Seekonk Speedway is ready to kick off their 66th Season on May Day
Seekonk, MA — In much of the world, May 1st is known as International Worker’s Day, but in Southern New England, the gates will open for action at Seekonk Speedway for the first time this year. After a long, cold winter, competitors from all over the area will be competing for the momentum of winning on Opening Day.
On the docket will be the A.R.C. Pro Stocks, Late Models, Street Stocks and Sport Trucks. All divisions will be competing in extra distance mains, with extra money in their envelopes as the get ready for the grind of a long season. Following Sunday’s Opening Day action, the racing will continue on their Saturday tradition.
While an opening day win doesn’t always translate to sitting at the head table at the year end championship banquet, it can set the tone for a successful season. Dave Darling, Kyle Casper and Scott Serydynski won last years’ opening day, and returned to Victory Lane several times throughout the season while fighting for the division title, but came up short in their divisions. Rick Martin, however, rode his opening day win to the 2010 Sport Truck drivers’ title.
Fred Astle Jr, coming off his 5th divisional, and 3rd consecutive Pro Stock title, held off Darling for the third consecutive year. Can Astle make history by becoming the first driver in Seekonk history to win 4 in a row in the same class? Ron Bouchard is the only driver to win 4 championships in concurrent years, but did it in the Late Models and Modified divisions. In addition to that, he can become the all-time Pro Stock champion with six, breaking a tie at 5 with Vinny Annarummo. Who will be able to keep him from gaining those accolades? Darling, a former two time champion in his own right, will have his Ron Pond prepared Toyota up to the task. Tom Scully Jr, Ken Spencer, will be ready, while the Pro Stocks welcome back Bob Tripp and Dick Houlihan to full time action.
Ryan Vanasse is coming off his second Late Model title, and will be back to try to three-peat. Only Rick Hanatow and Gerry DeGasparre have won three in a row in the Late Models, and Gerry will be on hand to try to return to championship form. Jeramee Lillie is returning to the B class, and has looked fast in pre-season testing. 2010 Rookie of the Year Bobby Pelland III has stepped up his program, and will look to be in the hunt.
Over the years, the Street Stocks have become known as one of the most competitive divisions anywhere, with seven different title holders over the past 10 years. Steve Axon broke through for his first championship, following his teammate Mike Mitchell who won it the previous season. Both of them will have a bunch of competition for the big trophy, including former champ Sparky Arsenault, Ryan Lineham, who has been one of the hottest Street Stock competitor over the past several years, Tony Oliviera, Chris Rioux, Chris Beaulieu, and returning former champ Matt Dewey. George Rego is also returning to full time action, and will be looking to get back into Victory Lane for the first time in several years.
Rick Martin picked up over 15 wins in the Sport Truck division over the past two seasons, and picked up the title in 2010. At this time, he is not returning to full time action, so this leaves the door open for a new driver to pick up the crown. Ted Berube, Lenny Guy and Ed Gannon III will be the major players for the title, but they will have their hands full with returning 3 time champion Mike Cavallaro.
Action for Sunday, May 1 starts at 2pm, with the main gates opening at 12. Adult admission is only $12.00, with children under 12 FREE. You can purchase your tickets in advance at seekonkspeedway.com, as well as check out the interactive web.
Sources: Kevin Boucher/Seekonk Speedway PR