Moultonboro, NH – The Lakes Region Ice Racing Club sponsored 2 days of automobile, oval track ice racing last weekend on Berry Pond in Moultonboro, NH. Saturday featured the largest ice racing event in the northeast, the 28th annual Latchkey Cup. Ice racers from the Milton and Jaffery clubs again joined the Lakes Region racers to make the Latchkey the largest ice race in the northeast. On a chilly Sunday the racers returned to Berry Pond for the Club’s regular weekly event.

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SATURDAY
Postponed from the original January date, the 28th annual Latchkey Cup, a benefit event for the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center, was run Saturday in front of a large crowd on Berry. Racing started on a mild winter morning 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. After a mid-day lunch break and a “meet the drivers and check out the cars” session held on the front stretch, the racers prepared for the Latchkey’s feature events.

First out were the Junior Division drivers, the 13-15 year olds. Chris Taylor (8) of Moultonboro led the way, followed by Kailyn Murphy (14) of Ossipee and Jackie Martel (32) of Moultonboro. The Junior trophies were provided by the family of Lindsey Frank.

The 4cyl Rear Wheel Drive Division sponsored by Conway’s Tree Service of Moultonboro was next out. John Chase (8) of Northfield driving the son Tim Chase’s 2011 Championship MR2. Tim’s new car was suffering electrical problems and did not make the race. Matt Morrill (9) of Moultonboro challenged for the win, but settled for 2nd with Brian Jeanson (51) of Sandwich finishing 3rd.

The mighty Modified feature, sponsored by Ambrose Brothers. Inc of Meredith, took to the ice next. Young Jake Williams (73) of Ctr Ossipee and his 360 sprint car were in fine form and dominated the modified race. Jack Cook (14) of Moultonboro chased Jake, but Jack’s heavier modified could not match the acceleration of the lighter sprint car. Jack settled for 2nd with Ray Johnson (79) of Thornton taking third.

Next up were the 4cyl Front Wheel Drive cars. Doug Bubrule (10) of Petersham, Ma followed his qualifying heat win with a win in the feature driving a VW wagon. Tim Eldgridge (75) of Ctr Ossipee took 2nd with Dalton Varney (03) of Ossipee in 3rd.

The growing V8 Sock Division took to the track for the final event of the day. Danny Cook (1) of S. Tamworth in his new, baby blue Monte Carlo took a hard fought win over Moultonboro’s Mike Frank (00) in his venerable ice racer. The race was decided on the last lap with 2 lead changes. Last year’s Latchkey winner Shane Eldridge (75) took 3rd place. The trophies for the Stock event were provided by SAL Post 33 of the American Legion of Meredith.

The annual Latchkey Cup race, this was the 28th, benefits the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center in Hanover. The sponsor and fan support this year will make another generous donation possible.

SUNDAY
The racers returned to Berry Pond on a blustery Sunday for the regular weekly race sponsored by Horsch Garage Equipment, Inc of Moultonboro and hosted by the Lakes Region Ice Racing Club. A new ¼ mile track was prepared and racing started just after noon.

Moultonboro native Chris Taylor (8) drove his lime green Nissan to its 6th straight win in the Junior division. Kailyn Murphy (14) of Ossipee piloting her pickup finished second.

The Rear Wheel Drives took the ice next and John Chase (8) of Moultonboro repeated his Latchkey success, winning his qualifying and feature events. John’s son Tim Chase (40) raced his Dad hard, but settled for 2nd. The father son team worked late Saturday night after the Latchkey to fix the electrical problems with Tim’s bright yellow Batmobile. Sandwich’s Brian Jeanson (51) took 3rd in his pickup.

The super fast Modified division took the track next to determine who was the fastest on this day. Jack Cook (14) of Moultonboro jumped into the lead and drove on to the win. Matt Taylor (4) and Mike Horsch (2) both of Moultonboro finished second and third.

The Front Wheel Drive feature saw Alicia Taylor diving the borrowed 75 car of Tim Eldridge take the win. Charlie Murphy (14) finished second and, with his first appearance of the year, Marcus Jenness (19) of Warren took 3rd.

In the Stock Division it was Danny Cook (1) of S. Tamworth again battling Mike Frank (00) of Moultonboro (75). Danny sweep the weekend’s Sock division races ahead of Mike. Justin Eldridge (74) of Ossipee took the 3rd place trophy.

The weekly racing continues next Sunday at 12:30 on Berry Pond off Rt 25 in Moultonboro. Check the club’s website at www.LakesRegionIceRacingClub.com for the latest race/ice status, information about coming events, and for race photos. See you on the ice.

Submitted By Dave Suitor