Thunderstorm wipes out season opener during qualifying
WEST HAVEN, Vt. – Devil’s Bowl Speedway was forced to halt its 53rd season opener on Sunday, May 19, as an evening thunderstorm moved in during qualifying heats, continuing a spring trend of rained-out racing events in the Northeast.
The storm rolled over the track just before the start of the third qualifying heat for the Pepsi Sportsman Modified division, which drew 33 cars. Josh Sunn dominated the first heat ahead of Jimmy Ryan and Wayne Stearns, and John St. Germain narrowly beat Tim LaDuc and Bobby Hackel in the second heat.
Two heats were also completed for the Friend Construction 500cc Mini Sprint division. Evan Roberts beat John McPhee Jr. and Joel Belanger in the first heat, and Shawn McPhee topped Cody O’Brien and rookie Kamden Duffy in the second. A total of 93 cars were on hand across the track’s five divisions.
Best Appearing Car awards were presented prior to the start of the racing, following a well-attended car show in downtown Fair Haven, VT, earlier in the day. Allan Hammond took top honors in the Sportsman Modifieds, Adam Piper won in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Limited Sportsman division, Randy Alger won in the Super Stocks, Lynn Denton took the Mini Stock award, and Evan Roberts topped the Mini Sprints.
The event will continue from the third Sportsman Modified heat on Sunday, June 2, as Mike’s Fuels of Bridport presents the action. Ticket stubs and wristbands will be honored at any event with regular admission pricing during the 2019 season.
An open practice session will be held on Wednesday, May 22, from 6-9 p.m., weather permitting. All safe racecars are welcome regardless of rules, home track, or division. Pit area admission will be $20 with free grandstand admission.
Devil’s Bowl Speedway’s next event is on Sunday, May 26, as A-Verdi Storage & Office Solutions presents the “Memorial Day Kickoff” with a 50-lap special for the King of Dirt Racing Crate Modified Series, the Sprint Cars of New England, and Devil’s Bowl’s weekly divisions. General admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors (62+), and free for kids 12 and under. Racing begins at 6 p.m.
Devil’s Bowl Speedway is located on Route 22A in West Haven, Vt., four miles north of U.S. Route 4, Exit 2, and just 20 minutes from Rutland, Vt. For more information, visit www.DevilsBowlSpeedwayVT.com or call (802) 265-3112. Devil’s Bowl Speedway is on Facebook at facebook.com/DevilsBowlSpeedway, and on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat at @DevilsBowlSpeed; follow the action using the #DevilsBowl hashtag.