Story By: RACE OF CHAMPIONS – CHEMUNG, NY – Jesse Kent of Horseheads, NY, a third generation driver captured his first Race of Champions Sportsman Modified Series victory this past Saturday at Chemung (NY) Speedrome in the traditional “ Night before the Glen” race.
Kent, who started 10th, passed Shawn Nye of Lancaster, NY after a spirited battle to capture his first-ever victory in the division, carrying on his families tradition of being a race winner in Race of Champions competition. In doing so, Kent became the 7th different driver to win a Race of Champions Sportsman Modified Series race during the 2024 campaign.
“We had a great car, this is just surreal for me,” stated Kent in victory lane. “My Grandfather, George, is here with me all of the time and all of the people that help us. It’s just incredible. It’s just a great night, we had a great car and it’s just awesome to win one of these races.”
Christman posted the fastest time in qualifying, while Kevin Timmerman of Ontario, NY; Nye and Andrew Lewis, Jr., of Ontario, NY,
Jake Christman of Walnutport, PA, posted the fastest time in the final practice session to earn the bonus points. Christman, Evan Rygielski of Wilkes-Barre, PA, and Andrew Lewis, Jr., of Ontario, NY won the qualifying races.
Joe Mancuso of Buffalo, NY, scored his 20th career Race of Champions Super Stock Series victory on Saturday at Chemung. Mancuso topped Tim Gullo of Elmira, NY, and Garrett Zacharias of Vestal, NY to claim the victory.
Nick Robinson of Waverly, NY, scored another Race of Champions FOAR SCORE Four Cylinder Dash Series victory at Chemung. Robinson outran his teammate Gene Purvis of Elmira, NY and Trisha Connolly of Palmerton, PA, to earn his 7th victory of 2024.
This past Thursday, the Race of Champions Dirt 602 Sportsman Modified Series concluded it’s season at Ohsweken Speedway. Cody McPherson of St. Catherines, Ontario-Canada captured the victory. McPherson outran Scott Wood of Thorold, Ontario and Bill Bleich of Port Robinson, Ontario for the victory.
James Michael Friesen of St. Catherines, Ontario, was declared the Series champion.
There was some confusion in regard to the point standings. In the MyRacePass application a driver may register with more than one profile and in the case of Friesen this occurred as he had two (2) different profiles. The total points accumulation and breakdown is included with this release.
“There was a mistake that we made,” stated Zachary Skotnicki, director of timing and scoring for the Race of Champions. “It was an honest mistake that has happened before and we didn’t catch it. For that we apologize to everyone who was involved, following the Series and all of the fans for any confusion it created. It was fixed the night of the race and it something we will strive to not let happen in the future.”
The next race for the Race of Champions “Family of Series” is this coming weekend with the annual running of Race of Champions Weekend at Lake Erie Speedway in North East, PA, next Friday, September 20; Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22 culminating with the VP Racing Fuels Race of Champions 250 for the Race of Champions Modified Series.