Malta, NY ―  When Albany Saratoga Speedway opens the doors on the 2013 race season, on Friday April 19th, Stuart Friesen’s name will be added to the weekly modified rooster.  Friesen, who took the win in the speedway’s season opener last year, made infrequent stops early on but mid-way through the month of June he was seen weekly at the Malta-based oval.

Success was plentiful for Friesen and car-owner Jake Spraker, who became familiar with victory lane.  And they became familiar with being right smack in the middle of the intense chase to the front of the modified field every week.

“We had some great runs,” said the 29 year-old Friesen who is coming off a career best season.  “It’s a lot of fun racing there ― Brett [Hearn], Kenny [Tremont] and all of those guys ― we were pretty competitive each week.  We are looking forward to committing for a full year and making a run for the championship.”

Friesen secured 28 wins last season at eight different speedways [with car owners Tom Cullen, Jake Spraker and Marty Burdick] and is off to a stellar start this season, picking up a win in the second leg of DIRTcar’s Florida tour in February.

“We have some new stuff we are working on this year as far as set-up goes,” explained Friesen. “Hopefully we can apply some of that to Jake’s team and pick up where we left off last year.”

Plus promoter Lyle DeVore dropped some new clay last Fall. “We are looking forward to seeing how Lyle made out with the track,” said Friesen.  “He put that new clay down and we are looking forward to getting back out on it.  Lyle knows his stuff so I don’t doubt how good it will be.”

Speedway management will host the 2013 ‘Season Opener’ on Friday, April 19th with the Modified, Sportsman, Pro Stock, Street Stock and 4-Cylinder divisions.  Race time is 7:00 p.m.

Prior to that race teams and race fans are invited to attend the ‘Open Test & Tune’ which is open to any race car and takes place on Sunday, April 14th.  Gates open at noon with practice from 3 until 7.  Pits are $15 and grandstands are free.