New York track to open

It took the help of the New York State Police, but Tioga Downs held its offical ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday morning before a crowd of more than 300, about eight hours before the track was scheduled to begin live racing for the first time. Track owner Jeff Gural was delayed when a car fire on the highway leading to Tioga caused a 15-mile back-up, resulting in the State Police having to escort Gural out of the jammed highway to the track, which held the ceremony after about an hour delay.

"I honestly have to say that this is the finest racetrack in North America," Gural told the gathering, which included state legislatures and coverage from all three television stations from nearby Binghamton. "This is a great day and I'm glad to be here."

Tioga's first race is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. Although the morning was a bit rainy, the sun broke through a bit during the afternoon.

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