Malta, NY ― January 09, 2012 ― On Saturday Joe Skotnicki, DIRTcar’s Director of Series & Sanctioning, announced that Albany-Saratoga Speedway would be joining the DIRTcar family for the 2012 race season.  Skotnicki made the announcement during the Eastern Motorsport Press Association’s (EMPA) annual Convention held in King of Prussia (PA) on January 6-8, 2012.

“We’re very excited about Albany-Saratoga coming on board,” said Skotnicki. “Albany-Saratoga is a premier Friday track in that region and to have it under the DIRTcar banner is a real feather in our cap. It is steeped in tradition and synonymous with great racing.”

At the end of the 2011 race season the Richards family put the Malta (NY) based oval up for sale. Pending a sale, Lebanon Valley Speedway owner/promoter, Howard Commander, struck a deal with C.J. Richards to lease the speedway.

Lyle DeVore, Commander’s general manager at the West Lebanon oval, will oversee the daily operation of the facility and the promotional end of the venture.

“When we first signed the lease [with Richards] our biggest concern was getting the clay on the track before the weather turned,” recalled DeVore. “Once we built our package and listened to what everyone wanted, we knew bringing DIRTcar with us was the way to go ― they are a nice fit ― they are the backbone of dirt modifieds in the Northeast.”

Skotnicki and team, who sanction many race tracks through the DIRTcar Northeast and DIRTcar UMP Midwest program, welcomed the duo.

“We are looking forward to continuing our great relationship with Lyle and Howard,” said Skotnicki. “My job is to get, and to keep, as many sanctioning tracks as we can. The history that goes along with Albany-Saratoga is unrivaled so we knew it was a priority to have the racing sanctioned under the DIRTcar banner.”

The new management team will continue with a Friday night format. DeVore has set a tentative ‘Opening Nights‘ race program for Thursday, April 19 and Friday, April 20, 2012. The modified class will compete on both dates. DeVore expects to announce the dates for two warm-up sessions in the very near future.

“We are looking forward to getting things rolling with the racing season. The DIRTcar Nationals are right around the corner,” stated Skotnicki.

DeVore sang the same song.

“The enthusiasm from everyone is unbelievable and I wish we could start racing tomorrow,” said DeVore.

For race night sponsorship, signage availabilities or information visit the Albany-Saratoga Speedway’s website at:  www.albany‐saratogaspeedway.com or contact the speedway at (518) 587‐0220.