Seekonk Speedway completes their 2011 season by celebrating with their Champions
Seekonk, MA — On Saturday, January 14, several hundred friends and family members gathered at the Venus de Milo in Swansea, MA to witness the 2011 Champions crowned. Joining in at the head table were Pro Stock Champion Fred Astle Jr, who picked up his record 6th Pro Stock title, Gerry DeGasparre Jr, who joined the head table for the fifth time in his career as the Late Model Champion, Mike Cavallaro, a four time Sport Truck Champion, Ryan Lineham, who picked up his first career Street Stock title.
The Fast Friday champions also joined the head table, including two time Pure Stock Champion Bill Chouinard, Sport4 title holder Kyle Pacheco, and SYRA champions Branden Dion from the 750 class, and Curtis Rolando, who won the 600 class title.
Over 90 trophies were delivered to the top finishers in each division, the Rookie of the Year and the Most Improved Drivers. There were also the annual Anthony Francis Venditti Memorial awards, for a person who has shown dedication to the sport of auto racing. This years winner was 6 time Pro Stock Champion Fred Astle Jr.
The coveted D Anthony Venditti Memorial award was also handed out to an individual who has devoted his life to the sport of short track racing. The recipient was long time track photographer Johnny Mercury, who was joined by his wife Lydia on stage for the award. John had spent 33 years as the speedway photographer, capturing some of the most exciting drivers, officials and fans that have graced the 1/3 mile oval.
For the special awards handed out for the Rookie of the Year included Colby Fournier-Pro Stock, Dylan Estrella-Late Models, Greg Boone-Sport Truck, Scott Cestodio-Street Stocks, Jesse Melberg-Pure Stocks, Nick Lascoula-SYRA 750, and Taylor Bowser-SYRA 600.
The Most Improved drivers for the season were Scott Dion-Pro Stocks, Bobby Pelland III-Late Models, Dan Leach-Sport Trucks, Crystal Cestodio-Street Stocks, David Desrosiers-Pure Stocks, and Shelby Donovan-SYRA.
Part of the opening ceremonies included the introduction of Seekonk Speedway’s new mascot. An online contest was held to help name the mascot, and the clear winner was Sir Lap A Lot, which stood out above the hundreds of entries.
Plans are now underway for Seekonk’s 67th season, where the Hometown Heroes celebration will continue, where on several nights; there will be pre-determined towns and cities that will have free entry for their residences.
Keep up to date on the happenings by visiting seekonkspeedway.com or checking out our Facebook page.
Sources: Kevin Boucher/Seekonk Speedway PR