Sprints, Kids, and Gentleman Jack at Legion
The Legion Speedway welcomed its biggest crowd and largest car count of the 2013 Sunday Twilight season on August 11. They were visited by the Sprint Cars of New England (SCoNE) and the Granite State Mini Sprint Club, as well as their regular four divisions. They also got to have some fun with the youngest fans on their annual Kid’s Night. The title sponsor for the evening was New England Motor Racing Supply of Hollis, NH.
The management of the Legion Speedway would like to thank the incredible staff at the Speedway for doing a fantastic job of getting things done and keeping things moving throughout a very busy evening. Thanks also to all the drivers for a high level of professionalism and sportsmanship. And finally, to Lynn Comeau for coordinating the wonderful Kids Night events, which included rides in the race cars and the very exciting bicycle races. Everybody worked together to make a very busy evening into a lot of fun for everyone. It was a beautiful thing.
The big event, of course, was the SCoNE tour making their return, following last week’s rain-out. When the checkered flag dropped on the feature it was points leader Chris Donnelly (#17) scoring the win. Kevin Chaffee (#8) was second, and third went to Dan Douville (#7). There were so many cars in the field a consolation race, or B-Main, was held to determine the last four starting positions, and three cars had to watch the main event from the pits. The SCoNE tour is sponsored by Bond Auto Parts and presented by Al Crossman and Sons.
The Sportsmen Modified feature came down to a battle between a wily veteran and a rising star. “Gentleman” Jack Cook (#1) added to his large collection of trophies collected at the Wentworth oval. Jack has raced at this track ever since it was the Nor-Way Pines Speedway, and is a two-time season champion, or “Prince of the Pines.” He led every lap and held off the young hot shoe Art Heino (#27) who pressured him every step of the way. Evan Kingsbury (#32) followed a Heat race win with a third-place finish in the feature for his 2013 Legion debut.
Brian Gray (#3) took his second 600cc Mini-Sprint feature in a row in commanding fashion. Points leader Luke Greenwood (#89), who dominated the first half of the season, had to settle for second. He almost had to give that up to a hard-charging Jake Williams (#73). The visiting 500cc class from the Granite State Mini-Sprint club gave its top trophy to Kyle Belliveau (#15), with Doug Boisvert (#44) and Patrick Smith (#21) taking second and third.
Doug McPhail (#6) added to his points lead in the Super Street class with a feature win, followed by Chris Gray (#51) and Nick O’Haire (#09). The top prize of the evening for the Bond Auto Parts Outlaw Mini-Stocks went to Rob Gioia (#4), with second and third ending up in the hands of Chris Conroy (#78) and Jim Durkee (#9).
The Legion Speedway is located on the town line of Wentworth and Rumney on route 25. Racing starts at 5 pm on Sunday afternoon through September.
Sources: Rick Clogston/Legion Speedway PR