Seekonk Speedway Honors 2012 Champions
SEEKONK, MA — On Saturday night, over 700 friends and family members got together at the Venus de Milo in Swansea to celebrate and honor Seekonk Speedway’s 2012 Champions in their annual awards celebration.
Taking home the top honors was Dave Darling of Rehoboth, and his car owner Gary Johnson of Pawtucket, as they picked up their third Pro Stock Championship honors. The Bristol Toyota Scion team carried 4 wins on the season, and did not finish outside of the top five all season. All three championships have come with crew chief Ronnie Pond.
Dick Benoit was named Rookie of the Year. Ryan Vanasse was honored as Most Improved Driver in the Pro Stocks.
Pro Stock Top Ten: Dave Darling, Ryan Vanasse, Dick Houlihan, Fred Astle Jr, Tom Scully Jr, Mike Brightman, Kyle Casper, Kevin Casper, Kenny Spencer, Dave Silvia.
Gerry DeGasparre Jr and car owner Gerry Sr. of Pawtucket, RI were honored as the Late Model Champions for the sixth time in the past 12 years. With a division leading 4 wins, the A-1 Custom Auto Body Chevy prevailed once again.
Rookie of the Year honors went to Danny Thibeault, while Jeramee Lillie picked up Most Improved LM Driver honors.
LM Top Ten: Gerry DeGasparre Jr, Bobby Pelland III, Bill Bernard, Jeramee Lillie, Dylan Estrella, Danny Thibeault, Dave Hutchins Jr, Mike Marfeo, Jariah Roderick, Ron Barboza Jr.
For the fifth time, Mike Cavallaro of Seekonk claimed his fifth Sport Truck class championship. His J Fortin Concrete Forms Chevy picked up 5 victories on his way to the title.
Nick Uhrig won Rookie of the year with Darryl Church getting Most Improved driver in the Sport Trucks.
Sport Truck Top Ten: Mike Cavallaro, Rick Martin, John Paiva, Nick Uhrig, Scott Dion, Darryl Church, Lenny Guy, Anna Gregoire, Jim Hawkins, Dan Leach.
Attleboro’s Paul Lallier claimed his first Sam’s Club Street Stock title on the wave of 3 wins. Paul led the championship standings from opening day and never looked back in his Big Dog Disposal Camaro.
Charles Beal picked up the Rookie of the Year with Scott Bruneau gaining Most Improved Driver honors.
The Fast Friday divisions were also honored, and picking up top honors in the Pure Stocks was Jesse Melberg. Jesse had a speedway tying 6 wins in his Bristol County Choppers Chevy.
Ian Savard picked up Rookie of the year honors with Chris Lima gaining Most Improved Driver status.
Pure Stock top 5: Jesse Melberg, John Robidoux, Jamie Salley, Earl Curtin III, Chris Lima.
In the inaugural year for the Nick’s Pit Stop Legend Series, Shawn Buffington of Plainfield topped a field of driver from throughout the Northeast, and picked up the Championship honors. His T & M Motorsports coupe topped the division with 6 victories.
Nick’s Pit Stop Legends top five: Shawn Buffington, Thomas Grey, Nick Lascoula, Taylor Martin, Branden Dion.
Going winless didn’t slow down 2012 Sport4 Champion Chuck McDonald of Groton CT. Chuck used consistency and some help from another competitor to gain his first championship.
Henry Lavallee was honored as the Rookie of the Year while Taylor Therrien was most improved driver.
Sport4 Top 5: Chuck McDonald, Henry Lavallee, Lenny Sousa, Taylor Therrien. Jason Enos II.
Austin Blais of Somerset took home the top honors in the Seekonk Youth Racing Association 750 division. Austin picked up 6 feature wins on the way to his first title.
Chase Belcher was the division’s Rookie of the Year.
Tyler Boudreau of Coventry, RI rode a second half wave that propelled him to the Seekonk Youth Racing Association 600 title. With 3 wins and even more runner up finished, he overcame a deficit to take over the championship lead with only a few events remaining.
David White picked up the Rookie of the Year honors while Doug Meservey Jr picked up Most Improved title.
SYRA 600 top ten: Tyler Boudreau, Taylor Bowser, David Lougee Jr, David White, Madison Birchall, Doug Meservey Jr, Shawn DeMello, Matt Barboza, Jessica O’Leary
Ed St. Germain and Bob Roderick were both honored for their dedication and work behind the scenes.
The Annual D. Anthony Venditti Memorial award goes to an individual who dedicates his life to the sport of Auto Racing. This years’ recipient was long time official Ron Manfredo of Warwick RI.
Sources: Kevin Boucher/Seekonk Speedway PR