LANCASTER, NY — After a couple events across Canada, A.J. Emms will make his return back to New York this weekend, set to run the Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Tommy Druar / Tony Jankowiak 110 at Lancaster Motorplex for Cathy and Paul Townsend.
“I am very excited to get back south of the border to race with Paul Townsend and Cathy,” he shared. “Unfortunately, we had an event earlier this season just due to some family things and wanting to be home for our upcoming baby in September. We are very excited to not only be a part of the team, but a very special event that the speedway is hosting at Lancaster – the Tony J Memorial 110. It’s definitely different to be doing long races like this, and something I really enjoyed earlier this year at Spencer Speedway doing the 110-lapper.
“The big ROC Modified is also a different animal than our OSCAAR Modified, but it’s been a ton of fun not only to drive, but race. Paul has been continuing to work on the handling of the cars to get them better and better so excited to get out and see what we can do against some really tough competition. I also know every time I go south of the border, I get to race at different tracks and against different competitors, but always continually make me get better and I continuously learn every time I am down there. That’s a lot of fun for me and my team.
“We are excited for another hot race weekend this summer – that seems to be the common thread, and we’re hoping for a solid result and finish in one piece.”
Emms made his first appearance in the car earlier this season at Spencer Speedway, crossing the finish line with an 18th-place finish after running as high as 15th at the halfway mark.
“(There’s) a lot of big differences than what I am used to driving, but my driving style seemed to really suit that style of racecar,” he commented. “Definitely somethings to keep in mind is just how to manage the right-rear tire, and some different set-up pieces as well when having that much horsepower and that much tire, and with a long race. When I think about some of the things for next time, I think about tire management of the right-rear as well as ensuring that I roll the corners that much more.”
Although it marks his first appearance at Lancaster behind-the-wheel of the Asphalt Modified, he’s run three events there with the Sportsman, scoring a best finish of eighth.
The ROC appearance continues a fun month of August, which began at Sunset Speedway. Behind-the-wheel of his familiar No. 14 Modified, Emms qualified fifth for the 50-lap event and began to work his way forward before contact sent him around for a spin. He crossed the line with a sixth-place finish.
Emms gives a shout-out to Cathy and Paul Townsend for the opportunity to race for them. Emms Racing is proud to be supported by BAE Enviromental, Wolseley Lodge, TL Tire, Speedy Glass Orillia, Bromley Automotive Ltd, Black Barn Golf Cars, EPIC Racewear, Klotz Canada, Jayne at Good Things Promo, and Short Track Musings for the 2025 race season.
Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to the Emms Racing website at http://www.ajemms.com, as well as the team’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ajemmsracing/.
