Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Fred Darling Passes.

The Seekonk Speedway family would like to send our condolences to the Darling Family. Fred Darling, former competitor, father to Wayne Darling, grandfather to Dave Darling and Eric Snow, passed away Tuesday Evening. Calling hours will be on Friday evening at Rebello's Funeral Home in East Providence RI. I will update the times when they are available.

Monday, November 02, 2009

Seekonk Speedway holds rules meetings for 2010.

With an eye toward the future, Seekonk Speedway held their annual rules meetings with all competitors on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 27th and 28th. While most of the bantering was over different procedures, some changes did come out of the meetings.

The biggest change in the rules centered around the Late Model division. For the past two seasons, competitors from area speedways could come in and compete under the New England Late Model rules package, but only for up to 6 shows. In 2010, any Late Model can come in and compete for the full season, but must run either the current Seekonk Speedway Late Model rules, which will go virtually unchanged for the upcoming season, or compete under the American Canadian Tour (ACT) rules package. This will allow competitors from tracks such as Waterford, Lee USA, White Mountain and more to come in and compete for the 2010 Championship, instead of being forced to only a handful of events.

“We want to expand our Late Model division for 2010,” Race Director Dave Alburn Stated. “I didn’t want to force a change to our competitors at a cost to them, and I feel that we have some of the best teams around. But from a business standpoint, I see where the Late Models may be heading, and don’t want to cut ourselves, or our fans, short.” Another rule change for the Late Models, and as well for the Pro Stocks, is any competitor running a stock Camaro type snout, will get a weight break of 25 pounds.

In the Pro Stocks, the only other clarification was for the cars that compete with a non-crate engine. If they decide to compete with an open-competition style engine, there will only be a 50 pound penalty assessed.

In the Seekonk Sport Trucks, most of the talk was surrounded around the body configuration. “I want the bodies to resemble trucks from the front to the rear,” Alburn added. “I don’t want the slanted back panels. This is a Truck division, and I need for them to resemble the trucks on the road.” It was also stated the flywheels must remain solid, meaning no holes drilled into them. There must also be a 2” inspection hole in the bottom of the bell housing, to allow the Tech Inspector to get a look at the flywheel without removing the transmission.

One concern in the Street Stock division is the cost of the rear ends in the cars. There are several options out there, including the Ford 9” rear end. In 2010 there is the allowance of the full floater rear ends for the Street Stocks. There was also the clarification in the exhaust rules. There are 2 mufflers mandatory, and MUST have a 3” inlet port and outlet port.

The Pure Stocks did not get any changes to the cars, but did get some clarification on the procedures for handicapping and driver eligibility. The driver cannot win more than 3 championships in the Pure Stocks, as this is a beginner division. Drivers are required to retire from the class upon their third title, regardless of how long. In the handicapping of the features, the winner of the previous race will start last in the field. If you miss the previous week, you will start just ahead of the previous week’s winner.

The claimer rule in its current form will undergo a change. From being able to purchase the complete car, a driver finishing second may claim the engine from the winning car. The parameters and fee is to be determined at this time. Roll cage setup and design was discussed, as well as a compression and cam rule. Those are to be determined at this time.

The Seekonk Youth Racing Association was part of the meetings as well. This younger generation class was not without discussion for a few topics. It was stated that transponders will be mandatory for 2010. This is for a variety of reasons, including driver development and scoring. It was also brought up that the restrictor plates for the 600 class can be leased for the season. Instead of picking up a plate each week, a team will be assigned one at the opening practices, and will be responsible for that plate all season long. A fee will be assessed if the plate is damaged, and must be available for inspection at any time. This is not mandatory, but recommended, so teams will not have to remove them at the conclusion of each event. The competitors brought up the possibility of a gear rule for the 600 class, as well as driver eligibility in each of the SYRA classes.

This is just an overview on the rules meetings, and do not outline completely what was talked about. Before making changes to the cars in any of the divisions, the management requests that you contact your divisions’ tech official with any questions or clarifications.

The next event on the calendar is the 64th Annual Awards Dinner and Celebration. This gala will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2010. It will be held, as always, at the Venus De Milo on Route 6 in Swansea, MA. Tickets are $30 per person, and can be purchased through the speedway office. Join us as we close out the 2009 season in style.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Seekonk Speedway sets 2010 rules meeting dates and times.

With the 2009 racing season behind us, Seekonk Speedway has already set an eye to ’10. “We feel that we should get this done early in the off season, so everyone can start to prepare on next season,” Race Director Dave Alburn stated. “I’ve got a couple of things hopping around, and want to discuss them with the competitors, so we can have everyone on the same page as we get ready for our 65th season.”

The dates are as follows: Tuesday, October 27, SYRA 6pm, Street Stocks 7pm, Seekonk Sport Trucks 8pm. On Wednesday, October 28, Pure Stocks & Sport4 6pm, Late Models 7pm, Pro Stocks 8pm. The meetings will be held at the American Legion Hall at 351 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA. Located across from The Old Grist Mill Restaurant, it is the same location that has been hosting the meetings for the past several years.

Please be sure to come by for your divisions’ rules, and be sure to ask any questions that you may have. The results of these meetings will set the slate for the 2010 rulebook. For further information, please contact the office at (508) 336-9959. You can also keep up to date at seekonkspeedway.com.

Monday, October 05, 2009

DAV Schedule of events

FRIDAY Practice Day October 9th
Pits open at 9 AM - Pit Admission $20 (no open grandstand admission)
Practice all divisions 11 AM to 5 PM.
(Rotation Order-SYRA 600, Trucks/Mini stock, SYRA 750, Street Stock, Late Model, Pro 4 Modified, NEMA Lites, Pure Stock, Pro Stock)

SATURDAY October 10th
8:00 AM Pits Open - Front gate @ 10AM
8:45 AM Inspections
10:00 AM Practice starts (Rotation order-SYRA 600, Trucks/Mini stock, SYRA 750, TV Modified, Street Stock, NEMA, Late Model, Pro 4 Modified, NEMA Lites, Pure Stock, Pro Stock)

1:30 PM Qualifying starts
Qualifying Schedule
SYRA 600 8 laps
Pure Stock 8 laps
SYRA 750 8 laps
Trucks 10 laps
Pro 4 Modifieds 12 laps
NEMA Lites 10 laps
Street Stocks 10 laps
Late Models 12 laps
NEMA Midgets 10 laps
Pro Stocks 12 laps
TVMods 12 laps
Consolation races will follow in same order as needed

Feature Schedule
Pro 4 Modifieds 30 Lap
SYRA 600 Feature 25 laps
Pure Stock Feature 25 laps
SYRA 750 Feature 25 laps
Pro 4 Race for Cancer
NEMA Lites Feature 25 laps

SUNDAY 11th
9:00 AM Pits open – Front gate @ 10 AM. No engines may start before 12 noon.
10:00 AM Pit party
12:00 PM Practice for NEMA Midgets, Pro Stocks, TVMods ONLY
1:00 PM Features start
Feature Pitting- All divisions in parking lot must use area inside track pits along wall.
Please wait for speedway officials to call your division.
Feature Schedule
Sport Truck/Ministocks 30 laps ($250 to win)
Street Stocks 30 laps ($250 to win)
Late Models 50 laps ($700 to win)
NEMA Midgets 25 laps
Pro Stocks 100 laps ($3,000 to win)
TV Modifieds 100 laps
Schedule subject to change

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Saturday 8/15 Schedule

SEEKONK SPEEDWAY
EVENT SCHEDULE AUGUST 15th
PASS 150
Pit gates open @ 1:00 PM Grandstand gates open @ 4:00 PM
Practice 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM Drivers Meeting 5:40 PM
Tire drawings
Previous weeks feature winners on track
LM# 71 - SS# 39 - ST# 14
National Anthem
Program Starts 6:00 PM

QUALIFYING HEATS
STREET STOCKS
PASS SLM
SPORT TRUCKS
LATE MODELS

CONSOLATION RACES

FEATURE RACES
SPORT TRUCKS 25 LAPS
STREET STOCKS 25 LAPS
LATE MODELS 30 LAPS
PASS SLM 150

Phil’s Propane Late Model Bonus Money
1st $100 2nd $50 3rd $50

Seekonk Speedway/Goodyear tire drawing
Late Models

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

ATTENTION LATE MODEL TEAMS

Dave Alburn announced today that the 64th seasonal points championship chase for the Late Models will end on Saturday September 12.
On Saturday, September 19th, there will be an open competition Late Model race.
The distance will be 64 laps to honor the 64 years of racing at Seekonk Speedway.
The event will pay $1,064 to win. Payout and rules will follow later this week.

Friday, July 17, 2009

EVENT SCHEDULE Mid Season Championships July 18

SEEKONK SPEEDWAY
EVENT SCHEDULE JULY 18th
MID SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP
Drivers Meeting 5:40 PM Program Starts 6:00 PM
Previous weeks feature winners on track
Pro Stock Late Model Street Stock Truck Pure Stock
PS#30 LM#11 SS#3 ST#14 Pure #01
Purse
PS LM SS SST
1 1600 550 180 230
2 1100 350 130 180
3 850 250 90 125
4 650 200 80 100
5 550 150 70 80
6 400 125 60 70
7 350 110 50 50
8 325 100 40 40
9 300 90 35 35
10 275 80 30 30
11 250 65 25 25
12 225 55 25 25
13 210 50 25 25
14 180 50 25 25
15 170 50 25 25
16 160 50 25 25
17 155 50 25 25
18 150 50 25 25
19 150 50 25 25
20 150 50 25 25
21 150 50 25 25
22 150 50 25 25
23 150 50 25 25
24 150 50 25 25


QUALIFYING HEATS
STREET STOCKS 10 Laps
SPORT TRUCKS 10 Laps
PURE STOCKS 10 Laps
LATE MODELS 12 Laps
PRO STOCKS 12 Laps

CONSOLATION RACES
100 FT Drags

FEATURE RACES
PURE STOCKS 25 LAPS
SPORT TRUCKS 30 LAPS
LATE MODELS 35 LAPS
STREET STOCKS 30 LAPS
PRO STOCKS 45 LAP


Phil’s Propane bonus money
1st $100 2nd $50 3rd $50

Propane Plus tire drawing
Pro Stocks

Seekonk Speedway/Goodyear tire drawing
Late Models

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Schedule for June 27, 2009

SEEKONK SPEEDWAY
EVENT SCHEDULE JUNE 27th
Phil’s Propane Late Model Special
Pit gates open @ 2:00 PM Grandstand gates open @ 4:00 PM
Practice 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM Drivers Meeting 5:40 PM
Program Starts 6:00 PM
Previous weeks feature winners on track
SS#79 - ST#38

QUALIFYING HEATS
STREET STOCKS
LATE MODELS
SPORT TRUCKS

CONSOLATION RACES

FEATURE RACES
SPORT TRUCKS 25 LAPS
LATE MODELS 50 LAPS
PRO STOCKS 48 LAP (remainder of 75 lap qualifier)
STREET STOCKS 25 LAPS

Phil’s Propane Late Model Bonus money on top of purse shown
1st $100 - 2nd $50 – 3rd $50
Town Fair Tire Street Stock Bonus money
1st $100
Propane Plus Tire Drawing
Pro Stocks
Seekonk Speedway/Goodyear tire drawing
Late Models

Phil’s Propane Late Model Purse

1st$600 6th$200 11th$100 16th$65 21st$60
2nd$400 7th$175 12th$90 17th$60 22nd$60
3rd$300 8th$150 13th$80 18th$60 23rd$60
4th$250 9th$125 14th$75 19th$60 24th$60
5th$230 10th$110 15th$70 20th$60

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Friday, June 26, 2009

John Donahue

Our thoughts and prayers go out to John Donahue who suffered a stroke yesterday morning. John was a car owner in the Late Models, Pro Stocks and SYRA for many years. Her is a Caritas Brockton recovering.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

All New Seekonk Speedway Website

Check out the all new Seekonk Speedway website. Let us know what you think.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Schedule for Saturday, June 13

SEEKONK SPEEDWAY
EVENT SCHEDULE JUNE 13th
“Connecticut Laborers Union”
True Value Modifieds
Pit gates open @ 2:00 PM
Grandstand gates open @ 4:00 PM
Practice 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Drivers Meeting 5:40 PM
Tire draw
Program Starts 6:00 PM

Previous weeks feature winners on track
LM# 71 - SS#116 - ST#14

QUALIFYING HEATS
STREET STOCKS
TV MODIFIEDS
LATE MODELS
SPORT TRUCKS

CONSOLATION RACES

FEATURE RACES
SPORT TRUCKS 25 LAPS
STREET STOCKS 25 LAPS
LATE MODELS 30 LAPS
TV MODIFIEDS 100 LAP

Phil’s Propane bonus money for
Late Models
Town Fair Tire bonus money for
Street Stocks
Seekonk Speedway/Goodyear tire drawing
Late Models
Seekonk Speedway/Dave Lind tire drawing
Street Stocks

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Late Models set for 2nd annual Dusty Young Memorial 50 lapper.

The Late Models are gearing up for their first special of the season, and speedway management announced today that the 2nd Annual Dusty Young Memorial will have an increase in distance. Originally scheduled for the regular 30 laps, Race Director Dave Alburn announced that the event will go 50 laps. In addition to the extra distance, the event will pay the winner up to $1,100.

This annual Late Model event is in memory of Dusty Young, father of former Late Model standout Glenn “Fireball” Young, and could be seen around the speedway either hanging around the race car or the Team 99 bus that frequented speedways throughout New England. Dusty passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer in 2008. Dusty was not only a team owner, he had previously been an official at Norwood Arena.

Glenn is offering and extra $500 to win this event, increasing the winners share to $1,000. This event also falls under the Phil’s Propane contingency program, offering an additional $100 if the competitor is carrying the Phil’s Propane contingency decal, making the total winners share up to $1,100.

The defending race winner, Kyle Casper, has moved up into the Pro Stocks, but is expected to return and compete for the win. Ryan Vanasse is the current front runner in the Late Models with four straight wins, going back to 2008. Reigning champion Gerry DeGasparre is coming off a solid second place finish, and is poised for his first trip to Victory Lane. Kevin Casper, Jon Dickerman and others are also knocking on the door of victory. Outside competitors are welcome to come in and compete.

Also in action will be the ARC Pro Stocks, Seekonk Sport Trucks and Street Stocks. Pit gates open at 2:00pm, with the general admission gates opening at 4:00. Adult admission is just $12.00, with kids 12 and under FREE. Pit area admission is $30.00. Action starts at 6:00pm. Please contact the speedway office with any questions at (508) 336-9959.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Rain forces Seekonk Speedway to postpone their Army National Guard Thrill Show.

With a steady rain falling, and a forecast of thunderstorms, Seekonk Speedway was forced to postpone their Memorial Day Celebration presented by the Army National Guard. The show will run on Monday, May 25 with a new time. General admission gates will open one hour earlier at 1:20pm, with the show also starting one hour earlier at 4:00pm. For further updates, please check out seekonkspeedway.com.

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Schedule for Saturday May 9.

2:00 PM PIT BOOTH AND PIT AREA OPENS

3:30 – 5:30 PM Practice
5:40 PM Drivers meeting

START TIME 6:00 PM

****NATIONAL ANTHEM****

Qualifying races
Pure Stock 8 LAPS
Pro Stock Finish 2nd heat 12 LAPS

Street Stock Consolation race

Feature races
PURE STOCKS 25 LAPS
TRUCKS 25 LAPS
LATE MODEL 30 LAPS
STREET STOCK 25 LAPS
PRO STOCK 75 LAPS


Schedule subject to change

Sunday, May 03, 2009

Opening Day Redux

Due to weather delays, the opening day events have been cut short. Just shy of halfway in the second Pro Stock heat, the rains came and delayed the remainder of the event until this coming Saturday, May 9th, with the rest of the program to continue.

Tickets and wristbands will be honored from opening day. You will have to turn them in on Saturday upon arrival for redemption.

The remainder of the program is:
Pro Stock Heat II
Street Stock Consilation

Seekonk Sport Truck Feature
Pure Stock Feature
Late Model Feature
Street Stock Feature
Pro Stocks

The regular scheduled event for May 9 has been replaced with the remainder of the Opening Day program.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Opening day notes.

EVENT SCHEDULE SUNDAY MAY 3rd
9:00 AM PIT BOOTH AND PIT AREA OPENS

12:00 – 1:00 PM Practice
1:15 PM Pro Stock time trials
1:40 PM Drivers meeting

START TIME 2:00 PM

****NATIONAL ANTHEM****
2008 ARC Champions on track
(30 PS, 71 LM, 96 SS, 80 SST, 01 Pure Stock)

Qualifying races
Truck 10 LAPS
Street Stock 12 LAPS
Late Model 10 Laps
Pro Stock 12 LAPS

Consolation races
Intermission
Feature races
TRUCKS 20 LAPS
PURE STOCKS 25 LAPS
LATE MODEL 30 LAPS
STREET STOCK 25 LAPS
PRO STOCK 75 LAPS

Schedule subject to change

A reminder for the 2009 Contingency awards:
Pro Stocks:
Propane Plus Tire Contingency: All drivers must carry a Propane Plus decal on your car to be eligible. On Opening Day, all Pro Stock competitors will be eligible. Starting on the second week, and to follow each event, the field will be split in half, and the drivers that finish in the bottom half of the finish will be eligible for the tire contingency on the following week. The drawing will take place as part of the drivers meeting on the next race meet. The winner of the previous event will draw the winning car#, and the certificate will be presented during the drivers meeting. You may hold onto the certificate for a later date, or use it in the same meet. All tire inventory rules will be in effect. The previous year champion will pull the opening day number. He will also be an eligible driver on that day. This is a blind draw. Contingency decals will be available on Saturday practice and opening day.

Late Models:
Seekonk Speedway Tire Contingency. On Opening Day, all Late Model competitors will be eligible for the Late Model Tire Contingency. Starting on the second week, and to follow each event, the field will be split in half, and the drivers that finish in the bottom half of the finish will be eligible for the tire contingency on the following week. The drawing will take place as part of the drivers meeting on the next race meet. The winner of the previous event will draw the winning car#, and the certificate will be presented during the drivers meeting. You may hold onto the certificate for a later date, or use it in the same meet. All tire inventory rules will be in effect. The previous year champion will pull the opening day number. He will also be an eligible driver on that day. This is a blind draw.

Phil's Propane 10 race Bonus Contingency: This contingency is for 10 (ten) feature events in 2009. The winner of said events will receive an extra $100.00 bonus. Second and third place finishers will receive an extra $50.00 bonus. All drivers must display a Phil's Propane decal on their car to be eligible. If you do not carry the Phil's Propane decal, you will not be eligible for the bonus. The dates for this bonus are: May 3, May 16, May 30, June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25, August 8, August 22, September 5. These dates are subject to change due to weather. Contingency decals will be available on Saturday practice and opening day.
Phil's Propane logo will be displayed above the back left and right side tires. Decal and application to be paid by Phil’s Propane.

Street Stocks:
Town Fair Tire 10 race Bonus Contingency: This contingency is for the winner of 10 (ten) feature events in 2009. The winner of said events will receive an extra $100.00 bonus. All drivers must carry a Town Fair Tire decal on their car to be eligible. If you do not carry the Town Fair Tire decal, you will not be eligible for the bonus. The dates for this bonus are: May 3, May 16, May 30, June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25, August 8, August 22, September 5. These dates are subject to change due to weather. Contingency decals will be available on Saturday practice and opening day.

ALL Competitors:
New England Racing Fuel / Sunoco Race Fuels Contingency: New England Race Fuels/Sunoco have agreed to provide the winner of any Pro Stock and Late Model feature a $40.00 cash fuel refund, and to the winner of any Seekonk Sport Struck and Street Stock feature a $25.00 cash fuel refund. All drivers must display a Sunoco decal on your car to be eligible. If you do not carry the Sunoco decal, you will not be eligible. If an eligilble driver buys a barrel or drum of Sunoco Race Fuel within the 2009 season, they are immediatly qualified for a $45.00 refund for every win (with proof of purchase). Contingency decals will be available on Saturday practice and opening day.

Please remember to thank these companies that have joined our contingency program during your interviews throughout the season. Remember, support those who support the sport.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

A Couple of opening day notes.

While the complete opening day schedule is being completed, I wanted to get a couple of notes out for the competitors.

12:00 - 1:10 PM Practice for Seekonk divisions.
1:20 PM Pro Stock Time Trials (2 laps each-order determined by draw-best lap is lap of record)
1:40 PM Drivers meeting mandatory for ALL competitors.

START TIME 2:00 PM

NATIONAL ANTHEM
2008 ARC Champions requested on track
(#30 Pro Stock, #71 LM, #80 SST, #96 SS, #01 Pure Stock)
Drivers are to line up at entrance tunnel and follow the pace car out onto the track. line up at Start/Finish line as usual in this order: PS, LM, SST, SS, PS.

PRO STOCKS will draw for time trial starting positions. Fastest time trialer will have the pole in heat one, second fastest will earn the pole in heat two, etc. A random inversion of Pro Stock heat finishes will set the feature lineup (e. g. likely to be the top 6, 8, or 10 cars). Winner of heat 1 will draw the inversion number at the handicapper’s booth.

Recent Opening Day Pro Stock Time Trials (fastest laps):
2008-#30-Fred Astle Jr. 12.431 sec, 96.436 MPH
2007-#03-Kenny Spencer, 12.525 sec, 95.713 MPH
2006-#03-Kenny Spencer, 12.700 sec, 94.394 MPH
2005-#52-David Darling, 12.531 sec, 95.667 MPH

SIGN IN PROCEDURE:
Upon arriving at the track, please sign in with our handicappers, Marc Cunha and Chris Saunders, and notify them if you are a Rookie of the Year candidate in your division. All cars and trucks MUST sign in with the handicapper before being allowed to practice on Sunday.

LATE MODELS, TRUCKS, STREET STOCKS will draw for starting position in heat races. Top 6 finishers in three Street Stock heats and top 8 finishers in consi will make up the Street feature- car count permitting. A random inversion of the total top 4 or 6 finishers in heat races will likely be used to set the feature race lineup.

TRANSPONDERS: Please be sure that all transponders are turned on and operational before racing begins. If you have a question about your transponder, please speak to one of the handicappers or Race Director Dave Alburn.

SPONSOR INFORMATION: Tower personnel have been distributing press information sheets to teams at the open practice sessions. Please complete your form and turn in to Kevin Boucher ASAP to have your team’s sponsors announced. Additional forms will be available this weekend.

ROOKIES: Please be aware that MINIMUM SPEEDS will be set for all divisions. A rookie competitor who does not meet the minimum lap time in practice but draws a starting position inside the top two rows will be asked by the race director to start from the tail end of the field. This procedure, which has been in use for several seasons, was implemented to protect all of our competitors and their equipment. If you feel as though your vehicle is not up to par, please inform the handicapper and you will be assigned to the tail end of the field. Thank you for your sportsmanship.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Phil’s Propane joins the growing list of Seekonk Speedway contingency sponsors.

Seekonk Speedway announced that Phil’s Propane of Tiverton RI, the official propane distributor of Seekonk Speedway, has joined the 2009 Contingency Awards program for the Late Model division. For ten events, the winner of the Late Model main event will win and extra $100.00, while the second and third place finishers will receive an additional $50.00 each for those same events.

Phil Viveiros, owner of Phil’s Propane, has been a longtime supporter of the racing at Seekonk Speedway. For over a decade, Phil’s has been sponsoring many a competitor at the 1/3 mile oval. For the past 6 years, he has been the major partner with Kevin Casper, who has picked up several wins in the Late Models over the past 5 years, and continues to be a championship contender.

In addition to the ten events that have been added to the Late Model contingency, Phil’s will also present the annual Phil’s Propane 50 lap Late Model event on Saturday, June 27. Dates for the contingency are Sunday May 3, May 16, May 30, June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25, August 8, August 22 and September 5. These dates may change due to weather conflicts. To be eligible for the Phil’s Propane contingency, each driver must carry a Phil’s Propane decal on their car.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Seekonk Speedway opens for second round of practice of the spring.

With 2 weeks left of the off season, Seekonk Speedway will host their second of three open practice sessions on Saturday, April 18. Pit gates will open at 9am, with rookie practice at 11. Practice will continue until 5pm. All competitors from throughout the Northeast are welcome to get ready for their season opener. The grandstands will be open for the public at no charge.

Competitors from several touring divisions, including the American Canadian Tour, Pro All Stars Series, True Value Modified Racing Series and North East Midget Association, joined the Seekonk Speedway regular divisions in getting ready for an exciting 64th season under the ARC banner.

When the gates swing open on Sunday, May 3rd, fans and competitors will be greeted by all new seating that surrounds the 1/3 mile facility. For the first time ever, fans seated on the backstretch will have aluminum bench style seating, instead of the concrete that fans have been resting on since the beginning. Seekonk Speedway is the only racetrack in New England that offers stadium style seating, allowing the fans to sit anywhere around the track that they wish. The seating was unveiled on the speedways first practice on Saturday, April 4th.

It was announced this week that Francis Farm of Rehoboth MA has taken over the concession stands for 2009. Ken Foley and his crew took over one of the concessions in 2008 and brought a true New England flavor the action Track of the East with their legendary homemade Clam Cakes and Chowder. This quickly became a track favorite in turn one. Francis Farm will continue their support of the local racing with the annual Francis Farm Mid Season Championship to be held on Saturday, July 18, when all ARC divisions will compete for extra cash in extra distance events. Francis Farm is located in Rehoboth MA, and has been providing the community with clambakes and more for over 100 years.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Update on John McKenna from the Backstretch

John McKenna, the Whelen Modified Tour crew chief who was seriously injured during the season opening Icebreaker 150 on April 7 at Thompson International Speedway, remains in the intensive care unit at UMass Medical Center in Worcester and has been in a medically induced coma since last Wednesday.

See complete story here:
http://blogs.courant.com/autoracing/2009/04/injured-whelen-modified-tour-c.html

Taken from The Backstretch. Shawn Courchesne Author

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Opening Day Addition

Dave Alburn has confirmed today that the Pure Stocks have been added to the opening day schdule. They will join the ARC Pro Stocks, Late Models, Street Stocks and Seekonk Sport Trucks. Opening day is scheduled for Sunday, May 3 with the first green flag at 2pm.

Practice continues on Saturday, April 18, and Saturday May 2.

Friday, April 03, 2009

Grandstands now open.

Upon further review, speedway management has decided to open the grandstands for Saturday's practice. Be sure to check out the new and im............ Oooops. I almost let it out...

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Open Practice Saturday 4/4

FIRST OPEN PRACTICE FOR 2008:

Saturday, April 4 (Rain date is April 11)
Pit gate and pit booth open at 9 AM
Mandatory Rookie Meeting at 11 AM to be followed by rookie practice.
Practice for all divisions will follow.
All touring classes and outside teams are welcome.
Practice will run until approximately 5 PM. Safety inspections will be ongoing throughout the day.
MAIN GRANDSTANDS WILL BE CLOSED
CONCESSIONS WILL NOT BE OPEN.

Additional practices will be held on Saturday April 18 and May 2.

OPENING DAY IS ALMOST HERE!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

2009 Contingency Partners

Town Fair Tire and Propane Plus partner with Seekonk Speedway for 2009 Contingency Program.

Town Fair Tire and Propane Plus have signed up with Seekonk Speedway to support the action in 2009. Town Fair Tire, with over 75 locations throughout New England, agreed to a 10 race program with the Street Stocks that will give the winner an extra $100.00, while Propane Plus Heating & Cooling, located in Rehoboth MA., will give a tire away each week to a Pro Stock competitor.

“We are excited to have Town Fair Tire join us for 2009” Race Director Dave Alburn stated. “Over the past decade, Town Fair has become a leader in tire sales in the New England region. Their dedication and determination to be the best, along with their competitive pricing fits right in with the strategy of our Street Stock competitors. They put all their efforts into their racecars to be the best, and continue to be one of the most competitive divisions anywhere.”

To be eligible for the additional prize money, competitors will have to display the Town Fair Tire decal that will be provided. Starting with opening day, May 3, additional dates are 5/16, 5/30, 6/13, 6/27, 7/11, 7/25, 8/8, 8/22, and 9/5. Town Fair Tire will present additional $1,000 prize money to the Street Stock purse for the ’09 season.

The fans also win with this partnership, as a $2.00 discount is available through your local Town Fair Tire, and will be honored at any of the regular Saturday ARC $12.00 admission events in 2009. Stop by your local Town Fair Tire and find out why Nobody Does It Like Town Fair Tire.

Propane Plus Heating & Cooling has jumped on board with the 2009 Pro Stock season, and will provide one tire a week to one competitor. Determining who gets the tire however, will be luck of the draw. According to Dave Alburn, it will be a blind draw for a competitor who finishes outside of the top ten that will get the free American Racer tire. Competitors must display the Propane Plus decal that will be provided.

“We wanted to help all of our competitors,” Dave Alburn mentioned, “and this can give a competitor that has an off night something to look forward to.” The winning car number will be pulled by the race winner prior to the next week’s competition. “We have been doing this with the Late Models for the past couple of seasons with their tire contingency, and it has worked well. While we continue to have one of the highest payouts in New England for our Pro Stocks, we are always looking for new ways to give more to our competitors.”

Propane Plus is a family-owned local business that has earned a reputation for outstanding service. Serving residential and commercial accounts in All of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, Propane Plus has put "old fashioned" values in to practice.

The Late Model class tire contingency will continue for their third season, giving one competitor that finishes outside the top ten a free Good Year Eagle. This is provided by Seekonk Speedway. Additional contingencies will continue to be sought for the competitors

Friday, March 27, 2009

Inside Track

The management at Seekonk Speedway announced this week that Inside Track Collectibles of Warwick, RI will be the souvenier vendor for Seekonk Speedway for 2009. Inside Track, owned and operated by 1975 Street Stock Champion Frank Carpenter for 15 years, is located on West Shore Road in Warwick. Frank has also been a part of Waterford Speedbowl and the True Value Modified Racing Series, which he has traveled with. Frank has also set his trailer at many NASCAR Cup events over the past decade, including New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Daytona International Speedway.

Frank is helping design a new logo for the speedway, and will encorporate them on the all new Seekonk Speedway t-shirts, hats, decals and more, which he will have available in the next several weeks. He will also carry a full line of NASCAR collectibles, from diecast, shirts, hats, decals and more.


Welcome Back Frank.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Upcoming Dates

With the first practice just 2 weeks away, just a couple of reminders on some upcoming dates.

There will be three practice days in the upcoming weeks. April 4th, April 18th and May 2nd. In the event of rain for the first two dates, the rain date will be the following Saturday. There is no rain date for the May 2nd date. Practive hours are from 11am to 5pm. All divisions are welcome.

Sunday May 3rd: Opening Day. There will be limited practice. Green flag drops at 2pm. The Pro Stocks will be competing in a 75 lap main event, with the winner getting a guaranteed starting spot in the PASS 150 on August 15th. The Late Models, Street Stocks and Seekonk Sport Trucks will run regular features.

May 30: 2nd Annual Dusty Young Memorial for Late Models

June 6: Kraze's Speed 30/30 Street Stock Special

June 13: TV Mods Connecticut Laborers Union 100

June 27: Phil's Propane 50 Lap Late Model Event

Monday, March 02, 2009

Registrations

REGISTRATION NOTE:
Due to March 1st falling on a weekend and we did not go to Speedway Expo, Registration Deadline has been extended till March 3rd.
ALL unregistered Numbers become Available March 4th

Monday, February 23, 2009

Calling hours and funeral information for Aaron Boudreau

Seekonk Speedway Staff & Management regrets the passing of Aaron Matthew Boudreau
son of Renee & Cory Boudreau (Tech Inspector).

The arrangements have been set as follows:
Viewing: Wednesday Feb 25 3pm - 8pm
Iannotti Funeral Home
415 Washington St, Coventry RI 02816
401-821-1100
Funeral: Thursday Feb 26th 11:00 AM
Church of the Apostles
170 Fairview Ave, Coventry RI 02816
401-821-7609
A Memorial Fund has been set up in Aaron's name.
Donations may be made at any Citizens bank
payable to : The Aaron Boudreau Fund

Friday, February 06, 2009

Seekonk Speedway Joins Forces with PASS

It all started on a sunny Sunday afternoon, when Tom Mayberry held the first ever Pro All Stars Series event at a southern New Hampshire oval. 33 cars took the green flag that saw Dale Shaw win the first ever event. A 150 lap contest that saw some of the best Pro Stock drivers throughout the Northeast region of the United States compete against each other. In the almost 8 years since, there have been over 25 more names added to the winners list, with over 250 more that have attempted to bring home one of the toughest touring division trophies available.

Seekonk Speedway founder D. Anthony Venditti started a low cost Late Model division in 1978 called the All Pro’s. Since then, Seekonk Speedway has been the birthplace and the home of the Pro Stocks. They evolved into the Pro Stock division that continues to headline the racing action at the Bay State 1/3 mile oval. In the over 30 years of Pro Stock racing, there have been over 50 names that have visited Victory Lane at Seekonk Speedway.

On Saturday Night, August 15, 2009, the two will meet for the first time in a 150 lap contest. “This is something that we’ve wanted to try for a long time” Dave Alburn, Seekonk Speedways Race Director stated. “The timing is right for both parties to get together.” This will be the longest Pro Stock race in history at Seekonk. “We normally run 75 or 100 laps for our open competition events, so it will be interesting to see how many of our competitors will be up to the challenge.” With another week off for the Pro’s the following Saturday due to the True Value Mods coming to town, they will have time to change their cars back to Seekonk specs.

The starting field will consist of 26 cars taking the green for the century and a half grind. “We will have two 75 lap main events before PASS comes to town, and the winner of those will be guaranteed starters in the 150,” Alburn stated. “This will give our competitors a chance to run with them.”

The winner of this historic event will also be a guaranteed starter in the 18TH Annual DAV Fall Classic. “We wanted to welcome PASS with a chance to compete in out biggest weekend of the year,” Alburn continued. “We have seen some great competition from Johnny Clark, Travis Benjamin, Larry Gelinas, Dale Shaw, Mike Rowe and many other PASS competitors that have tried to win here.” The only outsiders to win the DAV Fall Classic have been Jeff Stevens in 1997 and Russ Hersey in 2006.

The August 15th event will be the first time a touring Pro Stock/Super Late Model class has visited the Cement Palace since Jeff Stevens won in 1997. “We have enjoyed the tours in the past, but wanted to focus on our own program, building one of the most competitive classes in New England,” Dave stated. “We have talked to Tom and his staff several times in the past, but it wasn’t the right time for us, or them. We feel the timing couldn’t have been better for either of us. Like peanut butter and chocolate, Seekonk and PASS will go together well.”

For updates on this historic event, keep an eye on Seekonk Speedways website at seekonkspeedway.com. You can also visit PASS website at racewithpass.com.

Sunday, February 01, 2009

2009 Registrations

Starting Monday, February 2, registrations will be accepted for the 2009 season for all divisions. Any number not renewed by March 1 will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Seekonk Speedway announces new Sport Four Entry Level Division.

Seekonk Speedway announces new Sport Four Entry Level Division.

Looking toward the future, Seekonk Speedway Race Director Dave Alburn announced the introduction of a new entry level class of racing at Seekonk Speedway. The Sport Four division will be a true entry level class of racing, added to the Fast Friday schedule in 2009.

“We are always looking for new and inexpensive ways for the fans to get involved in racing here at Seekonk Speedway”, Dave stated. “We have had things in the past that had gotten way beyond what we were trying to accomplish”. What Dave was talking about was the previous Formula Four division which was scuttled after the 2003 racing season. While they share the same basic format, the cars that competed previously in the Formula Four class will not be eligible. “We want a class of cars that people can race, not race cars.” The rules package that has been put together clearly outlines the basics of entry level racing.

Eligibility to compete in this new venture will be open to anyone with no prior, or at the very least, a driver with very limited, experience in racing. “We are trying to get the fan that wants to try out and compete without having to go up against someone who has done this for a long time.”, Dave continued. “We are looking at high school kids, young adults, looking to get experience behind the wheel. That’s why we have put the minimum age at 15.” Indeed, some of the local technical vocational schools with an automotive program will be well suited for this. With the rules for the car itself being limited to just about completely stock, the cost to start is minimal.

The number one rule for the Sport Four’s is that the car must remain stock. It is open to 4 cylinder compact sedans and wagons manufactured from 1980 to 2004. Both front and rear wheel drive vehicles will be racing against each other. Unfortunately, Camaros, Firebirds, Thunderbirds, Vans, SUVs, trucks, rear and mid engine cars, sports cars, all wheel drive, convertibles, rotary engine and turbo/supercharged cars are not eligible for competition. “While we want the cars to be stock, we understand going with certain cars can drive up the cost of getting involved”, Dave stated. “We have put a claimer rule into effect for this class, as we have for the Pure Stock class. If there is a car that seems to be dominating this class, after three wins, the speedway has the right to purchase the car from the competitor for $800.00. As long as the car is prepared within the guidelines of the rules, no one should be worried about that, though.”

While this is a beginners division, safety is still at the forefront of the management. Drivers must have a fire retardant racing drivers’ suit, gloves and shoes. A helmet that meets Snell 95 rated or better is mandatory. A 5 point racing harness must be used, and an aluminum racing seat is highly recommended for safety. A driver’s safety net is also mandatory.

For the car itself, rollover bars are mandatory, fuel tanks MUST be replaced with an approved fuel cell. Safety shut offs for the fuel system must also be used. Cars will use all stock components, however. Engines, transmissions, differentials, suspension, fuel system, ignition system, wheels and tires must all remain stock. Both automatic and manual transmissions are approved for racing.

“We want this division to be fun and affordable for all competitors” Alburn stated. “We understand there are not a lot of men and women that can afford 2-4 thousand dollars to get involved. This is a great way to get started in this.”

For more information on the Sport Fours, and the complete rules package, please check out the website at Seekonkspeedway.com. click on the Rules link and go into the Fast Friday group for the complete rules. Rules for all other Seekonk Speedway divisions can also be obtained through the website. You can also contact the track office at (508) 336-9959.

Registrations for the Sport Fours and all of the ARC classes will be accepted for the 2009 racing season starting February 1. Remember, all numbers not renewed by March 1 become open for anyone to obtain.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Welcome Back Kraze!

Seekonk Speedway would like to welcome Kraze's Speed Equipment as the Official Parts Distributor for Seekonk Speedway. Gary Sagar, Matt and Tori will be on hand weekly to supply teams with parts and supplies for their race teams.

The name Kraze Korlacki has been a mainstay in the pit area at Seekonk Speedway for decades. Gary becomes the third Kraze, and has brought the business home to Seekonk Speedway.

Kraze's Speed Equipment is located at 70 Case Ave in Seekonk, off of Central Avenue. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 1pm-6pm, and Saturdays 8am-12pm. You can reach Kraze's at (508) 336-0606 or toll free at (800) 252-6830. You can also check out their website at krazesspeedequipment.com

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Limited seats available for banquet

Just a reminder, tickets are still available for the 2008 Seekonk Speedway Awards Banquet. THe season ending celebration willbe held on Saturday, January 17 at the Venus De Milo in Swansea MA. Join us as we crown our 63rd season Champions. Tickets are just $30.00 for the family style meal, with dancing following the awards presentation. Tickets can be purchased through the Seekonk Speedway office. Call 508-336-9959 today to reserve your tickets.

Sunday, January 04, 2009

2009 Rules Posted

The rules for the 2009 racing season are now available, and have been posted to the Seekonk Speedway website. This includes the rules for the Super Saturday and Fast Friday series. It also introduces the rules for the All New Sport Four division, which will be part of the Fast Friday series.