MR.MONEY, MATT HIRSCHMAN TURNS HAUNTED 100 WIN INTO TTOMS CHAMPIONSHIP AT SEEKONK

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

Seekonk, Mass. (October 28, 2018): Matt Hirschman of Northampton, PA, had been winless in Tri-Track Open Modified Series (TTOMS) competition in 2018 entering the final race of the season. The defending Haunted 100 race winner and series champion came through when it counted most; defending not only his race win but also his championship. 

Entering the event tied with Ron Silk of Norwalk, CT, Hirschman finished a single-spot ahead of his rival to win the championship by a mere two points. Chris Pasteryak of Lisbon, CT, Chase Dowling of Roxbury, CT, and Anthony Sesely of Matawan, NJ, completed the top five.

By virtue of their heat race wins Keith Rocco of Berlin, CT, and Dana DiMatteo of Farmington, CT, led the field to green for the start of the Haunted 100. A great start by Rocco gave him the lead in the opening laps ahead of Brian Robie and Pasteryak as DiMatteo faded. While Rocco drove out to a couple car length advantage, Robie had his hands full with Pasteryak. Les Hinckley was making moves and into sixth spot by lap 11. Championship chasers Silk and Hirschman ran 14 and 27 respectively.

Rocco was able to extend his lead over a battle between Robie and Pasteryak. Hinckley continued his march to the front; taking fifth from Todd Patnode on lap 14 before making quick work of DiMatteo. Pasteryak got by Robie on laps 25; taking Hinckley along for the ride. Hinckley was running down Pasteryak when the first caution flew on lap 26 for a spin by Colbey Fournier.  A handful of cars pitted from the tail end of the field under the caution. On the lap 26 restart Rocco edged ahead once again with Pasteryak and Hinckley taking chase. Back under green, Chase Dowling was using the outside groove to gain positions. Danny Cugini was having a good run in eighth.

The second caution flew when Sammy Rameau spun on lap 29. On the restart Hinckley used the bottom groove to take second away from Pasteryak. Any further progress was stalled when a caution flew for a mechanical failure on the #76 of Matt Galko.

On the ensuing restart at lap 30, Robie faltered; falling back to ninth. Hinckley was all over the back bumper of Rocco for the top spot. Dowling took advantage of Robie’s misfortune moving up inside the top-five. He was able to get by Pasteryak and into third.  Silk now ran fifth.

 

Matt Swanson, who qualified through the consi, broke into the top-ten on lap 35. His progress was slowed by a caution on lap 35 for an incident involving Todd Annarummo, Carl Medieros, Jr. and Andy Jankowiak. Hinckley stayed alongside Rocco on the lap 35 restart. The two went wheel-to-wheel before the caution flew once again on lap 36 after contact between Rob Murphy and Brad Babb sent Babb spinning.

Rocco was strong on the lap 36 restart taking the lead. However, a charging Dowling would not only take second from Hinckley but would also take over the lead from Rocco. Dowling was the new leader on lap 38. Dowling could not shake Rocco. Hinckley and Silk ran nose to tail inside the top-five. Matt Swanson and Hirschman were looking racy as the race approached halfway.

At halfway Dowling continued to lead Rocco and Hinckley. Silk was able to get by Pasteryak for fourth. Anthony Nocella, Swanson, Hirschman, Sesely and Richard Savary completed the top-five after 50-laps. A battle between Pasteryak and Silk had allowed Swanson and Hirschman, who had moved passed Nocella, to catch the lead pack. A spin by Annarummo had the yellow flying for the sixth time on lap 55. During the caution period, Silk and Nocella headed pitside. Back under green Dowling charged back to the lead in front of Hinckley. Hirschman got by Rocco for third.

The seventh caution of the event flew on lap 59 for a multi-car incident that involved Jankowiak and Robie. The top-five for the restart was Dowling, Hinckley, Hirschman, Rocco and Swanson. Silk restarted in position 13. Dowling got a strong restart as did Hirschman. He as able to get by Hinckley and into second. A brewing battle for the lead was cooled when a jumble at mid-pack sent Rameau spinning and the caution flying once again.

Hirschman now lined up beside the leader Dowling on the lap 61 restart. Hirschman rocketed past Dowling to become the new leader on lap 61. Dowling settled into second ahead of Hinckley. The best battle on the field was for fifth. Rocco held the position but a racy Sesely was applying heavy pressure. On lap 66 Sesely moved by Rocco and into the top five. Hinckley was being hounded by Swanson in third. Pasteryak, who had gotten by Rocco, had also reeled in Sesely. He was able to take fifth on lap 70. The jockeying for position inside the top five slowed for a spin by Cugini on lap 71. Under the caution both Hinckley and Rocco went pitside.

An attempt to go green on lap 71 was thwarted by a spin by Calvin Carroll.  Bryan Narducci, who had worked his way into the top-ten, saw his strong finish go by the wayside on the second attempt at a lap 71 restart.  Finally, back under green on lap 71, it was all Hirschman; leaving Dowling and Swanson to duke it out for second. Swanson took the spot away before the 12th caution flew for another spin by Annarummo. On the lap 72 restart it was still Hirschman being trailed by Swanson. Pasteryak stayed alongside Dowling in a bid for third. With only 25 laps remaining, Silk started his charge back to the front. Silk took a position away from Pasteryak and set his sights on Dowling. Silk got by Dowling and headed toward the lead duo of Hirschman and Swanson.

Dowling continued to backslide; giving up fourth to Pasteryak. Hirschman and Swanson saw their lead disappear as the yellow flew; this time on lap 84 for a spin by Fournier. On the restart Hirschman jumped back out in front, Silk was able to move by Swanson; putting the championship contenders 1-2.

Hirschman was able to get breathing room while Silk had a mirror full of Swanson. Another caution flew on lap 88 for a spin by Jankowiak; giving Silk a shot. Silk restarted to the outside of leader Hirschman with just 12 green flag laps remaining. The two went wheel-to-wheel into turn two on the ensuing restart and onto the backstretch. Hirschman was finally able to free himself of Silk to complete lap 89. Hirschman began to stretch his advantage. Pasteryak got my Swanson for third with Dowling taking chase. A great three-car able for sixth featured Sesely, Hinckley and a fully recovered Robie.

Coming out of turn four, bumper tag between Dowling, Swanson and Pasteryak, ended with Swanson spinning on the frontstretch. The resulting caution set-up a green-white-checker to determine not only the race winner but the championship.

The restart order with two laps remaining was Hirschman, Silk, Pasteryak, Dowling, Sesely, Hinckley, Robie, Nocella, Patnode, Rocco inside the top ten.  Hirschman rocketed out to the lead. Silk could do nothing as he watched Hirschman cruise to the checkers and the championship. Pasteryak ended a strong day in third followed by Dowling and Sesely. Hinckley, Robie, Nocella, Patnode and Rocco completed the top-ten at the end of the Haunted 100.    Source: Tri-Track Open Modified Series Press Release

Tri-Track Open Modified Series, Haunted 100 Feature Finish, Seekonk Speedway, October 28, 2018: 1. Matt Hirschman, Northampton, PA; 2. Ron Silk, Norwalk, CT; 3. Chris Pasteryak, Lisbon, CT; 4. Chase Dowling, Roxbury, CT; 5. Anthony Sesley, Matawan, NJ; 6. Les Hinckley, Windsor Locks, CT; 7. Brian Robie, Sunapee, NH; 8. Anthony Nocella, Woburn, MA; 9. Todd Patnode, Richmond, NH; 10. Keith Rocco, Berlin, CT; 11. Dana DiMatteo, Farmington, CT; 12. Richard Savary, Canton, MA; 13. Rob Richardi, Taunton, MA; 14. Andrew Molleur, Shelton, CT; 15. Danny Cugini, Marshfield, MA; 16. Calvin Carroll, Johnsonburg, NJ; 17. Colbey Fournier, Berkley, MA; 18. Andy Jankowiak, Tonawanda, NY; 19.Brad Babb, Windham, ME; 20. Matt Swanson, Acton, MA, 21. Zane Zeiner, Bath, PA; 22. Matt Galko, Meriden, CT; 23. Carl Medeiros Jr., Westport, MA;  24. Bryan Narducci, Colchester, CT; 25. Sam Rameau, Westminster, MA; 26. Rob Murphy, Rochester, MA; 27. Dylan Izzo, Monroe, CT. DNQ: Mike Holdridge, Madison, CT; Kurt Vigeant, Oxford, MA; Tommy Barrett, Millis, MA; Dylan Izzo, Monroe, CT; Jake Johnson, Rehoboth, MA; Tom Rogers, Riverhead, NY; Michael Gervais, Wolcott, CT; Bill Dixon, N. Waterboro, ME; Sal Accardi, Jr., Deer Park, NY; Ron Frees, Brick Township, NJ; Jon Kievman, Deerfield Beach, FL; CJ Bolton, Weare, NH; Andy Shaw, Center Conway, NH; Geoff Nooney, Southwick, MA; Russ Hersey, N Swanzey, NH.

SILK & HIRSCHMAN TIED HEADING TO TTOMS HAUNTED 100

Posted by Wayne G. Barber Photo by Wayne G. Barber Library

Seekonk, Mass. (October 23, 2018): Ron Silk of Norwalk, CT, and defending series champion Matt Hirschman of Northampton, PA, are tied in the championship point standings heading into the final race of the 2018 season for the Tri-Track Open Modified Series (TTOMS). The champion will be crowned following the Haunted 100 for the tour-type Modifieds on Sunday afternoon.  All the Haunted happenings are set for Sunday October 28 Seekonk Speedway in Seekonk, MA.

In addition to the hotly contested 100-lap Modified main event, the ground-pounders will be joined by the Pro-All-Star Series (PASS) for a 150-lap Super Late Model feature event. The already stout schedule of short-track racing will also include a 50-lap Late Model race.

 

In TTOMS action, Chase Dowling of Roxbury, CT is only 20 points behind the lead duo of Silk and Hirschman and is very much in contention for the title. It is a tight point battle inside the top-five; all have a mathematical chance to win.  Tommy Barrett and Woody Pitkat are tied for third with 262 points apiece while Russ Hersey and Matt Galko are each tied with 254 points apiece.

Only 36 points separate the top-seven TTOMS drivers heading into the final race at Seekonk. The cumulative point fund to be distributed by TTOMS is $15,000 with $3,000 being awarded to the series champion.

Over 35 cars are expected to attempt to qualify for the event including TTOMS event winners Todd Patnode, Tour regulars Matt Swanson, in the legendary Ole Blue, Chris Pasteryak, and Calvin Carroll along with hometown favorites Todd Annarummo and Colbey Fournier. Other notables include Anthony Nocella, Richard Savary, Les Hinckley, Zane Zeiner, Sammy Rameau and a rejuvenated Andy Jankowiak. It is believed that the Ed Harvey Racing team will make the haul to Seekonk as well.  While eligible for the lucrative point fund, Pitkat is not expected to compete at Seekonk.

A championship is also on the line for the PASS Northern SLM Tour on Saturday. Ben Rowe from Turner, ME, Travis Benjamin of Belfast, ME, Derek Griffith of Hudson, NH, Wayne Helliwell, Jr. of Dover, NH, Nick Sweet from Barre, VT, Reid Lanpher of Manchester, ME, DJ Shaw of Center Conway, NH and Ray Christian III of Uncasville, CT, are among the notables set to do battle in the Pro All Star Series finale. A regular with the Tri-Track Mods, Derek Ramstrom of Worcester, MA, will return to his roots racing the full-fendered family owned #35 in PASS competition.

The $1,500 winner’s share will draw a strong field of competitors for the 50 lap Late Model event presented by Propane Plus.

Gates open at 11am with racing starting at 1pm on Sunday, October 28. General admission is $27. Children under 12 are admitted free.

Qualifying will get underway at 1:00pm with 15-lap heat races for the PASS Super Late Models, 12-lap heat races for the Late Models and 15-lap heats for the Modifieds. Consolation events will be held if necessary. Feature events will be immediately following qualifying action. The schedule may be subject to change. The rain date is ?, October 28.

Pit gates open at 8am with admission of $37.  Practice will take place from 10am to Noon in rotation.

To learn more about the Tri-Track Open Modified Series, visit TriTrackMods.com or find the series on Facebook and Twitter.

There will be an open-practice on Friday, October 26 from 12pm to 5pm. For more information contact Seekonk Speedway at 508.336.9959.

Nick Johnson Captures Late Model Title at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

The Late Models have been the most competitive division all season at Thompson Speedway both in terms of points and the variety of winners. Four different drivers entered the season finale with wins to their credit but one without a victory was Nicholas Johnson who used consistency to open a slim seven-point lead on Tom Carey, III coming into the final race of the year. Carey entered the race with momentum having won the September feature event at the Big-T. Mathematically four drivers had a chance at the title in the final race with a mere nineteen points separating fourth from Johnson in the lead.

In the end though it was a battle between Carey and Johnson with Johnson starting the 25-lap feature from ninth position while Tom Carey, III, worked his way into the top five in the early going. Carey was in the top three by lap ten engaging in a hard-fought side-by-side battle with Paul Charette for the second position which would continue throughout the rest of the event. Meanwhile Mark Jenison opened up a sizable lead out front looking for his second win of the season. With ten laps remaining Johnson worked his way into the top five as Carey continued his pursuit for the runner-up spot. Carey was unable to complete the pass despite taking the battle to the line while Johnson finished fifth completing a season of perfect top five finishes and winning the division championship in the Late Models. Mark Jenison took advantage of the hard racing behind him to charge to the race win.

With a season built on consistency Nicholas Johnson said he didn’t expect to be in the running for a title, but he was more than happy to celebrate once the checkered flag waved. “I really can’t believe it. I never thought I’d be running for a championship,” Johnson said in victory lane. “We just kind of fell into it this year and did what we could every race. We ended up on top and just never gave up. It’s unreal. To be able to race at a track where your family raced at and do well, it means a lot.”

In victory lane Mark Jenison celebrated ending his season on a high note taking the same “Support the Troops” scheme he won with during Thompson’s For the Veterans weekend to victory lane. “It’s a tough day and good racing,” Jenison said. “I want to thank our troops and veterans. They do so much for us and they don’t get much reward, but they get it tonight from all of us.”Source; Thompson Speedway Media Press Release and Track Photo Credit.

LATE MODEL FEATURE FINISH TOP-10: 1. Mark Jenison (Warwick, R.I.); 2. Paul Charette (Woodstock, CT); 3. Tom Carey, III (New Salem, MA); 4. William Wall (Shrewsbury, MA); 5. Nick Johnson (Rehoboth, MA); 6. Ryan Kuhn; 7. Ryan Morgan (Gales Ferry, CT); 8. Joey Parker (Weymouth, MA); 9. Matt Lowinski-Loh (Milford, MA); 10. Chad Baxter (Pascoag, R.I.)

Late Models

As of 10/12/2018

Pos	Car	Driver	Hometown	Wins	Top 5	Top 10	Features	Points	Gap
1	6	Nicholas Johnson	Rehoboth, MA		7	7	7	327	-
2	5	Tom Carey III	New Salem, MA	1	5	6	7	324	3
3	22RI	Mark Jenison	Warwick, RI	2	5	6	7	314	13
4	4MA	William Wall	Shrewsbury, MA	1	5	6	7	312	15
5	31	Ryan Morgan	Pawcatuck, CT	3	4	6	7	294	33
6	81	Paul Charette	Woodstock, CT		3	5	7	288	39
7	91CT	Woody Pitkat			3	4	6	232	95
8	3	Glenn Boss	Danielson, CT		1	5	6	227	100
9	10	Chad Baxter	Pascoag, RI		1	4	7	226	101
10	60	Joseph Parker	Weymouth, MA			3	7	219	108
11	50 RI	Mike Benevides	Westerly, RI			2	7	191	136
12	11MA	Randy Tucker	Millis, MA			3	6	178	149
13	17	Matthew Lowinski-Loh	Milford, MA			2	7	170	157
14	71	Michael Lindquist	Sandy Hook, CT			2	5	139	188
15	78	Walter Sutcliffe	East Haven, CT			1	6	136	191
16	55	John Warren	Chicopee, MA			1	5	123	204
17	8	Ryan Bell	Acworth, NH				6	112	215
18	70RI	Jason Larivee Jr	West Greenwich, RI			1	4	98	229
19		Rick Gentes	North Smithfield, RI		1	1	3	96	231
20	97	Ernie LaRose	Moosup, CT			1	4	90	237
21	98	Ray Parent	Tiverton, RI			2	2	80	247
22	13	Jared Materas	Westfield, MA			1	2	50	277
23	72	Ryan Kuhn	East Bridgewater, MA			1	1	42	285
24	77	Richard Duranti	Quaker hill, CT				2	40	287
25	55	Brandon Warren	Chicopee, MA				1	28	299
26	88	Corey Fanning	Mapleville, RI				1	26	301
27	9MA	Brian Tagg	Oxford, MA				1	24	303
28	22MA	Paul Lallier	Warwick, RI				1	22	305
29	42	David Wray	Putnam, CT				1	20	307