Round number one of the popular New England Legends Sales and Service Thursday Thunder Series presented by ZMax took place this past week, and as always did not disappoint. After their first race at Beech Ridge in May, the Legends Cars already had points established for the “Beech Ridge Series,” which includes the first race from May, and all ten of the Thursday Thunder races as well. The New England Legends Sales and Service Thursday Thunder Series is also a part of the Amsoil Nelcar Tour as well, as the points gathered in the TNT Series go towards the overall tour championship.
This week’s races saw many storylines, between whether Bobby Timmons could come from the rear to get his second Beech Ridge win in a row, or if past TNT Champion Bob Weymouth would add another victory to his impressive Legends resume. Dustin Reynolds was making his return to Legends after a year off, and is always a factor at Beech Ridge. As the 19 car field got lined up for their 25 lap duel, only time would tell who would come out on top.
On the pole was the 25 of Jim Manchester and on the outside was the 33 of Alan Smith. When the green flag flew, Manchester was able to get out to the lead. Going into turn three on the first lap however, the 10 of Ed Getty and the 87 of Anthony Pagliarulo got together and spun up the track, bringing out the caution flag.
When the race was restarted, Manchester got back out to the lead once again, with the 48 of Kendall Curit and the 72 of Kevin Hutchens close behind. On lap three, Hutchens and Curit made slight contact, but Hutchens had to pit with a flat tire, relegating him to an 18th place finish. Manchester was able to open up some distance on the field, but Weymouth was coming in a hurry from his sixth place starting position. On lap seven, Weymouth was able to grab the lead from Manchester and started to pull away, while Manchester held on to second over the 29 of Tyler Jordan. Coming through the field from the 16th starting spot was Timmons however, as he made his way up to third and was fighting with Manchester for the second spot. When the checkered flag flew, Weymouth was able to take the win, with Manchester finishing a season high second, Timmons taking third, Jordan in fourth and Curit rounded out the top five.
After two races in the New England Legends Sales and Service Thursday Thunder Series presented by ZMax for the Legends Cars, Timmons now has a six point advantage over Weymouth, while Evan Beaulieu is 14 points back in third after his sixth place finish. The series next race will be Sunday, June 20th at Unity Raceway, a 35 lap feature as part of the PASS race weekend. The series is back at Beech Ridge next Thursday for round two of Thursday Thunder. Racing Sunday will begin at 3 PM and next Thursday at 7 PM. For more info, news and how you could be in a Legends Car, visit Nelcar.net.