Canaan, NH. – When the Valenti Modified Racing Series swings back into action Saturday, July 13, it will be a homecoming for the New England racing organization. Well sort of. The series is headquartered in the town of Canaan, NH, the next stop on the schedule. Canaan Fair Speedway, a 1/3-mile facility, will host the open wheel modified series for the 11th time in 10 year.. As the 10th anniversary season rolls on, the point’s battle continues to be the
buzz after five completed races.
Huntingdon Valley, PA., hot shoe Rowan Pennink holds a slight 8-point lead over 18-year old Tommy Barrett, of Millis, MA., heading to Canaan. Louie Mechalides, of Tyngsboro, MA., finished just outside the top 10 at last weeks Monadnock Speedway event, dropping him to third in the standings but only 12 points back. Richard Savary, of Canton, MA., still holds down fourth, while Nashua, NH., veteran Norm Wrenn has quietly moved into fifth based on a sixth place finish at Monadnock.
Of the top five drivers in the current standings, only Mechalides has visited victory lane at Canaan.
Two-time series champion, Chris Pasteryak, of Lisbon, CT., will enter the Canaan race. Steven Masse, of Bellingham, MA., Todd Owen, of Somers, CT., veteran Rob Goodnough, of Swanzey, NH., Max Zachem, of Preston, CT., Mike Holdridge, of Madison, CT., and Timmy Jordan of Plainfield, CT., are expected.
Canaan regional drivers, Matt Mead, of Richmond, and Dana Smith, are expected to compete. Smith, a Rookie of the Year candidate, is currently the highest ranked rookie and is 16th in the standings.
Former winners at Canaan include; Les Hinckley (3), Dwight Jarvis (2), Peter Daniels, Jack Bateman, Jon McKennedy, Eric Goodale, and Mechalides.
Qualifying races begin at 5:00 PM with an on track pit party scheduled for a 5:45 PM start. Fans will have the opportunity to meet drivers, get hero cards, and autographs. Fans are also encouraged to bring cameras.