Stellar weekend for RACE 101 students present and past

Students and graduates of RACE 101 presented by Howe Racing Enterprises enjoyed success across North America this weekend with numerous victories and career best finishes.

Topping the list of achievements was current student Trevor Sanborn winning the Pro Series late model feature at Beech Ridge Speedway in Scarborough, Maine. Sanborn’s accomplishment is significant because it is the first win for the RACE 101-designed Howe late model.


“We had a great night at Beech Ridge,” said Sanborn after the race. “We had two features to run, and the car just kept getting better all night long.”


Sanborn started 12th and 14th respectively in the two events, and he scored a win along with a fourth place finish.


Elsewhere RACE 101 graduate Adam Leslie earned his first career victory in the DIRTcar Sportsman division at Merrittville Speedway near Niagara Falls, Ontario. Leslie came close a week prior leading 29 of 30 laps at Humberstone Speedway, but this time he kept the lead at the finish.


“This is so exciting,” said Leslie. “We moved up to the Sportsman division last year, and it was a big step for me. I’m glad we’ve been able to put our education to use. The car was great.”


At Monadnock Speedway in Winchester, New Hampshire, impressive 12-year-old Tommy Stilphen led every lep en route to victory in the Maine Modifieds.


Not every RACE 101 student enjoyed happy endings on the weekend. Young Brandon Atkinson crossed the finish line first at East Lincoln Speedway in North Carolina, but the late model that weighed 100 pounds overweight early in the day came up light by eight pounds. The team has plenty to be proud of, but the results don’t reflect their successful outing.


Sarah Cornett-Ching made her debut in the ASA late model division at Motoplex Speedway near Vernon, British Columbia. She cut a tire with just more than a lap to go passing for a top-five finish, and she had to limp around on a flat right front to wind up eighth.

“It was really disappointing to not finish where we should have,” said Cornett-Ching. “The car was amazing. Tony Blanchard helped us with the shocks, and I couldn’t believe how well the car drove through the center of the turns and off.”


Blanchard is the founder and main instructor at RACE 101 – an acronym for Research, Analyze, Consult, and Educate 1 on 1. Halfway through the program’s second year, Blanchard is content with the progress.


“It’s taken a long time, but weeks like this are the reason we started RACE 101,” said Blanchard. “Our students are using what they’ve learned in so many different applications it’s amazing.


“We have kids racing on dirt in open wheel cars applying the same knowledge as other students racing fendered cars on asphalt. We’re extremely proud of the entire group.”