Motorsports 2016 Kicks Off This Weekend

[xyz-ihs snippet=”Posts-Ad”]

More Than 200 Race Cars, Photo Opportunities and Much More This Weekend

Story By: ERNIE SAXTON / MOTORSPORTS MEDIA     Photos By: BOB YURKO

OAKS, PA- January 18, 2016- Bring your Sharpie, your camera, and comfortable shoes as you head to the Pioneer Pole Buildings Motorsports 2016 Presented by Sunoco, Distributed by Insinger Performance Race Car and Trade Show on Friday, January 22nd thru Sunday, January 24th at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. The three day show, the 31st annual edition, offers just about everything imaginable in motorsports.

NASCAR Sprint Cup star Kyle Larson, former NASCAR and IndyCar standout John Andretti along with his son Jarett (a rising star in USAC Champ Car and Sprint racing), legendary NASCAR car owner and engine builder Robert Yates, successful crew chief Greg Moore (son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bud Moore) and USAC standout Dave Darland will all be making appearances at the show, signing autographs and doing interviews.

The highly anticipated Salute To Syracuse’s Moody Mile will include a special autograph session at 2 p.m. on Saturday with a collectors poster created by well-known artist Emerson Freese featuring stars of Syracuse will be given away FREE. Buzzie Reutimann and his famous Double-0 coupe will be there along with four time winner Gary Balough (recently inducted into the Eastern Motorsport Press Association Hall of Fame) and the famed Batmobile No.112 and Ferraiolo No. 73 entries.

Four time Syracuse winner Stewart Friesen, winner of the Finale at the Syracuse Fairgrounds, will be signing autographs along with two time winners Vic Coffey and Jimmy Horton.

Single race winners Richie Tobias, Frank Cozze, Billy Dunn and Kenny Brightbill will be available as will 2015 Super DIRT Week Sportsman winner Rocky Warner and the winner of the Syracuse Pro Stock race the last three years Rob Yetman. All four winning cars from the 2015 Finale will also be on display.

Topping the list for the Salute to Syracuse session will be legendary promoter Glenn Donnelly who is currently involved in the construction of a new racing facility, Central New York Speedway Park, which will be the home of SDW in 2016.

The Bowes Seal Fast #9 Silver Crown car driven by Jud Larson at Syracuse will be on display along with Steve Kinser’s Coors Light No.11 with which he won twice at Syracuse.

A special presentation, History of the New York State Mile, will be conducted by historian Dr. Gary George. He will relive the 100-year history of the New York State Fairgrounds one-mile dirt track, showing photos, film and lots of facts at the E-Hall Stage area at 6 p.m. on Friday night. On Saturday afternoon at 3:45 p.m., at the same location, Dr. George will offer a 90-minute review of the 44-year history of the Syracuse Dirt Week racing events. Event founder Glenn Donnelly will be a special guest.

Engine building will be in the spotlight with the National Hot Rod Association Top Fuel team of Lagana Racing presents, Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday, 4 p.m., an in-between engine rebuild and preparation as they would at a National NHRA racing event. Attendees will be amazed to see how fast an engine can be rebuilt between same day race events. Driver Dom Lagana will be on hand to explain what is taking place, answer questions, and sign autographs.

One of the highlights of the three days of fun is always the Oliver Construction Ms. Motorsports Pageant (competition) set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday night at the D Hall Stage. The lady that wins takes home $1500 and other perks. It’s not too late to enter.

Sunday is the very popular Metal Fab Kid’s Day with all youngsters under 12 being admitted free for a great day of fun.  There will be a face painting and balloon artist on hand.

The Little Miss Motorsports event will feature the “Tiny” division for 4-7 year olds and the “Little Miss” for those 8 thru 11. There will be two winners. No entry fee is required and the young ladies can enter one hour before the event begins on Sunday.

The RAACE Foundation Kids Big Wheel Races will have youngsters in three age groups, from 3 thru 9, battling for great prizes and large trophies. The Big Wheels are supplied (no one is permitted to use their own). And entries are accepted FREE one hour before the race events begin.

And there is an opportunity for some racing action on the indoor go-kart track. On Sunday, during all the other Metal Fab Kid’s Day activities there will be a two-seater and karts for youngsters to race.

The show will also feature more than 200 racing vehicles on display, more than 600 exhibit booths feature racing equipment, collectibles and speedways offering schedules of their events for the new season. In addition there is a number of FREE seminars for those in the industry looking to increase their knowledge on a variety of different subjects.

Activity gets underway at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 22nd and continue through until 4 p.m. on Sunday. Adult admission is $14, youngsters 5-12 pay just $5 and under 5 are admitted free.

Complete information on the show is available at www.aarn.com and by telephoning 609.888.3618.

CURRENT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR MOTORSPORTS 2016

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22nd – SHOW HOURS 2 TO 9 PM

1:00 PM – Box Office Opens at A-Hall Entrance only.

1:00 PM – PRE-SHOW EXHIBITS & INFORMATION: (A-Hall Entrance Only) –

The public is invited to enter the D-Hall Stage Area starting one-hour before the rest of the show opens. You must have a ticket for the show which opens at 2 PM. This will allow you easy entrance to the show when it is officially opened.

2:15 – 9 PM – GO-KART RACEWAY OPENS: (C Hall Raceway) – Race your racing buddies on an oval track for bragging rights in fast electric go karts. It’s just $10 a race. Tickets are available at the speedway location. You must be at least 12 years old and over 54 inches in height to take the green flag.

3 – 5:00 PM – AUTOGRAPHS/ MEET AND GREET: JOHN AND JARETT ANDRETTI (Coastal 181 No. 816 booth),   John Andretti, son of Mario Andretti’s twin brother Aldo, was a winner in NASCAR Sprint Cup, IndyCar and Road Racing during his stellar career. John is the only driver in history to race in those three divisions and then also competed in a Top Fuel Dragster in an NHRA National Event. John’s son, Jarett, is become a top runner on the USAC Silver Crown and Sprint Car series. John will also be happy to autograph copies of The Stinger, a coffee table size book that is a centennial tribute to the Indianapolis 500, as well as Coastal 181’s new book “Foyt Andretti Petty” for which he wrote one of the forewords.

6:00 – ENGINE BUILDING DEMOSTRATION – (C-Hall): The NHRA Top Fuel dragster team of Lagana Racing will perform an in between engine rebuild and car preparation as they would at a National event. Driver Dom Lagana will be on hand to help explain the work and time allowed and sign autographs.

5:00 – 7:00 PM – AUTOGRAPHS – Ms. Motorsports 2015 Shelby Harper will be available to sign autographs and pose for photos!

6 – 7:30 – SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STATE MILE (E Hall Stage) Dr. Gary George will review the 100 year history of racing on the New York State Fairgrounds one-mile dirt speedway in Syracuse, NY with facts, photos and film.

6:00 – 7:00 PM – MEET AND GREET/ BOOK SIGNING – DAVE DARLAND and author BONES BOURCIER (Coastal 181 Booth No. 816): One of the most successful and popular racers in the history of the United States Auto Club, Dave Darland, will be signing the book on his career, “The People’s Champ – A Racing Life” along with author Bones Bourcier.  Back in August Darland won his 100th USAC career victory taking a Sprint car win in Wisconsin. Darland is one of just five drivers that have been able to win championships in USAC sanctioned Sprint, Midget and Silver Crown divisions.

6:30 – 7 PM – PIONEER POLE BUILDINGS CELEBRITY GO-KART RACE: (C Hall Raceway) – Check out top drivers from several different divisions racing head to head in electric go-karts in a celebrity race for bragging rights.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23rd – SHOW HOURS 11 AM – 9 PM

10:00 AM – BOX OFFICE OPENS, PRE-SHOW EXHIBITS & INFORMATION – (A-Hall Entrance Only):  The public is invited to enter the D-Hall Stage Area starting one-hour before the rest of the show opens. You must have a ticket for the show which opens at 11 AM. This will allow you easy entrance to the show when it is officially opened.

11:15 – 9 PM – GO-KART RACEWAY OPENS: (C Hall Raceway) – Race your racing buddies on an oval track for bragging rights in fast electric go karts. It’s just $10 a race. Tickets are available at the speedway location. You must be at least 12 years old and over 54 inches in height to take the green flag.

10-30 – 11:00 PM – Q and A: JOHN AND JARRETT ANDRETTI (E Hall Stage) John Andretti, son of Mario Andretti’s twin brother Aldo, was a winner NASCAR Sprint Cup, IndyCar and Road Racing during his stellar career. John is the only driver in history to race in those three divisions and then also competed in a Top Fuel Dragster in an NHRA National Event. John’s son, Jarett, is become a top runner on the USAC Silver Crown and Sprint Car series. Hear his tale, ask him questions.

11:30 – 12:00 – BOOK REVIEW - GREG MOORE and PERRY ALLEN WOOD (E Hall Stage) Bud Moore had a successful career as a winning NASCAR car owner and crew chief earning a spot in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The 90-year-old decorated veteran of World War II had planned to attend the show, but because of recent health issues has been forced to decline. His son, however, Greg Moore has made the trip north instead. Greg worked beside his dad as both team manager and crew chief and has plenty of stories to tell. Greg with be joined by author Perry Allen Wood who wrote his father’s biography, BUD MOORE: Memoir of a Country Mechanic from D-Day to NASCAR Glory as well as Greg’s own autobiography, “Bud Moore’s Right Hand Man: A NASCAR Team Manager’s Career at Full Throttle.”

11:30- 1:00 PM – AUTOGRAPHS/ BOOK SIGNING: JOHN AND JARETT ANDRETTI (Coastal 181 Booth No. 816),   John Andretti, son of Mario Andretti’s twin brother Aldo, was a winner NASCAR Sprint Cup, IndyCar and Road Racing during his stellar career. John is the only driver in history to race in those three divisions and then also competed in a Top Fuel Dragster in an NHRA National Event. John’s son, Jarett, is become a top runner on the USAC Silver Crown and Sprint Car series. John will also be happy to autograph copies of The Stinger, a coffee table size book that is a centennial tribute to the Indianapolis 500, as well as Coastal 181’s new book “Foyt Andretti Petty.”

12:00 – 12:45 PM – Q and A: ROBERT YATES with announcer Shane Andrews. (E Hall Stage) Legendary NASCAR Sprint Cup owner and engine builder Robert Yates will be on stage for a memorable trip down memory lane. Yates had the late Davey Allison as a driver and won the Daytona 500 with him in 1992. In addition Yates had Ernie Irvan, Dale Jarrett (with whom he won a NASCAR Cup title) and Elliott Sadler along with Ricky Rudd and other well-known drivers steering and winning with his cars. The Robert Yates entries won 58 Cup races. After retiring as a car owner in 2007 Yates turned the team over to his son Doug who kept it in operation until 2009 when it was merged with Richard Petty Motorsports. Robert has managed to create quite a respected reputation as an engine builder with his NASCAR spec engines being used in many NASCAR Camping World Series races, K&N Series and NASCAR Whelen Modified events.

1:00 – 1:15 PM – Q and A -KYLE LARSON: (E Hall Stage) One of racings rising young super stars, Larson will talk with show announcer Shane Andrews to give fans an update of his upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup season driving the Target No. 42. Larson has already started his 2016 racing season by winning a 410 Sprint Car series event in Arizona and racing in the 24 Hours of Daytona. He is a past Rookie of the Year in both the NASCAR Xfinity and Sprint Cup Series. The 22-year-old Japanese American, who drives the Ganassi owned Target sponsored Chevrolet entry, is a graduate of dirt track racing. He is also the owner of a World of Outlaws Sprint Car team driven by Shane Stewart.

1:00 – 2:00 – BOOK SIGNING: GREG MOORE and PERRY ALLEN WOOD (Coastal 181 Booth No. 816) Bud Moore had a successful career as a winning NASCAR car owner and crew chief earning a spot in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The 90-year-old decorated veteran of World War II had planned to attend the show, but because of recent health issues has been forced to decline. His son, however, Greg Moore has made the trip north instead. Greg worked beside his dad as both team manager and crew chief and has plenty of stories to tell. Greg with be joined by author Perry Allen Wood who wrote his father’s biography, BUD MOORE: Memoir of a Country Mechanic from D-Day to NASCAR Glory as well as Greg’s own autobiography, “Bud Moore’s Right Hand Man: A NASCAR Team Manager’s Career at Full Throttle.”

1:00 – 2:00 – AUTOGRAPHS/ PHOTOS: Ms. Motorsports 2015 SHELBY HARPER and 2016 contestants will be available to sign autographs, pose for photos and mingle with fans. (Area Auto Racing News booth No. 224)

1:00 to 2:30 PM – AUTOGRAPHS – ROBERT YATES (Pioneer Pole Buildings Display – 104): Legendary NASCAR Sprint Cup owner and engine builder Robert Yates will be on stage for a memorable trip down memory lane. Yates had the late Davey Allison as a driver and won the Daytona 500 with him in 1992. In addition Yates had Ernie Irvan, Dale Jarrett (with whom he won a NASCAR Cup title) and Elliott Sadler along with Ricky Rudd and other well-known drivers steering and winning with his cars. The Robert Yates entries won 58 Cup races. After retiring as a car owner in 2007 Yates turned the team over to his son Doug who kept it in operation until 2009 when it was merged with Richard Petty Motorsports. Robert has managed to create quite a respected reputation as an engine builder with his NASCAR spec engines being used in many NASCAR Camping World Series races, K&N Series and NASCAR Whelen Modified events.

1:15 – 3:00 PM – AUTOGRAPHS – KYLE LARSON (E Hall Stage): One of racing’s rising young super stars, Larson will talk with show announcer Shane Andrews to give fans an update of his upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup season driving the Target No. 42. Larson has already started his 2016 racing season by winning a 410 Sprint Car series event in Arizona and racing in the 24 Hours of Daytona. He is a past Rookie of the Year in both the NASCAR Xfinity and Sprint Cup Series. The 22-year-old Japanese American, who drives the Ganassi owned Target sponsored Chevrolet entry, is a graduate of dirt track racing. He is also the owner of a World of Outlaws Sprint Car team driven by Shane Stewart.

1:30 to 3:00 PM – AUTOGRAPHS – READING REUNION (Racing For Jesus display): Drivers who competed back in the day at Pa.’s Reading Fairgrounds Speedway will be available for a meet and greet at a special remembrance display. Drivers who will be available for photos and autographs include BRUCE YOUNG, GARY GOLLUB, WHITEY KERSHNER, BOBBY BRAXTON, GALEN KOLLER, RONNIE LEINBACH, TIM HIGGINS, RON KEHL, BLAINE SADLER and E.J. KOWALSKI. Young will have the No. 37 Coach he drove at Reading on display all weekend and Kowalski will have his 1940s Roadster.

2:00 – 3:30 PM – NEW YORK STATE FAIRGROUNDS MOODY MILE REUNION – (E-Hall Reunion Area – Booth No. 1804): Special Autograph session to include the first winner BUZZIE REUTIMANN, the last winner STEWART FRIESEN, MATT SHEPPARD, GARY BALOUGH, KENNY BRIGHTBILL, JIMMY HORTON, FRANK COZZE, RICAHRD TOBIAS, BILLY DUNN and VIC COFFEY. Plus 2015 SDW winners ROCKY WARNER (Sportsman) and ROB YETMAN (3 straight in Pro Stock) will be on hand. SDW week founder and event promoter for 30 years GLENN DONNELLY will also be part of the autograph session.

3:00 – 4:00 PM – AUTOGRAPHS/ BOOK SIGNING – DAVE DARLAND and author BONES BOURCIER (Coastal 181 Booth No. 816): One of the most successful and popular racers in the history of the United States Auto Club, Dave Darland, will be signing the book on his career, “The People’s Champ – A Racing Life” along with author Bones Bourcier.  Back in August Darland won his 100th USAC career victory taking a Sprint car win in Wisconsin. Darland is one of just five drivers that have been able to win championships in USAC sanctioned Sprint, Midget and Silver Crown divisions.

3:00 to 4:00 PM – AUTOGRAPHS – (Pioneer Pole Buildings Display -104): Dirt track Super Stars: BILLY PAUCH SR, BILLY PAUCH JR. CRAIG VON DOHREN plus FRED RAHMER and his sons FREDDIE and BRANDON will be signing autographs.

4:00 – ENGINE BUILDING DEMOSTRATION – (C-Hall): The NHRA Top Fuel dragster team of Lagana Racing will perform an in between engine rebuild and car preparation as they would at a National event. Driver Dom Lagana will be on hand to help explain the work and time allowed and sign autographs.

3:45 – 5:15 PM – SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: SUPER DIRT WEEK HISTORY (E Hall Stage) Dr. Gary George will review the 44 year history of SDW at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY with facts, photos and film. Event founder Glenn Donnelly will be a special guest.

5:00 – 6:00 PM – TOP NORTHEAST WINNERS AUTOGRAPH SESSION – (Area Auto Racing News booth No. 224): STEWART FRIESEN, who won 34 feature races including victories in Dirt Modifieds and Sprint Car competition, was the top winner in the northeast in 2015. One of the Sprint Car victories coming against the famed World of Outlaw sprinters. Friesen also won the Syracuse, NY DIRT Modified Classic that was the finale for auto racing at the Syracuse Fairgrounds. Joining Friesen at the special autograph session will be MATT SHEPPARD who tied him for most wins in dirt Modified competition last year. GREG HODNETT, who drove Michael Heffner’s No. 27 to the most 410 Sprint Car feature wins and RYAN PREECE, who topped the Asphalt Modified division will also be on hand. Three drivers who tied for the most asphalt Late Model wins: Keith Rocco, Mike Sweeney and Tom Fearn are expected as well as Pennsylvania’s Tyler Walton who won the most 600cc Micro Sprint Features. A  FREE full color poster suitable for framing will be signed by each only at this autograph session.

5:15 – 5:45 PM – Q and A: DAVE DARLAND and author BONES BOURCIER (E Hall Stage): One of the most successful and popular racers in the history of the United States Auto Club, Dave Darland, will go on stage and talk racing, bringing alive some of the pages of the book on his career, “The People’s Champ – A Racing Life” along with author Bones Bourcier.

6:00 – 6:30 PM – AUTOGRAPHS/ BOOK SIGNING – (Coastal 181 Booth No. 816): DAVE DARLAND, will be signing the book on his career, “The People’s Champ – A Racing Life” along with author Bones Bourcier.

7:00 PM – SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS – (E Hall Stage): Several important announcements will be made and awards presented. Among those in the spotlight on stage at this time will be the 2014 Northeast Top Feature Winners, as determined by Area Auto Racing News.

7:30 PM – MS. MOTORSPORTS COMPETITION sponsored by Oliver Construction – (D Hall Stage): Finals of the Ms. Motorsports competition!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24th – SHOW HOURS 11 AM – 4 PM

FAMILY DAY AT THE SHOW presented by Metal Fab CHILDREN UNDER 12 FREE

10:00 AM – BOX OFFICE OPENS, PRE-SHOW EXHIBITS AND INFORMATION – (A-Hall Entrance Only):  The public is invited to enter the D-Hall Stage

Area starting one-hour before the rest of the show opens. You must have a ticket for the show which opens at 11 AM. This will allow you easy entrance to the show when it is officially opened.

10:30 – 12:30 – FACE PAINTING/ BALLOON ARTIST – (D Hall Entrance) A special treat for the youngsters courtesy of Metal Fab. Stop by as you enter the show!

10:15 AM – VICTORY LANE CHAPEL – The Racer’s Church, presented by Racing with Jesus Ministries (D-Hall Stage)

11:15 – 9 PM – GO-KART RACEWAY OPENS: (C Hall Raceway) – Race your racing buddies on an oval track for bragging rights in fast electric go karts. It’s just $10 a race. Tickets are available at the speedway location. You must be at least 12 years old and over 54 inches in height to take the green flag.

12:00 PM – STAGE PRESENTATION – (E- Hall Stage Area): KIRSTEN SOWERS will entertain with songs and Bridgeport Speedway mascot The Bandit and New Egypt’s Ralphie will be on hand greeting the youngsters.

12:30 to 2:00 PM – LITTLE MISS MOTORSPORTS – (E- Hall Stage Area) – Girls in two age groups (“Tiny” 4-7 and “Little Miss” 8 -11) will compete for two crowns! There is no entry fee.

2:00 PM – KIDS BIG WHEEL RACES sponsored by RAACE Foundation (E- Hall Stage Area) – Children in three age groups (3-4, 5-6, 7-9) race for prizes and large trophies! Big Wheels are supplied (no one can use their own); and there is no entry fee, or need to pre-enter. Just sign up at the show before 12 Noon on Sunday.

[xyz-ihs snippet=”Posts-Ad”]