Well most people consider Memorial Day the “unofficial” start to summer, but I go by the racing calendar
and when Thompson opens their weekly Thursday shows, well its close enough to summer for me! With
6 divisions in action with heats and features, Thompson ran their usual quick nonstop show and had
fans on their way home before 9pm.
The mini stocks opened the feature presentations this week with their 15 lapper. A nice field of 26
minis took the green with Jeff Moffat setting the early pace. Steadily working his way through the field
would be Mike Romano though, as he took command just a few laps into the race. Behind him though,
front runners, Andy Publicover, Rick Blanchard, among others tangled on the front stretch resulting in a
caution early on. This caution wiped out a decent lead Romano had built up, but it didn’t matter as once
the green came back out, he would continue to blister the field and go on for the win, relatively
unchallenged in the closing 5 laps or so. Chuck Rogers would turn in a good performance for 2nd, with
Mike Anzalone, Brad Caddick and Roger Ducharme rounding out the top 5.
The TIS modifieds would be out on the track next for their 20 lapper. It was Tim Sullivan who took
command from his front row starting spot and never look back as he erased his opening day wreck with
a feature win. Behind him though, great racing amongst the top 5 as Mike Viens, Roger Larson, Leo
Adams, and Kurt Vigeant would dice it up for rights into the top 5. Following Sullivan across the line
would be a distant 2nd place finisher, Roger Larson, with Adams, Viens and Vigeant rounding out the
top 5.
The Late Models would take to the 5/8ths mile next with a 25 lap feature. 22 of the 23 Late Models
would start the feature as Dennis Perry had a HARD hit in practice. They never bothered looking the
car over as it went from tow-truck to trailer, lets hope they can salvage the car and be back soon.
Tommy O’Sullivan capitalized on his up front starting spot, taking the lead just 2 laps into the race as he,
Dave Trudeau, and Conrad Cote would set the early pace. Just a couple cautions would slow the event,
as Wayne Coury hit the turn 3 wall ending his night only 10 laps into the race. Just a couple laps later
during green flag conditions, Conrad Cote’s machine would falter and prematurely end his night and his
chance for a solid top 5. Dave Trudeau would pester O’Sullivan throughout the race for the lead but
wouldn’t be able to take over that top spot. In the closing laps Rick Gentes would join the top two, but
would have to settle for third behind winner O’Sullivan and 2nd place finisher Trudeau. Steve Landry
and Mark Jenison would also earn top 5’s.
The Limited Sportsman guys would be up next and they got off to a rough start. Without a lap
complete, a melee in turn one would take out a few cars, including normal front runner Larry Barnett.
Barnett would be able to continue after a quick trip to the pit area to tend to some cosmetic damage.
Once the race got under green, Jesse Gleason staked his claim for the lead. Ernie LaRose however
would apply some serious pressure to Gleason during the 20 lap affair. With the top two battling for the
lead, this would allow Keith DeSanctis to close in and make it a three way affair for the top spot. But
LaRose would be able to fend off DeSanctis for 2nd, allowing Gleason to put some distance between he
and LaRose to take down the win. Following them across the line would be Ed Puleo and Joe Arena.
The Sunoco Mods would be next and a strong field of 29 cars would be in attendance. And
surprisingly just about all of them were there at the end as well! Racing up front was hot and heavy as
Bert Marvin would lead the charge most of the night putting some serious distance between he and the
rest of the field. Behind him Buddy Charette had his hands full with the likes of Keith Rocco, Ronnie
Silk, Tommy Cravenho and others. Only a few cautions would slow the event but nobody would be able
to get by Marvin on the restarts. The last caution would fly after contact between Rocco and Cravenho,
would send the field scattering to avoid Rocco’s spun machine in turn 3. Once racing was back
underway, Marvin motored away again to rebound from his horrible Icebreaker weekend. Cravenho,
Charette, Kerry Malone and Woody Pitkat would round out the top 5.
A small field of 15 pro stocks would round out the night with Freddy Astle taking the early lead over
everyone’s favorite racer Jeff Zuidema. But Astle’s horrible season at the Big T would continue as his
car faltered only a handful of laps into the event. Zuidema would inherit the lead and put on a clinic the
rest of the way. A caution flew about half way through when Jeff Connors got into George Bessette
coming out of turn four, with Les Rose piling into the two of them, ending the night for all three. Connors
would receive the most damage as he went nose first into the wall, shortening the car up abit. The
restart wouldn’t bother Zuidema at all as he ran away with the race to take down the win. Following him
to the line would be Jay Macedonio, Norm Wrenn, Rick Gentes, and Mike O’Sullivan.
Seekonk Speedway roared to life again after suffering a rain out the week prior. The Sport Trucks
would have the honor of 5 extra laps and some extra cash from Tarbox Toyota. Lenny Guy and rookie
Zach Tucan would start up front and battle for the lead most of the event, as it looked like one of them
would take down their first career truck win. But both would have to wait another week, as Mike
Cavallaro would spoil both their plans for the win. A late race restart would prove fatal for the rookie as
he spun going into turn one negating his solid run and chance for a win. Cavallaro would motor by Guy,
but a strong run coming out of turn 2 would pull Guy to the inside of Cavallaro one last time. Slight
contact between the two would cut Cavallaro’s left rear, but the slow leak wouldn’t pose a problem as he
would take down yet another win. Hugh Bowser would get by Guy down the backstretch to take down
2nd. Guy would have to settle for 3rd this week, with John Paiva and Adam Murphy scoring top 5’s.
A full field of Streeters would take to the 1/3 mile and once again give fans a whale of a show. Frank
Duquette and Jim Silvia would race each other hard but clean throughout much of the event giving fans
the race of the night. Silvia would use the inside lane which is very unlike him to take over the lead with
just 4 laps to go. A late race restart would put the two side by side yet again, but Silvia would hold on for
his first win of the young season. Duquette would hold on for second with, former champ Dick Cavallaro
in third, rookie Randy Arruda and Ryan Lineham posting top 5’s.
The Late Models would be up next and despite a short field of cars, the excitement would still be
there. Gerry Degasparre and Jeramee Lillie would methodically work their way through the field and
would eventually meet up for the lead. Lillie would work his way through the field first and take over the
lead just laps into the race. Degasparre would climb through the field and challenge for the lead by the
halfway point. Degasparre would take the lead, but a caution would wipe out that pass giving the lead
back to Lillie. The restart would be a great one as they both raced side by side, leaning on each other
and neither one giving an inch. Lillie would hold off Degasparre to take down the popular win, watching
it all unfold in front of him would be the Casper brothers as Kevin would edge out Kyle for third. Mike
Becker would round out the top 5.
The Pro Stocks would round out the night and without Vinny Annarummo in the field, there wouldn’t
be a repeat winner. John Dabrowski would set the early pace for the 40 lapper and lead the early laps.
But a lap 8 restart for a wreck involving Mike Brightman and Rob Murphy, would enable Todd
Annarummo to take command at the point. Annarummo would hold the lead for much of the event until
Dave Darling worked his way through traffic and close the gap between he and Annarummo. The gap
would close completely when a restart with just 8 laps to go would put the two side by side. Darling got
the jump on the outside and lead the rest of the way. Freddy Astle would once again prove to have
what seemed to be the fastest car in the closing laps as he blow by Annarummo for second. But with
laps winding down, he would have no chance to challenge Darling for the lead. Kenny Spencer would
also get by Annarummo for 3rd, with John Dabrowski turning in a solid effort to take down 5th.
Hopefully in the coming weeks, car counts will go up in all divisions and make the racing that much
better. I noticed a couple new cars in the Late Model and Street ranks this week and hopefully that
trend will continue for all divisions here. For $1500 to win every week, I’m surprised that more pro
stocks don’t join the weekly ranks here, but then again what do I know I’m just a fan who pays my $12 to
watch the racing!!
and when Thompson opens their weekly Thursday shows, well its close enough to summer for me! With
6 divisions in action with heats and features, Thompson ran their usual quick nonstop show and had
fans on their way home before 9pm.
The mini stocks opened the feature presentations this week with their 15 lapper. A nice field of 26
minis took the green with Jeff Moffat setting the early pace. Steadily working his way through the field
would be Mike Romano though, as he took command just a few laps into the race. Behind him though,
front runners, Andy Publicover, Rick Blanchard, among others tangled on the front stretch resulting in a
caution early on. This caution wiped out a decent lead Romano had built up, but it didn’t matter as once
the green came back out, he would continue to blister the field and go on for the win, relatively
unchallenged in the closing 5 laps or so. Chuck Rogers would turn in a good performance for 2nd, with
Mike Anzalone, Brad Caddick and Roger Ducharme rounding out the top 5.
The TIS modifieds would be out on the track next for their 20 lapper. It was Tim Sullivan who took
command from his front row starting spot and never look back as he erased his opening day wreck with
a feature win. Behind him though, great racing amongst the top 5 as Mike Viens, Roger Larson, Leo
Adams, and Kurt Vigeant would dice it up for rights into the top 5. Following Sullivan across the line
would be a distant 2nd place finisher, Roger Larson, with Adams, Viens and Vigeant rounding out the
top 5.
The Late Models would take to the 5/8ths mile next with a 25 lap feature. 22 of the 23 Late Models
would start the feature as Dennis Perry had a HARD hit in practice. They never bothered looking the
car over as it went from tow-truck to trailer, lets hope they can salvage the car and be back soon.
Tommy O’Sullivan capitalized on his up front starting spot, taking the lead just 2 laps into the race as he,
Dave Trudeau, and Conrad Cote would set the early pace. Just a couple cautions would slow the event,
as Wayne Coury hit the turn 3 wall ending his night only 10 laps into the race. Just a couple laps later
during green flag conditions, Conrad Cote’s machine would falter and prematurely end his night and his
chance for a solid top 5. Dave Trudeau would pester O’Sullivan throughout the race for the lead but
wouldn’t be able to take over that top spot. In the closing laps Rick Gentes would join the top two, but
would have to settle for third behind winner O’Sullivan and 2nd place finisher Trudeau. Steve Landry
and Mark Jenison would also earn top 5’s.
The Limited Sportsman guys would be up next and they got off to a rough start. Without a lap
complete, a melee in turn one would take out a few cars, including normal front runner Larry Barnett.
Barnett would be able to continue after a quick trip to the pit area to tend to some cosmetic damage.
Once the race got under green, Jesse Gleason staked his claim for the lead. Ernie LaRose however
would apply some serious pressure to Gleason during the 20 lap affair. With the top two battling for the
lead, this would allow Keith DeSanctis to close in and make it a three way affair for the top spot. But
LaRose would be able to fend off DeSanctis for 2nd, allowing Gleason to put some distance between he
and LaRose to take down the win. Following them across the line would be Ed Puleo and Joe Arena.
The Sunoco Mods would be next and a strong field of 29 cars would be in attendance. And
surprisingly just about all of them were there at the end as well! Racing up front was hot and heavy as
Bert Marvin would lead the charge most of the night putting some serious distance between he and the
rest of the field. Behind him Buddy Charette had his hands full with the likes of Keith Rocco, Ronnie
Silk, Tommy Cravenho and others. Only a few cautions would slow the event but nobody would be able
to get by Marvin on the restarts. The last caution would fly after contact between Rocco and Cravenho,
would send the field scattering to avoid Rocco’s spun machine in turn 3. Once racing was back
underway, Marvin motored away again to rebound from his horrible Icebreaker weekend. Cravenho,
Charette, Kerry Malone and Woody Pitkat would round out the top 5.
A small field of 15 pro stocks would round out the night with Freddy Astle taking the early lead over
everyone’s favorite racer Jeff Zuidema. But Astle’s horrible season at the Big T would continue as his
car faltered only a handful of laps into the event. Zuidema would inherit the lead and put on a clinic the
rest of the way. A caution flew about half way through when Jeff Connors got into George Bessette
coming out of turn four, with Les Rose piling into the two of them, ending the night for all three. Connors
would receive the most damage as he went nose first into the wall, shortening the car up abit. The
restart wouldn’t bother Zuidema at all as he ran away with the race to take down the win. Following him
to the line would be Jay Macedonio, Norm Wrenn, Rick Gentes, and Mike O’Sullivan.
Seekonk Speedway roared to life again after suffering a rain out the week prior. The Sport Trucks
would have the honor of 5 extra laps and some extra cash from Tarbox Toyota. Lenny Guy and rookie
Zach Tucan would start up front and battle for the lead most of the event, as it looked like one of them
would take down their first career truck win. But both would have to wait another week, as Mike
Cavallaro would spoil both their plans for the win. A late race restart would prove fatal for the rookie as
he spun going into turn one negating his solid run and chance for a win. Cavallaro would motor by Guy,
but a strong run coming out of turn 2 would pull Guy to the inside of Cavallaro one last time. Slight
contact between the two would cut Cavallaro’s left rear, but the slow leak wouldn’t pose a problem as he
would take down yet another win. Hugh Bowser would get by Guy down the backstretch to take down
2nd. Guy would have to settle for 3rd this week, with John Paiva and Adam Murphy scoring top 5’s.
A full field of Streeters would take to the 1/3 mile and once again give fans a whale of a show. Frank
Duquette and Jim Silvia would race each other hard but clean throughout much of the event giving fans
the race of the night. Silvia would use the inside lane which is very unlike him to take over the lead with
just 4 laps to go. A late race restart would put the two side by side yet again, but Silvia would hold on for
his first win of the young season. Duquette would hold on for second with, former champ Dick Cavallaro
in third, rookie Randy Arruda and Ryan Lineham posting top 5’s.
The Late Models would be up next and despite a short field of cars, the excitement would still be
there. Gerry Degasparre and Jeramee Lillie would methodically work their way through the field and
would eventually meet up for the lead. Lillie would work his way through the field first and take over the
lead just laps into the race. Degasparre would climb through the field and challenge for the lead by the
halfway point. Degasparre would take the lead, but a caution would wipe out that pass giving the lead
back to Lillie. The restart would be a great one as they both raced side by side, leaning on each other
and neither one giving an inch. Lillie would hold off Degasparre to take down the popular win, watching
it all unfold in front of him would be the Casper brothers as Kevin would edge out Kyle for third. Mike
Becker would round out the top 5.
The Pro Stocks would round out the night and without Vinny Annarummo in the field, there wouldn’t
be a repeat winner. John Dabrowski would set the early pace for the 40 lapper and lead the early laps.
But a lap 8 restart for a wreck involving Mike Brightman and Rob Murphy, would enable Todd
Annarummo to take command at the point. Annarummo would hold the lead for much of the event until
Dave Darling worked his way through traffic and close the gap between he and Annarummo. The gap
would close completely when a restart with just 8 laps to go would put the two side by side. Darling got
the jump on the outside and lead the rest of the way. Freddy Astle would once again prove to have
what seemed to be the fastest car in the closing laps as he blow by Annarummo for second. But with
laps winding down, he would have no chance to challenge Darling for the lead. Kenny Spencer would
also get by Annarummo for 3rd, with John Dabrowski turning in a solid effort to take down 5th.
Hopefully in the coming weeks, car counts will go up in all divisions and make the racing that much
better. I noticed a couple new cars in the Late Model and Street ranks this week and hopefully that
trend will continue for all divisions here. For $1500 to win every week, I’m surprised that more pro
stocks don’t join the weekly ranks here, but then again what do I know I’m just a fan who pays my $12 to
watch the racing!!