Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the clean-retina domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /hermes/walnacweb04/walnacweb04ah/b869/pow.nascarmod134/htdocs/new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114
August 2007 – YankeeRacer.com

Rocco Reigns at Thompson in Sunoco Mod Extra-Distance Race

Thompson, CT — It was a night of close finishes in the six NASCAR Whelen All-American Series on Thursday Night Thompson Thunder. Keith Rocco of Wallingford went the distance in the Sunoco Modified 50-lapper on Thursday night at Thompson International Speedway. Jeff Zuidema of N. Brookfield, MA made a long-anticipated return to Pro Stock victory lane while Tommy O’Sullivan of Springfield, MA, scored his second Late Model feature win of the season. Scott Sundeen of Douglas, MA edged Larry Barnett for the Limited Sportsman victory. Roger Larson, Jr. won the TIS Modified feature in tech while Brad Caddick of New London won a barnburner in the Mini Stocks.

Keith Rocco gave his car owner Don Bannister the best birthday gift by winning the 50-lapper for the Sunoco Modifieds. Rocco who is in the hunt for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series National championship bested his rival Woody Pitkat to score the victory. Steve Masse jumped out from his front row starting spot to lead the opening lap of the event but it did not take long for Todd Ceravolo to take over command. Woody Pitkat gave up the third spot to a charging Kerry Malone while Tommy Cravenho had his hands full with Rocco.

[Photo Gallery] by Adam Fohlin

(more…)


Dave Shullick, Jr. Takes ISMA Super Nats Fri. Night

daveshullickjr083107.jpgOswego, NY – It looked like Chris Perley was well on his way to win number ten on the ISMA-Wirtgen season Friday night at Oswego’s Bud Light Super Nationals. Perley took the white flag and suddenly the yellow flew for the Vic Miller 11 when a pass attempt at a slower car failed. Perley was able to get restarted but the road ahead was long and the race was short. Ohio’s Dave Shullick Jr. was quite capable of taking over for Perley after chasing him for half the 50-lap event. Dave easily pulled away from Joey Payne, driving the Cicconi 75 and young Mike Ordway Jr. to take the win. It was the first ISMA win for car owner Steve Stout and Shullick’s career second. Shullick’s mom and dad, “The Shoe” were on hand to view the victory after missing Shullick Jr’s Oswego MSA win in June.

Dave said, following a ride around the Big O before a cheering crowd, “This is awesome. It was a great run. The crew gives me a great car every time out. We didn’t have the best car here today. We probably had the second best car. Chris had it hands down. It was unfortunate he got tangled up there. I’m not sure what happened. I almost spun myself out a couple of times trying to keep up with him. As I said it was unfortunate for him, but we’ll take them any way we can get them. The car was real good. We made a really drastic change because the car was tight. The car was really good early but it got really loose toward the end of the race. It was a handful toward the end. But it worked out. I’d like to say congratulations to Steve Stout. He’s tried for a long time to get his first ISMA win and this is it. Congratulations to him and his whole team.”

OSWEGO CANDIDS PHOTO PAGE HERE

(more…)


Loren Card – Waterford’s First Flagman Passes at 82

news020429a.jpgPunta Gorda, Fla. – Loren A. Card, 82, of Punta Gorda, Fla., died Aug. 27, 2007.

He was born March 29, 1925 in Groton and moved to Florida in 1991.

Mr. Card was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. He worked as a semi-driver for the Federal Paper Board Co. in Versailles before retiring in 1990. He was an honorary retired member of the Int’l Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local Union 493. He was an avid gardener, enjoyed fishing and had a talent for wood working.

(more…)


Cicconi Back on Top at Seekonk in Team Bertrand NEMA Sweep

bertrand12modmadness.jpgSeekonk, MA — Open-wheel ace “Liquid” Lou Cicconi of Aston, PA, scored his second Northeastern Midget Association (NEMA) victory of the season in dominating fashion on Wednesday night at Seekonk Speedway in Seekonk, MA. This was the second race for the Midgets at Seekonk in the last five days. The event, which was postponed due to inclement weather back on July 18, 2007, was worth the wait for Cicconi and his Bertrand Racing teammate Randy Cabral, who chased Cicconi to the checkers. Cicconi took advantage of his front row starting position and went on to wire the field for the victory.

The one-two finish was a much-needed boost for the race team and the Bertrand family. Since an opening day win at the Waterford Speedbowl in April, Cicconi has seen his fair share of adversity. Mechanical woes have sidelined Cicconi twice in the last four races.

(more…)



Brouwer Takes X Mod Feature, Clinches Title at Speedbowl

news020429a.jpgWaterford, CT — Richard “Bubby” Brouwer wasted little time in getting to the front in the 20-lap X Modified feature at the Waterford Speedbowl on Wednesday evening, taking his ninth victory of the season and sewing up the championship.

Other feature winners were Chris Bakaj (Legends), Steve Barrett (Super X Car), Mark Caise (X Car), and, Jessica Miner (Geico Women On Wheels).

“These are the greatest guys in the world to race with, I’m very proud to be champion,” stated an elated Brouwer in victory lane. “You don’t know how much it means to me to be here. As the season went on, it got tougher & tougher. It’s a very competitive division, and the wins are harder to come by each week”.

(more…)


Moving Forward

As we remember the events of the past few weeks we know in our hearts we need to move forward. Closing a chapter in our lives doesn’t mean having to forget. It also means that we don’t have to act like it didn’t happen. Many I have talked with feel this will take some time to close this chapter. I agree and that’s alright, it’s a testament to how deeply we felt for John and his place in our lives. Let us start the process of moving forward. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

One of the most difficult things we do in racing is figuring out the appropriate way to honor one of our own after they have gone. A couple indications of their impact on the racing community are the several attempts to remember them. I have seen many of the memorial stickers from NASCAR to Wall to individual ones; each one honors John and helps us move forward. These give us a comfort that when we look at each one we will remember our friend, competitor, father, brother, and mentor. We can move forward without forgetting. We can remember him as we race.

(more…)


Twenty-Three Years Later, Tomaino Still Running Strong

nwmt.jpgJamie Tomaino can look around the race track and see drivers who were in diapers when he was starting his first race in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.

He watches as racing at all levels continues to trend to a younger demographic.

And yet, in his 23rd year on the Tour and having made more starts than anybody in the its history, Tomaino continues to keep pace.

(more…)




Dearborn Snaps Dry Spell with Speedway 95 PASS North Victory

passspeedway95top3082607.jpgNaples, ME — Before the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) North Super Late Models headed to Speedway 95 near Bangor, Maine, on Sunday, Richie Dearborn had finished second in a race this year. He’d also finished third…and fourth. The Hollis, Maine, driver has been strong in just about every race, and consistent enough to place himself in the middle of the battle for the championship.

But one thing was missing. Dearborn had not been able to win a race on the tour in 2007. That was until Sunday, when he took the top spot for the first time since September, 2005, at White Mountain Motorsports Park (NH).

(more…)


Modified Mania II Just Around the Corner at Thompson

tislogo2.jpgThompson, CT — The second edition of MODIFIED MANIA will return to the Thompson International Speedway the weekend of September 8 & 9. Fans of Modified racing are getting excited over this unique race weekend when almost every kind of asphalt Modified imaginable will be in competition. Six distinct Modified divisions will participate in this two-day race program which has been called an “open house for open wheels.”

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will return for its fourth appearance of the year. The NASCAR “Tour” will be joined by the True Value Modifieds, the R.O.C. Modifieds, the Pro Four Modifieds and Thompson’s own Sunoco and T. I. S. Modifieds.

(more…)


Double Down, TVMS 100 Share Speedbowl Agenda

waterford090107doubledownshootout.jpgWaterford, CT — Saturday night at Waterford Speedbowl amounts to a double dose of old fashioned, hard-nosed short track racing. The TrueValue Modified Tour Town Fair Tire 100 returns, sharing the busy agenda with the Mohegan Sun Double Down Shoot Out. There will be 260 laps of feature racing.

The ‘Bowl’s four NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions will each run double features, the second lining up in reverse of the lead lap finish of the first. The SK-Modifieds and Late Models will run a pair of 25 lap features while the Sportsman and Mini Stocks are slated for two 15 lappers.

(more…)


RAC Summer Fundraising Hits the Home Stretch; Endure for a Cure Set for Sugar Hill on Sept. 7

Westbrook, CT — This summer the Racing Against Cancer™ Team members have been busy racing and raising money for the fight against cancer. The fundraising efforts have involved a variety of events from a wide range of supporters. From R.A.C. Nights to cruise nights to barbeques, the tenacious team members have pulled out all of the stops this summer to help the Racing Against Cancer ™ Program continue their support of the American Cancer Society, David’s House, and other cancer-related charitable causes.

The highlight of a busy month of June had to be the June 16th event hosted by the East Coast Mini Sprint Association. Through the tireless efforts of Robin Montesi, the ECMSA hosted their first-ever R.A.C. Day at Whip City Speedway in Westfield, MA. Both fans and racers alike were encouraged to make donations while a raffle of various items was held. When the checkered flag flew on race day over $4,200 was raised for the fight against cancer and 20 new “Join the Team” Members were recruited.

(more…)


Fenton Family 100 Ended Short, Severe Storms

robgoodenough1.jpgThe August 25th Monadnock finish has been slightly altered after further research. Please view the updates on our Results page. Mother nature had the final say Saturday night as the Monadnock Speedway, Winchester, NH; played host to the True Value Modified Racing Series for the final time this season and with the 100 lap race nearing the half way mark, the skies over western New Hampshire opened for the second time forcing a stoppage on lap 42 and the race later declared official by series operatives.

The race program had earlier been forced to stop as a fast moving thunderstorm passed through resulting in a 1 hour 40 minute delay as track personnel scrambled to dry off the high banked quarter mile facility . The tracks management announced that the TVMRS would return on Sept 22 but after further discussion with race teams and series race director Todd Rook, it was decided to call the race an official event. Rook said, “We knew there were more storm cells in the area and we knew we were not going to get back out there to run off 8 laps to make it to halfway, the official lap to call it over. It was a series decision to call it official, not the race tracks. Many of our competitors expressed additional expenses to come back, plus we have a mid week show at Seekonk, a trip to Waterford, and a two day event at Thompson coming up, you have to consider all that, a lot plays into it. If any of those tracks end up using that date (Sept 22) as a rain date it makes it an even bigger problem.” Rook stressed, “We apologize to our fans for any inconvenience or disappointment, it was a tough decision.” Additional downpours happened shortly after 11:00 PM. Lighting continued to flash around the speedway. The town’s curfew also came into play.

(more…)


Focus Race at All-Star Cancelled

 

USAC Northeast Ford Focus Series Coordinator Tim Sassaman and Epping, N.H. race organizer Bobby MacArthur have agreed to the cancelation of this Saturday’s originally-scheduled race at Star Speedway. Discussions are continuing regarding possible USAC events at Star Speedway in 2008.

Sources: USAC PR


Fox Defeats Gada in SK Thriller at Speedbowl

tomfox082507a.jpgWaterford, CT — Veteran Tommy Fox prevailed over Dennis Gada in one of the closest SK Modified races of the season at the Waterford Speedbowl on Saturday evening. Exchanging the lead numerous times over the final circuits, Fox used the inside lane to keep the defending champion at bay until the checkers.

Other feature winners were Bruce Thomas Jr. (Late Model), Jack Aquilina (Sportsman), Danny Field (Mini Stock), and, Michael Gervais Jr.(Legends).

(more…)



Seitz Comes Up Big In NEMA Seymour Memorial at Seekonk Speedway

benseitzbostonlouie2007.jpgSeekonk, MA — Ben Seitz of Pocasset, MA, became the first repeat winner during the 2007 season for the Northeastern Midget Association (NEMA) with his dominating performance on Saturday night at Seekonk Speedway. The victory came in the prestigious “Boston” Louie Seymour Memorial Coors Light Silver Cup Classic; making Seitz only the second driver to repeat in the event’s 11-year history.

Seitz, who made a three-wide move on the initial start, led every lap to score the victory. It was anything but clear sailing for Seitz who had to make the pass for the lead twice before it counted and then had to withstand a pair of cautions during the race to score the victory.

(more…)


Seekonk Prepares For Wednesday August 29 “Modified Madness”

leshinckley1.jpgSeekonk, MA — The fastest and fiercest competitors in northeastern Modified racing circles are expected to converge upon the historic 1/3-mile Seekonk Speedway oval this Wednesday, August 29, for the third annual Open Wheel Wednesday program, featuring the Viveiros Insurance-sponsored 100 green flag lap Modified Madness event, an open competition race paying $10,000 to the winner. Last July, forty-two competitors from nine states attempted to qualify for the 26-car race, which carries a purse in excess of $31,000.

Among the drivers who have pre-registered for this year’s Modified Madness show are Bobby Santos III, Mike Stefanik, Matt Hirschman, Tommy Cravenho, Vinnie Annarummo, and Dick Houlihan. Santos, 21, a third-generation racer from Franklin, MA, is considered by many to be the best young short track racer in the country. Santos signed to Bill Davis Racing and began competing on the ARCA circuit late last season, has already notched his first pole award and top three finish, and made his debut in the NASCAR Busch Series earlier this year. He’ll join forces with Boehler Racing Enterprises, attempting to qualify the famed blue #3.

(more…)


Scully, Dickerman, Seitz Share Seekonk Speedway Spotlight

Seekonk, MA — Hot, humid weather and a plethora of caution flags dominated the action at the 1/3-mile Seekonk Speedway oval on Saturday night, August 25. Cranston, RI’s Tom Scully, Jr. avoided a whopping 10 yellows to claim his third victory of the season in the 40-lap Pro Stock division feature. Rookie Matt Hudon led the initial five laps from his outside pole starting berth but spun in turn two on a lap 6 restart, bringing out the third of four early race cautions and handing the lead to Scully, the second generation ace who had come from sixth to second in the opening circuits.

Kenny Spencer took second on the restart and pulled alongside Scully just before another minor incident slowed the proceedings. With six cautions coming in just the first seven laps, officials opted for a single file restart with Scully leading Spencer, Scott Fournier, and Rob Murphy. Despite turning slightly faster laps than the leader, Spencer could only close to Scully’s rear bumper and occasionally look toward the outside groove before the 26 year-old father of three would shut the door.

(more…)


Tommy Fox & Bruce Thomas, Jr. in Winners Circle

Waterford, CT — Veteran Tommy Fox prevailed over Dennis Gada in one of the closest SK Modified races of the season on Saturday evening. Exchanging the lead numerous times over the final circuits, Fox used the inside lane to keep the defending champion at bay until the checkers.

Other feature winners were Bruce Thomas Jr. (Late Model), Jack Aquilina (Sportsman), Danny Field (Mini Stock), and, Michael Gervais Jr. (Legends).

(more…)


Fenton Family 100 Ended Short, Severe Storms

The True Value Modified Racing Series event held at Monadnock Speedway was cut short due to severe storms. According to Modified Racing Series scorers, 42 laps were scored before the race was ended. Modified Racing Series has made no official determination on the finish of the event. An official finish is expected to be released Monday.

Source: TVMRS PR


Caisse Outruns Kobyluck, Rain For Victory At Mansfield

Mansfield, OH — Sean Caisse scored his third NASCAR Busch East Series win of the season Saturday afternoon in the Mansfield 150 at Mansfield (Ohio) Motorsports Park.

The 21-year-old Caisse outran the constant pressure from the previous week’s winner Matt Kobyluck, right through the race’s final restart with three laps to go, and the looming threat of rain.

(more…)


Forecast Pays Off For Civali

Mansfield, OH — James Civali can thank his older brother for his third victory of the season.

With Joey Civali serving as spotter and tracking the weather on his cell phone, James Civali elected not to pit with the leaders and was out front when NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour officials called the rain-shortened Mansfield 150 Saturday at Mansfield Motorsports Park.

“He knew it was going to rain – he just didn’t know how much or when,” said James Civali of his brother.

The race was called after 108 laps following several attempts to dry the track.

(more…)


Choinard, Robinson, Ladyga Prevail in Fast Friday Series

Seekonk, MA — Bill Chouinard of Swansea, MA extended his lead atop the championship standings by capturing his third 25-lap Pure Stock feature of the season at Seekonk Speedway on Friday night, August 24.  Chouinard started 16th in the 17-car field after winning his 8-lap qualifier in the Highland Real Estate-Swansea Independent Baseball league-Dan Silva Electric-Sanford and Son Auto Parts #8 Chevrolet and worked his way inside the top three in just four laps.

Vinnie Pangelinan led the initial go-around from the pole before Waterford Speedbowl regular Charles Beal blasted past.  John A. Robidoux took second the next time around, with Chouinard, Steve Cromwell, John Robidoux, and Carlos Silva in tow.  Cromwell drifted into the high groove and lost two spots on the next lap, while Chouinard made a sparkling move from the bottom to the top of the race track.  The Robidouxs locked horns and bumpers on lap 7, leaving the younger racer’s #93 stranded in the infield.

(more…)




Chouinard, Robinson, Ladyga Prevail in Fast Friday Series

Seekonk, MA —  Bill Chouinard of Swansea, MA extended his lead atop the championship standings by capturing his third 25-lap Pure Stock feature of the season at Seekonk Speedway on Friday night, August 24.  Chouinard started 16th in the 17-car field after winning his 8-lap qualifier in the Highland Real Estate-Swansea Independent Baseball league-Dan Silva Electric-Sanford and Son Auto Parts #8 Chevrolet and worked his way inside the top three in just four laps.

Vinnie Pangelinan led the initial go-around from the pole before Waterford Speedbowl regular Charles Beal blasted past.  John A. Robidoux took second the next time around, with Chouinard, Steve Cromwell, John Robidoux, and Carlos Silva in tow.  Cromwell drifted into the high groove and lost two spots on the next lap, while Chouinard made a sparkling move from the bottom to the top of the race track.  The Robidouxs locked horns and bumpers on lap 7, leaving the younger racer’s #93 stranded in the infield.

(more…)