PHOTO: The American-Canadian Tour schedule is one of the hot topics of the offseason. Twin State Speedway, pictured, will not return in 2012. (T.J. Ingerson/VMM photo)
It’s been a semi-quiet, yet busy month here at the ol’ Motor Mag as the American-Canadian Tour, Granite State Pro Stock Series, Pro All Stars Series, Sprint Cars of New England, and Valenti Modified Racing Series have all released schedules for the upcoming 2012 season. It’s going to be a busy, but fun, season and we’re looking forward to the ride and bringing you, our readers, along with us!
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First, congratulations to Kevin Chaffee on being voted VMM Driver of the Year. Chaffee is a well deserving recipient whose name became well known to these pages during the 2011 season, and should again be seen a lot here in 2012.
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I know there has been some debate about how the 2012 ACT schedule is “lacking”. At first glance it does appear to be a bit light.
But, does any other New England racing series offer the quality of special events that the American-Canadian Tour offers? The answer is no. The addition of the special events make the 14 overall race schedule a good one, and competitive to what every other series has put out. Fans should be looking forward to the 2012 schedule, and it should offer them the opportunity to see more drivers compete for the championship.
I know there is some disgust about the return of Sanair Super Speedway and the lack of amenities the track has. I agree that the track needs some work to be able to host fans that can enjoy the race on the track. But, if anything, the track is a real racy track and should be provide great race in 2012.
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If I was a team looking to improve, or one that is already on top and looking to stay there, I would definitely check out GRIP — “Get Racing’s In-Depth Perspective”– on January 19 through the 22 in Portland, Maine. Not only will you learn how to perform better on the race track, you will gain information on how to better the image your race team. Your improved on track performance and better image will help you more than pay for your ticket. Plus, the new 3-for-1 deal is a sweet deal that race teams should really take advantage of. Get GRIP people.
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The Valenti Modified Racing Series not returning to Oxford is one of my major disappointments for the 2012 season. I thought having the ground-pounding, open-wheeled Modifieds as part of the TD Bank 250 weekend was the perfect formula. That weekend in 2011 had something that every asphalt racing fan in New England could enjoy, and helped them see other series. Plus, it offered one of the most surprising upsets in 2011 when Joe Doucette took home his first career win and gave one of the most memorable victory lane ceremonies of the season. I hope it’s something Bill Ryan and his staff will reconsider for 2013.
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We’ll be attending some great events over the next few weeks and think you should do the same. First, we’ll be at the Pre-Hangover 150 Enduro race at Riverside Speedway in Groveton, N.H., on New Year’s Eve. Then on Jan. 6, 7, or 8, plan on attending the Northeast Motorsports Expo in Augusta, Maine. Finally, hit up the East Coast Snocross event at the Crete Civic Center in Plattsburgh, N.Y on Jan. 14 and 15. Do it, it’ll be great times for sure.
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If you haven’t yet, head on over to our new Facebook page at facebook.com/vtmotormag and “Like” it. Also, join twitter and follow us at @VMMUpdates. You’ll stay connected and updated on everything northeast racing, as well as updates from events during the 2012 racing season.
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It’s not even the beginning of January yet and I’m already pumped to see the 602 Modifieds go head-to-head against the 358 Mods weekly at Devil’s Bowl.
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Canaan Fair Speedway becoming a NASCAR-sanctioned track for the 2012 season is a huge step for them. With Lee and Devil’s Bowl running on Friday nights and both being NASCAR sanctioned, there is a real chance someone wanting to challenge for the National Championship. It will also bring some great recognition for Canaan and should be a great place in 2012.
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It seems the series formerly known as the Busch North Series only has one thread left hanging to its roots. Listen, I understand that the series have becoming a training ground for NASCAR’s stars of tomorrow and it’s something that NASCAR needed. But, only one New Hampshire Motor Speedway race for 2012 cements the fact that the series has moved far from its traditional Northeast roots.
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I hope everyone has a great Christmas and Holiday. The New Year is right around the corner. I am really pumped about the new season and the staff is looking forward to taking you along for the ride. Stay tuned in the coming weeks. Some really great things are coming!
