Moultonboro, NH – A warm February afternoon made a great day to be out on a lake, but the ice conditions challenged the ice racers from the Lakes Region Ice Racing Club . Some of the best racing so far this season was about to take place.
First out were the Rear Wheel division cars and pickups. Matt Morrill (9) of Moultonboro mounted a serious challenge to Tim Chase (40) of Northfield, but Tim continued his string of victories with Matt settling for second place, at least for this week. Kris Jacques, in his #63 NAPA pickup, finished third.
Justin Eldridge (74) of Ossipee was the master of the Front Wheel Drive division taking his qualifier and the feature event. Doug Kenny (03) also of Ossipee took second with Richard Belanger (48) of Milton grabbing the third place trophy.
The Juniors were up next, with Moultonboro’s Alicia Taylor (7) racing to her first event win. Kailyn Murphy (14) of Ossipee and Chris Taylor (8) of Moultonboro rounded out the field.
The Stock division provided the best race and most excitement of the day. A heated duel between Shane Eldridge (75) of Ctr Ossipee and Bruce Sullivan (19) of Farmington began in the qualifier and continued in the feature with a Shane and Bruce trading the lead several times. Shane was second going into the last turn and passed Bruce on the inside for a photo finish win. Danny Cook (1) of S. Tamworth took the 3rd place trophy.
Matt Taylor (4) of Moultonboro won the Modified division in an event that was shortened as ice conditions deteriorated late in the day. Ray Johnson (79) of Thornton and Jack Cook (14) of Moultonboro finished second and third, respectively.
Several cars and drivers from the New England Ice Racing Association (www.ne-iceracing.com) in the Milton, NH area took part in the Lakes Region event and took home some of the trophies. No wins this week, but they had several podium finishes.
The weekly racing continues next Sunday at 12:30 on Berry Pond off Rt 25 in Moultonboro. Check the club’s website at www.LakesRegionIceRacingClub.com for the latest race/ice status, information about coming events, and for race photos. The cost is only $10 for a carload and hot lunch is available. See you on the ice.