My first pro 4 race at beechridge speedway

With Mother nature having her way the week before, Derek Robbie moved his racing debut up one week by showing up at Beech Ridge Speedway in Scarboroough, Me. on Saturday, April 30 for the Pro 4 Modified of New England 30 lap event. Showing a tremendous amount of excitement as he pulled the gates Derek was ready to tackle his first “big” car race and start his new racing career in the Vacation State.
The day was without any clouds as the team unloaded and prepared for the day’s events. Many of his competitors welcomed Derek and gave him helpful pointers. Special thanks go to eventual race winner Dan Meservey, Jr. for all the guidance he gave Derek throughout the day. Derek quietly going the cars for his first practice and turned some respectable laps staying out of everyone way and learning to feel the car out. A statement by Derek Robbie proved this by when he stated " My goal today was to learn the powers of my modified and gain the respect of my competiors". Unfortunately for Derek the car developed problem near the end of the session and needed to be pushed to the pits. As quick diagnosis discover some valve train issues and an oil pan leak. The decision was made to fix the problem and try to give Derek some valuable seat time. This meant missing the next two practices and attempting to make the qualifying race.
With the crew (and helpers) working tirelessly the car was prepared for the heat and Derek lined up with the rest of his competitors to take the green flag. A quick caution on lap one displayed a slight issue with the oil cap, forcing Derek to pit, while the field was realigned for a restart. Quick repairs were made and he entered the track just as the field was taking the green. Derek ran the 10 laps smooth and hard to complete his first official laps as a modified driver.
Inspection after the race revealed only a portion of the oil leak was fixed and running the complete feature would not be advisable. The decision was to allow Derek to start the feature and then park the car early to avoid damaging the DDR Motorsport #27 and any other cars.
Though it did not turn out to be the start everyone had hoped for the team deemed the day a success as it was the first outing with a new driver and a new car. Look for Derek to make a better showing on May 14th at the Monadnock Speedway in Winchester, NH.