by Jay | Jul 30, 2009 | New England
Barre, VT – Tony Andrews of Northfield captured his third career win in the Late Model stock car division at Thunder Road International Speedbowl. Andrews win on WDEV/Calkins Night featuring “King” Richard Petty is his first since 1992. Andrews started on the outside pole and held off a strong Brooks Clark throughout the race to score the win. Dave Pembroke finished second and unofficial took over the points lead. Cris Michaud came home third followed by Brooks Clark and Phil Scott to complete the top five. John Donahue finished sixth, Mike Bailey seventh, previous point leader Jean-Paul Cyr eighth, Doug Murphy ninth and Trampas Demers rounding out the top ten.
The first caution in the NAPA Tiger Sportsmen feature came with two laps remaining and setup a shootout between rookie Steve “Mudflap” Quenneville of Barre and Josh Demers of Middlesex. Both drivers were fighting for their first career win in the Tiger Sportsmen division. Demers prevailed on the outside for his first career NAPA Tiger Sportsmen win. Quenneville would hold on to finish third after Tom Therrien also got by him on the final lap. Lance Allen and John Drinkwine came home fourth and fifth followed by Joey Laquerre, Tony Rossi, Jeff French, Ricky Roberts and Scott Coburn filling the sixth through tenth positions.
Tommy “Thunder” Smith of Williamstown won his second Allen Lumber Street Stock feature event of the 2009 season with a last lap pass with a photo finish at the line. Smith just edged out Jason Corliss for the win. Coming home third was Bunker Hodgdon. Marcus Farnham and Bruce Melendy took home top five finishes. Sixth through tenth was filled by David LaFleche, Michael MacAskill, Travis Hull, Jason Allen, and point leader Gary Mullen.
Williamstown’s Lance Donald scored his first career win in the Power Shift Junkyard Warrior Feature. He started sixth and fought past Keith Fortier for the win. Fortier would hold onto second followed by Kevin Wheatley, Ken Christman, and Kevin Dodge rounded out the top five. Point leader Donnie Yates came home sixth, Alex Whitcomb seventh, Justin Town eighth, Bryan Nykiel ninth and Cheryl Kingsbury captured a top ten in her first time out.
NAPA Tiger Sportsmen driver James Hebert took home the golden toilet seat with his win in the infamous Porta-Potty Grand Prix. Hebert and crew legged out Late Model driver Jean-Paul Cyr, Power Shift Junkyard Warrior Donnie Yates and Allen Lumber Street Stock competitor Gary Mullen. However, Mullen didn’t go home empty handed as he claimed the golden plunger award for the prettiest potty.
The Allen Lumber Street Stocks and the Power Shift Junkyard Warriors will be back in action this Sunday, August 2 as part of the M&M Beverage Enduro card. The Street Stocks will run a 50 lap special while the Junkyard Warriors will run a two segment Monza style event before the 25th Annual M&M Beverage Enduro 250. This year’s Enduro winner will receive $5,000 as part of Thunder Road International Speedbowl’s 50th Anniversary Season. Post time will be 6:00pm.
The Tiger Sportsmen are also in action this weekend as they visit Canaan Fair Speedway in Canaan, NH on Saturday, August 1 for the second event on the Tiger Sportsmen Tri-State Series. Post time will be at 6:00 pm.
All four Thunder Road stock car divisions will be back in action next Thursday, August 6 for NAPA Auto Parts Night. Along with the four divisions will be a Run-Whatcha-Brung featuring everyday race fans in their everyday vehicles. Post time is set for 6:30pm.
Late Model Unofficial Feature Results – 1. Tony Andrews (1) Northfield, VT, 2. Dave Pembroke (44) Montpelier, VT, 3. Cris Michaud (6) Northfield, VT, 4. Brooks Clark (68) Fayston, VT, 5. Phil Scott (14) Montpelier, VT, 6. John Donahue (26VT) Graniteville, VT, 7. Mike Bailey (00) Barre, VT, 8. Jean-Paul Cyr (11VT) Milton, VT, 9. Doug Murphy (4) Tunbridge, VT, 10. Trampas Demers (85) South Burlington, VT, 11. Jerry Lesage (74) Winooski, VT, 12. Joe Becker (16) Jeffersonville, VT, 13. David Whitcomb (25) Essex Jct., VT, 14. Nicholas Sweet (88) Barre, VT, 15. Matt White (42VT) Northfield, VT, 16. Grant Folsom (81) Waitsfield, VT, 17. Reno Gervais (12VT) Island Pond, VT, 18. Steve Fisher (24) Shelburne, VT, 19. Jamie Fisher (18) Shelburne, VT, 20. Rich Lowrey (8VT) Charlotte, VT, 21. Kyle Caron (22) Colchester, VT, 22. Craig Bushey (05) Cambridge, VT, 23. Eric Chase (40VT) Milton, VT, 24. Dylan Smith (34) Randolph, VT.
NAPA Tiger Sportsmen Unofficial Feature Results – 1. Josh Demers (10) Middlesex, VT, 2. Tom Therrien (48) Hinesburg, VT, 3. Steven Quenneville (88) Barre, VT, 4. Lance Allen (18) Barre, VT, 5. John Drinkwine (98) Barre, VT, 6. Joey Laquerre (15) E. Montpelier, VT, 7. Tony Rossi (90) Barre, VT, 8. Jeff French (06) Northfield, VT, 9. Ricky Roberts (9) Washington, VT, 10. Scott Coburn (1) Barre, VT, 11. Shawn Fleury (31) Middlesex, VT, 12. James Hebert (58) Williamstown, VT, 13. Matt Potter (23) Marshfield, VT, 14. Mike Ziter (26) Williamstown, VT, 15. Tim Potter (28) Plainfield, VT, 16. Cody Blake (99) Barre, VT, 17. Ray Stearns (89) E. Corinth, VT, 18. David Finck (37) Barre, VT, 19. Pete Ainsworth Jr. (80) Middlesex, VT, 20. George May (16) Barre, VT, 21. Brian Delphia (55) Waterbury, VT, 22. Derrick O’Donnell (68) Bradford, VT, 23. Brendan Moodie (94) Wolcott, VT, 24. Joe Steffen (00) Essex Jct., VT, 25. Joey Roberts (50) Georgia, VT, 26. Jeff Bousquet (60) Montpelier, VT, 27. Richard LaFond (84) Colchester, VT, 28. John Lambert (2) Northfield, VT.
Allen Lumber Street Stock Unofficial Top Ten- 1. Tommy Smith (50) Williamstown, VT, 2. Jason Corliss (61) Danville, VT, 3. Bunker Hodgdon (83) Hardwick, VT, 4. Markus Farnham (13) Randolph Ctr, VT, 5. Bruce Melendy (68) Danville, VT, 6. David LaFleche (2) Graniteville, VT, 7. Michael MacAskill (3) Williamstown, VT, 8. #Travis Hull (66) Graniteville, VT, 9. Jason Allen (88) Northfield, VT, 10. Gary Mullen (29) Tunbridge, VT.
Power Shift Junkyard Warriors Unofficial Feature Top Ten – 1. Lance Donald (52) Williamstown, VT, 2. Keith Fortier (35) Hinesburg, VT, 3. Kevin Wheatley (31) Williamstown, VT, 4. Ken Christman (4) Cabot, VT, 5. Kevin Dodge (8) Barre, VT, 6. Donny Yates (05) N. Montpelier, VT, 7. Alex Whitcomb (78) Montpelier, VT, 8. Justin Town (53) E. Barre, VT, 9. Bryan Nykiel (80) Berlin, VT, 10. Cheryl Kingsbury (7) Waitsfield, VT.
by Jay | Jul 30, 2009 | New England
Taylor Top in the Mini Marquee; Wrenn, Materas, Douton & Tagg Winners
Thompson, CT (July 30, 2009): Blue skies finally dawned on Thompson Speedway for a thrilling night of NASCAR All-American Series racing action on Thursday Night. With a make-up event on the schedule, Hitchcock Racing Teammates Woody Pitkat of Stafford, CT, and Kerry Malone of Needham, MA, shared Sunoco Modified honors. Tim Taylor of Wauregan, CT, continued his winning ways in the Mini Stocks as they shared the spotlight with the Sunoco Modifieds with a 30-lap main event.
In full-fendered action, Norm Wrenn of Nashua, NH, bested a great field of veteran competitors to take down an eventful Super Late Model feature event. John Materas of Voluntown, CT, earned his second win of the season in a caution-free Late Model main event. Chris “Mouse” Douton of Waterford, CT, scored the Limited Sportsman victory after a spirited battle. Brian Tagg of Oxford, MA, ran to his second victory of the season in the TIS Modified.
Woody Pitkat of Stafford, CT, ended his winless streak at Thompson with a victory in the 30-lap make-up feature originally scheduled for June 11. It had been nearly a year since Pitkat had graced victory lane at the Thompson oval. His last win came on July 31, 2008. Rowan Pennink’s stay at the front of the first feature was short-lived as Pitkat and Jimmy Blewett made quick work of the early leader. Rocco had worked his way into third and took the second spot away from Blewett before the caution flew on lap four for a spin by Ricky Shawn.
On the restart, Pitkat retained his spot at the head of the field. Rocco applied immediate pressure as Tim Sullivan ran strong in third. The lead duo was locked in a side-by-side battle for the lead for several laps with Rocco taking the advantage to complete lap nine. Christopher moved into the fourth position while Blewett had faded. On lap 12, Sullivan watched his great run come to an end when he received the consolation flag for leaking fluid. Up front, Rocco continued to lead Pitkat by a narrow margin. A spin by Jodi Johnson brought out the caution and slowed the action.
Christopher rocketed into second spot on the lap 16 restart and was making a bid for the lead when the caution flew for an incident that involved Kerry Malone and Bert Marvin. A bobble by Rocco on the ensuing restart opened the door for the outside row of Pitkat and Ceravolo. Pitkat took over the top spot once again.
After another quick caution, Rocco regained his composure on the restart to make his way back into the second spot. Danny Cates had moved into third over Christopher and Ceravolo. A handful of laps later, Pitkat continued to lead Rocco, Christopher, Cates, and Ceravolo inside the top five. Blewett ran just outside the top five.
The complexion of the race changed drastically on lap 24 when Rocco made hard contact with the outside wall in turn two. Christopher was put to the tail end of the field for his involvement. The remaining six laps were uneventful for Pitkat, who run uncontested to the checkers. Cates drove to a runner-up finish followed by Blewett, Ceravolo, and Eric Goodale.
In the night capper, Rowan Pennink led the field to green with Kerry Malone in tow. After thrashing to get their car race-ready, Keith Rocco was ready to race; moving from sixth to third in the opening lap. His move to the front was negated when apparent mechanical failure put Danny Cates into the outside wall.
Malone was able to take over the top spot on the restart. Malone was immediately able to get some distance from second-running Pennink. After slight contact, Rocco was able to move past Christopher. Christopher immediately fell into the clutches of Jimmy Blewett. The earlier winner on the evening, Pitkat headed to pit road with mechanical failure to end his night.
The battle for the second position was heating up. Ceravolo began applying pressure to Pennink while Rocco lay in wait. Ceravolo got underneath Pennink on lap 13 to take over second. Rocco was able to follow through to move into third.
A scary looking incident on lap 15 saw Ricky Shawn spin; coming to rest in the groove. Dave LaCroix, with nowhere to go, t-boned the Shawn’s #8. Both drivers were able to walk away.
On the restart, Malone opted to restart in the outside groove and resumed his lead. Christopher got a run on the outside moving into the second position. Rocco was third followed by Eric Goodale. Ceravolo fell back to fifth after the restart. Ceravolo began to claw his way back getting by Goodale for fourth.
On the final stretch run to the checkers Malone was able to extend his lead to five car lengths over Christopher. Rocco trailed Christopher by a similar margin. Ceravolo ran in a distant fourth. There was a great battle for the fifth position between Goodale and Pennink. Malone cruised under the checkers to take his first victory of the season. Christopher came home second ahead of Rocco, Ceravolo and Goodale.
Tim Taylor of Wauregan, CT, scored his fifth Mini Stock victory of the season in the division’s marquee event. The Mini Stock 30-lap extra-distance race was highlighted by a tremendous battle between father and son, Tim and Nate Taylor. Son Nate held the top spot in the early going; fending off his father. The son was able to hold off his father until lap 12, when Tim pulled ahead to take the lead. The youngster remained within striking distance of this father.
At halfway, Scott Michalski had run down the lead duo. A little farther back in the pack, the field was looking racy. Randy Churchill, who had dogged Jeff Moffat for much of the race, was able to steal the spot way on lap 16. Ron Rixham was working over Chuck Rogers.
Up front, Michalski was able to take away the runner-up position from N. Taylor. He immediately set sail for leader T. Taylor. With less than ten laps to go, Michalski was glued to the back bumper of T. Taylor. On lap 23, Michalski got alongside Taylor, to no avail. Over the final two laps, all Michalski could do was chase Taylor to the checkers. N. Taylor finished a solid third ahead of Churchill and Moffat.
Norm Wrenn of Nashua, NH, led the closing laps of a suspenseful Super Late Model main event. George Bessette battled with pole sitter Jay Macedonio in the opening laps of the event to take the early lead. He had moved out to a sizable advantage as Ricky Fuller, Wrenn, Macedonio, Mike O’Sullivan and Derek Ramstrom jockeyed for position.
An incident involving Jeff Hartwell and Steve Desmarais brought out the first caution at lap 14. On the restart, Fuller was able to get the advantage over Bessette to take over the lead. Wrenn and O’Sullivan were also able to get by Bessette. The night turned from bad to worse for Bessette as contact with Ramstrom sent both cars pit side for service. Both were able to continue.
Two aborted attempts at a restart found Fuller on the receiving end of the black flag for starting before the designated area. The ensuing restart pitted O’Sullivan and Norm Wrenn on the front row. Before the battle could really develop, another quick caution flew for an incident involving Larry Gelinas and Les Rose.
Finally back under green, Wrenn motored out to the lead over O’Sullivan. But the show was Rick Fuller, who restarted 14th. He was inside the top-five and looking for more with five laps remaining. Wrenn and O’Sullivan went nose-to-tail. Fuller was pressuring Ramstrom for the third spot. On the final lap, Fuller had to settle back in line. In the end, Wrenn was able to score his first victory of the season over O’Sullivan. Ramstrom rebounded from his early race woes to finish on the podium. Fuller settled for fourth over the legendary Mike Stefanik, who took over driving duties from Jeff Zuidema in the #19.
John Materas of Voluntown, CT, won his second Late Model feature win of the season in fine fashion on Thursday night. The race featured an early battle between Materas and Mark Oliveira with the eventual winner making his move into the top spot on lap four.
The action was a little deeper in the pack as Jeff Zuidema, Jay Stuart and Rick Gentes waged a tremendous battle for the fourth position. On several occasions, the battle went three-wide. Contact between Stuart and Zuidema opened the door for Gentes, who briefly took over the fifth spot. Zuidema battled back to regain the spot. Stuart got a bit of breathing room as Zuidema settled back into the fifth ahead of Gentes.
Back up front, Materas was able to stretch his advantage as O’Sullivan had reeled in Oliveira. For several laps, just after half-way, O’Sullivan was able to get up along side Oliveira. The battle between Stuart and Zuidema began to heat up again. Zuidema got up along side Stuart on lap 19; he was able to take the spot away on lap 20.
Oliveira and O’Sullivan were able to cut into Materas’ lead in the final stages of the event. But the Voluntown, CT racer was not to be denied as Materas took down the victory by two car lengths over Oliveira. O’Sullivan settled for the third spot over Zuidema and Stuart.
Chris “Mouse” Douton of Waterford, CT, scored his first win of the 2009 season in a Limited Sportsman thriller. The Limited Sportsman main event had the crowd on their feet as Douton and Joe Arena put on a tremendous duel for the top spot.
Eighth starting Arena had run down Douton, who had taken the lead in the early going after starting fifth. The two went door-to-door with Douton retaining his lead by a bumper over Arena. The two resumed their fierce battle after a restart on lap nine. Paul Coutu, Jr. ran in the third spot. Larry Barnett found himself boxed in by the Sundeen Family with Jay holding the fourth spot while father Scott battled with Barnett for fifth from the outside groove.
Both Jay and Scott Sundeen were able to move by Coutu. J. Sundeen began to run down the lead duo. With five laps remaining Barnett was able to grab the fifth spot from Coutu. In the closing laps, J. Sundeen made it three wide in the quest for the top spot.
After battling side-by-side, Arena finally nosed ahead to lead lap 18. Once again, Jay Sundeen stuck his nose three wide. On the lap 19, Douton was able to gain a slight advantage once again.
J. Sundeen trying to be the spoiler once again made it three –wide on the backstretch. The move opened the door for Douton to take the top spot all to himself. Douton motored to the victory over Arena. Jay Sundeen bested his father Scott while Barnett completed the top five.
Brian Tagg of Oxford, MA, is proving to be one of the powerhouses in the TIS Modified division with his second victory in three races. John Studley was looking to be the sixth different winner this season in the TIS Modified division. Studley set out from the pole position and let the lion’s share of the main event.
After working his way up from his fifth starting position, Tagg caught the leader on lap 15. He was able to get underneath Studley exiting turn two on lap 17. Tagg sailed under the checkers for his second win of the season; becoming only the second driver to double-up. Studley had a career performance to finish second ahead of Cam McDermott. Glenn Boss and RJ Marcotte completed the top five.
Sunoco Modified June 11 Make-Up Feature Event (Top Ten) Finish: 1. Woody Pitkat, Stafford, CT; 2. Danny Cates, Chaplin, CT; 3. Jimmy Blewett, Howell, NJ; 4. Todd Ceravolo, Gales Ferry, CT; 5. Eric Goodale, Riverhead, NY; 6. Dave LaCroix, Fitchburg, MA; 7. Ted Christopher, Plainville, CT; 8. Kerry Malone, Needham, MA; 9. Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon, PA; 10. John Catania, Agawam, MA.
Sunoco Modified Feature Event (Top Ten) Finish: 1. Kerry Malone, Needham, MA; 2. Ted Christopher, Plainville, CT; 3. Keith Rocco, Wallingford, CT; 4. Todd Ceravolo, Gales Ferry, CT; 5. Eric Goodale, Riverhead, NY; 6. Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon, PA; 7. Jimmy Blewett, Howell, NJ; 8. John Catania, Agawam, MA; 9. Andrew Charron, Thompson, CT; 10. Carl Oberg, Sutton, MA.
Mini Stock 30-Lap Feature Event (Top Ten) Finish: 1. Tim Taylor, Wauregan, CT; 2. Scott Michalski, S. Killingly, CT; 3. Nate Taylor, Wauregan, CT; 4. Randy Churchill, Niantic, CT; 5. Jeff Moffat, Warwick, RI; 6. Chuck Rogers, Quaker Hill, CT; 7. Brad Caddick, New London, CT; 8. Richard Fournier, Warwick, MA; 9. Ron Rixham, Jefferson, MA, 10. Richard Blanchard, Pascoag, RI.
Super Late Model Feature Event (Top Ten) Finish: 1. Norm Wrenn, Nashua, NH; 2. Mike O’Sullivan, Springfield, MA; 3. Derek Ramstrom, Worcester, MA; 4. Rick Fuller, Auburn, MA; 5. Mike Stefanik, Coventry, RI; 6. Jay Macedonio, Somerset, MA; 7. George Bessette, Danbury, CT; 8. Jim Banfield, S. Glastonbury, CT; 9. Larry Gelinas, Buxton, ME; 10. Jeff Connors, Ellington, CT.
Late Model Feature Event (Top Ten) Finish: 1. John Materas, Voluntown, CT; 2. Mark Oliveira, Blackstone, MA; 3. Tommy O’Sullivan, Springfield, MA; 4. Jeff Zuidema, N. Brookfield, MA; 5. Jay Stuart, Preston, CT; 6. Rick Gentes, Woonsocket, RI; 7. Jeremy Sadowski, Voluntown, CT; 8. Al Mandarino, Lake Grove, NY; 9. Mike Scorzelli, Malta, NY; 10. Damon Tinio, Mendon, MA.
Limited Sportsman Feature Event (Top Ten) Finish: 1. Chris Douton, Waterford, CT, 2. Joe Arena, Bristol, CT; 3. Jay Sundeen, Douglas, MA; 4. Scott Sundeen, Douglas, MA; 5. Larry Barnett, Moosup, CT; 6. Paul Coutu, Jr., Thompson, CT; 7. Shawn Monahan, Waterford, CT; 8. Joe Campbell, Moosup, CT; 9. Joe Coates, Eastford, CT; 10. Gerald Sevigny, Brooklyn, CT.
TIS Modified Feature Event (Top Ten) Finish: 1. Brian Tagg, Oxford, MA; 2. John Studley, Framingham, MA; 3. Cam McDermott, Scituate, RI; 4. Glen Boss, Danielson, CT; 5. R.J. Marcotte, Millville, MA; 6. Brian Sullivan, S. Windsor, CT; 7. Leo Oliveira, Raynham, MA; 8. Jay Sundeen, Douglas, MA; 9. Richie Ferreira, Raynham, MA; 10. Bart Ramos, Putnam, CT.
by Jay | Jul 30, 2009 | Maine, Oxford Plains Speedway
OXFORD, Maine – Hey, if you’re going to wait until you’re 53 years old until posting your first top-division feature victory at your home track, you might as well do it in style.
Tommy Ricker raced into the Oxford Plains Speedway history book with a flair Thursday night, driving around Shawn Martin, Jeff White and Don Wentworth over the final 20 circuits to win a special 60-lap Oxford Networks Late Model event as part of the Agren Appliance Summer Slam triple crown series.
“Patience, patience, patience,” Ricker said, referring to both his nearly three full seasons in a Late Model and his measured approach to the added-distance event. “Maybe that’s what I’ve learned being an old man out here.”
Ricker, known affectionately as “Two Lap” for the mechanical maladies that seemed to strike him earlier in his career, actually won a combined 15 features in the Charger and Limited Sportsman divisions between 1988 and 2006.
He made the jump to Late Models in ’07, posting a handful of second and third-place finishes along with car owner Rudy Kyllonen Jr.
Wentworth led from lap 12 until Ricker made his winning move on lap 50. It took Ricker nearly five full laps to fully close the door on Wentworth and drive away.
“I wish the 60-lapper had been maybe 54 or 55 laps,” said Wentworth, who has raced against Ricker off-and-on for 20 years.
White was third, with Martin holding off Adams for fourth.
The Allen’s Coffee Flavored Brandy Strictly Stock and Mini Stock divisions also waged their own segments of the Triple 60s, with Skip Tripp and Jimmy Childs scoring the victories.
Reigning Strictly champion and current point leader Tripp posted his fourth victory of the year, landing the lead from Zach Emerson on lap 22 of a caution-free encounter.
“We were great in the last practice,” said Tripp. “Then I tried something different in the heat race and we were terrible. So we went back to what we had, and the car was a little tight, but I can’t complain because I got the win.
Emerson prevailed in a five-car battle for second, one that broke up when Larry Emerson and Matt Williams tangled late in the event.
Mike Short steered clear to claim third, with Mike St. Germain elevated to fourth and Jon Brill fifth.
Childs picked up his third Mini Stock triumph of the summer in strange fashion, The two-time division champ lost the lead to Adam Polvinen and regained it four different times, with Polvinen appearing to slow down and allow Childs to catch up each time.
Polvinen, who charged from last in the field to the lead in 30 laps, was erased from the finishing order for using unapproved tires.
“It’s a little easier starting closer to the front, but with the season I’ve had, I’ll take it,” Childs said. “I qualified for the (TD Banknorth) 250 in my Late Model, and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. It showed me how wide this track really is, and I drove this car a lot differently tonight because of it.”
Steve Barker held off point leader Justin Karkos in a furious but fun battle for what was ultimately second. Jake Burns and Kevin Bishop rounded out the top five.
The three Championship Series divisions will return to action along with the Acceleration Series Outlaws and Ladies at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Oxford’s annual Summer Celebration includes a giant fireworks display after the races.
OXFORD NETWORKS LATE MODEL (60 laps): 1. Tommy Ricker, Poland; 2. Don Wentworth, Otisfield; 3. Jeff White, Winthrop; 4. Shawn Martin, Turner; 5. Travis Adams, Canton; 6. Corey Morgan, Lewiston; 7. Ben Ashline, Pittston; 8. Tim Brackett, Buckfield; 9. Shawn Knight, South Paris; 10. Kurt Hewins, Leeds; 11. Sam Sessions, South Paris; 12. Nick Brown, Bath; 13. Al Hammond, Paris; 14. Gary Chiasson, Peru; 15. Gerald Parlin, South Paris; 16. Scott Luce, Strong; 17. Billy Childs Jr., Leeds; 18. Ricky Rolfe, Albany Township; 19. Travis Stearns, Auburn.
ALLEN’S COFFEE FLAVORED BRANDY STRICTLY STOCK (60 laps): 1. Skip Tripp, Poland; 2. Zach Emerson, Sabattus; 3. Mike Short, Auburn; 4. Mike St. Germain, Auburn; 5. Jon Brill, Bridgton; 6. Larry Emerson, Durham; 7. Dave Brannon, Lisbon; 8. B.J. Chapman, Bridgton; 9. Sumner Sessions, South Paris; 10. Bob DiPompo, Jay; 11. Derek Farrington, Freeport; 12. Matt Williams, Brownfield; 13. Kim Tripp, Oxford; 14. Nick Hoyt, Mechanic Falls; 15. Rick Spaulding, Lisbon.
ALLEN’S COFFEE FLAVORED BRANDY MINI STOCK (60 laps): 1. Jimmy Childs, Leeds; 2. Steve Barker, Jay; 3. Justin Karkos, Jay; 4. Jake Burns, Gray; 5. Kevin Bishop, South Paris; 6. Darrell Moore, Mechanic Falls; 7. Dan Morris, Auburn; 8. Shane Kaherl, Jay; 9. Jeff Beaule, Lewiston; 10. Greg Watkins, Bridgton; 11. Ken Daigle Jr., Lisbon; 12. Calvin Rose Jr., Turner; 13. Ashley Marshall, Jay; 14. Nik Coates, Lisbon; 15. Matt Moore, South Paris; 16. Dale Brackett, Oxford; 17. Larry Melcher, Livermore Falls. DQ: Adam Polvinen, Oxford.
by Jay | Jul 30, 2009 | Maine
Old Town’s Jason Trundy took off from the pole position in Wednesday night’s Little Enduro feature on a start that was almost called back by head starter Jeff Overlock, and led the event to a lap 14 red flag caused when Dennis Burns #65 caught fire after taking a couple of hard hits. On the restart, Trundy again jumped to the lead and held off Old Town’s Mike Ogden for the final 6 laps to post the win. Ogden drove a hard steady race and finished in the runner up spot for his first top three of the season. Third went to Mike Witham of Milo who also took his first podium finish in the Little Enduros for this season. Donny Blanchard of Orrington and Darren Durrell of Newburgh, both previous winners this season, finished in fourth and fifth respectively. In other Little Enduro action, Mike Witham came back from his third place finish in the main event to win the 10 lap Double O race later in the program. David Grant of Bangor drove the Timothy Moon # 76 to a second place finish, followed by Robert Mushero of Scarborough in third. Fourth in the Double O went to Corinth’s Ricky Adams, with Bangor’s Joshua Dow finishing fifth. Qualifying heats in the Little Enduros were won by Trundy and Newport’s Mark Lane.
Ryan Modery of Hermon made it two in a row and three for four so far this season in the Stars of Tomorrow division, which is sponsored by Thayer’s Automotive of Hermon. Chasing Modery but unable to pass for the second week in a row was Matt Kimball of Cornville, who finished second. Clinton’s Colin Robertson, making his first appearance in the division, took third. When questioned about his good performance, Colin admitted to having had a little practice at Unity Raceway earlier this season. Brett McCullough of Kenduskeag finished in fourth after leading the first few laps prior to a spin that took him out of contention for the win. D.C.Alexander of Carmel finished fifth. A sixth car, driven by Jake Earle of Veazie showed up and practiced, but was unable to compete due to a lack of some required safety equipment. The heat race was also won by Modery.
Jim Carr Jr. of Clifton made it seven in a row in the pick up trucks after driving by Winterport’s Mike Lynch on lap 7 to take the lead in his Harlow’s Masonry sponsored machine. Dana Harlow of Bucksport finished in second as he struggled with a failed power steering system for most of the race. The race for third and fourth was a close one as Mike Lynch and Corinth’s Peter Drake battled side by side for the final 8 laps until Drake took the third spot by half a truck length at the finish. Lynch finished fourth with Hermon’s Brett Crosby in fifth. Carr was also the winner of the qualifier, but had to start near the back due to his win last week.
Ricky Palmer of Winterport seemed to be playing a waiting game as he rode behind leader Roger Smith of Clifton for most of the event. All of a sudden, on the final lap, Palmer came up with a burst of speed and passed Smith on the backstretch on the final lap to post his second win in a row. When asked about his sudden surge to the front, Palmer admitted to having had the car in the wrong gear, which hampered his ability to challenge Smith. Once he dropped it back into the right gear, the car leaped forward, allowing him to pass Smith for the win. Smith finished in second, stating he slowed slightly at the end due to another power steering failure on his car. Shawn McNevin of Hudson finished in third, followed by Adam Gardner of Bangor and Alan Cookson of Old Town. Cookson finished the race in the pits after colliding with the spinning car of Bangor’s David Grant in turn three. Grant began leaking oil while leading the race, and spun completely around, causing Cookson the collide head on into him. Both cars were damaged beyond quick repair and retired for the night. Cookso did drive his car off the track, while Grant needed an assist from the wrecker crew, after the fire that erupted under his hood was extinguished. Palmer also won the qualifying heat.
Danielle DeLuck of Hampden finally had luck go her way this week as she won her first feature of the season in convincing fashion. DeLuck’s crew has changed engines for her three times so far this season, and this fourth one seems to have what it takes to keep her Cavalier out front. She started from the pole and grabbed the lead on the first lap, holding off a race long challenge from outside pole sitter Rhonda Lyford of Winterport. Lyford finished second, with her entire exhaust system dragging on the ground. Nicole Smith of Clifton finished in third after a spirited battle for the position from Shelby Kimball of Cornville. Kimball made a strong attempt to pass Smith in the closing laps, but Smith defended her position and held Kimball at bay to the finish. Kimball finished fourth with Carmel’s Becky Elston finishing fifth. Nicole Smith won the qualifier, but had to start near the back due to her win in the last points race.
by Jay | Jul 30, 2009 | ACT, New Hampshire
Waterbury, VT – The 2009 American Canadian Tour (ACT) point’s battle is heating up as the Tour prepares for Twin State Speedway this Friday, July 31. The ACT Late Model Tour’s visit to Twin State will be their second in history and the ninth event on the 2009 schedule. ACT’s last trip to the third-mile speedway was in 2004, when Montreal’s Patrick Laperle led 88 of the 100 laps on his way to the win.
The Twin State 100 will be an important event in the 2009 point battle. Scott Payea of Milton, Vermont currently holds a 22 point lead in the ACT Tour Championship Point Standings. Payea has lead throughout the majority of the season using consistency to hold onto his lead. Through the first eight events Payea has finished in the top ten all but once with an incredible five top threes. Although Payea has appeared dominant throughout the 2009 season, five-time ACT Tour champion Brian Hoar of Williston, Vermont has tightened up the point race in the last few weeks. Hoar has made a charge toward the front of the point standings in the last two races with a sixth place finish at Kawartha Speedway and a win in last Saturday’s Beech Ridge 150.
However, several drivers are within striking distance of the point lead and the fact that so few of the ACT Tour’s current wheelmen have competed at Twin State, puts everyone on a level playing field for the Twin State 100. Looking to take advantage of this opportunity will be Joey Polewarczyk, Jr., Randy Potter, John Donahue, Brent Dragon, and Glen Luce among others.
With the ACT Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 19th closing in quickly many New England Late Model drivers are looking for every opportunity to earn their ticket. This will attract several outlaws to Twin State Speedway this Friday, including Ben Rowe of Turner, Maine and legend Punky Caron from Goshen, New Hampshire. They will have to contend with not only the ACT regulars but also the Twin State Speedway drivers who will be looking to use their home track advantage. Twin State regulars expected to run the Twin State 100 include point leader Guy Caron as well as Marc Palmisano, Chris Riendeau, Luke Hinkley, Dola Holland, and last week’s feature winner Dallas Trombley.
Action at Twin State Speedway is set to begin this Friday, July 31 at 7:00pm.
by Jay | Jul 30, 2009 | NASCAR K&N Pro Series
Harrisburg, N.C. (July 28, 2009): Brett Moffitt has spent the last several weeks uncertain about his future in the NASCAR Camping World Series East, but despite the lack of sponsorship, Moffitt will continue on to the Edge Hotel 150 at Adirondack International Speedway with ASM Motorsports this weekend. While the uncertainty lingers on, Moffitt will attempt to add another win to his resume by mastering the tricky 9/10th’s mile.
“We’ve got a good shot at being successful in this series – meaning we can win the championship. We’ve proven our success with our performances and our win,” said Moffitt. “Right now we’re doing everything we can to find a marketing partner, but we’re only set as far as this race. I don’t know what the future holds for us after that. I wish I did.”
Winning is important – not just when you’re searching for a sponsor. Winning, after all, is why Moffitt does this. He’s quiet, but extremely competitive. He’s fan-friendly off the track and aggressive on it. Adirondack, he’s told, will be a challenge, and he’s ready to rise to the occasion.
“I haven’t been to Adirondack, but everyone keeps telling me how important a rhythm is there,” said Moffitt. “I think we’ll be good. We just have to worry about our own race and be there at the end.”
The visit to Adirondack International Speedway will be the series eighth visit to the track, and Andy Santerre Motorsports is banking on their previous success coupled with Moffitt’s natural ability behind the wheel to help them achieve their goal of victory lane. In seven events, the team has posted two wins, six top-five, and seven top-10 finishes at Adirondack. Santerre won the inaugural edition of the race in 2002 and his development driver, Sean Caisse, won in 2006.
“I have some of the best people in the business surrounding me,” said Moffitt. “I have 100 percent confidence in the car and the team. I know when I get there I’ll have a car that is capable of winning that race.”
The Edge Hotel 150 takes place Saturday, August 1st at Adirondack International Speedway in Lowville, N.Y. The green flag is slated to drop at 6:30 p.m.
For more information on Brett Moffitt or Andy Santerre Motorsports, visit www.brettmoffitt.com or www.andysanterremotorsports.com.
by Jay | Jul 30, 2009 | PASS, Unity
Naples ME (7/28/2009) Unity Raceway hosts the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) this Sunday August 2nd and the ticket price is a throwback to the days when all race cars were built from a junkyard and gas was less than a buck a gallon.
Thanks to NAPA and PASS, two adults can see 150 laps of PASS super late model racing, 40 laps for the PASS Mods and a 75 lap PASS Sportsman feature for just ten bucks each. That’s right, the two- for- one NAPA coupons from the Fathers Day rainout will be honored , this week’s edition of the Racin’ Paper has a two- for- one coupon and coupons are still available at most northern New England NAPA stores.
The PASS Sportsman have been on hiatus since the May race at Unity and those teams are anxious to get back on track at Maine’s toughest oval. Dan McKeage sits atop the Sportsman standing by twelve points over Carey Martin, with Mike Landry Shane Tatro and Lyman McKeage in spots three through five. McKeage, Martin and Tatro each have a race win under their belts, and Tatro earned his last time out at Unity in a wild finish that might just be topped on Sunday.
Andy Shaw started a three race PASS Mod win streak at Unity and the Center Conway NH speedster is atop the Mod standings. Steve Bennett Jr., Scott Grant and Bill Dixon are all chasing Shaw, and Sulo Burbank will be looking for a second straight win after scoring his first at Riverside Speedway on July 25th.
The PASS North super late models roll back into Unity for some more wide open side by side action Pro All Stars style; the fast full bodied racers are perfectly suited to the Unity oval, a track that lets you put down the horsepower and race three wide when the need arises. Johnny Clark was victorious in May but Scott Chubbuck, Randy Turner, Kelly Moore, Travis Benjamin and DJ Shaw were all strong last time out so the competition will be fierce.
Practice gets underway at noon and the first heat takes the green at 3:00 PM sharp. For more information, race results and point standings visit www.racewithpass.com or www.proallstarsseries.com . Unity Raceway is on line at www.unityraceway.info .
by Jay | Jul 30, 2009 | New Hampshire
Hudson NH – This past Sunday it was “Christmas in July” at Hudson Speedway. The midseason celebration included kids bike races, the Northeast Classic Lites, Enduros, and the full regular racing lineup.
The Thunder Lites kicked off the features for the evening with Jen Lord bringing the field to the green flag. Bobby Stirk lll muscled the lead from Lord on lap 3. Stirk held the point past halfway until Tyler Hatch slipped past. Hatch held on for his first win of the year. Stirk finished second and third through fifth were Derek Griffith, Dylan Bilodeau and Gage Harron.
Dave McGinn brought the Northeast Classic Lites to their green flag. Starting in the 12th spot, Jimmy Ryder Jr. made quick work of the cars in front of him making it to the lead by lap 5 with his brother, Billy Ryder moving into second. The Ryder boys put on a show, trading the lead three or four times until Jimmy Ryder lost control off turn 4, spinning out and out of contention for the day. Eric Bacon had made an impressive run from his deep in the field starting spot to restart next to Billy Ryder after Jimmy Ryders spin. Bacon took the top spot on the restart. With five to go Ryder tried a bump and run but got just as loose as Bacon, but that was Ryders last chance as he had to watch from behind as Bacon drove under the checkers first. Third through tenth were Jon Provost, Jeremy Wilcox, Steve Dickey, Dennis Obrien, Jeff Miller, Ryder Jr., Ralph Cook and Paul Colson.
Billy Clement took the early lead in the Rookie Feature before relinquishing the top spot to Larry Fortin. Fortin handed the lead over to John Morin with two time champion Scotty Duval moving into 2nd place. But Duval could only chase Morin to the stripe settling 2nd. The rest of the top ten were Dan Murphy Jr., Heath Toutellotte, Clement, Dean Wendell, Corrie Merritt Jr., Mark Nevers and Fortin.
Points leader Jef James added to his lead by winning the Roadrunner main. Patrick D’Alba, Darren Jacobs, Anthony Nadeau and Eric Miller rounded out the top five.
Leon Keniston won the 4 cyl. Endure followed by Darren Jacobs, Matt Apkarin, Nick Pappas and Bob Fields.
Grand Enduro top 5 were Ed Flanigan, Dave McCarthy, Scott Douphinette, Mark Nevers and Corrie Merritt.
Ronnie Lord Jr. won both the Flagpole Race and the Spectator Drags. Matt Apkarian won the Spectator Race.
The next races, Aug 2nd, features the return of the Outlaw Sportsman, plus the V-6 Modifieds, and as always, the Rookies , Roadrunners, Thunder Lites, Spectator Race, Spectator Drags, and Flagpole Race. Gates open at 4pm with the first race at 6pm. Please visit www.HudsonSpeedway.info for more info.
by Jay | Jul 30, 2009 | NASCAR K&N Pro Series
Uncasville, Conn. (July 27, 2009): Defending 2008 NASCAR Camping World Series East Champion Matt Kobyluck wants to end a seven-race winless streak when the series embarks on Adirondack International Speedway Saturday, August 1stfor the running of the Edge Hotel 150. His record at the 9/10th’s mile oval makes him a favorite for achieving that goal and closing the gap on the point lead.
Kobyluck has a stellar record at Adirondack. In the past seven races there, he’s posted three wins, five top-five, and five top-10 finishes. His victory last season was redemption of sorts for an 11th place finish in 2007 that was the result of being black flagged for supposedly jumping the start while leading the race. Heading into a track where they’ve had so much success is a momentum builder for the entire team.
“We have a good set up for that track and Matt’s driving style just works there,” said crew chief Perry Waite. “We’ve changed our setups to keep up with the ways things are changing, but we still run good there. It’s just the type of track that everything falls into place for us. We’re as confident going there this year as we’ve been any other year.”
Entering the Edge Hotel 150, Kobyluck, driver of the No. 40 Mohegan Sun Casino Chevrolet, sits fourth in the point standings, and just 50 points behind current leader Ryan Truex. With only four races remaining in the season, every race counts and every race demands a solid performance.
“We’re still in this game,” said Kobyluck. “It’s one of the tightest point battles we’ve ever had. It kind of reminds me of our 2002 season when we lost the championship to Andy Santerre by only nine points. This year is going to be a lot like that. It’s going to be close – very close – and we have to step up our game with a win.”
Of the top four drivers in the point standings, it is Kobyluck who has the most seat time at Adirondack. Truex has never been there, and Jody Lavender, currently second in the points, has one start at the upstate New York facility. Eddie MacDonald has only missed one race in the seven year history of the event, but has only two top-five finishes to his credit.
“All these drivers are very competitive,” said Kobyluck. “And I’m not counting any of them out. Eddie MacDonald has a lot of time on Adirondack and has really stepped up his performances there since joining Grimm Racing. Jody had a top-five finish in his first start there and Ryan is just good anywhere he goes. It’s a competitive division and it’s going to be a competitive race.”
The Edge Hotel 150 takes the green flag at 6:30 p.m. this Saturday night. For more information on Matt Kobyluck, Mohegan Sun Casino, or the race team, visitwww.mattkobyluck.com.
by Jay | Jul 27, 2009 | New Hampshire
Winchester, NH: This past Saturday, Bryan Shumway took the checkers in the full field of Modifieds at Monadnock Speedway. This is number two for Shumway, he previously won earlier in the season in a rain shortened event. Super Stock point leader, Jeremy Sorel visited victory lane as did Joey Kendall in the Mini Stock division. Matt Gauffin took the win in the 4-cylinder Enduro division and Randy Rameau celebrated a victory in the Full Size Enduro event.
The mini stocks rolled onto the ¼ mile high banked track as Ron Normandin set the pace. An early caution came out on lap one as second place runner, Beth Adams, suffered mechanical problems. On the restart, Normandin continued to lead as Chris Davis, Chris McTaggart and Rich Fourier battle for second. On lap seven, Normandin attempted to protect his top spot but McTaggart made the pass for first. Next lap, Normandin experienced problems and pulled it into the infield leaving McTaggart in a battle with Joey Kendall. Kendall rode the back bumper of McTaggart as Kim Rivet and Tim Jackson battled for third. The top four ran tight , as Kendall dove into the inside of McTaggart but had to back out. On lap thirteen, Kendall turn the pressure on as both ran side by side. Next lap, Kendall took over the lead as Jackson took the high side of Rivet but could not make the pass. Less than ten laps to go, a three way battle developed between McTaggart, Rivet and Jackson as Kendall drove away in the lead. Five laps to go, Jackson dove inside in turn three to take over third from Rivet and challenged McTaggart. Jackson attempted the high side of McTaggart but conatct was made between both resulting in Jackson dropping back top fourth. One lap top go, Jackson cane back as Rivet and Jackson ran side by side for the third spot. At the checkers it was, Kendall, McTaggart, Rivet, Jackson and Davis.
Super Stock competitor, Nancy Muni brought the field to the green flag start. Muni quickly took the lead leaving Kevin Ouellette in a battle for second with Andy Brooks. On lap three, the cation flag flew as Jeff Wright’s machine broke collecting Ouellette and Brehio III. On the restart, Brooks attempted to make the pass on Muni but was denied as Jeremy Sorel moved in on Brooks for second. The two ran side by side as Ed Brehio Jr followed for fourth. Bob Bedaw and Bill Johnston fought for fifth. Ten laps into the book, Muni held on but felt the presence of Sorel on her back bumper. Next lap, Sorel made the high side move for the lead as Muni slipped back to second. Brehio III ran third. On lap fifteen, the caution was displayed again as Brooks had contact with Muni going for the third spot. Sorel had a great restart and remained the leader as Matt Mead moved into third placing heat on Berhio Jr for second. Jason Stone and David Streibel ran fourth and fifth. Five laps to go, Mead made his move for second and began to chase down the leader as Stone took over third. Johnston and Brehio III worked on Streibel for the top five position. On the final lap, it was Sorel with the win followed by Mead, Stone, Brehio JR and Joshnston.
Twenty three Modifieds took to the track for their 50 lap feature event with Eric LeClair setting the pace. LeClair wasted no time to take the lead as Marty Radewick, Vic Johnson, Ed Reed and Frank L’Etoile followed. On lap five, the battle developed early for third between Radewick, Reed and Bryan Shumway. Joshnon ran second. Twenty laps into the feature, Shumway moved into second and was on the back bumper of LeClair awaiting the opportunity. Shumway made his move to the outside as both ran wheel to wheel. Johnson and Boniface ran side by side for third. On lap twenty-five, LeClair running hard to keep the top spot made contact with the front stretch wall bring out the caution. On the restart, Shumway took over the lead as Boniface, Joshnson, Todd Patnode and Ed Reed followed. On lap thirty, Patnode made the pass on Johnson for third as Reed and Dave Brube battled for fifth. Ten laps to go, Shumway began to distance himself from the field as a four way battle for fourth developed between Johnson, Reed, Dale Evonsion and Berube. A few laps later, Evonsion made the pass on both Johnson and Reed for fourth as the top three remained the same. At the checkers, it was Shumway celebrating in victory lane followed by Boniface, Patnode, Evonsion and Joshnon.
The wild and crazy four cylinders rolled onto the track with Fred Rogers scored the early leader. By lap ten, the leaders begain to approach heavy lap traffic as Rogers worked through followed by Haeth Renaud, Eric Pomakso and Dick Houle. Few laps later, Renaud loose in eth corner gave Houle the second place spot. Lap twenty, a four way battle for the lead was fought between, Rogers, Houle, Pomakso and Matt Gauffin. Lap thirty, Houle became the new leader as Pomasko and Gauffin ran side by side for second. Ten laps to go, Houle remained to lead as Pomasko and Gauffin continued to run wheel to wheel. Nine laps to go, the red flag was displayed. On the restart, Gauffin takes off and passes both Poamsko and Houle for the lead. Rogers and Adam Houle battled for fourth. At the end, it was gaffing followed by Houle, Pomasko, Rogers and Adam Houle.
Mike Petalas was the early leader I the Full Size Enduro event. Petalas held on as randy Rameau attempted to reel him in. On lap ten, Rameau caught Petals and challenged him for the lead as Joe Ethier moved into the battle. Lap twenty, Rameau was the leader as both Petals and Ethier ran bumper to bumper behind him.
Half way to go, Rameau developed a good lead as Petalas and Ethier ran side by side for position. Twenty laps left, Ethier made the pass and caught Rameau. Ethier was all over the back bumper of Rameau as Schonborg ran third. Ten alps to go, the top two contunied to battle as Dan Yagmin and Jared Edson rounded out the top five. At the wave of the checkers, it was Rameau posting his first win of the season followed by Yagmin, Schonborg, Edson and Ethier.
This Saturday, Monadnock Speedway welcomes back the very fast open wheel Northeast Midget Association plus the NEMA Lites, Outlaw Pros, Super Stocks, Mini Stock Conquest and 4-cylinder Enduros. Race time is at 6pm. For more information, log ontowww.monadnockspeedway.com.
Modified Results: Bryan Shumway, Jim Boniface, Todd Patnode, Dale Evonsion, Vic Johnson, Ed Reed, Dave Berube, Carl Pasteryak, Pete Jarvis, Josh Cantara, Brandee Tree, Butch perry, Rich Hammann, Rich Fournier, Eric LeClair, Rusty Ball, Marty Radewick, Jr Baril, Kurt Vigeant, Kirk Alexander, Rib Williams, Roy Seidell, Frank L’Etoile
Super Stock Results: Jeremy Sorel, Matt Mead, Jason Stone, Ed Brehio Jr, Bill Johnston,, Ed Brehio III, David Striebel, Bob Bedaw, Andy Brooks, Craig Cashmna, Nancy Muni, Dana Shepard, Josh King, Brain Grantz, Jeff Wright, Kevin Ouellette
Mini Stock Results: Joey Kendall, Chris McTaggart, Kim Rivet, Tim Jackson, Chris Davis, Rich Fournier, Dennis Wallace, Joe Rogers, James Hancock, Ricky Bernard, Alecia Fohlin, Kevin McKnight, Ron Normandin, Jamey King, Beth Adams
Top Ten 4-cylinder Enduros: matt Gauffin, Dick Houle, Eric Pomasko, Fred Rogers, Adam Houle, Bruce Clark, Julie Raymond, Rob Thompson, CJ Johnson, Kris Kristoliatis
Full Size Enduro Top ten: Randy Rameau, Dan Yagmin, Barry Schonborg, Jared Edson, Joe Ethier, Mike Petalas, Dan Cheveralls, Ryan Rivet, Ed Lofland, Bucky Sheats
