Lapierre at W. Peabody
W. Peabody, Mass., Aug. 23, 1952 – Roland Lapierre of Woonsocket, R.I. finally received the nod of Dame Fortune and came through the winner in tonight’s hectic Ford feature at the West Peabody Speedway. Roland started in 17th spot and took over leadership just after the ½ way mark had been reached. The original starting field of 28 cars was whittled down to 18 after three first lap restarts due to jam-ups and multiple spills. At the start, Johnny Daluz held the lead briefly, then it was Paul Finlayson who hung on to be taken by Lapierre.
At the ½ way mark, it was Finlayson, Lapierre, McGovern, McKenzie and Daluz. These top-runners varied little during the remainder of the event but competition was still tough as they began lapping the slower cars on this tight little oval and the fans kept on their feet cheering on their favorite driver during the entire distance.
1st heat, 10 laps, Fords – Earl Bentley, Guy Barbanty, Paul Finlayson, Dave Humphrey.
2nd heat, 10 laps, Fords – George Smaldone, Red David, Roland Lapierre, Hugh McGovern.
3rd heat, 10 laps, Non-Fords – Barney Atherton, Ed Monteiro, Jack Young, Bob McDermond.
1st Semi-Final, 15 laps, Fords – Humphrey, Norm Canuel, Bentley, Finlayson, Paul Leger.
2nd Semi-Final, 15 laps, Fords – Barbanty, Frank Traverse, Doc McKenzie, David, Fred Borden.
Feature, 25 laps, Fords – Lapierre, Finlayson, McGovern, McKenzie, Humphrey, Martin.
Non-Ford feature and hurdle race, 14 laps, Monteiro, Gillis, Daluz.
Sources: National Speed Sport News