Accord, NY - Accord Speedway Ready To Go Greden For Opener Friday Night April 20th
By: Steve Pados, Accord Speedway Media

Last week the Accord Speedway hosted what would be their lone test and tune session with close to ninety cars signing in to dial in their racing equipment and prepare for the 2018 racing season. Promoters Gary and Donna Palmer deemed the test and tune to be quite a successful evening and will now focus their attention to opening night at their pristine quarter mile speedway this coming Friday evening, April 20th with seven divisions of racing slated to go to the post. The exciting evening of speed will be sponsored by Fast Signs from Kingston, New York www.fastsigns.com

The crazy weather pattern of late has had the speedway staff logging in some extra long hours in preparation to meet and the greet the drivers, sponsors and fans who will see the first glimpse of the race cars in actual racing competition as the speedway opens it's gates officially for the first time in 2018, the eighteenth season of ownership and promotional reigns at the speedway for the Palmer Family.

The Accord facility was built back in 1962 in the area that at one time was dubbed the "Borscht Belt" by the many vacationers who traveled into the Catskills Mountains from New York City and New Jersey. Such grand resorts as Grossingers, The Concord, Kutshers and Brown's Hotel were famous for the great entertainers of the golden era of entertainment such as Milton Berle, Martin and Lewis, Rodney Dangerfield, Henny Youngman and Jayne Mansfield entertained their audiences to always sell-out crowds. With the quick-start of the transportation and hotel industry gaining momentum into the seventies, those famous resorts died off one by one but the Accord Speedway remains a solid focal point for the area for fans seeking to enjoy a weekend of affordable entertainemt and good fun. The 2018 racing season is destined to be another great season at the "Gem in the Catskills" facility.

The Palmer Family is coming off an excellent 2017 racing season despite a ton of rainouts and is looking forward to another successful season at Accord. Seven divisions of racing will greet the fans on Friday evening with the Insinger Fuels sponsored Modifieds, Arkel Motors Sportsman, Upstate Auto Pure Stocks, WRWD Radio Rookie Sportsman and WRWD Northeast Wingless Sprint Cars and the Emmanuel's Marketplace Fireball and Jr Fireball Four Cylinder divisions. Much interest has centered around the fledgling sprint car series as the division was introduced three seasons ago and has gained considerable attention for drivers who are seeking their entry into open wheel competition but doing so in an affordable manner.

Drivers will utilize the division as a stepping stone into their racing future and one such driver is "The Traveling Man" Mick D'Agostino as the young man from Taunton, Massachusetts comes off a stellar season in which he captured the JPA Masonry sponsored 600 Sprint championship at the Hamlin Speedway. He will deal with "The High Side Hustler" Eric Jennings who reigns as the current champion of the division as well as Doylestown, Pennsylvania hot shoe Heidi Hedin. "White Lightning" Larry McVay from Bordentown, New Jersey, "Captain Quick" Jeremy Quick, Rookie of the year Bobby Tersillo and many more who are joining the open wheel ranks.

The all-important task of manicuring and grooming of the raceway track surface and grounds falls into the very capable hands of Promoter Gary Palmer. Palmer spent a tremendous amount of time over the winter months to improve the facility and basically balance the speedway surface all around to give all of the competitors an equal surface to race on. Fresh paint and newly landscaped parking areas will greet the drivers and fans as they make their way onto the speedway grounds. New lights have been added to the pit area and new lighting in on the list of new things slated for the speedway.

The 2018 Memberships, Parking Permits and Season and Indoor Seating Tickets are available. The culinary talents of the Accord Speedway Chefs will once again be offering some relishing new entrees to the menu as specialty items for the fans as the speedway concession staff offers up an abundant variety of hand-crafted sandwiches and some of the finest race track cuisine in the entire country.

With all of the division champions returning to defend their crowns, the action will be hot and heavy as soon as the first green flag drops.

Racing is on tap every Friday night from April through September. Pit Gates open at 5:00; Spectator Gates open at 5:30; Hot Laps are at 7:00 and the racing begins at 7:30 PM. The Palmer Family in keeping true to their racing fans will show no increase in admission at the gate with admission for Adults $14.00; Seniors $12.00 (65+); Children $3.00 (11+ under) Indoor Seating $20.00; Family four pack special: 2 Adults + 2 Children and $20.00 in Food Vouchers for $44.00 (a savings of $10.00). Special Shows will have an increase in admission prices.

For further updates and information regarding all of the news and additions to the Accord Speedway, log on to their very well documented website at: www.accordspeedway.com or call the speedway hotline at: 845 626 3478. At the Accord Speedway............................................

A TRAIL OF DIRT LEADS RIGHT TO OUR DOOR

Accord, NY- Track Champs Danny Tyler And Kyle Rohner Claim King Of The Catskills Wins At Accord Speedway
By: Steve Pados, Accord Speedway Media

The Ulster County weather was warm and breezy although there still remained a threat of rain in the air. The Accord Speedway was in top form and a solid roster of drivers and a standing room only crowd proved to be a win/win for Promoters Gary and Donna Palmer to host their annual King of the Catskills event at the speedway. Working right up until race time, Gary Palmer had the pristine quarter mile clay speedplant in impeccable condition and the attention to detail enabled the solid field of Modified and Sportsman competitors to race wall to wall throughout the evening of racing events. The evening of speed was headlined by sponsor Bruce Insinger and his Insinger Fuel Team. Check them out on the web at: www.insingerperformance.com

When all was said and done, Modified short track specialist "Showtime" Danny Tyler jumped on the talented Modified field at the drop of the green flag and never looked back as he dominated the racing action in a wire to wire triumph at the speedway. The win for Tyler was his first King of the Catskills triumph and Tyler walked away with the $5,000.00 prize that went along with it. In the Arkel Motors Sportsman Joe Giachinta Memorial 30-lap shootout, "The Bushkill Bullet" Kyle Rohner dominated the event to capture the win and the $1,500.00 pay day that awaited him in the WRWD Radio Victory Lane. In the Nightcap for the Emmanuel's Marketplace Fireball Cylinder Enduros, Johnny Bankich led and then he didn't, but he continued to challenge and was able to overcome all foes to go on and win his second Enduro event of the season and with the win walk away with a hefty haul of money.

Twenty-four Modifieds took off in a run for the roses in the King of the Catskills headliner with Danny Tyler wasting no time to blast out into the lead. Danny Creeden followed and stayed close to Tyler early in the event. A few early skirmishes dropped some quality talent from the field as Anthony Perrego, Mike Ricci and Richie Eurich were some of the early casualties. On each restart Tyler was able to get the great starts as he glued himself to the top of the stairs while Creeden was doing some solid work from the baseline.

Things were beginning to heat up as the two Dannys were up to the task to lead the way. From tenth starting spot came Scott Ferrier as he silently placed himself in contention. From 15th starting spot came former three time Accord Speedway Champion "The Statesman" Jerry Higbie. Higbie worked high and low to move in behind Tyler, Creeden and Ferrier.

As the laps clicked off, Tyler was able to separate himself a bit from the field but a jingle here and there slowed the speedway action. On the restarts Tyler was flawless and was able to click off some 13.1 second lap times. Tyler would go on and capture his first King of the Catskills win with Creeden in the runner-up role in the Loidice hot rod. Scott Ferrier was third with Higbie fourth and Kevin Ward giving the Montgomery Car Wash racer a great ride for fifth. Heading up the second five were Brian Malcolm, Andy Bachetti, Joe Judge, Richard Smith and Ed Dachenhausen.

Brandon McGill led the first lap for the 30-lap Sportsman main event named in honor of the late Joe Giachinta. Giachinta was a true gentleman and friend of the speedway and lost his life in an industrial accident two season ago. Matt Shultz took over on lap two and then it would be the high flying Kyle Rohner taking over the lead on lap three and the maneuver would act as the winning pass as Rohner, once in front, was never headed for the rest of the event. Rohner would receive the win and the big payday that went with it. Matt Shultz was solid in a runner-up role with Corey Cormier doing excellent work in third place. Tyler Johnston and Tony Kowlachuk completed the top five. The second five positions were steady Brandon McGill, Joey Bonetti, Connor Otten, Robbie Knipe and Mike DuBois.

The veteran campaigner and four time winner Dave Donovan wasted no time in charging to the front in the 50-lap Emmanuel's Marketplace Four Cylinder Enduro excursion. Donovan, who has excelled over the field in 2017, led through seven laps until yielding to Dan Curry. Curry was quick from top to bottom and would lead from lap eight until lap-40 when Johnny Bankich passed him by. Curry didn't give up and took back the lead on lap-44. Curry got a flat tire while leading and Bankich struck again as he slipped past Curry on lap-47 and Bankich would go on and win the event. Curry limped home second with former Street Stock campaigner Gene Helms enjoyed a solid run for third place honors.

GEMSTONES:

The showcased event of the season at Accord for the Palmer Family was another spectacular event for the successful New York promotional team now in their 17th season at operating their Ulster County facility. The racing was superb as every Modified and Sportsman heat resembled a mini feature event. The standing room only crowd came from far and wide with as many as eight states representing the statewide support of the tremendous racing activity. Parking was at a premium and the grounds were abuzz with excitement for the long awaited evening of racing at the "Gem in the Catskills". The turnstiles of fans filled the concession areas all night long as they devoured the great cuisine offered up by the speedway concessions.

24 Modifieds made their way to the pit area along with 42 sportsman and 23 Four Cylinder Enduros. Three heats were needed for the Modifieds with David Hunt, Andy Bachetti and Danny Creeden scoring wins. The Sportsman division cars ran six heats with Brandon McGill, Kyle Rohner, Connor Otten, Corey Cormier, Danny Morgiewicz and Matt Shultz scoring wins. Three Sportsman B-Mains were needed and won by Cole Hentschel, Joey Bonetti and Robbie Knipe.

Many drivers on this evening did not make the final transfer into the feature and the speedway management would like to thank everyone for making a fine effort to attempt to get into the lineup. Sportsman drivers included Mike Murphy, Ryan McCartney, Jeff Higham, John DeWitt, Lenny Helmich, Collin DuBois, Lem Atkins, Mike Senecal, Rafael Carson, Fred Smith, Jared Miller, Austin Helmich, Alex VanPelt, Jim Kraus, Mike Bull, Vinny Visconti, John Miller and Jason Armstrong.

The Giachinta Family was at the speedway and presented the Joe Giachinta Cup to the winner

Speedway management thanks all of our drivers and fans for a great season at the speedway.

Leni Fornino was back once again to belt a stirring rendition of hte National Anthem.

Good friend and Announcer Justin Beltrame joined Steve Pados and Tim Adams in the tower for the event.

Halloween Havoc is next up on the Accord Speedway schedule. The date is October 28th with a full itinerary of racing and fun things for the families of racing to enjoy. Hay Rides, Balloon Sculpturing, Pumpkin Painting, Kid's Costume Parade, Bike Raffle Give-a-ways courtesy of Upstate Auto and just a part of some great fall fun.

RESULTS:

United Pump and Tank Modifieds: (60 laps $5,000.00) Danny Tyler, Danny Creeden, Scott Ferrier, Jerry Higbie, Kevin Ward, Brian Malcolm, Andy Bachetti, Joe Judge, Richard Smith, Ed Dachenhausen, Kurt Hundeland, Kyle VanDuser, David Hunt, Robe Rowe, Joey Bruning, Ken Ferrier, Jimmy Wells, Corey Lowitt, Brad Rothaupt, Joey Falanga, Jeff Richardson, Mike Ricci, Anthony Perrego, Richie Eurich

Healey Brothers Sportsman: Joey Giachinta Memorial (30 Laps $1,500.00) Kyle Rohner, Matt Shultz, Corey Cormier, Tyler Johnston, Tony Kowalchuk, Brandon McGill, Joey Bonetti, Connor Otten, Robbie Knipe, Mike DuBois, Dave Demorest, Jamie Yannone, Nick Plumstead, Bobby Flood, Hunter Lapp, Tommy Vigh, Rich Ricci III, Kevin Stevens, Chris VanDuser, Cole Hentschel, Brad Horton, Roddy Watts, Danny Morgiewicz, Nick Johnson

Emmanuel's Marketplace Fireball Four Cylinder Enduros: Johnny Bankich, Danny Curry, Gene Helms

Racing every Friday night from April through September.
Saturday, October 28th finds the speedway swinging back into action for the Halloween Havoc spectacular at the speedway sponsored by the Liggin's Insurance Agency. More information regarding the event will follow.

For more information regarding the great racing action found at the Accord Speedway, call the speedway hotline at: 845 626 3478 or log-on to their newly designed and well documented website at: http://www.accordspeedway.com We are easy to find at 299 Whitfield Road, two miles off Route 209.

At the Accord Speedway..................................

A Trail Of Dirt Leads Right To Our Door

Accord, NY- "Gentleman" Ed Dachenhausen Wires Tough Modified Field For First Accord Speedway Triumph
By: Steve Pados, Accord Speedway Media

The Accord Speedway has suffered through the 2017 with rainout after rainout and most recently two consecutive postponements. With a mixture of sun and clouds on Friday night and offering a great day in the Catskills, the speedway swung back into racing action on as promoters Gary and Donna Palmer were able to produce a great night of racing at the speedway. The talented roster of drivers were more than anxious to set their wheels in motion on the speedway after two weeks of sitting out race events. Despite the constant interference from the weather, Promoter Gary Palmer had the speedway in great shape and racing trim as the captivating racing action spread across the speedway with at least four distinct racing channels for the drivers to work their magic. The racing action was excellent in the eight divisions offered and he evening of speed was sponsored by the good folks at Tom's Repair Shop located in New Paltz, New York.

The hotly contested events found "Gentleman" Ed Dachenhausen sailing to his career win in the United Pump and Tank Modifieds and doing so by wiring the field. Tony Kowalchuk took advantage of a front row starting spot as he drove to his second win of the season in the Arkel Motors Sportsman event. "The Italian Stallion" Vinny Visconti was cat-quick as he captured his second win of the season in the WRWD Radio Rookie Sportsman feature event. "Captain Quick" Jeremy Quick was just that as he drove to his second win of the season in the WRWD Radio NEWS Sprint Car finale. The Want Ad Digest sponsored Junior Slingshot division found youngster Brock Pinkerous finding the hot ticket to victory lane as he scored his second 2017 win at the speedway. "The Intimidator" Ray Tarantino used a mid-race charge to become the victor of the Upstate Auto Pure Stock encounter for his fourth win at the speedway for 2017. Former track champion Peter Dance was spot on as he winged his way to victory in the twenty lap Lightning Sprint feature event. Dave Donovan added another notch to his win column as he claimed the Emmanuel's Marketplace 4-Cylinder Enduro night cap for his fourth consecutive win in a row.

Ed Dachenhausen and Mike Ricci brought the United Pump and Tank Modified field down for the start of the 30-lap headliner. Dachenhausen was a man possessed as he jumped out front and distanced himself quickly from the competition. A couple of skirmishes slowed the pace a bit but Dachenhausen was clicking off steady 13.3 second laps and with each restart left the remainder of the field in his wake. Brad Rothaupt broke into second place early on and took up the chase. When the leaders hit slower traffic, Dachenhausen moved through them faster than Rothaupt and built up a bigger lead and crossed under Rich Roosa's checkered flag for his first career Modified win at the speedway. Rothaupt was a strong runner-up with Richard Smith continuing to do great work at the speedway with a third place at the end. Rich Ricci Jr was fourth and point leader Danny Tyler rounded out the top five. Mike Ricci steered the second VanDuser racer to sixth place with Scott Ferrier, Danny Creeden, the returning Tommy Johnson and Ken Ferrier completing the top ten.

The Arkel Motors Sportsman headliner found Tony Kowalchuk with the hot foot as he grabbed the lead quickly with Tyler Johnston applying the pressure. Kowalchuk found a home at the top of the speedway and rim-rode his way off the cushion to lead all laps on his way to victory even though Johnston kept the pressure on throughout the event. Johnston would finish second with Rich Ricci III in third, Nick Johnson fourth and the returning Jamie Yannone nailing down fifth place. Robbie Knipe, Cole Hentschel, Greg McCloskey, Matt Shultz and the returning Rafael Carson completed the top ten.

The WRWD Radio Rookie Sportsman feature main event found Vinny Visconti leading the first three laps until a spin slowed the action. On the restart Jeff Higham grabbed the lead and would lead a lap before a strong move by Visconti placed him back at the top of the heap. From then on Visconti found clear sailing throughout the remainder of the race to go on and claim his second feature win of the season at the Accord Speedway. Hunter Lapp continues to impress with a strong runner-up finish while the Jeff Higham was third, John Brown fourth and Ryan McCartney finishing fifth. Jared Miller headed up the second five with Alex VanPelt, Kevin Stevens, Michael Corbin and John DeWitt making up the remainder of the field.

The WRWD Radio NEWS Sprint Car main found Corey Wood getting upside down on the first lap. Wood walked away unhurt but severe damage was done to the race car. On the restart Jeremy Quick hustled to the top reaches of the speedway and grabbed the lead and found it an easy ride from there as he raced to his second win of the season. Larry Ricci finished second with Bobby Tersillo and Andrew Davis completing the field.

The Want Ad Digest Junior Slingshot main event was all Brock Pinkerous as the young speedster fought off early challenges from Jaden Sleight and Jake Mason to cruise to his second win of the season. Jake Mason hustled to a fine runner-up run with newcomer Amber Baccglini third.

The Upstate Auto Pure Stock feature kicked off with Steve Williams getting the drop on the field at the start of the event. Ray Tarantino grabbed up the runner-up slot early on and began to stick the nose of his race car under Williams letting him know he was there. Tarantino made the winning move off of turn two to take command of the lead and would lead the remaining laps to claim his fourth win of the season. Williams would finish second with John Hechinger third while Travis Brockner and Emerson Cargain Jr would complete the top five. Bob Sleight headed up the second five with the returning Jay Smalley, Steven Kanuk, the returning Shawn Maloney and Craig Cuneo finishing out the top ten.

The Empire Lightning Sprint feature found former three time track champion Clint Roehrs in the drivers seat for the first ten laps before another former champion Peter Dance drove his Pat Potter owned hot rod around him on the outside to take command of the lead. Dance would go on to capture the win with the hard charging Rich Wood finishing second. If Wood could have claimed the win there was a bounty waiting for him by he fell one short of the mark. Roehrs was third with Canadian Tony Moreau finishing fourth and Justin Phillips rounding out the top five.

The Emmanuel's Marketplace 4 Cylinder Enduro event closed out the show with Scott Gumaer leading the first six laps before yielding to the high flying Dave Donovan. Donovan was leading but a trio of racers were chasing him with each passing lap. Lap-29 would find Dan Curry taking over the and quickly stretched it out until lap-33 when he abruptly spun out and was out of the event. Donovan inherited the lead and would lead the remainder of the way to claim his fourth straight at the speedway. Gene Helms was the runner-up and contended throughout the event. Joe Rotella made it to the podium in third place.

GEMSTONES:

Tom's Repair Shop located in New Paltz, New York was the headline sponsor for the evening and supported the speedway with three cars competing in three divisions at the speedway. "Tommy Gun" Tommy Johnson competes in the Modifieds, Nick Johnson in the Sportsman and Livy Johnson has been a fixture in the Pure Stocks. Many thanks to the Johnson Family for their support of the racing at Accord.

The eight divisions who made their way onto the speedway to do battle resulted in many exciting heat races that found John Miller and John Brown winning the Rookie Sportsman qualifiers. Modified heats were claimed by Richard Smith, Ed Dachenhausen and Brad Rothaupt. Jeremy Quick claimed the Sprint Car heat win. Ray Tarantino and Emerson Cargain Jr were victorious in the Pure Stock division heats. Tyler Johnston, Tony Kowalchuk and Brandon McGill captured the Sportsman heat wins. Jaden Sleight claimed the Junior Slingshot heat event. Rich Wood was victorious in the Lightning Sprint heat.

New cars and drivers that arrived for action last night included Austin Helmich and Robbie Colburn in the Rookie Sportsmen. Howard Jarvis, a strong contender for years at Accord, took a ride in the Plumstead owned Sportsman car. Joey Bruning broke in hot laps in the New York Truck Parts entry and Kyle VanDuser was sidelined early on with mechanical problems. The Pure Stock ranks were bolstered by Shawn Maloney and Shawny Hazel. Amber Baccaglini was a new addition to the Junior Slingshot ranks.

Speedway regular Heidi Hedin was missing in action as she took a hard tumble in the catch fence at the New Egypt Speedway last Saturday night. Heidi will return to action at Accord soon. Brian Malcolm had rough night at the speedway as through no fault of his own was involved in two incidents with heavy damage to the County Waste/Stafursky NAPA/Sharkey's Fuel sponsored hot rod. Eric Jennings also had some problems as his sprinter suffered heavy damage in his heat event, and Larry McVay and Corey Wood encountered problems in the Sprint feature

The Enduro event was exciting The drivers were quick as they raced through the disabled cars and really put on a super show for the fans.

With only a few weeks left in the regular season, it is imperative those seeking a point championship be at their very best in the last remaining events to be able to be in a position to make a run for the title. These are the championship weeks as the racing intensifies and leads to the "Night of Champions" on September 8th, which will be presented by Upstate Auto as a special tribute night for first responders.

Uncle Mike Hansen was back in the booth for the racing action and talked about the upcoming first responders event that is growing in leaps and bounds.

Special thanks to Visconti Racing for the cap donation for the 50/50.

RESULTS:

United Pump & Tank Modifieds: Ed Dachenhausen, Brad Rothaupt, Richard Smith, Rich Ricci Jr, Danny Tyler, Mike Ricci, Scott Ferrier, Danny Creeden, Tommy Johnson, Ken Ferrier, Rich Eurich, Jesse Marks, Alissa Cody, Kevin Krom, Kurt Hundeland, Jimmy Wells, Brian Malcolm, Joe Judge, Joey Bruning (DNS), Kyle VanDuser (DNS)

Arkel Motors Sportsman: Tony Kowalchuk, Tyler Johnston, Rich Ricci III, Nick Johnson, Jamie Yannone, Robbie Knipe, Cole Hentschel, Greg McCloskey, Matt Shultz, Rafael Carson, Howard Jarvis, Corey Cormier, Dave Demorest, Mike Senecal, Lenny Helmich, Jimmy Kraus, Brandon McGill, Kyle Rohner, Chris VanDuser, Nick Plumstead, Shane Henion

WRWD Radio NEWS Sprint Cars: Jeremy Quick, Larry Ricci, Bob Tersillo, Andrew Davis, Larry McVay, Corey Wood, Eric Jennings

Upstate Auto Pure Stocks: Ray Tarantino, Steve Williams, John Hechinger, Travis Brockner, Emerson Cargain Jr, Bob Sleight, Jay Smalley, Steve Kanuk, Shawn Maloney, Craig Cuneo, Livy Johnson, James Goetchius, Austin Smith, John Drake Jr, Harry Bachman, Shawny Hazel

WRWD Radio Rookie Sportsman: Vinny Visconti, Hunter Lapp, Jeff Higham, John Brown, Ryan McCartney, Jared Miller, Alex VanPelt, Kevin Stevens, Michael Corbin, John DeWitt, John Miller, Austin Helmich, Robbie Colburn, Keith Johannessen, Fred Smith

Want Ad Digest Junior Slingshots: Brock Pinkerous, Jake Mason, Amber Baccaglini, Jaden Sleight, RJ Sherman

Empire Lightning Sprints: Peter Dance, Rich Wood, Clint Roehrs, Tony Moreau, Justin Phillips, Rick Stone, Justin Sheridan, Alex Adamsky

Emmanuel's Marketplace Four Cylinder Enduros: Dave Donovan, Gene Helms, Joe Rotella

Racing is on tap every Friday night at Accord Speedway from April through September. Please make note of the new starting times: Pit Gates open at 5:00; Spectator Gates open at 5:30; Hot Laps begin at 7:00 and the racing begins at 7:30 PM. Admission for Adults $14.00; Seniors (65+) $12.00; Children $3.00 (11+ under) Indoor Seating $20.00; Family four pack special: 2 Adults + 2 Children and $20.00 in Accord Bucks for $44.00 (a savings of $10.00)

Special event shows do have an increase in admission.

The next event at Accord will be September 1st with all divisions in action. Emmanuel's Marketplace will headline the sponsorship of the amazing Fireworks extravaganza from Santore's Famous Fireworks. Additional events will be sponsored by Taylor Rental and the Orange County Fair Speedway. The qualifying event for the Eastern States 200 will be in place for the United Pump & Tank Modified Division.

For further updates and information regarding all of the news and additions to the Accord Speedway, log on to their well documented website at: www.accordspeedway.com or call the speedway hotline at: 845 626 3478.

At the Accord Speedway............................................

A TRAIL OF DIRT LEADS RIGHT TO OUR DOOR