This past Saturday, Wiscasset Speedway kicked off the 2022 race season with their Group 1 season opener, featuring the Super Streets, 4-Cylinder Pros, Thunder 4 Minis and the Pro Stocks.
The Brackett’s Market 4-Cylinder Pro division in particular was one of the Group 1 divisions that experienced some change during the off season. Nicole Benincasa, a seasoned competitor in the division, made the decision to move into a Super Street at the conclusion of last season. The division is also welcoming a newcomer in 2022, with 12-year-old Jacobee Thacker joining the field. Thacker is a multi-time winner and 2-time champion at Richmond Karting Speedway, now known as LST Motorsports Park.
The 8-car field also included some returning drivers, like Andy Kaherl, Ben Burgess and Josh Hall.
The 4-Cylinder Pro competition kicked off with a single ten lap qualifying heat. Callahan Cox pulled away with the early lead, but Josh Hall was quick to steal it away. Hall got into a bad wreck at the conclusion of the 2021 race season that nearly totaled his race car, but James Osmond at Coastal Race Fabrication was miraculously able to bring the machine back to life during the off season.
Ben Burgess and Daniel Harding were able to overthrow Callahan Cox for second and third on lap 5 as Andy Kaherl followed in succession.
Josh Hall held strong throughout the remainder of the qualifying race, picking up the heat victory. Ben Burgess and Daniel Harding rounded out the top 3.
Josh Hall once again took off with the early lead in the 25-lap feature race. The field remained calm until the mid-point of the race, where Daniel Harding posed a threat to Ben Burgess, challenging for the runner-up spot.
Burgess was able to hold Harding off, but Josh Hall was untouchable, leading the charge at the front of the pack. Hall sailed into the victory, picking up his first career podium finish in the form of a win on Opening Day. Ben Burgess, Daniel Harding, Andy Kaherl and Callahan Cox rounded out the top five.
An emotional Josh Hall climbed out of his car, greeting his father in Victory Lane. This made for a picture-perfect ending to a dominant day for Josh Hall and the #117 crew.
The 4-Cylinder Pro division features some of the youngest competitors at the speedway, but don’t let their age fool you! These competitors can and will be your future stars at Wiscasset Speedway, so you better watch out!
You can catch the next 4-Cylinder Pro race on Saturday, May 7th.
Don’t forget about the Group 2 season opener next Saturday, April 30th. Green flag flies at 2:00 pm and the racing action will include the Late Models, Modifieds, Strictly Streets, Outlaw Minis and the Roadrunner division. Grandstands open at 1:00 pm and admission is still just $5 for adults and free for kids aged 6 and under!
Please get out there and support your local short tracks!
See you next time!
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