(Owego, NY) There’s good news and bad news in New York’s southern tier. The bad news is that Tioga Motorsports Park will be closing forever. But the good news is that race fans and competitors will have the opportunity to say goodbye this summer to one of the most historic racing facilities anywhere.
“I’ve reached an agreement with track owner Frank Lopke to open for special events this season,” said promoter Chris Zacharias. This will be his 4th year running the track and, by all accounts, its last year. “This track has meant so much to so many people for almost 60 years. Even though we won’t be holding weekly races, I know that everyone will appreciate our effort to provide the kind of special shows this track deserves in its last year of operation,” he added.
Tioga’s final Richie Evans Memorial, a 75-lap Sunoco Race of Champions Modified Tour event, will headline the action on Sunday, May 29th. The special show will also include a 100-lap SST Tour race and a 50-lap Race of Champions qualifier for the Street Stocks. On the evening of Saturday, May 28th, enjoy a huge party with live music in the track parking lot.
Monster trucks return for the 3rd time with the USHRA Monster Jam on July 8th, 9th, and 10th. Zacharias has also scheduled an awesome dirt bike stunt show each night to accompany the monster trucks.
Oval racing returns to the legendary ½-mile on July 24th, when the track again hosts the Sunoco Race of Champions Tour. It’s another 75-lap tour event, plus a non-tour race for the SST Modifieds. The Late Models and Street Stocks will also be on hand, for a full Sunday afternoon program.
“Our final show is still in the works but I’m shooting for late August,” Zacharias explained. “That will be the end of racing at Tioga Motorsports Park and we plan to do it up right.”
ROC Modified Tour and SST Tour rules will be in effect for applicable events, while Tioga’s 2004 rules will be used for the other divisions competing this year.
Additional information on these events, the finale, and pre-season testing will be forthcoming. Watch for updates on the track’s website: www.tiogamotorsportspark.com.
Anyone having questions should contact Chris Zacharias at 607-343-7446.
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