by | Apr 2, 2014 | New England, New England Motorsports South
By Lou Modestino
As the Icebreaker at Thompson Motorsports Park quickly approaches; some big names have filed last minute entries.
Winner of the last race for the Granite State Pro Stock Series (GSPSS) at TSMP, Larry Gelinas has announced his intent to pick up another win at the 5/8 mile oval. The entry with the GSPSS makes for a busy weekend for the Buxton, ME driver, as he is also running for points in the Late Model division at TSMP for the 2014 season. Gelinas races as much as anybody on the tour, entering around 50 races during the 2013 season, including 11 races with the GSPSS en route to a runner-up finish in the championship standings. Even with the experience at the track and with the series, Gelinas isn’t sold on himself being a runaway favorite. Gelinas stated “If Mechalides is there, he will be tough. (Mike and Tommy) O’Sullivan’s are tough. It could be somebody different. By the sounds of it, there are a lot of good drivers entering the race.”
Two-time defending ACT champion “The Punisher” Wayne Helliwell, JR has filed entry with his Bruce Bernhardt Motorsports ride. The duo has turned heads on just about anything they’ve been a part of on the racing scene, and the GSPSS is no exception. Helliwell, JR picked up the win last year at Riverside Speedway in Groveton, NH in dominating fashion, holding off the aforementioned Gelinas for his first checkers in the series. “We have a brand new car, so we will be shaking the car down at the Icebreaker,” Bernhardt says. “However, we don’t attend a race we don’t think we can win.” Helliwell is more reserved about the first race of the year. He comments, “We want to take it step-by-step. We would like to get a good practice in and work the bugs out.” Helliwell will be running a limited schedule in the GSPSS, as the Dover, NH driver will be turning “Outlaw” in 2014 by running partial schedules with the Pro All-Star Series, ACT, and GSPSS. Other big names that will be attending the race are Matt Frahm and Tommy O’Sullivan. Frahm, the career wins leader in the GSPSS with 4, will also be there.
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by | Mar 25, 2014 | New England, New England Motorsports South
By Lou Modestino
With the calendar declaring it’s time to go racing, and 33 confirmed race teams indicating their intent to compete, the Valenti Modified Racing Series kicks off its 2014 schedule this coming weekend March 28th, 29th and 30th. at Waterford Speedbowl, Waterford, Connecticut.
The famed racing facility will host the annual “Blastoff” weekend with drivers preparing for practice and qualifying day on Saturday. The VMRS will compete in a 100-lap feature race on Sunday.
Based on high interest in the series for 2014, series director Scott Tapley requested a mandatory tire sign-in to ensure enough tires for Waterford. The rule shows 33 race teams have filed for tires. Teams have until Monday afternoon, March 24, to submit their requests.
Reigning series champion Rowan Pennink, of Huntingdon Valley, PA, and defending “Blastoff” winner Steve Masse, of Bellingham. MA, are entered for the seasons inaugural event.
Local favorite, two-time Speedbowl winner Chris Pasteryak, of Lisbon, CT, will compete. Richard Savary, of Canton, MA, coming off a strong 2013 campaign is entered. Preston, CT’s Max Zachem and Berlin, CT’s, Keith Rocco,are confirmed. Veterans Ted Christopher, Plainville, CT., will wheel Joe Brady’s # 00. Mike Holdridge, of Madison, CT, and Dave Etheridge, of Portland, CT., are part of the opening day roster.
A Long Island invasion finds Justin Bonsignore, of Islip, NY, driving Art Barry’s #21 car, and Shawn Solomito, of Islip, looking to nail down the opening day win. Eric Goodale, and Brad VanHouton of Wading River, have entered. Todd Szegedy, of Ridgefield, CT., will debut in Kevin Stuarts # 85. Szegedy has committed to the season schedule filling in for regular driver Louie Mechalides who recently underwent back surgery.
As of Sunday March 23, additional drivers requesting tires include: Gregg Hurley, Todd Annarummo, Dana Smith, Charlie, Pasteryak, Todd Owen, Dave Schneider, Roy Seidell Jr, Tom Abele, Jr, Rob Richardi Jr, Mike Willis Jr, Dennis Charette, Chris Bakaj, Norm Wrenn, Jeff Rocco, Dylan, Kopec, Matt Mead, Jeff Pearl, Anthony Nocella, and Danny Cates.
The season’s first race will be the first of three by the VMRS at Waterford with additional events scheduled in August and September.
Testing and practice sessions with be conducted on Friday and Saturday. mThe popular pit party kicks off race day at 8:00 AM on Sunday. The “Blastoff 100” is slated to go green at 4:00 PM. The season’s first race will be the 17th appearance by New England’s premier series for modified race cars at Waterford with additional events scheduled in August and September.
After months of hard work and planning, the Northeastern Midget Association has finalized it’s schedule for the upcoming racing season. Both ends of the thirteen race schedule will be held at the traditional venues; the kick-off at the Waterford Speedbowl March 29 – 30, and will wind down at Thompson, CT in late October. The eight month, ten track span of events will take the winged warriors as far north as Evan Mills Speedway in Evans Mills, NY and Oxford Plains in Maine; and as far south as Seekonk, MA.
The first hot laps of 2014 will be turned at an open practice slated for March 28 at the Waterford Speedbowl, followed by two days of intense qualifying and features by both the NEMA and Lites divisions for the “2014 Blastoff” on the 29th and 30th. After a bit of a break, racing resumes at the Evans Mills Motorsports Park on May 24th in upstate New York.
What follows is the heart of the schedule as the teams will race in eight events over a span of three months starting with a newer track for NEMA in Wiscasset, ME on June 7. Monadnock Speedway in New Hampshire is next on June 21 for the “Iron Mike” Memorial, a season highlight celebrating the life of legendary car owner Mike Scrivani. The teams return to NH for a June 28 race at the Twin State Speedway in Claremont to finish out the month.
July will be especially challenging for the teams as the mid section of the month hosts three races in eight days. On July 19 NEMA will be part of the Oxford Plains 250 short track event in Maine, a very prestigious event in the northeast. This event will offer an opportunity to claim the Marvin Rifchin Trophy, a piece wanted on all NEMA driver’s mantels. Next up, the only mid week event of the year is on July 23 in Seekonk, MA. Billed as “Open Wheel Wednesday”, the track will host the IMSA Super Modifieds. as well as the “Boston Louie”. The “Louie” is special to the NEMA fraternity as the annual race is held in remembrance of Louie Seymour, long time NEMA midget car owner. The month closes out with a return to the Waterford Speedbowl on July 26 for it’s second of four visits. It will be a very special night to say the least as much loved and missed Shane Hammond will be remembered.
August starts out where July left off, back the popular Waterford facility on the 9th, and then back north to Epping, NH and Star Speedway on the 23rd, a NEMA mainstay.
New York state’s second stop on the schedule is at the famed Oswego Speedway, Oswego, N.Y. The Sept 13 date at the lightning fast track is the one and only race date for the month.
The final two events of the year are two day shows starting October 4-5 at Waterford, for the clubs forth visit; and will end at “The World Series of Speedway Racing” on the high banks of Thompson Speedway on October 18-19.
The NEMA Lite Division’s 2014 schedule mimics the NEMA schedule save for the additions of races on May 10th at Waterford, May 31 at Star and Sept 6th back at Waterford. The Lites will not compete at Thompson.
As the days get longer, hopefully the temperatures will rise as high as the anticipation of this new season. The NEMA and Lites teams are winding up final preparations and as the first race date approaches we can only imagine how the season will go.
A large quantity of contingency awards awaits the drivers of the Granite State Pro Stock Series (GSPSS) for the 2014 season.
Many different companies have stepped up and offered some great prizes and products this upcoming season. Not only do heat winners and the series champion receive contingency awards, there are also bonuses spread out through the entire field and random prize winners at the year-end banquet.
Sunoco Race Fuels will present the winner of any qualifying round, including heats and consolation rounds, with 5 gallons of race fuel. MacLellan Metal Finishing of Waltham, MA will also give all heat race winners a $25 check. This equates to approximately $85 added to the heat race winner’s check.
Not only will race winners reap rewards, but there are a few different companies supporting different finishing positions throughout the field. RB Performance, based out of Andover, ME, will be presenting a $50 gift certificate to the 4th and 7th place finisher in each feature event. Sherwood Racing Wheels from Owego, NY has agreed to present the 10th place finisher in each feature event with a $50 gift certificate. Bond Auto Parts will be awarding a $200 bonus to the last car on the lead lap at each event. Also, Five Star Stock Car Bodies will be handing out a $50 gift certificate with their 5th Place Finisher award. GSPSS driver Cory Casagrande is pleased with the distribution of awards. “For me, I’m mostly a weekly racer,” states Casagrande. “We do not get anything for heat races, nor do we usually receive any bonus besides gas for finishing in top 3 of the feature. The GSPSS has a unique way of paying it out through the field so it isn’t the same driver taking all the money every week.”
Also on race day, AR Bodies will be presenting a $100 gift certificate to one lucky driver at each event, picked by GSPSS officials. Drivers that gain the most positions in an event will be rewarded with the Hard Charger Award presented by Crazy Ed’s Powersports, to the tune of $100, as well as the Draco Springs award for a gift certificate for a Draco Spring. Finally, the Race Depot will present a $100 gift certificate at random at each GSPSS event. These generous awards by the GSPSS contingency sponsors total approximately $1000 in prizes and money available to drivers for each event.
The 2014 series champion will be rewarded for his hard work throughout the season at the year-end banquet. The Race Depot will present the GSPSS champ with a helmet at the 2014 Awards Banquet. Velocita Premium Driving Apparel will also present the champion with 50% off a new fire suit. These awards will accent the championship package nicely.
The series champion will not be the only driver to benefit at the Awards Banquet. AR Bodies will be sponsoring the 2014 Rookie of the Year award with a $1000 gift certificate. AR Bodies will also be giving away two $500 gift certificates at random at the 2014 banquet. Five Star Stock Car Bodies will also be giving away two $500 gift certificates at the 2014 banquet, along with Velocita Premium Racing Apparel presenting 3 $250 gift certificates for their products in a random drawing. Draco Springs has agreed to sponsor the 2014 Most Improved Driver Award, rewarding the recipient with a $500 bonus, as well as a gift certificate for four Draco Springs to be given out at random at the Awards Banquet. Drivers will have a chance to walk away with over $5000 in prizes from the 2014 Awards Banquet.
The GSPSS would also like to welcome Waddell Communications and Racing Electronics to the team in 2014. Racing Electronics is the official radio of the GSPSS for the upcoming season.
The Granite State Pro Stock Series thanks each and every one of our contingency sponsors for the 2014 season. Please show your support to these companies for helping to make the third season for the Granite State Pro Stock Series possible.
After winning the 2013 Stafford Speedway track championship in the Limited Late Model division, Palmer, MA native Josh Wood will join the 2014 rookie class in Stafford’s Late Model division. Wood made one start in the Late Model division in last year’s season ending Fall Final event and based upon that experience he is looking forward to making an impression during his rookie campaign.
NAPA Auto Parts, the elite sponsor of Stafford Motor Speedway is excited to be the presenting sponsor of the July 4th SK 5k race. The SK 5k Presented by NAPA Auto Parts is a new and unique event for Stafford’s premier SK Modified® division that will pay $5,000 to the winner from a purse of over $27,000. The race will be unique in the fact that Stafford has opened the race format up to a fans vote, which will allow fans to vote on all aspects of the race format beginning in late March.
After a banner season that saw him claim the 2013 Late Model championship at Stafford Motor Speedway, Adam Gray is ready to defend his championship with a new sponsor on the side of his #97 machine. Along with returning sponsors Meadows Motor Cars, Leon’s Auto Repair, Hawley’s Autobody and Repair, Barrco Automotive, OJS Landscape and Construction, Trackside Motors, Perry’s Autoparts, Gregg Orlen Construction, Pizza Shoppe, Billy the Kid Engines, Distance Race Chassis, Buzzy Transmissions, and Magnus, Gray will welcome Statewide Auto Auctions of Meriden to his list of sponsors as he prepares to tackle another season of Late Model racing.
-With the 43rd Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler just over a month away from taking the green flag, one driver who is looking forward to the race is Bobby Santos, III. In just a short amount of time, Santos is working his way towards becoming a Sizzler legend. In only five starts in “The Greatest Race in the History of Spring”, Santos has 2 wins and a second place finish to go along with 2 DNF’s. The DNF’s came in Santos’ first two Sizzler starts in 2004 and 2007 and he has been absolutely magical since then with his Sizzler performance.
Driving for the Bob Garbarino owned Mystic Missile team, Santos won the pole in 2010 and he led the first 54 laps of the race before contact with a lapped car sent him into a spin and he had to restart at the rear of the field. Santos charged his way back through the field but couldn’t get by Ted Christopher in the final laps and had to settle for second place. In Santos’s first Sizzler victory in 2011, he started third and led a race high 152 laps and after missing the 2012 Sizzler, Santos returned with the Sully Tino #44 team in 2013 and won the pole and led 197 of the 200 laps for his second career Sizzler victory.
“Definitely a big part of it is driving for good teams with good cars,” said Santos. “But something about Stafford agrees with me really well. I do like the longer distance races, I think it suits my driving style a little more. The big races always get you a little more excited and the Sizzler is a race that everybody wants to win and win it as many times as you can.” Santos will return to this year’s NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler with the same #44 Curb Records / Tino Corp. team and he has a good feeling about his chances of repeating his Sizzler victory of one year ago.
The Inaugural SK 5k Presented by NAPA Auto Parts promises to be the biggest SK Modified® race the track has ever hosted and the entry list for the race just added former NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Todd Szegedy. Szegedy will team up with Steve Greer’s Gunsmoke Stables team to pilot its #19 entry as a team car to Ryan Preece. While Preece will be driving the team’s #2 entry, Szegedy will drive the same car that Woody Pitkat drove as the #27 last season to the SK Modified® track championship.
One week after winning at Bristol Motor Speedway in the K&N Pro Series East’s third race of the season, Eddie Mac appeared headed for a seventh place finish in the Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 150 at historic Greenville-Pickens Speedway. Some rough driving after a lap 145 restart cost Eddie Mac three positions over the last five laps to push the Grimm Construction Chevy to a tenth place finish. Despite the run, both driver and owner (Rob Grimm) gained one more spot into fifth place in the point’s race after four starts.
“We didn’t have the car we had last week at Bristol but it was decent and I thought we could get up to fifth but the # 4 car (Pena) nearly wrecked us,” said an unhappy Eddie Mac. “When the green flag waved with only five laps to go, the #4 car lifted my rear end off the ground and drove me sideways all the way down the backstretch. I even waved to him out of my side window but he did it again in turn one. Everyone thought he was going to wreck me but I was able to get it straightened out but the damage was done. I guess he really wanted that all-important seventh finishing position,” said MacDonald sarcastically. (Pena finished ninth)
During the first practice the #71 posted a 16th fastest time but the team was not expecting a lot with Eddie Mac saying, “This place chews up tires and we didn’t use new ones for mock qualifying runs in either the first or the second practice like most of the teams. We felt we had a pretty good car so the strategy was to get what we could before the break near the halfway lap, put on four new tires, make necessary adjustments, and hopefully be in position near the end of the race to make a run for the win. Unfortunately I messed up in qualifying and drove it in too hard in the turn and with the track as flat as it is and rough there was no way to regain what we lost. We had to start further back than we expected.”
Starting 20th in the 26 car field, Eddie Mac was patient moving slowly through the field when the green flag waved. By lap 50 The Grimm Construction/Multiple Sclerosis Chevy ran in 16th position and into 15th on the lap 68 restart and drove into the top ten, ninth place, when the competition halfway flag flew on lap 76.
“We took on four tires, fuel, and made minor adjustments for the final half of the race and felt we had at least a top five car,” said Eddie Mac. “We knew it would be tough to get to the front but anything can happen so I knew I had to be patient with a purpose and take the spots when the opportunity came about. The track chews up the tires pretty quickly after 30 laps so I knew everyone would be slipping and sliding around near the end so we just had to be lucky and be in the right spot to take advantage. Toward the end it got pretty crazy out there. “
By lap 135 Eddie Mac rode in the seventh spot when the fifth caution flag flew on lap 138. With only five laps remaining when the final green flag waved on lap 145, Eddie Mac was poised to move forward only to be driven into by Pena with Eddie Mac saying, “We started on the inside and I figured some guys would be sliding up the track on worn tires so I stayed on the bottom ready to make a move. Unfortunately y the #4 wanted to drive through me and that’s when he almost wrecked us. Once wasn’t enough so he did it again on the next lap. We were hoping for a better finish but at least we held on to tenth and didn’t load up a wrecked racecar. We are now fifth in the point’s race and heading next to Richmond. I really want to thank Rob and Carla Grimm, the crew, sponsors, and all our fans for all the support.”
Grimm Construction is the main sponsor but the Grimm Racing Team also receives the support of Stilo, HMS Motorsports, Schroth Racing, Peterson Auto, Waymart Building Center and RB Fries. It proudly displays the banners for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Racing with Jesus, and New Path Adventures. The Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 150 will be televised on Fox Sports 1 on Friday, March 28, at 11 a.m. The fifth event on the NASCAR K&N Series East schedule will take the green flag on April 25 in the Blue Ox 100 at Richmond (Va.) International Speedway.
by | Mar 21, 2014 | New England Motorsports South
By Lou Modestino
Another solid competitor has signed up to make his run for the championship in the GSPSS. Waterford, CT’s Dillon Moltz will be running the RB Performance/ Brackett Mechanical/ Magnus Transmissions Chevrolet in each of the 10 events in the 2014 season, and has his sights set on the grand prize, the 2014 championship.
Moltz is no slouch when it comes to racing. The 22 year-old driver got his start at “Little T”, Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park’s 1/10 mile quarter midget track, and picked up a championship before moving to the Allison Legacy series, where he added his second career championship in 2005. Moltz ran with the PASS series in ’06, before pulling back on touring and running at Stafford Motor Speedway from 2007-2011 in a late model. In 2012, Moltz strapped in at Waterford Speedbowl, within earshot of his home, where he picked up his third career championship under car owner Mark Cooper.
Moltz made his debut with the GSPSS at the World Series at Thompson, and turned some heads by putting down blistering laps in practice all day long. A mishap in qualifying forced Moltz to start mid-pack in the feature, but fought his way up to a seventh place finish to conclude the 2013 season.
The youngster will be running for car owner Mark Brackett of RB Performance housed in Andover, ME. Brackett brings experience to the table, as he and fabricator Ricky Rolfe have built multiple championship winning chassis in their time together. Brackett, Rolfe, and Rolfe’s son Matt will be behind the scenes of the number 5 this season, as well as long time crew members of Moltz’s team, including his spotter and friend Sean Smith.
Moltz states when talking about the mixed crew “We act like we’ve known each other for a lifetime.” He is also quick to point out that everything is done as a team. He says he rarely uses “I” in victory lane, it’s a team effort. The team is the same, whether or not you take home the trophy or leave the track on the flatbed, according to Moltz. “When you turn around and the chips are down and the dust settles, whoever still stands behind you, those are your true friends, family, and supporters.”
Dillon Moltz will tell you he is a hard-nosed racer. “I’m not going to give an inch,” explains Moltz. “I’ll run you the way you run me, but when it comes down to the white flag, the gloves come off.” Moltz stresses he isn’t looking to cause a wreck or dump someone, but when a win is on the line, he is not afraid to rattle someone’s cage for the top position. His driving style has led to many successes, including winning the Richard Petty Driver Search in 2010, competing against 12 drivers from around the world. By winning the competition, Moltz drove an ARCA race for “The King” at Pocono, finishing in the 20th position. “The experience was incredible,” states Moltz. “Running against guys that have been running there forever, guys like (Frank) Kimmel and Bobby Gerhart, it was an experience of a lifetime.”
Even outside of racing, Dillon Moltz is searching for the next big trophy. When not at the track, Moltz is an avid outdoorsman. Living in the southeast corner of Connecticut, Moltz spends his down time in the summer on his boat fulfilling his other passion, fishing. Come the end of race season, Moltz can be found in the woods hunting. Even in the winter, Moltz stays busy by strapping on skis and hitting the mountain. Adrenaline and the outdoors keep Moltz ticking.
Moltz has high hopes for the Icebreaker at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park on April 5-6. Qualifying for the GSPSS will take place on Saturday at approximately 3:30 p.m., and opening ceremonies will start at noon on Sunday with racing to follow.
The inaugural SK 5k on July 4th will be an exciting night for Stafford Speedway drivers and fans. With a purse of over $27,000 for the SK Modified® feature and $5,000 for the winner, the SK 5k will be surely demand the best from the star-studded field of weekly competitors at Stafford. We caught up with a few of our weekly SK Modified® competitors and asked them some questions about the race format, purse money, and potential of a non-weekly competitor to come in and threaten for a win. Here is what they had to say:
Woody Pitkat:
The Race: “I think it’s going to be a cool race and it’s great to be racing for that kind of money. You don’t see things like this at other tracks. It’s great to have the fans involved in the race rather than just coming to the track and watching the race from the stands, they will have their own part in the event.”
The Purse: “I’m really looking forward to the race because I seem to do better at the longer distance races and the year that I won the 150 I think my check was around $4,000-$4,200 so it was a nice check to take home. The purse is pretty evenly spread through the field you’re definitely going to have to be on your A-game for that race.”
Outsiders: “I’m sure you’re going to see a lot of guys from other tracks come to Stafford to try to win some of that money. I’m sure you’ll see some guys from Waterford and Thompson as well as some other guys like Matt Hirschman show up that night.”
Ryan Preece:
The Race/Purse: “How can you not like this race? It’s a big paying race and it not only pays up front but it pays well down throughout the field. I think the format is pretty interesting. Whether my car has a full tank of fuel or not, it handles the same. Sometimes when you race for big money you have to do things for the fans. The fans are why we’re there. They want to see a show and hopefully that’s what we’re going to be able to give them that night.”
The Outsiders: “I’m pretty sure the Stafford front runners are going to be the front runners in the race but who knows what will happen. You could have someone from Thompson, Waterford, or maybe someone from Pennsylvania has an SK car and they’ll be fast that night. I know it’s going to be tough to win that $5,000.”
Doug Coby
The Race/Purse: “I think it’s going to be exciting. Sitting on the front stretch not knowing what type of strategy you’re going to have, there’s nothing like this race out there. There’s also not too many SK shows that pay $5,000 to win. It’s nice that Stafford is doing something like this to get the fans involved. We’ll definitely be there with the 15 car and we’re going to try to win that $5,000. I’ve already submitted my ideas for the race on Twitter and I hope the fans come up with some really cool ideas to vote on. It should all make for an exciting night.”
Dan Avery:
The Race: I think this race is going to be pretty cool. With $5,000 to win you might see some guys who are really hungry for a win drive a bit more aggressively during the race, which will really make the race exciting to watch. I remember back in the Riverside days we had a $10,000 to win mini championship series and those races really changed how a lot of guys raced. Everyone was more aggressive during those races.
The Purse: “I would say $5,000 is definitely a motivating factor to win the race. Especially if you’re in the top-3 or top-5 towards the end of the race, that $5,000 will definitely be in the back of your mind and you’ll be trying to figure out how to get your car into the lead.”
Outsiders: “I definitely think that the Stafford regulars will have an advantage in the race. I’ve raced in a lot of different series at a lot of different tracks and the SK Modified® division at Stafford has to be the most talented group of guys I’ve ever raced against. On any given night, there are about 12 cars that can win a race. There are good drivers, good cars, and good competition every Friday night.”
Ted Christopher:
The Race/Purse: “I’m really looking forward to having some big money to race for. It’s nice for us to be able to race for that kind of money. Stafford always likes doing different things and this should be a great race. Hopefully we can have a good run. We won the big race last year and we seem to do pretty well in the longer distance races.”
Todd Owen:
The Race/Purse: “The race is fantastic, I think it’s a great idea. It’s nice to be able to race for $5,000 to win and it’s a great purse that pays pretty good throughout the entire field.”
Outsiders: “Stafford is such a tough track that if you’re not in the handicap, it’s going to be tough to win the race starting in the back. With the purse that is on the line, I think there will definitely be extra cars showing up to Stafford for the race.”
Keith Rocco:
The Race/Purse/Outsiders: “I think the purse is great, everyone wants to race for a big purse like this race has. I think the race will draw a lot of cars and Stafford already has the best guys in New England like Woody Pitkat, Ryan Preece, and Ted Christopher, so I think a Stafford guy will win the race.”
Eric Berndt:
The Race/Purse: “I’m excited for the race, I can’t wait for it to get here. I think it’s great to get the fans involved in the race. It’s going to leave some mystery for the drivers sitting on the grid but that’s something that Sprint Cup has been doing and it seems to be working out pretty well for them.”
Purse: “The purse money is pretty cool. The 150 paid really well but it was a long race and really put a lot of wear and tear on the equipment. With $5,000 to win, it’s really nice any time you can put money right back into the race car. I see the race pays really well through the top-10 positions so that shows that Mark Arute is really looking to help the racers out.”
Outsiders: “There’s never really been an outsider that has come in and won one of the longer races. I think the Stafford regulars will definitely have an advantage because history doesn’t favor the outsiders.”
Rowan Pennink:
The Race/Purse: “I was just reading about that race the other day online and the race sounds pretty cool to me. It’s a great way to help put fans in the stands and get them involved with the race. I’m sure the $5,000 to win is going to get all the drivers fired up to go racing and it will make the race even more exciting than it usually is.”
Outsiders: “It seems like most of the top SK drivers are already at Stafford so I would say the guys with track experience week by week will be the drivers to beat.”
The fans will play a direct role in the July 4th SK 5k race as they will choose the entire race format from lap count to qualifying procedure. Fans will be allowed to vote on every aspect of the July 4th SK Modified® race.
But before voting opens Stafford Speedway officials would like to hear insight from the fans on what to include on the SK 5k ballot. Stafford Speedway encourages everyone to share their ideas on Stafford Speedway social media and as well as any other media outlets. The voting will begin in late March.
Veteran Eddie MacDonald showed a little late-race mastery Saturday afternoon and brought home the winning trophy from Bristol Motor Speedway.
The 33-year-old driver from Rowley, Mass., took the lead on a green-white-checkered finish at the PittLite 125 and held off Gray Gaulding and Ben Rhodes to win the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at “The Last Great Colosseum.”
It’s MacDonald’s first win since September of 2009 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway snapping a 53-race winless streak and the seventh of his career.
The rookie Rhodes, 17, was looking for his first career win in his 10th start. He won the 21 Means 21 Pole Award in qualifying Thursday and led every lap Saturday up until the final restart. A late wreck set up the extended finish that pushed the race to 132 laps.
MacDonald qualified 13th and steadily worked his way to the front on the high-banked half-mile. He took second on Lap 120 and got past Rhodes for the lead heading into Turn 3 on the penultimate lap. Gaulding also got by Rhodes at the finish to take second.
Brennan Newberry and Austin Hill rounded out the top five.
Patrick Staropoli finished sixth, followed by Dave Garbo Jr., Brandon Jones, Matt Tifft and Michael McGuire.
Daniel Suarez, who won the first two races of the season, pitted out of the top 10 late in the race for a flat time and wound up 26th. His misfortune allowed Gaulding to take the points lead by four of Suarez and six over Rhodes.
The PittLite 125 will air on FOX Sports 1 on Saturday, March 22 at 11:30 a.m. ET. The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East will return to the track on Saturday, March 22 for the Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 150 at Greenville (S.C.) Pickens Speedway.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS
NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES EAST-PittLite 125
Saturday
At Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol Tenn.
Lap length: 0.533 miles
(Start position in parentheses)
1. (13) Eddie MacDonald, Rowley, Mass., Chevrolet, 132 laps, 57.110 mph.
2. (5) Gray Gaulding, Colonial Heights, Va., Chevrolet, 132.
3. (1) Ben Rhodes, Louisville, Ky., Chevrolet, 132.
4. (14) Brennan Newberry, Bakersfield, Calif., Chevrolet, 132.
5. (3) Austin Hill, Winston, Ga., Ford, 132.
6. (24) Patrick Staropoli, Plantation, Fla., Toyota, 132.
7. (29) David Garbo, Jr., Stonington, Conn., Toyota, 132.
8. (12) Brandon Jones, Atlanta, Ga., Chevrolet, 132.
9. (9) Matt Tifft, Hinckley, Ohio, Dodge, 132.
10. (18) Michael McGuire, Vinton, Va., Toyota, 132.
11. (11) Clint King, Denton, N.C., Toyota, 132.
12. (21) Brodie Kostecki, Perth, Australia, Toyota, 132.
13. (10) Jesse Little, Sherrills Ford, N.C., Chevrolet, 132.
14. (20) Cole Custer, Ladera Ranch, Calif., Chevrolet, 132.
15. (32) Jay Beasley, Las Vegas, Nev., Toyota, 132.
16. (36) Brandon Glover, Cuba, N.Y., Dodge, 132.
17. (7) Cameron Hayley, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Chevrolet, 132.
18. (15) Sam Hunt, Midlothian, Va., Toyota, 132.
19. (16) Anderson Bowen, Suwanee, Ga., Dodge, 132.
20. (19) Kaz Grala, Westborough, Mass., Chevrolet, 125.
21. (33) Mackena Bell, Carson City, Nev., Toyota, 125.
22. (6) Kenzie Ruston, El Reno, Okla., Chevrolet, 121, accident.
23. (28) Ronnie Bassett, Jr., Winston-Salem, N.C., Toyota, 116, electrical.
24. (26) Sergio Pena, Winchester, Va., Toyota, 111, accident.
25. (2) Brandon Gdovic, Yorktown, Va., Toyota, 111, accident.
26. (17) Daniel Suarez, Monterrey, Mexico, Toyota, 111, accident.
27. (25) Scott Heckert, Ridgefield, Conn., Chevrolet, 110, accident.
28. (27) Jeremy Burns, Simpsonville, S.C., Chevrolet, 109, accident.
29. (22) Nick Drake, Mooresville, N.C., Toyota, 101, accident.
30. (4) Cale Conley, Vienna, W. Va., Chevrolet, 52, accident.
31. (8) Lee Pulliam, Semora, N.C., Toyota, 51, accident.
32. (34) Jerry Dawson, Saugus, Mass., Toyota, 50, accident.
33. (31) Trey Hutchens, Lexington, N.C., Chevrolet, 40, accident.
34. (23) Ryan Gifford, Winchester, Tenn., Toyota, 18, accident.
35. (35) Chuck Buchanan, Jr., Hildebrand, N.C., Chevrolet, 6, mechanical.
Race Statistics
Time of Race: 1 hour 13 minutes 55 seconds
Margin of Victory: .728 seconds
Fastest Qualifier: B.Rhodes * (119.656 mph, 16.036 seconds)
Caution Flags: 7 for 40 laps.
Lead Changes: 1 among 2 drivers.
Lap Leaders: B. Rhodes 1-130; E. MacDonald 131-132.
Standings: 1. G. Gaulding, 118; 2. D. Suarez, 114; 3. B. Rhodes, 112; 4. P. Staropoli, 107; 5. C. Hayley, 100; 6. E. MacDonald, 99; 7. K. Ruston, 99; 8. A. Hill, 98; 9. B. Jones, 98; 10. B. Newberry, 93.
Dirt track racing in NH and Vtwill be getting a boost with the announcement that DIRTcar will be sanctioning racing events at both Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford, VT and Legion Speedway in Rumney, NH. For DIRTcar Sportsman Modified events will be run at those two dirt ovals. That’s good news for the region considering that at the end of last year the dirt and paved tracks at the Canaan Fairgrounds closed up following the sale to a green group that plans to test electric cars at that site.
by | Mar 13, 2014 | New England Motorsports South
By Lou Modestino
Stafford Motor Speedway will open its doors for business in 2014 with its traditional Spring Motorcycle and Ty-Rods Automotive Swap Meets. The Spring Motorcycle Swap Meet is the first event on the 2014 SMS Calendar of events, and is scheduled for Sunday, March 30. The 28th Annual Ty-Rods Automotive Swap Meet will be the following Sunday, April 6th.
Stafford Motor Speedway’s 2014 Season Ticket Packages are available and are on sale now at the SMS Box Office. After March 14, all season ticket packages will increase in price. Season tickets include General Admission, Reserved Seat, Season Paddock Pass, and Kids Club season packages. Season tickets offer fans access to all Stafford Motor Speedway NASCAR Racing events during the 2014 season, including NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and Modified Racing Series events. Season tickets do not include admission to Monster Trucks, Swap Meets, or Wild Thing Kart events.
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by | Mar 6, 2014 | New England, New England Motorsports North
By Lou Modestino
Forty-five days from today when the sound of racing engines and the smell of fresh paint and race fuel will fill the air. Saturday, April 12th is the date scheduled for the season opening PASS North season here at OPS. Ripley and Fletcher Ford of South Paris will be the headlining sponsor for the PASS Super Late Models, PASS Mods, PASS Sportsman and NELCAR Legends. 2pm is the scheduled post time. Rain date for the event is Sunday, April 13th. In event that the track is not ready to open due to wet grounds, Saturday, April 26th has been chosen as an alternate date. If all goes well with Mother Nature, Friday, April 11th from 11am-5pm has been chosen as a practice date for all divisions that race at Oxford.
Oxford Plains Speedway has something that any kind of race fan can enjoy in 2014. For people that like wild and entertaining events there are the $7,000 to win Colossal Carnage 150 Enduro, plus the five event Motor Mayham Series, and a Demolition Derby. If you like the super sleek, ultra fast PASS Super Late Model Series, the PASS Mods and the PASS Sportsman, they will be in competition three times including the season opening April 12th race, July 20th Oxford 250 and the season ending September 27th event.
Late Model lovers will enjoy the brand new PASS Northeast Late Model Series that will see three events hosted here at Oxford. The open wheel machines will be returning to OPS after several years’ absence as the ISMA Super Modifieds invade Oxford on Friday, June 20th for the Bentley Warren Classic. Also returning to OPS on Saturday, July 19th will be the NEMA Midgets and the NEMA Lites.
Don’t forget about the Oxford Championship Series that will be racing every Friday night from early May to September. This Series features the Pro Late Model division which is exploding with numbers and talent. It will be the veterans versus the young guns every week. Joining them will be the Street Stocks, Outlaws and Mini Cup cars. The Wednesday night Oxford Acceleration Series will feature the Outlaws, Runnin’ Rebels, Sport Trucks, Ladies and the return of the six cylinders in the Cruiser division. Last but not least we welcome Go-Kart racing back to OPS. There is something to wet everyone’s palate at Oxford Plains Speedway in 2014.
Our new PASS Tech team of Charlie and Jamie Rockwell are headed to Hawaii in April! Lucky Jamie won the all expense paid trip through a contest on the internet. Jamie can be found quite often surfing the net, and she came across a contest and entered it. Before long she received a message stating that she had won a trip to Hawaii. Concerned about it being a scam, she waited patiently to hear more about it, and lo and behold it was on the up and up. Congrats you lucky people.
Everyone that is planning to race at Oxford in 2014 needs to register their racecar to secure their number. There will be no duplicates and if you arrive at the track with a number that someone has already registered, you will be required to change the number on your racer even if you have had that number forever. Don’t delay, and don’t be upset with us if your number gets taken. You snooze, you lose!
February 28, 2014 is the deadline for 2013 reserved seat, Oxford 250 ticket holders to reserve and guarantee that they will get the same seats for 2014 seats. After 2/28/14, anyone may purchase reserved seats on a first come, first serve basis. To reserve your Oxford 250 reserved seats contact June at the OPS office. Call 207-539-8865.
With the excitement of Speedweeks 2014 behind us, Riverside Speedway is about to embark on its 50th anniversary season. Staff members have worked hard on updating forms and rules for all divisions, sponsors are being signed up and things are starting to progress nicely.
A major change for the 2014 season will be the combination of the Angels and Street Stocks divisions. “We made their rules the same last season and let them race together by choice. Now it just makes sense to combine the two divisions and have a great field of cars,” remarks track promoter Dan Fournier.
Opening weekend will start May 24th with a car show, an open practice and tire day. The following day on Sunday, May 25th.
Jessey Mueller is ready to be a champion. The 19-year-old Modified stock car driver will enter the Spring Green season opener at Vermont’s Devil’s Bowl Speedway on Sunday, May 4 with just one goal: Winning.
Mueller was rather matter-of-fact about his plans: “We’re going to try to win every race – that’s the only reason we show up,” he said.
After winning nine races last summer, including four in the Bond Auto Parts Modified division at Devil’s Bowl, Mueller and his family team have been working in the off-season to improve their program at their Olmstedville, NY home base.
On the competition side, Mueller has studied under NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour crew chief Phil Moran and was part of the team that won the “UNOH Battle at the Beach” event at Daytona International Speedway in February. On the sponsorship end, Mueller’s No. 19 cars will carry new backing from MacMillen Construction, Precision Auto, and Liquor & Wine Warehouse to join longtime sponsors Mueller & Sons Heavy Duty Towing and Freihofer’s distributors Eric and Sherry Laundry.
Often donning a 10-gallon hat with the nickname “The Warren County Cowboy,” Mueller is hopeful that his goal of winning races may also pay off with championships at Devil’s Bowl Speedway and Airborne Park Speedway in Plattsburgh, NY, along with NASCAR Whelen All-American Series honors.
“I’m pretty excited to go after the championships,” Mueller said. I’ve learned a lot about how to make the cars work, and I feel pretty fortunate to have some new sponsors this year. For me, winning at the short tracks is what I want to be doing, and it feels like the season can’t start soon enough.”
Mueller is part of a strong contingent of drivers gunning for the Devil’s Bowl title. Veterans Ron Proctor, Leon Gonyo, and Vince Quenneville, Jr., are expected to challenge defending champion Todd Stone, along with emerging stars Dave Snow and Cody Sargen.
The season opens on Sunday, May 4 at 1:30pm with the historic Spring Green event for the American-Canadian Tour Late Models and the Bond Auto Parts Modified, Renegade and Central Vermont Motorcycles Mini Stock divisions of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
Devil’s Bowl Speedway is located on Route 22A in West Haven, VT, four miles north of Exit 2 on U.S. Route 4.
