Oxford Plains Next Stop For True Value Modifieds
Canaan, NH — For the second consecutive year, the True Value Modified Racing Series, will be part of the prestigious “TD Bank North Oxford 250” as the 600 horse-powered open-wheeled race cars will compete in the “Maine-Ly Action Sports 100,” Saturday night, July 19. The race is also a guaranteed starter event for the 3rd annual Sunoco Race Fuels Modified Mania weekend at Thompson , CT. , Sept 6 & 7.
Three-time series champion Kirk Alexander, will look to duplicate his performance of a year ago, when he won the first modified race staged at the famed 3/8 mile oval in16 years. Last years TVMRS inaugural was hotly contested by Alexander and Les Hinckley to the finish. Alexander passed Hinckley with only six laps remaining to win the 100 lap race. Hinckley , coming off a solid second place finish at Lee, NH., last Friday, will try to add Oxford Plains to his win total. Alexander has already won four races this season. Hinckley has notched one win this season ( Waterford ) and has 10 career victories with the series.
Expected entries for the 100 lap green flag race Saturday include, 2006 series champion Dwight Jarvis, a third place finisher last year, 2007 Rookie of the Year, Peter Jarvis, present point leader Chris Pasteryak, Waterford CT., winner David Pinkham, Koszela Speed Rookie of the Year contenders, Kenny White Jr. and Joe Doucette, and Eddie Dachenhausen, winner of his first TVMRS race at Lee.
Former tour winners Jack Bateman, Jimmy Dolan. Dale Evonsion, and Tony Ricci, and are expected entries. Jon McKennedy, who also competes with the ISMA super modified tour, is planning to make the trip to Oxford Plains.
12 lap qualifying heats will determine the starting lineup for the 100 lap green flag race. Starting time is 6:30 PM
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TVMRS Notes: The recent car shortage has become a concern for series officials. The numbers show an average of 26 cars up to the Waterford race. Since then 15, 23, 20 cars have competed at Wiscasset (rain), Monadnock, and Lee. The crash filled Waterford event has taken its toll on those involved sidelining Sean Bodreau possibly for the season. Dale Evonsion just recently returned and Jimmy Dolan says he’s planning on returning at Oxford Plains this weekend. Rookie Stephen Masse has also not returned.
Most blame the economy, fuel prices, lack of funds to rebuild, and choosing to prepare for what could be a tough winter economically. Factor in the loss of Johnny Bush, Tony Anello, David Roys, and Ken Vogel from Long Island , opting to stay closer to home for obvious reasons, and it takes its toll. Office Manager John Hoyt says “we need to get through it as best we can and then it will be back to the drawing board for 2009.”
A reduced schedule is almost a certainty when that drawing board is set up.
Jimmy Dolan has a two car stable. The white car he wrecked last September at Thompson has been rebuilt and will be the former Lee winners ride for the balance of the season. Dolan, since joining the tour in the middle of the inaugural season, had not missed a TVMRS event until the Waterford crash forced him out of action.
What’s in a number? It’s interesting to ask drivers and car owners what the significance of their car number is. So we put the question to Mike Holdridge and asked why the number zero? “That’s easy,” said the big guy from Madison , CT. “Ollie Silva. I have always been a big Ollie Silva fan. He was my favorite through the years. I still have pictures from back then.” Holdridge added, “You guys up there (NH-MA) always admired the guys down here, and we admired your guys up there. For me it was Ollie.” I guess I could go along with Mike’s theory. Freddie, Bugsy, Leo, Rene and Wild Bill were personal favorites, “down there.” It was Ollie since 1960, “up here.” Mike may I suggest just a little more slant in the zero then I’ll see you in victory lane. The man with the dark glasses is watching.
Ken White Sr. tells me the second car in their operation can be leased for anyone interested. Sean Bodreau was slated to drive it at Wiscasset until rain cancelled that plan.
See Ken at the # 77 for additional info. Ken Jr. entered the Lee race with the point lead for the rookie of the year title, exactly where they were hoping to be coming out of Waterford . Engine problems forced a setback.
Gary Casella got out from behind the wheel and has become a landlord of sorts. The # 25 has seen seven different drivers this season. David Pinkham was in it at Lee. Pinkham will be back in his # 22 for the Oxford race Saturday. Said car owner Tom Greeley, “If I have to put my pickup truck motor in it, we’ll be there.”
Welcome scorer Jenn Ready to the TVMRS staff. Jenn comes to the tour from Seekonk Speedway and has been scoring since the age of 14. She joins Peggy Webber in the tower. Also hearing lots of comments about Jared Goodall and his work covering the pit area providing reports throughout the feature races and getting pre-race comments from drivers prior to introductions.
Til next time, keep cool!!
Sources: John Spence, Sr./True Value Modified Racing Series PR