By Lou Modestino
July 17th is the date, Seekonk Speedway the place. With $10,000 guaranteed to the winner, this has become “A can’t miss” event for the top modified drivers in the region, making it one of the highest paying modified races in the Northeast.
This open competition event draws some of the best teams from the NASCAR Whelen Modified Series, Valenti Modified Racing Series, Race of Champion Modifieds, and local racers from PA, NY, and NH. The rules are opened so competitors from any of these series, or even the SK® Modifieds from CT can compete and have an equal chance at winning.
In the eight previous showings, there has been only one repeat winner, Matt Hirschman. Donny Lia was the inaugural winner, with Kirk Alexander, Vinny Annarummo, Chris Pasteryak, Todd Annarummo, and Doug Coby. Matt is the defending winner of this event.
People are still talking about the fantastic finish of 2012, when “Big Money” Matt and Ryan Preece raced wheel to wheel for the final ten plus laps, with Hirschman coming out on top. Matt is coming off a couple of big paydays already this season, winning the $5k to win SK modified race at Seekonk in June, and the SBM 125 at Star Speedway, taking home over $7,500 for his win. Can he complete the “Big Money Trifecta”?
So far, entries have been received from former champions of this event, Matt Hirschman, Doug Coby and Todd Annarummo, along with Eric Berndt, Steve Masse, Todd Patnode, Dave Berghman and Colby Fournier.
Highlighting the night will be the inductions of Ron Bouchard, George Summers and Bugsy onto the Seekonk Speedway/WPRO am Wall of Fame.
The NEMA Midgets will be making their second appearance of the season at the 1/3 mile oval, along with the Nick’s Pit Stop Legends.
The front gates open at 5pm for this event. Adult admission is just $26.00, with kids under 12 FREE.
Induction ceremonies will start at 6:30, with qualifying starting at 7.
Waterford Speedbowl hosted a large crowd preparing for the Independence Day holiday Wednesday evening for its Wild ‘n Wacky racing program. Giovanni Giarratana of Newington picked up where
he left off Saturday, winning another INEX Legend Cars race. Bill Reiman of Southington was a first-ever winner at Waterford in the Super X-Car feature, while Wayne Shifflett of Preston won a nail-biter in the night’s X-Car event. David French of Rome, PA made a long haul worthwhile to win in a photo finish in the INEX Bandolero feature and Peter Pollard of Old Lyme took the night’s Wacky Race. Plainfield’s Luke Emmons treated the fans to a motorcycle stunt show during the evening’s festivities.
It’s for a worthy cause, and thanks to New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame member Billy “Gramps” Greco it’s all happening on Sunday, Aug 11th at the Polish American Club located at 194 W. Spring Street in West Haven, CT.
Serving as a fundraiser for the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame, Greco’s “First Annual NEAR Picnic” goes green at noon and wraps-up at 6 p.m.
To be held under the pavilion on the grounds of the Polish American Club, the event is a rain or shine affair. Tickets are economically-priced at $20 for adults, and $10 for those 12 to 16 years of age. Purchase includes food, and a chance to win one of many door prizes to be offered throughout the day. There will also be a cash bar.
A display of vintage race cars adds to the festivities. Also expected to be in attendance are many of the drivers that contributed to the rich history of the sport in New England. It’s the perfect opportunity to do a little “bench-racing” and perhaps get an autograph from your favorite driver.
The ever-popular Greco, who in the past has hosted other successful NEAR fundraisers, was inducted into the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1998 following a stellar career highlighted by multiple modified track championships at both the Riverside Park Speedway in Massachusetts and Connecticut’s West Haven Speedway. He was a feature event winner at virtually all of the region’s raceways.
Stafford Speedway returned to NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing action with a the SK Light division taking center stage with a 25-lap Xtra Mart Xtra D feature that paid a $100 bonus to each of the top-5 finishers. Taking down weekly feature wins on the night were Ryan Preece for the second consecutive week and fifth overall of the 2013 season in the 40-lap SK Modified® feature, Mark St. Hilaire in a wild and crazy finish in the 30-lap Late Model feature, Chase Dowling racked up his division leading third win in the Xtra Mart Xtra D 25-lap SK Light Modified feature, Albert Saunders was a first time winner in the 20-lap Limited Late Model feature, and his twin brother Cliff Saunders was the big winner in the 15-lap DARE Stock feature.
The Final Lucas Oil AMA MotoX National ran for the last time late last month at MotoX 338 in Southwick, MA. A fixture on the AMA National MotoX schedule for four decades made it’s last run in late June. It was due to the fact that the track promoters and the landlord, the local American Legion Post, couldn’t get together on the lease. Southwick traditionally was the last stop on the AMA 125 and 250 class championships and many times determined the two championships.
The promoters decided to fold the big event, for good, because making a profit was becoming difficult even at the old rate of the rent. Especially in this difficult economy and the potential for weather problems in late June. There were other issues such as parking on adjacent properties which was needed every time the event came to Southwick. Some close to the scene think that the land could be used for a future housing development. MotoX 338 also operated on a weekly basis hosting various New England motoX circuits such NEMA and NCSC on weekends.
We also know that other American Legion, and other posts, across the country are having difficulty keeping their posts open due to the lack of new veterans joining up. Many veterans posts have problems making ends meet and some have even closed with the property being sold or for sale. . One other AL Post in New England operates a motorsports facility. That’s the Legion Speedway a dirt oval track for stockcar and sprint car racing operates weekly on Sunday afternoons and twi-light events in Rumney, NH. That track has seen several different promoters running the venue over the years.
After a two week absence, Thursday night racing returns to the Thompson Speedway this week. The break in the racing action was the result of a rain out on June 27th and the New England Summer Nationals occupying the speedway grounds on the 4th of July.
When racing resumes on July 11th, it will be Whelen Engineering night and Thompson’s five NASCAR Whelen All- American Series divisions will be in competition. As an added attraction, the Xtra Mart Limited Sportsman teams will compete in their longest race of the year. A 30-lap main event is on tap for this exciting division and the competition is bound to be fierce for the win and the bragging rights that go along with winning this prestigious race. Currents points leader Larry Barnett will head the field and will be the driver to beat. He has captured three wins already this year and has moved to 4th on the all-time win list at Thompson with an amazing total of 55 career victories. It will not be easy for Barnett as he will face stiff competition from drivers like Scott Sundeen, Steve Kenneway, Jason Chicolas and Bill McNeil.
The Sunoco Modifieds will be in competition with Ryan Preece being the man to beat. Preece has become the most successful driver in the northeast with three consecutive wins on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and a host of wins at Thompson and other tracks in their weekly Modified divisions. Preece, however, sits fourth in the 2013 Thompson points chase. Topping that list is 2010 champion Kerry Malone. Malone has had an exceptional 2013 season and visited victory lane on June 20th. Malone is followed in the points standings by Woody Pitkat, Keith Rocco, Preece and Dennis Perry.
Late Model racing has been extremely competitive with the edge going to Rick Gentes. He started the season with a career high of 68 wins which is second on the all-time win list. (Ted Christopher tops that list with 98 victories to date) However, Gentes has added three wins since the start of the season and is setting his sights on celebrating his 75th victory. Gentes will face stiff competition from other drivers in the top five in points. They include Glenn Boss, Marc Curtis, Jr., John Lowinski-Loh, Jr. and Damon Tinio.
The Lite Modifieds will also return to action on July 11. This growing and competitive division has seen last year’s champ, Cam McDermott, as one tough customer to beat. McDermott has also won three races this year. John Studley, another 2013 winner, is currently second in the points standings and is closely followed by Dylan Menditto, Glenn Griswold and Danny Gamache, Jr.
hompson’s Monster Mini Stock division has very tight competition both on the track and in the points race. Veteran Louie Bellisle is in a points tie with Dave Trudeau for the top spot going into the next event with Eric Bourgeois, Joe Baxter and Mike Viens rounding out the top five. Like each race held thus far this season, the Monster Mini Stocks are expected to put on a great race when they return on the 11th.
Because of the interference of Mother Nature, adjustments have been made in the track’s schedule and bonus money program.
Seekonk Speedway is set to induct the first group onto the Seekonk Speedway/630 WPRO am Wall of Fame. In a fan vote done from January through March, eight individuals have been elected to represent over 60 years of racing.
On Saturday, July 13, the founder of Seekonk Speedway, D. Anthony Venditti, the Godfather, will join his wife, the First Lady of NE Motorsports as the first to rightfully take their place, at the top of the Wall of Fame.
D. Anthony wasn’t afraid to take on an issue that would benefit the overall good for the sport. He was an innovator, a pioneer in the sport that is rarely seen. He created A.R.C., which stands for Auto Racing Club, to compete with the many groups that were out there competing. He created the Pro Stocks in 1977, which continues to lead the action at Seekonk.
Irene Venditti continued to lead the charge after his death in 1992, but she was the reasoning force behind the iron fist. She made everyone feel like they were part of the family, with her personal touch.
On Wednesday, July 17, as part of the 9th Annual Open Wheel Wednesday Modified Madness, Ron Bouchard, George Summers, and Carl “Bugsy” Stevens will join D. Anthony and Irene onto the Wall.
Bouchard is the first driver to record 5 championships at the famed 1/3 mile oval, and never fails to talk about the great times he had competing with some of the best drivers.
George Summers is the unofficial all-time win leader, with over 100 victories. After retiring in 1982, he returned to compete in an antique modified race in 2004, in one of his most famous Vegas, and showed that he could still get the job done if need be.
Carl Berghman, better known as “Bugsy” was arguably the most popular drivers to ever compete at Seekonk. From his first championship in 1965, to his Pro Stock title in the late 80’s, he always had a joke or a smile, or some time for a young fan.
On Saturday, July 20, Four-time Champion Norm Holden, 2-time Champion Len Ellis, and longtime photographer Johnny Mercury will be inducted onto the Wall of Fame.
Norm won his first title in 1971, in the B division, but it wasn’t until 1983-85 that he made history, becoming the first 3-time Pro Stock Champion. Norm continued to win races until the mid 90’s, when he retired.
Len Ellis was always an underdog, from his early years in LM racing, to his final year behind the wheel. But his knowledge on the car, his understanding of the little things helped set him apart.
Johnny Mercury was the official photographer for over 30 years, and captured much of the careers of each of the inductees. He became personal friends to each competitor and official at the speedway in his three decade plus career.
The inductions will be held 30 minutes before the green flag drops on each event. Saturday, July 13 and Saturday, July 20 inductions will start at 5:30, while Open Wheel Wednesday inductions will be at 6:30.
At Seekonk Speedway Fred Astle Jr of Westport broke a streak of bad luck to find himself carrying the checkered flag for the first time this season. Elmer Wing III jumped out to the lead on the opening lap, from his outside pole starting position, and led the first few laps. Astle, who started fifth, jumped into second on the opening lap, when pole sitter Tom Scully Sr. struggled on the opening lap.
By lap five, Astle slid by Wing, and set sail at the top of the leader board. Kyle Casper followed Astle into second, and followed the six time champion to the checkered. Dave Darling, who started twelfth used some a couple of cautions to help him get through, and made his way to third at the final checkered. Kevin Folan and Mike Brightman were fourth and fifth.
1) Fred Astle Jr 2) Kyle Casper 3) Dave Darling 4) Kevin Folan 5) Mike Brightman 6) Tom Scully Jr 7) Ryan Vanasse 8) Dick Houlihan 9) Kevin Casper 10) Elmer Wing 11) Bob Hussey 12) Ken Spencer 13) Mike Mitchell 14) Bob Pelland III 15) Darryl Stampfl 16) Dave Silvia 17) Cory Cleary18) Sam Parazzo 19) Tom Scully Sr 20) Bill Joerres
Gerry DeGasparre Jr picked up his second win of the season, and tightened up the championship chase. Tyler Thompson and Charlie Rose set the tone early, battling side by side for the lead in the opening laps, with Thompson setting the pace for the first few laps before Rose took over. Gerry took over second on a lap seven restart, and fell behind Bob Pelland III on a lap twelve restart. Pelland battled Rose for the lead, leading the halfway lap, but slid back to third by lap 18.
DeGasparre took over the lead on lap 19, and held on through a couple of restarts to pick up the victory. Rose ran second for a few more laps before Pelland and Dylan Estrella moved past for second and third Rose finished fourth with Bill Bernard fifth.
1) Gerry DeGasparre Jr 2) Bobby Pelland III 3) Dylan Estrella 4) Charlie Rose 5) Bill Bernard 6) Jeramee Lillie 7) Mark Hudson 8) Joe Kohler 9)Ryan Lineham 10) Greg Cotter 11) Roland Wheeler 12) Mike Marfeo 13) Tyler Thompson 14) Dave Hutchins Jr
Scott Bruneau stayed perfect in the Phil’s Propane Triple Crown Series, picking up the second round, matching his first round finish. Rey Negley jumped out front and showed the way over Scott Serydynski and Jimmy Belmont. Serydynski and Belmont raced wheel to wheel for a few laps before the former champion settled into second. Serydynski ran there for several laps before contact sent him around and out of contention.
Negley continued to hold on with Bruneau working the inside, sliding by for the lead on lap 18, with points leader Rey Lovelace and Bob Bettencourt Jr both snuck past into second and third. Negley slid down and held on for fourth with Charles Beal finishing fifth.
1) Scott Bruneau 2) Rey Lovelace 3) Bob Bettencourt Jr 4) Rey Negley 5) Charles Beal 6) Ed Gannon III 7) Crystal Serydynski 8) Craig Pianka 9)Gerard Berthelette 10) Scott Serydynski 11) Chris Beaulieu 12) Austin Blais 13) Bill McNeil 14) Tim Eaton 15) Daryl Perry 16) John Hanafin 17)Joe Melberg 18) Paul Lallier 19) Jimmy Belmont 20) Jeff Ellis 21) Manny Dias
Rick Martin shook off last weeks misfortune, and showed the fight that brought him five championships. Martin jumped past pole sitter Darryl Church on the opening lap and never looked back. In a race that went nonstop, Martin was able to work through the lapped traffic with ease and hold on to a four truck length advantage over Church for the distance.
Nick Uhrig settled into third on the opening laps and held on through the checkered. Rob Murphy crossed for fourth with Barry Shaw overtaking John Paiva late in the race for fifth.
1) Rick Martin 2) Darryl Church 3) Nick Uhrig 4) Rob Murphy 5) Barry Shaw 6) John Paiva 7) Branden Dion 8) Scott Dion 9) Joey Parker 10) Dave Haywood 11) Joey Wakefield 12) Anna Gregoire 13) Bill Schoeler 14) Chase Belcher 15) Frank Duquette 16) Taylor Therrien 17) Dane Saritelli 18)Jim Hawkins 19) Billy Clarke 20) Mike Duarte
At New Hampshire Motor Speedway, on Saturday, July 13 at 1 p.m. The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will race for the 58th time at the Magic Mile, which will be one more than the K&N Pro Series East among the two most-run series races in Loudon. The race is always highly contested with the short track machines drafting off one another. In the past six races, there have been five different winners, only Mike Stefanik has won twice.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Ryan Newman will enter the race as usual, but he has been bested by the field in the past five races. That shouldn’t come as a surprise as an open-wheel Modified is not similar to a Cup car at all, and the NWMT has some of the best non-national drivers in the country. This race, specifically, is a tough one to win.
Ryan Preece’s season has gotten him recognized by NASCAR Next and he’ll make his debut in the Nationwide Series later in the day. He’s won the last three modified races this season, has top-fives in all five events and leads the points by 33. There’s no guarantee in this race, but I give him the best odds to win.
Doug Coby won the championship in 2012, but has just one top-five in five races this season. His four top-10s are keeping him in the title hunt, but he needs a good race in the Town Fair Tire 100 to get the title defense going. NHMS is the premiere track in the series and his first win at the track last Sept. will give him a lot of confidence.
CNBC Prime’s “The Profit” 200 also goes on Saturday, July 13 at 3:30 p.m. The NASCAR Nationwide Series was the first touring series to race at NHMS when Tommy Ellis won the inaugural event on July 15, 1990; it has raced at the track every year since. It highlights some of the best young drivers in NASCAR, but the race is usually won by a Sprint Cup regular.
Martin Truex Jr.’s win in the 2005 race was the last time that a non-full time Sprint Cup driver won the event. Kyle Busch won three in a row before Brad Keselowski broke up the string last July. Keselowski had claimed the last three poles but has not entered this race.
Joey Logano picked up his first career Sprint Cup Series win at his home track in 2009 and has two top-fives in three career Nationwide starts at the Magic Mile. He won nine times in the series last year in 22 starts, but did not enter the Loudon race. His win would be an upset over Kyle Busch, who’s dominated with six wins in 13 starts this year, but would not come as a surprise, as Logano will drive the No. 22 that Keselowski won in last year.
Austin Dillon hasn’t translated good days into great finishes this year. He’s second among Nationwide Series regulars with 341 laps led and leads the field with six poles, but he’s only finished with four top-fives in 16 races. That’s not good for someone that has run up front as much as he has. He’s fifth in the points, but only 17 points back of leader Regan Smith. A good showing this week makes him a title contender.
Camping World RV Sales 301 goes on Sunday, July 14 at 1 p.m.The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to NHMS for the 21st consecutive year. This race has long been thought of one that sets drivers up for the Chase for the Sprint Cup. The Magic Mile has a reputation of being a track that rewards a good driver with a well setup car. Since the series will return for the second Chase race, it is crucial in a championship run to finish this race with an understanding of how to run well in Sept.
NHMS currently holds the longest streak of races without a repeat winner, as the last 10 races have been won by 10 separate drivers. It’s odd that a track with so much technical requirement has been able to share the wealth with so many different drivers, but it proves that anyone that comes in with the right setup can take the win.
Jimmie Johnson has been dominant of late. In the last six races, he won at Pocono and Daytona and more or less “lost” at Dover and Kentucky, when he saw dominant days end outside victory lane. He looks like he’s got something that the rest of the field doesn’t quite have with the Gen-6 and that bodes well for him at the Magic Mile, where he’s won three times.
Clint Bowyer is the driver that breaks up the string of different race winners. He won his first career Cup race in Sept. 2007 at the Magic Mile and again in Sept. 2010. It’s surprising he hasn’t won yet in 2013, as he sits second in points and has three consecutive top-fives. Joey Logano described the No. 15 as “rocketship fast” after the two attended a Goodyear Tire Test at the track in May, and that could help Bowyer grab his third win at NHMS.