Fireworks & Independence 35 set for this Friday at Mohawk Raceway

AKWESASNE, NY -- The holiday weekend kicks off in a big way this Friday, July 3rd, with fireworks both on the speedway and in the skies at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) in Akwesasne. The Independence 35 for the DIRTcar 358 Modifieds presented by Frenchie’s Chevrolet and CKON 97.3-FM will be Friday’s main event, along with a full card of racing for the Action Race Parts DIRTcar Pro Stocks, SUNY Canton Street Stocks and the Bandits. A spectacular fireworks show is planned following the races on Friday night, with the first green flag scheduled to fly at 7:45 PM.

The Independence 35 is the second race in the Frenchie’s Chevrolet American Revolution series for the 358 Modifieds. Carey Terrance leads this mini-series as he captured the win in the first series race, the Memorial Cup 35. However, Roy Tarbell is looking to unseat Terrance as the American Revolution point leader as he has captured two Modified feature wins in a row. Look for a strong field of challengers to fill the pits Friday night, including Kingston, ONT’s Todd Stewart and Akwesasne’s Perry Francis, who both have multiple top five finishes this year at MIR but have not yet scored a win. Also coming into Friday’s event with at least one top-five finish are defending track champion John Lazore, 2008 MIR points runner-up Mitch Jock, Ryan Jacobs and Clayton Benedict.

In the Action Race Parts Pro Stocks, the question is, “Who is going to stop Action Jackson?” Louie Jackson has won all three Pro Stock features, but each time he has been challenged right until the final turn. There are at least a dozen other Pro Stocks capable of pulling off the win--will anyone be able to power past the #18 Pro Stock to roll into victory lane?

In the SUNY Canton Street Stocks, Mike Allen and Mike White have set the pace so far this season, with Allen scoring two wins and White scoring two weeks ago, but there are numerous challengers who could move into the win column, including Mike Benedict, Jerry Jock and Preston Mussow. In the Bandits, Eli Gilbert of Brasher Falls is coming off back-to-back wins and wants to make it three in a row, but Scott Mere is looking to follow up his opening night win with another checkered flag. There are a host of other challengers looking to post their first win of the season and the Bandit division has some of the most exciting racing at MIR each and every week.

Frenchie’s Chevrolet is title sponsor of the three-race American Revolution series (the third and final race is set for Friday, September 4th) and the DIRTcar 358 Modified division for the 2009 season. Frenchie’s Chevrolet is located at 255 East Orvis St. in Massena and for over 25 years has been serving the North Country with a fabulous selection of new Chevrolets and quality pre-owned vehicles. Frenchie’s is also well known for their Service, Parts, and Collision Center. Racing fans know that they will get “the Real Deal” when when they stop in to see Frenchie’s Chevrolet President Real “Frenchie” Coupal and the entire staff at Frenchie’s Chevrolet, or they can visit the website at Frenchies Chevrolet.com to see the latest wheels and deals on the lot.

CKON 97.3-FM is the voice of the Akwesasne Territory and the Seaway Valley and has been a strong supporter of racing at Mohawk International Raceway since the very first days of the speedway. CKON 97.3-FM is proudly celebrating it’s 25th anniversary of broadcasting and looks forward to continuing to serve the community. CKON 97.3-FM also broadcasts the “MIR Now” racing show every Friday evening before the races. CKON 97.3-FM can be heard live at 97.3 on your FM dial or on the web at ckonfm.com.

Mohawk International Raceway is located in Akwesasne, NY, one mile east of the International Bridge to Cornwall, ONT. From Route 37, turn south onto Frogtown Road. Racing is held on Friday nights from May through September, featuring DIRTcar 358 Modifieds and Pro Stocks, Street Stocks and Bandits.