Mike Rowe Holds Off Travis Benjamin For Another Canadian Win

mikeroweac250.jpgNaples, ME — There’s been something special about racing in Canada this year for Mike Rowe. In three Pro All Stars Series (PASS) North events North of the Border this season, the veteran from Maine has emerged as the winner twice. The latest victory came in Saturday night’s Atlantic CAT 250 at Scotia Speedworld near Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Rowe used patience to put himself in a position to win the race. After starting outside of the top 10 and watching guys like Richie Dearborn, Johnny Clark, Derek Ramstrom, Trevor Sanborn and Adam Bates all lead, Rowe went to the front with just under 80 laps to go. He held off Travis Benjamin and recorded his fourth victory of the PASS North season.

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Stefanik Pulls Off Podium Finish At Stafford

nwmt.jpgStafford Springs, CT — Mike Stefanik used pit strategy to put himself in position for a third place finish in Saturday night’s Whelen Modified Tour New England Dodge Dealers 150 at Stafford Motor Speedway. The seven-time champion pitted earlier than a majority of the field and put himself out front of the field and in contention despite having handling problems with the #16 Diversified Metals Pontiac.

“We were really happy with the car in practice, but it didn’t drive quite as good as it did in the race. We had to come up with something to put us up front,” said Stefanik of his strategy. “We got the lead, but we weren’t quite strong enough to stay there. We were pretty fortunate to get third.”

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NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour at Thompson This Thursday

tislogo2.jpgThompson, CT — The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour swings into the Thompson International Speedway this Thursday night for the running of the annual BUDWEISER 150 presented by the New England Dodge Dealers. Traditionally, this is one of the most popular summer races in New England and fans are ready for another Modified Tour spectacular.

Last year’s winner, Ted Christopher, is hot off a recent win at the Stafford Motor Speedway and he will arrive at Thompson ready to defend his victory of last year. Christopher will be joined by the very best cars and drivers on the Whelen Modified Tour in what is bound to be another in a long line of great “Tour” races at the high-banked Thompson track.

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Mike Olsen & Little Trees Celebrate 200th Consecutive Start

nascarbes.jpgN. Haverhill, NH — NASCAR Busch East Series, Grand National Division two-time champion Mike Olsen vividly remembers the day his sponsorship with “Little Trees” became official. Then just 27 years old, Olsen was excited that he could go racing with a solid supporter behind him. Fadden Racing, his grandfather’s race team, announced the deal at a press conference at New Hampshire International Speedway in September of 1995. Neither Car-Freshner Corporation nor Olsen realized the impact they would have on the series at that time.

On August 18th at Lime Rock Park, Olsen will celebrate his 200th regular season start behind the wheel of the very familiar #61 Chevrolet’s. The start not only extends Olsen’s record of having the most consecutive starts in the NASCAR Busch East Series, but it also marks the longest running non-family sponsorship in the history of the series – a series only 362 races old.

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Points, History Grab Spotlight At Speedbowl

news020429a.jpgWaterford, CT — All of a sudden there are three sizzling point battles at Waterford Speedbowl. Heading into the stretch drive, leaders Rob Janovic Jr. (SK-Modifieds), Dwayne Dorr (Sportsman) and Ken Cassidy Jr. (Mini Stock) are reachable targets.

A red hot Bruce Thomas Jr. continues his quest of the consecutive-win mark in the Late Model division. He is currently two away from the record (five) held by the legendary Phil Rondeau.

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McKennedy Scores First Modified Win at Canaan

mckennedycanaan1.jpgWith the largest crowd of the season looking on, 20 year old racer Jonathan McKennedy, Chelmsford, MA; fought off veteran Les Hinckley, Windsor Locks, CT; to win his first True Value Modified Racing Series event Saturday night at the Canaan Fair Speedway, Canaan, NH. The former ISMA supermodified rookie of the year piloted his family owned Power Mist/RH2WAY # 73 to the victory. McKennedy, who started fourth in the 23 car field, earned a guaranteed starting spot in next month’s Mod Mania 400 weekend at the Thompson, CT; Speedway. McKennedy raced at or near the front of the field over the 100 lap grind with his racer, owned and prepared by his father Dennis, getting stronger as the race went on turning the fastest lap of any competitor entered on the 94th circuit.

Former Canaan winner Jack Bateman, Canaan, and Todd Patnode, W.Swanzey, NH; brought the field to green with Patnode jumping into first place. McKennedy and Andy Seuss, two former 350 super modified drivers, ran second and third in the opening laps. The first of seven caution flags flew for Norwich, CT; driver Tom Abele for a front stretch spin that found him straddling an infield creek. Abele was able to return to the race.

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