IPSC: Radical Rick Martin wins in debut

(Aug. 6) - It was an awesome day for Rick Martin as he made his first ever start in the International Pro Stock Challenge Series Super Country WSCY 150 at White Mountain Motorsports Park in North Woodstock, New Hampshire. Martin visited Victory Lane after leading the last 70 circuits of the 150 feature, collecting a pay check of $5,000 in the process. "We didn't even decide to come here until yesterday," said an elated Martin, who resides in Westport, Mass. "We dug it out of the bushes, worked until 3 this morning on it, loaded up and got here for 8." It was on a restart that Martin moved his No. 24 Chevrolet Monte Carlo to the point. He got by Halifax, Nova Scotia's John Flemming for the lead. Flemming fell back as afar as fifth, but made his way back to second before the checkers flew. Maine's Adam Friend was third, with Chuck Lachance (Maine) fourth and Mike MacKenzie (Nova Scotia) fifth. 41 cars attempted to qualify for the WSCY 150 with 27 making the grid. Eight of the top 10 times from Snap-on Tools Time Trials were disallowed after the cars failed to meet IPSC rules during post qualifying inspection, including the provisional fast time set by Larry Gelinas. Motor Mart Heat Race action saw wins by Lachance, Scot Watts, Jeff Crawley and Jarod Robie. The Motor Mart Dash for Cash and $300 went to Phil Baril. Martin picked up the $150 Linco Fisheries Halfway Award bringing his total winnings for the day to $5,150. There were five lead changes and 10 cautions in the one hour, 45 second feature. The lead was shared by three drivers as follows: Watts (grid-18), Flemming (19-58), Watts (59-60), Flemming (61-79), Martin (80-150). One driver, Jim McCallum, was disqualified after a show of unsportsmanlike conduct on the track during a caution period in the WSCY 150. IPSC officials will announce further penalties on the incident later in the week. The IPSC is back in action August 18 & 19 with the Atlantic CAT 250 at Scotia Speedworld in Halifax, Nova Scotia. UNOFFICIAL RESULTS: 1. Rick Martin, 2. John Flemming, 3. Adam Friend, 4. Chuck Lachance, 5. Mike MacKenzie, 6. Gary Smith, 7. Kirk Thibeau, 8. Sam Sessions, 9. Jerry Babb, 10. Mike Riley, 11. Ben Rowe, 12. Kenny Wright, 13. Jarod Robie, 14. Leo Cochrane, 15. Gary Bellefleur, 16. Travis Benjamin, 17. Scott Watts, 18. Tom Mayberry, 19. Andy Shaw, 20. Danny Bezanson, 21. Phil Baril, 22. Ralph Nason, 23. Johnny Clark, 24. Jeff Crawley, 25. Larry Gelinas, 26. Richie Dearborn.