Shane Narbonne Claims 88th Loudon Classic
At just 21 years old, Shane Narbonne of Tyngsboro, Mass., captured his second Loudon Classic checkered flag this afternoon, during the oldest running motorcycle event in North America.
Narbonne, who has been racing motorcycles since the age of seven led all 14 laps. The race finished six laps short of the 20-lap scheduled event due to a red flag incident. Loudon Road Race Series rules state that if the race is at the halfway point and the red flag is thrown, it is deemed an official race.
Narbonne’s last win came at the 86th annual Loudon Classic in 2009 and he finished third in last year’s event.
“I was sick last year, this year, I definitely feel much better,” said Narbonne. “I knew if I got a good start I could just put my head down and pull away.” “I just want to thank my dad, the track and my sponsors. This is awesome.”
Eric Wood raced his way to a second place finish after being shuffled back to fifth on the first lap. Wood praised Narbonne for being such an intelligent rider.
“As the race went on I tried to keep digging and make my way up to the front,” said Wood. “In the end I did what I could and we came home second, I’ll take that. “I have to give Shane credit; he’s not just fast he’s smart. It’s fun racing with him.”
Last year’s Loudon Classic winner Scott Greenwood of Dunbarton, N.H., finished third after starting in the fourth position.
“When Eric passed me in turn-6, they kind of ran me wide and I lost touch with the rest of the group,” said Greenwood. “Once we hit lap traffic they seemed to slice through it a little better. I wish I was a little closer, I would love to be a three-time winner of the Loudon Classic but we will have to settle for third and come back next year.”
Hometown favorite Christian Cronin fell out of contention due to mechanical issues.
The 88th annual Loudon Classic weekend continues through Sunday. Events tomorrow include the ASRA motorcycle races and the NELCAR Legend Car race. Tickets are available at the main gate.
For photos, click here.
88th Loudon Classic Provisional Finishing Order
(Finish, Start, No., Name, City, State, Laps Completed)
1, 1, 64, Shane Narbonne, Tyngsboro, Mass., 14
2, 2, 5, Eric Wood, Ashburnham, Mass., 14
3, 4, 4, Scott Greenwood, Dunbarton, N.H., 14
4, 6, 33, Cory Hildebrand, Milford, N.H., 14
5, 9, 15, Jason Carter, Raymond, N.H., 14
6, 14, 32, Alex Guilbeault, Litchfield, N.H., 14
7, 8, 909, Houk Nichols, Woodbury, Conn., 14
8, 7, 932, Scott James, Kennebunk, Maine, 14
9, 10, 35, Joel Allen, Barrington, N.H., 14
10, 19, 914, David Hanig, Ossining, N.Y., 13