Huge Purse Announced for Ricky’s Race at Canaan in 2011
W. Springfield, MA — In a joint announcement last night, Valenti Modified Racing Series President and founder, Jack Bateman, and retired racing great Donnie Miller Sr, disclosed, the annual event, Ricky’s Race For Kids, will carry a purse of $36,350, the largest payoff in the eight year history of New England’s premier modified racing series. The race is scheduled for July 16 at Canaan Fair Speedway, Canaan, NH.
The announcement was made at the 7th annual Valenti Modified Racing Series awards banquet held at the Clarion Hotel, W. Springfield, MA.
“Tom Curley once said to me, (we) need a marquee event for the series. I believe we have one,” said an excited Bateman. “This is really going to be special. I would like to thank everyone involved for putting this together.”
Miller, the father of the late race driver who died in 2004 from race related injuries, was just as enthused especially when talking about the payoff. “With the support of some very special people, and sponsorships, this race is going to pay some real good money. We are excited.”
Mascoma Savings Bank, of Lebanon, NH, and Irving Energy, of Portmouth, NH, are the two Prime Corporate Sponsors for the race that will benefit David’s House, also of Lebanon. David’s House is a home away from home for families with ill or injured children receiving treatment through children’s hospital at Dartmouth.
Miller elaborated, “ The race will pay $12,000 to win, $6,000 for second, and $3,000 for third. Fourth place finisher will receive, $2,000, and fifth $1,000. The first two paying positions are in honor of my son’s car numbers. Ricky’s last ride was # 12 and his first was # 6,” said the retired driver known as “The Golden Jet”
The race will be a 112-lap event to commemorate Millers car number. 25 cars, in honor of the 25th anniversary of David’s House, will start the race.
Four guaranteed starter races will be held in advance of the Canaan date. June 16 at Thompson, CT, Speedway, June 24, at Stafford Springs CT, Speedway, July 2, at Monadnock Speedway, Winchester, NH, and July 8, at Lee USA Speedway, Lee, NH.
Miller also emphasized a race day schedule that will work for fans and competitors will be in effect the day of the VMRS race. “The schedule will be structured to allow those that wish to come to Canaan from Loudon, time to make the trip over.”
Canaan Fair Speedway operator Dick Therrien is pleased the Ricky’s race is returning to his facility. “I am ecstatic, this race is going to rank up they’re as one of the big events in New England and I am proud that Canaan Fair is a part of it. A lot of hard work and pride goes into that race, and I am honored they chose to have it at Canaan.”
An on-track pit party will be held race day with a special pre-race get together, July 15, at Gateway Motors, White River Junction, VT.
Additional information is available at www.rickysraceforkids.com.
Sources: Modified Racing Series PR