PLATTSBURGH -- A large field of DIRTcar modifieds is expected when Airborne Speedway begins its 57th stock car racing season Saturday. Among the drivers pointing to the opener is Bloomingdale's Matt Woodruff, who finished sixth in points in 2007 despite the lack of a full-time primary sponsor.

"Liquor & Wine Warehouse in Plattsburgh has signed on this year and I'm sure it will be a big help," Woodruff said this week. "I also have Roberts Sports Center of Saranac and The Investment Center in Malone as sponsors.

"This is my fourth season and I've learned that consistency is key to making a run for the championship. I had a couple of second-place finishes last year and most of the time, we were able to put the car in the hauler in one piece.

"I support the new gear and tire rules. I think it's a good call. It's going to tighten up the field. Cars will be turning less rpms, which will save on the motors. I ran about the same gears last year, so I won't have as much of an adjustment as some."

"I've put my motor from last year in a Bicknell chassis car I purchased from Mark Lamberton," Woodruff adds. "Spencer Branch is my crew chief. We had the car going pretty well at the first practice.

"We're focusing on being able to run on the outside more. If you can go out there and make the car stick, you can have something for the boys that run up front like Foley, (Patrick) Dupree, (Mike) Bruno and Leon (Gonyo). Am I ready for the season to start? Absolutely. Let's get out there and get going."

"I'm a race fan,' says Steve Carpenter of Liquor & Wine Warehouse. "Airborne has great live, up-close action. It draws people from Vermont and Canada. Plattsburgh should be very honored to have such good family entertainment in itsbackyard."

Scott Carpenter, General Manager of Econo-Lodge, the opening night sponsor, agrees with his brother.

"We used to be involved with Airborne several years ago and we're glad to back. It's a great opportunity," Carpenter said. "We've seen it grow and we're proud to be a part of it."

Post time Saturday is 5 p.m. with gates opening at 3 p.m. Five weekly divisions with more than 100 race cars are expected to be in action. The main event is a 50-lapper for the Ernie's Tools Modifieds.

The American Canadian Tour (ACT) Late Model Tour will visit Airborne Saturday, May 17 for the Furniture World of Vermont Spring Green 100.

Malone gearing up

for May 25 opener

MALONE -- Malone Speedway will be back under green this season with the season opener, a Memorial Day Special, scheduled for Saturday May 25. The modifieds, Super Sportsman, Super Streets and 4 Cylinder Streets all will be in action. Gates will open at 11 a.m. with heats beginning at 1 p.m.

The Speedway will then move to a Friday Night schedule with racing getting under way at 7 p.m.