Hailey Desaulniers to Drive Bandolero for Marvin Racing
Hailey Desaulniers of Windham, CT will be adding Thursday night racing to her schedule. She will drive a second INEX Bandolero car for Marvin Racing, LLC at New London-Waterford (CT) Speedbowl. Bert Marvin of Colchester, CT has fielded the No. 07 car for his son Anthony. Anthony has 14 wins and won the track’s Wild ‘N Wacky Wednesday championship in 2013-14.The car will be No. 33, the same number she uses in Quarter Midgets. The number honors former United Sportsman champion and her great uncle Mark LaJeunesse. LaJeunesse started in Quarter Midgets and had a lengthy Modified career at New London-Waterford.
The car will be No. 33, the same number she uses in Quarter Midgets. The number honors former United Sportsman champion and her great uncle Mark LaJeunesse. LaJeunesse started in Quarter Midgets and had a lengthy Modified career at New London-Waterford.
“She came a long way,” Marvin said. “We came here yesterday and practiced and we went out three or four times with her and first time I didn’t think she was gonna do it and then every time she went out she go faster and faster and now she goes out there this last practice and the transponder don’t lie she’s only a tenth off Nick Hovey, which is good for never being in a Bandolero before. It’s great.”
Marvin planned to run Nick Hovey again in the second car, but Hovey’s team bought their own car.
“It actually worked out because now it gave me the opportunity to put another family in a car.”
According to her father Mike, Cousin Danny LaJeunesse sponsors Hailey’s efforts. Mark LaJeunesse helps with the Quarter Midget setups as well. The 8-year-old driver will remain at Little T Quarter Midget Club in Thompson, CT for her sophomore season.
The team sponsors are Advanced Sewer & Drain of Windham, Advanced Overhead Door of Norwich, Northeast Protective Coatings of New London, 32 Signs of Baltic, DG Electric of Lisbon, Philly’s of Norwich, The Panel Shop of Stratford, Ikan-Ikon.
The crew consists of her father Mike, Dan LaJeunesse, Jack Csizmesia, and Jesse Stearns. Her mother Kimberly Desaulniers is also a big help.
Marvin will run the three NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour companion Sunoco Modified races at Thompson (CT) Speedway Motorsports Park. Marvin plans to run his son Anthony in the Bandoleros on Thursdays and Mini Cups on Fridays at Seekonk (MA) Speedway. He bought a Legends Car and will visit New London-Waterford for Wednesday practice.
“I just want to thank Mike from Advanced Sewer and Drain and my cousin Dennis and DH Marvin, United Auto Parts. They help me out year after year with paints and stuff like that, so without them we wouldn’t be here.”
Sources: Nicholas Teto/YankeeRacer.com
Dave Dykes