Race car drivers often complain that promoters don’t offer enough high-paying events to help them offset the cost of maintaining a car each week. Yet when the promoters do offer a sizable purse, many drivers pass it up.
Tuesday night, Fonda Speedway promoter Ric Lucia offered modified drivers $6,000 for 60 laps, but only 30 cars made up the starting grid for the three qualifying events.
Go figure.
Lebanon Valley regular Andy Bachetti was one who did, taking fifth place.
“I’m here because I’ve only raced about 15 or 18 times this year and normally we race about 60 to 65 races throughout the year and I’ve got to eat,” he said, laughing.
After the Valley’s stock car and drag racing events were flooded out last weekend, Bachetti prepped for Tuesday’s special midweek event by racing Saturday at Fonda.
Bachetti had an impressive run despite some problems with a lapped car, and crossed the finish line with a top-five run.
“This is the first time I’ve ever taken a checkered flag in about 18 starts at Fonda,” he joked of his misfortune. “I’ve never finished a race, so it feels good.”
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