EVERETT’S TRIPLE CROWN CONTINUES, SPECTATOR DRAGS JOIN NASCAR SATURDAY THIS WEEK

SEEKONK, Mass. — For the first time in the new year, Seekonk Speedway will hit the track for two straight days of racing competition this weekend. On Friday, May 29, the Fast Friday season begins for six divisions, while NASCAR Saturday returns for round three on Saturday, May 30. Friday racing begins at 7 p.m., while NASCAR Saturday competition goes green at 6 p.m. Tickets for both events, and all 2026 season races, are available online at SeekonkSpeedway.com.

This Saturday at Seekonk Speedway, we are proud to honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. As a small token of our appreciation, complimentary admission will be provided for all military members — past and present. Thank you for your sacrifice, dedication, and service. We look forward to welcoming you and your families to the Speedway for an exciting night of racing and community celebration.

NASCAR Saturday will include two Everett’s Auto Parts Triple Crown Series races inside the four Local Racing Series divisions, and the East Coast Towing & Recovery Spectator Drags. The Sport Trucks are set for 35 laps in their first round of the Triple Crown, while the Late Models follow with their own extra-distance event, set for 45 laps. The Pro Stocks (40) and Sportsman (25) will also be on track Saturday night. Following heat races, the East Coast Spectator Drags will run their second event of the season, coming off their 2026 debut at the Memorial Day Thrill Show. 

The Sport Truck field was chasing rookie contender Richie Helger Jr. in week two. Helger started fourth in the 25-lap feature and captured his first career victory in just his second start. Helger’s impressive win brings him into a new week with 10 extra laps to climb through the field to try and make it two in a row.

But, the dominant force in the early Sport Truck season has been Scott Cestodio. With two podium finishes in his first two weeks behind the wheel of the Truck Rick Martin handed over, Cestodio has shown plenty of speed and has proven he is here to stay. Former Late Model champion Tommy Adams has two top-five finishes in the first two weeks himself, taking over the reigns of the No. 45. Through two weeks, many fans wouldn’t have picked these two to be at the top of the title standings, but they are strong, and appear like they are here for the long run.

Defending champion Jake Vanada, opening day winner Tim Bolger Jr., former champions Mike Duarte and Mike Cavallaro, DJ Thibeault and others have been strong to open the year. On another note - this the week Ethan Heilborn turns the speed around in the No. 20? Heilborn won multiple races last year, including in Triple Crown action, but has not been up to his normal pace through two events.

The Late Model field is two weeks into their season with two different winners. Ryan Flood, a part-time contender, opened the season in Victory Lane. In round two, Mark Jenison used the outside lane to come out on top of Manny Dias after a 30-lap battle to take the former champion back to Victory Lane. Both of those drivers will look to win the Triple Crown opener, but will have a stout list to challenge them. 

Charlie Rose, the defending champion, has shown lots of speed in the first two weeks. So has Ryan Vanasse Jr., who opened the year with a podium on opening day, and a sixth-place finish in week two. Richie Murray finished third in round two, looking to get his machine into the battle for the win this week. Names like Andrew Gomes and Chase Belcher have shown speed early in the season, but have had circumstances come up, impacting their finishing positions. Both should be strongly considered to rebound this week. Look out for Rey Lovelace, Tyler Almeida, Manny Dias, Luke Lebrun and others in the extra-distance Late Model showdown. 

The Late Model field is racing for an increased purse in 2026, with $1,200 to win Triple Crown events, set for 45 laps. Their normal, 30-lap race, was also boosted to $1,000 to win going into the season.

Adam Pettey came back and scored the victory in the first round of the Sportsman Triple Crown, but it’s unclear how many races he will run. Randy Moretti won on opening day, and was followed across the line by Josh Hedges and Nick Brightman. Those three drivers have finished inside the top-five in both races. All three are clear favorites going into week three. So is Doug Benoit, who picked up the pace a bit in week two and was in contention for the win. Benoit is expected to be a major championship contender in the Sportsman in 2026. Rookie contender Matt Talbot is off to a strong start, as the former Fast Friday Pure Stock champion is fifth as a newcomer in the championship standings. Adam Giacomozzi, Nick Wood, Scott Serydynski Jr., Jimmy “Pepe” Silvia and others will be in competition looking for their first victories of the season in race three. 

The Pro Stocks haven’t raced since opening day on May 3, an event won by David Darling. The driver of the No. 52, coming off his ninth championship last year, rolled to victory, becoming the first driver to capture the $2,000 winning prize. In the offseason, Seekonk Speedway increased the weekly payout purse for all NASCAR Saturday divisions, and also boosted the season-ending championship purse. Darling was the first $2,000 winner, a winners share that is for 40-lap events. Extra-distance races will have a higher winners share. Pro Stock drivers are chasing a championship bonus of $8,000 to capture the points crown at the end of the season. A smooth $4,000 is on the line for the championship runner-up in 2026. 

Darling enters week two looking to add another Seekonk victory to his list, now just two away from 100 at the Action Track of the East. Nick Lascuola kicked-off the season strong in second, with names like Kenny Spencer, Mark Jenison and Vinnie Arrenegado also off to solid starts.

Week two could bring success for Mike Brightman and Dylan Estrella. Brightman showed speed on opening day, but had a mechanical problem late, sidelining him from a shot at the victory. Former champion Estrella will also be a threat in week two to bounce back, after an accident sidelined him early. Other names to watch? Dick Benoit, Colbey Fournier, Jeramee Lillie and others.

NASCAR Saturday racing returns to the track on Saturday, May 30. Racing action begins with qualifying heats at 6 p.m., followed by the East Coast Towing Spectator Drags, then NASCAR Local Racing Series feature events. For tickets, visit SeekonkSpeedway.com.