John Zych continues NEMA streak on the track
What happens when you put the fastest asphalt sprint cars in the world on Maine's fastest track? You get a whole new level of speed. Track speed records were up for grabs once again as the lightning-fast NEMA Midgets & NEMA Lites converged on Wiscasset Speedway Saturday night for Ames True Value NEMA Night. Turning laps around the 3/8 mile track with speeds topping 100 mph, the NEMA Midgets put on a show for the packed house.
John Zych of Mendon, Massachusetts has quickly turned Wiscasset Speedway into one of his favorite tracks. Starting mid-pack in the 30-lap spotlight feature, it took just one lap for the former champ to rocket around the competition and into the lead. A mid-race restart against top rival Randy Cabral gave him his only true test in the race, but just a lap later he was back in charge and ran away with his third straight win at Wiscasset Speedway.
"We've been very fortunate at Wiscasset and have some success," said Zych, "I love this place." Cabral, who picked up a win at Wiscasset back in 2015, grabbed runner-up honors. Jim Chambers finished 3rd. While track records remained intact this time, the NEMA drivers got within just a few 10ths of a second, turning laps just over 13 seconds.
In the 25-lap support feature for the NEMA Lites, Jim Chambers returned to victory lane to claim the winner's trophy, he was joined by Zych and Jim Cataldo, however, post-race inspection and subsequent protest have left the results unofficial. NEMA returns to Wiscasset again in September.
In regular weekly Group 1 action, Albion's Spencer Sweatt started 13th in the 25-lap Thunder 4 feature and passed the field on his way to his 2nd win of the season. Previous race winner Travis Poulliot of South China and Caleb Emerson-Mains of Richmond finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.
The Maxwell's Market Super Streets saw a change atop the point standings as defending champ and point leader Josh Bailey sat out the 25-lap feature. Former champ Mark Lucas passed leader Zac Poland on the final turn to grab the checkers. Poland, who lead the first 24-3/4 circuits around the track would settle for 2nd, matching his personal best. Mike Hodgkins of Jefferson would claim the division point lead with his 3rd place efforts.
The 40-lap feature for the ServPro of Biddeford Saco Prostocks would see a shakeup following post-race inspection. Kevin Douglass appeared to have taken the win, his first in five years, however, a penalty for a shock infraction dropped him 10 positions in the final tally. The rest of the field would be bumped up a spot giving the win to Brian Whitney of Etna. Jamie Wright of Woolwich, last year's Rookie of the Year picked up a personal best 2nd place finish. Jeremy Whorff of Bath took home 3rd.
The final race of the night was a 25-lap contest for the Cahill tire 4-Cylinder Pros. Once again it was the Hayden Norris show. The 2nd generation racer from West Gardiner remained undefeated, taking his 4th win of the season. Jeff Prindall of Lisbon and Larry Melcher of Jay filled the rest of the top 3.
Wiscasset Speedway returns to action Saturday, June 9 with Group 2, including Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Models, K&A Property Services Modifieds, Norms Used Cars Strictly Streets and Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Minis. Also, the Amsoil Nelcar Legends will make their 2nd appearance of the year with their 30-lap National Qualifier race. Pit gates will open at 2 p.m., Grandstands at 4 p.m. and racing action begins at 6 p.m.. For information, results, photos, season schedule and more, go to the track website at www.wiscassetspeedway.com
June 2 results
Pos | No. | Name | Home Town | Laps | Diff |
1 | 84 | Spencer Sweatt | Albion | 25 | |
2 | 16 | Travis Poulliot | China | 25 | 2.191 |
3 | 4E | Caleb Emerson - Mains | Richmond | 25 | 3.224 |
4 | 26 | Michael Golding | Pownal | 25 | 3.407 |
5 | 54 | Noah Haggett | Wiscasset | 25 | 4.078 |
6 | 58 | David Greenleaf | Brunswick | 25 | 4.249 |
7 | 4x | Cameron Campbell | New Gloucester | 25 | 4.471 |
8 | 00 | Nick Morton | Woolwich | 25 | 5.107 |
9 | 25 | Brian Burr | Brunswick | 25 | 5.772 |
10 | 04 | Curtis Anderson | Richmond | 25 | 5.851 |
11 | 7 | Howard Roberts | Jay | 22 | 3 Laps |
12 | 20 | Devan Robinson | Warren | 18 | 7 Laps |
13 | 51c | Cody Robbins | Palermo | 15 | 10 Laps |
Pos | No. | Name | Home Town | Laps | Diff |
1 | 5 | Mark Lucas | Harpswell | 25 | |
2 | 06 | Zac Poland | Woolwich | 25 | 0.234 |
3 | 23x | Mike Hodgkins | Jefferson | 25 | 0.312 |
4 | 85 | Michael Harrison | Durham | 25 | 1.079 |
5 | 11 | Jason Oakes | Boothbay | 25 | 8.142 |
6 | 48 | Dan Nessmith | Wiscasset | 25 | 10.109 |
7 | 30 | Cory Creamer | Randolph | 25 | 10.71 |
8 | 24 | David Thompson | Jefferson | 25 | 11.957 |
9 | 55 | Bob Crocker | Freeport | 25 | 12.658 |
10 | 28 | Steve Minott | Windham | 25 | 13.073 |
11 | 1 | Jeff Davis | Woolwich | 24 | 1 Lap |
12 | 54 | Neil Evans Jr. | Yarmouth | 24 | 1 Lap |
13 | 8 | Bouncer Knight | Jay | 9 | 16 Laps |
Pos | No. | Name | Home Town | Laps | Diff |
1 | 41 | Brian Whitney | Pittsfield | 40 | |
2 | 84 | Jamie Wright | Woolwich | 40 | 3.574 |
3 | 8 | Jeremy Whorff | Bath | 40 | 4.063 |
4 | 05 | James Osmond | Wiscasset | 40 | 8.342 |
5 | 29 | Kevin Morse | Woolwich | 40 | 9.823 |
6 | 21 | James Barker | Jay | 40 | 10.989 |
7 | 02 | Shane Lane | North Anson | 39 | 1 Lap |
8 | 13 | Nate Tribbett | Richmond | 38 | 2 Laps |
9 | 6 | Travis Dunbar | Auburn | 38 | 2 Laps |
10 | 17 | Jamie Peaslee | Wiscasset | 38 | 2 Laps |
11 | 18 | Kevin Douglass | Sidney | 40 | penalty |
12 | 15 | Nick Hinkley | Wiscasset | 6 | 34 Laps |
13 | 72 | Charlie Colby | Newcastle | 1 | 39 Laps |
Pos | No. | Name | Home Town | Laps | Diff |
1 | 03 | Hayden Norris | Gardiner | 25 | |
2 | 24 | Jeff Prindall | Lisbon | 25 | 2.399 |
3 | 41 | Larry Melcher | Jay | 25 | 3.267 |
4 | 4 | Connor Wenners | Edgecomb | 25 | 3.399 |
5 | 8 | Craig Dunn | Strong | 25 | 4.07 |
6 | 70 | Taylor Lane | Phillips | 25 | 4.247 |
7 | 12 | Max Rowe | Turner | 25 | 4.293 |
8 | 14 | Nicole Benincasa | Buxton | 25 | 4.894 |
9 | 00 | PJ Merrill | Canton | 25 | 5.189 |
10 | 5 | Dominic Curret | Saco | 15 | 10 Laps |
11 | 42 | Mike Kibbin | South China | 3 | 22 Laps |
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