2/29/2020
Ransomville Speedway
2020 MISS RANSOMVILLE CONTESTANT PREVIEW
RANSOMVILLE, N.Y. (February 29, 2020) - In just a few short years the Miss Ransomville Contest has become a popular part of the annual Ransomville Speedway Car Show at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara. This year’s class of contestants includes six eager women who will look to impress the judges on Saturday, March 28.
The role of Miss Ransomville Speedway is very important to the marketing and promotion of the speedway during every race season. There are the traditional race night duties, including appearing in victory lane for pictures with feature winners, taking in part in fan giveaways and promotions and greeting fans as they enter the speedway gates. On non-race nights Miss Ransomville can be found representing the “Big R” at community and promotional events while helping to spread awareness of the facility.
Here is a look at the current crop of contestants that are hoping to become Miss Ransomville 2020.
Brianna Smith is a returning contestant from last year. She is a lifelong race fan, which is what led her to participate. “I decided to enter the Miss Ransomville contest because it is something I’ve wanted to do since I started going to the races when I was young,” said Brianna. She has been preparing for this year’s contest by learning more about the history of Ransomville Speedway. Brianna has also learned about Ransomville’s popular flat dogs, which is a question that stumped her during last year’s contest.
Mariah Reilly is looking to become Miss Ransomville for the second time. She served in the role wonderfully during the 2018 season. While her reign officially ended after that season, she did come back to the “Big R” last season a few times to help out on special occasions as well as make several appearances throughout the Northeast as Ms. VP Racing Fuels. Mariah enjoyed her time as Miss Ransomville so much that she hopes to have the chance to do it again in 2020.
Just like many Miss Ransomville candidates, Kelli Wilkesmore has family ties to racing at Ransomville. Her uncle is 2019 Stevenson’s Hardware Novice Sportsman co-champion Butch Zimmerman. “I wanted to run for Miss Ransomville this year because I grew up at the track, and there is no other way to spend a Friday night than at the track with friends and family. it’s a great place to make memories,” said Kelli. In addition to her family ties to the sport, Kelli is no stranger to being part of the Ransomville team as she worked at the front gate for three years as a ticket seller.
Candice Horton is another former speedway employee that is looking to take on the role of Miss Ransomville as she previously worked in the concession stand. “I was told about the contest by a family member and it sounded like a great opportunity to step out of my comfort zone,” said Candice. She currently works at American Eagle Outfitters as a merchandising lead. Her uncle is current Sunflowers of Sanborn Mini Stock driver Steve Matson, while former driver Rick Horton is also her uncle.
Madison Van Epps’s family tradition at Ransomville is tied to her grandfather, Mark Cerrone, who was a long time sponsor of the track and racers, including Scott Kerwin. While her grandfather passed away in 2007, Mark Cerrone Inc. continues to be involved in local racing at the “Big R” as a race night sponsor. Ransomville has provided her plenty of great memories, and she will look to add to those memories as Miss Ransomville.
Coming from the role of a pure fan, Cynthia Bindics is excited for the chance to win the Miss Ransomville crown. “I love being at the race track experiencing the smell of the race fuel and being with friends and family,” said Cynthia. “Being Miss Ransomville looks like a lot of fun with the awesome opportunities that come with the role and being involved in the community. Win or lose, I would be honored to represent Ransomville and be the face for the speedway as it is a passion of mine.” Away from the track, Cynthia is a special education teacher at West Seneca West Elementary.
The 2020 Miss Ransomville Speedway contest signals the end of the reign of 2019 Miss Ransomville Keirstan Farina. Everyone at Ransomville Speedway would like to thank Keirstan for her dedication and enthusiasm during the past year as Miss Ransomville. She did a phenomenal job in the role, and we hope to keep seeing her at the track in the future.
The Miss Ransomville Speedway contestants will take part in a meet and greet with race fans on Friday, March 27 from 7-9 p.m. as a kickoff to the mall car show. Saturday’s festivities include a driver autograph session at 6 p.m. followed by the Miss Ransomville contest at 7 p.m., which is open to the public.
Applications are still being accepted for the Miss Ransomville contest. Anyone wishing to participate can enter by calling the track office, emailing raceransomville@gmail.com or by messaging the speedway’s Facebook page. Females 18 years old or older as of May 1, 2020, can enter. Contestants must be available to attend the meet and greet on Friday as well as the contest on Saturday.
Submitted By: Dave Buchanan
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