Former Claremont Champion Named Honorary Starter for Ricky’s Race
Claremont, NH — Former Claremont (Twin State) Speedway champion Donnie Ayer has been named honorary starter for the 1st annual, “Ricky Miller Memorial 100” Sunday Sept.28., at the Twin State Speedway, Claremont, NH. The race, presented by New England Outdoor Furnaces, will be run in honor of the former New England modified standout and second generation driver who passed away in 2004.
Ayer began his career in 1968 winning a demolition derby at the Claremont oval. A year later, he entered weekly stock car racing events quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. In 1970, Ayer was recognized with “Sportsman of the Year” honors, and two years later would become the 1972 champion at Claremont . Ayer grabbed two more titles at Claremont in 1975 and again in 1980 with nine victories paving the way to the championship and “Driver of the Year” honors.
Ayer’s success came against some of the top drivers at both Claremont and Monadnock Speedways. Weekly battles were staged against Punky Caron, Kirby Monteith, Jerry Dostie, Donnie Miller, Jerry Bly, Ollie Silva, Dunk Rudolph, Allen Whipple, Jack Bateman, Roger Raymond and Dwight Jarvis to name a few. Not an easy task.
Ayer tallied close to 40 feature wins and raced at Stafford Springs, Thompson , Lebanon Valley, Devils Bowl, Orange County , Beech Ridge, Thunder Road , Riverside Speedway in Agawam , MA , Star Speedway and Lee USA Speedway. Ayer raced until 1984 and dabbled again at driving in 1988. He then called it a career after 20 years of competition.
The True Value sanctioned event carries a special purse for the race honoring Ricky Miller, the NASCAR modified standout and 1999 Riverside Park Speedway champion, who passed away in 2004 at the age of 34. The winner of the 100 lap race in Millers name will receive $2,000 to win and all competitors will receive added bonus money to start the event.
Fans will also have the opportunity to win special prizes from a race day raffle including a $1,000 cash prize from Donnie and Barb Miller, the parents of Ricky Miller. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit The Victory Junction Gang, an organization that benefits children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.
The Sunday afternoon program will also feature NEMA Midgets, Pro Four Modifieds, and the Pepsi Modifieds. The True Value Modifieds will compete in 12 lap heat races to determine the starting lineup. Race Time is 1:00 PM. Grandstands open at 10 AM.
For more information contact the speedway office at 603-543-3160 or log on to www.rickysraceforkids.com.