Malta NY – April 16, 2012 –  In just a few days Howard Commander and Lyle DeVore will kick-start their latest project ― returning dirt racing to the popular Albany-Saratoga Speedway.  Or as the duo calls it ― ‘the resurrection’ when the oval re-opens under new management for a dual season opener beginning Thursday, April 19th.

“We are ready, we are excited,” said DeVore who will handle the promotional duties at the Malta speedplant.  “We had an excellent turnout for our warm-up session [held on Sunday], we had well over 100 cars and there was a lot of people in the grandstands.  It was good to finally get that underway and to see that kind of response really gives us a great feeling going into Thursday’s opener.”

DeVore’s management team will host a Modified, Budget Sportsman and 4 Cylinder division schedule for the initial event on Thursday with the Modifieds, Pro Stocks and Street Stocks making up Friday’s agenda.  The action gets underway at 7:00 p.m. on both days.

“From the feedback that we are getting we have to expect a huge crowd,” says Commander of the unusual dual opening format.  “This way we could dilute the opening crowd by running it on two days because some people won’t come out on both days and this will give everybody a chance to check out what we are offering.”

DeVore is spending this week handling the final details.

“I want to be as close as we can be to 100% on opening night,” said the 40-year-old DeVore.  “We are going to be overstaffed because we want everybody to enjoy this experience and we don’t want to short the fans.  This place is new to us and we want to be prepared.”

Commander has the utmost confidence in his protégé DeVore who has spent the past decade under the renowned promoter’s wing.  Add to that his years working with the Richards family, plus experience he gathered when he worked side-by-side with the late charismatic promoter Alex Friesen.

“I’m too old for this,” laughed Commander.  “This could not be done without Lyle ― it could not.  But this is something that had to be done, it would be hard to see the place sit idle because that’s not good for racing.”

DeVore can’t wait for his opportunity.

“The drivers that I spoke with on Sunday were happy with the track conditions, the track was super smooth,” smiled DeVore.  “We’ve got two great nights planned and the weather is going to be great so get there early.  It’s finally here, this is exciting.”

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