By Lou Modestino
American Canadian Tour (ACT) teams look at Lee USA Speedway’s annual New Hampshire Governor’s Cup 150 to kick start their race season on Sunday, April 13, 2014. The optimism is well-founded. ACT Late Models can boast 10 different winners in 11 events held at Lee since 2003.
The list of winners is impressive, with a huge diversity of experience. Starting the list of winners are two Canadian teams, featuring four-time ACT US and Canadian Champion Patrick Laperle from St. Denis, QC and NASCAR Canadian Champion DJ Kennington, St. Thomas, ON in 2003 and 2004, respectively.
Seven-time ACT Champion Jean-Paul Cyr, and three time Thunder Road Champion Cris Michaud, along with the 1995 ACT Pro Stock Champion from Fast One racing, Brad Leighton all went to victory lane at Lee USA Speedway. Pro All Star Series Champion Ben Rowe from Turner, Maine won the NH Governor’s Cup in 2008. Lee regular weekly racer Miles Chipman shocked the ACT regulars in 2010 with a win for long-time car owner David Storey.
Perennial front-runner Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. from Hudson, NH was a first-time winner in 2008. “I remember what a great feeling it was to win that race. I started my ACT career at Lee and to get that win really gave my career a boost. I think Brian (eight (8) time ACT Champion Brian Hoar from Williston, VT) is the only guy who has won the Lee opener twice, and that is definitely my goal this year. If we can start the season like we ended 2013, this could help us get that first ACT Championship this season. I can’t wait for the season to begin,” said Pole.
The defending New Hampshire Governor’s Cup winner, Jimmy Hebert, from Williamstown, VT stunned the veterans and the full house a year ago, with his first ever ACT win in just his second year of competition. “It was with a lot of help from my team and Dale Shaw that got me that win, but really with the number of cars and quality of race teams we raced with, it was pretty much a shock to me. I only remember coming around with the checkered flag victory lap and seeing my father jumping up and down on the track. That was pretty special. I hope to repeat this year,” said Hebert.
The ACT opening event at Lee USA Speedway in Lee, NH will take place with a full practice on Saturday, April 12 and a 150-lap feature event on Sunday, April 13, 2014. Qualifying will begin at 1 on Sunday.