Improvements include installation of new aluminum grandstand seat section in weeks ahead
*Alan Johnson & Mike McLaughlin vintage race cars photo attachment by Mark Ranalletta
Canandaigua, NY – April 15, 2023 – Tom Skibinski, Land of Legends Raceway PR
On the brink of launching its celebratory 70th Anniversary season of auto racing, pit gates swung open under sunny skies Saturday afternoon as the first laps of 2023 were turned on the fast Land Of Legends Raceway historic half-mile clay oval.
A total of 71 cars and drivers representing 10 divisions pulled pitside for the mid-April affair and were greeted by a few hundred hungry fans, each gearing up for the following week’s long-awaited LOLR lid-lifter in wine country.
The ’23 DIRTcar season-opener is slated for April 22 with the Howell Properties ‘Saturday Spectacular’ showcasing a solid five-star card of Pepsi Big-Block Modified, Stirling Lubricants Sportsman, MighTea Boba 305 Sprint Car, Eldredge & Sons Scrap Recycling Street Stock and Lloyd’s Contracting Hobby Stock action. Maguire Ford of Canandaigua New Legends Sportsman join the April 29 agenda.
Access to the pits is gained at 3:30pm, spectator gates open at 5 o’clock, hot laps start at 5:30 and the lead-off qualifier goes green at 6:30.
The first trackside activity of the new season began at 4pm in the annual ‘test & tune’ session while the final checkered flag flew near 8:30 to put the wraps on opening weekend as darkness fell over the the Ontario County Fairgrounds.
“This is probably the best Spring we’ve had with regards to the fairgrounds and pits being dry in time for opening day,” remarked LOLR promoter Paul Cole, as he launched his sixth season spearheading motorsports activity at the legendary Routes 5 & 20 speedplant, with the inaugural race dates for stock cars chronicled in 1953. “We’re looking forward to continuing to make history here for our 70th Anniversary with a few surprises sprinkled in along the way.”
The most noteworthy and visible improvement to the facility for fans will be the installation of new aluminum grandstand seats, with about a third of the home stretch bleachers between turn four VIP and front stretch scoring/announcer towers getting the upgrade. Cole anticipated with 7-12 uninterupted work days, completion may be realized by the final show of the month.
Taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather conditions with temperatures in the 80s on Saturday were reigning Canandaigua point champions Justin Haers (Mod), Zach Sobotka (Spt), Darryl Ruggles (305) and Mike Welch (Sts), with four practice periods offered each division throughout the program. Hobby Stock and New Legends Sportsman racers also filled the fine field along with drivers representing 358-Modified, 360 Sprint, 4-Cylinder and Vintage Stock Car classes, which included a replica of the original #14J Troyer Mud Buss debuted by Alan Johnson in 1981 and nostalgic red CraZ8 copy chauffeured by Mike McLaughlin in CNY over 40 years ago.
The return of Ruggles behind the wheel was most remarkable after Canandaigua’s all-time sprint car winner lost the use of his right eye last November after a sand-blasting gun exploded while working at his nearby Hopewell business.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Beyond the season-opening race date that marks the fairgrounds’ 59th year featuring the headline Modified class, special shows for support divisions dot the 22-event Canandaigua calendar over the next six months.
The ‘Stars & Stripes 60’ brings to a climax the Big-Block Modified Super DIRTcar Series showdown on July 3 with the touring BB SDS returning for the “SummerFast 60” on Aug. 16. The 5th Annual Gerald Haers Memorial arrives on Sept. 16 boasting a $10,000 winner’s share with thousands more in contingency prizes shared after the 100-lap Modified main. The 40-lap “Scoppo Special” on June 3 and 30-lap Labor Day lead-off on Sept. 2 provide additional high-dollar payoffs during the season.
Extra-distance Northeast DIRTcar Sportsman Series stops are slated for June 24 and Aug. 16 with a $2,500 first-place check waiting for the 40-lap Haers Memorial champ on Sept. 16.
While the MighTea Boba 305 Sprints remain a weekly fixture at the fairgrounds, DisBatch Brewing Company takes center stage backing the three-race CRSA Series invasion of LOLR on May 13, July 3 and Aug. 5.
Full-fender teams help close out the ’23 Canandaigua campaign in the ‘Full Fender Frenzy’ as Street Stockers contend in the 12th Les Whyte Top Gun Shootout while Hobby Stocks complete the Sept. 15 doubleheader in a 20-lapper of their own. Mid-week Twin 50-lap Enduro Championships once again spotlight 4&6 Cylinder chauffeurs on July 26 during the 180th Anniversary Ontario Co. Fair.
LEGEND LEDGER
Led by award-winning executive producer Art Rorick, the LOLR TV broadcast team embodied by production assistant Makenna Hansen, graphics coordinator C.J. Miller, chief camera operators Mike Yawney, Jim & Michelle Mullen, and veteran voices Steve Ovens (PA announcer) and Doug Elkins (pit reporter) will once again be on-site to provide LIVE video coverage of every event through Land of Legends TV, with LIVE streaming continuing to be offered FREE in 2023. On-line registration at https://landoflegendstv.com/orders/customer_info for a free account is the only step to take.
Also available for download is the LOLR mobile app found at Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.goodbarber.landoflegends or
App Store
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/land-of-legends/id1508128970?uo=4 to secure your raceday pass today.
In addition to LOLR’s weekly racing being simulcast on Land of Legends Raceway TV, each show will also be broadcast live on DIRTVision starting with the 4/22 season-opener and highlighted by the mighty DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds. To watch, sign up for an annual Platinum FAST PASS with DIRTVision and experience every event either online or through the DIRTVision App.
2023 TICKET & PASS PACKAGES PROVIDE PRICE BREAK
General Admission Ticket and Pit Pass bundles continue to be offered to LOLR fans and race teams while providing a great opportunity to save money in the process. G.A. packs of 20 ($200) or 50 ($450) and Pit bundles of 20 ($700) or 50 ($1700) must be pre-ordered to be used during the upcoming season.
Regular weekly ticket prices remain set at $15 Adults, $13 Seniors, Kids 16 yrs. and under FREE. Pit passes are $40. For those youngsters needing pit access, Child Season Pit Passes are $50 for 2 yrs. & under and $150 for kids 3-13. Camping is FREE at all race events.
To purchase ticket and pit pass bundles or discuss marketing opportunities available at the track in 2023, please contact LOLR Director of Marketing & Operations Tana Robinson via e-mail tana@landoflegendsraceway.com or cell 716-799-5669.
Check out www.landoflegendsraceway.com often as the latest news and season schedule information will be posted right up to raceday.
2023 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
5th Annual Gerald Haers Memorial Weekend
Fri Sep 15 Full Fender Frenzy …’12th Top Gun Shootout’ Empire Sts Series $1,500 (40L) + Hobby Stock $750 (20L)
Fri Sep 15 … Sportsman Twin 20s Qualifiers
Sat Sep 16 … BB Modified $10,000-to-win (100L) + Sportsman Classic $2,500-to-win (40L)
Pepsi 6-Pack Big-Block Modified (evts boasting $3,000+ to win features)
Sat Apr 22 “Season Opener” … $3,000 (30L) Wed Aug 16 “SummerFast 60” … $7,500 (60L)
Sat Jun 3 “Scoppo Special” … $4,000 (40L) Sat Sep 2 “Labor Day Lead-Off” … $3,000 (30L)
Mon – Jul 3 “Stars & Stripes SDS” … $7,500 (60L) Sat Sep 16 “5th Annual GHM” … $10,000 (100L)
Big-Block Modified Super DIRTcar Series … Mon Jul 3 & Wed Aug 16
DIRTcar Sportsman Series … Sat Jun 24 (Central reg.) & Wed Aug 16 (NE reg.)
DisBatch Brewing Company CRSA Series
Sat May 13 (20L) / Mon Jul 3 (25L) / Sat Aug 5 (20L)
“Scoppo Memorial Nite” … Sat Jun 3 “Power Wheels Race Nite” … Sat Aug 5
“Family Autograph Nite” … Sat Jul 15 “Wall of Fame Induction Nite” … Sat May 20, Sat Jun 24, Sat Jul 20, Sat Aug 12
180th Anniversary Ontario County Fair
Wed Jul 26 “Summer Smash” Enduro Championships … Twin 50L (4-Cyl. & 6-Cyl.)
*No Racing … Sat Jul 1 (holiday), Sat Jul 29 (fair), Sat Aug 19 (Watkins Glen), Sat Sep 9.
Land of Legends Raceway is located on County Road 10 at the Ontario County Fairgrounds, just 1-1/2-miles north of Routes 5&20, and is easily accessible from the NYS Thruway (I-90), taking Exit 43 (Manchester, Route 21 South) traveling from the east or Exit 44 (Farmington, Route 332 South) coming from the west.
NEXT EVENT: Saturday, April 22 @ 6:30pm – Howell Properties presents 70th Anniversary Season-Opener: Big-Block Modified/Sportsman/305 Sprint/Street Stock/Hobby Stock/New Legends Sportsman.
Track Instant Info
Website: www.LandOfLegendsRaceway.com
E-Mail: info@LandOfLegendsRaceway.com
Twitter: @LandofLegendsNY
Facebook: @LandofLegendsNY
Instagram: @LandofLegendsNY
Live Stream: https://landoflegendstv.com/
Along with recognizing its weekly 50/50 raffle fund beneficiaries, Land of Legends Raceway is proud to salute several sponsors and corporate partners that continue to help bring its fans the best Saturday night racing show in the Northeast. Listed alphabetically are 2023 division sponsors Eldredge & Sons Scrap Recycling, Pepsi Geneva Club Beverage, Lloyd’s Contracting, Maguire Ford of Canandaigua, MighTea Boba, Stirling Lubricants; event sponsors Admar Construction Equipment & Supply Company, Auction Direct USA, Auto Value Parts Stores, A-Verdi Storage Containers, Busch Light, DC Rauscher Contractor, Ferris Mowers, Genesee Beer/Coors Light/Twisted Tea, Geneva Club Beverage/Pepsi, Honeoye Auto Parts, Jack Howell Properties, iFreeze Storage & Distribution Center, Maguire Ford of Canandaigua, Nardozzi Companies, Phelps Cement Products, Prouty’s Bar & Grill, Regional Truck & Trailer, Ryan Phelps Auto Sales, Seneca Auto Sales & Service, Seneca Meadows Landfill, Sherwin Williams Paint, Tradition Automotive Group, VP Racing Fuels; promotional partners Always Locked Self Storage, American Woman Designs, Baker’s Externinating, Champion Power Equipment, Disbatch Brewing Company, Elab Smokers Boutique, Emerson Oil Company/Castrol, Enertech Global, FLX BBQ Company, Geneva Club Beverage, Hoosier Racing Tire, IndyKart Raceway, LSI Solutions, Legott’s Club 86, Mac’s Dairy Bar & Mini Golf, Maguire Ford of Canandaigua, Meyer’s Finger Lakes RV, Mike Emhof Motorsports, Ontario County Fairboard, On The Rocks Bar & Grill, Phelps Community Center Head Start Program, The “Original” Red Osier Landmark Restaurant, Schultz Heating & Cooling, Spectrum, Speed Connection, Stop DWI NYS, Superior Plumbing Service, Turn 5 Media, Vance Metal Fabrication, Weedsport Hall of Fame, Wicked Tees.
Live Coverage
The LOLR camera crew is geared up to provide LIVE video coverage of every event exclusively through LOLR TV throughout the upcoming season. Download the LOLR mobile app:
Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.goodbarber.landoflegends
– or –
App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/land-of-legends/id1508128970?uo=4
Art Rorick continues to captain the LOLR TV production team along with Brad Ovens and chief camera operators Mike Lawler and Bob Miller.
LEGEND LEDGER
General Manager Greg Emerson and Race Director Greg Hixson remain at the forefront of Cole’s crack staff in 2020 with Jim Hixson, Wally Ingraham and Rob Noaker continuing to serve in a vital technical capacity each and every race event. Tom Curtis and Mike Scoppo provide pit steward support as head starter Scott Hixson and assistant Jerry Ellis control race action atop the flagstand and Nick LeGrett holds down the post of turn four flagman directing traffic trackside.
Loads of experience rock the tower on race night as the familiar duo of Steve Ovens and Doug Elkins man the microphones while Hall of Famers Gary and Donna Spaid and Sheila Darcy handle scoring and handicapping responsibilities.
Racers don’t have to wait long to return trackside as a second practice day is slated for Thur., June 4 with all gates once again opening at 5:00 pm and track time reserved 6:00 – 8:30 pm. There will be no admission to the grandstand while the pit pass fee remains $20 for this final tune-up.
The official DIRTcar season-opener is set for Sat., June 6 with five divisions headlining the initial weekend show. The Saturday Spectacular includes an afternoon Street Stock/Hobby Stock twin-bill with Pepsi Big-Block Modified, Speed Connection Sportsman and Mike Emhof Motorsports 305 Sprint Cars comprising the evening triple-header.
Gates open at 1:00 pm for the full-fender portion of the program with the first qualifier going green at 2:30. Gates open at 4:00 pm for open-wheel teams while qualifying and main events follow beginning at 7 o’clock. The pit pass fee is $40 for both afternoon and evening affairs.
*SPECIAL NOTE
With spectators away and a banner field of cars expected for the 2020 lid-lifter, entrance to the pits will be made through the main ticket gate utility road on the north side of the fairgrounds property.
Be sure to visit www.landoflegendsraceway.com often as further schedule information for the upcoming season will be posted right up to raceday. To discuss marketing opportunities available at the track in 2020, please contact LOLR GM
Greg Emerson via e-mail gemerson@landoflegendsraceway.com.
Directions
Land of Legends Raceway is located on County Road 10 at the Ontario County Fairgrounds, just 1-1/2-miles north of Routes 5&20, and is easily accessible from the NYS Thruway (I-90), taking Exit 43 (Manchester, Route 21 South) traveling from the east or Exit 44 (Farmington, Route 332 South) coming from the west.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Thursday, June 4 @ 6pm – Open Practice / 57 th Season-Opener & Saturday Spectacular, June 6 @ 2:30pm – Street Stock & Hobby Stock, @ 7pm – Big-Block Modified & Sportsman & 305 Sprint.
Track Instant Info
- Website: www.LandOfLegendsRaceway.com
- E-Mail: info@LandOfLegendsRaceway.com
- Twitter: @LandofLegendsNY
- Facebook: @LandofLegendsNY
- Instagram: @LandofLegendsNY
- Live Stream: https://landoflegendstv.com/
Along with recognizing its weekly 50/50 raffle fund beneficiaries, Land of Legends Raceway is proud to salute several sponsors and corporate partners that continue to help bring its fans the best Saturday night racing show in the Northeast. Listed alphabetically are current division sponsors Mike Emhof Motorsports, Pepsi Geneva Club Beverage, Speed Connection; event sponsors Admar Construction Equipment & Supply Company, Always Locked Storage, A-Verdi Storage Containers, Geneva Club Beverage, Honeoye Auto Parts/Auto Value, Pepsi/Mountain Dew/Lipton Lake
Beverage, Phelps Cement Products, Red Osier Restaurant, Sherwin Williams Paint, Tradition Automotive Group; promotional partners Champion Power Equipment, Depew Excavating/Trucking, Dig Safely New York 811, Dobbers Sports Bar, Elab Smokers Boutique, Hoosier Racing Tire, Ontario County Fairboard, Proctor Enterprises, VP Racing Fuels, Weedsport Hall of Fame, Young Real Estate Agency.