It's only June, but things are already coming together for the National Open Benefit at Williams Grove Speedway.
Kolten Gouse, organizer of the event, has confirmed that the chicken barbeque will again be part of this year's extravaganza, which will also include an auction.
This year's barbeque will be presented by Mohawk Northeast and Weedsport Speedway. It will kick off the October 3rd benefit at 11 a.m. Details on the rest of the benefit will be released in the coming months.
You may recognize Mohawk Northeast as sponsor of legendary Sprint Car driver Dave Blaney. Al Heinke, owner of the company, also owns the renovated and revamped Weedsport Speedway, in Weedsport, N.Y., which houses his HBR Modified team led by drivers Matt Sheppard and Jimmy Phelps.
“Supporting an organization that takes care of racers is critically important,” Heinke said. “We need to provide assistance to injured drivers and their families in crisis.
“The racing community is a family, one which embraces its members in good times and in tough times, and we are proud to be part of that commitment.”
This is the first of a two-year commitment by Mohawk Northeast with the National Open Benefit. Gouse helped raise $34,000 a year ago and $82,000 over the last three events.
Money raised during the National Open Benefit has been distributed to charities such as the York Racing Club Injured Driver's Fund, the World of Outlaws Benevolent Fund and the Steve King Foundation.
“I want to thank Al Heinke for coming on board as the presenting sponsor of our chicken barbeque this year and 2016,” Gouse said. “His commitment to the racing community over the years is amazing.
“I'm extremely excited to work with him and everyone involved at Mohawk Northeast and Weedsport Speedway.”
About Mohawk northeast:
Mohawk Northeast is a heavy civil engineering, construction and maritime company located in both Plantsville and Groton, Connecticut which began operations in 1967 and has been managed under owner Al Heinke since 1968. Family-owned and operated since that time, the company works with clients from all over New England, providing the expertise and manpower behind bridge builds and rehabilitations, marine construction, tugboat transportation, engineering services and facilities maintenance. Please visit www.mohawknortheast.com or check them out on Facebook.
Weedsport Speedway is a state of the art racing venue newly renovated under the ownership of Al Heinke. It is Central New York's premier 3/8 mile oval dirt track featuring the fastest cars and the biggest stars in a completely renovated, state of the art facility, boasting brand new clay and grandstand seating for 4000. The 10,000 square foot covered concession area houses The Portside Pub. The Weedsport Speedway is also home to the Drivers Independent Race Tracks (DIRT) Motorsports Hall of Fame, located on the grounds of One Speedway Drive, in Weedsport. Renovated in early 2015, The DIRT Motorsports Hall of Fame pays special tribute to the individuals and racecars that have been a part of Central New York’s love affair with stock cars from every DIRT series. A Hall of Fame induction is held every year in August and draws thousands of visitors who come to experience the rich history of motorsports racing and provides the public a chance to meet the legends face to face. Please visitweedsportspeedway.com/schedule for upcoming events or contact (315) 834-3067 orinfo@weedsportspeedway.com for more information.