Powder Puff Drivers Poised and Ready for the Ridge
When the Pro Four Modifieds of New England (PFMNE) roll into the Beech Ridge Motor Speedway this Sunday it will be about a lot more than just racing. Sunday’s race event culminates a weekend-long effort to help raise funds for breast cancer research and treatment. Saturday motorcycle enthusiasts from all over will come together at Bentley’s Salooon in Arundel, ME to set out on a ride against breast cancer. Early Sunday morning the track will be open for three hours for a walk against breast cancer, and, then, at the conclusion of the race program Sunday evening, the headlining Powder Puff race will take place.
Made possible by the efforts of Kraze Korlacki Speedway Equipment owner, Gary Sagar, and Shirley Wrenn, wife of reigning champion and current point leader, Norm Wrenn, the Powder Puff race will showcase the daughters, wives, and female supporters of the PFMNE drivers. Expected competitors include Wrenn herself, the wife and stepdaughter of Phil Lausier, and the girlfriend of car owner Richard Sprague. It is expected that as many as ten female drivers will take the green flag for the Powder Puff main event.
Several of these women had the opportunity to take to the track Saturday, July 25, for a test and tune at the Seekonk Speedway. Through the generosity of Seekonk Speedway and Samaritan Ambulance service, the ladies were given one-hour of practice time around the Route-6 oval. According to unofficial timing and scoring, the #07x of Phil Lausier’s stepdaughter, Heather, was the fastest around the 1/3-mile bullring.
“Watching those ladies go out and practice on Saturday was one of the best parts of my job. They are all so competitive, but they also recognize why we are doing this, and that is special. It reminds me why I do what I do, and its because we are a family. Whether we are officials, drivers, crew members, or fans, we are bonded by our common love for the sport of auto racing and we all have our part in making it grow. To see everyone unified for such a great cause as breast cancer is not only unique, but its encouraging,” Race Director, Josh Vanada, said.
The Powder Puff race is set to be the last event of the evening, following all other features. Qualifying for the Four-Cylinder Nationals is set to go off at 2:00pm at the Beech Ridge Motor Speedway.
Sources: Ashleigh Vanada/Pro Four Modifieds of New England PR