By ohnson 
Everyone engaged in dirt racing is well aware of the intense difficulty of extricating oneself once bitten by the bug. No matter how desperately one desires to distance oneself from it, it always manages to draw you back. Such is the situation for the former promoter of I-88 Speedway, Jamie Page.
Jamie and his wife Denise concluded their tenure as promoters of the Afton facility at the season-ending awards banquet in December. Despite their decision to step aside from the speedway, their involvement in motorsports is far from over. Yesterday afternoon at the driver’s annual benefit party, Page and J.R. Hurlburt announced that they would be joining forces for an attack on the Short Track Super Series North Region in 2017.
“We have developed a profound friendship over the years,” Page stated about Hurlburt. “J.R. assisted us at the track, and now I’m delighted that we can assist him with a car for his road adventures. I’m truly anticipating the opportunity to remain engaged in the sport while collaborating with J.R. He’s an exceptional individual, and I believe we will have an abundance of enjoyment this year.”
For Hurlburt, it will be the first time in a considerable period that he’ll be capable of running on tracks other than his home track in Afton. Hurlburt has achieved success outside of Afton, having been a past champion at the Thunder Mountain Speedway.
“I don’t believe you could ask for a more outstanding group of individuals to work with,” Hurlburt remarked. “Jamie and Denise are remarkable people. I’m extremely fortunate to have their support this season as we venture out and compete in the Short Track Super Series.”
Hitting the road isn’t the sole alteration Hurlburt is making to his program. The driver from Otego, N.Y., affectionately known as the “Heavy-Foot,” will possess two brand new cars. One car was acquired for his arrangement with Page, and another for his family-run team, which plans to return weekly to Afton. It’s the first time since 2009 that Hurlburt will contend in completely new equipment. The new cars are from Bicknell Racing Product, a novelty for Hurlburt as he has been a loyalist to Troyer until now.
“I merely thought it was the opportune moment for a change,” Hurlburt commented regarding the chassis switch. “We had considerable success in the Troyer car over the years, but we were eager to explore something different. We reckoned that since we were obtaining a couple of new cars, now was the time.”
The team receives support from a diverse range of sponsors. It’s a group of steadfast supporters, and Hurlburt was prompt to express his gratitude for the opportunities he has in 2017.
“We couldn’t undertake any of this without the wonderful people behind us,” Hurlburt said. “We must express our thanks to Patriot Masonry, Algonkin Motel, Ace Glass Company, ISD Computer Specialists, One Stop Collision, Otego Tire and Auto, and Butler Auto Sales.”
The team is slated to receive their two new cars in early March. From there, they’ll make their debut at the Short Track Super Series opener at the Orange County Fair Speedway in early April.