PASS North: Rowe Rocks White Mountain

North Woodstock NH (May 23) Ben Rowe knows his way around White Mountain Motorsports Park. The four time Pro All Stars Series (PASS) Super Late Model Champion now has eight PASS North feature wins at the tidy high banked quarter mile after an exciting battle for the race lead with Travis Benjamin. Benjamin and Rowe got together on lap 135 of the 150 lap feature, and when the smoke cleared Rowe was out front and Benjamin was spun out in the infield.

It was all Rowe for the final fifteen laps, despite challenges from second place finisher Derek Ramstom and Richie Dearborn, who came home third. Chris Staples and Adam Bates were fourth and fifth, series point leader Johnny Clark sixth and Benjamin raced his way back to finish seventh. Donnie Whitten, Donnie Lashua and DJ Shaw completed the top ten. Thirteen cars finished on the leap lap.

Kelly Moore led early from the pole, challenged by Richie Dearborn and Cassius Clark. Clark took over second on lap 37 and Tony Ricci was looking strong in third until a lap 51 caution for Dave Farrington and Mike Thomas’ spins saw a tight pack of front runners get together trying to get slowed up for the yellow. Cassius Clark was a victim, as was Ricci.

The lineup was jumbled with Moore still in command but Benjamin now sat in second, Ramstrom all the way up to 3rd from 15^th on the grid, Ben Rowe fourth. and Adam Bates fifth. Benjamin took over the top spot, and Rowe raced past Ramstrom and Moore for second. Meanwhile, Benjamin ran away and hid from the field, building up a straightaway lead until the caution flew on lap 74 and brought him back to the pack. Rowe took advantage on the restart and led Benjamin at the half way mark, but Benjamin had the lead back by lap 80 and the front two were pulling away from the field when the race reached the 100 lap mark.

Lap 112 saw Kelly Moore go for a wild ride after a tap from Steve Legendre sent the veteran into the backstretch wall, up and over the top of the track exit wall and flipping. Moore‘s NAPA Auto Parts Chevy came to rest on its roof over the protective jersey barriers at the end of the track exit. No one was injured, but Moore’s ride was a total loss.

After an extended red flag to attend to Moore and his race car, the field got the green once again and Rowe took the lead from Benjamin, but Benjamin battled back to retake the point on lap 123. Another restart at lap 132 produced the same results, Rowe taking off to lead from the outside front row. Again Benjamin took the battle to Rowe, fighting back on the bottom. That’s when the pair touched and Benjamin was once again denied at least a podium finish and quite possibly his first PASS win of the season.

Moore, Johnny Clark, and Donnie Whitten each claimed heat race victories.

The PASS North touring pros take a week off before returning to Speedway 660 in Fredericton New Brunswick Canada for a 200 lap battle on Saturday June 13^th. Ben Rowe will head south next weekend for round five of the PASS South Super Late Model season on Saturday May 30^th for the Salute Our Heroes 150 at Coastal Plains Speedway in Jacksonville North Carolina. Rowe currently holds a 22 point lead in the PASS South Super Late Model standings over Ryan Blaney. Visit www.racewithpass.com or www.proallstarsseries.com for the latest standings for all five PASS touring series. Wednesday nights at seven tune in to “Live to PASS” at www.racetalkradio.com for an hour of PASS news with Alan Dietz and Dennis Michelson.

Unofficial Results

PASS North Super Late Model 150 – White Mountain Motorsports Park – No. Woodstock NH – 5/23/09 with finishing position, (starting position), driver, and home town

1 (12) Ben Rowe Turner ME 2 35 (15) Derek Ramstrom, Worcester MA 3 (4) Richie Dearborn, Hollis ME 4 (22) Chris Staples, Brunswick ME 5 (16) Adam Bates, Warner NH 6 (11) Johnny Clark, Hallowell ME 7 (7) Travis Benjamin 8 (2) Donnie Whitten, Biddeford ME 9 (14) Donnie Lashua, Meredith NH 10 (13) DJ Shaw, Center Conway NH 11 (5) John Danbrowski, W. Bridgewater MA 12 (8) Steve Legendre, St. Johnsbury VT 13 (18) Gary Smith, Bangor ME 14 (3) Cassius Clark, Farmington ME 15 (18) Scott Alexander, Glenburn ME 16 (10) Nick Ribbe, Kingston MA 17 (1) Kelly Moore, Scarborough ME 18 (6) 1C Tony Ricci, Gorham ME 19 (9) Matt Frahm, North Salem NH 20 (19) Mike Thomas, Lewiston ME 21 Dave Farrington Jr. Jay, ME 22 (23) Kevin Roberge P.Q. CA 23 Steve Knowlton Ipswich MA

Opening day at Wiscasset Raceway presented by Lester Morse Auto Sales was a great one. The sun was shining at the 2 p.m. start time, the fans packed the stands and the drivers packed the pit area. The U.S. Army reserves where there with their massive rock climbing wall. Operation Recognition was at the “Center of Speed” where they put on a parade around the track with the Patriot Guard motorcycle riders, Maine Bag Pipes and armed service men and woman. After the parade a ceremony took place in the infield to honor folks who have served for out country. After Late Model division drivers took to the stands to collect money for the good cause that is Operation recognition with Army boots and the National Anthem had been preformed we were ready for our feature events.

PASS North Super Late Model  150 – White Mountain Motorsports Park – No. Woodstock NH – 5/23/09

1 (12) Ben Rowe Turner ME 2 35 (15) Derek Ramstrom, Worcester MA 3 (4) Richie Dearborn, Hollis ME 5 (22) Chris Staples, Brunswick ME 6 (16) Adam Bates, Warner NH 7 (11) Johnny Clark, Hallowell ME  8 (2) Donnie Whitten, Biddeford ME 9 (14) Donnie Lashua, Meredith NH 10 (13) DJ Shaw, Center Conway NH 11 (5) John Danbrowski, W. Bridgewater MA 12 (8) Steve Legendre, St. Johnsbury VT 13 (18) Gary Smith, Bangor ME 14 (3) Cassius Clark, Farmington ME 15 (18) Scott Alexander, Glenburn ME  16 (10) Nick Ribbe, Kingston MA  17 (1) Kelly Moore, Scarborough ME 18 (6)  1C Tony Ricci, Gorham ME  19 (9) Matt Frahm, North Salem NH 20 (19) Mike Thomas, Lewiston ME 21 Dave Farrington Jr. Jay, ME 22 (23) Kevin Roberge P.Q. CA 23 Steve Knowlton  Ipswich MA

Excitement Roars at Speedway 660 Season Opener

May 23, 2009

Fredericton N.B. - After a long awaited season, the Riverview Ford Lincoln Season Opener at Speedway 660 was a huge success.  The Riverview Ford Lincoln Season Opener is now in the books and boy, what a night it was. The weather was perfect, a huge crowd, new drivers, new paint schemes as well as a great night of excitement.

Starting off the evening was the Coast Tire Street Stocks with their heats. At the beginning of the night Shawn Hyslop started out his evening very well by winning his heat, finishing second in the dash and moving on to take the big 20 lap feature win .  Also winning his heat and dash and finishing second in the feature was Brian Fox.  Bill Bellville finished third to round out the podium.

In the Martin’s Home Heating Sportsman division the #5 of Wade Harris put up a great fight to hold off “Mr. Excitement”, John Rankin. Rankin started off his night with mechanical problems in practice. After borrowing a transmission from Myles Harris, John was able to challenge Wade Harris for the win. Rankin had an awesome run as the crowd cheered and just fell short of the win, finishing second. John was very happy with where he finished after all the hard luck earlier in the day. Harris had a good car all day, picking up the Robins Inn hat trick, winning his heat, dash and feature. Rounding out the top three was Derek Christie having a great start in his sophomore season.

The Irving Lubricants Pro Stocks put on a great show with some familiar faces returning to the front.  The Pro Stock feature went caution free. Greg Fahey dominated most of the race after taking over the top spot from Glenn Rasmussen on the first lap. Greg led until Matt Harris took the lead from him late in the 40 lapper and went on to win.

In the AOW division it was Jamie Weston who ran very well all evening and took the 30 lap feature. Weston had much to celebrate with not only the win but he and his wife were celebrating their 12^th Wedding Anniversary.  Also having a podium finish were Ken Deveau and Joe Hoyt. The AOW division will be seen a few times this year at Speedway 660.

Next week at Speedway 660 will host the first the “Best of the Best” event with the MAX 1 Irving Lubricants Pro Stock 100.  Lots of pro stock cars will be heading this way next weekend.  Leon Christie will be dusting the car off as well as some guys from across the border including Travis Benjamin and Kirk Thibeau.

Race fans don’t forget racing next Saturday Night, 7 p.m. under the lights at Speedway 660, where the big boys play. Come out for some WicKID Family Fun.

Bub Bilodeau and Gary Babineau open defense of Beech Ridge titles with opening night wins. Scott Dorr and Ed Connolly also find victory lane.

By Dan Walker

Scarborough, Maine- Bub Bilodeau began his NASCAR Whelan All American Series title defense in the Pro Series division with a win on Saturday night at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway. Over the Winter, Bilodeau lost his chief rival in Bobby Babb who has stepped away from the seat to help his son as he takes over the #4 Pro Series car. Enter Maine racing legend Mike Rowe to fill that void and after the 40 lap feature race Saturday night the Bilodeau-Rowe rivalry has been rekindled. Rowe started on the pole with Aaron Ricker to his outside and Bilodeau on his rear bumper in third. Rowe shot to the lead with Ricker and Bilodeau settling in behind. Bilodeau tried to move around Ricker on lap 6 but Ricker held off the challenge for the time being.

Bilodeau pulled off the pass on Ricker at lap 8 and began to eyeball the car of Rowe directly ahead. Bilodeau took a shot to the outside on lap 10 but Rowe fought him off. On the 13^th trip around the oval Bilodeau took a peak to the inside but Rowe slammed the door to maintain the lead.

Over the next 6 laps Bilodeau repeatedly tried to go around Rowe but could not pull off the pass of the leader. The complexion of the race changed on lap 23 when Rowe bobbled in turn 2 as he was trying to turn off an electric fan and accidentally hit the kill switch on the motor. Bilodeau reacted quickly and went around Rowe for the lead.

Rowe was not done yet as he began to close back in on Bilodeau as the laps were winding down. On lap 31 of the 40 lap race, Bilodeau and Rowe played bumper tag with both drivers making a spectacular save to stay in the top 2 positions. The final few laps saw Bilodeau stay in front for the win as Rowe took second but these two drivers who have had many epic battles over the years racing together set the stage for what is to come all season long. Aaron Ricker was third with Jay Sands and Dave Oliver fourth and fifth.

In Sport Series action Scott Dorr held off defending champion Sally Gherardi for the 35 lap main event win. Dorr and Gherardi battled side by side for the second half of the race before the outcome was settled. Gherardi finished second with Russ Morse third. Don Morse and Andy Field were fourth and fifth.

Gary Babineau opened his title defense with a wire to wire win in the 30 lap Wildcat feature race. Lyman McKeage chased Babineau all the way to the checkered flag for second place with David Wildes third. Shawn Gilpatrick and Lewis Anderson rounded out the top 5 finishers.

Ed Connolly only led 1 lap but it was the final one as he took opening night honors for the Road Runner competitors. Matt Dow led 19 laps before making the wrong lane choice around lapped traffic as Connolly slipped by and stole the win. Dow was second with David Turner, Ray Letellier and Trevor Graffam filling the top 5 spots.

Clean sweep for Kyle Mooney, first win
for Avery Spear in 2009 kart opener

OXFORD, Maine – A double victory and feature wins by three different drivers making their first regular-season start in a new division highlighted Friday night’s seventh season opener in the JARRacing Photography Go Kart Series at Oxford Plains Speedway.
Kyle Mooney, tackling both Box Stock and Purple Plate divisions after a sensational freshman season in the former ranks last summer, held off Brandon Varney to capture both of his 20-lap main events.

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Exciting Win for Rocco in Sunoco Mod Thriller at Thompson

Opening Night Honors to Wrenn, Gentes, Sundeen, Sullivan & Taylor

Thompson, CT (May 21, 2009): The first Thursday Night Thunder at Thompson International Speedway started the season off with a bang. Keith Rocco of Wallingford, CT, earned victory in a thrilling Sunoco Modified main event to start off the season. Norm Wrenn of Nashua, NH, a winner during the Icebreaker in April, continued his winning ways in the Super Late Models while Rick Gentes of Woonsocket, RI edged out fan favorite Jeff Zuidema to earn the Late Model checkers. Scott Sundeen of Douglas, MA, in Limited Sportsman; Brian Sullivan of S. Windsor, CT in the TIS Modifieds; and  Tim Taylor of Wauregan, CT in the Mini Stocks also visited victory lane on the opening Thursday night.

The Sunoco Modified division lived up to its reputation on Thursday night as Keith Rocco of Wallingford, CT, scored the feature win in a dramatic finish for the Speedway’s premier division. It was the second win for Rocco at Thompson after his victory back in April on Icebreaker Saturday.

Kerry Malone got the edge on pole sitter Christopher before the caution flew for a pile-up exiting turn two. Danny Cates was sent spinning from the fifth position and several drivers took evasive action. Only the #36 of Tim Sullivan headed down pit road for service. He was able to rejoin the field.

On the restart it was all Malone, who motored out to a five-car length advantage over Jimmy Blewett. It was action-packed for the third spot as Josh Sylvester had his hands full with Christopher and Woody Pitkat. Keith Rocco, who was involved in the lap three caution, had worked his way back inside the top-ten by lap eight.

With 10-laps down, Blewett and company had caught Malone. Blewett made a power move exiting turn two to take over the lead. Sylvester and Christopher followed through.

Christopher made quick work of Sylvester to move into second. A single-lap later the caution flew for a spin by Dana Young. Under the caution, Malone gave up the fourth spot to head to pit road for adjustments. An incident that involved Harry Rheaume, Tim Sullivan, Dave LaCroix and Andy Gasper brought out the caution again on lap 16. The cars of Rheaume and Sullivan sustained heavy damage.

Back under green, Christopher was all but pushing leader Blewett while Sylvester, Pitkat and Rocco where locked in a heavy battle for third. Sparks flew when Christopher made a bid for the lead. Contact between the lead duo ended with Christopher stopped on the front stretch with a flat tire; necessitating the caution. Todd Ceravolo pitted from the fifth position under the caution.

Pitkat looked like he was shot out of a cannon on the restart giving Blewett a run for the lead. Sylvester stood his ground. Pitkat slipped back to third behind Sylvester. Rocco was now fourth followed by Marvin, who had worked his way back into contention after being involved in the first caution.

On lap 23, Rocco muscled his way passed both Pitkat and Sylvester and into the second spot. The young gun had five laps to chase down Blewett. It didn’t even take one as Rocco caught Blewett. In turn three, Rocco made a dive bomb move under Blewett. The car drifted up allowing Blewett to maintain his lead. The cat-and-mouse continued over the final two laps.

On the white flag lap, Rocco ran Blewett up toward the wall in turn one. Coming to the checkers, Rocco drifted high pushing Blewett toward the wall once again in turn three. Sylvester saw a glimmer of light in the middle while Pitkat looked low. All four cars had a shot at the victory. Slight contact with Sylvester slowed Rocco but not enough to derail the run to the victory. Blewett barely edged out Pitkat for second. Sylvester settled for fourth.  Marvin completed the top-five.

Norm Wrenn of Nashua, NH, followed up his Icebreaker victory with a win in the Super Late Models on opening Thursday night. It was a tough night for the frontrunners in the feature event. Defending champ, Fred Astle, Jr., who made hard contact with the outside wall in turn two from the third position, was the first victim to bring out the caution.

On the restart, Jeff Connors was able to get the jump over early leader Steve Desmarias. Desmarias had slipped back to the fourth position before being involved in an incident in turn two to bring out the event’s second caution.

Les Rose, Jr. capitalized on the restart jumping to the head of the pack. Derek Ramstrom exited turn two a little hot spinning into the infield to relinquish the second position. Wrenn got a great restart but bobbled in turn two giving Rose the edge once again. Fully regrouped, Wrenn was able to retake the lead.

With Wrenn and Rose out front the heaviest action was between Bessette and Marc Curtis. Curtis came out on top of the battle. Jeff Zuidema ran in the fifth position. Ramstrom had hunted down Zuidema.

Early leader Jeff Connors spun with a left rear tire to bring out the caution once again. Back under green, Ramstrom, now free of Zuidema, set his sites on Bessette. In a matter of a couple of laps, Ramstrom had moved all the way back into the third spot. Meanwhile Rose had caught Wrenn. Rose made a last ditch effort exiting turn four on the final lap but had to settle for the second spot. Ramstrom had put on a show to finish third. Curtis and Bessette rounded out the top five.

Rick Gentes of Woonsocket, RI, scored the victory over a hard-charging Jeff Zuidema in the Late Model feature event. In the early going it looked as if Gentes was going to walk away with the victory. After a short battle with early leader Tommy O’Sullivan, Gentes enjoyed a comfortable lead. The “Professor” Jay Stuart had moved into the second position. A heated battle for the top spot was brewing when a shower of sparks trailed the #42 of Stuart. He headed to pit road and ultimately behind the wall. 

At the halfway marker, Zuidema had begun to track down Gentes. With each lap the lead got smaller. In the closing laps, Zuidema repeatedly made attempts to take over the top spot. Gentes was up to the task; turning away the advances and into victory lane for his first win of the season. Zuidema settled for the second position over John Materas, O’Sullivan, and Mark Oliveira inside the top five.

Scott Sundeen of Douglas, MA, withstood heavy pressure throughout the Limited Sportsman main event to score the victory on Thursday night. The fans were treated to a great battle between Sundeen and Larry Barnett. Sundeen held the point but Barnett was never far behind. In true Limited Sportsman fashion, there were three-wide battles around the speedway and throughout the field.

At the midway portion of the event, with Barnett dogging Sundeen, Icebreaker winner, Joe Arena caught the leaders. For a time it looked like it might be a three-horse race. Barnett settled back into the second position as the race wound down. The veteran and former division champion waited until two laps remaining before showing his hand again. Barnett was locked to the back bumper of Sundeen; getting up alongside the leader in the corners. In the end, Sundeen was able to hold off Barnett to take down the win.  Arena settled for third ahead of Joe Campbell and Paul Coutu, Jr.

After an Icebreaker win back in April, Brian Sullivan of S. Windsor, CT, made it two straight in TIS Modified competition. Leo Oliveiria took over the top spot from pole sitter Brian Tagg just laps into the race. Things were anything but smooth sailing at the head of the field as the leader Oliveira had his hands full with a charging Sullivan.  On lap 12, Sullivan got the run in turn one taking over the lead exiting turn two.

The handle appeared to be going away for Oliveira. Once ousted from the top spot, the early leader slid back to third position with others, including Bart Ramos, bearing down.  After a red flag for a non-racing occurrence, Sullivan assumed his place at the head of the pack. Over the final few laps, the top three of ran nose to tail. They sailed under the checkers with Sullivan taking his second win in as many starts. Tagg had a great run to finish second ahead of Ramos. R.J. Marcotte came from deep in the field to finish fourth followed by Tyler Poulin.

Tim Taylor of Wauregan, CT, turned in a dominating performance to score the first Mini Stock victory of the 2009 Thompson Thursday Night Thunder series. Taylor took over the top spot from early leader Trevor Michalski before checking out on the field. The top four positions got strung out ahead of the field while deeper in the pack the action was more intense. Leader Taylor watched his lead evaporate when the second caution of the event flew for an incident involving Tim Higginbottom and Keith Ballou.

The veteran driver was able to rebuild his lead just as quickly once the green flag flew once again. Eric Bourgeois came on strong in the late going motoring to a runner-up finish.  Chad Baxter completed the podium. Scott Michalski and Brad Caddick rounded out the top five. The Taylor Family was well represented as the Tim’s son Nathan turned in a solid performance to finish seventh.

Racing resumes next Thursday with the six divisions of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action including a 50-lapper for the Limited Sportsman division. This Sunday, Thompson International Speedway proudly hosts Family Fun Night. For more information on these and all events at Thompson Speedway visit thompsonspeedway.com or by calling the raceway hotline at (860) 923-2280.

Sunoco Modified 30-Lap Feature Finish (Top Ten): 1. Keith Rocco, Wallingford, CT; 2. Jimmy Blewett, Howell, NJ; 3. Woody Pitkat, Stafford Springs, CT; 4. Josh Sylvester, Lebanon, CT; 5. Bert Marvin, New London, CT; 6. Eric Goodale, Riverhead, NY; 7. Kerry Malone, Needham, MA; 8. Rowan Pennink, Huntingdon Valley, PA; 9. Rick Shawn, Bradford, CT; 10. Ted Christopher, Plainville, CT.

Super Late Model 30-Lap Feature Finish (Top Ten): 1. Norm Wrenn, Nashua, NH; 2. Les Rose, Jr., Southbridge, MA; 3. Derek Ramstrom, Worcester, MA; 4. Marc Curtis, Worcester, MA; 5. George Bessette, Danbury, CT; 6. Jeff Zuidema, N. Brookfield, MA; 7. Mike O’Sullivan, Springfield, MA; 8. Jay Macedonio, Somerset, MA; 9. Jeff Connors, Ellington, CT; 10. Chris Curtis, Rutland, MA.

Late Model 25-Lap Feature Finish (Top Ten):  1. Rick Gentes, Woonsocket, RI; 2. Jeff Zuidema, N. Brookfield, MA; 3. John Materas, Voluntown, CT; 4. Tommy O’Sullivan, Springfield, MA; 5. Mark Oliveira, Blackstone, MA; 6. Wayne Coury, Sr., Milford, CT; 7. Dave Trudeau, Manfield, CT; 8. Jeremy Sadowski, Voluntown, CT; 9. Randy Waterman, Killingly, CT; 10. Tom Fox, Plainfield, CT.

Limited Sportsman 20-Lap Feature Finish (Top Ten): 1. Scott Sundeen, Douglas, MA; 2. Larry Barnett, Ledyard, CT; 3. Joe Arena, Bristol, CT; 4. Joe Campbell, Moosup, CT; 5. Paul Coutu, Jr., Thompson, CT; 6. Paul Palen, Pelham, NH; 7. Jay Sundeen, Douglas, MA; 8. Kevin Bowe, Pawtucket, RI; 9. Gerald Sevigny, Brooklyn, CT; 10. John Carpenter, Danielson, CT.

TIS Modified 20-Lap Feature Finish (Top Ten): 1. Brian Sullivan, S. Windsor, CT; 2. Brian Tagg, oxford, MA; 3. Bart Ramos, Putnam, CT; 4. R.J. Marcotte, Millville, MA; 5. Tyler Poulin, Millville, MA; 6. Leo Oliviera, Raynham, MA; 7. Richie Ferreira, Raynham, MA; 8. Jay Sundeen, Douglas, MA; 9. Jeff Barrows, Worcester, MA; 10. Glen Boss, Danielson, CT.

Mini Stock 15-Lap Feature Finish (Top-Ten): 1. Tim Taylor, Wauregan, CT; 2. Eric Bourgeois, E. Haddam, CT; 3. Chad Baxter, Pascoag, RI; 4. Scott Michalski, S. Killingly, CT; 5. Brad Caddick, New London, CT; 6. Chuck Rogers, Quaker Hill, CT; 7. Nathan Taylor, Wauregan, CT; 8. Trevor Michalski, S. Killingly, CT; 9. Jeff Moffat, Warwick, RI; Scott Jassaume, Danielson, CT.

HOLIDAY WEEKEND FUN AT THOMPSON SPEEDWAY THIS SUNDAY

THOMPSON, CT.  The Eve of Destruction at the Thompson Speedway has become a Memorial Day holiday weekend tradition. Thousands of fun seekers have found this special event to be a wonderful night of exciting and laugh-out-loud entertainment. Thompson’s Eve of Destruction scheduled for Sunday, May 24th, has become a holiday weekend destination and a not to be missed night out for the entire family.
The Eve of Destruction is slated to start at 6 PM. However, when the gates open at 1:30 PM, youngsters will thrill to the action filled midway of huge inflatable activities that both challenge and entertain the young and the young at heart.
            Motorized mayhem best describes this incredible evening of man’s best efforts to defy speed, fire, gravity and bone jarring crashes. The menu of mayhem includes three different types of demolition derbies, Monster Truck Mania, a jet powered spectacular, the 7th annual hilarious Trailer Trash event, a huge fireworks display and a couple of surprises that are destined to bring cheers from those in attendance.
            Demolition derbies are a big part of the Eve of Destruction. The ever-popular school bus demo brings out area youngsters to cheer on the bus representing their schools. The kids design a paint scheme for each school’s bus and then spend hours actually bringing that scheme to life with gallons of paint provided by the speedway. The busses then parade in front of the grandstands where the fans judge the best paint jobs. Cash donations are made to the schools based on the fan’s choices. Schools then vie for even more money in the school bus demolition derby. Add to this fun a full size car and a four cylinder car demo and the Thompson Speedway is almost instantly turned into a huge junk yard.
             Thompson Speedway’s Eve of Destruction will be held only 3 days after the track begins its Thursday Night Thompson Thunder racing series. Thursday night, May 21st, at 6 PM will mark the opening of the popular weekly racing series that showcases six divisions of NASCAR Whelen All American series race cars. This fast-paced and exciting race program is a great night out for the family. The events are family priced and are run virtually non-stop so that fans get an exciting program and still arrive back home at an early hour.
            For more information on Thursday Night Thompson Thunder or the Eve of Destruction, fans are urged to visit the Thompson International Speedway web site.  www.thompsonspeedway.com.

Ovitt Scores Outlaw Pro Win, Alexander Repeats in Modified

Winchester, NH: This past Saturday, eight exciting race divisions took to the track at Monadnock Speedway. With the threat of storms moving in late, the program was moved quickly completing all divisions before the skies opened up.  Winners included, Modified Kirk Alexander, Outlaw Pro Brandon Ovitt, Super Stock Matt Mead and  Mini Stock Rich Fournier. Matthew Gauffin won the 4-cylinder enduro event and Dan Yagmin took the Full Size Enduro event.

Mini Stocks rolled out with Rich Fournier setting the pace. Fournier quickly took the lead as Anthony Kumiega and Derek Bergquist battled for second. Kim Rivet and Beth Adams followed in the top five. Lap ten, Bergquist moved into second as Rivet worked on Kumiega for third. Half way to go, Fournier developed a good lead as teammate Bergquist tried to reel him in. Rivet held of Jackson for third. Lap nineteen, the field saw the only caution come out when Adams running fifth was tapped by Joey Kendall causing her to spin. On the restart, Berquist attempted the outside pass on Fournier but couldn’t pull it off. Rivet had her hands full with Jackson. Fournier and Bergquist ran bumper to bumper as Jackson looked to the inside of Rivet. The top four ran nose to tail until the checkered flag with Fournier capturing his first win of the season followed by Bergquist. Rivet held off Jackson for third. Ron Nomandin came in fifth.

Craig Cashman brought the Super Stocks to the green flag start. Before one lap was complete, the yellow flew as Ken Springer made his way into the pits for mechanical problems. On the restart, Cashman jumped to the lead with Andy Brooks, Ken Thompson and Bill Johnston on his back bumper. On lap three, Thompson goes high in the backstretch leaving the position open for Johnston. Cashman and Andy Brooks ran wheel to wheel for the lead. Ten laps into the feature, the top six ran tight as Brooks and Johnston battle for the lead. Ed Brehio III and Matt Mead fought for third. Half way to go, Mead took the high lane to pass Brehio III for third.  The top four ran close as Mead placed the pressure as Brooks continued to lead. Five laps to go, Mead and Brooks ran side by side for the lead as Bedaw moved into fifth. Brooks fought back as Johnston awaited his opportunity ahead of him. Bedaw gained on Brehio III for fourth. At the checkers, Mead scored his second victory followed by Andy Brooks, Johnston and Bob Bedaw.

The Outlaw Pros made their way onto the track with Steve Gauthier on the pole. At the wave of the green, Gauthier took the lead but felt early pressure from Brandon Ovitt. Gray lloked to the inside of Mike Parks for third. Lap ten. Gauthier held onto the lead as Gray mad slight contact with Parks but backed off for third. Next lap, Gray took over third as Russ Hersey followed for fourth. Half way to go, Gauthier held strong as  Ovitt ran close in second. Hersey attempted to take away third from Gray but was denied. Lap twenty five, Ovitt took the lead and began to pull away as Gray and Hersey continue the battle for third. Ten laps to go, Hersey goes to the outside to complete the pass on Gray. As laps wind down, Hersey began to run down Gauthier for second. Two laps to go, Gauthier suffers a broken wheel and the caution flew. On the restart, Ovitt had a great start for the two lap shoot out as Hersey attempts to catch him. Gray sat in third followed by Ron Smith and Adam Brooks. On the final lap, it was Ovitt scoring his first win of the season followed by Hersey, Gray Smith and Brooks.

Josh Cantara brought the full field of Modifieds to the start line with Eric Leclair on the outside pole. At the green Cantara took off leaving LeClair in an early battle with Ed Reed for second. Frank L’Etoile and Todd Patnode battled for fourth. Patnode wasting no time moved into second by lap six as Cantara held a good lead, Dave Berube moved into third. On lap eleven, the first caution flew as a pile of cars get caught up in the front stretch. On the restart, Cantara and Patonde ran wheel to wheel for the lead as Rowan Pennink and Dave Berube fought for third. Two laps later, Pennink spins in turn one and two collecting several cars. Lap twenty, berube was scored the leader as he felt Kirk Alexander on his back bumper. Cantara and Patnode battled for third, Pennink worked his way to sixth and put the pressure on Vic Johnson for fifth. Half awy to go, Alexander took over the lead as berube fought back. Pennick chased down Cantara to battle for third. Ten to go, the leaders caught lap traffic and carefully made the pass as Berube tied to make ground on Alexander. At the checkers, it was Alexander in victory lane followed by Berube, Pennink, Patnode and Cantara.

Ryan Rivet was the early leader for the Full Size enduro event. Joe Ethier ran second with Dan Yagmin putting in the heat. Lap ten, Yagmin moved into second and was on his way to catch Rivet. Half way to go, Yagmin was all over Rivet at both worked their way through lap traffic. Jeff Kirley and Randy Rameau battled for third. Ten laps to go, Yagmin took over the lead as Rivet settled for second. Rameau and Kirley continued to challenge each other for third. Barry Schonborg ran fifth.  At the end, it was Yagmin taking the win followed by Kirley, Rivet, Rameau and Schonborg.

A large field of 4-cylinder Enduros rolled onto the track as CJ Johnson took the leadearly. Lap ten, a challenge for the lead developed between Johnson and Matthew Gauffin followed by Jason Houle, Adam Houle and Scott Hatt.  Lap fifteen, the red flag was displayed as Matthew Somerville took a hard hit on the front stretch.  On the restart, gaffing continued to leadas Josh Houle and Adam Houle battled for second. The two made conatct spinning into the infield. CJ Johnson took over second followed by Hatt, Dick Houle and Heath Renaud. Half way to go,  Gauufin ledthe way as Renaud moved into second. Dick Houle gained ground on Johnson for third. Ten two go, Renaud and Dick Houle switched back and forth for the second place position  working their way through heavy lap traffic. At the checkers, it was Gauffin taking the win followed by Dick Houle, Heath Reanud, Adam Houle and Josh Houle.

This Saturday , Monadnock Speedway will celebrate the Memorial Weekend holiday with the very fast Northeast Midget Association making their first trip to the high banks. The race program will also include Outlaw Pros, Super Stocks, Mini Stocks and Full Size Enduros. Race time is at 6pm. For more information call the speedway’s office at 603-239-4067 or log onto www.monadnockspeedway.com.