Seekonk Practice Cancelled
Seekonk Speedway’s Saturday practice session has been cancelled. An update for Sunday is forthcoming.
Attention: Seekonk Sport Truck Owners
With the change to Hoosier racing tires this spring, we have identified a problem that we would like to bring to the attention of our Sport Truck teams immediately. During practice, it was determined that GM chassis trucks are prone to have an issue with the right front tire rubbing the outer tie rod. At this time, it seems to have only affected the GM trucks. We have developed the following options to combat this issue. Unless other chassis are found to have a problem these options will be given to GM owners only.
1) Spindles: Some trucks have moved the steering arm on the spindle to give a clearance of no less than one-half (1/2″) an inch between the tie rod and tire. Please note that this modification should only be done by someone who specializes in this type of work.
Seekonk Speedway Hosts First Practice Session of 2008
Seekonk Speedway hosted its first practice session of the season. A host of race teams from the weekly Pro stock, Late Model, Sport Truck, Street Stock and Seekonk Youth Racing Association classes filled the pit area. Cars from the Pro 4 Modified and NEMA Midget tours were also in attendance.
[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto
Erica Santos Seeking Second NEMA Win
Erica Santos wants, make that needs, another victory. The sooner it comes the better it will be for Santos who made Northeastern Midget Association history last year when she won at Stafford Motor Speedway, the first female in the club’s history to do so.
NEMA’s busy ’08 campaign continues May 3-4, helping Seekonk Speedway open its season. You can bet on folks talking about Erica at Stafford.
Seekonk Speedway Reschedules Open Practice Time
Seekonk, MA — With rain falling on the first two Saturdays of the month, the 1/3-mile Seekonk Speedway oval will attempt to hold the first of three open practice sessions this Saturday, April 19. The Route 6 facility will be open for safety inspections and hot laps for the weekly Pro Stock, Late Model, Sport Truck, Street Stock divisions, the Fast Friday Series’ Pure Stocks and Seekonk Youth Racing Association classes, and competitors from various touring series’, clubs, and other tracks.
The speedway’s pit gates and pit ticket booths will open at 9 AM. A mandatory rookie meeting will begin at 11 AM, to be followed by practice time for all rookie competitors and each represented division. Safety inspections and tire sales will be ongoing throughout the day. Practice will run until approximately 5 PM, giving all drivers a significant amount of seat time. Meetings with Pro Stock and Late Model competitors will also take place to discuss the tire rule for 2008.
Pre-Season Activities Begin Saturday
Berkley, MA — The Mad Dog Motorsports (MDM) team is just one week away from embarking on their 2008 campaign. The Massachusetts-based team is just over a week away from beginning pre-season testing on Saturday, April 19, at Seekonk Speedway (MA).
The team will be starting their first season in Seekonk’s top-tier Pro Stock division. For the past three seasons, lead driver Jake Vanada, has been a top contender in the Allison Legacy North Race Series (ALNRS). Most recently, Jake is coming off of a season in which he finished second in the final point standings in 2007. During last year’s campaign, Jake won three races, finished in the top 5 12 times, and the top 10 13 times. Jake hopes to carry that momentum into the 2008 season as he competes for the Rookie of the Year title.
Seekonk Postpones Practice
Saturday’s practice session at the Seekonk Speedway has been postponed due to inclement weather. The new date for pre-season practice is Saturday, April 12.
Seekonk Speedway Updates for Opening Day; Yurko Joins As Videographer
TIRES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP at the speedway on Wednesday, April 2, between 4 and 7 PM. Tires must first be purchased at the speedway office. This can be done during normal business hours or on Wednesday before tire pickup. Call the office at (508)-336-9959 with any questions.
PRO STOCKS will again run TIME TRIALS on Opening Day 2008 to set their starting positions for qualifying races. Other divisions will start their heat races by drawing for position. As per previous years, cars drawing starting spots in the top five must have attained a minimum speed in practice sessions or will be relegated to the tail end of the field.
Seekonk Speedway Preps For First Open Practice of ‘08
Seekonk, MA — In preparation for its 63rd annual season, the 1/3-mile Seekonk Speedway oval will hold its first of three open practice sessions on Saturday, April 5. The Route 6 facility, the oldest family-owned and operated short track in the country, will be open for safety inspections and hot laps for the weekly Pro Stock, Late Model, Sport Truck, Street Stock divisions, the Fast Friday Series’ Pure Stocks and Seekonk Youth Racing Association classes, and competitors from various touring series’, clubs, and other tracks.
The speedway’s pit gates and pit ticket booths will open at 9 AM. A mandatory rookie meeting will begin at 11 AM, to be followed by practice time for all rookie competitors and each represented division. Safety inspections and tire sales will be ongoing throughout the day. “We would expect that each division could easily get in five or six rounds of practice throughout the day,” Race Director and Assistant Manager David Alburn explains. “Practice will run until approximately 5 PM, giving all drivers a generous amount of seat time. We will also be meeting with Pro Stock and Late Model competitors to discuss the tire rule for 2008.”
Seekonk Speedway Announces Additional 2008 Sponsorship Partners
Seekonk, MA — Seekonk Speedway is pleased to announce the addition of an additional half-dozen new and returning sponsorship partners at the Route 6 facility in 2008. “This is really an exciting time for us with so many new partners and returning friends coming on board in such a big way,” speedway Vice-President Francis Venditti relates. “The active participation of local, regional, and national firms is vital to the success of short track racing. It is truly gratifying to know that even in difficult economic times there are many thriving businesses that recognize local auto racing as a viable advertising avenue. I think we’re in for a great season.”
Cirelli Foods, Inc., headquartered in Middleboro, MA, the largest independent broadline foodservice distributor in New England and the official food purveyor at the 1/3-mile Bay State oval, will serve as title sponsor for the events on Saturday night, May 31. Reaching over 4,000 customers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Southern New Hampshire, Connecticut and Maine, Cirelli’s broad customer base includes independent restaurants, multi-chain units, schools, healthcare facilities, and other foodservice operations throughout Eastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and Rhode Island. The firm also operates Cirelli’s Warehouse Marketplace, a state-of-the-art retail entity offering a wide selection of name brand foods, paper goods and alcoholic beverages to both foodservice customers and the general public.
Seekonk Speedway Inks 2008 Sponsorship Partners
Seekonk, MA — Seekonk Speedway is pleased to announce the addition of several new partnerships and the continued support of several returning sponsors at the Route 6 facility in 2008. “Sponsorship always has, and always will, play a vital role in sustaining short track auto racing,” speedway Vice-President Francis Venditti explains. “We are thrilled to welcome so many new and returning partners to our family in 2008.”
Aubuchon Hardware, family owned and operated since 1908, operates HardwareStore.com in conjunction with over 130 retail locations throughout Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut and Upstate New York. As part of their Centennial Celebration, Aubuchon’s season-long partnership with the Cement Palace will be highlighted by a special Aubuchon Hardware Night on Saturday, July 12. The Tiverton, RI-based Phil’s Propane Company, which services over 5,000 residential, commercial and industrial accounts covering all of Newport and Bristol Counties, providing bulk propane delivery, 24 hour emergency service and installation of space heating, water heating and other propane equipment, is a returning partner in 2008. The firm will sponsor an extra distance-extra cash-extra excitement Late Model event on Phil’s Propane Night, August 2.
Berkley Auto Racing Gives the Keys to Eric Beers
Northampton, PA — In 2008 two fixtures on the Northeast and New England racing scene will join together and tackle one of, if not the most competitive series in the United States. Eric Beers of Northampton, Penn., will pilot the familiar yellow 46 J & R Precast Troyer Chevrolets fielded by Berkley Auto Racing and car owner Bobby Katon. Beers, who has competed on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour for the past six seasons, is looking forward to the opportunity.
“As always it will be a busy season, but I can’t wait to get going,” offered Beers, who will also pilot his own machine in selected events throughout the Northeast. “Bobby (Katon) is just a tremendous individual and I’m really looking forward to working with him and all of his guys. In addition his crew members, we’ve had the opportunity to bring over some of our crew members, Kevin Crowley will be joining Dave Phillips working as co-crew chiefs, so I think all of the pieces are in place to have success right off the bat at Thompson.”
Seekonk Registrations Begin Friday
Seekonk Speedway will begin accepting registrations for all divisions for the 2008 racing season on Friday, February 1, at 9 AM. All car and truck numbers used in competition during the 2007 season are available for renewal from February 1-29. All unclaimed numbers will be made available on a first come-first served basis on Monday, March 3, 2008 at 9 AM. All previously unused numbers are available also on a first come-first served basis beginning this Friday.
Seekonk Speedway’s ’07 Stars Shine At Annual Awards Banquet
Pawtucket, RI’s Gerry DeGasparre, Jr., 38, was equally dominant in the Late Model division, posting a career high five wins and 15 top-fives in 18 starts en route to his second straight and third career title. The championship-winning Custom Auto Body-Spumoni’s Restaurant #71 team finished in the top 10 in all 18 races. Sport Truck ace Mike Cavallaro of Seekonk, MA claimed five checkered flags and finished in the top five in 18 of 19 races to successfully defend his ’06 title in the popular pickup class.
2008 Seekonk Speedway Information Updates
To Our Fans and Competitors-
The speedway continues to work on various aspects of the program that we hope will reflect positive change in 2008. Several new sponsorship partners have joined our team for the upcoming season, and we’re lookign forward to working with each of them and putting our best foot forward. Some of the changes that we’ve bene working on are identified in this week’s blog.
PIT CREW LICENSES FOR MINORS:
In response to requests from our competitors, we have re-evaluated the minimum age allowed to work on race cars in the pit area. We agree that many high school age (15-17) boys and girls would like to participate in our race teams and gain experience before turning 18. Therefore, the minimum age has been lowered to 15. However, all minors between the ages of 15 and 17 must hold a pit crew license. BOTH parents and or legal guardians MUST sign consent forms which will need to be notarized. A parent or legal guardian must also be present at the track with the minor at all times to be able to give consent for treatment in the case of a medical emergency. Fee to purchase and process a minor’s license is $25. For more information, please contact the track office directly.
FAST TRACK MEDICAL RESPONSE SYSTEMS
In 2008, Seekonk Speedway will implement the medical history bracelets for drivers, crew members, and track officials that are currently in use at various facilities including Thompson and Stafford. More information will be provided on this process at Saturday’s awards banquet
Dusty Young Passes
Mansfield, MA — Dusty Young, 73, of Mansfield died on Thursday January 10, 2008 at home surrounded by the care of his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Beverly A. (Richards) Young to whom he was wed to on October 11, 1959.
Born in Boston, MA on June 29, 1934 he was a son of the late Lyman D. and Gertrude L. (Brown) Young.
He grew up in Melrose and Boston and served in the United States Air Force. Mr. Young was a retired truck driver and had worked for Fibertec in West Bridgewater for over 20 years. Following retirement he had worked part time for Clair Acura in Walpole and at Carlier Auto Sales in North Attleboro.
An avid NASCAR fan, Dusty began his racing career at Norwood Arena and was the owner of the Team 99 Race Car at Seekonk Speedway. His family also shared his enthusiasm for auto racing. He also enjoyed his daily trips to Honey-Dew Donuts and to Tedeschi’s Market both in Mansfield.
Seekonk Speedway Releases 2008 Schedule
2008 Seekonk Speedway Rules Released
Seekonk Speedway’s 2008 Pro Stock Rules are now available online.
Late Model, Sport Truck, Street Stock, and Pure Stock rules are complete and will be posted online within the next 48 hours and will be available via the same link.
Update: 2008 Seekonk Rules Posted
Pro Stock
Late Model
Street Stock
Sport Truck
Pure Stock
Seekonk Speedway Preps For Annual Awards Banquet, 2008 Season
The stars of Seekonk Speedway’s 62nd season will be honored Saturday night, January 19, at the track’s annual awards banquet and dance at the Venus de Milo Restaurant, located on Route 6 in nearby Swansea. Close to 900 competitors, crew members, officials, fans, and their families are expected to attend the gala affair. Third generation racer David Darling of Rehoboth, MA will be honored for the second consecutive year as champion in the top tier Pro Stock division.
Joining Darling at the head table will be Pawtucket, RI’s Gerry DeGasparre, Jr., who earned his second consecutive and third career title in the Late Model division, Mike Cavallaro of Seekonk, who earned his second straight Sport Truck crown, and Robert “Sparky” Arsenault of Attleboro, MA, who claimed the Street Stock titl for the second time in his career. Swansea, MA’s Bill Chouinard will be honored as the Pure Stock champion. In the Seekonk Youth Racing Association Brian Mondeau, 15, of Bridgewater, MA and Tim Brown, also 15, of Norton, MA captured the respective 750 and 600-restrictor plate divisional championships.
Update on Norwood Arena Official Dusty Young
Former Norwood Arena track official Dusty Young is home after a scary stay in the hospital. He had fallen and hit his head at the doctor’s office and again at the hospital. Since he was sent home the day before Thanksgiving, he is doing much better. However, he is still battling cancer, according to his son Glen.
Area racing fans will remember that “Fireball” Glen Young is a veteran of racing at Seekonk Speedway. He started in the Street Stocks in 1991 and would advance through the ranks to compete in the Late Models and Pro Stocks as well.
All of us at YankeeRacer.com send our best wishes to Dusty Young and his family.
Glen Young can also send message to Dusty via his email address, Fireball_099@yahoo.com, if you prefer that route.
Use the following address to send cards:
Dusty Young
15 Park Street, Apt 111
Mansfield, MA 02048
Note to Seekonk Sport Truck Owners
The Seekonk Speedway has ordered Hoosier tires. Keep watching the Seekonk Speedway website for arrival notification.
Sources: Seekonk Speedway.
Speedway Rules Meetings Scheduled To Begin This Week
All meetings will take place at the American Legion Hall, located at
Tony Cortes Passes at 72
North Smithfield, RI — Antonio Cortes, 72, of Wareham, died Thurs., Nov. 8th, at the Woodland Convalescent Center in N. Smithfield, RI, after a period of failing health. He was…
Read moreSeekonk Speedway Rule Meetings Set
They will once again be held at the American Legion Hall in Seekonk, MA.
Pro Stocks – Weds – Nov14th @ 8:15pm
Late Models – Weds – Nov 14th @ 6:30pm
Trucks – Thurs – Nov 15th @ 6:30pm
Street Stocks – Thurs -Nov 15th @ 8:15pm
SYRA – Weds – Nov 28th @ 6:30pm
Pure Stocks – Weds – Nov 28th
Virginia Hudson Passes at 83
Mrs. Virginia Hudson, the mother of Seekonk Speedway Starter Rocky Hudson, passed away on Thursday, October 18, 2007 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Viewing will be held on Sunday Oct 21 from 4pm – 8pm at the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, located at 2435 Warwick Ave., Warwick RI.
Funeral services will be held on Monday Oct 22nd at 9am from the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home with funeral Mass following at 10am @ St. Kevins Church on Sandy Lane, Warwick. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
The Seekonk Speedway family sends its sincere condolences to Rocky and his family during this difficult time.
Dick Houlihan to make final career start at Xtra/Mart World Series
Berkley, MA – When the checkered flag falls on the 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season at Thompson this Sunday it will mark the end of an era in New England auto racing. Dick Houlihan, who began his racing career in 1972 at the now closed Lakeville Speedway (MA), will climb from his racecar for the final time.
Since that first start “Houly” has raced at tracks all around New England, the east coast, as far west as Indiana and even in Canada. Throughout his career he has driven for many car owners including Danny Fournier, Jim McCloud, Sam Medeiros, Frank Procopio, Bill Ambrosio, Dan Andruck, John McKenna, Lenny Ellis, Greg Paquin and Wayne Darling. Along the way Dick won over 150 Features and 9 championships including 3 NASCAR Weekly Series titles, one at Thompson in 1996 and back to back titles at Seekonk in 2002 and 2003. He was also voted the Most Popular Driver at Seekonk in 2001 and 2002.
Hudon, Casper, Annarummo Share Spotlight In Seekonk DAV Events
Seekonk, MA — A record 232 race cars and trucks converged upon the 1/3-mile Seekonk Speedway for the Bay State facility’s season-ending D. Anthony Venditti Memorial Festival of Racing, an…
Read moreAnnarummo Takes Seekonk, Alexander Clinches Championship
Seekonk, MA — Vinnie Annarummo of Swansea, Mass. passed Kirk Alexander of of Swanzey, N.H with just three laps remaining to win the D. Anthony Venditti Memorial Festival of Racing True Value Modified Series 100 lap event at Seekonk Speedway. Alexander’s second place finish clinched the 2007 series point championship.
It was the third win at Seekonk this season for Annarummo and a hard fought victory. After starting the event in third he was placed to the rear of the field following a lap 2 accident with Andy Seuss. Annarummo methodically worked his way back to the front to take the lead on lap 81. Alexander then retook the lead on lap 86 and held off the challenges of Annarummo for the next 11 laps before the final pass for the win.
Seuss, Abele & Annarummo Heat Winners at Seekonk
Seekonk, MA — Andy Seuss of Hempstead, N.H., Tom Abele, Jr. of Norwich, Conn. and Vinnie Annarummo of Swansea, Mass were the winners of the True Value Modified Racing Series qualifying races at Seekonk Speedway on Saturday. Those drivers will make up the first three starting positions in Sunday’s 100 lap D. Anthony Venditti Memorial Festival of Racing event.
Dale Evonsion, Jimmy Dolan and current point leader Kirk Alexander will start in positions 4-6. Les Hinckley, currently only 14 points behind Alexander, will start 14th. Dave Berghman the defending champion of this event will start 10th.
127 Cars Practice in Preparation for Seekonk’s DAV Finale
Seekonk Speedway 62nd annual season comes to a spectacular conclusion the weekend of October 6-7, with over 650 laps of green flag racing, 10 different divisions, and in excess of…
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