5/31/2025
Lee USA Speedway
Friday Night SMAC-Down Brings Thrills to Lee USA Speedway
Lee, NH - 5/31/25 – Lee USA Speedway roared to life Friday night with the Friday Night SMAC-Down, headlined by the 350 SMAC Supermodifieds along with a full program of support divisions. Fans were treated to side-by-side racing, breakout performances, and plenty of drama across the card.
A loaded roster of SMAC Supers rolled into Lee USA Speedway, with Ben Tinker (#19) capturing the big win in front of a packed house. Tinker set the tone early, showcasing speed and consistency that carried him to the checkered flag. The talent-stacked field included familiar New England racing names such as Brad Babb (#41), Bobby Timmons III (#13), and P.J. Stergios (#57), alongside veterans like Scott Watts Sr. (F80) and George Helliwell (#07). Rising drivers Matt Seavey (#91) and Rusty Poland (#44) also impressed, while Stephen Duphily (#66) and Bill Helliwell (#77) brought additional firepower to a race that proved once again why the SMAC Supermodifieds are among the most exciting cars in short track racing.
The MLM Diagnostics Crown Vics delivered one of the night’s most action-packed features, with Jacob Michaud (#23) of Lebanon, ME, storming through the field to score the win. Michaud held off a strong run by Dustin Staples (#21X) and consistent veteran Keith Walton (#04JR), who rounded out the podium. Josh Valliere (#3) and Keegan Tabor (#74) completed the top five, while strong efforts from Derek Guptill (#21) and Traver Michaud (#28) kept the pressure on the leaders. With over 20 cars starting the feature, survival was key, and several front-runners including Anthony Garland (#81) and Austin Erickson (#32) saw their nights end early. Michaud’s victory capped a strong night that saw him also impress in the heat races, setting the tone for what could be a breakout year in the Crown Vic ranks.
It was a clean sweep for Steve Miller Jr. (#79), who won both the heat race and the O’Reilly Auto Parts Six Shooters feature. Miller Jr. set the pace early, holding off Michael Yeaton (#25NH) and Steve Miller Sr. (#68) in a family-filled podium. Randy Washburn (#49) and Thomas Harton (#85) battled hard inside the top five, while Lincoln Herschel (#8) fought through traffic to claim sixth. The Miller family dominance was a highlight of the night, leaving fans eager to see who can break their stranglehold on the division moving forward.
The Black Flagged Podcast Ridge Runners did not disappoint, with Zacary Fraser (#37Z) of Nottingham, NH, taking home a hard-fought feature win. Fraser worked his way through a competitive field, holding off Dwight Souther Jr. (#23) and multi-time winner Stone Slattery (#99) to secure the checkered flag. Veteran Carl Gagnon (#99NH) finished fourth, with Derrick Burnham (#2) completing the top five. Behind them, Brian Caswell (#47) and Cody Boucher (#9NH) rounded out the competitive top seven. The Ridge Runners once again lived up to their reputation for delivering close, aggressive racing that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The Super Streets wrapped up the program with another thrilling 25-lap feature, and it was Justin Beecher (#57) from Billerica, MA, taking home the victory. Beecher had to work hard, holding off a determined Patrick Tanguay (#79) and Jason Curtis (#02) to secure the win. Cam Huntress (#42) and Mike Williams (#07) rounded out the top five, while Donald Belisle (#7), Austin Erickson (#22), and Milton Duran (#12) all had strong but unlucky runs. Beecher’s win added his name to an already impressive season tally for the division.
Submitted By: John Esburnett