Accord, NY- Accord Speedway Names 2018 Champions To Highlight Spectacular Race Card
By: Steve Pados, Accord Speedway Media

The final days of the summer acts as the informant to alert fans the 2018 racing season is heading into the final stages of the season. Accord Speedway's final regular season points battles came to a conclusion on Friday evening as damp but muggy weather arrived to the Catskill Mountains of New York state. The Friday evening of events brought out a nice sized crowd to the speedway as the Accord Speedway presented it's "Night of Champions" to the "Gem in the Catskills" facility. All track champions were crowned in the final evening of points at the speedway for the 2018 racing season. The over the top event was sponsored by Orange County Fair Speedway and Taylor Rental. Their websites are: www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net and www.taylorrental.com

With some of the divisions at the speedway beyond tight in the point chases, all drivers with aspirations for a track title had to be at their very best to land in the WRWD Radio victory lane when the racing was completed. Heading up the list of 2018 track champions is "The Montgomery Missile" Anthony Perrego who enjoyed a great 2018 season and finished strongly to capture the Insinger Fuels Modified division title and in doing so captured his second Modified title at the track as he also was champion in 2016. "The Bushkill Bullet" Kyle Rohner was dominant all season and captured six wins during the season on his way to his fourth Accord Speedway title in the Arkel Motors Sportsmen division. "The Traveling Man" Mick D'Agostino spent the first few weeks learning a new division but quickly learned the short way around Accord as he scored six wins and remained consistent all season long to place his stamp onto the speedway title in the WRWD Radio NEWS Sprint Car division. The Upstate Auto Pure Stock racers had three drivers vying for the title but when the final tally rang down it would be Steve Williams winning the title in the hotly contested Upstate Auto Pure Stock division to earn his second driving title at Accord. The Emmanuel's Marketplace Fireball 4-Cylinder title found Jerry Kingeter the most consistent of a great group of competitors as he waltzed to title in the first year racing division.

The event brought out a nice field of drivers and racing equipment as the event served a dual purpose for the drivers who will be entering the spectacular "King of the Catskills" events scheduled for Saturday night, September 29th. The racing action during the evening was hot, heavy and hectic on the speedway with a few of the track titles still on the line. Anthony Perrego was fast and furious as he captured his third win of the season in the Insinger Fuel Modifieds. Chris VanDuser had a fast set of wheels under him as he claimed his first ever Accord win in the Arkel Motors Sportsman finale. John Hechinger captured his first ever Accord Speedway after a couple of competitors in front of him were found illegal and Hechinger was credited with the win in the Upstate Auto Pure Stock headliner. "Captain Quick" Jeremy Quick dominated the action to win his sixth feature of the season in WRWD Sprint Car action. John Brown took over the lead on lap five and went on to capture his first ever win at Accord in the Rookie Sportsman finale. Two features for the Emmanuel's Marketplace would prove to scramble the Fireballer's point battle with Richard Smith capturing the held-over feature event while Mike Travis had more than enough ammo to shoot down the rest of the field in capturing his first feature win at Accord in the night-cap.

The Insinger Fuels Modified division found the veteran Ken Ferrier jumping out front at the start and setting a torrid pace in the event. Kyle VanDuser, Rich Ricci III and Nick Johnson took up the chase but seventh starting Anthony Perrego was making big waves while charging forward. By lap four Perrego had moved into fourth and one by one those in front of him fell prey to the fast running Perrego hot rod. Moving into the runner-up slot by lap seven Perrego tried a couple of different lines but Ferrier hung tough and continued to dice it out with the newly crowned champion. Perrego cleared Ferrier to take over the lead on lap ten and Perrego was rocking the house with some 13 second lap times to leave the rest of the field in his wake. Perrego would capture his third Accord Speedway win of the season with Ferrier a solid second place finish. Jimmy Wells would hustle to third place while, Mike Ricci and Danny Creeden would complete the top five. Kyle VanDuser would head up the second five with Rich Ricci III, the returning Michael Storms, Jesse Marks and Rich Eurich finishing up the top ten. With the win Perrego also won the qualified spot for the big Eastern States 200 to be held at the Orange County Fair Speedway in October.

The WRWD Radio NEWS Sprint Car feature found Jeremy Quick an absolute rocket as he grabbed the lead from fourth starting place on lap one and he would the control the point the entire twenty laps to capture his sixth feature win of the season. MIck D'Agostino claimed runner-up honors and along with it, capturing his first Accord Speedway championship in the process. The Malley Boys, Jordan Lawrence and Dan Malley followed with Gary Huston completing the top five.

The Upstate Auto Pure Stock finale proved to be an exciting as well as entertaining event as Jay Smalley jumped into the early lead with Travis Brockner taking up the chase. Smalley led until lap twelve when he drifted high in turn two and Brockner seized the opportunity to blast into the lead. Brockner would cross the line as the winner with Smalley in second but post race infractions found both cars disqualified and placed to the rear. John Hechinger, who had never won at the speedway in the past, was credited with the win with Steve Williams in second place. The finish would vault Williams to the championship. Emerson Cargain Jr was third while Livy Johnson, Mike DuBois, Chris Kanuk, Tim Southard and Rich Scott following.

Chris VanDuser got off to a phenomenal start in the Arkel Motors Sportsman feature headliner. VanDuser would receive a heap of pressure coming from Leo Fotopoulos, as the young driving star was competing in his final sportsman event before stepping into the Modified ranks. With the top four cars clicking off lap times in the 13.7 to 13.8 second mark, the racing was tight and calculating. VanDuser would never waiver in his quest to capture the win and fought off the advances of Fotopoulos time and time again. VanDuser would cross the line first for his first ever win at Accord while Fotopoulos was the runner-up. The newly crowned champion Kyle Rohner raced from tenth to take over third in the waning laps from the veteran Harry Baldwin who would earn a fourth place finish and Ryan McCartney completed the top five. Corey Cormier, in a second McCartney entry was sixth with Tyler Johnston, Alex VanPelt, Travis Green and Mike Senecal completing the top ten.

Robbie Colburn used his outside pole position start to grab the lead at the start of the WRWD Rookie Sportsman feature. Colburn was on his way to a huge lead but a caution brought the field to a halt. When racing resumed John Brown began to pressure Colburn and would take over the lead on lap six. Brown was fast but Colburn remained behind him throughout the remainder of the event with Brown winning his first main event at the speedway. Colburn would be the runner-up with Brian Durbin, Jeff Higham, Michael Corbin, Erin Paulison and Samantha Muller completing the field.

The Fireballer's held-over feature found Ken Barringer jumping out front early on and holding onto it despite constant pressure from a trio of hot rods. Barringer would lead until lap twelve when tenth starting Richard Smith pulled even with Barringer as they raced out of turn four. As they crossed the starting stripe Smith nosed his way into the lead and took over the lead for good in turn one. Smith would race to his fifth win of the season with Barringer second in what may have been his best finish of the season. Ed King, Brandon Conklin and Jeff DeGroat rounded out the top five while Willie DeGraw, Dave Bendell, Mike Travis, Jerry Kingster and Bob Clarke completed the top ten.

The second event for the Fireballer's, Ryan Heady jumped out front and led for two laps before Mike Travis found the baseline to his liking and he took control of the lead. From then on it would Travis separating himself from the field as he cake-walked into victory lane for his first win in 2018. Jeff DeGroat, Richard Smith, Ed King, George Barringer, Brandon Conklin, Brent Shaddock, Ken Barringer, Bob Clarke and Nicole Nelson complted the top ten.

GEMSTONES:

Despite the weather, Promoter Gary Palmer, gave the competitors a great track to race on resulting in some of the fastest times of the season in most divisions. The talented roster of drivers tested the many racing channels of the speedway throughout the evening in preparation for the blockbuster "King of the Catskills" spectacular coming up on September 29th and sponsored by Insinger Fuels.

Heat race action in the Modifieds found Rich Ricci III and Nick Johnson capturing victories. Alex VanPelt, Matt Shultz and Leo Fotopoulos scored heat wins in the Sportsman action. The Pure Stock heats went to Emerson Cargain and Travis Brockner. Mick D'Agostino captured the Sprint Car heat win. The rookie heat win went to Robbie Colburn. Fireball Heats were claimed by Ryan Heady, Mike Travis and Jerry Kingeter.

Happy birthday wishes go out to Bob Sleight.

A moment of silence was observed for long time Accord and Orange County racer Craig Barringer who passed away last week. After his racing days he was a frequent visitor to the Accord Speedway. May he rest in peace.

There is a special benefit for the Al Mitchell Family on Sunday, September 16th starting with a car cruise from Ulster County (Old Office Depot) to Mariner's Harbor in Kingston. Following will be Food, music, raffles, silent auction and much more for $20.00 with all proceeds going to the Al Mitchell Family to assist in offsetting his rising medical expenses.

The King of the Catskills will take place on a Saturday night on September 29th. Insinger Fuels Modifieds will race for $5,000.00 to win the 60 lap event with $300.00 to take the green based on a 25 entry car count. With the help from Yannone Enterprises and Superior Landscaping, the Crate Sportsman will now race for $2,500.00 to win for 30 laps and based on a 25 car minimum. The Fireballers will race for $500.00 based on a 20 car entry and the Enduro cars will vie for $750.00 based on a 50 car entry. Pit Gates will open at 3:30 and spectator gates will open at 4 PM. Hot laps will begin at 6 PM. Spectator Pricing is Adults $24.00, Seniors $22.00, Kids $5.00: Outdoor Reserved seating is $26.00 and Indoor reserved sating is $30.00. The Family Four Pack is priced at $68.00. For more information, go to the speedway website at: www.accordspeedway.com or contact the speedway office at: 845-626-3478

RESULTS:

Insinger Fuels Modifieds: Anthony Perrego, Ken Ferrier, Jimmy Wells, Mike Ricci, Danny Creeden, Kyle VanDuser, Rich Ricci III, Michael Storms, Jesse Marks, Rich Eurich, Joe Judge, John Lutes Jr, Nick Johnson, Chris Stevens, Danny Tyler, Ray See Jr ,

Arkel Motors Sportsman: Chris VanDuser, Leo Fotopoulos, Kyle Rohner, Harry Baldwin, Ryan McCartney, Corey Cormier, Tyler Johnston, Alex VanPelt, Travis Green, Mike Senecal, Dave Demorest, Cole Stangle, Matt Shultz, Danny Morgiewicz, Kevin Stevens, Jamie Yannone, RJ Smith, Cole Hentschel, Charles Loiodice, Mike Murphy

WRWD Radio NEWS Sprint Cars: Jeremy Quick, Mick D'Agostino, Jordan Lawrence, Dan Malley, Gary Huston, Mike Traver, Mark Connolly, Corey Wood, Andrew Davis

WRWD Radio Rookie Sportsman: John Brown, Robbie Colburn, Brian Durbin, Jeff Higham, Michael Corbin, Erin Paulison, Kyle Swart, Samantha Muller, Billy Fiske

Emmanuel's Marketplace Fireball 4-Cylinders: MIke Travis, Jeff DeGroat, Richard Smith, Ed King, George Barringer, Brandon Conklin, Brent Shaddock, Ken Barringer, Bob Clarke, Nicloe Nelson, Jerry Kingeter, Robert Phillips, Tim DeGrote, Willie DeGraw, Dave Bendell, Ryan Heady, Bill Rion, Ethan Cogswell, Travis Cogswell

Upstate Auto Pure Stock: John Hechinger, Steve Williams, Emerson Cargain Jr, Livy Johnson, Mike DuBois, Chris Kanuk, Tim Southard, Rich Scott, (DQ) Travis Brockner, Jay Smalley

Emmanuel's Marketplace Fireball 4-Cylinders: (Make-up from 9/7) Richard Smith, Ken Barringer, Ed King, Brandon Conklin, Jeff DeGroat, Willie DeGraw, Dave Bendell, Mike Travis, Jerry Kingeter, Bob Clarke, Brent Shaddock, Ethan Cogswell, Ryan Heady, Robert Phillips, Nicole Nelson, George Barringer, Tim DeGrote, Travis Cogswell, Jesse Torrens, Marisol Torrens, Dick Shaddock, Alec Graham

Racing is on tap every Friday evening 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.

Accord Speedway will be dark next week in preparation for the Grand Daddy of the Accord Speedway events, "The King of the Catskills" which comes to the speedway on September 29th.

For further updates and information regarding all of the news and additions to the Accord Speedway, log on to their well documented website at: http://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

By: Steve Pados, Accord Speedway Media
Accord, NY- First Responders Night At Accord Speedway An Overwhelming Success; Bachetti Wins Again
The Catskills Mountains of New York State provided the backdrop for a spectacular Friday evening as the Accord Speedway presented the annual First Responders tribute for the greater Hudson Valley area. The over the top event was sponsored by the good folks from Upstate Auto (www.upstateautoinc.com) and Ulster Firearms and featured a sensational tribute to all First Responders. The event portion for the First Responders was headed up by Jim Slinsky and the Ulster County Sheriff's Office K9 Team. An over the top presentation featuring music, bag pipes, 21 gun salute, narration with video, echoing bugles and a tremendous number of fire trucks and emergency equipment filled the speedway. The show was brought to a climactic close with an another fireworks/skyworks extravaganza from Santore's Famous Fireworks. DJ Tim Adams provided the music during the celebration.

While the evening had a bit of everything going on, the racing action at track-side was once again superb from all angles. Picking up wins were "The Wild Child" Andy Bachetti as he sailed to victory in the Insinger Fuels Modifieds with a dominating wire to wire triumph to pick up his fourth win of the season at Accord. In the Arkel Motors Sportsman division, Kevin Stevens flexed his muscles as he steered his Frank Stevens Roofing sponsored hot rod to his first ever win at Accord. Not to be outdone, Dan Malley hustled his Malley Pool Water entry to the front and led all of the way to capture his first ever Accord win in the WRWD NEWS Sprint Car division. Showing that his trusty Camaro still had what it takes, Bob Sleight grabbed the lead at the halfway point and raced to his third win of the season in the Upstate Auto Pure Stock division feature.

Nick Johnson and Kyle VanDuser brought the Modifieds down for the start of the thirty lap feature attraction and the event began on an even keel as the field raced through turns one and two. Bachetti, who started from fourth slid to the inside heading down the backstretch and passed by both Johnson and VanDuser to take control of the event. Once in front, Bachetti ate up real estate and built up a huge lead that would evaporate on lap thirteen when Ed Burgess came to a halt in turn two. On the restart Bachetti powered away but by this time Tyler Boniface and Danny Creeden were having a dogfight for the runner-up role. Boniface, who had only competed in a handful events at Accord in 2018, proved he had himself a stout piece of equipment to battle with Creeden and the pair put on some excellent racing for the fans. Joe Judge encountered problems on lap-25 and the field went to caution for the final time. On the restart, Bachetti again controlled the point and would go on to record his foruth win of the season at Accord. Creeden was second with Boniface third, Anthony Perrego drove to fourth place and Nick Johnson was fifth in a stellar run for the rookie Modified talent. Heading up the second five was Rich Ricci Jr with Jimmy Wells, Danny Tyler, Jesse Marks and Ray See Jr completing the top ten finishers.

In the Arkel Motors Sportsman battle, Harry Baldwin would lead the first two laps until he spun in front of the storming traffic in turn four. On the restart, Kevin Stevens lined up from the outside and grabbed the lead out of turn four. Stevens was consistent with some 13.9 second lap times and would have a good lead until lap nine when Nick Plumstead suffered mechanical problems in his borrowed ride. On the restart, Stevens again showed he had the power but Tyler Johnston came quickly onto the scene after he slipped past hard running Danny Morgiewicz. Another restart was needed on lap-17 when Anthony Recchio spun and on the restart Stevens and Johnston were nose to tail and would remain that way with the checkered flag falling on lap twenty with Stevens winning his first feature at Accord and Johnston finishing second. Morgiewicz was third with Leo Fotopoulos and Cole Hentschel completing the top five. The second five found Charles Loiodice, Alex VanPelt, Travis Green, in his first run in Sportsman, Ryan McCartney and Kyle Rohner completing the top ten.

The WRWD Radio Rookie Sportsman feature found Brian Durbin with a fast hot rod as he led all of the way to claim his second win of the season. Robbie Colburn gave Durbin plenty of chase to finish as the runner-up while John Brown would be third, Jason Armstrong Fourth and Kyle Swart fifth.

Dan Malley was all business as he took the lead at the drop of the green flag and would lead the first two laps until newcomer Kyle Pugliese got upside down and back on his wheels in turn two. On the restart, Malley would race away to a huge advantage and now had Andrew Davis and Jeremy Quick staying with him. Davis and Quick would race nose to tail as they closed in on Malley. The battle ended with Malley crossing the line to capture his first win at Accord, while Davis would jump the cushion and the move allowed Quick to slide into second with Davis recovering and finishing third. Mick D'Agostino, Mike Traver, Jordan Lawrence, Mark Connolly and Gary Huston completed the field of sprinters.

The close competition of the Upstate Auto Pure Stock division makes for great racing action and the night would prove to be no exception. John Hechinger took the lead at the start and would lead through four laps until a faulty tires put him on the sidelines. The reigning track champion Travis Brockner would inherit the lead and the wind as he would lead through lap seven. Bob Sleight found the inside of the speedway to his liking and was able to pull even with Brockner and slip past him to gain control of the point. Once in front, Sleight would lead while behind a four car battle was going on and would remain that way until the checkered flag fell ending the event with Sleight winning his third feature of the season. Brockner would finish second with Livy Johnson, Emerson Cargain Jr and Steve Williams completing the top five. Following would be Johnny Miracle, Tom Cilurso Jr, Rich Scott, Chris Kanuk and Tim Southard to complete the top ten.

The Emmanuel's Marketplace Fireball feature was postponed until next week.

GEMSTONES:

Despite the fact it rained until noon, Promoter Gary Palmer worked right up until race time to give the racers an excellent speedway top to bottom and it showed with many three and four wide racing taking place throughout the evening. After the all of the First REsponders equipment left the speedway, Palmer gave the track the once over and all of the features were fabulous. Andy Bachetti had the fast time of the evening with some quick 13.4 second lap times while more than a half dozen drivers were clocking in the 13.6 to 13.9 range.

The talented roster of drivers tested the many racing channels of the speedway throughout the evening in preparation for the blockbuster "King of the Catskills" spectacular coming up on September 29th and sponsored by Insinger Fuels.

The speedway took an extended intermission period to pay tribute to all of the First Responders who work so diligently to keep our home security safe. Headed up by Jim Slinsky and the Ulster County Sheriff's Office K9 Team, many pieces of equipment came out onto the speedway in darkness and hoisted a 70 foot US Flag through the use of ladder trucks and at the designated moment all lights came on and put up an amazing display that covered the speedway and the entire infield area. Many thanks are in order to all of those who played a part in putting the spectacular event together. Santore's Famous Fireworks once again lit up the sky with their over the top fireworks extravaganza. DVD Copies of the entire salute to the First Responders are available through Videographer Tom Czaban and can be ordered by phone at: 518-250-0001. Taking part in the ceremony were: Accord, Ellenville, Tillson, Sawkill, Hurley, Kerhonkson, Rosendale, Stone Ridge, Craigsmoor, Napanoch and Saxton Fire Departments, Ulster County Fire Coordinator, Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid, Ellenville Rescue Squad, Esopus EMS, Kingston Nissan and Ulster County Sheriff's Office.

The National Anthem was sung by Vincent Nigro. Narration was provided by the Sheriff of Ulster County Paul J.VanBlarcum. Ulster County Sheriff's Chaplain Christopher Arnold led the prayer.

Special thanks are in order to those who donated to the fireworks including Upstate Auto, Ulster Firearms, RJ Smith Racing, Advance Concrete Foundations, Superior Remodeling, Peak Engineering, Saunderskill Farm, Shakelton NAPA, Fast Signs of Kingston, Arrowood Farm and Santore's Famous Fireworks. We truly appreciate your efforts.

"Uncle Mike" Hansen from WRWD Radio was back on board last evening with the WRWD Radio show truck and once again joined announcers Steve Pados and Tim Adams in the tower. Mike thanked promoters Gary and Donna Palmer for their hospitality as he thoroughly enjoyed the great racing action taking place on the speedway and the great spirit of the First Responders presentation..

A bike raffle courtesy of Upstate Auto had Annabel Mihm winning the girls bike and Bentley Thomsen winning the boys bike

Happy birthday wishes go out to Hailey Markle and Randy Anderson. The newly married Mr and Mrs Roger Lebron spent part of their honeymoon at the Accord Speedway. Congratulations folks!

Grandma Anne's Pies were distributed to all feature winners

Special Thanks go out to Clayton McCartney and Benny Campbell for assisting the speedway when a meter box blew out and rendering a portion of the speedway semi-dark. Thanks guys for being there for us.

Heat race action in the Modifieds found Andy Bachetti, Joe Judge, Jesse Marks and Kyle VanDuser racking up wins. Leo Fotopoulos, Kevin Stevens and Nick Plumstead scored heat wins in the Sportsman action. The Pure Stock heats went to Jay Smalley and Travis Brockner. Andrew Davis and Jordan Lawrence captured the Sprint Car heat wins. The Rookie heat win went to Brian Durbin. Fireball heats went to Dave Bendell, Ed King and Mike Travis

RESULTS:

Insinger Fuels Modifieds: Andy Bachetti, Danny Creeden, Tyler Boniface, Anthony Perrego, Nick Johnson, Rich Ricci Jr, Jimmy Wells, Danny Tyler, Jesse Marks, Ray See Jr, Richard Smith, Tommy Johnson, Mark Pullen, Ken Ferrier, Kyle VanDuser, Joe Judge, Mike Ricci, Ed Burgess, Rich Ricci III.

Arkel Motors Sportsman: Kevin Stevens, Tyler Johnston,Dan Morgiewicz, Leo Fotopoulos, Cole Hentschel, Charles Loiodice, Alex VanPelt, Travis Green, Ryam McCartney, Kyle Rohner, Mike Murphy, Matt Shultz, Mike Senecal, Harry Baldwin, Tyler Peet, Anthony Recchio, Nick Plumstead, Chris VanDuser, RJ Smith, Jamie Yannone

WRWD Radio NEWS Sprint Cars: Dan Malley, Jeremy Quick,Andrew Davis, Mick D'Agostino, Mike Traver, Jordan Lawrence, Mark Connolly, Gary Huston, Kyle Pugliese

WRWD Radio Rookie Sportsman: Brian Durbin, Robbie Colburn, John Brown, Jason Armstrong, Brian Durbin, Kyle Swart

Emmanuel's Marketplace Fireball 4-Cylinders: Postponed to next week.

Upstate Auto Pure Stock: Bob Sleight, Travis Brockner, Livy Johnson, Emerson Cargain, Steve Williams, Johnny Miracle, Tom Cilurso Jr, Rich Scott, Chris Kanuk, Tim Southard, Mike DuBois Jr, Codi Clark, Jay Smalley, John Hechinger, James Goetchius

Racing is on tap every Friday evening 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.

Next Friday, September 14th brings the fine folks from the Orange County Fair Speedway and Taylor Rental to the Accord Speedway with all divisions in action. The event will serve at the "Night of Champions" as all of the division champions will be named and interviewed in the WRWD Radio Victory Lane after the events are completed. The night will also serve as the Big Block Qualifier for the the annual Eastern States Weekend to be held at Orange County in October.

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

Accord, NY: First Responders To Be Honored Friday Night At Accord Speedway

The Catskills Mountains of New York State will provide the backdrop for a spectacular Friday evening on Spetember 7th as the Accord Speedway presents it's third annual First Responders Night at the "Gem in the Catskills" facility. The plans have been in place for the past year as the First Responders is headed up by the great efforts of Jim Slinsky and the Ulster County Sheriff's Office K9 Team. An over the top presentation featuring music, bag pipes, 21 gun salute, narration, echoing bugles and a tremendous number of fire trucks and emergency equipment will capture the attention of a standing room only crowd expected in for the event. The show will be brought to a climactic conclusion with a fireworks/skyworks extravaganza from Santore's Famous Fireworks. The headline sponsor for the evening of events are the great folks at Upstate Auto located in Germantown, New York.The website for Upstate Auto is (www.upstateautoinc.com)

The speedway events will begin with heat racing for the six divisions scheduled for the evening. Depending on time, a couple of the feature events may also take place as darkness looms in on the speedway. At that point in time an extended intermission period will pay tribute to all of the First Responders who work so diligently to keep our home security safe. The spirit of the salute to the First Responders event is just a small way to thank and honor them for the job and services they do as they deal with unimaginable circumstances each day they report for duty. They see first hand, death, destruction and place their lives on the line for the people they are serving to protect. For many of us, honoring our flag and our country remain sacred to our way of life and liberty.

Headed up by Jim Slinsky and the Ulster County Sheriff's Office K9 Team, many pieces of safety and response equipment will be brought onto the speedway in darkness and will create a tribute to our First Responders and our freedom. The organizers will hoist a 70 foot US Flag through the use of ladder trucks and at the designated moment all lights from the equipment will come on and put up an amazing display that will cover the speedway and the entire infield area. Santore's Famous Fireworks, as they did in June, will once again light up the skies above the speedway with their over the top fireworks extravaganza. DVD Copies of the entire salute to the First Responders will be made available through Accord Speedway Videographer Tom Czaban and can be ordered by phone at: 518-250-0001.

Expected to take part in the ceremony are: Accord, Ellenville, Tillson, Sawkill, Hurley, Kerhonkson, Rosendale, Stone Ridge, Craigsmoor, Napanoch and Saxton Fire Departments, Ulster County Fire Coordinator, Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid, Ellenville Rescue Squad, Esopus EMS, Ulster County Sheriff's Office,

Racing is on tap every Friday evening 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 following Friday, September 14th, brings the fine folks from the Orange County Fair Speedway and Taylor Rental to the Accord Speedway with all divisions in action. The event will serve as the "Night of Champions" as all of the division champions will be named and interviewed in the WRWD Radio Victory Lane after the events are completed. The night will also serve as the Big Block Qualifier for the the annual Eastern States Weekend to be held at Orange County in October.

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