Nolan Swift / Billy Wright 1974 Supermodified To Be Displayed At Oswego Speedway Saturday

Story By: CAMDEN PROUD / OSWEGO SPEEDWAY – OSWEGO, NY – Fans attending this Saturday night’s Jim Shampine Memorial at Oswego Speedway will have the opportunity to see a piece of Supermodified history, as the 1974 Nolan Swift / Billy Wright built No. 51 Supermodified will return to the Steel Palace for the first time in five decades.

The car, which was the only machine ever built by the legendary duo of Swift and Wright for another competitor, was originally constructed in July 1974 for Michigan-based driver ‘Cowboy’ Leon Wieske of St. Clair Shores. Wieske debuted the car at Oswego in August, qualifying 19th for that year’s International Classic and finishing 14th. He continued to campaign the car into September with finishes of 13th and 4th, respectively, before returning for the Twin 50’s in October where he notched 6th and 9th place finishes. The car attempted to qualify for the 1975 Classic, but missed the field and has not turned a lap at Oswego Speedway since.

After several years spent in a museum in the Midwest, the car was recently purchased and restored by current 350 Supermodified competitor Vern LaFave, who will have it on display this Saturday.

This chassis marks the sixth car built by the incredible Swift-Wright combination, modeled as a copy of the car that Nolan Swift drove to victory in the 1972 International Classic. Originally built with independent front suspension, Swift and Wright opted to convert the car to a straight axle midway through the season. The result was Swift winning the 1972 Classic with the straight axle setup, scoring one of his most memorable career victories.

The 1974 car becomes the second Swift/Wright machine to be restored and displayed at the Speedway in recent years, joining the 1970 chassis that famously carried Swift to his remarkable comeback win in the 1971 Classic. In that race, Swift made up two laps to score his third career International Classic victory in a Supermodified, and fifth overall in the 200-lap crown jewel.

Rupert’s Party Rentals Signs on as White Flag Sponsor at Speedway, Presenting Sponsor on Saturday, July 12

Oswego Speedway is pleased to announce a new partnership with Rupert’s Party Rentals, which will serve as the official White Flag sponsor at the Speedway for the duration of the 2025 season.

Each week, as the field prepares to take the green in heat and feature events, fans will now hear: “The Rupert’s Party Rentals White Flag is out!” – recognizing the company’s support across all divisions at Oswego Speedway. In addition, Rupert’s Party Rentals will serve as a presenting sponsor alongside Barlow’s Concessions for the Speedway’s racing program on Saturday, July 12.

Owned by Dennis Rupert, a former Pathfinder Bank SBS driver and lifelong Oswego Speedway supporter, Rupert’s Party Rentals saw this as an opportunity to give back to the racers and race teams that make the weekly show possible.

“For us, this was a great opportunity,” said Rupert. “I love that Caylee (Demm) is thinking outside the box and working on some creative ways to bring money into the point funds. It’s a huge win for our company, the Speedway, and most importantly, the race teams.”

Rupert continued, “Growing up hearing about my grandfather, Ron Wallace, racing, and racing myself in the SBS division for some years, I know how much effort and time these race teams put in. So to help in this initiative to add money to their point funds through being the white flag sponsor was a no brainer. Hopefully, this will generate more businesses and people who love racing at Oswego Speedway to help Caylee with this great initiative to help the teams who put on a great show for us to enjoy weekly.”

Oswego Speedway extends its sincere appreciation to Dennis Rupert and Rupert’s Party Rentals for stepping up in support of the drivers and teams. Beginning this weekend, fans will hear Rupert’s Party Rentals recognized each time the field takes the white flag during all feature events.

Speedway, Empire Powersports Team Up to Give Away 2025 Can-Am Outlander Max XT ATV in Support of Local Charities

Oswego Speedway is proud to announce an exciting new collaboration with Empire Powersports of Fulton to launch a brand-new ATV raffle benefiting Friends Forever Animal Rescue and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. One lucky fan will take home a brand-new 2025 Can-Am Outlander Max XT 700 – just in time for Budweiser Classic Weekend 69 and Super DIRT Week 53

Valued at $11,529 MSRP, the 2-seat, 700CC Sleet Blue ATV comes fully loaded with power steering, front and rear bumpers, a 3,500-pound winch, and 14” aluminum alloy wheels. Tickets for this prize are just $1 each, with no purchase limit. As a bonus, fans who buy 20 tickets will receive 5 free, and those who buy 50 tickets will receive 10 free – boosting your chances to take home this high-powered Can-Am machine.

Tickets will officially go on sale Opening Night, Saturday, June 14, and will be available for purchase both online via RallyUp.com and in-person at the track by scanning a QR code. The promotion will run through Saturday, August 16, when the Grand Prize winner will be revealed live on Championship Night at Oswego Speedway.

Throughout the season, the Outlander will be on display at the Speedway and driven on-track each race night by a different Oswego Speedway driver, with promotional announcements made during each event. Fans will have ample opportunity to see the vehicle up close before entering.

All proceeds from the raffle will be split equally between Friends Forever Animal Rescue, an Oswego County-based nonprofit dedicated to saving and finding homes for animals in need, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a national leader in advancing medical research and care for individuals battling cystic fibrosis.

“This is a great chance for our fans to support two meaningful causes while also having the opportunity to win an outstanding prize,” said Oswego Speedway owner, John Torrese. “We are all thrilled to partner with Doug Clarke and Empire Powersports to give away one of the most sought-after ATVs on the market. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

The winner will receive the keys to the ATV – and a giant commemorative check – during Track Championship Night on August 16, just weeks before Classic Weekend and Super DIRT Week. Don’t miss your chance to bring home this brand-new ATV presented by Oswego Speedway and Empire Powersports.