Can-Am folks come together in time of need

LAFARGEVILLE — Gerald "Tiger" Chapman couldn't stop talking Thursday about how the racing community had come together after a violent thunderstorm with damaging winds struck Can-Am Motorsports Park late Wednesday afternoon.

It was the second time in just over 15 years that the speedway was damaged because of a violent storm. On July 15, 1995, a microburst struck the area, creating an estimated $298,000 worth of damage at the speedway.

Chapman, who purchased the facility following the 2009 season, said between 30 and 40 volunteers were at the track early Thursday morning to help clear the debris left by storm.

"Words can't describe what I think of these people," said an emotional Chapman, who was forced to call off tonight's racing program. "I just feel so sorry for our workers, volunteers, drivers, pit crew and car owners who were looking forward to racing (tonight) and every Friday night."

Portions of the tower, which housed individual boxes that sponsors and other patrons purchase each season, was heavily damaged by the storm. There was also considerable damage in various sections of the bleachers.

Chip Burdick, general manager of the speedway, said Wednesday night that several light poles near the track and tower were damaged. He said some poles were nearly bent in half due to the high winds.

He added the poles did return to their upright positions. Whether they will be replaced depends on what Steven Hall, a general contractor, finds when he surveys the damage. Hall, a former race-car driver at Can-Am, has been hired for the reconstruction.

While the figure of $100,000 has been mentioned as the cost of the repairs, Chapman said no figure will be available until Hall has done his survey. Hall is expected to survey the damages today.

Chapman is hopeful of re-opening for racing on July 30.

"I would love to get things going again here next week," he said. "But of course that remains out of our hands as we won't re-open until we are given permission from officials that the facility is safe for our fans and drivers. We must make sure that the electrical repairs are deemed safe. And we can't get people back into their reserved boxes until it is safe for them to return."

Chapman, a Cape Vincent resident and roofing contractor, said that shortly after word got out of the damage at the speedway, his cell phone has been ringing constantly.

"I'll bet we've had well over 400 phone calls from supporters not only of racing at Can-Am, but all over the area," he said. "You know, on race night the drivers are all fierce competitors, but when something like this happens they all come together to give us a hand and I am so appreciative of their acts of kindness."

"One gentleman called and said he was no hammer-and-nail guy, but he would like to help out even if it was only ordering pizzas for the workers," Chapman said.

The 1995 microburst at the speedway forced veteran promoter and owner Bob Thurston to call off five race programs.

Two of the events were special Skoal racing series events that were rescheduled. Three regular weekly shows were not rescheduled. The luxury boxes that were damaged were not rebuilt until after the season.