MIKE HOPKINS WINS 95 LATE MODEL OPENER
Mike Hopkins of Hermon started the 50 lap Late Model feature on the pole and led 48 of the 50 laps to post a convincing win on Speedway 95’s season opening show Saturday night. Hopkins maintained his lead through 4 of the 5 caution flags, giving up only 2 laps to Andy Saunders of Ellsworth, who took the lead on laps 41 and 42 and finished a strong second. Josh St. Clair of Liberty finished in third, after coming from the back of the pack twice due to pit stops he took during caution periods. Ryan Deane of Winterport was the fourth place finisher, followed by 2010 Late Model Champion Duane Seekins of Stockton Springs in fifth. Rounding out the top 10 were John Kalel II of Orrington, Shane Clark of Winterport, Donny Blanchard of Bangor, Alex Waltz of Damariscotta and Greg Ellis of Hermon.
Sportsman division action saw Jeremy Glazier of Appleton take the win following a tight battle with Holden’s Steve Moulton, who finished second. Glazier and Moulton raced the first 7 laps side by side until Glazier slid high, forcing Moulton to lift and allowing Glazier to take the lead. The two were again together following a lap 13 caution, but Glazier was able to take the lead that time and hold it to the end. Moulton finished second, followed by Mike Overlock of Franklin, Gene Wasson of Greenbush and Doug Sinclair of Hermon.
In the Strictly Streets, Andrew McLaughlin of Harrington led the entire distance to take the opening day win with Shelby Kimball of Cornville finishing second in her best finish since moving up from the Wednesday night Ladies division near the end of last season. Kimball was followed across the finish line by Cody Brassbridge of Frankfort, Roger Smith JR. of Clifton and Gerry Phillips of Hermon.
Steve Heath of Milo was the third leader of the Sport Four feature, but was the one in front when the checkered flag flew. 2010 Champion Keith Ogden led the first 10 laps until Bradley Norris of Ellsworth took the point. Norris had to pit while in the lead, allowing Heath to capture the front spot. Heath held the lead through another caution period and held off Becky Elston of Carmel for the win. Elston finished in second with Mike Heath of Brownville third. Fourth went to Ogden with Jay Robichaud of Eddington finishing in fifth.
The newly formed Bomber division saw only three cars show up for the day. Gilbert Ogden Jr. of Ellsworth took the win, followed by Mike Mathieu of Oakland and Duane Seekins of Stockton Springs.