8/11/2025
Ransomville Speedway
40th Ron Martin Summer Nationals Coming Up Tuesday Night
RANSOMVILLE, NY (August 11, 2025) One of the longest-running events in Western New York racing is taking place this Tuesday, August 12 at Ransomville Speedway, with the 40th running of the Ron Martin Summer Nationals. The race is presented by National Maintenance Contracting Corporation (NMCC), Stirling Lubricants, and Wendt's Oil and Propane.
Ron Martin was an integral part of the Ransomville Speedway family. Martin was a longtime official of the Thursday night go-kart program and was on the track prep crew for the Friday night racing program as well as Thursday nights. He was also the sponsor of his son Greg’s racing efforts with Ron Martin Motorsports. Besides working at the track, Ron was also employed by Lawta Farms and prior to that he was employed by Leaseway (Anchor Motor Freight) as a Truck Driver for 26 years, retiring in 2010. He enjoyed playing cards and spending his mornings with the “crew” at Dunkin Donuts in Ransomville. Ron was also an Exempt Member of the Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co. Ron passed away in March of 2023.
The Summer Nationals at Ransomville Speedway is a tradition unlike any other. The race is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and there have been many memorable moments throughout the years.
Two drivers share the record for most wins in the race, “The Doctor” Danny Johnson and Stewart Friesen. “The Doctor” won his first in 1989, then followed up with wins in 1996, 1999, 2000, 2004, and 2009. Friesen won his first in 2006, and followed that victory with wins in 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2018.
The history of the race goes back to its beginning in 1985, when “AJ Slideways” Alan Johnson found victory lane. The Hall of Fame driver has won this race on five occasions, with his most recent coming in 2003. Alan’s inaugural win was a memorable one as he had to use a provisional to qualify and he started dead last in the 30-car field.
Another driver that won the race five times was the late “Barefoot” Bob McCreadie. The driver of the famed Kinney Drugs #9 won his first in 1986 and then strung four straight wins in the race from 1992-1995, winning in both a 358 Modified and a Big Block Modified.
“Money” Mat Williamson is the defending race winner. Williamson won his first in 2022, becoming the first track regular since Erick Rudolph in 2013 to win the Summer Nationals. Speaking of Rudolph, the third-generation driver from Ransomville won his second Summer Nationals in 2023. Williamson and Rudolph join other two-time winners including 10x Super DIRTcar Series Champion Matt Sheppard, Brett Hearn, and Todd Burley.
Five drivers have won the Summer Nationals on one occasion: Billy Decker (2014), Pat Ward (2007), Vic Coffey (2002), Steve Paine (1991), and Billy Pauch (1988).
Will the home track advantage continue? Or will a Super DIRTcar Series regular take home the victory? Pit gates swing open at 4:30pm, with grandstands opening at 5pm, hot laps at 6:30pm and opening ceremonies taking place at 7:00pm.
If you cannot attend in person, you can catch the action live on DIRTvision.
For more information, visit our website at www.ransomvillespeedway.com and follow along on social media.
Article Credit: Steven Petty
Submitted By: Steven Petty