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Articles by Chris Marquart
MOTORSPORTS: The 15th running of the Hoag Memorial was success at Outlaw Speedway
Outlaw Speedway successfully hosted the 15th running of the Hoag Memorial at the Dundee oval, covering two busy days of racing in Yates County. The event is contested in tribute to the Hoag family, and initially in memory of five-time Race of Champions victor Dutch Hoag. He is the only driver to have won on both dirt and asphalt after the Langhorne (Penn.) mile oval was paved. Mike Maresca scored the popular win, his second straight in the Hoag Memorial.
MOTORSPORTS: 358-Modifieds to take place in Charlotte next week
The 358-Modifieds will be part of the 11th running of the World Short Track Championship, held at The Dirt Track at Charlotte, Oct. 29-31. The three-day program will feature more than 525 Late Models, the DIRTcar 358s, DIRTcar UMP Modifieds, Crate Modifieds, 604 Late Models, 602 Late Models, Mini Stocks, Street Stocks, Thunder Bombers, and Hornets. The DIRTcar 358s move onto the card as the Sportsman and Pro Stocks are moved off the card.
MOTORSPORTS: Darren Smith captures championship
With a win whose popularity rivals any previous victor, and a final lap drawing comparisons to Vic Coffey’s first win in the 200 at Syracuse, Darren Smith is the Super DIRT Week 54 champion. Smith was on a tear. He changed a tire late in the race at Oswego Speedway, and then charged from 16th to second in five laps, and then to first in the final 100 feet.
Midlakes’ Grayson Roeland Debates with Peers in Philadelphia
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MOTORSPORTS: Super DIRT Week has returned
Super DIRT Week kicks off in Oswego this week. The Monday program opened with the charity golf tournament at Radisson Greens Golf Club and then the TQ Midget and Microd features were held on the infield track. Today’s program will feature the annual Block Party, from 4-8 pm. The event is free to attend, and will offer fans a chance to tour the downtown Oswego area and see the cars and stars up close.
MOTORSPORTS: The 40th running of the Outlaw 200 takes place this weekend
This weekend is the popular Outlaw 200 at Fulton Speedway. The weekend will mark the 40th running of the split 100-lap feature, with a variety of classes racing across Thursday through Saturday. Early camping opens Tuesday at 9 a.m. General camping (9 a.m.) and early hauler parking (5 p.m.) opens Wednesday. Thursday’s program will begin with hot laps at 6 pm. The card includes the Stock Car Championship, with a scheduled distance of 30 laps for $1500 to win.
MOTORSPORTS: Mat Williamson ties Tim McCreadie's on the all-time Modified wins list
On a night when Tim McCreadie was added to the Land of Legends Wall of Fame, Mat Williamson equaled one of McCreadie’s career marks at the Ontario County speedplant. Williamson earned his second career Gerald Haers Memorial, taking the eighth edition of the 100-lap crown jewel event. He secured the lead from Peter Britten with 31 laps remaining, and checked out on the way to his 14th career win at Land of Legends Raceway, tying McCreadie on the all-time Modified wins list.
MOTORSPORTS: Gathering to learn about the history of Maple Grove Raceway
Half Mile Thunder is scheduled for next Monday. The Waterloo Library and Historical Society will be the backdrop for a discussion of racing at Maple Grove Raceway. The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. in Fatzinger Hall, above the Library on the corner of Church and William Streets.
MOTORSPORTS: Otto Sitterly wins on September 6 once again
Going into Sunday, Dan Kaszubinski and media specialist at Oswego Speedway shared a unique perspective on Classic Weekend at Oswego Speedway, taking a deep dive into the history and numerology of winning an incredible six International Classic events. Otto Sitterly was on the cusp of joining elite company if he could win the Classic for the sixth time, a feat accomplished previously by Greg Warren, Bentley Warren and Nolan Swift. Kaszubinski ran the numbers, Sitterly ran the machine.
MOTORSPORTS: More champions ready to be crowned this weekend
Four more area tracks will cap the regular season point chases this coming weekend. Land of Legends Raceway held their penultimate regular season card this weekend, with Kasey Coffey recording his first Modified win in the 30-lap main over Mat Williamson, Matt Sheppard, Alex Payne and Zach Payne.
MOTORSPORTS: Champions to be crowned at local tracks
As August comes to an end, several local tracks are preparing to crown weekly division champions. Outlaw Speedway was off last Friday, with a double-point program planned for this Friday, Aug. 28. Utica-Rome Speedway is also crowning Champions Friday night. Outlaw’s track championship standings show Matt Sheppard leading the modified ranks, with Alex Payne only 14 markers back. Mike Maresca is third, 60 points behind Sheppard.
MOTORSPORTS: Busy and successful week with Super DIRTcar Series SummerFAST
The Super DIRTcar Series SummerFAST delivered high-caliber racing across the four-race mini series that traversed New York, starting Sunday with the Hall of Fame 100 at Weedsport Speedway, and concluding Wednesday night at Utica-Rome Speedway. After the checkers fell over Stewart Friesen’s victory in the finale, Alex Yankowski celebrated with his second SummerFAST championship.
MOTORSPORTS: A decade of rejoicing at South Butler Speedway
South Butler Speedway is celebrating its 10th anniversary season, and has two weekends of racing remaining in the 2026 campaign. The dragway, at 33225 Butler-Conquest Road, has a long — and at times, complicated — history. The strip was built as a quarter-mile in 1958 by Paul Jackson. Today, the facility uses a one-tenth mile distance. “Everyone loves coming here,” said announcer Racin’ Randy Salerno.
MOTORSPORTS: Brady Fultz and Davie Franek claim wins at Outlaw Speedway
Friday in Outlaw Speedway’s 11th running of the Steve Kent Memorial Summer Nationals, Brady Fultz and Davie Franek shared victory lane. Franek scored a win in the headline Empire Super Sprints feature while Fultz delivered a popular win in the Modified portion of the program. Garden State driver Franek has had his share of success at Outlaw Speedway. He scored wins last year in both the Hoag Memorial and the Summer Nationals. He took the Fall Nationals in 2024.
MOTORSPORTS: David Gravel wins again
David Gravel does fairly well when it comes to Weedsport Speedway, and he delivered once again in the second and final night of The Empire State Challenge. Gravel won yet another feature in Cayuga County, his fifth in seven World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series features contested at Weedsport Speedway since 2022. Sunday’s feature paid $20,000 to win. Gravel started the feature fifth, and stormed to the lead of the 35-lap feature after 13 circuits.
MOTORSPORTS: Outlaw Speedway to conclude month in the holiday spirit
Outlaw Speedway will end the month with Christmas in July and a special appearance by the Empire Super Sprints. Outlaw Speedway’s program this Friday is their annual Fan Appreciation Night program, and will coincide with their annual Christmas in July. The track will open spectator gates for $5 fan admission. Santa Claus will make an appearance and it will be driver autograph night. The card will include the popular bicycle giveaways. Racing is at 7 pm.
MOTORSPORTS: Multiple drivers claim victories at Spencer Speedway
The Race of Champions Sportsman Series visited Spencer Speedway as part of its 2026 racing program. Spencer held two events this month, and will host racing in August and September. The July 10 program was part of Fan Appreciation Night celebrations. Andrew Lewis Jr. raced from seventh to win the 35-lap main event, featuring the touring Sportsman series. Eddie Hawkins was second ahead of Mike Leaty, Chris Finocchario and Andy Lewis.
MOTORSPORTS: Dylan Swiernik captures Empire Super Sprints CNY Speedweek title
An anti-climactic Empire Super Sprints CNY Speedweek championship went to Dylan Swiernik. Swiernik was leading Larry Wight by only four points going into the fifth and final night, but the tour finale was rained out along with the rest of the Fulton Speedway program Saturday night. By default, the championship fell to Sweirnik. Sweirnik was fast across the final events. He took a win at Utica-Rome Speedway, and rebounded to take third at Brewerton while collecting hard charger accolades.
MOTORSPORTS: A lot of racing to take place in July
July offers a busy month of racing for the Super DIRTcar Series, racing in a total of six events. Two events are scheduled north of the border, and the stacked month opens with the tour visiting Land of Legends Raceway. The July dates open Thursday with the Super DIRTcar Series competing in the Stars and Stripes Spectacular at Land of Legends Raceway.
Midlakes One-Room School Featured on "Finest Schools of the Finger Lakes" Tour
Midlakes One Room Schoolhouse was featured as part of a One-Room Schoolhouse "Open House" Tour last weekend. Midlakes One Room Schoolhouse was open along with the Ansley School House on County Rd 6 in Geneva, The Benton School House on Baldwin Road in Penn Yan, and the Overackers Corners School House on Vine Valley Road in Rushville. The tour is part of the National Schoolhouse "Fine, Finer, and Finest Schools of the Finger Lakes" Conference, hosted by the Country School Association of America.
MOTORSPORTS: Outlaw Speedway closes for Dundee High School graduation
Outlaw Speedway will be closed this Friday, remaining dark as Dundee High School celebrates its 2026 graduates. “Each year when I put my schedule of events together, I build in three Off Nights which gives all the racers and their teams, our fans and employees a chance to go do something else for a Friday night,” said track owner Tyler Siri.
MOTORSPORTS: Darryl Ruggles wins for 50th time at Land of Legends Raceway
As of Saturday, 101 days have passed since a fire decimated the motorsports operations of Ruggles-Bay Racing. Saturday night, Darryl Ruggles had the best night of sleep since March 5. In a portrait of resilience, Ruggles drove Alysha Bay’s No. 48A to victory lane to record his 50th career 305 sprint victory at Land of Legends Raceway. “Obviously I want to win another, but if I never do, I’m good with it,” said Ruggles, a crack and quiver in his voice.
MOTORSPORTS: Seneca County Fairgrounds returns to action this month
The Seneca County Fairgrounds will come to life about a month early this year. Nick Guererri and NG Promotions is bringing back a Motorsports Festival, June 18. The fairgrounds will be open to racing machines and more from 5-9:30 pm. Guererri, a long time successful dirt racer hopes to bring back a local tradition from his childhood days. This is another event that is harkening back to the Block Party Days held behind Amy's Checkered Flag, featuring race cars and the Stavola Bros.
Red Jacket Club Wins Finger Lakes Regional Trap Shooting Tournament
Midlakes' Travis Guard takes boys individual championship Newark Rod and Gun Club hosted 76 students from eight school districts over Memorial Day weekend for the Finger Lakes Regional Trap Shooting Tournament. At the end of a soggy and challenging five-hour Saturday spent chasing clays in blustery conditions, Red Jacket came away with their fourth-straight Finger Lakes Regional Championship. The Cardinals downed 211 clays out of a possible 250, winning by just three marks over Midlakes.
MOTORSPORTS: Land of Legends returns
At long last, the Land of Legends hosted race cars at full speed. The season was finally in full swing at the Ontario County Fairgrounds, with the half-mile roaring to life — but not without familiar outcomes. Mat Williamson and Karl Comfort, defending track champions in their respective disciplines, collected checkered flags. Williamson wheeled his No. 6 to the Modified feature win with a new CC Performance powerplant strapped between the rails.
MOTORSPORTS: Annual Memorial Day Car Show takes place in Waterloo
The cooler weather and drizzly conditions Sunday let the drivers and survivors shine at the annual Memorial Day Car Show in Waterloo. Paul Stevens of Seneca Falls was having a great time with his 1966 El Camino, shrugging off a few rain drops while enjoying a day out with his Marina Blue machine that has incredible documentation. “It’s fun to take a car, and just go out and drive it,” said Stevens, joking that perhaps the car is wheeled a bit more “aggressively” than necessary.
MOTORSPORTS: Oswego Speedway season opener is rapidly approaching
Oswego Speedway is within earshot of their season opener, scheduled for May 30. The week following, Oswego will be hosting the popular Jim Shampine Memorial. The track has boosted the Novelis Supermodified championship point fund to $25,000 shared among the top 12 supermodified pilots. The figure stands as the most lucrative weekly Supermodified season-end awards program in the United States.
Rogers Continues Tradition Offering Free Ball Gowns to Midlakes Students
Midlakes senior, Mallorie Rogers, wants to continue the "Eagle's Nest" tradition of loaning out ball gowns that started five years ago. In 2021, Midlakes senior, Lyndsey Wright, hoped to ensure any student wishing to attend a spring formal had the ability to go looking their best.
MOTORSPORTS: United Late Model Series Super Lates traveled to Outlaw Speedway
Aside from the action at Watkins Glen International, Outlaw Speedway also was successful in getting its local racing program in, welcoming the touring United Late Model Series Super Lates to the 4/10-mile oval for the Ted Siri Memorial. The appearance of the ULMS and the CRSA tour stop sets the stage for two special events this month. The first unique program will feature school bus races and then the week following, Outlaw hosts the Gary Montgomery Memorial.
MOTORSPORTS: Andy Jankowiak will compete in 2026 General Tire 100 at the Glen this weekend
Andy Jankowiak will be heading to Watkins Glen International to compete in the General Tire 100 at the Glen this Friday. The 38-year old full-time racer is celebrating a homecoming of sorts in his return to The Glen. The Tonawanda, NY driver said the weekend of racing will be an extension of his recent victory in the ARCA Menards Series’ Alabama Manufactured Housing 200 at Talladega Superspeedway.
MOTORSPORTS: Jordan Hutton wins Cal Lane Memorial at Outlaw to open ESS season
Jordan Hutton powered to his first Empire Super Sprint feature win Friday in the tour opener during the Cal Lane Memorial at Outlaw Speedway. The win was worth $4,220 — with all division payouts featuring a play on Cal Lane’s preferred car number. Malcolm Lane served as the grand marshal for the racing card. In all, 27 cars signed in for the ESS opener. Hutton and Zach Sobotka were paired on the front row for the 25-lap feature. Sobotka held command early.
MOTORSPORTS: Wonderful racing on Friday night
Outlaw Speedway and Utica-Rome Speedway held racing action on a wonderful Friday night. The timeless Danny Johnson delivered a popular win in Dundee while Matt Janczuk scored a 358-modified win in Vernon. The weekend also featured rounds for the Super DIRTcar Series, the DIRTcar 358-Modified and Sportsman Series. Outlaw Speedway raced in memory of Dave Guererri Sr., with modifieds racing a 35-lap feature. Bobby Varin and Ryan Susice brought the field to green, with Varin leading early.
Midlakes Graduates of Distinction Class of 2026
A decorated Marine, a community pillar and former educator, and a Ontario County Deputy have been named to the Midlakes High School Graduates of Distinction Class of 2026, selected by a committee of school staff, students, and community members. The program, established in 2016, recognizes successful graduates of Midlakes High School for outstanding civic and professional accomplishments, and for serving as role models to current students. The Class of 2026 includes Sgt Maj.
MOTORSPORTS: Racing season not far away
Now that we’ve moved past Easter, and we’ve already been given little hints of better weather, cruise-in season is not too far away. One of the early summer staples is the annual Oaks Corners Car Show, hosted by the Oaks Corners Fire Department. Last year, the show drew in excess of 70 cars, with nearly 120 cars visiting the Phelps Community Park the year prior. The event will be back at the same venue on County Road 6, scheduled for June 6.
MOTORSPORTS: New York fans continue to wait
The Mid-Atlantic region has been active already while New York fans wait for any hint of race weather in the forecast. Port Royal in Pennsylvania already has had a winged sprint car race. Mike Maresca and Stewart Friesen shared victories at Bridgeport Motorsports Park in New Jersey this past weekend. The Super DIRTcar Series heads to Delaware to race this weekend. Local tracks do have a handful of test sessions upcoming, with optimistic plans of competitive laps on April’s not-too-distant horizon.
MOTORSPORTS: SDS returns soon
The Super DIRTcar Series 2026 season will open its Northeast season at the end of the month. The SDS, which began in florida two weeks ago, will venture out of its northern hibernation to race the first of two events scheduled at the Georgetown Speedway in Georgetown, DE March 28. The tour will return at the end of October, racing the Mid-Atlantic Championship October 31 before the season-ending World of Outlaws World Finals at Charlotte, Nov. 4-7.
MOTORSPORTS: Super DIRTcar Series kicks off season
The Super DIRTcar Series season kicked off this week in Florida, with three winners sharing in victory lane celebrations during the four nights of action during the DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville. Mat Williamson won twice, taking the second and third nights of racing en route to the Big Gator Championship. He added third in the finale behind Larry Wight to clinch his third DIRTcar Nationals crown in four years.
MOTORSPORTS: Friesen returns, Murtaugh debuts when SuperDIRTcar Series returns
Two drivers at vastly different points in their modified careers have the DIRTcar Nationals circled on the calendar. When the Super DIRTcar Series returns to action at Volusia Speedway Park, Feb. 11-14, Stewart Friesen will be back at the helm of a modified, splitting time between the open wheel dirt machine and his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series efforts.
MOTORSPORTS: Land of Legends Raceway celebrates season champs
Land of Legends Raceway celebrated its champions at Doug Kent’s Rose Bowl Lanes in Newark, welcoming about 225 people for the banquet and a No Tap bowling tournament. Mat Williamson was recognized with his second straight Modified title in weekly action at LOLR, and Bobby Parrow was also celebrated a back-to-back championship reign with his second straight 305 Sprint division crown.
Midlakes Instructor Examines Learning through a Quantum Mechanics Lens
A very cerebral teacher, Chris McAfee joined Midlakes as the Middle School Band Director in September 2025. He also coaches track and field. Filling an opening left when former director Joe Godfrey retired, McAfee took over the position after spending time teaching at Ogdensburg Free Academy and Norwood-Norfolk High Schools.
Felt Friends Collaboration Brings Imagination to Life
Paisley, a Kindergartener in Mrs. Baxter's room, charged into her brown paper bag, eager to see her felt creature come-to-life. Ellen Lincoln (Class of '31) helped bring the multi-colored critter with ears and a big smile from idea to reality for young Paisley, part of a collaboration between Jocelyn McConnon's Family and Consumer Science (FACS) class at the Secondary building and Jen Baxter's Kindergarten class.
MOTORSPORTS: The Ridleys and racing go hand in hand
In a bit of a full-circle moment, Bruce Ridley once again has two sportsman cars to maintain. Both of his sons, Kyle, 15 and Parker, 10, will be wheeling Sportsman division mounts at Land of Legends Raceway. Kyle will move to the adult Sportsman division while Parker is moving to the New Legends Division. “It’s deja vu,” laughed Bruce, who helped maintain sportsman cars for Eric Giguere and Dan Weisner in tandem, and Greg Cool’s rides at intervals through 2015, and then part-time through 2020.
Felt Friends collaboration brings imagination to life
CLIFTON SPRINGS — Paisley, a Midlakes Elementary School kindergartner in Jen Baxter’s room, charged into her brown paper bag, eager to see her felt creature come-to-life. Ellen Lincoln (Class of ’31) helped bring the multi-colored critter with ears and a big smile from idea to reality for young Paisley, part of a collaboration between Jocelyn McConnon’s Family and Consumer Science class at the secondary building and Baxter’s kindergarten class.
Midlakes swimming welcomes 60 alumni for reunion races
Midlakes Varsity Swim and Dive teams welcomed over 100 fans and supporters to the first Alumni Swim Event on December 27. The highlight of the morning was the unveiling of the Wall of Champions; a series of plaques recognizing former Section V Champions and swimmers who qualified for the New York State Public High School Athletic Association State Championship Swim Meet.
TRACK & FIELD: Mile Split comes to film Aiden Bryant for a feature
CLIFTON SPRINGS — Looking out the window at Midlakes varsity indoor track and field practice, the weather would be more suited for practicing for the Iditarod. But Bryan Deibel, with Mile Split, is a native of Albion, N.Y. And Western New Yorkers are a hardy breed; he braved the weather Tuesday to film a special feature highlighting Aiden Bryant for Mile Split NY in association with Flo Track.
MOTORSPORTS: Land of Legends releases '26 schedule
Land of Legends Raceway delivered fans of the Ontario County half-mile an early Christmas gift, sharing the projected 2026 season schedule. One highlight — jumping to the end of the season — is the return of the Gerald Haers Memorial; the eighth running of the tribute race will again offer $10,000 to win. The GHM Weekend will include annual running of the Les Whyte Memorial Top Gun Shootout, held on the Friday prior to “The Gerald.” The two-day show is scheduled for Sept. 18-19.
Midlakes Welcomes Region’s Top Girls Wrestlers for Frosty Freestyle Tournament
Midlakes Athletics and the Varsity girls wrestling program will host the second annual Frosty Freestyle Tournament, an all-girls tournament contested at Midlakes High School. The second edition is scheduled for December 27. Weigh-ins will be open starting at 7:30 am and matches will start at 9:30 am. The tournament will use up to five mats between the high school and middle school gymnasiums, with the finals scheduled for the main mat in the high school.
MOTORSPORTS: Big Rig Racing coming to Weedsport in 2026
The American Big Rig Racing Series will visit Weedsport Speedway on Sept. 18 next year. This is a collaboration between Weedsport Speedway and Weedsport-based Page Trucking, welcoming the 1,000-horsepower diesel trucks for the track’s inaugural Big Rig Nationals. “This is really exciting on a lot of levels,” said Weedsport Speedway promoter, Jimmy Phelps. “It has been decades since the big rigs raced locally, so to be able to showcase them here in Weedsport is a tremendous opportunity.
MOTORSPORTS: Remembering Betty Fremouw
A line of antique radios rim a high shelf in the kitchen of Scott and Betty Fremouw’s kitchen; various automobile badges and antique tools pockmark the wall below. Galaxie. Chevrolet. Volkswagen. Trim from a ’56 Buick found during a walk in the woods. A steering wheel from a Ward-LaFrance vehicle. Each item represents a different memory, be it motorsports or classic cars, a trip to the Pageant of Steam. Or another adventure altogether.
Gerard Floriano joins RPO for Holiday Concert at Midlakes
The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra will be joined by an internationally-known Maestro and a Midlakes graduate for a performance with Midlakes’ students during a concert next month. Gerard Floriano will lead the RPO during a 7 p.m. concert, underwritten by G.W. Lisk Co. and supported by the Clifton Springs Rotary Club, on Wednesday, Dec. 3, in the Midlakes High School Auditorium, 1554 State Route 488. Proceeds of the concert to benefit Rotary.
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