Vanasse, Benoit, Cestodio and Burns Celebrate NASCAR Saturday Victories at Seekonk Speedway

SEEKONK, Mass. — NASCAR Saturday racing returned to Seekonk Speedway on July 25 with four exciting feature events, including a pair of 40-lap Everett’s Auto Parts Anniversary Series races.

Ryan Vanasse Jr. captured his first career Late Model victory, Doug Benoit and Scott Cestodio earned big wins in the extra-distance events, and Jacob “Rowdy” Burns held off a late charge to return to Pro Stock Victory Lane.

Ryan Vanasse Jr. Rockets to First Late Model Victory

He may be in just his second season of Late Model competition, but Ryan Vanasse Jr. looked like a seasoned veteran Saturday night.

Known as “The Bottlerocket,” Vanasse started on the outside pole and wasted little time rocketing into the lead. Once out front, he drove away from the field during a clean-and-green 30-lap feature to secure his first career Late Model victory.

The win added another milestone to Vanasse’s impressive journey through Seekonk Speedway’s development program. After earning victories in both the Bandoleros and Legends Cars, Vanasse now has his first NASCAR Saturday checkered flag.

Luke Lebrun raced to a strong second-place finish, while two-time Sportsman champion Adam Pettey completed the podium. Andrew Gomes and Richie Murray rounded out the top five.

Doug Benoit Charges Through the Field to Win Everett’s Sportsman 40

Twenty-four Sportsman competitors took the green flag for the Everett’s Auto Parts Anniversary Series 40-lap main event, and the entire race went caution-free.

Doug Benoit started in the middle of the field and patiently worked his way toward the front. The former Fast Friday champion moved into third before passing Nick Brightman for second. Benoit then chased down leader Nick Wood, completed the winning pass late in the race and pulled away to earn his second victory of the season.

With the win, Benoit became just the second repeat Sportsman winner of the 2026 season.

The championship picture also experienced a major shakeup. Points leader Randy Moretti suffered mechanical trouble during practice and was unable to take the green flag, potentially opening the door for Benoit and other contenders as the season enters its August stretch.

Wood crossed the finish line second, followed by Brightman and Cody Moreau. Tyler Almeida initially finished fifth but did not make it through post-race inspection, moving Scott Serydynski Jr. into the final top-five position.

Scott Cestodio Breaks Through in Sport Trucks

After showing speed throughout the season, Scott Cestodio put everything together to score his first Sport Truck victory in the 40-lap Everett’s Auto Parts Anniversary Series feature.

Cestodio started in the middle of the pack and carefully worked his way forward during the opening half of the race. With approximately 15 laps remaining, he made his move around Danny Massa to take command.

Once in the lead, Cestodio successfully defended the top spot through multiple challenges during the closing laps to secure the breakthrough victory.

A former Fast Friday competitor, Cestodio is now behind the wheel of the truck vacated by Rick Martin at the end of last season. He has made the most of the opportunity and continues to position himself as a serious championship contender heading into the final weeks of the season.

Tommy Adams crossed the line second but was disqualified during post-race inspection. That moved Richie Helger Jr. into the runner-up position, followed by defending champion Jake Vanada, Ethan Heilborn and Colton Teague.

Jacob Burns Holds Off Mike Brightman in Pro Stock Thriller

Jacob “Rowdy” Burns appeared to be cruising toward an easy Pro Stock victory Saturday night, but Mike Brightman made sure the finish was anything but comfortable.

Burns started fifth in the 15-car field and quickly moved toward the front after several competitors ahead of him stumbled on the opening lap. Once Burns grabbed the lead, he opened a large advantage and appeared to have the race under control.

However, Brightman began cutting into the gap during the second half of the feature. He erased Burns’ advantage and reached the leader’s bumper with just a few laps remaining.

Brightman applied the pressure, but Burns held his ground and carried the checkered flag to earn his first Pro Stock victory of the season while competing on a part-time schedule.

Brightman settled for a strong second-place finish. Former champion Kenny Spencer made an impressive return to competition and finished third, while Mark Jenison and Colbey Fournier completed the top five.

Everett’s Triple Crown Series Finales Set for August 8

All four NASCAR Saturday divisions return to Seekonk Speedway on Saturday, August 8, for the Everett’s Triple Crown Series finales.

The night will feature a 65-lap Pro Stock main event, a 45-lap Late Model feature and 35-lap contests for both the Sportsman and Sport Trucks. With championships beginning to take shape and Triple Crown glory on the line, another action-packed night awaits at the Action Track of the East.