The 2017 season will begin a new era at Seekonk Speedway for one Saturday night division. The Street Stocks have been re-named to “Sportsman,” which will surely take a little bit for everyone to remember. However, there is no fear. The racing on the track will still be top notch and the class will be one of the most exciting divisions to watch for any fan in New England.
At the top of the challengers is defending champion Scott Bruneau, who will return behind the wheel of his No. 74 Paquin Insurance Agency, State Line Tree Works, Phil’s Propane machine. Bruneau was at the top of the pack for the 2016 season, visiting victory lane a few times and coming home with consistent finishes week in and week out. Bruneau has been running the division for years and has the crucial experience it takes to be in the right place at the right time, which means a lot in this division. Expect him to be at the front of the pack right from the start of the season and he will be the one to beat for the title.
Bruneau’s list of challengers will begin with Paul Lallier and Scott Serydynski Sr., who will both be contending for wins on a weekly basis. Lallier struggled at times last season, but the former title holder is still one of the top cars on a weekly basis. Serydynski, who is the all-time wins leader in the class, struggled with some bad luck last year but clicked off some of the fastest lap times that the class has seen in recent history. Both drivers know how to get the job done.
The contingent of drivers that follows them is one of the toughest in the history of the division. Corey Fanning — who visited victory lane in 2016 — came on strong as one of the fastest cars on a weekly basis. Tommy Adams came into his own with a breakout year last season, visiting victory lane multiple times and showing that he is going to be a contender for the long-run in this division.
Vinny Pangelinan returns to action in his No. 53 this season searching more consistency and hoping to visit Everett’s Auto Parts victory lane. Jesse Melberg, who was a rookie last year, is back in his No. 32 and is hoping that he can use his experience he gained to put himself at the top of the pack. Names like Dane Saritelli, Ed Flanagan, Joe Melberg and Sam Porazzo are among those that will be returning for action this season.
Pro Stock driver Kyle Casper will be making select appearances in car No. 21, a backup car to Scott Bruneau’s No. 74. Joe and Anthony Kohler have also entered their cars for this season of racing. Ryan Flood, who has improved drastically since his rookie campaign in the class, will be searching his first career victory in 2017.
Expect the Sportsman division to put on three-wide and thrilling racing on a weekly basis during the 2017 season. Not only will they be battling for feature wins, but the drivers will be looking for consistency to give themselves a shot at the championship trophy.