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Sportsman Competitor Aaron Burton set for 2016 Challenges at Fonda Speedway
Story and Photos By: MATT NOLES / RACERSGUIDE.COM
SPRAKERS, NY- January 19, 2016- The value of hard work is only learned by one thing; working hard.
After a season that had its high points and its low points, Cobleskill, New York resident and second-generation sportsman modified driver Aaron Burton is set to put those hard-earned lessons to good use as the 2016 season rapidly approaches.
Burton, who will be calling the Fonda Speedway in Fonda, New York his home in 2016, is eagerly awaiting the season-opener at the Montgomery County oval so that he can put his new found knowledge to use.
“We had our ups and downs for sure,” stated Burton looking back on 2015. “But we definitely gained a lot of speed at Fonda and learned a lot as far as setups and tires to track conditions and changes. We’re excited heading into next year.”
After running the entire season with a car that was ready for retirement, Burton upgraded slightly heading into 2016. After running a 2006 Teo Pro Car, the driver of the No. 26A upgraded to a 2010 Teo from Shaun Pangman. “We bought a new car this winter,” Burton continued. “We’ll get building it and see what happens. We’re definitely going back to basics this year.”
While he started off last season as a member of the Eckler Racing stable, Burton has branched out this year on his own and he has some new sponsors in tow. “I’m not starting over completely,” Burton said. “I’m just trying to up my racing program on my end. I’m optimistic about it and I’m definitely concerned about things being a low-budget racer but really, I have high hopes for the year.”
Aside from the responsibility of running his own program, Burton has a far larger cross to carry; the financial aspect of getting to the speedway weekly. Luckily for the respected sportsman driver, he’ll be receiving some monetary help from key sponsors this season.
“Caruso’s Auto is back on board this year in a substantially larger way,” Burton stated. “Tom Clark Roofing is also back on board this year along with JSB Fabrication and Mountainside Ranch and I honestly can’t thank all of them enough. It’s tough being a low budget guy and every little bit helps. It’s nice to have people that believe in you.”
Though 2015 didn’t find Burton gracing the winner’s column, he was able to add some top-five and top-ten finishes to his career tally. Above all else, as was mentioned earlier, were the knowledge gained and the respect he earned. Those aforementioned items are worth more than their weight in gold.
“We’re going to take everything we learned last year and apply it to this year,” Burton continued. “You never stop learning and that’s something that I learned from Bobby Varin. He learns something new every night and he’s been a huge help for me. It’s nice to have his respect and friendship. That means a lot.”
Varin, a six-time modified track champion at Fonda Speedway, has been both an idol on the track for Burton as well as a mentor off of it. “Bobby and I sort of pit together I guess you could say,” remarked Burton. “It’s always nice to have him come lean in my car and tell me how good I looked out there or to offer up constructive criticism when I make a mistake. Either way, it’s just humbling to know that a driver of his caliber is watching me race and giving me feedback.”
The goals for the upcoming season are simple for Aaron Burton; start winning and keep winning. “I’m not winning races yet and I’m still green really,” concluded Burton. “Fonda is such a tough track with stout competition but I think we can get a win there and hopefully we’ll be able to progress and win another one and another one and so on. That’s the goal.”
Matt Noles is a contributing writer to Racer’s Guide and Speedway Illustrated. He currently resides in Sprakers, New York.
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