Tag Archives: New England

Maine’s Ben Rowe hopes to end the year on a strong note at the North-South Shootout at Caraway Speedway in NC

Turner,Maine's Super Late Model driver Ben Rowe hopes to end the 2014 racing season on a high note at Caraway Speedway in NC this weekend.  (Credit::National Speed Sport News photo)

Turner,Maine’s Super Late Model driver Ben Rowe hopes to end the 2014 racing season on a high note at Caraway Speedway in NC this weekend. (Credit::National Speed Sport News photo)

By Lou Modestino

Since the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) Super Late Models first began turning laps on the short tracks of New England and Canada in 2001, Ben Rowe of Tuner, ME has been there virtually from the beginning. Rowe, a 4-time PASS North Super Late Model Champion and 2-time winner of the prestigious Oxford 250, has become a modern day short track racing legend thanks to his exploits in PASS over the last 15 years. But, PASS Super Late Model racing’s all-time winningest driver, with nearly 40 checkered flags to his credit, has struggled in recent seasons. Last year, Rowe came South to Caraway Speedway for the North-South Shootout hoping to end the year on a strong note. And, following a late-race caution that eliminated several contenders for the win, Rowe did just that, taking his first win of the season and first in the North-South Shootout. Continue reading

Some 34 entries head for Thompson Speedway for the first Valenti Modified Racing Series race on Thursday, May 29

Todd Szgedy is always a threat anytime he races a Modified car. Credit: NASCAR Home Track photo)

Todd Szgedy is always a threat anytime he races a Modified car. Credit: NASCAR Home Track photo)

 

A 75-lap feature race and an early season battle for the points lead highlight the May 29th program.

Series regulars Todd Szegedy of Ridgefield, CT, two-time series champion Chris Pasteryak, of Lisbon, CT, reigning champion Rowan Pennink, of Huntingdon Valley, PA, Preston, Connecticut’s, Max Zachem, and Justin Bonsignore, of Islip, NY, are entered. The five drivers are currently ranked one through fifth in the point standings.

Szegedy, driver of the Stuarts Automotive sponsored entry out of Lowell, MA, leads the pack by only two points over Pasteryak, (Dawley’s Collision and Custom) #5CT car, and Pennink’s (Monk Hand Cleaner) #25 based in Saugus, MA. The 21-year-old Zachem, (Dunleavy Tire and Truck Repair) # 20, is 13 points back with Bonsignore, (Monster Marine) # 21, one point behind and 14 points from the top.

Additionally, Steven Masse, of Bellingham, MA, Richard Savary of Canton, MA, Anthony Nocella, of Woburn, MA, Charlie Pasteryak, of Lisbon, CT, Todd Owen, of Somers, CT, Matt Richmond, of Richmond, NH, and Dylan Kopec, of Palmer, MA, are entered.

Thursday’s race also features drivers that some consider outsiders but are no strangers to the VMRS. Most have committed to competing at the Connecticut tracks on the 2014 schedule.

Legendary Ted Christopher, of Plainville, CT, again teams with New England Hall of Fame car owner Joe Brady, Keith Rocco, of Wallingford, CT, Woody Pitkat, of Stafford Springs, CT, Ryan Preece, of Berlin, CT, Tommy Barrett, of Millis, MA, and Rob Fuller, of Auburn, MA, make up the impressive group.

Qualifying heat races begin approximately at 6:15 PM.

26-cars will start the 75-lap main event.