Hinckley Nabs Ricky’s Race at Canaan
Canaan, NH — Les Hinckley III, of Windsor Locks, CT., started third in a 21-car field, took the lead on lap 38, and went on to win the 112-lap ‘Ricky’s Race For Kids’ event at Canaan Fair Speedway, Canaan, NH., Saturday night before a large crowd. The win was Hinckley’s second this season, his third at Canaan, and his 17th career victory with the Valenti Modified Racing Series
The race is an annual event organized by retired racing legend Donnie Miller and his family in honor of Ricky Miller who passed away in 2004 from race related injuries. The event also benefits David’s House, a home away from home for families with sick children.
Hinckley chased pole-sitter Jon McKennedy at the drop of the green flag staying right behind the leader until he passed the Chelmsford, MA., driver. The only pressure Hinckley received came late in the race following a lap 102 caution flag. Chris Pasteryak, of Lisbon, CT., challenged the race leader but Hinckley was never headed.
Pasteryak settled for second, point leader, Rowan Pennink, of Huntingdon Valley, PA., came home third, McKennedy finished fourth, with Dwight Jarvis, of Ascutney, VT., fifth.
[Photo Gallery] by Crystal Snape
Sixth through tenth were, Mike Holdridge, Geoff Gernhard, Joey, Jarvis, Mark Bakaj, and Norm Wrenn.
Hinckley was emotional in victory lane. “Thank you to the Miller family. I really can’t say enough about winning this race in Ricky’s memory and for David’s House,” Hinckley said. “Ricky’s the only driver that ever called me on the phone and apologized for making a mistake for wrecking us at Riverside Park and I’ll never forget that. This race means a lot to me.”
Hinckley was strong all day. “Butch (Shea) just got us going. The chassis just worked so good. We had Bob Bruneau smoke under the hood. I can’t thank him enough. This one means a lot.
Pasteryak made a great move in traffic to slip by McKennedy to grab second. “Lapped cars were there it doesn’t always work out that way. Nobody got wrecked. If I go back and look at it I don’t know if I’d do it again,” said the series champion. “Tried to make it a show at the end but there was no catching the 06 tonight he was really hooked up.”
Pennink who competed earlier in the day at Loudon, NH., was happy with his finish that keeps him atop the point standings.
“It was a strong finish for the 25 team. Thanks to Gary Casella, and the whole team. They did an awesome job getting this thing going for me while over at Loudon,” Pennink said.
Hinckley becomes the fifth different winner of the ‘Ricky’s Race’ joining Matt Hirschman, Jacob Dore, Eric Goodale, and Louie Mechalides.
The race was completed in 35 minutes with only two caution flags for minor spins.
Race Summary
Race # 8 Canaan Fair Speedway
Entrants (21)
Distance: 112 laps
Time: 35:19:481
Margin of Victory: 0.841
Best Lap Time: 13.828
Best Speed: 86.694 (Mechalides)
Lead Changes: (1)
Lap Leaders: McKennedy (1-37) Hinckley (38-102)
Cautions: Lap- 37,102
Order of Finish: (1). Hinckley (2) Pasteryak (3) Pennink (4) McKennedy (5) D.Jarvis (6) Holdridge (7) Gernhard (8) J.Jarvis (9) Bakaj (10) Wrenn (11) Doucette (12) Zachem (13) Murray (14) McClay (15) Barnett (16) Schneider (17) Dailey (18) Fifield (19) Mechalides (20) Goodenough (21) Owen.
Sources: John Spence, Sr./VMRS PR