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9/30/2009
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RICKY'S RACE
KICKS OFF TITLE RUN
FOR TRUE VALUE MODIFIEDS |
The True Value Modified Racing Series kicks off it’s version of “the
playoffs” when New England’s’ popular racing series rolls into Twin State
Speedway, Claremont, NH., Sunday October 4, for the running of the 2nd
annual “Ricky’s Race For Kid’s,” presented by Granite State Harley Davidson,
Lebanon, NH. The special race, in honor of former New England standout Ricky
Miller, will go the distance of 112 laps, in honor of Miller’s last car
number. (#12) Miller passed away in 2004.
The event will benefit David’s House, Lebanon, NH., a
home-away-from-home that offers support for families with children receiving
treatment through Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center,
and feature a large amount of racing. automotive, and sports related
raffles.
In addition, two former Twin State Speedway greats, Donnie Ayer and
Kirby Monteith, will be remembered, and the race will serve as a qualifying
event for a guaranteed starting position in the 7th Annual John Blewett III
Memorial North-South Shootout TM. in Concord, NC, on November 7, 2009.
Three drivers are vying for their first ever championship with the
series. Sunday’s race is the first of three events to decide the title.
Races at Seekonk, MA., and Lee, NH., will follow. The three way points chase
is shaping up to be the best finish since 2006 when Ascutney, VT., veteran
Dwight Jarvis, and Jimmy Kuhn Jr, W. Bridgewater, MA., battled to the last
checkered flag at Lee.
Jon McKennedy, Chelmsford, MA., takes a slim 17 point lead into
Sunday’s race over Rob Goodenough, W. Swanzey, NH., and a 26 point margin
over Huntingdon Valley, PA driver Rowan Pennink. Steven Masse, Bellingham,
MA., and defending series champion, Chris Pasteryak, Lisbon, CT., are fourth
and fifth.
McKennedy, a four time TVMRS winner this season including a victory
at Twin State in June, saw his point lead dwindle prior to the series
schedule break in August. “The biggest thing for us is to finish races,”
said McKennedy. He added, “We have been fast but DNF’s have put us back.
We’ve led the points most of the way. The pressure is on to win but we need
to finish races, it’s as simple as that.” McKennedy has won at all three
tracks remaining on the schedule.
Goodenough enters Twin State with a lot of optimism. He was not
sure he would run three races in 2009 let alone be a contender for the
title. “I’m a little surprised because I didn’t think we had the equipment
to do it. We run old stuff against new stuff. We got the win to start the
season (Monadnock) and then we had consistent finishes. Plus I had some real
good help,” said the 20 year veteran.
Goodenough added, “I’m excited to be going to Twin State and Lee
but we can’t quite get the handle on Seekonk. That track is tough to
conquer. Hopefully we’ll come out of there in good shape heading to Lee.”
The driver that has his work cut out is Pennink, the young hot shoe
that splits his time between the TVMRS and the NASCAR Whelen Series. Pennink
will turn the Gary Casella owned # 25 over to fellow Pennsylvania driver,
2009 ROC champion, Matt Hirschman, while Pennink competes at Stafford, CT.
Hirschman won last years race.
“I really wish I could run both shows,” said Pennink while watching
a Philadelphia Phillies baseball game this week. “If there was some way we
could do it, we would, but it’s just too far.”
Former series champions, Jarvis, and three-time champion Kirk
Alexander, are expected entries in Sunday’s race. In addition, a strong
contingent of drivers from throughout the northeast are expected. Many that
campaigned weekly at the Monadnock Speedway this season have shown interest
in “Ricky’s Race.”
Qualifying races are slated for 2 PM on Sunday. In the event of
inclement weather, the race will be rescheduled to Saturday, October 31.
Twin State Speedway is located on Thrasher Rd, Claremont, NH.
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Source: John H. Spence
/ True Value Modified Racing Series
Posted: September
30, 2009 |
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