NYSSCA AWARDS BIG MONEY IN INAUGURAL PIT CREW CHALLENGE

July 1, 2003 - Five teams competed at Albany Saratoga Speedway on July 1st in the Championship Round of the 1st Annual NYSSCA Pit Crew Challenge, but the Condor Pontiac/GMC Team, comprised of John Russo, Dave Vasko, Gary Resue, Curt Spoonagle, and Dan Nadeau walked away the winners. The Grand Prize of $999.00 was sponsored and presented by Capital News 9. Time trials were held each week in June to qualify the fastest team each week for the final event. All weekly winners received hats from the New York State Stock Car Association. The winners from the first week were the Cottrell Racing Team, comprised of Darren Costanzo, Gerald Curtis, Josh Cottrell, Jesse Oliver and Mike Rhodes. They also received gift certificates donated by the Malta Diner. They finished 4th in the finals receiving Pyrotech crew shirts donated by Pro Circuit Autosports and Restoration of Ballston Spa, NY. Week Two winners were the Carlton Coon Heating Team, comprised of Jonathan Coon, Eric Sbrega, Joe Marqoux, Ed Young, and Carlton Coon. Their prize for being the fastest team in Week Two qualifying was gift certificates from the Malta Diner. They finished 5th in the finals. After raining out on week three, the Sheely Racing Team qualified on week four. Jeff Sheely, Doug Sheely, Jeff Smith, Chuck Spetla and Ricky Viall all received Mechanix gloves donated by Jumpin Jacks Pro Speed. They finished third in the finals and won $199.00. The Condor Team qualified on week five and the Time Warner Cable Team of Jim Monroe, Jr., John Czmyr, Mike Tholin, Chris Busta and Jamie Walsh were added to the field as a "Wild Card" since they had the second fastest time of the competition. The Time Warner Cable Team was the runner up in the finals, earning themselves $299.00. Other sponsors of the event were GMC Local Area Dealers, Ranch Trailer Sales, Kneer Auto Parts, Snap On Tools, and Media Well Done. Thanks goes out from the New York State Stock Car Association to all those who participated in the event, the sponsors, Event Officials Roger and Cindy Steele and Hondo Carpenter. Extra thanks to Hondo and the #9 Pro Stock Race Team from Fonda Speedway for preparing and loaning the competition car to NYSSCA for the duration of the event. Videos of the event will be available by contacting Bobco Video. Photos are available through Grady Photos and Otto Graham. For information contact Kelley Keefe at (518) 399-0937 or email secretary@nyssca.com. Proceeds from the event will help further the programs of NYSSCA, such as the Benefit Fund which aides members who are injured during a racing event and are unable to immediately return to work.