Coates Wins NETS Blastoff Weekend Race
Lowell MA — Corey Coates # 75 from Ledyard CT, dominated the 25-lap main event as part of the Waterford Speedbowl’s season-opening Budweiser Blastoff event. The win was the rookie driver’s first in the New England Truck Series.
Keith Chapman #22 from Mystic CT and Derek Chriss #12 from Averill NY, led the ten truck field to post. Chriss got the advantage on the start, pacing the field for the first six circuits. Bert Ouellette #15 truck from Dayville CT, retired from the race on lap four with a blown rear end. On the seventh-go-around, Coates was able to motor his way around Chriss, having advanced from his fifth starting position. As Coates became the new race leader, Jason Lafayette #21X from Somers CT, went pit side with a engine problem.
Howard Payne #0 truck from Shelton, CT and Ronnie Oldham #38 from Westbrook, CT continued their charge to the front.
At the halfway marker, they had secured the second and third positions respectively. Meanwhile, Coates continued to show the way, extending his lead to a half-straightaway. Oldham’s day would not end well, however, as he retired from the race with just four laps remaining. He was joined by the #17 Chevy truck of Jonathan Avery from Quakerhill CT, who suffered terminal mechanical issues.
Coates was able to hold on for the win. Joining him on the podium were Payne and Dwayne Noll #2 from Monroe, CT.
Chriss and four-time NETS champion, #3 Andy Lindeman of Poestenkill NY, rounded out the top five. Pole sitter Keith Chapman brought his #22 machine home in the sixth position. The next race is back at the Waterford Speedbowl April 30. For more new England style truck racing news, go to www.newenglandtruckseries.com.
Sources: Lorraine Pard/NETS PR