The Legacy of Rolling Wheels Raceway
Rolling Wheels Raceway Park opened its gates on August 17, 1969. Founder Bob Petrocci built it as a dedicated home for Northeast dirt-track racing right in Central New York.
The place still carries that original vision. Big-block Modifieds thunder down the straightaways while drivers and pit crews keep the energy high from dusk until the final checkered flag.
Criteria for Selection & Historical Scope
These victories stand out through championship stakes, track records, and real prestige inside the Super DIRT Series. The focus stays on documented milestone events from the Advance Auto Parts Series and key memorial races.
Technical rules stayed tight. Bates and Tonkin learned that the hard way when illegal distributors got them disqualified.
Top DIRT Modified Driver Showdowns
1. Tim Fuller's 100-Lap Masterpiece
Tim Fuller took the 100-lap Modified feature while sitting as defending champion and track record holder. His run showed why consistency at Rolling Wheels matters more than raw speed on any single night.
2. Gary Tomkins' Title Defense
Two-time defending points champion Gary Tomkins climbed back into victory lane aboard the No. 1 Honeoye Auto-Pillsbury car owned by Doug Dulen. Jim Bechy supplied the motor, the same builder behind the 2004 championship machine.
Advance Auto Parts Series & Memorial Classics
3. The 35th Annual Robert N. Petrocci Memorial
September 5, 2005 brought the 35th running of the Robert N. Petrocci Memorial. The event honors track founder Bob Petrocci and carries extra weight because Bob McCreadie already owns six wins in this specific race.
4. The 26th Annual DIRT Challenge Cup
May 7, 2006 hosted the 26th Annual DIRT Challenge Cup as part of the Advance Auto Parts Series. The field rolled in right after the May 3 Open House practice session.
Support Divisions and Special Debuts
5. Independence Day Firecracker 100
From forum discussions, July 4, 2005 delivered the Firecracker 100 and gave crucial support divisions their moment. Russ Hefti grabbed the 20-lap Sportsman win while Tim Devendorf took the Mini-Mod feature in a class that had just debuted that season. The card also ran 15-lap Street Stocks.
6. World of Outlaws Late Model Debut
August 16, 2005 marked the first World of Outlaws Late Model appearance at the track. That night expanded the program beyond open-wheel and full-fender cars.
The Enduring Spirit of Northeast Dirt Racing
These races still shape how drivers and fans talk about Rolling Wheels inside the Super DIRT Series. Tonya Moschell, DIRT MotorSports NorthEast General Manager, has kept the organizational thread steady through the years.
Visiting groups like the Empire Super Sprints and the steady work of local heroes, crews, and spectators keep the place alive. The same dirt that opened in 1969 continues to reward the drivers who show up ready to fight for every position.
