SEEKONK, Mass. — After multiple successful years of competition with Bob Horn Racing, Ron Silk will transition to a new team for the Tri Track Open Modified Series presented by All Phases Renovations season in 2021. (more…)
Kyle Souza
Fendered Divisions Going Full-Throttle With Big Thompson Icebreaker Slate
Waterbury, VT & Naples, ME – Connecticut’s Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park is now less than two weeks away from the season-opening Icebreaker on April 10-11. As part of a packed 10-division lineup, there are a mix of fendered divisions, open-wheel modifieds and winged Midgets.
The fendered side of the schedule is packed with three Thompson local divisions and three touring series classes. The stars of the Pro All Star Series lead the way with a 75-lap feature as the headliner of the Saturday slate. They are joined on Saturday by the EXIT Realty Pro Truck Series, Mini Stocks and a special $1,000 to win, 8-Cylinder Street Stock open race.
On Sunday, the Limited Sportsman and Late Models get their crack at opening the season. The Limited Sportsman have a special 25-lap feature while the ACT-type Late Models go 40 laps in support of the $10,000-to-win Icebreaker 125 for the Outlaw Open Modified Series.
The early entries for the Mini Stock season include a list of tenured veterans who are heading back to Thompson in search of more glory. The 2019 track champion, Doug Curry, is joined by Steve Michalski, Russell Barboza, Tommy Silva and more as the early contenders. In two Mini Stock races at the Connecticut oval in 2020, Jared Roy collected checkered flags in both. The Mini Stocks are often Thompson’s most affordable class for a competitor but put on some of the best racing at the track.
As part of the Limited Sportsman division, all eyes will be on some of Thompson’s most polished veterans. Former track champions entered for the season include Kyle Gero, Ryan Waterman, Scott Sundeen and Larry Barnett. All four drivers have proven they can get the job done, but it’s been Waterman who has done the most winning lately, taking both races at Thompson during the 2020 season. Additional registered drivers include former division winners Corey Fanning and Brent Gleason, former Thompson Mini Stock champion Curry, Kristopher Kay, former Seekonk Speedway regular Ed Flanagan Jr. and more. The Limited Sportsman division is long known for three-wide action and drivers sliding around the track in search of the checkered flag.
Some of those same Limited Sportsman drivers will be competing on Saturday when the $1,000 to win, 8-Cylinder Street Stock race hits the high-banks. At the World Series in 2020, it was Christopher Buffone who scored the win, and he’s planning on returning to attempt to keep that crown. Buffone led laps early but fell to fourth-spot by halfway. It wasn’t long before he was back out front after all three drivers in front of him suffered mechanical failures, propelling him to victory. This time, he’s hoping to not depend on Lady Luck and dominate the show instead. His victory at Thompson came in his first start at the 0.625-mile oval.
“I’m super excited to head back to the track I grew up watching my Uncle Tom and Mike O’Sullivan in the Pro Stocks and Late Models up until 2011,” Buffone said. “Being able to win my first race there last year was pretty amazing. But I had lots of help from the years of experience my family has there in weekly racing. I think my chances of going back and repeating are just as likely as they were the first time, just this time I’m going in with a few more laps under my belt. There will be a ton of top-notch race cars there, along with ours, so winning would be a huge feat — especially to go back-to-back.”
The Late Models open the season with a $1,200-to-win, 40-lap feature part of the Sunday portion of Icebreaker weekend. In their debut race on the new ACT Hoosier tire, drivers from across New England will commence at Thompson to help open the New England Late Model Challenge Cup. Originally slated to open last year, but halted due to COVID-19, the Challenge Cup allows registered competitors to take their best 10 eligible finishes at participating tracks across New England towards the season-long point standings. A guaranteed minimum point fund of $14,000 has been posted with a minimum prize of $3,000 to the overall winner.
Perhaps the favorite heading into the new year is former track champion Woody Pitkat, who returns to competition with the Hartwell Motorsports team after a successful two years together. In 2019, Pitkat went into the World Series of Speedway Racing in contention to win the championship on the strength of multiple wins. In 2020, in a shortened season due to COVID, Pitkat swept the two races at the Connecticut oval. His partnership with Hartwell Motorsports has proven to be a strong one that is nearly unbeaten of late.
Additional former Late Model track champions in the field include Brian Tagg and Nick Johnson, while names like defending American-Canadian Tour Rookie of the Year Derek Gluchacki, Tom Carey III and others are also expected to contend in the opener.
“I always feel confident going into Thompson,” Carey, a former winner at Thompson in the weekly division, said. “I feel like I should have a couple ACT Tour wins there already — I just kind of got plagued with bad luck. I’ve always had a really fast hot rod there, though. The first time I got taken out with five laps to go, and then on the first lap the second time — both times while I was running on the front row. It’s going to be fun. I’m looking forward to the changes that ACT and PASS have planned for the place. Hopefully they bring the venue back to the glory that it deserves.”
The EXIT Realty Truck Series returns to Thompson with their stout list of competitors. The defending champion of the division is Duane Noll, who is always a top driver. He will be joined by a strong contingency of regulars for their feature. Ken Morin was the first driver to file a registration for the Icebreaker.
Thompson Speedway opens its 82nd season with the annual Icebreaker on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11. A total of 10 divisions will compete across two days of racing. Sunday’s card features the $10,000-to-win Icebreaker 125 for the Outlaw Open Modified Series with qualifying going green at 1:15pm. There’s also a 40-lap ACT-type Late Model shootout plus the Limited Sportsman and SK Light Modifieds.
Saturday’s six-division card is highlighted by the season-opening Thompson 75 for the PASS North Super Late Models beginning at 1:00pm. They’re joined by the Sunoco Modifieds, NEMA LITES Midgets, EXIT Realty Pro Truck Challenge, Mini Stocks, and an 8-Cylinder Street Stock Open. An optional Test N’ Tune practice day is slated for Friday, April 9 with all Icebreaker divisions welcome.
Adult general admission is $30 for Saturday and $35 for Sunday. Kids ages 12 and under are $10 each day. Advance tickets are available at https://happsnow.com/event/
Speed51.TV is also offering a live pay-per-view broadcast for both days of the Icebreaker. Sign up at www.speed51.tv. PPV passes are $30 for Saturday-only, $35 for Sunday-only, and $55 for both days.
For more information about the American-Canadian Tour, contact the ACT offices at (802) 244-6963, media@acttour.com, or visit www.acttour.com. You can also get updates on Facebook and Twitter at @ACTTour.
For technical information concerning all PASS divisions, and for media or marketing questions, please contact passracing@roadrunner.com or visit www.proallstarsseries.com. Don’t forget to “Like” the Pro All Stars Series on Facebook or follow on Twitter @PASSSLM14 to keep up with breaking news as it happens.
For general Thompson Speedway inquiries and camping reservations, call (860) 923-2280, email oval@thompsonspeedway.com, or visit www.thompsonspeedway.com. You can follow Thompson Speedway on Facebook and Instagram at @ThompsonSpeedway or on Twitter at @ThompsonSpdwy.
Chase Dowling Running Full Tri-Track Schedule Amid Busy 2021 Season
Seekonk, MA — Former Tri Track Open Modified Series presented by All Phases Renovations winner Chase Dowling has the six events on the 2021 schedule circled on his calendar. Set to compete behind the wheel for Ben Dodge in the No. 9 that the team debuted last year, Dowling will be planning to chase the championship. (more…)
All Phases Renovations Racing Set for Tri-Track Debut in 2021
SEEKONK, Mass. — All Phases Renovations will make their official Modified racing debut in 2021, competing as part of a full six-race Tri Track Open Modified Series presented by All Phases Renovations season. With Larry Westgate, owner of All Phases Renovations, and drivers Max Zachem and Johnny “Kay” Kievman inside the stable, the team is hoping to be in contention for feature wins right from race one at Monadnock Speedway.
“I’m very fortunate to get hooked up with Larry through PJ Fearns and Viper Graphics,” Max Zachem, who has seven previous Tri Track starts, said. “Larry sponsored us last year at Stafford Motor Speedway and we got to know Larry and his dad well. He’s doing this with nothing but class-a equipment. There’s no reason we can’t go run top-five and top-10 and be there to win.”
Zachem has previous Modified experience, but hopes to take a brand new LFR Chassis to Victory Lane with Westgate. With the help of Lu-Mac’s Package Store, his family, friends and crew, he’s hoping this will be a breakthrough year for him as a driver. The team will also run the Outlaw Open Modified Series event at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park on April 11 to get their feet wet together, before starting the Tri Track season on May 1.
“I’d love to get a win, we’re going to have the right equipment and the right people,” Zachem said. “You have to have it all work out at the track. You have to be there at the end with 10 to go and put yourself in the right spot. We’ve always run well at all of the tracks — it always seems like I’m in the top-five at Star in the SBM race with 30 to go and something happens. I definitely have Monadnock circled on the schedule, and enjoy Seekonk.”
Kievman, who will also be running Tri Track inside the All Phases Renovations race team, is appreciative of Westgate and his group jumping on board for the season.
“I think it’s exciting anytime that someone wants to pump money into racing, especially Modified racing,” he said. “I appreciate Larry and All Phases Renovations picking us to support this year.”
Kievman, who has been involved in racing as a driver for more than 30 years, has multiple Late Model and Super Late Model wins, and even a few Late Model championships as part of his team. But he’s yet to taste the winning glory in the Modifieds, something he is hoping to change during the 2021 season. The team already opened their year in the SMART Tour race at Caraway Speedway in March, where they finished 10th.
“We don’t unload at any race track anywhere without the intention of winning the race,” Kievman continued. “It hasn’t happened for me yet, but I have a room full of trophies at home, and Modifieds have been a steep learning curve. But that’s not going to stop us — I don’t intend to quit Modified racing until I win high-profile races. I want to race against and beat the best.”
Kievman also has support from A-Best Forklift, Viper Graphics, Billy the Kid Engines and others. Zachem’s career has been based on running for his family-owned team, and those crew members will follow him.
“I couldn’t do it without my dad and my race team,” Zachem said. “I’m fortunate to have good people involved.”
For more information on the Tri Track Open Modified Series, visit tritrackmodifieds.com and follow the series on social media channels.
Purse Structure Announced For Thompson Speedway Weekly Divisions
WATERBURY, VT and NAPLES, ME — American-Canadian Tour (ACT) and Pro All Star Series (PASS) officials have announced the purse structure for the five weekly divisions set for competition at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park in 2021. (more…)
Chris Pasteryak Coming Back To Chase Tri Track Open Modified Series Title in 2021
SEEKONK, Mass. — After a few years of traveling competing with his Modified, veteran racer Chris Pasteryak is primed to return home to full-time racing with the Tri Track Open Modified Series presented by All Phases Renovations this season. The Lisbon, Connecticut, driver will compete in his family-owned No. 75, returning in hopes of winning and contending for the championship.
Pasteryak’s season will also include the six Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park Outlaw Open Modified Series events and the four Stafford Motor Speedway Open Modified Series races — making up a busy schedule. (more…)
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Race at Jennerstown Speedway To Salute Veterans, Active Duty Military
ATTLEBORO, Mass. — JDV Productions and Jennerstown Speedway announced on Thursday that the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race scheduled for Saturday, May 29 will be titled the Jennerstown Salutes 150, presented by DGV.
As part of a special partnership with Operation Vet NOW Inc., a Memorial Day celebration will take place in Pennsylvania for the fourth race of the Whelen Modified Tour season. The event, promoted by JDV Productions, will remember those lost serving the country in war, while also keeping in mind those who are currently serving, or suffering from effects from war, including but not limited to PTSD, TBI, mental health, and combat and transition stress issues. The race will include special appearances by Gold Star Family members and will honor a large number of fallen heroes, specifically on each car. NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour cars will each carry the name of a veteran lost in war on the side of their 600-horsepower machines for competition.
“I’m in awe of the sacrifices that the members of our armed forces make to serve our nation, and protect the ideals which this great nation was founded upon. Their bravery is inspiring, and the sacrifice of their families is worthy of our highest gratitude and recognition,” Josh Vanada, founder of JDV Productions, said. “I can’t think of a more appropriate way to recognize these men and women whose lives have been given in service to our nation than by honoring Gold Star families, just miles from the 911 Memorial, at Jennerstown Speedway, on Memorial Day weekend. I’m thankful to the whole team at OVN for helping us to honor these fallen soldiers, and express our gratitude to their families.”
Operation Vet NOW (OVN) Inc. is a non-profit organization established to reduce veteran suicide and improve the overall welness of veterans, regardless of era served, through innovative outreach experiences. Having started just over three years ago, OVN concentrates on veterans who suffer from the invisible injuries of PTSD, TBI, combat and transition stress issues, and mental health concerns stemming from military service, connecting them to care to heal their mind, body, and soul. As part of multiple efforts, Operation Vet NOW specifically works on a Fallen Heroes project to honor those who have been lost. With each event that they work, OVN incorporates the recognition and tribute to honor fallen heroes that have given the ultimate sacrifice. This project will be in action during the Jennerstown race day, as OVN will set up a pop-up tent in the midway and have photos and names of the heroes that are being honored, along with more at the track.
“We have a lot of ties in motorsports,” Tony Aubrey of Operation Vet NOW Inc., a Combat Veteran of over 20 years himself, said. “We know that motorsports is a patriotic industry. Motorsports also has a large number of veterans — all the way from attendance, to participants in the races. We know that when we go to the races, we will find a lot of veterans to connect with there. When Bill Hribar (General Manager at Jennerstown Speedway) reached out and said that JDV Productions wanted to connect, I was happy to take the next step. This should be a great event for us to honor those fallen heroes, their families, and see some exciting racing on the track.”
Although the race day will honor countless lost soldiers, a specific Gold Star family invited to attend will be Michael and Lori Wieger, the parents of Staff Sergeant Air Force member David A. Wieger. A Gold Star family is made up of those who are left behind following the passing of a soldier in war. Special Agent David Wieger was killed in Iraq in November of 2007, when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. Special Agent Wieger was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Force Commendation Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster) and the Air Force Combat Action Medal. His family, located about 20 miles from Jennerstown Speedway in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, will serve as the Grand Marshals and Honorary Starters for the race.
As part of the pre-race ceremonies, both the National Anthem and God Bless America will be performed by Felisha Mascinatonio, the daughter of a combat veteran. The Taps Bugle Players from the local American Legion will be in attendance, along with a local Honor Guard. Additional information about the event will be released closer to race day.
JDV Productions, led by Josh Vanada and his team of experienced professionals in motorsports, will return to grassroots short-track racing to promote three NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour events in 2021. As part of the tour’s 37th annual season of competition, which includes a 14-race schedule in six different states, JDV Productions will promote races in three states — Pennsylvania, New York and Maine. Races at Jennerstown Speedway Complex (May 29), Oswego Speedway (June 12) and Beech Ridge Motor Speedway (August 21) will be led by the JDV team.
All three events will be $10,000+ to win for drivers, including the Whelen Winner of the Race bonus award, and each will have a full purse structure throughout the field. JDV is committed to assisting the Whelen Modified Tour group to continue the deep history of NASCAR’s oldest touring series.
For more information on Operation Vet NOW Inc., visit www.opvetnow.org, visit them on Facebook at facebook.com/operationvetnow
Kyle Souza
Owner, Souza Media
TRI TRACK FORMS PARTNERSHIP WITH ALL PHASES RENOVATIONS TO BECOME TITLE SPONSOR FOR 2021
SEEKONK, Mass. — Tri Track Open Modified Series officials announced on Monday that All Phases Renovations has become the title sponsor of the series for 2021.
All Phases Renovation, which services customers in southern New England year-round, specializes in inground pool installation, decks, patios, pavilions, bathrooms, basements and more. They can be found by visiting their Facebook page or calling 508-332-6316 to book appointments.
The title sponsorship for Tri Track means the list of prizes will only grow for the new season, while partnering with All Phases Renovations will give both Tri Track and All Phases the chance to grow their brands further. Tri Track looks forward to working with All Phases to continue to support the short-track, grassroots Modified racer and fan with lucrative purses and side-by-side, 600-horsepower Modified action on the track.
“We can’t thank the team at All Phases Renovations enough for coming on board to support the series for 2021,” Wayne Darling, Managing Partner of Tri Track, said. “We look forward to working with them to continue to grow the series and continue to give back to our great competitors and our fans. We’re excited for the season.”
Owner of All Phases Renovation, Larry Westgate, has been around the sport of short-track racing his entire life. Whether it was competing in a Street Stock at Seekonk Speedway or a Late Model at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, Westgate’s tenure behind the wheel ended, and he decided to take a break from the support. However, upon his return in the last two years, Westgate has quickly jumped back in at full speed.
As sponsor of more than nine race cars for the 2021 season, Westgate hopes to continue to further grow his business, which is already one of the top of its kind in the region, but also continue to enjoy his time at the track, where he feels at home.
“Tri Track is what I got started with in the Modifieds,, the first series I ever decided to run when I became a car owner,” Westgate said. “Seeing the purse structure, the way it’s growing, and the amount of money that is being passed out at each race — it’s drawing attention from all kinds of Modifieds and all kinds of fans in New England. It’s great to be a part of.”
The Tri Track Open Modified Series presented by All Phases Renovations has a six-race schedule for the new year, with two stops each at Monadnock Speedway, Star Speedway and Seekonk Speedway.
For more information on the Tri Track Open Modified Series, visit TriTrackModifieds.com and follow the series on social media.
Stan Mertz Partners with Twisted Tea and Truly Hard Seltzer Brands for 2021
WHITINSVILLE, Mass. — Stan Mertz Racing is pleased to announce that the team has partnered with Twisted Tea and Truly Hard Seltzer brands for the 2021 race season.
It’s no stranger that Stan Mertz Racing driver Woody Pitkat is one of the most recognized fans of Twisted Tea in the Modified community, and now, he will get to showcase both Twisted Tea and Truly brands on the No. 6 Modified en route to chasing Victory Lane. A new paint scheme has been created by Thirty Two Signs that will be used to wrap the car.
“Stan Mertz Racing is thrilled to have these two Boston Beer Company flagship brands as our primary sponsors for the 2021 season,” Mertz said. “We will be rotating the brands on our car throughout the season at all of the tracks across New England. We can’t wait to showcase them on our modified, where we strive to end up in Victory Lane.”
Twisted Tea, one of the most recognized brands in the industry, has a simple dream of brewing refreshing iced tea with flavors everyone loves, with an added twist. Twisted Tea has experimented night and day, searching for the perfect combination of select teas, natural flavors and fun. You can learn more about them at twistedtea.com or by following them on social media.
Truly Hard Seltzer, another one of the most recognized brands in the industry, has 16 different refreshing styles, having a bit of something for everyone. Made with some simple ingredients and hints of favorite fruits, Truly’s is never made with artificial sweeteners or flavors. For more information, visit them on social media or at trulyhardseltzer.com.
Stan Mertz Racing already visited Victory Lane in a Twisted Tea sponsored race during the 2020 season, winning the Twisted Tea 80 at Stafford Motor Speedway. Now, they will be on the car for every race as primary sponsor for 2021.
“When Stafford Motor Speedway partnered with Twisted Tea, I went to meet up with the local leader and he was an awesome, down to earth guy, and someone I knew I would love to work with,” driver Woody Pitkat said. “The fact that Twisted Teas are my drink of choice, I knew it was someone we needed to partner with for sure. Having Twisted Tea and Truly Hard Seltzer brands on the car will be so exciting. I’m ready for 2021.”
With Pitkat behind the wheel, Stan Mertz Racing plans to compete in 10 races in New England — all six with the Tri Track Open Modified Series and the four Stafford Motor Speedway Open Modified events.
For more information on Stan Mertz Racing, visit stanmertzracing.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information on Souza Media, visit kylesouza.com and follow Souza Media on Facebook.
Matt Kimball Looks To Take The Next Step With Tri Track
SEEKONK, Mass. — When the Tri Track Open Modified Series season takes the green flag on May 1 at Monadnock Speedway, the field will be stacked full of talent. One of the talented stars is rising New Hampshire racer Matthew Kimball, who is a former Mini Stock champion and currently a competitor in the Sportsman Modified division at multiple tracks in the Granite State.