PREVIEW: LEGEND CARS FIELD HAS MIX OF ROOKIES, VETERANS FOR NEW SEASON

SEEKONK, Mass. – Much like every other year, the 2023 field for the Nick’s Pit Stop Legends Cars at Seekonk Speedway is filled with talent. The division includes rookies moving up from the Seekonk Youth Racing Association, mixed with some drivers who have been racing a few years, and some polished veterans. The combination usually provides some of the best side-by-side racing the third-mile has to offer, and will do so again in 2023. 



With defending champion Devin Deshaies not registered to compete, the new season should bring a new champion once again. Luke Lebrun won the title in 2021, and will not be racing himself. The list of drivers who have a chance to overtake and win the championship is a long one.


The first few names that come to mind include Josh Parsons, Brenden LaBelle, Jacob Burns, Isaiah Newcomb, Nicholaus Bulkeley, Mason Tessier, Jake Silvia and Richie Helger Jr. 


Even with this group of eight drivers, there is quite the mix of experience levels. Parsons, Burns and Tessier would be among the most experienced, all winning multiple races in their history – Tessier the Everett’s Triple Crown last year. Although LaBelle hasn’t won, he seemed to be on his game for a good portion of last season. Newcomb won a championship in Connecticut and has always run well in whatever he drives at Seekonk. 


Bulkeley may be a dark horse, but was a consistent top-five contender for much of 2022, along with Jake Silvia, who polished off his first career win last year. Richie Helger Jr., a former Seekonk Bandolero champion, will step back into the Legends Cars looking to strike in his second full-time season after a strong start to 2023 touring around New England.


Outside of these names, there are many others to watch. Consider Chase Silvia, who dominated in the Seekonk Grand Prix Bandolero Outlaws last year, making the move to the Legends Cars for the first time in his career. Will he catch on quick? Jase Mongeon may or may not run a full schedule, but always has speed. Adam Harrison is another graduate of the Bandolero’s, ready to try and strike in the Legends Cars. Curtis Rolando graduated from the Seekonk Youth Racing Association many years ago, left Seekonk then came back in a Pure Stock the last few years – now moving to the Legends Cars hoping for success. 


Stephen Bowden is a former Bandolero winner ready for his Legends Cars debut, while names like Jimmy “Pepe” Silvia, Kevin Davis, Jaden Hamilton, Nick Chaber Jr., Zach Martinez, Ben Amado, Corey Martin, Jonathan Deshaies, Mike Floyd and many others are also registered. 


And, don’t forget: sometimes the Legends Cars have a few surprise entries along the way, mostly racing in 25-lap events, with a few 30 lappers sprinkled in during Triple Crown action.


The Nick’s Pit Stop Legends Cars will hit the track for the first time in 2023 on Friday, May 26 for opening night and will roll through Friday, September 29 for championship night in the Sunoco Drive For The Cup. The only Fast Friday off will be June 30. 


For more information on Seekonk Speedway, fans are encouraged to visit SeekonkSpeedway.com and follow the track on social media for the latest updates, including from the track on race day.