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July will see both the All Star Circuit of Champions and the World Of Outlaws Sprint cars visit the state of New York, beginning with the All Star’s visit to Ransomville Speedway for $15,000 to win on July 7th. New York is the land of the Big Block Modified and home to some of the slickest tracks in the country. Although modifieds usually overshadow the sprint cars on a weekly basis, there is still some serious talent waiting for the big guns when they show up. While there has been much discussion over the past few years about the PA Posse being “porch sitters” and only competing against the touring series when they visit their home tracks, one could argue that their neighbors up in New York are the true kings of the “porch”.
When the major touring series visit New York, a few names pop up that we usually do not see at any other tracks throughout the country. Guys like Paulie Colagiovanni (who just began some traveling with the High Limit Series this year), Davie Franek, Danny Varin, Matt Farnham and modified standout Larry Wight. Many of these drivers compete in weekly 360 action with the Empire Super Sprints. New York’s slick, shiny surfaces offer some of these drivers a unique opportunity to use a 360 engine against the Outlaws and All Stars and still be competitive.
Colagiovanni already has two Empire Super Sprint wins this season, winning at Utica-Rome Speedway and at Ransomville. Varin was able to capture a win at Brewertown Speedway earlier this year. Franek, who might do the most traveling, picked up a win back in March with USCS at Magnolia. As for “Lightning” Larry Wight, he’s usually busy being one of the best big block drivers in the country but will not hesitate to pull out the sprint car when he can.
Last year, when the World of Outlaws visited Weedsport Speedway, Colagiovanni caught the attention of the fans when he ended up on the podium in third during night one of the Empire State Challenge. In that same race, Wight was the hard charger, advancing ten positions to finish in seventh. Wight and Danny Varin each earned top ten finishes on both nights of the weekend. Colagiovanni also earned the Hard Charger Award in the All Star competition at Ransomville in 2022, moving from fourteenth to eighth.
The end of the month will feature the World of Outlaws returning to Weedsport for the Empire Challenge weekend on July 29th and 30th. This is the only Outlaws appearance in New York this season, and you can expect the locals to show up in force. Earlier this year, we saw Matt Farnham lead the first twenty-five laps of the All Star A-Main at Weedsport, before getting passed by Cory Eliason on the high side. Farnham had a great battle going with Tyler Courtney on a track that resembled an ice rink. He ultimately ended up in fifth and was followed by fellow New Yorkers Colagiovanni, Wight, and Varin.
So, when the Outlaws and All Stars make their way into New York, keep your eyes peeled for some of the locals, as it would not be a surprise to see one of them on the podium or in victory lane at their home porch.
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New merch is here! Flexfit hats are back in stock in two different color options, there are two new logo t-shirts available in the shop, plus stickers and koozies. Click the banner below to check it out!
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DID YOU KNOW: On top of all of his winning this season with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Ricky Thornton Jr. has 21 top tens in 28 races. But of those 21 top tens, they are all also top fives! RTJ has yet to finish in positions six through ten in any race in 2023.
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