​PREVIEW: Tripleheader Weekend at Seekonk Speedway Includes Fast Friday, NASCAR Saturday & Monster Trucks

By Souza Media

SEEKONK, Mass. -- For the first time in 2022, Seekonk Speedway will hold a tripleheader weekend from June 17-19, with three exciting days of racing at the Massachusetts third-mile. On Friday, the Fast Friday Series continues with five divisions, while NASCAR Saturday includes one Everett’s Auto Parts Triple Crown Series race and the New England Antique Auto Racers, along with three other classes. Sunday, it’s time for the first of two Monster Truck shows of the season, as the Monster Truck Spring Bash will include freestyle jumps, plus a special Troy City Tactical Spectator Drag Showdown.

Fast Friday action includes the Seekonk Grand Prix Bandolero Bandits and Outlaws, Everett’s Auto Parts Sport 4’s, Helger’s South Coast Power Equipment Pure Stocks and Nick’s Pit Stop Legends Cars. Although there are storylines across all Fast Friday divisions, a few standout going into the weekend. The Seekonk Grand Prix Bandolero Bandit field is chasing defending champion Darren Krantz Jr. through the first three races, as he’s been to Victory Lane in all three. In the Seekonk Grand Prix Bandolero Outlaws, Chase Silvia looked like he had three straight wins sealed up last week — but a late penalty gave Brent Robidoux — who struggled in the first two weeks — redemption, as the driver of the No. 25 visited the winner’s circle.

Murray’s garage is three-for-three in the Everett’s Auto Parts Sport 4’s — with Crystal Murray winning the first two events and her teammate AJ Manuel returning last time out and capturing the flag in his first race back. Names like Henry Lavallee and Karlin Levesque haven’t been far behind. The Helger’s South Coast Power Equipment Pure Stock drivers have been trying to shake off Jeremy Lambert, who has three podium runs in three weeks, including a victory last time out. Names like Danny Massa and Jordan Threlfall are also off to strong starts.

The Nick’s Pit Stop Legends Cars division is chasing Brendon Hammann, as the driver of the No. 7 has two wins in three weeks. Devin Deshaies is the only other winner so far — but look for Mason Tessier, Josh Parsons, Reese Bogue, Brendan LaBelle and others to be major contenders on Friday night.

NASCAR Saturday will start with a throwback in time, as the New England Auto Racers come into town for their first and only visit of the season. NEAR provides fans a look back at the cars that ran in the past decades, with some of the most iconic rides set to visit Seekonk this Saturday.

The Pro Stock division is chasing someone other than Dave Darling for the first time in many years in the middle of June. Mike Brightman has two victories in four races and one second-place finish this year, as the former Late Model champion looks to distance himself from the pack early in the season. Darling is still second in points, while Tommy Adams, Colbey Fournier and Bobby Pelland finish the top-five. Brightman, Adams and Mark Jenison, who picked up his first career win last week, are the only drivers to visit Victory Lane so far.

The Late Model division has been a toss-up, but a few drivers seem to have the consistent speed to run at the front each week. Former seven-time champion Gerry DeGasparre Jr. and defending champion Vinnie Arrenegado lead the points, with sophomore contender Jacob “Rowdy” Burns in third. All three have won so far — joining Richie Murray and last weeks winner Paul Lallier to make it five winners in five events. Could week six mark another new winner?

The Helger’s South Coast Power Equipment Sportsman are set for round two of their Everett’s Auto Parts Triple Crown Series on Saturday — 35 laps in distance. Craig Pianka has three victories in five events, but a wreck last week gave Ed Perry, who has the other two season wins, the points lead. It’s clear those two competitors have been the class of the field — but can defending champion Chad Baxter turn it around this week? Will Doug Benoit or Tyler Almeida grab their first career wins in the extra-distance event?

And in the Chaz Auto Body Sport Trucks, last week’s heartbreak for Jake Vanada could turn into glory this week. After missing a week, Vanada returned and dominated the race, prior to a late caution, which propelled Rick Martin to his 102nd career Seekonk Speedway win. Brittany Campbell has podium finishes in just about every single event and sits second in the early season standings, while names like Mike Cavallaro, Barry Shaw Jr., and Mike Duarte are also early season winners. 

Sunday’s Monster Truck showdown includes freestyle and races and top trucks struting their stuff. You can feel the power of Monster Trucks up close and personal at the Action Track of the East this weekend. Trucks like Stinger, Virginia Giant, Crushstation, Lumberjack, Shockwave and Be Aware all take on the track. There will also be a Troy City Tactical Spectator Drags Spring Showdown as part of the show.

Fast Friday racing begins at 7 p.m., while NASCAR Saturday begins at 6 p.m., and Monster Truck Sunday will go green at 2 p.m. Tickets for all three events will be available at the track, but tickets for all Seekonk Speedway events are also now available online at SeekonkSpeedway.com. 

Tickets can be purchased in advance for both general admission in the grandstands and pit passes for all races, including major upcoming races. Seekonk Speedway will have the first of two Monster Truck events on June 19, followed by Open Wheel Wednesday, a $10,000 race for the Open Wheel Modifieds, on Wednesday, June 29. On Saturday, July 2, Seekonk hits the middle of the summer with the Independence Day Thrill Show. Fans can purchase tickets for all of these events and more today.
For more information about Seekonk Speedway, visit SeekonkSpeedway.com and follow the track on social media for the latest updates.