Are you ready for some Race Chatter , Outdoor Scene, or Authors Hour Podcasts ?

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

It seems the trend in communications for 2018 will be the growth of Pod-Casting.  I have a burned copy CD of every interview of our three radio programs and pit area for the past 6 years. NASCAR(745 (alone)

Pit crew members, drivers, family and race fans, would you like to listen to our Pod-Casts ?  I will try to keep them edited to about 25-35 minutes with a numbered index catalog.of what's on each one, Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly ?

Let me know here with comments, e-mail us at waynewnri@yahoo.com or a call at 1-401-568-4894

2018 Tri-Track Open Modified Series Schedule

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

2018 TRI-TRACK OPEN MODIFIED SERIES SCHEDULE

• Saturday, May 26: Inaugural Memorial Day 100, Claremont Speedway (Claremont, N.H.)
• Wednesday, June 27: 15th Annual Open Wheel Wednesday, Seekonk Speedway (Seekonk, Mass.+ Boston Louie NEMA Midgets
• Saturday, July 28: SBM 125, Star Speedway (Epping, N.H.)
• Saturday, October 27:  2nd Annual Haunted Hundred, Seekonk Speedway (Seekonk, Mass.)

Source: Tri-Track Open Modified Series

ACT, Thunder Road Announce Supply Agreement Extension with American Racer

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

The ACT Late Model Tour, Serie ACT, and Thunder Road will all continue to use American Racer tires through the 2012 season after a new agreement was reached with the supplier. (Alan Ward photo)>>

Waterbury, Vt. – Officials at the American-Canadian Tour (ACT), Thunder Road, and American Racer Tires announced today they have reached a new agreement for American Racer to continue supplying racing tires to both the touring series and race track. The extension of their previous agreement ensures that American Racer will remain the ACT and Thunder Road tire supplier through the 2021 season.

The ACT agreement includes both the U.S.-based ACT Late Model Tour and the Québec-based Série ACT. The two series currently have 19 combined races officially scheduled for 2018 in the U.S. and Canada. Barre, Vermont’s Thunder Road has a 19-race 2018 schedule planned.

“Our officials and race teams have a great relationship with the people at American Racer,” ACT and Thunder Road co-owner Cris Michaud said. “We believe this extension will be a good thing for all of us.”

American Racer is one of the world’s leading tire suppliers for all forms of auto racing, with distributors throughout the continents of North America, Europe, and Australia. Originally founded in 1915 as McCreary Tire & Rubber Company, the American Racer brand was introduced in 1994, and the company’s tires are now used by numerous race tracks and touring series around the globe.

“We could not be more thrilled to continue to work with ACT and their affiliated tracks,” American Racer Director of Racing Scott Junod stated. “I know Cris Michaud and Patrick Malone are absolutely the right people to continue the legacy of one of the best touring series in North America as well as that of Thunder Road.”

ACT will open its 33^rd season at Lee USA Speedway on Sunday, April 15 with the annual New Hampshire Governor’s Cup 150.  Thunder Road will open its 59^th season of racing on Sunday, April 29 with the 20^th Community Bank 150 featuring the ACT Late Model Tour.

For more information, contact the ACT and Thunder Road offices at (802) 244-6963, media@acttour.com, or media@thunderroadvt.com. You can also learn more online at www.acttour.com, www.thunderroadvt.com, or www.americanraceronline.com.

Mikey Flynn to Challenge For SK Light Rookie of the Year Honors at Stafford Speedway

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

(Stafford Springs, CT)---As the countdown to Stafford Speedway’s NAPA Spring Sizzler® continues, the driver rosters continue to fill up for the 2018 season.  Former Legend Cars driver Mikey Flynn is busy preparing his #54 Hamden Engineering machine to compete for R.A.D. Auto Machine Rookie of the Year honors in the SK Light division in 2018.  The 16-year old Flynn comes to the SK Light division with experience in a wide variety of disciplines, ranging from Wild Thing Karts and Legend Cars on the Stafford Mini Mile to ACT Late Models.  With 2 SK Light starts at Stafford already under his belt, Flynn is ready to tackle the challenge of a full season and he feels like his experience across several different divisions will help accelerate his learning curve as an SK Light rookie driver.

“I can’t wait to get back racing,” said Flynn.  “As soon as I got home from the Fall Final, I was ready to go racing again.  Not racing is pretty boring.  I feel like I already have the big car experience down where most guys coming into the SK Lights it’s their first time in a full size car.  Also when I was racing ACT Late Models, I was racing against some of the best drivers in the Northeast like Keith Rocco, Andy Flannery, and Jason Palmer so racing against that type of competition I think will be an advantage for racing the SK Light.  The most I’ve learned in my racing career has been racing against those guys for 2 years.” 

With the variety of experience that Flynn has accumulated through his young racing career to date, he has his eyes set on winning R.A.D. Auto Machine Rookie of the Year honors and being a contender for the championship in his rookie season.  With Matt Galko, Michael Gervais, Jr., Jeremy Sorel, and just last season Cory DiMatteo all winning SK Light championships as rookie drivers, Flynn feels like contending for the championship is a realistic goal for himself and the #54 team.

“We’re looking to finish up front every week and possibly get a win or two,” said Flynn.  “I’d like to win Rookie of the Year and if we can be contenders for the championship, that would be pretty awesome.  Consistency will be the key because if you can finish every race in the top-10, you can be right there for the championship.  With all the new guys coming up into the division this year like Alexander Pearl, Teddy Hodgdon, and Bryan Narducci, there are guys like Cory DiMatteo and Marcello Rufrano who won races as a rookie so it’s not impossible to do.  I’ve been racing with those guys a long time now, we’re all one big group that can’t seem to get away from one another, and I know what each of them brings to the table and they’re all good drivers.  I think the SK Light field will be one of the best of the last few years and I’ll have to be on my game for sure to get some wins this year.  Keeping the car in one piece will be the biggest thing for me along with the tough competition and patience behind the wheel.”

Not only does Flynn have his 2 SK Light starts to lean on as he prepares for his first full season of SK Light racing, he also utilizes iRacing as a way to help him learn about racing at Stafford.

“I’ve had iRacing for about 5 or 6 years now and it’s very realistic,” said Flynn.  “It’s a big help to be able to practice the track during the week.  Before I went to Stafford last season, I fired up my iRacing and practiced all week and it really helped me figure out the racing line and we were able to just jump out on the track and get going.  At the Fall Final we were top-5 on the speed charts in practice, so I think we’ll be pretty sound to start off this season with the car, we’ll just have to start races in the back of the pack.  Brian Schofield has been turning the wrenches on the car for us and we really couldn’t have done this without him.  He’s taught me everything I know about a modified and he’s been a big part of getting me through the learning and the low points. I would like to thank our sponsors, Hamden Engineering, Ballyheigue Farm, Hamden Fuel, Kahn Tractor, Place Motors and Rick Green Insurance.  I’m excited about the 2018 season.”

Flynn will make his SK Light debut at the 47th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler® on April 27-29.  Tickets for the “Greatest Race in the History of Spring” are on sale now at the Speedway Box Office.  Tickets are priced at $40.00 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.  Reserved seating is priced at $42.00 for all ages.  As always, Stafford Motor Speedway offers free parking with overnight parking available.  All tickets are good for both Saturday and Sunday admission.  All ticket prices include 10% CT Admission Tax.

Riverhaed , New York 2018 Schedue

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

The 2018 Riverhead Raceway schedule is now posted at www.riverheadraceway.com. The NASCAR WMT stars visit the demanding quarter mile twice on Saturday July 7th and again Saturday September 8th. The 2nd annual Islip 300 is set for Saturday May 26th with the 77-lap Baldwin, Evans & Jarzombek Memorial taking place Saturday July 28th. A total of 20 NASCAR Modified events are planned for '18 and we hope you can join us along the way. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Riverhead Raceway.

Nocella Crowned 2017 Valenti Modified Racing Series Champion

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

 Anthony Nocella of Woburn,MA racked up 5 VMRS victories in the 2017 season which helped him to become the 8th different driver during the 14 year span of the VMRS to be crowned champion.

 

   Saturday December 2nd the Best Western Executive Inn located in Manchester,NH hosted a full gathering for awards, dinner and dancing.

   Nocella thanked his parents for supporting his dream. He also thanked this father and uncle for sponsorship "that allows me to pursue my passion week in week out". Another sponsor that came on board this year was AIRGAS and of course he thanked his hard working crew for their season long dedication. Ed Flemke Jr of Raceworks. Pettit Engines and Billy The Kid were also thanked for their products.

   Nocella said he was proud to have his name on a champions trophy along with the likes of Jon McKennedy, Rowan Pennink, Justin Bonsignore and more.

   Along with the championship trophy and check Nocella received jackets from Dan Anderson of Hoosier East and Charlie Holland of Sunoco Race Fuels.

.

   John Spence Sr., the illustrious voice of the VMRS emceed the nights awards. John has announced for the series since the first event 14 years ago.

   President and founder Jack Bateman also thanked those in attendance for their support in 2017 and especially the support of the Valenti Motor Group for their last 9 years of partnership which will continue into the 2018 season.

   Hoosier Tire, New England Race Fuels, Sherwood Wheels, Waddell Communication, Racing Electronics and Racing with Jesus will also continue their support.

Chris Grey and Ben Dodge were given special thanks for their dedication to the series.

   Annual awards were give to the following:

The Annual Mechanics award went to the entire #92 Nocella Paving / AIRGAS  team.

Rookie of the Year went to second generation driver Jeffery Gallup.

Dedication to the Series was popular Mike Willis Jr.

Tough Luck award went to one of the strong backbones of the series, George Sherman.

Jack's Competition Engines Most Improved driver was awarded to 15 year old Sammy Rameau

Sportsmanship award was collected by Rob Richardi Jr.

And finally the Above and Beyond award went to Series official Bob McIlveen who absolutely goes above and beyond with his series duties.

   The 2018 VMRS season will have a 15 race schedule beginning  on April 7 at the Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park in Thompson, Ct.     

Story by James Snape

photos by

Simply the Best, Crystal Snape  

NASCAR, Whelen Announce Multi-Year Extensions

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Winston Kelley (NASCAR Hall of Fame), Ann and Jerome Galpin (NASCAR Euro Series), Pete Tiezzi (Whelen Engineering) and Bob Duvall (NASCAR) take part in the NASCAR and Whelen Engineering contract extension announcement today at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Scott Hunter/NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – NASCAR and Whelen Engineering, Inc. announced today multi-year extensions to continue its entitlement sponsorship of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series through 2024. Additionally, Whelen will also extend its designation as the “Official Warning Lights of NASCAR.”
“More than a decade of successful partnership has resulted in Whelen Engineering being deeply connected to many levels of our sport,” said Jim Cassidy, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR Whelen Euro Series are critical to reaching fans, developing talent and delivering great racing both domestically and abroad.”
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, NASCAR’s oldest division of racecars, is the premiere asphalt modified circuit in the nation. With a history dating back to Daytona Beach in 1948, the tour features a mix of passionate, veteran drivers with emerging young talent and includes races from New England to South Carolina.
“Whelen Engineering has played a big role in NASCAR for many years and we are ecstatic to continue to support the sport with this extended relationship,” said Phil Kurze, Whelen Engineering vice president of motorsports. “Our ability to build brand and product recognition nationally and internationally due to our partnership helps drive our business and reach new customers.”
The NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, the official NASCAR series based in Europe, has global appeal with 21 nations represented. Since becoming a NASCAR touring series in 2012 and obtaining the Whelen entitlement in July 2013, U.S. drivers such as Bobby Labonte, Jeffrey Earnhardt and Ben Kennedy have competed abroad. NASCAR Whelen Euro Series cars are also featured in the annual international Race of Champions.
“The NASCAR Whelen Euro Series is honored to have Whelen Engineering continue its title sponsorship,” said Jerome Galpin, NASCAR Euro Series president. “Whelen has helped NASCAR introduce exciting, door-to-door, American racing to a passionate motorsports fan base in Europe and we look forward to growing the series together in the years to come.”
A 10-year renewal with the NASCAR Hall of Fame as the title sponsor of the “Whelen Hall of Champions” was also announced today. Since opening in 2014, the exhibit has honored nearly 600 national and regional championships from the sport’s current and past series. The Hall also houses the “Everyday Champions” display, which honors first responders from across the country.
“We are thrilled with the multiyear extension of the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s partnership with Whelen Engineering. Through the Whelen Hall of Champions exhibit, we recognize every national and touring series champion in NASCAR history to date,” said Winston Kelley, NASCAR Hall of Fame executive director. “The ceremonial unveiling each year in association with the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series and NASCAR Touring Series banquet has become a celebrated moment for this partnership.”
Whelen Engineering is a leading manufacturer of automotive, aviation, industrial and emergency vehicle lighting. In addition to its entitlement, Whelen will continue to showcase their products across NASCAR tracks and pace cars.
The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series will honor their champions at the NASCAR Home Tracks Champions Awards on Friday, Dec. 8 at North Carolina’s Charlotte Convention Center.
Source: NASCAR HOMETRACKS PRESS RELEASE AND PHOTO

KGM Video - Stafford Speedway SK Modifieds 8/6/85 Tim Richmond Wins !