RGeeProductions
01-14-2013, 04:13 PM
This past Saturday, the Lee USA Speedway held its usual pre-season information meeting for competitors and officials at the Kingston VFW. Lee USA Speedway General Manager Bob Watson stated, “We’re very excited about the upcoming season based on the overall enthusiasm of the competitors displayed at the meeting.”
Rules and other issues of concern were discussed and according to Watson, “Rule changes are very minor for the 2013 season.” Rules and tentative schedule information are available at the speedway website www.leeusaspeedway.com. Further rules clarification can be obtained by contacting Lee USA Speedway tech man Buzzie Bezanson at 603-339-2166.
One rule that will be enforced this season is that all cars in all divisions must be equipped with an onboard scanner with which track officials can convey line-up and other pertinent information. Second generation NEMA starter Steve Grant will be on the flagstand at Lee USA in 2013 and Bob Watson will take over as race director. Our new motto this year is “In at 7, out at 10,” says Watson. Every effort will be made to not only get the first race started promptly, but also conclude the show in reasonable time.
Another big change at Lee USA for 2013 is the return of Quarterly Championship nights with extra distance and extra money events in all four divisions. These four special events over the course of the season will pay $1,000 to the Small Block Supers, $500 to the Late Model Sportsman, $350 to the Hobby Stocks, and $100 to the Ironman Division. Further contingency awards will be provided by John Holland of Sunoco Racing Fuels.
Many new faces at the meeting may preview a significant surge in interest to be seen in the American Auto Ironman Division. Lebanon, ME driver Jim Shorey will be trying to repeat his dominant 2012 performance over cross-town rival Pat Tanguay in the David’s Race Cars Hobby Stock Division. Grant Aither will be returning to weekly competition and gunning for defending Prime Storage Late Model Sportsman Champ J.R. Baril, who won the 2012 title in Aither’s former ride. Aither has won two straight titles before taking most of last season off. However Michelle Fushpanski, who chased Baril all last year, is looking for a breakout season. Fushpanski won twice in 2012, finished runner-up in the points chase and has proven to be a match for her male competition.
Super Dave Sanborn will also be back in 2013. The popular senior driver of the Benson Hardware Small Block Division was involved in a serious wreck early last year that kept him out of competition for the remainder of the season. Fans and fellow competitors alike will eagerly welcome him back. The Witkum Brothers will be fielding two cars for the upcoming season. Rumor has it that Eddie Witkum, Jr. will wheel of one when his ISMA schedule permits and four time Lee USA Champ Wayne Helliwell, Jr. will pilot the other. Helliwell was a close second to Tom Tombarello last season and has vowed to take back the title for the Witkum Brothers in 2013.
On a sadder note, longtime Lee USA official and supporter Jay Merryfield passed away last week after a long battle with cancer. Jay was the infield steward and drove the Lee USA Speedway emblazoned push truck. He regarded the speedway his home and the fans and competitors his family. He will be missed by all, and a memorial service will be conducted at the track early in the season. The Lee USA Speedway will open the 2013 season with the 27th Annual 150 lap Governor’s Cup Race on April 14th.
Lee USA Speedway
Rules and other issues of concern were discussed and according to Watson, “Rule changes are very minor for the 2013 season.” Rules and tentative schedule information are available at the speedway website www.leeusaspeedway.com. Further rules clarification can be obtained by contacting Lee USA Speedway tech man Buzzie Bezanson at 603-339-2166.
One rule that will be enforced this season is that all cars in all divisions must be equipped with an onboard scanner with which track officials can convey line-up and other pertinent information. Second generation NEMA starter Steve Grant will be on the flagstand at Lee USA in 2013 and Bob Watson will take over as race director. Our new motto this year is “In at 7, out at 10,” says Watson. Every effort will be made to not only get the first race started promptly, but also conclude the show in reasonable time.
Another big change at Lee USA for 2013 is the return of Quarterly Championship nights with extra distance and extra money events in all four divisions. These four special events over the course of the season will pay $1,000 to the Small Block Supers, $500 to the Late Model Sportsman, $350 to the Hobby Stocks, and $100 to the Ironman Division. Further contingency awards will be provided by John Holland of Sunoco Racing Fuels.
Many new faces at the meeting may preview a significant surge in interest to be seen in the American Auto Ironman Division. Lebanon, ME driver Jim Shorey will be trying to repeat his dominant 2012 performance over cross-town rival Pat Tanguay in the David’s Race Cars Hobby Stock Division. Grant Aither will be returning to weekly competition and gunning for defending Prime Storage Late Model Sportsman Champ J.R. Baril, who won the 2012 title in Aither’s former ride. Aither has won two straight titles before taking most of last season off. However Michelle Fushpanski, who chased Baril all last year, is looking for a breakout season. Fushpanski won twice in 2012, finished runner-up in the points chase and has proven to be a match for her male competition.
Super Dave Sanborn will also be back in 2013. The popular senior driver of the Benson Hardware Small Block Division was involved in a serious wreck early last year that kept him out of competition for the remainder of the season. Fans and fellow competitors alike will eagerly welcome him back. The Witkum Brothers will be fielding two cars for the upcoming season. Rumor has it that Eddie Witkum, Jr. will wheel of one when his ISMA schedule permits and four time Lee USA Champ Wayne Helliwell, Jr. will pilot the other. Helliwell was a close second to Tom Tombarello last season and has vowed to take back the title for the Witkum Brothers in 2013.
On a sadder note, longtime Lee USA official and supporter Jay Merryfield passed away last week after a long battle with cancer. Jay was the infield steward and drove the Lee USA Speedway emblazoned push truck. He regarded the speedway his home and the fans and competitors his family. He will be missed by all, and a memorial service will be conducted at the track early in the season. The Lee USA Speedway will open the 2013 season with the 27th Annual 150 lap Governor’s Cup Race on April 14th.
Lee USA Speedway