Story By: RACE OF CHAMPIONS – LANCASTER, NY – New York International Raceway Park, home to Lancaster Seedway will come alive for the final time during the 2019 stock car season this weekend with the 31st Annual running of the US Open.
The US Open, which debuted under the guidance of promoter Alex Friesen, in 1989 began a Western New York racing tradition that has become a must-see event for racing fans from throughout the region. This season’s edition will see several racing highlights including the 4th Annual Joe Reilly Crown Royal Classic 54 for the Sportsman Modifieds, the 2nd Annual John Julicher Classic for the Super Stocks and the Butch Palmer Memorial in the Four Cylinder division as part of the jam packed racing schedule on Saturday, September 14.
On Sunday, the Modified Series will compete in 125-lap feature. Chuck Hossfeld of Ransomville, N.Y., who recently announced his retirement, has defined his career at Lancaster with 8 US Open victories and he’s looking to cap off his impressive career with another victory this weekend.
“We have a few opportunities to win races this weekend” stated Hossfeld. “I am really looking forward to them all. The Sportsman, the Modified, it’s all going to be exciting with great racing. Hopefully, we can come away with a couple victories as we head into the end of the season. I’m really looking forward to it.”
The US Open begins with practice on Friday, September 13. Gates open at 4:00pm with practice at 6:00pm and the conclusion of the 30th Annual Tribute to Tommy Druar / Tony Jankowiak 110 at 8:00 pm, with live entertainment following. Saturday, September 14, qualifying will begin at 4:00pm. On Sunday, September 15, the final day of competition, qualifying will begin at 1:00pm.