ACT Ready to Finally Get on Track at WMMP
Waterbury, VT – The engines finally fire up on the 35th season of the American-Canadian Tour (ACT) this Saturday, June 13 at N. Woodstock, NH’s White Mountain Motorsports Park (WMMP). The 45th running of the Spring Green, presented by NAPA Auto Parts of Littleton/Whitefield and Sanel NAPA, marks the long-awaited opener for the region’s premier Late Model touring series.
The circumstances of Saturday’s event are far different than envisioned when the 2020 ACT schedule was first drawn up. Due to the ongoing worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, no spectators will be allowed to attend the event in accordance with state health and safety guidelines. The Spring Green became the season opener after several previously scheduled events were postponed or cancelled as officials worked to come up with a solution for racing to begin
But when teams roll into the pits on Saturday, all of that will be set aside, with the focus shifting to the 120-lap showdown ahead. Fans can still watch all the action live via pay-per-view on the Northeast Sports Network. For just $20, the entire family can gather around their computer or TV and watch the region’s biggest stars go at it.
“It’ll definitely be strange when you’re not in the car,” Williamstown, VT’s Jimmy Hebert said of not having fans in the stands. “The atmosphere will be a lot different. But when you’re in the car, you can’t really hear or see the fans anyway. So it doesn’t really change much about how you race, other than that people will be able to watch it on TV. Usually you get a bunch of questions or compliments after the race, so that probably won’t change, since people are still watching. We’re ready to get going!”
In addition to the ACT Late Model Tour, the track’s Wells River Chevrolet Flying Tigers and Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank Strictly Stock Mini’s will start their championship seasons. With the GoMotorsportsShop.com NELCAR Legends Tour also joining the program, spectators will be treated to a full night of Thunder in the Mountains.
Numerous racers every ACT fan will recognize have already signed up for the Spring Green. Defending ACT Champion Rich Dubeau of Plainfield, NH is starting his title defense. Hebert, a former WMMP winner, is looking for redemption after a heartbreaker at last year’s Midsummer 250. Ryan Kuhn and Dylan Payea, the last two ACT Rookies of the Year, are ready to roll on Saturday.
“We plan to try and do everything as long as work allows,” Hebert said. “We’re also expecting our third child around the first of August, so that’s another factor. But if everything goes as planned, we’re going to try and make another run for it. When we didn’t have bad luck last year, we were extremely fast, especially at White Mountain. We’re looking forward to it. We didn’t really change much — we’re just going to go through our paces as normal.”
This year’s championship chase will see a mix of familiar faces and new stars added to the mix, too. Newmarket, NH’s Bryan Kruczek is ready for a title run after winning two races last year in part-time duty. Former Thunder Road Late Model champion and multi-time ACT winner Bobby Therrien of Hinesburg, VT has signed up to chase his first touring crown.
Young guns such as Christopher Pelkey, Trent Goodrow, and Reilly and Peyton Lanphear have been preparing for a potential breakout season on the ACT Tour. Southern New England will be well-represented by racers such as Tom Carey III, Derek Gluchacki, Alby Ovitt, and Tyler Tomassi that have registered for the full season.
Saturday’s race will also feature a variety of local and regional stars gearing up for the season ahead. Hudson, NH’s Joey Polewarcyk Jr., the 2014 ACT Champion, has filed an entry for the Spring Green. Modified standout Woody Pitkat and his Jeff Hartwell–led team return to the high banks after getting their feet wet in last Saturday’s track opener.
Four-time Pro All Star Series Champion D.J. Shaw, meanwhile will be making his third start at WMMP in seven days after running both the Late Model and Super Late Model events last weekend. Many-time White Mountain Late Model winner Oren Remick of Monroe, NH is in for the Spring Green as is Thunder Road veteran John Donahue.
Qualifying begins at 5:00pm on Saturday, June 13 for the 45th Spring Green 120 presented by NAPA Auto Parts of Littleton/Whitefield and Sanel NAPA. The ACT Late Model Tour season opener is joined by the Wells River Chevrolet Flying Tigers, Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank Strictly Stock Mini’s, and GoMotorsportsShop.com NELCAR Legends Tour.
All races will be broadcast live for $15 on the Northeast Sports Network. Fans can sign up for the pay-per-view at www.NSNsports.net. No in-person fan attendance is permitted due to state health and safety guidelines.