The final 22 laps of the rain-shortened KDD NAPA of Bradford night at Bear Ridge were completed for the DIRTcar Bond Auto Sportsman Modifieds in quick fashion, as the drivers settled in to their weekly rhythm. When the rains fell the previous week, Jason Gray Thetford was on the point, and he was able to keep his mojo going when the green waved for the completion. Gray held off the hard-fought challenges of Adam Pierson of E. Corinth and Josh Sunn of White River Jct., to take home the first checkers of the 47th season for the mighty mods.
Up next was the makeup event for the Weglarz Property Service Fast Fours/KDD NAPA of Bradford Ridge Runner Hornets. The 2014 season will see these two divisions running together which has already – in just the first two events – enhanced the show for the fans and made for some better competition for the drivers. The first win of this combined division was claimed by Mike Ryan returning to competition in the Ridge Runner Hornets. Following him to victory lane were Charlie Lakin and Brett Warren. The first Fast Four across the line was the 87 of Don Reynolds coming home in fifth.
With the conclusion of the opening night events, the Continental Machine Granite State Mini Sprints were the first on the track for competition for the R&M Automotive-sponsored night.
The 600cc feature top three were Toby Tatro, Jacob Williams, and Doug Boisvert.
The 500 cc feature saw a good field of cars on hand and after the dust settled, the top three to victory lane were Joe Kemp, Josh Smith, and Brent Warren.
When the DIRTcar Bond Auto Sportsman Modifieds hit the track for their second feature of the night, 26 machines were set to do battle. The field was led to the green by Danny Eastman and Robert Tucker an early caution found Tucker in the rear and Eastman in the pits. When racing resumed Gary Siemons worked his way to the front, taking over the lead and looking poised to head to his first win of the season. Handling found Siemons slipping back with Tim Hodge of Vershire taking over the point. A couple more cautions would wave, bunching the field back up and giving hot shoes Chris Donnelly Piermont and Adam Pierson the opportunity to make their way to the front of the pack. When the checkers waved, it was Hodge for the win with Donnelly coming home in second and Pierson taking home third. Rounding out the top five were Derek Barker and Derek Graham.
In the DIRTcar Wells River Chevrolet Pro Stock Sportsman Coupes, Josh Harrington of Topsham, who had a rough start opening night, quickly shook the monkey off his back, taking advantage of his up front starting position. Harrington survived a few restarts and was able to hold on for the win. Louie Cadwell of Vershire came home in second with Melvin Pierson of E. Corinth coming home in third.
Brandon Gray of Thetford was back in town this week and was able to come from the back of the field to claim the win in the Laquerre’s Sports Limited Late Models. Last year’s track champion, Jason Giguere of Lebanon, N.H., finished once again the bridesmaid with last week’s feature winner James Fadden coming home in third.
The Weglarz Property Service Fast Fours/KDD NAPA Ridge Runner Hornet action concluded the night’s activities with Mike Ryan coming home the winner once again. Again, the top three to victory lane would be Ridge Runner Hornets with Joe Kemp coming home in second and Charlie Lakin taking the third place spot. Rob Gioia was the first Fast Four across the line in fifth.
Bear Ridge Speedway is located on Kidder Road in Bradford, VT, just off Exit 16 on Interstate 91. For more information, call (802) 222-4052 or visit www.bearridgespeedway.com.
