Jeremy Lavoie celebrates clinching the Limited Late Model championship Friday at Stafford Speedway (Photo: Jim DuPont)
STAFFORD – Back in May, after winning three of the first five Limited Late Model events at Stafford Motor Speedway, Jeremy Lavoie called it a dream season.
And through the 2018 season the dream only grew more amazing week after week for the Windsor Locks driver.
Friday at Stafford Speedway the dream season term took on all new meaning.
Lavoie used a fourth place finish in the 20-lap Limited Late Model feature Friday at Stafford to clinch his first championship in the division.
Ryan Fearn of East Longmeadow, Mass. got his fifth Limited Late Model victory of the season. Matt Clement of Wethersfield was second and Steven Midford of Ellington was third.
Lavoie will take an insurmountable 52-point lead to the season finale for the division at the NAPA Fall Final on Sept. 29.
“I lost my mom in 2015 and this is for her,” Lavoie said. “Definitely for her. I’ve got to thank my family for coming out every week and supporting me and working hard on the car. Without them I couldn’t do this. They give me the greatest car out here every week and it’s up to me to bring it to the front. I did my best all year and was able to come out with a track championship. I could have never believed this would have happened.”
Darrell Keane of Enfield got his second victory of the season in the 30-lap Late Model feature.
Tom Fearn of East Longmeadow, Mass. was second and Michael Wray of Northford third.
“The last three weeks we were third, second and first,” said Keane, who got his first career victory at the track on May 11. “… For me it’s been huge. This is my most successful season even though we’re in the back in the points. It’s been my most successful season to date. … I wish there was a couple more cars out there, it would be nice. But anytime you win at Stafford you’re at the premier track.”
Johnny Walker of Agawam, Mass. got his fourth victory in nine starts in the 20-lap Street Stock feature.
George Bessette Jr. of Danbury was second and Nicole Chambrello of Kensington third.
Andrew Molleur of Shelton won the 20-lap SK Light Modified feature. Marcello Rufrano of North Haven was second and Mark Bakaj of Andover third.
Bruce has a trial date on 9/18. I wonder if this has anything to do with that. I don’t think they should reopen until a new owner takes over to lift the dark clouds above it.
A new low in LLM heats. 1 car in each heat can’t make it out in already pathetic 5 cars heats and it ends up with 4 cars each. Really, you could make an argument that for some there is no point at all racing in the heats wasting gas and rubber.
What a perfect way to end the season for a division that appears more of a tight knit club having some fun every Friday then a division with a future.
Congratulations to a guy who appears to be one of the genuinely likable people at Stafford JL. And honorable mention to Ryan Fearn for doing a 180 and turning around the horrendous way he finished last season.
Don’t do it. Don’t ever include the Streets with the challenges facing the LM and LLM’s in terms of car counts and competition.
Walker, Bassett, Chambrello and Waterman. Each coming from deep in the field to finish at the front.
Ryan Waterman. An invader. That’s new. Welcome!
Anyone notice? Ruffrano and Narducci tied for the championship. Setting up an epic battle of diaper dandies in the fall final it would appear and appropriately on the big day Sunday in front of the big audience. And don’t be surprised if once again they steal the show as they have done numerous times this season.
I couldn’t subject myself to going last night. I think I am going to go to Seekonk tonight to get a race in.
I was hoping you might see a couple new cars late in the season getting a head start on next year or maybe some guys from other tracks give Stafford a try. Unfortunately, the Stafford specific late models and limiteds aren’t seeing any growth. Honestly, I am not sure anyone else runs these type of cars anywhere. I am sure keeping the rules the same will increase the car count substantially next year. SMH.
I didn’t realize they rolled out 2, 4 car heats. Why would you make fans sit through that? You make a valid point though. Why put laps on the car, save the tires, and waste fuel for heats? What is the worst that they can do to you, start you 9th. If you have a top car chances are you are going to be in the top 3 by lap 5 anyway. I don’t think heats pay out anything as far as money or points go.
I have said my thoughts on the limiteds and late models at Stafford. I just wish they would do something to minimize their impact on their show. Running 4 car heats is not good entertainment. I have spoken to numerous season ticket holders and they all seem pretty disappointed with whats going on in those two divisions. They say the street stocks have been the bright spot in the full fendered divisions. I think they may have opened up the rules this year. hmm
I have to admit since I only attend Mod touring series races at Stafford, I have enjoyed all the SK LITE races and have watched the you tube versions of the recaps weekly and they all Very exciting races and happy Stafford moved them to SUNDAY on SIZZLER/Fall Final weekends