By ohnson 
To assert that Will Ward, III of Cobleskill had an excellent year last season would be an understatement of epic proportions. Ward concluded his 2016 season with an astonishing total of 12 victories in the IMCA Modified division. Not only that, but he also clinched the track championship at Skyline Speedway in Cortland, NY, and the prestigious NYS IMCA (International Motor Contest Association) Championship. Ward achieved two wins at his regular Friday night haunt, I-88 in Afton, NY, and an impressive eight victories at his regular Saturday night track, Skyline Raceway. The season kicked off with a resounding win for him in the Thursday night May 12th opening event at Outlaw Speedway in Dundee, NY. Then, in July, he again emerged victorious in the special Little Mike’s Race to Win at Five Mile Point Speedway in Kirkwood, NY. All in all, Ward participated in a staggering 50 diverse races throughout the past season, including the IMCA Super Nationals at Boone, IA.
The NYS IMCA Championship bestowed upon him a trip to Lincoln, NE in November. There, he graced the stage to receive his well-deserved accolades and trophy at the annual IMCA awards banquet, surrounded by fellow champions. Ward also achieved an outstanding fourth-place finish in overall points in the Eastern Region for IMCA, which encompasses tracks ranging from Michigan to Maine.
Will attributes his remarkable improvement over the past two seasons to Larry Shaw Race Cars and the dedicated individuals at the Erwin Racing shop in Beaver Dam, Virginia. “They have been truly exceptional to collaborate with,” exclaimed Will.
In October, Will tied the knot with his wife Elizabeth, who doubles as his primary crew member on the team, even handling tire changes on race nights. He expresses his profound gratitude to Elizabeth for all her invaluable assistance and also extends his thanks to his numerous sponsors, including WDW Trucking (his parents), Frick Hauling, Erwin Racing Supplies, Locomotions, and Snap On Tools.
Looking forward to the 2017 season, Will Ward will be bringing his racing exploits much closer to home on Friday nights, as Glen Ridge now boasts the IMCA sanction. Ward is ecstatic to be racing just 20 minutes from his abode once a week. This season, on Saturdays, Ward will journey to Thunder Mountain Speedway in Center Lisle, NY. These alterations occurred when I-88 changed ownership over the winter and will no longer host IMCA Modifieds on Fridays; Skyline shifted its race night from Saturday to Friday, thereby presenting Glen Ridge with the opportunity for the national sanction.
Bob Vedder embarks on his 51st year in racing with a fresh sponsor. Steve Meyer’s Construction of Schoharie will join the fold this year, complementing Bob’s already steadfast sponsors who have stood by him for numerous years, such as Fred’s Sanitation, Terrace Mountain Auto Repair, A&M Towing, Schoharie County Spring Shop, On Demand-Handyman, Paisano’s Pizza, and Feelin Country, the country band.
Bob will pilot his 2016 Bicknell chassis modified at Glen Ridge once again this season and sporadically at Fonda. “I always strive to make it to the Jack Johnson Tribute night,” stated Vedder. Bob’s ever-popular annual party and dance will be held at the Quality Inn in Schoharie on March 10th. Further details will be forthcoming as soon as they are finalized.
Until next week, please direct all news and/or comments to biittig@yahoo.com