ST. CLAIRE IS IN THE AIR: LATE MODEL DIVISION WINS KEPT IN THE FAMILY
BY: SOPHIE GABRION, RACE MEDIA REP
WISCASSET, MAINE – Last Saturday night marked the anniversary of some important historical events. In 2007, Honda produced the six millionth Civic. The 1996 US Women’s Gymnastics team brought home the first gold; Vanessa Williams was the first winner in pageant history to resign in 1984; and deep in the heart of Lincoln County, Wiscasset Speedway opened in 1969. For 47 years, it has operated as Maine’s fastest track. Even though drivers showed up wearing fire suits instead of their birthday suits, each division had obviously come to party.
In an epic Late Model Sportsman double-header, the St. Clair Family from Liberty kept winning relative. Josh of the #33 took first in the rescheduled race, while his grandfather, Dave, won in the second. Sponsored by Kennebec Equipment Rental, the Outlaw Minis rocked a 75-lap Madness Spotlight Feature where Zach Audet of the #19me proved hard work pays off when he accepted first place in victory lane. Other winners included Ben Tinker of the #19 from New Gloucester for the NAPA Modified and Kyle Hewins of the #51 from Leeds for the Strictly Streets.
Starting the celebration was the Rescheduled Late Model Feature, where a packed line up of seventeen cars left fans constantly wondering what would happen next. An absence of cautions meant members of the widespread pack had to rely on their ability to navigate busy traffic in order to get a shot at victory lane. While several competitors took early leads, like Tyler Robbins of the #34 and Alex Waltz of the #00, the drivers continuously dominating the track were Josh St. Clair of the #33 and Nick Hinkley of the #15 from Wiscasset. Starting out ahead, Hinkley used some serious straightaway speed to keep his lead but by lap twenty, St. Clair overtook the end of the pack and let track traffic create some breathing room. Hinkley stayed strong for a third place trophy and Will Collins of the #25 from Waldoboro claimed second.
In the 75-lap Spotlight Feature, the Outlaw Minis impressed fans with over an hour of stop and go suspense. Right off the starting line, Shawn Kimball of the #20 made his intentions known, while Cole and Kyle Robinson, driving #61 and #62 respectively, kept everyone busy in their pursuit of glory. With twenty-four drivers fueling the competition, New York City-style traffic continued to gather throughout the race, offering regroup opportunities during the frequent yellow flags. By lap fifty, Audet in the #19me led a stable top three turn after turn, including Justin Trombley of the #34 in second position and Kimball in third. With five laps to go, Trombley used the outer lane to force Audet to fight to the end for first, with the latter winning by 1/100th of a second. In victory lane, Kimball took third place while an excited Audet credited his fourth win to the constant support of his friends, family and sponsors.
The night finished with the same intensity that kept fans cheering at the start with the regularly scheduled 35-Lap Late Model Sportsman Feature. After winning the heat race earlier, Dave St. Clair took the lead immediately, while behind him the field filled with anxiety-provoking side-by-side battles. Driving the #00, Waltz showed his competitive side once again until traffic bumped him enough for Andrew McLaughlin of the #26 to slip into second behind St. Clair. By the time only ten laps remained, McLaughlin has closed the gap, leaving mere inches between himself and the rear bumper of #14 until the checkered flag flew. In victory lane, St. Clair referred to his recent knee replacement, saying that racing was his therapy – demonstrating the caliber of champion produced at Wiscasset Speedway throughout the last forty-seven years!
Join us next Saturday, July 30th at Wiscasset Speedway for the Boss Hogg 100, featuring the Prostock Division, sponsored by ServPro of Biddeford/Saco. Other feature races will include the Super Streets, Thunder Mini 4’s and New England 4 Cyl. Prostocks. Individual admission is $5 – less than the cost of a movie ticket! Bring the whole family – grandstand fees waived for kids under 6. For the 2016 Race Schedule and more, visit www.wiscassetspeedway.com.