Monthly Archives: March 2019

Late restart gets Ron Silk back To Victory Lane at South Boston

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Ron Silk wins NWMT event at SoBo! (Credit: Speed 51 Photo.)

Former NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Champion Wins South Boston 150

SOUTH BOSTON, Va. — One last restart was all Ron Silk needed.

The Norwalk, Connecticut, driver lined up to the inside of Burt Myers with 18 laps to go in the South Boston 150 at South Boston Speedway, and the veteran took advantage of his opportunity to get back to the top.

Silk captured his first NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win since May of 2016 by taking down the checkered flag in the second race of the season. It was the 11th career win for the 2011 series champion, and his first in his first start at the Virginia oval

“It’s always good to win,” Silk said. “Last year, we had some good finishes, and the guys have been working hard and building toward this. Hopefully we can keep being competitive going forward.”

Silk started third, and although he ran at the front of the pack for much of the early stint, pitting for tires put him back in traffic. It forced him to slice his way back to the front.

He passed Kyle Bonsignore for second, and was starting to run down Myers for the lead, but a caution with 24 laps to go set him up in perfect position to make a move on Myers, who hadn’t pitted for tires. He drove the No. 85 Stuart’s Automotive Chevrolet to the point and never looked back.

“I got a good launch and tried to the hook the bottom through turns one and two to keep up the speed,” Silk said. “I was really loose on the first run, but I knew once we pitted and changed tires we would be in pretty good shape.”

Chase Dowling, who made his first start of the season driving for veteran Jamie Tomaino, moved around Myers on the late restart, but couldn’t chase down Silk. The second-place effort for the Roxbury, Connecticut, driver was his fifth career runner-up finish.

“We spent time this winter putting the car together, and obviously we are really happy with it,” Dowling said. “We unloaded fast and just tweaked throughout the day.”

Jimmy Blewett finished third, scoring his second podium in two races, and positioning himself second in the championship, just one point off Doug Coby. Kyle Bonsignore was fourth Saturday and Myers finished fifth.

Chris Pasteryak was sixth, followed by Patrick Emerling, Doug Coby, Timmy Solomito and Craig Lutz.

The South Boston 150 will air on NBCSN on Wednesday, April 3, at 6 p.m.

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to the track on April 7 as part of the 45th annual Icebreaker weekend at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park.

Source:
Jason Christley
NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour-South Boston 150 Results

Saturday

At South Boston Speedway

South Boston, Va.

Lap length: 0.4 miles

(Start position in parentheses)

1. (3) Ron Silk, Norwalk, Conn., Chevrolet, 150 laps, 67.395 mph.

2. (2) Chase Dowling, Roxbury, Conn., Pontiac, 150.

3. (14) Jimmy Blewett, Howell, N.J., Chevrolet, 150.

4. (9) Kyle Bonsignore, Bay Shore, N.Y., Toyota, 150.

5. (7) Burt Myers, Walnut Cove, N.C., Chevrolet, 150.

6. (11) Chris Pasteryak, Lisbon, Conn., Chevrolet, 150.

7. (19) Patrick Emerling, Orchard Park, N.Y., Chevrolet, 150.

8. (10) Doug Coby, Milford, Conn., Chevrolet, 150.

9. (13) Timmy Solomito, Islip, N.Y., Ford, 150.

10. (23) Craig Lutz, Miller Place, N.Y., Chevrolet, 150.

11. (5) Matt Swanson, Acton, Mass., Chevrolet, 150.

12. (24) Woody Pitkat, Stafford, Conn., Chevrolet, 150.

13. (12) Blake Barney, Lakewood, N.J., Chevrolet, 150.

14. (8) Anthony Nocella, Woburn, Mass., Chevrolet, 150.

15. (29) Sam Rameau, Westminster, Mass., Chevrolet, 150.

16. (4) Jon McKennedy, Chelmsford, Mass., Chevrolet, 150.

17. (1) Tommy Catalano, Ontario, N.Y., Chevrolet, 150.

18. (18) Dave Sapienza, Riverhead, N.Y., Dodge, 150.

19. (26) Ken Heagy, Calverton, N.Y., Ford, 147.

20. (28) Walter Sutcliffe Jr., East Haven, Conn., Chevrolet, 147.

21. (32) J. B. Fortin, Jr., Holtsville, N.Y., Chevrolet, 126, power steering.

22. (20) James Civali, Meriden, Conn., Chevrolet, 117, electrical.

23. (25) Wade Cole, Hartland, Conn., Ford, 110, handling.

24. (27) Melissa Fifield, Wakefield, N.H., Chevrolet, 100, handling.

25. (6) Justin Bonsignore, Holtsville, NY, Chevrolet, 93, power steering.

26. (17) Eric Goodale, Riverhead, N.Y., Chevrolet, 50, engine.

27. (21) Timmy Catalano, Ontario, N.Y., Chevrolet, 49, engine.

28. (15) Rob Summers, Manchester, Conn., Chevrolet, 42, overheating.

29. (30) Jeremy Gerstner, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Chevrolet, 27, overheating.

30. (22) Frank Fleming, Mount Airy, N.C., Chevrolet, 26, accident.

31. (31) Kyle Ebersole, Hummelstown, Penn., Chevrolet, 26, accident.

32. (16) Calvin Carroll, Newton, N.J., Chevrolet, 26, accident.

Race Statistics

Time of Race: 0 hours 53 minutes 25 seconds

Margin of Victory: 1.407 seconds

Fastest Qualifier: T.Catalano (103.979 mph, 13.849 seconds)

Caution Flags: 5 for 27 laps.

Lead Changes: 2 among 3 drivers.

Lap Leaders: T. Catalano 1-59; B. Myers 60-132; R. Silk 133-150.

Standings: 1. D. Coby, 83; 2. J. Blewett, 82; 3. B. Myers, 78; 4. P. Emerling, 77; 5. C. Pasteryak, 77; 6. J. McKennedy, 72; 7. A. Nocella, 68; 8. R. Silk, 67; 9. K. Bonsignore, 67; 10. B. Barney, 62.

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

Pole fends off Helliwell for Commonwealth Classic Victory



Hudson, NH’s Joey Polewarczyk Jr. (center foreground) celebrates his Commonwealth Classic win at Virginia’s Richmond Raceway with runner-up Wayne Helliwell Jr. (right) and third-place finisher Rich Dubeau (left). (Alan Ward photo)

Waterbury, VT – Hudson, NH’s Joey Polewarczyk Jr. scored one of the biggest wins of his already illustrious American-Canadian Tour (ACT) career by taking the inaugural Commonwealth Classic 65 at Virginia’s Richmond Raceway on Saturday, March 30. “Joey Pole” took the lead for good on lap 42 and survived a pair of bids from Dover, NH’s Wayne Helliwell Jr. en route to the victory.

For Pole, the $5,000 score in ACT’s inaugural visit to the legendary raceway was yet another crown jewel on his racing résumé. The veteran ACT Late Model racer, who was the 2014 ACT Champion and previously earned wins in the ACT NHMS Invitational and the Vermont Milk Bowl, said the day before the event that a Richmond win would rank up there with his biggest racing accomplishments. The huge smile on his face in Victory Lane backed up that statement.

Pole started fourth in the 38-car field and was content to ride in the early going as polesitter Nick Sweet darted out to a big lead. Once Pole cleared outside polesitter Jimmy Hebert for second on lap 11, he began reeling in Sweet, and the race’s first caution on lap 14 for Bryan Kruczek’s solo spin allowed Pole to pull alongside. He then got the jump on the restart to take the lead for the first time.

It was then Pole’s turn to draw out to a large advantage. But fellow former ACT Champion Helliwell was steadily working his way up from the ninth starting position. Helliwell took second from Sweet on lap 25 and began closing the gap on Pole as the two worked through lapped traffic.

A pair of cautions on lap 40 allowed the duo to go head-to-head. The initial yellow flew for Blair Bessett’s single-car spin. On the restart, the lapped car of Gerard Giordano Jr. got turned around near the front of the field. In the ensuing scramble, Jim “Boomer” Morris also got turned and was nailed head-on by fellow Thunder Road Late Model regular Stephen Donahue. The accident, which brought out the third and final caution, sidelined both competitors for the day.

When the race finally went green again, Helliwell who grabbed the top spot and led lap 41. But Pole flew back by him a lap later to regain command. Sweet and Helliwell then got to racing for second, allowing Pole to scoot away. He then continued outpacing the field even after Helliwell finally re-established himself in the second spot on lap 51.

A pack of lapped traffic held up Pole in the closing stages and allowed Helliwell to close back in with hopes of another charge. But Pole was able to get clear of the traffic with a few laps to go and motored off for the win.

Lebanon, NH’s Dubeau was one of the fastest cars on the track in the late going. He came from the 10th starting spot to get around Sweet for third with 10 laps to go and was closing on Helliwell before getting hung up by the same traffic. The third place still matched the best result of Dubeau’s ACT career.

Sweet ended up fourth while Rehoboth, MA’s Jake Johnson was solid all race to earn fifth. New Salem, MA’s Tom Carey III was sixth and Hinesburg, VT’s Bobby Therrien was seventh. Alex Guenette was the highest-finishing Quebec racer in eighth. Au Sable Forks, NY’s Brandon Atkins and E. Bridgewater, MA’s Ryan Kuhn rounded out the top-10.

Blainville, QC’s Jonathan Bouvrette won heat one and earned the distinction of being the first ACT driver ever to win at Richmond Raceway. Dubeau and Carey won the other qualifiers. Sweet earned the pole after coming from 12th to 4th in heat one for a +8 under ACT’s “plus-minus” qualifying system.

ACT heads to Maine’s Oxford Plains Speedway on Sunday, April 14 at 1:30pm for the season’s first point-counting ACT Late Model Tour event. The Oxford Plains 150 is part of a card that also includes the Pro All Stars Series Super Late Models, Honey Badger Street Stock Series, and North East Mini Stock Tour. The pits open at 8:00am and the grandstands open at 10:00am. Admission is $25 for adults, $12 for kids ages 6-12, and $60 for a family of four (two adults, two kids).

AMERICAN-CANADIAN TOUR

COMMONWEALTH CLASSIC 65

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS

Pos., Start Pos., Driver, Car #, Hometown, Laps

1. ( 4 ) Joey Polewarczyk ( 97NH ) , Hudson, NH , 65 Laps

2. ( 9 ) Wayne Helliwell Jr. ( 27NH ) , Dover, NH , 65 Laps

3. ( 10 ) Rich Dubeau ( 30NH ) , Plainfield, NH , 65 Laps

4. ( 1 ) Nick Sweet ( 40VT ) , Barre, VT , 65 Laps

5. ( 7 ) Jake Johnson ( 15MA ) , Rehoboth, MA , 65 Laps

6. ( 12 ) Tom Carey III ( 5MA ) , New Salem, MA , 65 Laps

7. ( 3 ) Bobby Therrien ( 5VT ) , Hinesburg, VT , 65 Laps

8. ( 5 ) Alex Guenette ( 48QC ) , Terrebonne, QC , 65 Laps

9. ( 23 ) Brandon Atkins ( 4NY ) , AuSable Forks, NY , 65 Laps

10. ( 13 ) Ryan Kuhn ( 72MA ) , E. Bridgewater, MA , 65 Laps

11. ( 6 ) Patrick Laperle ( 91QC ) , St-Denis, QC , 65 Laps

12. ( 11 ) Jonathan Bouvrette ( 41QC ) , Blainville, QC , 65 Laps

13. ( 19 ) Mark Jenison ( 22RI ) , Warwick, RI , 65 Laps

14. ( 15 ) Mathiew Kingsbury ( 9QC ) , Blainville, QC , 65 Laps

15. ( 24 ) Alexandre Tardif ( 21BC ) , Notre Dame des Pins, QC , 65 Laps

16. ( 2 ) Jimmy Hebert ( 58VT ) , Williamstown, VT , 65 Laps

17. ( 17 ) Christopher Pelkey ( 64VT ) , Graniteville, VT , 65 Laps

18. ( 16 ) Tyler Cahoon ( 38VT ) , Danville, VT , 65 Laps

19. ( 31 ) Shawn Swallow ( 04NH ) , Lancaster, NH , 65 Laps

20. ( 26 ) Nicholas Johnson ( 6MA ) , Rehoboth, MA , 65 Laps

21. ( 14 ) Joshua Hedges ( 29MA ) , N. Bedford, MA , 65 Laps

22. ( 30 ) Marcel J. Gravel ( 86VT ) , Wolcott, VT , 64 Laps

23. ( 38 ) Marc Begin ( 37QC ) , St-Philibert, QC , 63 Laps

24. ( 8 ) John Donahue ( 26VT ) , Graniteville, VT , 63 Laps

25. ( 27 ) Jeff Marshall ( 32NH ) , Gilman, VT , 63 Laps

26. ( 22 ) Tyler Chapman ( 81CT ) , Quaker Hill, CT , 63 Laps

27. ( 33 ) CJ McLaughlin ( 04MA ) , Bellingham, MA , 63 Laps

28. ( 29 ) Blair Bessett ( 20VT ) , Barton, VT , 63 Laps

29. ( 25 ) Gerard Giordano Jr. ( 15NY ) , Freeport, NY , 63 Laps

30. ( 32 ) James Linardy ( 77MA ) , Malden, MA , 63 Laps

31. ( 35 ) Scott Coburn ( 72VT ) , Barre, VT , 63 Laps

32. ( 37 ) Jesse Switser ( 10ME ) , Whitfield, NH , 61 Laps

33. ( 28 ) Martin Goulet Jr. ( 83QC ) , St. Calixte, QC , 49 Laps

34. ( 18 ) Boomer Morris ( 13VT ) , Barre, VT , 40 Laps

35. ( 34 ) Stephen Donahue ( 28VT ) , Graniteville, VT , 40 Laps

36. ( 21 ) Jean-Philippe Bergeron ( 18QC ) , St-Donat-de-Montcalm, QC , 40 Laps

37. ( 20 ) Bryan Kruczek ( 19NH ) , Newmarket, NH , 18 Laps

38. ( 36 ) TJ Moreshead ( 00MA ) , Seekonk, MA , 13 Laps

Lap Leaders: Nick Sweet, 1-14; Joe Polewarczyk Jr., 15-40; Wayne Helliwell Jr., 41; Polewarczyk, 42-65. (3 lead changes among 3 drivers)

Time of Race: 45:52   Margin of Victory: 1.505 seconds

Cautions: 3 (laps 14, 40, 40)

Heat Winners: Jonathan Bouvrette, Rich Dubeau, Tom Carey III

Source:Michael R. Stridsberg, American-Canadian Tour Media Director

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

Reed, Hopkins take PASS Commonwealth Classic wins At Richmond

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Photo Credit – Speed51

RICHMOND, VA (March 30) – Austin Reed and Mike Hopkins split Pro All Stars Series (PASS) Super Late Model wins in the Inaugural PASS Commonwealth Classic Saturday afternoon at Richmond Raceway. 

            “The crew made some awesome adjustments at the halfway break and then the car was on rails,” said Reed after the biggest win of his career.  “To win at Richmond is just amazing.  I can’t believe we won yet, but I can’t wait for it to sink in.”

            In qualifying, both PASS Crate pole sitter Ray Christian, III and Heim, the PASS Open fast qualifier, were quicker than Kevin Harvick’s pole time at Richmond last fall, with Heim posting a lap of 126.152 miles per hour.

            Heim jumped to the lead at the start for the PASS Open Super Late Model race, while Tate Fogleman settled into second.  The car on the move early was Matt Craig, who started sixth, but moved past Fogleman for second on lap 30.  The two made slight contact at the exit of turn two causing damage to the right rear of Craig’s Camaro. Craig was able to repair the damage during the competition caution on lap 40.

            On the restart, Craig appeared to get the advantage on Heim entering turn one, but Heim would rocket back by him down the backstretch.  The battle for second between Craig and Fogleman would heat up again, literally.  As Fogleman looked ready to take the position, a fire would erupt from under the hood of his car to bring out the second caution of the night on lap 48.

            Following the restart, Craig continued to struggle a bit as Ben Rowe looked to try and take second.  But, after the two made contact in turn three, Jared Irvan was able to jump up to the outside and pass both of them for second.  The fastest car on the racetrack, though, was Austin Reed as he was making his way up from the rear of the field.  Reed would take second from Irvan with three laps to go, but would run out of time as Heim led flag-to-flag to apparently take his first career PASS Super Late Model win.  But, in post-race inspection, Heim’s car was disqualified, handing the win to Reed.  Irvan would finish second, followed by Craig, Rowe, and Augie Grill. Rounding out the top ten were Eddie MacDonald, Derek Griffith, Eddie Van Meter, Mike Wallace, and Kyle Reed.

            At the drop of the green flag for the PASS Crate Late Models, Christian jumped out to the lead from the pole.  After a caution for debris from Garrett Hall’s machine on lap 10, Martin Latulippe was able to grab the lead from Christian on the restart.  It would be short-lived though as Christian reassumed the top spot three laps later.  The caution would wave again on lap 24 when Hall slammed the turn four wall after spinning in fluid from the car of Reid Lanpher.

            Prior to the competition caution on lap 40, Hopkins would snag the lead from Christian.  But just two laps after the restart, Christian would move back by to take the lead.  Christian looked to be driving away for the win, but would fall off the pace with just 12 laps to go with mechanical issues.  Hopkins moved back up front and led the rest of the way for his second career PASS win over Jake Johnson, Matt Craig, Latulippe, and Gabe Brown. Rounding out the top ten were Ben Rowe, Kyle Reed, Devin O’Connell, Dan McKeage, and Derek Ramstrom.

            “I can’t believe that we just won at Richmond,” said Hopkins in victory lane.  “We really struggled with the car yesterday in traffic, but we put our heads together and worked on the car and it handled flawlessly today. I’m honestly a little emotional, this is just awesome!”  

Joey Polewarcyzk, Jr. was the ACT Late Model winner and Matt Hirschman was the Tour-Type Modified victor, while Jason McDowell took the MASS Street Stock win and Daniel Bentley claimed the NEMST Mini Stock win.

             The PASS National Championship Super Late Models will be in action next up on Sunday, April 7 for The Icebreaker at Thompson Speedway in Connecticut.  Entry forms are currently available at ProAllStarsSeries.com. Be sure to “Like” the Pro All Stars Series on Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @PASSSLM14.

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PASS Crate Late Model – PASS Commonwealth Classic – Unofficial Results

  1. 15 – Mike Hopkins 75                            11. 40 – Bryan Shipp 75
  2. 15MA – Jake Johnson 75                      12. 7 – Travis Benjamin 74
  3. 54 – Matt Craig 75                                  13. 00 – Bryan Kruczek 74
  4. 84QC – Martin Latulippe 75                  14. 93CT – Ray Christian, III 62
  5. 47 – Gabe Brown 75                              15. 59 – Reid Lanpher 24
  6. 4N – Ben Rowe 75                                 16. 94 Garrett Hall 23
  7. 42 – Kyle Reed 75                                  DNS  00 – Jimmy Renfrew, Jr.
  8. 43 – Devin O’Connell 75                       
  9. 40ME – Dan McKeage 75                    
  10.  35 – Derek Ramstrom – 75                   



PASS Open Super Late Model – PASS Commonwealth Classic  Unofficial Results

  1. 14 – Austin Reed 75                               11. 93CT – Ray Christian, III 75
  2. 28 – Jared Irvan 75                                 12. 9 – Brandon Watson 75
  3. 54 – Matt Craig 75                                  13. 45 – Kodie Conner 69
  4. 4N – Ben Rowe 75                                 14. 24J – JP Josiasse 68
  5. 84 – Augie Grill 75                                  15. 24 – Collin Garrett 62
  6. 17MA – Eddie MacDonald 75             16. 84QC – Martin Latullipe 48
  7. 12G – Derek Griffith 75                          17. 8 – Tate Fogleman 47
  8. 23 – Eddie Van Meter 75                      18. 7 – Travis Benjamin 28
  9.  6 – Mike Wallace – 75                          19. 60 – DJ Shaw 9
  10.  42 – Kyle Reed – 75                               20. 60 – DJ Shaw 9

    DNS 59 – Reid Lanpher

    DNS 7 – Justin Crider

    DNS 08 – Nicholas Naugle 

DQ 78 – Corey Heim

Source: Alan Dietz/PASS Tours PR

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

Results from Round 13 of 2019 Monster Energy Supercross in Houston


Cooper Webb Gets Sixth 450SX Win and Extends Points Lead Dylan Ferrandis Takes his Second Western Regional 250 SX Class Victory 

Note: The Meadowlands in NJ and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA alternate every other year hosting the Monster Energy SuperX Series. The event will return to Foxborough, MA on the last Satruday in April, 2020.

Houston, Tex., (March 31, 2019). The thirteenth round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship also held within it the third and final round of the Triple Crown series, and the racing could not have been much more exciting for the 49,183 fans packed into NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. In the 450SX Class, Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb took his sixth win of the season and stretched his points lead to 17 by winning the event by finishing second, first, and then third in the night’s three Main Events. Webb’s victory made history as it is KTM’s first win in Houston in the 51 times the Texas city has hosted a Monster Energy Supercross round. Webb’s teammate, Marvin Musquin, finished second overall, with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Dean Wilson taking the final 450SX Class podium spot. The Western Regional 250SX Class was equally exciting with Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha’s Dylan Ferrandis earning his second ever 250SX Class win with second, first, and second place finishes in his Main Events.


The first 450SX Class Main Event saw Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen grab the holeshot and run off with the race, amassing over a ten second lead at one point. There was an incredible amount of action behind him, though. Webb, Musquin, and Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac were bar to bar around a berm on the first lap battling for third with Dean Wilson just ahead of them. Musquin and Webb started a physical battle; the riders came together a few times, with Webb aggressively pushing Musquin off the track before the sand section, causing his KTM teammate to lose three positions. Webb eventually ran down Wilson for second, while Musquin battled back, nabbing fifth from Tomac right at the finish line jump.

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In the second 450SX Class Main Event Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Joey Savatgy got the holeshot at the stripe but Cooper Webb grabbed the lead away from him right away. Behind them, Roczen tangled with the back of Dean Wilson’s bike and hit the ground hard, pulling out of the race with what looked like a right foot or ankle injury. Musquin was back in fifth but charging hard from the opening laps, and Tomac was attempting the same but from back in tenth. It took Musquin three minutes to get into fourth and nearly another three minutes to put his KTM into third. With just over four minutes left on the clock Musquin got past Team Honda HRC’s Cole Seely and started to chip away at Webb’s lead of just over two seconds.

Musquin got close but pushed too hard and went down on the final lap in the sand section, eventually winding up third behind Webb and Wilson. In the final race of the night Joey Savatgy once again grabbed the holeshot but before the pack had left the second corner Musquin was leading it. Webb was in sixth but moved quickly up to third, passing Tomac on the way. Musquin pulled a little breathing room on Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Zach Osborne, who sat in second with Webb and Tomac closing in quickly. A little before the half way point both Webb and Tomac got around Osborne almost simultaneously but had over five seconds to pick up if they hoped to catch Musquin.

After just over six minutes of racing Tomac and Webb traded positions a couple times, with Tomac making the pass stick and taking off after Musquin. He got the lead as narrow as three and a half seconds before Musquin pulled it back out to win comfortably. It was enough for second overall on the night for Musquin. Webb’s third place Main Event #3 finish got him the overall win as well as the Triple Crown championship-within-a-championship title. It’s also a personal milestone for Webb since in neither of his two previous 450SX Class seasons has he made it to the thirteenth round – and in 2019 he leaves it healthy and with a 17-point lead. Dean Wilson finished third overall, with Tomac scoring a fourth overall. Ken Roczen, who had looked done for the night with an injury in the second Main Event, lined up and managed an eighth-place finish in the final race.

Cooper Webb celebrating his sixth win of the 2019 season and first ever in Houston. 

Webb said from the podium, “It was a tough night. You always forget in the Triple Crowns how many laps you end up doing… For me it was good to go out and get a win, which is great. I knew the laps were going to be tough. I had a little gap, so I kind of knew where I needed to be, so it was good. It was a great night for us KTM guys going one and two, and like you said, I was able to win again, which is sweet. I’m stoked on that, and it feels good to be up here on the top.” 

Musquin saw a lot of action and stood on the overall podium in second place. When asked if Webb’s aggressive riding was fair, he answered, “I don’t know. I mean, Triple Crown is always super aggressive racing. It’s only twelve minutes so you’ve got to go for it. And I was really aggressive, I made a clean pass on Cooper and I was pretty happy. And then obviously he didn’t like that I passed him, and he got very aggressive and he was revving the bike super hard on multiple turns; and he finally got me and pushed me off the track. It was pretty sketchy. I thought he was going to go down as well, but he didn’t so, yeah, I guess that’s the way it is. Yeah, I will have to do that if I have the opportunity or if I need to make a pass. Second moto was better. I caught him but unfortunately a dumb mistake in the sand got me. Got up, and man, it was a tough day. But [I] finally put it together in the last Main and got the hole shot and rode just like last week. I was just leading and hit my marks and it was awesome. It feels so good to be like that in the lead. I showed some really good speed all day but unfortunately [I made] some mistakes, but finally a good last Main. So thanks to the team. We lost a little bit of points in the championship, but it could have been way worse. Triple Crown is really tough so I’m glad at least I got second overall.” Dean Wilson was happy with his finish, “It feels great. It’s been a long journey and it’s what I’ve been working towards all season. I’ve been riding well and I’m just stoked to be up here…

These guys up here, they’ve been up here so many times, it’s just like, they’re used to it, where I want to be in that position. But it means a lot to be up here. I’ve been through a lot and I just kept plugging away and I knew I could be up here because my qualifying times were always good, my heat races were always pretty good, but to make it happen when it counts is the hardest part. So, I’ve been really working on my mental game because I feel like sometimes I’m my own worst enemy.” Tomac wasn’t happy with his fourth overall. When asked about his three races he said, “The first two [I] just wasn’t myself at all. [I] was struggling just with pace and even struggling just feeling comfortable that whole moto, and with a few lines, too. At least that third one was a little bit more like me. Those first two, though, just really got me. I got a better start there in the third one… followed a little bit with Cooper and I made my way into second, tried to push it, but that was all I had tonight. Gotta be better, that’s all there is to it.”

In the first Western Regional 250SX Class Main Event, GEICO Honda’s Cameron McAdoo grabbed the holeshot but immediately jumped off the track, handing the lead to Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo. Dylan Ferrandis came out of the first corner in sixteenth but made his way to eighth by the end of the first lap. Cianciarulo was challenged early by JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki’s Jimmy Decotis, but pulled out to a nearly eight second lead by the end. Ferrandis was busy and picked his way up to second to salvage a great finish after a terrible start in the ten minute plus one lap race. The second 250SX Class Main Event was a reversal of fortune for the two points leaders. Cianciarulo pushed too hard to get the holeshot and it took him right off the track. Gas Monkey Energy/AJE Motorsports’ Chris Blose came out with the lead with GEICO Honda’s RJ Hampshire on his rear wheel. Within a few turns Ferrandis was into second while Cianciarulo had re-entered the track and sat in ninth. After less than two minutes had ticked off of the race clock Ferrandis took over the lead with an aggressive move that put Blose on the ground and tangled with a Tuff Blox. Seconds later Cianciarulo went down in a blind spot. Other riders bumped him and his bike and the delay had him remounting in eighteenth. It was smooth sailing for Ferrandis to the checkers while Cianciarulo worked his way up to tenth at the end.

Dylan Ferrandis grabs his second ever 250SX Class win in back-to-back weekends.

Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha’s Colt Nichols hole shot the final 250SX Main Event. Cianciarulo avoided getting caught up with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki teammate Garrett Marchbanks’ first turn crash only to run into a downed rider one section later in the whoops. Up front Ferrandis put on an early pass and took the lead, but his teammate Nichols grabbed it immediately back and held it until the checkered flag. Behind them Cianciarulo moved steadily from thirteenth to third, but with his troubles in the second Main Event that was only good enough for fourth overall. Ferrandis won the night, his second ever 250SX Class win, coming just one week after his very first win; it also pulled him to only five points down on Cianciarulo for the title with two rounds of racing left to go for the Western Regional 250SX Class title.

The Western Regional 250SX Class Podium (From left to right) RJ Hampshire, Dylan Ferrandis and Colt Nichols.

Ferrandis was happy with his second win, but more focused on the title and the nextWestern Regional 250SX Class race, which is off for one weekend while the Eastern Regional 250SX Class races, “It’s crazy. I knew I didn’t have to win this Main Event to win overall. My teammate was pushing really hard at the beginning and I guess [I decided to], not give up, but it’s no risk to take for nothing [to gain]. So I was just doing my race and I made it two wins in a row. I’m so happy. It’s a different feeling than last weekend because last weekend was the first win, but now I’m really looking for the championship and only the championship can give me the full satisfaction. So I’m really happy but it’s back to work Monday and see what we can do in two weeks in Denver.”

When Colt Nichols was asked to comment about his third Main Event win compared to his results in the first two races of the night he said, “It was literally all about the start. First Main, horrible start, second Main, horrible start. I was really happy with the riding in the second main, I felt like I charged up really well, [but on the] last lap hit neutral while I was behind RJ and went over the bars and ended up salvaging a fourth, which was great. Then finally got off to a good start, I hole shotted that last one and I was able to win, so it was great; it just felt good to lead a race again. It’s been a while, I was in the lead last weekend and had a big get off. I’m just real happy I’m here racing. It was a blessing. I’m glad last weekend wasn’t worse. [I’m] just taking it race by race, it feels great to be back on the podium… Hats off to Dylan with another win, that’s great, it tightens up the championship a little more, which makes it interesting. I wish it was me, but that’s all right. I’m taking it race by race and can’t wait for the next one.”

RJ Hampshire was happy to be back on the podium, something he hadn’t done since his rookie year, “It’s been a long road. Like I said my rookie year my first podium and four years later just got another one. I’m just stoked on my team. We’ve been working hard, trying to find the right setting, and changed clutches this week, tested a lot on my starts, and you could tell my starts were better all night; I think that helped quite a bit. I was pretty strong in the whoops until that last moto, it was ugly… I’m just so stoked to be up here and really looking forward to Denver now. I’m kind of an outdoor guy but I really want to prove myself in Supercross, so I’ve got two more chances at it, and [I’m] just stoked to be up here tonight.”

Adam Cianciarulo said about his two tough races, “As much as I’d love to sit down and tell you, [just] sit here and just say, man, this guy crashed in front of me, this guy cross jumped me, really it comes down to my fault because I didn’t get the start in the second Main, I put myself in a bad position. I locked bars with somebody in the first corner of the second Main, it forced me to go off the track, from there you’re just trying to do your best to get to the front and it’s tough. Those guys are racing you and I unfortunately just came together with Sean [Cantrell] after the finish line there. And that’s the way it goes sometimes, but guess what? I mean, there’s nothing more I love than a good battle, especially a battle for the championship. I think it’s five points now and I felt so good today. My bike’s so good, I rode really well, so I’m super happy with where I’m at. Unfortunately, it didn’t go my way tonight, but we have two races to make it happen and I couldn’t be more confident in myself. So [we’ll] pick ourselves up, come out swinging; yeah let’s do this thing.” With four more Monster Energy Supercross rounds left the battles on the track and in the points are far from over. The series goes next weekend to Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

450SX Class Results1. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM2. Marvin Musquin, Corona, Calif., KTM3. Dean Wilson, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna4. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki5. Cole Seely, Sherman Oaks, Calif., Honda6. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna7. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., KTM8. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM9. Joey Savatgy, Tallahassee, Fla., Kawasaki10. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Honda 

450SX Class Championship Standings1. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (288)2. Marvin Musquin, Corona, Calif., KTM (271)3. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (262)4. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Honda (252)5. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM (215)6. Dean Wilson, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (201)7. Joey Savatgy, Tallahassee, Fla., Kawasaki (173)8. Cole Seely, Sherman Oaks, Calif., Honda (160)9. Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Suzuki (151)10. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., Yamaha (150) 

Western Regional 250SX Class Results1. Dylan Ferrandis, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha2. RJ Hampshire, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda3. Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha4. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki5. Jimmy Decotis, Peabody, Mass., Suzuki6. Cameron McAdoo, Chesterfield, S.C., Honda7. Justin Starling, Deland, Fla., Husqvarna8. Sean Cantrell, Murrieta, Calif., KTM9. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Kawasaki10. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Husqvarna 

Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings1. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (182)2. Dylan Ferrandis, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha (177)3. Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha (142)4. RJ Hampshire, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (126)5. Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM (123)6. Jimmy Decotis, Peabody, Mass., Suzuki (112)7. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Husqvarna (111)8. Cameron McAdoo, Chesterfield, S.C., Honda (111)9. Michael Mosiman, Menifee, Calif., Husqvarna (110)10. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Kawasaki (99)



Source: Sean Brennen
 
Feld Entertainment, Inc. – Supercross Public Relations Manager (703) 448-3664
sbrennen@feldinc.com

About Monster Energy SupercrossMonster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, is the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship on the planet visiting 13 different states in 2019. Founded in America and sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in 1974, Supercross is currently co-sanctioned by the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the official global governing body for motorcycle racing, thus making it a formal World Championship. Over 17 weeks and a million-dollar All-Star Race, Supercross attracts some of the largest and most impressive crowds inside the most recognizable and prestigious stadiums in North America to race in front of nearly one million live fans and broadcast to millions more worldwide.

About Feld Entertainment, Inc.:Feld Entertainment® is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that bring people together and uplift the human spirit. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Marvel Universe LIVE!, Sesame Street Live!,DreamWorks Trolls The Experience and Jurassic World Live (coming Fall 2019). Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 75 countries and on six continents. Visitfeldentertainment.com for more information. 

About the American Motorcyclist Association:Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visitamericanmotorcyclist.com
The Monster Energy Supercross draws big crowds for the coast-to coast series. Every MotorX rider dreams of making the move to that series. In addition to being a top rider you need to have a marketing plan to get the backing of the many manufacturers that participate in this series (Credit: AMA Monster Energy photo.)

Capeway Rovers schedule-Sunday 3-31 Practice 9 am-4 pm Capeway Rovers

Is Everyone ready to Play

Sunday March 31stMX Practice@ Capeway Rovers Middleboro, MA

Shake off the dust and get ready for the NCSC Spring Series

Weather: 60 Degrees PM ShowersSign up opens @ 8am Practice starts @ 9am NCSC Members $30, All Others $40 No Starting your Machines Before 9 am

Make sure to pick up your 2018 AwardsPackages @ Sign up

Fill out yourMembership Forms online typedout and bring them to Sign up

We Look Forward to Seeing You There

Next MX Practice Sunday April 7th@ Capeway Rovers, Middleboro, MA

NCSC Spring Series Round 1NCSC / NEMXSunday April 14th 250A & 450A Highest Expert Payout in New England


NCSC SPRING
31-Mar Sun Practice @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
7-Apr Sun Practice @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
14-Apr Sun NCSC/NEMX @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
21-Apr Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
28-Apr Sun Practice @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
5-May Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
12-May Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
19-May Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
25-May Sat NCSC AT WSP @ WINCHESTER SPEEDPARK
26-May Sun NCSC AT WSP @ WINCHESTER SPEEDPARK
2-Jun Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
9-Jun Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
16-Jun Sun Practice @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
23-Jun Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
29-Jun Sat National @ SOUTHWICK, MA
30-Jun Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
6-Jul Sat NCSC AT WSP @ WINCHESTER SPEEDPARK
7-Jul Sun NCSC AT WSP @ WINCHESTER SPEEDPARK       

NCSC FALL  
19-Jul Fri Practice @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
20-Jul Sat NCSC/NEMX CLASSIC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
21-Jul Sun NCSC/NEMX CLASSIC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
11-Aug Sun Practice @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
18-Aug Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
25-Aug Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
7-Sep Sat NCSC/NEMX @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
8-Sep Sun NCSC/NEMX @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
22-Sep Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
29-Sep Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
13-Oct Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
20-Oct Sun NCSC AT WSP @ WINCHESTER SPEEDPARK
2-Nov Sat NCSC/NEMX MOTO BASH @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
3-Nov Sun NCSC/NEMX MOTO BASH @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
11-Nov Mon Practice @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C
28-Nov Thur Practice @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C

SCHEDULE NCSC 2019SPRING 13 RACES MUST COMPETE IN 19 MOTOS 70% PARTICIPATION FOR AWARDS
FALL 12 RACES MUST COMPETE IN 17 MOTOS 70% PARTICIPATION FOR AWARDS
SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

ACT introduces itself to Richmond on Practice Day


East Bridgewater, MA’s Ryan Kuhn and his team were hard at work at Richmond Raceway even after setting the fastest time at Commonwealth Classic Practice Day. (ACT file photo)

Hudson, NH’s Joey Polewarczyk Jr., who paced the second practice session, surveys his #97NH with his team. (ACT file photo)

St-Denis, QC’s Patrick Laperle (91QC) and his FRAMECO Racing team steadily gained speedway throughout the practice day at Richmond Raceway. (ACT file photo)

Waterbury, VT – The American-Canadian Tour (ACT) took to Viriginia’s Richmond Raceway for the first time on Friday, March 29 as part of Commonwealth Classic Practice Day. All 38 of the teams who entered Saturday’s event at the legendary track were in attendance to get their bearings and get up to speed before qualifying begins.

East Bridgewater, MA’s Ryan Kuhn emerged as the fast man out of the box and stayed that way. The 2018 Seekonk Speedway Late Model Champion paced the first of four practice sessions with a lap of 23.711 seconds. His effort would stand as the quickest lap of the day, with times getting slower overall as the track heated up in the Virginia sun. the 18-year-old Kuhn also topped the leaderboard in the final session.

Two other names familiar to ACT fans emerged as possible contenders throughout the day. Hudson, NH’s Joey Polewarcyzk Jr., the 2014 ACT Late Model Tour Champion, was fastest in the second practice of the day at 24.040 seconds. Multi-time ACT winner Jimmy Hebert of Williamstown, VT led the third session at 24.173 seconds.

Several drivers became familiar faces near the top of the charts as the day went on. Hinesburg, VT’s Bobby Therrien was regularly in the top-5 throughout the day, as was Dover, NH’s Wayne Helliwell. Top ACT Tour runner Rich Dubeau of Lebanon, NH was more than a second off the pace in the first session, but was up to second on the speed charts by the final practice. St-Denis, QC’s Patrick Laperle also gained speed throughout the day, going fourth-fastest in the final session.

Others may still have work to do in the Saturday morning practices. Barre, VT’s Nick Sweet was in the middle of the pack speed-wise throughout the day, but the 2016 ACT Champion told officials he was focusing on a good long-run setup. Big names such as Jonathan Bouvrette, John Donahue, and Nicholas Johnson are also looking to improve.

While multiple practice sessions were shortened due to incidents in other divisions, the ACT practices were relatively clean affairs. Just three spins were recorded during the day – two by Freeport, NY’s Gerard Giordano Jr. and one by New Bedford, MA’s Joshua Hedges. Neither driver sustained significant damage to their cars.

However, several drivers experienced mechanical failures on the ¾-mile oval. Graniteville, VT’s Christopher Pelkey blew an engine during the second practice session. The team missed the remainder of the day but has a new engine on the way for tomorrow’s event.

During the final practice, Hedges broke something in his car’s transmission, while Gilman, VT’s Jeff Marshall suffered a rear end failure. Hedges’ team had already replaced the transmission before they left the track.  Marshall was reportedly searching for a replacement rear end at press time.

The practice day was a prelude to the inaugural Commonwealth Classic 65 on Saturday, March 30. The ACT Late Models will go 65 laps as part of a six-division card that also features two Pro All Stars Series Super Late Model events, Tour-type Modifieds, the Mid Atlantic Street Stock Series, and the North East Mini Stock Tour. Qualifying begins at 1:00pm. General admission is $40 for adults and free for kids age 12 and under. Tickets also include tunnel access for the infield Fan Zone and Garage Walkway areas.

.

Source: Michael R. StridsbergAmerican-Canadian TourMedia Director

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

Lamb’s Dallas Honda named title sponsor of Texas Half-Mile American Flat Track race

Note: The American Flat Track Series plan to make a new stop at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Father’s day weekend on a new 1/4-mile dirt track during the Laconia bike Week Rally at the 94th annual event in the Lake’s Region of NH


Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Named Title Sponsor of Texas Half-Mile

Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda to Join Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys as Event Sponsor 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 28, 2019) – In the weeks leading up to the highly-anticipated third round of its 2019 season, American Flat Track announced today that Al Lamb’s Dallas Hondawill be the Entitlement Sponsor of its Texas Half-Mile event. The Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Texas Half-Mile presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys will roar into Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday, April 20. Family-owned by proud Texans, Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda has grown from its 1977 suburban-based dealership into a Texas-sized powerhouse, proudly staffed by knowledgeable motorcycle enthusiasts. The dealership houses over 35,000 square feet of new and used motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides and power equipment (www.DallasHonda.com).

“Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda is a key supporter of American Flat Track and the Texas Half-Mile,” said Cameron Gray, COO of AFT Events. “The dealership is a powerhouse presence in the area, and we couldn’t be more excited to continue our partnership for the event. AFT fans can look forward to better racing, an enhanced VIP experience and plenty of family-friendly fun at the track.”  An active supporter of the sport, Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda also sponsors the Richie Morris Racing team, featuring Mikey Rush and fellow Roof Systems AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys competitors Cameron Smith and Cole Zabala

 “We are pleased to once again be a part of American Flat Track’s event at Texas Motor Speedway,” said Al Lamb, owner of Dallas Honda. “North Texas has rich history in flat track racing. As long-time flat track fans and racers, we are proud to support the sport with both event and race team sponsorship. We invite all fans out to enjoy the event and meet the racers.” In addition to dealer activation and presence from Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda, fans at the event can look forward to live music by The Pete Barbeck Duo, an Easter egg hunt for children and performances by the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue Drumline. American Flat Track’s highly-anticipated third round – the Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Texas Half-Mile presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys – roars into the iconic Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday, April 20, 2019. Tickets start at just $40 online and kids 12 and under are FREE. Get your tickets now at www.americanflattrack.com. For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

How to Watch:NBCSN and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2019 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT moves to highly-coveted, weekend afternoon programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for AFT on NBCSN can be viewed at http://www.americanflattrack.com/events-nbcsn/. FansChoice.tv remains a cornerstone of AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event on AFT’s live page while previous events and exclusive features are available on AFT’s VOD page.
 
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 visithttp://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

Track Talk Column for Saturday, 3/30/19

Go-Karts are the bottom rung of the ladder system of motorsports

By Lou Modestino  (For Saturday, 3/30/19)    Check out Lou Modestino’s Track Talk blog at http://blogs.gatehousemedia.com/tracktalk/wp-admin/post.php?post=19888&action=edit  )

Close to home is tonight’s Saturday, March 30, Shane Hammond Foundation Kart Klash at the X1 indoor track (formerly F1 Boston)  on Wood Road in Braintree starting at 5 pm. The annual event is being promoted by East Bridgewater’s Deb Marviglio.  Her son Shane from Halifax was killed in a bad racing accident in a NEMA Midget years ago at the Thompson Speedway in CT. 

Deb revealed that she hopes to get some 80 entries as in past years.  She’s been working hard to get the entries from team owners, drivers, crews and fans. Most of them will be from Modifieds, Pro Stocks, Late Models, NEMA Midgets, Street Stocks and Mini Stocks.

Elsewhere, after months of anticipation, the American-Canadian Tour (ACT) is ready for the inaugural Commonwealth Classic 65 at Richmond Raceway in VA.  At least 38 ACT Late Model teams from the U.S. and Canada will make the trek to  Richmond Intl. Raceway for the race this afternoon Saturday, March 30 at 1 pm. Officials and fans will join them to see the long-running Northeast series take on the ¾-mile D-shaped speedway for the first time.

Everyone involved is excited about finally getting to race on the historic track. Richmond has hosted more than 200 events in NASCAR’s top three series along with events for the NTT IndyCar Series, the USAC Silver Crown Series, and the now-defunct International Race of Champions (IROC). Both Richmond Raceway and its predecessor, the ½-mile Richmond Fairgrounds Speedway, have been the site of some of the most famous moments in North American motorsports. ACT goes into today’s event hoping to add at least one more moment to that list.

The entry list is filled with racers that are familiar to Northeast racing fans. Some of them could end up being household names in Virginia by the end of the weekend. Five former ACT champions headline the drivers making the trek. St-Denis, QC’s Patrick Laperle has five total championships between the ACT Late Model Tour and Série ACT. He’s also looking for his 45th ACT-sanctioned Late Model victory. Former ACT U.S. champions Wayne Helliwell, Jr. of Dover, NH, Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. of Hudson, NH, and Nick Sweet of Barre, VT are joining Laperle in Richmond, as is 2017 Série ACT Champion Jonathan Bouverette of Blainville, QC.

A number of racers on the entry list also have track championships under ACT rules. Hinesburg, VT’s Bobby Therrien was the 2017 Late Model Champion at Thunder Road while E. Bridgewater’s Ryan Kuhn captured the 2018 title at Seekonk Speedway. Rehoboth’s Nicholas Johnson was also a 2018 champion at Thompson Speedway. Current ACT Late Model Tour standout Rich Dubeau of Lebanon, NH previously won Late Model championships at Canaan Fair Speedway and Claremont Speedway.  All told, nearly one-third of the drivers in the field have a touring series or track championship in an ACT Late Model.

The $5,000-to-win ACT Commonwealth Classic 65 today is part of a huge card of action for the event’s inaugural edition. The Pro All Stars Series Super Late Models will run both open and crate-engine 75-lap events. Richmond Raceway will also host the Tour-type Modifieds, Mid Atlantic Street Stocks and North East Mini Stock Tour with almost $165,000 in total posted awards.

Other short track racers from across North America will also converge on Richmond Raceway for the inaugural PASS Commonwealth Classic.  While a lot of the focus will be on the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) Super Late Models as they kick off the 2019 PASS National Championship season, that will be just a fraction of the nearly 400 laps of action fans will be able to see at Richmond this afternoon.  In addition to the PASS Super Late Models, 40 ACT Late Models are currently entered along with the return of the Tour-Type Modifieds to Richmond and first-time trips for the MASS Street Stocks and NEMST Mini Stocks.

 The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour stays down south for race two of the 2019 season today before heading back to New England. The South Boston 150 at South Boston Speedway in VA  will see Whelen Modified Tour drivers return to the Virginia oval for the first time in 18 years. South Boston is one of two new tracks on the 2019 series schedule that will see teams test their equipment in another short-track environment.

Doug Coby is back at the top. At least for now. The five-time series champion opened the season with a victory at Myrtle Beach Speedway and he leads a long list of drivers looking to keep themomentum rolling into South Boston. But prior to two weeks ago, Coby didn’t have laps at the Virginia track under his belt. During an organizational test, Coby and his No. 2 Mayhew Tools Chevrolet team earned crucial experience just two days before Myrtle Beach building a notebook they will need for Saturday’s afternoon showdown.

The real advantage though may rest with the drivers who have  previous experience at the Virginia oval in Whelen Southern Modified Tour action from 2009-2016. Burt Myers, who also tested at South Boston, has 10 starts at the track nicknamed ‘SoBo’ but has come up just short of winning. The Walnut Cove, North Carolina, driver finished eighth or better in all of those starts, and as one of the only with experience, it could pay off for him in a big way.

Kyle Bonsignore, who picked up his first career Whelen Modified Tour win last year, finished second in his most recent South Boston stop. Kyle Ebersole, who led 12 laps in the Myrtle Beach opener, won at the Virginia oval in 2014. Jeremy Gerstner and Gary Putnam also have previous starts at the track. The Hill family returns to action with veteran James Civali behind the wheel with another driver who has previous experience and two wins at South Boston.

From up north Chase Dowlin who finished in the runner-up spot in the championship standings last season, will make his first start driving for Jamie Tomaino.  Concord’s Matt Swanson is driving the Mike Boehler’s #3 out of Freetown and finished 18th in last week’s NWMT go at Myrtle Beach, SC. 

The starting field for the South Boston 150 is limited to 28 starters including provisional positions. The first 22 drivers will secure starting positions based on the group qualifying process. The remaining six positions will be awarded through the provisional process. (end)

Information for this column came from press releases and personal notes.

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

NASCAR- Buckle Up for Texas Weekend!

     TEXAS 101: KEVIN HARVICK’S TOP-10 STREAK, KYLE COMES IN HOT

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series heads to Texas Motor Speedway this weekend for…RELIVE DALE JR.’S FIRST CAREER CUP WIN AT TEXAS IN 2000 Dale Earnhardt Jr. won 26 races in his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series career with the..SAUTER, BUSCH READY TO VIE FOR TEXAS VICTORY Kyle Busch may be looking to score his fourth-straight NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck…BUCKLE UP! TRACKSIDE LIVE IS HEADING TO TEXAS. Trackside Live is back! Put your cowboy hats on because this weekend we’re heading to…

GREG BIFFLE TO MAKE GANDER TRUCKS RETURN FOR KYLE BUSCH MOTORSPORTS Greg Biffle has not made a NASCAR national series start since the end of the 2016 season,…
POWER RANKINGS: BIG JUMP FOR KESELOWSKI, CHASE ELLIOTT Chase Elliott jumped three spots in this week’s Power Rankings Powered by John Deere… NASCAR ANNOUNCES RULES CHANGES TO REDUCE SPEEDS, INCREASE SAFETY AT SUPERSPEEDWAYS NASCAR competition officials released a bulletin to Monster Energy Series teams…                                       

CAPEWAY ROVERS MC -Practice Sunday 3-31, 9am-4pm, 60 Degrees!

Is Everyone ready to Play

Sunday March 31stMX Practice@ Capeway Rovers Middleboro, MA
Shake off the dust and get ready for the NCSC Spring Series
Weather: 60 DegreesSign up opens @ 8am Practice starts @ 9am NCSC Members $30 All Others $40 No Starting your Machines Before 9 am
Make sure to pick up your 2018 Awards Packages @ Sign up
Fill out yourMembership Forms online typed out and bring them toSign up
We Look Forward to Seeing You There

Next MX Practice Sunday April 7th@ Capeway Rovers,Middleboro, MA

NCSC Spring Series Round 1 NCSC / NEMXSunday April 14th

NCSC SPRING 31-Mar Sun Practice @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 7-Apr Sun Practice @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 14-Apr Sun NCSC/NEMX @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 21-Apr Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 28-Apr Sun Practice @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C5-May Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 12-May Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 19-May Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 25-May Sat NCSC AT WSP @ WINCHESTER SPEEDPARK 26-May Sun NCSC AT WSP @ WINCHESTER SPEEDPARK 2-Jun Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 9-Jun Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 16-Jun Sun Practice @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 23-Jun Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 29-Jun Sat National @ SOUTHWICK, MA 30-Jun Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 6-Jul Sat NCSC AT WSP @ WINCHESTER SPEEDPARK 7-Jul Sun NCSC AT WSP @ WINCHESTER SPEEDPARK      

NCSC FALL  19-Jul Fri Practice @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 20-Jul Sat NCSC/NEMX CLASSIC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 21-Jul Sun NCSC/NEMX CLASSIC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 11-Aug Sun Practice @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 18-Aug Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C25-Aug Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 7-Sep Sat NCSC/NEMX @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 8-Sep Sun NCSC/NEMX @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 22-Sep Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 29-Sep Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 13-Oct Sun NCSC @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 20-Oct Sun NCSC AT WSP @ WINCHESTER SPEEDPARK 2-Nov Sat NCSC/NEMX MOTO BASH @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C 3-Nov Sun NCSC/NEMX MOTO BASH @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C11-Nov Mon Practice @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C28-Nov Thur Practice @ CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C

SCHEDULE NCSC 2019 SPRING 13 RACES MUST COMPETE IN 19 MOTOS 70% PARTICIPATION FOR AWARDS FALL 12 RACES MUST COMPETE IN 17 MOTOS 70% PARTICIPATION FOR AWARDS SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
CAPEWAY ROVERS M/C | P O BOX 2304, ABINGTON, MA 02351