike White have set the pace so far this season, with Allen scoring two wins and White scoring two weeks ago, but there are numerous challengers who could move into the win column, including Mike Benedict, Jerry Jock and Preston Mussow. In the Bandits, Eli Gilbert of Brasher Falls is coming off back-to-back wins and wants to make it three in a row, but Scott Mere is looking to follow up his opening night win with another checkered flag. There are a host of other challengers looking to post their first win of the season and the Bandit division has some of the most exciting racing at MIR each and every week.

 

Frenchie's Chevrolet is title sponsor of the three-race American Revolution series (the third and final race is set for Friday, September 4th) and the DIRTcar 358 Modified division for the 2009 season. Frenchie's Chevrolet is located at 255 East Orvis St. in Massena and for over 25 years has been serving the North Country with a fabulous selection of new Chevrolets and quality pre-owned vehicles. Frenchie's is also well known for their Service, Parts, and Collision Center. Racing fans know that they will get "the Real Deal" when when they stop in to see Frenchie's Chevrolet President Real "Frenchie" Coupal and the entire staff at Frenchie's Chevrolet, or they can visit the website at FrenchiesChevrolet.com to see the latest wheels and deals on the lot.

 

CKON 97.3-FM is the voice of the Akwesasne Territory and the Seaway Valley and has been a strong supporter of racing at Mohawk International Raceway since the very first days of the speedway. CKON 97.3-FM is proudly celebrating it's 25th anniversary of broadcasting and looks forward to continuing to serve the community. CKON 97.3-FM also broadcasts the "MIR Now" racing show every Friday evening before the races. CKON 97.3-FM can be heard live at 97.3 on your FM dial or on the web at ckonfm.com.

 

RAIN WASHES OUT ESS SPRINT SHOW

June 26, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Heavy thunderstorms drenched Mohawk International Raceway late Friday afternoon, forcing MIR officials to cancel Friday night's racing program which was to headline the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints and was to be presented by Keegan's Tobacco Shop.

 

While rain showers stopped by early evening, MIR officials determined that the now-saturated track surface could not be properly prepared in time to present the evening's racing program.

 

The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) have been rescheduled and will now appear on Friday, August 14th, joining a full show of racing for the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, Action Race Parts DIRTcar Pro Stocks, SUNY Canton Street Stocks and Bandits, all to be presented by Jreck Subs and Grow-It Hydro Seeding. This event will set up an exciting doubleheader for the ESS, as the sprint cars will be headed up to Autodrome Drummond (QUE) the very next night, Saturday, August, 15th for the Quebec Sprint Car Nationals special event.

 

Racing resumes at Mohawk Int. Raceway on Fridy, July 3rd, as CKON 97.3-FM and Frenchie's Chevrolet present the Independence 35 for the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, along with a full program of racing for the Action Race Parts DIRTcar Pro Stocks, SUNY Canton Street Stocks and Bandits. Racing begins at 7:45 PM.

 

Friday night's Independence 35 will be round two of the Frenchie's Chevrolet American Revolution mini-series for the Modifieds. Round one, the Memorial Cup 35, was won by Carey Terrance on opening night, followed by Todd Stewart, Perry Francis, John Lazore and Roy Tarbell. With Roy Tarbell coming off back-to-back wins in the Modifieds, look for both Tarbell and Terrance to be considered early favorites, but with just three Modified races in the books for this season, there are several contenders looking to break into the win column at MIR.

 

EMPIRE SUPER SPRINTS MAKE ONLY 2009 APPEARANCE THIS FRIDAY!

June 23, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints will headline the racing program at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) in Akwesasne on Friday night as the open-wheeled, winged, alcohol-burning 360 sprint cars make their only appearance of the season at the newly rebuilt facility. Keegans Tobacco Shop is proud to present Friday night's racing program, which will also feature a full card of racing for the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, the SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits, with the first heat race set to roll at 7:45 PM.

 

The Lucas Oil ESS sprint car drivers are eager to take to the newly rebuilt Mohawk International Raceway. A combination of high-horsepower 360 cubic inch motors and lightweight chassis means that 100-mph+ speeds are expected and the new stadium lighting that will enable the ESS stars to put on the kind of full-throttle, "kick it sideways and hang it all out" racing that sprint car fans have come to expect.

 

Going into this Friday night's show, history has been kind to North Country and Canadian drivers at MIR: In the two 2008 ESS appearances, Quebec star Steve Poirier and Cornwall, ONT local favorite Brian "Slim" McDonald grabbed wins, while 2007 was a two-race sweep for Antwerp resident Jeff Cook. 2009 ESS action has seen Doug Emery grab the tour's opening show at Fonda, with other winners including Jessica Zemken (Utica-Rome), Steve Poirier (Autodrome Granby), Chuck "Cobra" Hebing (Autodrome Drummond), Tommy Wickham (Autodrome Edelweiss) and Jason Barney last weekend at Ransomville. Friday night's show should see a strong field of cars as the ESS teams are strong supporters of MIR and this race is part of the SUNY Canton/ESS Series, with special bonuses available to the sprint car teams.

 

In the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, Roy Tarbell is coming off back-to-back wins, while his son-in-law Carey Terrance grabbed the opening night win. However, several strong contenders seem close to breaking into the win column, including Mitch Jock (second-place last Friday), Todd Stewart and Perry Francis, who both have sevearl top-five finishes, defending MIR champion John Lazore, and Casey Swamp, who posted a strong run in last week's feature before mechanical problems and a resulting accident sidelined him.

 

In the Street Stocks, Mike White dashed Mike Allen's hopes of scoring three feature wins in a row by getting his first feature win in two decades, while contenders Jay Mountour, Ryan Phillips, Mike Benedict and several others are looking to grab a checkered flag.

 

The Bandit division has seen several contenders emerge in the past couple of weeks. While Eli Gilbert has been the early season man to beat, with two feature wins and a sold opening night run, opening night winner Scott Mere, Nolan Swamp (two top three finishes in two races), Justin White of Brushton, Tammy Rogers, Scott Kocher, Gary Sharlow, Jeb Beeson and Joey Foster have all established that they have the speed to win--they are just looking to put together the combination that will get them into victory lane.

 

Keegan's Tobacco Shop on Rooseveltown Road in Akwesasne is proud to continue its promotional efforts with Mohawk International Raceway. Keegan's offers a full line of cigarettes and other tobacco products and is pleased to present this year's only appearance of the Empire Super Sprints at MIR.

 

TARBELL & GILBERT TWO-IN-A-ROW, JACKSON THREE-IN-A-ROW, WHITE WINS STREET STOCKS ON SWAMP'S PERFORMANCE NIGHT

June 19, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Roy Tarbell needed twelve years to get the Chief's Tobacco #007 "Smoking Gun" into victory lane last Friday night. The next trip to the winner's circle only took seven days as Tarbell grabbed his second checkered flag in a row Friday night on Swamp's Performance Night at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR). Louie Jackson scored his third straight Action Race Parts Pro Stock win, Eli Gilbert made it two in a row in the Bandits, while Mike White grabbed the win in the SUNY Canton Street Stocks.

 

Roy Tarbell of Akwesasne won last week's Frenchie's Chevrolet 358 Modified feature from a front row starting spot. He had a much harder run this week to make it two in a row at his home track. "The first one, I had to win or go backwards…the first one, we had to start on the pole. Starting sixth, it's still hard, all the fast guys were in front of me. You have to go by them to win….We don't win for twelve years, here we are two in a row. What can you say?"

 

Casey Swamp set the early pace, taking the top spot as the green flag waived, with Ryan Jacobs, Todd Stewart and Perry Francis all gunning for position in the early laps. Swamp was setting a fast pace but on lap four, his right rear tire went flat coming out of turn four and his racer suddenly slowed on the front stretch. With nowhere to go, several of the top runners piled in, including defending MIR champion John Lazore; both Lazore and Swamp were done for the night. Francis and Jacobs were also involved and had to pit, but they returned to racing.

 

The restart put Tarbell in the top spot, with Stewart second. Tarbell opened a lead of several car lengths, but Stewart, Carey Terrance and Mitch Jock reeled in the leader as lap traffic became a factor by lap 15. On lap 19, Jock moved past Stewart for the runner-up spot, but Jock, Stewart and Terrance continued a thrilling battle as they worked through lapped traffic. The event's final caution waved on lap 24 as Josh Brockway's stopped racer could not clear the speedway, setting up a one-lap dash to the checkered flag. Tarbell led the field to the checkered flag, while Mitch Jock worked hard to hold off a hard-charging Todd Stewart for the second spot. Stewart made a run on Jock going into turn three but drifted high as he could not complete the move, opening the door for Carey Terrance to swing low coming out of turn four to grab third at the finish line.

 

Louie Jackson of Akwesasne continued his winning ways in the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks, as he held off the challenges of Jody Swamp and Ricky Thompson to score his third straight win in the Pro Stocks. "I had a tough time in Cornwall so this kind of makes up for it. The track is awesome here, the lighting is great….I have fun running with these guys. It's been awesome."

 

Jackson grabbed the lead early in the event with Jody Swamp and Junior Barnes hounding him as soon as the race was underway. An early caution on lap four sent contenders Roch Aubin and Dave Bissonnette to the pit area after a turn four tangle. The battle between Jackson and Swamp continued throughout the race, while Barnes yielded the third spot to Ricky Thompson as he drifted high in turn two on lap twelve; Barnes pitted with a flat on lap 15.

 

The Pro Stock feature was red-flagged on lap 17 as Cole Cree's car climbed the front stretch wall and somersaulted end-over-end past the flagstand. Cree emerged uninjured. This set up a three-lap dash to the checkered flag--when the race resumed, Jackson found himself battling three wide with Swamp and Thompson for the lead. As the white flag waved, Swamp made a daring charge to try an inside last lap pass in the final turns, but Jackson powered on to win his third straight Pro Stock feature win, with Swamp and Thompson both scoring season-best second and third place finishes.

 

Mike Allen of Norwood was looking to make it three in a row in the SUNY Canton Street Stocks, but Mike White of Winthrop played the spoiler as he charged to the lead on lap one and roared on to victory lane. "It's been twenty years since I won a feature last…feels good," said a thrilled White.

 

In the Bandits, Eli Gilbert of Brasher Falls grabbed the top spot in a wild first-lap scramble and made it two wins in a row, watching as several top contenders fell by the wayside with mechanical woes. The race was red-flagged on lap four after Jeb Beeson slammed the front stretch wall and rolled over, but Beeson emerged uninjured. Nolan Swamp returned after missing last week with a strong runner-up finish, while Justin White scored his best finish of the season in third spot.

 

Next Friday night, June 26th, Keegan's Tobacco Shop presents the only appearance of the season for the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints. A strong field of the alcohol-powered winged 360 sprint cars is expected. Joining the ESS sprints will be the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, the SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits. (The Action Race Parts DIRTcar Pro Stocks will have the evening off.) Race time is 7:45 PM.

 

FRENCHIE'S CHEVROLET 358 MODIFIEDS: Roy Tarbell, Mitch Jock, Carey Terrance, Todd Stewart, Clayton Benedict, Perry Francis, Ryan Jacobs, Mark Smoke, Del LeGrow, Ryan Helm, Josh Brockway, Casey Swamp, John Lazore, Brad Shova. DNS: Billy Cook.

 

ACTION RACE PARTS PRO STOCKS: Louie Jackson, Jody Swamp, Ricky Thompson, Stephane LeBrun, Dion Oakes, David Papineau, Billy Woodward Jr., Harvey Arquette Jr., Rod Tarbell, John Yandoh Jr., Junior Barnes, Roch Aubin, PJ Peters, Mike Arquiett, Dave Bissonnette, Cole Cree.

 

SUNY CANTON STREET STOCKS: Mike White, Mike Allen, Jay Montour, Mike Benedict, Calvin Clement, Ryan Phillips, Thunder Anderson.

 

BANDITS: Eli Gilbert, Nolan Swamp, Justin White, Tammy Rogers, Brad Fish, Rick Finch, Cory Helm, Joey Foster, Gage Bigtree, Gary Sharlow, Henry Lamica, Scott Kocher, Kevin Thompson, Jeb Beeson, Andrew Fish, Scott Mere, Randy Blanchard. DNS: Mitch Gray.

 

SWAMP'S PERFORMANCE PRESENTS STUDENT NIGHT FRIDAY AT MIR

June 16, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- It's Student Night this Friday at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) as Swamp's Performance presents a full card of racing featuring the Frenchies Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, the Action Race Parts DIRTcar Pro Stocks, the SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits. The first green flag will drop at 7:45 PM.

 

For Friday night's racing program, all students with ID (high school and college) will be admitted for just $5. Adult grandstand admission is $10, with seniors $7, and children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

 

Going into Swamp's Performance night at MIR, two drivers are looking for "threepeats," with both Louie "Action" Jackson in the Pro Stocks and Mike Allen in the Street Stocks having a chance to make it three feature victories in just three races. Both of these drivers, however, will face stiff comptetion.

 

In the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks, the list of contenders looking to steal the win from Jackson reads like a whos-who of top full-fendered racers, with Dave Bissonnette coming of two consecutive top three finishes, while Dave Papineau and Jody Swamp each have a single top three finish. Several other top running drivers, including Allen and P.J. Peters, Billy Woodward Jr., and Roch Aubin, are looking for that all-important first win of the season at MIR.

 

Mike Allen has scored two wins in the SUNY Canton Street Stocks, but opening night runner-up Jay Montour and last week's second-place finisher Mike White stand ready to challenge for victory lane this week, with top runners like Kevin Fetterly, Jr., Jerry Jock and Mike Benedict expected to be in the hunt as well.

 

In the Frenchies Chevrolet 358 Modifieds, Roy Tarbell and Carey Terrance have shared the spotlight with a single feature win each, but strong runs by Todd Stewart (two top-three finishes), Perry Francis (two top-fives), Ryan Jacobs, and defending champion John Lazore show that they are determined to grab a first feature win at their hometrack. 2008 Modified Rookie of the Year Mitch Jock has notched a pair of strong performances, while former MIR champion Dave Heaslip has been sidelined by motor woes the past two weeks and is looking to return to winning form as he celebrates his 50th season of racing action.

 

The Bandits have proven to be a wide-open affair, with Eli Gilbert and Scott Mere each scoring wins in the opening weeks, while Joey Foster. Nolan Swamp, and Tammy Rogers each have a single top-three finish to their credit. They all look to challenge for the win Friday night, with several other drivers looking to improve their standing in this highly competitive division.

 

Friday night's sponsor, Swamp's Performance, features performance parts for both track and street vehicles and has been a long-time supporter of Mohawk International Raceway. Owner Jody Swamp, driver of the #69 Pro Stock, is proud to offer a full line of speed and performance equipment, as well as his automotive expertise. Both Jody and his brother Casey, driver of the #44 Modified, will be looking to put on good showings for the local fans on Friday night. Swamp's Performance is located on Frogtown Road, just past the MIR facility.

 

ROY TARBELL WINS 358 MODS ON JACOBS TOBACCO & JACOBS EXCAVATION NIGHT; JACKSON, ALLEN & GILBERT GRAB WINS.

June 12, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Roy Tarbell of Akwesasne put his famous "Smoking Gun" #007 into victory lane for the first time in a dozen years to grab a popular win in the Frenchies Chevrolet 358 Modifieds at the Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) Friday night. Jacobs Tobacco Company/Jacobs Excavaton Night saw a pair of repeat winners, as Louis "Action" Jackson of Akwesasne won his second straight Pro Stock feature and Mike Allen of Norwood scored again in the SUNY Canton Street Stocks, while Eli Gilbert of Brasher Falls captured the win in the Bandit division.

 

Roy Tarbell has been at MIR since the first laps were turned at this track over two decades ago. He has relied on strong, consistent finishes to build his reputation as one of the drivers to beat in the Modified division while contending for several championships over the years. Friday night, Tarbell was able to take advantage of a front row starting spot to lead all twenty-five laps to score an emotional and satisfying victory in the Modifieds, his first feature win in twelve years.

 

Tarbell shot into the lead as the field raced into turn one, but behind him Perry Francis, Todd Stewart and opening night winner Carey Terrance put on a great battle for the runner-up spot. By lap 14, the leaders were threading through lapped traffic and Terrance was able to power past Francis for the runner-up spot; Stewart got by Francis a lap later for third. The first caution waved on lap 16 as Brad Shova's racer rolled to a stop on the backstretch.

 

A late caution tightened the field, but as the green flag waived, Tarbell again pulled ahead to grab the win in the 25-lap Frenchies Chevrolet 358 Modified feature event, followed by Terrance (Tarbell's son-in-law), Stewart, Francis and Ryan Jacobs in a fine run to finish fifth after holding off the repeated challenges of Laurent Ladouceur, Mitch Jock and John Lazore.

 

Louis Jackson held off rising star David Papineau and Dave Bissonnette to win his second straight 20-lap Action Race Parts Pro Stock feature event. Jackson grabbed the lead on the first lap, but Papineau was challenging him the entire race, making several runs high and low to try to get past the leader but never able to complete the pass. "Bulldog" Bissonnette, looking to repeat last week's runner-up finish, worked high and low throughout the event to try to get past the two leaders. A restart on lap 17 gave Papineau and Bissonnette one last shot to get by Jackson, but Jackson was able to hold them off and grab the win, with Papineau and Bissonnette fighting to pull alongside at the finish line. Roch Aubin beat Ricky Thompson in a drag race to the finish line to grab fifth spot.

 

Mike Allen was able to make it two in a row in the SUNY Canton Street Stocks, but Mike White, making his first start of the season, did not let him have it easily. White challenged Allen the entire race, never more than a couple of feet behind, and while he did his best to muscle around the leader on the final turn, Mike Allen was able to hold his line and speed on to the win. Mike White came home second, with Jerry Jock having a very strong run to finish third.

 

Eli Gilbert was thrilled to grab a win at his home track in the Bandit division, moving to the lead early in the event and racing to the checkered flag. Opening night winner Scott Mere had another strong performance for second, while Tammy Rogers, in her first start of the season at MIR, posted a very competitive third-place finish.

 

Next Friday night, June 19, Swamp's Performance presents Student Night at Mohawk International Raceway, with a full racing program for the Frenchies Chevrolet 358 Modifieds, the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks, the SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits. Students with valid ID (high school and college) will get in for just $5, while adults are just $10 and seniors are $7. Children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult. Race time is 7:45 PM.

 

FRENCHIES CHEVROLET 358 MODIFIEDS: Roy Tarbell, Carey Terrance, Todd Stewart, Perry Francis, Ryan Jacobs, Laurent Ladouceur, Mitch Jock, John Lazore, Mark Smoke, Billy Cook, Casey Swamp, Del LeGrow, Cory Helm, Brad Shovie, Roy Delormier, DNS: Dave Heaslip.

 

ACTION RACE PARTS PRO STOCKS: Louis Jackson, Dave Papineau, Dave Bissonnette, Roch Aubin, Ricky Thompson, Jody Swamp, Rod Tarbell, Dion Oakes, Billy Woodward Jr., Harvey Arquette Jr., Stephane LeBrun, Junior Barnes, Mike Arquitt, Cole Cree.

 

SUNY CANTON STREET STOCKS: Mike Allen, Mike White, Jerry Jock, Kevin Fetterly Jr., Jay Montour, Preston Mossow, Mike Benedict, Frank Donnelly, Thunder Anderson, Ryan Phillips.

 

BANDITS: Eli Gilbert, Scott Mere, Tammy Rogers, Brad Fish, Ryan Helm, Gary Sharlow, Kevin Thompson, Henry Lamica, Joey Foster. DNS: Brad Fish, Justin White, Scott Kocher.

 

JACOBS TOBACCO COMPANY & JACOBS EXCAVATION PRESENT THIS FRIDAY NIGHT'S RACING PROGRAM

 

June 9, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- The full-throttle excitement of live stock car racing returns to Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) this Friday night, June 12th, as Jacobs Tobacco Company and Jacobs Excavation present a full card of racing for the DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, DIRTcar Pro Stocks, Street Stocks and Bandits. Friday's racing program begins at 7:45 PM. Canadian money will be accepted AT PAR for grandstand general admission, with adults $10 and students and seniors $7. Kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

 

With the first race of the season in the books--and the opening night gremlins out of the way--all of the area race teams are ready to do battle. In the 358 Modifieds, Akwesasne driver Carey Terrance is coming off a convincing win in last Friday night's Adams Marina Memorial Cup 35, which served as the opening round for the three-race Frenchies Chevrolet American Revolution series. While Terrance would love to build on that win, he will face stiff competition from several competitors, including last week's runner-up, Todd Stewart of Kingston, ONT. Stewart is having an exceptionally strong early season, with a second-place finish two weeks ago at Brockville Ontario Speedway and a win at Brockville last Saturday night. In his return as an MIR regular, Stewart looks to be a serious contender for this season.

 

Last Friday night's events also gave notice that several Akwesasne area Modified drivers look ready to challenge for the 2009 Modified championship, including third-place finisher Perry Francis, defending MIR Modified champion John Lazore, Roy Tarbell (who charged from 16th starting spot to finish fifth) and 2008 MIR Modified Rookie of the Year and runner-up in points Mitch Jock.

 

The Pro Stock division renewed some familiar rivalries, as Akwesasne's Louis "Action" Jackson and Apple Hill, ONT's Dave "Bulldog" Bissonnette waged a torrid battle for the win in last week's feature event. There are at least a dozen veteran drivers that could be counted as potential winners in the Pro Stocks and last week's show spotlighted the efforts of rookies Harvey Arquette, Jr. and Rod Tarbell, who are quality additions to this superb division.

 

The Street Stocks saw veteran drivers Mike Allen and Jay Montour dominate the event, but look for some other familiar faces to step up to the challenge, including Kevin Fetterly, Jr., coming off wins at Brockville and Cornwall earlier this season and always a threat to win.

 

The Bandit division saw a trio of familiar faces put on a thrilling show last week, with Scott Mere emerging victorious over Joey Foster and Eli Gilbert. Foster is always one of the drivers to beat in the Bandits and Gilbert has been competitive everywhere he's been in action this year, with strong runs at Cornwall, Can-Am and Thunder Alley, in addition to a strong opening night run at his home track of MIR.

 

Jacobs Tobacco Company and Jacobs Excavation will present this Friday night's racing. Jacobs Tobacco Company is a major manufacturer of cigarettes and other tobacco products, while Jacob's Excavation is known throughout the North Country for its quality excavation and site work services. Jacobs Manufacturing is also proud to present the upcoming Billy Ray Cyrus concert, set for Saturday, July 5th at the Akwesasne Concert Grounds, just across from the MIR facility on Frogtown Road.

 

TERRANCE CLAIMS OPENING NIGHT MOD WIN AT MOHAWK RACEWAY; JACKSON, ALLEN, MERE ALSO SCORE WINS

 

June 5, 2009, AKWESASNE, NY -- Carey Terrance of Akwesasne scored the opening night DIRTcar 358 Modified victory at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) in front of a packed gandstand. Veteran drivers dominated the action on Adams Marina night as Louie "Action" Jackson of Akwesasne rolled into victory lane in the Pro Stocks, Mike Allen of Norwood scored in the Street Stocks and Scott Mere of Parishville won the Bandits, as fans and race teams alike celebrated the grand opening of the new facility that has been completely rebuilt over the winter months.

 

Perry Francis of Akwesasne set the early pace in the Frenchies Chevrolet American Revolution Series Memorial Cup feature event for the 358 Modifieds. The first caution waved on lap four for debris and Terrance powered past Francis for the lead when the race resumed. Behind Terrance, Francis and Todd Stewart put on a hotly contested battle for the runner-up spot.

 

Terrance was able to keep a comfortable lead but a couple of cautions slowed the pace. On lap 7, Ryan Jacobs' front end broke and he stopped on the speedway, and on lap 21 as Simon Perrault slammed into the frontstretch wall. On lap 24, Stewart got the opening he was looking for as he dove to the inside of Francis to grab the runner-up spot, while Francis found himself immediately being challenged by John Lazore for the third position.

 

The final caution waved on lap 32 as Mark Smoke of Akwesasne broke and could not clear the speedway, leading to a three lap dash for the checkered flag. Terrance cruised on for the win on opening night in front of a hometown crowd, while Stewart, making his return to MIR as a regular, came home for an impressive second place finish. Perry Francis held off the challenges of Lazore for the third spot. Roy Tarbell, after starting 16th on the field, was able to charge to a fifth place finish.

 

By grabbing the win in the first round of the Frenchies Chevrolet American Revolution Series, Carey Terrance sets himself up as a prime contender to win the title and bonus money for this three-race mini-series. The Frenchies Chevrolet American Revolution series will resume on Friday, July 3rd and the final event will be run on Friday, September 4th.

 

In the fan-favorite Pro Stock division, it was a battle of old rivals, as Louie "Action" Jackson and Dave "the Bulldog" Bissonnette of Apple Hill, ONT dueled throughout the 20-lap event. Bissonnette led from the drop of the green flag, but Jackson powered to the inside on lap 5 to take the lead. While Jackson would lead the final 15 laps of the event, Bissonnette never let up the pressure and pulled alongside Jackson several times but could not keep the momentum to complete the pass. Jackson was thrilled to win on Adams Marina night, as they are one of his primary sponsors.

 

Mike Allen and Jay Montour resumed their rivalry in MIR's Street Stock division, with Allen emerging the victor in the feature, while Scott Mere powered by Nolan Swamp to grab the opening night checkers in the Bandit division.

 

MIR rolls back into action next Friday night, June 12, as Jacobs' Tobacco Company and Jacobs' Excavation presents a full program of racing for the 358 Modifieds, Pro Stocks, Street Stocks and Bandits. The first green flag flies at 7:45 PM. As a special thank you to our Canadian fans, Canadian money will be accepted at par for grandstand admission, with pricing set at just $10 for adults and $7 for Students and Seniors. Kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

 

Mohawk International Raceway is located in Akwesasne, NY, one mile east of the International Bridge to Cornwall, ONT. From Route 37, turn south onto Frogtown Road. Racing is held on Friday nights from May through September, featuring DIRTcar 358 Modifieds and Pro Stocks, Street Stocks and Bandits.

 

DIRTcar 358 MODIFIEDS: Carey Terrance, Todd Stewart, Perry Francis, John Lazore, Roy Tarbell, Mitch Jock, Billy Cook, Mark Smoke, Casey Swamp, Josh Brockway, Brad Shova, Cory Helm, Dave Heaslip, Simon Perrault, Del LeGrow, Ryan Jacobs.

 

DIRTcar PRO STOCKS: Louie Jackson, Dave Bissonnette, Jody Swamp, Roch Aubin, PJ Peters, Rod Tarbell, Bill Woodward Jr., Dion Oakes, Cole Cree, David Papineau, Ricky Thompson, Harvey Arquette Jr., John Yandoh Jr., Allen Peters, Mike Arquiett, DNS: Stephane LeBrun.

 

STREET STOCKS: Mike Allen, Jay Montour, #14, Kevin Clement, Preston Mussow, Keven Fetterly Jr., Jason Brussett. DNS: "Thunder" Anderson.

 

BANDITS: Scott Mere, Nolan Swamp, Joey Foster, Eli Gilbert, Jeb Beeson, McClatchie #70, Rick Finch, Henry Lamica, Cory Helm, Gage Bigtree, Kevin Thompson, Andrew Fish, DNS: Randy Blanchard, Derek Sessions.

 

OPENING NIGHT MOVED BACK ONE WEEK TO FRI MAY 29th

 

May 18, 2009 -- Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) management has moved the 2009 season opener back one week to Friday, May 29th so that work crews can complete the extensive track renovations that have been underway throughout the off-season.

 

"Our work crews have been pressing hard to get everything ready. We were close, but there are still a few things we must complete before MIR opens for the season," said MIR Operations Manager Elliott Lazore. "We're pushing back opening night by one week to make sure everything is ready to go. We want to make sure everyone can enjoy how much has changed at the track from the very first night of racing."

 

Right now, work crews are focusing on completing new VIP towers, completing all electrical work, and putting the track's exterior fencing into place. The new grandstands are already up, as are the new Musco stadium lights. The new frontstretch concrete retaining wall, the track lounge/clubhouse building, and elevating the pit area for better drainage were completed earlier this spring. The food concession vendors will be moving their buildings onto the grounds in preparation for opening night.

 

While MIR management regrets losing a scheduled show, Lazore promises the race teams and fans that the extra week will be worth the wait. "What an opener we'll have: Frenchie's Chevrolet is going to be presenting the annual running of the Memorial Cup for the 358 Modifieds. This is normally the 'big Spring race' for everyone and it's going to kick off the Frenchie's Chevrolet American Revolution series for the Mods."

 

This year's running of the Frenchie's Chevrolet Memorial Cup race will feature a 35-lap main event for the 358 Modifieds, in addition to a full racing program for the Pro Stocks, Street Stocks and Bandits. Race time is 7:45 PM.

 

After the opening night events, racing will continue at MIR every Friday night throughout the summer. The second leg of the Frenchie's Chevrolet American Revolution series will be run on Friday July 3rd, with the series wrapping up on Friday Sept. 4th, when all of MIR's 2009 track champions will be determined. All three races in the series will be 35-lap events. The series leader at the end of the American Revolution series will bring home a $1,000 bonus courtesy of Frenchie's Chevrolet in Massena, NY.

NEW VIP BOOTHS AVAILABLE FOR 2009 SEASON

 

May 14, 2009 -- VIP booth and season ticket combination packages are now available for the new VIP booths being built at Mohawk International Raceway in Akwesasne. Due to expected high demand for these units and limited availability, booths will be issued via a lottery system as the units are completed by construction crews.

Each new 12' x 12' VIP booth seats up to eight people and offers full amenities, to give racing fans privacy, comfort, and an outstanding view of the racing action. Each booth features climate controls and air conditioning, a live audio feed from the track P.A. system, and a private fridge.

VIP booths must be purchased as part of a full season package, which includes the purchase of season tickets; they will not be available on a night to night basis.

These new booths are currently under construction, with eighteen booths in all slated to be built over the next few weeks--package pricing will be pro-rated as each booth becomes available.

For information on pricing and availability, please contact the MIR office at 518-358-3225 or by emailing mirtrack@yahoo.com.

 

2009 SEASON PASSES AVAILABLE FOR MOHAWK INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

 

April 21, 2009 -- 2009 season passes for Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) in Akwesasne, NY are now available.

 

Adult grandstand admission passes are $150 for ALL shows, including the ESS sprints (Fri, June 26th), Lucas Oil 358 Series (Thurs, July 30) and the Mr. DIRTcar 358 tour (Fri, Sept. 11), as well as all regularly scheduled Friday night races for the 2009 season.

 

There is also a "Fan Special" adult grandstand season pass for just $99. The Fan Special does not include the three special events above, but it does cover regular Friday night events during the season, including the three Frenchie's Chevrolet American Revolution series events, as well as the Mohawk Race Parts and Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock events. Senior and student passes, which also exclude the ESS, Lucas Oil and Mr. DIRTcar 358 races, are just $80.

 

There are three different Pit Area season pass options. Pit area season passes include ALL events.

 

A Pit Pass INCLUDING purchase of a DIRT license through MIR is jut $320 for the season. The DIRT license grants the holder reduced admission at other DIRT-sanctioned facilities, provides additional insurance coverage, and qualifies the holder to be eligible for any earned DIRT point fund awards at the end of the season.

 

Individuals who have already purchased their DIRT license may purchase an MIR season pass for $300.

 

Pit area season passes for non-DIRT license holders are available for $350.

 

MIR management urges all drivers and race team members to purchase a DIRT license since they will save on admissions at DIRT facilities throughout the region and receive additional insurance coverage, in addition to other benefits for DIRT members.

 

To order a season pass or for more information, please contact the MIR office at 518-358-3225.

 

 

2009 MOHAWK RACEWAY SCHEDULE RELEASED

 

Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) in Akwesasne has announced its 2009 schedule, with numerous specials highlighting the 17 events slated for this season. Racing switches to Friday nights for 2009, with opening night set for Friday May 22nd and racing continuing weekly until the season finale on Friday September 11th. The first green flag drops every Friday at 7:45 PM.

 

The weekly racing program features four action-packed divisions, the DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, DIRTcar Pro Stocks, Street Stocks and Bandits. Weekly racing events offer qualifying heats in each division, with a 25-lap, $1,000 to win feature for the 358 Modifieds. The Pro Stocks run 20 laps in their main event with $400 going to the winner every week, while the regular Street Stock feature is 15 laps and the weekly Bandit main event is a 10-lap dash.

 

Several special events worth noting stand out from the weekly schedule:

 

Opening night, Friday May 22nd will be a grand opening with fans getting their first look at the all-new MIR facility that has been completely rebuilt during the winter months. They will see new lights, new grandstands, new fences and an all new look to the track, and it will be a "Night of 20s" on the track: $20 a carload to get into the grandstands (until 7:30 PM). The 358 Modifieds will be featured in Twin 20-lap feature events, while the Pro Stocks, Street Stocks and Bandits will each have a 20-lap feature event on that evening.

 

The very next weekend, the 358 Modifieds will kick off the Frenchie's Chevrolet American Revolution three-race series, which will offer a separate point fund. Each event will be a 35-lapper with extra money on the line, with the second leg of the series set for Friday July 3rd and the series wrapping up on Labor Day weekend, Friday September 4th.

 

Friday June 26th will feature the only appearance of the season for the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints, in addition to a full program of racing for the 358 Modifieds, Street Stocks and Bandits.

 

Friday July 17th will be SUNY CANTON's Full Fender Frenzy, featuring the Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock tour. The Pro Stocks will be featured this evening with a 50-lap main event paying $1,500 to win, while the Street Stocks will duel for 25 laps with $700 going to the winner, and the Bandits will have a 20-lap main event paying $200 to win.

 

The only midweek race of the season is set for Thursday July 30th, when the Lucas Oil Canadian series for 358 Modifieds returns, with a 100-lap main event. With MIR considered neutral ground for both Quebec and Ontario teams and with this race kicking off four consecutive nights of Lucas Oil series races, look for this race to be one of the highlights of the 2009 season. The Lucas Oil Canadian series wraps up Sunday, August 2nd at Cornwall Motor Speedway.

 

August is a month of twists, with the "PINKS for Pro Stocks" match-race event spread over three Friday nights--Aug. 7, 14, and 28, while August 21st will feature the Mohawk Race Parts Pro Stock tour with a 40-lap main event for the division. The Modifieds will also get a crack at match racing with the new Modified Duel set for Fri Aug 28th.

 

The final night of points is set for Friday September 4th, with the Modifieds featured in the final Frenchie's Chevrolet American Revolution series event. Point champions will be crowned in all four divisions.

 

The season will wrap up just one week later, on Friday September 11th, with the Mr. DIRTcar 358 Series 100-lap race for the Modifieds, kicking off a triple-header weekend for the DIRTcar 358 tour. On this night, the Street Stocks will get a crack at a $1,000 payday with a 30-lap main event while the Bandits will run a 20-lap feature with $200 going to the winner.

 

MOHAWK RACEWAY 2009 RULES RELEASED

 

The official 2009 rules for Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) have been released and posted at MohawkIntRaceway.com.

 

The DIRTcar sanctioned 358 Modifieds and Pro Stocks follow the official DIRTcar rulebook.

 

All teams are reminded that the Raceceiver one-way radio receiver is mandatory for ALL divisions.

 

All racers are urged to purchase a DIRTcar license to both save on admission fees on race nights and to secure the additional insurance coverage that is offered, in addition to the many other member benefits. Teams wishing to get DIRTcar license applications can get them at DIRTcarMembers.com or contact the MIR office at 518-358-3225. Be sure to indicate Mohawk International Raceway as your home track on your application.

 

The Street Stock division sees the most changes from 2008, with the division now mandating 8-inch wheels. Hoosier track tires will be mandated as of July 1st (race teams can use up their 8" tires from last year until July 1). The new Street Stock rules bring the division closer in line with the rules used at other New York tracks such as Cayuga County and Rolling Wheels, although there are a few MIR-specific rules in place. All cars must adhere to the MIR rulebook to compete in this division.

 

The entry-level Bandit division remains virtually unchanged for the 2009 season. The class, which features four- and smaller six-cylinder engine stock cars, consistently produces wild racing action. Designed for newer racers and those on a limited budget, drivers can choose from a variety of foreign or domestic models. With straightforward safety modifications such as the addition of a proper roll-cage and racing seat belts, the cars are ready to take to the track. One of the most affordable forms of racing, the Bandit division is where many drivers first strap on the helmet.

 

Mohawk International Raceway is located in Akwesasne, NY, one mile east of the International Bridge to Cornwall, ONT. From Route 37, turn south onto Frogtown Road. Racing is held on Friday nights from May through September, featuring DIRTcar 358 Modifieds and Pro Stocks, Street Stocks and Bandit.

 

 

MOHAWK RACEWAY LOWERS 2009 ADMISSION PRICES

 

AKWESASNE, NY -- North Country racing fans will find that their weekly jolt of adrenaline will cost them less at Mohawk Internationl Raceway (MIR) in 2009. Track management has announced lower grandstand admission prices for every event this season.

 

Regular racing programs will cost just $10 for adult grandstand admission, down from the $12 admission price last year. The regular program features a full card of heats and features for the four weekly divisions: DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, DIRTcar Pro Stocks, Street Stocks and Bandits.

 

For regular racing programs, seniors and students ages 13 and up with school ID are admitted for $7. Children ages 6-12 will be $3 but are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. MIR management will also offer family packs at special pricing.

 

There will be increased admission for special events, such as the Mr. DIRTcar series events, the Canadian Lucas Oil Modified Series, the Empire Super Sprints, and the Frenchie's Chevrolet American Revolution series events, but pricing for these events will also be reduced over previous seasons.

 

"Friday night out at the races is a great way to start the weekend. By lowering admission prices, racing is more affordable for everyone and families can enjoy the races every single week," stated MIR management.

 

In addition to lowering regular admission prices, MIR has announced a pair of "$20 a Carload" nights: opening night, Friday May 22nd, and Friday July 24th. Admission will be just $20 a carload until 7:30PM. After 7:30, adult grandstand admission will be just $7.

 

The May 22nd show will feature twin 20-lap features for the Modifieds in addition to 20-lap features for the Pro Stocks, Street Stocks and Bandits. The July 24th event will be a full racing program for all four weekly divisions.

 

Mohawk International Raceway is located in Akwesasne, NY, one mile east of the International Bridge to Cornwall, ONT. From Route 37, turn south onto Frogtown Road. Racing is held on Friday nights from May through September, featuring DIRTcar 358 Modifieds and Pro Stocks, Street Stocks and Bandits.

 

PRO STOCKS GET BIG PURSE BUMP AT MOHAWK RACEWAY

 

The Pro Stock division will have a dramatic purse increase for the 2009 season at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) in Akwesasne. The weekly 20-lap feature event will now pay $400 to win, with $100 to start.

 

"This is a first-class purse for a division that has evolved into true co-headline status with the 358 Modifieds," stated MIR General Manager Elliott Lazore. "The Modifieds put on great open-wheeled racing every week, but the Pro Stock race teams have really stepped up to the plate at MIR and the fans love it."

 

The purse increase is a way to recognize the level of competition in this division. Lazore continued, "We are the only Friday night track in the area hosting the Pro Stocks. By upping the purse across the board, from start to finish, we expect teams that used to come out only for special events to take a serious look at being with us on a weekly basis."

 

Lazore explained some of the appeal of the Pro Stock cars. "The Pro Stocks have evolved into very sophisticated race cars. The drivers are a mixture of experienced veterans and younger racers working their way up. The cars are tightly matched and extremely competitive. When the Pro Stocks roll onto the track, there's no telling who may win the feature. It's not unusual to see four or five cars in contention for the win until the final turn. The Pro Stocks also have plenty of 'eye appeal'--they look like the race cars casual fans see on television every week. The division has built a tremendous fan following and by upping the purse, we wanted to recognize the efforts of the race teams."

 

In addition to the increased weekly race purse, the Pro Stocks will have several special events. On Friday, July 17th, SUNY Canton will present the Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock tour event, which will be a 50-lap event paying $1,500 to win. Friday August 21st will feature the Mohawk Racing Parts series with a 40-lap Pro Stock feature event. The Pro Stocks will also be featured in the new "PINKS for Pro Stocks" match race event, which is spread out over three evenings. The finale is set for Friday, August 28th, when the Pro Stocks will battle it out in 1-on-1 elimination match races to get a shot at the first place prize money.

 

"This is going to be a great year for this division and the drivers are already pumped up for the chance at some extra cash in the pay envelope every week. We can't wait to get started."

 

The first Pro Stock battle will get underway on opening night, Friday May 22nd. Mohawk International Raceway is located in Akwesasne, NY, one mile east of the International Bridge to Cornwall, ONT. From Route 37, turn south onto Frogtown Road. Racing is held on Friday nights from May through September, featuring DIRTcar 358 Modifieds and Pro Stocks, Street Stocks and Bandits.

 

CKON 97.3 FM "OFFICIAL RADIO STATION" OF MOHAWK INT RACEWAY

 

CKON 97.3 FM has been named the "official radio station" of Mohawk Int. Raceway (MIR) in Akwesasne for the 2009 season.

 

"We at MIR are thrilled to partner with CKON," announced MIR General Manager Elliott Lazore. "CKON and MIR have worked together for decades. With 2009 shaping up to be so important for both organizations, the timing couldn't have been better to renew and enhance this partnership."

 

As Mohawk Int. Raceway switches to Friday night racing for the 2009 season, CKON 97.3 FM will play a major part in getting the fans pumped up for each night's racing. Every Friday night before the races, Mohawk Raceway will have a special hour-long show featuring driver interviews, a preview of the night's events, and both the fans and drivers will help pick the music during the show. With CKON's powerful signal, racing fans throughout the Seaway Valley will be able to listen in while driving to the speedway.

 

"CKON 97.3 FM is such an important member of the Akwesasne community and the surrounding area," Lazore continued. "CKON celebrating its 25th anniversary is such a milestone, especially for a locally-owned radio station. MIR is also looking at 2009 as a landmark year. There are huge changes--switching to Friday night racing, new grandstands, new lights, an entirely new facility for the racing community and much more. As we've been saying, 'Mohawk Int. Raceway, where more than the name has changed.' CKON will play a key part in making the community more aware of all the exciting changes going on at the track this year. We're very excited to be working together."

 

CKON 97.3 FM has featured programming from MIR on race nights and reported race results for many seasons. By having a weekly hour-long show, the connection between the racing community and CKON will only get stronger.

 

CKON 97.3 FM can be heard through the Seaway Valley and can be reached on the web at www.ckonfm.com.

 

 

MOHAWK RACEWAY 2009 DRIVERS MEETING & 2008 RACE PARTY SET FOR SUN MAR 8th

 

Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) in Akwesasne, NY will wrap up the 2008 season and have a meeting for the upcoming 2009 season with a race party set for Sunday, March 8th from 1-5 PM at the Massena Elks Lodge. This will be a casual-dress event. All interested race teams are invited to attend.

 

The first order of business will be to formally crown the 2008 MIR track champions. John Lazore of Akwesasne claimed his first career Coors Light DIRTcar 358-Modified title while Stephane LeBrun of Gatineau, QUE grabbed top honors in the Action Race Parts DIRTcar Pro Stock division. Three Akwesasne drivers earned the remaining division titles: Harvey Arquette, Jr. won the Pecore Performance and Transmission Semi-Pro championship, Claudia Tarbell scored her second straight Helm's Salvage and Trucking Bandit title, and Kevin Thompson claimed top honors in the Bash Brothers Motorsports Enduro division.

 

After the champions are officially introduced and receive their awards, MIR officials will address the many changes for the 2009 season. With MIR switching to Friday night racing and construction crews hard at work rebuilding the facility for opening night on May 22nd, officials will review procedures and rules for the new season. Both new and established teams are encouraged to attend this meeting.

 

This pre-season race party will also be a chance for racers, crew members and officials to get together in a casual atmosphere, trade stories from over the winter months, and discuss plans for the new season.

 

The 2008 championship awards will begin at 1 PM, with the rules meeting to begin immediately after. The party will go on throughout the afternoon. The Massena Elks Lodge is located at 20 Bowers St. in Massena.

 

FINAL 2008 POINTS (TOP FIVE EACH DIVISON)

Coors Light DIRTcar 358-Modifieds
Pos Car # Driver Points
1. 19 JOHN LAZORE 633
2. 14 Mitchell Jock 579
3. 66x Carey Terrance 521
4. 80 Jeff Marshall 517
5. 71 Delbert Legrow 476

Action Race Parts DIRTcar Pro Stocks
Pos Car # Driver Points
1. 6 STEPHANE LEBRUN 805
2. 69 Jody Swamp 788
3. 88 Allen Peters 701
4. 188x David Papineau 651
5. 49 Billy Woodward, Jr. 628

Pecore Performance and Transmission Semi-Pro
Pos Car # Driver Points
1. JR7 HARVEY ARQUETTE, JR. 796
2. 57K Kevin Fetterly, Jr. 783
3. 11 Mike Allen 764
4. 069 Kevin Clement 618
5. 101 Stuart Mossow 564

Helm's Salvage and Trucking Bandits
Pos Car # Driver Points
1. 7D CLAUDIA TARBELL 700
2. 91J Joey Foster 654
3. 2E Eli Gilbert 565
4. 21G Scott Mere 560
5. T56 Gage Bigtree 459

Bash Brothers Motorsports Enduros
Pos Car # Driver Points
1. 38T KEVIN THOMPSON 620
2. 2 Wayne Jock 550
3. 20K Konkie Lazore 524
4. 06 Corey Helm 506
5. D1 Dillon Cole 458

 

 

FRIDAY NIGHT RACING AT MOHAWK INT RACEWAY FOR 2009 SEASON

 

A switch to Friday night racing has been confirmed for the 2009 season at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) in Akwesasne, NY. Opening night has been slotted for Friday, May 22nd, with racing continuing on Fridays throughout the summer. The 2009 season will wrap up with the Mr DIRTcar 358-Modified series championship tour on Friday, September 11.

"In speaking with area race teams, there was a strong desire for Friday night racing," announced MIR management. "People have so many family commitments. Freeing up Saturdays makes it easier to balance family life and racing. Other race teams will enjoy the chance to visit other area tracks on Saturdays while racing close to home on Fridays."

Early responses from race teams and fans throughout the Seaway Valley has been enthusiastic, according to MIR officials. "People are excited. Several race teams who didn't have a Friday night track have expressed interest in joining us. There's a lot of speculation about which new teams will be in the pits on opening night."

The weekly racing program at MIR will feature the fan-favorite DIRTCar 358-Modifieds and DIRTCar UMP Pro Stocks, as well as the always exciting Street Stock and Bandit divisions.

MIR officials are planning a drivers' meeting for mid-February to discuss the schedule, rules, and give teams a chance to ask questions. The meeting date and location will be announced soon. MIR will be at pre-season racing shows to inform teams and fans about the new season.

The full schedule of racing events will be announced soon, but officials can confirm a number of special events. The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints will again be on the schedule, as will the Mr. DIRTcar Pro Stock championship tour. The Lucas Oil Canadian DIRT Series for 358 Modifieds will return for a special Thursday night event. Other special events are still in the planning stages, with dates to be finalized.

For more information and the latest updates, please visit the MIR website at www.MohawkIntRaceway.com
.

 

MOHAWK RACEWAY "ALL-NEW" FOR 2009

 

North Country racing fans will experience a brand new speedway when Mohawk International Raceway in Akwesasne, NY opens for the 2009 season. "More than the name has changed," says MIR manangement. "Everything from the ground up is new. This is the start of a new era."

Fans and race teams will find new grandstands, ticket booths, fences and Musco stadium-style lighting when the track opens for the 2009 season. Track management and work crews are pushing ahead full throttle to ensure that everything is ready to go for opening night in May. The DIRTcar 358-Modifieds and Pro Stocks will return as the weekly headline divisions, along with the Street Stocks and Bandits.

"An all-new facility and plenty of new fan amenities will give the fans a completely different view of MIR when we open this spring," says MIR management. "We have a completely fresh start. This track has a tradition of exciting racing and the legends of DIRT racing have thrilled the fans over the years. We're focused on building a great future at MIR."

The original grandstands, tower and concession stands were demolished after the conclusion of the 2008 season.

The pit area has already been elevated to provide additional drainage and make it more suitable for large racing haulers. The new front stretch concrete wall is nearly complete, with new cabling and catch fences to go up once the main wall is finished. Track crews have begun construction on the new grandstands, ticket booths, and work on the Musco lighting system will begin in the coming eeks.

"There's a lot of work to do, but we'll be ready for May," MIR management confirms. "The teams are getting ready, the fans are excited, and we're going to drop the first green flag on schedule. We want everyone--fans, race teams and sponsors--to have a great experience when they come out to the races. Building a new facility is the first step in that process."

For more information and the latest updates, please visit the MIR website at www.MohawkIntRaceway.com.

Mohawk International Raceway is located in Akwesasne, NY. The track is one mile east of the International Bridge to Cornwall, ONT. From Route 37, turn at the light for Frogtown Road and go one mile south. Weekly racing features the DIRTcar 358-Modifieds and Pro Stocks, Street Stocks and Bandits.

 

 

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