8/20/2023
Ransomville Speedway
Ron Martin Memorial Summer Nationals & Mike Bonesky Memorial Set for Tuesday
RANSOMVILLE, NY (August 20, 2023) One of the most anticipated races of the season is this coming Tuesday at the Ransomville Speedway as the Big Block Modified Super DIRTcar Series will be in competition for the Ron Martin Memorial Summer Nationals and the Sportsman Super DIRTcar Series will be in action for the 3rd Annual Mike Bonesky Memorial. Both races are in honor and memory of two individuals who dedicated their lives to racing and the Ransomville Speedway. The racing action will be presented by Stirling Lubricants, Evergreen Tree Service, Wendt’s Propane, National Maintenance Contracting Corp (NMCC), Hebeler’s Sales & Service, and Krown Undercoating.
It is the 38th edition of the Summer Nationals, and the 39th all-time appearance for the Big Blocks at the Big R. The Ron Martin Memorial Summer Nationals is in honor of Ron Martin and his dedication to Ransomville Speedway. Ron “Pops” Martin was an integral part of the Ransomville Speedway family. Martin was a longtime official of the Thursday night go-kart program and was on the track prep crew for the Friday night racing program as well as Thursday nights. He was also the sponsor of his son Greg’s racing efforts with Ron Martin Motorsports. Besides working at the track, Ron was also employed by Lawta Farms and prior to that he was employed by Leaseway (Anchor Motor Freight) as a Truck Driver for 26 years, retiring in 2010. He enjoyed playing cards and spending his mornings with the “crew” at Dunkin Donuts in Ransomville. Ron was also an Exempt Member of the Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co.
The cars and stars of the Super DIRTcar Series will be invading Ransomville, as the Big R stars will look to defend home turf. Last season, 358 Modified track champion Mat Williamson scored his first Summer Nationals triumph, driving the Buzz Chew Chevrolet #88. Series superstars like nine-time and reigning Series champion Matt Sheppard, Jimmy Phelps, Max McLaughlin, and more will all look for the victory on the Niagara Frontier against Ransomville’s tough field of 358 Modifieds, including 2013 Summer Nationals winner Erick Rudolph.
The 3rd Annual Mike Bonesky Memorial for the Sportsman Super DIRTcar Series will also take place that evening. Sportsman drivers from throughout New York State and Southern Ontario will make the trip to Ransomville to race in honor of memory of longtime media member Mike Bonesky. The Bonesky family has put together a lucrative lap sponsorship program for the race, with an additional $2,000 being added to the race purse via lap sponsorships and other contingency awards.
Mike Bonesky lived and breathed racing. He raced in the Bomber division at Ransomville Speedway in the early 1980s. After being behind the wheel, Bonesky had a pen, paper, and eventual computer with him as he was a columnist and writer in both the Gater Racing News and Area Auto Racing News. He also spent time handling the Public Relations duties for the indoor TQ Midget races at the Niagara Falls Convention Center as well as Holland International Speedway. Most recently, Bonesky was a member of Ryan Susice’s pit crew and spent time helping his grandson Jackson’s go-kart efforts for Thursday nights at “The Little R”. Bonesky was an avid racing fan in general, as he had traveled to over 100 different tracks throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Bonesky passed away unexpectedly in December of 2020. He was a graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School and served in the United States Army.
The previous two editions of the Mike Bonesky Memorial have produced two different winners. In 2021, Scott Kerwin battled his way to the win. Last season, it was multi-time divisional champion Brett Senek capturing the checkered flag. It will be round three of the Championship Series for the Sportsman Super DIRTcar Series, and the 35th All-Time Series appearance at the Big R.
The racing action will be presented by Stirling Lubricants, Evergreen Tree Service, Wendt’s Propane, National Maintenance Contracting Corp (NMCC), Hebeler’s Sales & Service, and Krown Undercoating.
Stirling Lubricants Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of different cutting oils, stamping oils, quench oils, and way oils. Established over 100 years ago, Stirling Lubricants have become a leader in the field of manufacturing automotive lubricating oils, industrial specialty oil, metal working oils, and more. For more information, log online to www.stirlinglubricants.com visit them at 1150 University Avenue in Rochester, NY or give them a call during their office hours during the week from 8-4 Monday through Friday at (585) 461-8310.
Since 1968, Wendt’s Propane is a major distributor of Propane and Oil to all of Western New York. Servicing residential, commercial and agricultural customers and specializing in providing temporary heat on construction sites throughout the region. Wendt’s Propane is open Monday through Friday 8am-5pm and on Saturday’s from 8am-noon. Wendt’s Propane is conveniently located at 5910 Ward Road in Sanborn. They are on Facebook as well as online at www.wendtspropaneandoil.com
National Maintenance Contracting Corp (NMCC) has been long standing supporter of racing at Ransomville Speedway. From welding and fabrication to industrial maintenance and general contracting, National Maintenance Contracting Corporation has done it all for over 20 years. From their location in Niagara Falls, NMCC delivers safe, high-quality services by a dedicated team of professionals at a fair and competitive price. To contact NMCC, call (716) 285-1583 or online at www.nmccnational.com.
Hebeler Sales & Service in Lockport, NY, is proud to offer new & pre-owned motorcycle, atv, utv, pwc, and snowmobile sales, service, parts, and financing. Hebeler’s has grown from a specialty shop to one of the largest multi-line dealers in the area. Hebeler Sales & Service is currently located at 6466 Main Road in Lockport and can be reached by phone at (716) 625-8744, on Facebook and Twitter by searching Hebeler Sales, and online at www.hebelers.com
Evergreen Lawn & Tree Service based in Lockport serves Niagara County and beyond. Evergreen Lawn & Tree Service provides professional lawn care and spray for mosquitos. For more information you can call Al Jancef of Evergreen Lawn & Tree Service at (716) 433-4874.
Krown Undercoating offers rust proofing and protection products to extend the life of your vehicle. Krown Undercoating and Ed’s Garage can be reached by phone by calling (716) 791-3712 or see them at 2662 Youngstown-Lockport Road in Ransomville for any questions regarding Krown Undercoating and collision repair work from Ed’s Garage.
Pit gates will open at 4pm, with grandstands opening at 5pm, and racing will get underway at 7:15pm. The Summer Nationals will be streamed live and exclusively on DIRTVision. Wednesday, August 23rd will be utilized as a rain date if needed.
Article Credit: Steven Petty
Submitted By: Steven Petty