8/26/2017
Airborne Park Speedway
Walker Renewed Through 2019 Season at Airborne
PLATTSBURGH – Airborne Park Speedway Promoter John Walker, has agreed to terms on a two-year deal to renew his lease with Landlords, Steve Fuller and Jamie Atkins.
The deal was reached mid-week and announced at this evenings drivers meeting.
“I’m very excited to have finalized a deal to continue through the 2019 season,” Walker said. “I’m happy with the progress we’ve made in two years and looking forward to the future.”
The process has already begun for planning the 2018 racing season. 2017 featured the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds and Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints and Walker is already looking into more big shows for next season.
The goal for Walker when he took over in 2016 was to “Keep Airborne Alive” after fear that the Speedway would close down after a dismal 2015 season. After running in 2016 under the NASCAR sanctioning with low car counts and a low fan base, car counts and the fan base has nearly tripled since the installation of the clay racing surface at the beginning of the season. Along with the surface change was a change in sanctioning and Airborne is competing under the DIRTcar banner.
“I think the track is doing very well based on the car count and fans in the stands,” Sportsman driver Lonnie Rivers said. “The tech department has been fair and there is great parody in the Sportsman division.”
This all wouldn’t be possible without the help of the fine sponsors. In October of 2016, five businesses made major commitments to help the clay installation process. After the surface change, many new sponsors came on board to support Clinton County’s largest spectator sport.
“We really want to thank the fans for their cooperation and support through this transition process.” Fuller said. “I especially want to thank Steve Carpenter, Chris Akey, Pat Leary, Joyce Huntley and Jamie Atkins for their part in the track transformation.”
Airborne has been blessed to have the longtime support of a number of businesses in Clinton County. Liquor & Wine Warehouse owner Steve Carpenter has been supporting the track for 10 years.
“Airborne is a premier facility with a great fan base,” Carpenter said. “With the highly skilled staff in all departments, I can certainly say that I am a proud sponsor.”
The 2017 racing season is winding down with just four racing events remaining, plus the Robin Branham Memorial Enduro and the $20,000 Demolition Derby. DIRTcar point battles will be determined next weekend, with a special 50-lap $2,000 to win event for the Modifieds.
“Things have been great this season,” Walker added. “The relationship with my landlords couldn’t be any better. They are always willing to help when asked.”
For more information or to stay up to date with what is going on at Airborne, visit airborneparkspeedway.com or check our Facebook page at Airborne Park Speedway.
Submitted By: JOHN WALKER