with Race Voice
This week, we will take some time and honor two drivers who helped shape the history of the speedway.
Dave Humphreys is the first two time champion, winning the titles in 1951 and 52. He picked up his third in 59, before moving onto becoming one of the nation’s top midget drivers on the east coast. He races against the top drivers in the Northeast in the early years of the speedway, making him one of the top drivers of the early years.
Also being inducted will be Leo Cleary. The Lion, as he was affectionately known, was a fierce driver from the Fifties through the Eighties. Leo started racing and winning at Seekonk in the mid-fifties. He won throughout New England, becoming a top driver with a huge fan base. He spent many years driving for two of the top car owners in New England, the late Joe Brady, and Rollie Linblad. In between he drove for other owners, including winning the modified championship in 79 with Len Bohler. He also won the modified championship in 72, along with a pair of Pro Stock crowns in 86 and 87.
Join us in honoring these two fine gentlemen as they are inducted as two of the best ever at Seekonk.
Growing up in this sport, one of my favorite things to see was seeing the cars on their trailers on their way to the track. Rolling with the traffic, people looking at them, wondering what they were, where they were going, and where they were coming from. Kids pointing at them as they rolled by.
I can remember leaving the racetrack and asking my dad who’s car was that under that cover. And he seemed to know them all, just by the hauler. I’ve never forgotten that. I always thought that was cool. I can see the same look in my boys eyes when they see the cars rolling by. Over the past couple of years, I’ve come to appreciate that same feeling. There are a few ways I can get to the track, but I’ve come to go by the main roads. It may take me a little longer to get here, but seeing the cars on the open trailer brings back those memories and excitement. Saving a few minutes doesn’t seem that important anymore.
On Sunday, we had an open practice for the Fast Friday divisions. And the first for the 2016 SYRA teams. It was good to see the smiles of the young boys and girls as they got ready for their first laps of the season. The 600 division has several rookies ready to do battle.
The Nick’s Pit Stop Legends had their last tune up to get ready for this weeks season opener for them. They will be part of the Saturday show, as the Late Models will have the night off. This class has grown well over the past couple of seasons, and 2016 should have some great competition for the championship. Defending champion Jordan Lamothe has a field full of competition to deal with, including 2-time champion Nick Lascoula, who is returning to the Legend wars. Jake Johson. Ryan Kuhn, Joe Marfeo, Joe Lembo, Brandon Martinez, TJ Thompson, and more have upped their games for the season. Along with several rookies that seem ready to compete for the top spot.
How about the racing this past Saturday? Many people are saying it was one of the best nights of action they have seen in a long time. That Street Stock finish was the reason we tell you how exciting this group is. Cory Fanning made a move under Scott Serydynski to battle for the lead, and held on over the final few laps to pick up the win.
Talking to him after, he told me he understands how hard it is to win in this division. The Street Stocks seem to be stacked as well as it has been in a long time. There are easily 10+ drivers that can win is any week, and he considers the win one of the biggest in his young career. Beating Scott Serydynski, he says, means you beat the best.
After opening day, we talked about how the sophomores have really shown their talent in the Late Models. TJ Morsehead came closer than he ever has to his first win. He ran the outside lane for most of the second half, battling with eventual winner Charlie Rose and Dylan Estrella, Coming off of turn 4, he overdrove just a little and spun, crossing the line third. Luckily no one collected him while he spun in front of the field.
How about the run that Mike Lopes had in the Sport Truck feature. He ran at the front of the field for much of the first half of the race, before having the back end slide out from underneath while trying to hold off John Paiva for the lead. The pair spun together out of the lead, but the enjoyment Mike had was still showing Sunday at practice. Mike is one of those drivers that have been competing at Seekonk for many years, going back to the Formula Four days. It was great to see him have a great run.
Did you enjoy the Spectator Drags? There were some close racing with those guys, a couple coming down to the final feet. They race so hard, that Chris Gomes slapped the wall coming off of turn 4. While it’s more for fun and competition, these guys give it everything they have while they are out there. John Johnson won the 2 lap final for the first event in the Helger’s South Coast Power Equipment Spectator Drag Series. They will be back on Memorial Day.
On opening day, a few drivers in the Pro Stocks had tough outings, costing not only countless hours in the garage, but thousands of dollars for repairs. Two of those drivers rebounded for top four finishes, and another spent some time leading the race early on.
Bobby Pelland III is taking 2016 and focusing on the Pro Stock division, and his efforts have been showing in the first two events. Opening day saw him as competitive as he has been in the division until misfortune ruined his day. This past week, he led several laps, ran toward the front and came home third.
Jake Vanada was the last car out of the pits on opening day, spending much of that time putting parts on the car just to get it into the trailer. This past week, he was one of the last cars to go load up, but this time it was because he had to go through post-race tech. Nice turn around for both teams.
It was good to see John Tripp walking around Saturday night. He recently had back surgery, but he looked as good as he has in a while.
Have you been wondering where LM driver Nick Uhrig has been the first couple of weeks? So was I. With just a couple of weeks remaining before practice began, he lost the garage he was using to maintain his cars. If you can, or no someone who can help him, it just might be what he needs to get back on the track.
That’s about it for this week. Until we meet again, Remember to Support Those who Support the Sport.