Star ISMA Classic 150 this Saturday Brings a Full Field of Talent
EPPING, NH — It only happens once a year. The 2013 ISMA International Classic at the Star Speedway in Epping, New Hampshire is not only the longest running Supermodified event in New England, but it is also a race that brings an unsurpassed talent level of winged warriors to the region.
Chris Perley, the “Rowley Rocket” will return to Star, where he learned the craft of racing these unique cars, in the second Vic Miller entry as a team car to standings leader Lou Cicconi. Former Classic winner Justin Belfiore is back, along with Ed Witkum Jr., who tested at the track last week and has been cleared by doctors from a back injury to compete.
Jon McKennedy of Chelmsford, Mass., is another driver who made a name for himself at Star, but he has yet to win a Classic. Mike Ordway Sr., will return in the Clyde Booth car. He too learned to win as a weekly competitor at Star.
Jeff Locke, from nearby Raymond hopes that his increased level of experience this season will lead him to Classic prominence as well. Ben Seitz from Bourne, Mass., Dan Bowes and Rob Summers are all New Englanders who could all play a role in the podium finishing order as well.
Not to be forgotten are the drivers coming from out of the area to compete against New England’s best. On that list besides Cicconi are Mike Lichty and Mart Sammut from Canada, Joey Payne from New Jersey, New York native Ray Graham Jr., the talented newcomer Allison Cumens and Tim Jedrzejek from the Midwest to name a few.
Each season a few of the best from the Oswego, N.Y., area such as Joe Gosek have made the trip to compete in this historic event. It’s not uncommon to get a last minute entry from there.
Fans can get a one time only experience of a ride around the race track in a two seat Supermodified, driven by either Perley or Russ Wood Sr., beginning at 11:30 AM on Saturday as well. That will lead into practice and then heat races, beginning at 5:00 PM.
The tradition returns for one and only one show each year, and mother nature appears to be on the side of race fans for this special Saturday evening of ISMA Supermodified racing. The 150 green flag only laps are expected to begin at about 8:15 PM. If you have never seen the ISMA field go green at Star, prepare to be amazed.
Also on the schedule for Saturday are the popular NEMA Lites, who always bring a competitive show to the track “Where Champions are Born”. The Outlaw Late Models, Strickly Stocks and Roadrunners will also add to the excitement.
Admission for the Classic is $35 for adults, $25 for students and seniors, with kids 10 and under admitted free of charge. Pit admission is $40. For more information on the ISMA Star Speedway International Classic log onto the web site: www.star-speedway.com. Daily updates can be found on the Star facebook page.
STAR CLASSIC FORMAT – SATURDAY SEPT 7
PIT GATES OPEN – 11:00 AM
ISMA TWO SEATER SUPER RIDES 11:15 – 1:45
ISMA PRACTICE 2:00 – 2:30
STAR DIVISIONS 2:30 – 3:00
ISMA PRACTICE 3:00 – 3:30
STAR DIVISIONS 3:30 – 4:00
FINAL ISMA PRACTICE 4:00 – 4:20
FINAL STAR PRACTICE 4:20 – 4:40
DRIVERS MEETINGS 4:45
TRACK CLEAN-UP 4:45 – 5:00
HEATS 5:00 SHARP!!!
STRICTLY STOCKS 10 LAPS
NEMA LITES 10 LAPS
OUTLAWS 10 LAPS
5:30 ISMA TIME TRIALS
ROADRUNNERS 25 LAPS
NEMA LITES 25 LAPS
STRICTLY STOCKS 25 LAPS
ISMA CONSI
OUTLAWS 30 LAPS or 40 MINUTES
7:40 ISMA ROLL ONTO SPEEDWAY
NATIONAL ANTHEM 7:50
DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS 8:00
GREEN FLAG STAR CLASSIC 150 8:15
ALL TIMES ARE TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE