Pierson takes Modified lead just before halfway point
Double championship points will be up for grabs for the 99ROCK Weekly Racing Series at Bear Ridge Speedway on Saturday, as Freihofer’s and the Harrington family present the annual Mid-Season Championships. Seven-time and defending track champion Adam Pierson of Fairlee, VT leads the Bond Auto Parts DIRTcar Sportsman Modified division for the first time after a strong showing one week ago.
Pierson finished third in the 40-lap main event on J&A Lawn Care/Boudreault Septic Night last Saturday as chief title rival Kevin Chaffee encountered problems and finished 19th. Pierson was able to vault past Chaffee and holds the lead by 22 points, 575-553. Three-time champion Gary Siemons of Orford, NH sits third at 516 points, followed by youngsters Derek Graham and Justin Comes.
Fairlee, VT racer Chaffee finds himself atop the USAC Dirt Midget Association points, though. The multi-division star, who also competes in the traveling WYKR Sprint Cars of New England series, leads the open-cockpit USAC class by eight points (258-250) over Scott Holcomb of North Granby, CT. Defending champion Joe Krawiec is third at 236, with young Tim Gallant and New England Auto Racing Hall of Famer Ray Miller close behind.
Josh Harrington of Topsham, VT leads the Wells River Chevrolet Sportsman Coupe class and is looking for his third title in four years. Harrington’s three main event wins in 2012 give him 470 points to lead teammate Jason Horniak of Bradford, VT by 21 markers. Terry Williams, Gene Pierson, and outstanding second-year driver Tim Hodge complete the top five.
The A Notch Above Automotive Limited Late Model division is in a deadlock with veteran Mike Greene and 15 year-old Jordan Fornwalt tied at 507 points apiece. Fornwalt has dominated the win column, but Greene’s consistency has also paid dividends. Brian Chaffee is third just 17 points back.
Three-time winner Danny Doyle of Roxbury, VT leads the Weglarz Property Service Fast Four division by 19 points over defending champion Kevin Harran, 519-500. Tim Martin is third at 485 points. Eric Lang of Groton, VT is the KDD NAPA Auto Parts Hornet division leader on the strength of five wins, pacing Mike Stender 572-533, with rookie Brandon Gray third at 527. Dawn King of Springfield, VT leads the Hornet Queen division after taking her first career win two weeks ago; teenager Alicia Taylor is second.
The Mid-Season Championships event starts at the famous “6:00-ish” post time on Saturday, July 14. Regular general admission is $10 for adults (age 18-61), $8 for teens (12-17) and seniors (62+), and $2 for children. Season passes are also available; Visa and MasterCard are accepted.