July 19, 2008

Ryan Vanasse wins ARC Pro Stock Francis Farm Mid-Season Championship for first of career. Jody Tripp, Gerry DeGasparre and John Geremia III also celebrate in Mid Season Form.

By Kevin M Boucher

Ryan Vanasse picked up his first career ARC Pro Stock win on July 19, as he picked up the Francis Farm Mid Season Championship, holding off Tom Scully Jr and Ken Spencer in a heated battle. John Dabrowski and Ken Spencer sat on the front row for the 45 lap feature. The pair ran wheel to wheel for the first 10 laps, swapping the lead back and forth. Spencer was credited with leading lap 6, as he ran the outside lane, but was edged out the next couple of laps by the Tire Warehouse Chevy of Dabrowski. On Lap 9, Spencer powered down the backstretch and put the Pub 76 Monte Carlo into the lead.

While Spencer set the pace, Scott Dion’s Douglas A King Builders Chevy was trying to hold off the Subway of Seekonk Rt. 6 machine of Tom Scully Sr, as they raced nose to tail. Vanasse was starting to climb his way from his seventh starting position. Ryan found the Regal Law PC Chevy liked the outside lane, and by lap ten, found himself fifth. Following Vanasse on the outside was reigning champion Dave Darling current points leader Fred Astle Jr. and two time winner Tom Scully Jr.

Just past the halfway point, Vanasse started his ascent again, and worked the outside of Sr Scully, as they raced for third. All of a sudden, the East Coast Collision Chevy of Scully slowed, and lost several positions. While all this was going on behind him, Taunton’s Spencer kept the pace moving at a feverish pitch, holding onto a 2 car length cushion over Dabrowski. Dabrowski had his hands full, as Vanasse started to climb the ladder. By lap 30, Dabrowski had fallen back to third, but still had Spencer in view, as the top three cars raced under a blanket. Kid Scully had worked his way up into fourth with Astle running fifth.

Lap 31 saw the first caution of the event, as Berkley’s Jake Vanada spun his Aubuchon Hardware Ford in turn 2. The top ten at this point were Spencer, Vanasse, Dabrowski, Kid Scully, Astle, Darling, Ray Parent, Scott Dion, Mike Brightman, and Tom Scully Sr. As the field went back to green, Spencer got a great jump, and led the pack by a car length over Vanasse, who had his hands full keeping Dabrowski at bay. John was filling the hole on the inside lane under Ryan. Lap 33 brought out the second and final caution, when Scott Dion spun his Northern Light Electric Co Chevy, collecting the Propane Plus Ford of Vanada, ending Vanadas’ night. The Autopart International Chevy of Steve O’Brien was also involved, which saw him go off via the hook. Dion was able to get his machine repaired and back out.  With a dozen laps remaining, all eyes were on the top 6, as Spencer was working for his first win of the season.

As the green returned, Spencer pushed his Hadrose Well Drilling Chevy as hard as he could, as Vanasse pushed his Team V Transportation mount on the outside. The duo ran wheel to wheel for several laps before Vanasse fell in behind. Tom Scully Jr had squeezed his Dr Feelgood Limo Chevy into third, and put his machine right on the back bumper of Spencer, as Vanasse tried the outside once again. The Johnson Landscaping Dodge of Darling was fourth with Astle fifth. At the 40 lap mark, Vanasse fell back behind Spencer, but was an opening on the inside and squeezed into the hole, pushing Spencer to the outside.

For four laps, Spencer was able to hold onto the lead over Vanasse, edging him out by mere inches each lap. Scully, Darling and Astle made it a five car battle for the lead. As they raced through turns one and two on the final lap, Spencer bobbled just a bit, and that allowed the rookie to squeeze past and lead the charge to the checkered flag. Tom Jr took advantage of Spencer and picked up the second spot across the line. Spencer regrouped to hang on for third. Astle saw a little opening around Darling, and was able to put his WoodFrame Structures Chevy up into fourth, breaking his 3 week win streak. Darling wound up fifth, with Ray Parent, Dabrowski, Brightman, Dave Hutchins and Dan O’Brien rounded out the top ten.

“I’ve got a lot of people to thank, so this may take a while!” a very relieved Vanasse said in Victory Lane. “That was a great race. I wasn’t worried about Kenny running me rough, and he put up a great fight. There are a lot of people that have helped me to get here. My wife, father, mother, brother are a big part of this. Regan Law PC, Foundation Title, the family business Team V Transportation, Dick and Jackie Houle helped me earlier in my career in the Late Models. I know I forgot some people, I’m sorry. I am just so excited right now.”

In the 35 lap Late Model feature, Gerry DeGasparre picked up his second win in a row, and third over the last four events. In an event that was 5 cautions, DeGasparre celebrated his second Mid Season title. John Hanafin and Mike Taschereau brought the field down for the green. Hanafin put his President’s Landscape and Design Chevy out front in the early going. The first caution came out on lap 3, when the Marchetti’s Restaurant Chevy of Rey Lovelace spun in turn 4. Matt Breault had worked his way into third by this point, with Randy Burr and Kyle Casper rounding out the top five.

On the restart, Breault was able to make a bid for the lead, as they went three wide through turns one and two. When they came out the turns, the Breault Roofing Ford of Matt Breault was your leader. Casper was glued to his rear bumper, and the Somerset Federal Credit Union Chevy was running second. Hanafin was back to third, while DeGasparre sat fourth and John Dickerman rounded out the top five. Gerry was moving through the field, and by lap eight, the A-1 Custom Auto Body Chevy ran third. At the same time, Jeramee Lillie and Kevin Casper were working through the traffic, and ran fifth and sixth. Lillie, by lap 15, had his 2B Racing & Fabrication Ford into fourth, and started putting pressure on the reigning Champion. When the second caution came out on lap 17, when Mark Langlois and Randy Clark spun together in turn 2, Kevin Casper put his Phil’s Propane Ford into fifth.

When the field went back to green, Breault, one again, was able to fend off the challenges of the Kidd Motorsports mount of Kyle Casper, as DeGasparre squeezed under the Somerset native. Gerry got a little crossed up a few laps later, and fell into line behind Kyle and in front of Kevin Casper. As they thundered off of turn four to complete lap 27, there was contact between the front runners. Kyle Casper got into the back of Breault, who appeared to slow a hair, sending both cars spinning into the infield. DeGasparre barely squeezed through to inherit the lead. Kevin Casper restarted second, with Jon Dickerman, Jeramee Lillie, and Mike Taschereau rounding out the top 5.

Once back under green, Dickerman got a good jump behind DeGasparre, putting the AirGas Chevy into second. With Lillie into third, while Casper dropped back to fourth. Lillie had a good run going, and slid the Houle Motorsports Ford inside Dickerman for second. On lap 31, the back end came out from underneath the Warwick native and Lillie spun into the infield, bringing out the fourth yellow of the evening. Under caution, Lillie’s machine rubbed against the North American Amusements Chevy of Dickerman, causing the Jon’s right front tire to go down, taking him out of contention. This would get Lillie disqualified for the night. Mike Taschereau was back up to third in his Sponsor Wanted Pontiac, with Randy Burr and Bill Bernard rounding out the top five. Kyle Casper and Matt Breault were working their way back through the pack, and both sat just out of the top five.

The final caution waved on lap 32 when Mark Langlois spun his Crown Collision Pontiac off turn 4. Over the last three laps, DeGasparre would keep his Spumoni’s Restaurant Chevy at the top of the field. Kyle Casper worked his way past Burr and Taschereau for third over the last few laps, while Breault rounded out the top five as the field crossed under the checkered flag.

“It was pretty hot out there tonight.” sighed an overheated Late Model winner. “To all the naysayers out there, I’m not worried about tech. This thing is AWESOME! They guys did an awesome job. It is an absolute pleasure to win on Ken Foley’s night. This is the second time we’ve been able to do it. Cerelli Foods, thank you for coming and supporting us. It looked like it was going to be a great battle out there, then Kyle and Matt got together. It’s a shame, as they both had great cars tonight. Thank you to all of my sponsors and to all the fans for coming out again.”

The Street Stocks ran without reigning champion and current points leader Sparky Arsenault, as he failed to qualify do to a loose wire in his consolation event. As the field came down for the green for their 25 lap main event. Ron Barboza Jr held the top spot as Dave Ratcliffe set up on his tail. Chris Rioux, Rey Negley and John Geremia III rounded out the top 5. The first yellow dropped at lap 2, when Paul Newcomb Jr cut down a right rear tire and spun through turns three and four. Dick Cavallaro got tangled up with him, causing the two cars to lock together.

 The MTG Disposal Camaro of Barboza held onto the lead, once back under green. Ratcliffe fell out of second on the restart, as Chris Rioux squeezed underneath for second. Geremia was up to fourth, with Rey Negley rounding out the top five. While the top four remained unchanged for the first 20 laps, they were setting a torrid pace. By lap 16, the top four were over half a straight in front of Paul Lallier, who had worked himself into fifth. Lallier came into the night second in points and was hoping to capitalize on the misfortunes of Arsenault. Once into fifth, e started closing in on the top four, but would need some help if he was going to be able to make any moves. His help came on lap 21, as a muffler had come off of one of the cars, and sat in turn 4, forcing the ARC officials to throw a caution. The top five at this point were Barboza, Rioux, Ratcliffe, Geremia, and Lallier.

As the green returned, Ratcliffe decided he wanted to give leading a try. In a three wide bid, Ratcliffe put his Jack’s Auto Salvage Camaro to the inside of Barboza and Ratcliffe. They raced that was for a lap, and as the former Street Stock Champ seemed to take the lead, he went around, forcing him out of contention. Paul Lallier would get the penalty for the assist. Ron Barboza started to slide back, as he had already fallen out of the top five.

The green returned, but would come right back out, when several cars got together heading into turn three, with Elmer Wing III getting into the wall. Chris DeMoura, Dave Ratcliffe, and Paul Lallier were all involved. This set up a 3 lap battle with John Geremia and Jeff
Amaral sitting on the front row after all of this fracas. Rioux, Tony Oliviera and Scott Bruneau rounded out the top five as they went back to green.

Amaral, coming off his second win of the season just a week prior, looked to make it two in a row, as he tried to get a grip on the outside. But it was with no avail, as the JRA Powdercoating Monte Carlo slid back during the last 3 laps. Everyone from second back were jockeying for position, as John Geremia III set out front, and picked up his first win of the season. The battle for second got wild over the last two laps, as Mike Mitchell worked his way from sixth to second on the final laps, with Ryan Lineham finishing third. Jeff Amaral wound up fourth, with Lallier working his way back up into fifth in the final tally, and unofficially taking over the Street Stock points lead. Paul Newcomb wound up sixth, with Oliviera, Justin Travis, Crystal Serydynski, and Ray Negley rounding out the top ten.

“I can’t believe this” a very emotional John Geremia III said in Victory Lane, as his father gave him a great big bear hug. “I want to thank everyone who has helped me out this year. Especially my dad, he is great. To all of my sponsors, NuLux, Camille’s, all of you. Thank You. To my sister, I love you. I’m speechless!”

Second generation racer, and rookie, Jody Tripp lined up on the point with veteran Billy Clarke on the outside, as the Seekonk Sport Trucks got underway for their Francis-Farm 25 lap Mid Season Championship. Tripp would find himself leading the race in the opening laps, as Zach Tucan moved his Reynolds Auto Wrecking Nissan into the runner up spot. Clarke started sliding back, as Fall River’s John Paiva slid into third by lap three. Bill Prisco and Rick Martin were working through the field, and by lap 5 were fourth and fifth respectively. Using the inside lanes, Prisco squeezed under Paiva, and moved his Phil’s Propane Chevy into third by lap 9, with Martin glued to his rear bumper. Lap 10 saw the first of three cautions, as Charlie Rose Jr cut a tire on his Sanford Tree Experts ford, and came to a stop in turn two.

As the field came up to speed, the handles on the track, allowing Prisco, Martin, Paiva and Mike Cavallaro to slip by. Martin, working the outside, pushed his Rick Martin Hobbies and Signs Toyota into second, and started to put heavy pressure on the leader. As Martin was working the outside, the second yellow dropped for the Taunton MA native Tucan, who spun in turn 2 on lap 16. The top five at this point were Tripp, Martin, Prisco, Paiva, and Cavallaro.

Martin wound up the outside lane, trying to wrestle the lead away from the Silver Key Inc. Chevy of Tripp. The final caution came out on lap 18, when Eric Boyko and Lenny Guy got together. This set up a seven lap dash to the finish. Once back underway, Tripp and Martin raced wheel to wheel for the lead, with Prisco, Paiva, Cavallaro and Rose stacked up behind them.

As they crossed the white flag, Prisco tried to make a three wide bid for the lead, and got a run on the inside as they came into turn three. It was Martin on the outside, Tripp in the middle and Prisco on the bottom. As they came across the stripe, the ARC scorers had to check the AMB Transponder scoring loop to verify the winner, as Jody Tripp picked up his first career win by .009 over Prisco. Martin was .180 behind in third, with Cavallaro and Rose rounding out the top five. Ed Gannon III was sixth, Tucan recovered to move back up to seventh, Paiva was eighth, Lenny Guy ninth and Brian Murray tenth.

“FANTASTIC” a very ecstatic Tripp exclaimed after climbing out of his winning mount. “It was a handful at the end. It was loose, and I just tried to stay with it. I wasn’t even sure who had it at the end. I want to thank my dad. He’s been a big part of this. Mike and my sponsors, Chuck if he is here, thank you to al of you.”

During intermission, a presentation was made to the Providence Ronald McDonald House in memory of Ed Holewiak III. Over 25 teams raced for the House a week ago, and they joined the Holewiak family trackside as they presented a check for over $36,000. this was done through donation from Saturday night racers and fans, as well as the 6th annual Bike Run that concluded Sunday at Seekonk Speedway. A big thanks goes out to the speedway management and staff for use of the facility, and to Francis-Farm, as they provided the food for the day. Over 1200 bikes attended the run. Linwood Cowen held a fundraiser for the House at a local 7-11, and presented his check to Ed and the family while trackside. A new Huffy bike was given to one lucky youngster, courtesy of Francis-Farm, and a great time was had by all.

The 63rd season continues this weekend, as the Fast Friday series returns after a week off. The Pure Stocks and Seekonk Youth Racing Association headlines the racing on the 1/3 mile, as Kart racing takes center stage in the back pit area. General admission is just $5.00 for adults, children 12 and under is free. On Saturday, July 25, Wheelock Napa Auto Group presents a full night of racing with the ARC Pro Stocks, Late Models, Seekonk Sport Trucks and Street Stocks.  Highlighting this event will be our annual Fans On Parade, where the fans get more involved with the activities. To be part of the Fans on Parade, all you need is your favorite driver, and be creative with t-shirts, posters, banners, signs, or whatever your creative mind can come up with. General Admission is just $12.00, and kids 12 and under are free. Be a part of something special at Seekonk Speedway.

July 16, 2008

Hirschman wins 4th Annual Viveiros Insurance Modified Madness and pockets $10,000. Abold and State victorious in NEMA Features.

By Kevin M Boucher

When the 24 car field rolled out for the 4th Annual Viveiros Insurance Modified Madness, it was Matt Hirschman and Bobby Grigas III sitting on the front row. In a race that saw only 3 cautions, it wasn’t enough to slow Matt from putting his name in the record books as the fourth driver to pick up the $10,000 grand prize. When the green flag dropped, Matt took command, and let the rest of the field fight for second. And fight they did. Grigas held on for second for several laps, until the Viveiros Insurance sponsored Chevy of Dick Houlihan jumped into second by lap 10. Ryan Preece had worked himself into third by that point, and was putting pressure on Houly.

The first caution came out on lap 14, when Eric Beers spun his Cape Cod Aggregates Chevy in turn 2. John Fortin’s SGS Stoneworks machine broke, and needed assistance as well. Dave Berghman had moved his Hub Construction 82 into fourth, with Grigas fifth. Chuck Hossfeld, Ed Dachenhausen, Ted Christopher, Rob Summers, and Jimmy Blewett made out the top ten. After a false restart, the field was back underway. Hirschman continued to set the pace in the Furnace and Duct Corvette, but behind him, positions were up for grabs. Ryan Preece used an inside move on Houlihan and put the Reynolds Auto Wrecking 3 into second, and began to pressure the leader.

By lap 25, Berghman was running third, with Houly and Hossfeld the top five. One driver on the move was reigning True Value Modified Champion Kirk Alexander, as the Gary’s Best 43 was passing cars wholesale style. Between laps 25 and 30, he moved up 6 positions on the outside, and wasn’t done yet. He cleared the Triple G Scaffolding mount of Grigas, but had almost a full straightaway of distance ahead to the Jerry Gradl Motors 22 of Hossfeld.

At the halfway point, the top six remained unchanged, while Dachenhausen, McKennedy, Les Hinckley, and Grigas rounded out the top ten. The gap between Hossfeld and Alexander had shrunk to a couple of car lengths at this point, and by lap 55, there was a new fourth place runner. Hirschman was started to close in on the tail end of the field, and the drivers behind him knew then had to start making a move. About this time, Berghman started to flex some muscle, and he looked to the outside of Preece, trying to pick up second. As the leaders ran through heavy lapped traffic, they were jockeying for position, trying to use the lapped cars as picks. Lap 67 saw the second yellow of the event when Carl Pasteryak spun his Bill Dawley’s Collision Center Pontiac just in front of the leaders. Everyone was able to make it through unscathed.

As the field completed lap 70, Dave Berghman and Ryan Preece made contact, sending Preece around. Berghman was sent to the rear for the contact. This moved Houlihan back into second. Hossfeld was third, with Alexander and McKennedy now rounding out the top 5. Rob Summers, Eric Beers, Jimmy Kuhn, Ken Bouchard and Vinny Annarummo now rounded out the top ten.

Rob Summers started to show he was here for the money, as the outside lane became his friend. Working the second groove, the Frasco Oil machine quickly found his way into the top 4 by lap 73. After holding off Alexander for several laps, lap 80 saw him lose the back end of the car for just a bit. With a great save, he lost only one position to Alexander. The handles started to go away, and Summers faded out of the top 5. Jon McKennedy had worked his way into fourth by lap 88, but over the last 10 laps, the Power Mist Racing Fuels 73 fell back into fifth.

In the end, Matt Hirschman, fresh off his first career NASCAR Whelen Modified Series win just 4 days prior, showed the kind of groove he has gotten into, as he drove under the checkered flag $10,000 richer. Dick Houlihan finished second, while Chuck Hossfeld was third. Alexander and McKennedy rounded out the top 5. Summers, Bouchard, Christopher, Grigas and Beers rounded out the top ten.

“This is a great win for the car owner, Wayne Darling.” said Hirschman, after taking his victory lap. “This is his home track. It’s been a great week for me. $10,000 to win is awesome. I got a good pick, and was able to use it to my advantage. Two years ago, I didn’t qualify for this race. Last year I started last and finished second, so I know haw much qualifying means. I had a car to win this year, and we were able to do it. Thanks to Viveiros insurance for putting this race on.”

In the 25 lap NEMA Midget feature, Nokie Fornoro took the early lead from his pole starting position, with Adam Cantor jumping in just behind. Quickly, Nokie had a 4 car length lead, but the driver on the move was 2 time open Wheel Wednesday runner-up Randy Cabral. By lap 3, Randy had worked his way into the second spot, up from his tenth starting position, and started putting heavy pressure on Fornoro. I didn’t take long for the Plymouth MA native to lead the pace, as on lap 4, he powered by on the outside, and put his Bertrand Motorsports entry into the lead.

Once out front, he started to pull away, as Nokie would have his hands full with Jeff Abold, as Jeff had worked his way up from ninth. The first caution dropped at lap eight, when Mike Horn stalled his A-1 Auto machine. Back under race conditions, Cabrals’ Atlantic Coast Trailer Sales mount opened up a 12 car length advantage. Abold took over second from Fornoro on lap 9, and started to hunt down the leader. He started to close in the gap, but would find himself lined up on the front row after the second caution came out on lap twelve for John Zych, when he spun his JZ Motorsports Mazda on the front stretch. At this point, the top ten were Cabral, Abold, Fornor, Adam Cantor, Jeremy Frankowski, Jeff Horn, Greg Stohr, Lou Cicconi Jr, Bobby Santos, and Joey Payne.

For the next several laps, Cabral and Abold raced side by side for the lead, swapping it back and forth. It was on lap 14, that Abold officially took over the lead, and started top pull away by lap 17. Working heavy lapped traffic, Abold was able to pull away from the field, and picked up his first Open Wheel Wednesday feature win. For the third time in four years, Randy Cabral was relegated to second place. Jeff Horn worked his way up to third in the finishing order, with Adam Cantor and Nokie Fornoro rounding out the top 5.

“I owe it all to Bobby Seymour for giving me this opportunity” Jeff proudly exclaimed. “I can’t thank him enough, and everyone at Seymour enterprises. I knew I had to do something. Randy’s on a tear this season. The car was so good off the bottom, and I got a good run underneath him. That was all she wrote. Thanks to all of the fans that came out. This is the reason short track racing is still alive.”

In their first ever appearance at the Seekonk Speedway, the NEMA Lites ran the first feature on the schedule of the evening. Paul Lugelle and Josh Wallum brought the field down for the green flag in their 20 lap feature. Lugelle grabbed the lead in the early going, opening up a 5 car length advantage over Wallum, Randy Cabral, Shawn Torrey and Jake Stergios. The first caution came on lap five, when Matt Bettencourt and Russ Wood Jr got together in turn 4.

The green did not stay out for very long, when Timothy Paul spun his machine in turn 2 on the restart. They would get one more lap in when the yellow came out for the third time. While the leaders ran 3 wide for the lead, Stephanie Doty spun in turn 2. During that lap, Nick Ribbie, a former Seekonk Youth Racing Association champion was on the move, and would restart in second, after a great run on that last lap. Ribbie took the lead on lap 7, and started to pull away from the field. While Nick was out front, Jesse State, who started last in the 17 car field, started hunting down Ribbe, who had build up a ¾ straight lead. By lap 13, Ribbe started to encounter lapped traffic, and his lead dwindled.

By lap 17, State had caught the leader, and working through lapped traffic, State moved into the lead.

Once out front, Jesse pulled away, and picked up his third straight win in the NEMA Lite inaugural season. Ribbie held on for second, while Jake Sergios finished third. Shaun Gosselin was fourth and PJ Stergios rounded out the top 5.

“I think I worked the lapped traffic better than Nick did, but he was strong.” Jesse stated. “It’s great to be back in Victory Lane here at Seekonk. This is a great to win for us. I’d like to thank Race Depot and  Hoosier Tires. Thanks to Seekonk speedway for letting us have this race here. I love coming here.”

July 12, 2008

Fred Astle makes it 3 in a row in ARC Pro Stock Action. Gerry DeGasparre, Charlie Rose and Jeff Amaral highlight Aubuchon hardware/Citizens Bank night.

By Kevin M Boucher

Fred Astle Jr picked up his 4th ARC Pro Stock win Saturday night. John Dabrowski and Ken Spencer brought the field down for the green in the Pro Stock 40 lap main event. The pair raced wheel to wheel for the first five laps, swapping the lead back and forth over that period. They raced so close, that the AMB electronic timing and scoring loop at the start finish line had then separated by .002 at one point. While they raced this hard, they were starting to put a little distance between them and third place runner Steve O’Brien.  Dabrowski was finally able to settle into the lead in his Tire Warehouse Chevy, while Spencer’s Pub 76 mount ran on his tail. While the top 2 ran nose to tail, the Autopart International Chevy of O’Brien had his hands full, as Kid Scully had worked his Subway of Rt. 6 Seekonk Monte Carlo into fourth. With the Regal Law PC machine of Ryan Vanasse rounding out the top 5.

By lap 10, Astle had made his presence known, as he put his WoodFrame Structures Chevy into the top 5. The first caution came out on lap 16, when Ray Parent spun his E.J. Jaxtimer 17 down the frontstretch. Once back green, it was like a repeat of the first five laps, as Dabrowski and Spencer again battled side by side. This time, it was Spencer holding the advantage at the stripe. When the race was slowed a second time, Spencer held the edge across the stripe, putting him in the lead on the restart. The caution came out on lap 21, when the Aubuchon Hardware Ford of Jake Vanada went spinning into turn 1. By this time, Astle had used the outside lane to his advantage and found himself sitting third, with Scully Jr and Vanasse rounding out the top five. The rest of the top ten were Mike Brightman, Steve O’Brien, Dave Darling, Ray Parent and Tom Scully Sr.

Dabrowski was not as good on the outside as he was on the inside, as he started to slide back a little while on the outside. Spencer grabbed the lead quickly, and tried to put some breathing room between him and the rest of the field, but Astle sat on his rear bumper, trying to rattle the Taunton native. The third caution came out on lap 26, when Tiverton RI’s Parent spun in turn 4. The only change in the top five this time was Bridgewater’s Dabrowski had fallen back to fifth. Astle used this opportunity to squeeze past Spencer, and take over the lead on lap 26. Some great racing was going on mid-pack, as the Impact Collision Parts Ford of Mike Brightman was working his was through the field, while reigning champion Dave Darling in the Johnson Landscaping Dodge were fighting for position just outside the top 5.

The final caution came out on lap 30, when Dave Hutchins spun his Hutchins & Sons Enterprises 96 off of turn 4. While he was able to get out of the way, Vanada spun his Propane Plus Ford to miss, Tom Scully Sr. had stopped his East Coast Collision machine, but was pushed into Vanada when Mike Mortimer was unable to stop his Pontiac, and Dan O’Brien slid his O’Brien Car Care Chevy into the mix as well. After separating all of the cars, only Patchogue NY’s Mortimer was unable to continue. The final ten laps clicked off with Acushnet’s Brightman cracking the top 5 on lap 32, and up to fourth by lap 33, as Spencer’s Francis Farm machine seemed to slow a little, costing several positions before he could get back up to speed. Darling cracked the top five during that last stretch. In the end, it was Astle picking up his fourth win of 2008, and opening some distance between he and the close battle for second between Tom Scully Jr and Dave Darling. Scully finished second, with Vanasse third, Brightman fourth and Darling fifth. Rounding out the top ten were Spencer, Tom Scully Sr, Vanada, Parent and Hutchins.

“I can’t say how much I appreciate Ron and Lori Lauro’s support.” Fred said in Victory Lane. “My crew, Wayne Nunes, Jack Harrocks, my sweetheart Julie. I thank her because I wouldn’t be able to do this if she didn’t let me.” “Rick Martin showed me where the slot in the track was years ago” referring to his days racing slot cars with the four time Pro Stock champ, on how well his car goes through the corners.

The Late Models started out with Quincy’s John Hanafin and Warwick’s Mike Taschereau on the front row. Hanafin led the first several laps, with the sponsor wanted Pontiac of Taschereau sitting on his tail. Bill Bernard sat third until he seemed to slip a little and fall out of the top 5 on lap 5. By this time, the Kidd Motorsports Chevy of Kyle Casper and the A-1 Custom Auto Body of Gerry DeGasparre had moved into the top five. On lap 6, Taschereau moved to the inside of Hanafin, and wrestled the lead away. The Local 7 Iron workers Chevy of Hanafin would slide out of the top 5, as the handles seemed to go away. The Taschereau lead would be short lived, as Casper and DeGasparre split the sophomore, and made it a 3 wide battle for the lead. Somerset’s Casper was the first to the front, with Pawtucket’s DeGasparre into second. By lap 13, Jeramee Lillie had put his 2B Racing & Fabrication Ford into third. As the field completed the halfway point, Casper and DeGasparre ran nose to tail. Lillie was third with Taschereau and Bernard the top five. Sixth through tents were Matt Breault, Kevin Casper, Randy Burr, John Dickerman and Hanafin.

As the field came down for the green, Kevin Casper went for a wild ride, as his Phil’s Propane Ford rode from the left rear to the right front of the Breault Roofing Ford of Matt Breault, including over the roof. As he came to rest against the turn 1 wall, Casper climbed out of his Fusion and surveyed the damage, and walked back to the pit area, as the fans applauded his efforts.  Matt was able to roll away, but the damage was too severe for him to continue.

Before the caution first came out, it was noticed that the electronic timing and scoring transponder of Kyle Casper had started to fail, as his number was not showing on the scoreboard. As the field came down for the restart, the Somerset Federal Credit Union Chevy faltered, and fell off the pace as DeGasparre opened up a lead. Kyle would not last much longer, and pulled off on lap 19, relegating the points leader to a thirteenth place finish. Once out front, Gerry was able to keep a comfortable lead over Lillie. Randy Burr had worked his way up into the third spot in his J Corp Chevy. Dickerman was working his way through the field, and by lap 24, had moved his AirGas 13 by Taschereau into fifth. He moved into third with just two laps remaining.  As the field was rolling their final lap, several cars got together in turn 2. As DeGasparre was crossing the line for his second win in three weeks, John Dickerman, Bill Bernard, Mike Taschereau and newcomer Richard Norman of Little Rock, AK got together, and spun into the infield. Lillie was second, Burr picked up his best finish of his rookie campaign, as the Middleboro native finished third. Dickerman finished fourth, and Tyler Thompson of Somerset finished with a career best fifth. Sixth went to Bob Hussey of Wellfleet MA, Mark Langlois was seventh, with Rey Lovelace, Hanafin and Bernard rounding out the top ten.

“I’m not sure what happened to Kyle on the restart, but you know it had to be mechanical. They are a class act, and have been tough all week.” Gerry exclaimed in Victory Lane. “This car was on a rail tonight. Once again, the best crew here. I’m just the guy who is fortunate enough to drive this. Tonight’s win is dedicated to the Holewiak Family and the Providence Ronald McDonald House. This is 2 years in a row we’ve been able to win for them.” referring to the sixth annual Ronald McDonald House Bike run in memory of Ed Holewiak III.  

Charlie Rose Jr picked up his second win in a row, and third overall of the season, when he won the 20 lap Seekonk Sports Struck feature. Lenny Guy jumped out to an early lead over rookie Jason Heroux. By lap 5, Zach Tucan had worked his way into second, with Hugh Bowser glued to his rear bumper into third. Charlie Rose was moving his way into fourth and Heroux had fallen to fifth. Coming down to complete lap six, Bill Prisco spun his Phil’s Propane Chevy down the frontstretch, bringing out the first caution. The yellow would come right back out on the restart when Johnston’s Heroux spun in turn two.

Once back up to speed, the After Hours Auto Body Nissan of Tucan moved into the lead with the M.D. Cabinetry Chevy of Bowser moved into second. Tucan would hold onto the lead until lap 8, when a three wide battle for the lead ensued. Hugh Bowser was working the outside of Tucan, when Rose squeezed his Sanford’s Tree Experts Ford underneath the duo, but was relegated to second when Tucan cut a left front tire and spun, bringing out the third yellow. The Taunton native Bowser would hold onto the lead over the next few laps. John Paiva of Fall River was moving through the traffic and found himself up to third by lap 8.  At halfway, the top ten were Bowser, Rose, Paiva, Guy, Brian Murray, Ed Gannon III, Bill Clarke, Prisco, Heroux, Mark Biello, and Richard Albernaz.

The final slow up came on lap 11, when Biello spun his Carl Bremilst Cornwell Tools Chevy down the frontstretch. Once back under green, the trucks to watch were Bill Prisco and the Firehouse Motors Chevy of reigning champion Mike Cavallaro, who had been in and out of the pits for the right front tire rubbing against the right front fender. With a long stretch of green flag racing, they were able to move through the field. Over the last 5 laps, Prisco, Cavallaro, and Guy would run in a heated race for fourth. Cavallaro tried the outside several times, but was unable to get a run as Prisco used the inside line to squeeze past Guy at the stripe for position. Up front, Rose was as smooth as silk as he cruised to his second win in a row, and his third overall for the season. Bowser finished second, with Paiva, Prisco and Guy rounding out the top five. Sixth through tenth were Cavallaro, Gannon, Tucan, Murray, and Heroux.

“In practice, the truck was running like, terrible.” Charlie spoke as he referred to mechanical problems he had in practice. “I have to thank Kevin and Nat. They worked on this engine all night, and it came alive in the race. This thing rode nice, I have no complaints.” Charlie also raced for the Providence Ronald McDonald House, as all of his proceeds were donated in memory of Ed Holewiak III.

The Street Stocks once again shook the house with some great racing. Crystal Serydynski and Paul Lallier brought the 27 car field down for the green. Crystal was able to wrestle the lead away, and hang on to the lead over Lallier. Both drivers are searching for their first win of the season, and both have led many laps. Jeff Amaral put his NuTin Bodies Monte Carlo into third early on, and would fight for supremacy between him and Lallier for several laps.  Crystal would continue setting the pace while Paul Newcomb and Rey Negley ran fourth and fifth at the halfway mark.

The first yellow dropped on lap fourteen, as Ryan Lineham stopped his Coventry Napa Auto Parts Camaro just shy of the turn 3 wall. The top five at this time were Crystal in her LeMyres Collision Center Camaro, Lallier, Amaral, Newcomb, and Scott Serydynski. Crystal was able to keep the lead on the restart, as her and Lallier appeared to both spin their tires just a little. Amaral moved into the bottom lane and tried to take away second, but another caution on lap 16 slowed the field once again, as points leader Sparky Arsenault tried to get into the pits, put was pushed past the gate by another driver who didn’t realize he was slowing to pit. Again, the pink and black Camaro of Crystal held off Lallier and led the pack. Lallier however would fall back to third, as Amaral squeezed by on the inside for second. The yellow came out for the final time on lap 18 for Rey Negley and John Geremia III getting together down the backstretch, with Rich Shinn getting involved as well.

This set up a green-white-checked finish with Amaral lined up on the outside. Scott Serydynski had moved into fourth by this time, and was trying to make it a four car fight for the win. Coming down for the green, Amaral got a good jump, and had about a quarter car length advantage for the lead. Coming down for the white flag, Lallier made it a three wide bid for the lead. Down the backstretch they came, with Amaral on the outside, Crystal in the middle and Lallier on the bottom. Crystal backed out going into turn three, which allowed Amaral and Lallier to fight it out for the win. Off of turn four they came, and at the line it was Amaral’s JRA Powder Coating Monte Carlo winning by .026 over Paul Lallier’s Chaz’s Auto Body Chevy. Crystal would hold on to third, with Scott Serydynski fourth. Paul Newcomb wound up fifth. The distance between first and fourth was .382 second. Chris DeMoura finished sixth, with Brian Spillane, Steve Axon, Dick Cavallaro and Tony Oliviera seventh through tenth.

“I was hoping it would stick out there” Amaral would exclaim in Victory Lane. “It did. It just hung with it. I thought Paul was going to get me. I was way out there, but it stuck pretty well out there. I’d like to thank NuTin Race Bodies, Nat’s Racing Engines, Tito’s Cantina JRA Powder coating. Thanks to Aubuchon and Citizens for sponsoring this event.” Amaral also donated his winnings to the Providence Ronald McDonald House.

During intermission, our annual Tryke race was held, with youngsters between 3 and 8 racing in two classes. The winner in the 3-5 year old group was Richie Murray of Tiverton. In the 6-8 year old group, Regan Parent was the winner.

Also held during intermission was a motorcycle parade which kicked off the 6th annual Providence Ronald McDonald House Charity Run. Over 35 bikes participated in the parade, with over 2,000 more expected for the charity ride on Sunday. Many teams donated their winnings to the Providence Ronald McDonald House in all of the classes. The ride is in memory of Ed Holewiak III. Last year, the Charity event raised over $54,000 between the ride and the donations on Saturday. The House Director Michael Phantom was on hand to kick off the charity ride.

ARC Racing returns on July 19th, as the Francis Farms Mid Season Championship highlights the events. Francis Farm, located in Rehoboth MA has been a part of the Seekonk Speedway family for many years, with Ken Foley and family bringing their Clamcakes and Chowder to the fans each week. Francis Farm has been serving the Rehoboth community for over 100 years, and is open for all types of events, from weddings, birthdays, showers, banquets, and more. Upgrades continue year round, and have facilities for horseshoes, softball, Bocce, and an arcade. Check out their website at francisfarm.net.

On Wednesday, July 16th, the fourth annual Viveiros Insurance Open Wheel Wednesday featuring the $10,000 to win Modified Madness will be held. Modified drivers from all 3 major touring series are expected to compete for the big dollar prize, which is becoming on of the most anticipated event of any modified fans’ calendar. Ted Christopher, Kirk Alexander, Vinny Annarummo, Matt Hirschman, and more have already registered for this event. The NEMA Midgets will also be on the card, along with the first ever appearance at Seekonk for the NEMA Lites. General Admission for this event is just $20.00 for an adult. Tickets can be purchased in advance off the website. For more information, you can log onto www.seekonkspeedway.com.

July 11, 2008

Kyle Kuchta picks up first career win Friday Night. Bob Hinckley and Carl Medeiros Jr also visit Victory Lane.

By Kevin M Boucher

 The Fast Friday series returned to action Friday night, and Niantic, CT native Kyle Kuchta picked up his first career Seekonk Youth Racing Association win in the 750 class. After coming close dozens of times over his four year career, he held off a hard charging Derek Anderson Jr to claim the checkered flag.

Kyle picked up the lead on lap two, after passing polesitter Chris Igo Jr on the outside. Once out front, he started to open a little lead on the field. By lap 4, Voluntown CT’s Nick Ladyga was up to second. Anderson, who started last in the 8 car field, had moved into third by lap 6. Lap seven saw the only caution of the night when Dylan Estrella of North Attleboro spun in turn 4.

Once back up to speed, the top three cars started to break away from the rest of the field.  Anderson started to use the outside lane to his advantage. On lap nine, he overtook Ladyga for second. Derek wrestled the lead away from Kyle on lap 15, but only held on for one lap, as the PMW Marine machine of Kuchta jumped back out front the following lap. Ladyga had worked his way into second several times over the last dozen laps, but was not able to stay there when it counted.

Lap 24 saw Anderson put his number back atop the leader board, but coming down for the checkered flag, Kuchta found enough in his silver and red 0 to slide back to the lead, and edge out Anderson by .063 seconds for his first career win. Anderson settled for second after a superb run, while Ladyga finished third in his Suchocki & Son’s Construction #38. Two time winner Casey Sanchez finished fourth in his Allegre Motorsports #5, while the previous weeks winner, Brian Mondeau finished fifth. Jariah Roderick, Chris Igo Jr, and Dylan Estrella rounded out the field.

In the S.Y.A. 600 class, Carl Medeiros picked up his third win of the young season. In a race that saw no cautions, Kaitlyn Donovan of Waterford, CT jumped out to an early lead. Once out front, she seemed determined to stay. While she held a slight advantage over the Hutchins’ and Sons Enterprises mount of Dave Hutchins Jr, Mederios was working his way through the traffic. By lap 5, he was up to second, and was hounding the leader by lap seven.

On lap 11, the NuWay Auto Dodge of Medeiros slid past Donovan, and picked up the lead. Once Kaitlyn fell back, she started to drag something under her car, and was black flagged, ending a good run. She was able to return, but several laps down. Hutchins was back up into second, but had fallen several car lengths behind Medeiros. With ten laps remaining, Jake Spillers had moved his GRC Steel machine into third, with the Roland’s Tire 75 of Adam Swift and Holbrook’s Bob Perry rounding out the top five.

By this time, the field had stretched itself out, as Carl Medeiros would go virtually uncontested for his third win of the season. Hutchins finished second, with Spillers, Swift, and Perry rounding out the top five.

The Ultraflex Race Bodies $50.00 savings bond went to Kyle Kuchta for his determination and hard charging.

The Pure Stocks were back on Friday nights, after putting on a show in from of a capacity crowd this past Sunday. 18 cars took the green, and in the end, Bob Hinckley put his Glassman Auto Sales Chevy in Victory Lane for the second time this season. Jeremy Lambert brought the field down for the green, and took the early lead, but was forced to give it up when Hinckley motored by on lap 2. By lap 5, Hinckley had worked up a five car length lead over Randy Moretti.

Working their way from the rear of the field were reigning champion and points leader Bill Chouinard and the last Fast Friday winner Scott Cestodio. By lap ten, both had cracked the top five. Cestodio was working the high line, while Chouinard worked the low lane. But Chouinard’s fate would take a turn for the worse, as a broken spindle sent the current points leader out of the event on lap 13, relegating him to a 15th place finish.

Over the last ten laps, Cestodio worked his way by John Robidoux and Tom Blackwell in a heated battle. Lapped traffic started to slow the leader, allowing Randy Moretti to close within a couple of car lengths of Hinckley, but came up just a bit short for the win. Following Hinckley and Moretti across the line was Cestodioi in his towncartravel.com Chevy, Tom Blackwell in the Bruce Lacey Cornwell Tools Chevy and John Robidoux in the Sanford & Son’s Auto Parts Chevy.

The Fast Friday series takes another week off, as the speedway recovers from the 4th annual Viveiros insurance Modified Madness on Wednesday, July 16th. We will return on Friday, July 25th. For more information on upcoming events, please visit our website at www.seekonkspeedway.com.

SYRA 600

25 Laps

1) Kyle Kuchta, Niantic CT

2) Derryk Anderson Jr, Warwick, RI

3) Nick Ladyga, Voluntown, CT

4) Casey Sanchez, Providence, RI

5) Brian Mondeau, Bridgewater, MA

6) Jariah Roderick, East Taunton, MA

7) Chris Igo Jr, North Easton, MA

8) Dylan Estrella, North Attleboro, MA

SYRA 750

25 Laps

1) Carl Medeiros Jr, Westport, MA

2) Dave Hutchins, Somerset, MA

3) Jake Spillers, Ashburnham, MA

4) Adam Swift, Fairhaven, MA

5) Bob Perry, Holbrook, MA

6) Kyle DeSouza, Fairhaven, MA

7) Branden Dion, Taunton, MA

8) Jason Enos II, Assonet, MA

9) Kaitlyn Donovan, Waterford, CT

10) Glenn Deming Jr, North Scituate, RI

11) Ashley Kuhn, Plymouth, MA

Pure Stocks

25 Laps

1) Bob Hinckley, Acushnet, MA

2) Randy Moretti, West Warwick, RI

3) Scott Cestodio, Swansea, MA

4) Tom Blackwell, Taunton MA

5) John Robidoux, Fall River, MA

6) Amy Arsenault, Concord, NC

7) Nick Uhrig, Warwick, RI

8) Rick Hayward, Halifax, MA

9) C J Mello, Cranston, RI

10) Carlos Silvia, Fall River, MA

11) Steven Sipione, Taunton MA

12) Missy Valentine, Pawtucket, RI

13) Missy Charette, Taunton, MA

14) Dirk Eykelhoff, Montville, CT

15) Bill Chouinard, Swansea, MA

16) John Frias, Fairhaven, MA

17) Mark Boisvert, Uxbridge, MA

18) Jeremy Lambert, Westport, MA

Karts

Jr Champs: Bethany Stoehr, Bridgewater, MA

Sr Champs: Kris Porter, Taunton, MA

Kids: Maria Panciocco, Johnston, RI

Pumpers: Peter Panciocco, Johnston, RI

July 6, 2008

Warwick’s Kyle DiFusco picks up $2,000 Demo at Seekonk Speedway. Bill Chouinard wins Pure Stock feature in July 6th Action.

By: Kevin M Boucher

Seekonk Speedway celebrated Independence Day with a capacity crowd, and a Thrill Show that featured a $2,000 to win Demolition Derby. When it was all said and done, Kyle DiFusco of Warwick RI reigned supreme, besting over 100 cars that were on hand for the evenings festivities.

The afternoon started with 80+ brave souls who brought their everyday sedan out for the Spectator Drags. It came down to Bryan Hartling and Jose Rodriguez racing their machines over a 2 lap distance. It was Corvette against Camaro. At the end, Pawtucket’s Rodriguez put his Corvette into Victory Lane.

The Pure Stock division, which is part of our Fast Friday series, was on hand for a 25 lap feature. Current point leader and reigning champion Bill Chouinard bested over 20 competitors to pick up his third win of the season. Joe Carpenter and John Robidoux bought the 21 car field down for the green. Robidoux quickly moved his Sanford & Son’s Auto Parts Monte Carlo out to the front, while Carpenter fell back a little. Chouinard found himself running second by lap 3, and started to make his move for the lead early.