Monthly Archives: February 2018

GSPSS to celebrate 2017 this Saturday Night

Mike O’Sullivan will be honored at the Thompson Speedway Clubhouse in CT on Saturday night, March 3 for his second Graite State Pro Stock Series  Championship. (Credit: Crystal Snape photo )

 

                 Annual awards banquet to be held In Connecticut

 

WALPOLE, N.H. – Even though the 2018 racing season is quickly approaching, the Granite State Pro Stock Series is going to turn back the calendar to last year on Saturday night.

The series will hold the annual awards banquet and 2017 celebration at the Raceway Restaurant at the Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park Clubhouse in Thompson, Connecticut.

Series champion Mike O’Sullivan, who captured his second career title on the Pro Stock Touring Series in 2017, will be honored Saturday night. He captured the crown by eight points over Scott MacMichael after finishing seventh in the season-finale at New London-Waterford Speedbowl.

“They are all different, the first championship at Thompson was really cool, we weren’t really expecting to do that,” O’Sullivan said of his past titles in his career , following the Speedbowl finale. “To come here on a touring series, we had the Icebreaker and the World Series on the schedule, and we decided we wanted to run all the races. This is a testament to my guys.”

Second-place MacMichael will also be honored, along with the rest of the top 10 contenders in the point standings. Barry Gray, who was the 2016 series champion, finished third in the standings last season. Nick Lascuola of Abington and Cory Casagrande rounded out the top five.

Six through 10 in the points went to Josh King, Tommy O’Sullivan, Devin O’Connell, Mike Mitchell and Joe Squeglia.

The top 10 in the owner’s point standings will also be honored. Anyone with questions regarding the standings or the awards can contact series president Mike Parks.

The night will start at 6 p.m. with cocktail hour, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The awards and celebration will follow dinner.

Source:

Mike Parks
President
Granite State Pro Stock Series
Note: If your track, tour or event is not posted on this blog send your press releases and flyers to: lmodestino@hotmail.com

Justin Bren returns to Limited Late Model Division at Stafford

(Stafford Springs, CT)—After sitting out the 2017 season at Stafford Speedway, Palmer, MA native Justin Bren will return to the Limited Late Model ranks for the 2018 season with his eyes set on contending for the track championship.  With a new #66 Bertera Chevrolet machine at his disposal, Bren is excited for the season and he can’t wait to get back to driving after a season of helping out his fellow Rob Russell Chassis teammates. Continue reading →

Casagrande Builders to sponsor May 11th Street Stock Showdown

 

 

(Stafford Springs, CT)—Casagrande Builders of Stafford, CT has signed on to sponsor the inaugural May 11th Street Stock 25-lap Showdown.  Formerly the DARE Stock division, the division has been given a revamp for the 2018 season including a new name, updated rules, and an increased weekly purse as well as lap count.  In addition to all the weekly changes two extra distance events have been announced, the first on May 11th at the 25 lap distance and the second on September 7th at 30 laps in distance. Continue reading →

Norm Wrenn buys the Lee USA Speedway from the MacDonald family

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February 27th, 2018
Nashua Businessman Purchases Lee USA Speedway 

Nashua, NH. — Longtime Nashua businessman Norman Wrenn Jr. has purchased Lee USA Speedway in Lee, NH.  Wrenn bought the 3/8 mile speedway from John “Red” MacDonald and wife Judy, track owners for the last 33-years. Wrenn made the disclosure Tuesday, February 27.

Wrenn, in his 40th year in the propane gas business, is also a successful stock car racer, dating back to 1983. A many time feature winner and track champion, Wrenn has competed in Pro Stock, Pro-4 modified, and Modified Racing Series competition over a 35-year career. Wrenn ironically won his first Pro Stock race at Lee in 1993.

“No changes, no staff changes, no race division changes, the recently announced schedule for the 2018 season is in place and we are prepared to go with it,” said Norman Wrenn III when speaking about the take over.

Wrenn’s Jr’s son, Norman Wrenn III, also a racer, will focus on the day-to-day operation of the business in a full time capacity with track General Manager Joe Bassett who has been retained by the new ownership.

Wrenn indicated he intends to continue the track’s NASCAR sanction and the weekly Whelen All-American Series.

As is the case when ownership changes occur, with it will be upgrades where the Wrenn’s feel there is a need.

Said Wrenn III, “Looking at upgrades in the VIP Tower, track lighting, and the public address system. Lee always has been a well-maintained racetrack. A clean facility. We will strive to continue that.”

Wrenn also stated that he plans to focus on the so-called ‘front gate’.
“Putting fans back in the grandstands is important to our future.  We have a strong need to be sure families are entertained and race programs are over at a respectable hour.”

Wrenn Jr is the fourth owner of the speedway originally built by Robert Bonser in 1964. Hall of Famer’s Charlie Elliott, Ken Smith, and Russ Conway took the reigns in 1983 and scheduled their first race in July 1984. The MacDonald’s purchased the track in December 1986 and opened the following year. The track fast became popular with fans and competitors alike.

Red MacDonald is a New England Hall of Fame member having been inducted for his success as a track owner and promoter.

The 77-year old car owner and builder is quick to point out the Lee track is like a family member. But after he and wife Judy, having worked 44- years and often 7-days a week, felt it was time.

“Judy and I have loved running the race track for the past 33-years. We have been really fortunate to have some of the best people in the business work year after year for the love of the sport and the speedway,” said MacDonald.

“We are sad in some ways to let go and happy at the same time that the Wrenn’s assure us that they will take it to the next level and that is exciting to us. That makes the transition a lot easier for us knowing that they will continue to run it as a racetrack and that’s all we ever wanted when it was time. Joe Bassett will continue as General Manager and our staff will stay intact. That means a lot to us.”

The 2018 season at Lee USA Speedway begins in April with the American-Canadian Tour ‘Governors Cup 150’ on April 15, with the Late Model Sportsman, and Northeast Classic Lites, also on the opening card.

Source: Lee USA Speedway
Note: If your track, tour or event  is not posted on this blog send your press releases and flyers to: lmodestino@hotmail.com

Continue reading →

Go fund me established for injured racer Mike Tidaback

 

 

Note: If your track, tour or event is not posted on this blog send your press releases and flyers to: lmodestino@hotmail.com

American Flat Track moves to weekend programming as part of new multi-year TV broadcast deal with NBCSN

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Photo Credit: Scott Hunter/American Flat Track

 

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 27, 2018) – American Flat Track, the world’s fastest growing motorcycle sport, is proud to announce a multi-year renewal with NBCSN and a move to highly-coveted, weekend afternoon programming slots within two weeks of each event.

 

AFT posted strong viewership numbers in its inaugural season on NBCSN and reached nearly two million viewers last year. With a weekly programming schedule, the sport gathered a loyal fanbase that tuned in to NBCSN’s primetime motorsports block every Thursday night. This season, AFT’s one-hour, tape-delayed telecasts will premiere on weekend afternoons on NBCSN, often directly following or preceding the network’s NASCAR, IndyCar, and Pro Motocross coverage.

 

American Flat Track is the most historic form of American motorcycle racing and is entering its 65th season with significant momentum. Comprised of two diverse and highly-competitive classes, the series is headlined by powerful, twin-cylinder motorcycles in AFT Twins presented by Vance & Hines while riders mounted on spirited, 450cc single-cylinder machines battle it out in the AFT Singles division.

 

“American Flat Track’s relationship with NBC has driven extraordinary interest in our sport,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “With the improved broadcast schedule and exciting new racing storylines for 2018 we are anticipating even greater numbers of fans following America’s original extreme sport on NBCSN.”

 

With nearly 85 million subscribers, NBCSN is the Home of Motorsports in America. In addition to providing coverage of American Flat Track, NBCSN is also the home for NASCAR, IndyCar, Mecum Auctions, Lucas Oil Pro Motocross.

 

“We are very excited to kick-off our second season of AFT on NBCSN,” said Jeff Macaluso, Senior Director, Programming, NBC Sports Group. “The 2017 season provided us with some incredible racing and showed us how passionate the riders and fans are of this historic sport. The move to weekends this year, around other marquis motorsports properties, is sure to raise the level even higher.”

 

American Flat Track’s telecasts on NBCSN are expertly produced by NASCAR Productions, LLC and provide viewers with a window into the dramatic world of American Flat Track. Coverage from all 18 events will feature flag-to-flag coverage of both racing classes. Exclusive features and editorial content highlight the triumphs and tribulations of the world’s elite dirt track motorcycle racers as they battle for glory. Cutting-edge technology including aerial drone footage and onboard cameras will once again put viewers on the edge of their seats as the riders slide through the corners and draft each other down the straights at speeds of more than 130mph.

 

In addition to the 18 weekend premieres, NBCSN will provide a weekday re-air of each show before they will become available on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. FansChoice.tv, a cornerstone of American Flat Track’s digital strategy, will continue to provide live streaming coverage of every round on the 2018 calendar.

 

The 2018 season will begin on March 15 at Daytona International Speedway, as American Flat Track returns to a one-of-a-kind race course built on the famous tri-oval at the “World Center of Racing.” This year’s Harley-Davidson TT presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys will see faster and more furious racing action thanks to a fresh track redesign featuring wider corners, a faster straightaway and the biggest jump on the calendar. General Admission tickets start at just $30 and are on sale now. Get yours today by visiting Daytona International Speedway’s website at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

 

The schedule for American Flat Track’s premiere telecasts on NBCSN follows, subject to change:

Rd Track, Location Track Type Premiere Time (ET) Time (PT)
1 Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL TT Sun, 3/25 2:00 PM 11:00 AM
2 Dixie Speedway, Woodstock, GA Short Track Sat, 4/14 5:30 PM 2:30 PM
3 Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, TX Half-Mile Sun, 5/06 4:00 PM 1:00 PM
4 Calistoga Speedway, Calistoga, CA Half-Mile Sun, 5/20 12:00 PM 9:00 AM
5 Turf Paradise, Phoenix, AZ Mile Sat, 5/26 3:00 PM 12:00 PM
6 Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA Mile Sun, 6/03 2:00 PM 11:00 AM
7 Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL Mile Sat, 6/09 5:00 PM 2:00 PM
8 Red Mile, Lexington, KY Mile Sat, 6/16 12:00 PM 9:00 AM
9 Remington Park, Oklahoma City, OK Mile Sat, 6/23 5:00 PM 2:00 PM
10 Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, OH Half-Mile Sat, 7/07 2:30 PM 11:30 AM
11 Weedsport Speedway, Weedsport, NY Short Track Sun, 7/15 6:00 PM 3:00 PM
12 Buffalo Chip Campgrounds, Sturgis, SD TT Sat, 8/11 12:30 PM 9:30 AM
13 Black Hills Speedway, Rapid City, SD Half-Mile Sat, 8/18 2:00 PM 11:00 AM
14 Peoria Motorcycle Club, Peoria, IL TT Sat, 9/01 3:00 PM 12:00 PM
15 Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL Mile Sat, 9/22 2:30 PM 11:30 AM
16 Williams Grove Speedway, Mechanicsburg, PA Half-Mile Sun, 9/23 5:00 PM 2:00 PM
17 Canterbury Park, Shakopee, MN Mile Sun, 10/14 5:00 PM 2:00 PM
18 Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, NJ Mile Sun, 10/21 2:00 PM 11:00 AM

About American Flat Track:
American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on American Flat Track, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram, live stream the events at FansChoice.tv and catch all the American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

 

About NBCSN:

NBCSN is NBC Sports Group’s dedicated 24/7 linear sports network. Now in nearly 85 million homes, the Emmy Award-winning network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL) – including two Stanley Cup Final games – NASCAR, IndyCar, Premier League, Tour de France, and America’s Cup. In addition, NBCSN features college football, college basketball, college hockey, cycling, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Ironman, the AVP Tour and Premiership Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as PFT Live, The Dan Patrick Show, and NASCAR America. NBCSN is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

Westborough’s Kaz Grala has an off day at Atlanta Motor Speedway last Sunday

Date:Sat, Feb 24, 2:00 PM
Track:Atlanta Motor Speedway
ResultsFinal
Pos Driver Status Pts
1

K. Harvick

Ford·#98
 Running 0
2

J. Logano

Ford·#22
 Running 0
3

C. Bell

Toyota·#20
 Running 52
4

J. Nemechek

Chevrolet·#42
 Running 33
5

E. Sadler

Chevrolet·#1
 Running 43
6

J. Allgaier

Chevrolet·#7
 Running 37
7

A. Cindric

Ford·#12
 Running 37
8

K. Benjamin

Toyota·#18
 Running 34
9

R. Truex

Chevrolet·#11
 Running 28
10

R. Reed

Ford·#16
 Running 36
11

D. Hemric

Chevrolet·#21
 Running 28
12

M. Tifft

Chevrolet·#2
 Running 25
13

T. Dillon

Chevrolet·#3
 Running 0
14

S. Gallagher

Chevrolet·#23
 Running 23
15

C. Briscoe

Ford·#60
 Running 22
16

R. Chastain

Chevrolet·#4
 Running 21
17

B. Jones

Toyota·#19
 Running 20
18

A. Labbé

Chevrolet·#36
 Running 19
19

T. Reddick

Chevrolet·#9
 Running 30
20

M. Annett

Chevrolet·#5
 Running 17
21

D. Lupton

Ford·#28
 Running 16
22

R. Sieg

Chevrolet·#39
 Running 15
23

K. Grala Westborough, MA

Ford·#24
 Running 14
24

J. Williams

Chevrolet·#90
 Running 13
25

G. Smithley

Chevrolet·#15
 Running 12
26

J. Gase

Chevrolet·#35
 Running 11
27

J. Clements

Chevrolet·#51
 Running 10
28

D. Starr

Chevrolet·#52
 Running 9
29

S. Boyd

Chevrolet·#76
 Running 8
30

B. J. McLeod

Chevrolet·#78
 Running 7
31

V. Miller

Chevrolet·#01
 Running 6
32

S. Leicht

Toyota·#155
 Running 5
33

T. Martins

Chevrolet·#8
 Running 4
34

T. Hill

Dodge·#66
 Running 3
35

C. Finchum

Toyota·#40
 Running 2
36

M. Mills

Chevrolet·#0
 Running 1
37

J. J. Yeley

Chevrolet·#93
 DNF 1
38

M. Shepherd

Chevrolet·#89
 DNF 1
39

C. Custer

Ford·#00
 DNF 1
40

J. Green

Chevrolet·#38
 DNF 1
Source:  NASCAR.com

Kaz Grala Earns Top-5 Finish in XFINITY Series Debut

(Photo: John K Harrelson/ NKP)

By Joseph Wolkin February 17, 2018 J

Kaz Grala of Westborough, MA didn’t enter Saturday afternoon’s NASCAR XFINITY Series Powershares QQQ 300 at Daytona International Speedway with any expectation other than to finish the race.

That he did. But the JGL Racing rookie exceeded his expectations, saying multiple times he didn’t have the speed he hoped to have this weekend.

Grala maneuvered his No. 24 car around multiple wrecks that caused an impressive five overtime restarts, coming home in the fourth position. When he brought his Ford down pit road, his wide smile said it all.

“It was wild out there,” Grala said. “It got pretty hectic there at the end. We got ourselves up in good position there and capitalized on it. This is a really big day for us, and it’s going to be a fun 33 races.”

The No. 24 team stayed away from the lead pack during the first two stages of the race in an attempt to keep the car in one piece. In the midst of the overtime madness, the Shane Wilson-led team was saving fuel as it grew worrisome it wouldn’t make it to the end.

Source: Frontstretch