West Haven, VT- Richard Murtaugh has had one of the fastest cars in nearly every special race contested at the Devil’s Bowl Speedway for the past few years. Yet, somehow scoring a monumental win at “New England’s Fastest Dirt Track” has eluded the talented young driver. Until Sunday night, that is.
Murtaugh negotiated a late-race pass of defending race champion Joey Scarborough and scored one of the biggest wins of his blossoming career in the CJ Richards Memorial 67 on Prelude to the Vermont 200 weekend presented by Reed Door Solutions.
Murtaugh made the long haul from Fulton, NY to chase the $5,000 winner’s check offered at the event, and that’s exactly what he rode back home with. Joey Scarborough and Adam Pierson led the field of 31 Sunoco Sportsman Modifieds to the green flag, with Scarborough establishing the early lead. Scarborough set the pace for the first 25 laps, but Pierson, Murtaugh, Brian Calabrese, Derrick McGrew Jr., Scott Towslee, and Jordan Fornwalt were all lurking. Both Calabrese and Towslee rose to the top of the leaderboard for several laps, as Murtaugh got shuffled back a few spots. After a restart with 15 laps remaining, Towslee and Calabrese made contact and spun while battling for the lead in turn one. Towslee was summoned to pit road by race control for the rest of the evening, and Calabrese was forced to restart at the back of the pack. Scarborough regained control on the restart, but caution flew on lap 61. When racing resumed, Murtaugh was able to slip past Scarborough in the closing circuits to park his machine in victory lane. Scarborough crossed the line in second. McGrew, who had to restart at the back of the field after getting nerf bars hooked with Pierson in the early laps, staged an incredible rally to place third. Josh Sunn and Randy Ryan completed the top five.
The Renegades and Street Stocks were on hand on Sunday, with drivers representing a variety of local tracks in attendance. Airborne Park regular Billy Thwaits made short work of the field in capturing the 15-lap feature. Thwaits and Andrew Fitzgerald fired from the top two slots on the grid, and that is where they stayed all night. Thwaits, who has four wins at “The Big A” this season, was clearly the class of the field as he took the lead from Fitzgerald and drove off for the dominating victory. Fitzgerald held on for second, followed by Josh Bussino, Dana Carter, and Trevor Gravelle.
The Northern Refrigeration Novice Sportsman Modifieds ran Twin 15-lap features, with a pair of former mini sprint drivers stealing the show. In the first feature, Gage Provencher jumped to the early lead and led flag to flag to earn his fifth win of the 2026 campaign. Gavin Fleury finished second, Mark McGinnis third, James McLellan fourth, and Rob Steele fifth. In the second go-round, Eric Dingman reached the top of the podium for the first time in his career. Dingman moved into a modified at the end of last season and has been improving weekly. Dingman sprang from the front row to take the early advantage and never gave it back, holding off Provencher’s attempt for a sweep. Provencher was second, followed by Steele, Fleury, and Matt Little.
The Friend Construction 500cc Mini Sprints competed in a three-segment event, spread across the weekend. Scott Bachand won segment one and segment three to secure the overall victory. Andy Quenneville picked up his first win as he crossed the finish line first in segment two.
The Mini Stocks are usually divided into a High Handicap and Low Handicap race, but on this weekend they all competed together in a two-segment event. Jeremy Brownell Jr. finished second in segment one and captured the checkered flag in segment two to be crowned the overall winner. Kaleb Shepard continued his stellar season with a victory in segment one and a third in segment two, just to come up a whisker short.
On Saturday, the show kicked off with Randy Ryan winning the 10-lap “Dash for Cash” for the Sunoco Sportsman Modifieds. Frank Horde III, Vince Quenneville, Towslee, and Eric Shaw rounded out the top five.
The DirtCar 358 Modifieds were on hand Saturday night for a 30-lap feature. Tim Fuller surged from the 12th spot on the grid to cash the $2,000 winner’s check. Jessey Mueller led the first 11 laps, but Dave Camara overtook him on lap 12 and seemed to have the car to beat, building a substantial lead. Meanwhile, Fuller was slicing his way through the field. The yellow flag flew on lap 26, handing Fuller the opportunity he was looking for. Fuller muscled his way past Camara on the restart and held on for the victory. Camara finished second, followed by Mike Mahaney, Jordan Fornwalt, and Scarborough.
In the O’Reilly Auto Parts 25-lap feature Saturday, Kamden Duffy captured his second win in the last two weeks. Matt Wade led the first 12 laps and appeared in control. Russ Farr led lap 13, edging Wade on a restart, before his car suffered a mechanical failure right in front of Wade, forcing Wade to take evasive action over the backstretch bank. Wade was awarded his track position back, but Duffy secured the point after racing resumed and went on to pick up the win. Wade, Freddie Little, Anthony Ryan and Tyler Travis also finished in the top five.
The Xtreme Dirt Midgets made their second appearance of the season, with a familiar face claiming a decisive win. Fair Haven’s Chris Murray rolled to a decisive win. Murray started in the fourth position before moving around early leader Will Hull to seize control the rest of the way. Hull was second, Brandon Piastka third, Justin Comes fourth, and Daniel Piastka fifth.
Trevor Jaques added to his win total, and he won the Stove Depot 15-lap feature convincingly. Jaques drove quickly from the fifth starting spot to the front and held off a hard-charging Bradford Cram. Behind Jaques and Cram, Josh Muir finished third, Andrew Lopes fourth, and Chad Merrill fifth.
There is no racing on Saturday, August 8th due to summer break. The action returns to Devil’s Bowl on Saturday, August 15th with the "Friend Construction Night of Features," "Kids Racecar Rides," and a 50 Lap Enduro. Grandstands open at 5:30 p.m. Racing is at 7 p.m. Grandstand admission is $15. Infield parking is $25 per person. Kids 12 and under are free. Pit admission is $30 for members and $40 for non-members.
Official Results-"C.J. Richards Memorial 67" "Prelude to the Vermont 200"
Saturday and Sunday, August 1st and 2nd, 2026
CJ Richards Memorial 67 (67 laps)
Pos. (Start) Driver Hometown
1. (4) Richard Murtaugh Fulton, NY 2. (1) Joey Scarborough Brandon, VT 3. (5) Derrick McGrew Jr Ballston Spa, NY 4. (11) Josh Sunn White River Junction, VT 5. (15) Randy Ryan Orwell, VT 6. (12) Tanner Siemons Orford, NH 7. (6) Jordan Fornwalt Bradford, VT 8. (20) Johnny Bruno West Haven, VT 9. (13) Dave Camara Poultney, VT 4 10. (31) Marty Kelly III Bennington, VT 11. (7) Brian Calabrese Johnstown, NY 12. (16) Tristan Ladouceur Alexandria, ON 13. (2) Adam Pierson East Corinth, VT 14. (24) Cory Castell Fort Covington, NY 15. (18) Tim Hodge East Thetford, VT 16. (22) Ashton Pierson East Corinth, VT 17. (29) Vince Quenneville Brandon, VT 18. (28) Billy Lussier Fair Haven, VT 19. (30) Adam Piper Leicester, VT 20. DNF Eric Shaw Wells, VT 21. DNF Scott Towslee Manchester, VT 22. DNF Justin Comes Fair Haven, VT 23. DNF Mason Rogers LaFargeville, NY 24. DNF Freddie Little Salisbury, VT 25. DNF Marty Hutchins Poultney, VT 26. DNF Travis Green Wallkill, NY 27. DNF Jeff Washburn Benson, VT 28. DNF Jim Ryan Whiting, VT 29. DNF Nick Brundige Round Lake, NY 30. DNF Frankie Hoard III Manchester Center, VT
DNS Michael Danforth Jr. Corinth, VT
Renegade Feature (15 laps)
Pos. (Start) Driver Hometown
1. (2) Billy Thwaits Clintonville, NY 2. (1) Andrew Fitzgerald West Rutland, VT 3. (4) Josh Bussino Cuttingsville, VT 4. (5) Dana Carter Plymouth, NH 5. (8) Trevor Gravelle Ausable Forks, NY 6. (3) Jake Middleton Greenfield Center, NY 7. (6) Tyler Fellows East Corinth, VT 8. (10) Tim Wilcox Saranac, NY 9. (9) Brandon Forrester 10. (11) Mike Bussino Mount Holly, VT 11. (12) Konnor Joyal Ausable Forks, NY
DNS Shawn Duquette Morrisonville, NY
Northern Refrigeration Novice Sportsman Modified Feature No.1 (15 laps)
Pos. (Start) Driver Hometown
1. Gage Provencher Bridport, VT 2. Gavin Fleury Ticonderoga, NY 3. Mark McGinnis Rutland, VT 4. James McLellan Wells, VT 5. Rob Steele Bomoseen, VT 6. Rob Steves Orwell, VT 7. Matt Little Salisbury, VT 8. Stephen Bushey Brushton, NY 9. Eric Dingman Corinth, NY 10. Ben Williams Brandon, VT 11. Shawn King Brookfield, VT 12. Kaylin Pierson Fairlee, VT 13. Antony Boissonneault Ste-Cécile de Milton, QC 14. Nate Illsley Fair Haven, VT 15. DNF Roger Laduc Castleton, VT
Northern Refrigeration Novice Sportsman Modified Feature No. 2 (15 laps)
Pos. (Start) Driver Hometown
1. (2) Eric Dingman Corinth, NY 2. (3) Gage Provencher Bridport, VT 3. (5) Rob Steele Bomoseen, VT 4. (9) Gavin Fleury Ticonderoga, NY 5. (4) Matt Little Salisbury, VT 6. (7) Rob Steves Orwell, VT 7. (14) Stephen Bushey Brushton, NY 8. (13) Antony Boissonneault Ste-Cécile De Milton, QC 9. (11) Shawn King 10. (10) Kaylin Pierson Fairlee, VT 11. DNF Mark McGinnis Rutland, VT 12. DNF James McLellan Wells, VT 13. DNF Ben Williams Brandon, VT 14. DNF Nate Illsley Fair Haven, VT
DNS Roger Laduc Castleton, VT
Friend Construction 500cc Mini Sprint Final Segment (10 laps)
Pos. (Start) Driver Hometown
1. (4) Scott Bachand St Albans, VT 2. (3) Levi Cram Leicester, VT 3. (5) Alex Reed Proctor, VT 4. (7) Andy Quenneville Brandon, VT 5. (6) Tyler Whittemore Pittsford, VT 6. (2) Tommy Kasuba Castleton, VT 7. (1) Aiden Wade Clarendon, VT
Mini Stock Final Segment (15 laps)
Pos. (Start) Driver Hometown
1. (20) Jeremy Brownell Jr Greenwich, NY 2. (21) Kaleb Shepard Vergennes, VT 3. (17) Jon Jordan Benson, VT 4. (14) Jake Fountain Dannemora, NY 5. (19) Chris Charbonneau Rutland, VT 6. (18) Jeremy Brownell Greenwich, NY 7. (12) Bert Ouellette Ellington, CT 8. (11) Tyler Bell Peru, NY 9. (7) Chandler Sumner Ripton, VT 10. (13) Jerry Jordan Sr Benson, VT 11. (15) Jayde Pope e Fair Haven, VT 12. (16) Gerard Jordan Jr Benson, VT 13. (4) David Labarge South Glens Falls, NY 14. (6) Ron Alger Orwell, VT 15. (9) Shane Wood West Haven, VT 16. (1) Quinton Bishop Whiting, VT 17. (10) Bob Wood Whiting, VT 18. (2) Adam Stewart Benson, VT 19. (5) Vincent Kendall Rutland, VT 20. (8) Jacob Mallory Granville, NY 21. (22) Kyle Jordan Benson, VT 22. (3) Cody Dion Rutland, VT
DNS Caden Stearns Shoreham, VT
DNS William Hewitt Castleton, VT
DNS Jarrod Colburn Rutland, VT
DirtCar 358 Modifieds Feature (30 laps)
Pos. (Start) Driver Hometown
1. (12) Tim Fuller Watertown, NY 2. (5) Dave Camara Poultney, VT 3. (3) Mike Mahaney Elizabethtown, NY 4. (6) Jordan Fornwalt Bradford, VT 5. (10) Joey Scarborough Brandon, VT 6. (11) Hammond Walter j Canaan, NH 7. (4) Jack Speshock Malta, NY 8. (15) Jim Ryan Whiting, VT 9. (2) Jessey Mueller Chestertown, NY 10. (8) Justin Stone Middlebury, VT 11. (1) Tanner Siemons Orford, NH 12. (7) Alex Layn New Haven, VT 13. (13) Hammond Walter Jr Canaan, NH 14. (9) A.J. Munger Benson, VT 15. (14) Todd Morey Castleton, VT 16. (16) Marty Kelly III Bennington, VT
DNS James Hanson Orwell, VT
Sunoco Sportsman Modifieds Dash for Cash (10 laps)
Pos. (Start) Driver Hometown
1. (2) Randy Ryan Orwell, VT 2. (1) Frankie Hoard III Manchester Center, VT 3. (4) Vince Quenneville Brandon, VT 4. (3) Scott Towslee Manchester, VT 5. (5) Eric Shaw Wells, VT 6. (7) Billy Lussier Fair Haven, VT 7. (9) Mason Rogers LaFargeville, NY 8. (6) Brent Warren Salisbury, VT 9. (8) Jeff Washburn Bensen, VT 10. (10) Adam Piper Leicester, VT
O’Reilly Auto Parts Limited Sportsman Feature (25 laps)
Pos. (Start) Driver Hometown
1. (4) Kamden Duffy Richmond, NH 2. (2) Matthew Wade Fair Haven, VT 3. (6) Freddie Little Salisbury, VT 4. (5) Anthony Ryan Benson, VT 5. (10) Tyler Travis Hartland, VT 6. (1) Trevor Hurlburt Bomoseen, VT 7. (12) Logan Denis Whiting, VT 8. (7) Bob Kilburn Fair Haven, VT 9. (13) Aiden Benoure Bristol, VT 10. (16) Bobbi Hults Castleton, VT 11. (14) Gary English Salisbury, VT 12. (11) William Lussier Jr Fair Haven, VT 13. (8) Cody O'Brien Peru, NY 14. (15) Joshua Patterson Milton, VT 15. (9) William Duprey Hydeville, VT 16. (3) Russell Farr III Middle Granville, NY
Xtreme Dirt Midgets Feature (20 laps)
Pos. (Start) Driver Hometown
1. (4) Chris Murray Fair Haven, VT
2. (2) Will Hull East Montpelier, VT
3. (1) Brandon Piastka New Haven, VT
4. (7) Justin Comes Fair Haven, VT
5. (6) Daniel Piastka West Suffield, CT
6. (3) Nick Fretto Ballston Lake, NY
7. (5) Justin Phillips Northeast Somewhere, NY
8. (9) John Forlano E Hampton, CT
9. (10) Travis Hull Granitesville, VT
10. (8) Adam Whitney Warren, VT
11. (12) Mike Netishen Auburn, NH
12. (11) Keith Brown Hardwick, MA
DNS Matt Tanner Stephentown, NY
Stove Depot Crown Vic Feature (15 laps)
Pos. (Start) Driver Hometown
1. (5) Trevor Jaques Milton, VT 2. (4) Bradford Cram Rutland, VT 3. (8) Josh Muir Enosburg Falls, VT 4. (6) Andrew Lopes Swanton, VT 5. (7) Chad Merrill Shelburne, VT 6. (2) Scott Richner Rouses Point, NY 7. (9) Ryan Patch Rutland, VT 8. (3) Gordon Dimick North Clarendon, VT 9. (1) Levi Benoure Salisbury, VT