PLATTSBURGH — The Key RD Trailer Sales Renegades are in it for the long haul in tonight’s $1,000-to-win Aaron’s 100 at Airborne Speedway.
The Renegades are an affordable, no-frills eight-cylinder division whose weekly 25-lap features provide door-to-door racing in tight formation from start to finish. Tonight’s headline event is the longest Renegade race ever on the Airborne half-mile. Only green-flag laps count. The race will be halted briefly at the halfway mark to allow for adjustments (no tire changes) in the infield.
Courtesy of Aaron’s Sales and Leasing, the leader at the break will win a 42-inch television. By choosing to start the second half of the race at the rear, the halfway leader can earn an additional $200 bonus by making it all the way back through the field.
“The Renegades are fan favorites because they put on a good show every week,” promoter Mike Perrotte said. “This is a chance for them to do something different and have some fun. Everybody gets the same amount of points for showing up, and somebody’s going to be able to do some bragging when it’s over.”
Local drivers who figure to be in the hunt for the $1,000 prize include Joe Warren of West Chazy, Rick Doner of Ausable Forks, Robbie Favreau of Peru, Jason McClatchie of Plattsburgh, Andrew Bordeau of Dannemora and Josh Terry and Tylor Terry of Morrisonville.
Warren drives the Bud Light/Sara Lee No.13. He trails only defending track champion Kevin Boutin of Fairfax, Vt. in the point standings (450-436). He has two wins to go along with seven top-five finishes. McClatchie is a three-time winner at the wheel of the Dee’s Pit Stop/TDI Repair No. 70. Bordeau landed his first career win last weekend.
“We’ve got a good group,” said Lance Rabtoy of Fairfax, Vt. “Everybody is helpful. It’s competitive and it can be frustrating, but there’s respect and friendship. These are hand-built cars with stock firewalls and floor plans — Pontiac Grand Prixs, Monte Carlos etc. We run a sealed 602 GM spec motor with a two-barrel 4412 Holley carburetor, automatic transmissions and spec Goodyear tires.
“This race is meant to be a fun deal, but it’ll be competitive for sure. We’ve never gone 100 laps. If you’re not patient, you could have a tough night. The brakes and the transmission are apt to overheat if you abuse them.”
Tonight’s race card, presented by Haun Welding, Marsha Homes and Dig Safe NY, also includes DIRTcar Modifieds, Sportsman Modifieds and Mini Modifieds. The J&S Steel Limited Late Models are on the road for a USA/Canada Series race at Autodrome St-Eustache.
Airborne Speedway is located on Broderick Road in South Plattsburgh, just off Rte. 22, one mile south of I-87 exit 36. Grandstands open at 4 p.m. The Fun Karts circuit track is open from 4 p.m. until races have ended. Qualifying heats begin at 6 p.m. Adult admission is $12, and kids age 12 and under admitted free.
