Sep 26, 2020 |     

BY SOUZA MEDIA

SEEKONK, Mass. — Joel Newcomb made it clear he wanted to visit Everett’s Auto Parts (Brockton, MA) Victory Lane — and parked it there at the end of the 15-lap feature. The driver of the No. 22 led from the drop of the green to the checkered flag, taking down his first career win in the Seekonk Grand Prix Bandolero Bandits.

With just three weeks left in the season, Seekonk race teams returned to the third-mile to continue the Everett’s Auto Parts Diamond Jubilee Series — with no fans in the grandstands due to COVID-19 regulations from the state of Massachusetts.

Although Newcomb led the entire 15 laps, he was constantly challenged. It was the No. 11 of Ryan Vanasse Jr. who tried it first, then Darren Krantz Jr. — but neither of them could get around. The race was slowed by multiple cautions, but Newcomb wasn’t going to be denied. A crash in turn four forced the red flag to fly early.

After a tough first half, the second half of the race went caution-free, with Newcomb rolling to his first career win. It wasn’t a bad race for Krantz either — who had to start at the rear of the field due to a penalty — and charged through to finish second.

Ethan Dion was third, closing the gap in the championship standings heading to the final two weeks. Richie Helger Jr., who entered the race as the championship leader, crashed in the beginning and failed to finish.

The Seekonk Grand Prix Bandolero Bandits return to the track with another 15-lap feature on Friday, October 2.