RACE TO THE PLAYOFFS HEATS UP WITH FAST FRIDAY, NASCAR SATURDAY AT SEEKONK SPEEDWAY THIS WEEKEND

SEEKONK, Mass. — As the race for the Seekonk Speedway Drive For The Cup inches closer, the Action Track of the East will return to racing this weekend, Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23. The weekend will include both Fast Friday and NASCAR Saturday racing, including the annual Rhode Island Shriners night with the clowns and the trike races on Saturday night.


On NASCAR Saturday, Dave Darling edged Mike Brightman in the late laps of the second round of the Everett’s Auto Parts Triple Crown Series last week, and will look to make it two in a row this Saturday night. Darling hadn’t won in over 300 days, but quickly put that to rest, while Brightman already has two wins on the season. It’s been quite the run of tough luck for Ryan Vanasse, but expect him to be a major contender during the 40-lap race this week.


The Late Model division continues to impress, and they will be back this week with their own 30-lap feature. Seven-time track champion Gerry DeGasparre Jr. picked up his second win of the season last week from the middle of the pack, while Luke Lebrun and Mark Jenison joined him on the podium. Jenison and Lebrun haven’t won yet, and should be looked at as major contenders going into this week. Can Vinnie Arrenegado turn his efforts around this week? Will Richie Murray or Chase Belcher grab their second wins of the year?


In the Helger’s South Coast Power Equipment Sportsman, Chad Baxter has returned too domination. With three straight wins, the defending champion is rolling through the pack like putting butter on bread. But will Craig Pianka get back to Victory Lane this week for the fourth time? Can someone like Doug Benoit or Tyler Almeida win their first race in the Sportsman? Will it be another contender out front after 25 laps?


The Chaz Auto Body Sport Truck season has been filled with wildness, and after Rick Martin’s third win last week, it’s anyone’s game going into their 25-lap race this Saturday night. Names like Brittany Campbell, Barry Shaw Jr., Mike Cavallaro and Mike Duarte have already been to Victory Lane this year. Can Darryl Church or Amy Arsenault get their first wins of the year ? What about Jake Vanada?


Saturday also includes the annual appearance by the Rhode Island Shriners clowns and the Trike Races.


On Fast Friday, the Seekonk Grand Prix Bandolero divisions roar back to racing, both in the Bandits and the Outlaws. In the Bandits, only three different drivers have been to Victory Lane, with Darren Krantz Jr. returning to winning form last week, and Milania Shilosky and Ryan Vanasse Jr. also grabbing wins. Heading into this week, will a fourth driver add their name to the list? In the Outlaws, Chase Silvia has wins in six out of seven races, and although it may sound crazy to say, most of the other competitors have been close behind him. Andrew Gomes, Bradley Strickland and others have been in position, just haven’t been able to seal the deal. Look out for Adam “Hollywood” Harrison to break into Victory Lane before long as well.


Your Everett’s Auto Parts Sport 4 field has been filled with a diverse group of winners, opened by points leader Crystal Murray winning the first two races. Additional winners include Karlin Levesque, Jarrod Freitas, AJ Manuel and last week’s checkered flag holder Tyler Duhancik. Can Taylor Bowser boost from her podium finish last week into the winner’s circle this time around in their 25-lap feature?


The Nick’s Pit Stop Legends Cars field has been chasing Mason Tessier the last two weeks. Driving for Helger’s Racing, Tessier got off to a rough start in 2022, but in his words, “made a statement” last week grabbing his second straight. Can Devin Deshaies or Brendon Hammann return to their winning ways this week or will someone else capture the flag? Can Tessier do it for a third week in a row?


In the Helger’s South Coast Power Equipment Pure Stocks, the field is wide open to get to Victory Lane. Ethan Souza scored his first win of the season last week, but Greg Perry, Mike Henriques, Danny Massa and others have also been to the winner’s circle. Will we see a repeat winner in their 25-lap feature or will someone new get to the top this week?


Fast Friday racing begins at 7 p.m., while NASCAR Saturday takes the green flag at 6 p.m.


Seekonk Speedway tickets for the 2022 are available online at SeekonkSpeedway.com today. Fans can purchase tickets ahead and skip the lines on race day, including for pit passes. Upcoming major events include the second annual Bay State Classic on Wednesday, July 27, headlined by the Pro All Star Series 150-lap, $10,000 to win race. The event will also include the $2,000 to win Nick Lascuola Racing Summer Showdown set for 35 laps and the PASS Modifieds. On Saturday, July 30, Seekonk celebrates the middle of the summer with the Midsummer Thrill Show. 


For more information on Seekonk Speedway, visit SeekonkSpeedway.com and follow the track on Facebook for the latest updates.

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