Boron, Morin split Pro finals in Windham for Rock Maple Racing snocross series

       WINDHAM, NY (April 7, 2009) – Multi-time champion Jason Boron and Quebec veteran Mathieu Morin split the Pro finals on Sunday afternoon, as Rock Maple Racing (RMR) completed the final Central series snocross event of the 2008-09 season at the Windham Mountain ski resort.
       Boron, of Leverett, MA, piloted his Outdoor Performance/D&Z Racing Ski-doo to victory in Pro Open, with John O’Malley second and Kenny Murphy third. Other than Jason’s brother Matt (Malone, NY) and Jason Stone (Barton, VT), O’Malley (Verona, NY) was the only other rider besides Danny Poirier to post a win all season.
       Morin (XP-S Ski-doo), of Val D’or, Quebec, earned a rare RMR Pro victory with a convincing performance in Pro Stock. Morin, who recently concluded his season for Warnert Racing on the ISOC national circuit, held off Boron and Renaud Alexandre for top honors.
       Defending Pro Vet champion Joe Lemieux (Ski-doo) scored another final round win over Joel Santy and Rene Desrochers. Lemieux, of St. Johnsbury, VT, was on top of his game with fast and consistent runs all season. Joe’s niece Michelle also capped a strong 2009 effort with a win Sunday, holding off Janell Smith and cousin Steffanie Lemieux in the Pro Women final.
       In Semi-Pro action Sunday, Aaron Pfeifer and Jake Melville both recorded final round wins. Pfeifer, of Blossvale, NY, converted the momentum built from his victory in the Shootout at Findley Lake into a win in Stock 600. Pfeifer out-gunned fellow New York rider Cory Ostrander and Melville to earn the win. Melville, of Pownal, VT, helped his chances in the final point standings with his win in Semi-Pro Open. Pfeifer finished a close second, while Nick Kelley came home third.
       In Sport division action at Windham, Joey Mosher and Joey Stock each registered wins. Mosher, of Salem, NH, rode his Team Explosive Ski-doo to victory in Saturday’s Super Stock final, with Stock second and Travis Brisbin third. Stock, of Bearsville, NY, claimed Sunday’s Super Stock final over Simon Taillefer and Dylan Bisson. Stock also claimed the Sport Stock 600 final over Chris Ingles and Brisbin on Sunday.
       Will Fletcher (16-17 Stock 600 Fan) and Whitney Covill (16-17 Stock 500) led a long list of winners in Junior division action in Windham. Jake Scott won the 14-15 Stock 600 Fan final over Nick Zielinski and Trevor Boutin. Maine-based rider Nick St. Amand rode his Arctic Cat to victory in the 14-15 Stock 500 final, with Scott second and Boutin third. Other Junior division winners include Leo Patenaude (10-13 Stock 380 Fan) and Hunter Sherwood (8-10 300 Freestyle Saturday & Sunday).
       Other final round winners in Central series action over the weekend in Windham include Kory Bouthillier (Sport 500); Joe Klimas (Sport Stock 600 Fan); Joel Santy (Plus 35 Masters); Christian Ellsworth (Plus 25 Stock); Amanda Kirchmeyer (Women Stock 600 Sat.); Steffanie Lemieux (Women Stock 600 Sun.); Sarah Acker (Women Stock Novice & Jr. Girls 10-13 Stock 600 Fan); and Ian Liebmann (Trail 600 Saturday).
       Some of RMR’s West series teams also concluded their 2008-09 season in Windham over the weekend. Riders in the Sport and Junior divisions took center stage, with several young athletes rising to the occasion.
       Simon Taillefer piloted his Ski-doo to victory in Saturday’s Sport Super Stock final, while Nathan Leclaire claimed Sunday’s battle. Michael Sickler made the long haul from Harvey’s Lake, PA, worthwhile with his win in Sport 500. Ryan Jabs completes our list of Sport division winners after out-dueling Leclaire and Trevor Day in Stock 600.
       In West series Junior division action, Montana Jess and Matt Cameron were up to their old tricks. Jess, of Westminster, MA, won the 10-13 Stock 380 Fan final on Saturday and Sunday, while Cameron, of Redfield, NY, won the 10-13 Stock 600 Fan final on Saturday. Other final round winners include Jesse Bonaduce (Jr. 16-17 Stock 500 Sat. & Sun.); Leo Patenaude (Jr. 10-13 Stock 380 Fan); Tyler Zuidema (Jr. 14-15 Stock 500 Sat.); Michelle Lemieux (Plus 25 Stock); and Hunter Nelson (Jr. 14-15 Stock 500 Sunday).
       Rock Maple Racing would like to thank the entire staff at the beautiful Windham Mountain for hosting our 2009 season finale. Snow conditions held up for the weekend despite heavy rains on Friday. To conclude our racing season at such a fine facility is very rewarding.
       RMR would also like to thank its many fine sponsors, including Amsoil, Choko, Ingles Performance, Scott Goggles, Woody’s Traction & Control, Pump-X, TekVest, Camoplast, Al’s Snowmobile Parts Warehouse, PowerMadd, The Crank Shop, Sled Wraps, R.U. Outside, Ontario Snowmobiler Magazine, Marland Enterprises and Sunoco Race Fuels. The 2008-09 season would not have been possible without your support.
       For full results in all classes from Windham or to learn more, please visit www.rockmaple.com.

Christopher Starts WMT Title Defense with Icebreaker Victory

Ceravolo Scores Sunoco Mod Victory, Wrenn Makes History with Win

Zuidema Sweeps in Late Models; Arena, Rogers & Sullivan Also Winners

 

 

Thompson, CT (April 5, 2009): Ted Christopher led the lion’s share of the Icebreaker 150 for the Whelen Modified Tour to start his title defense with a victory. The win was the third Icebreaker victory for the Plainville, CT, driver and the eighth Tour win of his career at Thompson. The victory, the 32^nd of his career, puts him solely in fourth on the all-time win list.

 

Over the final laps of the race, Jimmy Blewett made it exciting. Just before a spin by Woody Pitkat set up a green-white-checker restart, Blewett got alongside Christopher exiting turn three. Christopher was able to do the cross-over move to retain his lead. After the caution, neither Blewett nor Lia ultimately had anything for Christopher.

 

“He is an interesting character to race with” said Christopher of Blewett.

 

Blewett finished a strong second to keep the fans on their feet.

 

“This track owes me one,” said Blewett. “I will win a Tour race here some day.”

 

Lia, back with the Tour after a stint in the Camping World Truck Series, had a good homecoming with a third-place finish. Ryan Preece finished fourth followed by Todd Szegedy.

 

Todd Ceravolo of Gales Ferry, CT, earned a hard-fought victory among a strong field of Sunoco Modifieds on Sunday afternoon. Norm Wrenn of Nashua, NH, kicked- off a new era in full-fendered racing at Thompson Speedway with the first-ever Super Late Model victory. Jeff Zuidema of N. Brookfield, CT, went two-for-two in Late Model competition on Icebreaker weekend winning both ends of the double-header.

 

Joe Arena of Bristol, CT, turned in a dominating performance to score the victory in the season-opener for the Limited Sportsman division. Chuck Rogers of Quaker Hill, CT, scored his first-ever winner at the Thompson Speedway in the Mini Stocks. Brian Sullivan of S. Windsor, CT picked up where he left off winning TIS Modified features.

 

The Sunoco Modifieds took to the track on Sunday afternoon to run the second of the Icebreaker double-header. At the conclusion of the 25-lapper, veteran and former Series champion, Todd Ceravolo of Gales Ferry, CT, was victorious. Ceravolo jumped out to the early lead of the main event followed by Keith Rocco. Mired deep in the field, Kerry Malone and Woody Pitkat were making tracks to the front. When the caution flew on lap 3 Malone was already inside the top ten.

 

With five laps down, Bert Marvin had moved into the third position and began chasing down the leaders. Malone had worked his way into the fourth spot by lap ten. The two Falmouth Ready Mix cars driven by Tommy Cravenho and Rowan Pennink ran in fifth and six, respectively.

 

At the halfway marker, things were starting to heat up as Rocco had his hands full with both Marvin and Malone. Smoke billowed from the #15 of Harry Rheaume to bring out the caution cooling the battle for the time being. Under the caution, Pennink headed down pit road for service to his #31x.

 

On restart, shuffling at the head of the pack resulted in the charging Malone being double-hooked. Things settled down on the ensuing restart as Ceravolo continued to lead with Rocco, Marvin and Cravenho in tow. Pitkat had worked his way into the fifth position.

 

A restart at lap 18 opened the door for Marvin. Ceravolo headed out in the lead once again. Slight contact between Marvin and Rocco, gave Marvin the edge; moving into the second position. Lap-after-lap Marvin dogged Ceravolo.

 

On the final lap, Marvin could get up alongside Marvin but could not muster up enough momentum to make the pass. Ceravolo rolled into victory lane for his first win of the season. Marvin had to settle for second followed by Rocco. Pitkat had a strong run to finish fourth. Cravenho completed the top five.

 

There was a new name for the division but it was the same cast of characters making headlines in the Super Late Model division; formerly known as the Pro Stocks. Veteran competitor, Norm Wrenn of Nashua, NH, put his name in the record books with the first victory.

 

Jeff Connors jumped out to the lead bringing Mike O’Sullivan and Wrenn along for the ride. The highlight of the Pro Stock race was the three-car battle for the point as the race approached halfway. Connors held the point with O’Sullivan and Wrenn in hot pursuit.

 

In a single lap, Wrenn went from third to the lead taking second from O’Sullivan and Connors. The driver on the move was Derek Ramstrom, after battling for position for several laps with George Bessette. Once he freed himself of Bessette, the youngster quickly went after Connors. The caution flew on lap 17 for a single-car incident involving Fred Astle.

 

The top three of Wrenn, O’Sullivan and Ramstrom continued to pace the field through a pair of quick cautions. Les Rose, Jr. was making his presence known with only a handful of laps remaining. The veteran competitor had passed Jay Macedonio to enter the top five. He immediately ran down Bessette but ran out of time to advance any further. On the final lap, as Wrenn was heading to the checkers and the first Super Late Model win at the Speedway, Zuidema encountered problems in turn two. Wrenn was followed to the checkers by O’Sullivan and Ramstrom. Bessette came home fourth over Rose.

 

Jeff Zuidema of N. Brookfield, MA, was the dominant force in the Late Models, not only on Sunday, but all weekend. At only one point during the 20 lap main event did Zuidema’s win ever look like it might be in jeopardy. After a restart for the one and only caution of the event on lap 14, Gentes gave Zuidema a run for the money. A bobble by Gentes provided the breathing room and that was all Zuidema needed to streak to the checkers.

 

“That’s what you gotta love about Rick Gentes, he never gives up,” said Zuidema in victory lane.

 

Gentes settled for second ahead of Mark Oliveira. Paul Newcomb, Jr., and Tom Fox rounded out the top five.

 

Joe Arena of Bristol, CT, led wire-to-wire to take down the win in a caution-free Limited Sportsman feature event. He took the lead from pole sitter Larry Barnett after a quick battle. Once out front, Arena was able to distance himself from Barnett and the remainder of the pack. In a groove, Arena was able to maneuver through lapped traffic without missing a beat. Arena visibly pumped his fist as he streaked under the checkers for his first victory of the 2009 season. Barnett finished second followed by Eric Grant, Ed Puleo and Chris Douton completed the top-five.

 

Brian Sullivan of S. Windsor, CT, scored the victory in the first TIS Modified main event of the 2009 season. Sullivan waited until late in the race to make his move. Sullivan chased early leader Leo Oliveria through lap 14 before taking over the point coming out of turn two. Once out front, Sullivan checked out distancing himself from a battle for the second position between Glenn Boss, Oliveira, and Richie Ferreira. At the checkers it was all Sullivan, Ferreira edged out his teammate Oliveira for second. Boss, in a borrowed mount, came from scratch on the field to finished fourth. McDermott recovered to finish fifth.

 

In the early going of the Mini Stock main event, Chuck Rogers of Quaker Hill, CT, was in the heat of an intense four-car battle for the lead, in the mid-portion of the event he was the class of the field. At the end, he was the winner on Icebreaker Sunday. Right from the drop of the green flag, the action was fast and furious with a four-car battle for the lead that featured Scott Michalski, Rogers, Andy Publicover and Steven Michalski. The battle cooled when Michalski and Publicover tangled in lapped traffic. Once solidly out front, Rogers was able to keep his composure through a number of restarts to claim the victory. Brad Caddick came from deep in the pack, to finish second over Eric Bourgeois, Mike Viens, and Rick Blanchard.

 

Unofficial Whelen Modified Tour (150 laps) Top Ten: 1. Ted Christopher, Plainville, CT; 2. Jimmy Blewett, Howell, NJ; 3. Donnie Lia, Jericho, NY; 4. Ryan Preece, Kensington, CT; 5. Todd Szegedy, Ridgefield, CT; 6. Ronnie Silk, Norwalk, CT; 7. Mike Stefanik, Coventry, RI; 8. Doug Coby, Milford, CT; 9. Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Station, PA; 10. Bobby Grigas, Marshfield, MA.

 

Sunoco Modified Feature Finish (Top Ten): 1. Todd Ceravolo, Gales Ferry, CT; 2. Bert Marvin, Waterford, CT; 3. Keith Rocco, Wallingford, CT; 4. Woody Pitkat, Stafford Springs, CT; 5. Tommy Cravenho, Raynham, MA; 6. Tim Sullivan, S. Windsor, CT; 7. Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Square, PA; 8. Eric Goodale, Riverhead, NY; 9. Josh Sylvester, Lebanon, CT; 10. Zach Sylvester, Lebanon, CT.

 

Super Late Model Feature Finish (Top Ten): 1. Norm Wrenn, Nashua, NH; 2. Mike O’Sullivan, Springfield, MA; 3. Derek Ramstrom, Worcester, MA; 4. George Bessette, Danbury, CT; 5. Les Rose, Jr., Southbridge, MA; 6. Jay Macedonio, Somerset, MA; 7. Marc Curtis, Worcester, MA; 8. Jeff Connors, Ellington, CT; 9. Wayne Dion, Warwick, RI; 10. David Darling, Seekonk, MA.

 

Late Model Feature Finish (Top Ten): 1. Jeff Zuidema, N. Brookfield, MA; 2. Rick Gentes, Woonsocket, RI; 3. Rick Oliveira, Blackstone, MA; 4. Paul Newcomb, Jr., Bryantville, MA; 5. Tom Fox, Plainfield, CT; 6. Wayne Coury, Sr., Milford, CT; 7. John Materas, Voluntown, CT; 8. Jeremy Sadowski, Voluntown, CT; 9. Randy Waterman, Killingly, CT; 10. Mark Jenison, Cranston, RI.

 

Limited Sportsman Feature Finish (Top Ten): 1. Joe Arena, Bristol, CT; 2. Larry Barnett, Ledyard, CT; 3. Eric Grant, New Milford, CT; 4. Ed Puleo, Branford, CT; 5. Chris Douton, Waterford, CT; 6. Jay Sundeen, Douglas, MA; 7. Scott Sundeen, Douglas, MA; 8. Jesse Gleason, Lisbon, CT: 9. Paul Coutu, Jr., Thompson, CT; 10. Joe Campbell, Moosup, CT.

 

TIS Modified Feature Finish (Top Ten): 1. Brian Sullivan, S. Windsor, CT; 2. Richie Ferreira, Raynham, MA; 3. Leo Oliveira, Rayham, MA; 4. Glenn Boss, Danielson, CT; 5. Cam McDermott, Scituate, RI; 6. Bart Ramos, Putnam, CT; 7. Tyler Poulin, Millville, MA; 8. Brian Tagg, Oxford, MA; 9. Denis Legere, N. Reading, MA; 10. R.J. Marcotte, Millville, MA.

 

Mini Stock Feature Finish (Top Ten): 1. Chuck Rogers, Quaker Hill, CT; 2. Brad Caddick, New London, CT; 3. Eric Bourgeois, E. Haddam, CT; 4. Mike Viens, Seekonk, MA; 5. Rick Blanchard, Pascoag, RI; 6. Nathan Taylor, Wauregan, CT; 7. Billy Pomposelli, Chepachet, RI; 8. Bill Schoeler, Warwick, RI; 9. Steven Michalski, Brooklyn, CT; 10. Steve Romjue, Coventry, RI.

TONY STEWART COMES TO THUNDER ROAD IN ’09 STEWART TO RACE IN VERMONT GOVERNOR’S CUP 150

       Barre, VT – Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Tony Stewart will race in the CARQUEST Vermont Governor’s Cup 150 lap race Thursday, June 25 as part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration at Barre’s Thunder Road International Speedbowl.

       The 2002 and 2005 Cup winner with 32 major NASCAR victories to his credit is considered the most versatile race driver since Mario Andretti in the 1970s.  In 1995 Stewart gained national attention when he swept all three of the United States Auto Club’s major open cockpit divisions, capturing the Midget, Sprint, and Silver Crown Series.  He was the first driver to ever do so.  He was the 1997 Indianapolis Racing League Champion and is remembered as the rookie who sat on the Indianapolis 500 pole and led for 144 laps before his car went away.

       The Rushville, Indiana racer, considered the most aggressive driver in American motorsports today told Thunder Road track officials ‘The Road’ has special significance.  “Thunder Road has been on my list of short tracks that I just have to race”, he said.  “My friend Kenny Schrader tells me the competition is tough.  This is a race I’m looking forward to,” said the twice Daytona 400 winner.

       Thunder Road promoter and co-owner Tom Curley said, “Of all the people, in any form of racing, the one driver I wanted to have help us celebrate the track’s 50th anniversary is Tony Stewart.  I have always thought he represents what stock car racing is really all about”, said Curley.  “He definitely will be coming to race and that’s what Thunder Road fans and competitors expect”.

       The CARQUEST Governor’s Cup will draw a top field from the American-Canadian Tour.  Earlier this year ACT announced that the Governor’s Cup would be designated as a Qualifier for the Saturday, September 19th ACT INVITATIONAL at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon.  It will be part of the Sprint Cup weekend, which will culminate with the Sylvania 300 on Sunday, September 20th.  If Stewart wins the Barre race and elects to compete, New Hampshire Motor Speedway will increase the starting line-up for the INVITATIONAL.

       A special commemorative 50th Anniversary Governor’s Cup Tony Stewart discounted ticket will be available beginning with Thunder Road’s Mekkelsen Memorial Day Classic double header over the May 23/24 weekend when the American-Canadian Tour will be joined by the True Value Modified Racing Series on Memorial Day weekend.

       Ticket prices for the Governor’s Cup will be $17.00 for Adult advance tickets, with race day Adult tickets $20, and Children’s ticket (6-12) $3.00.  Pits will open at 2pm, front gate at 3pm, with post time 6pm and the Governor’s Cup scheduled for 8pm.

Monadnock Speedway Ready for Opener

Winchester, NH: The snow has melted and the management of Monadnock Speedway is preparing for the 2009 race season featuring the return of the Modifieds.  The speedway has been overwhelmed by the response of modified teams ready to call Monadnock Speedway their home track.  The modified division will be competing on an every other week basis with the Outlaw Pros competing on the modified off week. The Super Stocks, Mini Stocks and Enduros will continue to be part of the weekly venue with many different touring divisions coming to the high banked ¼ mile throughout the season.

The modified division will be the tour type modifieds blending the rules from Whelen Modified Series, True Value Modified Racing Series and SK type. The rules are available on the speedway’s website, www.monadnockspeedway.com.

Other changes for the 2009 season included the Outlaw Pro division rule changes that have been opened up to allow Pro Stocks from other tracks and PASS competitors to compete.  The blending of the Late Model and Super Stock divisions will make their debut as the field will pick up more speed competing on   8” treaded tires. The Mini Stocks  will also be on the 8” treaded tire giving them also quicker times around the track.

Another change the fans will notice is a piece of history has been added to the speedway.  The bleacher section on the left of the flag stand has been updated with the original seats from Riverside Park Speedway. The management of speedway is very honored to make this update preserving the past of Riverside Speedway which is missed greatly by all in the Northeast.

The season will kick off officially on Saturday, April 18th with the annual test and tune session from 12pm to 5pm. The following week, Southern NH will feel the rumble as Bond Auto Parts presents the traditional Spring Dash 2009 Season Opener featuring the 100 lap True Value Modified Racing Series plus Outlaw Pros, Super Stocks, Mini Stocks and both Enduro divisions.  The green flag start will be at 6pm.

WISCASSET 300 TO BECOME ACT INVITATIONAL QUALIFIER
   CENTER OF SPEED 150 LATE MODEL EVENT ADDED TO LOUDON RACE

       Waterbury, VT – The American Canadian Tour (ACT) Late Model teams, along with a host of local teams
throughout New England, will have another opportunity to qualify for the inaugural ACT INVITATIONAL to be held at
the New Hampshire Motor Speedway as part of New England’s NASCAR September 18-20th race weekend in 2009.

Doug and Becky White, owners of the revitalized Wiscasset Speedway in Wiscasset, ME, have reached an agreement
with the American Canadian Tour to include their Center of Speed 300 Late Model portion of the event as a
Qualifier for the much-heralded ACT INVITATIONAL.

Designed as a cooperative effort by NHMS and the ACT organizations to help promote racing throughout the Northeast
region, the ACT INVITATIONAL has captured the imagination of much of the Northeast racing community.

The ACT INVITATIONAL will give the most talented short track Late Model drivers in the Northeast and eastern
Canada an opportunity to compete at the highest level, and should provide many short track fans in the region with
a chance to see their hometown stars when they visit NHMS over the Fall NASCAR weekend.

Thirty-six teams will receive invitations through winning a variety of ‘Qualifiers’ throughout the season to
compete in the highly anticipated event. The INVITATIONAL will be part of a spectacular triple-header on Saturday,
September 19, 2009 along with the NASCAR Whelan Modified Series, and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

In a related story, ACT has also reached an agreement with Wiscasset Speedway to issue a guaranteed provisional
starting spot in the Center of Speed Late Model portion of the 300 to the winner of the May 17th ACT TOUR New
England Dodge Dealer’s 150 event being held at the Oxford Plains Speedway.

The Wiscasset Center of Speed 300 will be held on Sunday August 16, 2009.
For additional information contact the Speedway at 207.632.7322 or visit the website at www.wiscassetraceway.info/.