By Andrew Cassidy courtesy of Devil’s Bowl Speedway
Billy Lussier of Fair Haven, Vt., celebrates his first-ever win in the Sportsman Modified division at Devil’s Bowl Speedway.
WEST HAVEN – Billy Lussier thrilled his hometown crowd at the half-mile Asphalt Track at Devil’s Bowl Speedway on Saturday, June 25, taking his first career victory in a wire-to-wire romp. Somewhat fittingly, the Fair Haven, Vt., driver’s milestone win came on “Hometown Heroes” Night. Other winners included Jamie Aube, Jim McKiernan, and Eric Messier.
Lussier, who lives just 5 miles from the speedway and had a large cheering section in the grandstands, drove the entire caution-free 30-lap feature race for the Sportsman Modified division out front and opened up a sizeable lead on the field. It was almost not to be for Lussier, however, as his crew discovered a broken suspension component on the No. 25 car after qualifying and made hasty repairs just minutes before the green flag.
“This one is for the whole crew and my family, and all the fans that have supported us for so many years here,” Lussier said in victory lane. “The hard work paid off tonight. This is just awesome.”
Jackie Brown Jr. of Hurley, N.Y., held second place for much of the race before former champion Ron Proctor chased him down in the final 10 laps. Proctor, of Charlton, N.Y., took the runner-up spot, followed by Brown, Jason Durgan, and Vince Quenneville Jr.
Devil’s Bowl Speedway is back in action for two nights on Independence Day weekend with Rutland County’s biggest and loudest fireworks shows. Racing is on the half-mile Asphalt Track on Saturday, July 2 and on the 3/10-mile Dirt Track on Sunday, July 3. Special general admission each night is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors (62+) and students (13-17), and free for kids age 12 and under.For more information, visit www.DevilsBowlSpeedwayVT.com
