ROLLING BACK TO THE FRONT: Helger rebounds to take points lead with win

Photo: Seekonk Speedway

By Souza Media/Seekonk Speedway

SEEKONK, Mass. -- He might have had to wait until the third week of the season, but Helger’s South Coast Power Equipment driver Richie Helger Jr. parked his Seekonk Grand Prix Bandolero Outlaw in Victory Lane on Friday, June 25, 2021. Helger started near the front of the field, taking the lead on lap two, and never relinquishing the top spot en route to holding the checkered flag.

Helger made it look easy out front — but while he did that — a mid-race pile up took center stage. On the ninth lap, contact between a few of the young drivers caused chaos, when at least five of them spun and crashed on the frontstretch. Some of the names involved included Brent Robidoux, Joey LeMay, and Nick Chaber Jr., and all three were not able to finish due to the damage. Chaber, who nearly won the championship in 2020, is off to a tough start this season.

Meanwhile, his teammate, Jase Mongeon, has put together quite the impressive start. Mongeon crossed the line second at the finish, posting his career-best effort, while Bradley Strickland earned a podium for the first time in his career, finishing third. Aubrey Keller was fourth, and Stephen Bowden completed the top-five. Bowden crossed the line in third on the track, but was penalized two positions post-race for aggressive contact.

Andrew Gomes finished sixth, followed by Adam Harrison and Olivia Dardinski. Behind them, Nick Chaber Jr., Brent Robidoux, Joey LeMay and Chase Silvia all failed to finish after the accident.

The Seekonk Grand Prix Bandolero Outlaws return to the track on Friday, July 9, 2021 after a week off for Independence Day weekend. For more information on Seekonk Speedway, visit SeekonkSpeedway.com.