LaDuc Takes Vince Quenneville Sr. Memorial At Devil’s Bowl

Story By: JUSTIN ST. LOUIS / DEVIL’S BOWL SPEEDWAY – WEST HAVEN, VT – Jimmy Boyle picked the right night for his first career win with the Mr. Rooter Pro Truck Series, topping the field in an exciting event at The Dirt Track at Devil’s Bowl Speedway on Sunday, July 9. Boyle came out ahead in the “Dirty 30” to win the first dirt race in the history of the Pro Truck group, and was one of five drivers to visit victory lane during the annual double-points Mid-Season Championship event.

Boyle, of East Windsor, Conn., started on the outside of the front row for the 30-lap Pro Truck race and watched as Andy Lindeman – a former dirt Modified driver and a heavy favorite entering the night – pull away and lead the opening eight laps. Lindeman’s truck slowed suddenly, however, setting up an outstanding duel for the lead between Boyle and Dave Koenig.

The top spot officially changed hands four times in the next six circuits as Boyle and Koenig crossed the start/finish line, but the pair swapped the lead several times per lap in between. Boyle took over for good one lap before the halfway mark, but Koenig held close to him until spinning out of contention with four laps to go. Eric Finkbein Jr. and Gerard Girodano Jr. entered the battle at that moment and challenged Boyle again during the final restart with two laps left.

When the checkered flag flew, it was Boyle celebrating for the first time in the winner’s circle, with Finkbein a career-best second and Giordano third. Long Island native Giordano had a solid two-track doubleheader weekend with the Pro Trucks at Devil’s Bowl, also finishing second on the 1/2-mile Asphalt Track on Saturday night. Frank Dumicich Jr. and Frank Dumicich Sr. completed the top five, while the rest of the top 10 positions went to Josh Stringer, Rick Ashlaw, Saturday night winner Duane Noll, Koenig, and Jim Thompson.

Tim LaDuc of Orwell, Vt., grabbed Devil’s Bowl career win number 48 in the special 38-lap “Vince Quenneville Sr. Memorial” race for the Central Vermont Motorcycles Sportsman Modified division. LaDuc started 12th and worked through traffic to take the lead from Tomas Kimball at lap 9; he was tested a few times on restarts, but was able to pull away each time to win his second race of the year.

Vince Quenneville Jr. finished a solid second in the race honoring his late father. LaDuc, a long-time friend and on-track rival of Quenneville Jr., was complementary of his challenger in victory lane.

“I love winning and I almost hate to say this, but I sort of wish Vince had won this race for his dad, who was a great man,” LaDuc said. “He had a good car, he ran me clean, and it was a lot of fun. I finished second in the memorial race for my father [Charlie LaDuc] last year, so I know how bad it stings for him. Maybe he can win my dad’s race in August and we’ll be even.”

Veteran driver Brian Whittemore recovered from some mid-race dramatics to post his best finish of the year in third place. Justin Severance, who was involved in a crash that included Whittemore, took fourth place with Justin Comes fifth. Lenny Pilsbury ran sixth, followed by Billy Lussier, James Fadden, Kimball, and Randy Howe. Unofficially, Quenneville Jr. takes over the point lead with a seven-point edge on LaDuc (343-336).

Chris Murray of Fair Haven, Vt., posted his second win in a week when he survived a wild, wreck-filled 20-lapper for the Rosen & Berger Auto Recyclers Super Stock division. Murray, who also won at the track on Monday night, was leading when friend and teammate Josh Bussino spun him out with just three laps left.

Asphalt regular Scott FitzGerald and Albany-Saratoga Speedway racer Damon Anderson – each in his first Devil’s Bowl Dirt Track start of the year – found themselves in the top two positions with two restarts at the end of the race. Murray was on a mission and passed by both lapped traffic and the leaders to breeze to the win. FitzGerald and Anderson held steady to take second and third, respectively. Bussino was fourth officially, with Erwin Smith Jr. fifth, one lap down. Bussino is the new unofficial point leader with Murray second (324-304).

Chris Charbonneau of Rutland, Vt., accomplished the same feat as Murray, winning Sunday’s 20-lap Portland Glass Mini Stock race as a follow-up to a win on Monday, July 3. Charbonneau spun early in the race and had to cope with a broken gas pedal, but scored his fifth consecutive top-two finish. Chris Conroy hung tough for the second spot, while former champion Brian Bishop Jr. returned to finish third in his first Dirt Track Mini Stock start of the year. Robert Garney and rookie Jake Barrows were next in line. Charbonneau widened his point lead, unofficially, with a 28-point margin on Garney (360-332).

The Catamount Mini Sprints had its fourth first-time winner in as many races, as Nadine Coates of Newport, N.H., scored her first victory. Coates and Mark Mulready swapped the lead twice during the 15-lap race, but Coates held on for the win. Mulready was second with Sean Beinhaur third, Robert Griffin fourth, and Austin Chaves fifth.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway is closed for its annual summer break on July 15-16, but returns to action with both the Asphalt Track and the Dirt Track on July 22-23.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway is located on Route 22A in West Haven, Vt., four miles north of U.S. Route 4, Exit 2. For more information, visit www.DevilsBowlSpeedwayVT.com or call (802) 265-3112. Devil’s Bowl Speedway is on Facebook at @DevilsBowlSpeedway and on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat at @DevilsBowlSpeed; follow the action using the hashtag #DevilsBowl.

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS – Mid-Season Championships

Devil’s Bowl Speedway Dirt Track – West Haven, Vt.

NASCAR Whelen All-American Series

Sunday, July 9, 2017

Mr. Rooter Pro Truck Series Feature (30 laps)

Pos.-(Start)-Driver-Hometown

1. (2) Jimmy Boyle, East Windsor, Conn.

2. (4) Eric Finkbein Jr., Columbia, Conn.

3. (5) Gerard Giordano Jr., Freeport, L.I., N.Y.

4. (6) Frank Dumicich Jr., East Quogue, L.I., N.Y.

5. (8) Frank Dumicich Sr., East Quogue, L.I., N.Y.

6. (9) Josh Stringer, Dayville, Conn.

7. (7) Rick Ashlaw, Manchester, Conn.

8. (10) Duane Noll, Monroe, Conn.

9. (3) Dave Koenig, Baldwin, L.I., N.Y.

10. (12) Jim Thompson, Dublin, N.H.

11. (1) Andy Lindeman, Poestenkill, N.Y.

12. (11) Caleb Cashman, Marlborough, N.H.

Heat Winners: Andy Lindeman, Jimmy Boyle

Central Vermont Motorcycles Sportsman Modified Feature (38 laps)

Pos.-(Start)-Driver-Hometown

# – denotes rookie

1. (12) Tim LaDuc, Orwell, Vt.

2. (11) Vince Quenneville Jr., Brandon, Vt.

3. (5) Brian Whittemore, Pittsford, Vt.

4. (9) Justin Severance, Pittsford, Vt.

5. (10) Justin Comes, Middlebury, Vt.

6. (2) Lenny Pillsbury, Cornish, N.H.

7. (15) Billy Lussier, Fair Haven, Vt.

8. (3) # James Fadden, Plainfield, N.H.

9. (1) # Tomas Kimball, White River Junction, Vt.

10. (7) Randy Howe, Lebanon, N.H.

11. (6) Jackie Brown Jr., Hurley, N.Y.

12. (13) Kenny Tremont Jr., West Sand Lake, N.Y.

13. (16) Codie Aubin, Plattsburgh, N.Y.

14. (4) Mike Block, Ballston Spa, N.Y.

15. (14) Joey Scarborough, Brandon, Vt.

16. (8) Jimmy Ryan, Whiting, Vt.

17. (17) Chad Miller, White River Junction, Vt.

Heat Winners: James Fadden, Randy Howe, Justin Comes

Shiley Fabrication Hard Charger Award: Tim LaDuc

Shiley Fabrication Hard Luck Award: Chad Miller

Rosen & Berger Auto Recyclers Super Stock Feature (20 laps)

Pos.-(Start)-Driver-Hometown

# – denotes rookie

1. (9) Chris Murray, Fair Haven, Vt.

2. (11) Scott FitzGerald, West Rutland, Vt.

3. (12) Damon Anderson, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

4. (7) Josh Bussino, Mouth Holly, Vt.

5. (8) Erwin Smith Jr., South Glens Falls, N.Y.

6. (10) Ronnie Alger, Orwell, Vt.

7. (2) Curtis Condon, Queensbury, N.Y.

8. (4) Lou Gancarz, North Adams, Mass.

9. (3) Larry Bristol, Rutland, Vt.

10. (1) Matt Mosher, Queensbury, N.Y.

11. (5) # Brian Rogers, Castleton, Vt.

12. (6) Bill Duprey, Hydeville, Vt.

Portland Glass Mini Stock Feature (20 laps)

Pos.-(Start)-Driver-Hometown

# – denotes rookie

1. (7) Chris Charbonneau, Rutland, Vt.

2. (5) Chris Conroy, Newport, N.H.

3. (11) Brian Bishop Jr., West Rutland, Vt.

4. (6) Robert Garney, Fort Edward, N.Y.

5. (10) # Jake Barrows, Monkton, Vt.

6. (4) # Hunter Given, Orwell, Vt.

7. (2) # Johnny Bruno, Castleton, Vt.

8. (1) Cameron Kennedy, Rochester, Vt.

9. (3) # Willie Rice, Poultney, Vt.

10. (8) Tim St. John, Claremont, N.H.

11. (9) Erika Lilly, Castleton, Vt.

12. (12) Dakota Desabrais, Fair Haven, Vt.

Did Not Start: # Josh Kennedy, Rochester, Vt.

Catamount Mini Sprint Feature (15 laps)

Pos.-(Start)-Driver-Hometown

1. (1) Nadine Coates, Newport, N.H.

2. (5) Mark Mulready, Buskirk, N.Y.

3. (8) Sean Beinhaur, Shoreham, Vt.

4. (7) Robert Griffin, Sunapee, N.H.

5. (6) Austin Chaves, Chester, Vt.

6. (3) Colby Beinhaur, Shoreham, Vt.

7. (10) Josh Griffin, Sunapee, N.H.

8. (4) Erick Mulready, Buskirk, N.Y.

9. (2) Brent Warren, Salisbury, Vt.

10. (9) Cody O’Brien, Springfield, Vt.

Heat Winner: Nadine Coates

 

Noll Rolls from the Pole at Devil’s Bowl

Duane Noll made history before a big crowd at The Asphalt Track at Devil’s Bowl Speedway on Saturday, July 8, winning the first-ever race in Vermont for the Mr. Rooter Pro Truck Series. Drivers and fans persevered through heavy afternoon rains for the jam-packed, six-division event presented by Brown’s Orchard & Farm Stand and Brown’s Quarried Slate that also featured a gigantic fireworks display and the annual Thomas Dairy Kids Bicycle Giveaway.

The Pro Truck Series kicked off its dual-surface doubleheader “Fast ‘N’ Dirty Weekend” event with the “Fast 55” on the 1/2-mile paved oval on Saturday night, and veteran driver Noll, of Monroe, Conn., was the cream of the crop all night long. Noll won the pole starting position by virtue of having the fastest lap in pre-race practice, then jumped out front at the green flag and never looked back, leading all 55 laps in a well-driven, caution-free race.

Young Long Island driver Gerard Giordano Jr. kept a close distance to Noll in the first 40 circuits, but lost contact with him in lapped traffic near the end of the race. Giordano took the runner-up position with Frankie Dumicich Jr. completing the podium. Josh Stringer came from mid-pack at the start to finish a strong fourth, with Eric Finkbein Jr. rounding out the top five. Frank Dumicich Sr. finished sixth, followed by Dave Koenig, Rick Ashlaw, Caleb Cashman, and Jim Thompson.

The Mr. Rooter Pro Truck Series will complete its weekend doubleheader with the “Dirty 30” on The Dirt Track at Devil’s Bowl Speedway on Sunday evening.

In weekly NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action, double championship points were on the line for the annual Mid-Season Championships. Vince Quenneville Jr. of Brandon, Vt., copped his second win of the year in the 25-lap feature race for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Sportsman Modifieds in another green-to-checkers run. Mike Wells battled hard with Ron Proctor for much of the distance, taking the runner-up spot in spite of some contact at the midway point. Proctor settled for third place with Joey Roberts and Jason Durgan in tow.

Defending champion Jim McKiernan of Moriah Center, N.Y., won the 20-lap double-points race for the Rosen & Berger Auto Recyclers Super Stock division. He as the first to break out of traffic and open up a sizeable lead; Dylan Rabtoy tracked him down near the finish but was unable to make a move and finished second. Rookie Eric Messier finished third, followed by Scott FitzGerald and Jared Blake. The results of the Super Stock feature are considered unofficial pending further review in post-race technical inspection.

Brendan “Roo” Forrest of West Rutland, Vt., was the unofficial winner of the 15-lap Mid-Season feature for the Portland Glass Mini Stocks, taking the first victory of his young career. Forrest, who has had a feast-or-famine season, got out front early and won in convincing fashion. Rookies Shawn Moquin and Cam Gadue completed the podium, with Gadue’s run being a career-best finish. Garrett Given and rookie Mike Preston were next in line.

Alayne Bruno of Castleton, Vt., copped her first win in the 10-lap Ladies Mini Stock race; the new semi-weekly division had its biggest car count and best racing action to date. Stephanie Roberts and Maddy Rabtoy rebounded from an early crash together to finish second and third, respectively. Early leader Lynn Denton was fourth with Tonia Bouchard fifth.

Cory Gray of Clarendon, Vt., won the 50-lap Enduro Series race for his first victory of the season. Gray diced it up in the first half with the returning father-son team of Bill and Shawn Fountain before taking the lead and scooting away. Shawn Fountain finished second with Bill Fountain third. The full official finish is under scoring review and will be announced soon.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway is closed for its annual summer break on July 15-16, but returns to action with both the Asphalt Track and the Dirt Track on July 22-23.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway is located on Route 22A in West Haven, Vt., four miles north of U.S. Route 4, Exit 2. For more information, visit www.DevilsBowlSpeedwayVT.com or call (802) 265-3112. Devil’s Bowl Speedway is on Facebook at @DevilsBowlSpeedway and on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat at @DevilsBowlSpeed; follow the action using the hashtag #DevilsBowl.

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS – Brown’s Orchard & Farm Stand/Brown’s Quarried Slate Night

Devil’s Bowl Speedway Asphalt Track – West Haven, VT

NASCAR Whelen All-American Series

Saturday, June 24, 2017

Mr. Rooter Pro Truck Series Feature (55 laps)

Pos.-(Start)-Driver-Hometown

1. (1) Duane Noll, Monroe, Conn.

2. (2) Gerard Giordano Jr., Freeport, L.I., N.Y.

3. (3) Frank Dumicich Jr., East Quogue, L.I., N.Y.

4. (8) Josh Stringer, Dayville, Conn.

5. (6) Eric Finkbein Jr., Columbia, Conn.

6. (4) Frank Dumicich Sr., East Quogue, L.I., N.Y.

7. (9) Dave Koenig, Baldwin, L.I., N.Y.

8. (10) Rick Ashlaw, Manchester, Conn.

9. (11) Caleb Cashman, Marlborough, N.H.

10. (12) Jim Thompson, Dublin, N.H.

11. (5) Andy Lindeman, Poestenkill, N.Y.

12. (13) Tony Lafo, Higganum, Conn.

13. (7) Jimmy Boyle, East Windsor, Conn.

Fast Time: Duane Noll – 18.750 seconds

O’Reilly Auto Parts Sportsman Modified Feature (25 laps)

Pos.-(Start)-Driver-Hometown

1. (2) Vince Quenneville Jr., Brandon, Vt.

2. (1) Mike Wells, West Chazy, N.Y.

3. (3) Ron Proctor, Charlton, N.Y.

4. (4) Joey Roberts, Fletcher, Vt.

5. (6) Jason Durgan, Morrisonville, N.Y.

6. (5) Jackie Brown Jr., Hurley, N.Y.

7. (7) Billy Lussier, Fair Haven, Vt.

Heat Winner: Vince Quenneville Jr.

Shiley Fabrication Hard Charger Award: Vince Quenneville Jr.

Shiley Fabrication Hard Luck Award: Billy Lussier

Rosen & Berger Auto Recyclers Super Stock Feature (20 laps) – PENDING TECHNICAL INSPECTION

Pos.-(Start)-Driver-Hometown

# – denotes rookie

1. (3) Jim McKiernan, Moriah Center, N.Y.

2. (4) Dylan Rabtoy, Swanton, Vt.

3. (6) # Eric Messier, Hinesburg, Vt.

4. (5) Scott FitzGerald, West Rutland, Vt.

5. (1) Jared Blake, North Hero, Vt.

6. (13) Tylor Terry, Morrisonville, N.Y.

7. (11) # Brett Wood, Georgia, Vt.

8. (9) # Garrett Given Sr., Cornwall, Vt.

9. (12) R.J. Germain, Bristol, Vt.

10. (10) Tony Salerno, Mineville, N.Y.

11. (8) # Chris Cardarelli, Milton, Vt.

12. (7) Bill Burlingame, Gansevoort, N.Y.

13. (2) Austin McKiernan, Moriah Center, N.Y.

Heat Winners: Jared Blake, Jim McKiernan

Portland Glass Mini Stock Feature (15 laps) – PENDING TECHNICAL INSPECTION

Pos.-(Start)-Driver-Hometown

# – denotes rookie

1. (4) Roo Forrest, West Rutland, Vt.

2. (9) # Shawn Moquin, Milton, Vt.

3. (6) # Cam Gadue, Highgate, Vt.

4. (7) Garrett Given Sr., Cornwall, Vt.

5. (5) # Mike Preston, Panton, Vt.

6. (3) Kaleb Shepard, New Haven, Vt.

7. (2) Zach Wood, Georgia, Vt.

8. (1) # Johnny Bruno, Castleton, Vt.

9. (11) Chris Mattos, Milton, Vt.

10. (10) Brian Bishop Jr., West Rutland, Vt.

11. (8) Andrew FitzGerald, West Rutland, Vt.

Did Not Start: # Russ Champine II, Rutland, Vt.

Heat Winners: Zach Wood, Roo Forrest

Ladies Mini Stock Feature (10 laps)

Pos.-(Start)-Driver-Hometown

1. (3) Alayne Bruno, Castleton, Vt.

2. (4) Stephanie Roberts, Fletcher, Vt.

3. (5) Maddy Rabtoy, Swanton, Vt.

4. (1) Lynn Denton, Milton, Vt.

5. (6) Tonia Bouchard, Hinesburg, Vt.

6. (2) Sami Sargent, Bristol, Vt.

7. (7) Monique Turner, Highgate, Vt.

Enduro Series Feature (50 laps)

Pos.-(Car No.)-Driver-Hometown-Laps Completed

1. (17) Cory Gray, Clarendon, Vt. – 50 Laps

2. (07) Shawn Fountain, Plattsburgh, N.Y. – 50 Laps

3. (77) Bill Fountain, Altona, N.Y. – 50 Laps

4. (62) Cam Gadue, Highgate, Vt. – 49 Laps

5. (94) Mike Klupa, Essex, Vt. – 47 Laps

6. (7) Amanda Chisamore, Tinmouth, Vt. – 46 Laps

7. (117) Richie Turner, Highgate, Vt. – 45 Laps

8. (22) Ethan White, Hinesburg, Vt. – 45 Laps

9. (84X) Jonathan McCluskey, Cornwall, Vt. – 44 Laps

10. (44) Craig Kirby, Winooski, Vt. – 43 Laps

11. (118X) Brian Barrows, Cornwall, Vt. – 42 Laps

12. (25) Kyle Botala, Grand Isle, Vt. – 39 Laps

13. (01) Andy Botala, Grand Isle, Vt. – 39 Laps

14. (18X) Jacob Barrows, Cornwall, Vt. – 26 Laps

15. (93) Jamie Kilburn, Williston, Vt. – 21 Laps

16. (40) Allen Botala, Grand Isle, Vt. – 19 Laps