By ohnson 
As a young lad perched in the stands of the Fonda Speedway, Cory White constantly envisioned that one day, he would find himself on the track, making laps along with some of the top drivers in the Northeast. And now, that long-cherished dream is on the verge of materializing as White meticulously puts the final touches on his 602 Sportsman for the fierce competition at the “Track of Champions”.
White, in collaboration with fellow Sportsman driver Anthony Cardamone, initially had aspirations to make his debut last fall after seizing an opportunity with the team. Regrettably, things didn’t align as planned. However, during this off-season, matters are progressing at a rapid pace as the car is being constructed and will be primed for the opening day.
“I’ve always yearned to do this,” exclaimed the 28-year-old White. “I’ve been a die-hard Fonda fan throughout my life. They (the Cardamone family) extended to me the equipment to venture out and give it a shot. With that offer, I said yes after obtaining approval from my significant other.”
When White eventually takes to the track in early April, it will mark his maiden venture in a race car. He lacks a background in kart racing or any similar endeavors. Consequently, he comprehends that there will be a steep learning curve. His strategy is to remain unobtrusive until he masters the ropes.
“I’m both thrilled and nervous,” White declared. “I’m excited because this has always been my aspiration. I’m impatient to get out there but nervous since I’ve never been in a car before. It’s an entirely novel experience. The plan is to stay at the back, stay out of the way, and learn.”
He is highly pragmatic with his goals. It’s not about clinching victories but rather keeping the car intact and completing laps. The sole way to enhance is to cover as many circuits as feasible. Regardless of the outcome, White is simply grateful for the opportunity to step onto the track.
“By the end of the season, I aim to have the car in one piece without having to shell out a couple of grand for repairs,” White quipped. “Hopefully, I don’t do anything foolish and end up upside down. I just need to get accustomed to it. I understand the time and financial aspects. Hopefully, I’ll secure ample seat time. If I get the chance to race at the front by the season’s end, that would be splendid, but if not, I’m content merely having the chance to be out there.”
White’s car has been assigned the number 14a. It serves as a tribute to his favorite driver, Jack Johnson. Anyone who was present at the first Jack Johnson Tribute race two years ago will recognize White as the driver of a pickup truck adorned with supportive lettering for Johnson. On that memorable night, he was granted the privilege to pace the field.
“I always aspired to run with the number 12a, but out of respect, I simply couldn’t do it,” White remarked. “I don’t care which division you belong to at Fonda; as far as I’m concerned, the 12a is off-limits.”
The native of Fort Plain, N.Y., has already garnered support from Mike Romano at Andy’s Speed Shop for setups, and Ronnie Johnson has lent a hand in gathering and fixing some used parts for the team to utilize. He has also enlisted sponsors such as Bug Off Pest Control, Midway Body Shop, Sportsman’s Choice, Ron White Transport, as well as Paul and John Lakata at Barney Signs.
“I couldn’t undertake this without the backing of so many wonderful people,” White stated. “I must express my gratitude to the Cardamones for all their assistance, and I undoubtedly have to thank my dad (Joe White). He has gone above and beyond to support me.”
White’s journey in car racing commences when the Fonda Speedway opens in early April, but the first appearance for his race team is this Saturday (2/11) at the Elks Club #2621 in Nelliston, N.Y. The team has organized a fundraiser that encompasses a spaghetti dinner, 50/50 raffles, Chinese raffle, and more. The cost is a mere $10, with children five and under admitted for free.