What a night Saturday night. The weather turned out to be perfect, the racing was excellent, and the Tryke Race was a lot of fun.
It’s always a good time when the RI Shriners come to town, and this year was no exception. First off, I have to say I was honored and humbled to be awarded an Ambassador Fez for the RI Shriners. I have, over the years, shared my families experience with the Shriners helping us, as has many other families. There are times I talk about a partner because that’s part of my duties, but with the Shriners it is personal. And to Nozzle, Dimples, and the entire Shriner organization, I was proud to trade in my trademark cowboy hat for the Fez for the night.
They also honored Ed St. Germain in the same way. I know he felt the same way I do.
The Pro Stocks put on one of their best races of the season, and once again on Shriners Night, Ryan Vanasse carried the checkered flag. It’s a night that he seems to win on more often than not over the years. His good friend Nick Uhrig also celebrated in Everett’s Auto Parts Victory Lane. They have also been ambassadors to the Shriners organization.
Ryan wasn’t the fastest car on the track on Saturday, but he held off some of the best ever over the final 25 laps. Dave Darling was literally all over the back of Ryan’s #11, and did just about everything to try and get underneath Ryan. That is, he did just about everything within fair play. Dave tried using the bumper, but only to move Ryan, not to spin him out. Hard racing that was fun to call, not to mention watch.
Fred Astle had his best run of the season Saturday, coming home second. With Darling and Vanasse playing cat and mouse, the old dog moved in and almost ruined their party. Fred moved to the outside and beat Dave to the stripe. After 37 years he still has it.
Speaking of still having it, if you were at the track during the final practice session for the Pro Stocks, I hope you saw how well Rick Martin can still maneuver his machine. He was sideways coming off of turn 4, and looked to be going around. Well, the Radical One’s reflexes are still there, as he was able to straighten the car out and only lose a little momentum.
Rick is working on a new chassis, trying to get it straightened out for the final months of the season. After nearly 100 wins, he still has the desire he had back in the 80’s.
The Pro Stock count was a little low this past week, the lowest I can ever remember. While I am concerned, I do know a couple of reasons. Rumor has it that Kenny Spencer has sold his car, with a rookie behind the wheel in 2018. What lies ahead for the only driver that can claim a Sportsman/Late Model title AND a Pro Stock Championship under his belt? I haven’t had a chance to reach out to him, but I will try to get the answer.
Another team missing was the Phil’s Propane team with Kevin Casper behind the wheel. Kevin has a medical issue that may keep him sidelined for several weeks. I spoke with his brother Kyle on Monday, and he did talk to Kevin, and he is feeling better, but they still have to make sure they have it under control. Prayers from all of us are with you Kevin. Get better. Racing will be here when you’re ready.
What about the team? I don’t have an answer on that either. It would be a shame for them to sit for the remainder of Kevin’s absence, but it just wouldn’t be the same without Kevin behind the wheel.
Congratulations to Chase Belcher for winning the 2017 Phil’s Propane Triple Crown this past week. The battle was touch and go, as he was battling with Barry Shaw for much of the event for position and the crown. Once Chase got into second, he had to battle Ed Perry for the lead and for the win.
Speaking of Ed, it was good to see him running up front and battling for the win late in the race. While he has led before, the handles on the truck would go away and he would fade. This week, while battling, he was able to give Chase all he could handle. It was also nice to hear Chase talk about how well Ed raced him, acknowledging that they don’t have the best history on the track. Nice move.
It’s funny how two drivers that seem to have issues on the track for a few weeks in a row, can settle things with a conversation.
There are two Pure Stock drivers, who will remain nameless, who seemed to get into each other’s’ way over the past few weeks. No serious damage was done, as they both raced competitively at or near the front of the field. Social media fanned some flames, where the two needed to talk face to face. While the conversation wasn’t the smoothest, it at least opened some lines of communication.
Just before qualifying, the car of driver X had a problem, and couldn’t make the track to run his times, forcing him to the back of the field if he could get the car running properly. Driver Y stepped in and offered up his spare part so driver X could compete.
During the 25 lap Pure Stock feature, driver Y got into a fender bender and had to pit for repairs. Who was there helping his team repair the car? The team of driver X. Both drivers ended up racing each other for position in the top five when the race was over.
Let this be a lesson to all of the drivers and teams out there with “issues” against another driver or team. Sometimes all the help you need, is a conversation away.
Now, it doesn’t always happen like this, or hell, that quickly. But you just never know.
This week, the Sportsman drivers are off on a rare break. The North East Mini Stock Tour comes to town with their 4 cylinder action on the 1/3 mile oval. Bob Guptill’s teams usually put on a pretty good show at Seekonk, and we shall see some familiar names in the field as well. Former Sport4 champions Mike Belanger and Devin Miranda have made it known they will be coming home on Saturday to have some fun in front of friends and family. We may even see Wild Bill Schoeler in action as well.
Don’t forget to tell your friends about the Monster Trucks coming this Sunday. It should be another great show.
with Race Voice