Memories made at the racetrack are mostly, a wonderful thing. Remembering that one event that brings a smile to your face, thinking back to a specific event. For me, there are many, but when someone asks what my favorite race is, there are a few that come to mind.
The first Open Wheel Wednesday, which saw Donny Lia slip past Ted Christopher on the final lap to pick up the $10,000 payday. The 1981 modified race at the Fall Classis when John Tripp was upside down and Reggie Reggeiro ended up on top of him. Sitting in the ramp truck in the mid-70s. in the infield during an open practice that my father was at, getting ready for a race. Celebrating the 1982 Pro Stock Championship with my dad and Wayne Dion.
The top of the list is one that some people remember as one of the best Pro Stock races ever. It was Memorial Day weekend in 1995. It was my first year announcing, but at that time, I was doing Victory Lane, as they had just moved it to its current location, behind the turn 4 stands, just past the midway.
I stood in turn 4, watching Fred Astle and Tex Barry Jr battle each other for the win. They literally pushed each other around the racetrack for what seemed like the entire race, and pulling away from the rest of the pack. They had each other sideways many times, but never pushed it over the limit. They did crossovers on each other, bumped each other, pushed each other. It was an amazing race that came down to the difference of a couple of feet at the line.
Tex Barry won the race, but it really didn’t matter who won the race on the track. It was awesome to watch.
Why do I mention this? Well, this past weeks Pro Stock feature reminded me of that in a few ways. For several laps, eventual winner Ryan Lineham, and current points leader Tom Scully raced almost the same way, minus the pushing around. Both drivers were looking for their first win of the season, and put a show on for all the fans. Side by side racing, cross over moves, and tight, close, hard racing was the name of the game.
They raced as hard as they could, like a chess match, one trying to outsmart the other. Not to mention, showing everyone their talent behind the wheel. Not to mention, the familiar yellow 48 was involved in both of these events.
You never know what you will witness when you come to The Action Track of the East.
What other racetrack in the North East will you see 3 and 4-wide racing all the way around the track? Go ahead, I’ll give you a moment. Having a hard time thinking of one? There is a reason for that. There isn’t. This is not a knock on the other speedways.
Seekonk is the widest track in New England at 72 feet wide. The wideness lends itself to those moments. We had some of that three and four-wide racing during the 25 lap main. The Street Stocks remain intense to watch, and, according to the drivers, even more intense to compete in. Try to look into the windshield as these drivers navigate the traffic and corners. Watch their hands on the steering wheel and see how different the cars handle, and how they get through the field. It’s pretty awesome to watch them drive and race.
Wednesday night, we welcome some of the best modified drivers in the North East. The 13th Annual Open Wheel Wednesday. It’s the first event in the Tri-Track Open Modified Series. This event is one of the highest paying modified races on the East Coast. Over 45 modifieds have sent in their entries, including Ted Christopher, driving Joe Brady’s famed 00, defending NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion, and former Open Wheel Wednesday winner Doug Coby, Tommy Barrett, defending Valenti Modified Racing Champion Woody Pitkat, defending Open Wheel Wednesday winner Richard Savary, Steve Masse, Matt Hirschman and a few dozen others.
Also on hand will be the biggest midget race on the east coast with the Boston Louie Memorial. NEMA will be on hand along with NEMA Lites. Seekonk Speedway was built for the open cockpit cars in 1946, and continues to be one of the favorite stops on their schedule.
The all new V.I.P. Pavilion opened up this past week, and the Shriners were our first guests. They loved the atmosphere that is provided, not to mention the view of the action.
Don’t forget the new date and time for the on track fan party. It will be on Saturday, July 9th, when we get back to NASCAR WAAS racing. Starting at 4:30 and concluding at 5:30. Come on down and meet the stars and see the cars that compete weekly here. The drivers love talking to new fans.
with Race Voice