5/2/2014
Airborne Park Speedway
Airborne Starts Up New Late Model Division
SOUTH PLATTSBURGH – Airborne Speedway has begun the process of introducing a new division, the Ground Round Late Models, into its blend of full-fendered and open-wheel classes.
Launching a new division in the short track stock car racing industry can require tenacity and patience. Airborne will be well-served if it can duplicate the growth pattern of its Sportsman Modified class, which began in 2012. The first Sportsman Modified race drew eight local cars. Twenty or more are expected for the 2014 season opener.
Airborne’s Late Models will compete under NASCAR Whelen All-American Series sanction as American Canadian Tour (ACT) touring Late Model using ACT rules, including American Racer 8” spec slick tires and sealed crate engines.
“The introduction of this class is designed to replace the Limited Late Model division we’ve had which grew out of the Flying Tiger Sportsman class that raced here and at Thunder Road for many years,” Airborne owner Jamie Atkins said.
“With stock metric chassis cars becoming obsolete and Late Models being so much more available and affordable, the move is necessary,” Atkins said. “The change will enhance the American Canadian Tour race experience for local fans with the development of local teams and talent which can compete when tour races are held on their home turf. It will also provide them the opportunity to travel to other tracks to represent Airborne.”
The first of eight Late Model appearances at Airborne is the ACT 100 scheduled for Saturday, May 17.
On Celebrate Airborne History Night, Saturday, May 31, the Ground Round Late Models are slated for Twin 25’s.
Airborne hosts the opening event in the Late Model Triple Crown Series on Saturday, June 14. That event will likely draw a strong field, including 2013 Devil’s Bowl Late Model Champion Chris Bergeron of Claremont, NH and Vermont Late Model Series champion Nick Sweet of Barre, Vt.
American Canadian Tour Late Models were the headline division at Airborne in 2001 when Mark Lamberton of Mooers Forks, NY, now a Sportsman Modified open-wheel competitor, became the Airborne track champion.
Contact: Tom Herzig
802-249-2850
Submitted By: JOHN WALKER