Thunder Road Legend Harold Hanaford Dies at Age 89

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

 Harold Hanaford (right) places the Milk Bowl trophy with Nick Sweet (left) during opening ceremonies for the 2016 event. (Alan Ward photo)>>

Barre, VT – Harold “Hard Luck” Hanaford, one of the early stars of Thunder Road and a legend of New England auto racing, passed away on Saturday, March 17 after a lengthy illness. Hanaford was 89 years old.

The Plymouth, NH native remains best known as the inaugural winner of the Vermont Milk Bowl in 1962. He added a second Milk Bowl championship in 1964 behind the wheel of his famous purple #30 Ford flathead coupe. It was the same year that he captured the first of back-to-back “King of the Road" titles.

In addition, Hanaford was the 1963 Vermont Governor’s Cup winner. He also captured victories at the former Northeastern Speedway in Waterford, VT, his hometown Plymouth Fairgrounds, and other tracks throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. He was inducted into the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2009.

Hanaford remained a constant presence at Thunder Road after his retirement. As the oldest living Milk Bowl winner, he took part in opening ceremonies for many years, placing the ceremonial milk can trophy in the infield along with the event’s most recent winner.

He is survived by his wife Florence Hanaford and his son Brian Hanaford among others. Funeral arrangements are unknown at this time.

Lee USA Speedway changes for 2018

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Lee USA Speedway Announces Changes to 2018 NASCAR Sanction.

Lee, NH. – Lee USA Speedway announced today, effective for the upcoming season, the R&R “the tool Store and More” Late Model Sportsmen will be the NASCAR Whelen All American Series premier division along with a bump in the progressive payoff to car count, to $500/$700/and $1,000.

The Rodfather Super Modifieds, who have been the premier division since 2011, will move to the Division 2 slot along with the Rodfather, NASCAR, and the speedway providing a $10,000 Points fund. The Supers Schedule and payoffs will stay the same as posted.

Track Promoter Norm Wrenn III said, “We feel this move is in the best interest of the track and showing our commitment to the NASCAR sanction and the weekly Whelen All-American Series. The Sportsmen have the best car counts week in and week out and it’s our aim to bring the NASCAR State of New Hampshire awards back to Lee USA Speedway. We also will be looking at the schedule to try and add some races for the Sportsmen to make it happen.”

The R&R “the tool Store and More” Late Model Sportsmen will kick off its season with the American-Canadian Tour ‘Governors Cup 150’ running a 50 Lap Open Show Rules race, April 15th.

Source: Lee USA Speedway Press Release, John Spence Sr.

NASCAR Whelen Tour Myrtle Beach Race 1 of 16, Entry List 3-16-18

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Race Chatter will have a reporter and photographer at the track for results and photos.

Jim Snape and Crystal Snape Live

Saturday— Garage opens: 9:45 a.m. ET; Practice: 1:05-2:30 p.m.; Group qualifying: 4 p.m.; Driver autograph session (on track): 4:30 p.m.; Performance Plus 150 presented by Safety-Kleen: 5:35 p.m.

1	01	Melissa Fifield	Kenneth Fifield	Chevrolet	Kenneth Fifield	Crowells Towing
2	1	Burt Myers	Eddie Harvey	Chevrolet	Eddie Harvey	Citrusafe / Dunleavy Truck & Trailer
3	2	Doug Coby	Mike Smeriglio III	Chevrolet	Phil Moran	Mayhew Tools
4	3	Rowan Pennink	Jan Boehler	Chevrolet	TBA	Cape Cod Copper / USNE Inc.
5	6	Jimmy Blewett	Ed Partridge	Chevrolet	TBA	TS Hauler
6	7	Jon McKennedy	Tommy Baldwin	Chevrolet	Tommy Baldwin	Accell Construction Inc.
7	14	Blake Barney	Richard Barney	Chevrolet	TBA	Atlantic Sprinkler
8	15	Chase Dowling	Rob Fuller	Chevrolet	TBA	15-40 Connection
9	16	Timmy Solomito	Eric Sanderson	Ford	TBA	Starrett
10	18	Ken Heagy	Robert Pollifrone	Chevrolet	TBA	Buoy One Seafood
11	21	Ronnie Williams	Joseph Bertuccio	Chevrolet	Joseph Bertuccio	Gershaw Recycling / Empower Financial
12	22	Kyle Bonsignore	Kyle Bonsignore	Chevrolet	TBA	Snap-On Tools
13	23	Joe DeGarcia	Paul Degracia	Chevrolet	Paul Degracia	PJ DeGracia Contracting
14	25	Calvin Carroll	Joe Carroll	Chevrolet	Stash Butova	Power With Prestige / Cruising With Betty
15	26	Gary McDonald	Sean McDonald	Chevrolet	TBA	TBA
16	33	Wade Cole	Wade Cole	Chevrolet	TBA	Performance Engines / Kendal Oil
17	36	Dave Sapienza	Judy Thilberg	Chevrolet	Tommy Grasso	Sapienza Enterprises
18	40	Frank Fleming	Gina Fleming	Chevrolet	TBA	Lewisbille Motors / William Smith Trucking
19	46	Craig Lutz	Russell Goodale	Chevrolet	Douglas Ogiejko	Riverhead Building Supply
20	51	Justin Bonsignore	Kenneth Massa	Chevrolet	TBA	Phoenix Communications Inc.
21	54	Tommy Catalano	Amy Catalano	Chevrolet	David Catalano	CP Ward
22	58	Eric Goodale	Edgar Goodale	Chevrolet	Jason Shephard	GAF Roofing
23	60	Matt Hirschman	Roy Hall	Chevrolet	TBA	Pee Dee Motorsports
24	64	Rob Summers	Mike Murphy	Chevrolet	Steve Lemay	Hoosier Tire East / FastTrack Electrical
25	75	Chris Pasteryak	Charles Pasteryak	Chevrolet	TBA	Dawley's Auto
26	77	Gary Putnam	Mike Curb	Chevrolet	Teddy Musgrave Jr.	Curb Records
27	78	Walter Sutcliffe, Jr.	Steven Sutcliffe	Chevrolet	Kevin Anderson	Last Minute Racing
28	82	Woody Pitkat	Danny Watts Jr.	Chevrolet	Jarod Zeltmann	Horton Ave. Materials
29	97	Andy Seuss	Byran Dauzat	Chevrolet	TBA	OB Builders
30	99	Jamie Tomaino	Cheryl Tomaino	Chevrolet	Cheryl Tomaino	Atlantic Sprinkler / PSR
Vehicles withdrawn from the event are highlighted in green.

#3 Rowan Pennink should be a DNS after having back surgery.

Over $54,000 Posted for Devil’s Bowl Speedway Vermont 200 Weekend

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

(Barry Snelling/Devil's Bowl Speedway photo)

WEST HAVEN, Vt. – The biggest dirt track stock car event in Devil’s Bowl Speedway history is taking shape, and the total weekend payout is setting records across the Northeast.  The “Vermont 200 Weekend” event on September 15-16 will offer in excess of $54,000 in total prize money, with more than $37,000 posted for the first-of-its-kind, 200-lap Sportsman Modified race.

The Vermont 200 is the longest, richest race ever created for Sportsman Modifieds, as the open-wheel, center-seat, Chevrolet “602 crate” engine cars will run for an all-time record $10,000 winner’s share.  Big money extends though the field, as the runner-up earns $3,000, fifth place is worth $1,000, 10^th place takes $500, and 30^th place grabs $300.  In addition, a whopping $10,300 will be available in lap leader bonus money.

Traditionally a support division at most tracks in the Northeast, Sportsman cars the popular headline class at Devil’s Bowl.  The Vermont 200 – like all events at Devil’s Bowl Speedway – is open to drivers of all experience levels, though the cars are required to follow the budget-minded restrictions of the Sportsman Modified division.

“The Sportsman teams deserve the spotlight,” Devil’s Bowl promoter Mike Bruno said.  “They put on great racing and have the best car count at just about every dirt track in the region.  We’re proud to call Devil’s Bowl the ‘Home of the Sportsman Modifieds’ and we’re beyond excited to make history at the Vermont 200.”

The Vermont 200 is a one-day race event for the Sportsman division, with all qualifying and main events run on Sunday, September 16.  An optional practice session will be held on Saturday, September 15, along with the second annual “Ron Casey Memorial Shootout” for drivers who have not won a feature race in 2018.

Also on the two-day racing schedule are the King of Dirt Racing Series Pro Stocks with the “Carl Vladyka Memorial” championship finale, $1,000-to-win, 50-lap races for Devil’s Bowl’s Super Stock and Mini Stock divisions, and the first-ever “money race” for the 500cc Mini Sprint division at Devil’s Bowl.

Camping and parking are free and open on Friday at noon, and the Speedway’s annual pig roast barbeque and bonfire party will be held on Saturday night.

Entry forms are now available to download or print on the Devil’s Bowl Speedway website at www.DevilsBowlSpeedwayVT.com, or by emailing devilsbowlspeedway@gmail.com.  Pre-entries received on or before September 1 are just $50 for Sportsman Modifieds and $20 for support classes (excluding KOD Pro Stocks); late entries

Eric Berndt Optimistic For 2018 Season at Stafford

Posted by Wayne G. Barber Photos from Wayne G. Barber Library

(Stafford Springs, CT)---For Stafford Speedway SK Modified® driver Eric Berndt, the 2017 season would have to be marked down as a disappointment.  After winning 2 races and contending for the championship in 2016, Berndt and the #66 Cos’ Central Auto team struggled through 2017, managing only 1 top-5 and 3 top-10 finishes and a 20^th place finish in the points standings.  Berndt is looking to get those numbers turned around and once again be a championship contender in 2018. 

“We’re really optimistic about this season,” said Berndt.  “We’re definitely looking forward to getting the season started and our goals are to win races, contend for the championship, and finish races.  We can’t have any DNF’s, those really hurt.  We want to be a top-5 car and be a weekly contender like we were a few seasons ago.  Last year was one of those years you like to get rid of real quick.  It was disappointing because we’ve had several seasons where we’ve been in the top-5 in points and contending on a weekly basis.  Unfortunately with racing, some years you’re not going to have that and last year was just one of those years.  It seemed like no matter what we did, wherever we were on the racetrack it was the wrong time and the wrong spot to be in.  Trouble seemed to find us we didn’t have to go find it.”

Berndt has been busy during the winter going through his #66 machine as well as getting his engine from T/A Engines freshened up.  In addition to the work on his car, Berndt has added the services of race and championship winning crew chief Stash Butova for the upcoming 2018 season.  The addition of Butova has Berndt looking forward to what they can accomplish on the track while working together.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Stash this year,” said Berndt.  “Having him on board with us is definitely going to help us out.  He’s going to come down to the shop to work on the cars during the week as well as at the track.  We were a little short on help at the track last year and I would have to do a lot of stuff as soon as we got to the track and that wears on you quickly and then once you have some bad luck, it doesn’t seem to get better.  We’re really excited about him coming on board and he’s got a couple of guys coming with him so we’re really looking forward to it.  We’ve gone through the car to make sure everything is straight and we have a fresh motor coming back from T/A Engines so we’re coming to the Spring Sizzler looking to attack.  I’d like to thank North End Auto Parts, Cos’ Central Auto, and T/A Engines for supporting us.”

The key for Berndt to get back to his race winning and championship contending ways starts with the NAPA Spring Sizzler® feature event.  A good finish in the season opening race can set the tone for the entire year.  Berndt is hoping for a good finish to get his season started on a good note.

“The key is to get through the Spring Sizzler®,” said Berndt.  “If you don’t get through that race with a good finish, you’re not in the handicap and then you’re fighting every week from the back.  Obviously we want to be contending for a win but the biggest thing is to come out of that race with a good finish and keeping the car straight.  When you come out of the Sizzler® bent up, it can make for a long season and that’s what ended up happening to us last year.  A win would be huge for us.  That’s motivation and it’s a confidence booster for everyone when you can win a race, especially early in the season.”

Despite the misfortunes he encountered during the 2017 season, Berndt says there are some positives that he can take and apply to his 2018 efforts.

“The last couple of races last year we had a tired motor which didn’t help us, but we had the car where we wanted it to be,” said Berndt.  “I don’t think we ever had the car 100% for any race last year but we finished the season in one piece.  We definitely saw some things that we’re going to use this season and hopefully it will work out to our advantage.  We need a little better luck and I think with the extra crew help we’ll have this year we should be able to turn our fortunes around.  We’re all looking forward to getting back out on the track.”

Source: Stafford Speedway Scott Running Press Release

Lee USA 2018 Tentative Schedule

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Granite State Pro Stocks Crown a 2017 Champion

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

The Granite State Pro stock Series officially brought its season to a close on Saturday March 3 at the Thompson Motor Sports Park clubhouse. The season ending banquet of champions was a chance for the teams of the GSPSS to get together one last time as part of the 2017 season and honor their champions.

Tom and Mike O’Sullivan were officially crowned owner and driver champions making them the first multi-time champions in series history. The duo also took down the 2012 series championship and have been competitors with the series virtually since day one. They received a pair of championship trophies, point fund money as well as a pair of championship jackets from American Racer Tires.

In addition to crowning the champions, a number of specialty awards were given out. Scott MacMicheal was crowned rookie of the year as he and his Bob Labine owned team had a successful first season together. The pair also finished the season second in the season ending point standings after a spirited battle with eventual champion O’Sullivan.

Also given out was the annual “John Boy Hoyt memorial dedication to motor sports award”. This award is given to someone who goes above and beyond for the sport of auto racing. For 2017 the staff of the GSPSS chose to honor series president and race director Mike Parks. Parks not only founded the series with John Hoyt, but for 2017 Mike chose to get out of the driver’s seat and focus more on the operation of the series.

There were a number of contingency awards given out including five star bodies gift certificates, an O’Reilly auto parts gift certificate, AR Bodies gift certificates and a brand new VDL Carburetor that went to team 39 and driver Nick Lascoula

The final group to be honored were the top ten in points, eight of whom were in attendance to receive their trophys, point fund money and be honored by their fellow competitors. O’Sullivan, Macmicheal, Lascoula and Cory Casagrande were all in the top five in points and picked up hardware Saturday night. Josh King, Tommy O’Sullivan, Devin O’Connell and Mike Mitchell finished six through nine in the standings and were also in attendance. Mike Scorzelli wound up tenth in the owners standings and picked up a point fund check for his efforts in 2017.

With the 2017 Banquet in the books it is on to the 2018 GSPSS season. On tap for 2018 is a twelve race schedule highlighted by a return to NHMS for the second annual short track showdown, a three segment race, the annual JBH memorial race and a soon to be announced event that could become an annual highlight on the GSPSS schedule. The season kicks off with a test and tune date April 28 at Claremont Speedway and the opener the following Friday night.

The complete 2017 point standings as well as the 2018 schedule and more can be found at gspss.net.