🏁 Opening Day Recap: Champions, Breakouts & Statements Kick Off 2026 at Seekonk Speedway

The 2026 NASCAR Local Racing Series season is officially underway at Seekonk Speedway — and if Opening Day was any indication, fans are in for one of the most competitive and exciting seasons in recent memory.

With dominant drives, breakout victories, and championship contenders already emerging across all four divisions, the Action Track of the East delivered a powerful start to the year.

🔥 Flood Steals Late Model Spotlight

Ryan Flood may not be running a full-time schedule in 2026, but he made it clear — when he shows up, he’s racing to win.

Flood powered past Chase Belcher around lap 15 and held strong through multiple late-race restarts, including a green-white-checkered finish, to capture the Late Model opener.

The Move of the Race:A thrilling mid-race battle with Belcher saw Flood take control — a lead he would never give back.

The Storylines:Ryan Vanasse Jr. turned heads with a strong second-place finish, continuing to build momentum as a future full-time contender. Defending champion Charlie Rose opened with a podium run, while Andrew Gomes rallied back from early trouble for a top-five.

Top Finishers:

1. Ryan Flood

2. Ryan Vanasse Jr.

3. Charlie Rose

4. Rey Lovelace

5. Andrew Gomes

6. Tyler Almeida

7. Mark Jenison

8. Brenden LaBelle

9. Richie Murray

10. Jeff Belyea

Up Next:30 laps on May 9 — expect Chase Belcher to rebound after showing race-winning speed.

🏆 Bolger Breaks Through in Sport Trucks

Tim Bolger Jr. wasted no time making a statement in 2026, driving the No. 1 to Victory Lane in the Sport Truck opener.

The Move of the Race:A bold outside move on a restart at halfway put Bolger out front for good.

The Storylines:Scott Cestodio impressed in his return to NASCAR Saturday, leading early and finishing second. Tommy Adams, Mike Duarte, and defending champion Jake Vanada all showed they’ll be factors this season.

Top Finishers:

1. Tim Bolger Jr.

2. Scott Cestodio

3. Tommy Adams

4. Mike Duarte

5. Jake Vanada

6. Danny Thibeault

7. Colton Teague

8. DJ Thibeault

9. Ethan Heilborn

10. Richie Helger Jr.

Up Next:35-lap Everett’s Triple Crown race on May 9.

💪 Moretti Dominates for First Sportsman Victory

Randy Moretti entered Opening Day looking like the driver to beat — and he delivered.

Moretti powered to his first career Sportsman victory at Seekonk, taking control late in the 25-lap feature and driving away in dominant fashion.

The Move of the Race:After Josh Hedges and Nick Brightman battled fiercely for the lead, Moretti made decisive passes on both — taking the top spot on lap 20 and never looking back.

The Storylines:With defending champion Adam Pettey and other top names moving on, the Sportsman division is wide open in 2026. Moretti, Hedges, and Brightman immediately established themselves as early front-runners.

Top Contenders:Scott Serydynski Jr. and Jimmy “Pepe” Silvia rounded out the top five after a hard-fought battle.

Top Finishers:

1. Randy Moretti

2. Josh Hedges

3. Nick Brightman

4. Scott Serydynski Jr.

5. Jimmy Silvia

6. Doug Benoit

7. Adam Giacomozzi

8. Al Clements

9. Matthew Talbot

10. Nick Wood

Up Next:25 laps on May 9 at 6 PM.

👑 Darling Opens Title Defense in Dominant Fashion

David Darling is already chasing history in 2026 — and Opening Day was the perfect start.

The nine-time Pro Stock champion drove to victory in the season opener, taking the lead from Mike Brightman and never looking back as he begins his quest for a 10th title.

The Move of the Race:Kenny Spencer’s charge from the rear to finish third highlighted an impressive comeback drive and earned him a spot on the podium.

The Storylines:Mike Brightman showed early speed from the pole but was sidelined by mechanical trouble. Meanwhile, Nick Lascuola stayed within striking distance late, finishing second in a strong opening performance.

Top Finishers:

1. David Darling

2. Nick Lascuola

3. Kenny Spencer

4. Mark Benson

5. Vinnie Arrenegado

6. Colbey Fournier

7. Jeramy Lille

8. Billy Brady

9. Dick Benoit

10. James Logan

Up Next:40 laps on May 9 — and expect Brightman to come back hungry.

🚦 The Season Is Officially On

From veteran dominance to rising stars making their mark, Opening Day set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable 2026 season at Seekonk Speedway.

Every division delivered — and every championship battle is just getting started.

📅 Next Race: Saturday, May 9🏁 Pro Stocks – 40 laps🏁 Late Models – 30 laps🏁 Sportsman – 25 laps🏁 Sport Trucks – 35-lap Everett’s Triple Crown

Don’t miss a second of the action — because at Seekonk Speedway, every lap matters.