With Two Weeks Left, NASCAR Saturday Playoff Top Speed, Cutline Battles Close

SEEKONK, Mass. — Just two weeks remain before the field is set for the Sunoco Drive For The Cup on NASCAR Saturday at Seekonk Speedway. As the field closes in on the final regular season event on August 24, the battles around the cutlines are closer than ever before in most divisions. 


Events remain before the cutoff include August 17 and 24. Remember - the top-six drivers in each division at the end of the August 24 event will advance to the playoffs. Also, don’t forget, the driver who leads the standings at the end of the regular season earns three bonus points towards the playoffs and will automatically lead everyone by three going into the stretch four-week run for the title. 


In the Pro Stocks, the field appears comfortable. Bobby Pelland III leads the charge at the top, up by 18 points, looking for those precious bonus points. Rookie of the Year contender Vinnie Arrenegado is second, with Mark Jenison, Dylan Estrella, Colbey Fournier and Mike Brightman right now rounding out the top-six. Brightman has 273 points - ahead of seventh-place Dick Benoit by 37 points. Jeramee Lillie, in eighth, is 38 back. As long as the top-six have a solid two weeks, they will contend for the title.


5. Colbey Fournier - 278 points
6. Mike Brightman - 273 points
———————--
7.Dick Benoit -37 points from cutline
8. Jeramee Lillie -38 points from cutline

In the Helger’s South Coast Power Equipment Sportsman, the battle includes drivers from fourth through eighth separated by just 32 points. Colby Lambert is feeling good about the bonus point chances, leading the division by 43, almost a full race. Most recent winner Adam Pettey is second, with Josh Hedges in third. Those three will compete for the Sunoco Drive For The Cup with two solid weeks. Behind them, it’s tight. Tyler Almeida has 301 points in fourth, with Jimmy “Pepe” Silvia at 293 in fifth. In the final spot right now is Scott Serydynski Jr. with 292 points. He’s holding on by a thread over former Fast Friday Pure Stock champion Doug Benoit, who is just 13 back. Jeremy Lambert is just 23 back himself in eighth. Are you looking for a dark horse? Former Late Model champion and Sportsman winner this season, Gerry DeGasparre Jr., in ninth, would need some help with bad luck from others, but he is 50 points back with two weeks to go.


4. Tyler Almeida - 301 points
5. Jimmy “Pepe” Silvia - 293 points
6. Scott Serydynski Jr. - 292 points
———————--
7.Doug Benoit -13 points from cutline
8. Jeremy Lambert -23 points from cutline
9. Gerry DeGasparre Jr. -50 points from cutline

Chaz’s Auto Body Sport Truck drivers are still chasing a playoff spot, and the number one bonus points spot. The tightest battle at the top of all NASCAR Saturday divisions, Mike Duarte leads Rick Martin by just 7 points, while Tim Bolger Jr. is just 21 points back in third, and Jake Vanada 26 back in fourth. Amy Arsenault rounds out the top-five, sitting comfortable. In the final spot right now is multiple-time champion Mike Cavallaro, who has 332 points. He opened his gap last week with a podium finish, and leads Darryl Church by 18 points for the final spot. Behind Church is DJ Thibeault, who is 23 points from the final position. 


5. Amy Arsenault - 352 points
6. Mike Cavallaro - 332 points
———————--
7.Darryl Church -18 points from cutline
8. DJ Thibeault -23 points from cutline

The Late Model battle is a lot closer around the final spot than the Pro Stocks. With two straight wins, Charlie Rose leads the overall standings by 20 over Jacob “Rowdy” Burns and 40 over Luke Lebrun, who rides third. Between third and seventh, the field is separated by just 24 points. Chase Belcher (343) and Richie Murray (335) ride in fourth and fifth. They are followed by Connor Souza (331), who currently holds the final spot. He leads former champion Mark Jenison by 11 markers, with Andrew Gomes, the Rookie of the Year leader, in eighth. Gomes is 28 points back. 


4. Chase Belcher - 343 points
5. Richie Murray - 335 points
6. Connor Souza - 331 points
———————————--
7. Mark Jenison -11 points from cutline
8. Andrew Gomes -28 points from cutline 

Seekonk Speedway returns to NASCAR racing on Saturday, August 17, at 6 p.m. The night also includes a visit from the East Coast Towing & Recovery Spectator Drags. For more information and tickets, visit SeekonkSpeedway.com. And, remember to follow the track on social media for the latest news and updates.

---