Sports

At least two restored Watson Indy Roadsters, which competed at Oswego Speedway as Supermodifieds, are scheduled to appear at the ‘Steel Palace’ during Budweiser International Classic Weekend August 29-31. The creations, owned by Bob McConnell and restored by Steve Miller, are scheduled to be displayed through all of Budweiser International Classic Weekend with Speedway track time currently being scheduled into the day’s activities on August 31

This week, it was announced that Doug and Sherry Heveron will also post a $500 bonus to the Classic bubble car, in memory of Tom and Gail Heveron, raising the prize money awarded to the first non-qualifier to a sizable $1,000.

At the conclusion of the 58th annual Budweiser International Classic 200 for Novelis Supermodifieds on August 31, a total of $6,900 in lap money will be distributed to lap leaders of the richest and most prestigious event in Supermodified racing. Each year, Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame member Jim Liccardi works to sell lap sponsorships in memory of or supporting Oswego Speedway competitors.

With 10 days remaining until the International Classic, the countdown continues with No. 10, as Steve Gioia Jr. became the first Oswegonian to win the Classic in 1976. The 1976 International Classic was touted as being “an early Christmas present” for car owner Bill Hite and driver Fred Graves. It was a forgone conclusion that their far superior, four-wheel drive rear-engine Supermodified, would be banned after the season ended.

Oswego Speedway’s 58th annual Budweiser International Classic Weekend will kick off on August 29 with Corr/Pak Merchandising ‘Fast Friday’ featuring ‘Fast 14’ pole day time trials for the Budweiser International Classic 200 at 6 p.m. Unlike in previous seasons, Friday night’s ‘Fast 14’ Supermodified pole day time trials will take on a new sense of tension and importance, as only the ‘Fast 14’ times will be locked into the Budweiser International Classic 200 on August 31.

With 11 days remaining until the International Classic, the countdown continues with No. 11, Joe Gosek’s first International Classic win in 1991. Popular Oswego driver Joe Gosek, came into the ’91 Classic as a dozen year veteran of the event, still looking for that elusive first Classic victory, despite being considered a bonafide contender the last several years.

With 12 days remaining until the International Classic, the countdown continues with No. 12, Jim Shampine’s thrilling International Classic win in 1974. During the ’74 International Classic a red flag around the lap 150 mark grouped the four front runners together for a restart. That front four consisted of Warren Coniam in the Solvay Automotive No. 04, Bobby Stelter in the Ron Buckner No. 36, Nolan Swift in the famous 10pins, and Jim Shampine’s 8-Ball.