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Courtesy of Ed Biitig
It almost was called by another name, apparently. Promoters used the car on the sign like its parent track, Utica - Rome Speedway.

Here's a long - overdue start on a track that really affected Vermont racing.
Right now, we are concetrating on its initial pavement era only.

Ladabouche Collection
An advertising postcard mailed to my uncle, around 1965 or so. Not sure of exact year.

The image of the Albany - Saratoga Speedway, when it started out, was not even close to the way the track is looked at today. On the wings of recent television successes on ABC's Wide World of Sports with demo derbies, the asphalt racing interests from the Greater New York City area came up to the Capital District area and built a state - of - the - art race track, square in the middle of traditional New York dirt coupe country. I was not very old when this was done, so some of these facts may need adjusting, but it appeared that the same bunch that worked with Larry Mendelson around Long Island, seemed to be hooked up with these guys. The promoter was listed in Cavalcade of Auto Racing as Joe Lesik.

John Grady Photo Courtesy of John Gallant
Charland gets a comeback win at Albany - Saratoga with promoter Joe Leski getting in on the publicity.

Cavalcade of Racing Photo
Charland was a big factor at Albany - Saratoga, as evidenced by the sign below and the fact a facsimilie of his car sat on the track sign.
Charland was also on the first A-S All Star League team in 1967.

The new track would remind me of Ken Squier's Catamount Stadium design, with modern facilities and attention to getting away from that bucolic, outhouse-style facility that had, for so long, been the norm for small-time stock car tracks out in the country. Located in the town of Malta, right on Interstate 87 [the Northway], A-S attracted the leading pavement teams of the day. At first, it didn't appear that many of the dyed - in - the - wool dirt guys from places like Fonda or the Valley would be interested in running there.
Eventually, locals like Lou Lazarro and others would change their setups on a Friday night and join the fray against out-of-staters like George Pendergast and Don MacTavish. Eventually, as evidenced by the fields that Catamount would get, the dirt and pavement modified teams all became one big group. My particular favorite at Malta was the Semi Late Model division, that featured mostly early 1950's late model - bodied cars. But, it did leave a loophole that allowed a group attached to Rene Charland to field two 1937 Chevrolet sedans which raised hell in the division, driven by Al Fini [Red Carr] and George Rettew.

Riverside Park History Site Photo - Probably by John Grady
George Rettew, with one of the Charland cars.

Courtesy of Dave Dykes
Another aspect of Rene Charland woven into the fabric of Albany - Saratoga's history is the infamous "French Barbeque" fire.

The track began to have a strong connection to Fairmont and then to Devil's Bowl, as teams like Donnie Antolick, from Stillwater, NY would bring their semi late models up to Vermont to race, when they could. Eventually, as we all know, the original promoters cleared out and C.J. Richards took over the track, making the unprecedented move of placing good Devils Bowl clay on top of the paved surface. It's been that way ever since, and seemed to be prospering now under second generation Richard family members - in particular, Bruce. Later, a decision was made to pave the track and it never recovered from that. The track was either sold or leased to Howie Commander, covered with clay, and has been one of, if not the most successful track in the region.

Cavalcade Photo by John Grady Dennis Zimmerman, Glastonbury, CT	Photo by John Grady Ken Shoemaker, Westmere, NY Wright and Zautner's 24	Cavalcade Courtesy of Mike Kamm Bruce Doestal, Johnstown, NY	Photo by John Grady Paul Hamel, Quebec George Pendergast often drove this at Malta, too. Roland Ballinger's car.	Courtesy of Mike Pa Ken Canestrari, Cohoes, NY He still drives.
Photographer Unknown Bill Slater, Connecticut	Cavalcade Photo Jerry Cook, Lockport, NY A-S starter Johnny Telleni	Photo Courtesy of MikeWatts Don MacTavish, Dover, MA	Photo by John Grady Ernie Gahan, Dover, NH	Courtesy of John Grady Pete Corey, Cresdent, NY Shaking down the newly - built Mustang at Malta.
Ladabouche Collection Pete Hamilton, Dedham, MA The Worcester Sand & Gravel 69	Russ Bergh Photo Pete Corey, Crescent, NY	Photo by John Grady Andy Romano, Johnstown, NY	Jean-Paul Cabana, Beloeil, QU Photo by John Grady	Courtesy of Mike Pa Rene Charland, Agawam, MA The Malta - based Roland Ballinger 302.
Source Unknown Eddie Flemke, Sr, New Britain, CT The Judkins 2X	BobMackey Photo Bob Bruno, Morrisonville, NY The Vic Wolfe 66	Ladabouche Collection Nelson Moore, Fort Edward, NY The Dooger Jones 25VT	Cavalcade of Racing Rene Charland Agawam, MA The Czepiel 888	Courtesy of Mike Pa Buddy Krebs, Hartford, CT At Riverside, but he likely used the car at Malta.
John Grady Photo George Pendergast,	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of John Rock Billy Harmon, Niantic, CT	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of John Rock Elton Hill, Norwalk, CT	Courtesy of Bill Fifield Lou Lazzaro, Utica, NY	Courtesy of Mike Pa Bernie Miller, Canestota, NY See the large photo just below.
John Grady Photo Robbie Kotary, Rome, NY Bill Fowler's 27Jr.	John Grady Photo Richie Evans, Rome, NY Brief stint in the Wright/Zautner 24.	John Grady Photo Dave Kotary, Rome, NY	John Grady Photo Ernie Gahan, Dover, NH	Courtesy of James Osterhoudt Phil "PJ" Spiak, Troy, NY .
John Grady Photo Pete Hamilton, Dedham, MA	Ladabouche Collection Nelson Moore, Fort Edward, NY The Dooger Jones 25Vt	Courtesy of Norm Vadnais Bill Wimble, Bridgeport, NY	Courtesy of Otto Graham Denis Giroux, Quebec City, QU	Courtesy of John Gallant Bob Finger, Known to have run a few times. He was on one All Star League team.
Courtesy of John Gallant Bob Melnick, Massachusetts	Courtesy of John Gallant Will Cagle, Tampa, FL The Rossell - built pavement gold sedan, at an ASL show.	Courtesy of Cliff Haynes Rene Charland A rarely used, later mod.	Courtesy of John Gallant Charland The potent Betz 59	Courtesy of John Gallant Dave Gaul, Altamont, NY
Courtesy of John Gallant Bill Henry, Oneida, NY Courtesy of Rick Rojinski	Courtesy of John Gallant Pete Corey, Crescent, NY	Courtesy of John Gallant Ed Pieniazek, Schenectady, NY *The Corey backup car*.	Courtesy of John Gallant Rene Charland, Agawam, MA Prominent in both the paved and asphalt eras.	Mike Anop Photo Ray Sitterly, Amsterdam, NY After Nascar loosened up, he raced all over.
Courtesy of John Gallant Rene Charland, Agawam, MA Spent a lot time at Malta with this Russ Betz 50 CT.	Courtesy of John Gallant Bill Greco, Massachusetts Coould be at one of the All Star League shows.	Courtesy of L. Harrington Lou Lazzaro, Utica, NY It is said that he had this really different looking car at Malta.	Courtesy of John Gallant Leo Cleary, Hanover, MA With the M2 sometimes run at Malta by Hop Harrington.	Courtesy of Peter Fitzner Louie and Blackie in the infield at Malta. *He was also p*rominent in both the paved and asphalt eras.
Mike Anop Photo Karl Hauessel, Latham, NY A rare visit by the Leb. Valley regular.	Courtesy of Cliff Haynes Ken Platt, Taberg, NY Dick and Larry Roerig's brand new Falcon.	Courtesy of Mike Cranston Ernie Gahan, Dover, NH Seen in this unfamiliar modified car at Malta.	Courtesy of Peter Fitzner Carl "Bugs" Stevens, Rehobeth, MA This is when he drove for Sonny Koszella.	Courtesy of Mike Cranston Dick Clark, Munnsville, NY Hugh Hedger's 16x.
Courtesy of Mike Cranston Doc Blanchard, Gloversville, NY By this Valiant, Doc had switched over to pavement.	Courtesy of Mike Cranston Doc Blanchard, Gloversville, NY A graphic variation.	Courtesy of John Gallant Frank Mathalia, Oneida, NY The Utica-Rome regular gave U-R's sister track a try.	Courtesy of John Gallant Frank Curtis, Lynbrook, LI, NY The Riverhead regular gave Albany - Saratoga track a try.	Courtesy of John Gallant Charlie Jarzombeck, Baiting Hollow, NY The Islip regular ran all over the mod pavement world.
Courtesy of John Gallant Fred DeSarro, Hope Valley, RI Often the driver of Koszella and Boehler cars, Freddie showed up with this rough - looking coupe.	Courtesy of John Gallant Sonny Seamon, Vernon Ctr, NY The Mayor of Vernon visited Malta often.	Courtesy of Mike Cranston Steve Luse, Round Lake, NY The Midget was in a Modified by the end of the paved era.	Courtesy of John Gallant Buzzie Reutimann, Zephyrhills, FL Usually appeared at ASL shows.	Mike Anop Photo Andy Romano, Johnstown, NY Cabana's Falcon in background.
Courtesy of Cliff Haynes Bob Brunell, Peru, NY A young Brunell next to the legendary Judkins 2X, with Bob J leaning in talking to Steady Ed. The M17 was a Rosner built car.	Courtesy of Cliff Haynes Charland again The Agawam - built Czepiel 888's were deadly on both dirt and pavement.	Courtesy of Cliff Haynes Jerry Cook, Rome, NY Always on the road, Jerry Cook arrives with some of his toys. The backup looks like it hasn't been hnome in a while,	Courtesy of Cliff Haynes Richie Evans, Rome, NY Cook's bitter rival from Rome shows he can field the same array of cars. Both would be running for the NASCAR title at this point.	Courtesy of Marty Karabin Richie Evans, Rome, NY
Courtesy of John Gallant Cook, on front stretch with 2 of his mounts. Courtesy of Marty Karabin	Courtesy of Marty Karabin Geoff Bodine, Chemung, NY He would come in for a special show or two.	Courtesy of Cliff Haynes Gene Mangino, Schenectady, NY Another good body man who happened to also be a good driver.	Courtesy of Cliff Haynes Bill Wimble, Lisbon, NY Arriving at Malta with the McCredy car before he defected to the Valley.	Courtesy of Mike Cranson Bob Santos Sr, Millis, MA
Courtesy of Rick Roginski Al Clark	Courtesy of Mike Cranston Bernie Miller, Canastota, NY	Courtesy of Rick Roginski Steve "SJ" Evonsion, E. Hartland, CT	Courtesy of Rick Roginski Don Wayman, Cobleskill, NY *Wally Albro's 9NH*	Courtesy of Mike Cranston Geoff Bodine, Chemung, NY The high - powered Armstrong Team
Courtesy of Rick Roginski Nick Ronca, Clifton Park, NY *1977 Version of his 7's*	John Grady Photo Don Miller	Courtesy of John Gallant Andre Manny, Laval des Rapides, QU *Gaston Ethier's 27A*	Courtesy of John Gallant Ray Miller East Granby, CT	Courtesy of John Gallant Frank Mathalia, Oneida, NY *Later injected coupe*
Courtesy of John Gallant Jerry Pennock, Warrensburgh, NY *Bill Fowler's 27Jr Sedan*	Courtesy of Rick Parry Jerry Pennock, Warrensburgh, NY *Bill Fowler's 27Jr Sedan*	Courtesy of Brad Charland Rene Charland, Agawam, MA Even the Champ tried the car and the only one who got a win with it.	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Mike Watts, Sr. Ken Shoemaker, Westmere, NY If the Shoe drove it at Airborne in 1970, he likely also ran it at Malta.	Courtesy of John Gallant Joe Thomas, Plattsburgh, NY A later Vic Wolfe modified [after Bob Bruno retired]
Courtesy of John Gallant Gary Winters, Southold, LI, NY *Earlier modified*	Courtesy of John Gallant Gary Winters, Southold, LI, NY *Later modified*	Courtesy of John Gallant Brian Ross, Ballston Spa, NY *His modified circa early 70's*	Courtesy of Mike Cranston Johnny Kollar, Johnstown, NY *Earlier modified*	Mike Anop Photo Chuck Kress, Schenectady, NY *The Outlaw*
Courtesy of James Osterhoudt Frank Manafort, Plainville, CT	Courtesy of Mike Cranston Maynard Forrette, Amsterdam, NY *Roerig Bros. modified*	Mike Anop Photo Bob Gabarino's Mystic Missile, Mystic, CT The famed mod may have visited Malta for a few shows.	Mike Anop Photo Bob Ziegler, Boonville, NY Rare visit by a regular out west further	Courtesy of Howard Benway George Peters, Huntington LI, NY *Only ASL Shows*
Mike Anop Photo Ken Canestrari, Cohoes, NY	Steve Pellerin Photo Ernie Gahan, Dover, NH The 1967 NASCAR National Modified champ may have used this car at Malta.	Mike Anop Photo Guy Chartand, Montreal, QU *An early Ed Cloce entry That he absolutely ran at Malta at least a few times.*	John Grady Photo Bernie Miller, Canastota, NY	Ladabouche Photo Marcel Godard, Montreal, QU
Courtesy of A. Ainsworth Petet Corey, Crescent, NY If the Pete drove this Schmidt's version of the Mustang dat Airborne in 1970, he likely also ran it at Malta.	Courtesy of John Gallant Marcel Corriveau, Quebec City, QU The legendary 35 The Canadian entry driven by so many Quebec stars.	Courtesy of Rick Parry Bruce Dostal, Johnstown, NY A win at Malta before wrecking it at Fonda	Courtesy of John Gallant Joe Kelly [David Houpt], Quakertown, NJ Either an early race or an ASL show	Courtesy of Marty Himes via John Schiener Harry Hebenstreit may or may not have run at Malta but I am certain he was on track management at some point.
Courtesy of A. Ainsworth Norm Moyer, Onieda, NY A former semi late model driver at Malta, he may have tried his modified there, as well.	Courtesy of Lou Lazzarro, Jr. Lou Lazzaro, Utica, NY Photo with Blackie siad to be taken in the infield at Malta.	Courtesy of Edw. B. Brown III Hop Harrington, Pawtucket, RI He would have run it ran it at Malta and Catamount in the 1960's.	Mike Anop Photo Courtesy of Mike Anop Guy Chartrand, Montreal, QU Rolling the Ed Cloce Hemi Cuda past the Charge pits at Malta. Boutwell and Luse cars visible.	Courtesy of Dave Dykes Ron Narducci, E. Haddam, CT His most familiar car. He would have run it at Malta at least for the ASL shows.
Photo Porvided by Ron Wetzler Don MacTavish poses with Wright and Zautner.	Courtesy of Edw. B. Brown III Frankie Schneider, Lambertville, NJ He would have run his cars at the ASL shows.	Fred Smith Photo Courtesy of Chas Hertica Fred Harbach, Huntington Station LI, NY He would have run in the ASL shows mostly.	Courtesy of Glen Tavares Mario "Fats" Caruso, Tewksbury, MA He would have run in the very earliest Malta days, if at all.	Courtesy of Lou Lazzaro Ray Sitterly, Amsterdam, NY *He ran great - looking cars.*
Courtesy of Chas Hertica Tommie Corellis, Mechanicville, NY He would have run *his cars at the ASL shows. It was likely this Bill Young car.*	Courtesy of Edw. B. Brown III Carl "Bugs" Stevens, Rehobeth, MA Here, with the Koszella 15 modified.	Courtesy of Glen Tavares Budd Olsen, Thorofare, NJ He would have run in the ASL shows.	Courtesy of Chas Hertica Butch Jelley, No. Pownal, VT He would have run *his cars at the ASL shows. It was likely this Martin Riiska car.*	Courtesy of Ron Wetzler EdFlemke, Sr., New Britain, CT He would have run Judkins cars in many Malta shows.
John Grady Photo Courtesy of Dave Dykes via Bruce Cohen Denny Zimmerman, Glastonberry, CT Shown here in Booker T. Jones' car, he ran early years at Malta.	Courtesy of Lou Lazzaro Richie Evans, Jerry Cook, Larry Mendelsohn, and Lou Lazzaro. *Malta banquet, 1970.*	Courtesy of Glen Tavares Leo Cleary, Hanover, MA *He would have run this car at some of the ASL shows. It was likelyhe ran regular shows, too.***	John Bisci Photo Courtesy of Richard Chicchetti Bob Brunell, Peru, NY *His earliest modified.*	John Grady Photo Courtesy of Dave Dykes Gene Bergin, Enfield, CT *Both Gene and the Bebe Zalinsky M6 team ran early years at Malta.*
John Grady Photo Courtesy of Allen Clark Guy Chartrand, Montreal, QU The original Ed Cloce Hemi Cuda on the Malta frontstretch.	John Grady Photo Courtesy of Daniel Turner Lee Osborne, The Turner 81 sedan at a Malta ASL show.	John Grady Photo Courtesy of Keith Shoemaker Ken Shoemaker, Westmere, NY The famed Judkins coupe on the Malta frontstretch.	John Grady Photo Courtesy of New Britain Phil Spiak, Troy, NY Before going off to race in NASCAR's Grand Touring Division.	John Grady Photo Courtesy of Edw. B. Brown III Bill Wimble Bridgeport, NY The later pavement 33 on the Malta frontstretch.
John Grady Photo Courtesy of Dave Dykes Leo Cleary, Hanover, MA *The veteran with a newer car on the Malta frontstretch.*	John Grady Photo Courtesy of Dave Dykes Brian Ross, Ballston Spa, NY One of his earlier mods for the former Malta Charger driver.	Courtesy of Todd Wainwright Bobby Sprague, MA This car appeared at Malta with other drivers, as well.	John Grady Photo Courtesy of Dave Dykes Don MacTavish, Dover, MA The same 86 team as Sprague - different car.	John Grady Photo Courtesy of Dave Dykes Phil Spiak, Troy, NY *A pose at Malta.*
John Grady Photo Courtesy of Mike Parenteau Ed Flemke, Sr, New Britain, CT The Cent Sign on the Malta frontstretch.	John Grady Photo Courtesy of Mike Parenteau Ed Flemke, Sr, New Britain, CT Another Cent Sign on the Malta frontstretch.	From Andy Broight Jean - Paul Cabana - maybe at Malta with a Studebaker body.	John Grady Photo Courtesy of Dave Dykes Ed Flemke, Sr, New Britain, CT The modified du jour on the Malta frontstretch.	Courtesy of Vintage Mod Site Elton Hill, Bristol, CT Often ran both Malta and U - Rome.
John Grady Photo Courtesy of Ken Parrotte Jerry Cook, Rome, NY A member of the Malta ASL team.	Courtesy of Real Racing USA Nick Ronca, Clifton Park, NY Nick's slick little coupe from 1970.	John Grady Photo George Pendergast, New London, CT The first Roland Ballinger 302. George often led the points here with 302's, in the early years.	Likely John Grady Photo Courtesy of HAMB Message Board Lennie Bosley, Malta, NY A fixture on the Malta scene, he is the L is L&R. Roland Ballinger used to be the R.	John Grady Photo Courtesy of Dave Dykes Maynard Forrette, So. Hadley, MA The near- to - Malta Roerig team.
Courtesy of Brian Ross Charland and Wimble Champion next to champion.	John Grady Photo Courtesy of Mike Parenteau Ken Canestrari, Cohoes, NY *The1969 car.*	John Grady Photo Courtesy of Jim Wilmore Rene Charland, Agawam, MA With Roland Ballinger's 302, a local car.	John Grady Photo Courtesy of Otto Graham Pete Corey, Crescent, NY A coupe he also used on the Fonda dirt.	Bob Makey Photo Courtesy of Phil Butler The Jerry Rose 93 An important modifeid team from the Malta area.
Courtesy of Bob Simons An Albany - Saratoga win for Ken Shoemaker with the famed Judkins 2x.	Courtesy of Rich Benway Ed Flemke, Sr., Southington, CT	Bob Mackey Photo Courtesy of Ardyce Blohm Dick Fowler	Courtesy of Mike Parenteau Steve Luse, Round Lake, NY *The well - used Roerig Falcon.*	Courtesy of Arnie Ainsworth Nick Ronca, Clifton Park, NY *The 2nd pavement mod.*
John Grady Photo Courtesy of Ronnie C. Hunt Bruce Dostal, Johnstown, NY In this car before it went over to Bob Emsminger.	John Grady Photo Rene Charland, A rare chance to drive this Quebec car usually driven at Malta by Marcel Corriveau.	John Grady Photo Rene Charland, The first win after the French barbeque fire was at Malta with the Russ Betz 59. Promoter Joe Lesik presents.	Courtesy of Brad Charland Rene Charland, talking to Pete Corey. Pete looks like he half expects Rene to pull one of his famous pranks.	Courtesy of GeorgeHunt George Rettew, Chicopee, MA

Steve Luse Collection Courtesy of Mike Parenteau
Steve Luse, Nick Ronca, and Ed Pieniazek on the backstretch.

Photo Source Unknown
Phil Spiak leads a full field down to the green prior to his going South to run the Grand Touring Division.
Also identifiable are - 41, Bernie Miller; and 97, Andy Romano.

Courtesy of Andy Hickock
A 1970 modified field: Bruce Dostal, Cook, Pieniazek, and Giroux are identifiable.

Source Unknown
An aerial view of the track before the encroachment of developments on the east side.

John Grady Photo via Lew Boyd
Pete Corey shakes down a brand new Mustang at Malta. According to Boyd, he would destroy the car
at Fonda. But I know he had a Mustang like this for at least two seasons. Musta rebuilt.

Given its direct link with ASL founders like Larry Mendelsohn, the track began as a charter member of the All Star League and remained a team member in good standing - missing only the final. 1973 season. Rene Charland was with the team from its inception until 1972. Ron Narducci and Andy Romano were also often on the team. Ironically for Charland [a strong compeitor in League races], the team won its only League title in 1972 before bowing out.

John Grady Photo
Rene Charland

ASL Portrait Photo
Pete Corey

ASL Portrait Photo
Ed Flemke, Sr.

John Grady Photo
Rene Charland

ASL Portrait Photo
Andy Romano

Otto Graham Photo
Jerry Cook

1969
3rd Place Finish

Courtesy of Mike Cranston
Steve Luse puts the 18 under the 007 of Maynard Forrette.

Courtesy of Chris Hussey
Two of the giants in the earlier Albany - Saratoga era: Bob Judkins [2x owner at left] and
Cliff Wright [with partner Zautner brothers owned the 24].

Steve Luse Collection via Mike Cranston
An Albany - Saratoga mod lineup. Lape and Corey can be identified as well as
the Connecticut car 86. Likely, Romano is behind Lape.

Steve Luse Collection via Mike Cranston
An Albany - Saratoga mod pit lineup. Dick Fowler's 11 in background. THe Dooger Jones -
owned Stan Durrum - wrenched 25VT [probably driven by Nelson Moore], and the
Jerry Rose 93 in the foreground. Maybe Corey was driving for Rose then or Ed Pieniazek.

Courtesy of Scott Belknap
The familar Roerig team with first driver, Ken Platt.

Ladabouche Collection
Classic Semi Late Model action at Malta. Jerry Pennock, Warrensburg, NY spins the 59 as Kenny Platt,
Taberg, NY and Donny Antolick, Stillwater, NY find room to avoid him.

Courtesy of Jeff Buell|
A rare closeup look at six of the semi late model stars without their helmets on. [From left] - Dave Murray, Saratoga [44]; Wayne Perkins,
Greenwich [26]; Norm Moyer, Oneida [56]; Harry Peek, Schenectady [27]; Gene Mangino, Schenectady [1]; and
Don Antolick, Stillwater [43].

Source Unknown
Bill Richards and Harvey Tattersall, Jr. join semi late model winner, George Rettew
and starter Johnny Telleni in victory lane in the track's earlier years.

Photo Source Unknown Larry Curtis, Argyle, NY	Courtesy of Scott Dowmont Larry Curtis, Argyle, NY Later car.	Photo by John Grady Dave Depew, Argyle, NY	Courtesy of Ed Fabian Chargers in action	Courtesy of Cliff Haynes The Midget Steve Luse, Round Lake, NY
Photo by John Grady Bill Brooking, Greenfield Ctr., NY	Courtesy of Mike Bruno Don Ballantine, Hubbardton, VT	Courtesy of Cliff Haynes Bill Brooking, Greenfield Ctr., NY	Courtesy of Joe Mullvaney, Jr Randy Hotaling, Ballston Spa, NY	Courtesy of Cliff Haynes Johnny Neet, Cohoes, NY 1st Emerick Sponsorship - before the Giroux 50 mod.
Courtesy of Mike Cranston Jack Halloran, Clifton Park, NY Courtesy of John Gallant	Photos Courtesy of Mike Cranston Joe Predel, Bennington, VT	Photos Courtesy of Mike Cranston Joe Predel, Bennington, VT	Photo by John Grady Ken Boutwell, Bomoseen, VT Photos Courtesy of Mike Cranston	Courtesy of Cliff Haynes The Midget Steve Luse, Round Lake, NY
Courtesy of Mike Cranston Dave Cardash, Maltaville, NY	Courtesy of Rick Parry Harry Coonradt, Malta, NY	Courtesy of Jayson Van Patten Jayson [?] Van Patten	Courtesy of George Hunt Jimmy Rolfe, Argyle, NY *The Larry Curtis 98*	Courtesy of George Hunt Another one of Larry Curtis
Courtesy of George Hunt R. Pelletier, Saratoga, NY	Courtesy of George Hunt Unidentified Malta Charger possibly from Glens Falls.	Courtesy of George Hunt Unidentified Malta Charger The *George Hunt 71 in background*	Courtesy of George Hunt Unidentified Malta Charger	Courtesy of George Hunt Unidentified Malta Charger
Courtesy of Mike Cranston Malta Chargers Pit Areas.	Courtesy of Mike Cranston Malta Chargers Pit Areas Visible are Brookings 43 and Boutwell's 24.	Courtesy of Mike Cranston Chet Bunn, Rotterdam, NY	John Grady Photo Courtesy of George Hunt Rich Mulnow, Troy, NY This could have been a semi late model, as well - not sure.	Courtesy of John LaViolette John LaViolette
Dick Britain Photo Malta Chargers at Devil's Bowl: Boutwell [24], Luse [18] and Curtis [98].	Dick Britain Photo Tommy Tucker's behemoth Buick.	Courtesy of Rick Parry Dick Allen	Dick Britain Photo Malta Chargers Tommy Tucker [74] Ken Boutwell [24], and Larry Curtis [98] share the Devil's Bowl backstretch with the Catamount Hurricane of George McRae [65].	Dick Britain Photo Granville, NY - based Charger 41.
From Joe Mulvaney My guess is this is Andy Hotaling.	From George Hunt Al Dinsmore, Burnt Hills, NY I recall Al with a '48 Pontiac in the semi late models.	Dick Britain Photo Car 41 is joined at the Bowl by McRae and the Airborne Speedway Charger of Bill Conover [5]. Chevelle was the car of choice for the Airborne bunch.	Dick Britain Photo Gene Guynup was the Devil's Bowl Charger champ with this Chevelle. Don't know if he ever tried Albany - Saratoga.	From George Hunt Bruce Button
From Mike Cranston Dave Kardash, again.	From Mike Cranston Joe "Gas Pedal" Predel.	From George Hunt The Midget, again.	From Dave Vrooman Dave Vrooman, Ballston Spa.	From Coonradt Family Harry Coonradt.
From Mike Cranston Steve Bosley, with his first Charger out of the L&R Speed Shop.	John Grady Photo From George Hunt Said to be a driver named Patnode.	John Grady Photo From George Hunt Future modified stalwart Nick Ronca.	From Mike Paquin Must be among the first cars for the famed late model driver Mike Paquin.	John Grady Photo From George Hunt UNK Charger driver.
From George Hunt UNK Charger team #4 with George Hunt in the background.	From George Hunt More of UNK Charger team #4.	From George Hunt I have this guy on both the Malta pavement and dirt pages, but I think it's a Charger.

Mike Cranston from Steve Luse Collection
Malta Charger teams including Brian Ross [73] and Steve Luse [standing 2nd from left on ground]
decided to rent a car hauler and go racing at Malta's sister track, Utica - Rome.

HAMB Photo
Albany - Saratoga hosted NASCAR Grand National races in both 1970 and 1971 - both called
The Albany - Saratoga 250. Richard Petty won both. Bobby Isaac led a lot of laps at both races.

Gary Williams Photo
Charland is synonymous with Albany - Saratoga for many reasons, including the infamous French Barbeque fire.

John Grady Photo Courtesy of Flemke.com
This is Utica - Rome, but the players were also big at Albany - Saratoga, the sister track: Ed Flemke, Sr.
Lucky Sutton, Dave Kotary, and Lou Lazzaro.

Courtesy of Historic Aerials.com
The Malta site [extreme lower right] before track construction - in 1964.

Courtesy of Historic Aerials.com
The Malta site [extreme lower right] by 2009. The encroachment of development is glaringly obvious.

Courtesy of John Chris Grady
John Grady captured his son by the Malta pace car.

From Dan Ody's 8MM DVD Doc Blanchard lines up at Malta in the late 1960's.	From Dan Ody's 8MM DVD Don MacTavish with the black CIrcle J.	From Dan Ody's 8MM DVD Ernie Gahan, Dover, NH [rt]	From Dan Ody's 8MM DVD Ken Shoemaker, Westmere, NY Cliff Wright's famed 24NY	From Dan Ody's 8MM DVD Mack Miller, Ellenburg Depot, NY A classic low - budget team from Airborne.
From Dan Ody's 8MM DVD Ray Hendricks The Tant/Mitchell 11 VA	From Dan Ody's 8MM DVD Steve Bosley, manning the L&R Speed Shop truck at Malta.	From Dan Ody's 8MM DVD Steve Bosley, in the Malta pits.	From Dan Ody's 8MM DVD Jean - Paul Cabana, Beloeil, QU	From Dan Ody's 8MM DVD Ernie Gahan outside of Ed Flemke, Sr. in the %
From Dan Ody's 8MM DVD The Jean - Paul Cabana Falcon Looking for the green at Malta.	From Dan Ody's 8MM DVD Unknown car 14 at Malta, behind Phil Spiak on the pole.	From Dan Ody's 8MM DVD Andy Romano.	From Dan Ody's 8MM DVD An 8MM shot of the track's first sign.	From Dan Ody's 8MM DVD The Jean - Paul Cabana Falcon Looking for the green at Malta. About a half second later than one at left.
Courtesy of Ronnie C. Hunt Ray Sitterly on the pole of this particular race.	Courtesy of Richard Chartrand Denis Giroux with the Emrick 50.	Courtesy of Flemke.com The Champ, with Bill Fowler's 27Jr sedan.	Courtesy of Richard Chartrand Denis Giroux with the Jerry Rose 93.	John Grady Photo Courtesy of David Mariano Sr Dick Fowler took this win with the help of a co--pilot.
	Courtesy of Ronnie C. Hunt George Proctor with one of his underfunded mods.	Courtesy of Mark Signor Gene Bergin with the Bebe Zalinsky M-6.

Photo by John Grady Foster Wendell, Greenfield Ctr, NY Johnny Peoples' 61	John Grady Photo Norm Moyer, Oneida, NY	Courtesy of Conde/Parry Site Ralph Holmes, Oneida, NY	Photo by John Grady Red Carr, Massachusetts Real name, Al Fini	Photo by John Grady Ed Brockett, Troy, NY Car ended up as Bill Russell's Fonda car.
Photo by John Grady Ken Platt, Rome, NY Roehrig's 99	Photo by John Grady George Rettew, Chicopee, MA	Courtesy of Steve Judd Don Antolick, Stillwater, NY	Photo by John Grady Harry Coonradt, Malta, NY	Courtesy of Steve Judd Don Antolick, Stillwater, NY
Photo by John Grady Wayne Perkins, Greenwich,NY	Photo by John Grady Dick Smith, Crescent, NY	Photo by John Grady Tommie Corellis, Mechanicsville, NY	Photo by John Grady via Edw. B. Brown III Red Carr, W. Springfield, MA Real name, Al Fini. 2nd car.	Courtesy of The Bullfather Frank Mathalia, Oneida, NY May have tried this U-R semi late model at Malta before going to coupes.
Courtesy of Randy Hotaling Andy Hotaling, Ballston Spa, NY	Courtesy of Randy Hotaling Andy Hotaling, Ballston Spa, NY Same guy, nice color shot.	Photo from HAMB SIte George Rettew, Chicopee, MA *An earlier car.*	Photo from Cavalcade of Auto Racing George Rettew, Chicopee, MA An later car before moving to Holiday Magic team.	Courtesy of Chris Soussis Don Soussis, Watervliet, NY
Courtesy of Chris Soussis Sonny Soussis, Watervliet, NY Newer Car. B22 was a family number.	Photo by John Grady Via Sam Barlow Tommie Corellis, Mechanicsville, NY	Photo by John Grady Via Coonradt Family Harry Coonradt, Malta, NY	Courtesy of A. Ainsworth Norm Moyer, Oneida, NY	Courtesy of Randy Hotaling Andy Hotaling, Ballston Spa, NY
Courtesy of Chris Soussis Keith Tesaro, Amsterdam, NY	Courtesy of Rick Parry Lucky Suton, Rome, NY	Courtesy of Mike Cranston The first Roerig car. Ken Platt, Taberg, NY	Courtesy of Mike Cranston The second Roerig car. Round Lake, NY Taken at the Grand Prix truck stop.	Courtesy of Don Mosher Foster Wendell with Johnny Tellini
Courtesy of Al Fini Red Carr's [Al Fini] Holiday Magic 3	Courtesy of Al Fini George Rettew manuevers the Hoilday Magic 1 sedan into line ahead of Hank Schmidt's 50 NY.	Bob Frazier Photo Johnny Peoples also ran this car at Malta. Might be the same car as the one shown with Foster Wendell above. *JC Durick Insurance sponsor here.*	Courtesy of A. Ainsworth UNK driver with a car later driven by Tommie Corellis. Also Jokko Mutterer drove it.	Courtesy of A. Ainsworth Jokko Mutterer with a win.
From Jeff Buell Wayne Perkins, Greenwich, NY Earlier Car	From Jeff Buell Wayne Perkins, Greenwich, NY Earlier Car	From Jeff Buell Wayne Perkins, Greenwich, NY Earlier Car	From Jeff Buell Wayne Perkins, Greenwich, NY

Photo by John Grady Courtesy of Brian Ross Pete Hamilton's 1970 ride. With Junie Donleavey's 91 Ford.	Courtesy of Cliff Haynes J.D. McDuffie	Photo by John Grady Pete Hamilton, with Les Duell	Courtesy of Cliff Haynes Pete Hamilton's 1971 ride.	Courtesy of Mike Cranston Richard Petty's rig outside of Dunster's in Malta. Caption says this is Steve Bosley. Dunno, could be Pembertons too.
Courtesy of Cliff Haynes Petty, in the Malta pits.	Courtesy of Rick Parry Petty with Malta trophies.	Courtesy of Rick Parry Charland with his Ed Ackerman - owned Malta entry.	via Albany-Saratoga Speedway Memories Facebk Page Another Petty shot.	via Albany-Saratoga Speedway Memories Facebk Page Benny Parsons with the car he ran at Malta. This must have been before he picked up the bigger ride.
John Grady Photo Collection John Grady poses by the Richard Petty car at one of the Malta GN races.	Walt Sweeney Photo Collection via Mike Cranston Petty and some of the crew try to relax between autograph requests and such.	Walt Sweeney Photo Collection via Mike Cranston Petty hauler.	Walt Sweeney Photo Collection via Mike Cranston Petty talks to Pete Hamilton before the 1971 GN race.	Walt Sweeney Photo Collection via Mike Cranston Petty gears up just before the start of the 1971 race.
Walt Sweeney Photo Collection via Mike Cranston Pete Hamilton with the car he ran at the 1971 GN race.	Walt Sweeney Photo Collection via Mike Cranston Pete signing autographs.	Walt Sweeney Photo Collection via Mike Cranston The Bobby Allison hauler arriving in 1971.	Walt Sweeney Photo Collection via Mike Cranston Allison race preparations happen under close scrutiny from the pit birds.	Walt Sweeney Photo Collection via Mike Cranston The Allison Holman and Moody Ford sits in the pits.
		Walt Sweeney Photo Collection via Mike Cranston The car of Tennessee independent Ray "Friday" Hassler.	Walt Sweeney Photo Collection via Mike Cranston The car of then independent Richard Childress. Local race figures Ralph Palmer and Gary Cross helped crew for Childress that night.