GERVAIS, LEDGER AND SWALLOW
SCORE BIG AT RIVERSIDE SPEEDWAY
The P.A.S.S. sanctioned, Riverside Speedway in Groveton, New Hampshire officially swung open their doors for the 2008 racing season this past Saturday night in front of a huge opening night crowd, celebrating NAPA and the Bobby Shores Memorial classic. Winners on the evening included Reno Gervais, Jerrad Ledger, Shawn Swallow, Charlie Rockwell, Vanessa Brown, Kyle Pembroke and Erin Hudson.
The night’s festivities kicked off with the 2nd annual Blessing of the Racecars. The invocation was presented by Groveton American Legion Chaplain, Mr. Leonard Egan. The fans were treated to a stellar rendition of the National Anthem, performed by one of New Hampshire’s top young country female vocalist, Chandler Kennedy.
The North Country Ford Late Model main event got off to a rocky start, as it took two shots to complete the first lap. When the dust settled, Bryan Mason was off and flying, leaving the field behind until lap 21 when the yellow flew again. Mason got the jump on the restart, but soon faded with a right rear tire leak, giving the lead to Reno Gervais. Gervais held off all challengers and grabbed the season opening victory by two car lengths over Corey Mason. Mike Kenison, Russell Clark and Bob Ailes completed the top five. Nathan Brown, Jeff Marshall and Bryan Mason all won the ARP Bodies qualifying rounds.
Jerrad Ledger grabbed the lead early on in the 30 lap, Budweiser Super Stock main event, and saw his lead evaporate when the only caution of the race came on lap 23. This brought Nathan Swallow into the hunt for the balance of the event, as he tried inside and outside to get by, but just didn’t have enough bite to get the job done and settled for second. Denny Degreenia, David Ofsuryk Jr., and Brian Middleton rounded out the top five. P&SL Auto qualifying victories went to Ledger, Luke Shannon and David Ofsuryk Jr.
Shawn Swallow made it two wins in two tries in the River Bend RV Street Stocks, as he slipped away from the field, leaving Alex Theroux, Cody Hodge, Michael McGee and Bill Stebbins Jr. in the dust. P&SL Auto heat checkers flew for Theroux and Hodge.
Vanessa Brown showed that she was ready to defend her 2007 championship title as she destroyed the field in the Leo Enos Landscaping Angels main event. Miranda Gervais raced home second, followed by Johanna Christman, Traci Nelson and Jennie Dion.
The Kids Only Daycare Daredevils ran their usual pair of main events with a young lady, Erin Hudson picking up the win in the Rookies. Brent Ming, Nick Gilcris, Lyndsay Christman and Benjamin Belanger placed 2nd through fifth. Kyle Pembroke held off last week’s winner, Jesse Switser, in an outstanding Daredevil Veteran’s feature. Brandon Lambert, Brett Gervais and Dilyn Switser were the balance of the top five.
The 50 lap Jiffy Mart Cyclone race finished off the night and what a great end it was, as Charlie Rockwell held off all challengers to pick up the win. Josh Lafleur and Luke Shannon were right on Rockwells rear bumper at the finish. Anthony Hill and Shaun Stetson rounded out the top five.
Riverside Speedway will celebrate the Memorial Day weekend on Friday night as Kids Only Daycare will sponsor all the activities. The Super Stocks will take center stage this weekend along with the Street Stocks, Daredevils, Angels, Dwarf Cars, Cyclones and a 4x4 Tug of War that is open to the public. Pits open at 3:30, practice starts at 4:30, and the first green flag flies at 7pm. Riverside Speedway is located on Brown Road, off Route 3 in Groveton, New Hampshire. For more information visit their website at www.riversidespeedway.org or call the track at 603-636-2005.
