Helpers deserve credit in cleanup at Can-Am

The windows for the rooms that were damaged because of the storm were expected to arrive today. Chapman said the windows would be installed as soon as they arrive.

Chapman said Tuesday that the electrical repairs have been made and that the state has deemed the facility safe for race fans this weekend.

He said there will be some additional work needed to be done to the individual rooms that sponsors and race fans rent during the racing season.

"Friday's race will be the first regular show we've had since nearly a month,'' Burdick said. "We had some special shows, then a rainout and the storm last week."

Burdick said that while no figures have been released on the cost of repairing the facility, he estimates it would be more than $100,000.

PHOTOGRAPHER REMEMBERED

Mike Watts, track photographer at Mohawk International Raceway (Akwesasne) and Airborne Park Speedway (Plattsburgh), passed away Sunday after suffering a heart attack earlier last week.

Watts joined Mohawk International Raceway in its second season in the late 1980s. The track at that time was called Frogtown International Raceway.

Mohawk race officials recalled how the Watt's family covered the racing action every week for more than 20 years.

Mike and his wife Jane's photo stand was a popular stop for race fans at the speedway. The Watts' family life centered around racing. Mike proposed to his wife during a race program at the Airborne Park Speedway. Their sons Mike Jr. and Andy grew up at the races and are still involved in the sport.

Watts' photos were prominently features in racing newspapers, such as Gater Racing News and Area Auto Racing News, as well as in local news coverage, and on many racing websites.