Star Speedway 5/18/19 Race Report
Epping, NH – The 350 Supermodifieds contested the Compact Equipment Services-sponsored Marco Turcotte Memorial 40-lapper at Star Speedway Saturday night, with Seabrook’s Rich Eaton claiming his first career win in convincing fashion.
Eaton jumped out from the pole position to establish the early lead, with fourth starter James Witkum of Methuen, MA quickly up to challenge. The race ran at a furious pace for the first 18 laps, when caution flew for twin spins by Jeffrey Battle of Westford, MA and Mike Netishen of Auburn.
Eaton picked the lead back up when racing resumed, and he went to distance to collect that elusive first checkered flag. Witkum scored his career-best in the runner-up spot, with defending champ Dave Helliwell taking down third place honors.
Fourth went to third-generation racer Bobby Timmons of Windham, ME, followed by Ryan Gath of Chelmsford, MA, Battle, Netishen, Eddie Witkum, Jr. of Westford, MA, Nick Pappas of Derry, and 2018 Strictly Stock champ Bill Fiske of Chester.
The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Ken Izzett Construction Late Models put on an entertaining race, with multiple drivers involved in minor incidents that forced them to come from the back of the pack to contend in the late laps.
Josh Hedges stayed in front of all the trouble, and when the checkers waved, he also made his first trip to Star’s victory lane. Jeramee Lillie and Jay Sands rounded out the podium after separate early-race spins, with Mikey Toner, Jr. and Randy Cole closing out the top five.
It took three heat races and a consolation round to set the field for the Woody’s Auto Street Stock feature, with Kingston’s Jim Storace out to the early lead. Alby Ovitt made his way past before the ten lap mark, and it was all but over from there. Ovitt went on to post the win in the Renfrew Motorsports entry, followed by “Mad Max” Dolliver, Storace, Chris Curtis, and Jimmy Renfrew, Jr.
J.T. Cashman of Danvers, MA continued his perfect 2019 season with yet another win in the Maddy’s Car Wash Six Shooter main, with Joe Roberts, Jr., Scott Byron, Adam Knowles, Brandon Flanders, Josh Bilodeau, Carlyle Baker, Billy Eastman, Jeremy Decourcy, and Shawn Baker the rest of the top ten.
Duane Skofield outran a strong field of Ekeys4cars Northeast Classic Lites to collect the win in their first appearance of the year. Eric Skofield and Stew McCormick finished second and third.
Next up at Star on May 25 is Bob Webber, Sr. Memorial Night/Salute to Service, with all military with a valid ID admitted for $5.
Sources: Rich Hayes/Star Speedway PR