Jeff Baral Closing in on SK Modified® Feature Win After a 5 Year Absence from Full-Time Competition

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

For Stafford SK Modified® driver Jeff Baral, the 2016 season marks his first full-time season in the division since 2010.  Despite only running a handful of races between the 2011 and 2015 seasons, Baral and the #18 National Sign Corporation crew have racked up 4 top-10 finishes through the first 7 races of the 2016.  This impressive start has Baral and crew feeling like there is more to come.

“It took us a few weeks to get reacquainted with things,” said Baral.  “Half of the field now is new to me, and things have changed with how you set the car up and how we approach the races with the tire rule.  Before we could just buy tires and now we have to manage tires.  We also didn’t have the spec engine package so we went out and looked for the best people we could find to help us out.  We have Mike Pettit helping us with the engine and Jimmy Fuller has been helping us out with the chassis.  At the open practice before the Sizzler, we were one of the fastest cars on last year’s tires and then we put this year’s tires on and lost some speed.  We’ve had to match the chassis to the new tires to make it all work.”

Baral’s best finish of the 2016 season has been a pair of 6^th place finishes, which have come in the last 3 SK Modified® events.  With a newly freshened engine, Baral feels like his first win of the season is just around the corner.

“I feel like we’re pretty close, we just got the motor refreshed from Mike Pettit,” explained Baral.  “Between this season and the races we ran last year, we had about 14 or 15 races on the motor so it’s all ready to go now for the rest of the season.  Jimmy Fuller has given us a new chassis package to work with and we’re taking small steps to get to the front.” 

Just like the Baral’s prior seasons at Stafford in the SK Modified® division his team is the definition of a family operation.  Baral is appreciative of all his support and is enjoying his time at the track thus far in 2016.

“It’s basically me, my brother, and my nephew who are paying for everything and working on the car, and we couldn’t do any of this without the crew members we have helping us out.  Our lap times and results in the heats and features have been showing that we’re making progress and I have to thank everyone involved with the team for helping make that happen.  We keep the car at Glenn Johnson’s shop so we couldn’t do any of this without his help and Robbie from The Wheel Shop has been helping us out with tires along with Mike Pettit and Jimmy Fuller’s help.”

The upcoming NAPA SK 5k at Stafford would not only be a momentum boost but it would be a big financial boost for the #18 team with a good finish.

“If we were able to win that race, it would be the biggest win of my career,” said Baral.  “I think I have 7 or 8 feature wins at Stafford but a win in that race would definitely be the biggest and it would be a big help financially to us to finish out the season.  Races like this are why we have guys like Jimmy Fuller helping us out with the chassis and Mike Pettit helping with the motor.  There’s definitely room for some improvement and you have to be A+ to be able to keep up with and beat guys like Teddy [Christopher], Rowan [Pennink], and Keith [Rocco].  I think we have everything in place that we need to win some races.  If you want competition and you want to race against the best, you race at Stafford.  If you can win there you’ve definitely accomplished something.”

Tickets for the July 8th NAPA SK 5K are available online at www.staffordspeedway.com or by calling the speedway office at 860-684-2783.  Discount tickets are available at participating NAPA Auto Parts Stores.  Tickets purchased through NAPA Auto Parts also include a barbeque dinner and a NAPA goodie bag.  Tickets are priced at $27.50 for adult general admission tickets, $5.00 for kids ages 6-14, and kids 5 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.  Reserved seating will be priced at $30.00 for all ages.  All ticket prices include 10% CT Admission Tax.  Stafford Speedway offers free parking with free overnight parking for self-contained RV’s available.  Fans can log onto www.staffordspeedway.com to cast their vote for the NAPA SK 5K Gambler's Challenge presented by Dunleavey Truck and Trailer Repair as well as lap count and invert.

For more information on the July 8th NAPA SK 5K, or to order tickets, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at 860-684-2783 or visit us on the web at www.staffordspeedway.com

Only Racing Card in New England, Come on Down !

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Come down and meet the host of the Race Chatter today at Seekonk Speedway, in the pits, in the stands, in Victory Lane !  When I grow up I want to be a NEMA Midget Driver !

Monadnock Speedway Results June 25, 2016

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Sportsman Modified Winner Nathan Johnson (Courtesy of New England Graphix)

Johnson Score Sportsman Modified Win

Winchester, NH: It was a great night of racing for Monadnock Speedway this past Saturday night. The night started with an on track party where fans were able to get down on the track to meet and greet their favorite drivers. Drivers gave out candy and swag to the fans. The Vintage Outlaws made an appearance along with a full night of regular divisions.

The Young Guns started their 15 lap feature with Devin Guy on the pole and Jaret Curtis on the outside. In two short laps Chase Curtis moved his way into second and on the tail of Guy. By lap 6 Chase Curtis took over the lead from Guy. Caution came out for a solo spin by Chloe Wright on turn 2. The restart gave Jaret Curtis the opportunity to work on taking over second. With Chase Curtis and Guy in the front right up to lap 15, Jaret Curtis would pull out all he had to take over second on the last turn to the checkered. The top five finishers of the night were Chase Curtis, Jaret Curtis, Devin Guy, Mariah Stebbins and Chloe Wright.

The Lightning Stocks went 20 laps caution free in their feature. Eric Silvernale lead the pack with Kris Kristolaitis taking the outside. On the green Kristolaitis took over the lead. By lap 3 Pat Houle had moved himself into third and one more lap put him in second right behind Kristolaitis. Lap 7 Houle took over the lead with Kristolaitis and Silvernale right behind him. Lap 12 Kristolaitis went to the pits leaving third open for Justin Littlewood to make his move to the front. By lap 18 Littlewood picked up second. The white flag flew and Dan Starkweather made a quick move to take over third from Silvernale. Houle goes into victory lane with his fifth win in 2016. The top five finishers were Pat Houle, Justin Littlewood, Dan Starkweather, Eric Silvernale and Kris Kristolaitis.

The Mini Stocks 25 lap feature started with Alexander Pearl on the pole and Eric Pomasko on the outside. The points leader, Solomon Brow, wasted no time in moving up to second and by lap 4 he took the lead from Pearl. The first caution on lap 17 was for Cole Littlewood and Alexander Pearl. On the restart Brow and Matt Kimball led the field. With one more lap in the books Pomasko would bring out caution 2. Brow took the checkered for the second time this year. The top five finishers were Solomon Brow, Matt Kimball, Nick Anderson, Kevin McKnight and Cole Littlewood.

The Thunder Stocks feature started with Craig Chaffee on the pole and Michelle Leh on the outside. On lap 1 an axle broke on Paul Smith’s car causing him to get into Leh, she had nowhere to go but into the front wall. The red lights immediately came out. Both cars were done competing for the night. On the restart Chaffee and Scott Vien would lead the field. James Nowakowski quickly moved into second and Joe Zellman moved right in behind him. By lap 8 Nowakowski moved into the lead putting Chaffee in the second position. The top five finishers were James Nowakowski, Craig Chaffee, Richard Vincent, Dan Comeau and Joe Zellman.

The Super Stocks 20 laps began with Nancy Muni and Tyler Lescord in the front row. At the green Muni pulled out into the front and Tyler Leary took over third. On lap 5 Lescord took over the lead and Leary moved right in behind him for second. Caution came out for Mike Heffernan and Muni. Allen Griffin got turned around from fluid on the track, but got back into the pack. Heffernan’s car suffered too much damage to continue the feature. On the restart Lescord and Chris Curtis led the field to the green flag. Caution came out for Griffin on lap 5. Another restart on lap 5 Curtis pulled into the lead. Over the next few laps Leary and Lescord went back and forth between second and third positions. Leary ultimately kept that second position, but Lescord made him work for it. The last 15 laps Curtis, Leary, Lescord and Stange kept a strong presence at the front. Cole Littlewood, running his second feature of the night, picked up the fifth position early on, but lost it to Joel Monahan on the last lap. The top five finishers were Chris Curtis, Tyler Leary, Tyler Lescord, Dennis Stange and Joel Monahan.

The roar of the Sportsman Modifieds would complete the night with a 30 lap event. Ben Byrne on the pole and Jason Barden on the outside. On the go Byrne pulled ahead of Barden. Ralph Flannery took a trip through the infield and right back out without causing a caution. The first caution came out on lap 8 for Brian Robie, Mike Willis and Keith Carzello. On the restart Kim Rivet moved up to fourth and Trevor Bleau right behind her. Bleau made the move into fourth. Nathan Johnson took over the lead on lap 15. Rivet fell out of the top five, by lap 21 she was right back in the mix. With a tight front pack nearing two laps to go Russ Hersey ran into trouble and brought out caution two. A single file restart on lap 27 left Nathan Johnson, Ben Byrne, Trevor Bleau, Bill Kimball and Kim Rivet as the top five finishers for the night.

This Saturday, Monadnock Speedway will host the traditional Firecracker 100 featuring the Valenti Modified Racing Series plus Sportsman Modifieds, Super Stocks, Mini Stocks, Lightning Stocks, Thunder Stocks and Young Guns.  Following the racing action, the speedway will conclude the event with a fireworks display by Atlas Pyrotechnics.  Race time is 6 pm. For more information log onto the speedway’s website at www.monadnockspeedway.com.

Young Guns: Chase Curtis, Jaret Curtis, Devin Guy, Mariah Stebbins, Chloe Wright, Kevin Pittsinger

Lightning Stocks: Pat Houle, Justin Littlewood, Dan Starkweather, Eric Silvernale, Kris Kristolaitis, Tim Paquette

Mini Stocks: Solomon Brow, Matt Kimball, Nick Anderson, Kevin McKnight, Cole Littlewood, Alex Pearl, Eric Pomasko, Mike McGoldrick Jr, Ethan Marsh

Thunder Stocks: James Nowakowski, Craig Chaffee, Richard Vincent, Dan Comeau, Joe Zellman, Jason Kozacka, Bruce Clark, Scott Vien, Michelle Leh, Paul Smith

Super Stocks: Chris Curtis, Tyler Leary, Tyler Lescord, Dennis Stange, Joel Monahan, John Lavoie, Cole Littlewood, Robert Hagar, Nancy Muni, Allen Griffin, Scott Beck Sr, Mike Heffernan

Sportsman Modifieds: Nathan Johnson, Ben Byrne, Trevor Bleau, Bill Kimball, Kim Rivet, Geoff Rollins, Dennis Charette, Keith Carzello, Cameron Sontag, Jason Barden, Brian Robie, Eric Leclair, Ralph Flannery, Mike Chamberlain, Dylan Campbell, Russ Hersey, Mike Willis

Dowling Tries On Valenti Modifing Racing Series For Size

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

   Another young driver has thrown his hat into the Valenti Modified
Racing Series ring. Seventeen year old Chase Dowling made a visit to
the Seekonk Speedway on Sat. 6/4 for the MRS 100.
  The Roxbury,CT, 2015 Sunoco rookie of the year on the Whelen
modified tour has wanted to try an MRS event and when car owner Bob
Katon offered Dowling the opportunity, Chase thought it was a great
idea.
  "I didn't sit in this car until this morning to adjust the belts,
and after we arrived we had to make a couple of modifications to the
car to pass the MRS inspection".

    Dowling amassed 23 wins in the World Karting Assoc. between
2007-2009 taking down 4 national championships along the way before
moving into the SK lites where he earned 7 wins in 2013 claiming
rookie of the year and adding one more victory in 2014.

  Dowling added " It's not only the first time in this car, its also
the first time at this track. We only had  one practice round then the
heat race. It's a good learning experience because we'll be here later
with the Whelen tour."

   In his rookie year (2015) with the Whelen tour Dowling ran 15 times
with an impressive 1 top 5 and 8 top 10 finishes ranking him 9th in
the final standings. In 2016 in 4 starts he had 1 top 10.

  "Racing is racing and the more seat time the better. The MRS is a
real good series with lots of good drivers and its good competition. I
would like to run more MRS races, I like the  travel and of course the
more races the better for me, It's up to Bob but I'm all for it."

   Starting 14th Dowling battled the MRS regulars eventually moving
into the top 5 at the halfway mark and eventually finishing 6th. It
was an outstanding run.

  "I started 14th and I tried to save tires and get the feel for the
car, I tried different lines managing my equipment and I gave as much
feedback to my crew for what we needed. I learned  a lot tonight and
had fun, I think the guys had fun too."

Source: Interview by Jim Snape
Photos by Simply the Best, Crystal Snape

Tony Stewart Wins at Sonoma Road Course !

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Tony Stewart wins at Sonoma: #14-Tony Stewart won the Toyota / Save Mart 350 Sprint Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway for his 1st win of the season, 3rd win at Sonoma, 8th road course win and 49th career win.
#11-Hamlin took the lead on the final lap, went wide on the last turn, Stewart passed the #11 beat and banged with Hamlin who tagged the wall with Stewart racing to the win.
#11-Hamlin finished 2nd followed by #22-Logano, #19-Edwards (pole winner), #78-Truex Jr., #4-Harvick, #18-Busch, #31-Newman, #5-Kahne and #41-Busch.

There were 12 lead changes among 8 drivers and 4 cautions for 10 yellow flag laps.
Driving the No. 14 Code 3 Associates/ Mobil 1 Chevrolet SS for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), Stewart took the lead with 22 laps to go and sparred with Denny Hamlin on the last lap to score his 49th career Sprint Cup Series win, his third at Sonoma and his first since winning at Dover (Del.) International Speedway on June 2, 2013. This was also Stewart’s eighth Sprint Cup win on a road course, as he has five victories at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.

“All of these wins are meaningful – it doesn’t matter where you get them,” said Stewart, now a three-time winner at Sonoma (2001, 2005 and 2016). “We ran close to those guys up front all day. It’s pretty ironic that the last win we got was in a Code 3 Associates car, and I’m proud to do it again. I’m really proud for all of our sponsors – Mobil 1, Bass Pro Shops and everybody.

“I’m excited for Mike (Bugarewicz, crew chief) to get his first win and proud that I could get him a win before the end of the year,” Stewart added. “I’m excited for this team. My guys have been through this whole disastrous roller coaster the last three or four years and never backed down. They’ve never quit on me. There have been days I quit on myself, and they are the guys that send you text messages and call you when you get home like, ‘Hey, this isn’t over.’ I’m proud for them, and it meant more for me to get it for them than for myself.”

Stewart missed the first eight races of the season after injuring his back in a Jan. 31 all-terrain vehicle accident, but NASCAR granted him a medical waiver that made Stewart eligible for the 2016 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. To compete for the series championship, Stewart had to win at least one race and secure a position within the top-30 of the championship standings by the 26th race of the season Sept. 10 at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway. With the victory at Sonoma, Stewart checks one box on his way toward eligibility and seems likely to satisfy the other requirement, as he is only nine points behind 30th-place Brian Scott.

Stewart was fast throughout the race weekend, posting top-10 lap times in both practices Friday, then qualifying 10th on Saturday. It marked his third consecutive top-10 qualifying effort.

Once the green flag waved, Stewart wasted no time in showing his road-racing skills as he drove from 10th to seventh in the opening laps and executed a daring three-wide pass in the turn 11 hairpin.

Stewart held his ground through the first round of pit stops, but he restarted 15th after the lap-38 caution that saw him pit while others stayed on the track or had quicker pit stops.“We are tight on the right-handers and loose on the left-handers,” Stewart told the crew, who made adjustments to correct the issues during the pit stop.

The No. 14 struggled in race traffic on the restart, and Stewart was only able to make it to 14th by the time he pitted again on lap 70 of the 110-lap race. With 40 laps remaining, the crew told Stewart to “go get them for now” but warned that if the race went caution-free, they might need Stewart to save fuel.

Stewart couldn’t gain much ground, so the team pitted once more with 25 to go. Although he dropped to 32nd, the team gambled that a caution in the final laps would enable Stewart to take advantage of track position and fresher tires. As it turns out, that’s just what happened one lap later when NASCAR threw the yellow for a spring rubber in turn seven.

The caution brought most of the field to pit lane on lap 88, allowing Stewart to move to fourth. As the laps wound down the tension increased for drivers that wrestled their 3,300-pound cars on the 11-turn track in 90-degree temperatures, resting only during three brief cautions in the first 100 laps.

“I can’t ask for any better position that what I am in,” Stewart said before restarting the race in the lead with 20 laps remaining. “I’m going to take what I can get out of this.”

During the final laps, Stewart put on a display of what has made him a power on the NASCAR road courses, holding off hard charges by both Martin Truex Jr. and Hamlin, trading the lead with the latter just once before coming to the checkered flag.

“This place has meant a lot to me,” said Stewart, who has openly acknowledged Sonoma as his favorite track. “If I don’t win another one, it’s cool to win the last one here. If it doesn’t happen again, it’s cool. I’ll be all right if this is the last place I win one. I’m going for more – just for the record. I’m not saying I’m laying down. I’m just saying if that’s the only one I get this year, then I’ll be content. I think you’ve known me long enough, you guys know that I don’t lay down for anything. All you’ve got to do is just give me that little bit of hope, and I’ll run with it.”

Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 4 Mobil 1 Chevrolet SS for SHR, finished sixth. It was his 13th top-10 this season and his seventh top-10 in 16 career Sprint Cup starts at Sonoma.

Kurt Busch, driver of the No. 41 Monster Energy/Haas Automation Chevrolet SS for SHR, finished 10th. It was Busch’s 14th top-10 this season and his eighth top-10 in 16 career Sprint Cup starts at Sonoma.

Danica Patrick, driver of the No. 10 Nature’s Bakery Chevrolet SS for SHR, finished 19th.

Hamlin finished .625 of a second behind Stewart in the runner-up spot, while Joey Logano, Carl Edwards and Truex rounded out the top-five. Harvick, Kyle Busch, Ryan Newman, Kasey Kahne and Kurt Busch comprised the remainder of the top-10.

There were four caution periods for 10 laps, with three drivers failing to finish the 110-lap race.

With round 16 of 36 complete, Harvick leads SHR and the series in the championship standings. He is first with 562 points, 35 ahead of teammate Busch. This marks the fifth straight week SHR drivers have been 1-2 in the championship standings.Patrick is 24th with 288 points, 89 ahead of 31st-place Regan Smith. Like Stewart, if Patrick can win a race and finish among the top-30 in points following the 26th race of the season, she will earn a Chase berth. Harvick earned a Chase spot via his win March 13 at Phoenix International Raceway, and Busch secured his position via his win June 6 at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway.

 

The next event on the Sprint Cup schedule is the Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola on Saturday,

Road Course Wins: All-Time(3 or more wins)
Driver, Wins
Jeff Gordon, 9
Tony Stewart, 8* (with Sonoma win)
Rusty Wallace, 6
Bobby Allison, 6
Richard Petty, 6
Ricky Rudd, 6
Darrell Waltrip, 5
Tim Richmond, 5
Dan Gurney, 5
David Pearson, 4
Mark Martin, 4
Kyle Busch, 4*
Ernie Irvan, 3
Geoff Bodine, 3
Tim Flock, 3
Cale Yarborough, 3
* active

Ted Christopher Back in Victory Lane

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

In the special 44-lap SK Modified® feature event in honor of Mario Fiore, Matt Galko took the early race lead with Cam McDermott and Jeff Baral lined up behind him.  The caution came out with 2 laps complete for Nick Salva, who spun in the middle of turns 3+4.  Salva was able to rejoin the field at the rear for the restart.

Galko took the lead back under green with McDermott and Baral side by side for second.  Baral took the spot on lap-4 and now Todd Owen was alongside McDermott for third.  Owen took that position with Tom Bolles behind McDermott in fifth place.  Baral was applying heavy pressure to Galko’s bumper but Galko was able to stay out front.

Baral was finally able to get alongside Galko on lap-9 and he got clear to the lead on lap-10.  Owen followed him by Galko to drop Galko back to a side by side battle with McDermott for third with Mike Christopher, Jr. in fifth.  Ronnie Williams spun in turn 2 to bring the caution out with 11 laps complete.

The field completed one lap before a multi-car incident in turn 2 brought the yellow back out.  McDermott had heavy damage to his car while several others came to pit road.

Baral and Owen spent a lap side by side for the lead before Baral got clear.  Another multi-car incident in turn 2 involving Dan Avery, Danny Cates, Eric Berndt, Salva, and Tommy Membrino, Jr. brought the caution back out with 14 laps complete.

Galko took the lead from Baral back under green with Baral locked in a side by side duel with Ted Christopher for second.  Owen and Ryan Preece were side by side for fourth with Keith Rocco and Tyler Hines behind them.  Christopher was able to get in front of Baral on lap-20 to move into second and Bolles spun coming off turn 4 to bring the caution out with 20 laps complete.

Christopher took the lead from Galko on the restart with Preece moving into second.  Galko was third with Baral on his bumper in fourth and Owen was in fifth.  Spins in turn 3 by Christopher, Membrino, and McDermott brought the caution back out with 22 laps complete.

Preece got a monster restart and powered his way into the lead with Christopher slotting into second.  Baral was third with Galko and Rocco side by side for fourth.  Christopher came back to Preece’s inside in turns 3+4 to retake the lead on lap-24.  Christopher and Preece were locked together and they were slowly pulling away from Galko and Baral to settle the race among themselves.  After making an early pit stop under caution , Rowan Pennink was back up to fifth place with 12 laps to go.  Owen’s car came to a stop in turn 4 to bring the caution out with 32 laps complete and erase the lead that Christopher and Preece had opened up.

Christopher took the lead on the restart with Galko briefly pulling alongside Preece for second before Preece got  clear of Galko.  Pennink was fourth behind Galko with Baral in fifth.  Preece was immediately beginning to apply heavy pressure to the back bumper of Christopher for the lead but Christopher was able to keep his #13 out front.  Christopher held off Preece to the checkered flag to pick up his first SK Modified® win since the 2014 season.  Pennink finished third, with Pitkat and Galko rounding out the top-5.

SK MODIFIED® (44)

1) Ted Christopher, Plainville

2) Ryan Preece, Berlin

3) Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley, Pa

4) Woody Pitkat, Stafford Springs

5) Matt Galko, Meriden

6) Jeff Baral, Southington

7) Keith Rocco, Berlin

8) Ronnie Williams, Tolland

9) Stephen Kopcik, Newtown

10) Tyler Hines, North Haven

11) Michael Gervais, Jr., Southbury

12) Dan Avery, Somers

13) Michael Christopher, Jr., Wolcott

14) Nick Salva, Prospect

15) Jeff Gallup, Agawam, Ma

16) Eric Berndt, Cromwell

17) Tom Bolles, Ellington

18) Eddy Spiers, Beacon Falls

19) Tommy Membrino, Jr., Prospect

20) Todd Owen, Somers

21) Cam Mcdermott, Canterbury

22) Cam Burnham, East Hartford

23) Danny Cates, Chaplin

24) Mike Benevides, Westerly, Ri

Ted Christopher: Scores Valenti Modified Racing Series Victory in 6th Annual VMRS 80 At Stafford Speedway

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Photo credit: Stafford Speedway

 The Valenti Modified Racing Series made its second of three visits during the 2016 season to Stafford Motor Speedway for the 6^th Annual VMRS 80.  Taking the checkered flag was Ted Christopher in the #00 Brady Bunch machine.

At the start of the race, Ted Christopher and Keith Rocco banged wheels in the first corner with Christopher emerging out of turn 2 with the race lead.  Dan Meservey, Jr. was third behind the lead duo with Carl Medieros, Jr. in fourth and Woody Pitkat was fifth.

Pitkat got around Medieros for fourth on lap-3 and then went by Meservey for fourth on lap-4.  Chris Pasteryak was up to fifth as he got around Medieros but he surrendered that position to a hard charging Dave Etheridge.  Etheridge took fourth on lap-8 from Meservey as Christopher continued to lead the race.  Etheridge went by Pitkat for third on lap-10 in turns 1+2 and he went by Rocco in turns 3+4 to move up to second. 

Etheridge was hounding Christopher for the lead and he made a move in turns 1+2 on lap-16 to move to the lead.  Pitkat was still in third, with Rocco fourth and Chris Pasteryak fifth.  Medieros, Branden Dion, and Colbey Fournier all spun in turn 1 to bring the caution out with 18 laps complete.

Christopher rocketed his way by Etheridge on the restart to move into the lead with Rocco also getting by Etheridge to move into second.  Rocco went to the outside of Christopher to move into the lead on lap-21 and Pitkat then took to the high line to get by Christopher for second and hen then took the lead from Rocco on lap-22.  Etheridge was back on the move and he got back by Christopher and then Rocco on lap-24 to move back into second behind Pitkat.

Etheridge continued his charge to the front by taking the lead from Pitkat on lap-26 with a pass in turns 1+2.  Pitkat was now second with Christopher, Rocco, and Jon McKennedy making up the top-5.  McKennedy made a move to the inside of Rocco on lap-28 to take over fourth place as Christopher and Pitkat continued to chase after Etheridge.

Pitkat went by Etheridge in turn 3 on lap-30 to move back into the lead with Christopher also getting by Etheridge for second.  At the halfway point of the race Pitkat was still in the lead with Christopher giving chase.  Etheridge was third with McKennedy fourth and Rowan Pennink was up to fifth with Rocco in sixth.

By lap-50 things were beginning to get tight up front with Pitkat, Christopher, and Etheridge nearly in a 3-car train with McKennedy closing in fast on the lead trio.  Pennink was also starting to close in on the top-4 cars to make it a 5-way fight for the lead.

Christopher made a move to the inside of Pitkat to move back out front on lap-56.  Rocco and Anthony Nocella touched with Rocco spinning in turn 2 to bring the caution out with 56 laps complete.  Nocella was black flagged by the VMRS officials for making contact with Rocco.

Christopher got the jump on the restart to move into the lead with Pennink also getting by Pitkat to take over second.  The caution came back out with 57 laps complete for a spin in turn 4 by Medieros.

Christopher took the lead on the restart with Pennink and Pitkat behind him.  The caution came back out with 59 laps complete for spins in turn 1 by Dion and Nocella.

Photo credit Crystal Snape

Christopher took the lead on the restart with Pennink slotting into second.  Pitkat and McKennedy were side by side for third with Pasteryak in fifth.  McKennedy got by Pitkat for third on lap-62 as they raced down the backstretch and Pennink’s strong run came to a premature end as he dropped off the pace on lap-63.  The caution came out with 63 laps complete as Roy Seidell came to a stop in the middle of turns 3+4.

Christopher took the lead on the restart with Pitkat streaking into second.  McKennedy was third with Etheridge in fourth and Rocco was back up to fifth after his earlier spin.  Just as Pennink did several laps prior, Pitkat dropped off the pace on lap-67 with mechanical issues which ended his good run. 

McKennedy was now in second behind Christopher and his lap times were fractionally faster than Christopher and with 6 laps to go, he was right on Christopher’s back bumper.  McKennedy hounded Christopher and he took the lead in turn 3 on lap-77.  Christopher came right back in turn 1 on lap-78 as they were navigating their way around a lapped car and he retook the lead from McKennedy.  McKennedy made a strong move through turns 3+4 on the final lap to get back to Christopher’s bumper, but he couldn’t make a pass as Christopher took the checkered flag for his second win of the night as he won the SK Modified® feature earlier in the night.  Etheridge finished third with Rocco and Pasteryak rounding out the top-5.

VMRS 80 (80)

1) Ted Christopher, Plainville;

2) Jon McKennedy, Chelmsford, Mass.;

3) Dave Etheridge, Portland;

4) Keith Rocco, Wallingford;

5) Chris Pasteryak, Lisbon;

6) Mike Willis Jr, Grantham, N.H.;

7) Rob Richardi, Easton, Mass.;

8) Dan Meservey Jr., Brewster, Mass.;

9) Brandon Dion, Taunton, Mass.;

10) Matthew Mead, Richmond, N.H.

11) George Sherman, Framingham, MA

12) Geoff Gernhard, Bozrah

13) Roy Seidell, Easthampton, MA

14) Carl Medieros, Jr., Westport, MA

15) Woody Pitkat, Stafford

16) Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley, PA

17) Anthony Nocella, Woburn, MA

18) Kyle James, Ashaway, RI

19) Colbey Fournier, Berkley, MA

Rowan Pennink: Looking for Repeat Performance in Valenti Modified Racing Series 80 at Stafford Speedway

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Stafford Springs, CT) --- When the Valenti Modified Racing Series returns to Stafford this Friday, June 24 for the VMRS 80, Rowan Pennink will be hoping for a repeat performance of the May 20 VMRS 80 that notched his first touring division modified feature victory at the CT half mile facility.  Pennink not only won the VMRS 80 feature but also drove to NAPA Victory Lane in the 40-lap SK Modified® feature event.
  The SK Modified race will be 44 laps for a fitting tribute to Mario Fiore who passed away.

“I’m hoping it goes just like it did last time the MRS was at Stafford,” said Pennink.  “We won the MRS race with the 25 car and the SK race with the 99 car.  It was a pretty good night for us and hopefully the track will be the same as it was and we can have another good show.”

Pennink’s victory in the VMRS 80 was a methodical drive, leading the first 10 laps of the race before surrendering the lead to Keith Rocco.  Pennink then fell to fourth in the running order and slowly worked his way back up to second before a late race caution flag came out with 20 laps to go.  Pennink took the lead from Woody Pitkat on that lap-60 restart and led the final 20 laps to take the checkered flag.  Pennink credits an early season test with the #25 Gary Casella owned team as a leading contributor in the successful race strategy.

“We went and practiced at the start of the season with the 25 car and I knew after that practice that the guys on the 25 team did their homework because the car was the best it’s ever felt at Stafford,” said Pennink.  “I think we proved that we are the car to beat in the race back in May. The Modified Racing Series races have a lot to do with tire conservation and we were able to do what we needed to do in that department, hopefully we can do everything the same as last race because that worked out for us.”

With a third and sixth place finishes in the 2 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour races held at Stafford to go along with his VMRS victory, Pennink is looking for more trips to NAPA Victory Lane in touring modified events.

“I’ve been real close to winning with the 93 Tour car when I ran with that team and I’ve been real close before with the 25 but wasn’t able to actually get a win until that last race in May,” said Pennink.  “The 3 car has been good at Stafford in the 2 Whelen Modified Tour races so far this year and we usually have a good car at Stafford so hopefully the wins will start coming a little more regularly.”

The VMRS 80 back in May at Stafford saw a podium sweep by weekly SK Modified® drivers and Pennink thinks that advantage will come to the forefront once again in the race.

“We certainly hope we’re among the cars racing for the win but I think that Stafford is a pretty technical track and it’s definitely an advantage for the guys who run there every week like Teddy [Christopher], Keith [Rocco], and Woody [Pitkat],” said Pennink.  “I think they’re going to be the tough ones out there but there’s also some strong teams in the Modified Racing Series that could be among the contenders for the win.”
One to watch any where he drives is Jon McKennedy and his #29 rocket ship and Anthony Nocella #92 who is driving a partial schedule with two victories already in 2016.

In addition to the VMRS 80, Pennink is looking forward to the 3^rd Annual NAPA Auto Parts SK 5k that will be held on July 8^th.  Pennink won the very first SK 5k and is eager to repeat the feat after not being able to properly contend for the win in last year’s edition of the $5,000 to win race in the #99 NAPA Van Wickle Auto Supply machine.

“Things have been going pretty well for us so far this season,” said Pennink.  “We have a couple of wins so far and I think we needed a couple more laps last week to get up there and race for the win with Eric [Berndt].  Those guys put a great car under me every week and hopefully we can keep on finishing up front.  I’m really excited about the NAPA SK 5k.  We won the first race and then last year we had some issues and weren’t able to contend for the win.  It seems like the 99 car only gets better and better as the race goes on and with that race being a longer distance event, I think we’ll have a really good shot at winning it again.”

The June 24th VMRS 80 will be the second of three Valenti Modified Racing Series events to be held at Stafford during the 2016 season.  The VMRS returns on September 2nd.  Tickets for both VMRS events are available and on sale now.  Tickets are priced at $27.50 for adult general admission tickets, $5.00 for children ages 6-14, and children ages 5 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.  All ticket prices include 10% CT Admission Tax.  Reserved seating is $30.00 for all ages. 

For more information, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at 860-684-2783 or visit us on the web at www.staffordspeedway.com.

Getting to Know: George Sherman

Oxford Plains, Maine 2nd Place

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Valenti Modified Racing Series driver George Sherman.

This veteran driver who has turned numerous laps on many New England speedways with much success now wheels the expertly prepared number 93 MRS modified.

Name – George Sherman.

Age – 63.

Hometown – Framingham, Mass.

Occupation – Body shop owner/manager.

Spouse – wife, Karen – daughters, Jennifer and Lisa – grandkids, Ainsley, Kaeli, Jayden, Adeline, Jacob.

Car number – 93.

Current division – MRS, tour type modified.

Chassis builder – Troyer.

Engine builder – Harry Kourafas.

Car owner – George Sherman.

Crew chief – Harry Kourafas.

Crew – Gary Sherman, Kathy Kourafas, Timmy and Tommy Devine, back at the shop Dave Cavicchi.

Sponsor – Station Road Auto Body.

Favorite food – Steak.

Favorite music – Rock 'n roll and a little bit of country.

Favorite sport, other than racing – Is there other ones?

Favorite track – I like them all.

How many years in racing – 25.

How did you get started – My father taking me to the races when I was a kid and helping my brother and a friend with their cars. When they stopped racing I had to buy a car for myself.

What other divisions have you run – Pro four modified.

Awards, wins, championship. – 2004 and 2005 championships. Wins at Monadnock, Lee USA, Hudson and Waterford Speedways.

What is your goal in racing – Have fun and enjoy it.

What driver/owner/person has inspired you – My father and Harry Kourafas.

What is the best advice you have ever gotten – I've been given a lot of good advice over the years and had met a lot of good people in the racing community.

Source: Story by Jim Snape  7-8-15

photos by Simply the Best, Crystal Snape

Nocella and McKennedy Take Oxford Plains Twin 50's

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Oxford Plains Speedway, Oxford,ME.

With the popular twin 50's on tap for the Valenti Modified Racing Series at the Oxford Plains Speedway Sat. 6/18, the strategy of holding back and saving equipment was thro

wn out the window,  especially with a $500.00 bonus to win both features.

   Anthony Nocella of Woburn, MA held nothing back and raced  for the lead as soon as flagman Tim Bennett dropped the green on the first 50 lapper. Nocella, fresh off his victory two weeks ago at the Seekonk Speedway, worked the Nocella Paving #92 on the outside picking off his victims until he was trailing race leader David Schneider of Northport,NY and second place Jon McKennedy of Chelmsford,MA. Nocella then crossed over to the inside passing McKennedy and Schneider taking over the lead on lap 35 and holding off a stellar field to win his second MRS victory of the 2016 season.

   In the second 50 Nocella thought he had a better mount but he became involved in a four car incident off turn two damaging his car relegating him to a 19th place finish.

   "The car was decent all day, real good in the first 50. I just went my own pace and on the last restart I just gave it all I had and got the lead and we were good enough to hold them off. Coming up through the pack I could use the inside and outside". Nocella said. "For the second 50 I think the car was even better, but somebody came banging through and sent three or four of us spinning and I got damaged".

   Past champion Jon McKennedy started his quest for victory from row three and by halfway found himself in the runner up position but did not have quite enough to pass the high flying Nocella. But in the second 50 it was a different story. Starting 16th the Exit Reality sponsored #29 only took 10 laps to put the hard charging field in his rear view mirror for his second victory with the MRS this year.

   "First race the car was a little loose, but it was really good the second 50, it was an absolute rocket ship. Starting 16th and I had the lead within 10 laps, we worked hard with it today, all my guys did a really good job. We changed springs and sway bar because I wasn't happy with it and it keep getting better. It's been a great start to the season, we got five wins in seven races in different series. Hopefully the wave will keep going" McKennedy said.

   About the twin 50s he said "Twin 50s is definitely the way to go at this track. You have to race hard for the first 50 then change the right rear tire and race hard for the second 50. I think the fans saw two exciting races tonight"

   The feel good story of the night had to be 63 year old George Sherman of Framingham,MA. Sherman's second row starting position looked promising until he got run into and spun on lap 9, but starting from the rear Sherman's Station Road Auto Body #93 made a charge to the front picking off competitors until he found himself running second behind race leader McKennedy. Sherman closed the gap quickly on McKennedy but not quickly enough as the laps ran out. At the start/finish line officials, drivers, fans and his team swarmed the jubilant driver.

   Sherman said "In the first 50 we were way too loose so we put a new right rear tire  and tighten it up a bit and hoped for the best for the second 50. I started a little loose in the second 50 and  it just keep getting better for me. I couldn't believe I was picking off cars lap after lap. At the beginning (lap 9) someone drove into the back of me trying to go three wide and spun me, so I had to come from the back. I put a little more rear brake into it and it made the nose work better. I was able to drive underneath them and drive by. And Harry (Kourafas) did a great job with the motor", he added. 

Summary

Track-Oxford Plains Speedway

Heat Winners-15CT., Chris Pasteryak   92, Anthony Nocella

First 50

Time of Event-20:57.532

Cautions-(2)-lap 25,30

Margin of Victory-0.174 sec.

Fastest Time- 99-Richard Savary- 15.353

Order of Finish

1-92 Anthony Nocella

2-29 Jon McKennedy

3-19 Dave Schneider

4-99 Richard Savary

5-52 Woody Pitkat

6-45 Dan Meservey Jr.

7-33 Rob Richardi Jr.

8-88 Russ Hersey

9-24 Todd Patnode

10-77 Matt Mead

11-117 Donnie Lashua

12-15CT Chris Pasteryak

13-38 Mike Willis Jr.

14-93 George Sherman

15-04 Brandon Dion

16-27 Kevin Iannarelli

17-5 ,Carl Medieros Jr.

18-16 Colbey Fournier

19-15NH TJ Bleau

20-52ME Bruce Haley

Second 50

Time of Event-22:20.528

Cautions(3)-Laps,9,32,33

Margin of Victory-3.424

Fastest Time-29,Jon McKennedy-15.589

Order of Finish

1-29 Jon McKennedy

2-93 George Sherman

3-15CT Chris Pasteryak

4-88 Russ Hersey

5-16 Colbey Fournier

6-38 Mike Willis Jr.

7-52 Woody Pitkat

8-77 Matt Mead

9-04 Brandon Dion

10-19 Dave Schneider

11-33 Rob Richardi Jr,

12-99 Richard Savary

13-50 Carl Medieros Jr.

14-4 ,Dan Meservey Jr.

15-27 Kevin Iannarelli

16-15NH TJ Bleau

17-52ME Bruce Haley

18-24 Todd Patnode

19-92 Anthony Nocella

20-117 Donnie Lashua

    Next Valenti Modified Racing Series Event--- Stafford Motor Speedway, Stafford,CT. June 24th

Story by Jim Snape

photos by Simple the Best, Crystal Snape

 Monadnock Speedway Results 6-18-16

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Photo courtesy of New England Graphix)

Monadnock Speedway

Rookie Sontag Claims First Sportsman Modified Win

This past Saturday night brought nine feature events at Monadnock Speedway. The night included the NEMA Iron Mike Memorial Race, Pro 4 Modifieds and the speedway’s weekly divisions.

The Young Guns feature was lead out by Chase Curtis with Devin Guy on his outside. On the green Alex Barden took over fourth position, but that wasn’t long lived when Jaret Curtis took back fourth leaving Barden back in fifth on lap 6. The first caution came out when Isabella Minchella crossed traffic on the front stretch and hit the wall. On the restart Chase Curtis still had the lead with Devin Guy right behind him, but it didn’t take long for Shelby Avery to take over the second position and one lap later bounced off the wall and took Barden with her. When it was all sorted out the race ended with the top five finishers Chase Curtis, Devin Guy, Jaret Curtis, Mariah Stebbins and Colby Lambert.

Race Chatter Nation, put this track on your summer bucket list, great show and great low price concessions and N/C for parking.
Photo from Wayne G. Barber Collection

The Lightning Stocks came out for their 20 lap feature event led out by Tim Paquette and Eric Silvernale by his side. Right on lap 1 Dan Starkweather took over second. The next two laps would find Pat Houle had moved up into that second place position and by lap 7 he was leading the field. Going into lap 10 a red light caution stopped the action for a wreck in turns 3 and 4. On the restart Houle and Paquette would lead out the pack only to find Tim LeBlanc and Kris Kristolaitis climbing the bank towards turn 4 pit road. With another go at the restart Houle led the pack. By lap 13 Kristolaitis had moved himself back into the top five in the fourth position. The race would end with the top five finishers, Pat Houle, Tim Paquette, Dan Starkweather, Kris Kristolaitis and Tim O’Shea.

The Mini Stock feature was led by Ethan Marsh and rookie Alexander Pearl on the outside. The green flag flew and Marsh got a bit squirrely causing the first caution flag to fly. On the restart Pearl would lead and Kevin McKnight would move up to second. Before they hit lap 2 Mike McGoldrick Jr. brought out the caution in a solo spin. On the restart Matt Kimball would lead. It didn’t take long for Julia Raymond to take over second and Solomon Brow moved into third. For the rest of the caution free race we saw Raymond and Brow battling for that second position. Brow took over on lap 12 and by lap 18 Raymond was back to second. Raymond and Brow continued to fight nose to nose, but Raymond would hold her position and the event ended with the top five finishers, Matt Kimball, Julia Raymond, Solomon Brow, Alexander Pearl, and Eric Pomasko.

The Thunder Stocks 20 lap feature started with pole sitter Michelle Leh and Richard Vincent on the outside. On lap 1, with a lot of shuffling going on, Vincent took over the lead, Dan Comeau moved into second and Scott Vien up to the third position. Just when you would think the Thunder Stocks would go caution free Vien gives the leader, Richard Vincent, a little bumper push to bring out the only caution for this division. On the restart Vincent and Vien started in the rear, that left Jason Kozacka in the lead. With only 2 laps to go the race would end with the top five finishers Jason Kozacka, Paul Smith, James Nowakowski, Craig Chaffee and Richard Vincent.

The Super Stock feature started with Cole Littlewood on the pole, who would lead the event from green to checkered. On the outside Tyler Lescord made his start. Littlewood found no trouble pulling away from the pack on the green with Dennis Stange quickly taking up that second place position. Lescord held onto third until lap 6 when Tyler Leary took over and Joel Monahan picked up fourth on lap 7. The top 5 gang would hold their positions until the end, which left Allen Griffin and Nancy Muni Ruot to work for sixth place. The night would end with the top five finishers Cole Littlewood, Dennis Stange, Joel Monahan, Tyler Leary and Tyler Lescord.

To wind up the speedway’s last regular division for the evening were the Sportsman Modified lead out by Ben Byrne and Brian Robie on the outside. It didn’t take long for Geoff Rollins to take over second only to lose it to Nathan Johnson on lap 9. Johnson picked up the lead on lap 11 only to get tangled up with Byrne. They went to the rear and the race restarted with Rollins and Cameron Sontag. By lap 18 Carzello moved up to second. Up to the last lap the top five were Carzello, Rollins, Sontag, Kimball and Rivet. With one quick flash in turn 4 the top 3 positions changed and the cars shuffled leaving the top five finishers as Cameron Sontag, Geoff Rollins, Keith Carzello, Bill Kimball and Kim Rivet.

The Saturday, June 25^th, Monadnock Speedway will host the Open Track Party and Heroes of Yester -Year celebration.  Fans can go track side to meet their favorite drivers and see their cars from 5pm-6pm.  Racing will begin after the track party and will include all Monadnock Speedway divisions and Vintage Outlaws.

Young Guns: Chase Curtis, Devin Guy,Jaret Curtis,Mariah Stebbins, Colby Lambert, Shelby Avery, Alex Barden, Kevin Pittsinger, Isabella Minchella

Lightning Stocks: Pat Houle, Tim Paquette, Dan Starkweather, Kris Kristolaitis, Tim O’Shea, Eric Silvernale, Justin Littlewood, Bill Lambert, Tim Leblanc, Steve Fucile

Mini Stocks:Matt Kimball, Julia Raymond, Solomon Brow, Alex Pearl, Eric Pomasko, Kevin Mcknight, Cole Littlewood, Louis Maher, Mike McGoldrick Jr, Ethan Marsh

Thunder Stocks: Jason Kozacka,Paul Smith,James Nowakowski,Craig Chaffee,Richard Vincent,Scott Vien,Dan Comeau,Michelle Leh,Bruce Clark,Joe Zellman

Super Stocks: Cole Littlewood, Dennis Stange, Joel Monahan, Tyler Leary, Tyler Lescord, Allen Griffin, Nancy Muni, Scott Beck Sr, Robert Hagar

Sportsman Modifieds: Cameron Sontag, Geoff Rollins, Keith Carzello, Bill Kimball, Kim Rivet, Brian Robie, Nathan Johnson, Brian Chapin, Dennis Charette, Frank Hirt III, Eric Leclair, Mike Chamberlain, Ben Byrne, Jason Barden, Dylan Campbell

NEMA MIDGETS - MONADNOCK - 6/18/16
Pos.	#	Driver	Hometown	Owner
1	21	Jim Chambers	Atkinson, NH	Mike Chambers
2	39	Todd Bertrand	Danielson, CT	Todd Bertrand
3	71	Seth Carlson	Brimfield, CT	Gene Feigel
4	15a	Avery Stoehr	Lakeville, MA	Russ Stoehr
5	9	John Zych Jr.	Mendon, MA	John Zych Sr.
6	51	Danny Cugini	Marshfield, MA	D.  Cugini
7	5b	Bethany Stoehr	Bridgewater, MA	Greg Stoehr
8	30	Paul Scally	Raynham, MA	Paul Scally
9 DNF	50	Kevin Park	Foxboro, MA	Pete Pernisiglio Sr.
				Tim Bertrand NEMA LITES - MONADNOCK - 6/18/16 Pos. # Driver  Hometown Owner 1 11 PJ Stergios Candia, NH Bill Stergios 2 12 Jim Chambers Atkinson, NH Jim Chambers 3 41 Megan CuginI Marshfield, MA Glenn Cugini 4 76 Kyle Hamilton Speedway, IN Frank Manafort 5 84 Joe Cipriano Waterbury, CT Joe Cipriano 6 21 Anthony Payne Fairlawn, NJ Mike Scrivani 7 51 Danny Cugini Marshfield, MA D.  Cugini 8 57 Jake Stergios Candia, NH Bill Stergios 9 2 Jim Cataldo Sterling, MA Jim Cataldo 10 20 Jeremy Decourcy Rochester, NH Jeremy Decourcy 11 30 Paul Scally Raynham, MA Paul Scally 12 9 Ben Mikitarian Northborough, MA John Mikitarian 13 17 Alan Chambers Atkinson, NH Mike Chambers 14 24 Nikki Carroll Andover, NJ Nikki Carroll 15 38 Ryan Locke Raymond, NH  Ken Locke 16 46 Andy Barrows New Ipswich, NH Andy Barrows 17 DNF 3 Christopher Vose Groversville, NY Christopher Vose 18 DNF 35 Randy Cabral Plymouth, MA Glen Cabral Pro 4 Modifed Results   June 18, 2016 Monadnock Speedway Results Combined Pos. Car # Driver Heat Points Feature Points Total Points 1 67 Doug Meservey, Jr. 1 50 51 2 60 Andy Major 1 48 49 3 93 Randy Clark 1 46 47 4 07x Robin Berghman 2 44 46 5 07 Phil Lausier 3 42 45 6 80 L Tom Royer 2 40 42 7 37 L Allen Rieser 3 38 41 8 86 L Mark Charette 1 36 37 9 0 J.R. Gorman 0 34 34 10 1M Norm Wrenn III 1 32 33 11 11A Dan Meservey, Sr. 0 15 DNS 15 12 52 L Bill Lucchesi, Jr. 0 15 DNS 15 (L) Indicates Lite Pro 4 Division Competitor