Pierson hangs on for Bear Ridge Speedway win
by April May Preston
BRADFORD, Vt. -- A full card of racing was on hand for the fans Saturday night at Bear Ridge Speedway as the 358 Modifieds, Pro Streets, Fast Fours, and Sportsman Coupes took to the track for a fast paced night of racing.
The ever popular and quickly growing division of the Gilmour, Jeep, Ford Dodge Sportsman Coupes were led to the green by Peter Greaves and Kevin Menard. Several cautions would play into 2002 Champion Adam Pierson’s hands as he was able to work his way to the front from deep in the pack. With the last lap to go, Kevin Menard was still in a strong 3rd, which would be his best career finish, when lapped traffic changed everything. Giving a wide birth Bob Shepard saw a hole and took it, only to make it 3 wide with Menard having no where to go. Menard's hopes of an exciting finish were dashed as he sat in the middle of 2 and 3 while the checkers waved. Pierson was able to hang on to the win followed by Peter Greaves, Louis Cadwell Doug Titus and Bob Shepard.
With a very impressive field of cars on hand the H.O. Taylor Chevrolet Pro Stocks appeared to have gone to the same school as the Coupes, seemingly unable to get the job done. Over fifteen cars were on hand to lay claim to the thrown. Bryan King worked his way through the pack surviving several cautions and was able to make his way to the front to claim the checkers. Chuck Simmons and Ryan Pierson followed for 2nd and 3rd with Alex Zeller and Ryan Avery completing the top five. .
The Mekkelsen RV 358 Modifieds took to the track behind Brad Phelps and Mike Tinker. This division holds several heavy hitters and it was apparent that those who had been away for a while, had not forgot how to get around the track. It what would be a caution free race Vince Quenneville, Chris Donnelly and Brian Whittemore, wasted no time in working their way to the front of the pack finishing in that order. Rounding out the top 5 were Troy Gray and 2002 Track Champion Jim Ryan.
As at sister track Canaan Fair Speedway the Journal Opinion Fast Fours are here to make a statement. With the largest car count at both tracks there is sure to be plenty of excitement in this division. These guys and gal have fortunately gone to the same school as the Modifieds and were able to put on a fast paced show. 2002 division champion Chris McKinstry took no time in reminding everyone why he is the champion as he worked his way to the front. But this year the competition may be getting a bit tougher as Andy Johnson let McKinstry know that last year was then and this is now and we will see who will end up on top. For tonight it would be McKinstry followed by Johnson with Jeff Perry in third. Completing the top five were Tony Bassett and Matt Piper.
Next week T.C’s Outdoor Sports presents a full card of racing plus a Twin State Modified event and the Sprint Cars.
Bear Ridge Speedway is located off exit 16 of I91 on to rte 25 west 1 mile to South Road up the hill to Kidder Rd. For more information including the 2003 schedules you can log on to: www.bearridgespeedway.com. Sister track Canaan Fair Speedway is located on Orange Rd in Canaan NH just 12 short miles from I-89. Canaan Fair Speedway will be hosting a Pro All Star Series race on Sunday May 18th.
www.canaanfairspeedway.com any questions can be sent to aprilmay@earthlink.net.
RESULTS
Heat winners: Fast Fours Andy Johnson Tony Bassett. Pro Streets Ryan Avery Chuck Simmons. Sportsman Coupes Bob Shepard Peter Greaves. 358 Modifieds Vince Quineville Chris Donnelly.
FAST FOURS: Chris McKinstry, Andy Johnson, Jeff Perry, Tony Bassett, Matt Piper, Lenny Garduno, Robert Bell, Tim Higgins, Chris Hodges, Bill Simmons, Tim Murphy, Toby Merchant, Wayland Childs, Bobby Bell Jr, Paul Goyette, Steve Bell, John Prentice, Kelly Miller
PRO STREETS: Bryan King, Chuck Simmons, Ryan Pierson, Alex Zeller, Ryan Avery, Anthony Perkins, Jason Blake, Joe Perreault, Chad Turck, Dan Eastman, Mark White, Michael Bussino, Shawn Pallas, Robert Gioia, Kevin Huntley, Richard Glode.
SPORTSMAN COUPES: Adam Pierson, Peter Greaves, Louis Cadwell, Doug Titus, Bob Shepard, Tyler Rich, Steve Ellsworth, Kevin Chaffee, Josh Harrington, Paul Towle, Ryan Dutton, Kevin Menard, Dean Stockwell.
358 MODIFIEDS: Vince Quenneville, Chris Donnelly, Brian Whittemore, Troy Gray, Jim Ryan, Carl Murray, Gene Pierson, Mike Tinker, Brad Phelps, Mark Cole.