SEASON PREVIEW: Troy City Tactical Spectator Drags Roar To Life This Saturday

With another 10-race schedule planned for the 2022 season, the Troy City Tactical Spectator Drags will roar back to life this Saturday, May 7, with round one of the season. 



Seekonk Speedway has been running the Spectator Drags for many years — where fans can literally bring their own car off the street, down onto the track, and compete in a one-lap race against others. The Spectator Drag events include elimination rounds where the winner advances, and the loser either is out in their first shot, or gets a second chance, depending on the night. By the end — there are two drivers left and they battle for two laps around the third-mile to pick a winner on the night. 


Entering the opener, John Fielding is looking for a repeat performance in 2022, and hoping to get off on the right foot. In 10 events last year, Fielding earned championship glory by a healthy margin of 17 points over Joey Morrissette, who also competed in the Seekonk Speedway Fast Friday Pure Stock division. With Morrissette moving across the country and no longer competing full-time, Fielding is going to have a long list of challengers trying to take him off the top of the division.


Jonathan Johnson, a former division champion, didn’t have quite the season he was looking for in 2021, but will be looking to rebound this year. One of the top crowd favorites, Rob Gingras, brings his 1948 Ford Truck to the track each time, and his girlfriend, Christine Pierce, will also be joining him on the track this year as a Rookie contender. Names like Matt Desrosiers, Franz Weidlinger, Richie Johnson, Kyle Buchanan, Brad Johnson and others are also expected to compete. Last year, between NASCAR Saturday and Thrill Show events, over 110 drivers competed in at least one event. The list of contenders rolling into 2022 is a long one, as one of Seekonk’s most popular divisions gets ready to roll. 


“The Troy City Tactical Spectator Drag Series continues to grow and we’re looking forward to watching drivers battle for the first time this weekend,” Ed St. Germain, Director of Business Development for Seekonk Speedway, said. “Some of our NASCAR Saturday drivers started in the Spectator Drags and have worked their way up into the divisions that fans watch on a weekly basis. These drivers don’t mess around on the track and put on some of the best action of the year.”


Troy City Tactical, located in Fall River, Massachusetts, have created an environment for safety, respect and quality in firearms. Whether you are new to firearms, or a seasoned veteran, their goal is to provide you with the best service and best experience the moment you walk through their door. They offer classes, lessons, sales and service. You can visit them online at TroyCityTactical.com or give them a call today at 508-536-3158 for more information.


The rules for the Troy City Tactical Spectator Drags are simple — the car competing must be registered with the DMV with a current inspection sticker, with no dealer or repair plates. Bodies must be legal using a stock chassis. A full face helmet must be worn at all times and participants must have a valid license and be at least 18-years-old. For a full set of rules, including tires, windows and more, visit SeekonkSpeedway.com to be sure your car fits the needs.


In order to compete in all events, including this Saturday, teams must register at the pit booth by posted times, and must have a license and car registration with them. Spectator Drag events are first-come, first-serve. For Saturday races, registration will open at 4 p.m. and close at 5 p.m. The top-3 in each event earn trophies and the payout varies per event. For each race, drivers earn points for being inside the final 10 during the race, with 10th earning 1 point, 9th earning two points, etc. — down to the winner — who earns 10 for taking the checkered flag first.


This season, the Spectator Drags have scheduled events on May 7, May 28 (Memorial Day Thrill Show), June 19, July 2 (Independence Day Thrill Show), July 16, July 30 (Midsummer Thrill Show), August 14 (Monster Trucks show), September 3 (Labor Day Thrill Show), September 17 and October 8 (Pumpkin Smash).


NASCAR Saturday night racing at Seekonk Speedway on Saturday, May 7 will begin with the drop of the first green flag at 6 p.m. General admission gates will open at 4 p.m., and although tickets are available in advance, they will also be available at the gate on race day. Tickets are $15 for adults and kids 12 and under and parking are free. On top of the Troy City Tactical Spectator Drags, the event will also include round one of the Everett’s Auto Parts Triple Crown for the Chaz Auto Body Sport Trucks and feature racing for the Pro Stocks, Late Models and Helger’s South Coast Power Equipment Sportsman.


For more information on Seekonk Speedway including to purchase tickets and learn more about the 2022 track schedule, visit SeekonkSpeedway.com and follow the track on social media for the latest updates.