BUSTI - Any racing fans with a need for speed and a love for dirt tracks should mark down May 5 on their calendars.
Stateline Speedway has been a Western New York institution for more than half a century and will celebrate its 56th season this year. The venerable dirt track can entertain all ages, from the very young to the dedicated fans who have been coming since the beginning.
"The family that races together, stays together," said Jenifer Seamens, owner of the speedway.
Article Photos
The 2012 season at Stateline Speedway is scheduled to kick off Saturday, May 5.
P-J file photo by Scott Kindberg
All seven divisions that have raced at Stateline in years past will return again this year. "Raceiver" radios, one-way listening devices for drivers, will be mandatory in six of the seven divisions, up from three last season. Safety is always the first consideration in racing and the radios give instant information to the drivers about cautions on the speedway.
This year there are several notable changes taking place at the track, the biggest being the addition of "The Karts at Stateline." A new Go-Kart track has been constructed on the west side of the property, with races set to run on Saturday mornings starting at 10 a.m.
"It's a different experience for all of us because a lot of us are going into this blind. We all know racing, but it's different with karts and we're very excited about it," said Seamens. "Once things get going it's going to be a whole different avenue for a lot of people."
Fact Box
What: Stateline Speedway
When: season opener will be Saturday, May 5
Where: 4150 Kortwright Road, Busti
Cost: $10, adults; $5, ages 6-15; free, children 5 and under.
For more info: 487-2368 or www.stateline-speedway.com
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8.6 miles from downtown Jamestown
A new handicap area is being constructed to allow the wheelchair-bound to sit in the stands in a boxed area located right at turn one. They will also have a handicap porta-john available for their use.
Another new addition located at turn one will be the "Winner's Circle." Each week, a different driver will bring their car out to the fans prior to the start of the races to sign autographs, answer questions and have their photo taken.
Stateline will be welcoming Dan Moore to its staff this year, taking the position of lead announcer. Stateline hopes to put Dan down on the track, in the pits and in the crowd to interact with both fans and racers alike.
The Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models Show will be making an appearance at Stateline Speedway on July 24. It is a traveling sanctioned series and features the elite drivers of dirt late model racing. In prior years, fans would have had to travel as far as Maryland to see one of these events.
"It's been two years in the making to get a show of this magnitude to Stateline. It's a big deal," said Seamens.
Management at the track suggests that any attendees bring an extra coat or blanket in case the temperature should dip. For younger fans, ear plugs are available for $1. Program books are also available so attendees can get to know the racers and follow their favorite drivers throughout the season.
Camping is also available at the track free of charge. There are no hook-ups available at the campsites, but restrooms are available. Campers can move in on Friday and must be out by noon the following Monday. Campfires are limited, and anyone who builds one must clean up all debris before leaving. Four wheelers are also allowed on a limited basis, although they must be licensed. Any failures to adhere to the camping regulations will result in removal from the facility. Any further questions can be answered by calling Seamens at 814-688-4550.
Stateline Speedway will begin its new season May 5 and continue every Saturday through September. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students ages six to 15 and free for any children under five. Seniors age 62 and over receive a coupon for $2 off of any concessions.
Stateline Speedway is located at 4150 Kortwright Road in Busti. From Jamestown, take Forest Avenue south towards Busti. At the five corners in Busti, continue straight onto Busti-Sugar Grove Road for approximately 2.8 miles, then turn right onto Kortwright Road. Stateline Speedway will be approximately 1 mile down the road on the right-hand side. Stateline Speedway can be contacted by visiting their website, www.stateline-speedway.com, or by calling 487-2368.