Hackel, Quenneville beat Mother Nature for Devil’s Bowl dirt track victories

WEST HAVEN – Devil’s Bowl Speedway finally beat the rain – although not by much – to get its first dirt track event in the record books for the 2016 season, Sunday June 12. It was the first-ever event held on the 3/10-mile clay oval as part of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
Bobby Hackel and Vince Quenneville Jr. split victories in twin 25-lap features for the Sportsman Modified division. Hackel, of Rensselaer, N.Y., won the first of three heat races and drew for the starting lineup inversion pill, finding himself mired in 12th place to start the first feature race.  He made quick work of traffic, however, and avoided some early collisions to work his way into contention.  After a physical pass of Tim LaDuc, Hackel took over the lead and cruised to the win.
Orwell, Vt., veteran LaDuc held on for second place in a herculean effort; he spent most of the month of April in a medically-induced coma following a severe infection in his lungs, and was visibly fatigued following the race but pleased with his runner-up finish. Jackie Brown Jr. of Hurley, N.Y., made a late charge for third place, followed by Justin Comes and Kenny Tremont Jr. Jim Introne Jr., Rick Sanville, Derrick McGrew, rookie Justin Severance, and Tim Hodge completed the top 10 finishers in order.
Brandon, Vt., driver Quenneville – who fought a malfunctioning steering box in the first race – won the second feature ahead of a tight battle. As sprinkles began to fall from the sky, Hodge, of Vershire, Vt., nailed down the runner-up spot ahead of Derrick McGrew of Ballston Spa, N.Y. Tremont and Hackel completed the top five, followed by Comes, LaDuc, Severance, Trevor Rocke, and Chris Murray.
Renegades
Hydeville, Vt.’s Bill Duprey saw traffic in the Renegade feature part like the Red Sea to take the lead and win the division’s 15-lap race.  Curtis Condon of Queensbury, N.Y., led most of the race but settled for second. Josh Bussino of Belmont, Vt., broke a driveshaft coming to the checkers but held on for third place. Darrell Older and Aaron Fachini were next in line.
Mini Stock
Wayland Childs of Chelsea, Vt., won the 15-lap Mini Stock feature. An early battle with Mike Ryan came to an end when Ryan cut a tire while leading, handing the lead to Childs. He cruised to the win, followed by Josh Wood and Mike Lique.  After pitting for a new tire, Ryan rebounded for fourth place with Chris Conroy fifth.
Father’s Day Weekend “topless” show
Devil’s Bowl Speedway is back in action on Father’s Day Weekend with a two-day, two-track “topless” show in which the Sportsman Modified cars race without roofs. Racing is scheduled for the half-mile asphalt track on Saturday, June 18, and on the 3/10-mile dirt track on Sunday, June 19. Regular general admission each night is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and free for kids age 12 and under. Gates open at 4 p.m., with racing at 6 p.m. both nights.
Devil’s Bowl Speedway is located on Route 22A in West Haven, Vt., four miles north of Exit 2 off of U.S. Route 4 and just 20 minutes from Rutland, Vt.  For more information, visit www.DevilsBowlSpeedwayVT.com.