Fred Astle Makes It 3 in a Row in ARC Pro Stock Action
Gerry DeGasparre, Charlie Rose & Jeff Amaral highlight Aubuchon Hardware/Citizens Bank Night
Seekonk, MA — Fred Astle Jr picked up his 4th ARC Pro Stock win Saturday night. John Dabrowski and Ken Spencer brought the field down for the green in the Pro Stock 40 lap main event. The pair raced wheel to wheel for the first five laps, swapping the lead back and forth over that period. They raced so close, that the AMB electronic timing and scoring loop at the start finish line had then separated by .002 at one point. While they raced this hard, they were starting to put a little distance between them and third place runner Steve O’Brien. Dabrowski was finally able to settle into the lead in his Tire Warehouse Chevy, while Spencer’s Pub 76 mount ran on his tail. While the top 2 ran nose to tail, the Autopart International Chevy of O’Brien had his hands full, as Kid Scully had worked his Subway of Rt. 6 Seekonk Monte Carlo into fourth. With the Regan Law PC machine of Ryan Vanasse rounding out the top 5.
By lap 10, Astle had made his presence known, as he put his WoodFrame Structures Chevy into the top 5. The first caution came out on lap 16, when Ray Parent spun his E.J. Jaxtimer 17 down the frontstretch. Once back green, it was like a repeat of the first five laps, as Dabrowski and Spencer again battled side by side. This time, it was Spencer holding the advantage at the stripe.
When the race was slowed a second time, Spencer held the edge across the stripe, putting him in the lead on the restart. The caution came out on lap 21, when the Aubuchon Hardware Ford of Jake Vanada went spinning into turn 1. By this time, Astle had used the outside lane to his advantage and found himself sitting third, with Scully Jr and Vanasse rounding out the top five. The rest of the top ten were Mike Brightman, Steve O’Brien, Dave Darling, Ray Parent and Tom Scully Sr.
Dabrowski was not as good on the outside as he was on the inside, as he started to slide back a little while on the outside. Spencer grabbed the lead quickly, and tried to put some breathing room between him and the rest of the field, but Astle sat on his rear bumper, trying to rattle the Taunton native. The third caution came out on lap 26, when Tiverton RI’s Parent spun in turn 4. The only change in the top five this time was Bridgewater’s Dabrowski had fallen back to fifth. Astle used this opportunity to squeeze past Spencer, and take over the lead on lap 26. Some great racing was going on mid-pack, as the Impact Collision Parts Ford of Mike Brightman was working his was through the field, while reigning champion Dave Darling in the Johnson Landscaping Dodge were fighting for position just outside the top 5.
The final caution came out on lap 30, when Dave Hutchins spun his Hutchins & Sons Enterprises 96 off of turn 4. While he was able to get out of the way,20Vanada spun his Propane Plus Ford to miss, Tom Scully Sr. had stopped his East Coast Collision machine, but was pushed into Vanada when Mike Mortimer was unable to stop his Pontiac, and Dan O’Brien slid his O’Brien Car Care Chevy into the mix as well. After separating all of the cars, only Patchogue NY’s Mortimer was unable to continue. The final ten laps clicked off with Acushnet’s Brightman cracking the top 5 on lap 32, and up to fourth by lap 33, as Spencer’s Francis Farm machine seemed to slow a little, costing several positions before he could get back up to speed. Darling cracked the top five during that last stretch. In the end, it was Astle picking up his fourth win of 2008, and opening some distance between he and the close battle for second between Tom Scully Jr and Dave Darling. Scully finished second, with Vanasse third, Brightman fourth and Darling fifth. Rounding out the top ten were Spencer, Tom Scully Sr, Vanada, Parent and Hutchins.
“I can’t say how much I appreciate Ron and Lori Lauro’s support.” Fred said in Victory Lane. “My crew, Wayne Nunes, Jack Harrocks, my sweetheart Julie. I thank her because I wouldn’t be able to do this if she didn’t let me.” “Rick Martin showed me where the slot in the track was years ago” referring to his days racing slot cars with the four time Pro Stock champ, on how well his car goes through the corners.
The Late Models started out with Quincy’s John Hanafin and Warwick’s Mike Taschereau on the front row. Hanafin led the first several laps, with the sponsor wanted Pontiac of Taschereau sitting on his tail. Bill Bernard sat third until he seemed to slip a little and fall out of the top 5 on lap 5. By this time, the Kidd Motorsports Chevy of Kyle Casper and the A-1 Custom Auto Body of Gerry DeGasparre had moved into the top five. On lap 6, Taschereau moved to the inside of Hanafin, and wrestled the lead away. The Local 7 Iron workers Chevy of Hanafin would slide out of the top 5, as the handles seemed to go away. The Taschereau lead would be short lived, as Casper and DeGasparre split the sophomore, and made it a 3 wide battle for the lead. Somerset’s Casper was the first to the front, with Pawtucket’s DeGasparre into second. By lap 13, Jeramee Lillie had put his 2B Racing & Fabrication Ford into third. As the field completed the halfway point, Casper and DeGasparre ran nose to tail. Lillie was third with Taschereau and Bernard the top five. Sixth through tents were Matt Breault, Kevin Casper, Randy Burr, John Dickerman and Hanafin.
As the field came down for the green, Kevin Casper went for a wild ride, as his Phil’s Propane Ford rode from the left rear to the right front of the Breault Roofing Ford of Matt Breault, including over the roof. As he came to rest against the turn 1 wall, Casper climbed out of his Fusion and surveyed the damage, and walked back to the pit area, as the fans applauded his efforts. Matt was able to roll away, but the damage was too severe for him to continue.
Before the caution first came out, it was noticed that the electronic timing and scoring transponder of Kyle Casper had started to fail, as his number was not showing on the scoreboard. As the field came down for the restart, the Somerset Federal Credit Union Chevy faltered, and fell off the pace as DeGasparre opened up a lead. Kyle would not last much longer, and pulled off on lap 19, relegating the points leader to a thirteenth place finish. Once out front, Gerry was able to keep a comfortable lead over Lillie. Randy Burr had worked his way up into the third spot in his J Corp Chevy. Dickerman was working his way through the field, and by lap 24, had moved his AirGas 13 by Taschereau into fifth. He moved into third with just two laps remaining. As the field was rolling their final lap, several cars got together in turn 2. As DeGasparre was crossing the line for his second win in three weeks, John Dickerman, Bill Bernard, Mike Taschereau and newcomer Richard Norman of Little Rock, AK got together, and spun into the infield. Lillie was second, Burr picked up his best finish of his rookie campaign, as the Middleboro native finished third. Dickerman finished fourth, and Tyler Thompson of Somerset finished with a career best fifth. Sixth went to Bob Hussey of Wellfleet MA, Mark Langlois was seventh, with Rey Lovelace, Hanafin and Bernard rounding out the top ten.
“I’m not sure what happened to Kyle on the restart, but you know it had to be mechanical. They are a class act, and have been tough all week.” Gerry exclaimed in Victory Lane. “This car was on a rail tonight. Once again, the best crew here. I’m just the guy who is fortunate enough to drive this. Tonight’s win is dedicated to the Holewiak Family and the Providence Ronald McDonald House. This is 2 years in a row we’ve been able to win for them.” referring to the sixth annual Ronald McDonald House Bike run in memory of Ed Holewiak III.
Charlie Rose Jr picked up his second win in a row, and third overall of the season, when he won the 20 lap Seekonk Sports Struck feature. Lenny Guy jumped out to an early lead over rookie Jason Heroux. By lap 5, Zach Tucan had worked his way into second, with Hugh Bowser glued to his rear bumper into third. Charlie Rose was moving his way into fourth and Heroux had fallen to fifth. Coming down to complete lap six, Bill Prisco spun his Phil’s Propane Chevy down the frontstretch, bringing out the first caution. The yellow would come right back out on the restart when Johnston’s Heroux spun in turn two.
Once back up to speed, the After Hours Auto Body Nissan of Tucan moved into the lead with the M.D. Cabinetry Chevy of Bowser moved into second. Tucan would hold onto the lead until lap 8, when a three wide20battle for the lead ensued. Hugh Bowser was working the outside of Tucan, when Rose squeezed his Sanford’s Tree Experts Ford underneath the duo, but was relegated to second when Tucan cut a left front tire and spun, bringing out the third yellow. The Taunton native Bowser would hold onto the lead over the next few laps. John Paiva of Fall River was moving through the traffic and found himself up to third by lap 8. At halfway, the top ten were Bowser, Rose, Paiva, Guy, Brian Murray, Ed Gannon III, Bill Clarke, Prisco, Heroux, Mark Biello, and Richard Albernaz.
The final slow up came on lap 11, when Biello spun his Carl Bremilst Cornwell Tools Chevy down the frontstretch. Once back under green, the trucks to watch were Bill Prisco and the Firehouse Motors Chevy of reigning champion Mike Cavallaro, who had been in and out of the pits for the right front tire rubbing against the right front fender. With a long stretch of green flag racing, they were able to move through the field. Over the last 5 laps, Prisco, Cavallaro, and Guy would run in a heated race for fourth. Cavallaro tried the outside several times, but was unable to get a run as Prisco used the inside line to squeeze past Guy at the stripe for position. Up front, Rose was as smooth as silk as he cruised to his second win in a row, and his third overall for the season. Bowser finished second, with Paiva, Prisco and Guy rounding out the top five. Sixth through tenth were Cavallaro, Gannon, Tucan, Murray, and Heroux.
“In practice, the truck was running like, terrible.” Charlie spoke as he referred to mechanical problems he had in practice. “I have to thank Kevin and Nat. They worked on this engine all night, and it came alive in the race. This thing rode nice, I have no complaints.” Charlie also raced for the Providence Ronald McDonald House, as all of his proceeds were donated in memory of Ed Holewiak III.
The Street Stocks once again shook the house with some great racing. Crystal Serydynski and Paul Lallier brought the 27 car field down for the green. Crystal was able to wrestle the lead away, and hang on to the lead over Lallier. Both drivers are searching for their first win of the season, and both have led many laps. Jeff Amaral put his NuTin Bodies Monte Carlo into third early on, and would fight for supremacy between him and Lallier for several laps. Crystal would continue setting the pace while Paul Newcomb and Rey Negley ran fourth and fifth at the halfway mark.
The first yellow dropped on lap fourteen, as Ryan Lineham stopped his Coventry Napa Auto Parts Camaro just shy of the turn 3 wall. The top five at this time were Crystal in her LeMyres Collision Center Camaro, Lallier, Amaral, Newcomb, and Scott Serydynski. Crystal was able to keep the lead on the restart, as her and Lallier appeared to both spin their tires just a little. Amaral moved into the bottom lane and tried to take away second, but another20caution on lap 16 slowed the field once again, as points leader Sparky Arsenault tried to get into the pits, put was pushed past the gate by another driver who didn’t realize he was slowing to pit. Again, the pink and black Camaro of Crystal held off Lallier and led the pack. Lallier however would fall back to third, as Amaral squeezed by on the inside for second. The yellow came out for the final time on lap 18 for Rey Negley and John Geremia III getting together down the backstretch, with Rich Shinn getting involved as well.
This set up a green-white-checked finish with Amaral lined up on the outside. Scott Serydynski had moved into fourth by this time, and was trying to make it a four car fight for the win. Coming down for the green, Amaral got a good jump, and had about a quarter car length advantage for the lead. Coming down for the white flag, Lallier made it a three wide bid for the lead. Down the backstretch they came, with Amaral on the outside, Crystal in the middle and Lallier on the bottom. Crystal backed out going into turn three, which allowed Amaral and Lallier to fight it out for the win. Off of turn four they came, and at the line it was Amaral’s JRA Powder Coating Monte Carlo winning by .026 over Paul Lallier’s Chaz’s Auto Body Chevy. Crystal would hold on to third, with Scott Serydynski fourth. Paul Newcomb wound up fifth. The distance between first and fourth was .382 second. Chris DeMoura finished sixth, with Brian Spillane, Steve Axon, Dick Cavallaro and Tony Oliviera seventh through tenth.
“I was hoping it would stick out there” Amaral would exclaim in Victory Lane. “It did. It just hung with it. I thought Paul was going to get me. I was way out there, but it stuck pretty well out there. I’d like to thank NuTin Race Bodies, Nat’s Racing Engines, Tito’s Cantina JRA Powder coating. Thanks to Aubuchon and Citizens for sponsoring this event.” Amaral also donated his winnings to the Providence Ronald McDonald House.
During intermission, our annual Tryke race was held, with youngsters between 3 and 8 racing in two classes. The winner in the 3-5 year old group was Richie Murray of Tiverton. In the 6-8 year old group, Regan Parent was the winner.
Also held during intermission was a motorcycle parade which kicked off the 6th annual Providence Ronald McDonald House Charity Run. Over 35 bikes participated in the parade, with over 2,000 more expected for the charity ride on Sunday. Many teams donated their winnings to the Providence Ronald McDonald House in all of the classes. The ride is in memory of Ed Holewiak III. Last year, the Charity event raised over $54,000 between the ride and the donations on Saturday. The House Director Michael Phantom was on hand to kick off the charity ride.
ARC Racing returns on July 19th, as the Francis Farms Mid Season Championship highlights the events. Francis Farm, located in Rehoboth MA has been a part of the Seekonk Speedway family for many years, with Ken Foley and family bringing their Clamcakes and Chowder to the fans each week. Francis Farm has been serving the Rehoboth community for over 100 years, and is open for all types of events, from weddings, birthdays, showers, banquets, and more. Upgrades continue year round, and have facilities for horseshoes, softball, Bocce, and an arcade. Check out their website at francisfarm.net.
On Wednesday, July 16th, the fourth annual Viveiros Insurance Open Wheel Wednesday featuring the $10,000 to win Modified Madness will be held. Modified drivers from all 3 major touring series are expected to compete for the big dollar prize, which is becoming on of the most anticipated event of any modified fans’ calendar. Ted Christopher, Kirk Alexander, Vinny Annarummo, Matt Hirschman, and more have already registered for this event. The NEMA Midgets will also be on the card, along with the first ever appearance at Seekonk for the NEMA Lites. General Admission for this event is just $20.00 for an adult. Tickets can be purchased in advance off the website. For more information, you can log onto www.seekonkspeedway.com.
Sources: Kevin Boucher/Seekonk Speedway PR
Street Stock Feature
20 Laps
1- 07 Jeff Amaral, Tiverton RI
2- 70 Paul Lallier, Attleboro MA
3- 8 Crystal Serydynski, Johnston RI
4- 1 Scott Serydynski, Johnston RI
5- 16 Paul Newcomb, Plymouth MA
6- 08 Chris DeMoura, North Dighton MA
7- 22 Brian Spillane, Attleboro MA
8- 04 Steve Axon, North Attleboro, MA
9- 6 Dick Cavallaro, Seekonk MA
10- 41 Tony Oliviera, Taunton MA
11- 74 Scott Bruneau, Tiverton, RI
12- 17 Mark Henshaw Jr, Raynham, MA
13- 45 Justin Travis, East Taunton MA
14- 92 Dan Gamache Jr, Woonsocket RI
15- 40 Mike Mitchell, Cumberland RI
16- 21 Bob Bettencourt, Fall River MA
17- 19 Ryan Lineham, Coventry RI
18- 3 Chris Rioux, Pawtucket RI
19- 96 Sparky Arsenault, Attleboro MA
20- 88 Ron Letourneau, Rehoboth MA
21- 2 Ron Barboza, Warren RI
22- 7 Rey Negley, Coventry RI
23- 50 Roland Wheeler, Cranston RI
24- 4 Gerard Berthelette, North Smithfield, RI
25- 01 Dave Ratcliffe, Harrisville RI
26- 24 John Geremia III, Johnston RI
27- 10 Rick Shinn, Hyannis MA
Seekonk Sports Truck Feature
20 Laps
1- 41 Charlie Rose Jr, Tiverton RI
2- 22 Hugh Bowser, Taunton MA
3- 21 John Paiva, Fall River MA
4- 88 Bill Prisco, Cranston RI
5- 77 Lenny Guy, New Bedford MA
6- 80 Mike Cavallaro, Seekonk MA
7- 10 Ed Gannon III, Fall River MA
8- 3 Zach Tucan, Taunton MA
9- 13 Brian Murray, Tiverton, RI
10- 96 Jason Heroux, Johnston RI
11- 28 Richard Albernaz, Paxton MA
12- 07 Eric Boyko, Blackstone MA
13- Billy Clarke, Seekonk MA
14- 49 Jim Hawkins, Attleboro MA
15- 8 Mark Biello, Dartmouth MA
16- 38 Jody Tripp, Wareham MA
Late Model Feature
30 Laps
1- 71 Gerry DeGasparre Jr, Pawtucket RI
2- 30 Jeramee Lillie, West Warwick, RI
3- 32 Randy Burr, Middleboro MA
4- 13 John Dickerman, Weymouth MA
5- 22 Tyler Thompson, Somerset MA
6- 80 Bob Hussey, Wellfleet MA
7- 12 Mark Langlois, Seekonk MA
8- 14 Rey Lovelace, North Providence RI
9- 76 John Hanafin, Quincy MA
10- 47 Bill Bernard, Holliston MA
11- Mike Taschereau, West Warwick, RI
12- 96 Richard Norman, Little Rock AK
13- 7 Kyle Casper, Somerset MA
14- 20 Matt Breault, Acushnet MA
15- 88 Kevin Casper, Somerset MA
16- 93 Randy Clark, East Harwich MA
17- 64 Sam Porazzo
DNS 19 Peter Medeiros
DNS 49 Dennis Melanson
Pro Stock Finish
40 Laps
1- 30 Fred Astle Jr, Westport, Ma
2- 2 Tom Scully Jr, Saunderstown RI
3- 11 Ryan Vanasse, Warwick, RI
4- 27 Mike Brightman, Acushnet MA
5- 52 Dave Darling, Rehoboth MA
6- 03 Ken Spencer, Taunton MA
7- 3 Tom Scully Sr, Westport MA
8- 16 Jake Vanada, Berkeley MA
9- 17 Ray Parent, Tiverton RI
10- 96 Dave Hutchins, Somerset MA
11- 95 Steve O’Brien, Scituate MA
12- 00 John Dabrowski, West Bridgewater MA
13- 74 Mike Mortimer, Patchogue NY
14- 99 Dan O’Brien, Scituate MA
15- Scott Dion, Taunton MA