Epping, NH – Joe Lemay returned to his winning ways in the All-Star Modifieds on Saturday night, holding off a tough challenge from Eric Hudson to collect his third checkered flag of the 2009 season.
Lemay quickly worked his way past polesitter Dana Smith to grab the lead, with Smith setting into the second spot in the early going. Kenny White and Eric Hudson both managed to get past Smith by halfway, but neither of them had anything for Lemay.
Hudson eventually worked past White for second, and he moved in to challenge Lemay at the five to go mark. Hudson looked high and low, but Lemay was up to the challenge, holding on for the win and a trip to victory lane at the end of the 40-lapper.
Hudson’s recent win streak in the Newmarket Sand and Gravel machine was stopped at three straight with his runner-up finish, and White collected third place honors ahead of Smith and Bobby MacArthur.
John Bourdelais made his 2009 debut in the Super Streets a memorable one; as he led the feature from flag-to-flag to pick up his first win of the season in his Lawrence Crankshaft-powered machine.
Bourdelais’ victory was made even sweeter when he was joined on the post-race podium by teammates Rob DeAlmeida and Tony Kawejsza, who finished second and third. Rosebud Shea and Steve “Pinball” Wilmot wrapped up the top five.
Mike Williams continued his hot streak in the Strictly Stock feature event, bringing the Mike White entry to victory lane after his third consecutive win.
Williams and Steve Dubois battled hard for a dozen laps before Williams settled into the lead, and it was all over from there. Williams pulled away to easily score the win, with runner-up Dubois and Johnny Gervais joining the victor for the post-race victory lane celebration.
Ken McIlvaine, a longtime competitor with many wins in Strictly Stock and Roadrunner competition at All-Star, added another trophy to his collection with his first win of the year in the Outlaw Mini Stocks over Bruce Knowles and Gary Stagliola.
Jason Hodgdon didn’t lead much of the Fast-4 feature, but he lead the lap that counted, grabbing his first career win in the feature event at the checkers. Ken Mailhot beat out nephew Tyler to finish in the second spot.