The Elmira Savings Bank United Way Race of Champions

        On Friday September 24, 2004, the Elmira Savings Bank, FSB, held its Race of Champions to benefit the United Way of the Southern Tier.  The Wiz Track used for the Thunderjet class at the 2004 UFHORA Nationals was set up in the bank's main office lobby in downtown Elmira, NY.  The track played host to many bank employees and customers throughout the midday.  Six Patriot 3 Extreme Scorpion cars were supplied by Wizzard High Performance, Inc., while controllers, parts and accessories were supplied by Pocket Rocket Raceway. 

        As part of the event Elmira Savings Bank employees were competing for trophies.  Each entrant was given 3 minutes of racing for a $1 donation to the United Way.  Each was allowed to race as many times as they wished.  The lap totals for each was marked down.  Amy Davis was the early leader with a 34 lap run.  That was soon topped by Mary Rankin, whose total was quickly overcome by Jennifer Krusen and Pat Frisbie.  A short while later Mary Lydon topped Joe Walker in a head-to-head battle, which left the two of them at the top of the charts.  Lydon's 49 looked almost unbeatable until Jan Palmieri stepped up to the track.  Whether or not the timer worked correctly may be debated for years, but her scintillating 56 lap performance would not be topped - even pro slot racer Frank Spena Jr. could only manage 50.  Walker was the only bright spot in an otherwise disappointing performance from the ESB men.  He was clearly the best driver in the gutter lanes, but his 47 laps in the center fell one short of the tie for 4th and were not enough to prevent an all-female final. 

        Due to a tie for 4th, Diana Daniels and Peggy Phillips were invited back to the track for a race off.  The winner would advance to the final.  It was a thrilling battle which saw the lead change hands numerous times, but at the finish it was Phillips taking the win by a mere 8 feet. 

Elmira Savings Bank United Way Race of Champions Final

        With that the final was now set.  Who would emerge on top?  Could Palmieri repeat her earlier drive?  Could Lydon restrain her tendency to go to full-throttle through the infield?  Would the cool and calm Karen Cory, who initially said she wasn't even going to compete, pull it off?  Could Phillips sustain her momentum from the runoff with Daniels?  Would the bank ever be the same again?

        For the final each driver would have 2 minutes in each lane to rack up as many laps as possible.  Each would rotate through the lanes and cars IROC style, with each car and controller remaining in its own lane.  Palmieri was clearly the favorite and didn't disappoint as she started off with a 40 lap run in the first segment.  Cory stayed right with her all the way and pulled 40 as well.  Things did not look so good for Lydon and Phillips, who pulled only 31 and 23, respectively, in the gutter lanes.  In the second segment Palmieri put up 40 once again, and combined with Cory’s 20 her lead grew to 14 laps over new 2^nd place person, Lydon.  Palmieri’s hopes took a hit in the third segment as she struggled to a mere 20 laps in the yellow gutter.  As the final segment began Palmieri still led Lydon by 4 laps, with Cory ten down and Phillips 11 behind.  With Cory and Phillips now in the fast middle lanes, however, the race quickly turned upside down.  Palmieri struggled once more, pulling only 22, while Lydon could only manage 15 in the treacherous yellow.  It was a steady drive by Phillips which allowed her to come from behind for the well-deserved upset win.  Cory finished only one lap behind, followed by Palmieri and Lydon.  As is often the case in slot car racing it was the gutter lanes which determined the winner.  Phillips had a combined gutter total of 52 laps, two better than Cory.  In hindsight it was most likely her smooth performance in the much-unloved yellow lane which was the difference in the race. 

        In the end $105 was raised for the United Way of the Southern Tier and a lot of people were exposed to the world of slot car racing.  Throughout the day the Elmira Savings Bank employees showed a great deal of enthusiasm, not to mention their competitive nature and a good deal of skill.   

        Special thanks go out to Jim Berry, Cheryl Bolton, Devin Bolton, Dave Hendrickson, Bill Hodel, David Rote, Brad Serva, Coby Serva, Drew Serva , and Marc Terpollili, who all helped in set up, tear down and transport of the track and decorations.  Special thanks to Cheryl Bolton, Millie Henson, and Jennifer Krusen and for assistance with track marshalling.  Special thanks to Wizzard High Performance, Inc., and Pocket Rocket Raceway for supplying flawless cars and equipment.  Last, but not least, special thanks to the management and employees of the Elmira Savings Bank for their support and for making it all come together!

Wizzard High Performance, Inc.

Bedford, PA

Phone: (814) 623-7482

Web Site:  http://www.wizzardho.com/index.html

E-mail:  wizzardho@yahoo.com

Pocket Rocket Raceway

2117 Grand Central Ave.

Horseheads, NY  14845

Phone: (607) 796-2168

Web Site:  http://www.pocketrocketraceway.com/