Friday Night Recap August 16, 2019
Josh Parsons is making a habit of visiting Victory Lane in the Nick’s Pit Stop Legends Cars division this year. Since he’s partnered with Nick Lascuola Racing, he’s been one of the fastest cars on the track each week. Last Friday, he moved to the front of the field early, and wasn’t going to be denied. Parsons was able to hold off many challengers in the final laps, including points leader Peter Bennett, who finished third. Heading for the final few races, Bennett leads over Parsons in this division.
In the Seekonk Grand Prix Bandolero Bandit feature, the dominating season for ’Smilin’ Reese Bogue continued in style. Bogue was riding second over the final laps, looking to pounce on the race leader. When the field hit the final lap, Bogue started to make his move. He looked under PJ Evans off turn two, just barely fit the nose of his car in between Evans and the grass, and slid by entering turn three. Bogue opened up his points advantage even more with just a few weeks remaining — and he should have no sweat rolling to the title if his speed continues.
Isaiah Newcomb had plenty of speed in the Seekonk Grand Prix Bandolero Outlaw division. He took the top spot right at the start, and showed he was going to be the one beat. It was the second victory in the last three races for him, and it put a bit of a bad luck streak in his rear-view mirror for now. In the championship battle, Giovanni Ruggerio leads by eight points over Samantha Dell. Both drivers have multiple checkered flags to their credit, and it looks like one of them will be in title form.
With a car count overcapacity, the Sport 4 division put on one of the best shows of the night in their 20 lap feature. Crystal Murray looked to be in prime form to earn her first division win of the season, but a late restart halted her chances when Jordan Lopes worked the outside and was able to slide down in front of her. It was the third victory of the season for Lopes, while Murray had to settle for second. With a few weeks left, the title fight is close at the top — with Mikey Lefort 10 points ahead of lopes, and 14 ahead of defending champion AJ Manuel.
The Pure Stocks rolled to the track with Scott Cestodio looking for his third straight checkered flag — but in the end — he was denied of that opportunity. Defending champion Doug Benoit rolled through the field and had the dominant car, picking up another victory on his quest to return to championship form. Greg Perry finished second, and the most consistent driver in the division has earned the right to head to the final four weeks with the points lead by 18 over Danny Massa and 22 over Benoit.
Next Friday, we roll with the finale races in the Phil’s Propane Triple Crown Series for all five divisions. This will be a night filled with extra distance races and a championship within a championship! Don’t miss it.
Sources: Kyle Souza/SeekonkSpeedway.com