SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

Jeff Davenport of Cranston recently competed in the 61st annual World Series of Racing held in October at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, Thompson, Ct. in the SK Light Modified division. This class of Modified’s is very competitive and is a stepping stone for many up and coming drivers. 

Driver skills and ability play a huge part as the cars are so equal. Davenport is a new comer to this division and raced only twice in this class prior to the World Series but has been around racing for several decades, racing everything from BMX bikes as a kid, vintage and modern motorcycles, karts and open wheel Formula 2000 cars in Canada in the late 90’s. 

He finished sixth in his eight-lap qualifying race which put him in the 17th starting position for the 30 lap feature. The feature race was plagued with cautions before four laps could be completed and Davenport was able to avoid the early crashes. 

He steadily advanced in position as more cars left the track on the back of tow trucks. At one point while exiting turn 4, he was hit on the drivers side and the car was turned toward the infield and then toward the outside wall before he miraculously corrected it and got it headed on the right direction. 

Unfortunately on lap 14, while battling for the 10th position, he drove it too deep into turn 3 and got into the marbles, (loose rubber from the tires) and hit the outside wall with the right front. The car sustained heavy damage and was unable to finish. 

Davenport was able to get out of the car on his own and reported no injuries but was greatly disappointed in not be able to be there at the end for the checkered flag. 

“We had a good car, capable of being in the top 10, or even top 5. The team worked very hard in getting the car ready for this major racing event and I feel terrible that this is the way it ended. We will rebuild over the winter and come back with a better program for next season along with hopefully some more sponsors,” said Davenport.

Davenport would like to thank team owner Chris Kugler of Kugler Motorsports, Cole Kugler, sponsors A & J Landscaping of North Stonington Ct. for their continuous support and new sponsor JCS Marine Restoration of West Greenwich, RI.  A special thanks also to crew members Matt Harrington and Joseph Davenport.