Under ‘New’ Ownership, the ‘Great Race Place’ Gears Up for its 50^th Year of Operation

 Story By:  MATT NOLES / RPW  (reprinted with permission)

SPRAKERS, NY- January 13, 2015- If the racing rumor mill were to become a publicly traded corporation then there is no doubt which speedway would have the highest share price.

For the better part of the past decade, the Albany-Saratoga Speedway in Malta, New York, has been the hot topic of conversation as concerned race fans both worried and speculated on the future of the Saratoga county oval.  Before 2014 came to a rapid close, the fate of the famous Route 9 facility was finally decided.

In a rather surprising move, depending on whom you speak to, successful promoter and speedway owner, Howard Commander, put pen to paper and purchased the property which all but erased the supposed ‘writing on the wall.’  For the second time in as many years, the foundation of the Capital district dirt racing scene has strengthened considerably for the foreseeable future.

For the man behind the ‘resurrection’ of 2012, promoter Lyle DeVore, the sudden and enigmatic move to purchase the speedway made absolute sense.  Furthermore, it was a decision that was made earlier in the 2014 racing season.

“It’s something that was discussed about at the mid-way portion of the season,” stated DeVore.  “It took a while for everything to shake out but it definitely turned out for the better.”  To say the process turned out for the better is an understatement at best; simply enough, there’s something to be said for having peace of mind.

“There’s a huge bonus in owning the speedway now,” DeVore continued.  “Everything we do from here on out is a benefit for the future of Albany-Saratoga.”  It isn’t just speedway management that finds themselves breathing a little easier at night, that feeling of non-anxiety extends down to the competitors as well.

“Having the deed to the speedway secured is good for the racers as well,” remarked DeVore.  “You always heard the rumor that it was going to be a Shop Rite and now that they know it’s going to be a race track and as long as I’m alive it’s going to stay a race track.”  That assurance and confidence from DeVore makes drivers more likely to invest in their equipment knowing what the future holds for their beloved speedway.

“There are several new drivers that are looking at running here in 2015,” continued DeVore.  “We’ve definitely seen some interest from outside racers that want to come in here and we’ve also seen some renewed enthusiasm from our weekly drivers.  We’re really excited about the coming season.”

With the 50^th anniversary season right around the corner, plans are already well underway to make 2015 one for the ages.  “We wanted to do something different for our 50^th year,” DeVore stated.  “Instead of having just one big event, we’re going to spread out our celebration over the entire season.”

Since it’s the golden anniversary season, it really comes as no surprise that some of the highlighted events are structured around the number 50.  “We’re going to have a 50-lap pro stock tour race in July,” DeVore continued.  “We’re also planning a big night in August for a celebration as well.  We’re just trying to use the number 50 theme throughout the entire season.”

Along with the Northeast Crate Nationals coming back this season, there is also the possibility of another mid-week event on the schedule.  “There are a lot of different things that we’re looking at,” DeVore said with a smile.  “We’re in the middle of putting the schedule together right now and we’re confident the fans should be happy with it this year.”

Aside from a horsepower infused schedule for the coming season, fans and drivers have some more improvements to look forward to when the gates open in April.  “We completely resurfaced the track with 157 loads of clay,” DeVore stated.  “This year there will be a drop off of the speedway surface with no inside berm.”

There are many other updates going on throughout the entire facility in anticipation of the 50^th anniversary.  “We are continuing with making some finishing touches to the new VIP tower that we built last year,” DeVore said.  “We also plan to upgrade the front entrance with a whole new look.”

In addition to the aforementioned improvements and upgrades, speedway management also has plans to replace the starter stand, remodel the old VIP tower that resides below the scorer’s booth and there are plans to improve some lighting, wiring and several other items.  All in all, the ‘Great Race Place’ is well on its way to being even greater under the guidance of Lyle DeVore and Howard Commander.

For the eager race fans of the Albany-Saratoga Speedway, the long winter slumber will end a week earlier this year than it has in previous seasons.  “Tentatively we’re looking at opening our season on Friday, April, 17^th,” DeVore concluded.  “That’ll be the opener here and if the spring thaw cooperates, we’ll be ready.”

The Albany-Saratoga Speedway is conveniently located on Route 9 in Malta, New York,
one mile north of exit 12 off I-87 with DIRTcar Racing Every Friday Night at 7:00 p.m.  For more please visit their website at www.albany-saratogaspeedway.com.

Matt Noles is the Senior Editor of Race Pro Weekly and a member of the Eastern Motorsport Press Association.  He currently resides in Sprakers, New York.