By Darlene Brace
Stateline Speedway is celebrating an exciting milestone of its 70th anniversary, having first opened on July 21, 1956. Founded by Don and Jerry Frank, Len Briggs, Lloyd Williams, Marv Thorpe, and all their wives, it became a popular hub for racing enthusiasts. Located on Kortwright Road in Busti and near the Pennsylvania border, Stateline Speedway was built on what was once a 77-acre farm. The speedway features a 1/3-mile dirt track and has been the cornerstone of local racing, thrilling fans for seven decades.
The current owners of Stateline Speedway are Bill Catania and his wife, Lisa. They became owners in November 2024, and are excited about their roles as owners, as Bill has a deep connection to Stateline. His father was a car racing enthusiast and a driver at Stateline, which influenced Bill’s passion for the sport. Bill was also a driver from 1997 to 2000. He expressed his sentiments by saying, “Owning this racetrack means a lot to me. Stateline has played a significant role in shaping who I am. It has taught me the value of a strong work ethic and the importance of building relationships with other people.”
Show from April 2-4 at Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood. Attendees can get up close to the cars, meet drivers, hear driver interviews, and enjoy giveaways. This
event will be podcast and available on Facebook.
This is a great way to promote Stateline Speedway’s
cars, drivers, and the upcoming season.
As the new owners, Bill and Lisa have made significant upgrades to the infrastructure, especially on the New York side near the pit area. Improvements include a new septic system, upgraded technology, credit card payment service, and Wi-Fi access. The racetrack is set to be resurfaced before or early in the season. They improved the concession area and launched Stateline Smokehouse, offering unique Texas-style BBQ with pulled pork, brisket, wings, and more, which will be open at the larger events.
During this 70th anniversary season, many special events have been planned, starting with The Car Show from April 2nd to 4th at Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood. Attendees can get up close to the cars, meet drivers, hear driver interviews, and enjoy giveaways. This event will be podcast and available on Facebook. This is a great way to promote Stateline Speedway’s cars, drivers, and the upcoming season.
Throughout the season, there will be numerous nights of racing, primarily on weekends but also some during the week. The season’s opening day is April 25th, featuring seven classes of car racing (Super 7) that will create an electrifying atmosphere as the driving stars compete, setting the tone for the season.
In celebration of the 70th anniversary, this season will be packed with special events. There will be fireworks on May 23rd as well as on the Fourth of July. Then, on July 8th, they will host the Rick Briggs Memorial Night, which will feature the World of Outlaws. This event showcases the highest level of dirt track racing and includes some of the most well-known drivers from across the country.
Another highlight of the season is the Anniversary Celebration on July 25th. This special evening will be historic as it will not only feature the Super 7 racing but will also include the Hall of Fame inductions of former drivers. Additionally, they will honor the founders and their wives, past owners, and all those who have contributed to the rich history of Stateline. The event will include a special autograph session and a spectacular fireworks display, making it an amazing celebration of the speedway’s seven decades.
On August 14th and 15th, don’t miss the Vintage Rumble, a premier two-day event! This exciting occasion will feature Super 7 racing along with dozens of vintage cars and various other racing types. On Friday night, there will be a classic car cruise-in and a rock concert. This will be a fun and entertaining night to enjoy for those who aren’t typically racing fans.
Other notable events throughout the anniversary season include “Queen of the Hill” on August 29th, which will honor the women who have contributed to 70 years of racing. Additionally, there will be a Labor Day Demolition Derby on September 7th and Monster Trucks on September 19th. There is so much happening throughout the season this year. Be sure to visit statelinespeedway.com for more information, as well as a detailed calendar of all the racing nights and special events for the entire season.
Bill shared, “My wife and I love Stateline Speedway and everyone involved. We hope to continue attracting race fans, as well as the drivers and sponsors who are crucial to the legacy we are celebrating. Our goal is to honor the legacy of the past while also moving forward. In the future, we hope to transform Stateline into a comprehensive entertainment venue that features non-racing events. Hopefully we can offer activities year-round, making it not just a racetrack but a central venue for all types of events.”
This season marks the 70th anniversary of the racetrack, and Bill and Lisa invite you to join them for this celebratory season filled with exciting racing, great food, and family-friendly fun of Stateline Speedway.