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Without a doubt, Ryan Phelps was
destined to become a race car driver, as his father, Roger Phelps,
was one of the most famous and successful Small Block Modified
pilots in the Central New York Region. Roger's career began in 1979
behind the wheel of a Late Model at Rolling Wheels Raceway. From
there, he moved right into the Small Block Modified division in 1980
where he became the DIRT Rookie of the Year driving for businessman
Jim Ferlito and won the Evans Mills Speedway track title. That same
season, Phelps won his first feature on July 4 at his home track,
Fulton Speedway.
Phelps then moved to a family owned
team with his brother Andy for the 1982 season, which launched him
to his first Track Championship at Fulton. He reeled off three
straight Fulton track titles between 1982 and 1984, with a
championship at Brewerton in 1983. Roger became one of the most
dominant drivers at Brewerton and Fulton over the next several
years, only second to arch rival Donnie Wetmore.
In later years, Phelps teamed up with Fred Beesmer, who sponsored
Roger through Beesmer Furniture. He continued racing the Outlaw
Circuit at Brewerton, Fulton, and Utica-Rome Speedways. Roger
retired from full-time racing in 2002 to be the crew chief for Ryan
and his budding racing career. He still gets behind the wheel
occasionally to help tune Ryan's machines out, and race selected
events during the year such as Fulton's Victoria 200. Phelps is
currently third on the All-Time Modified Win List at Fulton Speedway
and fourth at Brewerton.
In the mid 1990's, Phelps operated
R.P. Speed Shop, servicing racers at Brewerton, Fulton, and
Utica-Rome. Roger's nephew, Jimmy, also began racing at this time at
eventually moved into the Small Block Modified division.
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