Prayers Answered: Rich Hammann Wins Limited Late Model Title At Stafford; Alexandra Fearn Gets Win 



Rich Hammann celebrates the Limited Late Model championship Friday at Stafford Speedway (Photo: Jim DuPont/RaceDayCT)

STAFFORD – As the laps in the Limited Late Model division closed closer and closer to finish on the 2022 season it looked as if Rich Hammann’s hopes for a championship would need a miracle. 

Hammann came into Friday’s final event of the season second in the Limited Late Model division standings, trailing Jeremy Lavoie by 16 points. 

On lap 16 Hamman was running fifth looking ahead at Lavoie running third. Hope for a first championship seemed lost for Hamnann. 

“I just kind of prayed,” Hammann said. “I don’t mean bad luck on anybody, but, it worked.” 

On lap 17 Lavoie spun in turn three and it was clear there was a major mechanical failure in the rear of his car. Lavoie went to pit lane and parked his car. 

Hammann, of Tolland, went on to finish fourth to earn 44 points. Lavoie was scored last in the 13-car field to earn 26 points. It gave Hammann the championship by two points. 

Alexandra Fearn of East Longmeadow, Mass won the 20-lap feature. Jay Clement of Wethersfield was second and Matt Clement of Wethersfield third. 

Hammann ended the season with four victories and 15 top-fives in 20 events. 

“It hasn’t sunk in,” Hammann said. “I can’t even believe it.” 

Lavoie, of Windsor Locks, was looking for his third division title after capturing championships in the division in 2018 and 2019. 

“Something, I heard a big snap in the rear and I was going around. I honestly thought I was going to back it in the wall. I had to pedal a little bit to keep the car in one piece. As soon as I fired it back up I noticed I had no brakes. I don’t know if lost the rear caliper or what’s going on in the rear. It wasn’t even tracking straight when I was coming [in the pits]. I hate for my sponsors and my team.” 

It was the third win of the season for Fearn, who ended up third in the standings after winning the division title in 2021. It was Fearn’s 18th Limited Late Model victory and moved her into a tie for third all-time in the division with Duane Provost. It was her 25th career win overall at Stafford. Fearn also finished fourth in the 30-lap Late Model feature. 

“I’m really happy to be here,” Fearn said. “Fourth in the Late Models after a completely crazy race. Come here and absolutely spank everybody like I said was gonna. Just really really excited to be here. Career win No. 25 for me. That means a lot to me.” 

Alexandra Fearn celebrates victory in the Limited Late Model feature Friday at Stafford (Photo: Jim DuPont/RaceDayCT)

Comments

  1. Well that sure was a heck of a note wasn’t it?
    Entertaining season for the LLM’s Hammann looking consistently fast right out of the gate but Lavoie steady Eddied his way into a points lead only to see it evaporate doing something steady Eddie’s don’t do. Part failure.
    All that work, the blood sweat and tears only to lose in the last few laps by a lousy 2 points. Still not as bad as Meg Fuller getting spun on the last lap of the season causing her to lose the Street Stock championship a while back.
    This was Hammann’s year and now he’s on the all time champion’s page in the LLM’s. That’s a big deal, Lavoie should know he’s there for a couple.
    Well done as well to Kevin Cormier that was one heck of a rookie season only briefly looking like a rookie.
    LLM’s shaping up to be a pretty competitive division after struggling for so long. Good breadth of good cars and a lot to look forward to for the future.

  2. Mike Shelto says

    Congrats to rich someone who’s paid his dues for years at Stafford before finding success well deserved and hope you have many more wins coming

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