The Riverside FANatic
By Alan Plummer
Welcome to the first edition of the Riverside FANatic for 2010.  The Pre Hangover 150 at Riverside Speedway, a P.A.S.S. Sanctioned track, had to be postponed one week because of a snow storm.  Although temps were a bit colder hovering about 5 degrees the racing was excellent.  I noticed right off that the track had much more grip than previous years and really didn’t get down to bare pavement like in the past.  Thirty four cars started the race, representing Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts.  Pete Gilcris took an early lead, but Ryan Avery had the car dialed in all day.  Avery is the only one who actually completed all 150 laps the number two car had only 147 and third 146.  Avery from Thornton NH took the win followed by Jamie Heath of Waterford Maine, Jeff Ainsworth of Bethlehem NH, Jamie Swallow Jr. of Stark NH, and rounding out the top five was Pete Gilcris of Groveton NH.
The Pre Hangover was also the last race with Dick Therrien in charge.  Therrien leaves Riverside in 2010 for Canaan Speedway.  I want to wish Dick the best of luck in his new venture, maybe I’ll have to get down there for a race someday.  With Therrien leaving it ushers in new blood at Riverside Speedway.  Jean and Jane Leblanc who have been around racing for many years are the new operators.  With many improvements in the works and many improvements already put in place the Leblancs have their vision on continuing were Therrien left off to make Riverside a better place.  They are working on ideas to expand the use of the Speedway.  The addition of a Hospitality tent will allow people to have birthday parties and other gatherings at the track.  A concert at the track is another possible event for this summer.
The next event being held at the track is not a Riverside sanctioned event.  The 4th annual G.R.E.A.T. Snow Cross to be held Saturday February 20th.  Yes this is the same day as the first day of Loudon’s Snow Bowl, but who wants to travel down there when you can go out and race yourself locally. In addition to trophies for the top three, the Leblanc’s have graciously donated a one day pass to Riverside for any non PASS day this summer for the top three, and all of the youth 120 class.  More information can be found on the G.R.E.A.T. website, http://www.greatnh.org, or the FANatic website http://racing.apcomptech.com.  I will be there taking pics, so check back to my site to see them.
Already looking forward to the 2010 racing season, see you then.  Pictures and archived FANatic articles can be seen at http://racing.apcomptech.com   If you have any questions or comments or ideas email me at riversidefanatic@apcomptech.com