ACT Announces 2018 Summer Showdown Series

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

The ACT Summer Showdown Series included three $5,000-to-win events, including the Coca-Cola Labor Day Classic at Thunder Road Speedbowl on Sunday, September 2. (Alan Ward photo)>>

Waterbury, VT – Big money will be on the line in a trio of American-Canadian Tour (ACT) events this season as part of the 2018 Summer Showdown Series. ACT officials announced the series today, which includes three $5,000-to-win events as part of the ACT Late Model Tour schedule.

The ACT Summer Showdown Series will be held at three different tracks in three New England states, testing drivers throughout the region. The series will kick off with the Oxford 150 at Maine’s Oxford Plains Speedway on Sunday, May 20. The $5,000-to-win event is part of an ACT/PASS doubleheader at the 3/8-mile oval.

The second event in the Summer Showdown Series will be the Waterford 150 at Connecticut’s New London–Waterford Speedbowl on Saturday, June 16. For the final event, the series will head to Barre, VT’s Thunder Road Speedbowl on Sunday, September 2 for the Coca-Cola Labor Day Classic 200.

In addition to the $5,000 winner’s purse, ACT has also posted a $5,000 bonus if anyone can win all three Summer Showdown Series events. In all, a driver would earn a total of $20,000 by sweeping the series.

“We think this will be a win for both teams and fans,” ACT co-owner Cris Michaud said. “It gives everybody something extra to race for even if they’re not in the championship hunt. That added intensity means more exciting action for the fans. And if someone wins the first two events, then who wouldn’t want to be at Thunder Road on Labor Day weekend to see if they can pull off the sweep?”

Each event in the series will also award points toward the 2018 ACT Late Model Tour championship. The ACT season opener will come to the grid at Lee USA Speedway on Sunday, April 15 with the New Hampshire Governor’s Cup 150.

For more information, please contact the ACT offices at (802) 244-6963, media@acttour.com, or visit www.acttour.com.

Source: ACT Tour Media Press Release and Alan Ward Photo

Griffith Scores Dillon Win.

Posted by Wayne G. Barber  All photos by simply the best, Crystal Snape

Dillon Motor Speedway, 4/10 Mi. 14 Deg. banking

Dillon, S.C. 2/24/2018

   The 2016 PASS Rookie of the Year Derek Griffith (Hudson, NH) started the PASS South Carolina Clash 200 from the 11th spot and sliced his way into 3rd by lap 37, then out muscled Ben Rowe ( Turner, Maine ) for second by lap 73,

   A lap 78 restart was all Griffith needed to overpower race leader Tate Folgleman ( Durham, NC ) and pace the field for the next 23 laps until a lap 100 restart.

   Ray Christian III (UNCASVILLE, CT) took over the lead but Griffith was unrelentless and chased Christian, dogging his back bumper and rubbing fenders for the next 39 laps until Griffith again regained the lead and held Christian and third place Rowe at bay.

   With 9 laps to go Rowe, the 5 time PASS Champion, made an outside pass on Christian to take over second place where he finished the 200 lap grind.

   In victory lane Griffith said, "We started 11th but I knew I had a good car when we rolled up to 3rd without even trying. I just worked at it and tried to stay clean. On a restart (lap 100) there was oil on the track and the 8 car (Folgleman) grabbed a gear and banged into the side of me and drove into the wall, that was a bummer, I was looking forward to race with him, he was pretty good. On the restart they gave the lead to the 93 (Christian) but I finally got a nose under him, cleared him and it was smooth sailing for the rest of the race. I wheeled it pretty hard and got loose at the end but my guys gave me a great car and I got to thank them. It feels good to be back here with a good finish."

   There were 7 lead changes between 6 drivers with 2 time South PASS Champion Matt Craig (Kannapolis, N.C.) leading lap 1 from the pole until Mathew Thomas (North Miami, FL.) took over on lap 2.

   The pace of the event was slowed by 5 yellow and a red flag. The worst being on lap 116 when outside pole starter Keven Floars (Goldsboro, NC) and Mathew Thomas made contact at the starters stand with Thomas's number 87 flipped on its left side, sliding down the front stretch ending in turn one where a fire erupted from the overturned car. Both Floars and Thomas emerged unhurt but both cars suffered major damage.

   During this red flag period teams were allowed to add fuel, changed tires and make adjustments with out loosing position.

   Nineteen cars started the event with ten finishing the 200 lap marathon

Margin of victory--2.889 sec.

Best lap time--16.8 sec.

Best lap by--#87- Thomas

Cautions--5--Laps, 68,77,100,101,103

Red Flag--1--Lap 116

Lead Changes--#54,(1)--#87,(2-20)-- #16,(21-69}--#8,(70-77)--#12,( 78-100)--#93,101-138)--#12,( 139-200)

Finnish:

12-Griffith

4-Rowe

93-Christian III

45-Conner 

16-McCumbee

54-Craig

49-Batten

21-Irvan

24-Josiasse

01-Gooden

15-Hayes III

19-Floars

87-Mathews

00-Renfrew Jr.

8F-Fogleman

22-Hollis

98-Measamer

80-Sanborn

87-Thomas  

Story by James Snape

photos by Simply the Best, Crystal Snape

Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park Releases Details for the 2018 Icebreaker

Posted by Wayne G. Barber Photos by Wayne G. Barber

Thompson, CT (February 13th, 2018) – Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park (TSMP) revealed details about The Icebreaker, which will feature eleven divisions in the 44th running of this great tradition. 

  

“For the past 43 years, the Icebreaker has marked the beginning of the stock car racing season in New England. This year’s rendition has even more excitement with the addition of the Valenti Modified Racing Series, giving race fans an additional 50 laps of wheel-to-wheel excitement. We look forward to welcoming our loyal fans and racers back to Thompson to begin our 78th season.” explained Josh Vanada, General Manager of TSMP. 

The 2018 season of racing kicks off Friday, April 6, with a Test & Tune day. On April 7-8, the New England stock car racing season will open with eleven divisions on the Icebreaker card, which is headlined by The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. 

The Saturday program will be compromised of practice and qualifying for ten of the eleven divisions. In addition, feature races for the NEMA Lites, Exit Realty Pro Truck Challenge Race, Exit Realty 375 Sportsman Challenge, and Lite Modified Race will all be held. Some added excitement will take place on Saturday as The Valenti Modified Racing Series will open their season with a 50-lap affair.

The highly-anticipated Fan Appreciation Party and Champion’s Banner Raising will start off the Sunday schedule followed by the NWAAS Sunoco Modified Race, Pass Race, NWAASS Limited Sportsman Race, NWAAS late Modified Race and the NWAAS Mini Stock Race. The afternoon will culminate with the 150-lap championship race for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. 

Feature Races:

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (150)
Sunoco Modified (30)
Late Model (25)
Limited Sportsman (20)
Mini Stock (15)
Pro All Star Series (100)
NEMA Lites (20)
Exit Realty 375 Sportsman Challenge (35)
Lite Modified (20)
Exit Realty Pro Truck Challenge (20)
Valenti Modified Racing Series (50) 

Source: Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park Press Release and Wayne G. Barber Photos 

Ryan Locke to Make NEMA Lites Championship Bid in 2018

Posted by Wayne G. Barber & Photo by Wayne G. Barber

Following the footsteps of his dad Jeff, this talented young man proved that the “sophomore slump” is merely a myth. Although he did reach the top step of the podium in 2017, as he did in 2016, he showed his growth with a string of consistent runs throughout the season, reaching the podium five times throughout 2017, including two podiums each at Wiscasset Speedway and the New-London Waterford Speedbowl.

“My favorite moment of the 2017 season would be leading the Boston Louie Memorial. That race is so special and has a breadth of history, it was an honor to be in the running for the win,” Locke stated.

Going into 2018, Locke is focusing on small adjustments and getting consistently comfortable in all situations, but he won’t let that detract from the big picture. If Ryan can run up front weekly, fight for wins, and stay consistent, then, “The championship will fall into place,” Ryan says.

These goals would not be attainable without his gracious sponsors, Shawmut equipment, Chester General Store, and Locke Crane services.

With a mind-set such as that, it is not out of the picture to see the 15-year-old phenom make a big statement.Source: NEMA Media Press Release and Photos by Wayne G. Barber, Seekonk's Boston Louie Event 2017

ACT to Test Chevy 602 Engine in Select Events

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

ACT will explore its engine options during the 2018 racing season by having a car with a GM 602 crate engine compete in several events. (Alan Ward photo)>>

Waterbury, VT – American-Canadian Tour (ACT) officials have announced plans to test the Chevrolet CT350 “GM 602” crate engine in select events during the 2018 racing season. The results will be used to evaluate the engine for future use in ACT competition.

A car using the 350-horsepower GM 602 power plant will enter several ACT Late Model Tour events during the first part of the season. The testing will be performed by a team that does not normally compete on the Tour.

“This is mainly about exploring our engine options moving forward,” ACT co-owner Cris Michaud said. “It could lead to the 602 becoming an approved option. It could also lead to nothing. But you need good data in order to make those decisions. The best way to get that data is to have the engine on the track during ACT racing conditions.”

The GM 602 is one of numerous crate racing engines offered by Chevrolet. Their engines are used by tracks and touring series throughout the United States.

The ACT Late Model Tour opens its 2018 season at Lee USA Speedway on Sunday, April 15 with the annual New Hampshire Governor’s cup. For more on the upcoming season, please contact the ACT offices at (802) 244-6963, media@acttour.com, or visit www.acttour.com.

Source: ACT Tour Media Press Release and a Alan Ward Photo

[North Eastern Midget Association (NEMA)] NEWS FLASH!

Posted by Wayne G. Barber & Photos property of Wayne G. Barber

NEWS FLASH!

3 Time Champ, Zych Readies for 2018 Season
Source: Jeff Champagne
Even after missing one race, John Zych was still able to finish 2017, fifth in the championship points standings.
Although he didn’t double down as champion as he had liked, he still reached victory lane in the “Boston Louie” Memorial race. The annual event at Seekonk is a race that Zych could only have dreamt of winning. Stating, “We have been trying to win that one for a while,” in his relief of conquering the 1/3rd mile “Concrete Palace.”
In addition, he also took the victory at the ultra-fast Wiscasset speedway, to become one of three drivers who visited victory lane more than once in 2017.
Very few changes have occurred this off-season within the Zych group, as they expect to be on par with 2017 champion Randy Cabral. His Esslinger powered Drinan is certainly worthy of getting him to the front, even without financial backing from a major sponsor(s).
Being that he may not make every race, Zychs’ 2018 plan consists of winning those races of which he does attend, as that would be, “The biggest success for our team.”

Guaranteed Starter Races Announced For Granite State Pro Stock Series

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Seekonk, MA.  – A joint announcement centered on guaranteed starting positions for the 3^rd annual U.S. Pro Stock/Super Late Model race this summer, has been announced by Granite State Pro Stock Series (GSPSS) President Mike Parks and Race Promoter Gary Sagar.

The Northeast’s Premier 200-lap Pro Stock/Super Late Model race, paying $10,000 to win, is scheduled for Wednesday night, July 18, at Seekonk Speedway,

Seekonk, MA.

The joint announcement indicated the winners of the June 24^th 50-lap race at the New England Short Track Showdown, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, in Loudon, NH, and the 100-lap July 6^th race at Lee USA Speedway, Lee, NH, will secure starting positions for the mid-summer event.

“ We are happy to once again partner with (Promoter) Gary Sagar for this prestigious event,” said GSPSS President Mike Parks adding,” We expect a large field of competitors for these two races.”

The two New Hampshire races will follow a guaranteed starter event at Maine’s Wiscasset Speedway, slated for Saturday, June 30.

Both Park’s and Sagar will be available to answer questions at next weekends Mainely Motorsports ‘Racin Preview’ in Portland, ME Source: Mike Parks Media Press Release

Scally Prepared to Conquer NEMA Field in 2018

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Photo at Seekonk Speedway Boston Louie 2017, Wayne G.Barber

Coming off a stellar 2017 season that saw him claim his first feature win in NEMA and NEMA Lites, Paul Scally looks to carry his momentum into the 2018 season by winning, “As many battles as I can.” With his first two individual series wins, Paul points out that each of those races had a further meaning. On fathers-day weekend 2017, he was able to take down the win at Star Speedway in the NEMA division in his Esslinger powered Drinan chassis, with his father in attendance.
Many years of trying, had finally paid off, and he was to the jackpot once again. A handful of weeks later, Paul struck gold in Maine at his favorite racetrack of Wiscasset Speedway, this time with his Ford Focus powered Drinan in the NEMA Lites division. He has deemed Wiscasset his favorite because the owners have a deep appreciation for the stellar events that NEMA puts on there, along with his ability to naturally adapt to that track.
​With changes happening constantly within his team, he hopes to find his consistency and get his program, “On the Bertrand level.” Until he finds that consistency, he plans work even harder to get there, along with help from sponsors such as Earth Movers Corporation in Randolph, Mass., Charter Environmental, and Circle Performance.
​In addition to his personal 2018 goals, Paul has enjoyed serving for the NEMA in multiple roles, and plans to continue his efforts in improving the sport of asphalt midget racing for future members and midget enthusiasts. Source: Jeff Champagne  NEMA Press Release

Ice Breaker At Myrtle Beach

Posted by Wayne G.Barber

Ice Breaker At Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Speedway .523 Mile Tri Oval. 2/10/18

Myrtle Beach, S.C.

   Timothy Peters started the Ice Breaker at the Myrtle Beach Speedway from the pole position after setting fast time earlier in the day, and then the first two laps before losing the top spot to Matt Cox, but Peters never fell out of the top five. The Danville, Va. driver set a pace that kept the leaders in sight throughout the 125 lap grind, finally reeling in Cox who was leading and second place Chad McCumbee.

   On lap 104 Peters took over second place and 10 laps later made the move that made him the final leader of the event.

   Only three yellow flags slowed the action briefly

   

Chad McCumbee of Supply, N.C., the youngest driver ever to win in their rookie season at Myrtle Beach Speedway ran a steady race, led early in the race for a total of two laps, and then finished in the runner up spot with Justin Millikan rounding out the top three. Millikan led twice for 30 laps.

   Ten lead changes between five different drivers kept the action exciting with two and three wide racing throughout the 125 laps

   In victory lane Peters said "We built a new car over the winter, worked hard to get our package together. I learned a lot last year in this race, I thought I used up my tires early so I set a pace and stayed with it. And I want to thank my crew and sponsors for this win."

   In the companion series Ryan Glenski of Mooresville, N.C.added to his over 200 wins by taking the 100 lap Limited Late Model win leading Mack Little and Chris Chapman to the finish line.

   Michael Rouse bested a full field of Mini Stocks to end up celebrating in victory lane.

   Ricky Locklair Jr. ran a flawless 35 laps to capture his first victory of 2018 in the  Street Stock division'

   Saturday March 17th the Nascar Modified Tour will visit the 1/2 mile Tri Oval for the Spring Fling 300. The Late Models, Chargers, Street Stocks and Mini Stocks will also be on the card.

Story by Jim Snape

photos by Simply the Best, Crystal Snape

the Best, Crystal Snape