Brad Babb Captures Emotional Win at Wiscasset Speedway
Saturday marked the return of the 350 SMAC Tour at Wiscasset Speedway, featuring winged Modifieds that whiz around the track at speeds upward of 100 miles per hour. The touring series joined the track’s weekly Group 2 program, which included the T&L Automotive Modifieds, Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Models, Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Minis, and the Portland Glass Strictly Streets.
The weekly Modifieds took to the track first, with Scott Trask powering to the early lead over Tyler Robbins and Nick Reno in the 30-lap feature. An early race caution made way for Nick Reno, who took over on the restart and pulled away with a sizable lead. There was a 3-way battle for second on lap 8 that lasted a handful of laps. Adam Chadbourne broke free from the competition on lap 14 and began tracking down Nick Reno. Chadbourne caught up to him just two laps later, overtaking the top spot. He took off from there, picking up his 71st career victory at the speedway. Nick Reno and Ryan Ripley rounded out the top 3.
17 drivers took to the track for the highly coveted 350 SMAC Tour race, the 50-lap Bentley Warren Classic. The race started with melee as Mike Spurling and Scott Watts, Jr. tangled in turn 1. Both cars ended up wedged in the pit access lane, resulting in a lengthy caution. P.J. Stergios pulled ahead on the restart, distancing himself from the competition.
Bobby Timmons began tracking down Dave Helliwell for third in the closing laps, but his night came to a sudden end on lap 40 as his right front tire flattened, sending him hard into the turn 3 wall. After trailing P.J. Stergios the entire race, Brad Babb got the upper hand on the restart and sailed into the sunset, picking up the victory. He became emotional in Victory Lane following the race as he relished in the moment with family and friends. This marked his first win following the loss of his grandfather. P.J. Stergios and Dave Helliwell joined Babb in Victory Lane, rounding out the top 3.
Jon Emerson took off with the early lead in the 40-lap Late Model feature. Will Collins was also powering through the field quickly, overtaking Alex Waltz for third on lap 9. Collins successfully tracked down the leaders by lap 18, clearing Brett Osmond for the runner-up spot. He then swiftly moved onto Emerson, taking over the lead just two laps later. Tiger Colby also entered the picture in the closing laps of the race, climbing to third on lap 32 after starting from the rear. Colby claimed second from Jon Emerson with 4 laps to go but Will Collins was too far gone with a 4+ second lead. Collins sailed into the victory, followed by Tiger Colby and Jon Emerson.
Jason Kimball pulled away with a sizable early lead over Zach Audet in the 25-lap Outlaw Mini feature. Audet reeled him in, taking over the top spot on lap 8. Kyle Willette was all over Jason Kimball in the closing laps of the feature. Willette remained persistent, taking over the spot with 8 laps to go. Zach Audet maintained his advantage, taking home his third win of the season in the division. Kyle Willette and Jason Kimball rounded out the top 3.
The night concluded with a 25-lap feature from the Strictly Streets. Jeremy Glazier took off early, pulling away from the competition. Scott Wiggin took a spin on lap 19, resulting in a late-race caution. Glazier maintained his advantage on the restart, but trouble was brewing behind the leaders once again. Chaos erupted in turn 1 with 3 laps to go, resulting in a pile-up that collected numerous heavy hitters. Glazier maintained steadfast on the restart, picking up the victory. Shawn Emery and Dan McKeage, Jr. followed, rounding out the podium.
Saturday night was full of exciting racing action, but there is still more fun to come! Group 1 divisions return on Saturday, July 29th for a night full of celebration for both the track’s birthday and the newly inducted Wiscasset Speedway Hall of Fame class. The night will also conclude with celebratory fireworks, of course! Grandstands open at 4:00 pm and 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
– Strictly Street top 3, from left: Shawn Emery, Jeremy Glazier, and Dan McKeage, Jr.
– Outlaw Mini top 3, from left: Kyle Willette, Jason Kimball, and Zach Audet
– Late Model top 3, from left: Jon Emerson, Will Collins (+ sons Landyn/Larson), and Tiger Colby
– Action shot: Brad Babb races alongside last year’s Bentley Warren Classic winner and fellow Windham native, Bobby Timmons.
– Brad Babb celebrates his 350 SMAC Tour win.
– Modified top 3, from left: Ryan Ripley, Adam Chadbourne, and Nick Reno