Valenti Modified Racing Series Season Preview
The postponed Bond Auto Parts Spring Dash 100 at Monadnock Speedway will host the Valenti Modified Racing Series season opener on May 2. It will be the first since 2006 that the series has opened their season at the New Hampshire quarter mile oval and where it started in April 2004. Kirk Alexander, the series winningest driver, will return to full-time competition. Reigning champion Justin Bonsignore and Art Barry will not defend their title, opting for weekly SK Modified racing at Stafford (CT) Motor Speedway.
The 16 race schedule will visit Airborne Park (NY) Speedway, Beech Ridge (ME) Motor Speedway, Claremont (NH) Speedway, Devil’s Bowl (VT) Speedway, Lee USA (NH) Speedway, Monadnock (NH) Speedway, New London-Waterford (CT) Speedbowl, Oxford (ME) Plains Speedway, Seekonk (MA) Speedway, Stafford (CT) Motor Speedway, and Thompson (CT) Speedway Motorsports Park.
Stafford will host three races. Beech Ridge (August 1) Claremont (July 10) and Oxford (August 29, AIM Recycling Oxford 250 weekend) return, while Devil’s Bowl will be hosting its inaugural race July 24. The season finale is the World Series of Speedway Racing at Thompson October 17.
“Were glad to be a part of that,” announcer John Spence, Sr. said. “So much history with that race. I know the MRS is delighted to be a part of it.”
A lot of people have expressed interest in running at Lee USA on June 19, when Twin 50s will be run.
“That is something series officials came up with. Actually John (Spence) Jr. suggested that about three or four years ago. We kind of put it on the backburner. In light of what went on this past year, the fact that the guys really seemed very interested in going that way. They’re gonna go with it. It’s gonna be interesting to see how it plays out.”
Les Hinckley, Rowan Pennink, and Richard Savary are among the veterans that have registered. One of the drivers is American-Canadian Tour (ACT) driver Alex Labbe, who will be driving for Paul Michaud.
Spence will behind the microphone for his 40th season. He started at Hudson Speedway back in 1975. Spence has worked with some great people over the years. Spence announced a NASCAR North race at the old Bryar Motorsports Park in Loudon before it became New Hampshire Motor Speedway. NHMS is celebrating its 25th season.
Practice will be held at Monadnock on Saturday. The season opener at Monadnock will be held May 2 with qualifying beginning at 4:00 PM.
Sources: Matthew Wiernasz/YankeeRacer.com