Trackside Now: ACT/MRS Double Header – Thunder Road Speedbowl – 5/30/10

7:17

That concludes our Trackside Now coverage of the Memorial Day Classic from Thunder Road Speedbowl (VT). Stay tuned to Speed51.com this week for more photos and stories from the races here today. Thank you for tuning in and enjoy your holiday weekend.

7:17

Ken Christman has won the Junkyard Warrior feature. he is now two-for-two in that division this season.

7:15

Travis Hull has won the Street Stock feature over Michael MacAskill and Daniel Lathrop. On the final lap, several cars piled into each other in turn one. The yellow and checkered flags came out at the same time and a bunch of other cars all piled into each other as well coming to the finish. Nobody flipped over this time though.

7:08

Travis Hull now leads Michael MacAskill in the Street Stock rundown.

7:07

Fred Schroeder’s car will not refire, so a wrecker is hooking on to it in order to bring it back to the pit area.

7:07

Fred Schroeder’s car is now back on its wheels. He has gotten back in and will try to restart it.

7:06

Scott Weston has driven away.

7:06

Now that Fred Schroeder’s car is being slightly moved, we can see that the #04 Street Stock of Scott Weston was stuck underneath it. We didn’t notice that before because it was completely covered. Weston had been running second in the Street Stock portion of the race.

7:05

Fred Schroeder is now out of his car. He wasn’t injured, but had a tough time getting out of the car due to the way it was stuck in the wall. Eventually, Schroeder climbed through the rollcage and out the passenger’s side of the car.

7:03

Things have just gotten wild in the Street Stock/Junkyard Warrior feature. With three laps to go, Kevin Dodge spun around and backed into a tree on the backstretch. He is now out of the car and okay. As the red flag came out, the field jammed up on the frontstretch. A Mustang Street Stock belonging to Greg Adams flipped over on the frontstretch while Fred Schroeder’s Volkswagen Junkyard Warrior got pinned against the fronstretch wall on its side. Everyone is ok, but the “FredEx” VW of Schroeder is needing some special assistance from the track crew to remove it from the wall.

7:00

We do not have a full field rundown for the Modified Racing Series event today, although you can scroll down to see the full field rundown from the Late Model portion of the Memorial Day Classic at Thunder Road.

6:57

Travis Hull currently leads Scott Weston and Marvin Johnson with four laps to go in the Street Stock race. Currently, the field is under caution.

6:47

Brandan Moodie has won the Tiger Sportsman feature over Tom Therrien and Ricky Roberts.

6:07

We are now going to head down to the pit area to hopefully find a Late Model driver or two who is still here and catch up with a few Modified drivers in order to bring you more coverage of the Memorial Day Classic on Speed51.com this week. We’ll be back with Trackside Now in a little while though. Stay tuned.

6:06

Here is the rundown for the Late Model portion of the Memorial Day Classic:
1. Dave Pembroke
2. John Donahue
3. Eric Williams
4. Joey Laquerre
5. Richard Lowrey
6. Joey Becker
7. Tracie Bellerose
8. Jamie Fisher
9. Nick Sweet
10. Brent Dragon
11. Matt White
12. Brooks Clark
13. Eric Chase
14. Pete Potvin, III
15. Cody Blake
16. Dave Whitcomb
17. Mike Bailey
18. DJ Shaw
19. Pete Fecteau
20. Doug Murphy
21. Jerry Lesage
22. Dylan Smith
23. Grant Folsom
24. Reno Gervais
25. Cris Michaud
26. Chris Chambers
27. Nate Brown
28. Tony Andrews
29. Phil Scott

6:05

Stephen Masse got a little too excited on his victory lap. He appears to have tried to do a powerslide or doughnut on his cool-down lap and spun into the infield and stalled instead. He then turned it around and something could be heard dragging from his car as he headed to victory lane.

6:04

Unofficially, Stephen Masse finished ahead of Rob Goodenough, Ken Barry, Kirk Alexander, Max Zachem, Les Hinckley, Joey Jarvis, Charlie Pasteryak and Dwight Jarvis.

6:03

It’s over! Stephen Masse has won.

6:02

Stephen Masse led again on that restart.

6:02

Single file restart this time.

6:02

Norm Wrenn looks to have damage to the front end of his Modified. He is now being pointed to the rear of the field, so he might have gotten into Matt Hirschman.

6:01

Kirk Alexander and Ken Barry made contact several times in the last few laps battling for third. So far, Barry still holds that spot.

6:00

Matt Hirschman just spun to bring out the caution on lap 97.

6:00

Kirk Alexander is pressuring Ken Barry for the third spot. There’s contact! Both cars continue.

6:00

Stephen Masse is pulling away again at lap 93.

5:59

We made a lap under green and Stephen Masse still leads.

5:59

Another restart and Stephen Masse still leads.

5:57

A wrecker is being dispatched to haul Kenny White, Jr.’s #77 Modified back in.

5:57

We started racing at 1:30, but at this point I can’t remember if that was 1:30 today or yesterday.

5:56

Comment From Seth

Mods are full of cautions! Late night at TR! Didn’t they start racing at 130. Still have 2 more features to go. Maybe the Coca Cola 600 might be over by the time they are done racing at Thunder Road! 🙂

5:56

We are still at lap 90.

5:56

Another caution. This time for Kenny White, Jr.’s Modified being parked against the frontstretch retaining wall.

5:56

Another restart and Stephen Masse is still leading.

5:54

A wrecker is being dispatched to pull Annarummo off the track.

5:54

We are still locked on lap 90.

5:53

The caution is out again for Todd Annarummo – who appeared to have a flat tire in turn one and then pulled right down into the racing surface of turn two.

5:53

On the restart, Stephen Masse pulled back into the lead.

5:52

Kurt Vigeant had pitted, but is now back on track.

5:51

Kirk Alexander is now up to the fourth position.

5:51

Jimmy Kuhn has spun in turn one to bring out another caution. We are at lap 90.

5:51

Probably not as I will be down in the pits getting interviews for more coverage on Speed51.com this week.

5:51

Comment From Seth

Are you covering the tiger and street race after this mod race?

5:50

Kurt Vigeant has lost power in his Modified.

5:50

We are at lap 86.

5:50

Stephen Masse leads Rob Gooenough, Ken Barry, Max Zachem and Kirk Alexander.

5:49

Ken Barry is now up to third after that latest jam.

5:49

Todd Annarummo looked to be off the pace for a moment, he slid up high and lost some ground.

5:48

We are now working lap 78 by the way.

5:48

Kurt Vigeant had an incident on the track, but there will be no caution.

5:47

Stephen Masse eld again on that restart with Rob Goodenough moving into second place.

5:47

Comment From Seth

Wow… Mods are having a rough weekend. Isn’t there 2 more main events after this one? Late night at T Road…. Tigers and Streets/Warriors still to come!

5:44

Eric Goodale has blown up amid a plume of smoke. The caution is out at lap 73.

5:44

Joey Jarvis has moved up to fourth and then powerslid all the way through turn one.

5:43

Stephen Masse led on the restart.

5:43

It appears that Andy Seuss might be done for the day.

5:43

We are now at lap 71 with Stephen Masse leading Max Zachem, Rob Goodenough, Todd Annarummo, Joey Jarvis, Ken Barry, Kirk Alexander, Charlie Pasteryak, Matt Hirschman, Les Hinckley and Norm Wrenn.

5:41

Just before that caution came out, Geoffrey Gernhard pulled into the pit area.

5:41

Andy Seuss has pointed his car in the right direction and is now pitting along with Jimmy Kuhn and Dwight Jarvis.

5:40

Andy Seuss has spun down the backstretch. The caution is out on lap 71.

5:40

Geoffrey Gernhard has gone a lap down.

5:39

Rob Goodenough is up to third place.

5:39

Stephen Masse’s lead at lap 65? About three-quarters of a straightaway.

5:38

Geoffrey Gernhard is really off the pace and sideways with his #21 Modified. He is a straightaway from being lapped.

5:38

Stephen Masse is pulling away again…surprise, surprise.

5:37

Stephen Masse led on the restart…surprise, surprise.

5:37

Andy Seuss is coming back onto the track – just in time for the restart.

5:36

Kurt Vigeant, Jimmy Kuhn and Geoff Gernhard have also pitted.

5:35

Andy Seuss is in the pits.

5:35

The caution is now out at lap 56.

5:35

Geoffrey Gerhard has spun down the frontstretch. He might have had some help from the #0 of Mike Cleary.

5:35

Comment From Mike Ray

Come on Matty!

5:34

At lap 53, Stephen Masse enjoys a straightaway lead.

5:34

Andy Seuss is now all the way back to the tenth position.

5:34

Rob Goodenough is up to fifth with Eric Goodale moving into sixth and Matt Hirschman to seventh.

5:33

The handling on Andy Seuss’ car has gone away. He is fading quickly.

5:33

Joey Jarvis is now up to fourth.

5:33

Joey Jarvis is looking under Andy Seuss for the fourth position.

5:32

Stephen Masse continues to lead after this latest restart. Max Zachem moved into second place and Todd Annarummo into third after Andy Seuss was shuffled from second to fourth.

5:31

Geoffrey Gernhard and Eddy Spiers both pitted under this caution.

5:30

Two wreckers were dispatched to the area off turn three, but when they got there, nobody was there. The field is now crossing over to double-file formation.

5:30

Whoever spun off the track has snuck back on it and this caution won’t last very long.

5:29

We are now under caution at lap 40. Stephen Nasse’s big lead is now erased.

5:29

Someone has gone sailing off turn three in a cloud of dust. The caution is out, but we don’t have a confirmation of who is was yet.

5:28

Mike Cleary has now gone one lap down.

5:28

Stephen Masse is about to catch lapped traffic.

5:27

At lap 35, Stephen Masse almost has a half-lap lead on second place.

5:27

Stephen Masse currently leads Andy Seuss, Max Zachem, Joey Jarvis, Todd Annarummo, Rob Goodenough, Eric Goodale, Jon McKennedy and Dwight Jarvis.

5:26

At lap 30, Stephen Masse is still pulling away from the field.

5:25

Stephen Masse now has a full straightaway on second place Andy Seuss.

5:25

The entire field is strung out in single file formation.

5:25

Stephen Masse enjoys a strong lead at lap 23.

5:25

Andy Seuss has passed Max Zachem for second place.

5:24

Andy Seuss rocketed into third and is now looking under Max Zachem for second.

5:24

Max Zachem has now moved into second place at lap 20.

5:24

Stephen Masse has pulled away on this latest restart.

5:22

Jacob Dore has restarted his car and headed to the pit area.

5:22

The caution is now out at lap 19 for a spin by Jacob Dore. It looked like he had help and it might have come from several cars deep in the field.

5:21

Stephen Masse has taken the lead in the Modified race on that last restart.

5:21

We’re still under caution laps in the Modified race.

5:21

Wow! Some teams really know how to load up quickly. About 20 minutes after crossing the finish line in the eighth position in the Late Model feature, Jamie Fisher’s rig is now pulling out of the track.

5:19

Andy Seuss will now move back to fifth after that last lap did not count.

5:19

Jacob Dore has restarted his car and rejoined the field.

5:18

A false start was called and the field slowed at the start-finish line. This led to a bottleneck with Jacob Dore spinning around.

5:18

Todd Annarummo is still leading. Andy Seuss has moved to fourth.

5:17

Rowan Pennink has not come back out of the pits as the restart is about to take place.

5:17

Rowan Pennink’s latest incident looked worse than it was. He was at the rear of the field and spun off in such a big cloud of dust that the fans in the stands just stood up and pointed, without many observers even knowing who it was.

5:16

Rowan Pennink is now headed to the pit area under caution. The lap counter has been reset to 18.

5:15

That driver who went off track is none other than Rowan Pennink. His terrible weekend continues, but he did drive away.

5:15

Someone has sailed off turn two into the pit area. The caution is out, but we can’t see who it was.

5:14

Stephen Masse is closing up to the leader, Todd Annarummo, at lap 20.

5:14

Many of them, including the series regulars battling for points, raced last night at Airborne.

5:13

Comment From Seth

Did all these Mods race at Airborne last night or just some?

5:13

Currently, Todd Annarummo leads Stephen Masse, Max Zachem, Joey Jarvis and Andy Seuss.

5:13

The laps are clicking off. We are now at lap 10 with Todd Annarummo out front.

5:12

Stephen Masse has passed Max Zachem for second place.

5:12

Max Zachem is settling into second place.

5:12

Todd Annarummo has pulled away to the early lead in the Modified race.

5:10

Pace laps are underway for the Modifieds right now.

5:10

Carl Pasteryak was listed as being the alternate starter in case anyone, most likely Rowan Pennink, didn’t make the starting grid. Pennink’s wounded machine is on the track though so Pasteryak will be loading up and cheering on his brother Charlie in the race instead.

5:09

Here is your Modified Racing Series starting lineup:1. Todd Annarummo
2. Joey Jarvis
3. Max Zachem
4. Andy Seuss
5. Stephen Masse
6. Kenny White, Jr.
7. Rob Goodenough
8. Eric Goodale
9. Dwight Jarvis
10. Jon McKennedy
11. Matt Hirschman
12. Ken Barry
13. Norm Wrenn
14. Kirk Alexander
15. Les Hinckley
16. Charlie Pasteryak
17. Jimmy Kuhn
18. Geoffrey Gernhard
19. Jimmy Dolan
20. Kurt Vigeant
21. Jacob Dore
22. Eddy Spiers
23. Mike Cleary
24. Rowan Pennink

5:06

The Modifieds are rolling out onto the track. There will not be any out of car driver introductions.

5:06

Victory lane photos for the Late Models have all been taken and the Modifieds have fired up. They aren’t wasting any time to keep things rolling here at Thunder Road.

5:05

The Modified Racing Series machines are being lined up just outside of turn two.

5:04

The 50/50 drawing is taking place right now with over $1,500 being handed out. How does that compare to your track?

5:03

Comment From Seth

Great Coverage Speed 51

5:03

Comment From charlie

thanks for the race.first race in 12 yrs missed mem…day wkend

5:03

John Donahue has walked right over to Dave Pembroke in victory lane and gave him a big handshake.

5:02

Dave Pembroke was extremely excited to win this race. He got out of the car and pounded on his roof in victory lane. Hard. That is going to leave a mark.

5:01

Unofficially, Dave Pembroke has won the Late Model portion of the Memorial Day Classic over John Donahue, Eric Williams, Joey Laquerre, Rich Lowrey, Joey Becker, Tracie Bellerose, Jamie Fisher, Nick Sweet, Brent Dragon and Matt White.

5:00

Dave Pembroke has won the Late Model feature.

4:59

Eric Williams is looking under John Donahue for second place.

4:59

The green flag stayed out that time and Dave Pembroke still leads.

4:59

Dave Whitcomb restarted well…too well….a false start was called.

4:58

11th is currently Matt White with Eric Chase, Brooks Clark, Dave Whitcomb, Pete Potvin, Cody Blake, Mike Bailey, DJ Shaw, Pete Fecteau, Nate Brown and Doub Murphy behind him. A few of those cars further back are not on the lead lap though.

4:56

The scoring counter has now been reset to lap 96. Race officials are moving the lapped cars out of the way.

4:56

Comment From Seth

All I can say is WOW! 2 lap shoot out!

4:56

Currently, Dave Pembroke leads John Donahue, Eric Williams, Joey Laquerre, Joey Becker, Rich Lowrey, Jamie Fisher. Tracie Bellerose, Brent Dragon and Nick Sweet.

4:55

Cris Michaud has parked in turn two and the caution is out at lap 97.

4:55

There is a six-car battle for fifth place.

4:54

Five to go – Dave Pembroke is in command of this race right now.

4:54

Dave Pembroke has a clear track with four cars behind him and ahead of John Donahue.

4:53

Dave Pembroke is working very efficiently through lapped traffic with nine laps to go.

4:53

Jerry Lesage was all kinds of sideway just now coming out of turn four, but saved it.

4:52

Rich Lowrey has slipped out of the top five.

4:52

Joey Laquerre is up to fourth place currently.

4:51

Dave Pembroke is now coming up on heavy lapped traffic.

4:51

We are at lap 82 with Dave Pembroke solidly in the lead.

4:51

Rich Lowrey is now up to fifth.

4:51

Eric Williams is now up to third.

4:50

Dave Pembroke has about eighth car lengths on John Donahue while Joey Becker is about a straightaway behind the top two runners.

4:50

Eric Williams and Jamie Fisher are now side-by-side for fifth.

4:49

At lap 72, Dave Pembroke is starting to pull away. John Donahue sits in second place. Joey Becker is in third – but barely is ahead of Brent Dragon.

4:49

Reno Gervais has just plowed through the infield. There will be no caution.

4:48

At lap 68, Dave Pembroke leads Joey Becker and John Donahue.

4:48

Dave Pembroke is now in the lead.

4:48

Joey Becker just shoved John Donahue up the track and Dave Pembroke almost passed them both.

4:47

Joey Becker has edged out John Donahue for the lead at lap 65.

4:47

Nick Sweet is now back up to the 10th position.

4:47

Correction – Nick Sweet did not spin on that last caution, the similar-looking car of Mike “Beetle” Bailey was the one involved.

4:46

John Donahue out-dragged Joey Becker into turn one on that restart.

4:45

Several drivers including Dylan Smith and Cris Michaud pitted under that caution period.

4:45

Comment From Seth

This is an exciting race! Wish I was there!

4:44

Comment From Seth

I hope Becker does not spin out, he does that every now and then when up front!

4:44

All of the cars involved in that wreck have driven away.

4:44

Timing and scoring is going back to lap 56 to reset the field, so Joey Becker has been placed into the lead because he was ahead by a bumper over John Donahue at that point.

4:43

There was just a multi-car spin in turn two. Dylan Smith, DJ Shaw, Nick Sweet, Pete Fecteau, Chris Chambers and Mike Bailey were all involved.

4:43

The caution is out at lap 57.

4:42

Joey Becker has now led for an entire lap after the restart, but Donahue is still fighting down the bottom.

4:42

Joey Becker nosed ahead on that restart.

4:42

Several drivers including Pete Fecteau, Cris Michaud, Jerry Lesage and Nate Brown pitted under that caution period.

4:41

John Donahue currently leads Joey Becker, Dave Pembroke, Dave Whitcomb, Brent Dragon, Joey Laquerre, Dylan Smith, Eric Williams, Eric Chase and Jamie Fisher.

4:40

Comment From Seth

Go Nick Sweet! He will win it!!!

4:40

Tony Andrews is getting the black flag for his role is spinning DJ Shaw out.

4:40

DJ Shaw has spun in turn one. Chris Chambers hit his parked car. The caution is now out at lap 55.

4:39

Nick Sweet is passing a gaggle of cars on the outside, but with only 45 laps to go he might not have enough time to get back to the front.

4:39

Nick Sweet is flying. He is back to the 16th position.

4:38

John Donahue has settled into the lead while Dave Pembroke and Joey Becker battle side-by-side for second place.

4:38

Dave Pembroke is passing everyone on the outside. He is now looking to get past John Donahue for the lead.

4:37

John Donahue is back into the lead.

4:37

Joey Becker has nosed ahead on the restart.

4:37

John Donahue is not being sent to the rear of the field, so the official word would be that he did not cause that spin.

4:36

Comment From Seth

Go Dylan Smith! Great run by that young driver! I wonder if Donahue took out Sweet.

4:36

Next on the track are Eric Williams, Pete Potvin, Jamie Fisher, Reno Gervais and Cody Blake.

4:35

Positions six through ten are held by Eric Chase, Brent Dragon, Rich Lowrey, Joey Laquerre and Tracie Bellerose.

4:35

The current rundown is going to be John Donahue, Joey Becker, Dylan Smith, Dave Pembroke and Dave Whitcomb.

4:34

Dylan Smith is being held at the start finish line – possibly by timing and scoring officials.

4:34

My head was buried in the computer when that incident happened, but Nick Sweet and John Donahue were battling for the lead and were side-by-side on the lap leading up to Sweet’s spin.

4:33

Brooks Clark and Cris Michaud were also involved in that incident. Both of those drivers spun in turn two, but have continued.

4:32

On lap 47, Nick Sweet has looped his #88 in turn one. The caution is out.

4:32

The leaders are side by side. We don’t know who led that last lap.

4:32

John Donahue just threw a little bit of a block on Nick Sweet in turn three and four.

4:31

Nick Sweet is looking to the outside of John Donahue for the lead.

4:31

We are now at lap 40.

4:31

Nick Sweet is now to the rear bumper of John Donahue.

4:31

Cris Michaud has gone around the outside of Dylan Smith to take the fourth position.

4:30

Nick Sweet has moved around the outside of Joey Becker for second place.

4:30

Several cars are now bottling up behind Dylan Smith.

4:30

Cris Michaud and Phil Scott are looking to split Dylan Smith in a battle for fourth.

4:29

Nick Sweet has moved into third. He looks to be very quick.

4:29

Nick Sweet is looking under Dylan Smith for third.

4:29

There was a little bit of bumping between leaders John Donahue and Joey Becker there for a few laps.

4:28

John Donahue has retaken the lead.

4:28

The green flag is back out and Joey Becker moved into the lead on the restart.

4:28

Currently, John Donahue leads Joey Becker, Dylan Smith, Dave Whitcomb, Nick Sweet, Eric Chase, Cris Michaud, Phil Scott, Jerry Lesage, Brooks Clark, Brent Dragon, Dave Pembroke, Rich Lowrey, Joey Laquerre, Cody Blake and Tracie Bellerose.

4:26

Chris Chambers and Grant Folsom are both a lap down.

4:25

Grant Folsom has spun in turn one to bring out the first caution on lap 29.

4:25

John Donahue has now come into lapped traffic.

4:24

Currently, John Donahue leads Joey Becker, Dylan Smith, Dave Whitcomb, Nick Sweet, Eric Chase, Cris Michaud, Phil Scott and Jerry Lesage on lap 27.

4:24

Eric Chase is now up to fourth with Nick Sweet riding his bumper into fifth.

4:23

Joey Becker has moved into second place and is gaining on John Donahue’s lead.

4:23

Joey Becker is now looking under Dylan Smith for second place.

4:23

Joey Becker is now solidly into the third position.

4:22

John Donahue still leads and has been unchallenged so far.

4:22

Eric Chase is now up to the fifth position.

4:22

Comment From Mike Ray

Ganassi 1st owner to win Indy and Daytona in same year.peace,out.

4:21

Joey Becker has moved into fourth and is now looking under Jerry Lesage for third.

4:21

Joey Becker is now looking to the outside of Dave Whitcomb for the fourth position.

4:20

The leaders are single file on lap eight with John Donahue ahead of Dylan Smith, Jerry Lesage and Dave Whitcomb.

4:19

Comment From Mike Ray

Indy Results:Dario Wins as caution comes out.Bad wreck to end 500.Weldon in 2nd

4:18

Dylan Smith wobbled on the start and John Donahue has taken the lead from the outside of the front row.

4:16

The command has been given to fire engines for the Late Model race. Pace laps are now underway.

4:16

Because the day is running a little bit behind schedule, they have scrapped out of car driver introductions for the Late Model feature.

4:12

No radio today as all of the equipment is down South for the races at Pensacola and Mobile this weekend. But we will talk about today’s races on the Speed 51 Radio show this Tuesday night on RaceTalkRadio.com from 6-8pm ET.

4:11

Comment From Mike Ray

I tried to find you guy’s on the radio,but I don’t think you are on the air today?

4:05

There will now be an intermission before the Late Model feature event.

4:03

Mike Ziter has just beat Pete Ainsworth, Brian Delphia and Troy Gray to win the Bond Auto Tiger Sportsman B-Main.

4:01

Here is the starting lineup for the Late Model portion of the Memorial Day Classic:1. Dylan Smith
2. John Donahue
3. Jerry Lesage
4. Doug Murphy
5. Dave Whitcomb
6. Mike “Beetle” Bailey
7. Tony Andrews
8. Matt White
9. Eric Chase
10. Joey Becker
11. Brooks Clark
12. Rich Lowrey
13. Nick Sweet
14. Dave Pembroke
15. Cris Michaud
16. Pete Fecteau
17. Phil Scott
18. Joey Laquerre
19. Brent Dragon
20. Tracie Bellerose
21. Cody Blake
22. DJ Shaw
23. Pete Potvin, III
24. Grant Folsom
25. Eric Williams
26. Jamie Fisher
27. Chris Chambers
28. Reno Gervais
29. Nate Brown

3:57

“Wow” is about all that I can think of in response to that news. Thanks for the update.

3:57

Comment From Mike Ray

Thanks 51.M.Conway leads Indy,30 laps to go

3:57

The Late Model feature will be next on the track after the B-Main for the Tiger Sportsmen is finished. We’re at lap 13 in that right now.

3:56

Comment From Seth

These Updates are great! What is next the LMS Feature?

3:55

Thanks for the kind words. Rest up and feel better soon!

3:55

Comment From Jonathan

Thanks for posting these updates. I’m stuck at home with a summer cold and really appreciate it.

3:55

There was a lot of work going on in the camp of the National Guard Late Models this afternoon. John Donahue won his heat race and according to crew chief Dale Shaw, the team is only planning to make a few minor adjustments for the feature. His teammate for the day, DJ Shaw, advanced into the feature through the consi. While his car looked a lot better in that consi than in its heat race, Shaw still wasn’t happy with it. Wholesale changes are now being made, especially in the front end area, before the feature race.

3:53

Max Zachem is a happy camper in his first trip to Thunder Road. He won his heat race earlier and doesn’t plan to make many changes for the feature. His team might tighten up their car a bit, but that’s about it. Zachem, a graduate of Legends cars, loves running a Modified and hopes to run more races for the Major Motion Transport team this year. In his free time, Zachem has been helping out the Eric Beers NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour team this year as a crew member.

3:51

Rowan Pennink’s team has been hard at work in the pit area repairing their #25 Modified. The roof was bent, the body was bent, the radiator was trashed and even the rear shocks were bent. They are working hard to make the feature, but whether they merely start the race for points or actually get to run at race pace is not yet known.

3:49

The 15-lap Modified Racing Series consi went caution-free. After the trouble-plagued heat races, a second driver’s meeting was called in the pit area and drivers were told to behave themselves today. Apparently, that helped settle things down a bit.Talking to drivers in the pit area, the combination of a few things were blamed for the heat race troubles. The first was obvious and that was driver aggression. The other factor is a lack of grip and the final reason was that the track just narrows up so much exiting turn four that it is tricky to get a Modified or two through there trouble-free.

3:47

Charlie Pasteryak has won the MRS consi race over Jimmy Kuhn, Geoffrey Gerhard and Jimmy Dolan.

3:45

The first eight laps of MRS consi race have been clean and green. Charlie Pasteryak currently leads Jimmy Kuhn and Geoffrey Gernhard.

3:44

Sean Bodreau, not Jack Bateman, is in the #17 Modified today.

3:44

Charlie Pasteryak has pulled into the early lead of the MRS consi.

3:43

Charlie Pasteryak, Jimmy Kuhn, Geoffrey Gernhard, Jim Dolan and Carl Pasetryak are the top five starters for the MRS consi.

3:42

Three teams that are scheduled to run the consi – those of Rowan Pennink, Jack Bateman and Mike Douglas, Jr. are not going to make it to the green flag.

3:42

Pace laps for the Modified Racing Series consi are now being run.

3:13

We’re going to take a break to head down to the pit area and check in on a few of the competitors in today’s races. Stay tuned.

3:09

Rowan Pennink’s Modified wreck in turn one (Jim Dupont Photo)

3:09

3:05

We don’t know about Tom Curley, but we can see that many Thunder Road fans were not impressed with the driving that they saw in the Modified Racing Series heat races.

3:05

Comment From charlie

tom curley must not be happy.putting him behind in his time sheet

3:05

The drivers who transferred out of the Late Model consi were Joey Laquerre, Cody Blake, DJ Shaw and Dave Whitcomb. Finishing behind them were Pete Potvin, Grant Folsom, Eric Williams, Jamie Fisher, Chris Chambers, Reno Gervais and Nate Brown.

3:03

The Late Model consi ran caution-free with Joey Laquerre winning the race.

3:00

Joey Laquerre has taken the lead from the start of the Late Model consi.

2:59

Reno Gervais’ #12 entry had been announced as being withdrawn today, but he is lined up for the consi.

2:59

The consi race for the Late Models is now on track. For a full lineup, please scroll down this page.

2:58

To be polite, we’ll say that there has been some very “questionable” driving in the Modified Racing Series heat races. Let’s hope these drivers behave better for the feature or there might not be any cars left to finish that race.

2:57

Comment From Scott

What is going on?

2:57

The finishing order for heat race number three is Max Zachem, Steve Masse, Eric Goodale, Matt Hirschman, Kirk Alexander and Geoff Gernhard.

2:56

Max Zachem has won heat race number three for the Modified Racing Series.

2:55

The field is now strung out single-file and we are finally clicking off some heat race laps.

2:55

We made a full lap caution-free!

2:55

Max Zachem has retaken the lead.

2:55

Steve Masse pulled into the lead on the latest restart.

2:54

Only six of the ten starters are left two laps into the third MRS heat race.

2:54

Currently, Max Zachem leads Steve Masse, Eric Goodale, Geoff Gernard, Matt Hirschman and Kirk Alexander at lap two.

2:53

John Cleary has a flat left rear tire and will need a wrecker to exit the racing surface.

2:53

Max Zachem led on the restart and the field made one lap before John Cleary got spun at the entrance to turn one.

2:52

Kirk Alexander has been sent to the rear of the field. Since Max Zachem started seventh on the grid and now leads, this will not be considered a complete restart.

2:52

It appears that Max Zachem will lead on the lap one, yes lap one, restart.

2:51

Teams have been told to refire their racecars.

2:50

Two wreckers, an emergency vehicle and a pick-up truck are picking up the mess left by Rowan Pennink’s flying Modified. The #25 landed on its wheels at least, but there is no telling how bad the damage is.

2:49

This will be a lengthy red flag and teams have been instructed to shut off their engines.

2:49

There will be photo galleries from today’s race early this week on the Speed51.comFeedback page.

2:48

Comment From nascar

any pictures?

2:47

Here is what happened. Rowan Pennink appeared to jump the restart and Kirk Alexander caught up to him in turn one. Contact was made between those two cars and Pennink was turned the wrong way across the track. His Modified exited the racing surface and pointed towards the pit area. It launched off the ground and landed somewhere closer to the pit area.

2:46

Rowan Pennink is okay and out of his car.

2:46

The red flag has come out, but nobody paid attention to it so starter John Spencer, Jr. actually jumped half onto the track to show it to the field.

2:45

No caution….yet but Rowan Pennink has flown off the track.

2:45

Restart and caution…again.

2:44

Eddy Spiers has pitted his #18 Modified.

2:44

Strike that, Mike Keeler has now been placed at the back of the pack.

2:44

The field is being reset in their original starting positions.

2:43

Rowan Pennink led at the start and squeezed Kirk Alexander up the track heading into turn one. Alexander got even by bumping Pennink on the backstretch. The field stacked up and Jonh Cleary half-spun off turn three. After that, Mike Keeler fully spun on the fronstretch and the caution came out.

2:42

This heat race doesn’t look like it will be any cleaner. We are under caution at lap one.

2:41

Heat race number three for the Modifieds is on the track and pace laps are now underway.

2:41

On the final lap of heat race number two, Jimmy Kuhn pulled into the pits due to a problem in the front end of his car – probably from one of the many incidents during the race.

2:40

A correction – Joey Jarvis is driving the #9NH. Peter Jarvis was the previous driver of that car.

2:40

The finishing order for heat number two was Joey Jarvis over Andy Seuss, Rob Goodenough, Jon McKennedy and Norm Wrenn. Only five of the ten starters finished the heat race.

2:39

Peter Jarvis has won the second MRS heat race.

2:39

Peter Jarvis leads on the restart. This time nobody wrecked.

2:38

Only six cars are still on the track.

2:38

We are still working lap nine. Currently, Peter Jarvis leads Andy Seuss, Rob Goodenough, Jimmy Kuhn, Jon McKennedy and Norm Wrenn.

2:37

The pits are open and Carl Pasteryak, Jack Bateman and Jacob Dore are in. Mike Douglas is being hooked onto the wrecker.

2:36

Mike Douglas, Jr. is parked up against the frontstretch wall. He will need a wrecker this time to move away from it.

2:36

Jack Bateman’s car is overheating.

2:36

Pit road is closed due to the car of Jacob Dore blocking it.

2:35

Jacob Dore suffered heavy damage in that incident as well. His wounded car sits at the entrance to pit road.

2:35

Carl Pasteryak got squeezed into the frontstretch wall and climbed it. He continued on, but could have heavy front end damage.

2:35

Another restart, another wreck. this is the third attempt on this particular restart.

2:34

Norm Wrenn has been put to the rear of the field.

2:34

We are still working lap nine under caution.

2:33

The caution is out and both Douglas and McKennedy have driven away from the start-finish line wreck.

2:33

Another restart, another wreck. This time, it was also Jon McKennedy and Mike Douglas, Jr. spinning into each other.

2:33

All ten cars that started this heat race are still running.

2:32

After being push-started by a wrecker, Mike Douglas, Jr. has refired his #23 Modified and will now restart at the rear of the field.

2:32

Jimmy Kuhn has been placed at the rear of the field.

2:32

Currently, Peter Jarvis leads Carl Pasteryak, Andy Seuss, Jacob Dore and Jimmy Kuhn.

2:31

Jon McKennedy has driven away, but a wrecker will be needed for Mike Douglas, Jr.’s #23 car.

2:31

There was a big wreck on the restart, Jon McKennedy and Mike Douglas, Jr. have heavy damage as a result.

2:30

The lap count has been reset to nine.

2:30

Norm Wrenn has driven away form the turn three incident. Both he and Jack Bateman will restart at the rear of the field.

2:29

Jack Bateman has spun Norm Wrenn and the caution is out at lap 10.

2:28

Jack Bateman half-spun on the frontstretch with his #17 Modified, but pointed it in the right direction and no caution was needed.

2:28

Peter Jarvis currently leads Carl Pasteryak and Andy Seuss on lap three.

2:27

Peter Jarvis has led the first lap of MRS heat race number two.

2:26

Heat race number two for the Modified Racing Series is now on track. Peter Jarvis will lead the field to the green. For the full lineup, you can scroll down towards the bottom of this page.

2:25

The finishing order for MRS heat number one was Todd Annarummo, les Hinckley, Kenny White, Jr., Dwight Jarvis, Ken Barry, Charlie Pastreyak and Jimmy Dolan. Those were the only competitors on the racetrack at the finish.

2:24

Todd Annarummo has won MRS heat race number one.

2:24

Todd Annarummo has pulled away again on the restart.

2:24

There will only be four laps to go in this first Modified Racing Series heat race on the restart. Currently, Todd Annarummo leads Les Hinckley, Kenny White, Jr., Dwight Jarvis and Ken Barry.

2:23

Charlie Pasteryak did not hit anything during his spin and was able to refire his car and drive away.

2:22

Charlie Pasteryak has spun down the frontstretch. The caution is out on lap eight.

2:22

At halfway, Todd Annarummo leads Les Hinckley, Kenny White, Jr. and Dwight Jarvis.

2:21

Les Hinckley is now pressuring Todd Annarummo for the lead.

2:21

Once again, Todd Annarummo has pulled away on the restart while Les Hinckley has moved into second place.

2:20

Just two laps into this heat race, we have had three incidents that have brought out the caution flag.

2:20

The lap counter has been reset to lap two.

2:20

Time for another caution. This time, Ken Barry spun by himself in turn three as Dwight Jarvis took evasive action and went up over the banking. Both cars have driven away.

2:19

Another restart and Todd Annarummo has pulled away again.

2:19

Kurt Vigeant’s car is now being towed to the pit area. Only seven of the ten starters in this heat race are still on track and we are only three laps into this qualifying event.

2:18

This could be a lengthy caution as track crews are still working to retrieve Kurt Vigeant’s car from turn three.

2:17

Currently, Todd Annarummo leads Kenny White, Jr., Les Hinckley, Ken Barry, Charlie Pasteryak, Jimmy Dolan and Dwight Jarvis.

2:16

Shelly Perry’s #76 car sounded like it had something dragging. She has now gone to the pit area.

2:16

We are now on lap three and the caution is out.

2:15

Kurt Vigent has spun by himself off the backstretch into the turn three area. He did not go far enough to hit any walls, but his car is stopped and will need a wrecker to get out.

2:15

We have restarted and once again, Todd Annarummo has pulled out to the lead.

2:14

Charlie Pasteyrak has moved from a start of 10th to the fifth running position in two laps.

2:14

On lap two of the MRS heat race, several drivers including Dwight Jarvis, Shelly Perry and Joe Douchette have gotten together. The caution is out.

2:13

Todd Annarummo has bolted into the early lead of MRS heat race number one.

2:12

Pace laps for the first Modified Racing Series heat are underway. You can scroll down for the heat race lineups.

2:03

The Modified Racing Series machines are currently staging in the pit area for their heat races as the local divisions at Thunder Road run their qualifying events.

2:03

Also walking around the pit area here today is PASS North rookie Joey Doiron, who ran the majority of ACT Late Model events in 2009 before switching tours this season.

2:01

Here is the lineup for the Late Model Consi race:1. Joey Laquerre
2. Cody Blake
3. DJ Shaw
4. Jamie Fisher
5. Pete Potvin, III
6. Dave Whitcomb
7. Grant Folsom
8. Eric Williams
9. Chris Chambers
10. Nate Brown
11. Reno Gervais (Withdrawn)

2:00

Mike Ordway, Jr. is walking around the pits today in street clothes. The driver of the #10 Modified Racing Series entry is not entered in today’s race and is running only a partial schedule in 2010.

1:59

ACT Late Model rookie Bradley Babb is here today, but not in a racecar. Since today’s race is not an ACT points event, Babb is here at a spectator instead. His car owner, Sallie Bolduc, is fielding a car today up in Northern Maine in the PASS Sportsman race at Spud Speedway (ME) where Billy Childs, Jr. is driving her other racecar.

1:51

We are going to be a little light on photos during today’s Trackside Now coverage, but there will be multiple photo galleries from today’s races on Speed51.com’s Facebook page early this week, so stay tuned for the sights of the Memorial Day Classic.

1:50

The finishing order for Late Model heat three was John Donahue, Nick Sweet, Matt White, Cris Michaud, Joey Becker, Brent Dragon, DJ Shaw, Dave Whitcomb and Chris Chambers.

1:49

John Donahue has won Late Model heat race number three.

1:48

Nick Sweet has just pulled a nice outside move to advance to second place.

1:47

John Donahue is still pulling away from the field in heat race number three.

1:47

Nick Sweet and Joey Becker are right behind the White/Whitcomb battle for second.

1:47

While Donahue pulls away, there is a tight battle for second between Matt White and Dave Whitcomb.

1:46

John Donahue has pulled into the early lead of Late Model heat race number three.

1:46

Heat three is now on the track and John Donahue will lead the field to the green flag.

1:45

The finishing order of heat two was Doug Murphy, Eric Chase, Tony Andrews, Dave Pembroke, Rich Lowrey, Phil Scott, Cody Blake, Pete Potvin, Eric Williams and Reno Gervais.

1:44

We have just learned that the top six finishers in heat race will make it straight into the feature.

1:44

Doug Murphy has won the second Late Model heat race.

1:43

Green flag – Tony Andrews is now challenging Doug Murphy on the outside for the lead.

1:42

Reno Gervais has retired for the day after damaging his #41 machine.

1:42

Pete Potvin is now back on the track as the lights go out on the pace car.

1:42

Pete Potvin has pitted as well.

1:41

Reno Gervais has now pulled away too. he headed straight back to the pit area.

1:41

Pete Potvin has pulled away from the accident scene after two wreckers and a Dodge Ram helped to seperate the two cars.

1:40

The current rundown is Doug Murphy, Tony Andrews, Eric Chase, Richard Lowrey, Dave Pembroke, Phil Scott, Cody Blake and Eric Williams.

1:39

Gervais and Potvin’s cars are locked together right before the start-finish line. Gervais’ front bumper is embedded into the left rear bodywork of Potvin’s car.

1:38

Reno Gervais and Pete Potvin, III have tangled on the frontstretch – bringing out the caution on lap seven of the second heat race.

1:38

While Murphy leads, Tony Andrews, Eric Chase and Richard Lowrey are right on his rear bumper.

1:37

Doug Murphy has pulled into the lead at the start of the second Late Model heat race.

1:36

The remainder of the finishers in the first heat race were Pete Fecteau, Tracie Bellerose, Joey Laquerre, Jamie Fisher, Grant Folsom and Nate Brown.

1:35

Jerry Lesage has won the first heat race over Mike “Beetle” Bailey, Brooks Clark and Dylan Smith.

1:34

At halfway in heat one, Jerry Lesage holds a very comfortable lead over Dylan Smith, Mike Bailey and Brooks Clark.

1:33

Each Late Model heat race is 12 laps in length.

1:32

Jerry Lesage has jumped to the early lead in the first Late Model heat race.

1:32

The first Late Model heat race is lining up right now. The tour four finishers will advance to the feature while the other finishers will head to a consi.Dylan Smith and Jerry Lesage will lead the field to the green flag.

1:29

Late Model heat races will be the first event of the raceday here at Thunder Road.

1:28

Here are the previous winners of the Memorial Day Classic at Thunder Road:
1961 – Roy “Pappy” Forsythe
1962 – Paul Martel
1963 – Russ Ingerson
1964 – Ronnie Marvin
1965 – Jean-Paul Cabana
1966 – Larry Demar
1967 – Russ Ingerson
1968 – Ron Barcomb
1969 – Bobby Dragon
1970 – Jimmy Gates
1971 – George Horne
1972 – Jean-Paul Cabana
1973 – Jean-Paul Cabana
1974 – Joey Kourafas
1975 – Dave Dion
1976 – Dave Dion
1977 – Dave Dion
1978 – Dave Dion
1980 – Mike Barry
1982 – Dave Dion
1983 – Robbie Crouch
1984 – Robbie Crouch
1985 – Joey Kourafas
1986 – Robbie Crouch
1987 – Kevin lepage
1988 – Jean-Paul Cabana
1989 – Dave Dion
1990 – Dave Dion
1991 – Dave Dion
1992 – Dave Dion
1993 – Mike Weeden
1994 – Derek Lynch
1995 – Ralph Nason
1996 – Kip Stockwell
1997 – Chuck Beede
1998 – Greg “Burger” Blake
1999 – Phil Scott
2000 – Pat Corbett
2001 – Cris Michaud
2002 – Joey Laquerre
2003 – Pete Fecteau
2004 – Joey Becker
2005 – Trampas Demers
2006 – Brent Dragon
2007 – Dave Pembroke
2008 – John Donahue
2009 – Dave Pembroke

1:28

This is one of the most historic events in all of short track racing. With the exception of 1979 and 1981, when the track was closed, the Memorial Day Classic has been a staple of the Thunder Road schedule each and every year since 1961.

1:23

They have made the call for the Thunder Road safety crews to get into position and on-track action will begin shortly.

1:20

Here is the line-up for the third and final Modified Racing Series here race:1. Rowan Pennink
2. Kirk Alexander
3. Mike Keeler
4. Eddy Spiers
5. Eric Goodale
6. Geoff Gernhard
7. Max Zachem
8. Matt Hirschman
9. Steve Masse
10. John Cleary

1:19

Here is the line-up for today’s second Modified Racing Series heat race:1. Joey Jarvis
2. Carl Pasteryak
3. Jimmy Kuhn
4. Jon McKennedy
5. Andy Seuss
6. Jacob Dore
7. Rob Goodenough
8. Mike Douglas, Jr.
9. Norm Wrenn
10. Sean Bodreau

1:18

Here is the line-up for the first Modified Racing Series heat race:1. Todd Annarummo
2. Jimmy Dolan
3. Kurt Vigeant
4. Kenny White, Jr.
5. Shelly Perry
6. Les Hinckley
7. Dwight Jarvis
8. Ken Barry
9. Joe Douchette
10. Charlie Pasteryak

1:15

NASCAR K&N Pro Series East driver D.J. Shaw is here today to make his first Late Model start of the year. He is driving the #26NH car as a teammate to John Donahue’s #26VT Late Model. Both cars are sponsored by the National Guard, which is a welcome sight this Memorial Day weekend.

1:14

Last night, the Modified Racing Series ran at Airborne International Speedway in New York. Les Hinckley won with Rowan Pennink second – but it wasn’t just an average finish. Both drivers made contact at the finish line and wrecked hard after crossing it. You can visit the Speed51.com Facebook page for an excellent photo sequence of the incident by Jim Dupont.We weren’t sure if both drivers would be here today because of the damage, but when we got here today we caught up with our pal, TheChromeHorn.com’s Denise Dupont, and she filled us in on how both drivers managed to get here today.

Les Hinckley is here with the same car that he wrecked last night. It needs a new front clip, but they have tweaked it enough to make it work here at Thunder Road today.

Pennink is in a different car than his normal Gary Cassela-owned #25 that he competes in the Modified Racing Series with. It is one of the #93 cars that he normally runs on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. After the Airborne race, the #25 team called down to Pennink’s shop and the back-up car from Friday night’s Stafford Motor Speedway NASCAR Tour race was prepped. The rear end was changed and the car was loaded up in the wee hours of the morning for an all-night trip to Vermont. Cassela’s crew is servicing the car today and Pennink will be in the show thanks to that hustle from both teams.

12:57

Welcome to Thunder Road Speedbowl in Barre, Vermont for today’s Memorial Day Classic. If you like full-fendered racecars, you’re in luck as the ACT Late Models are here today (this is not a points show for the ACT Tour, but many of the top drivers are here nevertheless). If you prefer Modifieds, you are also in luck as the Modified Racing Series is here today too. Stay tuned for all of the happenings here at the beautiful quarter-mile oval in the Green Mountains.

May 30, 2010 8:00 pm

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