Wade Kennedy Captures First Career Win at Wiscasset Speedway

After an unfortunate washout last week, Wiscasset Speedway returned to action on Saturday with an action-packed Group 2 racing program which included the T&L Automotive Modifieds, Portland Glass Strictly Streets, Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Minis, Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Models and the visiting New England Pro 4 Modifieds.

The racing action kicked off with a spotlight 30-lap feature from the weekly T&L Automotive Modifieds. The field got stacked up on the initial start, sending Doug Phillips hard into the turn 1 wall. This was followed by multiple cautions that caught up several heavy hitters including Ryan Ripley, Steve Reno and Scott Trask, among others. Race control called for single file restarts following the melee and Adam Chadbourne took off with the advantage.

A 20-minute rain delay followed and the Modifieds returned to the track. Adam Chadbourne continued to excel on the restart, pulling away from Nick Reno. Faith Cleaves and Wayne Whitten made contact on lap 6, causing Wayne Whitten to spin. This resulted in another caution and the race was reduced to 15 laps. Adam Chadbourne held strong, fighting off Nick Reno for his 70th career victory at Wiscasset Speedway. Faith Cleaves followed, rounding out the top 3 with her first podium of the season.

Wade Kennedy took off with the early lead over Brady Romano in the 25-lap Strictly Street feature. He extended his lead to nearly four seconds by lap 10 but trouble was brewing behind the leaders. Brady Romano took a spin on lap 12, collecting Mac Hannan, Jr. and Alex Cromwell. Kennedy maintained his advantage on the restart but a late race caution on lap 15 brought the field back together. Wade Kennedy remained steadfast as Dan McKeage, Jr. and Kurt Hewins filed in behind him. Josh St. Clair entered the picture in the closing laps, stealing third away from Kurt Hewins with 4 laps to go. Wade Kennedy held strong, picking up his first career victory at Wiscasset Speedway. Dan McKeage, Jr. and Josh St. Clair rounded out the top 3.

Rob Richardi pulled away with the early lead in the 30-lap Pro 4 Modified feature as Jack Dumas trailed closely behind. Brayden Meservey made hard impact with the turn 3 wall on lap 13, halting the racing action. Doug Meservey gave Rob Richardi a run for his money on the restart but Richardi held strong, picking up the feature victory. Jack Dumas followed, rounding out the podium.

Jason Kimball took off from the get-go in the 25-lap Outlaw Mini feature. Zach Audet and Jimmy Childs were both on the move early, taking Bryan Robbins 3-wide for third on lap 6. Jimmy Childs capitalized, pulling away with the spot. He continued his pursuit in the laps following, picking off Jeff Farrington for second.  Childs then moved onto the leader, Jason Kimball. The two drivers made contact on lap 21 and Kimball nearly spun but saved it, descending through the field as Jimmy Childs pulled ahead with the lead. He held strong, picking up his first victory of the season as Jeff Farrington and Zach Audet rounded out the top 3.

Frank Moulton and Jet Decker went head to head for the early lead in the 40-lap Late Model feature. The early laps of the race were met with chaos as multiple cautions halted the racing action. Once the field got rolling, Jet Decker took off with the advantage. Josh St. Clair was also on the move, overtaking Frank Moulton for the runner-up spot on lap 16. Jet Decker maintained command as a mid-race caution brought the field back together on lap 19. This left Josh St. Clair and Frank Moulton battling it out for second once again. St. Clair pulled ahead on lap 24 and began tracking down Jet Decker. Shane Clark and Frank Moulton put on a spirited battle for third in the closing laps and Shane Clark persevered, taking home third behind Jet Decker and Josh St. Clair.

Saturday’s racing program was filled with exciting racing action. The fun continues as Group #1 makes its return after an unexpected month-long hiatus on Saturday, June 17th. Fans will enjoy an extended program featuring the Pro Stocks, Super Streets, Thunder 4 Minis, 4-Cylinder Pros, and the flex S.T.A.R. Tour. The green flag flies at 5:00 pm.

For the official track schedule, race results, and more, please visit http://www.wiscassetspeedway.com.

Sources: Amy Worrey – Chasing the Checkered
Photos by: Steve Girard of SGirardPhotography
 
All photos are labeled with which driver they are of/division they are from.
Descriptions:
– Late Model VL: From left – Josh St. Clair, Jet Decker, and Shane Clark
– Outlaw Mini VL, From left – Jeff Farrington, Jimmy Childs, and Zach Audet
– Pro 4 Mod VL, From left – Jack Dumas, Rob Richardi, and Doug Meservey
– Strictly Street VL, from left – Josh St. Clair, Dan McKeage, Jr., and Wade Kennedy.
– Wade Kennedy celebrates his first career win at Wiscasset Speedway.
– Adam Chadbourne celebrates career win #70 at Wiscasset.