January 14, 2005

SERIOUS 'BENCH RACING' EXPECTED AT HALL OF FAME OPENING

Saratoga Springs, NY When the New York State Stock Car Association's permanent Hall of Fame exhibit opens at the Saratoga Automobile Museum on January 29th, a highlight will be the opportunity to chat with racing stars of the past and present.

After the 2 pm unveiling ceremony, Hall of Fame members will autograph memorabilia and discuss the golden days of racing with museum visitors. Members who have indicated they will attend include CD Coville, Brian Ross, Ernie Martin, Mike Ehring, Freddy DeCarr, George Marcus, Nick Ronca, Ken Tremont Sr., Mert "Socks" Hulbert, Lee Palmer and John Grady.

The list is growing daily and some serious "bench racing" can be expected as racing adventures of the past are relived.

The roster of second-generation racers is also growing, with Kenny Tremont Jr., Chris Ross and the "Racin' Ronca brothers", Mike, Don and Rich, already committed to attend. CVRA race director Bruce Richards, many area media members and racing historian, author and publisher Lew Boyd, who recently published the popular Richie Evans biography, will be on hand as well.

The biography of the nine-time NASCAR National Modified champion, penned by Mark "Bones" Bourcier, will be on sale in the museum gift shop along with a variety of other racing related books.

Vintage race-car owners Bruce Carman and the father/son team of Mike and Chris LaFond will be available to discuss their pet projects. Carman, who fielded stocks cars for a number of area heroes, among them Hulbert and Dick Hansen, will field questions about the restoration of his track roadster, which will be on display next to the Hall of Fame exhibit. The car was driven by Hall of Fame members Bob Whitbeck and Pete Corey. The LaFonds will be marking the Racing Across New York gallery debut of their #28 small block modified, which was driven by another Hall of Fame
member, Vince Quenneville.

Along with the Hall of Fame festivities and the other racers in the second floor gallery, museum visitors can also view the Cars of Carroll Shelby: The Ford Connection exhibit in the main Golub gallery.

The Saratoga Automobile Museum is located on the Avenue of the Pines in the Saratoga Spa State Park and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Regular admission is $7 with seniors $5, but for the Hall of Fame opening, card carrying NYSSCA members will be admitted for $4. Each Hall of Fame family will receive four free admissions.