Thaw Is Over As PASS North Racers Get Set To Crank Up Season At Oxford Plains

PASS NorthNAPLES, ME (April 17) – After what seemed to be a never ending off season, Pro All Stars Series (PASS) North competitors in the Super Late Model, Modified, and Sportsman divisions will begin the 2013 season this Sunday afternoon at Oxford Plains Speedway. This weekend’s Ripley and Fletcher 150 will take on added importance for the PASS North Super Late Models since they will head back to Oxford on July 21st for the 40th Annual TD Bank 250. A fact not lost on 6-Time PASS North Champion Johnny Clark.

“There will be a lot of heavy hitters and all the teams will be raring to go at Oxford,” said Clark. “Everyone wants to make a statement that they’re ready for the 250. I can’t think of a better way to kick off the season then rolling into victory lane at OPS.”

The 2012 season was a bit of disappointment for Johnny Clark. Finishing fourth in points with two wins would be a great year for most drivers, but not for the man trying to stake his claim as one of the greatest racers New England has ever seen. (more…)

NEW ENGLAND MOTORSPORTS NORTH for April 20 to 22, 2013

by Lou Modestino

The biggest stock car racing event of the summer keeps getting better as American Canadian Tour officials have announced a bonus program for participating racers in the Inaugural International 500 at Airborne Speedway on the weekend of July 20/21.

Drivers who file their entry by the Tuesday, April 16 deadline will be eligible for Goodyear Halfway Bonus awards, which will make the leader of the half-way mark of each segment $1,000 richer, leaving a potential for a driver to gain up to $3,000 in Goodyear bonuses alone. On top of that, every team that has filed their entry by the deadline will be entered into a drawing for eight (8) Goodyear tires, a $960 value, to be used for the 300-lap special event.

“This certainly sweetens the pot,” said defending ACT Champion Wayne Helliwell, Jr., who filed the very first entry into the International 500 back in March. “The halfway bonuses will be an extra incentive to get to the front early, and the eight Goodyear tires would be a huge boost on race day. I’m really hoping we get those!” (more…)

Double Duty for Eddie Mac in Florida and New Hampshire

DSC_8478In less than 24 hours Eddie MacDonald and the Grimm Racing Team competed in two races separated by 1500 miles. On Saturday night, MacDonald finished 15th in the NASCAR K & N Pro Series East race at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida. On Sunday afternoon the veteran driver took the checkered flag in third place in the American Canadian Tour’s Governor’s Cup 150 at Lee USA Speedway in Lee, NH in the season opener.

The Rowley, Mass. native started 23rd in the inaugural NAPA Auto Parts 150 on the half mile track in Florida and was headed toward the front when the handling went away. A mandatory ten minute break at the halfway mark allowed the teams to make adjustments and change four tires. The #71 Grimm Construction Chevy ran in the 12th spot with MacDonald confident of a good finish.
(more…)

Audet Captures 2nd Career NEMST Victory

texasTexas Roadhouse North East Mini Stock Tour competitors braved the cold, the wind, and a muddy pit area to open the 2013 NEMST season at Lee USA Speedway for the famed Governors Cup Weekend. 24 cars entered the race creating 3 heat races and all cars being able to start the feature event. Through Saturday and Sunday practice many cars entered the low 17 second lap range creating the setup for a great race.

Mike Mason laid down the fast time of the weekend by turning a 16.89 on his way to a heat race win. Toby Wells was very close in his 2nd NEMST start by turning a 16.96 with his wild looking Volkswagen. Cris King also won his heat race along with Wells, and Mason. Both cars experienced difficulties in the feature resulting in a DNF, Mason had mechanical issues early in the race and Wells was caught up in a rough turn 3 accident collecting 4 cars on lap 26.
(more…)

Hebert Surges To First ACT Victory at LEE USA

ACT American Canadian Tour

Lee, NH — American Canadian Tour Rookie of the Year Jimmy Hebert disproved any ideas of a sophomore slump by earning his first-career ACT victory in style at the New Hampshire Governor’s Cup 150 at Lee USA Speedway on Sunday, April 14th.  North Haverhill, NH’s Travis Fadden and Rowley, MA’s Eddie Macdonald finished out the podium for the season opening event.

 

The race began with Tiverton, RI’s Ray Parent going door-to-door with pole sitter Fadden for the first six laps, until overtaking him for the early lead.  Fadden stayed hooked to Parent’s back bumper as the field stretched out, bringing defending ACT Champion Wayne Helliwell, Jr. into third behind the two leaders.  As the pair worked through lap traffic, Hebert worked his way from the 15th starting position to tenth, highlighting a string of daring moves with a 3-wide blast on lap 32.  By lap 57, Hebert had maneuvered his way through the field to 6th place.  Parent and Fadden continued to battle for the lead through lap traffic until a quick move by Fadden left Parent pinned behind a lapped car.  Fadden stole the lead back, and showed the way until the first of six cautions on lap 89.
(more…)