|
|
Former Claremont Champion Named
Honorary Starter for Ricky’s Race:
 Claremont,
NH (September 18, 2008) - - Former Claremont (Twin State)
Speedway champion Donnie Ayer has been named honorary
starter for the 1st annual, “Ricky Miller Memorial 100”
Sunday Sept.28., at the Twin State Speedway, Claremont,
NH. The race, presented by New England Outdoor Furnaces,
will be run in honor of the former New England modified
standout and second generation driver who passed away in
2004.
Ayer began his career in 1968 winning a demolition derby
at the Claremont oval. A year later, he entered weekly
stock car racing events quickly becoming a force to be
reckoned with. In 1970, Ayer was recognized with
“Sportsman of the Year” honors, and two years later would
become the 1972 champion at Claremont . Ayer grabbed two
more titles at Claremont in 1975 and again in 1980 with
nine victories paving the way to the championship and
“Driver of the Year” honors.
Ayer’s success came against some of the top drivers at
both Claremont and Monadnock Speedways. Weekly battles
were staged against Punky Caron, Kirby Monteith, Jerry
Dostie, Donnie Miller, Jerry Bly, Ollie Silva, Dunk
Rudolph, Allen Whipple, Jack Bateman, Roger Raymond and
Dwight Jarvis to name a few. Not an easy task.
Ayer tallied close to 40 feature wins and raced at
Stafford Springs, Thompson , Lebanon Valley, Devils Bowl,
Orange County , Beech Ridge, Thunder Road , Riverside
Speedway in Agawam , MA , Star Speedway and Lee USA
Speedway. Ayer raced until 1984 and dabbled again at
driving in 1988. He then called it a career after 20 years
of competition.
The True Value sanctioned event carries a special purse
for the race honoring Ricky Miller, the NASCAR modified
standout and 1999 Riverside Park Speedway champion, who
passed away in 2004 at the age of 34. The winner of the
100 lap race in Millers name will receive $2,000 to win
and all competitors will receive added bonus money to
start the event.
Fans will also have the opportunity to win special prizes
from a race day raffle including a $1,000 cash prize from
Donnie and Barb Miller, the parents of Ricky Miller.
Proceeds from the raffle will benefit The Victory Junction
Gang, an organization that benefits children with chronic
medical conditions or serious illnesses.
The Sunday afternoon program will also feature NEMA
Midgets, Pro Four Modifieds, and the Pepsi Modifieds. The
True Value Modifieds will compete in 12 lap heat races to
determine the starting lineup. Race Time is 1:00 PM.
Grandstands open at 10 AM.
For more information contact the speedway office at
603-543-3160 or log on to
www.rickysraceforkids.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
