Monthly Archives: July 2018

Amanda Pelkey crosses finish line with gold

Barre, VT – Thunder Road officials announced today the track will be hosting Amanda Pelkey at Cody Chevrolet Night on Thursday, August 9. Pelkey recently played in the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games for Team USA where she became a gold medalist.

Montpelier, Vermont’s Pelkey began hockey through the Barre Youth Sports Association which led her to play for the Boston Shamrocks and the North American Hockey Academy throughout her high school years. Pelkey became a star at The University of Vermont where she ended her collegiate career as the school’s all-time leader in goals, assists, and points.

She then went on to be the first female to sign with the Boston Pride in the NWHL (National Women’s Hockey League). She contributed immensely to the team’s success, winning the NWHL Isobel Cup in their inaugural season in 2016.

All youth Vermont female ice hockey players who register for the event will be admitted free on Cody Chevrolet Night. It is encouraged for the female hockey players to attend the event wearing their own hockey jersey.

Registration deadline for the event is August 7. To register for the event, call Tina Gallison at (802) 244-6963 ext. 4 or via email tb@thunderroadvt.com. Post time for the event is 7:00 pm with a ceremony recognizing Pelkey’s accomplishments planned for intermission.

Source:

Michael R. Stridsberg

Thunder Road Speedbowl

Media Director

Lime Rock Park announces the return of Trans Am on Memorial Day Weekend 2019

PRESS RELEASE

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2018

Lime Rock Park Announces The Return Of Trans Am On Memorial Day Weekend 2019

SVRA Joins The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli On May 24-25 & 27, 2019

LAKEVILLE, Conn.—Lime Rock Park, the historic motorsports and entertainment destination nestled among the hills of beautiful Northwest Connecticut, is pleased to announce that the Trans Am Series by Pirelli and the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA)

will headline the track’s 2019 season opening event.

“Racing at Lime Rock Park during Memorial Day Weekend is a tradition,” said Skip Barber, Lime Rock Park President. “We look forward to carrying on that tradition in 2019 with classic sports car racing. This news will delight our fans as Trans Am was previously a great series at Lime Rock. With renewed enthusiasm, we think it’s getting stronger and we look forward to offering it again.”

The Trans Am Series event will also include racing by the SVRA, both of which will offer a full Memorial Day holiday weekend of activities, including practice and qualifying on Friday, May 24, racing on Saturday, May 25, and Monday, May 27, and the 10th annual Sunday Royals Car Show, which will include the Trans Am and SVRA race cars and second annual Farm-To-Table Picnic, on Sunday, May 27, 2019. The SVRA features vintage race cars that are from more recent decades than the VSCCA cars that race here during the Labor Day Historic Festival.

“We are very excited to have Trans Am back racing at Lime Rock on our traditional weekend”, said John Clagett, president of The Trans Am Race Company, LLC., who operates the Trans Am Series and oversees it’s management and marketing. Sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing, Trans Am features 70-plus car grids populated by Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers and Corvettes — a massive dose of pure Americana, with just a touch of nostalgia.

SVRA President and CEO Tony Parella added, “At long last, our SVRA racers, spectators and sponsors will finally get a chance to experience this historic venue. I am thrilled to see this event come together and have the chance to work with Skip Barber.” From 200 m.p.h Indy and Formula 1 cars to classic Jaguars and Porsches, SVRA events provide a “rolling history” of motorsport where the cars are the stars at legendary tracks across the country.

“Trans Am has a great history at Lime Rock featuring America’s greatest drivers,” said Lime Rock Park General Manager Steve Sewell. “We think that our fans will enjoy mixing modern and vintage race cars on the same weekend and that this event will have a great future here at Lime Rock Park.”

About The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli:

The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli began igniting the passion of motorsports fans across the world in 1966 and has been home to some of the greatest names in road racing. Today, Trans Am continues to honor its legacy, while challenging the status quo in racing, through meaningful racing platforms and a driver-oriented focus. Visit http://gotransam.comfor more information.

About Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA):

Sportscar Vintage Racing Association is one of the oldest organizations in vintage racing, and the only one with a national presence. The association offers endurance racing events across the country that include Indy, Formula 1 and classic sports cars. https://svra.com

About Lime Rock Park:

Opened in 1957, Lime Rock Park is a historic automotive and entertainment venue located in Litchfield County, Conn. Along with hosting several televised spectator race weekends, Lime Rock is home to numerous special events, racing schools, driving schools, the exclusive Lime Rock Drivers Club. Visit www.limerock.com or @limerockpark on social media for more information.

Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli (CREDIT: Trans Am Series by Pirelli)

www.limerock.com

@limerockpark

Lime Rock Park | 497 Lime Rock Road, Lakeville, CT 06039

Speedbowl Advance Sat., 7/28

Krzeminski moving up Mini Stock ladder point standings

WATERFORD — Andrew Krzeminski of Haddam has one word to describe his first Mini Stock race three years ago — disaster.

“We spun out so many times that the Scott Tapley, the race director told us to get off the track,” Krzeminski said. “We didn’t know what we were doing out there.”

Turn the clock ahead to Saturday. July 21, a night when Krzeminski showed what three years of hard work, dedication and improvement can do.

“He stomped across the finish line in third place, behind front-runners Charles Canfield and Doug Curry, to pull down his first podium of his career.

“I just watched the video again,” Krzeminski said. :”I came across the stripe and I was pounding my fist on the roof like we had won. In my mind, this was like a win. We’ve put so much work into this car — we scale it four or five times a week. That hard work finally is paying off.”

It’s been a long road, however, to get from Point A to Point B. Krzeminski’s first exposure to racing was when he worked with Sean Caron, who has been a long-time competitor in the Mini Stocks.

“I was on his crew, and I kept bugging me about letting me drive the car,” Krzeminski. “Eventually he succumbed and let me drive it. And I was terrible. But I loved it.

“Within two weeks I bought an old No. 39 car from Charles Andrade and I put a junkyard motor in it. We did terribly at the start. But I wanted to be on the track.”

During the off-season he totally tore the car apart, put on a new body, new suspension parts and a new motor and was ready to take on a new season.

“And we were still a disaster,” Krzeminski said. “It sure is a lot more difficult than it is from the stands. “It was a big learning curve.”:

And it was a learning curve against the wind. Eventually, Krzeminski started to get the wind to blow in his direction and show some improvement.

“”We got into the Top 10 a couple of times, but we didn’t have a ton of guidance,,” Krzeminski said.

“At the end of my second full season, I got in touch with Joe Brockett and he started doing my carburetors. He started working with me and I showed some big improvement. Since he’s started to coach me, we’ve gotten better and better. He’s never given me bad advice.”

It all culminated with Saturday’s podium finish.

“We have a new body on the car, new paint, a new wrap, a freshened motor, and we came out swinging,” Krzeminski said.

Krzeminski has yet to finish out of the Top 10, grabbing a third place, 5 fifth-place finishes, a sixth and a ninth. He currently is fourth in the point standings.

“Advancement,” Krzeminski said. “That’s the key word. We’re finally catching on to what it takes to be competitive. We are far from being a front-runner, but we are definitely gaining on it.”

Krzeminski, however, now is looking to climb to the next level.

“We have made some changes,” Krzeminski said. “I can hold the bottom now a lot better than I did. to make people go around me. Last week Doug Curry was outside me and I held him off for a long time. If I can hold off a guy like Doug Curry for a few laps, then I definitely know I’m going well.

“I’m harder to pass. Now I’ve got to work on gaining positions during a race. That’s my next step.”

Krzeminski is looking for monetary support so he can take that step. His team includes his brothers, John, Ken and Keith and his girlfriend, Chelsea Pike.

“She is super involved; she’s my No. 1 supporter,” Krzeminski said. “She goes to school full-time and she supports me full-time.

Greg’s Outboard Service, Krzeminski’s sister Kim, Jeff’s Custom Graphics and Brockett round out his support group..

“They are the biggest reasons we are as fast as we are this year,” Krzeminski said.

And Krzeminski is trying to get faster.

“We work every night on the car,” Krzeminski said. “We’re never going to stop trying to improve.”

After all, once you’ve had a taste of the podium, you can’t wait to get another one.

Speedbowl notes

Classic car night

Not only is it Nostalgia Night Saturday, it also is the second Classic Car Night of the year. Fans are invited to bring their classic cars or trucks from 1896 to 1978. Car owners will receive will receive a voucher entitling that person to one free grandstand ticket. to the Brouwer Memorial.

The Speedbowl has announced that a race honoring the late Bubby Brouwer will be taking place on Sept. 8. Brouwer served for years as the track maintenance man and was also a championship driver, notching 31 career wins.

The Bubby Brouwer SK Lite 49 presented by RaceChoice.com will be the biggest race for SK Lite drivers in the history of the Speedbowl. Lap sponsorships are available for $25. For more information, contact Mike Serluca at mikes@speedbowlct.com, or text him at 860-942-6794.

Who’s hot?

Kyle James is the hottest driver in the SK Modified division with four wins in six races. Jonathan Puleo has the hot and in the SK Lite Modifieds with four wins in five races. Charles Canfield is on fire with four wins and one second in his last five races while Shawn Gaedeke has not been out of the Top 4 in the Sportsman, winning three times.

Guest Divisions

Guests divisions Saturday will be the New England Antique Racers and the Senior Tour Auto Racers. Also at the Bowl will be the NEMA Lites, who ill be involved in the Jim O’Brien 50-lap Memorial. The Ct Pro 4 Modifieds will be making their third trip to the Speedbowl this season. Brett Meservey had won both features, and P.J. Peter has won both features in the Pro 4 Lite division.

Source: Matt Buckoler/Mike Surluca/Waterfford Speedbowl PR

Burt Myers set to make Stafford Speedway debut on Aug. 3 in Starrett 150

MYRTLE BEACH, SC - MARCH 17: Burt Myers, driver of the #1 Citrusafe / Dunleavy Truck & Trailer Chevrolet, poses for a headshot before the NASCAR Whelen Modified Performance Plus 150 presented by Safety-Kleen on March 17, 2018 at Myrtle Beach Speedway in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)

BURTMYERS

OWNER:Eddie Harvey

HOMETOWN:Walnut Cove, N.C.

CREW CHIEF:Eddie Harvey

Burt Myers is a two-time NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour champion, and a multiple-time modified champion at South Carolina’s Bowman Gray Stadium. Myers drives the No. 1 for Eddie Harvey on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.

(Stafford Springs, CT)—When the green flag is unfurled for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour on Friday, August 3 for the Starrett 150, it will mark the Stafford Speedway debut of 2-time Southern Whelen Modified Tour Champion and 8-time Bowman Gray Modified Track Champion Burt Myers. Myers will be piloting the #1 Dunleavy’s Truck and Trailer Repair / Cirtusafe Chevrolet for car owner Eddie Harvey and while Myers is short on experience at a track that is known for favoring drivers with experience, his enthusiasm hasn’t dampened one bit.

“I’m really excited about the race,” said Myers. “Stafford is one of the main tracks on my list that I’ve always wanted to race at. Growing up in the South and racing at Bowman Gray weekly, the Southern Modified Tour, and other series, I’ve never had the opportunity to race at a lot of the northern tracks that I’ve heard about. This is a great opportunity for me to team up with Eddie [Harvey] and knock some of these northern tracks off of my bucket list.”

Despite having zero experience under his belt at Stafford, Myers is looking to take the Starrett 150 winner’s trophy with him back to his hometown of Walnut Cove, NC.

“We’re coming to win the race,” said Myers. “Eddie and I have talked about it. We finished 14^th at Riverhead and a lot of people told us that keeping the car together and finishing 14^th was a good run for our first time ever going there. We don’t go to races to have a good showing, we want to win races. I don’t mean to sound arrogant but God blessed me with the ability to drive race cars and I think I’m pretty good at it. Eddie has the equipment and knowledge for his cars to win races so the key will be adding up all the numbers and coming up with the equation that puts us where we need to be. Being realistic, if we can be competitive and run in the top-5 all night without any issues, that would be a big step forward for us. If we can learn some things that will help us for when we come back for the fall race I think we’d consider that a victory but our main goal is to bring a trophy home.”

In order to help bridge the gap to the front running teams at Stafford, Harvey and Myers have enlisted the assistance of LFR and Rob Fuller for a baseline setup to work with when they unload the #1 machine. The setup that LFR is putting in the #1 car is the same setup that Chase Dowling utilized in April for the NAPA Spring Sizzler when he qualified on pole with a new track record and finished second in the 200-lap race.

“We brought the car to LFR and Rob Fuller and his guys are setting the car up for us, so hopefully we’ll be very close when we show up,” said Myers. “We know there’s some adjustments that we’ll have to make but we’re going to dive right in. They told us it was the same setup that the 15 car [Chase Dowling] ran in the last race at Stafford. Everyone’s driving style is different so it won’t be like taking a magic pill to give us a setup that will win the race but we know we’ll at least be close. Knowing the car should be really close when we get there will give me more time to get used to the track and less time having to work on getting the car dialed in.”

For Myers, the two rounds of practice prior to group qualifying will be of ultra importance. With qualifying set for 6:35pm when the sun is still heating up the track and the race scheduled for an approximate starting time of 9:15pm when the sun has set, the trick for Myers and the #1 crew will be to figure out a car balance that will be fast for both qualifying and the race.

“What usually hurts us when we come up north is not being familiar with how the tracks change,” said Myers. “I’ve run several races at Thompson where you both practice and race during the day and we were pretty good. The last time we went to Thompson we were pretty good in practice and then we weren’t very good for the race because we weren’t sure what the track was going to do once the sun went down. It was the same thing for us at Riverhead and that’s what we’re looking to change by getting some help from the LFR guys with the car setup.”

Tickets for the August 3 Starrett 150 are available and on sale now at the Stafford Speedway Box Office. Tickets are priced at $35.00 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 seat tickets are $37.00 for all ages. All ticket prices include 10% CT Admission Tax. Stafford Motor Speedway offers plenty of free parking along with overnight parking available for self contained Recreational Vehicles. Stafford’s five NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions will join the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour cars in feature action.

Source: Scott Running/Stafford PR

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News from Stafford Motor Speedway

Stafford Motor Speedway Fast Times NewsletterVol. 23 – July 26, 2018

Five-Star Series Plus Wild Thing Karts Sr. Champs – Friday, July 27th

Stafford Speedway hosts a special Wild Thing Karts Sr. Champs feature event this Friday night, July 27 along with its five NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions.

July 27 5-Star Series / WTK Sr. Champs Event Schedule & Ticket Info

Order July 27 5-Star Series / WTK Sr. Champs Tickets

Swanson Measuring Up For Victory In Starrett 150

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Starrett 150 Whelen Modified Tour Entry List

Order Starrett 150 Event Tickets

Timmy Solomito In Search Of Victory Lane in Starrett 150

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Starrett 150 Whelen Modified Tour Entry List

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Craig Lutz Looking to Continue Top-10 Streak at Stafford in Starrett 150

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Sid’s Productions and Stafford Speedway present part 2 of episode 12 of the 2018 On-Board Series. Ride along with Ronnie Silk in the #85 during the July 13 Bud Light Open 80 with footage from 4 different cameras on the car plus team communication between Ron and his spotter Dillon Moltz

Ronnie Silk On-Board

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Stafford Motor Speedway, P.O. BOX 105, STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT 06076

NEMA LITES to perform at New London-Waterford Speedbowl

Marshfield’s Danny Cugni is one of the NEMA Lites top drivers. He’ll beleading that tour into the New London-Waterford Speedbowl in Connecticut this Saturday night, July 28, 2018.(Credit:NEMA photo)

Cugini ready for 50 laps of fury!

WATERFORD — The NEMA Lites were created in 2008 as an entry-level division to support their big brothers in the NEMA Midgets.

In a short period of time, however, the Lites have grown into one of New England’s most competitive open-wheel touring divisions, a perfect compliment to the powerful NEMA cars.

Dan Cugini, 26, from Marshfield, Mass., should know. He has competed in the NEMA Lites for six years and has won one driver’s championship, two owner’s championships and has racked up 12 career wins, including two in 2018.

On Saturday, however, Cugini will be trying to do something that he has never done before — win a 50-lap race.

It will be a challenging night for Cugini and his fellow NEMA Lite drivers when the Jim O’Brien Memorial takes place at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl, one of the crown jewels of the Speedbowl’s Nostalgia Night.

In addition to the NEMA Lites, the CT. Pro 4 Modifieds, the New England Antique Racers and the Senior Tour Old-Timers will be making guest appearances.

The guest divisions will be joining the Speedbowl regulars — +the SK Modifieds, the SK Lite Modifieds, the Sportsman and the Mini Stocks. Qualifying gets under way for the nine-feature program at 4:45 p.m. with the opening ceremonies and features to follow.

Cugini says this will be a special night for him and the rest of the NEMA Lite gang. That’s because the race is dedicated to the memory of Jim O’Brien, who was a car owner and official in NEMA for 40 years. He was known for his ingenuity, his sportsmanship and his class both on an off the track. He was the pulse of NEMA from 1971 until his death in 2011.

“I know his sons, Dennis and Matt, and it’s always good to have them at the track,” Cugini said. “It will be a tribute to a great racing family.”

Cugini is coming into the O’Brien Memorial with plenty of momentum. He has won two of the last three races and has five Top 3 finishes in seven Lite events. He leads the point standings by a sturdy 146 points over Avery Stoehr.

“The car has been stout,” Cugini said. “It’s right where we want it to be right now. We’ve been spending all week dotting our i’s and crossing our t’s and our plan is to put out the best car we can.:

He needs to. That’s because the Lite competition has been tougher than ever.

“Any race you go to, there are at least 12 to 15 cars that can win,” Cugini said. “That makes it a lot harder.”

Plus the drivers will be in uncharted territory — 50 laps at the Speedbowl, double than the usual race distance of 25 laps.

“We’ll be going with our usual baseline setup and snug the car up a bit,” Cugini said. “We have real good tires from Hoosier and they’ll stay under you for the entire race.

“But I’ll still have to baby that right rear tire. And I’m not good at babying the right rear tire.”

Cugini plans on being a factor for the lead early in the race.

“I definitely want to be the one that sets the pace,” Cugini said. “I want to get into the Top 3 as quickly as possible and don’t let the leaders out of my sight.”

Cugini says he was introduced to midget racing by the Seller family, and it didn’t take him and his dad long to go all-in.

“We have six midgets in our garage and we do almost everything in-house,” Cugini said. “We do our own motor work and our own chassis work, but the more I can do in-house, the more I can race.

“It’s a huge time commitment — my dad and I are in the shop three nights a week and we spend a lot of time together. It’s worth it.”

While Cugini competes in the full-powered Midgets every so often, his main commitment is to the Lites.

“We take pride in the fact that the Lites are a tight, close-knit group,” Cugini said. “Everyone helps each other and teaches each other new set-ups. It’s a great atmosphere.”

There’s another thing Cugini likes about the Lites.

“They’re fast cars,” Cugini said. “This is not an entry division. On Saturday, we’ll be the fastest cars in the show.”

Cugini’s sponsors include Worldwide Preowned in Falmouth, Mass., Bob’s Collision Center in Weymouth, Mass., Bumper to Bumper Accessories in Broxton, Mass., Pro Built Transmissions of Holbrook, Mass., Enterprise Equipment of Weymouth, Mass. and Lu-Mac’s Package Store of Preston.

His team consists of his dad and mom, Max and Ken Zachem and Chase Cook.

His sister, Megan Cugini, also competes in the NEMA Lites and is sixth in the standings with one Top 3 finish.

“I think that’s pretty cool,; she is a bad ass on the track.” Cugini said, paying tribute to her sister’s tenacity. “We are spending a lot of time with her and it’s working. She hasn’t missed a race in five years.”

On Saturday, however, Cugini knows it will be all up to him.

Once there are 10 laps to go, it’s all up to the driver,” Cugini said. “I will drive the car until there’s nothing left.”

The O’Brien Trophy will be worth the extra effort.

Source: Matt Buckler/Mike Surluca/New London/Waterford PR

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

Track Talk Column

Richard Savary of Canton #99 (Credit: Speed 51 photo.)

Former Late Model standout Joey Kourafas of Randolph has found a new career as a crew chief and spotter for Richard Savary a Modified driver.(Credit: NASCAR photo)

Track Talk

By Lou Modestino (for Sat. 7/28/18) Check out Lou Modestino’s Track Talk blog at

http://www.enterprisenews.com/section/blogs01?taxid=1838

When the 30+ teams roll into Star Speedway for the Tri-Track Open Modified Series (TTOMS) SBM 125 tonight Saturday, July 28 they will do so for more than just the $6,000 winner’s payday. Teams and drivers will also be vying for specialty awards that have become an SBM tradition and add to the prestige of the event.

Canton’s Richard Savary will be among those looking to take the win at Star tonight. Savary had this to say about his strategy: “You have to qualify first, up front especially. You have to pace yourself, stay out trouble, save your tires and make it to lap 75. It’s important that before you get on the race track that you make all of the right adjustments. The car has to be perfect.” Richard has been racing pretty consistently in previous Modified outings. Being in the right spot at the end to contend for the win is what it’s all about. One of his assets is having Randolph’s Joey Kourafas in the pits as well as being his spotter during the race.

His major opposition will come in the form of drivers like Tommy Barrett, Jr. of Millis, Matt Hirschman, Ron Silk, Rowan Pinnink, Woody Pitkat, Jon McKennedy, Ryan Preece among several others. Hirschman pretty much sticks to the Central NY State Race of Champion (ROC) Series with the exception of the Tri Track Series.

Racing will get underway on Saturday, July 28 with heat races for weekly divisions at 4:30 pm followed by heat race action for the Tri-Track Mods. Features for all divisions will roll-off at approximately 6 pm and will culminate with the running of 125 laps of ground-pounding Modified action.

Grandstand admission is $30 for adults, $25 for Seniors and Juniors. Kids under 10 are admitted free. Early bird pit passes (that includes early practice) are $55. Pit gates officially open at 11:30 am with a cost of $45. Practice of the TTOMS is scheduled for 1 pm.

Nice going by Bobby Santos, III of Millis who took the recent NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour 100 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, NH by inches.

Stafford Speedway in Connecticut hosted two Open Modified races and we are hearing that there will be more of them on the 2019 schedule at that half-mile track. Previously, Stafford hosted the Valenti Modified Series but not this year.

Stafford Speedway in Conn. will also host the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour on Friday, Aug. 3 with the Strarett 125 while Thompson Speedway, also in Conn., offers a Wednesday night, Aug. 8 NWMT event, Bud 150, along with the NEMA Midgets on the under card.

Tonight, Saturday, July 28 the NEMA Lights will be performing at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl in Conn. At the same time, Seekonk Speedway offers a NASCAR program and Shriners Night. Post time is 6 p.m. for both tracks The drag crowd will be in action on Saturday and Sunday at New England Dragway in Epping, NH with runs and eliminations starting at 8 am each day. For the bikers there’s an AMA National Championship Hill Climb at the Quoboag Riders Club in Monson today, Saturday and tomorrow Sunday. Post time is 8 am each day.

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

Devil’s Bowl Speedway -Event schedule and info – Sunday, July 29

Hello, everyone!

Attached is the event schedule and information page for Sunday’s event at Devil’s Bowl Speedway.

NOTES:

–The King of Dirt Racing 358 Modified Series is back in town this weekend for the 7th annual “C.J. Richards Memorial” event presented by Carrara Masonry & Concrete. The event pays $3,000 to win and a minimum of $225 to start.

–The weekly Sportsman Modified division is OFF this weekend. Sportsman cars are eligible to compete in the King of Dirt Racing 358 Modified Series race, and the first Devil’s Bowl weekly “100%-er” across the finish line will earn a $225 bonus, making the minimum total take $450 for the top Sportsman regular.

–The 500cc Mini Sprint division is OFF this weekend as well.

–The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series state and national standings are heating up, and many Devil’s Bowl drivers in all divisions are beginning to climb the rankings. Check out the standings, which are updated weekly, here: http://racing-reference.info/all_american

–It’s time to start thinking about filing your entries for the Vermont 200 Weekend on September 15-16! Please check the page on our website for more information here: http://devilsbowlspeedwayvt.com/vt200/

As always, reach out to us with any questions or concerns:

Mike Bruno: (802) 236-9141

Justin St. Louis: (802) 355-3282

Thanks, and we’ll see you all on Sunday!

–Devil’s Bowl Speedway Staff

Dragon goes back-to-back for Mid-Season triumph

Barre, VT – Milton’s Scott Dragon took a big step in his drive for a second “King of the Road” crown by taking the Times Argus Mid-Season Championships on Thursday, July 26. Dragon took full advantage of a caution in the late stages of the event to grab the lead with 16 laps remaining in the Maplewood/Irving Oil Late Model feature and cruise to his second straight win on the Barre high banks.

Starting 10^th after his Vermont Governor’s Cup win the week before, Dragon patiently worked his way through the field along with his fellow title contenders. He eventually found his way around the outside of defending champion Bobby Therrien on lap 50. But by that time he was more than a straightaway behind leader Marcel J. Gravel of Wolcott, who had set a torrid pace since taking the point on lap 12.

However, fortune smiled on Dragon four laps later when Eric Chase spun in turn one while fighting with Trampas Demers for the sixth spot. After getting underneath Kyle Pembroke for second on the restart, Dragon swung to the outside of Gravel, taking the lead on lap 59.

Jason Corliss and Demers followed Dragon around as Gravel’s car suddenly faded badly down the stretch. Corliss and Demers eventually locked horns in a lengthy battle for second, allowing Dragon to pull away for the win.

Barre’s Corliss fended off the challenge to take second while Demers had to hold off a late bid from Therrien for third. Pembroke, Cody Blake, Christopher Pelkey, Eric Chase, Darrell Morin, and Even Hallstrom completed the top-10. Dragon unofficially will take the point lead by three over Demers, with Corliss and Blake both within 17 points.

In the Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel Flying Tigers, it was the “Double O Show”, as Grand Isle’s Joe Steffen carried the checkered flag for the 18^th time in his career. Steffen started on the outside pole of the 50-lap feature after a tough month of July prior to the event and immediately jumped out in front of Georgia’s Brett Wood.

The veteran gradually built up a comfortable lead, but the event’s only caution on lap 40 for Jeff Murray’s stalled automobile allowed Milton’s Robert Gordon to draw alongside. Steffen was able to best Gordon on the restart and hold him off over the final 10 laps to move into a tie with Brendan Moodie atop the division’s all-time wins list.

Gordon finished second, marking his best career Thunder Road finish. Craftsbury Common’s Mike Martin made a pair of bold moves on the final restart to pick up third. Wood, Chris Chambers, Kyle Streeter, Joel Hodgdon, Jason Woodard, Kevin Streeter, and Brandon Lanphear rounded out the top-10. Hodgdon will unofficially maintain a sizeable point lead while Steffen unofficially jumps all the way up to the second spot overall.

Barre’s Jeffrey Martin inherited his second win of the season in the Allen Lumber Street Stocks. Martin charged up from the 15^th starting spot to spend much of the 35-lap feature in a four-way battle for the lead with Berlin’s Scott Weston, E. Thetford’s Brandon Gray, and Craftsbury’s Stephen Martin.

Gray eventually found his way to the top spot on the track, getting around the outside of Weston on the event’s final restart on lap 30. Martin would then did the same, beating Weston to the line by half a car length for the runner-up spot. That second would become a win in the tech line when Gray was disqualified for using offset wheels.

Weston moved up to second for his best run of the season. Point leader Matthew Smith advanced to the third and unofficially padded his lead. Tim Hunt, Stephen Martin, Bryan P. Wall, Tyler Pepin, Will Hennequin, Jamie Davis, and Logan Powers finished fourth through 10^th.

Graniteville’s Frank Putney capped the evening with his second career win in the Burnett Scrap Metals Road Warriors. Putney came from 16^th on the starting grid in the 25-lap feature, eventually getting to the outside of Northfield’s James Dopp on lap-19. With lapped traffic dead ahead, Putney set a perfect pick on Dopp and motored off to the victory.

Williamstown’s Sean McCarthy followed Putney around for second while Dopp ended up third. Todd Raymo, Michael Stearns, Eric Chase, Mike Mitchell, Brodie Frazier, Luke Belitsos, and Haidyn Pearce also earned top-10 finishes.

Thunder Road opens the month of August with WDEV Radio/Calkins Portable Toilets Night on Thursday, August 2 at 7:00pm. All four regular divisions will be in action plus the annual “Port-a-Potty Grand Prix”. Admission is $12 for adults, $3 for kids, and $25 for a family of four (2 adults, 2 kids).

TIMES ARGUS MID-SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS

MAPLEWOOD/IRVING OIL LATE MODELS

Pos., Driver, Car #, Hometown

1. Scott Dragon ( 16VT ) Milton, VT

2. Jason Corliss ( 66VT ) Barre, VT

3. Trampas Demers ( 85VT ) Shelburne, VT

4. Bobby Therrien ( 5VT ) Hinesburg, VT

5. Kyle Pembroke ( 27VT ) Montpelier, VT

6. Cody Blake ( 99VT ) Barre, VT

7. Christopher Pelkey ( 64VT ) Barre, VT

8. Eric Chase ( 40VT ) Milton, VT

9. Darrell Morin ( 17VT ) Richmond, VT

10. #Evan Hallstrom ( 1VT ) Northfield, VT

11. #Brendan Moodie ( 94VT ) Wolcott, VT

12. Tyler Cahoon ( 38VT ) Danville, VT

13. Stephen Donahue ( 2VT ) Graniteville, VT

14. Boomer Morris ( 13VT ) Barre, VT

15. Mike Bailey ( 00VT ) S. Barre, VT

16. Marcel Gravel ( 86VT ) Wolcott, VT

17. Mike Foster ( 7VT ) Montpelier, VT

LENNY’S SHOE & APPAREL FLYING TIGERS

Pos., Driver, Car #, Hometown

1. Joe Steffen ( 00 ) Grand Isle, VT

2. Robert Gordon ( 20 ) Milton, VT

3. Michael Martin ( 01 ) Craftsbury Common, VT

4. Brett Wood ( 29 ) Georgia, VT

5. Chris Chambers ( 14 ) Brookfield, VT

6. Kyle Streeter ( 37 ) Waterbury Ctr., VT

7. Joel Hodgdon ( 36 ) Craftsbury Common, VT

8. Jason Woodard ( 68 ) Waterbury Ctr., VT

9. #Kevin Streeter ( 67 ) Waitsfield, VT

10. #Brandon Lanphear ( 11 ) Morrisville, VT

11. Tyler Austin ( 5 ) East Calias, VT

12. Jason Pelkey ( 64 ) Barre, VT

13. Trevor Lyman ( 17 ) Hinesburg, VT

14. #Cooper Bouchard ( 7 ) Hinesburg, VT

15. #Kelsea Woodard ( 55 ) Waterbury Ctr., VT

16. Cameron Ouellette ( 90 ) Barre, VT

17. Colin Cornell ( 54 ) E. Burke, VT

18. Mike Billado ( 8 ) Essex, VT

19. Sam Caron ( 07 ) Milton, VT

20. Sid Sweet Jr. ( 51 ) Williamstown, VT

21. Michael MacAskill ( 33 ) Williamstown, VT

22. #Jeff Murray ( 35 ) Georgia, VT

ALLEN LUMBER STREET STOCKS

Pos., Driver, Car #, Hometown

1. Jeffrey Martin ( 8 ) Barre, VT

2. Scott Weston ( 04 ) Berlin, VT

3. Matthew Smith ( 44 ) Essex Jct., VT

4. Tim Hunt ( 93 ) Derby, VT

5. Stephen Martin ( 01 ) Craftsbury Common, VT

6. #Bryan P. Wall ( 77 ) E. Kingston, NH

7. #Tyler Pepin ( 78 ) Barre, VT

8. William Hennequin ( 47 ) Hardwick, VT

9. Jamie Davis ( 43 ) Wolcott, VT

10. Logan Powers ( 31 ) Middlesex, VT

11. Tom Smith ( 50 ) Williamstown, VT

12. Gary Mullen ( 29 ) Tunbridge, VT

13. Alan Birch ( 7 ) St. Johnsbury, VT

14. #Trevor Rossi ( 54 ) Washington, VT

15. Kasey Beattie ( 45 ) St. Johnsbury, VT

16. #J.T. Blanchard ( 66 ) Graniteville, VT

17. Derek Farnham ( 5 ) S. Royalton, VT

18. Justin Blakely ( 17 ) Graniteville, VT

19. Alan Maynard ( 18 ) Fairfax, VT

20. Dean Switser Jr. ( 16 ) Lyndonville, VT

21. Thomas Peck ( 96 ) Barre, VT

22. #Shawn M. Teague ( 24 ) Enosburg Falls, VT

23. Jacob Roy ( 11 ) Danville, VT

24. Steve LaFountain Sr. ( 61 ) Barre, VT

25. Patrick Tibbetts ( 48 ) Barre, VT

DSQ Brandon Gray ( 00 ) E. Thetford, VT

BURNETT SCRAP METALS ROAD WARRIORS

Pos., Driver, Car #, Hometown

1. Frank Putney ( 88 ) Graniteville, VT

2. Sean McCarthy ( 86 ) Williamstown, VT

3. James Dopp ( 0 ) Northfield, VT

4. Todd Raymo ( 26 ) Swanton, VT

5. Michael Stearns ( 3 ) Johnson, VT

6. Eric Chase ( 13 ) Berlin, VT

7. Mike Mitchell ( 1 ) Essex, VT

8. Brodie Frazier ( 17 ) E. Montpelier, VT

9. Luke Belitsos ( 9 ) E. Montpelier, VT

10. Haidyn Pearce ( 4 ) Berlin, VT

11. Kyle MacAskill ( 07 ) Williamstown, VT

12. Rodney Campbell ( 10 ) Worcester, VT

13. Issac Spaulding ( 96 ) Wolcott, VT

14. Jacob Hall-Larson ( 42 ) Northfield, VT

15. Ethan Howes ( 24 ) Fayston, VT

16. Jayme Lee ( 18 ) Williamstown, VT

17. Nate Brien ( 16 ) Brookfield, VT

18. Josh Vilbrin ( 77 ) Northfield, VT

Source:

Michael R. Stridsberg

Thunder Road Speedbowl

Media Director

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