2/24/2019
Ransomville Speedway
BEI Lightning Series Honors 2018 Season; Makes 2019 Plans
RANSOMVILLE, NY (February 24, 2019) The Bellinger Electric Inc (BEI) Lightning Series for Sportsman Modifieds celebrated the 2018 season and announced plans for the 2019 season at their awards party on Saturday evening at the Ransomville Fire Hall. BEI Lightning Series Announcer Steven Petty served as the master of ceremonies.
Port Colborne, Ontario’s Chad Chevalier was crowned BEI Lightning Series Champion for the second consecutive season. Strong finishes propelled “Heavy Chevy” to the title. Chevalier won the 2018 event at Freedom Motorsports Park. Dave DiPietro from North Tonawanda finished 18 points behind chevalier. DiPietro scored the win in the inaugural Sean Letts Memorial at Ransomville Speedway. “Oh, Henry” James Henry finished third in the overall standings. Henry drove his #21 to victory at the series stop at Genesee Speedway.Ransomville track champion Brett Senek finished fourth in series points. Genesee track champion and Merrittville event winner Kyle Inman finished fifth in points.
Dave Conant, Brad Rouse, McKean County winner Jim Harbison, Humberstone champion and event winner Cody McPherson, and young gun Zach George rounded out the top ten in series points.
The top three in the North Series (Chad Chevalier, Kyle Inman, Dave DiPietro) and South Series (Chad Chevalier, Dave DiPietro, Brett Senek) all received point fund money from the mini-series.
Zach George and Trevor Wright were named co-rookies of the year. The BEI Lightning Series gave a farewell to Cody McPherson who announced at the end of 2018 that he was stepping away to spend more time with his family. McPherson’s career includes multiple championships at both Merrittville and Humberstone, a co-track title at Ransomville, and a Mr. DIRT Championship.
Throughout the night, attendees had the chance to race on an RC track. Special drawings took place for those in attendance as well. Ivan Robitaille won a Hoosier tire that came from Lou Blaney’s Big Block Modified. Scott George won the 2019 pit pass for the entire BEI Series and Roger Brown won the 2019 Grandstand pass good for all 2019 BEI Lightning Series events.
The 2019 season for the BEI Lightning Series begins on Sunday, June 2 at the New Humberstone Speedway in Port Colborne, Ontario. Race two will take place on Friday, June 7 at Freedom Motorsports Park in Delevan, NY. Race three will be on Thursday, July 4 att he Genesee Speedway in Batavia, NY. Race four will be on Monday, August 5 at the Merrittville Speedway in Thorold, Ontario alongside the Super DIRTcar Series. The series finale will take place on Friday, September 13 at the Ransomville Speedway for the SeanLetts Memorial.
The series will have a presence at the annual Motorsports Expo, set for March 9-10 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. Look for upcoming releases regarding sponsors and series news.
BEI Lightning Series officials would like to thank contingency sponsors Bicknell Racing Products, Rick’s Delivery, Leslie Motorsports, Henry’s Exhaust, Fab Shop 54, Smith’s Speed and Pro Shop, MHL Performance, Innovative Auto Repair, and Dialed Designs. For more information about the BEI Lightning Series, find them on Facebook and Instagram @beilightningseries.
Article Credit: Steven Petty
Submitted By: Jeff Anstett
