Long Island Motorsports News - New England Motorsports South by Lou Modestino Weekly Column

June 18, Brockton, MA--- As part of a season-long celebration of 60 years of Modified champions, 1992 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour titlist Jeff Fuller will be honored at the New England Dodge Dealers 75 presented by Charter Cable, Internet & Telephone this Thursday, June 19 at Thompson (Conn.) International Speedway.

Originally from Auburn, Fuller was one of the most successful drivers during the first 10 years of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, and he excelled at Thompson, where he registered a third of his career wins.

Fuller, who often had to battle his brother Rick for checkered flags and championships, compiled 31 victories on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, a total that ranks fourth on the tour's all-time list. Before he moved on to the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 1995, Fuller had finished in the top 10 in the Modified season standings in seven of 10 years.

Named the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Most Popular Driver in 1992-94, Fuller was also a very successful qualifier. He won the season Coors Light Pole Award in 1991 and 1993, and his 28 career poles ranks fourth in the tour's record book.

After finishing as the runner-up to Mike Stefanik for the 1991 title, all of the pieces fell into place for Fuller the following season. Thanks to a fast start that saw him register five wins in the first nine races of the 1992 campaign, Fuller had a stranglehold on the points lead halfway through the schedule and held on to finish 314 points ahead of Reggie Ruggiero. His title season included a total of six wins, 15 top fives and 18 top 10s in 21 races.

Following a successful run in the Modifieds, Fuller went on to nab a win and 14 top 10s in 184 career starts in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. In 1995 he became just the fourth rookie ever to finish in the top 10 in the NASCAR Nationwide Series season standings and subsequently was named the Rookie of the Year. Now a resident of Mooresville, N.C., Fuller also made 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts.

Thompson, site of the upcoming recognition, was one of Fuller's best tracks. Of his 31 Modified victories, 10 came at the .625-mile banked oval that was just a 20-minute drive from his Auburn home. His first Thompson victory came in the 1990 World Series and he went on to capture the checkered flag in six of the next eight NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour races at the track, including four in a row in 1991-92.

NASCAR plans to honor each of its 31 all-time Modified champions throughout the season. The celebration began with the recognition of Frankie Schneider, Donny Lia and Richie Evans at Thompson on April 6. Since the season-opener Red Byron, Ernie Gahan and Mike Stefanik have also been recognized.

Bobby Grigas III of Marshfield was the subject of a several questions regarding his efforts in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Your first three races (this year) have been like a roller coaster. What will it take to get to Victory Lane? "The biggest problem we have right now is that I really don't have a guy that is leading the team, and I don't have an experienced team. The cars are really good. They have that saying 'the races are won at the shop,' and the cars are always setup good. It's just going to take the whole package to get me to the Victory Lane."

What is the most important lesson you've learned about Modified racing in your brief career? "Keep the wheels on the car and finish, then the top fives and the wins will happen."

What's been the biggest difference between your first and second year in a Modified? "Last season I was too busy wrecking the car. I was just too aggressive and anxious with a car that wasn't really meant to go to the front."

You've been racing for just five years. How did you get started?
"There used to be a Modified team beside my father's shop. One day the owner came over and asked if we would like to sponsor the car. We gave them a little something, then my dad started going to the races to see his name on the car. Then we kind of got into the racing. I did F1 Boston, and I was good at it. I didn't have any racing experience, but I just won. So I was like 'let's try Seekonk [Speedway].' So we went out and bought a decent Late Model and we ended up finishing 10th in points. That's how I really got going, we just kind of tried it."

What's life like living next to the ocean? Growing up by the beach, it was fun. I've talked to people who've never seen the ocean before, and I take it for granted because its two minutes down the road. Its fun, there's a lot of perks.

At first glance, fans attending the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 might not recognize New Hampshire Motor Speedway, but one look up and there is no doubt that they will know where they are. New Hampshire Motor Speedway is undergoing a new and improved look. Fans who pass the speedway are sure to notice the obvious improvements to the signs facing Route 106. The Main, North and South entrances are now marked with bigger and brighter signs, including modern, electronic message boards on two of the signs. Branding of New Hampshire Motor Speedway is evident on elevator towers, along the face of the VIP Suites and the main entrance. In addition, a new design is featured on the infield tunnel entrance and exit. Inside the property, upgrades continue.

The grandstands will be identified with larger banners, making it easier for fans to find their seats. The bathrooms and concessions stands are now color-coded for easier identification. Additionally, 200 portable restrooms will be available during the event weekends. Routes around the property have been paved and redefined for more efficient traffic flow, and to enable lanes for the new tram system.

New directional signage has been erected to guide guests out of the property after the race. "Our Chairman, Bruton Smith, is known for his vision and commitment to providing world-class facilities for our fans," said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of the speedway. "We are in the very early stages of the first phase of improvements to our facility. As Bruton likes to say, 'We'll make enough changes, you're bound to like some of them!'"

The cosmetic enhancements are impressive, but less obvious changes will also make for a more enjoyable experience. Upgrades have been made to the PA system and the television compound to improve the fan experience. Besides being responsible to its guests, New Hampshire Motor Speedway also recognizes its need to be a good neighbor in the community.

In an effort to be more 'green', all of dumpsters on property have been replaced with a new sealed system that keeps waste contained and is eventually transported off property. There is no doubt that New Hampshire Motor Speedway has transformed from the inside out. But no matter what it looks like, New Hampshire Motor Speedway's main focus still remains the same - to give the fans the best possible experience every time they come to visit. .

An innovative economic stimulus program for race fans attending the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway will offer ticket holders the opportunity to have their mortgage or rent paid through the rest of the year, share in $10,000 worth of free gas or experience the luxury of suite level seats. All race fans that have purchased a ticket by the close of business on June 25, will be eligible to receive these rewards. The winners will be announced as part of the pre-race ceremonies for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on Sunday, June 29.

"Our fans are our greatest asset," said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager for the speedway. "In these challenging economic times, we need to recognize those who support the speedway by giving them an opportunity to enhance their experience with some innovative rewards. Today, people have to make choices on how they invest their time and money on entertainment. We want them to choose New Hampshire Motor Speedway and the LENOX Industrial Tools 301. This program is a thank you to our loyal ticket buyers and certainly is an incentive for those fans thinking about coming, but are still on the fence."

The first part of the economic stimulus program is providing some relief from the ever-climbing gas prices. The speedway will be selecting 20 lucky fans attending the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 to each receive $500 gas cards from Sunoco. Norman Brooks will be the first fan recognized for his loyalty and support of the speedway. Mr. Gappens will present Mr. Brooks the first Sunoco gas card during today's press conference. Brooks, a Northfield, N.H., resident has been attending events at the speedway for over a decade, and has been a ticket holder since the inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race held at NHMS in 1993.

Gas-prices aside, one of the major concerns for many of our fans is the constant rise of housing costs and the growing home mortgage foreclosure crisis. Five finalists will be selected from LENOX Industrial Tools 301 ticket holders to be eligible to receive the ultimate fan reward - full monthly payments of their primary mortgage (excluding escrow payments) or rent through December 2008, up to $2,500 per month.

The winning recipient of this incredible reward will be selected from the five finalists on-stage during pre-race activities on June 29. Prior to the start of the LENOX Industrial Tools 301, 10 lucky fans, along with one guest, will be given the opportunity to experience the luxury of a VIP suite for the SYLVANIA 300 on Sunday, September 14, 2008. For the opportunity to be included in the economic stimulus program, fans may purchase tickets to the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 online at www.nhms.com or by calling the speedway's Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.

The 5th annual CARQUEST Auto Parts SK 150,scheduled for Friday, July 25 at Stafford Motor Speedway, will feature total posted awards of over $25,000, making the event one of the most lucrative races in SK Modified racing for the 2008 season. The winner of the CARQUEST Auto Parts SK 150 has the potential of walking away with $4,000 in total awards. The winner is guaranteed $3,500, with $500 in first place contingency bonuses available from sponsors CARQUESTAuto Parts, The Davidson Company, and Valvoline. The $24,950 in guaranteed purse is generously distributed throughout the field. The CARQUEST Auto Parts SK 150 will start 30 cars. Last place is guaranteed to pay $300,while 10th place will pay $1,000.

Fred Astle ended the night in 7th place in the Pro Stock feature at the Thompson Speedway while Nick Ribbe of Kingston cracked the top ten. Kerry Malone of Needham was third in the Sunoco Modified main while Bob Grigas, III of Marshfield was next and Tom Cravenho of Raynham came in sixth. Leo Oliviera of Raynham was the runner-up in the Thompson Modified feature while his neighbor Richie Ferriera took fifth.

The 35th Annual Coors Light SK Modified 100 played out perfectly for Ted Christopher in the game of numbers. On Friday, June 13th, Christopher drove car number 13 to his 100th career feature victory at Stafford by winning the Coors Light SK Modified 100.

Other feature winners included Michael Bennett and Dillon Moltz from the Late Model division, Alan Provost in the SK Light feature, Sean Foster in the Limited Late Model feature, and Bill Dunn in the DARE Stock feature.

Local competitors did well at Seekonk Speedway's Fast Friday meet that included Branden Dion of Taunton who cracked the top five in the SYRA 600(Mini Cup) feature. Assonet's Jason Enos came in seventh with Ashley Kuhn of Plymouth ending the night in ninth. Brian Mondeau of Bridgewater also made it to a fifth place in the SYRA 750 division with Plymouth's Steven Gardiner, Jr. taking seventh and Chris Igo, Jr. of N. Easton came in next. Tom Blackwell of E. Taunton was another fifth place finisher in the Pure Stock main event while Milissa Charette of Taunton ended the night in 11th. Bethany Stoehr of Bridgewater won the Jr. Class Go-Kart feature.

Last Saturday night the True Value Modified Series rolled into the Cement Palace. No surprise on the winner. Vinny "Who' Annarummo, who else won the feature. The Swansea driver had the field covered in the main event and took the 100 lap main event. Vinny made the move from the Seekonk Pro Stocks to the Mods two years ago and it was an instant success after winning Modified races at Seekonk last year. Connecticut's Chris Pasteryak was the runner-up with John McKennedy of Chelmsford next. Les Hinkley of Conn. and Maine's Dave Pinkham rounded out the top five. Hinkley made a valiant effort to challenge Annarummo but lost the momentum when his tires gave out. Some 30 cars turned out for the TVMRS but only 26 made the cut. W. Bridgewater's Jimmy Kuhn, Jr. cracked the top ten with Raynham's Tom Cravenho coming in 11th. Dick Houlihan of Bridgewater, who came out of retirement, ended up with problems and finished way back in 21st.

In the supporting Street Stock feature Tony Oliveira of Taunton came in fourth with Justin Travis of E. Taunton next. Elmer Wing of Lakeville was eighth; Paul Newcomb of Plymouth was 11th, Mark Henshaw of Raynham 15th followed by Chris DeMoura of N. Dighton. Zach Tucan of Taunton took a fourth in the Sport Trucks with Hugh Bowser of that same city coming in eighth and E. Wareham's Karl Brimlist came in 13th.

The Pro 4 Modifieds made the long trek up to Twin-State Speedway in Claremont, NH. Easton's Rob Richardi, Jr. ended up taking the feature with Norm Wren, Dan Meservey, Brian Vincent and Tyler Vincent comprising the top five. The series moves to the Monadnock Speedway in Winchester, NH this Saturday night.

Middletown, Conn. driver Joey Logano, 18, became the youngest series Camping World Series-East winner by taking last Saturday's Meijer 300 at Kentucky Speedway. The Joe Gibbs' driver started his Toyota on the pole, led 76 of the 200 laps, and finished 2.2 seconds up on Scott Wimmer's Chevrolet. Logano, who beat Casey Atwood's mark for youngest winner, took the lead from Kyle Busch with 53 laps to go. Busch, who started in the back after missing qualifying, spun with 37 laps remaining. Mike Wallace was third. Logano averaged 135.508 mph with five cautions for 25 laps. Clint Bowyer (ninth) is 170 points ahead of Brad Keselowski (fourth).

The ambitious and exciting construction at the 1.6 mile road course Lime Rock Park is now in Week #3, with the goal of doing 90 days’ work in only 31. Progress has been remarkable – despite three major rainstorms - and the crew is on target to get most of the work done this month. As of last week, the track had been milled twice, and was nearly ready for the actual re-paving. Big Bend, the Lefthander and the Right Turn onto No Name Straight was completely dug up, and a proper base was built.

Construction has commenced on both the new Uphill and the Optional West Bend, and the guiding stakes have been marked. Track construction will continue throughout June, and be officially unveiled for the American Le Mans Series Northeast Grand Prix, July 11-12.

Ken Coolbeth returned to his native New England to kick-off the Laconia Bike Week on the half-mile dirt track at the Rochester (NH)Fairgrounds. The defending AMA champion, of two divisions, rode his HD machine to a win in the Twins and a Honda in the 450 Pro Series. Ken, sponsored by Bettencourt Honda/Suzuki of W. Bridgewater, bested a strong contingent of NY competitors in the Twin and 450 Pro events.

Other winners included Henry Landry of Concord, NH in the Vintage class, Ed Fatzinger of Bath, PA in the Brakeless division and Kevin Poulit of Quebec in the Sportsman. Another Quebec competitor Fred Duchesneau took the 85 feature. James Rispoli, formerly of Londonderry, NH, now calling Attica, NY home, won the Pro Sport Feature.

ROCHESTER NIGHT FEATURES

Vintage

1st Henry Landry Concord, NH BSA

2nd Mark Thomas Manchester, NH Yam

3rd Kevin Campbell Salem, NH
Yam

Brakeless

1st Ed Fatzinger Bath, PA
Royal

2nd Mark Fillebrown Allentown, PA
Royal

3rd Bruce Argetsinger Branford, CT Royal

Sportsman

1st Kevin Pouliot Quebec, CAN
Hon

2nd Mike Hakey Alstead, NH
Hon

3rd Fred Duchesneau St. Maurice, Quebec, CAN
YZ

Twins

1st Kenny Coolbeth Warren, CT
H-D

2nd Michael Radley Coeymans Hollow, NY H-D

3rd Adam Carpinello E. Greenbush, NY H-D

4th James Rispoli Attica, NY Apr

5th Bryan Hazel Alboin, NY H-D

6th R J Overholt Alboin, NY KTM

7th Tobias Stay E. Worcester, NY H-D

8th Shawn Raggio Stockton, CA Apr

9th Alan Stay, Jr. Worcester, NY Suz

450 Expert

1st. Kenny Coolbeth Warren, Ct
Hon

2nd. Bryan Hazel Albion, NY Hon

3rd. Michael Radley Coeymans Hollow, NY Hon

4th. Adam Carpinello East Greenbush, NY Hon

5th. Alan Stay Jr. Worcester, NY
Hon

6th. Shawn Raggio Stockton, CA Rot

7th. Tobias Stay E. Worcester, NY Suz

85cc

1st. Fred Duchesneau St. Maurice Quebec Canada
Hon

2nd. Jaminson Minor Barrington, NH Hon

3rd. Harlan Hildebrand Milford, NH Hon

Pro Sport

1st. James Rispoli Attica, NY Hon

2nd. Troy Estabrook Litchfield, NY Hon

3rd. Bryan McKenna Plymouth, MA Hon

4th. Shane Narbonne Tyngsboro, MA Hon

5th. Mark Fillebrown Allentown, PA Yam

6th. Jeff Swensen Grantham, NH Hon

7th. Jeremy Eischen Syracuse, NY
Hon

8th. Cody Gillen Long Pond, PA Yam

9th. David Casey Hubbardston, MA Yam

Lou Modestino is a long-time columnist and Public Relations person, working for numerous tracks in the northeast, and now writes for The Enterprise in Brockton, MA. He may be reached at lmodestino@hotmail.com.

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