SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) kicks back in full gear this weekend and with two unique events. After a six year hiatus it’s a return to the Albany-Saratoga Speedway on Friday night followed by the annual visit to Canandaigua Motorsports Park on Saturday where Tony Stewart comes to visit.

It has been since June 27, 2006 that the stars and cars have invaded the “Great Race Place” where Steve Poirier claimed the win in his rookie year. Not only does Friday end the six year absence but also marks the return of the Quebec star after his recent knee surgery.

Under the promotions of Lyle Devore and Howard Commander, the speedplant in Malta, NY has not only seen the dirt laid back down but a resurgence in the Capital District The sprints will be a part of their very successful weekly card making for a very exciting show and with the help of many local sponsors the teams will vie for the largest purse in the US paying $2,000 to win and $275 to start with and increase in every position.

Justin Barger continues to lead the overall point standings over Chuck Hebing, Lance Yonge, Paul Kinney and Shawn Donath. All these stars will be in the field along with tour regulars Michael Parent, Cory Sparks, Matt Tanner, Sammy Reakes IV, Kevin Ward Jr., Alain Bergeron, Patrick Vigneault, Mike Stelter, Jeff Cook, Etienne Girard, Jason Barney, Joe Trenca and Kory Gurney.

With the eastern NY location, many local stars will be on hand which includes father and son duo of Bobby and Danny Varin (who will be subbing for an injured James Hanson), Anthony Cain, Russ Bennett, Jami Russell, Josh Pieniazek, Jared Fink, Geoff Quackenbush and others. Making a special appearance will be Phoenix, AZ star Ryan Linder as a teammate to Jason Barney.

The next night its heading west on Interstate 90 to the Jeremie Corcoran promoted half-mile where the defending Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart will be taking on all the ESS stars with his Office Depot #14. Joining the ESS brigade on this night will be drivers such as Charlie Donk, Tommy Wickham, Tim Kelly, Blake Breen, Jamie Collard, Dain Naida, Jared Zimbardi, Todd Hoddick, Steve Hutchinson Jr., Brandon Warner and more.

The winged warriors will be joining a complete star studded card at Canandaigua and to thank the fans for the support, the admission has not been increased even with the announced appearance of Stewart.

A return to Albany-Saratoga after six years, “Smoke” in the field at Canandaigua…the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints are ready to continue the tradition of excitement guaranteed which it has for over 30 years.

For more information:
www.empiresupersprints.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EmpireSuperSprints
Twitter: @ESSprints
www.albany-saratogaspeedway.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Albany-Saratoga-Speedway
www.canandaiguamotorsportspark.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CMP.racing
Twitter: @Canandaigua_MSP

Past Empire Super Sprints winners at Albany-Saratoga

July 13, 1985
Gordy Button
July 18, 1986
John Brutcher
Sept. 2, 1988
Mal Lane
July 10, 1992
John Birosh
Aug. 13, 1993
Bobby Parrow
June 9, 1995
Craig Keel
Aug. 7, 1995
Craig Keel
May 31, 1996
Doug Emery
Aug. 2 ,1996
Tom Taber
May 30, 1997
Jeff Thomas
Aug. 1, 1997
Craig Keel
May 12, 2000
Lance Yonge
July 28, 2000
Dan Kaszubinski
June 15, 2001
Dan Kaszubinski
Aug. 17, 2001
Don Sharp Jr.
June 7, 2002
Lance Yonge
Aug. 23, 2002
Erin Crocker
June 6, 2003
Mike Lutz
May 13, 2005
Alain Bergeron
June 27, 2006
Steve Poirier

Past Empire Super Sprint Winners at Canandaigua Speedway

July 6, 1985
John Zentner
July 5, 1986
Gordy Button
Aug. 16, 1986
Gordy Button
July 4, 1987
Mike Gorman
Aug. 15, 1987
John Brutcher
June 29, 1991
Jeff Thomas
July 4, 1992
Mike Woodring
Aug. 29, 1992
Bobby Parrow
May 8, 1993
Tim Kelly
Aug. 28, 1993
Tim Kelly
July 1, 1995
Craig Keel
May 11, 1997
Mike Woodring
July 5, 1997
Mike Woodring
July 24, 1999
Lance Yonge
May 13, 2000
Lance Yonge
July 1, 2000
Rich Wood
May 12, 2001
Randy Years
June 30, 2001
Lance Yonge
May 11, 2002
Brian Dumigan
July 6, 2002
Rob Dietrick
Aug. 26, 2006
Justin Barger
Sept. 3, 2011
Jason Barney