Archive for July, 2011

PASS Set to Hit the Action Track of the East for the PASS 150

Published at July 31, 2011 in PASS, PASS North and Seekonk. 0 Comments

Seekonk, MA — On Saturday, August 6, the Pro All Stars Series heads to the Bay State for their only appearance of the season. This will be the third visit by the Super Late Model touring series to Seekonk Speedway. It also marks a homecoming of sorts to two drivers sitting in the top ten in points.

Kyle DeSouza of East Providence will make his first appearance of the season where he picked up his first wins. Over the years, the youngster has picked up victories in the Seekonk Youth Racing Association, Sport Tricks and, just last year, the Late Models. Also spending mane seasons touring the 1/3 mile oval was John Dabrowski of West Bridgewater. John has been a long time Pro Stock competitor, and his experience showed in 2010, when he dominated his qualifier. Travis Benjamin picked up his first career Pro Stock win back in 2000, when he won the Budweiser 100, an open competition event.

The past two visits by the Pro All Stars Series have been dominated by the local talent. In 2009, Tom Scully Jr of Cranston, RI picked up his biggest win, besting two of the all time win leaders in P.A.S.S. history, Ben Rowe and Johnny Clarke. Derek Ramstrom and Dave Darling rounded out the top five. The race was dominated by Seekonk regulars, as Dave Hutchens Sr and Ray Parent spent many laps at the top of the leader board before Scully took over.

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Streaking Rocco continues mastery of Speedbowl’s Modifieds; Smith, Stone and Williams also score wins on Nostalgia Night; NEMA Midgets and vintage racing also highlight the action

Published at July 31, 2011 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Waterford. 0 Comments

Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl returned to action Saturday evening, hosting Nostalgia Night which included four NASCAR Whelen All-American Series events plus NEMA Midgets, NEMA Lites and vintage racing by the New England Antique Racers, Senior Tour Auto Racers and Vintage Midget Racing clubs, providing fans a taste of racing from previous generations.

Scoring wins on the evening included Keith Rocco of Wallingford, who continued his recent domination of the SK Modified® division by picking up his ninth win on the season, Jeff Smith of Old Lyme claimed his second win of the year in the Bob Valenti Auto Mall Late Model feature, Al Stone III of New Haven scored his fourth win of the year in the Street Stocks and Chris Williams of Waterford found victory lane following a late race incident in the Mini Stocks. Keith Botehlo of North Attleboro, MA was the NEMA Midget winner in a special Shane Hammond Memorial event, while Andy Barrows of New Ipswich, NH took the counterpart NEMA Lite feature win.

Glenn Pressel took the early lead in the evening’s 35-lap SK Modified® race from his pole starting position. The action was intense from the drop of the green flag and by lap-3 contact was made in turn three among several cars, resulting in Joe Perry getting crossed up into the infield and Nichole Morgillo to become disabled on the backchute of lap-4 with suspension damage to her machine, drawing the first caution flag.

Continue reading ‘Streaking Rocco continues mastery of Speedbowl’s Modifieds; Smith, Stone and Williams also score wins on Nostalgia Night; NEMA Midgets and vintage racing also highlight the action’

NEMA Hammond Honors to Botelho

Published at July 31, 2011 in NEMA and Waterford. 0 Comments

Waterford, CT –Keith Botelho won the 27-lap Northeastern Midget Association’ second annual Shane Hammond Memorial Race Saturday night at Waterford Speedbowl. Beating back a restart challenge from Russ Stoehr with five laps left was the only challenge for Botelho who led every lap.

“Just when I think I’m getting too old for this,” said the 48-year old Botelho whose No. 25 is owned by Russ and Greg Stoehr. Point leader Stoehr (Dumo’s Desire 45), Randy Cabral (Bertrand 47), Todd Bertrand (Bertrand 39) and Jeremy Frankoski (Canton 7ny) completed the top five.

Andy Barrows won the 27-lap Lites feature.

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Bonsignore Brings Home First Win

Published at July 30, 2011 in NASCAR WMT and Riverhead. 0 Comments

Takes Lighthouse Mission 200 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Race at Riverhead

Riverhead, NY — Justin Bonsignore converted his home-track advantage into his first NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victory. The 23-year-old from Holtsville, N.Y., drove away with the Lighthouse Mission 200 Saturday at Riverhead Raceway.

Bonsignore, the 2010 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Sunoco Rookie of the Year, also runs regularly in Riverhead’s weekly NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Modified Division. He is second in the track’s point standings.

Todd Szegedy was second, followed by Ron Silk, Ryan Preece and Doug Coby. Rowan Pennink rebounded from an early wreck to finish sixth. The finish allowed Silk to take the points lead by five over Pennink.

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Andy Barrows Scores First Career NEMA Lites Feature in Shane Hammond Memorial Race at Speedbowl

Published at July 30, 2011 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Waterford. 0 Comments

Waterford, CT — Andy Barrows scored his first-ever NEMA Lites feature victory in the second-annual Shane Hammond Memorial Race at the Waterford Speedbowl on Saturday evening.

The 27-lap event is held yearly in honor of the popular Hammond, who lost his life in a NEMA event at the Thompson Speedway in April 2008.

Passing polesitter Paul Bigelow on lap-5 Barrows took command early, quickly building-up a substantial lead. The battle behind him was a heated affair, as Bigelow, Anthony “Bug” Marvuglio (brother of the late Hammond), and Joey Mucciacciaro battled for the runner-up spot.

Following each of the events three restarts Barrows maintained the lead, eventually sneaking-away by several car-lengths. The final yellow occurred with only 2-laps remaining.

Continue reading ‘Andy Barrows Scores First Career NEMA Lites Feature in Shane Hammond Memorial Race at Speedbowl’

Lincoln Tech 80 MRS Event Postponed to Aug. 12

Published at July 29, 2011 in Stafford and VMRS. 0 Comments

Tonight’s Lincoln Tech MRS 80 event, including Stafford’s five NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions, has been postponed due to rain.

The event will be run on Friday, Aug. 12 and all rain checks from June 24 will be honored.

Field & Panaroni Share Mini Stock Spotlight; Baxter Overall Mini Challenge Winner; Cates, Gelinas, Gentes, Sundeen & Boss Score Victories

Published at July 28, 2011 in Thompson. 0 Comments

Thompson, CT — The Mini Stocks took top billing at Thompson Speedway during Thursday Night Thunder with the running of the annual Mini Stock Northern Challenge. Danny Field of Deep River, CT, continued his winning ways in the regular weekly division portion of the Challenge. Mark Panaroni of Ivoryton, CT, scored the victory in the Mini Stock Northern Tour (MSNT) leg of the challenge. Chad Baxter of Pascoag, RI scored one for the ‘home team’ as the overall winner of the Mini Stock Northern Tour Challenge.

In regular NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action, Danny Cates of Chaplin, CT, held back some stiff competition to score his first Sunoco Modified victory of the season. Larry Gelinas of Buxton, ME, won a barnburner in the Super Late Models. Rick Gentes of Woonsocket, RI, was back to form in the Late Models; scoring the feature win. A dominating performance in the Limited Sportsman found Scott Sundeen of Douglas, MA, in victory lane. What a difference a week made for TIS Modified winner Glenn Boss of Danielson, CT.

Danny Field of Deep River, CT, added to his win tally for the 2011 season winning the first leg of the Mini Stocks special event on Thursday night. Tim Higginbotham and Lou Bellisle, III had a spirited battle in the opening laps of the regularly scheduled Mini Stock feature event on Thursday Night. Bellisle came out on top to lead the way. Eric Bourgeois and Danny Field shot out of the pack of Minis to run third and fourth respectively by lap five. Tyler Poulin, the only other winner in the Monster Minis this season, also broke into the top five.

Continue reading ‘Field & Panaroni Share Mini Stock Spotlight; Baxter Overall Mini Challenge Winner; Cates, Gelinas, Gentes, Sundeen & Boss Score Victories’

INDYCAR Is Coming

Published at July 28, 2011 in ACT LM Tour, IZOD IndyCar Series, NASCAR WMT, NHMS and Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Loudon, NH — Only two weeks remain until the fastest racing in America returns to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the MoveThatBlock.com INDY 225 on Aug. 14.

Defending series champion Dario Franchitti, female sensation Danica Patrick, Dancing with the Stars performer Helio Castroneves and all of the IZOD IndyCar stars will bring speeds of up to 200 mph back to New England for an excitement-packed weekend.

Friday, fans can enjoy a free day of racing as the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the American-Canadian Tour take on “The Magic Mile,” for both qualifying and practice sessions.

The wheel-to-wheel action will continue Saturday, when the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Firestone Indy Lights race for the first time at NHMS in 13 years during their practice and qualifying sessions. Immediately following INDYCAR, the mighty Whelen Modified Tour will race the 1.058-mile oval for the second time this year. The American-Canadian Tour will wrap up Saturday’s doubleheader with its All-Star Showdown 75-lap event.

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Thompson Modifieds Get Top Billing on August 4th

Published at July 28, 2011 in Thompson. 0 Comments

Thompson, CT — The popular Thompson Modified division will be front and center this coming Thursday at the Thompson International Speedway. The division’s annual 25-lap feature race will round out a full evening of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series competition at the high-banked, super-fast oval.

On any given Thursday night, it’s tough to pick a favorite in any of Thompson’s extremely competitive “Super 6” racing divisions. The Thompson Modifieds are a good example of this. In nine races this season, there have been four different drivers that have visited victory lane.

Cam Mc Dermott has won three of the nine events but defending champion, R.J. Marcotte has two wins as do Jay Sundeen and Glenn Boss. Drivers Brian Tagg, Ryan Morgan and John Studley are winless thus far in 2011, but each is more than capable of grabbing the top spot. Mc Dermott is the current points leader in the division. He is, however, followed closely by Boss, Sundeen, and Marcotte. With this kind of close competition, the anticipation is high going into this special event.

Continue reading ‘Thompson Modifieds Get Top Billing on August 4th’

Dimatteo wins in wild Legends finish; Morin and Forte split twin Bandolero races; Ryan and D’addario also race winners

Published at July 27, 2011 in Waterford. 0 Comments

Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl’s event Wednesday night proved up to its Wild ‘n Wacky moniker, with several wild finishes and racing action keeping the crowd entertained. Dana Dimatteo of Farmington returned to the winner’s circle in unexpected fashion in the Legends Cars, overcoming a final lap incident by the leaders. In twin Bandolero features, it was Ken Morin Jr. of Old Saybrook and Rachel Forte of Douglas, MA sharing the accolades. Dan D’addario of Columbia won the X-Car race by the slimmest of margins in an exciting conclusion. Ed Ryan of Preston was declared the Super X-Car feature winner and Onie Pierce of Norwich won the night’s Wacky Race. Jason Palmer took the lead in the 20-lap Legends Cars feature following a lap-2 caution flag when three cars had come together on the frontstretch.

Palmer darted inside early leader Carl Blandina following the restart then stretched his lead over the field. As the laps clicked off the scoreboard and the race moved past halfway, Joey Mucciacciaro had raced to second position, Dana Dimatteo was in third with the division’s hottest driver Dave Garbo Jr. challenging him for that position. Caution waved again on lap-14 when David Caissie spun on the front chute causing a brief delay.

Racing resumed with Palmer moving out into the lead. Garbo was inside of Mucciacciaro for second once the green was out. Garbo secured the spot then applied pressure to Palmer, one of the division’s most successful drivers at the track. As the race came down to its final three laps the action really heated up at the front, setting up a finish that left the crowd buzzing.

Continue reading ‘Dimatteo wins in wild Legends finish; Morin and Forte split twin Bandolero races; Ryan and D’addario also race winners’

Rocco & Morris Keep Rolling At The Top

Published at July 26, 2011 in NASCAR WA-AS, Stafford, Thompson and Waterford. 0 Comments

Whelen All-American Series Points Leaders Keep Winning

Daytona Beach, FL — Philip Morris has been through enough championship battles to have the process down to a science. But this year has been a little more difficult to get a grasp on what it’s going to take to win the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national championship.

“It may just take winning every race the rest of the year,” joked Morris.

At the rate the top contenders are rattling off victories, he may not be far off.

The Ruckersville, Va., driver swept the Late Model Division features last Saturday at South Boston (Va.) Speedway. It gave Morris, a three-time national champion, his fifth win in his last eight starts and 14 wins in 21 starts overall.

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Statistical Advance: Lighthouse Mission 200

Published at July 26, 2011 in NASCAR WMT and Riverhead. 0 Comments

Analyzing The Whelen Modified Tour At Riverhead

Daytona Beach, FL — The 50th running of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour at Riverhead (N.Y.) Raceway is set for Saturday, July 30 with the Lighthouse Mission 200.

Selected Driver Highlights:
Eric Beers (No. 45 Chevrolet)
•  Has two wins, nine poles and 64 top 10s in 160 career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts.
•  Is sixth in points with three top 10s in six races.
•  Has a pole, seven top 10s and a best finish of second in 11 starts at Riverhead Raceway.

Justin Bonsignore (No. 51 Chevrolet)
•  The 2010 Sunoco Rookie of the Year.
•  Has two poles and eight top 10s in 22 career starts.
•  Is 19th in the standings with two top 10s.
•  Has two top-five finishes in three NWMT starts at Riverhead.
•  Began his career at Riverhead, where he is two points out of the Modified division lead after 10 races this season.

Howie Brode (No. 96 Chevrolet)
•  Has 14 top 10s in 54 career NWMT starts. Sixteen of those starts have come at Riverhead and 11 have resulted in top-10 finishes.
•  Best career NWMT finish is third, twice. Both times were at Riverhead.
•  A competitor in Riverhead’s NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Modified division.

Continue reading ‘Statistical Advance: Lighthouse Mission 200′

News & Notes: Riverhead Bullring Up Next

Published at July 25, 2011 in NASCAR WMT and Riverhead. 0 Comments
Fiftieth Running Of the Whelen Modified Tour On Long Island
 
Daytona Beach, FL — The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will go from the largest track on its schedule to the smallest when it heads to Riverhead (N.Y.) Raceway on Saturday, July 30 for the Lighthouse Mission 200.

Coming from New Hampshire Motor Speedway – which measures a little more than a mile – the Whelen Modified Tour will head to Long Island for its 50th all-time running at the quarter-mile bullring. The first race at Riverhead took place on July 10, 1985 and was won by Jimmy Spencer.

For the Whelen Modified Tour drivers from Long Island that regularly cross the sound on the ferry for the vast majority of the schedule, Riverhead is always a welcomed event. Of the 30 entries in for the race, 10 are drivers from across Long Island that relish the opportunity to compete at their home track with friends and family in attendance.

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Joe Doucette Wins First Valenti Modified Series Race at Oxford Plains

Published at July 25, 2011 in Oxford Plains and VMRS. 0 Comments

Oxford Plains, ME — As the saying goes, “good things come to those that wait.” Joe Doucette and his dedicated crew waited longer than they wanted too. For five years, the Framingham, MA., racer and his team towed their racecar all over New England chasing their dream.

Saturday night, July 23, Doucette and his dedicated crew finally attained their goal. In a perfectly executed late race charge, Doucette nabbed the Valenti Modified Racing Series 100-lap event at the Oxford Plains Speedway, Oxford,
ME. Doucette becomes the eighth different winner this season and the fifth different winner of the Oxford race.

Before a huge “Oxford 250” weekend crowd, pole-sitter and present point leader Chris Pasteryak, Lisbon, CT., jumped into the lead at the drop of the green flag and appeared to be in cruise mode when a lap 62 caution flag brought the race leader back to the rest of the field. Up to that point, Les Hinckley, Windsor Locks, CT., and Dwight Jarvis, Ascutney, VT., staged a torrid second place battle until Doucette came into the picture and second place on lap 73.

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Hammond Memorial Next For NEMA

Published at July 25, 2011 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Waterford. 0 Comments

Brockton, MA — The busy Northeastern Midget Association with four winners in the last four races, visits Waterford Speedbowl Saturday night for the second annual Shane Hammond Memorial Race. It is part of the Speedowl’s Nostalgia Weekend

The NEMA Lites will be on the agenda as well as NEMA and the Shane Hammond Believe Foundation honors yhe young and dedicated driver it lost three years ago. The 27-lap feature coupled with the 10 lap heats equals Hammond’s number 37.

“Hopefully we found something tonight,” said Randy Cabral, after scoring his first win of the season last week at Seekonk. “You know how I feel about the Hammond race.” Cabral, NEMA’s all-time top winner (8) at Waterford, and Hammond were the closest of friends.

The winner of the Hammond Lites feature last year, the usually reserved Cabral might even be allowing himself to think about a sweep. “Winning either one will not be an easy chore,” he declares.

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USAC DMA Midgets Add August 6 Show at Bear Ridge Speedway; Randy Cabral and Lanson Fornoro Announce Plans to Get Dirty

Published at July 25, 2011 in Bear Ridge and USAC Dirt Midget Association. 0 Comments

Bradford, VT — The USAC DMA Midgets have been added to Interstate Battery of New-Mont Night at Bear Ridge Speedway on Saturday August 6. The Midgets will join an action packed show for all the weekly divisions – including the Bear Ridge Coupes- the Granite State Mini Sprints and an antique tractor show.

“We’re just thrilled that Butch Elms has added this show for the USAC DMA Midgets,” said New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame Member and USAC DMA member Skip Matczak. “We appreciate all the support that Butch has given us in the first year of our new series of affordable Midget racing.

Multi-time NEMA Midget Champion Randy Cabral and third generation Midget competitor Lanson Fornoro also announced their plans to run the final two USAC DMA Midget events at Bear Ridge on August 20 and September 10.

“I love racing on dirt,” said Cabral, who has 30 NEMA wins on pavement. “I’m sure I’d enjoy running with the ARDC, but the DMA Midgets are so much more affordable and so much closer to home that I really can’t pass up the opportunity. My plans seem to get changed six times a day, but right now, I’m definitely planning on racing the last two DMA shows at Bear Ridge. I have to miss the August 6 date because I’ll be racing with NEMA, but after that there aren’t any conflicts.”

Continue reading ‘USAC DMA Midgets Add August 6 Show at Bear Ridge Speedway; Randy Cabral and Lanson Fornoro Announce Plans to Get Dirty’

Second annual Shane Hammond Memorial Race to Take Place at Waterford Speedbowl July 30

Published at July 25, 2011 in NEMA, NEMA Lites and Waterford. 0 Comments

Waterford, CT — The second annual Shane Hammond Memorial Race is set to take place next weekend (Saturday, July 30) at the Waterford Speedbowl. Following an incredibly successful inaugural event last season, the race is organized by NEMA and The Shane Hammond Believe Foundation.

Shane Hammond was a young, talented driver who started his career at the Hi-Groove Speedway in Winchester, NH. There, Shane learned how to wheel a go kart on the dirt. He mastered the track and earned the name “Smoothy.” From there, he went on to run the NHKA series and ran various classes of karts with the support of his grand father, Jack Glockner, a former stock car driver from the Norwood Arena era.

Shane had a short reprieve from racing at age 15 when diagnosed with a brain and spine tumor. Surgery didn’t keep him down nor did that pain that nagged him everyday. He had a determination that could only be described as surreal and amazing. He lived for racing and anyone who knew him believed and supported his dream.

Continue reading ‘Second annual Shane Hammond Memorial Race to Take Place at Waterford Speedbowl July 30′

Berry, Norrie, Reil and Hanson Take Season Openers at Legion Speedway Open Cockpit Super Sunday Series

Published at July 25, 2011 in Legion and SCONE. 0 Comments

Rumney, NH — The 2011 season at Legion Speedway got off to a rousing – albeit a several months tardy- start on Sunday with Nick Berry, Doug Norrie, Terry Reil and Lacey Hanson taking down wins in the all open cockpit, all winged, Super Sunday Series.

Berry, of Manchester, NH, who has only raced Sprint Cars sporadically in recent years while concentrating on his Modified exploits, pulled off a wire-to-wire victory, besting a 19 car field of talented 360ci Sprint Car drivers in the Sprint Cars of New England 25 lap marquee event. It was Berry’s first Sprint Car win since 2007.

At the start, Berry faced a surprising challenge from NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour star “Asphalt Andy” Seuss, who is in his rookie year both on dirt and in a Sprint Car.

“To be honest, I thought I’d be able to get by Andy easy at the start, because he doesn’t have much time in a Sprint Car, but he did a really good job, he didn’t give it to me without a fight, that’s for sure,” Berry confided. “I knew I had a good car, so after I got the lead, it was just a matter of being patient and then working my way through lapped traffic. The car hooked up really well so I just had to not over drive it.”

Continue reading ‘Berry, Norrie, Reil and Hanson Take Season Openers at Legion Speedway Open Cockpit Super Sunday Series’

Dion picks up second Pro Stock win, Vanasse, Cavallaro and DeMoura find Victory Lane again

Published at July 24, 2011 in Seekonk. 0 Comments

Seekonk, MA — Scott Dion from Taunton scored his second feature win by quickly moving up to the front from his fifth place starting position and stayed safely at the front through the division’s event-filled feature.

Scott Dion from Taunton scored his second feature win by quickly moving up to the front from his fifth place starting position and stayed safely at the front through the division’s event-filled feature. It wasn’t an easy win, as he had to first wrest the lead away from Dick Houlihan, then protect it from him. Rob Murphy claimed second at the midpoint and annoyed the leader for ten laps before Dave Darling moved into the runnerup spot in lap 28. Darling pursued Dion to the checkers determined to take the lead away. But Dion was equally adamant that he would not yield and took the victory .878 seconds ahead of Darling. Murphy finished third, while brothers Kevin and Kyle Casper rounded out the top five. The family duo of Tom Scully Jr. and Tom Sr. claimed sixth and seventh. Points leader Fred Astle was eighth. Colby Fournier and Bobby Tripp made up the rest of the top ten.

The mood of the race was signaled when Jake Vanada had to drop out of hot laps into the pits for adjustments, and then the start was called back when Phil Meany got into Mike Brightman, taking away the latter’s right front fender. By the final laps, Brightman had lost the body panels down his whole right side and the whole body was flying from the frame like a big sail.

[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto

Continue reading ‘Dion picks up second Pro Stock win, Vanasse, Cavallaro and DeMoura find Victory Lane again’

Truck Night Winner Corey Coates at Waterford

Published at July 24, 2011 in NETS and Waterford. 0 Comments

Waterford, CT — NETS driver Corey Coates of Ledyard CT. takes his third win of the 2011 New England Truck Series season at the Waterford Speedbowl Truck Night 50 lap race Saturday July 23rd with plenty of fans in the stands in the hot weather.

With the blistering humid days prior to Saturdays race at the speed bowl, the atmosphere remained calm in the pits with teams and drivers trying to stay cool for the days scheduled practice and heat events planned.

NETS drivers and teams were showcased on the Midway Autograph Session with trucks displayed along with some Nostalgic trucks for fans to enjoy while getting autographs and chit chatting with drivers.

On the pole for the feature: Derek Chriss (12) with Bert Ouellette (15) on the out side rolled off turn four to the start of the 50 lap feature race. Derek Chriss led through the first eight laps before spinning out of the lead. Duane Noll (2), who was running third, moved up to lead the pack until a competition caution flag waved at halfway. Noll selected a chip to determine an invert order for the second half of the race, selecting to invert all the lead lap Trucks. That moved Noll and Coates (75), who was in second, to the rear of the running order when racing resumed.

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Keith Rocco Wins 8th Annual CARQUEST SK 150 at Stafford Speedway

Published at July 23, 2011 in Stafford. 0 Comments

Stafford Springs, CT — Stafford Speedway returned to racing with its biggest race of the season, the 8th Annual CARQUEST SK 150. Keith Rocco took the checkered flag and the $3,500 winner’s check in the CARQUEST SK 150 for his third consecutive and sixth overall victory of the 2011 season, Dillon Moltz picked up his third win of the 2011 season in the 30-lap Late Model feature, Tommy Barrett, Jr. scored his fourth win of 2011 in the 20-lap SK Light Modified feature, Carla Botticello picked up her first win of 2011 in the 20-lap Limited Late Model feature, and Don Wood scored his third win of 2011 in the 15-lap DARE Stock feature.

In the 8TH Annual CARQUEST SK 150 feature event, the action was wild at the front as Tom Bolles made a three-wide move on the first lap to take the lead ahead of Michael Gervais, Jr. and Dan Avery. Glen Reen was fourth with polesitter Sean Foster falling back to fifth place. The order continued to shuffle as both Ryan Preece and Woody Pitkat took to the outside groove to move by everyone and take over first and second place on lap-7. Reen was now third with Eric Berndt in fourth and Bolles had fallen back to fifth place.

The field began to stretch out a bit with Preece and Pitkat out front, while Reen and Berndt were nose to tail several car lengths behind the lead duo. Keith Rocco and Todd Owen were the next two cars in line and they were about a half straightaway behind Reen and Berndt. Reen and Berndt closed the gap to the lead cars of Pitkat and Preece and it was now a four-car train at the front of the pack with 20 laps complete.

[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto

Clark PASS Winner at Thompson; Preece Dominates in Modified Shootout; Rocco, Falconi, Monahan, Sundeen & Field Victorious in Weekly Racing Series Action

Published at July 22, 2011 in PASS, PASS National, PASS North and Thompson. 0 Comments

Thompson, CT — Thompson International Speedway hosted an full slate of action-packed racing that featured something for everyone as the full-fendered Pro All Star Series Super Late Models shared the spotlight with the open-wheel Tour-Type Modifieds. Five divisions of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action was also on tap.

Johnny Clark of Hallowell, ME, was tops in an eventful Pro All Star Series National Championship event. Ryan Preece of Berlin, CT, was untouchable in the Tour-Type Modifieds Shootout at Thompson on Thursday Night.

Keith Rocco of Wallingford, CT, continued his domination of the Sunoco Modified division with his fourth win of the season at Thompson International Speedway.

John Falconi of Oakham, MA, took a commanding victory in the Late Models. Diego Monahan of Waterford, CT, battled to his fifth Limited Sportsman feature win of the season. Jay Sundeen of Douglas, MA, scored his second victory of the 2011 season in the TIS Modifieds. With his victory on Thursday night Danny Field of Deep River, CT, hopes to begin a new win streak in the Mini Stock division.

[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto

Continue reading ‘Clark PASS Winner at Thompson; Preece Dominates in Modified Shootout; Rocco, Falconi, Monahan, Sundeen & Field Victorious in Weekly Racing Series Action’

Doug Coby Dominates Cement Palace In Modified Madness 100 Win! Phil Lausier picks up first Pro4 win. Randy Cabral takes NEMA main

Published at July 22, 2011 in NEMA, Pro 4 Mod and Seekonk. 0 Comments

Seekonk, MA — Milford, Connecticut’s Doug Coby led all but 6 of the 100 laps in the $10,000-to-the-winner main feature at Seekonk’s midsummer Open Wheel Wednesday event, and became the seventh winner of the annual classic.

Milford, Connecticut’s Doug Coby led all but 6 of the 100 laps in the $10,000-to-the-winner main feature at Seekonk’s midsummer Open Wheel Wednesday event, and became the seventh winner of the annual classic. It wasn’t an easy evening, as numerous cautions called the26-car field back together after Coby had run out to some fairly long leads. Polesitter Les Hinckley of Windsor Locks took the lead from his pole position at the green and held it for the first six, but Coby was not to be denied. Hinckley stayed in the hunt in second place to lap 49, when Earle Paules of Palmerton, PA, took a solo spin in the fourth turn, to bring out the caution. Paules and Hinckley, among others, retired for new rubber and returned.

Steve Masse of Bellingham, CT moved into the second spot, pursuing Coby through lap 64, when Bobby Santos of Franklin, Ma, spun in the pack, and Matt Hirschman of Northampton, PA got under Masse on the restart. Hirschman proved the old adage that Seekonk is not a horsepower track, when he spent the final 36 laps making life miserable for Coby. Hirschman, son of NASCAR modified champ Tony Hirschman, was driving the smaller-block V8 SK-Mod among the bigger-engine Tour Modifieds. The lighter car was able to stay close on the leader’s tail all the way to the checkers.

[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto


#52 – Doug Coby

Continue reading ‘Doug Coby Dominates Cement Palace In Modified Madness 100 Win! Phil Lausier picks up first Pro4 win. Randy Cabral takes NEMA main’

Seekonk NEMA Honors to Cabral

Published at July 21, 2011 in Seekonk. 0 Comments

Seekonk, MA — Surviving three restart challenges, Randy Cabral (Bertand 47) won the Northeastern Midget Association’s 25-lap feature at Seekonk Speedway’s Open Wheel Wednesday. It was the first win of the season for Cabral, the fourth winner in the last four NEMA races.

Eventual runner up Jeff Abold (Seymour 29) applied the last restart challenge with six laps remaining. “It was my race to lose at that point,” said Cabral. Starting sixth, he had led since lap four when he passed Paul Scally (Scally 30) in the front shoot.

Cabral, who is “always nervous about restarts” got away from Scally (lap seven) and Jeremy Frankoski (lap 10) earlier.

Greg Stoehr (Stoehr 26b) edged Frankoski (Cantor 7ny) for third with point leader Russ Stoehr (Dumo’s Desire 45) fifth.

[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto

Continue reading ‘Seekonk NEMA Honors to Cabral’

Doug Coby Wins Modified Madness at Seekonk; Cabral & Lausier Also Capture Open Wheel Wednesday Wins

Published at July 21, 2011 in NEMA, Pro 4 Mod and Seekonk. 0 Comments

Doug Coby of Milford, CT captured his first career Seekonk Speedway victory in dominant fashion Wednesday night. Driving the #52 Furnace & Duct Chevrolet, he gave car owner Wayne Darling his third event victory with three different drivers. The biggest pay day of his career, Coby picked up $10,000 for the 7th annual Open Wheel Wednesday victory over Matt Hirschman, Todd Annarummo, Mike Stefanik and Chris Pasteryak.

[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto

Two-time NEMA champion Randy Cabral of Plymouth, MA scored his first victory of the season in the  25-lap feature over  Jeff Abold, Greg Stoehr, Jeremy Frankoski and Russ Stoehr.

Phil Lausier of Hudson, NH earned his first career Pro Four Modifieds of New England victory over  Norm Wrenn, Dave Richardi Jr., Robin Berghman and Cory Cleary.

Stafford Speedway Nominates Keith Herzig of Wishes on Wheels for Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award

Published at July 21, 2011 in Stafford. 0 Comments

Stafford Springs, CT — Stafford Motor Speedway has nominated Keith Herzig for the NASCAR Foundation’s Inaugural Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. Herzig is the Founder and President of Wishes On Wheels, an annual fund-raiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut. Each year since 2000, Herzig organizes the family friendly Wishes On Wheels Convoy on the third Sunday in September. To date, Wishes On Wheels has raised in excess of $670,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of CT. Most recently Herzig was involved in the CARQUEST Champions For Charities Event held at Stafford Speedway. He assisted Keith Rocco in raising funds for Make-A-Wish of CT for the Charity event, and together they raised $4,230 for the Wishes on Wheels program.

“We believe Keith Herzig exemplifies the true meaning of the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award,” said Stafford Speedway Executive Vice President / CFO Lisa Arute. “Through his Wishes on Wheels event, Keith has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the Make-A-Wish foundation of Connecticut and has helped grant over 100 wishes to Connecticut children with life-threatening illnesses. His volunteerism and charitable work has made a significant impact on the lives of children and Stafford Speedway is proud to be affiliated with Keith and Wishes on Wheels.”

Thirteen years ago, as an owner-operator truck driver, Herzig participated in a small truck convoy in Massachusetts and immediately felt the need to do something similar in Connecticut. In September of 2000, he organized a small group of close friends in the trucking industry for the first convoy. With help from the CT State Police, Department of Motor Vehicles, and FedEx of Willington, CT, he held the first Wishes on Wheels Fund-raiser for Make-A-Wish of CT. The inaugural Wishes On Wheels convoy hosted 160 trucks and the event has grown to a staggering 490 trucks. Herzig hopes with the support of the community he will be able to meet an ambitious goal of raising $1,000,000 by the 15th anniversary of the convoy.

Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. According to the National Make-A-Wish President, David Williams, a child’s wish is granted once every 40 minutes.

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Garbo wins second straight Legends feature; Forte victorious in Bandoleros; Alessio takes checkered flag in Super X action; D’addario in X-Cars

Published at July 20, 2011 in Waterford. 0 Comments

Waterford, CT — Waterford Speedbowl was in action Wednesday for another round of Wild ‘n Wacky racing on a perfect summer evening. Taking down victories included Dave Garbo Jr. of Stonington, who won his second consecutive Legends Cars feature, Rachel Forte of Douglas, MA won her second Bandolero feature on the season in impressive fashion, Frank Alessio of Colchester returned to Victory Lane in the Super X-Cars and Dan D’addario of Columbia took the checkered flag in the X-Cars.

Other winners on the night were Bill Reiman of Southington who won the Wacky Toll Booth race and Don Macrino of New London was fastest in the Vintage Midget Racing exhibition.

The 20-lap Legends Cars feature was interrupted for a multi-car caution period on lap-2 which collected the likes of Jason Palmer, Dennis Pantani and Dan Butler. Also involved in the skirmish were Dana Dimatteo and Garbo, who both were able to continue on with minimal damage. Following the restart the competition settled in with Angelo Belsito leading the field. Racing prevailed through lap-7 when caution waved again for Carl Blandina who spun in turn two.

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Frank Ruocco Looking for Third Consecutive Victory In Stafford’s CARQUEST SK 150

Published at July 20, 2011 in Stafford. 0 Comments

Stafford Springs, CT — When it comes to the CARQUEST SK 150 at Stafford Motor Speedway, no driver knows the song of success better than 2006 SK Modified® track champion Frank Ruocco. Ruocco has won the last two CARQUEST SK 150′s and he has won three out of the last four 150-lap events at Stafford. If not for Woody Pitkat coming back from 2 laps down to win the 2008 race in which Ruocco finished second, Ruocco would have four consecutive CARQUEST SK 150 victories.

“The first race I ever won at Stafford was the 150 and I’ve ran well in extra distance races at a couple other tracks,” said Ruocco. “These races are long enough where the faster cars usually make their way to the front. In some of the 40-lap races you don’t always see that. Our strategy is going to be same as it always is, we’re going to get settled into a spot early and click some laps off. Generally we have a good setup for the 150 and Stash and Steve Butova are working hard on the cars, I’ve never seen them work so hard before. Tire management and patience will be the key to the race and hopefully we’re one of the cars that will be there at the end of the race.”

Ruocco heads into the CARQUEST SK 150 without a victory to his credit in 2011. Last season, Ruocco had two wins prior to his CARQUEST SK 150 victory, but he was a distant 10th in the points standings. After winning the CARQUEST SK 150, Ruocco won once more and he finished on the podium in 5 of the final 8 races of the 2010 season to elevate himself into third place in the final points standings. Ruocco looks to continue that trend this season with a strong finish in the CARQUEST SK 150.

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Car No. 7 Whelen Modified Tour Team Penalized for Rules Violations at NHMS

Published at July 20, 2011 in NASCAR WMT and NHMS. 0 Comments

Daytona Beach, FL — NASCAR announced today the No. 7 team that competes in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour has been penalized as a result of rules violations committed Saturday, July 16 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H.

The team was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-I (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20D-5.9P (the intake manifold ports did not completely seal to the cylinder head ports. The use of metal shim-type intake manifold gaskets is not permitted) of the 2011 NASCAR rule book. The violations were discovered during post-race inspection on July 16.

Mike LaRochelle, crew chief of car No. 7, has been suspended from all NASCAR regional touring series events until Dec. 31, 2011.

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Rocco Retakes Top Spot With Two More Wins

Published at July 19, 2011 in NASCAR WA-AS, Stafford, Thompson and Waterford. 0 Comments

Pulliam, Morris Keep Pace Atop Whelen All-American Series

Daytona Beach, FL — As Keith Rocco continues to build momentum to a second straight NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national championship, his closest pursuers are keeping pace.

Rocco won Friday at Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway and again Saturday at Waterford (Conn.) Speedbowl to regain the top spot in the national standings. The Wallingford, Conn., driver has 16 wins, 22 top fives and 27 top 10s running regularly in the Modified division at those two tracks and Thompson (Conn.) International Speedway. He has also made a start at Monadnock Speedway in Winchester, N.H.

He took over the top spot from Lee Pulliam. The Semora, N.C., driver also won Saturday in the Late Model Division at Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, Va.

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