8/7/2025
The Dirt Track at Genesee
Rain Holds Off: Anstett, Gayton, Dingeldine, Powers, Holmes, Martinez, Barry Take Feature Wins
On a night when rain was predicted from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., dark clouds loomed over Genesee Kartway and heavy downpours fell just north of the track. But somehow, the speedway caught a lucky break. Despite the ominous weather, not a single drop of rain fell on the facility. That stroke of good fortune allowed for a full night of racing, with six exciting feature events completed, leaving drivers and fans alike thrilled that the night went on as planned.
The first feature of the evening was the Xtreme Budget Predators, with Matthew Barry and Ken Cook lining up on the front row. Barry jumped to an early lead, but as the opening lap was being completed, point leader Jack Freeman spun out, bringing out the first caution. On the restart, Jeffery Anstett of Newfane, NY wasted no time in taking the lead from Barry and began pulling away. Just four laps in, another yellow flew—this time for Cook. On the next restart, Anstett once again jumped out to a lead, this time going caution-free for the remaining 12 laps to pick up his second win of the season at Genesee Kartway. In Victory Lane, Anstett shared, “I’m starting to get my footing back here. It’s just fun to come here and realize you still have it a little bit.”
Next up was the Senior Lites division, featuring a showdown between Paige Gayton and Matthew Barry. Gayton, from East Pembroke, NY, took the lead on lap 1 and never looked back, leading all 15 laps to claim her first feature win of the season. After five consecutive second-place finishes, she finally broke through, also winning her heat race earlier in the evening. A happy Gayton said in Victory Lane, “This means a lot. I was sick of finishing in 2nd place.”
The Junior 1 division followed, with Hendrick Dingeldine and Tucker Hazlett on the front row. Dingeldine took control from the start, opening up a sizable lead. The race was smooth until the final lap, when a lapped kart spun directly in front of him. With quick reflexes, Dingeldine narrowly avoided disaster and went on to lead all 15 laps, securing his third feature win of the season. Reflecting on the last-lap scare, he simply said, “Just swerve, go around.” About the victory, he added, “This feels awesome.”
The Junior 2 and Junior 3 divisions ran together in the next feature. Chase Powers of Dale, NY led early, but trouble struck on lap 4 when contact with Korbin Pearce sent Powers around. As a result, they were sent to the rear of the field. On the restart, Will Holmes took over the lead, but all eyes were on Powers as he battled his way back through the pack. After getting by Barry for second, Powers began closing in on Holmes. On lap 10, Holmes bobbled coming out of turn 2, allowing Powers to reclaim the lead. Powers held on to win the Junior 3 feature, while Holmes took the win in Junior 2. In Victory Lane, Powers commented, “I just needed to push as hard as you can and just try to get back up front.”
Another rivalry took center stage in the Novice division between Kensley Martinez and Xavier Cook. Cook led early, but Martinez, from Batavia, NY, spun out while chasing him. On the restart, Martinez quickly recovered and managed to take the lead from Cook, holding on to lead the final six laps and claim yet another feature win. In Victory Lane, Kensley gave thanks to Dad, Mom, Joey, and PRP.
The final feature of the night was the Senior Heavy class, where Matthew Barry of Albion and Paige Gayton once again shared the front row. Barry took the lead on the opening lap, but Gayton spun shortly after, bringing out the caution and sending her to the rear of the field. On the restart, Barry stretched out his lead until another caution flew for a second spin by Gayton. Despite the interruptions, Barry remained calm and in control, leading all 15 laps to earn the win. In Victory Lane, Barry said, “I knew I just needed to hit my marks every time and hopefully not spin out.”
The next race at Genesee Kartway is scheduled for Friday, August 15th at 7:00 p.m., with all seven divisions ready to return to action.
Photo Credit: EM Nearhood Photography
Article Credit: Jeremy Perry
Submitted By: Jeremy Perry
