Area runners complete marathon

Several area runners competed in the 19th Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon, which was held Oct. 14. Sidney resident Matt Roberts was the top area finisher on the 26.2-mile course, which began in Schenectady and finished in downtown Albany.

Roberts finished in 3 hours, 19 minutes and 15 seconds among the field of 414 competitors.

Other area residents completing the marathon were Andrew Rock, Cooperstown, 3:20:42; Michael Constable, Walton, 3:24:31; Shari Johnson-Ploutz, Oneonta, 3:27:52; Kevin Tripp, Sidney, 3:34:01; David Losee, Sidney Center, 3:41:07; Barry Warren, Oneonta, 3:41:09; Stephen Sutton, Milford, 3:44:00; Steve Johnson, Oneonta, 3:46:11; Tom King, Oneonta, 3:54:47; Nancy B. Mitchell, Milford, 4:20:45; Rose Albano, Roxbury, 4:20:45; Christy O'Donnell, Roxbury, 4:20:45; Bob Scrafford, Cooperstown, 4:38:28.

Utica-Rome Speedway to feature clay surface

Utica-Rome Speedway in Vernon, sanctioned by DIRT Motorsports, will have a red clay surface for the 2002 season.

Dump trucks have already unloaded rock-free clay on the turns. The clay was obtained on speedway property and run through a screening machine. The straightaways will also be screened for rocks.

Turns one and two are completed. Turns three, four and the straightaways are under construction, but should be finished before winter.

For more information, call the speedway office at 315-829-4557 or visit the website www.newuticaromespeedway.com.

Local earns safety award at Utica-Rome

Cobleskill resident Denny Tilison won a New York State Stock Car Association Safety Award based on his performance during an Aug. 19 card at the Utica-Rome Speedway in Vernon.

Tilison, who won the Slingshot feature that night and the Slingshot championship for the season, won $50 based on NYSSCA membership and being the first NYSSCA member to finish a feature event.

One driver in each division earned the award. Six additional drivers received $50 as wild card award winners.

Division winners were Todd Burley of Spencerport (DIRT 358-Modified), Willy Decker of Vernon (DIRT Sportsman), Mark Effner of Bridgewater (DIRT Pro Stock), Jeff Pastorella (Pure Stock) and Tilison.

NYSSCA Wild Card Award winners were Jack Johnson, Mitch Gibbs, and Aaron Excell in the DIRT 358-Modifieds; Jamie Christian in the DIRT Sportsman; Bill Knapp in the DIRT Pro Stocks; and Randy Marsh in the Slingshots. Wild Card winners were randomly picked from the NYSSCA membership at Utica-Rome.

• The annual NYSSCA Banquet will be held Jan. 19, 2002 at the Polish Community Center in Albany. Awards based on NYSSCA membership for every division at Utica-Rome will be given out for the following categories: Driver of the Year, Outstanding Performance and Newcomer of the Year.

Other NYSSCA tracks involved in the banquet include Lebanon Valley, Fonda, Afton, Devil's Bowl and Albany-Saratoga speedways.