The Pro All Star Series Modified division returned to Oxford Plains Speedway this past Sunday for an exciting 40-lap feature. 17 drivers showed up to compete on Sunday afternoon, exemplifying the growth in numbers that we have seen in the division over the course of the past year.

The day started out with two 10-lap qualifying heats. The #50 of Tyler Stygles took off with the early lead but took a spin on lap 4 in turn 2, collecting some competitors, including Kristina Nadeau. The incident led to the first caution of the day.

Mark Napolitano took off with the lead on the restart as Billy Childs, Jr., making his debut in a PASS Modified, powered into the runner-up spot. The #16 of Adam Gray was right on Billy Childs’ heels, quickly stealing the spot away from him once again. Napolitano took home the heat victory, followed by Adam Gray and Colby Benjamin.

Mark Lucas powered away with the early lead in the second Modified heat. Kate Re was on the move early, clearing Nick Reno for third on lap 6. Reno was back on her heels on lap 10, stealing the spot away. Mark Lucas went on to capture the heat victory, followed by Matty Sanborn and Nick Reno. 

After the field was set, it was time for the 40-lap feature race. Spencer Vaughn took off with the early lead in the feature. Randy Sanborn took a spin on lap 2 in turn 1, collecting Mark Lucas, Kristina Nadeau, Kate Re, Tyler Stygles and Nick Reno. Tyler Stygles and Kate Re took the brunt of the damage, with neither competitor returning to the track for the remainder of the race.

Spencer Vaughn took off with the lead again on the restart. Points leader, Spencer Morse, was on the move, powering into the fourth spot on lap 3. The #13 of Ryan Nelson faced trouble on the restart, falling to the back of the pack. Tyler King made hard contact with the front stretch wall on lap 6, leading to another caution. Thankfully, he was able to walk away following the impact.

Drivers were 3-wide for the lead on the restart, with Spencer Morse taking over the top spot. Billy Childs, Jr. and Adam Gray made hard contact on lap 11 in turn 1, leading to another caution.

Spencer Morse took off with the lead again on the restart as Spencer Vaughn fell to the back of the pack. Randy Sanborn came to a slow on lap 17, retiring to the pits. Spencer Morse had extended his lead to a 1/2 straightaway by the halfway mark as second through sixth were neck & neck behind him.

Mark Lucas advanced into the runner-up spot on lap 21 as Colby Benajmin climed his way up to third. Spencer Morse was completely out to lunch with ten laps to go, extending his lead to a full straightaway. With 3 laps to go, Morse was catching the tail-end of the field.

Spencer Morse captured the checkered flag, scoring his second victory of the 2019 season and extending his point lead over Jairet Harrison. 

With just 3 Modified races remaining in the 2019 season, it’ll be interesting seeing how the points play out in the coming weeks!

You can catch the Pro All Star Series again this upcoming Saturday, September 21st, at White Mountain Motorsports Park. Racing begins at 6:30 pm.

See you there!

Thank you to my website sponsors, Texas Roadhouse Scarborough, Four Season Synthetic and Drown Excavation. Your support is more than appreciated!

The post Spencer Morse Mows Down the Competition at Oxford Plains Speedway appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.

Hundreds of campers and trailers rolled into Oxford Plains Speedway this past week, with thousands of fans celebrating the 46th annual running of the Oxford 250. 57 drivers and teams from around the nation (and Canada!) showed up to compete on Sunday, but only 44 drivers would go on to make it into the big show.

Qualifying on Sunday began with five initial heat races where the top five drivers would advance into the 250. Drivers drew their starting positions for the heat races on the front stretch Sunday morning, drawing a pill that determined their fate as their teams watched in anticipation.

Nick Sweet took home the first heat victory, locking himself into the coveted race. Ryan Kuhn, Travis Benjamin, Bubba Pollard and Tim Brackett followed.

Eddie MacDonald, a New England racing legend in his own right, took home the second heat victory. DJ Shaw, Mike Hopkins, Reid Lanpher and Craig Weinstein, an underdog in his own right, rounded out the top five.

Cassius Clark, a fan-favorite to win coming into the race weekend, took home the third heat victory. Johnny Clark, TJ Brackett, Adam Gray and Josh Childs followed.

Derek Griffith, the 2018 PASS National champion, took home the victory in the fourth heat. Curtis Gerry (2017 Oxford 250 Champion), Trevor Sanborn, Ray Christian III and Brandon Barker rounded out the top five.

The fifth and final heat was an “underdog” heat of sorts and Cole Butcher took the heat victory, locking himself into the big race. Alan Tardiff, Ryan Robbins, Jake Johnson and Scott Robbins followed.

After the initial heat races were complete, it was time for the consolation heat races, where the top four drivers from each heat would advance into the 250.

Ben Ashline, competing in his first Oxford 250 since 2012, took home the first consolation heat victory. Scott McDaniel, Joey Pole (another former 250 champion) and Dave Farrington, Jr. rounded out the top four.

Ben Rowe took home the second consolation heat victory while Tracy Gordon, Kyle Desouza and Garrett Hall followed, locking themselves into the big race.

After the consolation heat races were completed, four of Oxford Plains’ support divisions took to the big stage. Skip Tripp took home the 30-lap feature victory in the Street Stocks, Chris Foster won the 30-lap Rebels feature, Matthew Sonnhalter was awarded the victory in the 50-lap NEMST feature and Casey Call scored the victory in the Legends feature.

There was then a 30-lap “Last Chance” heat, where only the top finisher would advance into the 250. Austin Teras, who has been tearing it up in the Legends division this season, took home the last chance victory, completing the field.

Two underdog favorites, Ryan Green and John Peters, failed to make the field due to getting caught up in unavoidable wrecks during their heat races. Kelly Moore, a racing legend in his own right, also had a tough day and failed to make the field this year.

Dan Winter was one of the drivers lucky enough to recieve a provisional for the 250. This was Winter’s first time competing in the big race, which is any driver’s dream.

After the field was set, it was time for the running of the 46th annual Oxford 250.

Eddie MacDonald took the early lead over young gun, Ryan Kuhn. Nick Sweet was also on the move early, advancing into the runner-up spot over Ryan Kuhn on lap 10 and later advancing into the lead on lap 20. The leaders were setting a blistering pace early, lapping cars at the tail-end of the field by lap 21. Joey Pole took a vicious spin on the front stretch on lap 47, making hard contact with Scott McDaniel. The yellow flag came out the following lap, setting Joey Pole one lap down.

Eddie MacDonald was all over Nick Sweet for the lead following the restart, stealing the top spot back away from Sweet on lap 55. Drivers were 3-wide for second on lap 58, with Cassius Clark advancing into the spot as Nick Sweet fell back to fifth. Bryan Kruczek, Saturday’s ACT Tour winner, blew up on lap 74, pulling to the infield.

Cassius Clark was using lap traffic to his advantage, advancing into the lead over Eddie MacDonald on lap 95. Joey Pole’s troubles continued on lap 98 as he went off-track in turns 3 and 4, resulting in another caution. Most of the leaders pitted, which sent DJ Shaw into the lead following pit stops.

Jake Johnson powered into the runner-up spot on the restart and was all over DJ Shaw’s back bumper by lap 108. He made his way to Shaw’s inside on lap 115, posing a challenge for the driver of the #60. Curt Gerry was also making moves, advancing to fifth over Craig Weinstein on lap 118. But, Alan Tardiff was right there, wrangling the position away from Gerry on lap 120. After battling it out for the lead for a handful of laps, Jake Johnson finally overtook the lead on lap 125.

Alan Tardiff was still red-hot, advancing into the runner-up spot on lap 130 and later, into the lead, on lap 132. Ben Ashline was also on the move, finally breaking the top five on lap 147. There was a 3-way battle for fourth on lap 151, with Nick Sweet taking over the spot. Sweet continued his pursuit back to the front of the field, clearing DJ Shaw for third on lap 160. Mike Hopkins also showed up in the second half of the race, breaking the top five on lap 168. 2019 was not Bubba Pollard’s year like last year was, which was made clear when Pollard retired to the back pits on lap 168.

Mike Hopkins advanced to fourth over DJ Shaw on lap 173 with Ben Rowe and Ben Ashline in tow. Josh Childs then took a spin on lap 179 in turn 1, leading to another yellow flag. Alan Tardiff, Nick Sweet and Dave Farrington, Jr. all elected to stay on the track while the rest of the leaders pitted. Cassius Clark won the race out of the pits.

Jake Johnson lost a tire on the restart, making heavy contact with the front stretch wall. The impact led to an immediate yellow flag. Johnson was a bit banged up following the incident, but he was able to walk away under his own power. 

Nick Sweet powered away with the lead on the restart, but trouble was brewing behind the leaders. Gabe Brown took a spin on lap 182 in turn 1, leading to another caution. Both Alan Tardiff and Nick Sweet elected to pit under yellow with both drivers electing to take two right side tires. This catapulted Cassius Clark into the lead yet again.

Cassius Clark pulled away with the lead on the restart as Dave Farrington, Jr. fell back, losing a handful of positions. Travis Benjamin was on the move late, advancing into the runner-up spot on lap 190. Benjamin was all over Cassius Clark for the lead on lap 208, finally clearing him for the top spot on lap 211. 

Derek Griffith and Cassius Clark began battling it out for the runner-up spot on lap 215, with Griffith pulling away with the spot just two laps later. DJ Shaw quickly navigated his way through lap traffic, advancing into the runner-up spot over Derek Griffith on lap 222. Eddie MacDonald faced mechanical troubles on lap 228, retiring to the pits. Ashton Tucker came to a slow on lap 238 in turn 3, leading to a late-race yellow.

Travis Benjamin pulled away with the lead yet again on the restart. Garrett Hall came to a slow, falling to the rear of the field on lap 240. Tim Brackett took a spin on lap 246 in turn 3, collecting Mike Rowe, Gabe Brown and others in the carnage. The incident led to another caution and a 4-lap shootout that would determine the race winner.

Travis Benjamin took off on the restart and never looked back, creating history as he collected his third career Oxford 250 champion. Benjamin now ties Mike Rowe with three Oxford 250 wins and they are the only two (currently active) drivers ti achieve the feat. Bejamin picked up his $25,000 check in Victory Lane, celebrating victoriously with his son, family and team members.

Derek Griffith, DJ Shaw, Johnny Clark and Mike Hopkins rounded out the top five.

The 2019 Oxford 250 sure didn’t disappoint, brought many surprises and most importantly, the grandstands and the parking lots were absolutely packed with excited fans that remained on their feet for 250 exciting laps. This was my second Oxford 250 and I can’t wait to attend many more in the future!

Congrats to Travis Benjamin and the entire #7 team!

Thank you to my website sponsors, Texas Roadhouse Scarborough, Four Season Synthetic and Drown Excavation. Your support means the world to me.

The post Travis Benjamin Crowned 2019 Oxford 250 Champion appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.

The Pro All Star Series Modified division had an exciting Oxford 250 race weekend with two feature races over the course of the 3-day race weekend. Justin Larsen scored the victory on Friday night while 25 drivers battled it out for the checkered flag on Sunday, the day of the coveted Oxford 250.

Modified star, Andy Shaw, was an addition to the field on Sunday in the #0 machine and a newcomer in the field was Beech Ridge Motor Speedway Pro Series driver, Nick Cusack, who was piloting the #61 on Sunday.

Mark Lucas took home the first heat victory, with Mark Napolitano and Mike Carignan scoring victories in the second and third heat races. Spencer Morse made an impressive run in the third heat, going from the rear of the field to second by the conclusion of the heat.

Once the field was set, Mark Napolitano took off with the early lead in the 40-lap feature. Drivers were 4-wide for position on lap 3, with Spencer Vaughn falling to the rear of the field. Matty Sanborn was on the move early, breaking the top 3 on lap five as Kate Re filed into the fourth spot behind him. Wayne Whitten took a spin on the frontstretch on lap 8, leading to an early-race caution.

Matty Sanborn was hungry for the lead following the restart, all over Mark Napolitano for the top spot on lap 12. The two drivers hooked on lap 13 in turn 4,  making contact as Colby Benjamin akso made hard contact with the turn 4 wall. The incident led to yet another caution.

Nick Cusack and Adam Gray made hard contact on lap 14 and the #50 of Tyler Stygles also took a spin. Mark Lucas had a flat tire go down on lap 20 and collected Kate Re, which was an incident that led to another caution. 

Lap 25 was a wild lap as Spencer Vaughn took a spin on the frontstretch and Andy Shaw and Wayne Allard made contact in turn 1, sending Jairet Harrison into the lead. Shaw was racing hard with the leaders but was scored a lap down due to not taking the initial green flag. Spencer Morse was back in the mix by lap 30, breaking the top 3 after fighting and clawing his way through the field. 

Bill Dixon had a tough day, retiring to the pits on lap 33. Randy Sanborn and Ryan Nelson went off-track in turn 4 of the final lap, but Jairet Harrison drove away with the victory, holding off his competitors. Tyler King, Spencer Morse, Adam Gray and Justin Larsen rounded out the top five.

The victory was Harrison’s second of the 2019 season and Spencer Morse continues to dominate the point standings, holding a steady 40-point lead over Mike Carignan with just 4 races remaining in the 2019 PASS Modified season. Spencer also gave his trophy to a young fan following the race and you can watch the sweet video here.

The PASS Modified division continues to grow in numbers and excitement as the 2019 season rolls on. You can catch the PASS Mods next on Sunday, September 15th at Oxford Plains Speedway. 

See you there!

Thank you to my website sponsors, Texas Roadhouse Scarborough, Four Season Synthetic and Drown Excavation. Your support is much appreciated!

The post Jairet Harrison Collects Oxford 250 Day Win in the PASS Modified Division appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.

This past Sunday, the Pro All Star Series voyaged up to Spud Speedway in Caribou, Maine for the track’s second annual “Firecracker 200” event, a day of racing which included an 150-lap PASS Super Late Model Race and a 50-lap PASS Modified race.

Nick Sweet was fast all day during practice and his heat and he pulled away with the early lead in the main event. Brandon Barker was on the move in the early laps, breaking the top 3 on lap 5. Ben Rowe was also climbing through the field, overtaking Bobby Therrien for fourth on lap 28. By lap 35, the leaders were already catching the tail-end of the field.

DJ Shaw was on a voyage to the front of the field, challenging Andy Saunders for fifth on lap 41. He completed the pass and had made his way up to third by lap 52. Ben Rowe was still in hot pursuit, all over Brandon Barker for fourth on lap 56. Aroostook county native, Kirk Thibeau, fell off-pace on lap 69, coming to a stop in turn 4. The incident led to the first caution of the feature.

As Nick Sweet pulled away with the lead once again on the restart, DJ Shaw began challenging Shawn Martin for the runner-up spot, taking over the position on lap 78. Last year’s race winner, Derek Griffith, was also coming through the field, challenging Brandon Barker for the runner-up spot on lap 91. The two drivers made contact the following lap and Griffith went for a spin on the front stretch. Mike Hopkins clipped him as he went around and the incident led to a mid-race caution.

DJ Shaw was all over Nick Sweet for the lead on the restart, making his way to his inside on lap 96. Shawn Martin had a belt failure on lap 99, causing him to fall to the back of the pack. He came to a stop in turn 3 just two laps later, bringing out the yellow and taking Martin out of contention for the win.

DJ Shaw and Nick Sweet were head-to-head again on the restart, with Shaw finally taking over the spot on lap 112. Scott McDaniel blew a tire on lap 115, causing him to come to a slow on the backstretch. The incident led to a late-race caution.

Derek Griffith was on the move in the closing laps of the feature after his earlier incident in the race, challenging Garrett Hall for third on lap 125. Kirk Thibeau had a tire go down on lap 128 and made it to the pits before drawing out another yellow.

There was a top-2 breakaway at the front of the field with just 15 laps to go. Ben Rowe took over fourth place with just ten laps to go and then got to work on Garrett Hall for third, finally taking over the spot on lap 96.

DJ Shaw took home the feature victory, scoring redemption after losing out on the victory just one year ago at Spud Speedway. Nick Sweet, Ben Rowe, Garrett Hall and Derek Griffifth rounded out the top five. Austin Theriault, a Fort Kent native that just made his first two career Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts, came home in sixth place.

Official Results:

1) 60 – DJ Shaw
2) 40vt – Nick Sweet
3) 4n – Ben Rowe
4) 94 – Garrett Hall
5) 12g – Derek Griffith
6) 57 – Austin Theriault
7) 01 – Andy Saunders
8) 47 – Gabe Brown
9) 96 – Wyatt Alexander

10) 8 – Mike Rowe
11) 14 – Scott McDaniel
12) 97 – Chris Duncan
13) 28 – Kirk Thibeau
14) 5x – Bobby Therrien
15) 94x – Shawn Martin
16) 75 – Gary Smith
17) 16 – Brandon Barker
18) 15 – Mike Hopkins

The Pro All Star Series put on one Heck of a show for the county at Spud Speedway, leaving fans already excited for next year’s event!

You can catch the Pro All Star Series next this coming Sunday, August 11th, at Oxford Plains Speedway. The racing kicks off at 5:00 pm. See you there!

Thank you to my website sponsors, Texas Roadhouse Scarborough, Four Season Synthetic and Drown Excavation. Your support is more than appreciated!

The post DJ Shaw Takes the Cake at Spud Speedway appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.

After Tuesday’s Pro All Star Series festivities at Star Speedway were postponed, both PASS divisions made the trek up to Spud Speedway in Caribou, Maine for the track’s second annual Firecracker 200 event. Leading up to Sunday, the Pro All Star Series Modified division had no repeat winners for the 2019 season, proving just how competitive the division remains each and every week.

Wayne Allard took off with the early lead in the 50-lap feature. Spencer Morse was all over Kate Re for third on lap 3, taking over the position that lap. Tyler King was also on the move early, battling it out with Jairet Harrison for fifth on lap 10. He took over the spot just two laps later, breaking the top five. He continued to climb through the field, advancing to fourth on lap 14 and to third over Mike Carignan on lap 17.

While battling it out for position, Spencer Morse took a spin on lap 22 in turn 2, leading to the first caution of the feature. This was a tough break for the #34 team, as they were on a quick voyage to the front of the pack. 

Tyler King was all over Wayne Allard for the lead on the restart. The two drivers made slight contact and Allard took a spin on lap 24 in turn 4, leading to another mid-race caution. There was a pile-up at the rear of the field on the restart, collecting Matty and Randy Sanborn, Wayne Allard and Bobby Nadeau, resulting in another caution.

Tyler King took off on the restart once again, pulling away from his competitors. Spencer Morse was also on the move in the second half of the feature, on the mend from his incident earlier in the race. He was all over Kate Re for third on lap 29, taking over the spot that lap. After getting caught up in 2 incidents, Wayne Allard was in hot pursuit in the closing laps of the feature, climbing back up to fourth on lap 38.

Spencer Morse was all over Mike Carignan for the runner-up spot on lap 44 and the two drivers battled it out for position in the closing laps as Tyler King continued to pace the field. King took home the feature victory, becoming the first repeat winner of 2019 in the PASS Modified division. Mike Carignan held off Spencer Morse for second, scoring a runner-up finish. Wayne Allard and Jairet Harrison rounded out the top five.

The PASS Modified division brought a ton of excitement to Spud Speedway on Sunday and all 3 top finishers shared their love for the track and the event. It looks like the Modified division may be making the return to Spud Speedway for years to come!

You can catch the Pro All Star Series Modified division again next Sunday, August 11th at Oxford Plains Speedway. Racing begins at 5:00 pm and the PASS SLM division will also be competing! See you there!

Thank you to my website sponsors, Texas Roadhouse Scarborough, Four Season Synthetic and Drown Excavation. You are the best!

The post Tyler King Becomes First PASS Modified Repeat Winner in 2019 appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.

Sixteen drivers and teams battled the heat and showed up at White Mountain Motorsports Park on Saturday night to compete in the Pro All Star Series 150, an 150-lap Super Late Model feature.

Derek Ramstrom took off with the early lead in the feature, with Joey Pole quickly advancing up to fourth in the early laps. Travis Benjamin took over the lead on lap 6 with Bobby Therrien right on his heels. Joey Pole continued his pursuit to the front on lap 22, making his way to Derek Ramstrom’s inside for third. He completed the pass the following lap as Dillon Moltz also powered his way around Ramstrom for fourth.

The leaders were setting a blistering pace early, collecting the tail-end of the field by lap 34. Joey Pole made his way to the inside of Bobby Therrien for the runner-up spot on lap 40, later advancing into the spot just five laps later. Dillon Moltz was all over Therrien for third on lap 46, taking control of the spot the following lap. 

Nick Sweet was also on the move in the first half of the race, breaking the top 5 on lap 57 after battling it out with Derek Ramstrom for a handful of laps. DJ Shaw was maneuvering his way through the field after starting toward the back of the pack, advancing to seventh by lap 60, and later sixth over Derek Ramstrom on lap 66. Dan Winter took a spin on lap 79 in turn 1, leading to the first caution of the feature.

Joey Pole powered to the lead on the restart as DJ Shaw finally broke the top 5 a little further on back in the field. By lap 90, Pole held a half straightaway lead over his competitors. Dan Winter’s troubles continued as fell off-pace on lap 91, retiring to the pits. Ben Rowe cut down a tire on lap 105, leading to a caution. This was followed by the same happening to points leader Garrett Hall, resulting in another quick yellow.

Derek Griffith and Dillon Moltz nearly tangled on the restart, but both drivers collected themselves as Griffith advanced into the runner-up spot. DJ Shaw was still on a mission, moving into fourth over Travis Benjamin on lap 116. By lap 117, Derek Griffith was all over Joey Pole for the top spot. He advanced into the lead on lap 119 as Joey Pole fell back to third.

Dillon Moltz and Joey Pole made contact on the backstretch on lap 120, allowing DJ Shaw to catch up to the two drivers. He made his way to Joey Pole’s inside on lap 124, challenging him for third. Travis Benjamin made hard contact with the turn 2 wall on lap 133 after having a right front tire go down, leading to a late-race caution.

DJ Shaw advanced to third on the restart as Derek Griffith took off with the lead once again. After his earlier troubles, Ben Rowe was already knocking on the door of the top 5 on lap 139, all over Nick Sweet’s back bumper. He advanced into the spot the following lap, but nobody was any match for Derek Griffith at the front of the field.

Derek Griffith took home the victory, followed by Dillon Moltz, DJ Shaw, Joey Pole and Ben Rowe. In Victory Lane, Griffith praised his crew for their valiant efforts despite his recent troubles at Oxford Plains Speedway this season and celebrated with them on the front stretch.

There is still plenty more PASS racing to come in 2019, but Garrett Hall still remains the point leader with a 12-point lead over DJ Shaw.

You can catch the Pro All Star Series next on Tuesday, July 30th at Star Speedway. Racing begins at 6:00 pm, the PASS SLM’s will be battling it out for 200 laps and the PASS Mods will also be in attendance. 

Get out there and support your local short track! See you there!

Thank you to my website sponsors, Texas Roadhouse Scarborough, Four Season Synthetic and Drown Excavation. Your support is more than appreciated!

The post Derek Griffith Captures PASS 150 Victory at White Mountain appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.

In the fourth installment of the Chasing the Checkered video diaries, I catch up with the man, the myth and the legend: Pro All Star Series Modified superstar, Stig Jo….Oh, I mean…Spencer Morse. Check out our round of “not so” rapid fire questions here!

Warning: There is some explicit language, so cover your youngster’s ears if need be.

In the end, “If you ain’t first, you’re last”. – Ricky Bobby

#34forthewin

The post Chasing the Checkered Video Diaries Episode 4: Spencer F*#%ing Morse appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.

20 PASS Super Late Model teams made the trip to Seekonk Speedway this past Sunday, looking to end the 2018 Pro All Star Series season on a high note.

Entering the day, 2-time PASS North champion, DJ Shaw, had a 25-point lead over another 2-time PASS North champion, Travis Benjamin.

Derek Griffith, a PASS National points contender, took off with the early lead in the first 15-lap qualifying heat while DJ Shaw quickly made his way into the runner-up spot.

Reid Lanpher was quickly making his way through the field, breaking into the top 3 on lap 8.

Wayne Helliwell, Jr. made slight contact with Reid Lanpher on lap 12 in turn 2 while battling for position. Lanpher then got into the #60 of Shaw, sending Shaw for a spin.

The incident led to the first caution of the day and both drivers, Lanpher and Shaw, had to restart at the tail-end of the field.

Young gun, Gabe Brown, was on the move on the restart, moving into the runner-up spot.

Derek Griffith took home the heat victory, followed by Gabe Brown and Wayne Helliwell, Jr.

Nick Sweet held the early edge over Ben Rowe in the second 15-lap qualifying heat.

The #90 of Craig Weinstein was all over Ben Rowe for the runner-up spot on lap 6, taking over the position the following lap.

2018 Beech Ridge track champion, Curt Gerry, was on the move late-race, climbing into the top 3 after starting the heat from the rear of the field.

Nick Sweet captured the heat victory, followed by Craig Weinstein and Curt Gerry.

Point standings runner-up, Travis Benjamin, powered into the early lead in the third and final qualifying heat.

Derek Ramstrom was on the move, breaking into the top 3 early.

By the halfway point, there was a 2-car breakaway at the front of the field.

Garrett Hall pulled to the side of Derek Ramstrom on lap 9, stealing away the third spot.

Ryan Vanasse was all over Travis Benjamin for the lead by lap 13.

Benjamin managed to hold him off, capturing the heat victory.

Once the field was set, it was time for the 150-lap feature.

After the heats concluded, Travis Benjamin had cut DJ Shaw’s point lead down to 20 points.

Gabe Brown pulled away with the early lead, but Craig Weinstein was right on his heels.

Weinstein was quick to challenge Gabe Brown for the top spot, taking over the lead on lap 3.

Ben Rowe took a spin on lap 5 in turn 4, leading to the first caution of the feature. The incident ended Rowe’s day early, as he was towed to the pits afterward.

Craig Weinstein pulled away with the lead on the restart, with Ryan Vanasse advancing into the runner-up spot over Gabe Brown.

Garrett Hall was on the move, breaking the top 3 on lap 10.

By lap 20, there was a 2-car breakaway at the front of the field.

After starting the feature back in 18th, DJ Shaw finally broke the top 10 on lap 24.

By lap 34, the leaders had approached the tail of the field, beginning to put cars a lap down.

Derek Ramstrom was all over Garrett Hall for the runner-up spot on lap 35, advancing position the following lap.

Race leader, Craig Weinstein, took a spin on lap 38 in turn 1. The incident led to another caution and Weinstein only ended up losing 2 spots on the track as Ryan Vanasse took over the lead.

Vanasse pulled ahead on the restart as Derek Ramstrom cleared Weinstein for the runner-up spot.

Vanasse had a half straightaway lead over Ramstrom by lap 60, controlling the field.

After battling it out for a handful of laps, Curt Gerry cleared Ray Christian, III for eighth on lap 64 after starting the feature back in 14th.

Vanasse was still leading at the halfway mark, catching the tail-end of the field once again.

Craig Weinstein had a left front tire go down on lap 83, causing him to come to a slow in turn 2. The incident led to a mid-race caution.

Travis Benjamin, Wayne Helliwell, Jr. and Nick Sweet overtook Derek Ramstrom on the restart, advancing their positions as Ramstrom fell back to sixth.

After winning his heat earlier in the day, Derek Griffith finally broke the top 5 on lap 98.

Curt Gerry was also on the move, clearing Ramstrom for sixth on lap 115.

Wayne Helliwell, Jr. and Nick Sweet made contact on lap 117 in turn 2. Helliwell took a spin, making slight contact with Derek Griffith. The incident led to yet another caution.

Travis Benjamin and Ryan Vanasse went head-to-head on the restart, with Vanasse pulling ahead on lap 122.

Reid Lanpher got Curt Gerry loose while battling for position on lap 124, allowing Lanpher to advance into the fourth spot.

Travis Benjamin powered back into the lead on lap 127, pulling away from his competitors.

Reid Lanpher broke the top 3 on lap 128, but he was still digging. He was all over Nick Sweet for the runner-up spot on lap 134, eventually advancing position on lap 136.

After battling it out for a couple of laps, Curt Gerry finally cleared Ryan Vanasse for fourth on lap 138.

Travis Benjamin captured the feature victory, with Reid Lanpher, Nick Sweet, Curt Gerry and Derek Griffith rounding out the top five.

DJ Shaw wound up finishing in seventh, securing his 2018 PASS North championship.

Travis Benjamin, who captured his first career victory at Seekonk years ago, celebrated with his friends, family and crew in Victory Lane.

“We had the perfect day, really…it’s really special,” Benjamin shared in Victory Lane.

“They were better than us all year, they deserve it,” Benjamin also shared, praising DJ Shaw and the #60 team on their efforts.

“Travis kept me honest all day. He didn’t let me slack off out there…we ended up winning the year on a mediocre day. It was just enough and we barely hung in there, that’s all that matters,” DJ Shaw shared his thoughts after being crowned champion.

It was a well fought battle on Sunday, but DJ Shaw wound up on top once again.

Congrats to DJ Shaw and team on their championship, Travis Benjamin and team on their victory and all of the PASS North competitors on a fantastic 2018 season!

With racing season coming to a close, banquet season is approaching! Get out there and support your favorite drivers as they celebrate their 2018 accomplishments!

Thank you again to Drown Excavation and Four Season Synthetic for their endless support for Chasing the Checkered. Contact Drown Excavation for all of your demolition and excavation needs and Four Season Synthetic for all of your oil, lube and filter needs!

The post Travis Benjamin Strikes Gold at Seekonk Speedway appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.

After a washout on Saturday afternoon forced the postponement of Oxford Plains Speedway’s PASS festivities, drivers and teams returned to the track early the following morning for a full program of racing.

42 PASS Super Late Model’s were in the pits on Saturday, and all but 5 returned for Sunday’s events.

The day started out with four 15-lap qualifying heats, where 5 drivers from each heat would advance into the main event.

The first heat started out right where they had left off on Saturday afternoon, restarting the heat on lap 13.

John Peters, who had led the majority of the first heat, took a spin on the restart in turn 2. His spin slowed Corey Bubar and led to the first caution of the day.

Johnny Clark took the lead on the restart and never looked back, capturing the heat victory.

Rusty Poland, Bryce Mains, Scott McDaniel and Scott Moore were able to advance into the big show in addition to Clark.

2018 Beech Ridge Wildcats champion, Josh Childs, debuted his new #3c Super Late Model in the second heat.

Childs had the edge early over Dalton Gagnon and his fellow competitors.

Travis Benjamin was on the move early, advancing into the runner-up position on lap 2.

By lap 3, Benjamin was all over Childs for the top spot. He pulled to Childs’ outside on lap 6, challenging him for the lead.

While the leaders were battling it out, Brandon Barker broke into the top 3 on lap 8, then making it a 3-way battle for the top spot on lap 13.

Travis Benjamin was able to beat Josh Childs out by a nose for the heat victory.

Brandon Barker, TJ Brackett and Dalton Gagnon rounded out the top five.

Calvin Rose, Jr. slowed on the initial lap of the third heat, falling to the back of the pack.

Garrett Hall rocketed himself into the early lead, pulling away from his competitors.

Tracy Gordon was on the move, taking full control of the runner-up spot on lap 5.

Mike Rowe gave Scott Luce a little bump on lap 7, stealing away the third spot.

Curt Gerry and Alan Tardiff made hard contact on the final lap in turn 4, forcing both drivers into the consolation race after the incident left both drivers out of advancement spots.

While Garrett Hall took home the heat win, Tracy Gordon, Mike Rowe, DJ Shaw and Scott Luce rounded out the top five.

Shawn Martin took off with the early lead in the final qualifying heat.

Ryan Robbins was on a mission in the early laps, clearing Glen Luce for the runner-up spot on lap 5 and taking over the lead shortly after.

Reid Lanpher was making his way through the field, challenging Ben Rowe for the third spot on lap 7.

Derek Griffith finally broke the top 5 on lap 12, securing himself in an advancement position.

Ryan Robbins took home the heat win, followed by Shawn Martin.

Reid Lanpher and Ben Rowe battled it out until the very end, with Lanpher barely edging out Rowe at the line. 

Derek Griffith completed the top 5.

Between the heats and the consolation race, Kyle Hewins blew away the field to win the Bandit 30-lap feature and Gary Babineau took home the big hardware in the Street Stock 50-lapper.

There were two 15-lap consolation races to determine the starting lineup for the big show.

Alan Tardiff was scheduled to start in the first consolation race, but was unable to make it back onto the track after his incident during the heat.

John Salemi took off with the early lead in his #63 machine.

Corey Bubar was challenging to Salemi’s inside on lap 4, taking over the lead the following lap.

Curt Gerry broke the top 3 on lap 6, making his way through the field after a rough start to the day in his heat.

Calvin Rose, Jr. was fighting hard to advance, making his way to the inside of Salemi for fifth in the closing laps of the race. He successfully cleared Salemi on the final lap, securing himself in an advancement spot.

Corey Bubar took home the win while Tim Brackett, Curt Gerry, John Peters and Calvin Rose, Jr. also advanced.

Dan Winter pulled away with the early lead in the second consolation race, but Glen Luce stole it away on lap 5.

2018 Oxford Plains Speedway track champion, Gabe Brown, broke the top 5 on lap 6.

Mark Lunblad took a spin on lap 12 in turn 2, leading to a late-race caution.

Luce was able to hold off his competitors once the field went back to green.

Adam Polvinen, Joey Doiron, Gabe Brown and Dan Winter rounded out the top five.

The original plan was to give out 2 provisional’s to set the field, but PASS allowed all 36 competitors to start the big show.

Johnny Clark distanced himself from Garrett Hall in the early laps of the feature, pulling away with the lead.

Ryan Robbins was on the move, powering his way into the runner-up spot early into the race.

By lap 20, there was a 2-car breakaway at the front of the field.

The leaders began approaching lap traffic on lap 23, setting a blistering pace in the early laps of the feature.

After a hard battle with Derek Griffith mid-pack for position, Dalton Gagnon retired to the pits on lap 28.

Mike Penfold took a spin on lap 29, making contact with the front stretch wall. The incident led to the first caution of the feature.

There were 3-wide battles for position all over the track on the restart, with drivers fighting hard to advance through the field.

Brandon Barker broke the top 4 on the restart while Reid Lanpher broke into the top 10.

There was a 3-car breakaway at the front of the field by lap 45, with Johnny Clark, Ryan Robbins and Travis Benjamin leading the way.

DJ Shaw cleared Josh Childs on lap 46, breaking into the top 5.

By lap 50, the leaders were approaching lap traffic once again.

Scott Moore took a hard spin on lap 55 in turn 4, leading to another caution.

Reid Lanpher was slowly creeping through the field, breaking into the top 5 on the restart.

Corey Bubar came to a slow on lap 64, retiring to the pits.

Gabe Brown and Scott Luce made contact on lap 69 in turns 3 and 4, leading to yet another caution.

Joey Doiron took a spin on the front stretch on lap 75, miraculously avoiding contact as the field remained green.

There was a 3-way battle for the runner-up spot on lap 76 as DJ Shaw, Travis Benjamin and Ryan Robbins battled it out for position.

Travis Benjamin upped his competitors, pulling away with the spot.

Reid Lanpher was still on the charge, clearing Ryan Robbins for fourth on lap 83.

Brandon Barker took a spin on lap 90 in turn 3, resulting in another caution.

TJ Brackett then took a spin on the front stretch in front of the leaders on lap 108, forcing the yellow flag once more.

This section of the race was plagued with cautions, as Mark Lunblad and Gabe Brown brought out another caution, followed by Josh Childs breaking a rear trailing arm and being pulled away on the hook on lap 115.

The field briefly settled down after this string of cautions, but TJ Brackett took a spin on lap 127, collecting the #12g of Derek Griffith.

After yet another spin led to another caution on lap 129, Reid Lanpher found himself in the runner-up spot on the restart.

He was all over Johnny Clark for the top spot by lap 135, searching for the right moment to make his move. He pulled to his outside on lap 140, battling nose-to-nose for the lead.

Gabe Brown took another spin on lap 145, making hard contact with the backstretch wall. The incident led to a late-race caution.

Lanpher had edged out Johnny Clark for the lead prior to the caution, allowing him to restart in first.

Mark Lunblad and Ashton Tucker made contact on lap 148 in turn 2, leading to another caution.

The caution made it a 2-lap battle for the win.

Reid Lanpher was able to hold off Johnny Clark, taking home the victory.

DJ Shaw, Travis Benjamin and Ryan Robbins rounded out the top 5.

It may have been a great day and last-minute win for Reid Lanpher, but we also saw some “underdog” competitors take home great finishes, like Rusty Poland, who brought home a top 10. Dan Winter also showed strength throughout the day and brought home a solid twelfth place finish.

The biggest mover award goes to Bill Rodgers, who started way back in 33rd and came home in eighth!

There were a lot of surprising moments throughout the day, making for a wildly exciting 150-lap feature after all was said and done.

Congrats to Reid Lanpher and all of the competitors on a solid season finale at Oxford Plains Speedway!

You can catch the Pro All Star Series North season finale on Saturday, October 27th at Seekonk Speedway in Seekonk, Massachusetts.

Will you be there?

Thank you again to Drown Excavation and Four Season Synthetic for their endless support for Chasing the Checkered. Contact Drown Excavation for all of your demolition and excavation needs and Four Season Synthetic for all of your oil, lube and filter needs!

The post Reid Lanpher Seals the Deal at Oxford Plains Speedway appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.

The Pro All Star Series returned to Beech Ridge Motor Speedway on Sunday afternoon for the PASS 150, the final PASS event of the 2018 race season at the track.

The day started out with three 15-lap heat races for the feature division.

Dan Winter took off with the early lead in the first qualifying heat.

2017 Beech Ridge track champion, Reid Lanpher, was on the move early, clearing Derek Kneeland for the runner-up spot on lap 3. 

Lanpher continued his pursuit to the front on lap 5, clearing Winter for the top spot.

Gary Smith was on a roll in the second half of the heat, challenging Winter for the runner-up spot on lap 8.

He successfully cleared Winter the next lap, but Reid Lanpher ultimately took home the heat victory.

Hudson, New Hampshire’s Derek Griffith powered into the early lead in the second 15-lap heat.

The #40 of Nick Sweet was all over him for the top spot on lap 4.

Sweet pulled to Griffith’s outside on lap 5, challenging the #12G for the top spot.

Sweet cleared Griffith the following lap, pulling away from the competition.

Garrett Hall was on the move in the second half of the heat, breaking the top 3 on lap 12.

Sweet held off Griffith and Hall, pulling away with the heat victory.

Westbrook’s John Peters was quick to steal the lead in the final 15-lap heat.

He held onto the lead until lap 10, where TJ Brackett pulled to his outside to challenge him for the top spot.

Brackett took over the lead the following lap, eventually taking home the heat victory over Peters and Scarborough Texas Roadhouse driver, Donnie Colpritt, Jr.

Once the field was set, it was time for the 150-lap feature.

TJ Brackett took off with the early lead in the feature, but John Peters successfully stole it away from him on lap 4.

Garrett Hall was on the move early in the #94 machine, breaking the top 5 on lap 7.

Gary Smith was slowly closing in on John Peters at the front of the field, diminishing his lead to just two car lengths by lap 27.

Smith made his way to Peters’ inside on lap 30, challenging him for the top spot.

The leaders began approaching lap traffic on lap 32, allowing Peters to put a little bit of distance between him and the #75 of Gary Smith.

It only took Gary Smith a handful of laps to catch back up to Peters, with Smith taking over the lead on lap 38.

Jeff Taylor was on the move, stealing the runner-up spot away from John Peters on lap 55.

By the halfway mark, Gary Smith had extended his lead to a full straightaway over his competitors.

Points leader DJ Shaw and J.T. Thurlow made contact on lap 84, sending both drivers into the turn 2 wall. The incident led to the first caution of the feature.

The caution was a big break for fan-favorite Curt Gerry, who was just car lengths away from surrendering a lap to the leader after starting the race deep in the field back in 28th.

Gary Smith had a good cushion on the restart with a handful of lap cars separating him from Jeff Taylor back in the runner-up spot.

Reid Lanpher was on the move mid-race, breaking the top 5 on lap 87.

After having a solid run all day, TJ Brackett took a spin on lap 98 in turn 4. The incident led to another caution.

Corey Bubar got the lucky dog under the caution and fell to the back of the line of lead lap cars, leaving no cars separating the leaders on the restart.

After running up front all day, John Peters took a spin on the restart. Everyone miraculously avoided any damage, but Corey Bubar took a spin as well.

The incident led to another caution, but it also powered Curt Gerry into the top-5.

Reid Lanpher made his way to the outside of Jeff Taylor on lap 104, challenging him for the runner-up spot. He eventually cleared him on lap 109, setting his sights on Gary Smith at the top of the leaderboard.

Curt Gerry made his way to Garrett Hall’s inside on lap 122, challenging him for the fourth spot.

After racing side-by-side with Jeff Taylor in traffic, Reid Lanpher took a spin on lap 130 in turn 4. 

Lanpher lost a handful of spots, falling back to eighth as the field remained green.

Kelly Moore took a hard slide through the front stretch grass on lap 148. 

The field remained green after the incident, but held Garrett Hall up, who fell back to fourth as Curt Gerry took over third.

Gary Smith rolled into the victory, taking home his first-ever career victory at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway and only his second-ever Pro All Star Series win.

Jeff Taylor, Curt Gerry, Garrett Hall and Travis Benjamin rounded out the top five.

The Pro All Star Series sure brought the heat to Beech Ridge on Sunday with 150 laps full of action-packed racing!

You can catch the next PASS event this Friday, September 28th, at Thunder Road in Barre, Vermont.

Will you be there?

Thank you again to Drown Excavation and Four Season Synthetic for their endless support for Chasing the Checkered. Contact Drown Excavation for all of your demolition and excavation needs and Four Season Synthetic for all of your oil, lube and filter needs!

The post Gary Smith Tastes Sweet Victory at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway appeared first on Chasing The Checkered.