Thank You for an Unforgettable 81st Season
The engines have cooled, the grandstands are quiet, and the 81st season at the Action Track of the East is officially in the books. Before we turn the page to 2027, we want to say the two words that matter most: thank you.
To our fans, who filled the stands and cheered through every heart-stopping finish. To our drivers, who gave everything they had on the third-mile, week after week. To the crews, families and car owners who spent countless late nights in the shop so their cars could roll off the trailer ready to race. And to the sponsors and partners who make Saturday nights and Fast Fridays possible. You are the heartbeat of Seekonk Speedway, and this season belonged to you.
From witnessing history to nail-biting playoff racing and an unforgettable championship night, the 2026 season truly had it all. Here are just a few of the moments that made it so special.
Four Moments That Defined Our 81st Season
1. Dave Darling Joins Racing Immortality
Saturday, June 27 will live forever in Seekonk Speedway history. In the Everett's Auto Parts Pro Stock 75, David Darling charged from mid-pack and drove away to his 100th career victory at the Action Track of the East. His arm was out the window celebrating before he ever reached the checkered flag, and the grandstands roared right along with him. Darling joined George Summers and "Radical" Rick Martin as just the third driver in our 81-year history to reach the century mark. He didn't stop there, later capturing the Everett's Auto Parts Pro Stock Triple Crown title. Congratulations to Dave, his family, and the entire No. 52 team. Moments like this are why we race.
2. Playoff Racing at Its Finest
The Sunoco Drive For The Cup delivered exactly what we hoped for: drama, grit and racing that went down to the wire. Week after week, contenders across every division battled for a spot in the Final Four, with tiebreakers, comebacks and clutch drives keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. Fast Friday crowned its champions in thrilling fashion too, showcasing the incredible young talent that represents the future of this speedway.
3. A Championship Night for the Ages
Championship night may have been the most dramatic finish of all. In the Pro Stocks, Nick Lascuola captured the title by a single playoff point over Darling, earning his fourth Seekonk Speedway championship and joining an elite group of legends. Vinnie Arrenegado stole the spotlight with a hard-fought finale win.
In the Sport Trucks, Richie Helger Jr. won both the race and the championship in his rookie season in the division, giving him three career Seekonk titles. Randy Moretti was crowned the 2026 Sportsman champion, while Kent Aspden III, just one week after wrecking and rebuilding his car, scored his first career win. And in the Late Models, Chase Belcher capped his championship season in style, holding off the field in a green-white-checkered finish. Congratulations to every one of our NASCAR Saturday champions.
Fast Friday crowned six champions of its own, showcasing the stars of tomorrow:
Crown Vic Cruisers: Mike Cavallaro, the first champion in the division's debut season
Bandolero Bandits: Landon Solomito, his second straight title
Legends Cars: Jacob Burns
Pure Stocks: Ethan Souza
Sport 4s: Arthur Meack
Bandolero Outlaws: Luka Dib
Congratulations to every one of our 2026 champions, Friday and Saturday alike.
4. A Bright Road Ahead
As the curtain closed on 2026, we were thrilled to share some exciting news: the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will return to Seekonk Speedway for two events in 2027. After a season like this one, we can't wait to see what comes next.
From All of Us: Thank You
Eighty-one seasons in, the magic of Seekonk Speedway still comes down to people. It's the fans who bring their kids and grandkids to the same seats they sat in decades ago. It's the drivers who chase their dreams on a third-mile oval in Seekonk, Massachusetts. It's the crews, volunteers, officials and staff who pour their hearts into every single race night.
Thank you for making the 81st season one we will never forget. We are endlessly grateful for each and every one of you.
We'll see you at the Fast Friday Awards Banquet on November 22, the NASCAR Saturday Awards Banquet on January 16, and back at the track when the gates open for Opening Day on Sunday, May 2, 2027. Until then, stay tuned to SeekonkSpeedway.com and follow us on social media for all the latest news.
With gratitude,
The Seekonk Speedway Family
