by Jay | Jun 16, 2009 | New
Waterbury, VT – The American Canadian Tour (ACT) defending Champion Patrick Laperle from St Denis, Quebec has entered the CARQUEST Vermont Governor’s Cup 150 on June 25th at Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre, VT. Laperle not only won his first ACT US title at the ¼ mile bullring in 2008, but he has a knack for winning the big shows at what many call the toughest quarter mile in America. Laperle is defending Champion of the 2008 Chittenden Milk Bowl, which he also won in 2006.
The challenge to race against one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers, Tony Stewart, who will also compete in one of the most exciting 150 lap events of the season on Thursday, June 25th was just what the JPN Laperle Racing team enjoys. “I can’t wait to race against Tony Stewart. My brother and I are huge fans of his and this is going to be one of my best racing memories. The idea that I can just race and not worry about ACT Série Castrol points or anything like that is what I love to do. I hope we come to the wire side-by-side for the win after 149 laps. It would be the thrill of a lifetime”, said Patrick Laperle.
The unexpected entry by Laperle, who is trying to repeat winning the Série ACT Castrol in 2009 having taken the crown in 2007, will strengthen an already star-studded field of racers who would like to have the record book show they raced and beat the NASCAR Cup Champion. Laperle makes it eight (8) former Thunder Road Champions who will be entering the field of 30 cars for what will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated events in the long 50-year history of Thunder Road. Joining Laperle will be Kings of the Road: 2008 Eric Williams, 2007 David Pembroke (already a winner at Thunder Road this year by winning the Memorial Day Classic for the second time), 2005, 2004 and 2001 winner Cris Michaud, 2003 Jamie Fisher, three-time champion Phil Scott, the 1999 winner Brian Hoar and 1995 champion Dave Whitcomb who all are expected to try to qualify for the historic event.
Stewart will drive a car that sat on the pole for the 2008 Milk Bowl, prepared by Joey Pole Racing (JPR). Joey Polewarczyk will also field his own ACT Late Model in the CARQUEST Governor’s Cup. He said, “ I just think it will be neat to race against Tony Stewart. We were so happy to be able to supply him with our second car, and now to race against him is unbelievable. He is going to love the crowd at Thunder Road, the atmosphere and the competition, but I am not sure he is going to be any happier about turn 4 than Ken Schrader or Kenny Wallace were over the past couple years. Nobody knows better than me how challenging that place can be, but I love it and hope I can get a few laps of serious racing in with Tony.”
Darla Hartt, the Vice President of ACT and General Manager of Thunder Road said, “Advanced ticket sales have been great since we made them available over Memorial Day weekend. Tony Stewart has held up his end of the bargain with his great run to the front of the NASCAR Cup standings, I am sure our great fans at Thunder Road will come out in full force to watch him take on our regulars.”
Stewart, who owns Eldora Speedway in Ohio, which is one of America’s great dirt tracks, has heard a lot about Thunder Road, and his good friend Ken Schrader has encouraged him to visit the ‘Nation’s Site of Excitement’. “We are going to be proud to show off Thunder Road and her great fans as we believe Thunder Road is one of America’s great asphalt short tracks. We still have lots of tickets available, and although we expect a big crowd, we have additional parking and will have additional rest room facilities…it should be quite a night and it is fitting that Governor Jim Douglas will be handing out the Governor’s Cup…it has never left Vermont over all these years…I hope it is a great race, but as a native Vermonter, I kind of hope the Cup stays in the Green Mountains,” continued Hartt.
The CARQUEST Vermont Governor’s Cup tickets are on sale at advanced discount prices. Adults are only $17 in advance and can be purchased at the ACT office 802-244-6963, or may be picked up at the race track during the first two Thursday night events scheduled for June 11, and June 18.
by Jay | Jun 15, 2009 | New
Shumway Takes Rain Shortened Modified Checkers
Winchester, NH: This past Saturday, Monadnock Speedway attempted to dodge the rain to complete the whole race venue. Most of the program was completed until a down pour came in during the Modified event on lap twenty-eight where Bryan Shumway was declared the winner. Other competitors in victory lane included Super Stock Bill Johnston, Mini Stock Jamey King and Andy Lindeman in the All Star Race Trucks. The 4-cylinder Enduros were not able to compete due to the rain and will be on the schedule for this upcoming Saturday’s event.
Joe Rogers set the pace for the Mini Stock twenty five lap main event. Jamey King wasted no time to take the top spot by lap five followed by Kim Rivet, Derek Bergquist, Chris McTaggart and Beth Adams. On lap nine the caution flag was displayed for Rogers and Tim Jackson. On the restart, King resumed the lead. On lap thirteen, another caution came out as Adams slowed due to mechanical failure causing Rich Fournier to hit the back end of Adam’s car. Fournier retired to the pit area for front end damage. On the restart, King led the field as Rivet and Bergquist ran wheel to wheel for second. Bergquist on the inside took over second and began to reel in his teammate for the lead. Half way to go, the battle for third developed between McTaggart and Jackson. Slight contact was made between the two but both held their position. Less than five laps to go, Bergquist challenged King for the lead as they approached lap traffic. Two laps to go, the battle between McTaggart and Jackson continued as both approached the lap car of Bob Chapdelaine. McTaggart took the high side around Chapdelaine as Jackson was slowed up on the inside. Jackson, on the backstretch, made contact with Chapdelaine sending him into the infield. On the final lap, King felt Bergquist all over his back bumper. At the checkers, it was King holding off Bergquist for the victory. McTaggart came in third giving the Big Boys race team the top three finish followed by Jackson and Rivet. Jackson was penalized for rough riding moving Rivet into fourth and Chris Davis into fifth.
Kevin Ouellette brought the Super Stocks to the green with Bill Johnston on the outside pole. On the first lap, Johnston moved into the lead. By lap three Andy Brooks and Ed Brehio III made the pass for second and third. Ouellette held of Nancy Muni for fourth. Ten laps complete, Johnston pulled away as Brooks and Brehio ran wheel to wheel. Nick Gravel made the pass on the outside of Muni for fifth. On lap thirteen, Brehio spun on the backstretch bringing out the first caution of the event. On the restart, Johnston remained the leader as Brooks felt the heat from Gravel for second. Both ran side by side until Gravel suffered a flat tire bringing out a caution. Johnston had a great restart commanding the lead as Brooks, Jeremy Sorel and Ken Springer all battled for the second spot. Five laps to go, Sorel put the pressure on Brooks as he attempted the outside pass. Jeff Wright, Springer and and Brehio ran tight for the top five positions. Brehio, on the outside, took over fifth from Springer as Sorel took over second on the inside of Brooks . At the checkers, it was Johnston celebrating his first of the season win followed by Sorel, Brooks, Wright and Brehio.
The Modifieds rolled onto the track for the fifty lap event as Eric LeClair brought the field to the start. Josh Cantara took the lead on the first lap as Vic Johnson followed for second. Four laps complete, Vic Johnson and Bryan Shumway ran wheel to wheel for second. Shumway succeeded as Johnson felt the heat from Todd Patnode and Kirk Alexander for third. Few laps later, Alexander made his move on the outside of Patnode for fourth and worked on Johnson for third. Ten laps complete, Shumway was on the back bumper of Cantara as Alexander continued to pressure Johnson for third. By lap eighteen, the two leaders worked through lap traffic as Alexander completed the pass for third and reeled in the leaders. Lap twenty two, Shumway had a good run off of turn four and took the lead on the front stretch. Alexander followed and took over second. The top three ran nose to tail as Shumway felt the presence of Alexander on his back bumper. On lap twenty eight, the race was halted as heavy rain quickly came in and multiple cars spun due to the slick conditions. Due to the race being over half way, the management decided to declare Shumway the winner followed Alexander, Cantara, Patnode and Johnson.
This Saturday, Monadnock Speedway will host the return of the Pro 4 Modifieds and welcome the Classic Lites for their first appearance at the high banks plus Outlaw Pros, Super Stocks, Mini Stocks, 4-cylinder and Full Size Enduros. Race time is at 6pm. For more information, log onto the speedway’s website at www.monadnockspeedway.com.
Modified Finish: Bryan Shumway, Belchertown, Ma; Kirk Alexander, Swanzey, NH; Josh Cantara, Alfred, ME; Todd Patnode, Richmond, NH; Vic Johnson, Troy, NH; Jim Boniface, Winchester, NH; Dave Berube, |Bristol, CT; Rob Williams, Winchendon, Ma; Ed Reed, Groton, CT; Marty Radewick, Springfield, Ma; Eric LeClair, Southampton, Ma; Kevin Bolduc, Hudson, NH; Rich Fournier, Warwick, Ma; Brandee Tree, Nottingham, NH; Rich Hammann, Tolland, Ct; Frank L’Etoile, Whethersfield, CT; Roy Seidell, Southampton, Ma
Super Stock Finish: Bill Johnston, Athol, Ma; Jeremy Sorel, Westfield, Ma; Andy Brooks, Winchendon, Ma; Jeff Wright, Jaffrey, NH; Ed Brehio III, Baldwinville, Ma; Ken Springer, Swanzey, NH; Matt Mead, Richmond, NH; Nancy Muni, Harwinton, CT; Nick Gravel, Groton, Ma; Kevin Ouellette, Fitchburg, Ma; Craig Cashman, Keene, NH; Adam Brooks, Winchendon, Ma; Bob Bedaw, Whately, Ma
Mini Stock Finish: Jamey King, Orange, Ma; Derek Bergquist, Warwick, Ma; Chris McTaggart, Swanzey, NH; Kim Rivet, Chicopee, Ma; Chris Davis, Winchester, NH; Joe Rogers, Ludlow, VT; Tim Jackson, Jaffrey, NH; Dennis Wallace, Jaffrey, NH; Shawn Doubleday, Belchertown, Ma; Kevin Russell, Fitzwilliam, NH; Bob Chapdelaine, Chicopee, Ma; Beth Adams, Winchendon, Ma; Rich Fournier, Warwick, Ma; Kevin McKnight, Orange, Ma
by Jay | Jun 15, 2009 | New
PASS North: Two wins in a Row for Rowe
Naples ME (June 14) Ben Rowe hung out in the top five for the majority of Saturday night’s Pro All Stars Series (PASS) 200 at Geary New Brunswick’s Speedway 660 and took the lead from Kirk Thibeau for good on lap 149 to claim his second PASS North super late model win of 2009.
Adam Bates chased Rowe to the checkers and Nova Scotian John Flemming returned to PASS competition with a third place finish. Kirk Thibeau hung on to finish fourth with Travis Benjamin fifth. Kelly Moore rebounded from a spectacular wreck at the touring series’ last outing at White Mountain Motorsports Park with a sixth place run. Lonnie Sommerville dominated the first half of the 200 lap grind, but a flat shortly after the half way break set him back to seventh Richie Dearborn, Shawn Tucker, and Greg Fahey completed the top ten.
Problems beset a number of the PASS front runners. Johnny Clark lost a right front wheel on lap 68, sending the point leader into the sand banks. Clark returned many laps down to salvage a 14th place finish. DJ Shaw started on the pole but suffered a flat tire and lost several laps, eventually finishing fifteenth. An early race wreck claimed Cassius Clark, local racer Brent Wiggins and Scott Alexander. Local super late model favorite Dave O’Blenis was out at the half-way mark.
Nine cars completed the 200 lap distance. The lead changed hands six times amongst five drivers; eleven cautions slowed the race. DJ Shaw, Kelly Moore and Adam Bates claimed the qualifying races.
Next weekend it’s a doubleheader for the PASS super late models. The PASS South warriors head for Georgia’s New Senoia Raceway for the Dixie 150 on Saturday night June 20th. The PASS North teams will take on “Maine’s toughest oval”, Unity Raceway on Sunday afternoon June 21st for the NAPA 150. The PASS Mod and PASS Sportsman series complete that card, and there are two-for-one admission coupons available now at all northern New England NAPA stores.
For all the latest PASS news, photos, schedules and standings visit www.racewithpass.com or www.proallstarsseries.com .
Unofficial Results – Pro All Stars Series Super Late Model 200 – Speedway 660, Geary New Brunswick Canada – June 13, 2009 ( with finishing position, car number, driver, home town, laps completed)
1) 4 Ben Rowe Turner ME 200 2) 98 Adam Bates Warner, NH 200 3) 97 John Fleming Halifax, NS 200 4) 28 Kirk Thibeau Fort Fairfield, ME 200 5) 17 Travis Benjamin Morrill, ME 200 6) 47 Kelly Moore Scarborough, Me 200 7) 23 Lonnie Sommerville Saint John, NB 200 8) 33 Richie Dearborn Hollis, ME 200 9) 52 Shawn Tucker Fredericton, NB 200 10) 20F Greg Fahey St. Stephen, NB 199 11) 87 Matt Harris Fredericton Jct, NB 199 12) 85 Nick Ribbe Kingston, MA 199 13) 35 Derek Ramstrom Worcester, MA 198 14) 54 Johnny Clark Hallowell, ME 178 15) 60 DJ Shaw Center Conway, NH 175 16) 20 Steven Legendre Danville, VT 137 17) 8 Cassius Clark Farmington, ME 135 18) 17W Brent Wiggins Fredericton, NB 113 19) 17A Scott Alexander Orrington, ME 103 20) 48 Dave O’Blenis Boundary Creek, NB 100 21) 12 John Danbrowski W. Bridgewater, Ma 92 22) 5 Chris Staples Brunswick, ME 78
by Jay | Jun 14, 2009 | New
Epping, NH – Former Super Late Model champion J.R. Baril added his name to the 2009 winner’s list at All-Star Speedway on Saturday night, taking home his first All-Star Modified win of the season in the 40-lap main event.
Eric Hudson once again jumped out to the early lead, but Dana Smith quickly knocked him off the point, moving out front to set the pace. Baril challenged Smith for the lead for several laps, but he eventually lost the second spot to the hard-charging Joe Lemay.
Lemay was challenging Smith for the lead with ten laps remaining, but he suffered mechanical failure and dropped out of the race. Baril was up to battle Smith for the lead on a late-race restart, and he took the outside groove past the leader.
Once out front, Baril pulled ahead by a couple of car lengths, and he stayed out front until the checkers, hanging on to score his first win of the season. Smith got his best finish of the year in the second spot, with Hudson, Sumner Scott, and Bill Boudreau rounding out the top five.
Gary Beauregard dominated the action in the Super Streets, pulling away to an impressive lead on his way to victory. Rob DeAlmeida, a winner the week before, broke past Sulo Burbank for second seven laps in, but Beauregard was already gone.
DeAlmeida couldn’t overcome rear brake problems, or Beauregard’s straightaway lead over the balance of the event. At the checkers, it was Beauregard in for the win, with DeAlmeida, Burbank, Geoff MacGillivary, and Matt Kawejsza the rest of the top five.
Mike Williams came out on top of a race-long battle to score his second Strictly Stock win of the season aboard the Mike White entry, holding off a tough Keith Walton to collect the victory.
Walton was forced to settle for a runner-up finish, with Mark Parenteau, Randy Carmichael, Chris Augevich, Matt Robinson, Chuck Roberto, Johnny Gervais, John Cashman, and Jimmy Gervais the rest of the top ten.
Joey Fernandez picked up his first checker of the year in the Fast-4’s, outrunning ken Mailhot, two-time winner Tyler Mailhot, Cory Sullivan, and Greg Cummings for the win.
by Jay | Jun 14, 2009 | New
Ben Rowe Does it Again at Speedway 660
Fredericton N.B., June 13, 2009-It was another great turnout tonight for the Pro All Star Series 200. After last year’s Pro All Star Series event was cancelled due to rain and was unable to be re-scheduled fans were excited to see racing from drivers from Eastern Canada & the United States. Pro All Star Series visits many speedways throughout the United States each year and Speedway 660 was very lucky to have them come here, as this was their only stop at a Canadian speedway in 2009.
Fans saw regular weekly points racing in the Coast Tire Street Stock and Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman Division. These two classes feature some of the most exciting racing action each week and this week was no exception.
Fans saw some very exciting racing the Coast Tire Street Stock division. It was really a family affair tonight and the big story was Heidi Cooper winning the 20 lap feature holding off the hard charger #88 of Brian Fox and #11 Rocket Rodney Ness. Heidi started the race on the pole and led every lap of the caution free race. This was a very special evening for Heidi, not only because she dominated the feature and took her #1car to the Auto Pride Victory Lane but that she got to share a podium finish with her father. Both Heidi and Rodney have had podium finishes in the past but not at the same time. This is what racing is all about.
Randy Moore was the big story in the Martin’s Home Heating Sportman division as he started on the outside pole and sprinted out on the high side to take the early lead in the 30 lap feature. Moore dominated the race holding off challengers and leading the race until the only caution of the evening on lap 24 when Dave Biggar and Cody Price got together and spun between turn 3 and 4. In the closing laps, Moore was being challenged for the lead by Cal Hatfield. The two of them battled back and forth until the last lap when the two got together and Hatfield spun coming to the checkers in turn 3 and 4. This resulted in Moore being disqualified, which gave the win to Myles Harris. Finishing a close second was Michael Banks and rounding out the top three was Glyn Nott.
It’s not over till the last lap. This was the case in the Pro All Star Series 200. In the early laps of the race pole sitter, DJ Shaw and Kelly Moore battled for the lead. It wasn’t long before Saint. John’s Lonnie Sommerville had moved up to challenge for the lead from Kelly Moore. Sommerville soon had the #28 Ford of Kirk Thibeau knocking on his door. The two of them battled for most of race. Restart after restart they would take turns sprinting out into the lead. Quietly moving up was the #4 of Ben Rowe. He had been in the top five for most of the race. Throughout all the cautions and mechanical problems Sommerville had remained up front until after the break at half way. After that Sommerville experienced minor mechanical problems causing him to lose positions and eventually spin out. After the problem was fixed Sommerville began moving back up towards the front but ending up a little short. He still had a very good finish after all that.
In the closing laps of the race Ben Rowe had moved in into the lead and never looked back. Rowe held off the #98 of Adam Bates and the #97 belonging to John Flemming for the win. Rowe is a 4 time Pass Tour points champ and has won many races. Of the local cars Lonnie Sommerville finished in the highest position finishing seventh on the grid. Also, Shawn Tucker finished in 9th and Greg Fahey rounded out the top ten.
The Pro All Star Series next race on the schedule is in Unity, ME.
Sunday, June 14 will be the second day of the double header weekend featuring the Enduro 200.
Don’t miss it race fans. This weekend promises to be a very exciting weekend of racing. So come on out to the Geary Woods this weekend and check out Speedway 660 for some WicKID Family Fun.
by Jay | Jun 14, 2009 | New
Sean Kennedy Wins Toromont CAT 100
Ottawa, ON – Sean Kennedy of Dunrobin, ON won the Toromont CAT 100 at his hometrack, Capital City Speedway. Kennedy took the lead from another local Matt Moffiitt on lap 25 and never looked back. The Capital City Speedway regulars used their experience on the third-mile oval to their advantage and two of them finished in the top five.
2008 ACT Tour Champion Patrick Laperle won a late battle with Jonathan Urlin to capture the second place position. Urlin came home third, followed by Matt Moffitt, and Yvon Bedard rounded out the top five. Last week’s winner, Donald Theetge finished sixth, chased to the line by Daniel Descoste, Pier-Luc Ouellette, Brandon Watson, and Ken Baird finished in the top ten.
Unofficially, nine cars finished on the lead lap of the 100 lap event that was slowed by seven cautions. The last caution came on lap 44 as the final 56 laps were run without a yellow.
Kennedy becomes the ninth driver to qualify for the ACT Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway as there have been no repeat winners in the combined nine events on the Series ACT Castrol and the ACT Tour. Kennedy becomes the only qualifier so far from the Province of Ontario. He joins drivers from Vermont, New Hampshire and Quebec.
The Series ACT Castrol will be at Riverside Speedway in St-Croix, QC next Saturday, June 20. The ACT Tour will also be running next Saturday as they were rained out at Waterford Speedbowl this weekend.
Unofficial Top Ten
1 14 Sean Kennedy
2 91 Patrick Laperle
3 4 John Urlin
4 44 Matt Moffitt
5 9PQ Yvon Bédard
6 80 Donald Theetge
7 2 Daniel Descoste
8 8QC Pier-Luc Ouellete
9 19 Brandon Watson
10 12 Ken Baird
