WALL TOWNSHIP — Joe Mongeau of Brick made his first-ever NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Modified stock car win a memorable one as he led every lap and held off tough competition to win the "Larsen Brothers Memorial 50" at Wall Township Speedway Saturday night.
Mongeau, a former Street Stock standout at the third-mile-paved oval, pocketed over $ 4,500 in purse, lap and bonus awards.
Mongeau took advantage of a front-row starting spot to rocket his Bob Nelson Plumbing and Heating No. 90 to the front at the outset. Howell’s Ken Woolley Jr. was also quick as he immediately jumped into the second spot. These initial laps set up a battle for the lead that would last to the checker flag. Rich Mongeau of Brick, the winner’s brother, was third at the stripe, while Jimmy Blewett of Howell and Manahawkin’s Dave Michel were fourth and fifth.
"If there was one race that I wanted to win, it was this one," Mongeau said. "I wanted to win it for Greg and Thor Larsen. I didn’t think much about winning it until we got to lap 30. Then I started to think that I could do it. I started to think that with just a few laps left, it was like a heat race."
Thor and Greg Larsen were brothers who tragically lost their lives in separate work-related accidents. They were avid race fans, and their brother Gary is an announcer at the speedway.
The All-Star Racing Trucks Series competitors also battled in a 50-lapper with Matty Ricco of Sweetwater taking his first-ever win in the series. Farmingdale’s Rob Williams grabbed his fourth win of the season in the 25-lapper for the Pro Stocks. Chas Okerson of Freehold, who battled side-by-side with Williams for at least five consecutive laps, was the runner-up, while Rich Lovelace posted his best ever finish in third. George Andretta and Kenny Reaves were fourth and fifth.
Michael LaBreque of Manahawkin completed the ultimate comeback on Saturday night by winning the 25-lapper for the Street Stocks. LaBreque had started the season with high hopes only to destroy a brand new car in a wild crash on opening night. LaBreque returned to action recently and then stood tall in the spotlight Saturday when he held off Geoff Green of Toms River for the win. Brick’s Ron Frees, Absecon’s Bob Geiger and former champ John McCormack wrapped up the top five.
This Saturday night, NASCAR Winston Cup racing stars Michael Waltrip, Sterling Marlin, Kenny Wallace and Steve Park will sign autographs, meet with fans and drive in a Modified stock car match race at the shore speedway. Modified, Pro Stock, Street Stock, Legend Cars and Truck Series racing will also be on the 6 p.m. racing card.