Moultonboro, NH – The Lakes Region Ice Racing ran its annual Ray Eldridge Memorial race this week. Ray was a young man that, along with several members of the Eldridge family, was active in the local ice races. The races were moved Lee Pond this week due to melting at the Berry Pond entrance. The track on Lee Pond was quickly prepared by plowing and the ice was perfect.
With the promise of improving weather, the races got underway in a light snow with double qualifying heats. After the heats, racers and fans enjoyed an intermission with hamburgers and hot dogs as well as Girl Scout cookies. With full bellies and warmed up by hot coffee and cocoa, the day’s feature events were lined up.
First out this week were the Stockers. Ray Eldridge’s brother Shane Eldridge (75) of Ctr Ossipee, and Dalton Varney (03) of Ossipee in their V8-powered Monte Carlo’s battled side-by-side for several laps with Dalton eventually breaking free to take the lead and the win. He was followed by Shane and Rob Stephens (27) of Meredith.
Next up was the Modified division. Sixteen year-old Jacob Williams (73) of Tuftonboro broke a steer component in his qualifier, but his crew scrambled and repaired the car for the feature event. Being down in points, Jacob started on the pole and with clear visibility, quickly built a lead and took the win. Jack Cook (14) of Moultonboro drove to second place, followed closely by Thornton’s Ray Johnson (79). Danny Cook of S. Tamworth debuted in the Modified division this week driving his uncle Matt Taylor’s #4 Greene’s Masonry car. Good job Danny.
While Tim Chase (40) of Northfield continued his winning ways in the first Rear Wheel Drive qualifier, Matt Morrill (9) of Moultonboro got the best of Tim for the feature win. Tim finished second with Matt Burns (00) of Moultonboro picking up the third spot.
The Front Wheel Drive cars took to the ½ mile track next. Norman Eldridge (58) of Ctr Ossipee, making his first appearance of the season, outpaced Kurt Whiting (33) of Ossipee who took second. Kurt, subbing for Kira Murphy in the 08 Volkswagen, said “it takes a while to get used to the different handling of the front wheel cars, but I’m getting there”. Ossipee’s Ally Ripley (75) picked up third place, making it a sweep for the “Ossipee Gang”.
The final event of the day was the Junior (13-15 year-olds) feature and 5 cars took the ice. Maverick Eldridge (75) of Ctr Ossipee was the class of the field and motored away to the checkers. Jackie Martel (32) of Moultonboro and Kailyn Murphy (14) of Ossipee battled for second with Jackie taking the position and Kailyn settling for third.
The weekly racing series continues next Sunday, ice conditions permitting, at 12:30 on Lee Pond off Rt 25 in Moultonboro. Check the club’s website at LakesRegionIceRacingClub.com for the latest race/ice status, information about coming events, and for race photos. See you on the ice.