TYLER BARTLETT TAKES OVER OWNERSHIP OF CAN-AM SPEEDWAY
It was announced this past week, that local businessman and racer Tyler Bartlett, has purchased the Can-Am Speedway in Lafageville, NY from owners Charlie and Billy Caprara. Tyler, owner of D.P. Bartlett & Son’s Plumbing, Heating and AC LLC, The Sunset Motel LLC, TRB Properties, and a proud supporter of the Bartlett Brother’s Racing Team states this is a childhood dream come true.
Tyler attended his first racing event at only week old to watch his father, Dave race his Dirt Modified in 1985. He later competed at Can-Am Speedway’s Go-Kart Track for many years, along with his brother, Ryan. Later, the brothers moved up to the Big-Block Modified ranks. The family had a great time this past summer when the Bartlett family battled at the Can-Am Speedway together for the first time ever. Tyler, #39, Ryan, #93 and Dave, #393 met on the track for a Saturday night feature to celebrate Dave’s 60th birthday. To say racing is a part of the family is an understatement. Many thanks to all the family, especially Tyler’s uncle, Joel Bartlett and the fans of the family racing team over the past few decades. Tyler and his family are excited about their new business venture and have already begun putting the pieces into place.
The biggest news coming from Can-Am Speedway will return to being sanctioned by DIRTcar Racing after a long absence. In addition, racing will be Friday nights. These two decisions were made to help Can-Am Speedway continue to grow, enabling current and future generations of racers and race fans to enjoy the racing venue at Can-Am Speedway. A number of exciting things are planned for 2018 and will be announced as soon as they are finalized. All classes from 2017 will return in 2018, with the possibility of minor changes taking place in each division. The 358 Modifieds will again headline the weekly program and hopefully, with the DIRTcar sanction and return to Friday nights a number of new competitors will make Can-Am Speedway their Friday night home.
After the holidays Tyler will begin to put his personnel in place. Tyler’s first hire is Bob Thurston Jr. as General Manager. The Thurston family has been around Can-Am Speedway since the second year of its operation back in the 1970’s. Also, joining the management team is Matt Burdick, who will return as head flagger. Tyler says he is looking forward to working with Bob and Matt to prepare for the upcoming race season. Together they will begin assembling an all-star staff to ensure all race track operations are fulfilled. Some necessary on and off-track changes and improvements will be made to promote a successful racing program. A new website and social media page are being created at this time and will include updated contact information (phone and email) as soon as possible. Additionally, a number of positions will need to be filled, so watch for information regarding job opportunities coming soon.
