MASON, SWALLOW AND SMITH

GRAB RIVERSIDE CHECKERS

            Another large crowd was on hand to enjoy an awesome night of racing at the P.A.S.S. sanctioned Riverside Speedway in Groveton, New Hampshire. Beautiful weather once again made for a great night of entertainment for the fans and drivers as well on Bean’s Homes of Lyndonville night. Winners on the night included Bryan Mason, Nathan Swallow, Michael Smith, Johanna Christman, Eric Hall and Luke Shannon.

            After last week’s crash-fest in the North Country Ford Late Models, the drivers, spotters and crewmembers got together for a little pow-wow prior to the days events, and it certainly showed as three cautions dotted the main event, two for minor spins and one for a wreck on the front-stretch. Due to last weeks high attrition, the field was smaller than normal, but the racing was 100% better, and way more competitive than seen all season. Last week it was Corey Mason carrying the checkered flag, this week it was his younger brother Bryan bringing home the winners check. Mason battled past Floyd Bennett Jr. with five laps remaining to score his first win of 2008. It was no easy task as point leader, Mike Kenison battled him to the finish, but had to settle for the runner-up spot. Reno Gervais came home third followed by Bennett and Grant Folsom. Heat checkers flew for Jean Leblanc and Folsom.

            Nathan Swallow battled to the front mid-way through the Budweiser Super Stock main event to pick up another victory. Jeff Fysh continues to battle his way back into the championship hunt with a solid second place finish. Denny Degreenia, Jason Kenison and Brian Middleton rounded out the top five. Kenison and Luke Shannon won their respective heats.

            Michael Smith dusted the competition in the River Bend RV Street feature as he rolled to victory over Tori Delabruere, Brendon Hunt, Tom Sokolis and Michael McGee. The win was big for Smith as he had to use a borrowed car last week and finished deep in the field. Hunt and point leader, Shawn Swallow, whom detonated an engine in the feature, won their qualifying rounds.

            Eric Hall was victorious once again in the Twisted Tea Dwarf Cars. Hall was followed to the stripe by Dana Huoppi, Bobby Riley, Dave Gyger and Alex Rancourt. Heat winners included Riley and Rancourt.

             It was a tough loss for Dayna Randall in the Leo Enos Landscaping Angels main event as she drove a tremendous race, only to lose it in the tech line for having too much camber. This gave the win to Johanna Christman. Traci Nelson, Heather Hodge, Vanessa Brown and Lindsey Rexford all moved up one position in the final running order.

            Luke Shannon crashed out of the Super Stock main event, but he redeemed himself by winning the Jiffy Mart Cyclone 50 lapper. It was a wild affair as a massive oil spill wreaked havoc on the field throughout the race. Following Shannon to victory lane were Loren Vear, Rick Utley Jr., Shaun Stetson and Jeff Ainsworth.

            Riverside Speedway will back in action this Saturday night as Passumpsic Savings Bank will sponsor the night’s activities. On the card will be the Outlaw Sportsman, Super Stocks, Street Stocks, Daredevils, Angels and $100 to win Spectator Drags. Post time is 6pm.