Evans Mills (NY) – Race fans, the action isn’t slowing down just yet! Gear up for the biggest/ last weekend of the year at Evans Mills Raceway Park on Friday, September 12th, and Saturday, September 13th, when the 6th Annual John Burr Classic, presented by TJ Toyota of Potsdam, Waite Toyota, NAPA Auto Parts, Glider Oil Co., and Blue DEF, roars into town. Don’t miss two nights of heart-pounding racing you’ll be talking about all the way until next season! Friday will consist of two EMRP divisions: the Christman Fuel Service INEX Legends and Thunderstocks, and the return of the Jake’s Automotive Small Block Supermodifieds. Other divisions will be welcome to join for an open practice session. Saturday is jam-packed with the ISMA-MSS Supermodifieds Championship, Classic Asphalt Modified Series, and three EMRP divisions, including the Kinney Drugs Modifieds, Stewart’s Shops Sport Compacts, and an INEX National Qualifier event for the Christman Fuel Service INEX Legends. Don’t forget to come out and set up your campsite!
John Burr’s name is synonymous with motorsports in the Northeast. Known as “the voice of the North Country,” his announcing career spanned more than five decades and left a lasting legacy across the racing community. Burr got his start at Evans Mills Speedway in 1967, where his passion for the sport and natural talent on the microphone quickly became evident. Over the next 50 years, he became a fixture at racetracks throughout the region, announcing entire seasons as well as special events at more than 20 different venues. His influence stretched well beyond auto racing, as he also lent his voice to demolition derbies, horse pulls, county fairs, snowmobile races, and ATV competitions. His dedication to motorsports was recognized with inductions into several prestigious organizations, including the DIRT Motorsports Hall of Fame, the New York State Tractor Pullers Association Hall of Fame, and the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs Hall of Fame. Burr always held a special connection to Evans Mills Speedway—a track he proudly helped build with the Zeigler brothers and others. Fans fondly remember his distinctive sayings and memorable catchphrases, but what truly set him apart was his character. Beyond his unmistakable voice, John Burr was respected as a gentleman who loved the sport and cherished the friendships he built within the racing community. Today, his legacy continues to echo across the tracks of the Northeast, where his contributions to motorsports will never be forgotten.
Our Camping circle out near the entrance is open once again for the classic. Come out and put up a tent or set up a camper and stay the whole weekend so you don’t miss any of the action! Campsite reservations can be made by calling EMRP at (315) 323-6033. Friday begins with GA gates opening at 5:30 pm with practice laps for Kinney Drugs Modifieds, Stewarts Shops Sport Compacts, and Classic Asphalt Modified Series at the same time. At 6:00 pm, hot laps begin for NAPA Auto Parts Thunderstocks, Christman Fuel Service INEX Legends, and Small Block Supermodifieds. 7:00 pm is the start of heat racing with NAPA Auto Parts Thunderstocks, Christman Fuel Service INEX Legends, and Small Block Supermodifieds. Followed by feature racing for the same three divisions to round out the night. NAPA Auto Parts Thunderstocks will have a $300 payout after 20 laps, Christman Fuel Service INEX Legends will have a $300 payout too with 25 laps, and the Small Block Supermodifieds winner will bring home a $ 1,000 payout after 35 laps.
Saturday starts at 12:45 pm with GA gates opening and the first practice round of ISMA-MSS Supermodifieds (30 mins long). 1:15 pm is hot laps for Classic Asphalt Modified Series, Stewarts Shops Sport Compacts, Christman Fuel Service INEX Legends, and Kinney Drugs Modifieds. 2 pm is ISMA-MSS Supermodifieds practice round two (also 30 mins long). At 3:00 pm, the ISMA MSS Supermodifieds and Christman Fuel Service INEX Legends will begin their time trials. The INEX Legends will participate in group qualifying, locking in the top 16 times. A redraw will occur for a number of the top 16, and any qualifier 17th and further will race in a 12-lap B-main to set the rest of the feature field. Finally, at 3:45 pm, heat racing will begin for Classic Asphalt Modified Series, Stewarts Shops Sport Compacts, Kinney Drugs Modifieds, and ISMA-MSS Supermodifieds.
Then it’s time for feature races, holding all the action you have been waiting for all weekend. Classic Asphalt Modified Series is racing 20 laps, Stewarts Shops Sport Compacts racing 20 laps with a $500 payout, Christman Fuel Service INEX Legends National Qualifier, and Kevin Ward Jr. Legacy Race of 40 laps and $1,300 payout to the winner presented by Westward Painting Company and Herring Log Home Restoration. In the previous National Qualifier here at EMRP for Christman Fuel Service INEX Legends, Brayton Malbeuf won the Young Lions division, Zach Christman for Semi-Pro, Joel Hall for Pro, and Josh Oomen for Masters.
Next up are the Kinney Drugs Modifieds in the 6th Annual John Burr Classic, racing 75 laps and a $2,000 payout to the winner, and last, but certainly not least, the ISMA-MSS Supermodifieds Championship of 100 laps!
Entering Evans Mills, two points separate first and second place, while the top five drivers are all in contention to end the night as the series champion.
This is the third time we have welcomed ISMA-MSS Supermodifieds to EMRP for our John Burr Classic. The first year saw Jeff Abold win the race, with Mike McVetta being the season champion. Last year, we had Otto Sitterly win both races and take home the title of season champion. To look back at the history of the John Burr Classic in the 1st year, the winners of each class were: Sportsman Modifieds- Mason Spencer, Small Block Supers- Mike Bruce, NYS Super Stocks-A.J. Petrobowski, and Sport Compacts- Andre Roggie. 2nd John Burr Classic- Sportsman Modifieds- Kreig Heroth, Small Block Supers- Dan Kapuscinski, NYS, Super Stocks- Garrett Zacharias, Pro Late Models- Josh Verne Jr., INEX Legends- Chris Malbeuf, and Sport Compacts- Justin Coachman. 3rd John Burr Classic- Sportsman Modifieds- Taylor Caprara, Small Block Supers- Mike Bruce (2), Pro Late Models- Rylee Gill, INEX Legends- Dalton Rombough, Sport Compacts- Joe Orvis, and Thunderstocks- Zak Petrie. 4th John Burr Classic- ISMA-MSS Supermodifieds – Jeff Abold, ISMA-MSS Supermodifieds Season Champion- Mike McVetta, Sportsman Modifieds- Andre Roggie, Small Block Supers- Dan Kapuscinski (2), Pro Late Models- Tyler Papin, INEX Legends- Kyle Hart, Sport Compacts- Jock Symonds, and Thunderstocks- Kevin Greenfield.- 5th John Burr Classic- Thunderstocks- Justin Burns, Pro Late Models- Terry Gardner, Small Block Supers- Greg O’Connor, ISMA-MSS Supermodifieds (Friday & Saturday)- Otto Sitterly, Classic Asphalt Modified Series- Mark Tychoniewicz, Sport Compacts- Chuck Powelczyk, INEX Legends- Matt Haufe (NQ: Young Lion- Jayden Hall, SEMI-PRO- Wes Cuthbertson, PRO- Matt Haufe, and Masters- Chris Piasecki), Sportsman Modifieds- Taylor Caprara (2). 6th John Burr Classic winners- Come find out!
NAPA Auto Parts is proud to support the 6th Annual John Burr Classic. Just like John’s lasting legacy in motorsports, NAPA has been dedicated to keeping vehicles running strong for generations. From high-performance parts to everyday maintenance needs, NAPA delivers the quality, reliability, and expertise drivers count on. With local stores serving the Watertown area and beyond, NAPA is here to keep the North Country moving—on and off the track.
TJ Toyota in Potsdam has been serving drivers across the North Country with reliable vehicles and trusted service for years. Whether you’re looking for a brand-new Toyota, a quality pre-owned vehicle, or expert maintenance, TJ Toyota is committed to helping you find exactly what you need. Known for its friendly staff, dependable service department, and dedication to customer satisfaction, TJ Toyota continues to be a dealership that drivers in Potsdam and beyond can count on.
Waite Toyota has been a trusted name for drivers in the North Country, offering a wide selection of new Toyota models, quality pre-owned vehicles, and expert service. With a reputation built on customer care and community connection, Waite Toyota is dedicated to helping drivers find the right vehicle and keeping it running smoothly for years to come. From the showroom to the service bay, Waite Toyota continues to deliver the reliability and excellence that Toyota drivers count on.
2-day passes for the weekend: 2-day Adult- $45 USD, $63 CAN, Military- $41, Youth- $25, Pit Pass- $80.
Friday Prices: Adult- $15, Military- $13, Youth- $10, 9 & Under- FREE, Pit- $35 USD/ $48 CAN.
Saturday Prices: Adult- $30, Military- $28, Youth- $15, 9 & Under- FREE, Pit- $45 USD/ $63 CAN.
Fri. & Sat single booth- $50 + Admission, Double Booth- $100 + Admission.
For more information, contact EMRP at emrpgm@yahoo.com or (315)-323-6033.