NUTS & BOLTS: Fast Friday Drivers Hit The Track To Prepare For Opening Night

By Souza Media



Some of Seekonk Speedway’s top youth racing stars, mixed with rising stars and polished veterans, hit the track for the second time in 2022 on Friday, May 13. The Fast Friday competitors — including drivers from all five divisions on Friday nights — had their second and final test and tune session ahead of opening night on Friday, May 27.


The night included a mix of drivers looking to get their feet wet before racing begins and others who were looking to fine tune their rides with hopes of opening the season in Victory Lane.


The youth stars of the Seekonk Grand Prix Bandolero Bandits hit the track with names like Milania Shilosky, last years championship runner-up, showing the most speed. She was followed closely by newcomer Zachary Keith, returning drivers Zacarias Kelley and Luka Dib, and RJ Murphy. In the Seekonk Grand Prix Bandolero Outlaws, Mikey LeFort III picked up where he ended last season in the Bandit division, showing plenty of speed. LeFort paced many of the practice rounds but was closely followed by Andrew Gomes, and Brent Robidoux, a multiple-time winner last season. Newcomers Bobby Bettencourt III, Abbie Badejo and Jordan Duquette also took some laps to prepare for the season.


The Everett’s Auto Parts Sport 4 division hit the track with Crystal Murray flexing her muscle in the practice rounds to open the year. Murray was at the top of most of the practice sessions with names like Karlin Levesque, Henry Lavallee, Daniel Hayes, Stephanie Bruneau and Taylor Bowser also taking some laps. 


In the Helger’s South Coast Power Equipment Pure Stocks, Danny Massa and Ethan Souza seemed to have two of the fastest rides. Massa, a multiple-time winner early in 2021, came up short of the championship but will be looking to grab it this year. Souza picked up his first win last season and showed speed throughout the year. Names like Timmy Ouellette, Austin Flanagan, Rob Hendrickson, Jared Cordeira and others also took advantage of the pre-season practice. 


And in the Nick’s Pit Stop Legends Cars, some of the early contenders for the 2022 season were there to shake down their rides. As part of a new partnership this year, Devin Deshaies is moving over to drive for B&M Maintenance and they posted the fastest lap of the night. The Helger’s South Coast Power Equipment Racing duo of Richie Helger Jr and Mason Tessier were not far behind, with Tessier looking to grab more wins this year, while Helger is planning on making his Rookie season one to remember. Names like Reese Bogue, Isaiah Newcomb, Branden LaBelle, Brody Monahan and others also attended the practice rounds.


Tickets for all Fast Friday events are available now online by visiting SeekonkSpeedway.com. Fast Friday tickets are $10 for adults with kids 12 and under free and all parking free. By purchasing in advance, you will be able to skip the lines on race day. For more information on Seekonk Speedway, visit SeekonkSpeedway.com and follow the track on social media for the latest updates.