For fans who want to get a different perspective of racing, Outlaw Speedway will open its infield to spectators for nearly every show this season.
“We want fans to walk away after a night of racing and saying they experienced the action from a unique perspective at Outlaw Speedway,” said Craig “Spazman” Simmons, track ao nnouncer and public relations director. “We talked about letting fans in the infield for the High Limit Sprint Car Series race on May 16, and our owner and promoter Tyler Siri said, ‘Why not open it up all season?’”
The Dundee, New York, dirt track will allow fans to bring folding chairs or stand in the infield for every event except for the July 5 fireworks show. Outlaw Speedway will install barriers to ensure fans’ safety.
“It is really cool to see the frames of the race cars all torqued up, the left-front wheel off the ground, and the rear wheels kicking up dirt,” Simmons said. “Fans can get so much more from dirt racing than any other type of racing. The excitement is so different from grandstands to the infield.”
Outlaw Speedway will also take care to not ruin the experience for those seated outside the oval.
“There won’t be any grandstand or anything else to impede the view around the infield,” Simmons said. “We’ll have bathrooms, concessions, and adult beverages.”
The track opens on April 5-6 with the Lucas Oil Nationals for modifieds, crate late models, crate sportsman, street stocks, 4-cylinders, and hobby stocks. The schedule features many visiting touring classes, too, including the High Limit Sprint Car Series and Short Track Super Series.
Also, throw in two $5 fan appreciation nights and a NASCAR night that coincides with when the NASCAR Cup Series rolls into nearby Watkins Glen International.
However, one of the biggest announcements for Outlaw Speedway may be the return of a fan favorite.
“Yes, it is true! Rocky the Clown is back!” said Simmons. “There will be more fan interaction than ever, and more fan experiences. Let the fun begin!”
Mike Adaskaveg has written hundreds of stories since the website’s inception. This year marks his 54th year of covering auto racing. Adaskaveg got his start working for track photographer Lloyd Burnham at Connecticut’s Stafford Motor Speedway in 1970. Since then, he’s been a columnist, writer, and photographer, in racing and in mainstream media, for several outlets, including the Journal Inquirer, Boston Herald, Stock Car Racing, and Speedway Illustrated. Among Adaskaveg’s many awards are the 1992 Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) Ace Lane Photographer of the Year and the 2019 National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) George Cunningham Writer of the Year.
