SOUTH PLATTSBURGH -- Airborne Speedway begins its 57th season of stock-car racing Saturday and despite the sagging economy, promoter Mike Perrotte feels the track is poised to have a successful year.

"I'm particularly impressed with what's going on in our four-cylinder divisions, the NAPA Warriors and the Monster Energy Drink Bombers," Perrotte said. "The numbers are holding up, even increasing, at a time when some tracks are having car count problems.

"At the car show and the practices you could see that the teams have put in a lot of work and are interested in racing all summer. The Modifieds are our headliner, but the Warriors and the Bombers pay their way in just like everybody else and they bring fans and friends along"

Airborne relies mainly on its weekly races -- all sponsored -- with many local teams and strong participation from Vermont and increasingly, Quebec.

"We do have a variety of special events, including a thrill show, "Carmegeddon", noted Perrotte. "It's produced by nationally known stuntman Brian Carson, who was originally from this area.

"We're bringing the American-Canadian Late Model Tour in next week, but regular Saturday nights, affordable family entertainment, is what we want to be about."

Econo-Lodge presents the opening-day card, which includes all weekly divisions, the Ernie's Tools Modifieds, J&S Steel Sportsmen, Versatile Trailer Sales Renegades, Warriors and Bombers. More than 100 race cars are expected.

The night's headline event is a 50-lap Modified feature that will begin George Foley's title defense against the likes of Mike Bruno, Patrick Dupree, Leon Gonyo, Martin Roy, Matt Woodruff and '07 Cornwall and Autodrome Granby champion Alain Boisvert.

Gates open Saturday at 3 p.m. Post time is 5 p.m.

Admission is $12/adults, $3/kids ages 6-12, ages five and under free, family tickets (two adults, two kids) $25.00. For additional information, call 561-3208 or visit www.airborneparkspeedway.com.