This coming Saturday, August 1, Bethel Motor Speedway will
play host to a 50-lap INEX Asphalt Nationals qualifier race. The
event is expected to draw a significant amount of Legends
driving talent from across the Northeast and beyond. With a
berth in the Nationals on the line, it is expected that the race
will become an arena where Bethel regulars go toe-to-toe and
wheel-to-wheel with some talented visitors.
Current Bethel Legends points leader Mike Alcaro has confirmed
his intent to compete in the race, and he will undoubtedly be a
force to reckon with. In seven starts this season at Bethel,
Alcaro has scored six wins. His undefeated streak was broken on
July 25th when mechanical woes took him out of contention for
the win. The driver had scored a win in his heat race and was
marching his way through the field when his night was cut short.
Fans can look for Alcaro to return to the speedway this weekend
determined to make up for last week's misfortune.
Other drivers who have scored wins in Alcaro's absence during
the 2009 season are Kenny VanWickle and Joe DeGracia. Both of
these young drivers have racked up seat time at Bethel this
season. Both scored top five finishes in last weekend's feature,
and are looking to improve on those finishes.
The July 25th race win was scored by John Demarmels, a regular
in the BMS Modified division who had never even sat in a Legends
car prior to that night. Demarmels has scored more than 80 wins
at Bethel and has captured numerous championships in other
divisions. Demarmels will enter the race with the advantage of
sheer experience on the speedway that far surpasses any other
Legends competitor.
Matt Maring, who appeared to be on his way to his first Bethel
win of 2009 last week before being sidelined with his own
mechanical problems with just two laps to go in the event, can
also be expected to be a tough competitor. Other Bethel regulars
who are expected to take part in the event include John Hugate,
Joe Fresco, Raven Schrantz, and Joe Graf, all of whom have
accumulated quite a few laps under their wheels at Bethel this
season.
One new face that has already made an impression at Bethel is
Michael Blaskey. In just his second time on the track at Bethel,
he put on quite a show for the fans, challenging veteran driver
Mike Malone for the lead and even holding the position for
several laps. Even after being involved in a caution and having
to go to the rear of the field, Blaskey came back to finish
third.
Numerous visitors to the speedway are expected, both to vie for
the qualifier spot and to prepare for the prestigious
LegendStock 2009 that will be held at Bethel on August 15th.
Roger Coss, the 2008 Sundance Vacations Speedway Legends
champion, has disclosed that he intends to compete this coming
weekend. Kevin Nowak, the 2008 INEX Asphalt Semi-Pro champ for
the state of New York who has been absent from the last two
events at Bethel, is also likely to be on hand for the race.
John Beatty, a Long Islander who finished second in points at
Riverhead Raceway in 2008, plans to compete for the win at
Bethel this weekend as well. Virginia's Kevin Yeatts, who has a
long Legends racing resume, may make the trip up to Bethel to
take part in the event. Overall, a varied and wide array of
talent is anticipated.
The gates open at 3:30 p.m. this Saturday for all of the racing
excitement, which will also include the Sportsman, BMS Modified,
ECS Auto Stores Pro Stock, Street Stock, 4 Cylinder, and
Bandolero classes. Hot laps begin at 5:30 p.m., with racing at 7
p.m. Grandstand admission is just $5. More information and a
complete schedule for the speedway can be obtained at
www.bethelmotorspeedway.com. Information about the
LegendStock event is available at
www.legendstock2009.com.
Source: Tracy Chirico /
Bethel Motor Speedway
Posted: July 28, 2009
