Ricky’s Race Kicks off Title Run for True Value Modifieds
Claremont, NH — The True Value Modified Racing Series kicks off it’s version of “the playoffs” when New England’s’ popular racing series rolls into Twin State Speedway, Claremont, NH., Sunday October 4, for the running of the 2nd annual “Ricky’s Race For Kid’s,” presented by Granite State Harley Davidson, Lebanon, NH. The special race, in honor of former New England standout Ricky Miller, will go the distance of 112 laps, in honor of Miller’s last car number. (#12) Miller passed away in 2004.
The event will benefit David’s House, Lebanon, NH., a home-away-from-home that offers support for families with children receiving treatment through Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and feature a large amount of racing. automotive, and sports related raffles.
In addition, two former Twin State Speedway greats, Donnie Ayer and Kirby Monteith, will be remembered, and the race will serve as a qualifying event for a guaranteed starting position in the 7th Annual John Blewett III Memorial North-South Shootout TM. in Concord, NC, on November 7, 2009.
Three drivers are vying for their first ever championship with the series. Sunday’s race is the first of three events to decide the title. Races at Seekonk, MA., and Lee, NH., will follow. The three way points chase is shaping up to be the best finish since 2006 when Ascutney, VT., veteran Dwight Jarvis, and Jimmy Kuhn Jr, W.Bridgewater, MA., battled to the last checkered flag at Lee.
Jon McKennedy, Chelmsford, MA., takes a slim 17 point lead into Sunday’s race over Rob Goodenough, W.Swanzey, NH., and a 26 point margin over Huntingdon Valley, PA driver Rowan Pennink. Steven Masse, Bellingham, MA., and defending series champion, Chris Pasteryak, Lisbon, CT., are fourth and fifth.
McKennedy, a four time TVMRS winner this season including a victory at Twin State in June, saw his point lead dwindle prior to the series schedule break in August. “The biggest thing for us is to finish races,” said McKennedy. He added, “We have been fast but DNF’s have put us back. We’ve led the points most of the way. The pressure is on to win but we need to finish races, it’s as simple as that.” McKennedy has won at all three tracks remaining on the schedule.
Goodenough enters Twin State with a lot of optimism. He was not sure he would run three races in 2009 let alone be a contender for the title. “I’m a little surprised because I didn’t think we had the equipment to do it. We run old stuff against new stuff. We got the win to start the season (Monadnock) and then we had consistent finishes. Plus I had some real good help,” said the 20 year veteran.
Goodenough added, “I’m excited to be going to Twin State and Lee but we can’t quite get the handle on Seekonk. That track is tough to conquer. Hopefully we’ll come out of there in good shape heading to Lee.”
The driver that has his work cut out is Pennink, the young hot shoe that splits his time between the TVMRS and the NASCAR Whelen Series. Pennink will turn the Gary Casella owned # 25 over to fellow Pennsylvania driver, 2009 ROC champion, Matt Hirschman, while Pennink competes at Stafford, CT. Hirschman won last years race.
“I really wish I could run both shows,” said Pennink while watching a Philadelphia Phillies baseball game this week. “If there was some way we could do it, we would, but it’s just too far.”
Former series champions, Jarvis, and three-time champion Kirk Alexander, are expected entries in Sunday’s race. In addition, a strong contingent of drivers from throughout the northeast are expected. Many that campaigned weekly at the Monadnock Speedway this season have shown interest in “Ricky’s Race.”
Qualifying races are slated for 2 PM on Sunday. In the event of inclement weather, the race will be rescheduled to Saturday, October 31. Twin State Speedway is located on Thrasher Rd, Claremont, NH.
Sources: John Spence, Sr./True Value Modified Racing Series PR