In 2009, at Airborne Speedway, there are many exciting changes in store for the local race fans. Perhaps the biggest and most exciting change is that progressive banking is being added to the ½ mile asphalt oval race track. For years, the turns at Airborne have been rather flat, hence earning the Plattsburgh track the nickname “Flattsburgh” by some. This should certainly make the racing even more exciting than it already was, producing some even faster lap times and further opening up the outside groove. Local race fans and drivers are chomping at the bit for the season to begin to witness this huge improvement to the racing surface. Another significant change will be transforming the 4 cylinder Warrior class into the Mini Modified class. The word is this will entail removing the front fenders, modifying the hood into more of a “V” shape, and putting a cow catcher front bumper on, similar to the type on the 358 modifieds. I understand further modifications are to come in years to follow. This should make the racing in that division very interesting as wheel hops will now be a part of the equation and drivers will need to be more careful to keep their noses clean. Another benefit is now those cars will clearly look much different than the other 4 cylinder class, The Bombers. Casual fans will no longer need to scratch their heads wondering what the differences between the two 4 cylinder classes are. Both of these changes are huge and are anxiously anticipated by everyone involved.

With these improvements, one thing that appears won’t be changing is the admission price. Looking at the 2009 Airborne schedule, the vast majority of the regular Saturday night shows will only cost the race fan a mere $10.00 for regular grand stand admission. Beginning on Saturday, May 2nd, the extensive race schedule begins with a 50 lap modified event along with the other 4 racing divisions. The ACT late model tour will make two stops to Airborne, one for the ACT Spring Green on May 9th, and again on the weekend of September 12th and 13th for The Fall Foilage with a 300 lap event! 300 laps for the late models will certainly test the driver’s patience and should make for a very entertaining race for the fans. Other special events will include an enduro, mechanic’s race, powder puff races, fireworks show, spectator races, and more. Starting a couple of seasons ago, Airborne added a go kart track using part of the front stretch and the infield. Go karts generally race on Wednesday evenings and feature 4 different classes or levels of go kart racing. Realizing the economy isn’t in the best health currently, Thunder Road owner and ACT Promoter Tom Curley touched on this topic stating, “In spite of the ‘doom sayers’ regarding the economy, we believe that short track racing should be one of the industries that does pretty well over the next couple years while we dig out from this global economic crisis. Going to the local short track races may be the only affordable and fun thing a family can do for entertainment.” I believe he hit the nail on the head with that statement, and that philosophy holds true for all local short tracks across the country. At our own Airborne for example, with all of that exciting racing action all summer long, for only $10.00 per night, how can you go wrong?

Many drivers from 2008 will return to take another shot at a great season, while others may return to defend their track championships. 2008 track champions by division include Ernie’s Discount Tools Modifieds: Patrick Dupree, J+S Steel Sportsman: Bucko Branham, Versatile Trailer Sales Renegades: Lonnie Rivers, Keeseville NAPA Auto Parts Warriors: Butch Lamere, and Monster Energy Drink Bombers: Randy Martin. Best of luck to all drivers returning or moving up to the next level.

Other amenities at the track include a very reasonably priced concession stand featuring all of the popular foods, snacks, and drinks a race track should have. Also there is a souvenir stand offering driver t-shirts and memorabilia, race photos from Mike Watts, and DVD videos of every week’s races from Gene Gagne from Outsidegroove.com. I understand there is also another interesting item for the race fan’s collection being considered at this time. Most of the shows are shown on local cable stations through MSM (Motor Sports Magazine) including Trackside Live, a show that often takes place after the races are done on a stage set up behind the grand stands where drivers are interviewed, etc.

With all of these interesting events and activities in store for the upcoming 2009 Airborne season, spring cannot get here fast enough! I look forward to seeing you at the races on Saturday nights, all summer long at Airborne Speedway.

For more information, please visit www.airborneparkspeedway.com