Episode 230
September 16, 2018
Theriault brings On Point Motorsports NASCAR Truck home eighth
Gas-and-go for Maine’s Austin Theriault in the #30 Cross Insurance On Point Motorsports at the truck series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. On Point Motorsports photo
NASCAR Camping World’s newest truck racing team, On Point Motorsports, making only their second start and their first with ARCA 2017 Champion, Maine’s Austin Theriault finishing a respectable 8th in a field of 32 race trucks. Theriault finished just behind the watermelon farmer from Florida, Ross Chastain, who would win the Xfinity race the next day.
Fort Kent’s Austin Theriault being interviewed after his 2018 truck series race debut at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He surprised many people finishing so well with a new team. On Point Motorsports photo
In a post race update, Theriault was unsure of what is next for him and the On Point Motorsports team. No plans were announced as of publishing time that he would be driving at Talladega or any other race in 2018.
Theriault said to me, ” I was pleased that we made steady forward progress the whole race.”
Good qualifying times are essential to the new team since they must qualify to race. At this race 3 truck teams went home earlier since they were unable to qualify. He started in the 21st spot.
Theriault was glad to have Bangor based Cross Insurance on the car despite the race being on the western United States. He was certain, however, that the investment would pay off with television and other media attention.
NASCAR/IndyCar driver John Andretti battles colon cancer and urges you to get screened
The Andretti name is synonymous with racing at the national and international level. It seems like most everyone knows an Andretti. Mario is probably the best known yet his brother Aldo’s son John Andretti is familiar to many.
John Andretti raced in CART, IMSA GTP, Rolex Sports Car Series, Indy Racing League (IRL), NASCAR Monster Energy Series, Camping World truck series, and NHRA drag racing. He has two wins in NASCAR Monster Energy Series and one win in Champ Cars. His career spans from 1987-2010.
John Andretti on right with his uncle Mario Andretti at Indy 500 qualifying day 2007. Tim Wohlford photo Wikipedia
February 2017 Andretti was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Typical of the Andretti family, he would not go down without a fight. My friend and fellow motorsports writer, Brad Winters from Columbus, Indiana (he likes to remind me, Tony Stewart’s hometown) wrote this great piece on Andretti’s fundraiser and his request for everyone over 50 to get a colonoscopy. The article is used with Brad’s permission in hopes to benefit Riley Hospital and honor John Andretti’s wishes. Brad can be found on Facebook.
John Andretti being interviewed at New Castle Motorsports Park where the Race4Riley event is held annually. Race4Riley photo
Loring Timing Association land speed racing fans will recognize this man and his race car. Bob Keselowski ran his Dodge at Bonneville this past weekend with a goal of 270 plus mph. He ran 271 mph. Brian Keselowski photo
Timing slip verifying that Bob Keselowski went 271 plus mph at Bonneville. Former PR Director for Brian Keselowski Motorsports-Speed Shop, Jennifer Calandrillo said, ” He (Bob) is very happy with the way things are going out there and the car is perfect. I believe he is going to make another run tomorrow.” She added “Way to go again Brad Keselowski who made it 3 wins in a row and the 500th win for Roger Penske! Add Bob Keselowski’s land speed shattering 271.84603mph run at the Bonneville Salt Flats earlier today and you can’t deny this weekend belongs to the Keselowski boys!” Brian Keselowski photo
Robin Holmquist, wife of snowmobile drag race team owner John Holmquist shows he is not the only racer in the family. She ran the 2018 Caribou Half-Marathon. She said, “One night we went out with some friends, then came back to our house, and saw the commercial about the marathon. We said we should walk it. Sure we said, laughed about it, then we signed on and it was real. What the hell were we thinking. I started jogging 2 days a week a couple of months ago. I did meet my goal and then some. I never thought I would ever run a half a marathon. But I’m glad I did.” Erica Holmes photo
“The California Kid” Kody Swanson did it again in the V6 powered #4 sprint car. Swanson won the Thursday Night Sprints Finale at Anderson Speedway, Anderson, Indiana. The race was the 125 lap Glen Niebel Classic. Left to right car owner Gene Nolen, Kody, Trevor, and Jordan Swanson. Darrell Harper photo
With 17 laps to go, Bobby Santos III attempted to pass Swanson for second place in turn 4 and spun. Swanson went on to win on the last lap passing Jerry Coons Jr who had led 124 laps in the 125 lap race. Santos placed fifth. All are back in action at Eldora Speedway September 22 for the final USAC Silver Crown race of the season. Darrell Harper photo
Speedway Karting at Speedway 95 in Hermon. L to r 2nd place Jack McKee, race winner Gage Theriault, and 3rd place Mason Gillis. County native Theriault won his third feature in 5 races at the track this season. GT Racing
Senior Sportsman kart class at Speedway Karting line up for feature. L to r #88 Daniel Faulkingham placed second, Jason Theriault #14 placed third and #53 Damian Theriault won. Speedway Karting finale is September 29. Team JRT photo
Richmond Karting Speedway Senior kart finale. L to r fourth place Zachary Bowie, third place Kaylee Colby, second place Colin Dube, and race winner and points champion Damian Theriault. Fifth place Brandon Williams was absent from the photo. Team JRT photo
Frenchville native Shawn Martin, now living in Auburn, son Colby celebrates after winning the season finale point race feature at Richmond Karting Speedway. Shawn Martin photo
Northern Maine Karting Association (NMKA) State Karting Invitational September 22
The NMKA will be hosting their season finale on September 22 at Spud Speedway. Three classes of kart racers will run three heat races and three feature races which will determine points champions for 2018.
Pits open at 9:30 am with racing beginning at noon. Pit entrance fee is $10 per person. Grandstand viewing is free. Pizza will follow the racing action and awards will be presented. Contact me at thale@reagan.com for a detailed schedule of events for the day.
For an update from Robert Wickens who had a horrendous crash at the IndyCar Pocono Race August 19, 2018, click on the link below.
https://www.facebook.com/robertwickensoffical/videos/289048888594561/
Let’s go racing,
Tom Hale
Soli Deo Gloria