By Lou Modestino
For the second consecutive week and the fifth time this season, weather has forced the cancellation of tonight’s race program at Thompson Speedway. With the predictions of rain arriving late afternoon with heavy downpours throughout the evening, Thompson management was left with no choice but to cancel tonight’s activities. Tonight’s race was to feature the Valenti Modified Series, The New England Truck Series and Thompson’s NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions.
The Valenti Modified Series management has agreed to run their race next Thursday, August 8th. They will be joined by Thompson’s NASCAR divisions.
Waterford Speedbowl hosted a jam packed grandstand for its popular mid-week Wild ‘n Wacky Wednesday family fun program. Picking up victories on the night of motorsports included Nick Ladyga of Voluntown in the INEX Legend Cars, his first of the season in the Wednesday series. Jon Porter of Canterbury won another Super X-Car race, while Willmantic’s Mitch Bombard won his first X-Car feature of the year. Ken Morin Jr. of Old Saybrook won a thrilling INEX Bandolero race that went down to the wire and the Wacky Hot Dog eating race went to Peter Pollard of Old Lyme. An aerial fireworks display capped the night of action on the track.
Stafford Speedway returned to NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing action with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour in the house for the CARQUEST 150. Eric Berndt was a first time winner on the season in the 40-lap SK Modified® feature, Adam Gray extended his streak of consecutive podium finishes to 11 with his fourth win of the season in the 30-lap Late Model feature, Ronnie Williams took down his second win in the 20-lap SK Light Modified feature, Albert Saunders claimed his second win in the 20-lap Limited Late Model feature, and Brandon Michael scored his first win of the season in the 15-lap DARE Stock feature.
Doug Coby captured the checkered flag in the CARQUEST 150 in NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour action on Friday night at Stafford Motor Speedway. Colby of Milford, Conn., took the lead from pole sitter Bobby Santos on Lap 27 and never looked back en route to his second win of the season. Those two victories have come in the last three tour events after he claimed his first 2013 triumph on July 13 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. It was the 10th career win for the defending tour champion and fifth at Stafford.
Donny Lia crossed the line 1.626 seconds behind Coby in second followed by Ted Christopher in third. Santos finished fourth while Ron Silk rounded out the top five. Eric Goodale, Woody Pitkat, Mike Stefanik, Cole Powell and Ron Yuhas Jr. completed the top 10.
Coby dominated at Stafford a season ago by winning three times, but had not experienced the same success this season. This was the first race in three trips to the half-mile track this year that he led a lap.
Points leader Ryan Preece spun while coming to the White Flag and settled for a 16th-place finish. He still holds a 25-point lead over Coby, who overtook second from Rowan Pennink. Preece carried a 42-point advantage over Pennink into the event. Pennink, who finished 13th, fell to the third spot – 39 points behind the leader.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour hits the track next on Thursday, Aug. 15 for the Budweiser 150 at Thompson (Conn.) Speedway.
NASCAR WHELEN MODIFIED TOUR-23rd Annual CARQUEST 150
Unofficial Results
Friday
At Stafford Motor Speedway
Stafford, Conn.
Lap length: 0.5 miles
(Start position in parentheses)
1. (3) Doug Coby, Milford, Conn., Chevrolet, 150 laps, 69.713 mph.
2. (5) Donny Lia, Jericho, N.Y., Dodge, 150.
3. (11) Ted Christopher, Plainville, Conn., Chevrolet, 150.
4. (1) Bobby Santos, Franklin, Mass., Chevrolet, 150.
5. (2) Ron Silk, Norwalk, Conn., Chevrolet, 150.
6. (8) Eric Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 150.
7. (15) Woody Pitkat, Stafford, Conn., Pontiac, 150.
8. (4) Mike Stefanik, Coventry, R.I., Chevrolet, 149.
9. (16) Cole Powell, Mt. Brydges, Ont., Canada, Chevrolet, 149.
10. (12) Ron Yuhas, Jr., Groton, Conn., Chevrolet, 149.
11. (14) Todd Szegedy, Ridgefield, Conn., Ford, 149.
12. (18) Richie Pallai,, Jr., Yorktown Heights, N.Y., Chevrolet, 149.
13. (7) Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley, Pa., Chevrolet, 149.
14. (17) Patrick Emerling, Orchard Park, N.Y., Chevrolet, 149.
15. (13) Justin Bonsignore, Holtsville, N.Y., Chevrolet, 149.
16. (9) Ryan Preece, Berlin, Conn., Ford, 148, flat tire.
17. (22) Jamie Tomaino, Howell, N.J., Chevrolet, 148.
18. (19) Eric Berndt, Cromwell, Conn., Chevrolet, 148.
19. (10) Timmy Solomito, Islip, N.Y., Chevrolet, 148.
20. (6) Bryon Chew, Mattituck, NY, Chevrolet, 148.
21. (24) Wade Cole, Riverton, Conn., Chevrolet, 145.
22. (26) Brian Schofield, Monson, Mass., Chevrolet, 140.
23. (23) Ken Heagy, Calverton, N.Y., Ford, 116, brakes.
24. (25) Gary McDonald, Ronkonkoma, N.Y., Pontiac, 47, accident.
25. (21) Ed Flemke, Jr., Southington, Conn., Chevrolet, 28, mechanical.
26. (20) Renee Dupuis, Hebron, Conn., Chevrolet, 5, accident.
Race Statistics
Time of Race: 1 hour 4 minutes 33 seconds
Margin of Victory: 1.626 seconds
Fastest Qualifier: B.Santos (97.965 mph, 18.374 seconds)
Caution Flags: 5 for 25 laps.
Lead Changes: 1 among 2 drivers.
Lap Leaders: B. Santos 1-26; D. Coby 27-150.
Standings: 1. R. Preece, 334; 2. D. Coby, 309; 3. R. Pennink, 295; 4. M. Stefanik, 278; 5. T. Christopher, 276; 6. J. Bonsignore, 264; 7. R. Silk, 262; 8. D. Lia, 261; 9. W. Pitkat, 255; 10. T. Szegedy, 241.
Action returned to the shoreline as Waterford Speedbowl hosted another round of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing Saturday evening. The competition rolled into August keeping things hot on the race track during a wild night of motorsports.
Scoring a popular win included Diego Monahan of Quaker Hill in the headline SK Modified division while Keith Rocco of Meriden tallied a double, taking top honors in the Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Models as well as the visiting Pro Four Modifieds of New England. Bill Leonard of Charlestown, RI claimed a Mini Stock feature that went down to the wire and Corey Barry of Plainfield came from behind to win the SK Light Modified race. Josh Galvin of Franklin picked up his second Street Stock win of the season.
John Zych Jr. “came, saw and conquered” Saturday night, prevailing in the Northeastern Midget Association’s first visit to Airborne Speedway in 42 years. Grabbing the lead early, Zych ( Zych 9) survived a mid-race battle with Ian Cumens (Seymour29) to win the 25-lapper, his third checkered flag of the season.
A side-by-side battle with eventual runner-up Cumens, set in motion by a lap 14 restart, was the only real challenge for Zych who took the lead shortly after a lap four restart. Seth Carlson beat Russ Stoehr (Dumo’s Desire 45) in the battle for the final podium spot while Randy Cabral (Bertrand 47) edged Anthony Marvuglio (Bertrand 74) for fifth.
Moving into second on lap eight after a battle with Stoehr, Cumens was 10 car lengths behind Zych when the final yellow showed. Cumens, on the outside, made a serious challenge and hung out there for four laps before Zych finally got away coming out of four completing lap 18.
“The fact that [Cumens] stayed out there worried me,” admitted Zych, the point leader. “I couldn’t get to the outside and it disrupted my momentum. I knew I had to clear him on the bottom.”
“For a second there I did have the lead,” said Cumens, pointing out, in the end, the difference was “he was good from the center out. My car liked it on the outside and was good going in.” He was, taking every advantage, knowing Zych “would give me plenty of room.”
The final restart did set up two terrific late race battles. Carlson got by Stoehr on the green, but couldn’t get away while quarter lap behind them Cabral, driving without power steering, had his hands full with teammate Marvuglio. Spinning on the first lap, Cabral actually started last.
Four laps in yellow flew again, Todd Bertrand going off in two and Doug Cleveland losing a wheel in four. Zych, now sitting sixth, took to the outside on the green and within a lap passed Stoehr for the lead down the back chute. “That wasn’t in the plan,” said Zych. “I wanted to show some patience but the opening was there and I made the decision to go.”
Stoehr and Bertrand were the heat winners.
NEMA heads back to Waterford Speedbowl Saturday as part of the Wings & Wheels program. It will be the club’s third visit to the ‘Bowl this season.
RESULTS: 1. John Zych Jr., 2. Ian Cumens, 3. Seth Carlson, 4. Russ Stoehr, 5. Randy Cabral, 6. Anthony Marvuglio, 7. Bethany Stoehr, 8. Joey Payne, 9. Phil DiMario, 10. Paul Scally, 11. Bethany Stoehr, 12. Keith Botelho, 13. James Santa Maria, 14. Todd Bertrand, 15. Doug Cleveland.
No problems, a good night,” understated Ian Cumens after a dominating win in the 25-lap Northeastern Midget Association Lites 25-lap feature Saturday night at Airborne Speedway. Coming from fourth, Cumens (Seymour 9) had the lead by lap two and went on to a 14.242 advantage over runner-up Brandon Igo (Igo 45)at the finish.
Only a lap 19 restart hindered the romp, Cumens enjoying a straightaway lead when yellow showed. While the stoppage had little effect on Cumens’ run, it did result in a lot of passing over the final laps. Logan Rayvals (Rayvals 94) was third followed by Danny Cugini (Cugini 51) and point leader Carl Medeiros Jr.
The Lites return to action Aug. 9 at Lee USA Speedway’s Ollie Silva Memorial Summer Classic.
Airborne regular Jessey Mueller jumped in the Seymour 9 and did a more than credible job running In a sandwich between Medeiros and Stoehr in an exhibition race…Cumens, who finished second in the NEMA race, called Airborne a “real drivers’ track.” He had the fastest lap, a 15.879…Rayvals and Igo were the heat winners.
RESULTS: 1. Ian Cumens, 2.Brandon Igo, 3. Logan Rayvals, 4. Danny Cugini, 5. Carl Medeiros Jr, 6. Avery Stoehr, (Lakeville) 7. Meg Cugini, 8. Anthony Payne, 9. Kenny Johnson, 10. Richie Morocco.
Silenced at the dawn of the 1980’s, Connecticut’s ¼-mile Plainville Stadium was a hotbed of New England racing action for over 3-decades hosting some of the biggest names in the business. Drivers such as the legendary “Steady Eddie” Flemke, Denny Zimmerman, Reggie Ruggiero, Don Moon, Ron Wyckoff, Ray Miller, the late Dick Watson, and many-more of the sports heavy-hitters all toured the tight, demanding oval during its colorful history.
Saturday, October 12th, the Nutmeg Kart Club in conjunction with the Berlin Lions Club World of Wheels presents the Fifth Annual Plainville Stadium Reunion. The event takes-place from 10am – 4pm at the Berlin Fair Grounds located 430 Beckley Road, East Berlin, Ct.
In 2008, Plainville’s all-time winner Dave Alkas and 2-time champion George Lombardo took their places in the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame along with previously inducted members Flemke, Zimmerman, Watson, and Miller. Pioneering driver & former Stadium Race Director Moe Gherzi is a 2012 HOF inductee. Popular championship car owner Ron Berndt, a longtime Plainville campaigner, will enter the Hall of Fame later this year at the 16th annual NEAR Hall of Fame Banquet Sunday, Nov. 10 at the Lodge at Manelley’s in South Windsor, CT.
Many popular former Stadium competitors including Dave & Fred Alkas, Richie Galullo, Danny Galullo, Jr. 1963 Champion George Hotchkiss, George Lombardo, Don Spazano, Don Moon, Jo-Jo Farone, Bill Harman, and a host of others are expected to attend.
It’s the perfect opportunity to mingle, and perhaps get an autograph from the personalities that made Joe Tinty’s much-missed oval so-special.
“This is again shaping-up to be another wonderful event,” states Tom Ormsby, himself a former Plainville modified competitor, and now the man behind www.speedwaylinereport.com and several other racing websites. Now residing in Florida, Ormsby is envious of those that will be able to attend the affair. “I know how much work and effort Gary Bienkowski of the Nutmeg Kart Club along with Dave Alkas Don Moon, and the Berlin Lions Club put into this affair,” states the transplanted Floridian. “Getting everyone together like-this every year is bound to be a lot of fun. Unfortunately I won’t be able to attend this year, but I’ll certainly be there in spirit.”
Award-winning New England racing journalist and New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame member Pete Zanardi looks-forward to the show every year. “They just do a fantastic job with this reunion every year, and it seems to just get better & better” he stated recently. “With the memorabilia displays, it makes you realize that just about everybody involved in our region’s modified scene has some sort of connection to Plainville Stadium. It’s just a great event and something that’s become a can’t-miss affair.”
As one of the organizers of the event, Gary Bienkowski is also confident that this year’s edition will be better-than-ever. Prior events were very-successful.
“This year we have even more to offer attendees” he states. “It’s expected that there will be more memorabilia on display, and former official track photographer Phil Hoyt has again has stepped-up his display. There will also be historical videos documenting some of the greatest moments in Plainville history. We’ve again increased our efforts in reaching-out to the tracks former competitors in all the divisions including the Novice class. The response has again been very favorable.”
Also on the agenda is a full schedule of Go Kart competition on New England’s only WKA Dirt Master track. Races include an “Old-Timers” event for former Plainville competitors in addition to others.
The appearance of several vintage race cars along with a display of classic & custom autos adds to the days festivities. The New England Antique Racers (NEAR) mobile Hall of Fame display is also expected to be present.
Coming-off another successful season of competition on the Berlin Lions Club 1/12-mile World Karting Association dirt oval, the two organizations have teamed to make the day a family-priced event. Adult admission is only $5.00, with kids under-12 free.
The rain date is Sunday, October 13th.
Fred Astle picked up his second win of the season in the 40 lap Pro Stock feature. After waiting out a 90 minute rain delay, the Pro Stocks finally hit the speedway with 23 cars in tow. Mike Brightman jumped out front early before the first caution came out, eliminating Ryan Vanasse and Bob Tripp. Brightman and Kyle Casper took off on the restart, and Casper started putting heavy pressure on the Acushnet native right away. On lap 9, there was contact, with Brightman spinning out of the lead. Casper was penalized to the rear.
Once back underway, Astle jumped out front with Tom Scully Jr trying to hold off Dick Houlihan to no avail. Houly moved into second with Scully third. The trio continued to fight for the lead for the next several laps before the former 2 time champion moved to the outside to pressure Astle. With Houlihan working the outside, Scully tried several appetites to squeeze under Astle, but could not find the room. Over the final 15 plus laps, Houlihan and Astle races wheel to wheel for the lead, with Dick officially leading lap 33. Astle battled back and held of Houly at the stripe for the win. Houlihan was second, with Scully Jr, Kevin Casper and Dave Darling rounding out the top five.
1) Fred Astle 2) Dick Houlihan 3) Tom Scully Jr 4) Kevin Casper 5) Dave Darling 6) Ken Spencer 7) Bob Hussey 8) Kyle Casper 9) Elmer Wing III 10) Mike Brightman 11) Dave Hutchins Sr 12) Manny Dias 13) Mike Mitchell 14) Kevin Folan 15) Daryl Stampfl 16) Cory Cleary 17) Tom Scully Sr 18) Dave Silvia19) Billy Joerres 20) John Berchem 21) George Kourafas 22) Ryan Vanasse 23) Bob Tripp 24)
Charlie Rose jumped out front on the opening lap and held off Mark Hudson for his first win of the season. Charlie took off at the drop of the green, but a multi-car incident on the opening lap eliminated Chad LaBasste, Tyler Thompson, Dennis Stampfl, Dylan Estrella, Ryan Lineham and Ron Barboza.
Once back under way, Charlie again took off with Hudson in tow, but the driver on the mover was Aaron Fellows, making his first appearance at Seekonk. Aaron worked into second quickly, and started to pressure Rose for the lead. As the pair raced into turn one, Fellows got loose, and spun, bringing out the caution. From there, it was all Rose, who kept Hudson behind him by a couple of lengths. Gerry DeGasparre was third, with Jeramee Lille and Bill Bernard fourth and fifth.
1) Charlie Rose 2) Mark Hudson 3) Gerry DeGasparre Jr 4) Jeramee Lillie 5) Bill Bernard 6) Aaron Fellows 7) Greg Cotter 8) Dave Hutchins Jr 9) Joe Kohler 10) Ron Barboza 11) Ryan Lineham 12) Dylan Estrella 13) Dennis Stampfl 14) Tyler Thompson 15) Chad Lambasted
Scott Serydynski picked up his first win of the season in the Phil’s Propane Triple Crown 30 lap feature for the Street Stocks. The former 2 time champion jumped out front on the opening laps, with Charles Beal in tow, putting pressure on him. Beal ran second until he got loose and spun, handing over the second spot to 15 year old rookie Austin Blais. Blais followed the veteran, until he spun following a restart just after halfway.
The second half of the feature saw Bob Bettencourt pushing Serydynski around, trying to find a weakness, but none could be found. Serydynski claimed the win with Bettencourt, Rey Lovelace. Gerard Berthelette and Scott Bruneau rounding out the top five.
With his fifth place finish, Scott Bruneau won the Phil’s Propane Triple Crown for the Street Stocks. Vinnie Pangelinan was the Simpson’s Auto Care Lucky Draw winner.
1) Scott Serydynski 2) Bob Bettencourt Jr 3) Ray Lovelace 4) Gerard Berthelette 5) Scott Bruneau 6) Crystal Serydynski 7) Steve Axon 8) Paul Lallier 9) Chris DeMoura 10) Stephen Potter 11) Ray Negley 12) Craig Pianka 13) Austin Blais 14) Vinny Pangelinan 15) Daryl Perry 16) Jeff Ellis 17) Chris Beaulieu 18) A J Soloman19) Chris Rioux 20) Charles Beal
Rob Murphy shook off his recent bad luck and picked up his first win of the season in the 25 lap Sport Truck event. Murphy took over on the second lap from Darryl Church, and quickly had Barry Shaw trying to sneak past the Rochester, MA native. The pair raced for several laps before Branden Dion moved past Shaw at lap nine.
Murphy and Dion raced for the lead, with Murphy at times gaining a couple of truck lengths of breathing room before it would shrink again. While they were racing for the lead, Mike Cavallaro, back after several weeks’ recovery of a broken wrist, moved through the field into third. He moved past Dion on a late race restart, but could not muster the power to overtake Murphy. Cavallaro had to settle for second, with Branden Dion, John Paiva and Barry Shaw third, fourth and fifth.
1) Rob Murphy 2) Mike Cavallaro 3) Branden Dion 4) John Paiva 5) Barry Shaw Jr 6) Scott Dion 7) Lenny Guy 8) Joey Wakefield 9) Dave Haywood 10) Darryl Church 11) Nick Uhrig 12) Dan Leach 13) Taylor Therrien 14) Bill Schoeler 15) Bob Rainville 16) Chris Lima 17) Chase Belcher 18) Mike Duarte19) Anna Gregoire 20) Jim Hawkins 21) Dane Saritelli 22) Billy Clarke
From the New England Dirt Track Motorcycle Series tells of the Wachusetts Valley Riders club planning flat track bike races at that venue on Sunday, Aug. 25 at noon, Friday, Sept. 7 at 3 p.m. , Sunday, Sept. 22 at noon plus the weekend of October 12-13 and then the finale on Sunday, October 20. In each event practice will preceed the races by one hour.