5/4/2026
Hudson Speedway
Hudson Speedway Kicks Off 80th Season with Action Packed Opening Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hudson NH - 5/4/26 - Hudson Speedway officially launched its 80th season on Sunday with a full slate of racing and an energized crowd that proved once again that Sundays are for Hudson.
Headlining the afternoon was the visiting Pro V8 Sportsman Series, which brought a competitive field for a 20 lap feature. Sammy Peabody of Shapleigh Maine showed early speed and never looked back, leading from the pole to capture the opening day victory. Mitch Wendell charged from fourth to finish second, while Stephen Dubois made one of the drives of the day, advancing eight spots to complete the podium in third.
In the MacMulkin Chevrolet Street Stocks, Max Dolliver of Londonderry dominated the 25 lap main event, going wire to wire for the win. Corey Fanning followed him across the line in second, with Chip Laquire initially finishing third. Following post race technical inspection, the No. 96 of Laquire was penalized to the last car on the lead lap, officially moving Randy Mercier into the third position.
The Six Shooters division delivered a clean and competitive race with Michael Yeaton of Amherst picking up the victory. Lincoln Herschel finished second with Enzo Silva rounding out the top three.
The N.E. Pool Works Pure Stocks saw one of the best races of the afternoon. Shayla Kirk of Pepperell Massachusetts powered her way to the win after starting second. Chris Quin made a strong run from eighth to finish second, while Jeremy Hayes crossed the line third. After post race technical inspection, the No. 44 of Derrick Greenaway was penalized to the last car on the lead lap, adjusting the final order accordingly.
The Thunder Lights Youth Division showcased the future of the sport in a 15-lap feature. Quinton Perkins of Nashua had to earn this one the hard way. Perkins was nearly a scratch for the feature after dealing with computer issues on his car, but his team worked quickly to get it fired just as the field was rolling out. From there, Perkins drove his way to the front to claim the first Thunder Lights win of the season. Emily McInnis, who led the early portion of the race, finished second, while rookie Bentley Covey, making his racing debut, rounded out the podium in third.
Rounding out the program, the MLM Diagnostic Services Crown Vics put on an entertaining 20 lap feature. Steve Miller Jr. of Grantham drove from fourth to take the victory. Chris Knight finished second, and Sebastian Janowiec came home third after leading early. Alby Ovitt was a surprise addition to the field and turned heads by charging from the rear of the field all the way to a second-place finish on track but was later disqualified for skipping post-race technical inspection. Track officials noted that some results and standings are still being finalized and updated on the website following post-race technical inspection adjustments.
Hudson Speedway now turns its attention to next Sunday, May 10th, as the track celebrates Mother’s Day with another full card of racing action. The 80th season is officially underway, and if opening day was any indication, it is going to be a memorable one.
Submitted By: John Esburnett