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Ransomville Speedway's 2011 rules and membership meeting was seen by speedway organizers as a tremendous success as a total of 102 drivers registered to compete this season.
As the Feb. 27 session got under way, drivers, crewmembers, and owners filed into the Lewiston No. 2 firehall. Rule books were distributed, memberships and seasons passes purchased, and questions asked. Promoter Joel Friesen, head tech inspector Rick Lemieux, race director Jeff Anstett, and pit steward Dave Rinker led informational meetings to each of the divisions represented, supplying rule clarifications, code of conduct expectations and procedures.
Enthusiasm was high in the four-cylinder ranks as nine new drivers signed up. The biggest influx was seen with the Gippsters Collision 4 Bangers, with a roster now having reached the 20 mark. Newcomers include Rob Berry, Michael Vincton, Christina Swank, Nikolas Smith, Michael Karnatz, Mike Hossfeld, Mark Nicoletti, Trevor Gable and Chris Leone. Both divisions will see action at the annual test, tune and time.
The Gippsters Collision 4 Bangers regular season will begin on Friday, May 13, while the Bobcat of Buffalo Fireball Class will kick its season off on Friday, May 13. Jim Harbison, Ashley Harbison and Gerry Gipp have elected to represent their hometown fire departments for the 2011 season.
Other news from the session finds the Ki-Po Chevrolet Streetstock numbers have always been among the Big R's highest. This season looks to continue with this tradition as some 28 drivers signed up at the annual meeting. Defending track champion Chris Burek is looking to make it two titles in a row and three in the past four years as he signed up in his familiar No. 94 entry. Rookie contenders for the upcoming season include Zack Sam, Gary Sam and Don Spillman - all of whom have made the jump from the four-cylinder ranks.
Jesse Johnston will also be a rookie for 2011, having moved up from the go-kart ranks. The Streetstocks will take center stage twice during the season - first on July 15 as Investor's Services presents the SS Mid-Season Championships, and next on Sept. 17 with the annual 100-lap King of the Hill, also sponsored by Investor's Services.
The Original Pizza Logs Sportsman division enjoyed a total of 20 pre-registrants. With the absence of defending champion Ryan Susice, Don Spatorico could be a favorite to win the 2011 title, but Justin Wright, Jesse Cotriss and Mark Chiddy, who all finished in the top five in points a year ago, expect to have something to say about that. For a full roster, visit www.ransomvillespeedway.com.
The Mighty Taco 358 Modifieds continue to be the headlining division at the Big R, and once again the car count is among the highest on New York state tracks. A total of 24 drivers pre-registered at the annual gathering, including rookies Susice and Chuck Hossfeld. Brian Sage also registered as a regular for the upcoming season, giving the division some fresh new faces to complement the many veterans who make up the field every Friday night.
Those unable to attend the meeting and still wanting to register may do so by calling the Big R at 791-3602 or by e-mailing [email protected].