BARRE, VT – Late Model stock car driver Trampas Demers scored a rare Triple Crown victory in the Ferguson Waterworks event at Barre’s Thunder Road on Thursday night. The South Burlington driver swept his qualifying heat, the bonus “semi-feature,” and then held off strong challenges from his father, Dennis, and Dave Whitcomb to win the 50-lap feature race for the American-Canadian Tour Late Model class. The victory was Trampas Demers’ first of the season, and made up for a bitter defeat at the
Harvest Equipment Mother’s Day race on May 11 when his car shut down while leading with 10 laps remaining.<\/p>\n
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“I gave it all that I had tonight,” said an excited Demers in the winner’s circle. “I had to hold off Dave Whitcomb and my father, and they’re both great competitors. I tried to run my line, and it felt like I ran every one of the last 35 laps like I was turning a time trial for the Milk Bowl.”
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Whitcomb, of Essex Junction, drove his Ferguson Waterworks-sponsored car to second place, just one car length behind Trampas Demers. Dennis Demers, of Shelburne, finished third. Sophomore Late Model driver Chip Grenier of Graniteville finished fourth. Morrisville veteran Pete Fecteau made an incredible save in Turn 4 with 16 laps remaining, then held off a furious charge
from Joe Becker to round out the top-five finishers. Becker, John Donahue, Phil Scott, Robbie Crouch, and Eric Williams completed the unofficial top ten in order. <\/p>\n
Cambridge driver Craig Bushey found himself in the right position on lap 27 of the 30-lap NAPA Tiger Sportsman division feature, as Brendan Moodie was black-flagged and disqualified for running into leader Mike Ziter. As Moodie received his penalty, Bushey slipped into the lead and sped to his first win of the season. Ziter, a rookie from Williamstown, held on to finish second. Fellow rookie Bobby Therrien of Hinesburg finished one spot better than his older brother Tom for third place. Bradford
teenager Derrick O’Donnell completed the unofficial top five. <\/p>\n
Montpelier rookie Brett Pierce scored his first career Allen Lumber Street Stock win after a 25-lap duel with Bolton’s Vern Woodard. Veteran David Allen of North Troy made a risky three-wide move pay off in the final corner of the 25-lap race, moving from sixth place to finish third. Steve Mandigo of Wolcott and Erik Steel of Barre finished fourth and fifth, respectively.<\/p>\n
Hometown driver Justin Gay dominated the 15-lap Power Shift Online Junkyard Warrior feature for his first-ever win. Travis Hull of Graniteville finished second. Apparent third-place finisher Jeff Martin, Jr. was disqualified for illegal wheel camber and an illegal exhaust. Montpelier’s Donny Yates inherited the third spot. Ken Christman and Mike Gay completed the unofficial top five.
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