Poirier sweeps Pro finals at New England Dragway for Rock Maple Racing

EPPING, NH (Jan. 26, 2009) - Old site, new site, it just doesn't seem to
matter any more to Danny Poirier. If there's a track ready for competition
and a green flag in the air, he's determined to be the first one across the
finish line.

Poirier's dream season of 2009 rolled on Sunday afternoon with another clean
sweep of the Pro finals, as Rock Maple Racing (RMR) completed Round 4 on the
2008-09 snocross campaign at historic New England Dragway.

Despite cold temperatures and a persistent biting wind, RMR delivered a
successful debut for snocross racing at New England's only 1/4-mile dragway.
Nearly 500 entries filled the staging lanes, while thousands of enthusiastic
fans cheered for their favorite brands and riders.

Kenny Murphy grabbed the holeshot in Pro Stock, but Poirier (Hulten Speed
Sports/Polaris), of St. Theodore, QC, blasted by on the inside going down
the backstretch and never looked back. Matt Boron (D&Z Racing/Ski-doo)
slotted into fourth early on but worked his way up to second at the finish,
while Pro rookie Chris Chico (Amsoil/Arctic Cat) made a late-race pass on
multi-time champion Jason Boron to claim third.

In Pro Open, Poirier got the holeshot and powered on to post his sixth
victory in eight starts this season. It's the kind of first half every racer
dreams of, and he's carrying the kind of momentum that leads to class
championships. John O'Malley backed up his victory at Pit-X with a strong
runner-up finish, while Jason Rudd put in a solid ride for third.

Joe Lemieux notched his second straight victory in a hotly-contested Pro Vet
final. Rene Desrochers chased Lemieux in the early laps but faded to fourth
at the finish. Cory Culberson piloted his Polaris up to second, while Joel
Santy was third. Former champion Michelle Lemieux claimed the Pro Women's
final over cousin Steffanie and Phoenix, NY-based Paige Calderwood.

In Semi-Pro action Sunday, southern New Hampshire fans witnessed a changing
of the guard. Aaron Pfeifer, of Blossvale, NY, posted his first-ever Central
series sweep of the liquid-cooled classes (600 Stock and Open) with two
brilliant performances. Lincoln Lemieux was first into the corner in
Semi-Pro Open, but Pfeifer powered by before Turn 2 and led until the
checkered flag waved. Jake Melville, who has developed into a fierce racer,
came home second while Michael George claimed third. Several new faces have
suddenly found themselves in the Semi-Pro spotlight, and it's exciting to
see who shines and who runs for cover.

In the Stock final, Pfeifer checked out early and went on to record his
second win of the day. Brad Davis (Southside Sales/Polaris) looked
impressive on his way to second, while Melville completed a great weekend
with a strong third.

Local favorites Joey Mosher (Saturday) and Jake DaSilva (Sunday) of Derry
earned top honors in Sport Super Stock action. Chris Ingles and Jared White
followed Mosher across the line on Saturday's final, while Mosher and Andrew
Bailey filled out Sunday's podium. Mosher also claimed Sunday's Sport Stock
600 final over John Kent and Dylan Bisson. Derek Vitiello made it a Salem
sweep with his victory in the Sport Stock 600 Fan final over "Wild" Will
Fletcher of nearby Westmoreland, New Hampshire. Aaron Adams (Sport 500) and
Emerson Cayer (Sport Performance) complete our list of Sport division
winners on a bright-but-frosty day at New England Dragway.

In the Junior division Sunday, Jake Scott came away with three final-round
victories. The young athlete from Port Jefferson, NY, earned top honors in
Jr. 14-15 Stock 500, 14-15 Stock 600 Fan and 16-17 Stock 500. Other winners
include Matt Cameron (10-13 Stock 600 Fan); Leo Patenaude (10-13 Stock 380
Fan); Lucas Livingston (8-10 300 Freestyle Sat.) And Hunter Patenaude (8-10
300 Freestyle Sunday).

Other winners over the weekend in Central series action include Joey Stock
(Semi-Pro Stock 440); Cory Culberson (Plus 35 Masters); Scott Edwards (Plus
25 Stock); KC Anderson (Women Stock 600 Sat.); Sarah Acker (Jr. Girls 10-13
Stock 600 Fan); Janell Smith (Women Stock 500); Steffanie Lemieux (Women
Stock 600 Sunday); and John Kent (Trail 600 Saturday and Sunday).

RMR's East series teams were also in action over the weekend in Epping.
Final round winners there include Matt Simonson (Semi-Pro Open); Jake
DaSilva (Sport Stock 600); Paige Calderwood (Women Stock 600); Nick St.
Amand (Jr. 14-15 Stock 500 and 16-17 Stock 500); and Montana Jess (Jr. 10-13
Stock 380 Fan and Jr. 10-13 Stock 600 Fan).

Rock Maple Racing would like to thank New England Dragway general manager
Joe Lombardo and his staff for graciously hosting this historic debut for
snocross. With ample room for spectator and racer parking, great highway
access and a reputation for excellence in motorsports, we were honored to
sanction a race on your hallowed grounds.

Next up for RMR is Round 2 on the West series schedule, slated for Feb. 7-8
at Murphy Flats in Stamford, New York. For full results in all classes from
Epping or to learn more, go to www.rockmaple.com.

Last Updated on 01/26/09
By George Campbell or Greg Fish
Email: neracing@neracing.com