The weekly Modifieds took to the track first, with Scott Trask powering to the early lead over Tyler Robbins and Nick Reno in the 30-lap feature. An early race caution made way for Nick Reno, who swiftly took over on the restart and pulled away with a sizable lead. There was a 3-way battle for second on lap 8 that lasted a handful of laps. Adam Chadbourne broke free from the competition on lap 14 and began tracking down Nick Reno. Chadbourne caught up to him just two laps later, overtaking the top spot. He took off from there, picking up his 71st career victory at the speedway. Nick Reno and Ryan Ripley rounded out the top 3.

Following out-of-car introductions, 17 drivers took to the track for the highly coveted 350 SMAC Tour race, the 50-lap Bentley Warren Classic. The race started with melee as Mike Spurling and Scott Watts, Jr. tangled in turn 1. Both cars ended up wedged in the pit access lane, resulting in a lengthy caution. P.J. Stergios pulled ahead on the restart, distancing himself from the competition. 

Last year’s race winner, Bobby Timmons, began tracking down Dave Helliwell for third in the closing laps, but his night came to a sudden end on lap 40 as the right front tire of his #13 machine flattened, sending him hard into the turn 3 wall. This led to a red flag, but Timmons thankfully walked away unscathed. After trailing P.J. Stergios the entire race, Brad Babb got the upper hand on the restart and sailed into the sunset, picking up the victory. He became emotional in Victory Lane following the race as he relished in the moment with family and friends. This marked his first win following the loss of his grandfather. P.J. Stergios and Dave Helliwell joined Babb in Victory Lane, rounding out the top 3.

Jon Emerson took off with the early lead in the 40-lap Late Model feature. Will Collins was also powering through the field quickly, overtaking Alex Waltz for third on lap 9. Collins successfully tracked down the leaders by lap 18, clearing Brett Osmond for the runner-up spot. He then swiftly moved onto Emerson, taking over the lead just two laps later. Tiger Colby also entered the picture in the closing laps of the race, climbing to third on lap 32 after starting from the rear. Colby claimed second from Jon Emerson with 4 laps to go but Will Collins was too far gone with a 4+ second lead. Collins sailed into the victory, followed by Tiger Colby and Jon Emerson.

Jason Kimball pulled away with a sizable early lead over Zach Audet in the 25-lap Outlaw Mini feature. Audet reeled him in, taking over the top spot on lap 8. His teammate, Kyle Willette, was all over Jason Kimball in the closing laps of the feature. Willette remained persistent, taking over the spot with 8 laps to go. Zach Audet maintained his advantage, taking home his third win of the season in the division. Kyle Willette and Jason Kimball rounded out the top 3.

The night concluded with a 25-lap feature from the Strictly Streets. Jeremy Glazier took off from the get-go, pulling away from the competition. Dan McKeage, Jr. was also on the move early, clearing Chuck Wagstaff for third. Scott Wiggin took a spin on lap 19, resulting in a late-race caution. Glazier maintained his advantage on the restart, but trouble was brewing behind the leaders once again. Chaos erupted in turn 1 with 3 laps to go, resulting in a pile-up that collected numerous heavy hitters including Kurt Hewins, Wade Kennedy and Chuck Wagstaff, among others. Glazier maintained steadfast on the restart, picking up the victory. Shawn Emery and Dan McKeage, Jr. followed, rounding out the podium.

Saturday night was full of exciting racing action, but there is still more fun to come! Group 1 divisions return on Saturday, July 29th for a night full of celebration for both the track’s birthday and the newly inducted Wiscasset Speedway Hall of Fame class. The night will also conclude with celebratory fireworks, of course! Grandstands open at 4:00 pm and the green flag flies at 5:00 pm!

The post Brad Babb Captures Emotional Win at Wiscasset Speedway appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.

With the future of the track currently in limbo, dozens of competitors flooded the pit area to take part in the sendoff event. 20 drivers showed up to compete in the Wildcats division. Following track tradition, they kicked off the NASCAR Nite program.

The competition kicked off with 2 qualifying heat races. Rob Herrick took off with the early lead in the first heat. Trouble was brewing behind the leaders as Mark Grantham and Ryan Robbins collided in turn 2 early, resulting in a caution.

Rob Herrick powered away with the advantage on the restart. Skip Stanley made way to his inside door on lap 4, challenging for the top spot. While the leaders battled it out for position, Kaleb Bean advanced to third over Scott Eck.

After battling it out for a handful of laps, Skip Stanley finally pulled away with sole possession of the lead on the final lap of the feature. Stanley ultimately scored the heat victory while Rob Herrick and Kaleb Bean rounded out the top 3.

Billy Childs, Jr. held the early advantage over Lewis Anderson in the second and final qualifying heat. Dan McKeage, Sr., paying homage to his father in the #38c machine, powered to third over Wade Kennedy on lap 2.

Chaz Briggs made his way to Wade Kennedy’s inside door on lap 3, challenging for fourth. Briggs took over the following lap, quickly moving on to Dan McKeage, Sr. for third. The two drivers went door to door until lap 9, where Briggs pulled ahead with the advantage.

Billy Childs, Jr. was long gone at the front of the pack, picking up the heat victory. Lewis Anderson and Chaz Briggs rounded out the top 3.

Sunday was special, as drivers in every single division participated in out of car introductions, which had become defunct at the track in recent years.

Billy Childs, Jr. continued to show strength in the 50 lap feature race, pulling to the early lead over Skip Stanley. Chaz Briggs was on the move early, challenging his friend and mentor, Lewis Anderson, for position on lap 3.

Skip Stanley had reeled in Billy Childs, Jr. by lap 12, as he was all over his back bumper for the top spot.

After duking it out for a handful of laps, Lewis Anderson managed to pull away from Chaz Briggs on lap 17. This left Briggs and McKeage, Sr. battling it out for position. The two drivers put on a clean battle until McKeage, Sr. pulled ahead with the advantage on lap 23.

After a solid showing all day, Chaz Briggs fell out of the groove on lap 24, resulting in the driver taking a spin in turn 4. The incident led to a mid-race caution.

Billy Childs, Jr. pulled ahead with the advantage once again on the restart. Jason Curtis began to make his pursuit to the front in the second half of the race, challenging Dan McKeage, Sr. for third on lap 31. McKeage pulled away briefly, but Curtis was back to challenge on lap 37.

Rob Herrick and Lewis Anderson tangled on lap 39 in turn 2, collecting Shawn Gilpatrick. The incident resulted in a late race caution.

Skip Stanley found momentum on the restart, giving Billy Childs, Jr. a run for his money. While battling hard for position, Stanley nearly went around on lap 41 coming through turn 4. This gave Billy Childs, Jr. the opportunity to fully reclaim the lead.

Following his struggles just a handful of laps earlier, Rob Herrick began to find his groove again on lap 44. He powered to third over Jason Curtis, quickly overtook Skip Stanley for the runner-up spot and wrangled the lead away from Billy Childs, Jr. in just two laps.

While battling for position with Jason Curtis, Billy Childs, Jr. took a spin on lap 47. The incident resulted in a caution with just 3 laps to go. Childs expressed his displeasure under yellow, spinning Curtis before retiring to the pits.

Rob Herrick elected to restart on the outside, which was certainly a dicey move. The initial restart was called off, but Herrick found himself deadlocked for the lead with Skip Stanley once the field went green.

Lewis Anderson took a spin on lap 48 in turn 3, resulting in another caution.

Fans were out of their seats in both the grandstands and the pits as the drivers crossed the finish line 3-wide for the lead. After some debating from race control, Rob Herrick was deemed the race leader. Margin of victory? .014 seconds.

The victory was bittersweet for Herrick, who hadn’t visited Victory Lane at Beech Ridge in over 27 YEARS. Herrick has one of the best looking cars in the pit area every season, but is a one man band in the pit area. Fans went wild for the driver in Victory Lane, celebrating his momentous victory with him and his family.

Skip Stanley, Dan McKeage, Sr., Jason Curtis and Wade Kennedy rounded out the top five.

The Wildcats certainly put on one Hell of a show on Sunday, sending Beech Ridge off with a bang and giving us a race that will FOREVER be embedded in our minds.

If you’d like to share your thoughts on how we can save our track, please join the Save Beech Ridge Speedway group on Facebook. All constructive ideas are certainly welcome AND appreciated.

You can support some of our Wildcat stars this Saturday, October 2nd at Wiscasset Speedway. The track will be hosting the Amsoil Dominator Strictly Shootout, which is ALWAYS a fun event. The racing action kicks off at 2:00 and admission is just $5 for fans of ALL ages.

Continue chasing the checkered and support our local short tracks. This is more imperative now than it ever has been before.

#weareBRMS and I love and appreciate all of you.

Cover photo credit goes to my wonderful friend Jamie Williams at Finish Line Photography.

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The post Rob Herrick Scores First Victory in Over 27 Years at Beech Ridge appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.

Coming into the night, Wade Kennedy held a healthy 23 point lead over Chaz Briggs in the Wildcats division. The series’ events kicked off with two qualifying heat races.

Ryan Lund took off with the early lead in the first heat. Heartbreak came early for Shawn McKeage, who made hard contact with the turn 1 wall on lap one of the heat. Thankfully, McKeage was able to walk away following the incident. But, this left his car battered and undriveable.

Joe Morse, who announced he was retiring from competition following the 2021 season, cut a tire down on the restart, collecting Ryan Lund. The incident resulted in another caution.

Kaleb Bean pulled ahead with the advantage on the restart, but Dan McKeage, Jr. was at his door, challenging for the top spot. The two drivers battled it out until the bitter end, where Bean picked up the heat victory. Joe Morse, who came to a spin following the finish, rounded out the top 3.

Jacob Vaughn and Rob Herrick duked it out for the early lead in the second and final qualifying heat until Vaughn pulled ahead with the advantage on lap 4.

Jared Kimball made his way to Rob Herrick’s outside door on lap 7, challenging for the runner-up spot. Rob Herrick held onto the spot as Lyman McKeage stepped up to the plate, stealing third away from Jared Kimball in the closing laps.

Jacob Vaughn captured the heat victory as Rob Herrick and Lyman McKeage rounded out the top 3.

Once the field was set, 15 drivers took to the track for their 30 lap main event. Dan McKeage, Jr. took off with the early lead in the feature.

Trouble was brewing behind the leaders as Mike Roe took a spin on lap 3 in turn 4, resulting in chaos as Jacob Vaughn spun and Wade Kennedy took a hard left into the infield sand pile in attempt to avoid the carnage.

McKeage, Jr. pulled ahead with the advantage on the restart as Joe Morse powered into the runner-up spot over Kaleb Bean. Following the restart, Chaz Briggs took a spin in turn 1, which resulted in another caution.

After the initial restart was called off by race control, Dan McKeage, Jr. and Joe Morse ignited a deadlocked battle for the top spot. Morse pulled ahead on lap 7, separating himself from the competition.

While battling for position, Lyman McKeage and Chaz Briggs made contact on lap 8 in turn 1. Briggs cut a tire down, ultimately coming to a stop on the race track. This resulted in another early race caution.

Joe Morse and Dan McKeage, Jr. went head to head on the restart as Cole Watson quickly powered up to third. Morse pulled ahead with the advantage on lap 12, but McKeage, Jr. wasn’t giving up without a fight.

David Savoie came to a slow on the front stretch on lap 14, drawing out a mid-race caution.

Dan McKeage, Jr. held the upper hand on the restart as he pulled away from Joe Morse. Morse’s day came to a devastating end shortly after as he descended through the field before retiring to the pits.

Skip Stanley was climbing up the leaderboard in the closing laps of the feature, challenging Rob Herrick for the runner-up spot on lap 24 before taking over the position the following lap.

Stanley began to make gains on McKeage, Jr. in the closing laps, but McKeage was able to hold him off, scoring his first career victory in the division. Rob Herrick, Wade Kennedy and Cole Watson rounded out the top five.

McKeage, Jr. was nearly speechless in Victory Lane, but celebrated the big win with his father, grandfather, mother, brother and his team by his side on the front stretch following his big accomplishment.

Wade Kennedy was able to extend his point lead on finale night, capturing his first career championship in the division. Jacob Vaughn also scored well-deserved “Rookie of the Year” honors in the division.

Before the championship award ceremony took place on the front stretch following the night’s events, shock and sadness filled the crowd as track owner, Andy Cusack, announced that the track is currently under contract by an out of state real estate developer.

What does it all mean? If the plans come to fruition, the track will be no longer come the 2022 season. Drivers, teams and fans tried their best to put emotions to the side on Saturday and celebrate this year’s champions. Our favorite track announcer, Andy Austin, did a stellar job as he remained composure and grace throughout the entire ceremony.

We are all deeply saddened and affected by this sudden announcement. If you would like to be a part of creating positive change in our racing community and share ideas to potentially help save our track, please join the Save Beech Ridge Speedway group on Facebook.

In the meantime, PLEASE support the track staff and drivers by attending the Midweek Series & Wildcat showdown next Thursday, September 23rd. It all kicks off at 7:00 pm. Let’s make this the best sendoff EVER if it is truly our last ride.

Continue chasing the checkered and PLEASE support your local short tracks. It’s more imperative now than ever before.

Please reach out if you need to talk…we are all a part of the Beech Ridge family and forever will be, no matter what.

The post Wade Kennedy Wins First Career Wildcats Championship at BRMS appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.

Coming into the night, Wade Kennedy held a comfortable 16 point lead over Chaz Briggs in the division standings.

The racing action kicked off with two 10-lap qualifying heats. Ryan Lund and Kaleb Bean went head to head for the early lead in the first heat. The two drivers battled it out tooth & nail until Bean got sideways on lap 5 in turn 2, handing Lund the advantage.

Joe Morse was coming through the field in the closing laps of the race, advancing to fourth over Jason Gammon on lap 8.

Ryan Lund held strong through the finish, picking up the heat victory. Kaleb Bean and Cole Watson rounded out the top 3.

The initial start of the second heat was called off by race control, but Jacob Vaughn and Jared Kimball went door to door for the early lead once the field got rolling. The drivers continued to swap the lead back and forth until Kimball pulled ahead with the advantage on lap 7.

Rob Herrick was on the move in the closing laps of the heat, pulling to Jacob Vaughn’s inside door on lap 8 to challenge for the runner-up spot. It was a drag race to the finish, with Vaughn beating Herrick to the line as Jared Kimball picked up the heat victory.

The Wildcats closed out the night with their 30-lap feature race. Madness ensued on the initial lap as Cole Watson took the leaders 3-wide, resulting in a chain reaction as Ryan Lund spun around and the field scattered. The incident resulted in an early race caution.

Cole Watson took off with the lead on the restart as Jason Gammon quickly took over the runner-up spot. While battling for position, Joe Morse and Mark Grantham collided on lap 3 in turn 3. Grantham nearly went around, managed to save it, but ultimately fell to the back of the pack.

Jared Kimball was on the move in the early laps of the race, advancing to third over Mike Roe on lap 11. He continued his pursuit in the coming laps, making his way to Jason Gammon’s inside door on lap 13 as he challenged for the runner-up spot.

Ed Connolly took a spin on lap 13 in turn 1, sending Joe Morse for a spin and Chaz Briggs into the speed bumps. The incident resulted in a mid-race caution.

Cole Watson pulled ahead with the advantage on the restart, but trouble was brewing behind the leaders as Owen Bridges blew up on lap 16, leading to another caution. Rob Herrick was among the drivers caught in the aftermath of the mess.

Cole Watson maintained his lead on the restart, but Jared Kimball was all over his back bumper, hungry for the top spot. Dan McKeage, Jr. was also on the move, challenging his teammate, Wade Kennedy, for third on lap 22.

Joe Morse took a spin on the front stretch on lap 22, resulting in melee as Adam Lovejoy, Lyman McKeage, Shawn McKeage, Mark Grantham and Rob Herrick also got collected.

Herrick cut down a tire as a result of the madness. Herrick, who typically has a bare bones pit crew, was met at his pit pad by dozens of his competitors willing to help jack him up and get him back onto the track for the green. With the helping hands and generosity of his competitors, Herrick was successfully able to return to the track without going a lap down.

Shawn McKeage also attempted to return to the track for the drop of the green flag, but he was ultimately sent back to the pits due to his car leaking radiator fluid onto the track.

The first restart was called off by race control, but Cole Watson maintained his edge on the restart as Jason Gammon made his way into the runner-up spot.

Jared Kimball made his way back to Gammon’s inside door with 5 to go, challenging for the spot. Wade Kennedy joined the battle on the final lap, taking his competitors 3-wide for position.

Cole Watson held strong through the finish, capturing his first feature victory of the season (and his first in 3+ years) at the track. Jason Gammon, Wade Kennedy, Dan McKeage, Jr. and Chaz Briggs rounded out the top 3.

Wade Kennedy was able to further pad his points lead over Chaz Briggs going into next week’s season finale.

Who will win the crown when all is said and done? Join us next week at Beech Ridge to find out!

The Super Saturday season finale is this coming Saturday, September 11th. The night will include the season’s final Autograph Night in addition to a championship award ceremony for all divisions. It all 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: Jamie Williams – Finish Line Photography

The post Cole Watson Returns to Victory Lane at BRMS After 3 Year Winless Drought appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.

The Wildcats competition kicked off with two 10-lap qualifying heats. Cole Watson took off with the early lead in the first heat. Adam Lovejoy was also on the move early, advancing to third over Kaleb Bean on lap 2.

Joe Morse made way to Cole Watson’s door on lap 4, challenging for the lead as Adam Lovejoy waited in the wings, ready to strike. Cole Watson briefly pulled away with the advantage, but Morse was back at it with just two laps to go.

Adam Lovejoy pushed the envelope with one lap to go, taking his competitors 3-wide for the lead before taking over the top spot. Kaleb Bean also snuck onto the podium on the final lap, overtaking Cole Watson for third as Adam Lovejoy captured the heat victory.

The outside line stoved up on the initial start of the second and final qualifying heat, allowing Dan Bernier to take off with the early lead. Lewis Anderson made his way to Bernier’s inside door on lap 2, challenging for the top spot. The two drivers battled it out for a couple of laps before Anderson pulled ahead with the advantage on lap 4.

Chaz Briggs was on the move in the second half of the heat, advancing into the runner-up spot over Dan Bernier on lap 6. He was all over Lewis Anderson for the lead with one lap to go, but Anderson was able to hold him off, capturing his first heat victory of the 2021 season. Shawn McKeage rounded out the top 3.

Once the field was set, Adam Lovejoy took off with the early lead in the 30-lap feature. Chaz Briggs was on the move once again, all over Lewis Anderson for the runner-up spot on lap 2. The two drivers battled it out for a couple of laps until Anderson succumbed to Briggs on lap 4.

Kaleb Bean was coming through the field early, advancing to fourth over Joe Morse on lap 5 as Shawn McKeage followed in succession. Bean continued his pursuit in the coming laps, challenging Anderson for third on lap 8 as Travis Lovejoy rode their coattails.

Ryan Lund cut a right front tire down on lap 9, sending him into the backstretch wall. While battling for position with Travis Lovejoy, Lewis Anderson also took a spin. These two incidents led to the first caution of the feature.

The initial restart was called off by race control, but Chaz Briggs was all over Adam Lovejoy for the top spot on the restart. Travis Lovejoy joined the battle on lap 12 and advanced into the runner-up spot over Chaz Briggs the following lap.

A brotherly battle for the lead ensued after Travis Lovejoy took over second and he trumped his big brother for the spot just two laps later.

Chaz Briggs made his way back to Adam Lovejoy’s outside on lap 20, challenging for the runner-up spot. Lovejoy held the slight advantage as Wade Kennedy joined the battle, riding their coattails. Briggs wasn’t giving up, powering back to Adam Lovejoy’s door with just 5 laps to go. The two drivers battled door to door for a handful of laps until Briggs took over the spot on lap 28.

Travis Lovejoy held off his competitors to the finish, capturing the heat victory. Chaz Briggs, Adam Lovejoy, Wade Kennedy and Dan McKeage, Jr. followed, rounding out the top five.

Following post-race technical inspection, Lovejoy was stripped of his win and Chaz Briggs was deemed the official winner. The win is Briggs’ second of the 2021 season.

The Wildcats division remains highly competitive and we continue to see new faces in Victory Lane. Which driver will be next to take the throne? Only time will tell!

Beech Ridge will be taking a break from Super Saturday competition this coming Saturday, but will return on Saturday, July 24th. 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: Jamie Williams & Chris Allen – Finish Line Photography

My thoughts are with John Peters and the entire Peters family at this time. Keep fighting, Greg. We love you. #racingforGNG

The post Travis Lovejoy Wins Feature; Chaz Briggs Crowned Official Winner of Wildcats 30 Lapper at Beech Ridge appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.

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!

The post Adam Lovejoy Returns to Wildcats Victory Lane at Beech Ridge appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.

The Wildcats race was originally slated for 50 laps, but much like other tracks across the country that are struggling with the national tire shortage, the situation at Beech Ridge is no different in regards to availability for tires used in the division. Drivers voted for a reduced lap race (in addition to 10-lap heat races) in an effort to conserve tires until more become readily available.

Chaz Briggs and Lewis Anderson went head to head for the early lead in the first heat until Briggs pulled ahead with a slight advantage on lap 4. Anderson was back at his door the following lap and the two drivers fought to the finish, where Briggs beat Anderson to the line by a nose. Jason Gammon rounded out the top 3.

Jared Kimball and Mark Grantham battled it out for the early lead in the second and final qualifying heat. Mark Grantham pulled ahead with the advantage as Joe Morse followed in his footsteps. Dave Cameron was also on the move early, at Jared Kimball’s door challenging for third on lap 4 and advancing position the following lap.

Joe Morse was hungry for the top spot in the closing laps, at Mark Grantham’s door challenging for the lead on lap 8. Morse pulled ahead with the advantage on lap 9. Dan McKeage, Jr. was also on the charge late, advancing to third on the final lap as Joe Morse captured the heat victory.

Joe Morse pulled ahead with the early lead in the 40-lap feature. Jacob Vaughn came to a slow on lap 5 and headed down to the pits. Luck (but others’ misfortune) was on his side as Dave Cameron and Jared Kimball tangled in turn 2 on the very same lap, resulting in a caution. This allowed Vaughn to return to the track for the restart without losing any laps.

Joe Morse pulled ahead with the advantage on the restart. Jason Gammon was also on the move, quickly advancing into the runner-up spot over Chaz Briggs. Mark Grantham took a spin on lap 10 in turn 2, but the field remained green.

Dan McKeage, Jr. was coming through the field mid-race, on Chaz Briggs’ heels for third on lap 14. He made his way to Briggs’ door just two laps later, taking over the spot. Jason Gammon was also tracking down Joe Morse at the front of the pack, all over his back bumper for the lead on lap 22.

Jacob Vaughn and Lewis Anderson made contact while battling for position on lap 24, resulting in Lewis Anderson taking a a spin in turn 4. The incident resulted in a mid-race caution.

Joe Morse and Jason Gammon went door-to-door for the lead on the restart before Joe Morse captured sole possession of the lead shortly thereafter. After a strong showing all day, Gammon’s #5 machine blew up on lap 28, leaving Jordan Kimball and Kaleb Bean spinning in his wake. The incident led to yet another caution.

Joe Morse elected the outside line on the restart and began pulling away from his competitors once again. Jacob Vaughn was on the recovery in the closing laps of the race, battling it out with Dan McKeage, Jr. for the runner-up spot. McKeage won the battle and kept digging until he found his way to Joe Morse’s door, challenging him for the lead with just 5 laps to go.

Lewis Anderson’s troubles continued as he took another spin on lap 37 in turn 2. The incident led to a late-race caution and brought the leaders together once again for a 3-lap shootout.

Joe Morse chose to restart on the outside line again and pulled ahead with the slight edge over Dan McKeage, Jr. Dave Cameron took a spin on the restart, but pulled to the infield in attempt to avoid the caution.

Joe Morse maintained his edge to the finish, scoring another feature victory. Morse’s one wish was to be interviewed by announcing legend, Bruce Elder, in victory lane. The track made that happen, helping Morse knock another item off of his racing bucket list.

Morse’s win was also special because Jackson Corbeau, a local boy battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, was in attendance and got the opportunity to join Joe in celebrating his victory. Morse has been “Racing for Jackson” and Waddles for a Cause for a few seasons now and he finally got to celebrate a big win with his little buddy in attendance.

Dan McKeage, Jr. came home in the runner-up spot, capturing his career-best finish. Chaz Briggs, Jacob Vaughn and Wade Kennedy rounded out the top five.

Joe Morse continues to dominate the Wildcats division in 2021 while young drivers like Dan McKeage, Jr. and Jacob Vaughn continue to impress, holding their own against drivers that have been racing longer than both drivers combined have been alive. It’s impressive to watch both drivers achieve as much success as they have had in such little time and I’ll be interested to see who picks up the first checkered flag of the season between the two drivers.

You can catch the next Super Saturday race this coming Saturday, June 12th. The racing action kicks off at 4:00 pm and kids of ALL AGES are now allowed into the pits. As always, grandstand admission is just $12 for adults and FREE for kids 12 & under.

Continue chasing the checkered and support your local short tracks. I hope to see you soon!

Photo credit for featured photo: Jamie Johnson

The post Joe Morse Scores Special Win at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.

Ryan Phillips took off with the early lead in the first 12-lap qualifying heat. Rob Herrick was on the move early, at Phillips’ door challenging for the top spot on lap 3. As the leaders battled it out, Lyman McKeage was on the move behind them, challenging Dave Cameron for third on lap 8 and overtaking the spot the following lap. Rob Herrick was closing in on Ryan Phillips in the closing laps but Phillips was able to fend him off, securing the heat victory. Lyman McKeage rounded out the top 3.

Cole Watson took off with the early lead in the second and final Wildcats heat. Lewis Anderson was on the move early, advancing to third over Dan Bernier on lap 4. While battling for position, Joe Morse and Jason Gammon made contact on lap 5, resulting in Morse making hard contact with the turn 4 wall. The incident led to a caution and Morse exited his car under yellow, displaying his displeasure toward Gammon as he approached his car in the infield. Morse’s #61 machine was towed off-track following the incident.

Jared Kimball took a spin in turn 1 on the restart, resulting in another caution. Tempers were still flaring in the division as Kimball displayed his frustrations following the spin, doing a couple of loops around turn 1 before rejoining the pack at the tail-end of the field.

Cole Watson took off with the lead once again on the restart. Dan Bernier and Jacob Vaughn went head to head for third on the final lap of the heat, with Vaughn beating Bernier to the line as Cole Watson and Lewis Anderson captured the top 2 spots.

18 drivers took to the track for the 50-lap main event. Ryan Phillips and Rob Herrick battled it out for the early lead as Lyman McKeage quickly advanced to third over Lewis Anderson. Jared Kimball’s troubles continued on lap 5 as he took a spin on the front stretch. The incident led to the first caution of the feature.

Ryan Phillips and Rob Herrick continued to duke it out for the top spot on the restart. Lewis Anderson and Lyman McKeage made hard contact while battling for position on lap 7. The incident led to yet another early-race caution.

Ryan Phillips maintained a slight advantage over Rob Herrick on the restart. Dave Cameron’s early-season woes continued as he came to a slow on the backstretch on lap 14, resulting in a quick caution as he was able to re-fire the #28 machine and rejoin the field. After running at the front of the pack all day, Jason Gammon took the right-hand turn to the pits under caution.

Joe Morse took a spin on lap 17 in turn 3, causing the field to scatter. Dave Cameron, Mark Grantham and Jared Kimball all wound up in the dirt trying to avoid Morse as the yellow flag waved once again.

Ryan Phillips maintained his advantage over Rob Herrick on the restart as Jacob Vaughn overtook Chaz Briggs for third behind them. After starting at the back of the pack and missing both practice and his heat due to baseball double-duty, Dan McKeage, Jr. made his way through the field, breaking the top five.

Lyman McKeage had a right rear tire go down on lap 25, causing him to go for a spin in turn 1. The incident led to a mid-race caution.

Ryan Phillips pulled ahead with the lead once again on the restart as Jacob Vaughn and Rob Herrick battled it out for the runner-up spot behind him. Vaughn took over the spot, then setting his sights on Phillips at the top of the leaderboard.

Dan McKeage, Jr. continued his pursuit to the front on lap 30, overtaking Chaz Briggs for fourth. McKeage was at Rob Herrick’s door the following lap, presenting a challenge for third. McKeage finally took over the spot on lap 35 and began reeling in Jacob Vaughn. McKeage was all over Vaughn for the runner-up spot with just 10 laps to go. He made his way to Vaughn’s door on lap 41, taking over the spot just two laps later.

McKeage was in hot pursuit of the leader in the closing laps and pulled to Ryan Phillips door on lap 48, challenging for the lead with just two laps to go. Phillips maintained strong, beating McKeage to the line by a mere margin of victory. What was the margin, one may ask? .078 seconds. Jacob Vaughn, Rob Herrick and Chaz Briggs rounded out the top five.

The Wildcats division remains highly competitive with every passing weekend. Much like the Pro Series, we have seen three different Wildcats drivers in Victory Lane in 2021. Experienced drivers like Ryan Phillips and Rob Herrick continue to show their strength every week while drivers like Dan McKeage, Jr. and Shawn McKeage continue to grow and wow the fans as they improve and compete respectfully amongst their seasoned competitors.

It will be interesting watching the season unfold in the Wildcats division.

The wild racing action continues this coming Saturday, May 22nd. The racing action kicks off at 4:00 pm. Kids of ALL AGES are now allowed into the pits. Grandstand admission is still just $12 for adults and FREE for kids 12 and under.

Continue chasing the checkered and support your local short tracks. I hope to see you soon!

The post Ryan Phillips Scores Exciting Wildcats Victory at Beech Ridge appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.

The competition kicked off with two 12-lap qualifying heats. Joe Morse took off with the early lead in the first heat while Lewis Anderson and Dan Bernier battled it out for the runner-up spot behind him. Lewis Anderson captured the spot as Cole Watson and Wade Kennedy went door to door for fourth behind him. Cole Watson took over the spot on lap 7, setting his sights on the leaders.

Dan Bernier was back at Lewis Anderson’s door on lap 8, reigniting the fight for the runner-up spot. Lewis Anderson quickly pulled away as Cole Watson joined the fight. Joe Morse was off & away by this point, ultimately capturing the heat victory. Lewis Anderson and Dan Bernier rounded out the top 3.

Rob Herrick took off with the early lead over Ryan Phillips in the second qualifying heat. Ryan Phillips was back at his door on lap 3, overtaking the lead the following lap. Dave Cameron was on the move mid-race, challenging Herrick for the runner-up spot on lap 6. Herrick won the battle as Lyman McKeage followed in succession. McKeage was all over Herrick in the closing laps but Herrick was able to hold him off, securing the runner-up spot as Ryan Phillips captured the heat victory.

Once the field was set, the Wildcats took to the track for their 50-lap main event. Ryan Phillips and Joe Morse went toe to toe for the early lead in the feature. Trouble was brewing behind the leaders as Jared Kimball took a spin on the backstretch on lap 8. Matt Dow also went around in turn 4 on the same lap. The incident resulted in an early-race caution.

The leaders went head to head again on the restart, swapping the lead back and forth with every passing lap. Morse and Phillips were still deadlocked for the lead at the halfway mark with neither driver giving away an inch. Joe Morse finally pulled away with the advantage on lap 28 as Rob Herrick and Cole Watson spearheaded a battle for fourth behind the leaders. Rob Herrick pulled ahead with the advantage on lap 30, securing the spot.

Shortly after, Ryan Phillips’ day abruptly came to an end as he pulled off-track, never to return to the track again. It was a tough break for the team after an otherwise solid day. Jason Gammon also came to a slow on lap 32, retiring to the pits.

Dan McKeage, Jr. was on the move in the closing laps, powering to fourth over Cole Watson on lap 36. He continued his pursuit a handful of laps later, all over Rob Herrick’s back bumper on lap 42, challenging for third. McKeage was at his door on lap 47 and the two drivers battled it out until the end, where Rob Herrick nudged McKeage out at the line for the podium finish.

Joe Morse took home the checkered while Lyman McKeage, Rob Herrick, Dan McKeage, Jr. and Cole Watson rounded out the top five. The victory was the first of the season for Morse, who loves to celebrate with Facebook Live streams and shop parties from his garage. Morse is also racing for a great cause, Waddles for a Cause and Jackson Corbeau.

Upon arriving back in the pits, Joe Morse handed his checkered flag to Trevor Sanborn’s son, Talon. Sanborn noted the moment as the “coolest”, sharing a photo of his excited son on social media.

Joe Morse is everyone’s favorite “Uncle Joe” and manages to put a smile on anyone’s face, win or lose. He continues to be a great example to drivers and fans alike, never giving up and always keeping an optimistic attitude.

It’ll be interesting to see whether Joe will keep the momentum going come points season, which is just around the corner.

Drivers like Dan McKeage, Jr. continue to grow and learn with each passing week. I wonder if we will see another first-time winner in the division this season? Only time will tell.

Catch week #3 of racing action at Beech Ridge this coming Saturday, May 15th. The green flag flies at 4:00 pm and kids of ALL AGES are now allowed pit admittance. As always, grandstand admission is only $12 for adults and FREE for kids 12 and under.

Continue chasing the checkered and support your local short track. I hope to see you soon!

The post Joe Morse Dominates Wildcats 50 Lapper at Beech Ridge appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.

The “NASCAR Nite” competition kicked off with the Wildcats division, where we saw a mixture of both new faces and seasoned veterans.

Jared Kimball, moving up from the Mighty Trucks division in 2021, took off with the early lead in the first of two qualifying heats. Dave Cameron and Travis Lovejoy made hard contact while battling it out for position on lap 2, causing Cameron to go off-track in the early laps of the heat.

Ryan Phillips was also on the move early, all over Travis Lovejoy for third on lap 4 and advancing position the following lap. Laura McKeage, competing this season in addition to her sons, quickly made her way into the top five as well. Ryan Phillips was still in hot pursuit during the closing laps, advancing into the runner-up position over Cole Watson. Nobody was any match for Jared Kimball as he took home his first Wildcats heat victory, followed by Ryan Phillips and Cole Watson.

Rob Herrick and Joe Morse squared up for the early lead in the final Wildcats qualifying heat, with Joe Morse pulling ahead with the edge on lap 2. Gary Babineau, returning to competition in a throwback car honoring the great Greg Peters, was also on the move early, all over Herrick for the runner-up spot on lap 4. Babineau advanced position that lap, then setting his sights on Joe Morse at the top of the leaderboard.

Teammates Dan McKeage, Jr. and Wade Kennedy found themselves battling for fourth on lap 6, with McKeage taking over the position as the leaders continued to go at it for the top spot at the front of the pack. Gary Babineau took off with a slight lead on lap 9 as Dan McKeage, Jr. stole third away from Rob Herrick. Joe Morse was back to challenge Gary Babineau on the final lap, ultimately taking home the heat victory with Babineau and McKeage rounding out the top three.

Once the field was set, the drivers took to the track for a 50-lap feature event. Jared Kimball held the early advantage over Joe Morse, pulling ahead with a slight lead. Gary Babineau was also on the move early, banging on Joe Morse’s door for the runner-up spot on lap 3. Babineau took over the spot just two laps later and quickly moved on to Jared Kimball, overtaking the top spot as Kimball fell back to fourth place.

Laura McKeage was in hot pursuit of the leaders early, challenging Jared Kimball for a spot in the top five on lap 12. She took over the spot the following lap as her son, Dan McKeage, Jr., followed in succession. One of the best moments of the race followed as mother and son found themselves door to door, battling it out for fourth on lap 17, with Dan McKeage, Jr. taking over the spot just one lap later.

Dan McKeage, Jr. was still on the move, tracking down Ryan Phillips for third on lap 21. By this point, the two leaders were ahead of the rest of the pack by nearly a full straightaway.

Laura McKeage and Ryan Phillips put on a show throughout the second half of the race, going head to head for fourth for a handful of laps before Phillips pulled ahead with the edge with just ten laps to go.

Ultimately, nobody was any match for Gary Babineau, who sailed away with the feature victory. After compiling himself on the backstretch while collecting his checkered flag, an emotional Gary Babineau entered victory lane, dedicating the win to Greg Peters. Greg is a beloved member of our racing community and a Beech Ridge veteran that is putting up the good fight, battling cancer while keeping optimistic and still showing up for his racing family that he knows and loves. Greg is a memorable racing figure to some and a friend to many, including myself.

Joe Morse, Dan McKeage, Jr., Ryan Phillips and Laura McKeage rounded out the top five.

Young drivers like Dan McKeage, Jr. and Jared Kimball, proved this week that they can be competitive with drivers like Cole Watson, Dave Cameron and Lewis Anderson, who have been racing longer than they have even been alive. Veterans like Gary Babineau, who returned to Victory Lane after a 15-year winless drought, proved that they still have it and will continue to make history throughout the course of the season.

There is an eclectic mix of drivers in the Wildcats division in 2021, so it will be exciting to see what this season brings!

Catch the next week of open competition next Saturday, May 8th, at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway. Kids of ALL AGES are now allowed admittance into the pits and grandstand tickets are only $12. As always, kids 12 & under get in free in the main grandstands.

Continue chasing the checkered & support your local short tracks. I hope to see you soon!

The post Gary Babineau Captures Emotional Win at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.