NASCAR SPORTSMAN PREVIEW: Pettey, Lambert Enter The Favorites in Stacked Sportsman Field

If the last two years are any indication, Adam Pettey and Colby Lambert will be the drivers to beat in the Seekonk Speedway Sportsman field in 2025. Pettey won the title last year, one year after dominating the division and coming up just short of glory. Lambert was definitely the most consistent in the Sportsman last year, scoring the most points over the course of the year.

Pettey and Lambert are the two “big dogs” to watch in the Sportsman. But this exciting division that often features three-wide racing and a lot of bumper contact has multiple others to watch. 

Top contenders from last year returning include Scott Serydynski Jr., Josh Hedges and Doug Benoit. These three drivers have all shown speed in their career, with Serydynski and Hedges both winning, while Benoit, a former Fast Friday Pure Stock champion, looks to add his name to that list. Serydynski returns after being in contention for the title at the end of last year and winning the special Open Street Stock event at the Haunted Hundred. Hedges, who won the opening day race in 2024, has a new feeling of confidence and is ready to pounce with more feature wins. Benoit, one of the more veteran drivers at Seekonk Speedway, can’t be counted out. 

The question is: will Steve Axon run full-time? The champion in the Sportsman in 2023 snuck up on the competition after only planning to run part-time and came away on top. Entering a new year, if he runs weekly, he will certainly be a threat for the crown, as a former two-time champ.

Other names to watch include: returning former champions Sparky Arsenault and Scott Bruneau, who may, or may not, run full-time, but are both registered. They are joined by 2024 first-time winner Nick Wood, Nick Brightman, Chris Rioux, Dane Saritelli, Cody Tripp and Austin Flanagan.

One of the most exciting drivers in the history of the third-mile when it comes to the Sportsman, Jimmy “Pepe” Silvia, is also going to be back, sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Fans can also look for names like Adam Giacomozzi, Randy Moretti, Crystal Serydynski, Paul Williams, Jeremy Lambert and many, many more. The Sportsman field offers a large variety of drivers with different experience levels.

This is only a taste of a busy Sportsman field - one that is sure to see some first-time winners and some thrilling action on the track. 

The Sportsman season begins at Seekonk Speedway on Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m. For more information on Seekonk Speedway and to purchase tickets for all events, visit SeekonkSpeedway.com.