EMPIRE SUPER SPRINTS MAKE SECOND STOP IN CANANDAIGUA

CANANDAIGUA, NY.....Independence Day traditionally marks the halfway point during the regular-season of racing on the DIRT Motorsports circuit.

The practice continues July 6 at the Ontario County Fairgrounds as Corvettes by Turner Automotive and Pick-N-Pull Auto Parts present the 'Firecracker Frenzy' Fourth of July trackside celebration at Canandaigua Speedway.

A return engagement by the Empire Super Sprints headlines the holiday show which features a complete program of big-block Modified, Sportsman, Pro Stock and Street Stock competition. A gigantic fireworks extravaganza closes out the 7pm card, making the weekend special one of the biggest of the year in wine country.

Since establishing themselves in Central New York during the 1983 season, the Empire Super Sprints have invaded Ontario County 19 times.

Last year area favorite Lance Yonge made a clean sweep in July by winning his heat and the special dash before capturing his first victory of the year in the 20-lap A-Main. Randy Years scored his second career win in the May race as Canandaigua kicked off the 2001 schedule.

The 2002 ESS Tour event at Canandaigua on May 11 began in celebration for first-time winner Brian Dumigan yet ended on a somber note when his father David Dumigan collapsed pitside following the victory lane ceremonies and never regained consciousness. Dumigan used the low line to first chase down seven-time ESS points king Mike Woodring, then overtook Dan Kaszubinski for the top spot on the eighth circuit en route to the memorable win.

Open-wheel veteran Steve Paine once again heads the modified points chase in search of his fourth Fairgrounds' season championship since 1990. With three big-block wins already recorded aboard the no. 7x Sweeteners Plus/TEO mount, the two-time defending track champion leads Gary Tomkins, Tim McCreadie, A&C Speedworld teammate Vic Coffey, and Vince Vitale in his quest for a third straight title at the notorious 'Land of Legends' speedplant.

The duel continues between points leader Randy Chrysler (3 wins) and runner-up John Plumb (2) atop the Sportsman standings while six-time victor Jon Miller(pro) and still winless Adam DePuy(Street) head the stock charts.

A reminder that Street Stocks will now (put in effect June 29) be allowed to race the same carburetor that is used in the DIRT Sportsman and Pro Stock divisions. The restrictor plate is also in use with this carburetor for the Street Stock class.

Canandaigua Speedway is located at the Ontario County Fairgrounds on County Road 10, just east of the city. General admission gates open at 5 p.m. and the first qualifying heat gets the green flag at 7 p.m.