Moultonboro, NH – The Lakes Region Ice Racing Club sponsored its 4th weekend of automobile, oval track ice racing last Sunday on Lee Pond in Moultonboro, NH. The Jaffery and Milton ice racing clubs did not have enough ice to race and many of their members journeyed to the Lakes Region to race. Lots of cars and lots of fans made for a great show even as the track suffered from spring weather.

A new ¼ mile track was laid out on the north end of Lee Pond and racing started on a mild, winter afternoon with the hot laps and qualifying heats for the 5 divisions of cars: Juniors, 4Cyl Front Wheel Drive, 4Cyl Rear Wheel Drive, V8 Stock, and the mighty Modifieds.

First out were the 13-15 year old Junior Division drivers. Moultonboro’s Jackie Martel (32) won the event handily after also winning her earlier qualifying race. She also broke Chris Taylor’s 6-race winning streak. Chris (8) of Moultonboro was second followed by Kailyn Murphy (14) of Ossipee.
Next up were the 4cyl Front Wheel Drive cars with some dirt racers making an appearance. Marcus Jenness (19) of Warren lead early, but was overtaken by the hard charging field. With water, ice, and tempers flying, Ryan Avery (01) of Campton and Jesse Copp (37) of Rochester battled for the win. Ryan took the checkers in a very close finish with Jesse 2nd and Marcus 3rd.

As the puddles got deeper and more numerous, the V8 Sock Division took to the track. Freedom’s Scott Brooks (56) drove to an early lead, but points-leaders Danny Cook (1) of S. Tamworth and Mike Frank (00) of Moultonboro soon overtook Scott. Mike and Danny battled lap after lap with Mike eventually taking the checkers in a photo finish.

The 4cyl Rear Wheel Drive Division feature was a Matt Morrill (9) show this week. Matt drove a flawless race leaving the Chase’s usually very fast Toyota MR2s sputtering in the water. Sandwich’s Derek Jeanson (52) finished 2nd with John Chase (8) of Moultonboro settling for 3rd.

The mighty Modified feature was the last event of the day. Rick Martel (28) of Moultonboro started on the pole and there was no catching him as he hugged the inside lane away for the puddles. Matt Taylor (4) challenged Rick, but settled for 2nd with Jack Cook (14) in the 3rd spot.

The Lakes Region Ice Racing Club hopes to get another week of racing in for the 2012 season. Check the club’s website at www.LakesRegionIceRacingClub.com for the latest race/ice status, information about coming events, and for race photos and video. See you on the ice.