Fred Astle earns $4,000 dollar payday in picking up the Propane Plus 75. John Dickerman, Charlie Rose JR and Bob Bettencourt JR visit Victory Lane.

Seekonk MA: Fred Astle Jr of Westport MA picked up his third win of the season in the Propane Plus 75 lap main event at Seekonk Speedway Saturday night. In addition to the extra $2500 cash that was handed out in Victory Lane by Tim Johnson, he padded his point lead in the ARC Pro Stocks.

“The car was just awesome tonight. These rookie’s are getting tough to beat” Fred said in Victory Lane, referring to rookie Jake Vanada of Berkeley, MA keeping his Propane Plus sponsored Ford at the front of the field for the middle portion of the race. “Thanks to Propane Plus for the extra money. It’s great to have companies helping out our efforts. For a while I was the only guy in the pits. Most of the crew is up in NH tonight. But they got the Woodframe Structures, Spring Break Chevy ready for tonight.”

The race started off with Scott Dion and John Dabrowski setting the pace. Dion jumped out to the early lead, and set the pace until the first caution came out for Ken Spencer stalling his RF Transportation Chevy trying to get into the pits on lap5. Mike Brightman spun on the ensuing restart, bringing the yellow right back out. Steve O’Brien moved into second on the restart, and tried to get by Dion, but was unable to get by. They ran nose to tail for several laps. While they were settling in, Fred Astle was working his way through traffic with reigning Champion Dave Darling showing the way in his Johnson Landscaping Dodge. By lap 20, Darling had moved into fifth, with Astle on his tail. The third caution slowed the field on lap 26, when John Dabrowski stalled on the backstretch. The top five at the one-third mark was Scott Dion, Steve O'Brien, Vanada, Darling and Astle.

When the field went green again, Vanada started to make his move. Up into second on the restart, and then took a look to the outside of Dion. The pair ran wheel to wheel for several laps, as Dion tried to keep his Douglas A King Builders Chevy up front. On lap 32, Vanada had just squeezed by for the lead at the stripe. When the field was crossing lap 33, Dion was back out front, but a spin by Ryan Vanasse brought the field under yellow for the fourth time. With lap 33 not counting as a complete lap, as the full field had not crossed the line. Going back to lap 32, Vanada would bring the field down for the green. Astle had worked his way up into third by this point, with O'Brien and Darling the top 5. Tom Scully Sr occupied the sixth spot at this time, with Tom Jr, Matt Hudon, Russ Hersey, who had come in to try and take home some of the cash to NH, and Mike Brightman rounded out the top 10. The field would only get one more lap on the board before Tom Scully Sr and Steve O'Brien locked together, bringing the yellow out on lap 33.

Astle would have a taste of the lead one lap into the next run, as lap 34 saw the 30 at the top of the leader board, but he would only hold it for that one lap, as Vanada was able to wrestle the lead back away on lap 35. Darling, who was glued to the rear bumper of the Vanada mount wrestled second away from Astle on lap 35. They ran that way through the half-way point, with Scott Dion and Tom Scully Jr rounding out the top five. Mike Brightman had worked his Impact Collision Parts Ford into sixth, with Dave Hutchins, Hersey, Steve O'Brien and Ryan Vanasse, who was running his fathers' Late Model due to an accident in his qualifier, rounded out the top ten. Lap 39 saw another slow up, as Hutchins, Daryl Stampfl and Hersey got together and spun in turn 3. Jake Vanada was able to hang onto the lead until lap 43, when Astle found his Woodframe Structures Chevy back at the top of the field, and started to put some distance between he and Vanada. Jake was able to open up some breathing room from Darling, who had his hands full with Tom Scully Jr. On lap 58, Mike Mortimer of Patchogue, NY and Dan O'Brien spun in turn 2. Dave Hutchins brought out the final caution at lap 60, when he spun his Hutchins & Son's Enterprises Chevy. Darling had squeezed by Vanada by this time, and was up to second. When the green came back out, Vanada and Darling touched, putting Darling back into third, and they would run the rest of the 75 lap main event this way, with Scully Jr and Russ Hersey rounding out the top 5. Steve O'Brien, Matt Hudon, Scott Dion, Ryan Vanasse and Mike Brightman rounded out the top ten.

The Late Models ran a flawless race, as John Dickerman led from point A to point B in the 30 lap Late Model Feature. In as clean of a feature you will find, Robert Hussey of Wellfleet MA and Dickerman brought the field down for the green. Dickerman shot into the lead and never looked back. Rookie contender John Hanafin put his Local 7 District Iron Workers Council Chevy into second early on, but was never able to mount a charge. Kevin Casper worked his way up into third by 7, and was putting his Phil's Propane Ford through its paces on the outside lane. By the time he worked into second on lap eight, he needed a periscope to see the AirGas Chevy, and John had opened up a full straightaway lead.

As the field crossed the halfway point, there was no looking back for John, as his lead had opened a little more. Kevin Casper ran second, while Kyle Casper had moved his Kidd Motorsports Chevy into third, with reigning champion Gerry DeGasparre Jr and Bill Bernard rounding out the top 5. Hanafin had fallen back to sixth, with Matt Breault, Dennis Stampfl, Jeramee Lillie and Randy Burr rounding out the top ten. Over the later portion of this event, Hanafin would start to lose the handles on his Chevy, and slid back a few spots. Gerry DeGasparre was also able to gain a position in the final laps, as he wound up third.

By the time the checkered flag waived, Kevin Casper was able to close the lead down to 10 car lengths, but was out of time. He would have to settle for second, with DeGasparre, Kyle Casper and Bill Bernard rounding out the top 5. Sixth through tenth were Matt Breault, Dennis Stampfl, Jeramee Lille, Randy Burr and John Hanafin.

"This car was perfect tonight" exclaimed a happy winner. "A big thanks to everyone. Mom and Dad, my sister, girlfriend, the entire crew. Thanks to Airgas for jumping on board this year, North American Amusements, Dennis K Burke, Bob's Speed, X-Treme Clean, Ted's Transmissions, and JD Signs. I think I got everyone."

In the Street Stock 20 lap feature, Crystal Serydynski was back 2 weeks after riding the wall half way down the backstretch, and brought the field down with Rey Negley lined up on the outside. Crystal would put her LeMyers Collision Center at the top of the leader board at the drop of the green. Bob Bettencourt Jr slid into second, and hounded the leader for the first several laps. Crystal was able to hang on though the first several laps, until the first yellow came out on lap 7, when Tony Oliviera and Ryan Lineham got together. This would bunch up the field, and the classic Street Stock racing would shine through. Crystal was able to keep her pink and black Camaro at the front for only one more lap, as Bettencourt was able to edge his Wilde Enterprises Chevy into the lead on lap 8. Once Bettencourt assumed the lead, something seemed to break on the Sachetti Classic Car Insurance machine, as she slid to the tail end of the field. The racing behind the leader was spread out across the track three and four wide.

The second caution came out at the halfway point for debris located in turn 3. By this time, reigning champion Sparky Arsenault had worked his white Camaro into third, behind two time champion Dick Cavallaro. Rey Negley and Scott Bruneau rounded out the top five. Jeff Amaral was sixth, Steve Axon seventh, Paul Newcomb Jr was eighth, Scott Serydynski ninth and John Geremia III tenth.

On lap 13, Arsenault squeezed by Cavallaro for second. A restart on lap 14 for the 45 of Justin Travis allowed Cavallaro to regain second, with a move to the inside. A final slow up on lap 17, as the Everett's Auto Parts machine of Mark Henshaw hit the wall closed up the field one more time. Bettencourt was up to the challenge, as he was able to pull away and hang on for his first win of the season. Cavallaro and Arsenault would swap the second spot back and forth between them several times over the last few laps, with Arsenault hanging on for second. Cavallaro was third, with Scott Serydynski and Rey Negley rounding out the top five. Steve Axon, Brian Spillane, Paul Lallier, Chris DeMoura and Paul Newcomb finished sixth through tenth.

"We had a great car tonight" beamed Bettencourt in Victory Lane. "It was good to race with Sparky and Dick. They really raced me clean. I know I can be a pain during the week, but this win id for my family. My wife Jan, Lil Bobby and Samantha. It's the first time the kids have seen Daddy win. Thanks to them, to Wilde Enterprises, Affordable Radiator, Finest Racing Engines."

Brian Murray and Zach Tucan brought the Seekonk Sports Truck field to the green flag. Tucan was able to put his After Hours Collision Center Nissan at the top for the first four laps. Murray started to slide back immediately, allowing Ed Gannon III to move up from his fifth starting spot into second in the opening laps. The first yellow came out on lap 4, as Daryl Church stalled his black Chevy into the infield. Tucan would have Gannon lined up second, with Charlie Rose Jr up to third, rookie of the year contender Jody Tripp and Bill Prisco rounding out the top 5.

Tucan held on tot he lead for the next few of laps, until Charlie Rose took over the lead on lap 8, with a pass on the outside. The second caution came out on lap 9, as Jay Arsenault spun his #96 in turn 4. Rose was able to get the jump on the sophomore, and hold onto the lead. As he pulled away, the action behind him was getting hot and heavy. But the halfway point, Bill Prisco was up to third, with Gannon and Mike Cavallaro rounded out the top five. The Rebel Racing Chevy of Cavallaro was up to fourth on lap 11, and set his sights further up the field at the leader. Prisco decided to put his Phil's Propane Chevy to the outside of Zach Tucan, as he tried to get to second. While he did that, the inside lane opened up for Cavallaro, and he made the race for second three wide. The raced like that for 2 laps, with Prisco outside, Tucan in the middle and Cavallaro on the inside. When it finally shook out, Cavallaro was up to second. Prisco had overtaken Tucan for third, while Ed Gannon III found his groove and moved up into fourth. They would finish this way with Tucan rounding out the top five. John Paiva, Lenny Guy, Jody Tripp, Brian Murray and Jay Arsenault rounded out the top ten.

"It hit the chip" Charlie gladly exclaimed, referring to his post race technical issues from the week before. This was great. We've had a great truck all year. Sanford Tree Experts, the crew, my father, grandfather. This is for all of you"

The action continues this Saturday, as we take a step back in time. The Atlantic Coast Old Timers, New England Antique Racers, and the Senior Tour Auto Racers come to the famed third mile oval. The ARC Pro Stocks, Late Models, Seekonk Sport Trucks and Street Stocks will all be part of the evening’s festivities. General Admission is just $12.00 for adults. Kids 12 and under are free.

On Sunday, July 6th, we celebrate Independence Day Seekonk Speedway Style. With Spectator Drags, Enduro Drags, Pure Stock racing, Enduro racing, Figure "8" racing, one of the finest fireworks displays this side of the Pacific, and a $2,000 to win Demolition Derby. General admission is only $20.00 for all of this action, and kids 12 and under, $5.00. You can avoid the long lines by printing your tickets online from the website. You can access it at www.seekonkspeedway.com.

Heat 1 / 10 Laps

3 Zach Tucan
88 Billy Prisco
41 Charlie Rose Jr
21 John Paiva
38 Jody Tripp
1 Billy Clarke
77 Lenny Guy

Feature / 20 Laps

41 Charlie Rose
80 Mike Cavallaro
88 Bill Prisco
10 Ed Gannon III
3 Zach Tucan
21 John Paiva
77 Lenny Guy
38 Jody Tripp
13 Brian Murray
96 Jay Arsenault
07 Eric Boyko
1 Billy Clarke
49 Jim Hawkins
4 Daryl Church

Heat 2 / 10 Laps

80 Mike Cavallaro
10 Ed Gannon III
13 Brian Murray
96 Jason Arsenault
4 Daryl Church
07 Eric Boyko
49 Jim Hawkins

Heat 1 / 10 Laps

70 Paul Lallier
07 Jeff Amaral
1 Scott Serydynski
24 John Geremia III
17 Mark Henshaw
7 Rey Negley
2 Ron Barboza
14 Pat Fitzgerald

Feature / 20 Laps

21 Bob Bettencourt Jr
96 Sparky Arsenault
6 Dick Cavalarro
1 Scott Serydynski
7 Rey Negley
04 Steve Axon
22 Brian Spillane
70 Paul Lallier
08 Chris DeMoura
16 Paul Newcomb
24 John Rioux
3 Chris Rioux
41 Tony Oliviera
19 Ryan Lineham
01 Dave Ratcliffe
45 Justin Travis
8 Crystal Serydynski
14 Pat Fitzgerald
17 Mark Henshaw
4 Gerry Berthelette
74 Scott Bruneau
07 Jeff Amaral
2 Ron Barboza Jr

Heat 2 / 10 Laps

21 Bob B ettencourt Jr
96 Sparky Arsenault
04 Steve Axon
8 Crystal Serydynski
45 Justin Travis
19 Ryan Lineham
08 Chris DeMoura
4 Gerard Berthelette

Heat 3 / 10 Laps

6 Dick Cavallaro
41 Tony Oliviera
74 Scott Bruneau
16 Paul Newcomb
22 Brian Spillane
01 Dave Ratcliffe
3 Chris Rioux

Heat 1 / 12 Laps

13 John Dickerman
2 Dennis Stampfl
7 Kyle Casper
3 Jeramee Lillie
20 Matt Breault
11 Paul Vanasse
12 Mark Langlois

DNS 93 Randy Clark

Feature / 30 Laps

13 John Dickerman
88 Kevin Casper
71 Gerry DeGasparre
7 Kyle Casper
47 Bill Bernard
20 Matt Breault
2 Dennis Stampfl
3 Jeramee Lillie
32 Randy Burr
76 John Hanafin
80 Bob Hussey
14 Rey Lovelace
12 Mark Langlois
22 Tyler Thompson

DNS 11 Paul Vanasse

DNS 93 Randy Clark

Heat 2 / 12 Laps

47 Bill Bernard
71 Gerry DeGasparre
76 John Hanafin
80 Bob Hussey
88 Kevin Casper
14 Rey Lovelace
22 Tyler Thompson
32 Randy Burr

Heat 1 / 12 Laps

95 Steve O’Brien
3 Tom Scully Sr
30 Fred Astle Jr
52 Dave Darling
22 Matt Hudon
88 Russ Hersey
96 Dave Hutchins
1 Daryl Stampfl
36 Dave Silvia
99 Dan O’Brien

Feature / 75 Laps Propane Plus

30 Fred Astle Jr
16 Jake Vanada
52 Dave Darling
2 Tom Scully Jr
88 Russ Hersey
95 Steve O’Brien
22 Matt Hudon
4 Scott Dion
11 Ryan Vanasse
27 Mike Brightman
3 Tom Scully Sr
1 Daryl Stampfl
96 Dave Hutchins
99 Dan O’Brien
74 Mike Mortimer
36 Dave Silvia
03 Ken Spencer
00 John Dabrowski
01 Mike Marfeo

Heat 2 / 12 Laps

4 Scott Dion
John Dabrowski
16 Jake Vanada
03 Ken Spencer
2 Tom Scully Jr
27 Mike Brightman
74 Mike Mortimer
01 Mike Marfeo
11 Ryan Vanasse

Gerry DeGasparre Jr in Candigit Excavating Victory Lane, with Fred Astle Jr, Tony Olive ira and Mike Cavallaro also winning.

Candigit Excavating was the presenting sponsor for the Late Model 50 lap main event. John Dickerman and Bill Bernard sat on the front row as they came down for the green. Dickerman put his Arigas Chevy into the lead, as Gerry DeGasparre quickly moved into second, making everyone remember the battle the two had in qualifying, when DeGasparre and Dickerman got together while racing for the lead, causing Dickerman to spin, sending Gerry to the back. Kevin and Kyle Casper raced with Matt Breault for the top five. On lap eight, the yellow would come out for the first time, as John Hanafin got sideways in his Iron Workers Local 7 in turn 3, with the bayside Realty Chevy of Randy Clark also spinning. As they came down for the green, The A-1 Custom Auto Body 71 was pushed hard on the outside, and made it stick, as Gerry picked up the lead on lap 9. Dickerman continued to run second, as the Caspers raced side by side for what seemed to be an eternity for the Houle Motorsports driver Kyle Casper, as he ran the outside lane of his brother in the Candigit Excavating Ford. These events would be a factor at the end of the race. Matt Breault continued to hold onto fifth, but had heavy pressure from Mark Curtis, who was making a rare Seekonk appearance.

On lap 18, the field was slowed for the second time, as Bob Hussey spun his Farrell’s Market Chevy in turn 4. Dickerman would have a shot at DeGasparre on the restart. Kevin Casper, Kyle Casper and Matt Breault rounded out the top five. Once again, Gerry was up to the challenge, as he jumped back into the lead. Kevin Casper put his Phil’s Propane Ford inside of the North American Amusements Chevy of Dickerman, as they raced for second. They would race side by side for the next 4 laps, until the yellow came out for the third time. This time for Mark Langlois who spun his Crown Collision machine in turn 1. Dickerman was able to edge out Casper across the stripe and hold on to second for the time being. Once back under green, Kevin Casper moved into second, and Breault put his Breault Roofing Ford into fourth, Dickerman started backsliding, as Breault and Kyle Casper slid by on the inside. Kyle once again found his Somerset Federal Credit Union Chevy having to work the outside lane. At the 25 lap mark, DeGasparre had half a straightaway lead in his Spumoni’s Restaurant Chevy.

Little by little, Kyle Casper worked the outside, and by lap 30 had moved back into third, and was starting to challenge big brother Kevin for second. The final caution flew on lap 34, when Bill Bernard spun his Ashland Lumber Chevy in turn 2. No other cars were involved. The top five at this time were DeGasparre, Kevin Casper, Kyle Casper, Matt Breault and Mark Curtis. Jeramee Lillie was lurking in sixth, fighting an ill handling Houle Motorsports ford, with Dickerman seventh. Back under green, Gerry picked back up at the top, while the brothers Casper raced wheel to wheel for second. Kevin, this time, would be forced to run the outside, as Kyle moved into second. Over the final ten laps, Kyle would hound the reigning Late Model champion, trying the inside and the outside to get by DeGasparre. Remember back when we told you Kyle’s run on the outside earlier in the race would be a factor? By this time in the race, Kyle had lost his grip, and could not mount a serious challenge, as his tires were worn out. DeGasparre became the fifth different winner in a row, beating Kyle Casper to the stripe by .462 second. Kevin Casper held on for third, with matt Breault and Dennis Stampfl finishing fifth. Sixth through tenth were Jeramee Lillie, Mike Taschereau, Randy Clark, Robin Berghman and Bill Bernard.

“Everyone keeps asking us what’s wrong with us this year” Gerry talked about, referring to his being out of victory lane this late into the season. “It’s not that there is anything wrong, it that everyone else stepped up their A game. Kyle Casper has been the class of the field so far. Kevin, Matt, Jeramee, John, they’ve all stepped up their program. I want to thank Candigit for getting together and putting this up. We don’t get many chances to shine. A-1 Custom Auto Body, Spumoni's, Achins, all the guys in the pits. They are all great.” He went on to say “One of our guys has been over serving in Iraq over the past year. Eric called me today from New Jersey. He’s back in the States. We’ve got some troops coming home safe. Without them, we wouldn't be able to do this. This race is for them!”

Dan Gamache Jr of Woonsocket RI and Ray Negley of Coventry brought the 26 car Street Stock feature down for the green. Gamache would get the initial jump, and lead the field across the stripe for lap 1. He would only hold on for a lap, as John Geremia III would work his Camille’s Camaro to the front on the inside. While coming off of turn 2 on lap 3, Chris Rioux and Geremia got together, causing Elmer Wing and Brian Spillane to get caught up from behind. Geremia never sopped motion, and was able to continue on his restart position. Gamache would continue to lead for the next couple of laps before Geremia put his orange 24 to the inside and pick up the lead. The sheet metal damage he sustained during the lap 3 melee was not slowing him down any, as Tony Oliviera had moved his E A Dion Malibu to his rear bumper, and was challenging for the lead. The field had stacked themselves up three and 4 abreast as drivers were trying to work their way toward the front. Sparky Arsenault was up to third by lap seven, with Mark Henshaw and Dick Cavallaro rounding out the top five at the halfway point.

As the field headed down the backstretch, the three and four abreast racing that had the fans on their feet came to an end when Frank Duquette slapped the backstretch wall with his NAC Security & Stereo Systems Chevy after contact in some close racing. Jeff Amaral had moved up to sixth, with Ryan Lineham, Steve Axon, Gamache, Dennis Dupuis and Paul Newcomb Jr rounded out the top ten. On the restart, Oliviera powered by, and edged up into the lead. Coming off turn two, Geremia got loose, but was able to hold on with only losing second position to Arsenault. Paul Lallier had worked his way into fourth by lap 13, and was on the charge. The field was slowed on lap 13 as Roland Wheeler stalled in turn three.

Oliviera was able to pick up right where he left off on the restart. With five laps to go, Dick Cavallaro was charging up through the field, when he and Paul Lallier got together off of turn 4 while racing for sixth. With the hard racing, race as Sparky was looking for any room to squeeze by. Racing deeper in the field continued to run three wide, as John Lallier, Scott Bruneau and Dennis Dupuis raced 3 wide for seventh. Lap 17 saw the fifth caution unfurl, as Ray Negley spun off of turn 4, and Paul Lallier hit him with the left front, tearing off the suspension. A final 3 lap shootout was in order, and Sparky continued to put his white #96 to the outside and inside of the red Malibu, and coming down for the checkered flag, took one final shot at the lead. But it was to no avail, as Oliviera picked up his first win since 2006, holding off the reigning champion. Arsenault held on for second, with Geremia, Henshaw and Lineham rounding out the top 5. Steve Axon finished sixth, but failed post race tech, moving Dennis Dupuis up to sixth, with John Lallier subbing for Mike Szczoczarz in seventh, Scott Bruneau was eighth, Paul Newcomb Jr and Dan Gamache rounding out the top ten.

“This was great. I want to dedicate this win to my sister that passed away last year.” stated a tired winner in Victory lane. “Thanks to E. A. Dion, Kitchen Concepts, Sanford & Son’s Auto Parts, ET Transmissions and Abra Cadabra Embroidery for sticking with us. Thanks Dad and the guys on the crew.”

Michael Ronhock and Jody Tripp brought the 18 truck Seekonk Sport Truck feature down for the green. As the field came down, the left front fender of Zach Tucan’s Reynolds Auto Wrecking Nissan fell off, causing him to head into the pits. As the field came off of turn two on the second lap, Jody Tripp was trying to avoid the slowing Tucan, and came down across the nose of Hugh Bowser, who had moved into second on the green, causing Tripp to head for the infield. One the restart, Bowser would inherit the lead, with Ronhock second, Mike Cavallaro up to third, Ed Gannon III fourth and Bill Prisco rounding out the top 5. Bowser would lead lap two, but the field would be slowed for the second time on lap two, as Mike Ronhock spun in turn 4, with Brian Murray making contact and Jody Tripp involved as well. Charlie Rose was on the charge, as he had already moved into fourth by lap two, as he tried to repeat last weeks win.

Back under green saw Bowser continue to set the pace in his MD Cabinetry Chevy, as Cavallaro pulled his Firehouse Motors Chevy alongside. They would race side by side for several laps, as both drivers were fighting for their second wins of the season. Prisco had moved into fifth behind Rick Martin and Gannon. At the lap ten mark, Cavallaro had pulled up even with Bowser, and edged by at lap 11, picking up his first lead since week he led the final lap on opening day. The third caution came out on lap 12, as Brian Murray spun off the fourth corner. The top 5 at this point were Cavallaro, Bowser, Martin, Gannon and Prisco. When back under green, the top five continued to run this way with some great side by side racing going on for third back. With 5 to go, Cavallaro had opened up a three truck length advantage over Bowser. Bill Clarke would bring out the final caution at lap 17, as he spun in turn 3. Over the final three laps, Bowser had his hands full, as Martin put his Rick Martins RC Hobbies & Signs Toyota to the inside and squeezed by for second. Martin tried to catch Cavallaro, but ran out of time, as Cavallaro picked up his second win of the season. Martin held on for second, with Bowser third, Prisco fourth and Rose finishing fifth. Rose would not make it through post race tech inspection, moving Ed Gannon III into fifth. John Paiva was sixth, Jay Arsenault seventh, with Steve Dumas, Brian Murray, and Eric Boyko rounding out the top ten.

“That was a great race.” exclaimed the Rebel Racing driver after climbing out of his winning truck. “We seemed to have just a little more in the corners, which helped us on the outside. It just adds a little excitement. I sure didn’t need that last shootout with Martin up to third. I kept looking for him behind me. We’ve got a new sponsor in Firehouse Motors. Thanks to them, Checkered Car of RI, Gateway Auto Sales, Body Talk and Signs by Tomorrow. Can’t do it without them,”

The ARC Pro Stocks came out for their 40 lap main event with Steve O’Brien and John Dabrowski leading the pack. Dabrowski jumped into the lead from his outside pole position, setting the pace in his Tire Warehouse Chevy. On lap 3, Steve O’Brien spun his Autopart International Chevy, and fell to the rear of the field. The first caution came out on lap 4, when Dave Darling and Tom Scully Sr got together, causing Ken Spencer to spin his Pub 76 Chevy into the infield, as he checked up and got hit from behind. Darling would bring his Johnson Landscaping Dodge into the pits to have the right front checked out. Spencer would pit as well. Dabrowski held onto the lead on the restart, with Mike Brightman moving his Impact Collision Parts Ford into second. Ryan Vanasse was up to third, with Scully Sr and Fred Astle rounding out the top five.

After running the outside for a couple of laps, Brightman fell back into second. This allowed Vanasse to put his Regan Law P.C. Chevy to the outside. Using the second groove, he picked up second from Brightman, and on Lap 9, Vanasse led his first laps in a Pro Stock. The second caution came out on lap 13, as Spencer spun his Francis Farm machine in turn 4. By this time, Scott Dion moved into fifth ahead of Scully Sr. Vanasse got the jump on the start, allowing Brightman to get past Dabrowski for second. The Tire Warehouse Chevy started to backslide on the outside, falling out of the top 5 by lap 20. Scott Dion moved his Douglas A King Builders Chevy up to third at this point. Fred Astle started using the outside lane, and slid his Woodframe structures Chevy even with Dion. He quickly worked past Dion and had found the runner-up position by lap 28. Tom Scully Jr was following on the outside, and up to fourth by lap 30. By this time, Vanasse had opened up a ¾ straightaway lead. That would go away on lap 31, as Darryl Stampfl spun to bring out the third yellow. This set up a classic battle between rookie and veteran. On the restart, Vanasse would get a slight jump, and would lead across the stripe on lap 32 by .004 second. Coming off turn four for lap 33, Vanasse got a little loose, and would lose the lead. But with Steve O'Brien spinning in turn 4, lap 33 would not be scored complete. This gave Vanasse a chance to redeem himself. Once again, Astle had his work cut out for himself, as he would have to work the outside again. They raced wheel to wheel until lap 34, when Dabrowski and Spencer got together in turn 1.

For 5 of the remaining six laps, Astle would work the outside hard, trying to wrestle the lead away from the rookie. Vanasse, who had spent the past two seasons racing with the American Canadian Tour, looked to be up to the challenge, as he led Astle on lap 39. As they crossed the stripe under the ivory silk, Astle dropped behind, and looked to the inside. Into turn one, Astle got a little run underneath. Vanasse tried to hang onto the lead as contact was made. Both drivers would get off the throttle, as Vanasse gathered it in, but lost the fight for the lead. One last chance into turn 3, but it was no avail as Astle held on for win #2 of the season. Vanasse finished second, with tom Scully Jr, Mike Brightman and Dave Darling rounding out the top 5. Scott Dion, Jake Vanada, Tom Scully Sr, Daryl Stampfl and Dan O’Brien rounded out the top ten.

“15 years ago, Ryan and his brother Mike came into Ray’s Hobbies and started racing RC cars with me. I wish I never taught that kid how to drive.” joked Astle. “The kid ran me clean. It was a lot of work. I’m sorry I got into him, but I backed off and tried to let his save it. I looked in my mirror for Tom Jr, but didn’t see him, so I took off again. This is a great win for us. I’ve always said I have the best car owner here. These guys put a great car together. “

Racing returns Friday night with the Fast Friday Series on June 27th, as the Pure Stocks, Seekonk Youth Racing Association and Kart racing highlights the Fast Friday series.

On Saturday, June 28, Propane Plus presents the second of three 75 lap Pro Stock main, with $2,500 to win. Late Models, Street Stocks, and Seekonk Sport Trucks will be on the card. $12.00 for general admission, kids 12 and under FREE. Check out our website for additional information at www.seekonkspeedway.com.

Chouinard Back to Back in Seekonk Fast Friday Action; SYRA Checkers to Anderson & DeSouza

Seekonk, MA — Friday night, June 20th featured the third round of the Fast Friday Series at Seekonk Speedway. The Seekonk Youth Racing Association and the Pure Stocks were on hand for their 25-lap features. Kyle DeSouza won his first race of the season in the SYRA 600 feature. The Fairhaven, MA driver of the Phil’s Propane #88 became the latest driver to take his sponsor’s colors to victory lane, joining Kevin Casper and Billy Prisco from the Saturday night racing. The initial circuit saw the #18 of Ashley Kuhn spin in turn 3 to bring out the caution. Jason Enos, II started on the pole with his #3 machine and led the early going with Kyle DeSouza running in second place. Carl Medeiros was moving up quickly through the field and was up to second place by lap 11. At the halfway point, it was still Enos in the lead with Medeiros in second. DeSouza, Bob Perry and Jake Spillers rounded out the top-5

By lap 20 of the 25-lap feature, Medeiros found himself in the lead with Enos in second place. Medeiros would take home the laurels of another checkered flag. Enos had another strong run this season with his runner-up finish in his AAJ Home Improvements machine. Kyle DeSouza, Jake Spillers and Bob Perry completed the top-5 finishers.

However, the post-race technical inspection changed the finishing order dramatically. Medeiros was disqualified for a vacuum leak. Enos was disqualified for a non-approved restrictor plate. For Enos, that violation will result in the loss of all accumulated points. Per the division rule book, Enos’ violation will be reviewed by the contest board on Tuesday, where further penalties may be applied. That moves all drivers from third up two positions. Kyle DeSouza takes down the win in the record books. Jake Spillers, Bob Perry, Kaitlyn Donovan and Branden Dion completed the top-5 finishers.

Next on the schedule, the Pure Stocks took to the 1/3 mile oval. Defending champion Bill Chouinard of Swansea, MA made it two wins in a row. The early lead went to Uxbridge, MA driver Mark Boisvert. Trouble struck on the third lap of the race, when Jim Valentine’s #2 hit the turn 2 outside wall amid heavy traffic. Six laps into the event, it was Nicholas Uhrig’s #11 Camaro at the front of the field with Boisvert running in second place. Behind third place Amy Arsenault, Bill Chouinard and Russell Lambert were in a battle for fourth place. The caution flew on lap 11 when Arsenault hit the wall with her #9, after battling a loose race car.

Chouinard was steadily moving up through the field with his Capco Steel Co.-Highland Real Estate. Lap 19 found Chouinard at the point with Bob Hinckley, Jr. and Nick Uhrig battling for third place. Scott Cestodio was up into the fourth spot in the TownCarTravel.com #01 machine. Trouble struck in turn 2 when Hinckley and Uhrig got together in turn 2. While the caution did not come out, Chouinard finished the race 2.863 seconds ahead of Uhrig. Scott Cestodio gained a position in the closing circuits to finish in third place with Bob Hinckley, Jr., and Russell Lambert rounding out the top-5. Lambert was disqualified for a suspension modification, moving Tommy Blackwell into fifth place.

The SYRA 750 division was the final race on the card. In the SYRA 750 feature, Derryck Anderson, Jr., of Warwick, RI won his first race of the season. On the initial go-around, two-time feature winner Casey Sanchez went through the infield grass in turn 2 to bring out the caution. Defending SYRA 750 champion Brian Mondeau and Nick Ladyga brought the field to the green. Mondeau led the early going before Ladyga took over at the front of the field.

Casey Sanchez was recovering from his earlier trouble. Anderson, Kyle Kuchta and Dylan Estrella were working their way up through the field. Anderson made the winning pass on lap 18, getting by Ladyga’s #38 machine. Derryck Anderson captured his first win of the season in the Wood Frame Structures #65. Kyle Kuchta of Niantic, CT was second with Dylan Estrella of North Attleboro, MA in third. Fourth went to Nick Ladyga of Voluntown, CT and Casey Sanchez rounding out the top-5.

Winning the $50.00 Ultraflex Race Bodies Savings Bond was Kyle DeSouza, as he had engine problems in practice, and were able to get the Phil's Propane in Victory Lane by the end of the night.

The Fast Friday series racing at Seekonk runs every Friday through September. For $5.00 admission, Go-Kart racing is included as well. The stars of the future at Seekonk Speedway are competing each Friday and it’s your chance to see them every week.

Annarummo comes back for some home cooking, with Lillie, Lineham, and Rose picking up their first wins of the season.

30 True Value Modified Racing Series modifieds came to town for their first of four visits to the “Action Track of the East”, and it was six time champion Vinny Annarummo picking up his first modified win of the season. Second generation racer Chris Pasteryak and Tommy Cravenho brought the 26 car field down for the green. Pasteryak jumped out into the early lead, while Cravenho started to slide back a little, allowing Annarummo to move into second in the opening laps. The race would be slowed for the first time on lap 6, when Michael Douglas Jr, Rob Goodenough, and John McKennedy all got together in turn 3. McKennedy and Goodenough were able to continue, but Douglas’ night would be complete. Dave Bergman also retired at this time. After a false restart, Vinny Who used the outside line to work his way into the top spot. It would be short lived, as Pasteryak took back the lead on lap 10. The two continued to battle side by side until the yellow came out for the second time on lap 12 for Jimmy Dolan, who spun in turn 4.

Annarummo once again used the outside to regain the lead on lap 15, and was able to pace the field for several laps. Pasteryak fell into line, with Cravenho, Ed Dachenhausen, and Dwight Jarvis running in the top 5 as the field crossed the ¼ century mark. On lap 27, the third caution flew for the Mike Holdridge spinning into the infield grass on the front stretch, while Bobby Drown and Stephen Masse got together in turn 1. It seemed the outside lane was the one to be in, as Pasteryak regained the lead on lap 27. Tony Ricci overheated and stalled his #4 in turn 4, bringing out the 4th caution. Using the outside lane, Vinny brought his Francis Farm #12 back to the front on lap 30.Pasteryak continued to work the outside lane, but to no avail, as he wasn’t able to regain the lead. While they battled for the lead, 3 time TVMRS champion Kirk Alexander and Dave Pinkham were working their way toward the front from their 24th and 24th starting positions. By the 50 lap mark, the top ten were Annarummo, Pasteryak, Jarvis, Les Hinckley, Ed Dachenhausen, Dick Houlihan, Pinkham, Dale Evonsion, Alexander and Cravenho.

Annarummo had opened up a 4 car lead by the time he started to encounter heavy lapped traffic on lap 60. This allowed Hinckley to move past Jarvis into third, and by lap 68, Hinckley was trying to take away the thunder from Annarummo, as he was working his way up on the outside. The fifth caution dropped on lap 69 when Dwight Jarvis spun down the front straight while battling for position with Pasteryak and Dachenhausen. Dick Houlihan retired to the pits with front suspension problems. Annarummo, Hinckley, Pasteryak, Dachenhausen and Dave Pinkham were the top 5. Lap 71 saw Chris Wenzel slide into the turn 1 wall. Once back up to speed, Hinckley hung tough with Vinny, as they raced side by side for over 10 laps. With 20 laps to go, the top 5 modifieds ran under a blanket. At this point, Jon McKennedy had worked himself into fourth with Alexander fifth. McKennedy got himself as high as third before the final caution dropped on lap 94 for Dale Evonsion who spun his #35 in turn 3. A single file restart was exactly what the doctor had ordered for Annarummo, as he was starting to slide around trying to hang on. A six lap spring to the finish was anything but easy for the Swansea MA native, as Pasteryak and McKennedy were all over the rear bumper. Pasteryak tried one last move on the final lap, but came up .105 second short, as Vinny Who sat back in victory lane at his home track. Pasteryak held on for second, with Mckennedy, Hinckley and Pinkham rounding out the top 5.

“THIS IS MY HOUSE” exclaimed an excited Annarummo. “We had no tires left at the end of this. This feels great. It’s my first win as a car owner in a long time, and my first in a modified. Thanks to Levesque Tree Service, Francis Farm, JRA Powder Coating, all the guys who put this together. I could go another hundred right now.”

Jeramee Lillie jumped up from his outside pole starting position and grabbed the lead away from Randy Clark as the field roared out of turn 2 for the start of the Late Model feature. While The Hammer would open up a commanding lead over John Dickerman, Gerry DeGasparre Jr, Kyle Casper and Kevin Casper were trying to work their way toward the front. On lap 11, while racing three-wide for 4th position, Bill Bernard and DeGasparre spun in turn 3 on lap 00, bringing out the first yellow. They would go just 3 laps before the caution flew for the second time when Tyler Thompson tried out for his pilots license and went over the nose of rookie competitor Mark Langlois

At the 15 lap mark, Lillie was the leader with Kevin Casper now up into second, and working the outside lane. On lap 16, Casper would take over the top of the leader board. But it would only last that one lap, as Lillie put his Houle Motorsports Ford Fusion back into the lead. The third caution came out on lap 21, as Randy Clark spun in turn 2, and DeGasparre spun in turn 3. John Hanafin would get the call for the assist. Kyle Casper used the restart to move underneath his older brother Kevin, and move into second. Matt Breault caught Kevin Casper by surprise, and slid in underneath for third. One final caution on lap 26, and we were back underway for the final four laps. Jeramee Lillie held on for the win, with Kyle Casper, Matt Breault, Kevin Casper and Jon Dickerman rounding out the top 5.

“Big thanks to Dick and Jackie Houle for the power” Jeramee spoke after the race. “Thanks to all the guys who work on the car, Mom and Dad. That was a lot of fun”

After three blown engines and two broken axles, Flyin Ryan Lineham finally found his lucky rabbits foot, and picked up his first win of the season. The only caution of this event happened on lap 2 when Dick Cavallaro spun his Casey Title CO. machine in turn 4 with the pack all over him. No other cars were involved, but the yellow was thrown. Once back underway, Lineham opened up a commanding lead, while second place runner Bob Bettencourt Jr was trying to hold onto second. He was fighting with john Geremia for second. The pair would run nose to tail for several laps. At the halfway point, Lineham lead over Bettencourt, John Gerimia, Tony Oliveira and Justin Travis.

Once strung out, the field was able to complete the 20 lap main event in near record time. Lineham held on for the win by over 3 seconds. Bettencourt was second, John Gerimia third, Oliviera and Travis the top 5.

“This one goes to the guys who work on the car.” bellowed Lineham in Victory Lane. “It seems every time Jeramee wins, we have to also. I want to thank Pete Simpson for lending me this engine. Brian from Finest Racing Engines, couldn’t have done this without your help. We never got down with all of the adversary we faced.”

Zach Tucan quickly jumped into the lead in the 20 lap Seekonk Sport Truck feature over Lenny Guy. Charlie Rose Jr filled in the three spot early on, with Jody Tripp and Mike Cavallaro running fourth and fifth. Rick Martin had worked himself into sixth by lap 8 with last week’s winner Bill Prisco seventh. The lead changed hands on lap 13, as Rose put his Sanford Tree Experts Ford Ranger to the top of the board. By lap 15, Martin used the outside lane to get by Tripp, and now set his sights on the top 3.

Rose was not going to be denied, as he held on to pick up his first win of 2008 in the Seekonk Sport Truck Feature. Cavallaro was second, with Martin getting by Tucan for third and Ed Gannon rounded out the top 5.

“We had a pretty good truck under us tonight” beamed Rose in Victory Lane. “We missed a couple, but we are here tonight. That’s all that matters. Special thanks to my father who put the rear end together for us. It stayed to together.”

Racing resumes at the Action Track of the East on Friday night with our Fast Friday Series, featuring the Pure Stocks, Seekonk Youth Racing Association, and Go Kart racing. Action begins at 7, and is just $5.00 to get in. Saturday night, June 21, the ARC Pro Stocks return to action as CanDigit Excavating will present the first 50 lap main event for the Late Models. Gates open at 3, and the first qualifier goes off at 6. Come on down and check out the action.