December 30, 2005

NYSSCA HALL OF FAME DAY SET FOR SARATOGA AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM

Saratoga Springs, NY - The public will get its first look at the updated New York State Stock Car Association Hall of Fame display in the Saratoga Automobile Museum on Sunday, January 22nd, the day after NYSSCA's annual awards banquet and Hall of Fame induction ceremony in nearby Albany.

"Last year's ceremony was a big hit and this year should be even better" said Hall of Fame Chairman and museum representative Ron Hedger. "One of the display's two huge photo panels will be updated to include the new members and a new display centerpiece listing all the Hall of Fame members will be in use for the first time.

"We'll start by interviewing the newly inducted members, then fans can talk with and get autographs from all the Hall of Fame members on hand. We've scheduled it for that Sunday at noon to allow people in the area for the banquet to enjoy visiting the Racing in New York exhibit without making another trip."

The event will also let visitors see two of the sport's most famous cars, Hall of Fame member Richie Evan's Pinto modified and the beautiful #99 Belanger Special driven to victory in the 1951 Indianapolis 500 by Capital District resident Lee Wallard. The #99 Offenhauser powered Kurtis Kraft, on loan from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, is surrounded by cases of Wallard memorabilia. Highlights include photos of Wallard with Joey Chitwood and Yogi Berra from his wife's scrapbook and the famed Borg-Warner trophy.

The January 2006 inductees to the Hall of Fame include late model standout Dick Schoonover, NASCAR modified owner Ed Cloce, longtime officials Jim and Barbara Frye and NASCAR Modified and Winston Cup star Geoffrey Bodine. Bodine has been asked to participate in both Hall of Fame programs but at the moment is still juggling a busy schedule of bobsled-related events in hopes of attending.

All members of the NYSSCA Hall of Fame and a guest will be admitted to Sunday's program free of charge, while card carrying NYSSCA members will enjoy a reduced rate of $5. Regular museum admission is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors.

The Saratoga Automobile Museum is located just off US Rt. 9 on the Avenue of the Pines in the Saratoga Spa State Park. Visitors should take Exit 13N from I-87, the Adirondack Northway.