DeGasparre wins Dusty Young Memorial, Darling and Martin Repeat, Mitchell wins Thriller.

May 30, 2009

Gerry DeGasparre Jr	Dave Darling
Mike Mitchell	Radical Rick Martin

On Saturday, May 30, Gerry DeGasparre picked up his first win of the season in the 2nd Annual Dusty Young Memorial. With $1,100 up for grabs for the winner, 18 Late Models came out for this event. Somerset’s Tyler Thompson brought the field down, and found himself leading the first several laps. Matt Breault jumped underneath Thompson, but threw the 7th Sign Graphics Ford too hard into the corner and had to chase it up, giving up the inside to DeGasparre and Kyle Casper.

On lap 7, DeGasparre put the A-1 Custom Auto Body Chevy into the outside and took over the lead. The first caution came out on lap 9, when Thompson spun, gathering Jon Dickerman and Bill Bernard. All would continue. Matt Breault would not be able to hang with Gerry, as Kyle Casper fought with him for second. Ryan Vanasse, fresh off two consecutive victories, was working his way through the field, but could only get as high as second through the middle stages. While racing with Kevin Casper on lap 15, Casper spun his Phil’s Propane Toyota in turn one to bring out the second caution. Frank Duquette slapped the turn one wall, ending his night.

Wayne Helliwell Jr was on hand, making his Seekonk LM debut and found the speedway to his liking. After starting thirteenth, Wayne was able to keep his nose clean early in the event, and was in the top five at this point. Jon Dickerman, who was involved in an earlier incident, had worked himself into sixth.

The race for second through fifth continued to be hotly contested between, Breault, Kyle Casper, Kevin Casper, Vanasse and Helliwell. Kevin Casper’s team made the right adjustments earlier during pitstops and was able to work through the field into second by lap 39. But without another caution, could not catch DeGasparre. Helliwell finished third with Vanasse and Dickerman rounding out the top five.

“This car wasn’t that great today, but the G & G crew was focused,” a tired winner exclaimed. “Before I go any farther, when I came up into the Late Models, Dusty, Bev, and Glenn were some of the best friends I made. This win is one of the most special win’s I’ve ever had because of what those people mean to me.”

Dave Darling made it two for three in the Pro Stocks, as he outdistanced Tom Scully Jr for the win. Ken Spencer jumped out into the early lead and set the pace ahead of Jeramee Lillie and then Rob Murphy. With reigning champ Fred Astle fourth, the race at the front was getting hot and heavy.

As the field came into turn three on lap 7, Murphy was working the outside while Lille tried a move to the inside of Spencer. Astle was also racing the outside, and as they bunched up, Astle started to spin through the corner. As he went around, the Impact Collision Parts of Mike Brightman made contact nose to nose, ending the night for the Wood Frame Structures Chevy of Astle. The East Coast Collision Ford of Joe Cerullo was also involved. After some quick pit work, Brightman was able to continue.

Murphy inherited the lead in the Tom Barboza Excavating Dodge and set the pace for the next several laps, until Kyle Casper spun his Kidd Motorsports Chevy on lap 19, with Craig Weinstein getting involved. Once back under green, the race would go the distance, but this time Rehoboth’s Dave Darling was the man at the helm as he opened up a comfortable lead and brought the field to the checkers. Tom Scully Jr worked himself into second over the final half of the event, but could not make a challenge for the win in his Wheelock’s NAPA Auto Parts Chevy. Murphy held on for third with Ryan Vanasse and Ken Spencer rounding out the top five.

“What can I say, Ronnie Pond,” Dave spoke about how smooth his car is. “I need to thank all of my sponsors, Almeida Farms, Johnson Landscaping, Pepsi, and especially Gary Johnson the car owner. He pays the bills and let’s us do this.”

The Street Stocks came out geared up for their 25 lap main event, and they would not disappoint. With 30 cars in attendance, qualifying has become a premium. After three heats and a consolation round, the main event was set. Former champ Elmer Wing III and third generation rookie Bobby Pelland III sat on the front row. After racing side by side for the first couple of laps, Pelland found himself leading his first laps. N Providence’s Rey Lovelace squeezed under Wing and took over second just before the caution came out for Dan Gamache Jr who could not make it back into the pits.

Pelland was able to hold off the challenge on the restart and Lovelace settled into second with Jeff Amaral, Ron Barboza and Mike Mitchell running fifth. Mitchell was using the outside lane to his advantage, and by lap 12, he had moved into third. Just Travis brought out a caution just shy of halfway, and another was drawn on lap 17 when Rey Lovelace could not make it back to the pits. During the green flag racing, cars were stacked up two and three wide for position throughout the field for position, and the race for the lead was just as hot. The A&A Auto Parts Chevy of Pelland continued to hold off the hard charges of Mitchell who was pressuring the rookie hard for the lead. Jeff Amaral continued to keep with the fight, and also was putting heavy pressure on the rookie.

With four laps remaining, Pelland wriggled a little, opening the inside lane for Mitchell, and he was all too happy to move in. The pair ran side by side for four laps, with Pelland hanging tight on the outside, but was not able to hold off the G&R Racing Chevy of Mitchell, as he moved ahead over the final three laps. Pelland took one final charge on the outside on the final lap, but to no avail. Pelland had to settle for second, with Jeff Amaral, Ron Barboza and Brian Spillane rounding out the top five.

“I’ll tell you, that kid Pelland drives just like his ol’ man, he’s going to be real tough this year,” Mitchell said. He slipped a little and gave me the room once I was there. I have to thank Steve Axon, the whole 04 crew. This is a sister car, and I knew it could win. I need to thank my sponsors Eagle Flooring, Pitchers Pub, Rhodes Tree Service, and Bobby Carrita Racing Engines. I don’t have my engine yet, this is his house motor and he said it could get the job done.”

Rick Martin made it two for three in the Seekonk Sport Trucks, and he made it six of the last seven, dating back to 2008. Tiverton’s Brian Murray led the first lap of competition, with Lenny Guy moving into the lead on lap two. That would be short lived however, as he spun the LH Boulanger & Son Ford in turn two. No caution was needed, as Guy continued on. Murray took over with Hugh Bowser moving into second with martin in tow. Bowser took a look for the lead underneath Murray, but the ND Cabinetry Ford spun, forcing a yellow on lap 4.

On the restart, Martin put his George Climos Chevy into the lead, with the Silver Key Inc. Chevy of Jody Tripp moving into second. Brian Murray continued to hang onto third for several laps. By the time the field crossed at the halfway, Martin and Tripp had opened up a 3 second advantage over Lenny Guy, John Paiva and Brian Murray. The second yellow came out on lap 17, when Mark Biello spun in turn 2.

Guy had a run on the restart, and briefly looked for second from Tripp, but Tripp was able to move back by to take over second. Guy continued to run third, with Paiva and Jason Heroux rounding out the top five. While looking for second under Tripp, Guy once again had the back end come out from underneath, this time bringing out the third caution. 

John Paiva restarted third, and was able to move by Tripp on the restart for second, but couldn’t hold Tripp off as Tripp once again moved back into second. Over the final laps, High Bowser and Lenny Guy were able to work back up into the top five, but on this night, no one could match the blue and yellow Chevy of Martin who cruised to the win. Tripp, Paiva, Bowser and Guy rounded out the top five.

“Jody’s tough out there. I’m just trying to get to the front first and keep this little 4-banger wound up,” Martin talked about. “It looks lie it’s going to be a tough season with Tripp and Paiva. It’s a lot of fun. Thanks to of my sponsors and to the crew, but especially to my mom and dad. They stand behind me in whatever I do.”

Racing returns this Saturday with the Kraze’s Speed Equipment 30/30 for the Street Stocks. This extra distance event is always a favorite for the competitors and fans alike. 30 laps of racing with 30 cars starting. It also marks the return of the Pro4 Modifieds to the Seekonk Speedway since 2007. The Late Models will be idle for the night. Admission is just $12.00 for adults with kids 12 and under FREE.

Friday June 5 marks the season opener for the Fast Friday series. The Pure Stocks, Seekonk Youth Racing Association and the all new Sport4 division will take center stage for the evening. The Sport4 class is an entry level 4 cylinder division of cars that are stock. Remove the glass and add a few safety enhancements and you can go racing. Also scheduled to joint the Fast Friday opener are the NEMA Lites. Gates open at 6pm with action starting at 7pm. Adult admission is just $5.00. For more information, please check our website at Seekonkspeedway.com.

Pro Stocks

1st Heat                                                                2md Heat

Pro Stock Feature

Late Models

Heat I                                                     Heat II

Late Model Feature

Seekonk Sport Trucks

Heat I                                                     Heat II

Seekonk Sport Truck Feature

Street Stocks

Heat I                                                                Heat II

Heat III                                                   Consi

Street Stock Feature

Memorial Day Celebration

May 25, 2009

Spectator Drags:

• Mark Denardo, Mashpee MA             1986 Camaro
• Albert Amarantes, Pawtucket RI        1994 camaro
• Chris Gomes, Rehoboth MA               1978 Camaro

Pure Stock Feature

25 Laps

1) 11 Nick Uhrig

2) 01 Scott Cestodio

3) 8 Bill Chouinard

4) 95 Lou Robinson

5) 5 Randy Moretti

6) 53 Vinny Pangelinan

7) 77 Carlos Silva

8) 9 Amy Arsenault

9) 7 Doug Benoit

10) 24 Dirk Eykelhoff

11) 14 Jamie Burch

12) 44 William Wallace

13) 12 Melissa Jodat

14) 10 Melissa Charette

15) 28 Ed Flanigan Jr

16) 15 Jeremy Lambert

Enduro Drags:

• Vinnie Arrengado Jr, Warren RI
• Paul Medeiros, Fall River MA
• Nick Reynolds, Middletown RI

Truck Drage

• Justin Ennis, Randolph MA
• Joe Melberg, Attleboro MA
• Nick Reynolds, East Providence RI

EnduroI

• Bobby Lavaseur, Freetown MA
• Randy Lavaseur, Wrentham, MA
• Scott Chito, Lincoln RI

Enduro II

• Paul Medeiros, Fall River MA
• John Haskell, Bridgewater MA
• Doug Benoit, Swansea MA

Truck Figure-8

• Dave Derosiers, Berkley MA
• John Cabral, East Providence RI
• Joe Melberg, Attleboro MA

Figure-8

• Nick Reynolds, Middletown, RI
• Joe Corte, Smithfield RI
• Scott Chito, Lincoln RI

Tom Scully Jr visits Victory Lane in Pro Stock Action. Vanasse repeats while Martin and Lineham earn season firsts.

 May 23, 2009

Kid Scully Tom Jr.	The Rocket Ryan Vanasse
Radical Rick Martin	Flyin' Ryan Lineham

Ken Spencer and Rob Murphy brought the field down for the green with Spencer getting the early jump over Murphy. The Pub 76 Chevy set the pace for the first lap but was overtaken by lap two by the Wheelock NAPA Auto Groups Chevy of Tom Scully Jr that overtook and set the pace for the remainder of the event. While Scully led the race, the quest for second was heating up early. Rochester’s Rob Murphy was using the inside lane to get back toward the front. LM winner Ryan Vanasse followed through into third. Spencer had mechanical problems forcing the Pub 76 Chevy out of the event early.

Acushnet’s Mike Brightman was using the inside to his advantage and worked himself into the top six by the time the first caution came out on lap nine for the Somerset Federal Credit Union Chevy of Kyle Casper as he spun in turn three.

As the field crossed at the halfway point, Scully continued to set the pace. Murphy had his hands full as Vanasse continued to knock on the door, while Dave Darling was up to third, using the outside lane. Fred Astle had just moved into fourth with Vanasse rounding out the top five.

A caution on lap 21 slowed the field once again, and Darling was able to move into second place while Murphy held on for third. Astle pitted moving Steve O’Brien into the top five. Even with a few more caution over the second half of the event, Darling was not able to overtake Scully and had to settle for second. Murphy picked up his career best finish for third with Vanasse and O’Brien rounding out the top five.

“The car was excellent tonight!” a weary Scully stated. “I’d like to thank Wheelock’s Napa Auto Group, my lovely wife for ten years, my dad and my crew. This was cool.” “Dave is a tough competitor and I knew we were going to be real tight, but the deuce was pretty good tonight.”

Ryan Vanasse made it two in a row in the Late Models when he overtook reigning champ Gerry DeGasparre after a lap 21 restart. A pair of rookies in Frank Duquette and Mike Cavallaro brought the field down. Duquette held the lead for the first two circuits until Pawtucket RI’s DeGasparre put the A-1 Custom Auto Body Chevy into the lead. Duquette and Cavallaro continued to fight for second while Matt Breault and Jon Dickerman raced for fourth and fifth.

A couple of mid-race cautions bunched up the field, costing Duquette a chance at a good finish in the NAC Security & Sound System machine. It also allowed the Team V Transportation Chevy of Vanasse to catch the leaders from his eleventh starting position. By lap 12, he was into the top five and moved into second on lap 20. One final restart over the final laps gave DeGasparre one more shot at Vanasse, but he had to settle for second. Mike Cavallaro picked up his career best finish of third in only his second event in the Late Models, while Kevin Casper and Jon Dickerman rounded out the top five.

“This is awesome,” a jubilant Vanasse said. “I never would have dreamed of four in a row. This car makes me look good. I knew we had enough for Gerry, it was just making sure it kept together to get to him.” “We are going to make a donation with some of the winnings that we make with this car to the Aaron Boudreau Fund, and if there are any sponsors that want to match our donations, we will put their name on the car for the year.” Aaron Boudreau was killed in a highway accident over the winter, and is the son of former LM competitor and current head Tech Inspector Cory Boudreau.

Rick Martin started seventh in the Seekonk Sport Truck 25 lap feature, but won convincingly for his first of the season. Brian Murray and Jim Hawkins started on the front row, but it was Fall River’s John Paiva who would lead the early laps. Paiva was able to put some distance on the rest of the field, but once Martin was up to second, he closed right in on him and put the Richie’s Radio Chevy into the lead by lap six. Paiva had a great run and held Tripp off at the end for a runner-up position.

Last week’s winner Jody Tripp started right beside Martin, but was not as fortunate in getting through the field. While he was methodically picking trucks off one by one, but without the aid of a caution, he had to settle for third. Jason Heroux had his best run in the trucks, as he was able to top five, finishing fourth in the sponsor wanted Chevy. The MD Cabinetry Ford of Hugh Bowser started sixth on the field and ran as high as fourth for the middle portion of the event. Hugh rounded out the top five at the end of the main event.

“This was a lot easier than last week with all the cautions,” martin stated. “I can’t believe we went all the way, but its ok like that. I would like to thank George Climo, G Lopes Construction, Richie’s Auto Radio, Estrella’s Trucking, and Excel Recycling. These are the guys who stepped up over the winter and make it happen.”

After being forced out of week one on the wrecker, week two was much better for Flyin Ryan Lineham, as he picked up his first win of the season. 30 cars were signed in for competition in the Street Stocks and it was Rey Negley and Gerard Berthelette sat on the front row for the initial green. Negley set the early pace in the Nu-Lux Cleaners Camaro while Berthelette fell to third when Providence RI’s Rey Lovelace moved into second on a lap 4 restart. Lineham started sixth, and by lap five was third. Berthelette fell back to fourth for a few laps before overtaking Lovelace for third by lap 10.

With a restart on lap 14, Lineham was able to overtake Negley for the lead, and the Impact Collision Parts Chevy led the rest of the way. Once out of the lead, Negley fell back through the field, falling out of the top ten by lap 17. Former Street Stock Champion Dick Cavallaro ran up to the Lineham mount several times, but was unable to get alongside to make a charge. Mike Lima was the car on the move, as the Skater’s Edge Malibu started 15th on the field, and worked himself into third by lap 20. But even a late race restart was not enough to overtake Lineham for the win. Paul Newcomb Jr moved his Newcomb Tree Service Camaro from twelfth into third in the final order, with Sparky Arsenault and Cavallaro rounded out the top five.

“These guys didn’t even sleep last night as we finished repairing the car from last week,” a jubilant Lineham exclaimed. “Dan, my dad Rick and the guys did a great job putting this back together. I need to thank EMI, Impact Collision Parts, Blaze’s Billiards, GPS Solutions, Finest Racing Engines, X-Treme Racing, and Coventry Auto Parts for their support.”

Racing returns on Saturday, May 30, with the second annual Dusty Young Memorial for the Late Model s. Pro Stocks, Street Stocks and the Seekonk Sport Trucks will also be on the racing card. Adult admission is just $12.00, with kids 12 and under FREE.

Dave Darling picks up opening day win. Vanasse, Tripp, Oliviera and Uhrig also score.

 May 17, 2009

Seekonk Speedway, for the third time, attempted to get their opening day program completed. But even a few rain showers weren’t going to delay us again. Dave Darling picked up his 22nd career Pro Stock win in dominating fashion. Starting on the pole after the top 6 were inverted by a blind draw, Dave was out for a Sunday drive. While he dominated the event from the pole, there were many challengers for the lead. Sophomore Jake Vanada of Berkeley was the first to challenge Dave for the lead, but couldn’t hang on from his outside pole start. He would get another chance, as Wayne Dion brought out the first caution with a spin on lap 1, forcing the Houle Motorsports driver out of the event.

Darling and Vanada would try it again, but Darling was up for the challenge. Vanasse squeezed under Vanada and put the Team V Transport Chevy into the runner up position. The second caution fell on lap 4, when the K Spencer Electric Chevy of Ken Spencer scraped the outside wall and came to a stop in turn 1. Vanasse settled into the runner up spot with Mike Brightman, Rob Murphy and Tom Scully Jr rounding out the top five when the third caution came out on lap 15.

Once back up to speed, the Impact Collision Parts Ford of Brightman moved into the second position, with Kid Scully fighting a loose racecar, moved into fourth when the yellow came out for Dan O’Brien.

Brightman hang tough for a couple of laps on the outside, but had to settle behind the Johnson Landscaping Dodge and follow. Vanasse ran third, with Rob Murphy and Fred Astle Jr rounding out the top 5 at the one-third mark. Tom Scully Jr, Jeramee Lillie, Kyle Casper, Steve O’Brien and Tom Scully Sr rounded out the top ten.

Rob Murphy started eighth on the field, and was able to move his Tom Barboza Excavating Dodge up into the top three by lap 32, and appeared to be one of the fastest cars on the track. During that caution, however, something happened to the green machine, and forced him into the pits, where he would lose 10 laps before they could get the electrical problem repaired.

Fred Astle Jr set fast time on May 3, and picked up the win in his heat, giving him the proverbial pole position. He was the driver who pulled for the redraw, and was relegated to the sixth starting position. But that wouldn’t slow down the reigning champion. The Wood Frame Structures Chevy was rolling through the field at a leisurely pace, and by lap 33 had moved into third. Trying to work his way into second after a lap 42 restart, Astle spun the tires and spun down the backstretch, and would bring out the caution on lap 43.

Tom Scully Jr was coming off his best season, and was hanging on to a top five run when a left front tire was cut down on lap 41, forcing him into the pits. After returning, it was only a couple of laps before he was back in the top six, and the Wheelock’s NAPA Auto Group Chevy was back on his way to the front.

The biggest accident of the evening came on lap 42, when Tom Scully Sr and Jake Vanada got together. While the East Coast Collision Chevy of Scully would be able to continue, the Mad Dog Motorsports Ford of Vanada was done for the evening with chassis damage.

As the field crossed at lap 50, the top ten were Darling, Vanasse, Brightman, Lillie, Kyle Casper, Scully Jr, Astle, Phil Meany, Steve O’Brien and Scully Sr. When the caution came out on lap 58, Lillie had worked his way into third in the Houle Motorsports Chevy. The rookie contender started 13th on the starting grid, and was looking right at home in the Pro Stocks. That run would find itself in trouble on lap 63, when he spun and had to go to the rear of the field.  Just after that, Lillie and Vanasse got together while battling for second, and forced another caution. Astle was now on the outside the front row on the restart, but not even he could get a run on the Almeida Farms Dodge. He had trouble hanging onto second as the EMI Ford of Brightman ran under Astle and got back into second.

Another caution dropped on lap 67, when Fred Astle and Kid Scully got together fighting for third position, with both drivers having to go to the rear of the field. Scully would be forced to the pits when intentional contact under caution forced the ARC officials to penalize him. With Darling out front, Brightman was now second, with Tom Scully Sr up to third, Gardner MA’s Phil Meany worked himself into fourth with Steve O’Brien fifth.

Lillie had mechanical problems with four laps remaining, and Vanasse slapped the outside wall as he tried to get around the limping Lillie. Astle worked himself into fourth over the last few laps, but was unable to mount any further charges as Dave Darling picked up his second Opening Day win in three years. Brightman finished second, with Tom Scully Sr third, Astle fourth, and Phil Meany rounding out the top five. Steve O’Brien, Dan O’Brien, Kyle Casper, Craig Weinstein and Jeramee Lillie rounded out the top ten.

“Oh My Gosh, did I have a good car”, exclaimed a tired but enthusiastic Darling after climbing out of his winning racer. “Ronnie Pond is the best in the business, and I can only do with what he gives me, and that’s the best car I’ve ever had.” “I’m glad my daughter Sophie was here for my win tonight. I have to thank the guys in the pits, Johnson Landscaping, Almeida Farms. Andy Johnson does an awesome job landscaping for us, and an awesome job giving me a great car.”  With David’s win, he becomes a guaranteed starter in the PASS 150 on August 15th.

Ryan Vanasse picked up just where he left off in the Late Model division. After winning the final two events, including the DAV Fall Classis, the Team V Transport team decided they were going to run double duty, with the Pro Stocks and the Late Models in 2009. Kevin Casper led the field down in his Phil’s Propane Toyota bodied machine, and jumped out to a quick lead over Bill Bernard, Vanasse, Jon Dickerman and Kyle Casper, who was also running double duty.

Bernard slid back a little in his Ashland Lumber Chevy, and backed up to fourth by lap 4. Mark Anzalone brought out the first caution on lap 4 when contact sent him around as he was slowing in turn three. Vanasse used the outside lane to find his way into the lead and never looked back. While they were battling for the lead, Kyle Casper was working the outside lane and worked his Somerset Federal Credit Union Chevy into third by lap eighth.

While Vanasse had opened up a 2 second advantage over the field, the brothers Casper were working each other over for the second position. After a fierce side by side battle, Kyle Casper moved his Kidd Motorsports machine into second at the halfway point. Kevin Casper was third, with the Dennis K Burke Toyota of Dickerman fourth and Gerry DeGasparre in fifth.

The field would be slowed for the second time on lap 17, when rookie Late Model contender Mike Cavallaro spun his Gateway Auto Sales Chevy. The top five were Vanasse, Kyle Casper, DeGasparre, Dickerman and Kevin Casper. Kyle Casper had a chance to take the lead, and did just that on lap 18, but Vanasse was too strong, and retook the lead on lap 19 and never looked back. While Vanasse was leading, the fight behind was fierce. Casper and DeGasparre were both fighting side by side, and they raced that was for several laps, with DeGasparre taking over second on lap 29. But all of that went away as they came off of turn four. While Vanasse was grabbing the checkers, Kyle Casper and DeGasparre were renewing a rivalry that started in 2008. As they came off of turn 4, both cars got sideways as neither one was giving an inch. DeGasparre was on the inside, and the back end snapped around, costing him a top ten finish. Kyle Casper finished second, with Kevin Casper third, with Jon Dickerman and Bernard rounding out the top five.

“This car was a missile. These Team V guys make me look good. I couldn’t do it without them.” Ryan stated in Victory Lane. “This one goes out to my new little girl. She told me I could leave, but I had to win. I need to thank Team V Motorsports and A & A Auto Parts; They’ve really been helping me out this year, Houle Motorsports and Phil’s Propane for the extra $100.” Phil’s Propane has joined as a contingency partner for the Late Models and is offering an extra $100 to the winner, with an extra $50.00 for the second and third place finishers.

The Seekonk Sports Truck feature came down to the last 20 feet, as Jody Tripp picked up the win in his Silver Key Inc. Chevy by .002 over Rick Martin. John Paiva of Fall River and Westport’s Martin brought the field down, and Martin jumped quickly into the lead. The MD Cabinetry Ford of Hugh Bowser jumped in line behind Martin, with Tripp in tow. The first caution came out on lap 3, when Russ Borges spun in turn two and Brian Murray and Mike Ronhock made contact with the spinning Borges. Jim Hawkins was also involved.

After a brief rain delay, action resumed once again. Bowser was able to edge ahead of Martin for two circuits until Martin took back over on lap five. Bowser fell back to third when Tripp followed Martin on the inside. Paiva continued to run fourth with Steve Dumas rounding out the top five at lap ten.

A lap 12 restart saw Martin give up the lead once more when Tripp overtook Rick and eked out a lead, but it would only last one lap. Martin seemed to be too strong on the inside in his Rick Martin Race Car Chevy.

A final restart on lap 21 would give Tripp one last shot at the lead. As they headed into turn one, Tripp edged out a slight advantage. Lap by lap, they continued to push each other to the limit. As they entered turn 3 for the final time, Martin dove in deep and pushed up the track just a bit, forcing Tripp out of his groove. As they exited turn 4, both trucks seemed to become one, as they both slid the back end of their trucks out. With one final push, Tripp found a touch more traction and found himself edging out Martin in one of the closest truck races ever at Seekonk. Bowser was right behind them, looking for any type of opening that may be there, but ended just under ½ second behind. Lenny Guy was able to recover from an earlier spin to come home fourth with Jason Heroux rounding out the top five. DeSouza worked his way back up to sixth, with Paiva, Dumas, Darryl Church and Jim Hawkins rounding out the top ten.

“This is incredible,” Tripp exclaimed after picking up his second career win. “I didn’t think I’d be able to beat him. I did what I had to do. I have to thank Blanchette’s Boutique, Vel-Parts, Hydro-Stop Roofing, Riley’s Kitchens, Silver Key, Sanford & Son’s and Nat’s engines. I have to thank my father and Mike for helping me.”

The Street Stocks had over 30 cars on hand to compete for 26 starting positions, and it was Mike Mitchell and Mark Henshaw Jr bringing the field down. Tony Oliveira moved into second on the start, with Henshaw, Sparky Arsenault and Chris Rioux rounding out the top five in the opening laps.

While the top four ran single file, the battle from fifth back was raging on. Chris Rioux held onto fifth for several laps, until Ryan Lineham snuck the Impact Collision Parts Camaro underneath, taking away a position. Middletown RI’s Jim Silvia was following through and kept pace with the Coventry RI native. Bob Pelland II was also working his way from his eleventh starting position into eighth before having the car come out from underneath him on lap 10. This brought out the first caution of the night.

Mitchell and Oliviera ran side by side for a couple of laps after another restart on lap 11, before the Kitchen Concepts Malibu of Oliviera took over the lead. On lap 12, Ryan Lineham found himself in the turn 3 wall after contact sent the Blaze’s Billiard machine around.

By lap 13, Silvia was up to the second spot, but would only hold it for a couple of laps before Mitchell worked back into second. Sparky Arsenault also moved by for third. Paul Newcomb moved into the top five by lap 14 from his 12th starting position.  

On lap 19, Mike Mitchell cut a left front tire and slid through the infield, coming into Paul Newcomb. With nowhere to go, Paul Vanasse, Jeff Amaral and Justin Travis all got involved. It took the safety crew a little time to untangle the Team V Transport Malibu of Vanasse and the Newcomb Tree Service Camaro of Newcomb.

Arsenault would have one final shot at Tony, but the champ did not have enough, as Oliviera took off out front once again. Silvia moved into second, but ran out of time, as he would have to settle for second. Arsenault finished third, with Steve Axon and Jay Steely rounding out the top five.

“Mike Mitchell was on me tonight,” an exuberant winner told.  “We couldn’t get our footing out here tonight, but I kept it in there. I want to thank Reids for building a heck of a motor. It was nice to have a freshened up motor after three years. Jimmy Read did a great job. EA Dion supports me as always, Kitchen Concepts, Nilda’s Hair Design is a new sponsor this year, Destiny’s Salon, ET Transmissions, Sanford & Sons has always been good to me, and I think that’s it.”

Nick Uhrig and Scott Cestodio brought the Pure Stock field down for the start of their 25 lap feature. Uhrig jumped out to a quick lead. Cestodio settled in behind and tried to keep up, but Uhrig continued to pull away. While the leaders were running single file, several cars were trying to work their way through the field. Attleboro’s Lou Robinson started ninth, but by lap 5, he had worked himself into the top five.

By lap 7, the leaders caught the back of the field, and the reigning Pure Stock champ was able to close in the distance between he and Uhrig, down to a car length. Once clear of traffic, however, Uhrig pulled away once again. While Nick pulled away, all eyes were on the battle raging up for the third position. Amy Arsenault was running third, but had a lot of pressure from Assonet’s Bob Hinckley and Robinson. Enter former champion Bill Chouinard and Randy Moretti into the fight, and Arsenault had her hands full. Jamie Burch brought out the first caution on lap 12, when he spun in turn three. Uhrig, Cestodio, Arsenault, Hinckley and Robinson were first through fifth, with Chouinard, Carlos Silva, Moretti, Pangelinan and Dirk Eykelhoff rounding out the top ten.

Uhrig once again pulled away, as he took up where he left off, with the field in tow. Hinckley moved into third at lap fifteen, with Chouinard moving into fourth the following lap. Cranston RI’s Moretti moved his way forward after the restart, and by lap 19, he was up to sixth.

Over the final five laps, the race for third was hot and heavy, as Hinckley worked the Glassman Auto Oldsmobile hard to hold off Chouinard and Robinson. One final restart was forced when Joe Carpenter lost a hose on lap 23, putting fluid down on the track. Tom Blackwell was involved when he hit Carpenter, forcing him out of competition.

From there, it was clear sailing for the Cranston RI native, as Uhrig wired this one complete. Cestodio held on for second, while Hinckley held off Chouinard, Robinson and Moretti for third. Pangelinan, Arsenault, Silva and Eykelhoff rounded out the top ten.

“I have to thank the guys at Team V for helping me on this,” Uhrig mentioned. “Ryan, Mike Paul and everyone at Team V Transport has been good. We found something at the end of last year and we didn’t have to do anything to it over the winter.”

Seekonk Speedway action returns in a double header this weekend. On Saturday, the Pro Stocks, Late Models, Street Stocks and Seekonk Sport Trucks run a full Saturday Night card under the ARC banner. Gates open at 4 with the first qualifier at 6pm. On Sunday, the Army National Guard presents our Sunday Thrill Show. The action will start at 5pm with the Spectator Drags. There will also be Enduro Drags, Drifting by NEDrift.com, Truck Drags, Figure Eight racing, and the world famous Seekonk Speedway Demolition Derby. Gates open at 2:30. You can purchase your tickets online and print them at home using our website at seekonkspeedway.com. Please check our website for new regulations concerning the safety of our fans.

Rain halts 64th Season opener during qualifying.  

 May 3, 2009

With 5 laps complete in the second Pro Stock heat, the rains came, and Mother Nature would not allow any more racing on the 1/3 mile oval. After a 10 minute delay and a good look at the radar, the call was made, and the remainder of the opening day schedule will be completed on Saturday, May 9th. All tickets that were sold on opening day will be vavalid for the completion of this event only.

During qualifying, 18 Pro Stocks took time to set the starting grid for their heats. For the second year in a row, reigning Champion Fred Astle Jr set fast time with a lap of 12.314 seconds around the 1/3 mile oval. Mike Brightman was second quickest at 12.335, while Ken Spencer, Tom Scully Jr and Kyle Casper rounded out the top five.

Late Model qualifying saw Jon Dickerman and Kyle Casper pick up the wins in their respective qualifiers. The Street Stocks saw 33 cars signed in, and the heat winners were reigning Champ Sparky Arsenault, Tony Oliviera and Mike Mitchell. Seekonk Sport Truck winners were 2008 Rookie of the Year Jody Tripp and reigning Title Holder Mike Cavallaro. Only one Pro Stock heat was complete, and Astle made it 2 for 2 as he would pick up the win in the first heat. The second round was cut short due to rain with 5 laps complete.  Over 20 Pure Stocks were signed in and ready to compete, as they are slated for a 25 Lap go round.

Action will start at 6pm, with the second Pro Stock qualifier to be completed, followed by the Street Stock consolation race. The complete feature program will follow, which includes the Seekonk Sport Trucks, Pure Stocks, Street Stocks, and Pro Stocks. The pro
Stock main event will be a 75 lap affair, with the winner pocketing $2,000, and a guaranteed starting position in the PASS 150 on August 15. The Late Model winner will receive the Phil’s Propane Contingency of $100.00, with the second and third place finishers receiving $50.00 each. The Street Stock winner will receive the Town Fair Tire Contingency of $100.00.

Qualifying results:

Pro Stock Time Trials: