AFTON, NY – The annual “Working Man’s Race” at I-88 Speedway will be bittersweet this October 7-8.
When the checkered flag flies on Short Track SuperNationals 9 at the Afton Fairgrounds, a seven-year run by promoters Jamie and Denise Page will come to a close. The couple has spearheaded the operations of the speedway since the 2010 season, instituting facility-wide improvements.
A simple Facebook post over the weekend confirmed their intentions to exit: “as most of you have heard, Jamie and Denise will not be continuing at I-88 Speedway in 2017.”
During their run at I-88, the Pages oversaw the renovation of concession stands, construction of a tech building and pit observation deck, the installation of a transponder system, increased lighting, widening the speedway itself, the development of two sponsor towers and a VIP deck in the grandstand area, the resurfacing of the speedway and much more.
Sponsorship and car counts both increased steadily during their reign at the track. The speedway is noted for its cleanliness and friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Regarded as two of the hardest-working individuals in motorsports, the Pages were able to balance the management of their Algonkin Motel in Bainbridge, N.Y., while Jamie also worked full-time as a regional sales representative and they operated the speedway to its fullest potential.
Aside from their weekly Friday programs, I-88 Speedway and Denise Page have been key proponents of the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP.
The speedway has hosted the lucrative ‘Crazy 8s Special’ since 2013 each July. The event became a staple on the STSS and was annually the richest Modified race run in the Southern Tier. In 2014, the “Working Man’s Race” Short Track SuperNationals returned to its birthplace in Afton and the North Region champion will again be crowned at I-88 this October as it has been for the last two years.
The ’16 SuperNationals is the only event remaining under the watch of Jamie and Denise at I-88.
“Jamie and Denise have been outstanding partners to the Short Track Super Series and have become great friends,” STSS organizer Brett Deyo said. “I’ve always watched with admiration the hard work and passion they have for racing in the area and I-88 Speedway.
“I wish them only the best as they move on from I-88. They will be missed. I hope we can send them off in style at the SuperNationals in October with a full pit area and packed grandstand.”
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The ninth edition of the “Working Man’s Race” is set for the Afton Fairgrounds on Columbus Day weekend.
Short Track SuperNationals 9 takes place Friday-Saturday October 7-8 at the pristine I-88 Speedway three-tenths-mile oval. The weekend serves as the championship round of the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By VP Halmar International North Region amidst two full days of racing action.
The “Working Man’s Race” was first presented at I-88, then Afton Speedway, in 2006 and returned to the facility in 2014, taking advantage of a spacious, flat pit area and plentiful camping room.
Again in 2016, the STSS North Region crown will be decided at I-88. For the first time, the STSS Open Sportsman will decide a champion on Friday night.
The Friday (Oct. 7) program will be headlined by STSS Open Sportsman paying $1,500 to win (*with Gambler’s Fee) for 35 laps plus XCel 600 Modifieds, Street Stocks, Empire Lightning Sprints and Modified open practice rounds.
Friday admission prices are as follows: $15 for Adults, $13 for Seniors (ages 65 and up), $10 for Students (ages 9-14) with children eight and under FREE. Pit admission is $30, with no license required.
Pit gates open at 3 p.m. on Friday. Grandstand gates are unlocked at 4 p.m. Hot laps begin at 6 p.m., with racing at 7 p.m.
Saturday (Oct. 8) will again be a “split” program with racing in the afternoon and evening. Divisions to be featured on Saturday are STSS Modifieds in a 50-lap, $5,000-to-win main, GRIT Series Crate 602 Sportsman, XCel 600 Modifieds, Empire Lightning Sprints, Empire Sport Trucks and Vintage Cars.
Saturday admission prices are $22 for Adults, $20 for Seniors (ages 65 and up), $12 for Students (ages 9-14) and children eight and under are FREE. Pit admission is $35, with no license required.
Pit gates open at noon on Saturday. Grandstand gates are unlocked at 1 p.m. Hot laps begin for GRIT Sportsman, XCel 600 Modifieds, Lightning Sprints, Sport Trucks and Vintage Cars at 3 p.m., with heat races to follow immediately.
STSS Modified hot laps are scheduled for 6 p.m. with heat races to follow.
Below, some key forms for the ’16 edition of the Short Track SuperNationals:
Reserved Camping – http://bdmotorsportsmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/ReservedCampingFormSuperNationals.pdf
STSS Modified Entry Form –http://bdmotorsportsmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/STSNModEntryForm.pdf
STSS Open Sportsman Entry Form –http://bdmotorsportsmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/STSNOpenSportsmanEntryForm.pdf
GRIT Crate 602 Sportsman Entry Form -http://bdmotorsportsmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/STSNCrateSportsmanEntryForm.pdf
I-88 Speedway is located conveniently off I-88 Exit 7 (Afton), approximately 25 miles north and east of Binghamton, at 46 East Main Street Afton, N.Y. 13730. There is plentiful space for parking and camping. To learn more about I-88 Speedway, visit www.i-88speedway.com.
To learn more about the Short Track Super Series or BD Motorsports Media LLC, visit www.shortttracksuperseries.comor www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com, call 845.728.2781 or e-mail bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com. “Like” Short Track Super Series on Facebook or follow @ShortTrackSS on Twitter.
The 2016 Short Track Super Series is presented by American Racer/Lias Tire, VP Racing Fuel, Bob Hilbert Sportswear, Halmar International, Allstar Performance, ATL Racing Fuel Cells, Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, Bicknell Racing Products, COMP Performance Group, Dirt Track Digest, Fast Axle, Fox Racing Shocks, Hig Fab, Henry’s Exhaust, Hurlock Auto & Speed Supply, HyperCo, Kirkey Racing Fabrication, K&N, Race Pro Weekly, Racing Optics, Teo-Pro Car, Vahlco Wheels & Velocita
2016 Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP North Region Schedule
Saturday, April 2 – Orange County Fair Speedway/Middletown, NY – Hard Clay Open – WINNER: Tommy Meier
Tuesday, May 17 – Big Diamond Speedway/Minersville, PA –Anthracite Assault (Combo) – WINNER: Ryan Watt
Sunday, May 29 – Thunder Mountain Speedway/Center Lisle, NY – Lightning on the Mountain – WINNER: Chad Cook
Wednesday, June 8 – Outlaw Speedway/Dundee, NY –Ultimate Outlaw 50 – WINNER: Matt Sheppard
Tuesday, July 5 – Accord Speedway/Accord, NY – Battle of the Bullring 4 – WINNER: Stewart Friesen
Wednesday, July 27 – I-88 Speedway/Afton, NY – Crazy 8s Special – WINNER: Ryan Godown
Wednesday, August 17 – Woodhull Raceway/Woodhull, NY – Hustlin’ the High Banks 52 – WINNER: Ryan Godown
Friday, September 23 – Thunder Mountain Speedway/Center Lisle, NY – Wade Decker Memorial
Friday-Saturday October 7-8 (Rain Date: October 9) – I-88 Speedway/Afton, NY – Short Track SuperNationals 9 –Championship Points
Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP North Region Point Fund (*based on 9 events): 1. $12,000; 2. $7,000; 3. $4,000; 4. $3,000; 5. $2,500; 6. $1,850; 7. $1,750; 8. $1,650; 9. $1,550; 10. $1,450; 11. $1,000; 12. $1,000
*Drivers outside the top-12 with perfect attendance receive $250
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