Big Payday for Late Models Brings Big Names to Seekonk
Friendly Foes DeGasparre and Rose among Favorites
Seekonk, Mass. (October 17, 2019): While the ‘big’ event on Saturday, October 26 at Seekonk Speedway is the Haunted Hundred for the Tri-Track Open Modified Series (TTOMS), the big payday for the 50-lap Late Model main event will also draw big names. One of the highest paying Late Model purses of the season will see local favorites from Seekonk’s own Late Model division contend with invaders from throughout the northeast.
Two notables that will vie for the lucrative victory are Gerry DeGasparre, Jr. of Pawtucket, RI, and Charlie Rose, Jr., of Tiverton, RI. Ryan Lineham of Hope Valley, RI, the 2017 Late Model Triple Crown Champion, Paul Newcomb of Plymouth, MA, Jason Larivee, Jr., of West Greenwich, RI, Ryan Kuhn of E. Bridgewater, MA, Tyler Tomassi of West Greenwich, RI, Derek Gluchacki of N. Dartmouth, MA, Alan King, and Russell Lambert are also among the early entries for the Late Model 50 as part of the TTOMS ‘Haunted’ event.
“This is huge for the Late Model division,” said DeGasparre. “We have never run for that kind of money before.”
The Late Model rules for the event will be the same as those in effect for Seekonk’s own prestigious D. Anthony Venditti Fall Classic and can be found on the track’s website seekonkspeedway.com. All ACT legal Late Models are all welcome.
Online registration is available by visiting http://tritrackmods.com/registration/
Veteran drivers DeGasparre and Rose have been close friends for over 20 years; each having grown up at Seekonk Speedway. And, while DeGasparre remained at Seekonk to amass history-making statistics in the Late Model division, Rose traveled to Star Speedway in Epping, NH, for much of his career; winning races and securing championships.
They call him the mayor. Whether it’s his outgoing personality or his driving resume, DeGasparre has earned the reputation. The seven-time Late Model Champion has amassed over 50 wins at Seekonk Speedway. In contrast, Rose is reserved but equally as passionate about racing. He is a three-time Pro Stock champion at Star. At Seekonk, Rose has over 20 feature victories; scoring wins in the Pro Stock, Late Model and Sport Truck divisions.
Each would like to cap off the 2019 season with a win in the lucrative Halloween happening.
“We had an awesome season,” said DeGasparre. “This was the first year with a new Distance car and the results were immediate and consistent. We ended the regular season with a bunch of runner-up finishes and we were only getting stronger.”
If that trend continues, DeGasparre could be tough to beat on Saturday, October 26.
“Winning this race would be among the highlights of my career,” added DeGasparre. “There’s prestige in winning an extra-distance race with big money on the line and it will undoubtedly be a packed house. And, I want to win for Wayne [Darling]. What he does for racing is just huge.”
Darling is the managing partner of the Tri-Track Open Modified Series. Once a car owner, Darling has been an ardent supporter of short track racing and it’s racers for decades.
Rose, who is still hungry following the 2019 season, could be his strongest competition. Splitting his time between his two home tracks of Seekonk and Star during 2019, securing multiple wins along the way, Rose took a few weeks off late in the season. He hopes to cap off the season with a victory in the Haunted 50.
“I haven’t raced enough in 2019,” said Rose. “I just want to race and to win. It’s all about winning. That’s why we do this.”
Both believe that they have as good a shot as anyone to win this race.
“You can’t take anything for granted in this sport,” added Rose. “Every race is special. Every win is special. You just never know when you are going to win again.”
DeGasparre competes with the help of Douglas NAPA-Buzzard’s Bay, Triple G Scaffolding, Achin’s Garage, Simple Signs and his own Gerry’s General Maintenance. Rose’s efforts are supported by several local businesses including South Coast Power Equipment, Simpson’s Auto Care, Woody’s Carpentry, B&M Maintenance, and Simple Signs.
Veterans of the sport, both have crew members that are hardworking, dedicated and loyal. Each has team members that have been with them for 20 plus years. Both drivers credit much of their success to the love and support of their families. Should they win, they will do so in front of not only ardent fans but also their families.
Never bet against two racers who have as much success or passion for the sport as DeGasparre and Rose.
Grandstands open at 11am on Saturday, October 26 with racing starting at 1pm. General admission is $30. Children under 12 are admitted free. Pit admission is $40 with gates opening at 8am for morning practice. A rain date has been set for Sunday, October 27.
The full racing card will include the Haunted Hundred for the Tri-Track Open Modified Series, the Pro-All-Star Series (PASS) for a 150-lap Super Late Model feature event and 50-laps for the Late Models.
There will be an open practice on Friday, October 25 from 1pm to 5pm. For more information contact Seekonk Speedway at 508.336.9959.
To learn more about the Tri-Track Open Modified Series, visit TriTrackMods.com or find the series on Facebook and Twitter.
Sources: Dale Wolbrink/TTOMS PR