With only 2 months before the start of the highly anticipated 2017 season, registrations have been strong for both the Super Streets and Modified divisions while the Limited Sportsman and Wildcats will see the return of some familiar faces from 2016.
 
The Super Streets look to have a very healthy field of racers as the Richardson Memorial 75-lap event approaches on opening night. Five of the Top 10 point finishers have already registered including Jack McClay (3rd), Ben Poland (4th), Dylan Bodreau (5th), Hayden Scott (6th-Rookie of the Year), and Craig Smith (7th) all return. Bryan Town (1 win), Mark McClay, Tyler Lescord, Joe Brown, Earl Moul, and Zach Jewett also return to the ranks of the competitive division. Newcomers Drew Davis and Ken Thompson (2nd points LS 2015) have entered rides as well as past Wildcat competitors Alex Poisson (2nd points 2016) and Craig Smith (4th points 2016).
 
The Modified division will see the return of its defending  Champion Joey Jarvis, Dana Smith (4th), Dylan Rock (5th- Rookie of the Year), and Christopher Bolton (9th) from the Top 10. Familiar face Mike Willis Jr. will make his return for the upcoming campaign as well as Jeff Murray and Bucky Demers. The Paul Michaud owned #44 will return as well with a new driver and the # 47 has been entered by Jack’s Competition Engines.
 
The Limited Sportsman will continue to boast some young talent with Tyler Janovsky (3 wins, 3rd in points), Kenny Thompson (1 win, 4th in points, Rookie of the Year), and Kyle Davis (1 win, 5th in points), as Jeremy Whitcomb will again field a ride for 2017.
 
The Wildcats mark the return one of its most consistent drivers in Kyle Currier (3rd points), and Samantha Stoddard, the 2016 Rookie of the Year (6th points). They are joined by Zach Dole (8th points), as well as Greg Millette (1 win), Dale Squires Jr., Xander Emerson, and Ken Lafont.
 
Look for future announcements of additional drivers as the register for 2017.

The Wildcat division's extra distance race has been scheduled, and it will be run in memory of a former driver of the division. Wishing to create an event in remembrance of their son, Cody Lafont, the Lafont family felt a race bearing his name at the place he treasured most was the best way to do that with plans to make this an annual event.

The Cody Lafont Memorial Twin 25's have been scheduled for July 21 with two 25-lap segment events. The best average overall finisher of the two segment events will be declared the event winner and will pocket a minimum of $ 500 for their efforts. Each segment winner will also receive a $ 75 bonus as part of the total purse. With a full field set at 24 cars, drivers will need to qualify through heat races to make the segment portion of the event. In addition, race teams will need to be registered and have run a previous Wildcat event at the speedway in 2017.

Cody Lafont Memorial Twin 25's
Total Purse: $ 3,625
Segment Winner Bonus: $ 75 ( x 2)
1 - $ 500
2 - $ 350
3 - $ 275
4 - $ 200
5 - $ 175
6 - $ 150
7 - $ 125
8-24 - $ 100

The purse additions were made possible through the generous sponsorships from the Lafont family, Blue Springs Ice (Deland, FL), Gomer's Trucking (Rochester, MA), Joe's Family Car Care (Claremont, NH), Marro's Home Center (Claremont, NH), and Kidder's Automotive (Lebanon, NH). Registrations forms and divisional rules can be obtained on the speedway's website while questions concerning the event can be directed to track officials by email or message.

Look for future extra distance race announcements for the Modifieds and Limited Sportsman, as well as our Race Against Cancer event.

Short track racing is a tight knit group and will always come to the aid of any competitor in need. Mike Hammond, owner of the # 63 Modified race team is seeking assistance for the upcoming 2017 race campaign. After finishing 9th in points with Christopher Bolton behind the wheel, Hammond is looking to expand on his team’s 9 Top 10’s in 2016 and will need pit crew members to make that task a bit easier for the 10-race schedule at Claremont Speedway.

They are looking for crew members to assist in all facets of the race day operation with tire changing, jack operation, record keeping, spotting, air pressures and any other assistance these individuals are able to provide. In addition to the Claremont schedule, they are looking at the possibility of entering a few Valenti Modified Racing Series events including the New England Short Track Showdown on July 1 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The pit entry fee will be reimbursed and a food stipend will also be supplied.  If you would like to help with a modified race team, please message Mike on Facebook.

There is a meeting at the speedway barn on Saturday, February 11 at 2:15 pm for the Modified division. This meeting is open to owners and drivers of registered and prospective Modified race teams.

With the New England Short Track Showdown taking place at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 1, a new Street Stock Tour will be crafted as a result. Bob Guptill, promoter of the North East Mini Stock Tour, announced today at the Racers' Expo he has created the new Street Stock Showdown Series - a traveling series throughout the Northeast with V8 rear wheel drive American-made automobiles.

Claremont Speedway will be hosting the Street Stock Showdown Series on June 16. Guptill's North East Mini Stock Tour visits the Thrasher Road speedplant on May 5 as well as the new 4-Cylinder Nationals event on September 15. The Showdown Series pays $ 400 to the winner and in addition to Claremont and NHMS on the schedule, Thompson will be hosting events as well with more dates to be released later.

For more information about the series, visit their web page or find them on Facebook.

In what will be a welcomed sight this year, Trackside Motorsport and Accessories will be the official on-site parts provider for Claremont Speedway. Owner Mike Richardson Jr. will lead this endeavor with a well-stocked trailer specializing in Super Streets, Limiteds, and Acura/Honda parts for the Wildcats. Trackside will be available at the speedway’s car shows, April practices and Wednesday night sessions throughout the season.

Trackside Motorsport also serves as the sponsor of the Richardson Memorial Race on April 28 for the Super Streets division. Named in memory of Mike Richardson Sr.  who was an avid race fan, this extra distance event will be 75 laps this season.

With over 21 years in auto racing part experience and even longer in the sport itself, Richardson is a five-time champion car owner (3-Guy Caron and 2-Jack McClay) and looking at fielding a Super Street this season as well with a driver to be announced at a later date.  Located at 5 Victory Drive in Newport, they are stocked with everything you need for circle track racing. You can call or text Mike at 603.477.6615 or Kurt at 603.454.8479 anytime during the day or evening.

There is a meeting at the speedway barn on Saturday, February 11 at 1 pm to review rules for the Super Street division. This meeting is only open to owners and drivers of registered and prospective Super Street race teams.