By Ashley McCubbin

WILLIAMSON, New York — When a friend messages you about something coming together quickly that is off the ordinary path, you begin to wonder whether it’s a good idea or not. That was not my first thought at the beginning of the week. Instead, it was how am I going to do this?

I got a message from a friend stating they were heading down to New York for the Race of Champions event at Spencer Speedway. My first thought was not to question whether it was right decision so late. Instead, it was how far is the drive, and can I make this work? Oh, and where’s my passport?

Once that was all figured out, off I went for this event. There I was headed to my first Modified event south of the border.

Now that it is officially complete, there’s just been a big smile locked on my face in the days since then. I don’t think that’s going to ever disappear. It will keep coming back each time I talk about the trip down there, from the experiences with individuals to the action on the track.

With having attended several events, Race of Champions officials certainly stand right alongside others in their professional ability. The entire night was ran smoothly from top to bottom, from practice all the way through the features. It ran so well that I even lost track of time in where we were with the show with just how quickly things kept rolling from practice to heat races to the main events.

It will also be remembered as one of the nights the lights went out on-track with the backstretch and turns three and four going dark. However, the officials remained professional in addressing the issue at hand and regaining the power so the event could be completed. The drivers also deserve applause in no incidents resulting from the quick darkness that fell on the track under the yellow flag.

The drivers on the track also satisfied the taste buds, too. There are several cars throughout all the divisions that could easily win Best Appearing Awards anywhere. From sparkling wraps that stand out, to simple paint schemes that catch your attention. Beyond appearance, there was also professional and race craft. The racing on track spoke for itself with great competition all the way through, and battles for positions that kept your attention through the entire distance.

The Asphalt Modified Maynard Troyer Classic ended with a great back and forth battle between Mike Leaty and Andy Jankowiak. While Jankowaik led early, it was Leaty that found the speed when it mattered in the second half of the 60 laps to reel him in for the win. The first thought process for a flat track with zero banking is the only way to pass is on the low side. That was not the case, with Leaty finding speed in the second groove to draw alongside and eventually pass. Although another incident brought out the yellow flag, the battle between the pair after the caution remain unchanged. Clean side-by-side racing with Leaty coming out on top kept the fans on the edge of their seat.

The Asphalt Sportsman Series did not disappoint, either, as Shawn Nye led early, on to be overtaken for the lead on Lap 14 by Mike Leaty. Given what fans had witnessed earlier, you would’ve believed the No. 1 was about to pull away with the race being over just like that. That was not the case – as instead Trevor Catalano found his way to second and was ready to challenge Leaty for the lead. The pair battled, with contact on a late-race restart resulting in an incident involving others and Catalano being sent back deep in the field. It was then up to Leaty to hold off Nye to secure a clean sweep of the night.

It may have been a decision to go on a whim. The track may not have been something that caught the eyes upon the initial walk around the facility. However, from a great batch of officials behind the scenes to drivers putting on a good show, and a track capable of side-by-side racing all the way around, it was certainly an experience to remember.

It’s also an experience that I hope to revisit once again.