By Todd Baptista

Full Report with Heat & Feature Results HERE

Rehoboth, MAs David Darling led the parade of opening night winners at Seekonk Speedway Saturday night, capturing the checkered flag in the 35-lap Pro Stock feature at the 1/3-mile Route 6 oval. Starting fifth in the 24-car field, the 24-year old Busch North Series veteran withstood six cautions flags to earn his third career win in the Bay State tracks top tier NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series class. Darlings Johnson Landscaping-sponsored #52 Dodge climbed to third when the green waved, trailing outside polesitter Vinnie Annarummo and second generation racer Rob Murray in the early going.

Two minor yellows slowed the battle in the first three laps, pitting Murray alongside Annarummos Francis Farm #11 Monte Carlo on the restart. Murray briefly held the advantage in the outside line before Vinnie powered back into the lead. Using the low groove, Darling took second on lap 8, and waiting for an opportunity to move under Annarummo. I was watching him, and I could see he was tight getting off the corner, the third generation racer explained. My car was free, and I figured that if I could time it right, I had a good shot of getting by him coming off (turn) two.

On lap 10, Darling motored to the inside of Annarummo and took over the lead. At the halfway point, Vinnie was second, followed by Murray, Matt Dewey and Wayne Dion, who were locked in a battle for fourth, Kenny Spencer, Dean Pettey, Ray Parent, Tom Furtado, and Jimmy Rosenfield.

After clearing Dion, Dewey went to work on Murray for third. The pair battled for several circuits until a lap 28 tangle in the fourth turn brought about the third yellow of the event, earning both drivers a spot at the rear of the field. The caution was well-timed for Darling, who had his hands full with lapped traffic. We were lucky that the caution came out when it did, Darling related. Im glad that it didnt end up being a factor. If we had had a longer green flag run, though, it might have.

Two additional cautions set up the final restart with just two laps remaining. The latter stoppage resulted in Bill Flints ride climbing the frontstretch wall on two wheels. The Assonet, MA driver was uninjured, but his new Ford sustained significant damage in the red-flag producing crash. When the cars were ordered to be re-fired, Ray Parents fifth-place mount needed assistance from a push truck, which relegated him to the rear of the field.

Darling navigated his way through the final laps without incident, en route to victory and an early lead in the points standings. Id like to thank my car owner, Gary Johnson, my crew chief, Ronnie Pond, my crew, Tom and Pete, and my wife, Christine, for all their help and support. This is a great way to start off the season.

Dean Pettey and Wayne Dion passed Annarummo during the final green flag run to take second and third. Vinnie ended up fourth. Tom Furtado came from 17th starting position to finish a solid fifth while Jimmy Rosenfield and Tom Scully, Sr. were sixth and seventh. Dave Hutchins, making his first start since being injured in an on-track accident in 2000, was eighth. Darryl Stampfl and Les Rose, Jr. rounded out the top ten.

In the Late Model ranks, Glenn Lawton of Westport, MA scored a hard-fought victory in the 25-lap main event. Scott Dion paced the first lap until 2003 Rookie of the Year Alex Bernard blasted into the lead. Bernard soon had company, however, as Lawton, who started third, took second and moved to the outside of the leader on lap five.

The pair ran side-by-side through the halfway signal, putting on a stellar display of racing for the fans who braved cold temperatures and occasional raindrops. Bill Goodrow, Gerry DeGasparre, Dion, and Scott Fournier filled positions three through six. Ryan Vanasse, Nick Macedonio, and Bryan Connors were involved in a crash between turns three and four that bent a good amount of sheet metal and brought out the third of four yellows on lap 12. During the ensuing green flag run, Lawton pulled ahead of Bernard, leaving the sophomore to battle with Goodrow and DeGasparre for the bridesmaid spot.

Contact between Goodrow and DeGasparre on lap 23 sent DeGasparres Chevy around in turn three and into the path of oncoming traffic. Rookie Jim Wordell, who had climbed from 16th to eighth, and veteran Dave Titus were collected in the melee with Wordells Francis Farm #7 receiving extensive front snout and rear end damage.

In the final sprint to the checkers, Scott Fournier passed Bernard and muscled to the inside of Lawton, briefly pulling into the lead. Lawtons N.A.C. Security & Stereo Systems-Lawtons Garage-sponsored #70 inched ahead on the outside, and maintained a slim advantage as the pair sailed under the checkers. We had an awesome car tonight, Lawton explained. When I had gotten to second, I knew I just had to go to the outside and let it fly. Either youre first or second. On the last restart, I kept my foot on the clutch too long. I knew Scotty was there. But, that was fun. Thats what racing is all about. When we pulled into the pits, we found that our right front tire had been going flat, too.

Scott Fournier was second, followed by Scott Dion, Bernard, veteran George Rego, Jeramee Lillie, Bill Goodrow, rookie Bob Griggs, Barry Shaw, and John Dumas.

In the Sport Truck division, Mike Cavallaro crossed the line third, but ended up chalking up the opening night win after a pair of post-race decisions moved him to first. Chad Hancock and Lee Hayes battled for the lead early in the 20-lapper, but were involved in a lap 11 yellow that forced them to the tail end of the pack. Stan Sherman inherited the lead and led the remaining laps, but was disqualified in the post-race technical inspection. Nick Brightman, who came from 12th to finish second, was penalized two positions in the final running order for passing before reaching the start-finish line on a restart. This moved Seekonk, MAs Cavallaro into first for the second time in his 25-year career. Rookie Peter Gloddy was second, followed by Brightman, Kevin Casper, Hancock, Ryan Berthelette, Hayes, Bill Clarke, Ray Souliere, and Rob Murphy.

Two-time track champion Bob Bettencourt, Jr. moved to the inside of early race leader Elmer Wing III on the sixth go-around of the 20-lap Street Stock feature on his way to Victory Lane. The Fall River, MA veteran held off the advances of former track champ Dick Cavallaro and the hard-charging Jim Silvia to post the win. Pete Simpson grabbed second on the final lap, while Cavallaro, Al Clements IV and Jim Silvia rounded out the top five. Positions six through ten went to Wayne Silvia, Mike Taschereau, Tony Oliveira, Sparky Arsenault, and 2003 champ Dave Ratcliffe.

In Seekonk Youth Racing Association action, Justin Perry held off 2003 Apprentice class champ Nick Ribbe to finish first in the Journeymen division 15-lap main, but was disqualified in the post-race tech inspection. Ribbe, 13, of Kingston, MA, inherited the win, with Matt Breault, Justin Travis, Kyle Dimond, and Louie DeChello comprising the top five.

In the 600-restrictor plate SYRA Apprentice division, 13-year old Tommy McVay of Riverside, RI started on the pole, and held on for a hard-fought win in the 15-lapper. Zach Tucan finished second, followed by Chris Robinson, Bobby Alberti, and Mike Panciocco.

Seekonks NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series program continues this Saturday, May 15. A full evening of events featuring the Pro Stock, Late Model, Sport Truck, Street Stock, and twin Seekonk Youth Racing Association divisions will begin at 6 PM. Tickets for the regular Saturday night shows are priced at just $12 for adults and $4 for children 6 to 12. A family four-pack for two adults and two children up to age 12 is available for just $25, a savings of $7. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

All grandstand tickets and pit admission wristbands sold for the May 2 Opening Day celebration that was stopped due to rain will be honored on Saturday, May 22, when the International Super Modified Association returns for their main event.

The Southern New England Modified tour will make their first of two visits to Seekonk on Saturday evening, May 29. The Route 6 Bay State oval will host the annual Mighty Memorial Day Spectacular on Sunday, May 30, at 5 PM. For more information, or to order tickets or gift certificates, contact the speedway office at (508)-336-9959 or visit online HERE.

Full Report with Heat & Feature Results HERE

By Todd Baptista

Full Report with Heat Results HERE

With the 12th of 15 scheduled qualifying races already on the track, rain brought a halt to the 59th annual Opening Day celebration at the NASCAR-sanctioned Seekonk Speedway on Sunday afternoon, May 2. One-hundred fifty-eight racers from the 1/3-mile ovals NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series divisions, twin SYRA classes, and the visiting International Super Modified Association packed the pit area in preparation for the seven feature events before a crowd of several thousand.

Three caution-free 12-lap qualifying heats set the lineup for the 24-car ISMA main, with London, Ontarios Mark Sammut cruising to victory in the first event. Russ Wood of Pelham, NH came from sixth to take the win in the second heat, while Innerkip, Ontarios Mike Lichty went pole to checker in the third qualifier.

Heat 1
Heat 2
Heat 3

Speedway General Manager Francis Venditti announced that the balance of the days events will be completed on Saturday, May 22, with a pair of qualifiers for the top tier Pro Stock division, and consolation rounds for the Street Stock and Late Model classes, beginning at 6 PM. All seven features, including the ISMA 75-lapper, will be run that evening. All grandstand tickets and pit admission wristbands sold for the Opening Day celebration will be honored on that date. ISMA will be back with us that evening, Venditti explained. Our fans can bring their rain check stubs and wristbands back on that day and hopefully, the weather will cooperate for us. Were looking forward to it.

Full Report with Heat Results HERE

Information from Mike Joy of New England Racing Fuel:

IMPORTANT SPEEDWAY LEGISLATION....
The Motorsports Facilities Fairness Act
YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED!

March 31, 2004

Dear Track Operator,

I spent Tuesday and Wednesday in Washington, DC, speaking to Representatives and Senators about a bill that is making its way through Congress. This bill has important tax benefits to you, and it needs your help, now.

The Internal Revenue Service has allowed motorsports facilities to fully depreciate capital improvements over a seven year period. the IRS now wants these improvements to be amortized as real estate improvements, stretching the recapture period to thirty years.

The effect of this IRS administrative change would be devastating, and would severely restrict your ability to improve your facility in a manner that is fiscally responsible.

Staff initially prepared these bills to preserve the seven year write-off benefit for large superspeedways. Action by Arizona Senator Jon Kyl, Iowa Congressman Steve King (whose son races a dirt late model) and other expanded the scope of the bills to benefit EVERY racing facility, including yours.

Richard Petty, Jack Roush, senior NASCAR officials and myself met with 20 or more representatives and a dozen senators, many of whom are serious racing fans. Unfortunately, New England was represented in these meetings only by New Hampshire Senator John Sununu.

Please contact all of your state's elected US Representatives and urge them to sign on as co-sponsors and support HR-2900, The Motorsports Facilities Fairness Act.

Also, please contact both of your US Senators and urge their support for S-1524, the Motorsports Facilities Fairness Act.

If your track draws heavily from an adjoining state, it is appropriate to contact their congressmen and senators as well.

Time is short. These bills had been attached to a World Trade bill, the the larger measure was defeated in both houses.  They will soon come up for consideration again.

Please act to preserve your tax benefits and help insure a healthy future for all our racing facilities.

Thanks,

Mike Joy

    Seekonk Pro Stocks Will Run New Left Side Rubber in 04

Todd Baptista

Seekonk Speedway announced on Monday, March 22, that a tire change will take place for the 1/3-mile Bay State ovals NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Pro Stock division in 2004. While the 59-year old facilitys top tier class will continue to run American Racer tires from the EC-series, they will adopt one of the softer tires for their left side rubber. The change is only with the left side, Chief Technical Inspector David Alburn explained. We will be going to the EC-81 on the left side while remaining with the EC-84 on the right side. Previously, the EC-83 tire was mandated on the left.

We became aware of the EC-81 tire last year when Beech Ridge Speedway in Maine began using them to help facilitate two-groove racing, Alburn related. Ive heard nothing but praise for these tires. Some Seekonk Pro Stock competitors tested the tires last September with primarily favorable results. We feel that the tires will be durable, and will allow more side-by-side racing, adding excitement for our fans. Dave Lind Racing Tires, the speedways tire distributor, is working to have the new EC-81s available for Seekonks initial tune and test practice session, slated for Saturday, April 3, at Noon. Alburn impresses that the track will continue to impose a tire purchasing restriction of two tires per week, with a maximum ten tire inventory to control usage and cost.

The new left side tires are just one of several changes that Seekonks Pro Stock competitors will be adopting in the future. Many race teams are already switching over to coil over springs, which are now permitted at all wheels, and the GM Circle Track engine, which will become mandatory in 2005. Dodge and Ford will rejoin Chevrolet and Pontiac in the Pro Stocks as well this season, as several racers have already committed to running the Intrepid and the Taurus in 2004.

The speedway also announced that the Saturday June 19 racing program will be 3M Night at the NASCAR-sanctioned track, with Craftsman presenting the Saturday night action featuring the visiting American Race Trucks Series on June 26. USG will sponsor the festivities on July 3, the first night of Seekonks Dynamic Doubleheader weekend in celebration of Independence Day. August 14, which will be highlighted by the return of the American-Canadian Tour, has been designated Dodge Night at the Cement Palace.

Free grandstand admission is being offered for the three open practice sessions at Seekonk on the afternoons of April 10, April 17, and May 1. Pit gates will open at 10 AM on each of the three Saturdays with a rookie meeting at 11 AM, and hot laps running from Noon to 4 PM. Pit fee is $10 per person for each date. Concession stands will not be open. The first green flag of the season will wave at 1 PM on Sunday, May 2.

Driver and car registrations are still being accepted for a fee of $35 through March 31. Beginning April 1, the fee will increase to $50. All numbers are available on a first come first serve basis. Registration must be done in person at the track office, located at 1710 Fall River Avenue in Seekonk between 9 and 5, Monday through Friday. For more information, contact the office directly at (508)-336-9959.

RACEARAMA 2004

The NASCAR-sanctioned Seekonk Speedway announced this week that the prices for admission tickets to their regular Saturday night events would stay the same in 2004. With so many choices available today, I think its very important to keep our Dodge Weekly Racing Series events affordable for the average family, general manager Francis Venditti explained. Therefore, Im very pleased to announce that the ticket prices for our regular Saturday night shows will remain unchanged for the 2004 season.

Adult tickets are priced at $12, with children 6 to 12 admitted for just $4. Kids 5 and under will continue to be admitted free. Ticket prices at the Route 6 1/3-mile Bay State oval have remained the same for several years. The facility will kick off their 2004 season on Sunday afternoon, May 2, with the first of two appearances for the International Super Modified Association. The four NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series divisions, Pro Stock, Late Model, Sport Truck and Street Stock, as well as the twin Seekonk Youth Racing Associations classes, will also be on hand. The regular Saturday night shows will begin on May 8.

The Seekonk family also invites all owners and drivers with their race cars, along with family, friends, and fans of the speedway to the first annual pre-season Racing Family Day. The free admission event will take place at the newly restored Francis Farm, located at 151 County Street in Rehoboth, MA on Sunday, April 25, between 11 AM and 4 PM. Prizes will be awarded to the best appearing cars as voted by attendees. Outdoor activities for everyone are promised, including vendor booths, and food and drinks. Anyone interested in participating is asked to call Francis Farm at (508)-252-3212 by April 1.

Todd Baptista

The NASCAR-sanctioned Seekonk Speedway announced this week that a second date for the touring Southern New England Modified Series has been scheduled for the 2004 season. The SNEM "Pro Four" Modifieds, previously inked for Saturday, July 14, will also be on hand on Saturday evening, May 29.

The two Southern New England Modified races will be the first for the series at the 1/3-mile Route 6 oval since October, 2001. Wareham, MA's Les Rose, Jr., now a front runner in Seekonk's top tier Pro Stock division, won that event. The SNEM class was created and first competed at Seekonk Speedway in 1978. The following year, they developed into a limited touring division. Currently, the non-profit SNEM boasts over 50 registered owners and drivers throughout New England.

This open wheel modified series, with engine sizes limited to 2330 cc, can generate 300 horsepower with the cars carrying a maximum weight of 1940 pounds. The 2004 SNEM calendar includes 18 events which will be run at facilities from Connecticut to New Hampshire between late March and mid-October. Waltham, MA's John Studley is the defending series champion.