The “Super Saturday” competition returned to Beech Ridge Motor Speedway on Saturday with a full NASCAR Nite and Thunder program, which included the Granite State Pro Stock Series.
17 drivers showed up to compete in the Wildcats division on Saturday. All but one started the show, as Cole Watson battled mechanical problems during practice that forced the driver to sit out for the entirety of the night’s events.
Ed Connolly took off with the early lead in the first qualifying heat as Rob Herrick and Dan McKeage, Jr. battled it out for the runner-up spot behind him. McKeage, Jr. pulled ahead with the advantage on lap 3, then setting his sights on Connolly at the top of the leaderboard.
Jacob Vaughn, another young gun in the series, made his way to Rob Herrick’s door in the closing laps, challenging Herrick for third on lap 8 with Lewis Anderson on his heels. Vaughn pulled ahead with the advantage with just one lap to go. Ed Connolly held off Dan McKeage, Jr., scoring the heat victory as Jacob Vaughn rounded out the top 3.
Jason Gammon powered into the early lead in the second and final Wildcats heat. While battling for position, Dave Cameron and Chaz Briggs tangled in turn 3 on the initial lap. Both drivers nearly went around yet managed to save it. Ultimately, Dave Cameron still wound up taking his #28 machine into the pits.
Adam Lovejoy, returning to competition in the #79 machine, made his way to Jason Gammon’s inside door, challenging for the lead on lap 6. Lovejoy took over the spot and never looked back, capturing the heat victory. Jason Gammon and Wade Kennedy rounded out the top 3.
Once the field was set, the drivers took to the track for their 30-lap feature. Ed Connolly and Adam Lovejoy squared up for the early lead, but Connolly maintained the early advantage. Teammates, Wade Kennedy and Dan McKeage, Jr., went door to door on lap 3, igniting an early battle for fourth.
Adam Lovejoy made his way back to Ed Connolly’s inside door on lap 8, challenging for the lead before taking over the spot the following lap. Wade Kennedy was still digging, claiming sole possession of fourth on lap 10. Dan McKeage, Jr. was back at his door just two laps later as Joe Morse and Jacob Vaughn battled it out for position behind them.
After duking it out for the better half of the race, Kennedy pulled away from McKeage, Jr. once again on lap 22. Adam Lovejoy was off and away at this point, extending his lead to a full straightaway over his competitors.
While battling for position, Dave Cameron and Lewis Anderson tangled on lap 26 in turn 4, collecting Chaz Briggs in the aftermath. The incident resulted in a late-race caution.
Adam Lovejoy pulled away once again on the restart. Wade Kennedy began smoking heavily in the closing laps due to a declining transmission. Kennedy persevered and stayed on the track, going head to head with Ed Connolly in the closing laps for the runner-up spot.
Adam Lovejoy sailed into the victory, capturing his first checkered flag of the 2021 season. Wade Kennedy beat Ed Connolly to the line, securing the runner-up spot as Dan McKeage, Jr. and Jason Gammon rounded out the top five.
Following the finish, Lovejoy noted that “It’s good to be back home”, thanking his family and friends that have supported him along the way.
The Lovejoy family represented their legacy very well on Saturday, with cousins Adam and Tom picking up wins in their respected divisions.
Which racing family will be the next to pick up two trophies in one night at Beech Ridge? Only time will tell.
Catch the next week of Super Saturday racing action at Beech Ridge, next Saturday, June 19th. The racing action kicks off at 4:00 pm.
Continue chasing the checkered and support your local short tracks. I hope to see you soon!
Cover photo credit goes to Jamie Williams at Finish Line Photography!
