Another week of racing is in the books, and another trio of first time winners graced Everett’s Auto Parts Victory Lane.
Friday night, in the Seekonk Youth Racing Association Mini Cups, Hugh Bowser led from the drop of the green and was able to hold off some early challenges to pick up his first win of his young career. This is his second season in the Mini Cups and has come a long way since his first time behind the wheel.
His biggest supporter, other than mom and dad, is his older sister Taylor. Taylor drove that same car to many wins and a couple of championship hunts in her career as a driver. As Hughie exited his car, she was as excited, if not more so, than he was. The tears rolling down her face showed how much pride she has for him.
Taylor has been his sister, his coach and his biggest supporter since finishing up her SYRA career a couple of years ago. The win also put him in the chase for the Phil’s Propane Triple Crown finale in a few weeks.
The other first time winner happened in the Phil’s Propane Triple Crown race in the Everett’s Auto Parts Late Models. Another second generation racer, Jake Johnson also led from the drop of the green, and held off challenges from Ryan Kuhn and Austin Blais for his first win.
At the young age of 14, he becomes the youngest winner at Seekonk in one of the top three divisions. He’s come close a few times this year, but was able to finally clinch the deal after a restart with 10 laps remaining.
Jake is no stranger to Everett’s Auto Parts Victory Lane, as he picked up a couple of wins last year in the Nick’s Pit Stop Legends on his way to the championship. One of his wins was on a Saturday, which gave him the honor of becoming the youngest Saturday night winner in the 71 year history of the speedway. This youngster has a great future ahead of him here at Seekonk.
The third first time winner of the weekend was Josh Parsons who was awarded the win after penalties were handed out after the checkered flag flew for the Nick’s Pit Stop Legends 25 lap affair.
Josh was surprised with the call, but was gracious in accepting his first win. He was involved in an early incident and was able to come back through the pack for the win.
Congratulations to all three first time winners.
Greg Perry appeared to have his first win in the Pure Stocks, but the borrowed ride failed post race inspection.
One of the coolest things I’ve seen was when he stopped at the start/finish line to take his victory lap, several of his competitors stopped with him to congratulate him. That was pretty cool to see. Greg has been around for quite a few years, and that kind of respect from your competitors and friends is pretty awesome.
The North East Mini Stock Tour was on hand this week, and put on a good show. They ran what is called a “Cone Race”, which gives the competitors an option to move up if the opportunity is there. Some drivers are either afraid of the outside, or their car just isn’t handling well up there, so they like to stay on the bottom. If the first five drivers elect the inside lane, the driver in sixth can take the outside, and start second on the restart.
This helped Glen Thomas, as he did just that, and was able to move to the front of the field on the restart and pick up his second win here.
It was good to see former Sport4 champion Devin Miranda, as he has been competing with the NEMST on a regular basis. Unfortunately his car didn’t remember the fast way around as he struggled with the setup. Long time Seekonk competitor and official Bill Schoeler was also in competition, and struggled as well.
Dave Darling continued his great season by blowing out the candles of his birthday cake in a victory celebration. It was his fourth win of the season, and puts him in a great position for his fifth career championship. 50+ wins and three (possible 4) championships at the age of 38 makes for a pretty good career. And he’s not ready to slow down at any time soon.
A strange thing happened on the way to the Phil’s Propane Triple Crown Championship race for the Late Models last week. One driver had to recues himself from competition for the night, not because of penalties or car problems, but because his wife was in labor. Vinny Arrenegado was here getting ready for the night, but as practice came to a close, he got the call that she was ready to go into labor.
He of course raced to the hospital where his wife Jenn delivered a healthy baby girl. Mia was born a little later in the evening in room 17. While he missed out of a possible Triple Crown championship, the Triple Crown he won was the most perfect win you can get. Congratulations to Vinny and Jenn.
While we have hit the dog days of summer, but the action on the speedway continues to be strong with plenty left. This coming Saturday, the New England Antique Racers will be on hand to bring us back in time. It’s also the Phil’s Propane Triple Crown finale for the Helger’s South Coast Power Equipment Sportsman division. 30 laps to determine their TC Champion.
Speaking of Triple Crown Champion, congratulations go out to LM Triple Crown Champion Ryan Lineham. Ryan finished third in the 50 lap main event clinching the title over Charlie Rose, Dan Johnson and Arrenegado. Congratulations to a team that was going part time at the beginning of the season.
It was brought to my attention after the races were over that that team has won four of the last five Triple Crown titles in the Late Models. Two with Ryan Vanasse, one with Nick Uhrig and now with Lineham. Sorry drivers, it seems that unless your first name isn’t Ryan, you don’t get a chance in that second International CDL car.
with Race Voice