Valenti Modified Racing Series Goes Green at Monadnock
Canaan, NH. – 13 years ago Kirk Alexander was in prep mode ready to try something new. The Modified Racing Series was set to debut at Monadnock Speedway, Winchester, NH.
Right off the trailer Alexander was fast that night. Potent enough to win the series opener and lay the foundation to become the all-time Valenti Modified Racing Series winner.
Alexander hopes to add to that total this Saturday night when the VMRS kicks off a 16-race schedule at the popular ¼ mile facility with the running of the Bond Auto Parts ‘Spring Dash 100.’ Alexander has garnered 31-series victories.
Fresh off a practice day a week ago at Monadnock where Alexander reeled off fast laps throughout the shakedown session, the 16-time winner at his home track was pleased how things went first time out. He clocked a 12.7 lap time before the day was over in the John Corliss owned # 43.
“I made changes to the car,” Alexander said this week. “Changed some geometry. The car is more stable and has more forward bite. Reminds me of my old car.”
Alexander hopes to have a better season than last. “Worst luck I have ever had in a race car. Nothing went right. Hopefully, the changes we have made will make for a better season.”
Woody Pitkat, of Sturbridge, MA, the reigning Valenti Modified Racing Series Champion is entered for Saturday’s race. Pitkat, after the 2015 season, moved to a race team fielded by longtime racer Dan Stebbins, of Bernardston, MA. With Pitkat, last years championship team members including crew chief, Greg Feldon, Bob Norris, and Jason O’Grodnick also moved to the Stebbins entry.
Former Series Champion Chris Pasteryak, of Jewett City, CT., will compete this weekend in a brand new Troyer mount. The new car last year now becomes a new ride for his father Charlie to be run in selected events.
Former Monadnock Champion Todd Patnode, of Richmond, NH is entered for the Spring Dash 100 lap race. Jon McKennedy, of East Chelmsford, MA, already a two-time winner this season in PASS South Series competition, is an expected entry.
Richard Savary, of Canton, MA, Todd Annarummo, of Swansea, MA, Matt Mead, of Richmond, NH, and Long Island, NY’s Dave Schneider are slated to compete.
Newcomers Ryan Kuhn, of East Bridgewater, MA, son of former series regular Jimmy Kuhn, and 15-year old T.J Bleau, of Troy, NH, will debut this weekend.
Saturday’s race program begins at 5:00 PM.
Sources: John Spence/VMRS PR