RPW Exclusive: Looking Back A Bit: First Week Of October
Column Compiled By: PHIL SMITH / RPW – WESTERL, RI – Seventy five years ago in 1949, the Buffalo Civic Stadium in western New York closed out their season with a 100 lapper. The race was called after 67 laps because of curfew with Bob Minet declared the winner. Bill Rafter was declared the track champion. Don Hall was the A division winner at Seekonk.
Seventy years ago in 1954, The New London Waterford Speedbowl wrapped up their fourth season with a 50 lap Cavalcade of Champions event for the Sportsman and 20 lapper for the non-Fords. Moe Gherzi lived up to the name “Money Bags” as he took the victory. It was Gherzi’s 14th victory of the season but he lacked consistency as Fred Luchesi, in the Sgambato #9 with five wins, took the track title. Tom Van Epps, with his 14th victory in the Dennis Thornton entry, wrapped up the non-Ford title. Sadly, Van Epps would never race again as he lost his life in an automobile accident in March of 1955.
Sixty five years ago in 1959, the 9th Annual Race of Champions was 100-mile event on the dirt at the Langhorne Speedway in Pennsylvania. Jim Delaney took the win over Ray Hendrick. Lionel Arielwon the season finale on the dirt at Stafford. George Janoski was declared the Modified Track Champion and Don Rounds was declared the Sportsman Track Champion. Wild Bill Slater won the 50 lap Sportsman October Championship on Sunday at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl. Other winners at the Speedbowl were Charlie Webster in the non-Fords and Newt Palm in the Bombers.
Sixty years ago in 1964, the final version of the dirt Race of Champions was run at the Langhorne Speedway. Freddy Adam took the 100 Mile National Open over Ken Shoemaker and Bill Wimble. Steady Eddie Flemke made a rare appearance at Seekonk where he walked off with a 30 lap Modified win.
Fifty five years ago in 1969, the big event of the weekend was the annual Race of Champions at the Langhorne Speedway in Langhorne, Pa. Ray Hendrick and Dutch Hoag were the pole sitters. These two legends put on one of the greatest races ever seen as they ran wheel to wheel for 90 laps until Hoag lost oil pressure and had to drop out. From there on, Hendrick cruised to the 200-mile victory. Roger Treichler finished second and was followed by Jerry Cook, Chuck Boos, Merv Treichler, Guy Chartrand and Richie Evans.
Gary London, who was a scribe for National Speed Sport News made the following observation when Hendrick pulled into victory lane. ” One of his crewman slashed one of his tires, The replacement was so heavy it took three guys to lift it”. A great way to “make weight”, he added. Carl Miller backed London up, “Yeah I saw that with my own eyes, was standing there with my Dad. I think it was the left front. Freddy Harbach told me later that it was filled with sand.” George Summers was the 35 lap A division winner. George Ponte was the 100 lap B division winner.
Fifty years ago in 1974, the Race of Champions had moved to Trenton and was stretched to 300 miles in the 1-1/2 mile kidney shaped oval. Fred DeSarro who had had a sub par season showed up with a tri-colored creation owned by Len Boehler and preceded to put on one of the best all time performances at the New Jersey oval. DeSarro was in the hunt all day but it all came down to the last lap when he and long time rival Bugsy Stevens came off of turn four wheel to wheel. With the crowd on its feet, the two raced to the finish line with DeSarro winning by less than six inches. Stevens finished second with Satch Worley, third. George Summers was the 50 lap winner at Seekonk.
Forty five years ago in 1979, the Thompson World Series was on tap. A 50 lapper was run for the modifieds. Richie Evans took the win and was followed by Dave Thomas, Charlie Jarzombek, Ronnie Bouchard and Eddie StAngelo. Denny Wheeler won the Supermodified portion. Bentley Warren finished second with Doug Hevron, third. Bobby Fuller was the late model winner.
Forty years ago in 1984, the World Series at Thompson saw Reggie Ruggiero beat the master, Richie Evans. Brian Ross ended up third. At Wall Stadium, Doug Wolcott took the Saturday night main event over Tony Siscone and Gil Hearne.
Thirty five years ago in 1989, the World Series was scheduled at Thompson, qualifying was done on Saturday and just before the Sunday features were to begin the main grandstand collapsed. Luckily only a few spectators were in their seats and only a few minor injuries incurred. Needless to say, the event was cancelled and was rescheduled to November 12.The grandstand had been in place since the speedway was built in 1939.What was left was bulldozed and carted away and a new all steel grandstand which is in place today was erected.
Thirty years ago in 1994, the World Series at Thompson drew a record of 467 cars for nine divisions and a near record attendance of 14,000 fans. In the Modified Tour Series 125,Jan Leaty pitted early for tires and drove his way to the front to take the lead on lap 74 and the eventual win. Mike Ewanitsko finished second and was followed by Reggie Ruggerio, Tim Connolly, Satch Worley and Mike Stefanik. John Anderson was the SK winner over Tom Tagg and Bert Marvin and Tommy Fox was victorious in the Late Models.
Twenty five years ago, in 1999, it was a big weekend and a sad one to say the least. Riverside Park, a Saturday night institution for many ran its last events before the speedway would be destroyed to make way for more amusement park rides. Bob Polverari, a many time Park champion, scored his 38th career victory after Ed Flemke Jr. and Brad Hietella tangled with eight laps to go in the 100 lap modified feature. Chris Wenzel finished second with Flemke, third and Rob Summers, fourth. Todd Szegedy was the SK modified winner. Prior to the final event, Richie Evans, Polverari, Mike Stefanik and NASCAR Chief Steward Richard Brooks were inducted into the Riverside Park Hall of Fame. At Thompson, Rick Fuller won the rained out World Series-Featherlite Modified Tour Series 125. Fuller took the lead from Tim Connolly on lap 118.Conelly finished second and was followed by Tony Hirshman, Ed Flemke Jr. and Tom Cravenho. Hirshman was declared the 1999 series champion. Todd Szegedy carried his winning momentum from Riverside to Thompson as he won the 30 SK World Series main. Szegedy started last. Mike Christopher finished second with Chris Kopec, third. Driving a Super Modified normally driven by Mike Ordway, Ted Christopher started dead last and with the entire grandstand cheering, took the lead in the event with two laps to go and went on to victory. Bryan Wall won the Busch North Finale at Lime Rock. In Winston Cup action at Talledega, Dale Earnhardt Sr. took the win.
Twenty years ago, in 2004, the NASCAR Featherlite Modified Tour Series was at the Thompson Speedway. It was showdown time between Tony Hirschman and Eddie Flemke Jr. for the series title. Fifty Modifieds were on hand for time trials. The Long Island gang dominated the top spots as Mike Andrews, a regular competitor at the Riverhead Raceway and Donnie Lia were the fastest. Andrews went 119.827 mph and Lia, the Bud Pole Champion for 2004, clocked in at 118.997 mph. The top six re-drew for starting spots with third fastest qualifier Tony Hirschman drawing the pole starting spot. Todd Szegedy, the 2003 series champion, drew the outside pole. Eddie Flemke was not so fortunate as he qualified in 24th spot
In what had to be one of the best events ever put on by the Modified Tour Series, Mike Stefanik came from a dead last starting spot to ring down the curtain on 2004 with a convincing win. Tony Hirschman, who led the first 33 laps ended up third in the final rundown and secured his fourth Modified Tour Series Championship. Hirschman, who was in contention with Eddie Flemke JR for the title, was able to breathe easier after an incident on a lap 58 restart that ultimately eliminated Flemke from the title chase. It appeared that Ted Christopher checked up or brake checked Todd Szegedy as they exited turn two which resulted in a scramble on the back chute which saw Flemke suffer front end damage that would cause him to lose laps in the pits making repairs. Prior to that, all eyes were on the Southington, Connecticut racer as he put on a brilliant display of driving as he came from his 24th starting spot to as high as fourth. Christopher continued to lead until he hit the turn two wall on lap 82 and ended up spinning in turn four with a flat right rear tire. Szegedy assumed the lead from that point. Mike Stefanik, who pitted early in the event for a front-end adjustment, worked his way to the front and on lap 92 took the lead. Stefanik and Szegedy traded the lead back and forth until lap 97 when Stefanik was able to put a little distance on the 2003 series champion. Szegedy ran second to Stefanik until lap 123 when he brushed the wall in turn two. Chuck Hossfeld moved into second with Hirschman moving up to third. Rookie’s Zach Sylvester and Kenny Barry rounded out the top five. Barry and Sylvester ended up tied for the Rookie of the Year title. Barry was given the nod, as he was higher in the final point standings. An estimated crowd of 9,500 sat in the sun drenched grandstands.
Tony Hirschman, who was a guest on Gary Danko’s radio show during the week, hinted that he might cut back his racing schedule in 2005. Hirschman hoped to help his son, Matt, further his racing career and feels that if he still races it could alter his focus. Because of the fact that Mike Stefanik was committed to the Busch North Series at the Wall Township Speedway on Saturday Todd Ceravolo was asked to qualify his Mod Tour ride at Thompson. Congratulations to Modified Tour Series photographer Mary Hodge as she was presented the Yvonne Durocher Woman in Racing Award at the recent New England Antique Racers Awards Banquet. Mary and her husband Howie do an excellent job of covering the Modified Series tour with their pictures, which are seen in every major racing publication.
The Busch North Series traveled to the Wall Township Speedway in New Jersey on Saturday to wrap up their season. On and off rain all day Saturday, on the Jersey shore forced officials to cancel the event. It would not be made up. Andy Santerre had already wrapped up the series championship.
The Dodge Weekly Racing Series at Thompson on World Series weekend provided some excellent racing. Jim Civali gave Ted Christopher some of his own medicine as he took the win in the 30 lap Sunoco SK-type Modified event. Christopher started on the pole and led just about all the event except for a brief moment when Kerry Malone led before dropping out. Civali glued himself to Christopher’s bumper and when the opportunity presented itself when the pair exited the fourth turn on the final lap Civali made his move. Christopher attempted to block but Civali held fast and the pair touched. Christopher lifted long enough to allow Civali to forge ahead and take the win. During the slow down lap Christopher vented his frustrations as he spun Civali in turn two. Eric Berndt ended up third with Bert Marvin and Tom Cravenho rounding out the top five. David Berghman capped off his championship season in the Pro Stock division with a convincing win. Starting 29th, Berghman made a superb charge to the front and took the lead in the 30 lap feature on lap 18 to record his 9th victory of the season. Other winners on Sunday were Corey Hutchings in the Late Models, Chris Perley in the Supermodifieds and Mark Buonomo in the NEMA Midgets.
The Stafford Motor Speedway hosted an automotive Flea Market over the weekend.
The final point standings for 2004 at the Waterford Speedbowl were made official. Eddie Reed JR. was officially the SK Modified Champion. Reed had three wins to his credit. Dennis Gada, who was a five-time champion, finished second, 16 points back. Ron Yuhas JR, with two wins finished third with Chris Pasteryak and Rob Janovic rounding out the top five. Corey Hutchings was by far the class of the Late Model field as he won six events on his way to the title. Hutchings, also the Late Model champion at Thompson, beat Allen Coates by 46 points. Coates had five feature wins to his credit. Mark St.Hilaire, with two wins, ended up third. Former division champion Phil Rondeau, three wins and Carl Erickson round out the top five. Second generation driver Keith Rocco won the Sportsman division championship on the final lap of the final feature. Rocco, the son of Ronnie Rocco, beat Ed Gertsch by eight points. Rocco had three wins while Gertsch had six wins to his credit. Dwayne Conant, Norm Root and Roger Perry rounded out the top five. Glenn Colvin, with three wins, is the Mini Stock Champion. Colvin beat Tim Jordan by 22 points. Richard Brooks was the top feature winner with five victories and finished third in the final standings. Joe Bavalocco and Bill Leonard rounded out the top five. Michael Pepe, with two wins, is the Legends Champion. Pepe outdistanced Silas Hiscock JR by 50 points. Sixteen year old Jeffrey Paul ran in only eight events but he won six of them which placed him third in the final standings. Jim Ahern and Silas Hiscock Sr rounded out the top five.
The Nextel Cup and the Busch Racing Series divisions of NASCAR were at the Lowes Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC. Mike Bliss made a dramatic three wide pass in the closing stages to take the lead and eventual win on Friday night’s Busch Series event and on Saturday night Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon finished one-two. Casey Kahne had them covered until a blown out tire forced him into the wall and out of the event.
Fifteen years ago in 2009, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series was supposed to wind up the 2009 season but Mother Nature had different ideas as a “Noreaster” dumped a large amount of rain and wet snow in the northeast corner of Connecticut forcing the Thompson Speedway Management and NASCAR to postpone the World Series. As it turned out the Thompson Speedway management and NASCAR made the right decision as high winds and heavy rain mixed with snow pounded the entire New England area on Sunday.
The scheduled foreclosure proceedings of the property in which the Waterford Speedbowl is located was still on for Saturday, October 31. Property owner Terry Eames had stated that he had “turned the corner” and would stave off the impending sale of the property. Unlike Jerry Robinson who never paid competitors who raced in the 2008 Fall Finale at the shoreline oval, Eames had paid his competitors when they have raced.
Forbes magazine named ISC Chief Executive Officer Lesa France Kennedy the Most Powerful Woman in Sports. The article dated October 14, 2009, stated France Kennedy’s “26-year career at ISC spaned a period that expanded the sport past its Southern base.” The article added, “She rose to president in 2003 and to CEO in June 2009. Analysts say she’s played a big role in most all of the company’s acquisitions and improvement projects dating back to the 1990s.”
Kyle Busch, still dealing with a flu that developed into walking pneumonia, dominated the Nationwide Series race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Friday night, picking up his seventh victory of the year to move closer to his first series title. In Sprint Cup action, Denny Hamlin was already at home when Jimmie Johnson crossed the finish line for his third victory in five championship races.
Ten years ago in 2014, In NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action at the Waterford Speedbowl a persistent wet Saturday afternoon rain forced the Waterford Speedbowl to postpone its racing schedule for the first of its two day Finale Weekend. A revised Sunday schedule had thirteen divisions in action at the shoreline oval’s cap to the 2014 racing season, which could be the last at the shoreline oval.
Keith Rocco came close to cleaning house in the two modified events held. When all was said and done he dropped out of the SK Modified event with engine trouble and won the 100 lap Valenti Modified Racing Series 100. Rocco was leading the SK Modified event when he lost power on lap 36. Rocco now has 103 career wins at the Waterford Speedbowl.
In the SK 50 Craig Lutz was the early leader until Rocco took the point on Lap 11. Rocco led until losing power on lap 38 which opened the door for eventual winner Ed Puleo. Puleo led the rest of the way to hold off Ted Christopher for the win. Rob Janovic finished third with Dennis Perry recording a well-earned fourth. Diego Monahan rounded out the top five. There were 23 SK Modifieds on hand.
In Valenti Modified Racing Series action 32 cars were on hand for their 100 lapper. It seems that when ever Todd Annarummo is in competition he always seems to draw a top spot in a qualifying heat. He did it again as he drew the pole for the first heat. Keith Rocco was the spoiler as he blew him away on lap six of the ten lap heat.
In the VMRS 100 Rocco showed his strength and experience at the Speedbowl as he took the lead from Kyle James and fought off challenges from Tommy Barrett Jr and took the win by close to half a straightaway. Steve Masse and Barrett were early and mid-race factors but in the end it was Rocco who prevailed. Pre-race favorite Ted Christopher was in contention until he was collected by a spinning Barrett on lap 28. Barrett pitted and recovered as he was back in the top five by lap 53. Steve Masse took the lead for a short time at the half way mark. Three laps latter Rocco took the lead back for good. A strong run by Dennis Perry came to an end on lap 35 when he passed Dylan Kopec. Kopec sun Perry into the turn three wall, putting him out for the day. Richard Savory avoided the spins and wrecks of others as he ended up in the third spot on Barrett’s tail. Masse and Justin Bonsignore rounded out the top five. Rocco overcame 11 caution flags, including one red flag, to win his third Modified Racing Series race of the season and second at the Speedbowl. Rocco’s season totals show 30 wins overall including 18 in Modified competition.
In addition to Rocco’s victory, Corey Barry (SK Light Modified) and Garrett Denton (Mini Stock), secured season championships by winning their respective features in the Whelen All-American Series races, with the other Whelen features going to Jason Palmer (Late Model) and Josh Galvin (Street Stock).
Also on the season ending racing card, Ryan Bigelow was the NEMA Midgets winner, Dan Cugini captured the NEMA Lite feature, Ray Reed won the Super X-Car race, Anthony Marvin captured the Bandolero feature, Wayne Shifflet won the X-Car race, Dana Dimatteo the Legend Cars race and Jay Stuart captured the Outlaw Stock race.
In Modified racing in the Southland, Danny Bohn edged Brian Loftin at the finish line to take the Prestoria Farms 150 checkered flag in NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour action Saturday at Caraway Speedway. It was the third career victory for Bohn, and second at the .455-mile oval in rural Sophia, North Carolina. The dramatics were setup by a series of late-race cautions. Burt Myers had dominated the bulk of the event, but broken rearend on Lap 130 opened the door to the field. Loftin assumed the lead and held Bohn at bay for two subsequent restarts before the green-white-checkered flag conclusion.
Loftin, an eight-time winner at Caraway, took the white flag in the lead, but coming to the checkers Bohn made it a side-by-side dash. With four-time titlist and current championship contender George Brunnhoelzl III wrecking behind them as they came to the stripe, it was Bohn that edged ahead. It was so close that it took a review of the official timing and scoring by NASCAR Race Control to determine the winner. The final margin of victory: 0.019 seconds.
Bohn and Loftin were followed across the finish line by Kyle Ebersole, points leader Andy Seuss and Luke Fleming in the top five. The rest of the top 10 included: Spencer Davis, JR Bertuccio, Daniel Speeney, Mike Norman and Bobby Measmer Jr.
The Whelen Southern Modified Tour will conclude its 2014 season and crown a champion in the finale on the quarter-mile at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 9.
In NASCAR Sprint Cup action at the Kansas Speedway Joey Logano managed to avoid troubles that ruined the days of fellow Chase for the Sprint Cup contenders Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Brad Keselowski and Kasey Kahne to score his second win of the Chase and his fifth of the season. In doing so, Logano clinched a spot in the Eliminator round of the Chase. Logano had to fend off a hard-charging Kyle Larson over the final laps. Larson wound up settling for second, followed by Chase driver Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. Another Chase contender, Carl Edwards, rounded out the top five. Kyle Busch drove to his sixth NASCAR Nationwide Series victory of the season Saturday afternoon at Kansas Speedway during the Kansas Lottery 300.
Five years ago in 2019, While the Connecticut speedways were quiet the racing was hot and heavy at the Lee USA Speedway in New Hampshire. Woody Pitkat wanted to prove that his Valenti Modified Racing Series victory during last year’s Oktoberfest at Lee USA Speedway was not a fluke. He did just that Sunday afternoon by winning the first of two 50-lap features at the northern New England oval. Pitkat returned to Russ Conway’s Oktoberfest after winning a bizarre rain-shortened race in 2018. Only 19 green flag laps were completed that day before Pitkat and his Stan Mertz No. 6 team celebrated a victory in the rain.
Pitkat started the first 50-lap “King Cone” feature from the fourth position and methodically put himself in a position to challenge for the lead. After Les Hinckley led the opening 38 laps, Pitkat powered to the inside of the early race leader on Lap 39 to take the lead. From there, Pitkat was challenged by Tommy Barrett, a driver known for his ability to save tires and pounce when it matters most. Barrett stayed even with Pitkat on a restart with six laps remaining before peeking to the inside and making slight contact on two different occasions.
Pitkat survived all challenges from Barrett in the closing laps to earn his first Valenti Modified Racing Series victory of the season in just his second start. Barrett, Hinckley, Ronnie Williams and Brian Robie competed the top five in the first twin 50.
In the second 50 lapper Anthony Nocella wasn’t sure exactly where things went wrong in the first 50-lap race, but he was more than happy to rectify whatever it was in the second race. Nocella held off a fierce challenge from Ronnie Williams on a late-race restart to score his 15th career Valenti Modified Racing Series victory.
Maine native Josh Cantara led the first 27 laps of the race until Beech Ridge Motor Speedway winner and fellow Maine driver Tony Ricci took control on Lap 28. Ten laps later, Nocella charged to the front and made his way by Ricci to take command. Nocella was forced to hold off both Les Hinckley and Ronnie Williams on a pair of late-race restarts, including one with just two laps remaining. Williams, Tommy Barrett, Les Hinckley and race one winner Woody Pitkat completed the top five in the second 50-lap race. Shortly after the final checker fell the predicted rain began.
In other action at Lee, a big shout-out to Jacob Perry for his win in the Pro Truck Series feature. Perry started last and took the lead on the final lap. Corey Caddick was the Mini Stock winner, Derek Griffith was the Granite State Pro Stock 100 winner, Aaron Fellows won the Late Model Sportsman 100 and Sammy Swindell was the 25 lap NEMA Midget winner.
Kyle Larson was the Monster Cup winner at Dover while Cole Custer was the Xfinity series winner.
Last year, 2023, It was supposed to be Champions night at the Stafford Motor Speedway until a huge rain and wind storm had other ideas. Champions night and the TC 13 would now be held on Friday, Oct 6. The rescheduling sets up a conflict with Day 1 of the World Series at Thompson.
Race fans needed to choose where they want to be on Friday night!
While rains drenched the northeast on Friday and Saturday the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour made the series’ inaugural visit to one of the Southeast’s most cherished facilities, North Wilkesboro Speedway. The Brushy Mountain Powersports 150 at North Wilkesboro took place on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET, with FloRacing providing live coverage. Going into the event Justin Bonsignore led the point standings with a slim 3 point lead over Ron Silk. Many were waiting to see if the bad blood that was generated between the two would boil over at North Wilkesboro. Austin Beers sits in third spot some 38 points back. Kyle Bonsignore and Tyler Rypkema round out the top five. Thirty nine Modifieds were pre-entered.
Matt Hirschman earned the distinction of winning the first Brushy Mountain Powersports 150 after surviving several late restarts. Hirschman was one of the first to claim a checkered flag during North Wilkesboro’s revival in 2022 and was honored to take another elevator ride to Victory Lane. After pitting early, Hirschman cycled to the lead of the race before falling to second behind 2008 Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman. During the final pit stops of the evening with 40 laps left Hirschman’s team opted for two tires, allowing him to take the lead and eventually the win. Silk finished behind Hirschman in the second position with Justin Bonsignore, Eric Goodale and Patrick Emerling completing the Top 5. Newman, Andrew Krause, Coby, Kyle Ebersole and Bobby Santos III.
There were nine cautions for 50 laps. The first caution flew on lap 13 when Gary Putnam spun between turns three and four. The second caution came on lap 42 when Tim Connolly bounced off the right rear of Doug Coby and hit the wall in turn 1. The third caution was for Coby who spun between turns one and two on lap 67. The fourth caution was for Jacob Perry who spun between turns three and four on lap 77. Perry was making his debut in the NASCAR Modified Tour Series and all things considered was doing a great job up until then. The fifth caution came on lap 102 for Ken Heagy who stalled on the frontstretch after blowing an engine.. The sixth caution came on lap 120 when Bobby Labonte hit the front stretch wall after contact with another. The seventh caution came on lap 127 for Anthony Noscella who had come to a stop in turn one. The eighth caution flew on lap 138 when Gary Putnam and Jacob Perry came together on the backstretch. Putnam called it a day as Perry rejoined the field. The ninth and final caution came on lap 149 when Andy Seuss crashed in turn two. Overtime was called with a green-white checker to finish up the event. As Hirschman took the checker Coby spun and hit the wall, triggering a massive wreck in the front stretch.
With just two events remaining Justin Bonsignore leads Ron Silk by three points. Austin Beers sits in third spot some 38 points back. Kyle Bonsignore sits in fourth spot, some 118 points back and rounding out the top five is Tyler Rypkema, 140 points back. Unless there is a major confrontation between Justin Bonsignore and Silk the title will be settled between the two, If both contenders wreck each other out the title will be Beers’ for the taking.
The SMART Modified Tour was in action on Sunday at the Pulaski County Speedway in Fairlawn, Va. Sam Rameau pulled off a surprise upset as he won the Paul Radford 99. Rameau chose the outside on a late restart and took the lead over Matt Hirschman. A big surprise was the fact that Andrew Krause came all the way from a scratch starting spot. Krause had a right front tire go flat following time trials and was forced to go to the rear. Brandon Ward rounded out the top five. Sixth thru tenth were Stephen Kopcik, Burt Myers, Tim Brown, Joey Colter and Jerremy Gerstner. The New London Waterford Speedbowl also cancelled because of the elements. The relentless rainfall, saturated grounds, and chilly forecast has made for poor racing conditions.
In NASCAR Cup racing, Ryan Blaney’s No. 12 Team Penske Ford crossed the finish line about a foot ahead of Kevin Harvick’s No. 4 Ford to claim victory in a thrilling final 10-lap push to the checkered flag on Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway. With the win, Blaney’s third at Talladega, he punched his ticket to the next round of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Blaney led eight laps but was out front in the final two laps to secure the win over Harvick, whose car was disqualified during post-race technical inspection for violating rules involving windshield fasteners. It’s Blaney’s second win of the season and the ninth of his career.
With Harvick’s disqualification, playoff drivers Byron and Denny Hamlin finished second and third, respectively. Corey LaJoie was fourth for his third career top-five finish as he came across just ahead of a multicar accident with Austin Cindric, who finished fifth. Justin Haley, Chase Elliott, Ryan Preece, Riley Herbst, making only his fourth career Cup Series start, and Daniel Suárez rounded out the top 10.
Metro New York and most of Long Island received over ten inches of driving rain causing the management of Riverhead Raceway to make the difficult decision to postpone our Championship Night event to Saturday October 14th, with a Sunday October 15th rain date.
Josh Venada reports that work has begun on the repaving project at the Monadnock Speedway in Winchester, NH. Grinders started early Thursday morning. This asphalt, which is being reclaimed snd will serve as a base layer for the new asphalt. JDV Productions will open the facility on Saturday, April 20, 2024 to the Monadnock House Divisions only. The layout of the turns is largely going to remain the same. The consistency of the track width will be reviewed in the final grading. The hated and dreaded speedbumps have been eliminated.
Coming up on Sunday, November 5 will be the 2023 New England Auto Racers (NEAR) Hall of Fame ceremonies, being held this year at the Log Cabin in Holyoke Ma.The star-studded line up of inductees Brad Leighton, Ted Marsh, Mike Ordway Sr., Andy Santerre, John Stygar, and Mike Weeden, along with Veterans Committee inductees Al Hammond and Joe Howard. makes this a must-attend event!!
The all new book, The Modified Years At Stafford, by the Grace of God and 600 hp, is gaining interest and has become a must have in race fans and competitors library. Race by Race, Year by Year, it’s all there. Read all about it! Books are now available on Amazon.com and Coastal 181 (877-907-8181 toll free) and are available thru Stafford’s web site in their store. Order yours now. Makes a great gift!
With the cooperation of the Arute family another book has been published with pictures and biographies of the 50 Greatest Drivers at Stafford.
The Stafford Motor Speedway had become the epicenter of NASCAR Modified racing in the northeast by the late 1980’s. From its dirt beginnings to its lightning-fast asphalt, Stafford had become the toughest and most gratifying track to score a victory. The Arute family which has owned and guided the destiny of the facility commissioned their thousands of loyal fans to name their favorite drivers. In alphabetical order so as not to offend anyone:
Tom Baldwin, Gene Bergin, Brett Bodine, Geoff Bodine, Ken Bouchard, Ron Bouchard, Mario “Fats” Caruso, Rene Charland, Ted Christopher, Leo Cleary, Tim Connolly, Jerry Cook, Corky Cookman, Pete Corey, Fred DeSarro, Richie Evans, Mike Ewanitsko, Ed Flemke, Sr., Jeff Fuller, Rick Fuller, Ernie Gahan, Bill Greco, Bo Gunning, Ray Hendrick, George “Moose” Hewitt, Tony Hirschman, George Janoski, Charlie Jarzombek, George Kent, Buddy Krebs, Randy LaJoie, Jan Leaty, Jerry Marquis, Mike McLaughlin, Ray Miller, Steve Park, Bob Polverari, Bob Potter, Brian Ross, John “Reggie” Ruggiero, Greg Sacks, Ollie Silva, “Wild” Bill Slater, Jimmy Spencer, Mike Stefanik, Carl “Bugsy” Stevens, George Summers, Jamie “The Jet” Tomaino, Maynard Troyer and Satch Worley.
Books are priced at $17.95 each and be purchased at the track at the Novelty Booth or at the Stafford Motor Speedway on line store. Books are also available at Amazon.com and at Coastal181 (877-907-8181).
