NESST LogoSweet Salvation: Josh Galvin Savors Victory at New London-Waterford Speedbowl

WATERFORD, CT – Josh Galvin becomes the fifth different winner in six races on the North East Street Stock Tour, as he picked up the victory in the A-1 Auto Center/Stebbins Discount Stump Grinding event at New London-Waterford Speedbowl.

Galvin started on the pole of the 35-lap feature, but was quickly overtaken by former track champion Chris Douton. The battle would ensue again on lap 7, as Galvin fought his way back to the lead. Another former track champion, Jim Boyle joined the battle, as the top three began to break away from the pack. Boyle made a move to challenge Douton, and the two were side-by-side for numerous laps, which allowed Galvin to open a sizable lead.

While Douton and Boyle fought for position, Patrick Tanguay, Geoff Rollins, and Bryan Town joined the fray, creating a five-car battle at the front. Douton was able to close the distance on Galvin as the field made their way through lapped traffic, but Galvin proved to be too strong, capturing the win in the caution-free event.

Galvin explained “The car was different than it was in the heat, but I didn’t waste too much time, and was able to figure out how to get the thing around again, and go back by Moose [Douton], and capitalize on that, and get the win.”

While Galvin ended the day well, his day did not start the same. Galvin ran in the weekly Limited Sportsman division, but retired from the event early, due to an on-track incident.

“Just settling for a top five would’ve been fun enough for us,” added Galvin. “To add the wreck in the thing, we didn’t even think we’d make the show. We just kept working, and we don’t quit.”

Douton held on to finish second, while celebrating his wife’s birthday. He continued “Josh Galvin had a good run. We were a little loose, because we were struggling all day, but we got it pretty close.”

Commenting on the comradery of the Tour, Douton exclaimed “I didn’t expect to join a Strictly Stock tour, and be with such a good bunch of guys.”
Jim Boyle finished a season-best third in front of his home crowd. Even with his finish, Boyle felt he left a little on the table, explaining “I was actually anticipating a bit better of a finish. If it hadn’t been Moose [Douton] in front of me, it would’ve been a different situation, but he’s always run me clean, and I’m going to give him the same respect he’s given me.”

Tanguay and Rollins would settle for the fourth and fifth spots. Bryan Town held on for the sixth spot, with Anthony Belfiore finishing seventh. Frank L’Etoile, Jr., Joe Arena, and Jack Aquilina rounded out the top ten. Douton and Town picked up heat victories.

The North East Street Stock Tour will be back in action on September 11-12, as part of the Stock Car Road Race Challenge, on the 1.7-mile road course at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park. For more information on the North East Street Stock Tour, visit www.nestreetstocktour.com.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
A-1 Auto Center/Stebbins Discount Stump Grinding Event
New London-Waterford Speedbowl
8/29/15

Pos. (Start) Driver Hometown
1. (1) Josh Galvin Oakdale, CT
2. (2) Chris Douton Waterford, CT
3. (3) Jim Boyle Waterford, CT
4. (5) Patrick Tanguay Lebanon, ME
5. (8) Geoff Rollins Waterford, CT
6. (11) Bryan Town Charlestown, NH
7. (6) Anthony Belfiore Haverhill, MA
8. (10) Frank L’Etoile, Jr. Weathersfield, CT
9. (13) Joe Arena Bristol, CT
10. (16) Jack Aquilina Oakdale, CT
11. (17) Steve Barrett Preston, CT
12. (18) John Berchem West Greenwich, RI
13. (20) Armand Cote Rocky Hill, CT
14. (12) Paul Varrichio Berlin, CT
15. (15) Bryan Granger Keene, NH
16. (14) John Hanafin Quincy, MA
17. (19) Jesse Gleason Lisbon, CT
18. (9) Corey Coates Ledyard, CT
19. (7) Brandon Plemons Montville, CT
20. (4) Steve Kenneway Lowell, MA

Dur-A-Flex ($100 gift certificate to halfway leader) – Josh Galvin
Northeast Race Cars + Parts (Lucky Dog) – Steve Kenneway