Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, 2018 Ice Breaker

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

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.

Ole Blue, # 3 with Rowan Pennink should be cleared to drive after back surgery and missing the Mrytle Beach opener. Woody will be duking it out too !  I hope Bobby Santos makes the show.

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) 

John Hunter Nemechek wins trucks race at Martinsville

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

MARTINSVILLE, Va. — John Hunter Nemechek staved off a bump from Kyle Benjamin in the final turn at Martinsville Speedway on Monday to win a Truck Series race that was postponed two days because of snow.

It was Nemechek’s first career victory at Martinsville, where he had finished second twice and third once.

“I’ve finished second here multiple times, so tick-tock we finally got a clock,” Nemechek said of Martinsville’s signature grandfather clock trophy. “It’s going to be awesome to take that thing home.”

Nemechek took the lead on a restart with 31 laps remaining and held off Benjamin by 0.106 seconds on NASCAR’s first visit to a short track this season.

Benjamin had a lead of more than one second over Todd Gilliland when a debris caution slowed the race on Lap 214 and gave Nemechek his chance to win on the following restart.
Reminder The Camping World Truck Series will not appear in Loudon, NH in 2018

Pole winner Ben Rhodes led the first 23 laps Saturday before rain and snow halted the race. The race began Saturday but was stopped for a wintry mix that turned to heavy snow. All track activity was canceled Sunday. The conclusion of the Truck Series race was a lead-in to Monday’s rescheduled Cup race in a NASCAR doubleheader.

Source: Associated Press

Payea Ready to Begin ACT Title Defense at Lee USA Speedway

Colchester's Scott Payea (#37VT) will be going for his second straight American-Canadian Tour championship in 2018. (Alan Ward photo)>>

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Waterbury, VT – After finally breaking through for his first American-Canadian Tour (ACT) championship in 2017, Colchester’s Scott Payea is ready to return to the fold in 2018. Payea and his Rick Paya–led RPM Motorsports/Harrison Redi-Mix team will begin their title defense at the season-opening New Hampshire Governor’s Cup on Sunday, April 15 at Lee USA Speedway.

Payea is coming off one the best ACT seasons in recent memory. The veteran won five of the nine events in 2017, including a series-record four straight. The effort earned him the championship after previously finishing second in the standings four times.

“We’re all excited to get going,” Payea said. “I don’t even want to think about trying to live up to last season though. It was pretty much a dream season. We’re just going to go back out with the same focus each race, work hard, and hopefully have the best car each week.”

Over the past two years, Payea and RPM Racing have been one of the most formidable Late Model teams in the Northeast. They have posted eight wins together, with their first coming at Lee USA in the 2016 New Hampshire Governor’s Cup.

“Our relationship just keeps getting better and stronger,” Payea said. “We clicked right away the first year and picked up some wins. Then last year everything just came together. The more we all work together, the better our communication gets. People know what their roles are and the crew knows what I need with the car. It’s a pretty natural relationship.”

Payea will be looking for his second win at Lee on April 15. His team was one of the first to enter the upcoming ACT Late Model Tour season and will look to begin the 10-race schedule on a high note.

 “In this schedule, each race is important,” he said. “We just want to start off with a solid run and build on that each race.”

He will have plenty of competition at Lee and during the season-long championship battle. Williamstown, VT’s Jimmy Hebert and Lebanon, NH’s Rich Dubeau will both return to the ACT Late Model Tour after finishing in the top-5 in points in 2017. Steuben, ME’s Rowland Robinson, Jr. had the best ACT season of his career this past year and will look to become a serious title contender.

Others who have filed full-season entries include former New Hampshire Governor’s Cup winner Miles Chipman and sophomore Connecticut racer Ray Christian III. New Hampshire brothers Corey and Bryan Mason, both former Late Model champions at Speedway 51, are among the new drivers who have entered for the full season. A large contingent of Série ACT competitors are expected at the season opener as well.

ACT will open its 33^rd season of competition with the 28^th New Hampshire Governor’s Cup 150 at Lee USA Speedway on Sunday, April 15. Qualifying begins at 1:15pm for an afternoon of racing that also includes the R&R Late Model Sportsmen and Northeast Classic Lites. The pits will open at 8:00 and the front gates will open at 9:00am. An optional practice day is scheduled for Saturday, April 14.Source: ACT Tour Press Release and Alan Ward Photo

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

N.E. Racing Fuel Powers Stafford’s Contingency Program for 20th Consecutive Season

Posted by Wayne G.Barber

N.E. Racing Fuel Powers Stafford’s Contingency Program for 20^th Consecutive Season

(Stafford Springs, CT)---When the 2018 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series season kicks off at Stafford Speedway, it will mark the 20^th consecutive season New England Racing Fuel, Sunoco Brand with John Holland and Mike Joy have been part of the track’s contingency program.  N.E. Racing Fuel was a charter member of the contingency program in 1999 and have been a member every year since.  Since the 1999 season, N.E. Racing Fuel, Sunoco Brand has distributed over $125,000 in gas certificates to drivers from each of Stafford’s NASCAR Weekly All-American Series racing divisions. 

“Wow, it’s hard to believe that 2018 will be our 20^th consecutive season in the contingency program,” said John Holland of New England Racing Fuel.  “I think the fact that we’ve been in the program for 20 years in row now speaks volumes about how we feel about being a part of the contingency program at Stafford.  We’ve always received great feedback from the drivers over the years and we enjoy being part of the Friday night program.  We think Stafford has the best weekly short track racing that you’ll find anywhere and we’re all looking forward to watching another exciting season of NASCAR racing.”

When New England Racing Fuel first joined the Stafford Contingency Program in 1999, they supported the SK Modified® ProStock, and Late Model divisions.  Since the 1999 season, Stafford’s weekly division lineup has evolved to now include SK Lights, Limited Late Models, and the rebranded Street Stocks along with the SK Modifieds® and Late Models.  For the 2018 season, New England Racing Fuel, Sunoco Brand will provide the top-3 finishers from all five divisions along with the top finishing rookie driver in each feature event with a $25 gas certificate.  With 22 races on the schedule, New England Racing Fuel, Sunoco Brand will offer competitors over $10,000 in gas certificates during the 2018 season.

“20 years is a long-time for anything,” explained Stafford Motor Speedway General Manager Mark Arute. “John Holland and Mike Joy have been key supporters in weekly racing at Stafford for all these years, we can’t thank them enough.  They were our first contingency partner when we started the program back in 1999, but even prior to the start of that program New England Race Fuels was involved at Stafford through other sponsorships.  These guys live and breathe short track racing just like us, we look forward to another 20 years together.”

Sunoco is the Official Fuel of NASCAR and Stafford Speedway.  Sunoco 112 Supreme and Sunoco GTX 260 can be purchased at the Sunoco Fuel truck found in Stafford’s paddock area every Friday night.  New England Race Fuels is the largest supplier of racing gasoline in New England and they are located at 271 Spielman Highway in Burlington, CT.  For all your racing fuel needs, give them a call at 860-673-9555 or visit them online www.neracingfuel.com.

The first New England Racing Fuel, Sunoco contingency bonuses of the 2018 season will be up for grabs during Stafford Speedway’s 47th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler® Weekend on April 27-29.  The 47th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler® gets underway Friday, April 27 with a practice session for Stafford’s weekly divisions, the New England Truck Series, and Vintage All-Stars.  The practice session will be open to the public at no charge.  Action continues on Saturday, April 28 with pole qualifying for the Whelen Modified Tour cars, along with heat and consolation races for Stafford’s weekly divisions, trucks, and vintage cars.  Saturday will wrap up with feature events for the Limited Late Model, Street Stock, N.E. Trucks, and Vintage All-Stars.  NAPA Spring Sizzler® action continues on Sunday, April 29 with the NAPA Auto Parts Pit Party from 11am-noon followed by Stafford’s SK Modifieds®, Late Models, and SK Lights joining the Whelen Modified Tour in feature action.

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.  Tickets are good for both Saturday and Sunday admission.  All ticket prices include 10% CT Admission Tax.  Discount Tickets are now available at participating NAPA Auto Parts stores.  For a full list of the 72 participating locations throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, please call the speedway office or visit us on the web at www.staffordmotorspeedway.com/participating-napa-auto-parts-stores.

For more information, or to order tickets for the 47th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler®, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at 860-684-2783 or visit us on the web at www.staffordspeedway.com.

Source: Scott Running Stafford Speedway Press Release

Race at Martinsville....

Posted by Wayne G. Barber


Martinsville Speedway

Double Header Re-Scheduled for today on Now FS 1

Kevin Harvick Posts Weekly Bonus in Honor of Ted Christopher at Stafford Speedway

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

(Stafford Springs, CT)---Following his March 11th victory at ISM Raceway, Kevin Harvick expressed his frustration with the disconnect between the short tracks of America and the highest levels of NASCAR.  ‘When I look at our hardcore fans, they’re all sitting at those short tracks and they’re mad,’ Harvick said in his post race press conference following his 2nd consecutive win.  Since that remark the NASCAR community has been buzzing with talk of returning to the roots and supporting local short track racing.  Harvick, the 2014 Cup Series Champion, is backing up his comments with contingency support at Stafford Speedway in 2018.

Through his company, KHI Management, Harvick will present two weekly bonuses to the SK Modified® division in 2018, both in honor of Stafford Speedway legend Ted Christopher.  Weekly, both the leader on lap-13 and the 13th place finisher will receive a $125 bonus provided by Kevin Harvick and KHI Management in remembrance of Ted Christopher’s number 13.

“I’m glad we’ve been able to start the conversations about local short tracks and local racers,” said Kevin Harvick.  “Most all of us came from local short tracks, and it’s important not to forget where we came from.  These tracks, racers, and fans are an integral part of the motorsports community.  It doesn’t take millions to make a difference.  My hope is to continue the conversation with this contingency program, because a little can go a long way at the local levels.”

Stafford Speedway’s SK Modified® division is recognized as one of the most competitive weekly short track programs in the country with weekly 40-lap events at the Stafford, Connecticut half-mile facility.  Founded in 1982, the SK Modified® division was dominated by short track legend Ted Christopher who, over the course of his career, scored 109 of his 131 career Stafford victories behind the wheel of an SK Modified®.  The racing community tragically lost Ted last September just one night after he thrilled fans behind the wheel of his #13 car.  

“We can’t thank Kevin Harvick enough for joining our weekly contingency program and bringing attention back to the grassroots of the sport,” said Stafford Speedway General Manager Mark Arute.  “Kevin has stepped up in a big way with this bonus, not only showing his support of weekly NASCAR racing but also honoring a short track hero, Stafford Speedway legend, and our friend Ted Christopher.  All of us at Stafford are beyond excited.  I know one thing for sure, Kevin Harvick just picked up a lot more fans in the Northeast."

Harvick’s racing career began at the Mesa Marin Speedway in his hometown of Bakersfield, California competing in the Late Model division before moving to the Winston West and NASCAR Truck series in the mid 90’s.  Eventually Harvick moved East and joined Richard Childress racing where he competed in the Busch Series and eventually the Cup Series where he won in his 3rd career start. 

The KHI Management weekly bonus for the SK Modifieds® will accompany 5 additional contingency sponsors for Stafford’s premier division and boosts the total weekly purse to over $9,000, including just under $2,000 to win.  Competition in 2018 will be strong with a mix of youth and experience.  Veterans like 2017 track champion Keith Rocco, Rowan Pennink, Todd Owen, and Eric Berndt will compete with a mix of young guns including Chase Dowling, Ronnie Williams, Matt Galko, Michael Christopher, Jr. and others to crack victory lane in 2018.  

To add to the deep weekly field, NASCAR Xfinity Series regular Ryan Preece is expected to run Stafford as often as his schedule allows in 2018.  The 2011 SK track champion and current driver for Joe Gibbs Racing was quick to show his excitement for the Harvick bonus at his home track.

"Having Kevin Harvick show this kind of support to the grass roots is very humbling,” explained Preece.  "All of us who race on Friday night look up to a guy like Kevin Harvick.  To have KHI supporting the grass roots and being a contingency sponsor, goes a long way. It's moments like this that make me want to work harder to win that contingency.”

The 2018 SK Modified® season kicks off at the 47th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Spring Sizzler® on April 27-29 where the SK Modifieds® will be accompanied by 7 divisions including the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.  Tickets for the “Greatest Race in the History of Spring” are on sale now at StaffordSpeedway.com and at participating NAPA Auto Parts stores. Source: Scott Running Stafford Speedway Press Release

Saturday's Test & Tune is being postponed to March 31

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

Due to the remaining snow, and unfavorable forecast for melting, this Saturday's test and tune is being postponed to Saturday, March 31. Gates will open at 8am. On track activity will begin at 10am and conclude at 4pm. Garage reservations are still open for this event on thompsonspeedway.com, or by calling the office. 

Camper drop-off for the Icebreaker remains on as scheduled for Saturday, March 31. The 44th running of the Icebreaker will take place on Friday, April 6 - Sunday, April 8. Please visit thompsonspeedway.com for more information.

 

McKennedy Scores First Whelen Modified Tour Win

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Myrtle Beach, SC

March 17, 2018

   With only a handful of laps left in the in the Performance Plus 150 presented by Safety Kleen at the Myrtle Beach Speedway, Jon McKennedy of Chelmsford, MA. made the pass on race leader Chase Dowling and then streaked away for the prestigious win over a stellar field of Nascar modifieds.

   Starting on the outside pole along side Matt Hirschman, McKennedy stayed within striking distance of the lead throughout the event.

   Six cautions slowed the field briefly throughout the 150 lap marathon giving each team an opportunity to make vital adjustments to their machines. A lap 99 caution for a minor spin by Melissa Fifield was just what the Tommy Baldwin Jr. owned team needed to make their change, setting up their final run to the checkered.

  McKennedy restarted from inside the fourth row and meticulously picked off one competitor at a time finding himself fourth by lap 120. By lap 130 he had only the leader, Chase Dowling and second place driver Craig Lutz in front of him. One lap later McKennedy used an inside pass on Lutz and glued himself to Dowling's back bumper for the next 8 laps until he found the groove to race by for the lead. McKennedy's Accell Construction sponsored #7NY was in clean air now being chased by Jimmy Blewett and pole sitter Matt Hirschman who lead more than half of the first part of the race. Hirschman also pitted on lap 99 but restarted deep in the pack and could only muster a third place finish.

   At the finish line McKennedy lead Blewett by five car lengths with Hirschman trailing in third.

   Ten different drivers took turns at the point throughout the day including Matt Hirschman-77, Justin Bonsignore-26, Jon McKennedy-12, Chase Dowling-9, Kyle Bonsignore-7, Craig Lutz-6, Gary Putnam-6, Burt Meyers-5, Andy Seuss-1, Doug Coby-1

   Always a favorite to win, Woody Pitkat suffered power steering issues in practice and lost valuable track time while repairs were made, then suffered more problems in the race relegating him to a 27th place finish.

  Whelen modified champion Doug Coby driving the Mayhew Tools #2 started the event mid pack, slowly raced his way forward to lead one lap around the 100 lap mark then was never a contender from that point on. He finished 14th.

    In victory lane McKennedy was a very happy driver indicating this was his first Whelen modified win. "Something I've looked for a long time" he said. "I've got to thank Tom Baldwin for the call to drive this car. He called all the shots today and the crew did an awesome job for me in the pits. It feels really good to get my first win and get that monkey off my back."  He added, "We only had a handful of races scheduled for the year but this win might change that, I know I've got some races to run on the super modified trail to run."

by Jim Snape

photos by Crystal Snape
Myrtle Beach Speedway was built in 1958 and is located on U.S. Route 501 near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The speedway is a semi-banked asphalt oval track that spans 0.538 miles. The NASCAR Cup series competed at the Speedway from 1958 through 1965. The NASCAR Busch Series raced at Myrtle Beach Speedway from 1988 to 2000.
Finish by Racing Reference

1	2	7	Jon McKennedy	Accell Construction Inc.   (Tommy Baldwin)	Chevrolet	150	running	12	47
2	10	6	Jimmy Blewett	TS Hauler   (Ed Partridge)	Chevrolet	150	running	0	42
3	1	60	Matt Hirschman	Pee Dee Motorsports   (Roy Hall)	Chevrolet	150	running	77	43
4	7	15	Chase Dowling	15-40 Connection   (Rob Fuller)	Chevrolet	150	running	9	41
5	6	51	Justin Bonsignore	Phoenix Communications Inc.   (Kenneth Massa)	Chevrolet	150	running	26	40
6	8	36	Dave Sapienza	Sapienza Enterprise   (Judy Thilberg)	Chevrolet	150	running	0	38
7	11	58	Eric Goodale	GAF Roofing   (Edgar Goodale)	Chevrolet	150	running	0	37
8	22	25	Calvin Carroll	Power with Prestige / Cruising w / Betty   (Joe Carroll)	Chevrolet	150	running	0	36
9	19	46	Craig Lutz	Riverhead Building Supply   (Russell Goodale)	Chevrolet	150	running	6	36
10	4	64	Rob Summers	Hoosier Tire East / Fast Track   (Mike Murphy)	Chevrolet	150	running	0	34
11	16	14	Blake Barney *	Atlantic Sprinkler   (Richard Barney)	Chevrolet	150	running	0	33
12	5	16	Timmy Solomito	Starrett Racing   (Eric Sanderson)	Ford	150	running	0	32
13	12	97	Andy Seuss	O.B. Builders   (Byran Dauzat)	Chevrolet	150	running	1	32
14	9	2	Doug Coby	Mayhew Tools   (Mike Smeriglio III)	Chevrolet	150	running	1	31
15	18	77	Gary Putnam	Curb Records   (Mike Curb)	Chevrolet	150	running	6	30
16	13	1	Burt Myers	Citrusafe / Dunleavy Truck & Trailer   (Eddie Harvey)	Ford	150	running	5	29
17	26	26	Gary McDonald	Lakeland Landscape / TRC Electric   (Sean McDonald)	Chevrolet	150	running	0	27
18	14	75	Chris Pasteryak	Dawley's Auto   (Charles Pasteryak)	Chevrolet	150	running	0	26
19	24	99	Jamie Tomaino	Atlantic Sprinkler / PSR   (Cheryl Tomaino)	Chevrolet	150	running	0	25
20	27	23	Joe DeGracia *	PJ DeGracia Contracting   (Paul Degracia)	Chevrolet	150	running	0	24
21	15	21	Ronnie Williams	Gershow Recycling / Empower Financial   (Joseph Bertuccio)	Chevrolet	149	running	0	23
22	23	40	Frank Fleming	Lewisville Motors / Smith Trucking   (Gina Fleming)	Chevrolet	148	running	0	22
23	3	22	Kyle Bonsignore	Snap-On Tools   (Kyle Bonsignore)	Chevrolet	148	running	7	22
24	21	33	Wade Cole	Perf. Engines / Kendall Oil   (Wade Cole)	Chevrolet	141	running	0	20
25	25	01	Melissa Fifield	Crowells Towing   (Kenneth Fifield)	Chevrolet	141	running	0	19
26	20	18	Ken Heagy	Buoy One Seafood   (Robert Pollifrone)	Chevrolet	120	tire	0	18
27	17	82	Woody Pitkat	Horton Avenue Materials   (Danny Watts Jr.)	Chevrolet	115	running	0	17