It's one of the most revered and respected dirt ovals in the eastern half of the U.S., and now, it's about to start a new tradition.
While race fans are used to the sights and sounds of modified stock cars roaring around at New-York's legendary Fonda Speedway, snowmobiles are about to take center stage as East Coast Snocross (ECS) gets set for Round 2 on the 2014 schedule on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 11-12, at the historic race track in Fonda, New York.
Spectator gates will open at 10:30 a.m. each day, with Pro racing getting under way at 11:45 a.m. Admission is $12 per day for adults, $10 for children ages 8-12, age 7 and under will be admitted free with a paying adult. Pit passes will be available for an extra $10.
Mathieu Morin
Leading the charge into Fonda are Pro riders Mathieu Morin and Danny Poirier. The two Quebec natives split the Pro finals in Round 1 during a one-day doubleheader in New Hampshire. Both are teammates on the New York-based Ingles Performance/Ski-doo squad, and both know how to win races and championships. Morin won the final RMR crown in 2010, while Poirier is a three-time regional champion (2004, 2009, 2012) here in the northeast.
Other riders to watch in Fonda include New York native Brett Bender and Wisconsin-born athlete Mike Bauer. Bender is now part of the powerhouse Team Southside/Polaris organization, bringing national experience and a tradition of winning to the table. Bauer has joined the Mass.-based Jess Racing/Arctic Cat team, bringing strong skills to New England. Bauer challenged Morin in a big way in New Hampshire, and he'll be gunning for his first ECS victory at Fonda Speedway.
Dany Poirier
Other Pro riders to watch in Fonda include 2013 points runnerup Lincoln Lemieux, along with talented rookies Mike Pilotte and Jake daSilva. Lemieux started his new season with a podium finish in Rumney, while Pilotte and daSilva are just getting used to competing at the Pro level.
This mix of seasoned veterans and eager rookies will provide exciting battles all season long.
In the Pro Lite class, there are several fast racers looking to take command. After the first two points finals, New Jersey native Jesse James Bonaduce has his Miksen Racing/Ingles Performance Ski-doo out front. Bonaduce won the second Pro Lite final in Rumney after hitting the podium in the first. This kind of consistency is just what the likable veteran needs to secure that first title.
Other athletes to watch in Pro Lite include Montana Jess, Leo Patenaude, Hunter Patenaude, Jason Boron, Chris Coleman, Wade Acker and Connor Roscoe. Jess is poised to give Bonaduce a run for his money this winter, while the others will battle ski-to-ski all season for wins and podiums.
Great racing won't be limited to Pro and Pro Lite in Fonda. Athletes from around the region will also battle in Sport, Women and Junior classes, including the new Novice 250 Rider Development class featuring Phantom Snowmobiles.Youth racers are the future of snocross, and ECS officials know they are important. A smaller track for kids on 120cc sleds allows the Pros of tomorrow to hone their skills.
Fonda Speedway, affectionately known as “The Track of Champions,” first opened the gates back in 1953. From the time Chuck Kotwicka won the first feature event to when Stewart Friesen earned the 2013 crown late last summer, Fonda has thrilled race fans of all ages. As the 2014 season draws near, Matt DeLorenzo is the man who will guide this historic venue through the next decade and beyond. ECS hopes to help Matt launch his new era in exciting fashion.
