Phil Bessette and Kyle Smith are East Coast Mini Sprint Association Champs
BY MARK McKEON
WESTFIELD, MA – Phil Bessette and Kyle Smith were crowned as the 2010 points champions of the East Coast Mini Sprint Association at the club’s 18th annual awards banquet, which was held at the Westwood Pub and Restaurant. The club sanctions the 750cc Mini Sprint races at Whip City Speedway.
Bessette, a 46 year old roofer from New Milford, CT, won four features enroute to the 750cc Mini Sprint title, while Smith, a 14 year old student from Great Barrington, MA had seven wins in the 750 Sportsman class.
Smith was also named the club’s Rookie of the Year and Tim Stick was named the Most Improved Driver.
With the uncertainty surrounding the future of Whip City Speedway, the event was especially poignant. Speedway co-owner Dave Pighetti spoke from the heart, but held his cards close to the vest and gave no clues about potential buyers for the Whip. He thanked club members for their support and enigmatically wished them well, “no matter where the road leads” in the future.