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Monthly Racing Commentary with
LEW BOYD
BEING EDDIE MACDONALD |
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2018 |
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Eddie Wins the Granite State Pro Stock Series Race
at Thompson
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Eddie MacDonald dominated the Granite State 50 lap Pro
Stock feature at Thompson's Motorsports Park's World Series of
Racing on Friday night, October 12 to close out the season. The
EXIT Realty Chevy easily won the heat race then started fifth in
the feature after a redraw.
When the green flag waved
the Dave Lemieux owned Chevy wasted little time establishing
dominance as Eddie Mac powered to second on lap 3 and took
command of the race on the fast, high banked 5/8th of a mile
oval on lap ten. From that point on, the #17 easily maintained a
five car length lead over the closest competitor to post the
win.
"This car was just incredible tonight and there are
a lot of people responsible," said Eddie Mac. "Paul Rinaldi
builds great motors and this had a lot of power so anything Paul
builds is fun to drive. Jamie Rouleau was the crew chief tonight
and he did a fantastic job. We were not happy with the handling
in practice and we needed some changes and he made all the right
ones. It was fun to have him on board and to get the win."
"I could not be happier for Dave Lemieux and Brian Neal,"
said Eddie Mac. "They put their heart and soul into this team
and to win the way we did is a clear vindication of the
integrity of what these guys are all about. They strive to
prepare the best car possible and tonight is clearly evident of
their total preparation and commitment. It is a pleasure and an
honor to drive for this team."
"We thank Derek Beatrice
from EXIT Realty in Middleton, Mass, as well as Rob Grimm from
Grimm Construction from Waymart, Pennsylvania for their support
throughout the season. It means so much to us to have these
folks on board."
"Our crew deserves a lot of the credit
for their hard work and dedication," said the Rowley, Mass.
veteran. "These guys show up every race and work their tails off
and do anything asked of them. People like Craig Laroche, Tom
Rice, Dave "Logger" Ricker, Jimmy Russell, Brian Neal, Hoppy,
and Dick Casey do such a great job. Dave's sisters Denise and
Darcy keep the crew fed and we really appreciate it. "This is it
for this season but we are already talking about next year and
it really sounds exciting so we will have more news in the
future."
"Thank you to everyone for your support and have
a great off season." |
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Erroneous Call Costs Eddie
a Win and
Possible ACT Championship at Thompson
|
With four laps left in the final race of the season to
determine the American Canadian Tour Champion at Thompson's
World Series of Racing, Eddie Mac had an opportunity to not only
win the ACT 75 lap event but also win a championship that
appeared improbable at best prior to the race trailing Payea by
25 points. However, the erroneous call by race director Chris
Michaud to send Eddie Mac to the rear for "his involvement" in
the lap 71 caution dashed any hope to do the impossible.
That decision was made quickly and was immediately proved
incorrect with video evidence provided by a camera mounted in
Eddie Mac's car prior to the race and recorded the entire
incident. The video shows both the #5 and the #2 bouncing off
one another all the way down the backstretch and both losing
control and turning sideways. The video clearly shows Eddie Mac,
who was running fourth on the outside, was not responsible for
the wreck and the erroneous call cost him the win and the
potential championship.
"I could not believe I was sent
to the rear for something I had no part in causing,' said a
fuming Eddie Mac after the race. "Those guys had been banging
each other for quite a few laps and the #2 hit the #5 the final
time and sent them both sideways. I was close but I knew the
wreck was on them, not me. The decision was made quickly and
ended up costing us the win, the championship, and over $12,000.
With so much on the line, that decision needed to be looked at
closely and not made in haste. Anyone can watch the video and
see the #5 was sideways as a result of the leaders banging into
each other. All the hard work and effort for everyone associated
with this team was all for naught with a hasty decision. I made
my feelings known to Chris (Michaud) after the race in hopes
that he will learn from this. With a championship on the line,
you have to take your time and get the call right. He did not do
either."
Eddie Mac started the feature in 11th after
winning the heat race. Any winner of a previous race cannot
start in the top ten. For the first 41 laps, the Freddie
Peterson owned EXIT Realty/Hancock Electric Chevy trailed
point's leader Payea who blocked Eddie Mac before finally making
the pass. Eddie Mac then began his drive to the front and was in
sixth by lap 50. With 25 laps to go, Eddie Mac battled door to
door with the #22 until the first caution of the race on lap 67.
From that point on, five more cautions would bunch the field for
the final laps. Eddie Mac rode in fourth place on the lap 68
restart, with the #5, #2, and #40 ahead of him on the grid. With
four to go, the two leaders got together again but this time
both spun out and Eddie Mac, running in fourth on the outside,
was flagged for the wreck. It is almost impossible for a car on
the outside running fourth to spin the leader on the inside.
Eddie Mac was sent to the rear and finished 12th, the result of
a terrible call.
Not only was a terrible call made on the
track, series owner and race director Chris Michaud continued to
further make another bad decision when car owner Freddie
Peterson approached him near tech and next to the #17's pit, and
Peterson was met with an expletive filled roaring rant. Complete
with multiple F-bombs, Freddie Peterson was told by race
director and series owner Michaud that he did not need or want
his team in his series. For decades, Freddie Peterson has been a
loyal supporter of the ACT Series and certainly deserved better
treatment and respect from Michaud who chose to scream
obscenities in front of the assembled crowd. Michaud needs to
apologize for his childish actions to Freddie Peterson with a
phone call then publically apologize on the ACT website since
Michaud chose to unleash his tirade in public.
In
response to Michaud's statement that he does not need Freddie
Peterson in his series, the answer is simple. Yes you do! With
the disappearance of quality teams and drivers recently from the
series, Michaud can ill afford to lose one of the most dedicated
and classy owners in Freddie Peterson.
"This is a
terrible way to end the season but Rollie and I are so proud of
the effort of our team today," said Eddie Mac. "We were hit in
the right side of the car during the heat and this team jumped
right in to fix the damage with Freddie leading the way. They
did a great job and the car was ready to go for the race. This
team has done this the entire season and we could not ask for a
better group of guys. We also thank Derek Beatrice from EXIT
Realty, Scott and Kenny Thompson from Hancock Electric, and Rob
Grimm from Grimm Construction. None of this would be possible
without the sincere effort from all these people. We are truly
blessed to have such terrific people associated with this team.
I thank my girlfriend Kelyn Harrell for the support and
understanding that racing consumes so much of your time. Thanks
to all our fans for their support and we wish everyone a good
year." |
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EDDIE WINS THE NAPA 250 |
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Eddie Wins Inaugural NAPA 250 at White Mountain |
Eddie MacDonald overcame pre-race adversity to post the
first ever NAPA Blue and Gold 250 at White Mountain Motorsports
Park victory on Sunday, September 16. Despite starting 25th in
the 30 car field, Eddie Mac utilized a fast car and race
strategy to post the dominant victory in the $10,000 to win late
model event.
All did not begin well for the Freddie
Peterson owned team as it struggled through three attempts to
qualify for the 250 lap feature. Eddie Mac drove from his 11th
starting position in the third heat to sixth but it was not good
enough to qualify for the main event. Then after scoring third
place in the consolation race the car was found to be too light
forcing Eddie Mac to the last chance B main. A third place
finish secured a 25th spot on the grid.
With his work cut
out, Eddie Mac once again proved why he is such a highly
regarded racing talent along the eastern seaboard of the country
as he powered steadily along into 11th on the 50th circuit.
During the caution on lap 70 some of the leaders decided to pit
for tires since only fuel would be allowed on the scheduled
mandatory caution on lap 125. Eddie and crew chief Rollie
LaChance decided to gamble and wait until later in the race to
pit for four American Racer tires on the EXIT Realty/Hancock
Electric Chevy and this strategy proved to be the winning
decision.
While most cars stopped for tires earlier,
Eddie Mac finally drove to the pits during the lap 155 caution
for the crew to bolt on four new tires. With a thirty lap tire
advantage on the leaders, Eddie Mac restarted 16th in the field
and wasted little time driving to the front. By lap 172 Eddie
Mac rode comfortably in third behind Payea and Hebert but the
new tires and fast car were no match for the regular ACT
competitors as Eddie Mac took the lead for good on lap 193. From
that point on, Eddie Mac maintained a seven car-length lead to
the checkers and the $10,000 check waiting for him in victory
lane.
"Winning this race is awesome and I want to thank
everyone associated with our team for this win," said the
victorious Rowley, Mass. veteran racer. "We really had to battle
back from earlier problems but there's no quit in this team and
we proved it again today. I can't say enough for all the hard
work. Rollie made a great call on coming to pit road for tires.
We went back and forth deciding when to come and finally on lap
155 we decided the time was now. The crew did an excellent job
completing the stop without a flaw and I was able to get a good
restart. I knew Scott, Jimmy and a couple of the other guys
would be tough but getting the tires when we did made all the
difference. The car was fast and it was a lot of fun to drive
today."
"We really needed this win today since we have
not had the season we had hoped for but the determination and
dedication of this team was on full display today," said an
enthused Eddie Mac. "Freddie and Sheila Peterson are great
owners and no one enjoys a win more that Freddie. Derek Beatrice
from EXIT Realty was here today with his daughter and he has
been a great sponsor. Scott and Kenny Thompson from Hancock
Electric have been sponsoring us for a dozen years and we can't
ever thank them enough. Rob Grimm, our K&N owner, continues to
support us, as well as, Bobby Wood. All these people make it
possible for us to do this."
"The heart and soul of this
team is the crew and those associated with us every step of the
way and I have to acknowledge their effort and support," said
Eddie Mac. "Laura and Ryan LaChance, Jolene and Rob Drandson,
Tom Rice, Brian Neal, Hoppy, Kenny Grooms, Dick Casey, my Dad,
and my girlfriend Kelyn Harrell are instrumental in our success.
I want to give a shout out to John Tiernan who has been under
the weather lately but has been with us for many years doing his
body work and painting magic."
The final ACT race of the
season will be at the World Series of Racing at Thompson Motor
Sports Park on October 13. |
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Photos by
Richard Casey |
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Photos by
Norm Marx |
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40th Coca-Cola Labor Day
Classic
Sunday, September 2nd |
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Eddie MacDonald Finishes Sixth in ACT Labor Day
Classic |
Eddie MacDonald battled from a difficult 20th starting
position in the 40th American Canadian Tour Labor Day Classic at
Thunder Road in Barre, Vermont on Sunday, September 2, to post
an acceptable sixth place finish in the 200 lap event. A slick
outside groove in the heat cost the EXIT Realty/Hancock Electric
Chevy a decent starting position in the feature.
"I was
really happy with the car in the race and we were constantly
moving forward but the finish in our heat really cost us," said
Eddie Mac after the race. "The second groove was really slick
and no one could run out there. I started fourth in the heat but
a caution put me on the outside for the restart and I fell back
to seventh. I got back to fifth on the last two laps (of the 15
lap qualifier) but that gave us a -1 rating and we started
20th."
When the green flag waved the Rowley, Mass.
veteran racer began his charge to the front in the Freddie
Peterson owned Chevy. On the 23rd circuit on the high-banked
Vermont bullring, Eddie Mac rode in the 14th spot and into 9th
by the next caution on lap 61. On the lap 125 caution, Eddie Mac
made it to the pits for right side tires and restarted 10th. By
lap 167, Eddie Mac ran in the fifth spot and was finally passed
by Payea with ten laps to go to finish sixth.
"As I said
before, I was really happy with the car but we just started too
far back," said Eddie. "The -1 rating started us 20th out of 26
cars so that was a big hurdle to overcome. If I had been able to
stay in fourth in the heat we would have a 0 rating and we would
have started near the top ten. The bottom groove was the only
one working so you had to stay down and my car handled well in
the turns. We pitted for tires (Lap 125) and we were a little
tight after that but Payea was able to get by me when I really
got loose at the end. The Thunder Road regulars finished in the
top four spots and never stopped for tires. They really have
this place figured out because it is a handful."
"It was
a lot of fun to have a good car here and to bring it home in one
piece," said Eddie Mac. "The crew did their usual great job
today and they are the reason we run as good as we do. Rollie
(LaChance) had a great set up in the car and although you always
want a better finish, we did well today. Thanks to Derek
Beatrice from EXIT Realty and Kenny and Scott Thompson from
Hancock Electric for their continued support, as well as Rob
Grimm from Grimm Construction. We hope to finish the season with
great finishes at White Mountain and Thompson."
Next on
the schedule is the $10,000 to win Late Model race on September
16 at White Mountain Motor Sports Park and the ACT series finale
at Thompson Motor Sports Park on October 13. |
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018 |
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018 |
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THE WIN!! IN THE ACT 150 |
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Eddie MacDonald Wins ACT
Oxford 150
and Finishes Eleventh in
the Oxford 250 |
Eddie MacDonald set the tone Saturday for the huge
Oxford 250 weekend at the famed Oxford Plains Speedway in
Oxford, Maine with a win in the American Canadian Tour's Oxford
150. Eddie Mac struggled for most of the Super Late Model Oxford
250 to post an 11th place finish on Sunday.
The ACT win
on Saturday gave the Rowley, Mass. racer a series sweep at the
Oxford oval in the EXIT Realty/Hancock Electric Chevy and into
second place in the quest for the series championship with two
points' events remaining on the schedule.
Eddie Mac
started 11th in the 150 lap feature as a result of a +4 rating
after finishing third in the heat from the seventh starting
position. ACT rules dictate winners of a race cannot start in
the top ten positions for the race.
When the green flag
waved for the 24 car field, Eddie Mac wasted little time getting
the Freddie Peterson owned Chevy towards the front and into
third place by lap 25. For a number of laps, Eddie Mac and
point's leader Scott Payea raced side by side for the third spot
before Payea was sent to the rear for dumping Chip Grenier on
lap 51 to bring out the second of six caution flags. On the
restart, Eddie Mac quickly took the lead from 16 year old Evan
Hallstrom on lap 52 and held off Jimmy Hebert the rest of the
way to post his second win of the season.
"The car was
just awesome today and it handled great in the turns and had
plenty of power getting off the corners," said Eddie Mac after
the race. "We have had a lot of success at this track and we
love winning here. Rollie (LaChance) knows this place so well we
have a good idea what we need here. The crew did an outstanding
job especially since we are competing in both events this
weekend so everyone really has worked hard on both cars."
With Eddie Mac in the lead, Hebert continued to pressure but
did not have enough to make a pass. Two caution flags on lap 97
pitted the two drivers side by side on the restart as Eddie Mac
was able to pull away as Hebert had to fall in behind. The #17
Chevy lengthened the lead as it cruised through lapped traffic
as Eddie Mac established his dominance. Two Caution flags on lap
126 again pitted the duo side by side but Eddie Mac had the
advantage and powered to the win.
"Our car owner Freddie
Peterson is a great guy and it is always fun to win one for him
and his wife Shelia, "said Eddie Mac. "Thanks also to Derek
Beatrice from EXIT Realty and Kenny and Scott Thompson from
Hancock Electric for their continued support. As always, none of
this is possible without the hard work and dedication of the
crew and all the people who tirelessly work for this team."
With two Oxford 250 wins to his credit, Eddie Mac set his
sights on adding a record tying third title but an extremely
loose car dashed his hopes as the handling was not there for
most of the race. The Dave Lemieux Super Late Model entry
finished fourth in the heat relegating the EXIT Realty/Grimm
Construction Chevy to a 16th starting position in the 42 car
field.
From that point on, the ill handling car continued
to slide back in the field before going a lap down on lap 129 of
the 250 lap event. The team struggled to get in position for the
lucky dog. Eddie Mac pitted on lap 199 for four tires then
returned to the pits for more adjustments on lap 206. A pit road
penalty forced Eddie Mac to restart the race in the 28th
position.
After a red flag on lap 225, Eddie Mac received
the "lucky dog" and restarted the race in the 21st position. The
tires and adjustments finally kicked in as Eddie Mac was able to
pass a number of lead lap cars and lapped cars into the 11th
spot but ran out of time.
"This was really disappointing
to run like this especially after all the trips here to test and
after doing well since Friday," said Eddie Mac. "Everyone worked
so hard and I thought the car was going to be good. I didn't
think we had a winning car but I thought we would be much more
competitive than we were. The car was really loose from the
start and we finally hit on something but it was just too little
too late."
"Thanks to car owner Dave Lemieux and Brian
Neal for everything they do for us and I hate it for those guys
to run like this," said a frustrated driver after the race.
"We thank Derek Beatrice from EXIT Realty and Rob Grimm from
Grimm Construction for their sponsorship. Thanks also to White
Birch Brewing for coming on board this weekend. Thanks to all
the crew members and people who support us every race."
Eddie Mac will continue his pursuit of the ACT championship on
September 2 in the final Summer Showdown Series at Thunder Road
in Barre, Vermont in the 200 lap Coca Cola Labor Day Classic
with $5,000 on the line for the winner.
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Photos by Richard Casey |
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ACT 150 >> |
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OXFORD 250 >> |
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Photos by Norm Marx |
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 5, 2018 - AUTOSAVER GROUP 150 |
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Third Place Finish for Eddie at White Mountain ACT
Race |
Eddie MacDonald battled lapped traffic and an
ill-handling car to post a third place finish in the Autosaver
Group 150 in the American Canadian Tour's race at White Mountain
Motorsports Park in No. Woodstock, NH on Sunday, August 5.
Thirty late model cars took the green flag for the 150 lap event
Sunday afternoon after weather conditions forced the scheduled
Saturday start to be postponed.
Eddie Mac started fifth
in the fourth heat of the day then led the nine car field to the
checkers to post the win and a +5 rating and earn the 10th
starting position for the race, ACT rules dictate that previous
winners cannot start higher than the 10th position.
Early on, Eddie Mac, driving the EXIT Realty/Hancock Electric
Chevy, was content to ride with the pack picking off cars as the
opportunity presented itself and rode in the 7th position when
the first of four caution flags for the race waved on lap 47.
Lapped cars became an issue early in the race and Eddie Mac
restarted in the 10th position on the restart saying, "I thought
I passed a lot of cars so I was surprised I was in seventh place
then restarted 10 but lapped traffic played a major role in the
race. It was tough to pass with the lapped cars running in
bunches so I had to pick my way through and it was tough to make
up any ground on the leaders. I was really pushing at that point
and not trying to save my tires."
At the halfway mark,
the Freddie Peterson owned ride was battling for seventh
position with two cars and had to restart eighth after a lap 101
caution flag. Eddie Mac battled side by side with Masterson then
Donahue before moving into fifth place for the lap 141 final
caution flag with Eddie Mac saying, "The rear end was jumping
out sideways in the turns so it really was a handful to drive. I
could run the middle groove but it really didn't like the
bottom. I don't know exactly what was causing it to act like
that but I was able to get back on the throttle halfway through
the turns but I did not have anything for the leaders. With five
to go I was in third but those guys were too far in front for me
to catch them."
"As always, none of this would be
possible without the support of a lot of people," said Eddie
Mac. "Car owners Freddie and Shelia Peterson from Peterson Auto
Body in Peabody are fantastic. If you ever need body work done
they are the people to see. Thanks to Derek Beatrice from EXIT
Realty Beatrice Associates in Middleton, Mass and Kenny and
Scott Peterson from Hancock Electric in Quincy. It is Kenny's
birthday so we wish him all the best. Thanks to Rob Grimm from
Grimm Construction and Bobby Wood for all their support. A huge
thanks to the most dedicated crew anyone could have, Jolene and
Rob, Tom, Brian, Laura, Hoppy, and Dick who do so much for our
team. Rollie and I are extremely grateful for everything they
do. I also want to thank my girlfriend Kelyn Harrell for all her
support and she is celebrating her birthday today. Happy
Birthday Kelyn!
Eddie Mac will next participate in the
upcoming Oxford 250 weekend in both the Oxford 150 for Late
Models on Saturday, August 25 and the Oxford 250 for Super Late
Models on Sunday, August 26 at the Oxford Plains Speedway,
Oxford, Maine. |
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Photos by Richard Casey |
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Photos by Norm Marx |
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SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2018 - J.P. Sicard/Kingdom Gravel 151 |
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Fifth Place Finish for Eddie MacDonald at Speedway 51 |
After a one day delay, 22 American Canadian Tour drivers
took the green flag in the second race of the season at Speedway
51. Eddie MacDonald posted a disappointing fifth place finish in
the J.P Sicard Kingdom Gravel 151 at the Groveton N.H. facility
on Sunday, July 15.
Despite a +4 finish in the second
heat and running in the top three in practice, the EXIT
Realty/Hancock Electric Chevy fought both a tight in and loose
off condition throughout the race. Eddie Mac started 11th due to
the ACT rule that previous winners cannot start higher than
tenth.
When the green flag waved to start the 151 lap
event, Eddie Mac gained four positions by the lap 4 caution, the
first of six caution flags in the race. Another caution on lap 7
forced the Freddie Peterson owned Chevy to restart sixth on the
outside that was not the place to be. It appeared no one could
run the non-existent outside groove with Eddie Mac slipping back
to eighth. Running eighth and in a battle with the #54 car
running side by side with Eddie Mac stuck on the outside, the
decision was made to pit during the caution on lap 86 for much
needed adjustments. Eddie Mac returned to the track in the 12th
position.
"Rollie and I decided to make wedge adjustments
and they really helped the car in the turns," said Eddie Mac.
"We struggled with the handling right from the start so coming
to the pits was an easy decision. The adjustments helped a lot
but we were not going to compete for the win. We are not happy
with finishing fifth but that is the best we were going to do
today. Unfortunately we finished the first race here looking
like a modified and today we got caught up in one of those
accordion wrecks and caused considerable damage to the front and
rear. We will get it fixed and ready for the race at White
Mountain."
From lap 86 to the final flag, Eddie Mac was
able to make his way from the 12th position to ninth by the
final of two caution flags on lap 124. Over the remaining 26
laps, Eddie Mac drove to the fifth position to take the
checkered flag.
"It was an extremely hot day so Rollie
and I have to acknowledge the hard work by the crew in these
conditions," said Eddie Mac. "We are thankful to Freddie and
Shelia Peterson (Peterson Auto Body in Peabody, Mass.) for all
they do. Of course we can't do any of this without sponsors and
we have the best. Derek Beatrice from EXIT Realty Beatrice
Associates in Middleton, Mass. and Scott and Kenny Thompson from
Hancock Electric in Quincy, Mass. and Rob Grimm from Waymart,
Pa. provide us with the help we need to do this."
The ACT
Tour will take the green flag again on August 4 at White
Mountain Motorsports Park.
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| TUESDAY, JULY
3RD - SPUD SPEEDWAY in CARIBOU, ME |
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| Eddie Finishes
Fourth in Firecracker 200 at Spud Speedway |
Eddie MacDonald
celebrated the new opening of Spud Speedway in Caribou, Maine on
July 3 with a fourth place finish in the Pro Series All-Star
Firecracker 200. With the top five finish the Dave Lemieux owned
#17 Super Late Model secured a guaranteed starting position in
the Oxford 250.
Eddie Mac's EXIT Realty/Grimm
Construction Chevy posted a fourth place finish in the heat and
had to struggle with a loose car early in the race saying, "This
quarter mile track is tricky and most of the time you had to run
the second groove where there is some banking because the bottom
is so flat. The car was loose for the first 125 laps until we
were able to make adjustments and for the final 75 laps it
responded much better. As the race went on, I discovered a few
tricks to get around this place."
Eddie Mac started sixth
in the 200 lap feature due to the rule that recent winners
cannot start in the top 10. For the first 100 laps the Rowley,
Mass. veteran was content to ride in the eighth and ninth
position. When the competition flag waved on lap 125 for the 10
minute break, Eddie Mac had moved into the sixth position
knowing a top five finish would guarantee a spot in the Oxford
250.
"Naturally I was hoping to challenge for the win but
I just didn't have the car tonight but I thought I could get a
third place finish. With 25 to go I was in third place and just
overdrove the turn trying to get to second and almost lost it
completely. My two right side tires were off the track and I was
lucky to save it and only lose one spot. One of our goals was to
qualify for the 250 and we did that so that is a lot of pressure
off of us. Now we can race for a starting position at Oxford and
not have to worry about qualifying for the race."
"It was
a hectic day traveling up there, racing, and then getting home
so everyone could enjoy the 4th with their families, but it was
a lot of fun," said Eddie Mac. "The track owners did a great job
getting the track ready for racing after it had been closed for
a couple of years. The crowd was great and we could not have
been treated any better."
Thanks to our sponsors Derek
Beatrice from EXIT Realty in Middleton, Mass. and Rob Grimm from
Grimm Construction in Waymart, Pa. Thanks also to car owner Dave
Lemieux from Lemieux Home Builders and Brian Neal from Neal
Excavating for everything they do. Rollie and I would be lost
without the dedication of our crew. Rollie's wife Laura and son
Ryan are always there along with Jolene and Rob. Tom, Frenchy,
and Brian also made the trip and we can't thank them enough. It
was a very hot day and we are thankful for all their hard work
in the heat."
Eddie Mac and the team's next competition
will be at Speedway 51 in Groveton, NH on July 14th for the
American Canadian Tour's second visit this season to the track.
The much anticipated Oxford 250 for the Super Late Model race is
scheduled for August 25-26. |
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New
England Short Track Showdown
New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Sat.-Sun., June 23-24, 2018 |
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| Eddie Scores Second Place
Run in Granite State Pro Stock Series |
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Eddie MacDonald won the inaugural Granite State Pro Series New
England Short Track Showdown last year at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
but fell one half of a lap short to retain the title. After dominating
much of the 50 lap event on the mile oval, Eddie Mac could not hold off
the outside run of winner Reid Lanpher to post a second place finish.
Eddie Mac started on the outside pole after easily winning the second
heat earlier in the day. When the green flag waved to start the feature,
Eddie Mac established a comfortable lead before the first caution flag
waved on lap 22 sending the 20 car field to the pits for the "completion
caution" with the Rowley, Mass. veteran racer saying, "The car was great
in the clean air and handled pretty well but I knew things would change
in the second half and those guys would be fighting back."
The
EXIT Realty/Grimm Construction Chevy #17 maintained the lead with Derek
Griffiths battling Eddie Mac as the duo rode side by side for multiple
laps with Griffiths beating the Dave Lemieux owned Chevy to the stripe
on lap 27. Eddie Mac quickly retook the top spot with Griffiths falling
behind with 15 laps to go. However, the battle for the lead took its
toll as Lanpher was able to real in Griffiths and then set sail for
Eddie Mac.
"Derek and I had a great race against each other but
with him on the outside my car was not as fast and it allowed Reid to
catch us," said Eddie Mac. "It was a fun battle but I think it took a
lot out of the both of us. I could see Reid closing and I tried running
inside and he was just able to get a great run on the outside down the
backstretch. You hate to lose especially on the last lap but his car was
really strong and he deserved the win."
"Rollie (LaChance, crew
chief) thank all the crew for their hard work. We never made it on the
track on Saturday because of the rain so they had to deal with a couple
of problems we had in the early morning Sunday practice. They always do
a great job and we appreciate all the effort," said Eddie Mac. "Thanks
also to car owner Dave Lemieux (Lemieux Home Builders) and Brian Neal
(Neal Excavating) for everything they do. Exit Realty with Derek
Beatrice as our primary sponsor has been with us a couple of years and
we thank him for his support, as well as Rob Grimm from Grimm
Construction. Special thanks to my girlfriend Kelyn Harrell for all her
support during the hectic months maintaining, fixing and racing two
cars. There just so many great people supporting this team we are
forever thankful."
Next race for the Pro Stock will take place at
Spud Speedway in Caribou, Maine on July 3 in the PASS race. The Late
Model returns to Speedway 51 in Groveton, NH for the ACT race on July
14. |
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Eddie Finishes Second in ACT Race at Waterford |
Eddie Mac's hopes to win the second leg of the ACT Summer
Showdown Series fell one position short as he scored a hard-earned
second place finish in the New London-Waterford Speedbowl 150 on
Saturday, June 16 at the Connecticut facility. Eddie Mac started the 150
lap feature on the flat, 3/8 mile oval in the 11th position.
After repairing significant damage to the front clip of the Freddie
Peterson owned Chevy from a wreck at Speedway 51 two weeks ago, Eddie
Mac struggled in the first practice. The crew leaped into action to make
major changes to the car and their diligent action paid off as the EXIT
Realty/Hancock Electric Chevy turned in some of the fastest times in the
final two practices.
"I have the best guys for a crew that you
could ever have," said Eddie Mac after the race. "We fixed the car but
didn't have time to test so the first practice let us know what we
needed to do. Everyone jumped in to make major changes and I can't thank
all of our guys enough. They are truly amazing."
Eddie Mac posted
a +3 in his heat finishing second from his fifth starting spot in the 12
lap qualifier. The field remained bunched up due to multiple cautions in
the early going so passing was limited. By lap 25, Eddie Mac rode in the
ninth position with a car handling on the loose side. After another
caution on lap 50, one of ten yellow flags, Eddie Mac was able to make
his way to third place on the long green flag run before the next
caution on lap 86.
The top three point's leaders, eventual winner
Payea, Hebert, and Eddie Mac pulled away from the field before more
cautions on lap 96, 97, and two on lap 105 bunched things up again for
the final sprint to the finish. On lap 119 Eddie Mac passed Hebert for
second place on an outside move and began his chase of Payea who jumped
out to an eight car lead. Eddie Mac chased the leader to close the gap
to two car lengths as the checkered flag waved.
"I spent a lot of
laps trying to get around Hebert and Ziter so when I finally got to
second, Payea had a pretty good lead," said Eddie Mac. "We needed
another caution or for him to make a mistake but neither happened. My
car was handling good on the outside so I was hoping I could get
alongside of him but we ran out of laps. We were hoping to win the
second leg of the Showdown for another $5,000 and a chance for the bonus
but it was not meant to be. We still had a great finish after all the
changes we had to make but the win would have been nice."
"Derek
Beatrice from EXIT Realty was with us today and we are thankful for the
sponsorship and for the Hancock Electric sponsorship from Scott and
Kenny Thompson. Kenny's wife Carol has been under the weather lately so
we wish her well. The Thompson's are fantastic people and have been with
us for eleven years. Thanks also to Rob Grimm from Grimm Construction
for his continued support."
ACT returns to Speedway 51 in
Groveton, NH on Saturday, July 14 to kick off the second half of the
season.
Eddie Mac will compete at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
in the Granite State Pro Stock Series Short Track Showdown this Saturday
and Sunday, June 23, 24. Practice is Saturday with the race on Sunday as
Eddie Mac attempts to defend last year's title. |
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SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2018 |
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Eddie MacDonald Finishes Twelfth
After Wreck in ACT at
Speedway 51
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Eddie MacDonald appeared poised for a top five finish in the
American Canadian Tour's Caron Fabrication 151 at Speedway 51 in
Groveton, N.H. on Saturday, June 2 only to be caught in a lap 62 wreck.
After a tremendous effort by the crew, Eddie Mac returned to the race
without losing a lap to post a 12th place finish despite the severe
damage.
On lap 62, two of the leaders tangled on the front
stretch collecting the EXIT Realty/Hancock Electric Chevy in the melee
causing extensive front end damage with the frustrated veteran racer
saying, " It happened right in front of me and I did not have any place
to go, The hood was pushed up and I couldn't even see out of the
windshield and it looked pretty bad but Laura (LaChance) radioed that
the car was not leaking so with some guidance I made it back to the pits
and the crew went to work."
Eddie Mac is competing for the ACT
championship and trailed Scott Payea by seven points before the race so
every point is important and with that in mind crew chief Rollie
LaChance and the crew began cutting and ripping the damaged nose,
fenders, and support pieces from the car in an effort to get Eddie Mac
back into the race. A win was out of the question but a solid finish was
the goal of the team that stresses teamwork, dedication, and
determination.
"I am just so proud of my guys for everything they
did so we could get back into the race," said Eddie Mac. "Rollie took
control of the situation and even though they were working pretty fast,
everything they did was done right. I could not ask for better people.
Rollie and I really appreciate the effort of Tom Rice, Rob Drandson,
Ryan LaChance, Hoppy, Kenny Grooms, Brian Neal, my father, and Bobby
Wood. Even our car owner Freddie Peterson was in there with a sawsall
cutting up his own car so we could get back on the track. Of course
Freddie owns Peterson Auto Body in Peabody so he is no stranger to body
work. A number of other guys from other teams pitched in to help and we
thank them."
When Eddie Mac rejoined the field the flagman threw
the green flag to restart the race on lap 63, the #17 Ma took the green
in 19th place and while looking more like a modified that a full
fendered racecar, the Rowley, Mass. veteran showed the determination
that is characteristic of this team and drove under and over cars to the
12th position by lap 122 with Eddie Mac saying, "I think we could have
had a much better finish but the car was just too loose. We were hoping
for a quick caution after the repairs were done to make an adjustment
but we didn't get one until late in the race and by then it was too
late. We did what we could and 12th was the best that we could get so
now we will be back in the shop getting the car fixed for the next race
at Waterford."
Eddie Mac started the 151 lap event in 14th, the
result of a -1 score in the heat race. After starting on the pole, Eddie
Mac lost the lead after spinning the tires on a restart on a lap seven
caution restart in the 12 lap qualifier. When the green flag waved to
start the feature, Eddie Mac moved cautiously through the field despite
a tight handling car in the center of the turns. Prior to the lap 62
wreck, Eddie Mac ran in the seventh position saying, "I didn't think we
had a winning car tonight because it was so tight in the center but I
knew it was good enough to be near the front and you never know what
could happen but unfortunately we got involved in the wreck."
"Thanks again to our sponsors Derek Beatrice from Exit Realty in
Middleton, Mass. and Kenny and Scott Peterson from Hancock Electric in
Quincy, Mass. and Rob Grimm from Grimm Construction from Waymart, Pa.
Thanks also the Jolene Drandson for handling our raceday social media
and Laura LaChance for spotting duties. It was great to have my mom,
Judy, at the track and to have new grandmother Sheila Peterson there for
us. We have so many great people with our team, we are very lucky."
The second leg of ACT's three race Summer Showdown Series will take
place on Saturday, June 16 at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl with
$5000 going to the winner. Eddie Mac won the first of the series at
Oxford Plains and if he wins all three events, the team will pocket an
additional $5000. |
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SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2018 |
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ACT TOUR RELEASE:
Rowley,
MA’s Eddie MacDonald held off Williamstown, VT’s Jimmy Hebert in the
closing laps to take the Summer Showdown Series opener at Maine’s Oxford
Plains Speedway on Sunday, May 20. The win made MacDonald $5,000 richer
and also makes him eligible for an additional $5,000 bonus should he go
on sweep the 3-race series. |
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Eddie Wins ACT Race at Oxford and
Finishes Eleventh in
PASS Race |
Eddie MacDonald started the day at Oxford Plains Speedway on
Sunday, May 20 with an impressive win in the first of three American
Canadian Tour's Summer Showdown Series. In the nightcap, Eddie Mac
struggled with an ill-handling car to post an eleventh place finish in
the Pro All Star Series' Honey Badger Bar and Grill 150.
Fresh
off a second place run last week in the ACT Governor's Cup at Lee USA
Speedway, Eddie Mac would not be denied the win on the flat, demanding
oval in Oxford, Maine. The EXIT Realty/Hancock Electric Chevy started
seventh in the first 12 lap feature, then finished third to earn a +4
rating good enough to start on the outside pole in the 30 car field in
the 150 lap event.
Eddie Mac started next to long-time ACT
competitor Nick Sweet as the two distanced themselves for nearly 75 laps
before Eddie Mac made an epic three wide pass for the lead in heavy
lapped traffic on lap 76. Eddie Mac dove to the inside with Sweet on the
outside of two lapped cars to gain the top spot to hold off Sweet and
late challenger Jimmy Hebert to post the his 10th career Act win and the
$5000 payoff.
With Eddie Mac cruising along the first caution
flag of the race flew with only 18 laps to go set the stage for a tight
finish with Hebert close behind. Another caution on the restart reset
the field with Eddie Mac holding off the Hebert challenge to post the
win by a car length.
"This is a great win for our team today and
I have to thank our car owner Freddie Peterson and his wife Shelia for
everything they do for us," said Eddie Mac. "Rollie (Crew chief
LaChance) and the crew gave me a great car today. I was able to run
inside and outside and with all the lapped traffic playing a major role
today, handling was extremely important. The crew did a masterful job
today because we had both the late model and the pro stock and that is
very demanding. I also thank our sponsors Derek Beatrice from EXIT
Realty and Kenny and Scott Thompson from Hancock Electric. We could not
do any of this without their support.
Immediately following his
win and trip to ACT tech, Eddie Mac raced to his EXIT Realty pro stock
for the Honey Badger Bar and Grill 150 in staging. The Dave Lemieux
owned Chevy started sixth in the event after posting a third place run
in qualifying. The car was extremely tight right from the drop of the
green flag and was dragging the track. Eddie Mac rode in the 8th
position then decided to pit on the lap 50 caution flag for major
adjustments, returning to the track in the 18th spot. The #17 returned
to the pits on caution lap 56 for another adjustment to restart the race
19th.
With the car freed up too much, Eddie Mac battled to get
to the 11th position by lap 125 but was unable to gain any more spots
before the checkered flag on lap 150 with Eddie Mac saying, "We
definitely hoped for a better finish but the car was just too tight to
start the race then it was to free and it was a struggle. However, it
gave us a good understanding of what we need to do when we come back
here for the 250. I have to thank car owner Dave Lemieux (Lemieux Home
Builders) and Brian Neal (Neal Excavating) for everything they do for
us. They are both great guys with a real passion for this sport. Dave's
Mom and sister are committed like Dave and are here every race and make
all the food for the crew. We couldn't ask for better people. With the
Peterson's and the Lemieux's support, our team is very lucky."
Eddie Mac's next ACT race on the schedule is at Groveton, NH on June 2
with the Pro Stock competing in the Granite State Pro Stock Series at
Loudon, NH on June 23-24. |
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| PASS >> |
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Photos by Norm
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Eddie Mac Finishes Second in ACT Governor’s Cup at Lee
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Eddie MacDonald started on the pole and led 108 laps in the
American Canadian Tour's New Hampshire Governor's Cup 150 at Lee USA
Speedway on Saturday, May 12 only to lose the handling to post a second
place finish. The EXIT Realty Beatrice Associates/Hancock Electric Chevy
won the pole position thanks to a +5 rating coming from eighth to third
in the 12 lap heat.
The Freddie Peterson owned #17 powered its
way over the 25 car field for 108 laps before losing the lead to
eventual winner Scott Payea with Eddie Mac saying, "This was a tough one
to lose. As the race went on, the car just became tight in the middle of
the turns and loose off. All the cautions at the end did not help and I
had a real battle with the #37. Scott drove a great race and it was a
nice win for him but really disappointing for us. We were great in
practice yesterday and the car was really good in the practice and in
the heat today."
Eddie Mac was the strong earlier leader
maintaining a two to three car length lead over his closest competitor
for the first two thirds of the 150 lap event. Multiple cautions
beginning on lap 69 pitted Eddie Mac with Payea in a side by side battle
until relinquishing the lead on the 108th circuit. The veteran racer
closed the three car length gap with two to go when the leaders had to
negotiate side by side lap cars that made for an exciting ending. Eddie
Mac almost pulled it out with three wide racing only to finish in the
runner-up position.
"It is definitely frustrating to lose but it
was a good point's day for us and now we have to prepare for next week's
races at Oxford running both the Late Model and the Pro Stock." said
Eddie Mac. "Congratulations are in order to new grandparents Shelia and
Freddie Peterson whose daughter Emma gave birth to a baby girl this past
week. We thank Derek Beatrice from EXIT Realty who was with us today for
all he does for this team. Also thanks to Kenny and Scott Peterson from
Hancock Electric for their long time support. We hope Kenny's wife and
Scott's mother Carol, who has been under the weather, a speedy recovery.
The crew did another amazing job today and special thanks to Rollie's
(crew chief Rollie LaChance) son Ryan who took care of the tires despite
ankle surgery a couple of weeks ago. Thanks also to Bobby Wood for all
he does for this team."
As mentioned, Eddie Mac and the team will
race in the ACT and PASS races at Oxford Plains Speedway on Sunday, May
20 with practice on Saturday. |
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Photos by
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Sunday, May 6th, 2018 |
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Eddie Mac Battles for Tenth Place Finish at Thunder Road
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Eddie MacDonald battled his racecar and a caution filled race to
post a determined tenth place finish in the ACT opener at Barre,
Vermont's Thunder Road on Sunday, May 6. After a two week delay, the
33rd year for the American Canadian Tour took the green flag in the 20th
Community Bank 150 only to wait out a two hour rain delay after
completing only two laps of the 150 lap feature.
Eddie Mac's
season opener appeared headed in the right direction after posting top
five practice times on Saturday, then repeated top five times on Sunday.
However, when the green flag waved for his qualifying heat, the EXIT
Realty/Hancock Electric Chevy changed dramatically. The veteran racer
started sixth but was unable to transfer after scoring a sixth place
finish, then had to make the race after posting a second place run in
the "consi."
"It was a mystery to all of us when the car just did
not respond the way it had since the first practice on Saturday," said
Eddie Mac. "After the last practice on Sunday morning we were happy with
the car and didn't make one adjustment, so to go out there and have it
react that way was a total surprise. We made some changes afterward but
when we started the race it was the same."
Eddie Mac started 18th
in the 30 car field then just missed a big wreck on lap two. The
threatening skies finally gave way to a steady rain that sent the ACT
cars to the pits for a two hour delay. Eddie Mac and crew chief Rollie
LaChance strategized and formulated a plan when racing resumed and
pitted on caution lap 34 for right side tires and wedge adjustments.
However, the Freddie Peterson owned Chevy struggled and returned to
the pits on caution lap 75 restarting in the 19th position. Before a lap
could be completed a huge pile up ensnared Eddie Mac's car causing front
end damage and knocking out the toe. The crew responded with efficient
effort to fix the toe on the next four cautions, the last one on lap
112. Finally the car responded as Eddie Mac began his move to the front
on the outside.
"All race long the car did not like the outside
so I had to drive the bottom," said Eddie Mac. "I decided to move to the
outside after the last pit stop and suddenly it started to go. It was
very racy and I was able to start passing cars. I only wish it could
have happened sooner because I think I could have finished a lot better.
I have to give special thanks to the crew. They worked their butts off
making all the changes over the last half of the race. Rollie and I
really appreciate everything they did. They were asked to do a lot and
each guy responded and they are responsible for me being able to get to
tenth. I know it is not the finish we wanted, but it was because of the
crew we were able to finish as well as we did."
Eddie Mac will
take the green flag next Saturday, May 12 in the ACT Governor's Cup at
Lee USA Speedway. |
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Eddie Mac to Make a Run at 2018 ACT Title |
Monday, April 09 2018 - Contributed by:
ACT Staff
After spending the 2017 season up to his “Outlaw” ways, Eddie MacDonald
will be rejoining the American-Canadian Tour (ACT) championship battle
in 2018. The Rowley, MA driver has filed a full-season entry for the ACT
Late Model Tour and will pursue the $10,000 prize for winning this
year’s title.
MacDonald last ran the full ACT campaign in 2016
when he finished third in the standings. He won two events last year as
part of a limited schedule, giving him nine Tour victories in his
career. In addition, he is a 5-time winner of the ACT Invitational at
New Hampshire Motor Speedway and triumphed in the 2014 Vermont Milk
Bowl.
“When the ACT schedule came out, a lot of the races
interested us,” MacDonald said. “We always try to plan our season out
with the races that we’d like to run, and most of the races on the ACT
schedule were ones that we would enjoy going to anyway. So we figured we
might as well hit a couple extra ones and do them all.
“We don’t
usually worry about points,” he added when asked about his title
chances. “Our thing is that we just try to go out and run the best we
can every week, and everything else plays into that and however it works
out. Our goal is still the same – to go out there and try to win every
week. You know that’s not going to happen, but you still try to do the
best you can and try to at least get a decent finish in the races that
are more challenging.”
The 2018 ACT title hunt gets
underway on Sunday, May 6 at Barre, VT's Thunder Road Speedbowl for
the Community Bank N.A. 150
For the second time in April,
American-Canadian Tour (ACT) and Lee USA Speedway officials have
announced the postponement of the 28th New Hampshire Governor’s Cup,
citing unsuitable ground conditions at the facility. The event has now
been rescheduled for Saturday, May 12 at 2:00pm. Eddie was the 2014 Governor’s Cup winner at the track his parents Red
and Judy MacDonald owned and operated for many years. The track was sold
to Norman Wrenn II this past winter.
“We’re looking forward to
going to Lee,” MacDonald said. “We don’t usually get to run the Test &
Tune day beforehand, because usually that weekend we’re in Bristol. So
we’re looking forward to being able to have that test day ahead of time.
We’d really love to get a win at Lee. The track means a lot to me, and I
always want to win that race, being the first one of the year. We were
lucky enough to do that once before, and we’re going to put in all the
effort we can to try and make it happen again this year.”
MacDonald will have plenty of competition at Lee and throughout the
season. Defending ACT U.S. Champion Scott Payea of Milton, VT returns in
search of a second straight title, while Williamstown, VT’s Jimmy Hebert
and Lebanon, NH’s Rich Dubeau rate to be consistent challengers.
Defending Thunder Road Late Model Champion Bobby Therrien of Hinesburg,
VT has entered the Governor’s Cup as has Barre, VT’s Mike Ziter in a car
prepared by Joey Pole Racing. |
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44th Annual ICEBREAKER
Sunday, April 8, 2018 |
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6th in the PASS Thompson Icebreaker |
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Photos by Norm
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Photos by Richard Casey |
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Eddie MacDonald Finishes Sixth
in the Icebreaker at Thompson
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Eddie MacDonald appeared poised to claim another Icebreaker PASS
(Pro Series All-Star Series) title at Thompson Motorsports Park on
Sunday, May 8, with an impressive Saturday practice. However, a
mismatched set of tires for qualifying and the race negated a positive
chance to repeat as champion. Eddie Mac scored a disappointing sixth
place finish in the EXIT Realty sponsored Chevy.
Eddie Mac posted
the fastest time in the opening segment in the first practice and with a
minor adjustment improved his time to run fourth fasted in the second
segment. Eddie Mac ran in the top three in the second and final practice
before bolting on new Hoosier tires for the ten lap qualifying race to
follow. At the drop of the green flag, it was obvious that the car was
not the same fast, handling car Eddie Mac had in practice.
Eddie
Mac started 11th in the heat and moved into sixth place but was unable
to move up. Upon returning to the pits the team quickly discovered the
mismatched left front tire. As the University of Texas coach Darrel
Royal frequently stated, "You have to dance with the one who brung you,"
and the same held true for Eddie Mac and the team. Rules dictate only
four designated tires could be used for the race so crew chief Rollie
LaChance had to devise a plan overnight to overcome this dilemma.
After the mandatory fan appreciation Sunday morning the team worked
feverishly to implement the changes, starting with putting the left
front on the left rear in hopes of stabilizing the car in the turns. A
number of other adjustments were completed in time for the car to roll
out on the starting grid for the 100 lap event,
Eddie Mac started
ninth in the field after two cars went to the back and was able to begin
a solid run to the front. By lap ten, Eddie Mac had the Dave Lemieux
owned #17 in fifth place and heading toward the front with the notable
difference that the car would not handle high in the turns, forcing
Eddie Mac to stay on the bottom of the track. The inability to run up
top would ultimately become a major factor with 25 laps to go.
At the halfway flag, Eddie Mac ran in the fourth position in a heated
battle for third with Jared Irvin, the son of NASCAR legend Ernie, with
Eddie Mac saying afterward, "I had to use up a lot of the tires to get
by Jared and that put a lot of pressure on the right front since I could
not go high. I eventually got by him on lap 65 but the car was already
sliding the nose in the corners. I was hoping it wouldn't get worse but
it always does."
Despite the gallant effort of the driver and
crew, the tire situation couldn't hold out any longer as Eddie Mac lost
three positions over the final 25 laps to post the sixth place finish
saying, "It really is something when one mismatched tire can change the
outcome of a race. We were really happy with the car in practice and
believed we could contend for the win. To have this happen is
frustrating and disappointing. Rollie and I thank car owner Dave Lemieux
and Brian Neal for everything they do. Even in the frigid cold Dave's
mother Barbara and sister Denise were there cheering us on and we really
appreciate the food and sweets they bring each race. Thanks to Derek
Beatrice from EXIT Realty and Rob Grimm for their support and especially
the crew that worked tirelessly in the cold, windy weather to get the
car ready. We have a month break so we will be busy in the shop getting
ready for our next race."
Eddie Mac will take the PASS green flag
again on Saturday, April 14 at the Oxford Plains Speedway. |
Eddie Mac Ready to Defend PASS Title
in Icebreaker at
Thompson |
Eddie MacDonald opened last season's PASS schedule with a
victory at Thompson Motorsports Park's Icebreaker and hopes to repeat
that performance this Sunday, April 8 on the famed Thompson speedway.
Eddie Mac will pilot the Dave Lemieux owned Pro Stock in as many as nine
events with his sights set on an Icebreaker win.
"Racing at
Thompson is always fun and you couldn't ask for anything better than
starting the season off competing in the Icebreaker," said the Rowley,
Mass. veteran racer. "Everyone is excited to get going this season and
we have the car ready to go so it should be a lot of fun. EXIT Realty
Beatrice Associates will be our main sponsor for this race and we are
thankful to Derek Beatrice for all his help. We had a great car last
year in the opener to get the win so the goal we have is to get another
victory to start the season."
The Pro All Star Series race on
Sunday is scheduled for 100 laps as opposed to 75 laps last season with
practice and qualifying scheduled for Saturday. The first practice is
9:30-9:55 AM, with the second and final practice 11:50-12:15 PM.
Qualifying races of 10 laps are scheduled after the 12:15 opening
ceremonies with consolation races, if necessary, of 12 laps to follow
later in the afternoon.
"We don't have a lot of practice time so
it is very important to have the car set-up and ready to go right from
the start of practice," said Eddie Mac. "Rollie (crew chief Rollie
LaChance) and I know what we need to have to be competitive at Thompson
but we have to be ready to make quick adjustments. Everyone is in the
same boat so it will fun to get things dialed in for qualifying. This
track is very fast with long straights and high banked corners so the
car has to have a lot of power but also needs to turn in the corners.
You can't win at this track unless you have both."
"None of this
would be possible without the help of a lot of people and we are
thankful to have the continued support of many of the same people
through the years, "said Eddie Mac. "Dave Lemieux (Lemieux Home
Builders) and Brian Neal (Neal Excavating) have given us everything we
need to be successful. Derek Beatrice has been great as well as Rob
Grimm. Our Late Model owner Freddie Peterson (Peterson Auto Body) helps
us out and huge thanks to Paul Rinaldi for his engine building
expertise. Our crew from last year will be returning and their
experience and dedication is a huge part of our success. We hope to see
a lot of our friends at Thompson this weekend."
Eddie Mac's
American Canadian Tour first race this season will take the green flag
at Lee USA Speedway in the New Hampshire Governor's Cup 150 rescheduled
for Sunday, April 22 with practice on Saturday, April 21. |
|
2018 SCHEDULE
|
|
Date |
Track |
Location |
Length |
 |
Sun.
4/8 |
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Thompson Speedway
Motorsports Park
The 44th Icebreaker |
Thompson, CT |
.625 |
 |
Sun.
5/6 |
Thunder Road Speedbowl
The Community Bank 150
|
Barre, VT |
.250 |
|
|
Sun.
5/12 |
Lee USA
Speedway
The New Hampshire Govenor's Cup |
Lee, NH |
.375 |
|
|
Sun.
5/20 |
Oxford
Plains Speedway
The Oxford 150 |
Oxford, ME |
.375 |
|
|
Sat.
6/2 |
Speedway
51
The Caron Fabrication 151 |
Groveton, NH |
.250 |
|
|
Sat.
6/16 |
New
London Waterford Speedbowl
The Waterford 150 |
Waterford, CT |
.375 |
 |
Sat.
6/24 |
New Hampshire
Motor Speedway
$5000 to Win - 50 Laps |
Loudon,
NH |
1.058 |
|
|
Sat.
7/14 |
Speedway
51
The JP Sicard & Kingdom Gravel 151 |
Groveton, NH |
.250 |
|
|
Sat.
8/4 |
White Mountain Motrosports Park
The White Mountain 150 |
North. Woodstock, NH |
.250 |
|
|
Sat.
8/25 |
Oxford
Plains Speedway
The Oxford
Plains 150 |
Oxford, ME |
.375 |
|
|
Sun.
8/26 |
Oxford
Plains Speedway
 |
Oxford, ME |
.375 |
|
|
Sun.
9/2 |
Thunder Road Speedbowl
The Coca Cola Labor Day Classic 150
|
Barre, VT |
.250 |
|
|
Sat.
10/13 |
Thompson Speedway
Motorsports Park
The 55th Sunoco World Series
of Speedway Racing 75 |
Thompson, CT |
.625 |
 |
Sat.
10/20 |
Richmond Raceway
200 Laps |
Richmond, VA |
.750 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Grimm Racing Is More than Just Winning |
Racing may be about winning
but it also has plenty of room for support and compassion for people
and causes and this is what Grimm Racing is all about. If anyone has
any doubt about the validity of the statement, all they have to do
is to look at the vinyl covering the car. The MS, New Path
Adventures, Boston Strong logos, and the Eric Williams emblem are
displayed on every Grimm car.
Recently Megan Spaulding, the
daughter of Carla and Rob Grimm, was diagnosed with Multiple
Sclerosis. In an effort to support MS Awareness Week, the #71
carried the logo for the first race on the rear quarter panels at
Bristol. Rob Grimm decided the MS banner would be permanently
displayed on the car for the entire season. The family and members
of Grimm Nation will participate as the “MS Warriors” in the May 5
MS Walk at Pocono Speedway. (http://walkpae.nationalmssociety.org)
The Grimm family was deeply moved by the horrific events on
Marathon Monday in Boston and the decision was easily reached to
display the “Boston Strong” ribbon on the car. Eddie MacDonald and
many of the team members call the Boston area home and felt the need
to support those killed, injured, and their families was something
Grimm Racing does for all those in need.
(onefundboston.org)
Rob Grimm decided that “New Path Adventures” logo would be
displayed on the back of the car for the season. New Path Adventures
is based in Dallas, Texas and ministers to troubled youths ages
13-19. Crew member Steven Owens, nephew of Rob Grimm, is proud to
say his brother Jonathan Owens and Alan Owens offer guidance and a
positive change in the choices these youngsters make in their daily
lives. The Spanish to English Ministry recently completed a very
successful bike ride across the state of Texas, an 865 mile journey,
to raise money. Alan and Jonathan work with a group of 7-10
youngsters by taking them from their environment and harmful
behavior, minister to them while living out of backpacks in the
wilds of Texas.
NewPathAdventures.org is a good source for information.
On February 25, 2013 Corrections Officer Eric Williams was murdered
in the line of duty at the U.S Penitentiary located in Canaan, Pa.
that is within sight of the Grimm Racing shop in Waymart, Pa. In
order to honor Officer Williams and those men and women that serve,
every Grimm car will display the emblem for the remainder of the
season. (www.facebook.comCorrectionalPeaceOfficersFoundation)
Being a member of Grimm Nation is much more than supporting the
#71 on the track. It means a commitment to show support for those in
need. |
|
|
|
>>
Previous Race Results HERE << |
