Seekonk Speedway Readies for 64th Season Opener
Seekonk, MA — Seekonk Speedway is ready to write another chapter in their deep history of short track racing. On Sunday, May 3, The Action Track of the East will roar back to life, and begin their 64th season at the oldest continuously family run track in the country. The Pro Stocks, Late Models, Seekonk Sport Trucks, Street Stocks and Pure Stocks will all compete on opening day.
On Sunday, May 3, the first green flag of the season will unfurl at 2pm, for a 5 division opening act that will set the tone for the year. The headlining act will once again be the ARC Pro Stocks, which began in 1978 at Seekonk Speedway. They will run a 75 lap main event, with the winner becoming a guaranteed starter in the PASS 150, which will be held on August 15. Reigning 3-time champion Flyin’ Fred Astle will be back to defend his title in the Wood Frame Structures Chevy. His closest competitor, Kid Scully, who missed his first title by a handful of points, will try to knock him off his perch, and take the crown over. Both drivers dominated 2008 with 5 wins each. 2 time title holder Dave Darling is set to get back to the top after coming in third last year. Ken Spencer and Tom Scully Sr. will also try to take the title away. Defending Rookie of the Year The Rocket Ryan Vanasse will attempt to improve on his fourth place finish in points and add to his single feature win total. Add Kyle Casper and The Hammer Jeramee Lille to the mix as they battle for the Rookie Crown, and the Pro Stocks are a can’t miss.
The Late Models have Gerry DeGasparre Jr. coming off his third consecutive and unprecedented fourth overall title. He will try to become the second driver in history to win 4 championships in a row. The only other driver to accomplish this feat is Ron Bouchard, who did it in 1968-1971. Trying to remove the title from Pawtucket will be Kevin Casper, who has come close over the past couple of seasons, winning several times, but falling short in the title chase. Jon Dickerman looks fast in pre-season testing, and could bring the Late Model crown to Weymouth if things go his way. Three time and defending Seekonk Sport Truck champion Mike Cavallaro will make the move into the Late Models full time in 2009, and will have his hands full in his first foray into the Late Models after 5 seasons in the Trucks. He will be competing against Frank Duquette and Colby Fournier in the rookie chase.
With Cavallaro moving out of the Seekonk Sport Trucks, that opens the door for a new champion in the class. But will it be a familiar name that takes over the top spot? The hottest driver in the Seekonk Sport Trucks at the end of 2008 was 4 time Pro Stock Champ Rick Martin, who took top honors the final 3 events of the season, including the DAV Fall Classic. With a new truck in the stable, and some more experience under his belt, things could get Radical in the Trucks. There will be plenty of competition on that chase, as Jody Tripp looks to become a second generation champ, joining his brother Bob and father John as Seekonk champion. Jody picked up his first career win in 2008 on his way to the Rookie of the Year crown, and with his dad as crew chief, there may not be anything that can hold them back. Hugh Bowser is coming off 2 great seasons, and is looking for his first career championship. It will definitely be Wrecker or Checker for Hugh and his team. Several rookies will be making their debuts in the ever competitive SSTs, including Jariah Roderick, Anna Gregoire, 2008 Seekonk Youth Racing Association 750 Champ Dylan Estrella, and Kyle DeSouza, who are all making the step up from the SYRA ranks.
Sparky Arsenault will be gunning for his fourth championship in the Street Stocks this season. The Attleboro native has been at or near the top of the standings for over a decade. But there is a host of competitors that will be aiming for that glory. Last years runner up in the chase Paul Lallier is as hungry as he has been, and spent the offseason rebuilding what was a strong race car. Enter Steve Axon, who picked up his first career win on opening day 2008, and came close to picking up his first title. Ryan Lineham was Flyin through the pack last season, but gremlins forced him out of the picture. Can he keep those gremlins at bay? Tony Oliveira picked up a win and was consistent throughout the grind, as was Brian Spillane and Chris DeMoura. Add Jammin Jim Silvia to the mix after a couple of seasons off, and the Street Stocks become a volatile concoction of action and drama. Over a dozen different drivers carried the checkered last year. How many will drive to victory in 2009?
The Pure Stocks have been added to opening day, and will feature their entry level action, as they get ready for their Fast Friday series which begins in June. Scott Cestodio picked up his first title in 2008 and will be back to defend against former champion Bill Chouinard, along with Bob Hinckley, Tom Blackwell, Nick Uhrig, Randy Moretti and more. This is the closest thing to “Knock the glass out and go racing” that you can find.
The competitors aren’t the only ones who have been busy in the off season. The facility itself has taken a new look. Over the winter, new seating has been installed around the stadium. New aluminum benches have been added to the backstretch and frontstretch areas, giving the stadium a coliseum effect, making the phrase “Not a Bad Seat in the House” more fitting. With this new seating, the need for customers to bring in their own folding or stadium style seating is no longer a concern. Thus, personal seating will no longer be permitted. Rest Back seats will be available on a regular basis. Fans can continue to bring in personal 6-pack sized coolers, but alcohol, glass and cans are not allowed. Francis Farm will be back with their array of Clamcakes & Chowda, Fried Clams, Corn on the Cob and more. Ken Foley and the gang from Francis Farm have also taken over the full concessions, and will continue to provide some of the best New England Seafood fare alongside the usual menu of pizza, hot dogs, sausage & peppers, fried dough and more.
Action on Sunday begins at 2pm, with general admission gates opening at noon. Practice starts at noon, and the Pro Stocks will have Time Trials at 1:20, to set the lineup for the qualifying heats. Adult general admission is still $12.00; senior citizens 55 and older are $10.00, and children under 12 free. Come join us for the celebration of 64 seasons of competition at the Action Track of the East.
Sources: Kevin Boucher/Seekonk Speedway PR