Audet and Johnson Shine in big, seven-class thriller at ‘The Bowl’

WEST HAVEN, Vt.– On a hot day-turned cool night for racing, Troy Audet and Ronnie Johnson won the Sunoco Sportsman Modified and 358 Modified features, respectively, Saturday night at Devil’s Bowl. A big program for Stove Depot night also sent Tyler Travis, Aiden Benoure, Ray Hanson, Jeremy Brownell, Joe Malzac and Rob Steele to victory lane.

Shawn McPhee and Brent Warren had the front row for Saturday’s 30-lap, $1500-to-win Sunoco Sportsman Modified Feature. McPhee took off to the lead early, scratching his No. M2 into the lap-leader column for the first time around, but it didn’t take long for rookie Randy Ryan to carve his own path to the lead from 4th starting spot, seizing the top spot on lap two, continuing to lead laps three and four.

Audet started 3rd and spoiled Ryan’s party on lap five, taking the lead and running away on the bottom. The Bridport native was blindingly quick, amassing a near 2.5 second advantage in just five laps atop the leaderboard, making him nearly half-a-second per lap faster than Ryan. By lap, 16, his lead was over four seconds as he ripped the No. 13A around the bottom in both ends. By this time, Josh Masterson was up from 9th to 4th, trying to cut his way toward the front with more than seven seconds between him and Audet.

He burst into 3rd a few laps later before tracking down Ryan for 2nd with only two laps remaining but could not overcome Audet’s five-plus second lead in such a short amount of time. Audet went on to claim his first win of the year. Masterson was 2nd with Ryan 3rd, his 2nd top-five of the year. Jim Nagle, of Scotia, N.Y., was 4th and Fire Swamp was 5th. Point leaders Tim LaDuc and Vince Quenneville finished 13th and 14th respectively, sending LaDuc into the final night of the year with a six-point lead. Elmo’s Pit Stop Hard Charger was Masterson, going from 9th to 2nd.

The 358 Modified Feature event was won by Ronie Johnson. Robert Bublak and Lucas Fuller sat on the front row after the invert of the top four finishers from each of the two heat races, but instead of either driver leading the opening lap, it was 3rd starter Walter J Hammond making his way to the lead. Ronnie Johnson went with him from 4th starting spot, and the pair ran 1st and second on lap four. Justin Stone and Troy Audet were moving forward, as well, from rows three and four while Fuller, the nephew of hall-of-fame driver Tim Fuller, slid back on the outside lane.

Johnson and Hammond traded the lead on laps seven, eight and nine before “RJ” finally cleared Hammond for the top spot, driving his father Jack’s familiar white and orange colors. Johnson led convincingly until a lap 23 caution for Tanner Siemons slow on the backstretch. Johnson pulled away on the restart, but not by much, winning the $1,500 feature over Hammond by just under a second. Justin Stone was 3rd with Audet 4th. Jordan Fornwalt hustled 5th from Bublak on the final lap. Sixteen cars entered the race.

Hartland, Vt.’s Tyler Travis collected his first-career win in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Limited Sportsman Feature. Travis started on the pole with fellow rookie Adam Lafountain flanking him to his right, and they went around side-by side on the opening lap. Lafountain prevailed on lap two and took the lead away, with Travis going to work behind him. Bob Kilburn was looking sporty early, too, settling into the 3rd spot.

As the race progressed, Lafountain achieved over a one-second lead on Travis by lap eight, but car No. 9 proved strong, scooting back by Lafountain on lap 12, quickly gaining a 1.6 second gap. A late yellow bunched up the field with just seven laps remaining, but Travis pulled away again, earning his first win in the limited division, after nearly scooping a victory on many other occasions this year. Lafountain was 2nd with Eric Shaw 3rd. Kilburn was 4th with Mike Clark, Jr., 5th.

The Hoosier Racing Tire Novice Sportsman Feature was won by Salisbury’s Aiden Benoure for the second time in 2024. Russ Farr and Jason Kerr started on the front row, with Farr leading the first three laps, until Matt Cram took control. He led until lap 18, surviving a series of caution flag periods, until Benoure got the better of him on a late restart to earn the second win of his young career with the novice sportsman. Cram was 2nd with Logan Denis 3rd, Matt Wade 4th and Josh Bussino 5th.

The Friend Construction 500cc Mini Sprint Feature was won by Ray Hanson. Proctor’s Alex Reed and Castleton’s Tommy Kasuba led the field to green with Brandon Emerson and Jenna Zakrzewski in tow. Hanson started 8th. Zakrzewski led the opening lap in her No. 727 with Quinn Quenneville settling quickly into 2nd. Hanson was already 3rd. Zakrzewski looked good out front until lap six when Hanson got by and pulled away. Zakrzewski and Quenneville ran 2nd and 3rd for the remainder of the race with Quenneville closing in and Zakrzewski pulling away again on different occasions. Behind them was Gage Provencher, the 9th starter, who did not appear able to do much with the top three. He rode in 4th for the rest of the race. Hanson’s win and Provencher’s 4th place run put Hanson back on top of a thrilling, single-digit points battle that has raged on all season heading into this Saturday’s Heritage Family Credit Union Championship Night.

Jeremy Brownell won his second Fisher Auto Parts Mini Stock Feature of the year, the first coming on the inside track back on June 1. Chris Hewitt and Mark Mahoney led the way on the initial start while Brownell was back on the outside of the fourth row. Mahoney led lap one, but 6th starter Jakoebbe Alger found the front on lap two and began to pull away, but Brownell was right behind him in 2nd, getting by for the lead on lap nine. As a duel shaped up for the final six laps, Alger went back to the point briefly, until a mechanical failure ended his night early. Brownell went on to win with Ryan Patch 2nd, Jarrod Colburn 3rd, Chris Charbonneau 4th and Chris Sumner 5th. The B-Feature was won by Joe Malzac. Quinton Bishop was 2nd with Tim Robinson 3rd.

Rob Steele won the 9th State Cannabis Crown Vic Feature for the sixth time in 2024, moving his career win total to 12. Steele started 8th and watched the battle in front of him early, and what a battle it was. Elisabeth Dupont, Chad Merrill and Eric Friend all traded the lead, racing two and three wide, high and low, putting on one of the most entertaining races in the division’s history at Devil’s Bowl. Dupont led the first two laps, but Merrill was after the lead, trying to put the Stove Depot car in the winner’s circle on Stove Depot Night. Though he edged out in front once or twice, he did not ever cross the strip as the leader. Steele led from lap three on, but Eric Friend seized the lead on lap 17. Steele got back by for the final three laps, bringing home the win. Friend was 2nd with Merrill 3rd. Brad Cram and Norman Morrill rounded out the top-five.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway is back in action one last time in 2024 this Saturday, September 21, at 5PM with Heritage Family Credit Union Night. Wristbands will be honored from the September 7 rain-out. General Admission is $15, kids 12 and under are free. Infield tailgating is available for $20. Pit passes are $28 for members and $38 for non-members. Heritage Family Credit Union Members with proof of membership get in for free (general admission only). The pits open at 2PM with the stands and infield open at 3:30. Racing begins at 5PM!

OFFICIAL RESULTS – Devil’s Bowl Speedway – September 14, 2024 – Stove Depot Night

Sunoco Sportsman Modified Feature (30 laps)

(3) Troy Audet, Bridport, Vt.
(9) Josh Masterson, Bristol, Vt.
(4) Randy Ryan, Orwell, Vt.
(5) Jim Nagle, Scotia, N.Y.
(7) Fire Swamp, Akwesasne, N.Y.
(6) Frank Hoard, III, Manchester, Vt.
(14) Dave Camara, Poultney, Vt.
(15) Joey Scarborough, Brandon, Vt.
(12) Justin Comes, Fair Haven, Vt.
(2) Brent Warren, Salisbury, Vt.
(10) Bubba McPhee, Rutland, Vt.
(16) Travis Green, Wallkill, N.Y.
(18) Tim LaDuc, Orwell, Vt.
(17) Vince Quenneville, Brandon, Vt.
(1) Shawn McPhee, Rutland, Vt.
(22) Tanner Siemons, Claremont, N.H.
(21) Billy Lussier, Fair Haven, Vt.
(20) AJ Munger, Benson Landing, Vt.
(8) Pat Miner, Monkton, Vt.
(23) Montgomery Tremont, West Sand Lake, N.Y.
(11) Adam Piper, Leicester, Vt.
(13) Jimmy Ryan, Whiting, Vt.
(19) Marty Kelly, III, North Bennington, Vt.

358 Modified Feature (30 laps)

(4) Ronnie Johnson, Duanesburg, N.Y.
(1) Walter J Hammond, Canaan, N.H.
(6) Justin Stone, Middlebury, Vt.
(7) Troy Audet, Bridport, Vt.
(16) Jordan Fornwalt, Bradford, Vt.
(1) Robert Bublak, Ballston Spa, N.Y.
(8) Marty Kelly, III, North Bennigton, Vt.
(13) CG Morey, Rutland, Vt.
(9) James Fadden, Corinth, Vt.
(11) Walt Hammond, Jr., Canaan, N.H.
(2) Lucas Fuller, Edwards, N.Y.
(15) Todd Morey, Hydeville, Vt.
(12) Jeff Reis, Bennington, Vt.
(5) Tanner Siemons, Claremont, N.H.
(14) Joe Pravia, Pittsfield, M.A.
(10) Allan Hammond, Canaan, N.H.

O’Reilly Auto Parts Limited Sportsman Feature (25 laps)

(1) Tyler Travis, Hartland, Vt.
(2) Adam Lafountain, Starksboro, Vt.
(6) Eric Shaw, Wells, Vt.
(4) Bob Kilburn, Fair Haven, Vt.
(10) Mike Clark, Jr., Salisbury, Vt.
(3) Ed Bell, Queensbury, N.Y.
(8) Freddie Little, Salisbury, Vt.
(14) Marty Hutchins, Poultney, Vt.
(15) Billy Duprey, Hydeville, Vt.
(13) Alex Layn, New Haven, Vt.
(22) Scott Towslee, Manchester, Vt.
(12) Gary English, Jr., Salisbury, Vt.
(5) Cody O’Brien, Springfield, Vt.
(11) Kamden Duffy, Richmond, N.H.
(17) Don Williams, Ripton, Vt.
(20) Kyle Kerr, Shoreham, Vt.
(16) Steve Miller, Vergennes, Vt.
(21) Kevin Groff, Wynantskill, N.Y.
(19) Doug Sheeley, Schuylerville, N.Y.
(7) Derrick Counter, Leicester, Vt.
(18) William Lussier, Jr., Fair Haven, Vt.
(9) Boomer Patterson, Milton, Vt.

Hoosier Racing Tire Novice Sportsman Feature (20 laps)

(4) Aiden Benoure, Salisbury, Vt.
(3) Matt Cram, Leicester, Vt.
(8) Logan Denis, Whiting, Vt.
(5) Matt Wade, Fair Haven, Vt.
(9) Josh Bussino, Fair Haven, Vt.
(10) Dennis Wischman, Albon, N.Y.
(6) Nick Austin-Neil, Salisbury, Vt.
(11) Robert Steves, Castleton, Vt.
(2) Jason Kerr, Shoreham, Vt.
(13) Randy Edson, Orwell, Vt.
(7) Bobbi Hults, Castleton, Vt.
(1) Russ Farr, Granville, N.Y.
(12) Thomas Placey, Bradford, Vt.

Friend Construction 500cc Mini Sprint Feature (15 laps)

(8) Ray Hanson, Orwell, Vt.
(4) Jenna Zakrzewski, Schuylerville, N.Y.
(6) Quinn Quenneville, Brandon, Vt.
(9) Gage Provencher, Bridport, Vt.
(7) Ashleigh Kulzer, Johnstown, N.Y.
(3) Brandon Emerson, Williamstown, Vt.
(5) Vern Woodard, Fair Haven, Vt.
(1) Alex Reed, Proctor, Vt.
(2) Tommy Kasuba

Did not start: Destin St. Clair, Scott Bachand, Jordan Zakrzewski

Fisher Auto Parts Mini Stock !-Feature (15 laps)

(8) Jeremy Brownell, Greenwich, N.Y.
(14) Ryan Patch, Rutland, Vt.
(10) Jarrod Colburn, Rutland, Vt.
(7) Chris Charbonneau, Rutland, Vt.
(17) Chris Sumner, East Middlebury, Vt.
(16) Brian Blake Cornwall, Vt.
(18) Griff Mahoney, Benson, Vt.
(20) Adam Stewart, Benson, Vt.
(5) Damian Olden, Rutland, Vt.
(15) Ronnie Alger, ORwell, Vt.
(2) Mark Mahoney, Brandon, Vt.
(4) Cody Dion, Rutland, Vt.
(9) Adam Mahoney, Whitehall, N.Y.
(3) Anthony Johnson, Sandgate, Vt.
(19) Dawson Thompson, Hoosick Falls, N.Y.
(13) Richard Fleury, Poultney, Vt.
(12) Craig Kirby, St. Albans, Vt.
(11) Willie Rice, Poultney, Vt.
(1) Chris Hewitt, Pittsford, Vt.
(6) Jakobee Alger, Orwell, Vt.

Did not start: Kyle Jordan

Fisher Auto PArts Mini Stock B-Feature (6 laps)

(5) Joe Malzac, Brandon, Vt.
(1) Quinton Bishop, Whiting, Vt.
(2) Tim Robinson, Center Rutland, Vt.
(6) Gerry Jordan, Sr., Benson, Vt.
(4) James Murray, Proctor, Vt.
(8) Luke Marcheski, Quincy, M.A.
(3) Cody Vanguilder, Rutland, Vt.
(10) Jake Mallory, Granville, N.Y.
(9) Bob Wood, Whiting, Vt.

Did not start: Gerard Jordan, Jr.

9th State Cannabis Crown Vic Feature (20 laps)

(8) Rob Steele, Bomoseen, Vt.
(7) Eric Friend, Bristol, Vt.
(6) Chad Merrill, Londonderry, Vt.
(5) Brad Cram, Rutland, Vt.
(4) Norm Morrill, North Ferrisburgh, Vt.
(2) Scott Cram, Rutland, Vt.
(9) Hellen Steele, Bomoseen, Vt.
(3) Elisabeth Dupont, Monkton, Vt.
(1) Matt Decker, Castleton, Vt.