EVANS MILLS-NY-if it’s true that it takes a few weeks for a speedway to snap into the groove with a new owner, then number one Speed night on Saturday June 1 could be the turning point for Evans Mills Raceway Park. The biggest crowd of the season saw very competitive races on a much improved racing surface. The” sticky ” track was lowered a bit and the competitors agreed that the surface combined with the hot temperatures made a big difference in the way the cars could run.
Tim Dunn in the 96T as the winner of the first round was the one who pulled the number to see how many cars would be reversed for functionality. He drew the number 1, exactly the number he wanted. The first laps saw some racing side by side in the middle of the field, while Josh Verne Jr.was able to start from the outside. Josh would win the Serv Pro thunderstock class and Tim Dunn would get first place for the compact sports cars.
The feature INEX Legends 25 lap was an adventure. Canoe winner Daniel Carter from Cortland NY also drew the # 1 for the reversal so he could go to pole position. He led all the way, but the action behind him was fast and furious. There were a variety of warnings every few laps, while some riders went through a “bump the other guy” phase, while others did Tricks themselves. The restart of the cone proved to be fascinating, because on a restart, the first six cars all chose the inner lane, so that the car from 7th place to 2nd place. Place outdoors could drive. The inner way always seemed the perfect place to be in this class. Several drivers have made their first Start of the season, including many strong drivers from other years. Unfortunately, it was a night of wear and tear and just over half of the terrain ended with a number of cars causing damage. At victory lane, Daniel Carter said he felt it was the longest race he had raced in a long time. It was Carter’s first visit to Evans Mills this year.
The Ford Caskinette modifications made a steamy run as 5 cars were reversed for functionality. Tony Pettinelli in the 2NY car and Chad Blair in the #6 have fought side by side for almost half of the race, which has never been seen in Evans Mills in this category. Mike Ramos in the # 09 entered the fight, and after Ramos got out of Blair, the pursuit was one. Much Bumper day was played, and after Ramos had made a Pass to Pettinelli, he took a pretty good rap between Turns 3 and 4 that sent him to the track. Ramos saved the car and kept third place. Pettinelli won his first race at Evans Mills since his victory in the snowmobile in 2001. Ramos was able to regain second place in the last laps, but could not get it from Pettinelli. Pettinelli cheered in victory lane while Ramos smoked in second place. Blair finished third.
The stands then buzzed with the lively competition and the improvement in the condition of the track. Evans Mills is a track on the way and the word is that several other new cars and drivers will join the ranks in the next few weeks. The next race night will be sponsored by Daldry Marine Canvas on Saturday, June 8, at 6: 30 pm.