Syracuse, NY, May 12, Year?
Empire Speedway fans were finally treated to the first complete speedway race of the season on May 12. Though most of the spectators had to fight storms to reach the track, and through the entire night it looked like they could start up again, a very large crowd turned out for the action.
It wasn't just the fans who fought severe weather because they were iching for excitement. The racers themselves had to brave the elements in order to participate. According to Gene Bonsignore of Rochester, "We couldn't see ten feet in front of us. The rain was so hard and we were peppered by hail stones. We were tempted to turn back." Now that's wanting to race! Gene made it to the track but was late and had to "settle" for winning the Scratch Main Event, with no practice. Howie Oakden took the top position in the Handicap Main. The action was fast and there were many races.
For any other information about Empire events call Vic Oliver, Mike Eldred or the track. ( Phone numbers are left out intentionally, as they are twenty years out of date. )
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