STAFFORD – On May 11 – in the second race of his fourth full-time season – Matt Clement scored a long awaited first career victory in the Limited Late Model division at Stafford Motor Speedway.
The dream come true event for the Wethersfield driver has evolved into a dream season.
Friday Clement used a last lap pass of Alexandra Fearn to win the 15-lap Limited Late Model feature at Stafford.
It was the fifth victory in 10 events at Stafford in 2019 for Clement. He dedicated the victory to his father Brian, who spent eight years competing in the division
“Never in a million years did I think that anybody in the [division] could do this, especially not me after the seasons of disappointment after disappointment,” Matt Clement said. “But it just speaks volumes about my dad. He never gave up. He drove in this division for going on eight years and never really found any success because he was too busy working on stuff that his kids needed. To finally get all these wins, every time I see the smile on his face in victory lane it’s worth it.”
Fearn, of East Longmeadow, Mass., was second and Duane Provost of Palmer, Mass. third.
Fearn had checked out on the field by lap seven but Clement closed up the gap before pouncing coming to the white flag.
“That was the most fun I’ve ever had behind the wheel coming down to the white flag there,” Clement said. “She made a little mistake just started driving it in a little deeper trying to pull away from us and I got up to her door and I knew when I got up to her door we were destined for victory lane.”
Reigning Late Model champion Tom Fearn of East Longmeadow continued his dominant march to another division title with his fourth victory of the year in the 30-lap Late Model feature.
Paul Arute of Tolland was second and Ryan Fearn of East Longmeadow, Mass third.
Tom Fearn went to the lead past Michael Wray on lap 19 and then held off the charges of Arute.
“It’s kind of going back to the old days,” Tom Fearn said of the rough nature of features in the division of late. “A little rough and tumble out there. You put it out once in a while I guess you’ve got to be able to take it you know. They all took their shot at me and we ended up here in victory lane. We can go back and make the faster next week and maybe they won’t be able to do that.”
Division points leader Meghan Fuller of Auburn checked out on the field early and never let up on the way to her second win of the season in the 20-lap Street Stock feature.
Zack Robinson of Putnam was second and Jason Lafayette of Somers third.
Fuller had one victory last year in the division at Stafford.
“It definitely feels amazing,” Fuller said. “This year I thought was going to be like last year and I would just struggle to get another win. Finally got a second win in the same season. It feels great.”
Fuller, who also competes full-time in the Limited Sportsman division at Thompson Speedway, sits third in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Division V national standings. She said she’s not focusing on points.
“I have it in the back of my head but it’s still pretty early in the season,” Fuller said. “I just saw the post from NASCAR Home Tracks about [being the] highest climber [in the standings this week]. It’s definitely in my head but I’m not letting it get to me while I’m racing.”
Congrats to Tom and the 92 crew on yet another win.
Also Congrats to Clements and Narducci on your wins. Narducci is making it look way to easy.
Seems like with Tom Fearn back in full control it may be time to make the LM’s the beverage and bathroom break. The LLM’s may not have many cars but they sure have produced a few races with exciting endings.
Congratulations to Meghan Fuller and the entire Nº 2 race team, car owner and sponsors. Such a modest racer. Does she realize she’s the best driver with the best car and the best crew at the best track? Nice to see the attention and support there for her on Friday. That’s what local short track racing is all about.