Jon McKennedy wins Connecticut Laborers Union 100 for True Value Mods. Vanasse, Martin and DeMoura win undercard.

June 13, 2009

Jon McKennedy started 18th in the 24 car field on Saturday, and took the lead on lap 85 of the Connecticut Laborers Union 100 to pick up his first win at Seekonk, and second consecutive on the True Value Modified Racing Series. Jon quietly worked his way through the field, entering the top ten at lap 33, and into the top five on lap 41. That was the easy part. Once into the top five, he picked off Bobby Grigas, Dave Berghman, and Les Hinckley using the outside and inside lanes. With 40 laps remaining, he was into second, but a long ways behind leader Vinny Annarummo. A caution on lap 65 would help close in the gap, and give a cleaner look at the lead, and he and Annarummo were both in heavy lapped traffic.

 

Once back underway, McKennedy worked the 3-time True Value winner on the high and low sides, getting even with Vinnie “Who” at lap 76, but was unable to complete the pass. On lap 78, McKennedy dove to the inside, and the two ran side by side for several laps, finally overtaking Annarummo on lap 85. McKennedy would be able to hold on through two more cautions to pick up his first win at a track that he has run so well at over the past few seasons.

 

Dwight Jarvis followed a similar approach as McKennedy, starting 19th. But it took much longer for the 2006 True Value Champion to get to the front. Dwight didn’t crack the top five until lap 70, and followed Jon’s lead on the outside into the top three. Jarvis ran third for 18 laps, until Annarummo slipped up off turn two, and Jarvis was able to pass on the outside into second.

 

Bobby Grigas III started on the pole, and led the first quarter of the event before Annarummo took over on lap 27. once out front, it appeared the crowd would be treated to another Vinnie performance, as the 6-time Seekonk Champion opened up a substantial lead through the center portion of the event. Even a couple of mid-race cautions would not slow up the momentum of the Levesque’s Tree Service machine. The turning point came on lap 69, when the power steering went away. Vinnie was forced to manhandle the car for the remainder of the event, eventually falling to fourth in the order.

 

Jimmy Kuhn was making his first start of the season with the True Value Modifieds, and picked the perfect night to come back home. Kuhn started 12th, and was not much of a factor for much of the event. As the laps wore down, Kuhn picked up the pace, and around lap 95, found himself running sixth when Rowan Pennick touched Les Hinckley while battling for fourth. This sent both competitors to the rear. With just 3 laps remaining, Kuhn was fourth, and overtook Annarummo for third over the final laps.

  

Ryan Vanasse picked up his 3rd win of the season in the 30 lap Late Model main. In a race that went green to checkered, the fighting was going on behind the Rocket. Freetown’s Frank Duquette and Somerset’s Tyler Thompson brought the field down for the green, with Duquette jumping out to the early lead. Thompson held on for second in the early laps as Jon Dickerman and Vanasse started closing in. Vanasse was quick to get by Dickerman, then by Thompson and started closing in on Duquette. Dickerman followed Vanasse to the top three.

 

Behind them, Kyle Casper, Kevin Casper and Gerry DeGasparre had lined themselves up and started working through the field. While they were fighting amongst themselves just outside the top five, Vanasse had closed in on the NAC Security and Sound System Chevy and had the Team V Transport glued to the inside lane, and took over the lead on lap 8.

 

At the lap ten mark, Kyle Casper was putting pressure on Tyler Thompson for fourth, trying to get a run inside. Having to go to the outside, Casper and Casper moved past Thompson and some sibling rivalry started to heat up. Kevin put the Phil’s Propane Toyota under Kyle’s Somerset Federal Credit Union Chevy and took over the third position. DeGasparre was able to follow Kevin and found himself fifth at the halfway point.

 

Over the final 15 laps, the only change for position was Kevin Casper moving by the Airgas Toyota of Dickerman for third. The rest of the top five remained the same as Vanasse cruised to victory for the third time, picking up the Phil’s Propane contingency bonus. Duquette had his best ever finish for second, with Kevin Casper, Dickerman and DeGasparre rounding out the top five.

 

“I have to thank my brother Mike for this,” Ryan said in Victory Lane, “I wasn’t happy with the car after the heat, and he told me to be patient. He was right. This win is dedicated to Nick, our crew member who just had a baby this week.”

 

In the 25 lap Seekonk Sport Truck feature, Rick Martin inched closer to the all time feature win record with his fourth consecutive win of the season. Mike Ronhock and Kyle DeSouza sat on the front row, and it was the Mashpee native Ronhock taking the lead on the opening laps. As DeSouza started to back slide, Lenny Guy and John Paiva made it three wide for second, with Paiva Taking the second spot away. Guy fell in for third before the Hobbies & things Chevy spun to bring out the first caution.

 

Ronhock and Paiva sat on the front row with Guy and Jody Tripp third and fourth. Martin, who re-started fifth tried to go three wide under Guy and Tripp, but the caution came out for the second time for Russ Borges who spun. Ronhock got loose on the restart, allowing the Shear Genius Chevy of Paiva to take over the lead with Tripp in tow. Martin was up to third with Ronhock and Guy rounding out the top five.

 

Tripp used his experience and put the Silver Key Inc. Chevy to the outside and raced with Paiva for three laps before overtaking him for the lead. Martin followed Tripp and dropped Paiva back to third. A Spin by Billy Clark brought out the caution again, this time with three laps complete.

 

Tripp, Paiva and Martin were the top three on the restart as Tripp jumped back out front with Martin in tow. With another restart, Tripp and Martin raced side by side for the lead. Over the next several laps, Martin and Tripp swapped the lead back and forth almost a dozen times, with only a couple of thousandths between them for the lead. Just past the halfway point, Martin was able to close the door on Tripp and take command of the race.

 

Tripp would continue to put pressure on Martin for the next several laps, but would not be able to make a serious challenge. Lenny Guy was able to work his way back up to third, with Paiva and Jason Heroux rounding out the top five.

 

“Jody made me work for it today,” a tired Martin exclaimed. “I drove my heart out there. That’s good racing when it is like that. The truck is running real well. I don’t do anything to the truck except tire pressures here at the track."

With 4 different winners in four events, it’s no wonder why the Street Stocks are one of the most exciting divisions going. North Dighton’s Chris DeMoura made sure that the streak was kept alive, as he became the 5th different winner in as many races in 2009. Swansea’s Patrick Delaney led the field down for the green with DeMoura lined up outside. Chris quickly put the Bristol County Chopper Oldsmobile at the top of the leaderboard. 2002 Street Champ Elmer Wing III followed Chris into the top two and put pressure on the leader early. They would turn one-two until the first caution came out on lap 3 for Ryan Lineham.

 

Side by side DeMoura and Wing battled on the restart, with Wing strong on the outside. He would lead a lap before DeMoura would take the lead back, and just in time, and Manny Dias cut down a tire and brought out the second caution at lap 4. Another caution on lap 6 for Bobby Pelland III who spun in turn 4 and DeMoura and Wing would try it again.

 

The Dunkin Donuts of Lakeville machine for Wing led the next two circuits before DeMoura would get back to the front on lap 8. After a lap 10 restart, the ARC officials decided to go to a single file restart. Once back underway, Scott Serydynski was using up the outside lane in his quest for his first win of the season, but fell off the pace at lap 17 with mechanical issues. By the time the field rolled under the half-way mark, Mark Henshaw Jr had moved into the second position, with Tony Oliviera third. Serydynski and Paul Lallier rounded out the top five.

 

Without any additional slow ups, DeMoura was able to hang on and win the 25 lap feature. Henshaw held on for second, with Oliviera, Lallier and Wing rounding out the top five.

 

“It feels good to be back in Victory Lane,” and excited DeMoura mentioned. “I need to thank some of my sponsors that I forgot last time: Reese’s Auto Sales, Bristol county Choppers, and Bristol County Collision. I need to thank my father, and my crew. It’s been a frustrating year so far, but this makes it all worth it.

 

Saturday night racing returns on June 20th, with the second 75 lap main event for the ARC Pro Stocks. With $2,000 up for grabs for the winner, and a guaranteed starting spot in the Cirelli Marketplace PASS 150 on August 15, the action is sure to be tough. Dave Darling won the first qualifier, and one more name will be added to the list this Saturday. The Late Models, Seekonk Sport Trucks and Street Stocks will all be on the schedule. Adult admission is just $12.00, kids 12 and under FREE. For more information, check out our website at seekonkspeedway.com.

Connecticut Laborers Union 100
True Value Modifieds
Heat I					Consi
Finish	Car#	Driver	Laps		Finish	Car#	Driver	Laps
1	09	Bobby Grigas	12		1	28	Dwight Jarvis	15
2	73	Jon McKennedy	12		2	18	Eddie Spiers	15
3	75	Carl Pasteryak	12		3	44	Sean Boudreau	15
4	06	Les Hinckley	12		4	05	Jacob Dore	15
5	72	Jimmy Kuhn Jr	12		5	23	Mike Douglas	15
6	12	Todd Annarummo	12		6	0	Mike Holdridge	15
7	28	Dwight Jarvis	12		7	67	Ken Spencer	15
8	0	Mike Holdridge	12		8	55	Joe Doucette	15
9	55	Joe Doucette	12		9	76	Shelly Perry	15
10	67	Ken Spencer	12
					Feature
Heat II					Finish	Car#	Driver	Laps
Finish	Car#	Driver	Laps		1	73	Jon McKennedy	100
1	25	Rowan Pennick	12		2	28	Dwight Jarvis	100
2	14	Louie Mechalidas	12		3	72	Jimmy Kuhn Jr	100
3	11	Vinny Annarummo	12		4	11	Vinny Annarummo	100
4	13	Steve Masse	12		5	82	Dave Berghman	100
5	15	Chris Pasteryak	12		6	09	Bobby Grigas	100
6	17	Jack Bateman	12		7	10x	Eddie Dachenhausen	100
7	44	Sean Boudreau	12		8	12	Todd Annarummo	100
8	05	Jacob Dore	12		9	15	Chris Pasteryak	100
9	10x	Eddie Dachenhausen	12		10	13	Steve Masse	100
					11	17	Jack Bateman	100
Heat III					12	0	Mike Holdridge	100
Finish	Car#	Driver	Laps		13	44	Sean Boudreau	100
1	21	Richard Savary	12		14	75	Carl Pasteryak	100
2	82	Dave Berghman	12		15	77	Kenny White Jr	100
3	3	Jeff Malave	12		16	1	Rob Goodenough	100
4	77	Kenny White Jr	12		17	06	Les Hinckley	100
5	69	Jimmy Dolan	12		18	25	Rowan Pennick	100
6	18	Eddie Spiers	12		19	18	Eddie Spiers	99
7	23	Mike Douglas	12		20	14	Louie Mechalidas	98
8	76	Shelly Perry	12		21	05	Jacob Dore	98
					22	21	Richard Savary	98
					23	3	Jeff Malave	91
					24	69	Jimmy Dolan	18
Street Stocks
Heat I					Consi
Finish	Car#	Driver	Laps		Finish	Car#	Driver	Laps
1	08	Chris DeMoura	10		1	39	Mike Lima	10
2	116	Jim Silvia	10		2	16	Paul Newcomb Jr	10
3	41	Tony Oliviera	10		3	74	Scott Bruneau	10
4	22	Brian Spillane	10		4	07	Jeff Amaral	10
5	1	Scott Serydynski	10		5	04	Steve Axon	10
6	40	Mike Mitchell	10		6	98	Jay Steely	10
7	39	Mike Lima	10		7	18	Roland Wheeler	10
8	07	Jeff Amaral	10		8	9	Manny Dias	10
9	8	Crystal Serydynski	10		9	6	Dick Cavallaro	10
10	98	Jay Steely	10		10	92	Dan Gamache Jr	10
11	56	Tom Dolan Sr	10		11	45	Justin Travis	10
12	57	Dave Pettey	10		12	56	Tom Dolan Sr	10
					13	57	Dave Pettey	10
Heat II					14	C1	Cory Merit	9
Finish	Car#	Driver	Laps		15	8	Crystal Serydynski	4
1	79	Chris Beauleau	10		16	14	Rey Lovelace	1
2	71	Patrick Delaney	10
3	4	Gerard Berthelette	10		Feature
4	96	Sparky Arsenault	10		Finish	Car#	Driver	Laps
5	19	Ryan Lineham	10		1	08	Chris DeMoura	25
6	24	Ray Negley	10		2	17	Mark Henshaw	25
7	74	Scott Bruneau	10		3	41	Tony Oliviera	25
8	14	Rey Lovelace	10		4	77	Paul Lallier	25
9	6	Dick Cavallaro	10		5	29	Elmer Wing III	25
10	9	Manny Dias	4		6	4	Gerard Berthelette	25
					7	74	Scott Bruneau	25
Heat III					8	39	Mike Lima	25
Finish	Car#	Driver	Laps		9	40	Mike Mitchell	25
1	29	Elmer Wing III	10		10	2	Ron Barboza	25
2	77	Paul Lallier	10		11	19	Ryan Lineham	25
3	3	Chris Rioux	10		12	04	Steve Axon	25
4	17	Mark Henshaw	10		13	96	Sparky Arsenault	25
5	11	Bobby Pelland III	10		14	07	Jeff Amaral	25
6	2	Ron Barboza	10		15	18	Roland Wheeler	25
7	16	Paul Newcomb Jr	10		16	11	Bobby Pelland III	25
8	04	Steve Axon	10		17	98	Jay Steely	25
9	18	Roland Wheeler	10		18	16	Paul Newcomb Jr	25
10	C1	Cory Merit	10		19	3	Chris Rioux	25
11	92	Dan Gamache Jr	7		20	24	Ray Negley	25
					21	79	Chris Beauleau	25
					22	9	Manny Dias	25
					23	1	Scott Serydynski	17
					24	116	Jim Silvia	15
					25	71	Patrick Delaney	13
					26	22	Brian Spillane	5
Late Models
Heat I
Finish	Car#	Driver	Laps		Feature
1	22	Tyler Thompson	12		Finish	Car#	Driver	Laps
2	20	Matt Breault	12		1	11	Ryan Vanasse	30
3	03	Frank Duquette	12		2	03	Frank Duquette	30
4	11	Ryan Vanasse	12		3	88	Kevin Casper	30
5	13	Jon Dickerman	12		4	13	Jon Dickerman	30
6	88	Kevin Casper	12		5	71	Gerry DeGasprre Jr	30
7	28	Jake Vanada	12		6	20	Matt Breault	30
					7	7	Kyle Casper	30
Heat II					8	87	Mike Cavallaro	30
Finish	Car#	Driver	Laps		9	32	Randy Burr	30
1	87	Mike Cavallaro	12		10	28	Jake Vanada	30
2	71	Gerry DeGasprre Jr	12		11	47	Bill Bernard	30
3	7	Kyle Casper	12		12	22	Tyler Thompson	30
4	32	Randy Burr	12		13	57	Colby Fournier	30
5	47	Bill Bernard	12		14	80	Bob Hussey	29
6	80	Bob Hussey	12
7	57	Colby Fournier	12
Seekonk Sports Trucks
Heat I					Feature
Finish	Car#	Driver	Laps		Finish	Car#	Driver	Laps
1	14	Rick Martin	10		1	14	Rick Martin	26
2	77	Lenny Guy	10		2	38	Jody Tripp	26
3	17	John Paiva	10		3	77	Lenny Guy	26
4	16	Russ Borges	10		4	17	John Paiva	26
5	88	Kyle DeSouza	10		5	96	Jason Heroux	26
6	18	Mark Biello	10		6	88	Kyle DeSouza	26
7	49	Jim Hawkins	10		7	5	Mike Ronhock	26
					8	16	Russ Borges	26
Heat II					9	49	Jim Hawkins	25
Finish	Car#	Driver	Laps		10	13	Brian Murray	24
1	38	Jody Tripp	10		11	18	Mark Biello	24
2	5	Mike Ronhock	10		12	3	Jariah Roderick	24
3	13	Brian Murray	10		13	1	Billy Clarke	17
4	3	Jariah Roderick	10
5	1	Billy Clarke	10
6	96	Jason Heroux	4

 

Jim Silvia wins 3rd Annual Kraze's Speed Equipment 30/30. Astle back in top form, Norm Wrenn first time winner in Pro4's. Martin repeats.

June 6, 2009

Pro Stock Heat I 1) 03 Ken Spencer 2) 27 Mike Brightman 3) 80 Rob Murphy 4) 52 Dave Darling 5) 07 Kyle Casper 6) 99 Dan O’Brien 7) 44 Jimmy Rosenfield 8) 95 Steve O’Brien 9) 90 Craig Weinstein 10) 41 Bob Pelland Jr	Feature 40 Laps 1) 30 Fred Astle Jr 2) Dave Darling 3) 2 Tom Scully Jr 4) 03 Ken Spencer 5) 44 Jimmy Rosenfield 6) 3 Tom Scully Sr 7) 8 Wayne Dion 8) 41 Bobby Pelland Jr 9) 99 Dan O’Brien 10) 5 Phil Meany 11) 95 Steve O’Brien 12) 80 Rob Murphy 13) 86 Bob Hussey 14) 07 Kyle Casper 15) 27 Mike Brightman 16) 11 Ryan Vanasse 17) 88 Jeramee Lillie 18) 90 Craig Weinstein 19) 51 Bobby Tripp
Heat II 1) 2 Tom Scully Jr 2) 30 Fred Astle Jr 3) 11 Ryan Vanasse 4) 88 Jeramee Lillie 5) 8 Wayne Dion 6) 51 Bobby Tripp 7) 5 Phil Meany 8) 86 Bob Hussey DNS 3 Tom Scully Sr
Seekonk Sport Trucks Heat I 1) 14 Rick Martin 2) 5 Mike Ronhock 3) 96 Jason Heroux 4) 13 Brian Murray 5) 1 Billy Clarke 6) 44 Steve Dumas 7) 40 Lance Cambra 8) 3 Jariah Roderick 9) 17 John Paiva	Feature 25 Laps 1) 14 Rick Martin 2) 38 Jody Tripp 3) 80 Mike Cavallaro 4) 77 Lenny Guy 5) 5 Mike Ronhock 6) 96 Jason Heroux 7) 88 Kyle DeSouza 8) 44 Steve Dumas 9) 17John Paiva 10) 16 Russ Borges 11) 13 Brian Murray 12) 4 Darryl Church 13) 49 Jim Hawkins 14) 40 Lance Cambra 15) 3 Jariah Roderick 16) 1 Billy Clarke 17) 04 Dan Fresh
Heat II 1) 38 Jody Tripp 2) 77 Lenny Guy 3) 16 Russ Borges 4) 80 Mike Cavallaro 5) 88 Kyle DeSouza 6) 4 Darryl Church 7) 04 Dan Fresh 8) 49 Jim Hawkins
Street Stocks Heat I 1) 11 Bobby Pelland III 2) 79 Chris Beaulieu 3) 19 Ryan Lineham 4) 41 Tony Oliviera 5) 96 Sparky Arsenault 6) 4 Gerard Berthelette 7) 2 Ron Barboza 8) 92 Dan Gamache Jr 9) 29 Elmer Wing III 10) 17 Mark Henshaw 11) 9 Manny Dias	Feature 30 Laps 1) 116 Jim Silvia 2) 3 Chris Rioux 3) 19 Ryan Lineham 4) 1 Scott Serydynski 5) 40 Mike Mitchell 6) 24 Ray Negley 7) 45 Justin Travis 8) 16 Paul Newcomb 9) 79 Chris Beaulieu 10) 77 Paul Lallier 11) 11 Bobby Pelland III 12) 74 Scott Bruneau 13) 41 Tony Oliviera 14) 96 Sparky Arsenault 15) 98 Jay Steely 16) 22 Brian Spillane 17) 07 Jeff Amaral 18) 39 Mike Lima 19) 2 Ron Barboza 20) 04 Steve Axon 21) 92 Dan Gamache Jr 22) 18 Roland Wheeler 23) 08 Chris DeMoura 24) 8 Crystal Serydynski 25) 71 Patrick Delaney 26) 6 Dick Cavallaro 27) 56 Tom Dolan Sr 28) 29 Elmer Wing III 29) 17 Mark Henshaw 30) 9 Manny Dias
Heat II 1) 116 Jim Silvia 2) 18 Roland Wheeler 3) 16 Paul Newcomb 4) 3 Chris Rioux 5) 39 Mike Lima 6) 98 Jay Steely 7) 04 Steve Axon 8) 6 Dick Cavallaro 9) 45 Justin Travis 10) 71 Patrick Delaney
Heat III 1) 24 Ray Negley 2) 08 Chris DeMoura 3) 8 Crystal Serydynski 4) 40 Mike Mitchell 5) 1 Scott Serydynski 6) 77 Paul Lallier 7) 22 Brian Spillane 8) 74 Scott Bruneau 9) 07 Jeff Amaral 10) 56 Tom Dolan S
Pro4 Modifieds 30 Laps 1) Norm Wrenn 2) George Sherman 3) Robin Berghman 4) Matt Sagar 5) Phil Lausier

 

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

May 30, 2009

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

1	52	Dave Darling	1	88	Jeremee Lillie
2	2	Tom Scully Jr.	2	80	Rob Murphy
3	03	Ken Spencer	3	30	Fred Astle
4	95	Steve O'Brien	4	27	Mike Brightman
5	8	Wayne Dion	5	6	Joe Cerullo
6	99	Dan O'Brien	6	11	Ryan Vanasse
7	5	Philip Meany	7	07	Kyle Casper
8	3	Tom Scully Sr.	8	90	Craig Weinstein

Pro Stock Feature

1	52	Dave Darling	40
2	2	Tom Scully Jr.	40
3	80	Rob Murphy	40
4	11	Ryan Vanasse	40
5	03	Ken Spencer	40
6	88	Jeremee Lillie	40
7	99	Dan O'Brien	40
8	95	Steve O'Brien	40
9	27	Mike Brightman	40
10	90	Craig Weinstein	40
11	5	Philip Meany	39
12	07	Kyle Casper	19
13	3	Tom Scully Sr.	14
14	30	Fred Astle	7
15	6	Joe Cerullo	7
16	8	Wayne Dion	7

Late Models

Heat I                                                     Heat II

1	71	Gerry DeGasparre, Jr.	1	87	Mike Cavallaro
2	13	Jonathan Dickerman	2	22	Tyler Thompson
3	20	Matt Breault	3	7	Kyle Casper
4	11	Ryan Vanasse	4	80	Robert Hussey
5	88	Kevin Casper	5	01	Mark Anzalone
6	47	Bill Bernard	6	28	Jake Vanada
7	03	Frank Duquette	7	27	Wayne Helliwell Jr
8	41	Al Clements III	8	57	Colby Fournier
			9	32	Randy Burr

Late Model Feature

1	71	Gerry DeGasparre, Jr.	50
2	88	Kevin Casper	50
3	27	Wayne Helliwell Jr	50
4	11	Ryan Vanasse	50
5	87	Mike Cavallaro	50
6	7	Kyle Casper	50
7	13	Jonathan Dickerman	50
8	22	Tyler Thompson	50
9	20	Matt Breault	50
10	32	Randy Burr	50
11	41	Al Clements III	50
12	28	Jake Vanada	50
13	57	Colby Fournier	50
14	47	Bill Bernard	47
15	80	Robert Hussey	46
16	01	Mark Anzalone	24
17	03	Frank Duquette	15

Seekonk Sport Trucks

Heat I                                                     Heat II

1	14	Rick Martin	1	38	Jody Tripp
2	96	Jason Heroux	2	17	John Paiva
3	77	Lenny Guy	3	5	Michael Ronhock
4	22	Hugh Bowser	4	88	Kyle DeSouza
5	13	Brian Murray	5	18	Mark Biello
6	04	Daniel Fresh	6	3	Jariah Roderick
7	49	Jim Hawkins

Seekonk Sport Truck Feature

1	14	Rick Martin	25
2	38	Jody Tripp	25
3	17	John Paiva	25
4	22	Hugh Bowser	25
5	77	Lenny Guy	25
6	13	Brian Murray	25
7	96	Jason Heroux	25
8	3	Jariah Roderick	25
9	04	Daniel Fresh	25
10	18	Mark Biello	25
11	49	Jim Hawkins	23
12	88	Kyle DeSouza	23
13	5	Michael Ronhock	4

Street Stocks

Heat I                                                                Heat II

1	22	Brian Spillane	1	1	Scott Serydynski
2	14	Rey Lovelace	2	40	Michael Mitchell
3	17	Mark Henshaw	3	11	Bobby Pelland III
4	6	Dick Cavallaro	4	41	Tony Oliviera
5	96	Sparky Arsenault	5	07	Jeffrey Amaral
6	19	Ryan Lineham	6	39	Michael Lema
7	71	Patrick Delaney	7	04	Steve Axon
8	16	Paul Newcomb	8	24	Ray Negley
9	92	Daniel Gamache Jr	9	4	Gerard Berthelette
10	8	Crystal Serydynski
11	08	Chris DeMoura

Heat III                                                   Consi

1	29	Elmer Wing	1	3	Chris Rioux
2	45	Justin Travis	2	16	Paul Newcomb
3	74	Scott Bruneau	3	04	Steve Axon
4	2	Ron Barboza Jr.	4	92	Daniel Gamache Jr
5	77	Paul Lallier	5	71	Patrick Delaney
6	98	Jason Steely	6	4	Gerard Berthelette
7	3	Chris Rioux	7	8	Crystal Serydynski
8	79	Chris Beaulieu	8	08	Chris DeMoura
9	56	Tom Dolan Sr	9	56	Tom Dolan Sr
10	76	Ronald Lum	10	79	Chris Beaulieu

Street Stock Feature

1	40	Michael Mitchell	25
2	11	Bobby Pelland III	25
3	07	Jeffrey Amaral	25
4	2	Ron Barboza Jr.	25
5	22	Brian Spillane	25
6	96	Sparky Arsenault	25
7	41	Tony Oliviera	25
8	16	Paul Newcomb	25
9	1	Scott Serydynski	25
10	39	Michael Lema	25
11	74	Scott Bruneau	25
12	19	Ryan Lineham	25
13	04	Steve Axon	25
14	17	Mark Henshaw	25
15	8	Crystal Serydynski	25
16	6	Dick Cavallaro	25
17	71	Patrick Delaney	25
18	3	Chris Rioux	25
19	08	Chris DeMoura	25
20	4	Gerard Berthelette	25
21	45	Justin Travis	24
22	77	Paul Lallier	17
23	14	Rey Lovelace	16
24	98	Jason Steely	8
25	29	Elmer Wing	6
26	92	Daniel Gamache Jr	1

 

 

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.

 

Pro Stocks     Heat I                           Pro Stocks     Heat II 12 laps                                                           12 Laps 1. 80 Rob Murphy     Rochester MA        1. 2 Tom Scully Jr                  Cranston RI 2. 11 Ryan Vanasse   W. Warwick RI       2. 03 Ken Spencer                 Taunton MA 3. 30 Fred Astle Jr    Westport MA          3. 27 Mike Brightman          Acushnet MA 4. 88 Jeramee Lillie     W. Warwick RI      4. 07 Kyle Casper                  Somerset MA 5. 52 Dave Darling     Rehoboth MA       5. 95 Steve O’Brien               Scituate MA           6. 99 Dan O’Brien      Scituate MA           6. 90 Craig Weinstein            Westport MA 7. 5   Phil Meany        Gardner MA           7. 3   Tom Scully Sr               Westport MA

Feature                        40 Laps 1. 2 Tom Scully Jr      Cranston RI 2. 52 Dave Darling     Rehoboth MA 3. 80 Rob Murphy     Rochester MA 4. 11 Ryan Vanasse   W. Warwick RI 5. 95 Steve O’Brien    Scituate MA 6. 30 Fred Astle Jr     Westport MA 7. 88 Jeramee Lillie   W. Warwick RI 8. 07 Kyle Casper      Somerset MA 9. 90 Craig Weinstein Westport MA 10. 99 Dan O’Brien   Scituate MA       11. 5   Phil Meany     Gardner MA 12. 27 Mike Brightman  Acushnet MA 13. 3   Tom Scully Sr   Westport MA 14. 03 Ken Spencer    Taunton MA

Late Models    Heat I                                   Late Models  Heat II 1.71 Gerry DeGasparre Jr      Pawtucket RI        1. 20 Matt Breault         Acushnet MA 2. 11 Ryan Vanasse               W Warwick RI      2. 88 Kevin Casper        Somerset MA 3. 13 Jon Dickerman              Weymouth MA    3. 47 Bill Bernard           Holliston MA 4. 87 Mike Cavallaro             Seekonk MA         4. 28 Jake Vanada         Berkley MA 5. 32 Randy Burr                    Middleboro MA   5. 03 Frank Duquette    Fall River MA 6. 22 Tyler Thompson           Somerset MA        6. 80 Bob Hussey           Wellfleet MA 7.41 Al Clements IV               Edgartown MA     7. 57 Colby Fournier      Berkley MA

Feature 30 Laps 1. 11 Ryan Vanasse               W Warwick RI 2. 71 Gerry DeGasparre Jr     Pawtucket RI 3. 87 Mike Cavallaro             Seekonk MA 4. 88 Kevin Casper                 Somerset MA 5. 13 Jon Dickerman              Weymouth MA 6. 47 Bill Bernard                    Holliston MA 7. 32 Randy Burr                    Middleboro MA 8. 28 Jake Vanada                 Berkley MA 9. 20 Matt Breault                  Acushnet MA 10. 80 Bob Hussey                 Wellfleet MA 11. 41 Al Clements IV           Edgartown MA 12. 22 Tyler Thompson         Somerset MA 13. 57 Colby Fournier            Berkley MA 14. 03 Frank Duquette           Fall River MA

Seekonk Sport Trucks  Heat I       Seekonk Sport Trucks  Heat II 1. 38 Jody Tripp                      Tiverton RI           1. 14 Rick Martin           Westport MA 2. 22 Hugh Bowser                 Taunton MA         2. 17 John Paiva             Fall River MA 3. 77 Lenny Guy                     New Bedford        3. 5 Mike Ronhock        Mashpee MA 4. 13 Brian Murray                 Tiverton RI           4. 96 Jason Heroux        Johnston RI 5. 3 Jariah Roderick               E Taunton MA     5. 49 Jim Hawkins         Attleboro MA 6. 88 Kyle DeSouza               Fairhaven MA      6. 04 Dan Fresh              Holliston MA 7. 18 Mark Biello                    N Dartmouth

Seekonk Sport Truck Feature 25 Laps 1. 14 Rick Martin                    Westport MA 2. 17 John Paiva                     Fall River MA 3. 38 Jody Tripp                      Tiverton RI 4. 96 Jason Heroux                Johnston RI 5. 22 Hugh Bowser                 Taunton MA 6. 13 Brian Murray                 Tiverton RI 7. 3 Jariah Roderick               E Taunton MA 8. 88 Kyle DeSouza               Fairhaven MA 9. 77 Lenny Guy                     New Bedford 10. 04 Dan Fresh                     Holliston MA 11. 49 Jim Hawkins                Attleboro MA 12. 18 Mark Biello                  N Dartmouth 13. 5 Mike Ronhock              Mashpee MA

Street Stocks                               Street Stocks Heat I                                                                        Heat II 1. 24 Rey Negley                  Coventry RI            1. 6 Dick Cavallaro             E Providence RI 2. 07 Jeff Amaral                 Bristol RI                 2. 14 Rey Lovelace             N Providence RI 3. 74 Scott Bruneau             Tiverton RI              3. 1 Scott Serydynski          Exeter RI 4. 19 Ryan Lineham            Coventry RI            4. 45 Justin Travis               Taunton MA 5. 76 Ronald Lum                Randolph MA         5. 8 Crystal Serydynski      Johnston RI 6. 39 Mike Lima                   Taunton MA           6. 98 Jason Steely               Attleboro MA 7. 04 Steve Axon                  Attleboro MA          7. 116 Jim Silvia                  Middletown RI 841 Tony Oliveira                Taunton MA           8. 29 Elmer Wing III           Lakeville MA 9. 2 Ron Barboza                 Attleboro MA          9. 17 Mark Henshaw          Raynham MA 10. 79 Chris Beaulieu          Woonsocket RI      10. 08 Chris DeMoura        N Dighton MA

Heat III                                                                     Consi 1. 3 Chris Rioux                    Pawtucket RI          1. 41 Tony Oliveira             Taunton MA 2. 96 Sparky Arsenault        Attleboro MA          2. 116 Jim Silvia                  Middletown RI 3. 40 Mike Mitchell              Cumberland RI`     3. 17 Mark Henshaw          Raynham MA 4. 16 Paul Newcomb Jr                                          4. 04 Steve Axon                 Attleboro MA 5. 4 Gerard Berthelette        N Smithfield RI      5. 22 Brian Spillane            Attleboro MA 6. 77 Paul Lallier                   Attleboro MA          6. 29 Elmer Wing III           Lakeville MA 7. 22 Brian Spillane              Attleboro MA          7. Ron Barboza                   Attleboro MA 8. 71 Patrick Delaney          Swansea MA           8. 11 Bobby Pelland III     Cranston RI 9. 18 Roland Wheeler          Warwick RI             9. 79 Chris Beaulieu           Woonsocket RI 10. 11 Bobby Pelland III    Cranston RI            10. 71 Patrick Delaney       Swansea MA                                                                                     11. 08 Chris DeMoura        N Dighton MA                                                                                     12. 18 Roland Wheeler      Warwick RI

Feature 25 Laps 1. 19 Ryan Lineham             Coventry RI 2. 39 Mike Lima                      Taunton MA 3. 16 Paul Newcomb Jr         4. 96 Sparky Arsenault         Attleboro MA 5. 6 Dick Cavallaro               E Providence RI 6. 4 Gerard Berthelette         N Smithfield RI 7. 98 Jason Steely                  Attleboro MA 8. 74 Scott Bruneau              Tiverton RI 9. 40 Mike Mitchell               Cumberland RI 10. 1 Scott Serydynski           Exeter RI 11. 77 Paul Lallier                 Attleboro MA 12. 3 Chris Rioux                     Pawtucket RI 13. 17 Mark Henshaw          Raynham MA 14. 04 Steve Axon                Attleboro MA 15. 22 Brian Spillane           Attleboro MA 16. 45 Justin Travis               Taunton MA 17. 2 Ron Barboza                Attleboro MA 18. 8 Crystal Serydynski     Johnston RI 19. 76 Ronald Lum               Randolph MA 20. 24 Rey Negley                 Coventry RI 21. 14 Rey Lovelace            N Providence RI 22. 29 Elmer Wing III          Lakeville MA 23. 41 Tony Oliveira            Taunton MA 24. 11 Bobby Pelland III    Cranston RI 25. 07 Jeff Amaral                Bristol RI 26. 116 Jim Silvia                 Middletown RI

 

 

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.

 

Pro Stocks 75 Laps 1  52  Dave Darling 2  27  Mike Brightman 3    3  Tom Scully Sr. 4  30  Fred Astle 5    5  Philip Meany 6  95  Steve O'Brien 7  99  Dan O'Brien 8  07  Kyle Casper 9  90  Craig Weinstein 10  88  Jeramee Lillie 11  11  Ryan Vanasse 12    2  Tom Scully Jr. 13  80  Rob Murphy 14  46  Jake Vanada 15  03  Ken Spencer 16    8  Wayne Dion	Late Models 30 Laps 1  11  Ryan Vanasse 2    7  Kyle Casper 3  88  Kevin Casper 4  13  Jonathan Dickerman 5  47  Bill Bernard 6  20  Matt Breault 7  32  Randy Burr 8  01  Marc Anzalone 9  87  Mike Cavallaro 10  03  Frank Duquette 11  22  Tyler Thompson 12  80  Robert Hussey 13  57  Colby Fournier 14  71  Gerry DeGasparre, Jr.
Seekonk Sports Trucks 25 Laps 1  38  Jody Tripp 2  14  Rick Martin 3  22  Hugh Bowser 4  77  Lenny Guy 5  96  Jason Heroux 6  88  Kyle DeSouza 7  17  John Paiva 8  44  Steve Dumas 9    4  Darryl Church 10  49  Jim Hawkins 11    3  Jariah Roderick 12  16  Russ Borges 13    5  Michael Ronhock 14  13  Brian Murray 15  40  Lance Cambra 16  04  Dan Fresh	Street Stocks 25 Laps 1  41  Tony Oliviera 2  116  Jim Silvia 3  96  Sparky Arsenault 4  04  Steve Axon 5  98  Jason Steely 6  77  Paul Lallier 7  39  Michael Lema 8  2  Ron Barboza Jr. 9  17  Mark Henshaw 10  3  Chris Rioux 11  22  Brian Spillane 12  1  Scott Serydynski 13  79  Chris Beaulieu 14  57  Dean Pettey 15  08  Chris DeMoura 16  74  Scott Bruneau 17  16  Paul Newcomb 18  92  Danny Gamache Jr 19  07  Jeffrey Amaral 20  8  Crystal Serydynski 21  40  Michael Mitchell 22  45  Justin Travis 23  11  Bobby Pelland III 24  5  Bobby Carroll Jr 25  6  Dick Cavallaro 26  19  Ryan Lineham
Pure Stocks  25 Laps 1  11  Nicholas Uhrig 2  01  Scott Cestodio 3  13  Robert Hinckley 4    8  William Chouinard 5  95  Lou Robinson 6    5  Randy Moretti 7  53  Vinny Pangelinan 8    9  Amy Arsenault 9  77  Carlos Silvia 10  24  Dirk Eykelhoff 11  15  Jeremy Lamberx 12  14  Jamie Burch 13  44  Will Wallace 14  28  Ed Flanagan Jr 15  7  Doug Benoit  16  10  Melissa Charette  17  51  Joeseph Carpenter 18  0  Tommy Blackwell DNS   00  Tank Terpening